Updates Week of December 17-21, 2018

This is the last week of the second quarter already.  We will be doing some final testing this week both diagnostic and academic for end of quarter grades.  We will be having our winter party Thursday and pajama day Friday.  Students can bring in a store bought food item on Thursday to share with the class. 

Math
We will be continuing to study geometry and work with protractors and measure angles. We will be taking a mid module test on Wednesday. 

Science 
We will be moving on to Matter in science. 

Dates to Remember
December 21............................Last day before winter break
January 8..................................First day back from winter break

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week of December 10-14, 2018

This week and next will hold lots of important data collection opportunities....another way of saying tests! This week we will take the December I-Ready diagnostic to see growth in what they have learned in Math.  This will be compared to their last score when they took it in October.  Then, next week, on Monday and Tuesday, we will be taking the Mid-Year Scrimmage the county puts out based on the Florida Math Standards to see what needs to be retaught before the end of the year and the FSA test.  Please encourage your student to take the test seriously and do their best!

Math
We will be continuing learning Geometry this week moving to angles and angle measurement.

Science
Students did a great job on their science projects this year.  I do believe this is the best participation in turning in a project!  I have enjoyed looking at what the students have wondered and learned about in science.  I have almost finished grading them and will post pictures of classroom winners soon.

We will be moving on to Matter in science now that the science fair is coming to a wrap.

Dates to Remember
December 10-11.......................I-Ready December Diagnostic Test
December 12............................Early Dismissal
December 14............................Winter Carnival
December 17-18.......................Mid-Year Scrimmage Test
December 20............................Winter Party
December 21............................Conduct Dance, Admin's Attic
December 24-January 7...........Winter Break
January 7..................................Planning Day
January 8..................................Students return to school

Until Next Time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week December 3-7, 2018

Welcome December and Winter...well some days.  True first day of winter isn't until December 21st however, we are entering the holiday season.  Hopefully everyone is feeling festive and fun but please help students remember we still have 15 days of school before our winter break.  We have a lot of fun but also academic activities coming up over these next three weeks so students need to be focused and present to be able to get the most out of what is planned.  There will be a conduct dance and winter party along with some very important diagnostic testing through I-Ready and Duval County Scrimmage.  These will be taken for both Reading and Math.

Math
In math we have finished our module 3 on multiplication, division, area, perimeter, factors, multiples, prime and composite.  We will be moving to module 4 on geometry.  Students will be receiving a vocabulary list to study and will be tested on the words in the next few weeks.  Continue to look for nightly homework Monday through Friday.

Science
Students' science fair projects are due Monday, December 3rd.  They will be graded on the classroom level and the top 2 projects from each class will move onto the school science fair. We will be wrapping up chapter one on the process of science this week.

Dates to Remember
December 12.........................early dismissal
December 14.........................Winter Carnival
December 21.........................last day before winter break
December 24-January...........Winter Break

Until Next Time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week November 26-30, 2018

   I hope everyone had a tasty Thanksgiving! I know I certainly did!  We now have a solid four weeks before our next vacation in December.   We a lot to do, so look for homework and routines to remain the same all the way to Winter Break.  You should have seen the midterm progress report come home this week.  Please sign and return all papers in the folder that was sent home.

Math
   We have finished Module 3 and will take the end of module test this week.  We will move next on to Module 4 which covers geometry.  Since geometry is so heavy in vocabulary that students need to know, I will be sending home a vocabulary list for students to learn and memorize that will help them be successful in this module.  Students will have a quiz on the vocabulary.

Science
Hopefully students are finishing their science fair projects.  They will be due this Monday, December 3rd. 

Dates to Remember
December 14.....................Winter Carnival
December 21.....................Conduct dance (during the school day)
December 21.....................Last day of school before Winter Break

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week November 5-8, 2018

Well here we are already in November! Wow time is flying.  The holidays are coming up fast and we are going to be getting into short weeks and lots of days off.  I will still send homework home on Monday thru Thursday even if Friday is a holiday and students may receive a small packet to work on over longer breaks to keep what we are learning fresh in their mind.  This week we will be honoring Veterans at our Veteran's Day assembly on Thursday, November 8th.  Then students will have a long weekend with Friday and Monday off from school. 

