GINGERBREAD SHOP - Dec. 2nd

For those families that are interested, our class will be shopping at the Gingerbread Shop Tuesday, December 2nd at 9:00 AM!   Envelopes were send home last Monday.  

For those children who are parent drop off, please make every effort to have your child here by 8:45  (tomorrow and everyday!) so they can pass in homework, write in their planner and be ready to shop at 9:00. 

~ 
Miss Finneran

End of Trimester Events / Deadlines / Update

It is hard to believe that our first trimester is coming to a close.  We are finishing up many of our curriculum units as we speak!    There are many deadlines and event coming up in the near future that I want to relay them to you.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

KidStuff Fundraiser - The KidStuff fundraiser is due!  The PTO requests that you either purchase the book for $25.00 or return it to school if you are not interested.

Thanksgiving Basket Donations – Our class has been asked to donate either a bag of flour or a bag of sugar as well as $1.00.  These donations, along with the remainder of the schools, will be brought to St. Anne’s Food Pantry for local families on Wednesday, Nov. 19^th.   The money brought in will go towards the purchase of turkey vouchers.  

Square One Art –  All online and paper orders should be received no later than November 20th. You can order online by visiting square1art.com/shop and using your child's art access code found on the form!

Chorus Concert – Wednesday, November 19^th is the fourth grade chorus concert.  Ms. Fallis has requested that the students arrive (dressed in their fall colors) at 6:40.  The concert begins at 7:00.  Please remember that there is a 3 person limit.

Recorder slip & money – a notice went home from Ms. Fallis requesting that the students purchase a record for $6.00.  IF your family owns a recorder already, please sent it to school as soon as possible so Ms. Fallis can check it out and make sure it is what the students need.  The $6.00 or recorder approval needs to be done by Friday, November 21^st. 

Science:   A study guide reviewing the experiments we have been working on, as well as information regarding the three types of rocks was sent home today.  We will take our test on FRIDAY – November 21^st.      The students MAY use their science notebook during the test.  They will bring their notebooks home this week to review yet the study guide has all the necessary information.  IF your child takes their science notebook home to review, please make sure they have it in school on Friday!  The students may also visit many of the web sites posted on the blog to help them review for the test.

Social Studies:  This week, we will begin a project regarding the information we learned when studying the EAST.   The children will be expected to describe the location, climate, physical features, natural resources, and the economy of the East Region.   This project will be used as our final assessment.  We will then be moving onto a mini-unit about citizenship and then focus on learning about the SOUTH

Math:   We continue to focus on Unit 3 – Whole Number Multiplication and Division.    As you well know, the steps of learning how to multiply 3-digits by 2- digits and how to divide 4-digits by 1-digit takes practice and perseverance!    Already, I have noted growth and improvement in working through these concepts.   We will also be spending time  on using bar models to solve word problems.  The assessment for Unit 3 will happen after the Thanksgiving break. 

Writing – We have been spending their trimester working on opinion (student council / TFK writing pieces), informational (three types of rocks / TFK’s) as well as narrative stories.  While focusing on the narrative writing, we have been working on writing exciting openings and descriptive settings.  Next Monday and Tuesday, the students will completing a narrative writing assessment.  The students will be given a writing prompt and they will have to complete the planning and writing of the story on the first day.  On the second day, they will be expected to revise and complete a final draft.

Reading – The students have been working in guided reading groups researching an immigrant group.   They will be working cooperatively to create a presentation in which they share the cultural influences of their group as well as other interesting facts they learned about how and why this immigrant group came to the United States. 

NO SCHOOL – WEDNESDAY November 26^th – Friday November 28^th  

Again, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have ANY questions / concerns.

Kelly Finneran

Parent Conference Day!

NO SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4th!

Most parent conferences will be held on Tuesday, November 4th, which is a “No School” day for students. Childcare will be available in the cafeteria for school-aged children, for the duration of your conference(s) from 8:30am and 3:30pm. I am looking forward to sharing your child’s progress with you as well as well as continuing to foster a partnership with home/school to support your child’s academic, emotional, and social growth.  

Many parents will be setting up a second student / parent / teacher conference which will take place in the upcoming month.  As I shared at curriculum night, I feel it is most beneficial if  we hold this conference with your child so we can discuss strengths, weaknesses and individual goals.  

I look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow!

