Chapter 4 - Math Re-test

Yesterday, our class took a Chapter 4 Math Test.  Because many children struggled with the directions and/or concepts on this assessment, I feel it is best to give the children a second opportunity for this test. Not all students are required to take the test; it is an option. The higher of the two scores will be taken as the grade.

To prepare for the re-test, please go over the test with your student and discuss where the errors were. Also, feel free to use any questions from Chapter 4 in either the colored book or the black and white. The Re-Test will be Friday, December 20, 2013.

I'm coming back :)

It is with great enthusiasm that I write this letter to you! I am very happy to be coming back to Shatekon and working with your students. I have heard wonderful things about our classroom and have seen it this week while I’ve been meeting with each student and observing the classroom routine already in place.

          Starting Monday, I’ll be back full swing, picking right up where Mrs. Brimhall will have left off. We have worked closely this week to ensure the transition is smooth.  Our goal is for the students to feel calm and comfortable as we move forward in the school year. While I’m going to do my best to keep things the same, there will be some changes simply as a result of different teaching and management styles.

          I look forward to meeting all of you and encourage you to email (cushkati@shenet.org), call or write if you have any questions or simply to say hello. You can expect a newsletter the first Friday of each month. My blog is accessible through the Shatekon homepage. I often add links for extra practice and pictures of classroom events.  I’m very quick to respond to email and of course we always have the student’s agendas.

          I very much look forward to working together for the rest of the school year. J

 

                                                                   Respectfully,

                                                                             Mrs. Katie Cushman

Prevent the Summer Slump

Our class had a discussion today about how to stay sharp and smart over the summer Here are some suggestions on fun ways to prevent the summer slump.

Some recommended apps are:

1. Times Attack
2. Penguin Jump
3. Tug of War
4. Go Easel
5. Sketch Kid
6. Tony's Tire Shop
7. Space Racers
8. Pop Words
9. Grand Prix
10. Marvel Unlimited

Some other pointers from your classmates are:

• Make sure to play outside or go to the pool; don't just be lazy in front of the T.V.
• Do some school work but then go back to playing.
• Work on math flash cards.
• Read with an e-reader to make it more fun.
• Use the S.T.A.R. resource off of the Shatekon Homepage.
• Go to the library at least once a week.
• Challenge yourself to read texts that are appropriate and not too easy.
• Always have a good supply of texts.
• When it rains ask yourself "How can I make the best use of this time?"
• Make a game to go with your studies.
• Do science experiments when your friends are still sleeping OR get one ready to do together.
• Stretch or exercise and practice skip counting like during our SPRINTS.
• Re-use old SPRINTS and time yourself for another minute.
• During long car rides read to yourself or someone.

Prevent the Summer Slump

We made the news!

The Community News ran a wonderful article about our Animal in Me poetry slam.  They included some nice pictures and a fun video.  Check it out! 

http://www.cnweekly.com/articles/2013/06/08/news/doc51b0b5c2080aa000221946.txt

June Newsletter

ELA

Reading:

Ø  Students are finishing realistic novels and completing a book summary.

Ø  Since there are no more TFK’s this year we’ll be reading conservationist magazine!

Writing:

Ø  All students are working on their autobiographies. Please make sure to help find pictures of family to include.

Grammar:

Ø  We are wrapping up all parts of speech using MADLIBS!

Spelling Patterns:

Ø  List 27 - Homophones

Ø   List 28 - Vowel consonant, consonant, vowel ~ last list

Math

Time and Money

Concepts:

ü Students will learn how to convert measurements to solve mulit-step problems referring to both time and money

ü Students will  use models, number lines and the bar method to find possible outcomes

Assessments:

ü  6/7/13 Time and Money quiz

ü  6/10/13 Shenendehowa local assessment in math ~ this grade does not reflect your students report card

Social Studies

Chapter 6 NYS Government & Chapter 7 NYS Transportation

Concepts:

v Students will find out how New Yorkers take part in their local and state government

v Students will find out what it means to be a US citizen

v Students will learn how NYS was effected by various water ways and means of transportation

Vocabulary:

Democracy, budget, bill, veto, appeal, justice, county seat, board of supervisors, trustee, borough, special district, immigrant, naturalized citizen, register

Reminders

6/6 – Albany Field Trip

6/7 – Half day of school 11:00 dismissal

6/10 - Shenendehowa local assessment in ELA ~ this grade does not reflect your students report card

 

6/14 – Flag Day assembly & half day of school 11:00 dismissal

6/18 – Fourth Grade Class picnic ~ rain date 6/19

6/20 – Last day of school ~ 11:00 dismissal

Poetry Slam

Our poetry slam last week was a great success!!  Thank you so much to our families who had time to come out and support the 4th graders.  Remember, all masks and poems will be on display near the children's library for the next two weeks (until 6/17/13). Make it a point to stop in and bring a friend.

Also, our poems have been "published" and you can find the collection of poetry written by our class in the childrens library.  This book will be there forever so again, make sure to bring a friend or family member to sow off your impressive work!