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Parents! Sales tax holiday!

Hello!

I just received this e-mail from the office of Dan Rutherford:

Legislation has been enacted to create an annual state sales tax holiday for clothing and school supplies. Local and home rule sales taxes will still apply to all items.

From August 6 until August 15, residents will be able to purchase back-to-school items and only pay local sales tax. The five percent that typically goes to the state will be waived for these nine days.

Traditional school supplies such as paper, notebooks, writing instruments and other office-type materials will be subject to the sales tax break.

The tax holiday also applies to clothing items under $100 such as shoes, tops, bottoms, underwear and outerwear. Some specific items like school uniforms and limited athletic apparel are also on the approved list of sales tax holiday items.

I hope you are able to take advantage of this opportunity.

Sincerely,

Dan Rutherford

State Senator

http://www.DanRutherford.com

Too much fun!

This week, I have been a trainer at Moveable Feast. Each year for the last 12 years, District 87 has been a leader in professional development for instructional technology. Teachers whose districts have funding come and participate in a week-long "Feast" -- some work on projects they have in mind, some come to learn specific programs, most have a wonderful time while learning a great deal.

For this year's Feast, we focused a great deal on what is coined "Web 2.0." That term, very simply, refers to programs on the Internet that exist to make people more efficient and less dependent upon specific software programs. For example, we taught about things like this very blog... free, accessible, and helpful. We also did a great deal of SMART Board training. That was where I spent a great deal of time as a trainer.

I added a few things to my blog for next year. If you look to the left, you will note that I have started a Facebook group as well as a Twitter "hashmark search." If you have (free) Facebook or Twitter accounts, either of these would be a possible way to get and share communication. I do not accept personal Facebook friend requests from current (or recent) students or parents, as my personal Facebook account is something I like to keep separate from my work life when I can. I set this group up in hopes to create an outreach to those students and parents who find Facebook to be an easy method of communication. Feel free to follow me (platoj) on Twitter if you wish. Most of my tweets are about teaching. During the school year, I will use #Plato4 when posting something especially for our class.

I hope that these options open up one more way of communicating between home, teacher, and student!

Storyline Online

The Screen Actors Guild Foundation has sponsored a site called "Storyline Online." You can click on several different titles of picture books, and an actor narrates the books. This would be a fun diversion from the typical summer reading that students might be doing. There are some wonderful titles on this site... for all ages! Click on the image above and enjoy!

Summer Reading

June 1 marked the opening of the Bloomington Public Library's Summer Reading Program. The place was hopping with kids to adults signing up for the fun. We tried signing up via the website, but they were having some technical difficulties. It might be up and running now. The bonus of going into the library was a bag of popcorn! Yum.

I will be catching up on some "intermediate" reading this summer. I have read TONS of books for middle level, but my repertoire for fourth grade is not as vast as I want it to be. I will post all summer long (and I did last summer) about what I am reading, in hopes it will give ideas for students looking for a good read. Don't forget the booklist that was in your report card envelopes, either! That's a great start.

Off we go into the wonderful world of books!

Enjoy!

In the cycle of a school year, there are times of renewal. Summer is a nice, long season of renewal.

May your summers be safe, carefree, and happy. You will all be missed! Congratulations on moving on to Grade 5!

A Great Day!

Mother Nature helped us out today! The pump at Miller Park was broken for most of the time we were there. The students were troopers! When the water finally came on at 1:15, they were ecstatic!

Tomorrow is our last full day of school. Students may bring in games to play. They will get a special end-of-the-year DVD to take home. The Awards Assembly begins at 1:20. The fourth graders will be performing for us using a variety of instruments, I am told. I can't wait! After that, the students will be treated to a water balloon toss and ice cream treat, care of the Vasquez family. Sounds like a great way to wrap up the year!

Mother Nature is Being Fussy

We have decided to postpone tomorrow's picnic to Monday. Monday's weather is supposed to be pretty terrific. Tomorrow shows a heavy chance of thunderstorms.

For part of the day tomorrow, we will be watching The Indian in the Cupboard with Ms. Fraher's class. The students may bring in a treat for the movie if they wish. They may also bring in games, including electronic ones. I explained that each student was responsible to prevent his/her own things from being lost, broken, or taken.

We will be doing a lot of cleaning tomorrow, so bookbags may come home quite full!