Math
This week we will be moving on to a new topic, division.  Students worked last week on learning about factors,  multiples, prime and composite numbers.  This should help them when they divide numbers.  Students will learn multiple strategies such as using place value, using and array and area model, then transitioning over to the standard algorithm.  Look for homework nightly.  Also, review and/or quiz students on their multiplication facts.  If students still don't know their multiplication facts, then they are going to struggle with this last topic of our module 3.

Science
Students should have chosen their science fair project topic by now.  If they have not, the internet is a great place to get ideas.  There is still plenty of time.

Dates to Remember
November 9-12.......................No School weather and Veteran's Day
November 21-23.....................No School Thanksgiving Holiday

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week October 29-November 2, 2018

So, students were sent home with their first quarter report card and Friday folders this last Friday.  I reviewed the study habits at the bottom of the report card on Friday with the students, as these are just as important at times as the grades at the top.  I told them if they had any S-'s or N's they needed to look closely at what they need to work on.  Please review the report card and Friday folder, sign and return them by Tuesday of this week.

Math
We are still in Module 3.  Students finished their study of multiplication last week and will be moving on to working with factors, multiples, prime and composite numbers as well as patterns and equations this week.  Look for homework each night on these skills for them to practice what we have learned in class. Ask your child to explain to you the difference between a factor and a multiple and the difference between a prime number and a composite number.

Science
We are still in chapter one the process of science.  Students should by now have decided what they want to do their science project on.  I am modeling a science project in class to help students know what to do and where they should be with their project.  Ask you child what our class science project is.

Dates to Remember
Wednesday, October 31...............................Early Dismissal and Character parade day
Thursday, November 8................................Veteran's day assembly
Friday-Monday, November 9 and 12..........No School-Veteran's Day


Until Next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week October 22-26, 2018

So we will officially begin the second nine weeks.  It is hard to believe a whole quarter has already been finished.  Grades are in and report cards will go home on October 26.  Students should be working on multiplication in math and their science fair project in science.

This year the school will have computers available to students who do not have computer or internet access at home to get on I-Ready.  Students can stay after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:10-4:30 and get on the computer to work on I-Ready.  Parents will be responsible for providing transportation and have students picked up at 4:30.  Please let me know through email, note or voice mail if you would like your child to be able to stay after school to work on their I-Ready goals.  Students will need to be pre-approved before staying after school. 

Math

Students have finished working with one digit by up to four digit multiplication.  We will now move on to two digit by two digit multiplication, factors and multiples along with prime and composite numbers this week.  Students will be taking timed multiplication fact quizzes this week as we will be finishing multiplication and moving on to division.

Science

We will be wrapping up the process of science this week.  Students should have decided on their topic for their project and begin working on research and planning how they will carry out their investigation on their question.  Remember if students have any questions about their projects, they can ask me during class.

Dates to Remember

Inside out/Backward Day.................Oct. 22

Sock Day.........................................Oct. 23

Wear Orange Day.............................Oct. 24

Hat Day.............................................Oct. 25

Wear Red Day...................................Oct. 26

Until next time,

R. O'Steen

Updates Week October 15-19, 2018

Here we are already at the end of the first nine weeks!! The students who earned their Russ Bucks where able to go to and have a lot of fun at the first Conduct Dance on Friday.  There will be more dances each nine weeks so ask your child for their Friday folder for their weekly conduct grade.  Each A earns $10, each B earns $5.  Students need $50 to enter the dance and if they have earned all dollars they could have as much as $40 dollars to spend. 

On another fun note, students went on their first field trip last Tuesday to the Chaffee Trail Library.  Students had fun with a scavenger hunt then fun storytelling by the fireplace where they learned about interesting nonfiction books and got to make some noise in the library (which is not usually allowed:).  Students learned about all the resources the public library offers, such as computers, to help them with school and fun.  They also were able to check out a book.  Hopefully you can take them back so they can check out more, but if you can't, students can turn the book back in at our school and we will get the books back to the library.

Math
We are currently working on multiplication in Module 3.  Students need to have a automatic knowledge of their multiplication facts to be the most successful at this time in math.  We will move on to division next, so practicing facts at home is currently very important.  Students could use flashcards to help improve their speed recalling facts.  This year in fourth grade students will have to be able to multiply numbers up to four digits by one digit such as, 5, 216 X 7.  Then we will move to multiplying two digit numbers by two digit numbers such as 43 X 56.  Students will begin with the concept of multiplication and move to using the standard algorithm to solve problems.

