Week of February 13

This week in 4T we are reading "Can We Rescue the Reefs?" Our regular spelling and reading work patterns apply this week and the tests will be on Friday. In language, we continue to review pronouns. We will begin reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe next week so if you don't already, please have a copy for your child for daily use by Monday. In math, we are beginning double digit multiplication. This is a new, difficult skill for many fourth graders. Like with long division, it is very important that the students readily know their facts. If they don't, it makes this new concept even more difficult. Also, the math extra credit is due on Tuesday. In social studies, we have begun studying Unit 3. Student businesses will be open again on Friday. By Wednesday, please review and sign the Wax Museum page. Most of the research will be done in class. Please join us on Wednesday, Feb. 29 at 2:00 to learn about our Presidents and First Ladies. In religion, we are finishing Chapter 8 about the 10 Commandments with a test on Thursday. Finally, Tuesday is Valentine's Day. Students may pass out valentines to their classmates (a class list is listed in the back of the student directory) and wear jeans and a red or pink shirt.
Important upcoming dates:
2/14- Valentine's Day, math extra credit due
2/15- 9:45 all school mass
2/16- religion test
2/17- student businesses open, weekly tests
2/20- No School- President's Day

Week of February 6

This week in 4T we are reading the story "Open Wide, Don't Bite" about an animal dentist. Our regular reading and spelling work patterns apply this week and the tests will be on Friday. In language, we are reviewing pronouns. Also, the students' African American oral reports will be on Wednesday and Thursday. Nothing written is necessary (or allowed) as I simply want the students to repeat a few things they learned about their person through their research. A simple prop (an item, book or photograph) is also required. In math, we are studying tessellations, decimals, sales tax and multiplication patterns. Friday is the test day this week. In social studies, we are reviewing Unit 2 lessons 3-6. The test is Tuesday. The students opened their businesses last Friday. A great time was had by all, and many lessons were learned about how pricing and original product ideas affect sales. A look ahead to next Tuesday's Valentine's Day- we will have a treat and an opportunity to share valentines. Please look in the back of the student directory for a class list (noting Eric has moved) if your child is passing out valentines.
Important upcoming dates:
2/7- SS test
2/8- 9:45 all school mass
2/10- math and weekly tests
2/14- Valentine's Day

Week of January 30

This week in 4T is Catholic Schools Week! We will honor the people who make our school possible and celebrate our school community all week long. On Monday, we recognize our faculty and staff. On Tuesday, we honor our nation by wearing a patriotic shirt and jeans. On Wednesday, we recognize our students by having student fun time in the afternoon. On Thursday, we honor our priests by giving Fr. John a treat basket. Please send in treat-sized snacks that we will collect as an intermediate unit and give to Fr. John. On Friday, we help our community by collecting canned goods. The students will then build something using the collected food items. In reading this week, our story is Grass Sandals. Our regular work patterns apply this week and the tests will be on Friday. In language, the African American written reports are due on Friday. Please refer to the guidelines page for specific requirements or call me if you have any questions. Oral reports will be next week. In math, we are practicing division, symmetry and angles. Wednesday is the test day this week. In social studies, we are finishing Unit 2 so look for a test next Tuesday. Also, Friday is our next student payday and the day the students open their businesses for the first time.
Important upcoming dates:
1/30- Kerry's birthday
1/31- jeans and a patriotic shirt
2/1- 9:45 mass, student fun time
2/2- treats for Fr. John
2/3- "can-struction"; Eucharistic Adoration; student businesses open; reports due
2/4- 5:00 Light of Learning mass

Week of January 23

This week in 4T, our reading story is "Teammates. "This tells the story of how Pee Wee Reese and Jackie Robinson stood up to prejudice and formed a friendship. Our regular spelling and reading work patterns apply this week with both tests on Friday. In language, we continue to work on the African American report. Last week I gave the students an example of how to cite sources. Please help them use this to turn in with their final copies. In math, we are practicing long division and learning about mass/weight and classifying triangles. In social studies, we are learning about the Northwest Territory in our textbooks and working on our business products in class. Sample products along with business signs will be on display at the Catholic Schools Week Open House on Sunday from 11:30-2:00. Friday is our water-filled field trip to the Kroc Center. We will leave school at 8:20 and return by noon. Girls are asked to wear one-piece suits and boys are asked to wear trunks. Only swim shirts will be allowed. Please send the students to school on Friday with their swim suits on under their clothes. Please send a change of clothes (including undergarments), a towel, and a pre-wrapped snack (if you'd like) in a bag that will carry a wet suit and towel back home.
Important upcoming dates:
1/25- 9:45 all school mass, Aubrey's birthday
1/27- Kroc Center field trip, last report work day
1/29- Open House
2/3- African American report due

Week of January 16

This week in 4T begins with us honoring Dr. King on Monday. Our class will watch his famous "I Have a Dream" speech and close our unit about him. Our reading story is "Mom's Best Friend" about a blind woman and her seeing eye dogs. Our regular reading and spelling work patterns apply this week with the tests on Friday. In language, we continue to review adverbs and work on our African American reports. Friday will be another in-class work day. In math, we are practicing division, problem solving, transformations & turns, and fractions. Next Monday will be the next test day. In religion, we will have a Chapter 5 test on Tuesday. The students will need to know important information from the chapter including the 4 parts of Reconciliation. In social studies, our mini economy is moving in a new direction. I am hiring class jobs and the students will open businesses. This Friday will be the last time my class store will be open on pay days. The students will open a simple business and sell their product or service to their classmates. Please look for the letter explaining this new phase to come home on Monday. Students also have an opportunity for extra credit- the Important African Americans page is due Wednesday. Congratulations to Mia who will represent our class in the school Spelling Bee on Thursday morning and to Olivia for earning runner-up honors!
Important upcoming dates:
1/17- religion test
1/18- 9:45 all school mass; extra credit due
1/19- 9:40 school spelling bee