A rainy Monday!

Math: Last Math Minute! Woo hoo! Students have done a great job with these.

Social studies: test tomorrow; study!

Science: Talked about sound (Ch. 14, Lesson 2)

Language arts: DEAR/Reader Response; TOFGN review and test

A great week!

All of the students earned Friday Fun time today. That is outstanding! Great job!

Math: Math Minute 79; Fraction Gizmo

Science: TRL 1, Chapter 14

Social studies homework: study for Tuesday's test

Language Arts: Finished TOFGN; DEAR
Language arts homework: Review TOFGN to take Reading Counts! test on Monday

Art: test on Monday; study guide sent home

Get mark charts signed this weekend

Weird Weather!

I hope you stayed dry through this morning's deluge. What a change 9 hours makes!

Math: Math Minute 78; Fractions and LCD

Science homework: TRL 1 for Ch. 14 due tomorrow

Social studies: Finished tour of Southeast; completed Southeast scrapbook; worked on study guide
Social studies homework: get study guide signed; study for test on Tuesday

Language arts: DEAR/Reader Response; DLR; Handwriting; TOFGN

ALL library books are due tomorrow

Field trip permission forms are due tomorrow

Only 2 Mondays left!

Math: discussed Discovery Assessment results

Science: Brain Pop videos on waves, sound, and light; vocabulary preview
Science homework: finish vocabulary preview, if you need to

Language arts: DEAR/Reader Response; DLR; Handwriting; discussed Discovery Assessment results
Language arts homework: complete Reader Response if necessary

Pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House are welcome, and must be handed in tomorrow.

Permission slips and money for Miller Park due by Friday.

All library books are due Friday.

Happy weekend!

Math: Math Minute assessment
Math homework: Get assessment signed

Science: Ch. 13 test
Science homework: Get test signed

Language arts: DEAR; Six-Minute Solution; Discovery Assessment

Get mark chart signed; Bring back permission slips with $3 by next Friday

This week has flown!

Math: Discovery Assessment
Math homework: study for Math Minute assessment tomorrow

Science homework: study for test on Ch. 13 tomorrow

Language arts: DLR; Six-Minute Solution; DEAR

Teacher Appreciation Day!

It's National Teacher Appreciation Day! We certainly felt appreciated! This week, we have had little treats in the lounge each day. Today was breakfast/lunch goodies. We are thankful to the PTO for yesterday's healthy munchies.

Math: Math Minute review
Math homework: get review signed; study for assessment on Friday; get grade sheet signed

Science: went over review pages and Math in Science; played review games; started on study guide
Science homework: completed, signed study guide due tomorrow; get grade sheet signed; study for test on Friday

Language arts: DEAR; Six-Minute Solution; TFK
Language arts homework: get grade sheets signed, including Reading Counts! progress sheet

Get planner signed tonight!

Terrific Tuesday

Math: Math Minute 75

Social studies: Southeast Region Tour
Social studies homework: get Southeast States assessment signed

Language arts: DLR; Six-Minute Solution; DEAR; Spelling City; discussed narrative
Language arts homework: Get narrative signed

Marvelous Monday

Math: Math Minute 74
Math homework: get Math Minute assessment signed; do corrections if needed

Science: Lessons 4-5 TRL; Math in Science
Science homework: p. 398-399, 1-10, 12, 14, 15-19 due Wednesday

Language arts: DLR; DEAR; Six-Minute Solution; Spelling City
Language arts homework: get DLR assessment signed

Monday, Monday

Aren't allergies terrible this year? There's a lot of sneezing in room 201 (including me)!

Math: Math Minute assessment (students got a special treat... they could use their study guides!)

Science: studies magnetic fields and electromagnets

Language arts: spelling; DLR; Six-Minute Solution; DEAR/Reader Response
Language arts homework: spelling lesson needs to be completed if not finished in class today

Have a Great Weekend!

Math: Math Minute Review
Math homework: get review signed and practice for assessment on Monday

Science: Ch. 13, Lesson 3

Language arts: DLR; Six-Minute Solution; Handwriting; spelling; TFK

Mark chart sheets are a bit longer this week. Take a look at a quick note from me about the end-of-the-year picnic. Signed forms need to come back on Monday.

Beautiful Wednesday

Hello!

