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.
