We all survived our first week back at school! It appeared that our students were genuinely EXCITED to be back in class with their teachers and friends; this is a good thing to see! As you know, STAR testing began today. Testing for our grade level will continue through Friday, April 30 (make-up testing is the following week.) We encourage all of our students to get plenty of rest, eat a good breakfast each day, exercise to stay relaxed and healthy, and come to school each morning with a positive attitude and an alert mind! Fortunately, we continue to have regular classroom time after our testing; there is still a lot to learn and experience in the next two months. For more details on current curricular activities, be sure keep checking our reminders each week!
Just a quick reminder that our blogsite addresses are:
If you know of someone who is interested in being a cabin leader at Outdoor School (an older sibling, Portal alumni, etc.), then please contact Sophia (831)332-0798 as soon as possible to let her know. Allowing more time to make preparations in advance is always greatly appreciated! For additional information about this opportunity, please refer to the dark green flier that was available at the Outdoor School presentation, or visit the website.
Language Arts
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes is our featured literature. We are continuing our reading and discussion of the text on the days of the week that do not include STAR Language Arts testing. This story lends itself to poetic study and practice, as well as careful reflection on cultural traditions and family situations.
Math
In 4th grade math, we are beginning our study of measurement in all its forms- metric and customary. The first week's focus concerns lengths, weights, and volumes of objects. Our studies will lead up to our "Measurement Extravaganza" on May 7th- it will be entertaining and educational! If you have any CLEAN, empty containers (milk/juice cartons, gallon plastic milk jugs, large soda bottles), please send one or two with your 4th grade math student for our upcoming event.
In 5th grade math, we are discussing vocabulary and measurements of circles. We will also review ways to solve combination problems and finding percents.
Social Studies
The students are studying for their next geography test on the "South Central" states. They are completing their worksheet that was handed out last week and will have their test on Monday, May 3. We're continuing to read The Making of the Thirteen Colonies, and have begun learning about early colonization of the United States.Science
This week, we will turn our iPhoto Book research on plants into a research paper to accompany our completed tech project. Students will outline their essays with their partners, and create their own text for an expository essay including a bibliography. When our paper is completed next week, we will start our final science unit of the year- Mixtures and Solutions.
Calendar of Events:
Mon. 4/26 STAR Testing Begins
Mon. 4/26 SSC Meeting 3:00 PM
Mon. 4/26 PSCO Meeting 6:30 PM
Tues. 4/27 "Your Child's Education and the State Budget" @ Portal 8:15 AM (Repeat of previous presentation)
Mon. 5/3 Geography Quiz: South Central States
Fri. 5/7 4th Grade Math "Measurement Extravaganza"
Mystery State:
- The first brick street in the world was laid in this state in 1870.
- This was the first state to enact a sales tax.
- Nearly 80 percent of this state is covered with forest.
- The first Mother's Day was celebrated in this state in 1908.
- Which state is it?
Sincerely,
