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