Parent Conference Reminders

Today I sent home with your child a parent conference reminder and preconference form.  Please take the time this week to fill out the preconference form and return it this week,  as I want to make the most of the time we have allotted for our conference.  Our conferences on Nov. 4th are only 15 minutes so this form will assure that I am able to share information I need to share and have time to address any questions  / concerns you have.  Most families need to return this form by Friday, yet if your conference is taking place this week, please check out the return day on the form sent home.


Also, please remember that there will be NO SCHOOL for students on Tuesday, November 4th, as it is our parent conference day.

Oct. 6th

TUESDAY October 7th is a HALF DAY for students.  Dismissal will be at 12:15.  Please send your child to school with their snack.  NO LUNCHES will be served!

Math Night for Parents with Dr. Richard Bisk

THURSDAY - October 9th  

7:00 PM   Oak Middle School

Please consider attending this evening as Richard Bisk. He is a professor of Mathematics at Worcester State University.  He received a Ph.D. in mathematics from Clark University in 1984.  He has taught a wide array of mathematics courses ranging from remedial math to calculus, linear algebra, mathematical modeling and number theory.  Dr. Bisk has given presentations at local, national and international conferences on his work the mathematics books from Singapore.  He is also a consulting author for the Math in Focus textbook series.

I hope to see you there!!!

Miss Finneran

Important Evenings!

CURRICULUM NIGHT

Tuesday September 23^rd

6:30 – 7:30

    I look forward to meeting all of you.  This evening is for parents only.    As we only have a short while to review information, I plan to start promptly at 6:30.  Mrs. Clouter will be speaking to everyone after our session is over.

         Remember to sign up a for a parent conference this evening.  I have many slots available on parent conference day and a few slot son alternative days.

MATH NIGHT WITH

RICHARD BISK

7:00 PM 

October 9^th

Oak Middle School

            Please consider attending this evening as Richard Bisk. He is a professor of Mathematics at Worcester State University.  He received a Ph.D. in mathematics from Clark University in 1984.  He has taught a wide array of mathematics courses ranging from remedial math to calculus, linear algebra, mathematical modeling and number theory.  Dr. Bisk has given presentations at local, national and international conferences on his work the mathematics books from Singapore.  He is also a consulting author for the Math in Focus textbook series.

Important Reminders

Families of Room 31 ~

Just a reminder that tomorrow - Wednesday, September 17th is school picture day!

Also... please consider attending the PTO meeting this THURSDAY evening at 6:00.(Please note time change.)  The more people we have taking on some tasks to support our students, the less work falls on the same people!  Let's spread the wealth!

Lastly, don't forget about the fall fundraiser!  I've been able to hand out a few necklaces to students for returning their fundraising coupons.  Many have stated that they keep forgetting to bring in their sales coupons.  If you child has sold 5, 10 or 20 items they can turn in their signed coupons - receive a necklace / chain.  If you child sells 10 or 20 items, they can be entered into a raffle for an Android Tablet.  All money raised goes to our PTO to support enrichment programs, field trips buses as well as other items / activities for our school and students!

I look forward to meeting you on Curriculum Night - Tuesday, September 23rd.

Kelly Finneran

Week of September 15h

 
A few important reminders for this week:

~  Picture Day - Wednesday  September 13, 2014

~ Curriculum Night is Tuesday, September 23rd.
    I hope to meet most of you this evening!

~  FALL FUNDRAISER - www.BelievePrizes.com
Our school's fall fundraiser was sent home last week.
If you child sells 5, 10 or 20 items they can turn in their slips and they will receive a necklace of choice.  Please consider helping out.   If you have questions, please see the Coolidge List Serve for further details.

Week of September 8, 2014

Families of Room 31 ~

Please check out the classblog for the updated September newsletter.    A few important reminders this week:

1.  Please make sure your child returns their decorated Writer's Notebook on Monday.  We need to use the back side for our first spelling list.

2.  Please sign and return your child's math goals that are coming home on Monday.

3.  SNEAKERS on TUESDAYS!  It's GYM day!

4.  Media begins this Thursday!

5.  If you are ordering, books orders are due on Thursday September 11th.  You can access the order sight on the class blog.  (Right hand side of the blog)

6.  Continent and Ocean test is Friday the 12th.  Correct spelling will be worth bonus points but I expect that all words begin with a capital and the words are phonetically correct / close to correct.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

Kelly Finneran

Great First Week!

