Updates Week December 11-15, 2017

Wow, so much going on during this time of year!  We are finishing up our mid-year diagnostic tests to see where students are at this point and what we need to focus on before the FSA in the spring.  The end of the 2nd nine weeks will be coming right after the winter break which is right around the corner.  Students have had field trips, music concerts, and spelling bee to name a few extras going on at school.  It is certainly a busy time of the year!

Math
We have finished multiplication and division in module 3.  Students will still be bringing homework home to practice as many still need to work on their multiplication facts as well as division.  We have however, moved on to fractions in module 5.  You should still be seeing homework Monday thru Thursday nights.  Students will have some math practice over the winter holidays to keep their skills fresh.

Science
We have finished our chapter on the Earth, Sun and Moon. The students had a great time at our field trip to MOSH where they were able to see the earth, sun and moon presentation at the Planetarium. Students will be completing the review packet and taking their test on chapter 2 before the winter break.

Dates to Remember
December 19........................4th grade Spelling Bee
December 19........................Winter party
December 21-January 5.......Winter Break
January 8..............................Planning Day-no school

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week of November 13-17, 2017

Wow, did I see some great Science Fair projects this week!  I have enjoyed reading all the questions students had in science and the ways they thought to find the answer to their questions! I will be sending the top three projects on to the school level science fair this week.  Students will be receiving their grades by the end of the week.  We are about mid way through our multiplication timed facts tests so keep studying!  Now come the more challenging ones: sixes, sevens, eights and nines.

Math
We will continue working with division in class and remediate multiplication during centers.  Students will be working with dividing larger numbers this week and having to unbundle the hundreds and thousands place.  I am encouraging students to go back and check their work with multiplication.  Look for homework each night this week Monday thru Thursday.

Science 
We are finishing our study on Matter. Students have been studying the properties of matter such as weight, mass, volume, and magnetism.  Along with the three states of matter: solid, liquid and gas.  We will finish this week with a look at how matter changes.

Dates to Remember
November 15....................Progress Reports go home
November 16....................Boy Scout Night
November 17....................Turkey Wobble Dance (after school)
November 22-24...............Thanksgiving Holiday
November 29....................Early Dismissal

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week of November 6-10, 2017

Wow!What fun we had at the Character Parade on Tuesday.  I really enjoyed seeing all those book characters come to life walking through the hallways.  We have now completed the October diagnostic and students have shown great growth already since August! I am so proud of the work they put in which I can monitor through their scratch paper.  We had a discussion on the importance of working out every problem, even the ones we think we an do in our heads!  Please continue to monitor homework nightly and review/study multiplication facts as we will continue with our timed tests.  This week we will take the fours and fives.  Ask your child how they did on their 0's, 1's, 2's, and 3's tests.  If they did not make an 80% or higher, then I gave them their test back to study for a retake.

Math
We have reached the end of our multiplication by one digit portion of our module. Students began working on a study guide to help them and myself see what they still need to work on before the mid-module test.  Look for this study guide to come home this week.  I will be giving the mid-module test this Thursday, November 9.  Meanwhile, we will move onto division by a one digit number with or without a remainder.  Look for homework on Monday thru Thursday evenings.

Science
We have begun our new chapter on Matter.  Students are reading about the properties and states of matter.  They should have also finished their Science Fair project and turn it in this week.

Dates to Remember
Friday, November 10..........................Veteran's Day Holiday
Wednesday, November 15..................Progress Reports go home
Thursday, November 16.....................Boy Scout Night
Friday, November 17..........................Picture Retakes and Turkey Wobble Dance
Wednesday-Friday, November 22-24.Thanksgiving Holiday

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week of October 30-November 3, 2017

Wow! What a change in the weather!! This past week report cards went home..Thank You to all the students and parents who have already signed and returned all three important papers in the report card envelope!  Progress reports will be out before you know it.  Also, just a reminder....Science Fair projects will be due this Friday, November 3 or Monday November 6th.  I can't wait to see all the fun experiments.  Lastly, students took a math diagnostic through I-Ready and just about everybody increased their score from August!!! Yay!! If you have internet access at home, please have students log on and try to complete at least one lesson each week.  This will help them reach their goal of 45 minutes each week on the program.


