Halloween is a very fun day at Alameda but there are a few reminders...
NO Masks
NO Blood
NO Weapons
Students do not wear their costumes to school! They should bring them in a backpack or bag and will change into their costume just before the Halloween Parade which takes place at 1:45.
This Thursday, October 25th we will be visiting Lelooska Lodge Cultural Center
In the original field trip notice we indicated not to send with your child. The original plan was to eat lunch at Merwin Park after the performance but due to weather we are not taking that risk, and in years past even without rain it has been uncomfortably cold. As a result we will return to class to eat lunch. The cafeteria will be closed by the time we return so please still send your child with a sack lunch or order one from the cafeteria. That is a long time however for students to not have a snack. Please send your child with a healthy, non-messy snack (no yogurt or liquid products). They will eat their snack at the park during the restroom break before the performance.
Also, please make sure your child dresses in layers. We will be waiting outside before the performance and the performance is in a traditional cedar plank house and can be chilly.
Students took home their replica Kandinsky Circles art last Friday. If you are interested in ordering this for Alameda's Art to Remember fund raiser please return the packet by this Friday, October 26th.
If you are available to help plan and/or carry out a Halloween party Wednesday, Oct 31st from 2-3 please let me know.
After parents have notified me of their interest to help in some way I will send out a group email to those interested and you all can connect and plan from there.
We will be starting our second math unit on Thursday,
October 18th. To begin the unit, we will explore the base-four number
system. This exploration allows
for new and deeper understanding of our base-ten number system. However, the larger focus of the unit
will be practicing models and strategies of multiplication. Students will explore the meaning of
multiplication and its properties.
They will develop and practice efficient models and mental strategies
for multiplying.
Students have completed a pre-assessment on the skills that
will be presented in this unit.
Our team has used this data to create four classes, organized so that
each student can work successfully at their rate and level. All four classes will be covering the
fourth grade standards for this unit. Our roles and pacing as teachers is based
on the results of the pre-assessments, as well as student pacing during the
last unit.
Mrs. Catons class will work at an accelerated pace. Students in this class demonstrated
mastery in some Bridges content for this unit, and a strong understanding of
the remaining content. When
complete mastery of skills and concepts is shown through class assignments and
homework, M3 (Mentoring Mathematical Minds) curriculum will be used
to extend their thinking.
Ms. Brown’s class will work at an accelerated pace, as
appropriate. Students in this
class demonstrated a strong understanding of Bridges content for this
unit. When mastery of skills and
concepts is shown through class assignments and homework, extensions will be
provided.
Mrs. Hunting-Knight and Mrs. Largo’s classes will be working
at a standard 4th grade pace.
Students will explore the Bridges content through use of manipulatives,
sketches, and algorithms. Both
classes will have additional adult support provided through Ms. Melcher
(Alameda’s Math Specialist) and Mrs. Richeson (4th Grade Assistant). This additional support is for students
who have shown a need for classroom pacing that allows more time to review and
practice newly acquired skills.
Extensions and modifications will be provided as needed, based on
classroom performance.
The purpose of organizing math classes in this manner is to
best meet each student’s needs in regards to the concepts and skills in each
unit. Please feel free to contact your child’s classroom teacher with any
specific questions or concerns you may have. Below you will find all fourth
grade teachers’ email addresses for your convenience throughout the unit.
Please let me know if you are interested in helping with reading groups. I am
looking to start reading groups the week after this coming one, on
Wednesday, Oct 17th. Reading groups will take place from 12:35-1:15pm
(please plan to be there from 12:30-1:20). If you are interested in
facilitating a reading group than I ask that you are able to come every
week. If there is a week you are not able to be there I understand but I
ask that you let me know in advance. If you foresee that you will not
be able to come on a consistent weekly basis than perhaps we can talk
and find a different avenue for you to help out in the classroom. As a reading group facilitator you
will be with the same group of kids every week between now and Winter
Break but it is not guaranteed that you will be with your child. We will
continue groups after winter break but there may be some shuffling of
students depending on need or depending of volunteer availability.
Please email me if you are able to help out with reading groups.
There have been questions concerning our upcoming field trip to
Lelooska Cultural Center on October 25th. We would like to clarify the
transportation and volunteering processes for this field trip, and
others in the future.
In regards to transportation, some
field trips will rely on parent volunteers to drive students to and
from our destination. The main reason we do this is because the cost of
buses is very expensive. We value the outside experiences that
students gain through field trips, and would not be able to participate
in as many of these experiences if we chose bus transportation. In
accordance with PPS policy, all parent drivers are required to complete a
background check and provide a valid driver’s license and copy of
insurance before they are allowed to transport students.
To clarify the volunteer process, please review the following steps.
Indicate your interest in chaperoning on the permission slip
Fill out background check and driving forms – return to teacher
After teachers are notified of background clearances, teachers will
contact approved parent chaperones. Please wait until communication
from your child’s teacher before planning on attending the field trip.
While on the field trip, you will be responsible for a group of
students. Your child will be in your group, and the teacher will
assign the remaining students appropriately.
We
appreciate your willingness and ability to volunteer. Thank you so much
for your support and understanding.
The last two weeks I've been sending home graded homework with students. If somehow its not making its way home please ask your child about it. I would like you to stay informed on how they are doing. Also please be checking your child's planner and the class blog throughout the week for homework, updates, and information.
I had a question regarding spelling so I thought I would simply address it in case anyone else was wondering...
Sorry, it seems we keep having hiccups with spelling. On Monday the
copier was down so I couldn't copy off the typical homework, so the kids were asked to write their spelling words twice using their pre-test. Today's
spelling homework is ready to go and should come home as planned. Here is how spelling will
typically go:
Monday: Pre-test at school, spelling homework (due Tue)
Thursday: Spelling homework (due Fri)
Friday: Spelling Test
Students are encouraged to study their words throughout the week but I
do not require students to turn anything in other than the spelling
homework.
I hope this provides clarity to our spelling routine.
Thank you for you patience as we get settled into the school year and get into our routines. If you indicated on the volunteer survey at Back to School Night that you are able to help in some way you can expect to receive an email from me in the next day or two. Thank you for your patience and I look forward to having you in the classroom.