I was given the opportunity to attend the Save Our Schools-Save Our State Rally Day at the State Capitol today. What an amazing day! I'll be back at Irving tomorrow. Here's what I planned for today:

Math: Math Minute 69; Fraction worksheets

Science: Ch. 13, Lesson 3; TFK

Language arts: Six-Minute Solution; DLR; Handwriting; Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing; DEAR

No grade sheets this week. No planner signature required.

Marvelous Monday

Students brainstormed what kinds of behaviors make us courteous, cooperative, and committed members of the Irving School Community. Our end-of-the-year picnic at Miller Park on May 21 will be for students who show these skills each day. As of right now, everyone in my class is attending. We will send out permission slips at the beginning of May with more information.

Math: Math Minute 67; Fraction Gizmo

Social studies: study for test tomorrow; get study guide signed if you did not do so

Science: Lessons 1, 2, and start of 3 in Ch. 13

Language arts: DEAR/Reader Response; DLR; Six-Minute Solution; Spelling; Handwriting

Mark charts are going home today for a signature

How lucky are we?

This weather is fantastic. Twenty-eight school days until summer!

I will be in meetings tomorrow, so I will have a guest teacher.

Math: Math Minute 66; line designs
Math homework: get Math Minute assessment signed; correct it if necessary

Social studies: wrap-up of Northeast region; study guide; review game
Social studies homework: study for assessment on Tuesday

Language arts: DEAR/Reader Response; Six-Minute Solution; DLR; Handwriting; spelling exercises

Wonderful Wednesday

Math: Math Minute assessment; line designs

Language arts: Author visit; DLR; handwriting; sequencing

Planner and grade sheets need to be signed this evening.

Beautiful Monday

Math: Math Minute 65; division

Social studies: Northeast tour

Language arts: DEAR/Reader Response; Sequence of Events; Six-Minute Solution

I thought I was going to be absent tomorrow, but the appointment was changed at 4:00 today. So, I shall indeed be at school!

A late post

Sorry for the late posting! What a very busy day.

Math: Math Minute 64; division

Social studies: Northeast tour

Language arts: DEAR/Reader Response; Handwriting; Time for Kids; Six-Minute Solution

Tomorrow, we will be going on a trip to BHS to attend a 5th/6th grade band performance. We will leave around 9:10 and return between 10:45 and 11. Students brought home a notice about this tonight.

I was just speaking to some people tonight and found myself bragging about my class. They make it enjoyable to come to work each day!

Weird Weather!

We had a little "break" watching the pouring rain this afternoon. Wasn't that something?

Math: Math Minute
Math homework: get grade sheet signed

Science: Brain Pop videos on electricity
Science homework: get science test signed; get grade sheet signed; take home Family Letter

Social studies homework: get grade sheet signed

Language arts: DLR assessment; handed in TOFGN Ch. 4; Six-Minute Solution; ADHD Brain Pop video
Language arts homework: get reading grade sheet signed

What a warm start to April!

Math: Math Minute 62; small group work on division
Math homework: get Math Minute Assessment signed

Science: went over test; returned tomorrow

Social studies: Northeast tour
Social studies homework: get NE Region assessment signed

Language arts: Six-Minute Solution; DLR; DEAR/Reader Response; TOFGN revisions
Language arts homework: DLR assessment tomorrow; revise TOFGN Ch. 4 answers

Monday, Monday...

Math: Math Minute 61

Science: Test on Ch. 11; test analysis as a class

Language arts: DEAR/Reader Response; Six-Minute Solution; TOFGN Ch. 4; DLR check from last week; Handwriting

Language arts homework: If TOFGN Ch. 4 is not finished, it needs to be completed

Gorgeous Thursday

Math: Math Minute review
Math homework: get Math Minute Review signed; study for assessment

Social studies: took NE region geography assessment; discussed autism spectrum disorders

Language arts: DEAR/Reader Response; DLR; Six-Minute Solution; Narrative; handwriting
Language arts homework: narratives need to be finished (edited and peer-reviewed) by the end of class on Friday

Science: See Wednesday's assignments

Out Like a Lamb

Is it really the last day of March? Wow!