Science
You should have seen the Science Fair information packet come home a couple of weeks ago.  Currently students should be thinking about what they want to do their project on and turn in their topic to me to be approved. If they are not sure, the internet has lots of ideas and the public library is an awesome resource for help too!

Dates to Remember
October 15............................Last Day of the 1st nine weeks
October 17............................Early Dismissal
October 18............................Movie Night
October 19............................Planning Day-No School for students
October 22-26.......................Red Ribbon Week
October 31............................Early Dismissal
October 31............................Book Character Parade

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Weekly Update October 1-5, 2018

We are nearing the end of the nine weeks.  Students have finished two modules and taken two tests.  I will be sending home a detailed progress report with updated grades at the end of this week as some grades have dropped since the mid-term progress report.  You should also be seeing students bringing home math homework nightly Monday thru Thursday nights.  Many students are not turning in their homework daily.

Math
We have begun a new module.  This module begins with the concept of area and perimeter.  Students use formulas to find the area and perimeter of rectangles. They also will have to find the unknown length or width based on information given.  We will then move the multiples of 10 concepts in multiplication.  Students can help themselves be more successful by reviewing their multiplication facts to know them fluently.  A great way to review multiplication facts is to call them out randomly when riding in the car or while eating dinner.

Science
This week you should see the science fair informational packet coming home.  Their is a parent acknowledgement form to be signed and returned.  If you have any questions regarding the project please do not hesitate to ask.  This will be part of their second nine weeks science grade.

Dates to Remember
Conduct dance (during school).....Oct. 12
Planning day..................................Oct. 19
Early dismissal..............................Oct.17 and 31
Character parade...........................Oct. 31

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week of September 24-28, 2018

It's Fall! Hopefully the weather will figure that out soon :)  Students are settling into our rituals and routines of the classroom and school.  Just a reminder that homework is coming home in Math and students should be working on Math homework daily.  Also, every Friday students bring home a folder with papers, conduct grade for the week as well as important feedback about what students have been successful with and/or what they may need to work on for the up coming week.  Please ask your child for this folder, review, sign and return it the beginning of the next week.

Math
We have officially began Module 2 on the Metric System.  This is a very short module where students learn to convert, add and subtract units of metric measure as well as work multi step word problems using the measurements and addition or subtraction.  Even though it is short, it is broken in two topics: Metric Conversions and Application of Metric Units.  We have covered the conversions of metric units and are currently working on adding and subtracting metric conversions.  Students will have a reference sheet they can use so they do not have to memorize the units of measure.  We are using this reference sheet in class so students will be familiar with what is on it.  The end of module test will be given the end of this week. Look for specific date in the student agenda.

Science
We are still in Chapter one, The Process of Science.  This week we will begin discussing the school science fair.  Hopefully students have been thinking about what they would like to do for a project.  Look for information to come home later in this week.  Look for specific date in the student agenda.

Dates to Remember
Individual Picture Day..............................September 25
Early Dismissal.........................................September 26

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week September 17-21, 2018

So, per usual, this year is already flying by! We have completed the first module in math and mid-term progress reports are scheduled to go home Monday of this week.  Students will receive a folder with their progress report and other test or quizzes that were given for this reporting period so far.  Look for comments on the progress report for tips on how students can improve their grade before the end of the nine weeks.  Please review all papers that are in the folder, sign the progress report and send everything back in the folder within 3 school days.

Math
We will have our end of module 1 test this Monday. We did an in class end of module review this time so I could explain to students what they need to do and how they need to work through the review.  We will have checked and discussed all problems before the test so students are given the opportunity to get clarity on anything they still don't understand.  Due to the rapid pace of our math curriculum however, we must move on.  Students will have opportunities to remediate their area/areas of weakness during class center time.  You may also see extra homework coming home on these standards to continue reviewing.

We will move into module 2 this week.  This module covers the metric system.  Students will know the length units of measure (centimeter, meter, kilometer), the weight units of measure (gram, kilogram), and the capacity units of measure (milliliter, liter). Students will also learn to convert from larger to small units of measure.  Such as 1 meter equals how many centimeters.  Students will also use the units of measure to solve real world application problems.  This is a very short unit only having 5 lessons so students will need to be focused and completing all assignments in order to be successful.  Look for homework to be coming home this week on this module.

