Week of February 27

This week is 4T begins with the all schools mass at Notre Dame with Bishop Rhoades. We will return to school around noon. In reading, we will read chapters 5-8 in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. In these chapters, the children learn about how the White Witch took control of Narnia, and about its true ruler, Aslan. The spelling and reading tests will be on Thursday. In math, we are reviewing estimating and solving word problems.In social studies, we have the President/First Lady Wax Museum on Wednesday at 2:00 in the church basement. The children will be practicing in class on Tuesday. Be sure to send in their note cards and costumes. Hope to see you there! Thursday will also be a work day for the Civil War poster project. Your child received an outline paper last Friday. Since the topics are specific to Indiana in the Civil War, internet research will be best. The ISTEP test begins next week. We will be testing in the mornings only and not on Wednesday due to mass. Please try to avoid scheduling routine appointments like orthodontics during these testing times. There is no school on Friday- the teachers have ICF Day at Marian High School.
Important upcoming dates:
2/29- 2:00 Wax Museum, no all school mass
3/1- weekly tests
3/2- No School
3/5-3/9- ISTEP testing

Week of February 21

This week in 4T is our 1st of 2 short weeks in a row! In reading, we begin The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Four young English children find themselves in the magical land of Narnia where they are destined to be kings and queens. Please make sure your child has a copy as we will be reading it every day. Due to the President's Day holiday, we had no ABC order, but the rest of our spelling and reading work patterns apply this week. The tests will be on Friday. In math, Tuesday is the test day this week and we are reviewing decimals and quadrilaterals in our lessons. In social studies, we are learning about the Civil War. The students will be assigned to a group to complete a poster project about a topic specific to Indiana's role in this war. Please look for the information to come home this week. We also will be researching Presidents and First Ladies for next Wednesday's Wax Museum. This Thursday we will view websites in the computer lab. Whatever needs to be finished up after this class time should be completed at home. Wednesday is the last day of the 2nd trimester! I will be discussing new AR goals with the students within the next week.
Important upcoming dates:
2/22- 9:45 Ash Wednesday mass
2/24- weekly tests, 2:15 Stations of the Cross
3/1- report cards sent home
3/2- No School (ICF Day)

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