April is Autism Awareness Month. For those who might not know, both of my sons are diagnosed on the autism spectrum. I have been open with the students about it, and they are interested in learning what autism is. This month we will not only discuss autism, but we will also discuss learning differences, including autism, ADD, ADHD, auditory processing challenges, and the like. My goal is that the students realize that everyone has his/her own learning style, and we must all try to make our classes environments that respect the styles of others.

Math: Math Minute 60; Fraction/Decimal equivalencies

Science: Lesson 4, Chapter 11; comparing decimal measures
Science homework: p. 342-343 #1-19 on looseleaf

Social studies homework: assessment on the location of the states in the Northeast region tomorrow

Language arts: DEAR; Six-Minute Solution; Narratives
Language arts homework: published and edited narratives are due Friday at the end of class
Students have been typing their narratives, and are using a narrative analyzer sheet to edit. Students are encouraged to have a narrative idea ready (preferably on paper). They should not be thinking about what to write for the narrative during typing time. They may need to get their ideas together at home. They are welcome to e-mail what they have to a home e-mail. Finished narratives include a narrative analyzer sheet done by the student and one other person in the class... if they wish to do more than that, they may. Extra copies of this form are available for the asking.

What a beautiful Tuesday!

Math: Math Minute 59; Fraction/Decimal/Percent Equivalencies on the SMART Board

Social Studies: Discussed the Mayflower Compact as part of our tour of the Northeast
Social Studies homework: Know all states of the Northeast region on a map for Thursday's assessment; use blank maps given to you to practice

Language arts: DEAR; Six-Minute Solution; typed narrative; peer/self-editing

Spring fundraiser assembly today. Order forms and brochures came home today.

Welcome Back!

Math: Math Minute 58

Science: Lessons 3 and 4 in Chapter 11

Language arts: DEAR; Six-Minute Solution; Narrative Analyzer; DLR; Handwriting

Please send in baby photos of your student at your convenience. They will be returned.

Spring Break!

Happy Spring Break everyone! School is out for the next five days.

Homework: Play outside! It's supposed to get nicer over the next few days.

Also, I will be collecting baby pics over the next month. If you have a photo that you can bring in, I promise it will be returned after I scan it. If you have a digital photo, please feel free to e-mail it to me at platoj@district87.org. I use them for our year-end DVD.

{P.S.: Parents: Report cards went home Thursday. If you didn't sign the signature card, please ask your student about it. Thanks!}

See you on March 29!

Where is the sun?

Math: Math Minute Assessment review
Math homework: Get Math Minute review signed; prepare for assessment tomorrow

Science: Ch. 11, Lesson 2

Language arts: Six-Minute Solution; DLR; handwriting; narratives; DEAR; Reader Response

I am having a terrible time with my allergies and I went home today with pink eye. I will be out tomorrow.

Happy Tuesday!

Math: Math Minute 52; ADD assessment

Social studies: geography challenge of the Northeast region

Language arts: read Ch.3 in Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing; DLR; Handwriting; Six-Minute Solution; DEAR/Reader Response

Other announcements:

Bring in One for the Books $, if you wish
Chili Supper and Book Fair, Thursday from 5-7
Field trip on Friday
Quarter ends on Friday

Spring is coming!

Today's weather was dreary but WARMER! Hooray!

Students have an ADD assessment tomorrow in math. It will include information from slips 13, 14, and 15.

In math, we covered Math Minute 51 and we started a single elimination bracket set-up for a multiplication competition we will be having.

In science, we read about matter. We learned that matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. We also discussed the three main phases of matter: solid, liquid, and gas.

In reading, we prepared for reading Ch. 3 of Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. We took a short break from the novel to prepare for ISAT, but we're back! We also completed DLR. If students didn't complete their handwriting assignment for Monday, they were to do so at home.

Reminders:

Friday is our field trip to Heartland Community College. If students said they would bring a lunch from home that day, they will need to remember their lunches. Students who did not earn the trip will be staying with Ms. Fraher.

School Book Fair and Chili Supper is Thursday!

What a gorgeous weekend!

I hope you are enjoying this fantastic weekend.

The only major thing for the students to remember is to get their mark charts signed.

...and enjoy the weather OUTSIDE!

Irving Pride

I am so proud of how the students are doing this week. Testing is stressful, but they have come through it nicely. Tomorrow is our final day of ISAT testing for the year. Results of this test are reported to districts over the summer and to parents in the fall.