Science
We are still working on the process of science.  Students are beginning to think about topics of the natural world and asking testable questions.  This chapter is going to be the chapter to help them when it comes time to complete their science fair project.  Look for information to come home this week on the school/district science fair.

Dates to Remember
September 17....................Progress Reports go home
September 20....................Technology Night 6:00 p.m.
September 25....................Student pictures
September 26....................Early Dismissal
October 15........................End of Quarter 1
October 12........................Conduct Dance (during school day)
October 19........................Planning Day-No School

Until Next Time,
R. O'Steen

Updates September 10-14, 2018

So, here we are already at the  middle of the first nine weeks.  The year is rolling right along.  I will be inputting grades and preparing midterm progress reports this week.  Be on the look out for the progress report to come home in yellow folder with important papers to review and sign.  A couple of the papers will be Math tests which the students have completed so far on the standards we have covered in Math class.  Please leave all papers in the folder and return within 3 days. 

Math
We have covered half of Module one in Math.  This means students should be able to understand place value to the millions, compare numbers using place value, write numbers in standard, expanded and word form, and round numbers to any place value up to the millions.  Students took a Mid-Module test on Friday so I can see what standards students still need more practice with.  Even though we have covered this material, we will continue to review and practice it throughout the year as these are all standards students will see on the FSA come May.

We will now be moving into the second part of the Module which will cover adding and subtracting into the millions and subtracting across zeros more than one place value.  Students will also practice using addition and subtraction in real world application problems (what we always called "word problems").  At the end of the module, students will bring home a study guide to complete before they take the end of the module test as well as mark in their agendas the day of the test.

Continue to look for weekly homework packets along with Duval Math practice during the week.

Science
We will begin the year off with the study of The Process of Science.  This is the scientific process scientists use to answer questions about the natural world.  Students will participate in the school wide science fair with the chance of their project going to the district level.  Look for a packet to come home soon.

This year students have a textbook they can write in and an accompanying workbook to use to learn their science standards.  We have taken a fourth grade baseline and students will take an EOC (end of course) exam at the end of the year to assess their learning for the year.

Dates to Remember
September 12.......................Early Dismissal
September 17.......................Progress Reports Go home
September 20.......................Parent Technology Night
September 25.......................Individual Student Picture Day
October 12...........................Russ Buck 1st Quarter Conduct Dance (during school day)
October 17...........................Early Dismissal
October 19...........................Planning Day-No School
October 31...........................Character Parade and Early Dismissal

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

 

Welcome!!

Welcome to the 2018-2019 school year at Crystal Springs Elementary in Mrs. O'Steen's Math and Science class.  I know many parents have already been up to the classroom for meet the teacher and/or the first day of school.  I would like to thank you for all the supplies you provided for your student and the classroom! The beginning of the school year has started off very smoothly because of it!  We have hit the ground running and have so many things planned for this year.  We raised our school grade to a "B" last year and have our sites on the "A" this year.  It will take hard work and focus for everyone.  Please check this blog weekly as I will post important updates and information pertaining to the classroom as well as what is going on at school.  If you haven't had a chance to come to the classroom I have posted a couple of pictures but also mark your calendars for Thursday, September 6th at 6:00 p.m. for Open House.  Hope to see you then!

Updates Week March 26-March 30, 2018

I hope everyone had a wonderful Spring Break and is ready to get back to work.  We only have 14 school days until the FSA! But, we still have a lot to cover.  Please review any practice work sent home and review multiplication facts with students over the next couple of weeks.

Math
We will continue working in our geometry module.  Students will have a test on their geometry vocabulary this week.  Otherwise we will be working on mixed review packets to help review and prepare for the upcoming FSA.

Science
We will be getting back to our Science study very soon.  We will begin with a review of Earth, Moon and Sun then move to Matter.

Dates to Remember
Friday, March 30...............................Spring Holiday
Monday-Thursday April 17-20.........FSA Math test

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week of March 12-16, 2018

This will mark the last week of the 3rd nine weeks.  Students will be out of school this Friday, March 16 for a planning day.  Then it is off for a week of Spring Break!!  Students will be receiving a math spring break packet this week.  This packet along with a geometry vocabulary packet will be due when they return to school March 26th.

