~ WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK  ~ our
1-30-2012

Dear Families,

In Reading this week we are returning to fiction and adjusting our Reading turn and talk partners, based on results from our most resent FAIR Assessment as well as our Reading Portfolio scores. Reading logs will be due for a grade in the next few weeks. Please know that research indicates a strong connection between independent reading and achievement.  Parents need to participate in their child's reading life. Please remember that these logs ARE part of your child's reading grade. For some students, their lack of keeping their Reading log is keeping them from potentially being on Honor Roll or Principal's List  As always, parents, please talk to your child frequently about what he/she is reading. Your interest will encourage your child to improve his/her skills.
In Writing we are continuing on fictional writings, as well as using correct grammar when we write. We are also continuing with our journaling.
In Math we are working on to Geometry! This week we are working on triangles and quadrilaterals! Geometry is vocabulary rich, and has more variables than what you may recall, so please converse with your child and ask what is happening in our math lessons.
In Social Studies we are moving deeper into the geography and make-up of our nation, as well as it's culture. Please review this week's newspaper with your child and be an active parent in your child's leaning experience!

In Science we are continuing Physical Science. We are working this week on concluding light reflection and refraction. This will include some hands on activities to actively engage our learners!

Mrs. Zipperer, our intern from USF, will be taking over the entire day of teaching by the end of this week. I am present during her instruction,  and we are co-planning all lessons at this time. The children have responded very positively to Mrs. Zipperer in the role as their teacher. How fortunate we are to have her to contribute to the success of our learners!

Now that we are in the second half of the year, I am expecting your child to take a more active role in being a responsible learner. As of last week, any test or paper to be graded lacking a name, will have 5 points subtracted from the total percentage earned. Many of the fourth grade classes "share" teachers, meaning that next year your child's teacher may have a total of 44 students during each day. It is critical that your child label his/her paper. When sharing two classes, there isn't time to track down who's paper is who's. I appreciate your support in teaching your child to accept personal responsibility for his/her work!

Again, I am a very fortunate teacher to have your children this year! Thank you so much for helping them to be their best!

Mrs. Schuler