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Spelling: We reviewed and practiced the homophones they’re, their and there. The unit 9 spelling worksheets are available here.

Cursive: Ten cursive sentences of seven or more words each are due Friday. 

Reading: Today we began a nonfiction cycle of Literature Circles. Each group received magazines that will be read in Literature Circles over the next two weeks.

Writing: None today due to technology.   

Math: Students completed a math test today over the following concepts:

• rounding
• estimating sums and products
• multiplication number stories
• multiplication problems
• comparing large numbers

Science: None today due to art.

Social Studies: We reviewed the French and Indian War, talked about why the British won the war (more powerful army), and predicted if Native Americans could ever defeat the British. We started reading about Pontiac’s Rebellion, and will see tomorrow if the Native Americans were successful.      

Behavior Update:

Ask your student what kind of choices they made.

Notes:

• Juice Volunteers for Friday, March 30: David and Erin. Click here for a list of volunteers.
• Wizard of Oz play auditions are Tuesday, March 27 from 6:30-8:00 pm. A note of explanation was sent home Friday.  
• Thank you to the nine chaperones who have volunteered for the Mackinaw trip. At this point, we have no more availability for additional chaperones. Spaces may open up as the trip gets closer.
• Spring Conference times are now available for April 2, 3 and 4! Sign up at the office windows.
• Upcoming Events:  Read-a-thon Mackinaw Fundraser (March 30); Spring Conferences (April 2, 3 and 4); New writing piece due (April 27); Straits of Mackinaw field trip (May 11). See the class calendar for more information.
• We are looking for donations of medium and long cardboard tubes (have plenty of short ones, thanks!) for class projects. The tubes can be sent in any time during the year; this project will be on-going. Thanks for any help you can give!

Typing is like anything else, it takes practice! Here’s a couple of ideas to give your fingers a workout! Just make sure you are keeping all those fingers on the keyboard!

1. Download Tux Typing 2. This is a free typing tutor program for kids! It has modes for practicing finger placement, word exercises, short words and long words. Download it here for Windows, or visit the website to check on the lastest version. Once downloaded, the game can be played even when not connected to the Internet.
2. Go online to DanceMat Typing. This is an online typing tutor, with nothing to download. But you do have to be online to use it. This is the best program to help with teaching finger placement on the keyboard.
3. Go online to Super Hyper Typing Spider. Practice getting faster typing letters and words!  

Spelling: Today we reviewed contractions for shall/will, not, is/has, and have. The unit 9 spelling worksheets are available here.

Cursive: Ten cursive sentences of seven or more words each are due each Friday. 

Reading: Today the final three groups presented their Literature Circles projects.   

Writing: Today was the final day for students to work on their “Take a Stand” opinion piece. This piece of writing and a bar graph of the data was due into portfolios today.     

Math: None today due to completion of a student satisfaction survey.

A math test will be on Monday, and will include the following:

• rounding
• estimating sums and products
• multiplication number stories
• multiplication problems
• comparing large numbers

Science Inquiry: Today students did experiments with light, electricity, static electricity, magnets, flight, ramps and rollers, sound, and more.  

Behavior Update:

Ask your student what kind of choices they made.

The Weekly Wrap (our week in 60 seconds):

• Spelling: Words to Learn list, contractions
• Cursive: ten cursive sentences 
• Reading: Literature Circles projects
• Writing: “Take a Stand” writing piece and bar graph
• Math: Rounding, multiplication, exponents, math test on Monday 
• Science: Sound codes, sound is caused by vibrations, Science Inquiry 
• Social Studies: French fur trade, French and Indian War

Notes:

• Juice Volunteers for Friday, March 30: David and Erin. Click here for a list of volunteers.
• Wizard of Oz play auditions are Tuesday, March 27 from 6:30-8:00 pm. A note of explanation went home today.  
• Thank you to the nine chaperones who have volunteered for the Mackinaw trip. At this point, we have no more availability for additional chaperones. Spaces may open up as the trip gets closer.
• Spring Conference times are now available for April 2, 3 and 4! Sign up at the office windows.
• Upcoming Events:  Magic Show (March 23); Read-a-thon Mackinaw Fundraser (March 30); Spring Conferences (April 2, 3 and 4); New writing piece due (April 27); Straits of Mackinaw field trip (May 11). See the class calendar for more information.
• We are looking for donations of medium and long cardboard tubes (have plenty of short ones, thanks!) for class projects. The tubes can be sent in any time during the year; this project will be on-going. Thanks for any help you can give!

Dear Parent(s),
 

          In honor of Reading Month, the fourth graders will be participating in a read-a-thon!  On Friday, March 30, the students will read diligently to raise money for their trip to Mackinaw Island.  Your student has been given a tracking sheet and envelope to hold donations.  Students may begin collecting donations today!  All donations are due by Friday and will go directly towards the cost of your child’s trip.  If you have any questions or concerns please let us know.

Thank you for your support,
Mrs. Catton  
Ms. Coe
Mr. Howd
Mrs. Iott
Mrs. Johnston
Ms. Semeyn