Math
   This week we will conclude our study of decimals to the tenths and hundredths place.  Students will take the end of module test on Wednesday, March 14th.  We will continue to work in our geometry module.  Students are beginning to work with protractors and learn how to find measures of angles and soon unknown angles.  Ask your child about the geometry vocabulary they should have to study.

Science
   With the recent time change we had a discussion on the sun and earth and seasons. Students were able to observe a sundial and think about how the earth moves and not the sun.  We have also been discussing plants with the new season coming up and all the plants in bloom.  We have been discussing the purpose for all the pollen we have been seeing on everything.  Ask your child about how the sundial works.

Dates to remember
March 16............Planning day no school
March 19-23......Spring Break no school
March 30............No school
April 16-19.........FSA Math Testing

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Updates Week of March 5-9, 2018

     Well here we go!  We have entered the testing zone.  This Wednesday students will take their FSA Writing test.  This is a 2 hour test.  Students will not be permitted to class late.  There will be a make-up day scheduled.  We have also ramped up in math preparing for the up coming FSA which will be April 16-19.  Please look for extra study materials to come home such as: geometry vocabulary packet, Duval math homework nightly, and a Spring Break packet.
     Secondly, the third nine weeks will be coming to a close March 15.  Planning day will be on March 16.  It's hard to believe that the last quarter is coming up so quickly.

Math
    For the next three weeks, or the rest of March, we will be studying two topics.  We will be continuing decimals but we are going to be beginning the module on geometry.  These are two completely different types of math so students should do fine.
     Right now in decimals students have been working with understanding the difference between tenths and hundredths (as well as the difference between tens and tenths and hundreds and hundredths)  we are now moving on to comparing decimals with < , > , or = .  After that we move to adding decimals then lastly, money.
     In geometry we are beginning with point, line, ray, and angles.   Students have a very important geometry vocabulary packet to be studying as we move through the module.

Science 
    With all the plants springing back to life we have been discussing plants, flowers, pollen and the purpose of the pollen and flowers to plants which is to produce seeds to grow a new plant and for us a nice fruit to each sometimes.  I hope you are enjoying the Spring as much as I am right now.  I always love watching all the trees and plants wake up from Winter.
    We will be talking about the up coming time change and time using a sundial.  I have a sundial that students can observe on the playground.  They usually find it quite fascinating.

Date to Remember
Monday, March 5...................................Spring Pictures
Wednesday, March 7..............................FSA Writing test
Thursday, March 15...............................Conduct Dance (during school)
Thursday, March 15...............................End of third nine weeks
Friday, March 16....................................Planning Day No School
Monday, March 19-Sunday, March 25...Spring Break
Monday, April 16-Thursday April 19.....Math FSA testing

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Week February 26, 2018

Sorry for the few missed weeks. Somehow, I could not sign into my account.  I have obviously figured it out (with the help of my tech savvy husband! :)  So...we have since had a data night where FSA information was discussed.  If you were unable to attend, I sent home the data with the students progress report last week.  We are currently remediating the lowest scoring standards from the mid-year scrimmage.  Students are doing well on improving their understanding, which is good! We are definitely in test prep mode so please look for homework and practice coming home nightly.

Math
 We have begun a new module on decimals.  We are connecting decimals to fractions with 1/10 = 0.1 and 1/100 = 0.01.  Students are working on equivalence, expanded form as well as area models.  For remediation we are working on factors, multiples, prime and composite numbers.  Vocabulary is very important for this standard.

Please make sure students are completing their math homework nightly.  This is very important practice for them to see if they are understanding on their own without the support of a classmate or teacher.

Dates to Remember
March 1......................Jump Rope for Heart
March 2......................Fun Friday
March 6......................FSA writing test
March 16....................Planning Day-No School
March 19-23...............Spring Break-No School
March 30.....................Good Friday-No School

Until next time,
R. O'Steen

Happy New Year!! 2018

Happy, Happy New Year!! I hope everyone had a fun, safe, and yummy break!  This officially marks the middle of the school year with the ending of the second nine weeks and the new third nine weeks beginning when students come back January 9th.  I look forward to seeing each of you in a few days.