Math
We have started our multiplication fact timed tests last week.  We will continue with the 2's and 3's this week.  Students need to be studying at home for these tests.  I will send home tests which they don't pass so they know what to study for a retest.  Knowing these facts automatically is going to help them be successful on our current Module.

This week we will continue with multiplication.  We will move to multiplying 2 digit numbers.  Students will learn several strategies to use when multiplying.  Look for homework throughout this week.

Science
We are still continuing to learn about matter.  Students will be reading books and conducting labs in class to learn more about the topic.

Dates to Remember
Tuesday, October 31..............................Book Character Parade
Friday, November 10.............................Veteran's Day Holiday
Friday, November 17.............................Turkey Wobble Dance (after school)
Wednesday-Friday, November 22-24....Thanksgiving Holiday

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Red Ribbon Week

Students had a lot of fun wearing fun hats and socks and wearing team shirts this week.  We decorated the door with our "We'd rather eat bugs than do drugs" spiders to remember to choose a drug free lifestyle.

Updates Week October 23-27, 2017

It certainly is beginning to feel like Fall! Before you know it the time will be changing back an hour.  But for now, we will continue to move forward with our study of multiplication in math and matter in science.  Students should be getting to the end of their science fair experiment and preparing their back boards for presentation.  I hope everyone has had fun investigating their scientific questions.  Don't forget this week is our Red Ribbon Week or also known as "Say No to Drugs!"  Students had a wonderful lesson a couple of weeks ago with the guidance counselor on why and how to say no to unhealthy lifestyle choices.  Ask your child ways they discussed on saying "NO" to drugs.

Math
In third grade students were to master their multiplication facts to fluently be able to solve math multiplication facts fluently.  Students took a timed multiplication facts test last week and most showed that they have gotten a little rusty on their math multiplication facts.  Students need to study the math multiplication facts 0-12 as we will be taking timed tests over the next 5 weeks to help them become fluent again.  The current module is multiplication and division.  Without mastery of those facts, students will struggle to solve the math problems accurately and fluently.  They will especially struggle when it comes to division.  Look for the facts tests that will be tested each week to be noted in the student agenda.

This week students will work on using the multiple of tens rule to mentally be able to multiply numbers such as 1 x 10, 1 x 100, 1 x 1000, 2 x 100, 4 x 200.  We will begin with place value to show why the shortcut works.  The short cut would be to multiple the "leading numbers and add the number of zeros in the multiples of 10. For example, 4 x 200...students think, 4 x 2 = 8 add 2 zeros to get 200.  Or, they might think, 4 x 2 x 100....8 x 100....800.  Look for homework to come home Monday thru Thursday nights.

Science
Students are moving on to a new chapter on Matter.  We will explore and learn about different states of matter as well as magnetism.

Dates to Remember
Wednesday, Oct. 25....................Early Dismissal
Tuesday, Oct. 31.........................Book Character Parade
Friday, Nov. 10...........................Veteran's Day Holiday
Wed.-Fri. Nov. 22-24..................Thanksgiving Holiday
Wed. Nov. 29..............................Early Dismissal


Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Red Ribbon Week!

This coming week, October 23-27th, is our Red Ribbon Say No to Drugs awareness week.  Students will be participating with many fun activities and chances for prizes! But most of all we hope that students will remember the message which is to live a drug free life!

Monday- Our School is Drug free inside and out! Students wear their shirt inside out!
Tuesday- Sock it to Drugs Day! Students roll up their pants and wear funny or fancy socks!
Wednesday- Hats Off to a Drug Free Life! Students wear a wacky hat to school!
Thursday- Be on a drug Free Team!- Students wear their favorite team shirt to school!
Friday- Super Heroes Say No to Drugs! Students wear either their favorite super hero shirt or
             wear red to school!

Students can get a sweet treat Monday for 100% participation and there will be a door decorating contest too!  Stay tuned for pictures of all the awesome doors!