The only students who have homework to be concerned about tonight are any students who might have late work to hand in. Also, some students offered to bring in treats tomorrow for our "We Conquered ISAT" celebration.

The weather is supposed to be acting more like spring! We all deserve it after this winter!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

Today is Dr. Seuss' birthday. All this week, we will be celebrating the birth of the man who had a huge impact on children learning to read all over the world.

Today, I read Green Eggs and Ham and Fox in Socks. We discussed that Green Eggs and Ham was written using only 50 words repeated over the course of the book (see the "Wordle" to the left). The students were then challenged to create their own stories using only 50 words. In honor of Fox in Socks, tomorrow will be "Crazy Socks Day" in our room. Students are encouraged to wear socks that stand out (hopefully not due to the smell!).

We also watched one of my favorite renditions of Green Eggs and Ham, found here. LOVE IT!

On Friday, we will be celebrating our job well-done on ISAT. Some students have offered to bring in treats. They were told to ASK (not TELL) the adults in their lives about this and make sure it was OK.

Homework: A Math Minute Assessment is on its way home for a signature tonight.

ISAT begins Monday

Hello parents!

What a crazy February. The good news is that I won't be gone as much on March as I was in February (I feel like I should knock on wood...).

This week's fun includes the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT). The indicator assessments we have been taking have shown the students are prepared for this test, and I have let them know that. All we need is for them to do their best, which I know they will. We will also have some guests from the Illinois State Board of Education this week. They audit random test-taking sites to assess the delivery of the assessment. It helps them to learn if they need to make changes, and it helps us bone up on the regulations involving administering the tests.

Our schedule for testing is as follows. The rest of the week will include very light smatterings of academics, and little to no homework (hooray!). We also have a party incentive for students who have perfect attendance this week. My class and I will discuss a class celebration for Friday when our testing is scheduled to be over.

Monday: Reading, 30 multiple choice, 9:10 - 10:10
Tuesday: Math, 40 multiple choice, 9:10 - 10:10, and Reading, 20 multiple choice, 1 extended response, 1:30 - 2:30
Wednesday: Science, 41 multiple choice, 9:10 - 10:10, and Reading, 20 multiple choice and 1 extended response, 1:30 - 2:30
Thursday: Math, 30 multiple choice, 3 short response, 9:10 - 10:10, and Science, 41 multiple choice, 11:30 - 12:30
Friday: Math, 2 extended response, 9:10 - 10:10

Happy Sunday!

Just a reminder: No school on Monday, February 22.

Mark chart slips went home this weekend. The letters on the slip refer to a field trip we will be taking to Heartland Community College on March 12. Some students have, sadly, already lost the privilege of the trip. Others still have letters left, but have two weeks to go to hold on to them.

We will be having a Math Minute assessment on Tuesday. Students have a study guide that needs to be signed this weekend. Please look over Math Minutes 46-50 to see areas that need to be studied.

ISAT begins March 1. More information to follow.

I have the privilege of attending the Illinois Computing Educators confence this Thursday and Friday. I will be gone for those two days, but will intermittently check my e-mail if you need me.

Good morning!

Hello!

I will be gone today (this one was scheduled). Here are some announcements that should be helpful:

1. Planners should be signed tonight.
2. Grade sheets will go home Thursday, as will a few assessments to be signed: S.S. Power Point, Science Ch. 10, ADD assessment
3. There is a social studies test on Thursday. We began making a study guide for it on Tuesday. It is all matching regarding US and IL government.
4. Lots of ISAT prep coming up in reading, math, and science. ISAT begins March 1.

Have a great day!

What a day!

I was out again with a sick child of mine. Sadly, I also got hit on Empire this morning! I was stopped in traffic. The person behind me hit the car at about 20 mph. No fun for me or my 13 year old who was headed to school. : ( No one was seriously injured... unless you count the cars and my knee/neck.

While I was gone, here's what should have occurred:

Students took a Discovery Assessment reading test in the computer lab. They did great! It showed that they should be more than ready for ISAT, which starts March 1.

Math: Math Minute; Sports Math; ISAT prep

Language arts: DLR; Handwriting; DEAR/Reader Response; Six-Minute Solution; narrative essay; VFW essay

Social studies presentations were postponed until tomorrow.

Valentine party tomorrow. Students brought home a sheet about it on Wednesday.

