Homework
Practice the multiplication table 1-12 at least 20 every night. Chart progress. Kids should practice there 3's and 4's the month of October and November.
Read for 20 minutes every night. The book should be at least at their grade level. (You can read to your child, your child can read to you or s/he can read silently but mix it up.)
Practice the spelling words that come home every Monday unless we are not in school on Monday and then it will come home on Tuesday. Parents, ask your child for their spelling words. When the spelling words get cut out of the reading book the list is to be put into either their mailbox or backpack and then taken home.
*There may be some extra homework for kids that are struggling in certain areas.
Testing
- Reading and spelling tests most often will be on Friday unless it is a short week and then it may fall on Thursday or Monday.
- Math tests will be given about once very 7 school days.
- Science tests are given approximately every two weeks. Projects are recorded as a grade but not considered a test. This includes health.
- Penmanship grades are taken during a writing assignment. Writing assignment may be on-going because of the many steps needed to have a final draft.
- I do not put AR scores into my grade book, but student can take an AR test after reading an AR book.
- I do not put a grade lower than a 50 in my grade book. This 50 means a student needs to redo for a better grade after having more practice.
Other Things We Do!
Type-to-Learn teaches student to type on the computer.
PLATO, an interactive server based program that teach content to students.
SCRATCH, a program invented by MIT to help students learn how to program.
Trout-in-the-Classroom Don Newberry, a retired fish biologist will come and teach the students about fish. The student will be raising trout from eggs. They will test the water, study the nitrogen cycle, and watch the trout as they go through their young life cycle. At the end of the year, the fish that live will be released into Payette Lake.
LEGO Robotic is an after school program. The student NXT software to program a brick. The brick is modified with Lego parts to create a moveable robot that can perform various function. The students will do research about the food and translate that information into mechanical movement through the Lego parts to complete tasks on a lego mat.
This year in McCall, at the high school, on November 12, the student will compete against other school district in the 2011 First LEGO League competition. We have 30 students competing this year.
Old Roseberry School House is the fourth grade service project again this year. We will be going to Roseberry on Oct. 27 for "A Day in an Old School House" they will get a taste of what it was like to study out of old text books inside of the school house on the grounds, play games, learn some memory verse, particpate in a spelling bee, geography, and do math. The students will make olive oil soap at the end of the year, and sell it to raise funds to support the maintenance of the old school house.
Other Information
Fieldtrip and Class Activities: We will be going on 7 fieldtrips this year. Family members are always welcome to come and help with the fieldtrips. I can always use the help. Also, I need family members to help with our fieldtrip to the fish hatchery and skating rink the day before Christmas break, and the 8th for the end of year picnic and fish release. If you would like to have a Halloween party or any other parties I would need some family member to take charge.
Animals: Animals can be taken home on long breaks and during the summer. Parent permission is required. Respectful care of the animal is very important.
Gifts: I know that kids like to give gifts to their teachers from time to time. However, I don’t want your family to spend your money on me. Please spend it on family needs. If you would like to do something for me, please encourage your child to write me a letter telling me what I have done to help them to learn or feel good about learning .
Thank you for your support this year. I look forward to seeing all of you from time to time here at school or on fieldtrips. If you ever have questions or concerns, my door is always open but after school is the best time to have meaningful discussions.
Lindsey Truxel : )