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week of October 16-20, 2017

The first nine weeks has officially ended! Boy, that flew by! Students now should have a firm grasp of the classroom routines and school expectations for fourth grade.  They had their first conduct dance last Friday.  Students can earn dollars for their conduct grade throughout the nine weeks.  Everyone was able to attend this nine weeks and students had lots of fun.  Ask your child what they did at the behavior dance.  They will begin earning their dollars for the second nine weeks dance beginning this week.  Students can keep up with what they are earning by looking at their Friday folder conduct grade.  Each weekly conduct A earns $10, each B earns $5, and a C earns $1.  Adding up how much money they are earning towards the dance would be a great math activity to do each week when they bring home their Friday folder.

Math
We have finished our Module 2 on metric measurement. Students took the end of module test last Friday.  They will find our their grade this week.  We have begun Module 3 at this time. This is a very long module with over 30 lessons.  The main topic is multiplication and division. Students need to practice their multiplication facts to regain their fluency.  Look for homework to come home nightly for practice.

This week students will work of finding the area and perimeter of rectangles using the formulas on their FSA reference sheet.

Science
Students should be working on their Science Fair project at home.  I have finished collecting the journals at this point of the project. It is due Friday, November 3 or Monday, November 6.

In class we have finished our focus of the process of science and are moving on to matter.

Dates to Remember
October 25............................Early Dismissal
October 31............................Book Character Parade
Nov. 3 or 6............................Science Fair Projects due

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week of October 9-13, 2017

We are already coming up on the end of the first nine weeks.  That is hard to believe!  Students will have there first conduct dance to spend their earned Russ-Bucks for their conduct grades this nine weeks.  Ask your child how many dollars they earned and all about the dance activities.  It will be held this Friday during the school day.  We will also be finalizing the first nine weeks grades this Monday, October 16 during the teacher planning day.  Hope everyone is having fun getting their Science project under way.  By now students should have decided their topic, purpose, hypothesis, list of materials and procedure.

Math
Students have finished Module one and taken the end of module test last week.  Those grades will be put in the computer this week.  We have moved on to Module 2 which is a very quick module on the metric system.  Students will learn how to convert, add, subtract and use the metric system in multi-step word problems.  They will work with length (centimeters, meters), weight (grams, kilograms) and capacity (milliliters, liters) measurements. Look for homework and a study guide this week with a test on Friday.

For extra support at home, students should be accessing I-Ready math lessons.  One to two lessons throughout the week and weekend is sufficient.

Science
We are still on the big topic of the process of science.  Students just finished an in class lab on the decay of apples.  Ask your child about their apple.  Students should be working on their science project at home.  It is due November 3 or 6th.

Dates to Remember
October 16..................................Planning day
October 18..................................Early dismissal
October 25..................................Early dismissal
October 31..................................Book character parade

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates week of October 2-6, 2017

It was very nice seeing all of those who were able to come out to Open House this past Thursday.  I think we were able to go over some important information and I was also able to share some important data about students and their baseline math test.  Mrs. Demery and I will be scheduling data conferences this week.  Look for a date and time to come home this week.  If that time is not good for you please let us know.

Math
We are coming to the end of Module 1.  This week students will complete a group performance task to show all they have learned in Module 1.  Students will also bring home their study guide for the end of module test.  We will be taking the test by mid-week.  This study guide needs to be complete and signed.  By the end of the week we will begin Module 2.  This is a short module on the metric measurement system.

Science
Students have been having fun with their "Apple a Day" experiment in class.  They have written a hypothesis and are in the process of observing and collecting data.  This will give them practice so they will know how to go through the scientific process with their own science project at home.  Their hypothesis was due last Friday.  The final journal entry, materials and procedure is due this Friday.

I have heard some ideas from the county as to how students will be making up the storm days missed due to the Hurricane Irma.  Once I hear something definite I will post here on dates to remember.

Dates to Remember
Progress Reports due signed........................Friday, September 29
End of Module test......................................Wednesday, October 4
Science Fair Project due.............................Friday, November 3-Monday, November 6

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week September 25-29, 2017

Things are settling back in now with a week under our belt back at school! Yay! Students have completed up to the middle of module one and have taken their mid-module test in Math.  Those scores are now in focus to see.  Students will be bringing home their first mid-term progress report this week.  It will be in a folder with a detailed print out of their grades with comments explaining anything they need to be working on in math or science.  Their mid-module test will also be in the folder for review.  Please review all papers and return them by the end of the week signed.