Being a parent today

Hello!

My son, Max, is battling a fever, so I am not at school today. Here's what should be true while I am gone:

Math: took ADD assessment; Math Minute 47; ISAT prep. questions

Science: took Ch. 10 test; TFK; Olympics mazes

Social studies: presentations tomorrow

Language arts: DEAR/Reader Response; Six-Minute Solution; Olympics stories; DLR; Handwriting

Students need to have planners completed on their own today (a lot of it was already done with me) and signed for tomorrow. Blank planners will not be counted for credit. This was posted on my board for today. Grade sheets will not be coming home today.

Tomorrow, students will begin their day taking a Discovery Assessment language arts assessment in the computer lab. This assessment will give us some information as to how each is meeting the state language arts standards for fourth grade so far. It also helps me when I am determining report card "meets" and "needs improvement" areas.

School remains open!

Yes, despite the school closings nearby, we were still open today. The snow seemed to taper off and the streets were in relatively good shape.

Math: Math Minute 46; ADD 12; gold medal problem solving

Math homework: ADD assessment on #10, 11, 12 tomorrow

Social studies: presentations; discussed "What the Flag Means to Me" essay contest

Social studies homework: presentations on Thursday-->Madison, Melody, TJ, Rachel V., Tierra, Jon; work on essay--> due February 17

Science homework: study for test tomorrow

Language arts: DEAR/Reader Response; Six-Minute Solution; TFK worksheets; DLR; Handwriting

RECORDERS needed tomorrow

Extra fun: students have the option of working on some fun Olympics sheets for points toward medals; each day, a new sheet is sent home

Abraham Lincoln Museum

Here are some photos from our trip. We had to skip the Capitol due to the inclement weather.

Field Trip Tomorrow!

Hello!

Tomorrow's weather forecast calls for snow. Tomorrow morning, I will check with IDOT and the NWS site to see what's in store. If it seems to be safe, we will proceed to Springfield. If not, we might have to cancel our trip. The safety of the students is our priority.

I wrote a reminder on the mark chart slips if a student planned to bring a lunch from home.

Mark chart slips need to be signed and returned on Monday.

Math: Math Minute assessment; checked ADD 10; mental math for ADD 11
Math homework: ADD #11 (students had time in class so it may already be finished) due Monday

Social studies: finished Power Point; order for presentations:
Tuesday: Sa'mond, Shyanna, Nala, Thomas, Jozalynn
Thursday: Madison, Melody, TJ, Rachel, Tierra, Jon
Social studies homework: go over printout of Power Point; make decisions about what you will say in your presentation; present to someone at home (give them the rubric)

Science: see Wednesday's post

Language arts: Six-Minute Solution; Reader Response Log; DLR; narrative writing; handwriting

Looking forward to a great trip!

Sunshine!

Math: Math Minute review; ADD #10 mental math
Math homework: ADD #10; get ADD assessment signed; get Math Minute Review signed; study for assessment; get grade sheet signed

Science: Ch. 10, Lesson 2; Math in Science
Science homework: (for Monday) p. 302-303, #1-10 and 14-19; p. 305, read and complete #1-4; complete Math in Science (most students have done so); test Wednesday; get grade sheet signed (for tomorrow)

Language arts: Six-Minute Solution; DEAR/Reader Response; DLR; narrative; handwriting
Language arts homework: get grade sheet signed; Six-Minute Solution assessment tomorrow

Social studies homework: come tomorrow prepared to finish your IL government Power Point; last lab day!

Get planners signed, please. No grade sheets yet f0r social studies. Presentations start next week.

A reminder sheet about the field trip is coming home today.

Field trip soon!

Parents, please ask your students about how many "letters" they have left for the Springfield trip on Friday. Some students are dangerously close to losing the trip! If you want to check with me to verify what your student says, shoot me an e-mail, and I'll take a look. If your child loses his/her letters before Friday, I will give you a call. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that no more will stay here!

Math: Math Minute 45; ADD assessment

Social Studies: worked on Power Points; last work day will be Thursday
Social studies homework: students should not spend work time looking up information for their slides; this can and should be done on their own

Language arts: partner reading about Groundhog's Day; DEAR; narrative "sandwich" discussion; Six-Minute Solution

Music: bring recorders tomorrow

Cold, but finally sunny!

