Grade 4 Newsletter

10 September 2004

v The magazine drive has begun! We had our introductory assembly on Wednesday, and the students are excited about earning all the great prizes they saw! Parents are welcome to help their children sell by taking the packet to work and selling to friends and coworkers. Our first turn-in date was today. There will be three more: September 13, 17, & 20. Remember that profits from the magazine drive fund our field trips and/or special events for the year.

v In math class, students will be taking the Unit 1 assessment next week. They will be given a review sheet the class before the test so they know what concepts will be on it. We have practiced a 2-minute test of addition and subtraction facts. Another such test will be a part of the assessment. We’ve also learned a fun game that reviews the basic facts and needs only a deck of cards to play. Have your child teach you!

v Poetry has been the focus of our beginning writing classes. We’ve especially been trying to write poems that do not rhyme. A suggested home connection would be for parents and children to look for poems in favorite magazines or books at home.

v The title of our first reading theme is “It’s Cool. It’s School.” We’ll be reading stories by Judy Blume, Johanna Hurwitz, Bud Howlett, and Eloise Greenfield. These authors have written great books for fourth graders. Parents could look for such books in the library, book stores, or the book order forms we send home on a monthly basis. (Good Christmas gift idea if you’re already thinking that far ahead!)

v There have been some questions about the art assignment sheets that the students have stapled in their assignment books. These are to inform the parents as to what the students are working on in art class. This saves the student from having to write it down, and it also is a reference sheet for them. These assignments will be completed in class, but students may have homework if they are gone from class or don't manage their time wisely. If you have questions, please feel free to call Mrs. Albers or send a note with your student. She will be happy to help you with any questions that you may have.

v Pond life and communities is our first science unit.

v Social Studies classes will have a weekly "Trivia" assignment on the state of Maine. They are given a paper to find their answer, and it needs to be written in a complete sentence. Please be sure you go over this with you child before it is due the next day. Students can earn merit money by giving correct answers and following the notebook guidelines.

v We are currently learning more about the Northeast region of the United States in Social Studies.

v Homework Club is offered in the library Monday-Thursday afternoon from 3-4 PM. Students must bring a signed permission slip to attend and parents must provide a ride promptly at 4:00.