Math
Students have been working on place value so far in math by comparing numbers, ordering numbers, rounding numbers and writing numbers in different forms.  Students this week will move to adding and subtracting larger numbers that require regrouping.  Look for homework to come home this week to reinforce what we are doing in our Duval math curriculum as we will be closing the module and taking the end of module test  beginning next week.  I will send home a study guide like they had at mid-module.

Science
Students should have turned in their topic and purpose (question they want to answer about the natural world) on Friday.  Be sure to follow the timeline sent home in the science fair packet.  It outlines all due dates for this project which is 40% of their grade.

Dates to Remember
Tuesday, September 26............................Individual picture day
Tuesday, September 26............................Progress reports go home
Wednesday, September 27.......................Early Dismissal

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week of September 18-22, 2017

I sure hope everyone weathered the storm without much if any problems! I was quite surprised how much school has been missed, but with that said, we will jump right back in :) I know there were a lot of students absent the Thursday before school let out for the storm.  I sent home a study guide and math homework to be worked on while school was closed.  We will check and review those assignments this week and plan on a mid-module test by Wednesday.  We are also coming up on the mid term progress reports.  You should see math homework coming home on Monday and science fair topics due this week.

Math
We are going to review place value, comparing numbers, word form, standard form and expanded form along with rounding this week.  Students will take the mid-module test this week. We will then move on to working on the standard algorithm with addition and subtraction.

Students should try to log in to I-Ready and complete at least one lesson a week at home.

Science
We will be completing Chapter one on the Process of Science.  Students will have a review packet along with some in class labs to wrap up what they have learned.  Students should also have decided on their science fair topic by now to turn the journal in for a grade.

Again, I hope everyone is safe and well after the hurricane.  If there is anything or any questions you have please let me know.

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week of September 4-8, 2017

We are off and running! I told the students that the beginning of the year was like riding a bike with square wheels...bumpy, slow, difficult.  But, as we learned the routines and expectations the square corners would wear down and we would get faster and better with our round wheels.  Well, I feel the students' wheels are getting round and we are ready to take off!  Hopefully we should have the agendas soon for reminders to be written in.

Math
Students have been working on the base ten number system in Module 1 so far.  This includes: multiplying by multiples of ten, understanding that each place value is 10 times greater than the place value before it, writing numbers in standard form, word form, and expanded form, and comparing numbers using <, >, =.  This week we will be moving to rounding numbers.  By mid week you should see a study guide come home for students to practice as we will have a mid-module test on Friday.

You should have seen students bring home their first homework assignment in Math this past week.  It is a weekly practice page, front and back, that students receive on Monday and are to complete and turn in each Friday.  Any student who turns in all of their homework assignments per nine weeks can earned a homework pass for a future homework assignment!

Science
We are still working on our topic, The Process of Science.  The Process of Science shows students how scientists ask questions and get answers to the questions they ask.  Students have received their Science Fair materials.  They should have shared them with you and returned the parent acknowledgement form. This is a required project and is worth 40% of their Science grade.

Dates to Remember

Open House....................................Thursday, September 7 6:00-7:00p.m.
Early Dismissal..............................Wednesday, September 13
Science Fair Topic due..................Friday, September 15

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates August 21-25, 2017

Well we are off and running!! The first week went very well. The students have done a great job learning the rituals and routines of the classroom and school.  We began our baseline testing last week with I-Ready Math and will continue this week with the county Science baseline.  We were scheduled to take it Monday, August 21st however with the eclipse and high student absence, it has been rescheduled for Tuesday August 22nd.  These tests will help me know what each student is strong and weak in so I can better plan in the classroom.  Lastly, the first Friday Folder was sent home last Friday.  This is where you will see your child's conduct grade for the week along with comments about behavior or class/home work.  This folder should be signed over the weekend and returned on the following Monday.  Students can earn money for their conduct grades which they spend to go to the conduct dance here at school each quarter.

Math
We have begun Module 1 in math.  You should have received a parent letter explaining what standards and concepts will be covered.  The letter also gives some good vocabulary and examples for parents and for students to use throughout the module with homework.  Students will begin receiving homework this week in math.