Math: checked ADD #7; M & Ms data analysis and probability
Math homework: ADD #8

Social Studies: worked on Power Point

Language arts: DEAR/Reader Response; Six-Minute Solution; Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing - Ch. 2; DLR; Handwriting
Language arts homework: Reader Response Log for January due tomorrow; DLR assessment tomorrow

Music: practice "Jingle Bells" on the recorder

Happy Wednesday

Math: graphs with conversation hearts
Math homework: get grade sheet signed

Science: Ch. 10, Lesson 1--> soil
Science homework: get grade sheet signed; get test signed; complete test corrections for grade improvement according to class expectations

Language arts: DEAR/Reader Response; Six-Minute Solution; TOFGN Ch. 2 questions; DLR; handwriting
Language arts homework: get grade sheets for reading and communication signed

Music: Practice "Jingle Bells" on recorder (music sent home)

Please get completed planner signed.

Tuesday news

Math: Math Minute 42; data analysis/graphing activity

Social Studies: discussed Power Point expectations

Language arts: DEAR/Reader Response; Six-Minute Solution; Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing Ch. 2; DLR; Handwriting

Remember recorders tomorrow!

Yet another opportunity to help Haiti...

I received this from a fellow colleague in the district:

Update from Haiti

1/22/10 - 16 children from the Foundation Enfant de'l Jesus arrived safely in Ft. Lauderdale last night to their 14 waiting adoptive families. This was truly a miracle coordinate by an amazing team. We are so thankful that these children are home safe, but the director of Foundation Enfant de'l Jesus has already been asked to take in up to 92 new orphans. They need our continued support to help get needed supplies and care for these children.

The most effective way to help get continued shipments of supplies to the orphanages is to make a monetary donation to Adoption-Link. 100% of these donations will be going to getting these supplies to the children as soon as possible and the ongoing needs they will have. The PayPal button above allows you to make an immediate contribution to Adoption-Links Haiti Relief fund. You can also send checks to Adoption-Link, 1113 South Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 and note Haiti in memo.

Donations of supplies such as food, water, formula, powdered milk, diapers, blankets, and medical supplies can also be sent directly to the Village of Vision for Haiti Foundation warehouse in Miami. Once we have clearance to fly those supplies to Haiti, we will do so immediately. The address is 107775 SW 190 St., #41, Miami, FL 33157.

If you are interested in adopting a child from Haiti please contact us at info@adoption-link.org and we will contact you once the immediate needs of the orphanage and its staff are met.

Happy Weekend

Hello everyone!

On Friday we had a class discussion about the earthquake in Haiti. I told the students of s couple ways to help (and I was impressed and excited that a few of them already knew!). Mrs. Nicoson, a sixth grade teacher at BJHS and an auctioneer extraordinaire, is accepting donations for an auction that 6J2 will be sponsoring. If any of the students want to donate "auctionable" items, I will be happy to deliver them to her. We also talked about the ease of texting a donation to the Red Cross (text the word Haiti to 90999 for a $10 donation). We discussed that, with every major catastrophe, we must be cautious about who is asking for money, and Time magazine listed a few reputable organizations, such as the Red Cross and Doctors without Borders. The students were encouraged to share this information, but strongly discouraged from texting anywhere without permission. I have added a widget on the left-hand side of our class page. This link is sponsored by Blogger, where our site is "housed," and it will allow a quick click to donate to the Red Cross's international relief.

Math: went over and corrected Math Minute assessment; got ADD assessment back; Problems of the Day
Math homework: Get assessments signed

Science: played Hangman in preparation for test on Monday
Science homework: study practice test for test on Monday on hurricanes and tornadoes

Social studies homework: keep studying government handouts; Power Points begin next week

Language arts: DEAR/Reader Response; Six-Minute Solution and DLR assessments; discussed Haiti; handwriting

Get mark chart slip signed

Return field trip permission slip

I'm back!

...and I will not intentionally be away for a while. I was able to go to two really great conferences that have filled me with good ideas!

BOOK ORDERS are due tomorrow. Please order online (see link on your left) or send your hard copy order in by tomorrow if you are interested.