Science
We are still waiting for our Science textbooks to arrive at the school.  However, we will begin Science with the topic The Practice of Science.  The students will learning about the scientific method in the classroom and will begin to think about their Science Fair project.  Information about the Science Fair will be coming home soon.

Dates to Remember

Solar Eclipse........................August 21
Early dismissal.....................August 30

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Welcome!

If you are reading this then you are part of our wonderful class of O.W.Ls (Outstanding Wonderful Learners!) for this school year! I am very excited about all the things we have planned for the students here at CSE.  I always say the beginning of the school year is like riding a bike with square wheels...bumpy at first...but once we all learn the rituals and routines of the classroom, those square corners wear off and we are rolling along :) This blog is my place to share, in detail, what is going on in our classroom and school.  I will update it weekly sometimes sooner if needed.  Please check in often!  I will still however, send a paper parent letter home when we begin our new modules in math.

Also, please, at any time don't hesitate to ask any question you may have about your child's progress this year.  I will send a letter with ways to contact me the first day of school.  Students will also receive their agendas within the first 2 weeks of school.

Dates to Remember
First day of school......................Aug. 14
Math Baseline Testing................Aug. 16 & 17
Science Baseline Testing.............Aug. 21
Solar Eclipse ..............................Aug. 21
Early Dismissal..........................Aug. 30
Labor Day Holiday....................Sept. 4
Early Dismissal..........................Sept. 13 & 27

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week February 13-17, 2017

     We are at the mid way point for the third nine weeks.  Students will be bringing home their mid-term progress report this week.  You should also have seen several fund raisers come home over the last couple of weeks.  One is the Jump for Heart Relay.  This looks like a lot of fun and for a great cause-The Heart Association.  If you haven't seen the information, ask your child about the assembly they attended last week.  We also had a fun night at STEAM night last week.  I was glad to see some students able to come and have some Math and Science fun.

Math
     We are going to be wrapping up fractions this week.  You should see a study guide come home so students can practice the skills and concepts that they will be expected to perform on their end of module test.  Some of which are: model fractions, decompose fractions, add and subtract fractions, multiply fractions, compare fractions, plot fractions on a number line and read and understand a line plot graph.  You should still be seeing homework nightly Monday thru Thursday.

Science
     We are mid way through our Space chapter.  We have learned about the moon phases.  Students will continue to learn about what makes the seasons and solar and lunar eclipses.

Dates to Remember
Tuesday, February 14.............Valentine's Day-Students may bring Valentines to pass out
Monday, February 20.............President's Day- No School
Wednesday, February 22........Early Dismissal

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week January 9, 2017

Well, we now officially begin the 3rd nine weeks.  We now have looked at all of the mid-year data and are ready to review and remediate standards that students were not successful on.  Ask your child what they are learning in math everyday.  They should be able to tell you one review topic and one current topic.

Math
We are currently working on two standards that are reviewing multiplication and division along with our new standards on fractions.  Specifically we are working on equivalent fractions and comparing fractions using area models, number lines, multiplication and division.  You should be seeing homework every night Monday thru Thursday.

Science
We are still on our chapter covering Space.  The lesson we are currently on is the moon and moon phases.  We will also study eclipses of the sun and moon.

Date to Remember
Friday, January 13.............................Storm Make up day
Monday, January 16..........................Holiday-Martin Luther King Day
Wednesday, January 25.....................Early Dismissal

Until Next time,
R. O'Steen

Happy New Year!!

Welcome to 2017!  I hope everyone has had a nice break this year.  We only have a couple of days left....hope you have been working on the Winter Packet.  Parents, please check and sign the packet which is due January 5 when we return.  It will be graded as a quiz grade.  Speaking of grading, we will be ending the second nine weeks on Friday, January 6, 2017.  Grades will be finalized on Friday, January 13th.  Don't forget students will have school on Friday, January 13th as one of the storm make up days.

Rest and relax your last couple of days because we will be jumping in full force on remediation as will as new standards to master before the FSA.  See you January 5th  😀

Dates to Remember
Return to school...................Thursday, January 5

Until next time,
R. O'Steen