Math: Math Minute Assessment; Problems of the Day
Math homework: for some students--> get detention essay signed and get Math Minute Study Guide signed

Social studies: finished Constitution video; discussed primary election ballots

Language arts: DEAR/Reader Response; DLR; Six-Minute Solution; Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Language arts homework: DLR assessment and Six-Minute Solution assessment tomorrow; no studying should be needed

A permission slip for our field trip to Springfield went home today. If it can come back tomorrow, great! Monday is the day it is due. Not every student got one because some have lost the privilege by losing all of their desk letters.

Gone Thursday

I will be at a conference on Thursday, so the following information applies to today and tomorrow:

Wednesday
Math: checked ADD #5; Math Minute 38
Math homework: get ADD assessment signed; complete ADD #6

Social studies: IL Government notes
Social studies homework: study handouts of US/IL government notes

Language arts: DEAR; Reader Response log; DLR; Six-Minute Solution; Handwriting; Narrative writing

REPORT CARDS GO HOME TONIGHT. Return envelope and acknowledgement card signed for 2nd nine weeks tomorrow. No grade sheets tonight.
GET PLANNER SIGNED.
___________________________
Thursday
Math: Math Minute 39; checked ADD slip #6; Problems of the Day
Math homework: ADD assessment for slips 4-6 on Tuesday

Science: TRL Lessons 1-2; KWL finished for hurricanes and tornadoes

Social studies homework: study government handouts

Language arts: DEAR/Reader Response; DLR (Thursday and Friday); handwriting (Thursday and Friday)

Mark chart slips will come home on Tuesday. No school Friday or Monday!

Happy Monday!

Math: Math Minute 36, ADD assessment, ADD #4 mental math, Problems of the Day 9-10
Math homework: ADD slip #4

Science: Ch. 7, Lesson 1: Hurricanes

Language arts: Reader Response Log; Narrative questions, p. 276 in English book; Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing - Predictions (needed to be handed in before students left for the day); Handwriting; DLR; Six-Minute Solution
Language arts homework: if any of the above is not finished, it is homework

Happy Friday!

Today, we did quite a bit of work within our usual crazy Friday schedule.

Math: Discussed ADD slip #3. Came up with practice quizzes for each other to study.
Math homework: Quiz Monday on first three ADD slips.

Science: Vocabulary Preview; Pre-Reading for Lesson 1, Ch. 7; "L" part of KWL chart

Language Arts: wrapped up DLR for the week; DEAR; completed first question in Reading Response Log

No mark chart slip sent home
Congratulations to so many students (almost everyone!) who brought their grades back signed. I gave them back to the students so that, when report cards come home, you can take a look at how the two compare.

Happy Snow Day!

This was unexpected, but I have to say, I love snow. It brightens up the dreariness of winter.

It was nice to see all the students' bright and shining faces yesterday, and maybe even tomorrow!

We did a lot of "New Year" things yesterday. We organized the calendar in our planners, and we organized our expandable files. We made new nametags for our new seats. Lots of "newness" going on.

We started new units in science (hurricanes and tornadoes) and in language arts. Rather than DEAR sheets for this semester, students will be working in a Reading Response Log. We went through the explanation of that today. We also started a Daily Language Review (DLR) booklet to brush up on some basic skills. We began to discuss narratives, as we embark on writing our own narratives over the next couple weeks.

Students received two things that parents should see: grade sheets that reflect final second quarter letter grades and a family letter that explains the new unit in science and how families can support the content at home. The final page in the packet of grade sheets is a list of Reading Counts books and points. Parents can tear that off and keep it if they wish. All other sheets need to be signed at the designated spots. If you see any glaring errors, please let me know ASAP.

Some dates coming up:
Next week:
~Report cards will be coming home early next week (I am unsure on the exact date). There will be a card inside that asks for a parent signature, and the envelope should be returned with that card. The report card itself is yours to keep.
~Classes are not in session on January 15. Teachers have an institute day. We all celebrate MLK's birthday on Monday, January 18.

No mark chart slips will be coming home this week (for obvious reasons). The planner does not need to be signed this week, either.

The ISAT countdown begins! 33 school days until state testing! Woo hoo! We discussed having a little pep rally the Friday before... our theme: Game On!

Happy New Year!

A Happy 2010 to all my students and their parents! Parents, I know first-hand how ready you must be for your kids to go back to school. My own children are cold-weather stir crazy! Students, I hope you are having a great break, and I can't wait until Wednesday to hear of all your adventures!