            We had a wonderful first week together.  We spent a great deal of time getting to know each other, our classroom and began reviewing the fourth grade expectations. Every child came to school each morning with a positive attitude and prepared for the day ahead.  I am look forward for the coming weeks and cannot wait to get to know every child even better!
            This week we focused a lot on how to be a good role model at Coolidge.   This is a natural fit now that they are the “elders” of the building!   They all seemed ready for this responsibility and modeled following the classroom / school expectations with very little reminders from me! WOW!
            We began reading our first read aloud – Love That Dog by Sharon Creech.   Modeling  how readers think and interact with the story was the focus  of our discussions.  The students made insightful predictions and used some great inference skills.

           This week we will focus on our HOPES & DREAMS we each have.  We will also work to establish our classroom expectations!

FLAT STANLEY  / SALLY

The students worked to create their personal Flat Stanley / Sally.  Their travel buddies along with instructions were sent home with the students on Thursday.  Please keep these at home.  We would appreciate any postcards / pictures from travelers as the venture through the United States or the World!  Please see the FLAT STANLEY heading on this blog for more details.

Reminders:

1.  All about Me bags are due back to school tomorrow!
2.  Tuesday is our gym day!  Sneakers are needed!

3.   Please send your child to school every day with a water

     bottle and snack!

I hope you all had a wonderful LONG weekend and enjoyed the wonderful weather.

~  Miss Finneran

Last Week Update

Families of Room 31 ~

Just a brief update regarding this week:

•  Monday, June 16th - FIELD DAY  
Please make sure you child is wearing their sneakers and cool clothing.  They can wear their Coolidge Shirts if they’d like.    Please make sure that SUNSCREEN is applied at home prior to arriving to school.  It is suppose to be a sunny, warm day.  SNACKS  / water will be provided for everyone.  There is no need to send your child with a snack. 

If your child PREPAID and purchased a lunch, it will be provided for them.  If they did not, they need to bring a bagged lunch / drink.  It would be helpful if their lunch is placed in a plastic bag with their name on it prior to arriving at school!

•  Tuesday, June 17th
The students will hold a rehearsal for their Completion Ceremony in the afternoon (2:10 – 3:00) .  If possible, please refrain from dismissing students during this time.  There have been quite a few early dismissals lately.

•  Wednesday, June 18th – COMPLETION CEREMONY  9:15 AM in gym
Students should arrive at their normal time dressed in appropriate clothing for this special occasion.  They MAY bring a change of clothes to change into after the ceremony.  The students will be receiving their reading medals and completion certificates.    The ceremony is usually over by 11:00 AM.    Due to space limitations, we ask that no more than two guests for each student.  Siblings at Coolidge School are not able to attend.

•  Thursday, June 19th – LAST DAY
The last day is a ½ day.  Dismissal will begin at 12:10.  We ask that the students wear their COOLIDGE 4th GRADE AUTOGRAPH SHIRTS on this day!  They will receive them on Wednesday after the Completion Ceremony. 

Please let me know if you have any questions!

Kelly Finneran

IMPORTANT DATES

Families of Room 31 ~

A few important reminders of upcoming events:

•  There is a Special Town Election on Tuesday, June 3, 2014.  The polls will be open from 7:00am to 8:00pm.  Please exercise your right to vote!

• Wednesday, June 4th, from 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 
    Incoming Grade 5 Student-Parent Tours and Information Sessions at Sherwood Middle School

     The schedule for the event is as follows:
      ~  4:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Students and Parents in the Spring Street School and Coolidge School districts will visit
      ~  6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Students and Parents in the Floral Street School and Paton School districts will visit

 I highly recommend that you take you child to tour Sherwood during this time.

•  June 5th – Chorus Concert At COOLIDGE….   Ms. Fallis has sent home info regarding the time the students need to arrive.  Concert is at 7:00.

•  Friday,  June 6th – There is NO SCHOOL for students.  Teachers will be receiving math training.

•  Friday, June 13th -  Field Day (rain date June 16th)  PLEASE see today’s communication folder regarding placing a lunch order for this.  Payment or lunch ticket order is DUE IN ADVANCE!

•  Friday, June 14th -  Making Tracks for Technology…paper work for this event was sent home in today’s communication folder.

•  Wednesday,  June 18th    Completion Ceremony / Reading Medal Ceremony ~ 9:15 AM Students are asked to come to school DRESSED appropriately for this special event.  They may bring a change of clothes if they’d like.

Please let me know if you have any questions / concerns regarding any of these dates / events.

Kelly Finneran

LOWELL FIELD TRIP

FIELD TRIP REMINDER
LOWELL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
Wednesday, May 21st

Students must be dropped off at school at 7:50 A.M.
The buses will be leaving promptly at 8:00 A.M.

•   The students and chaperones need to report directly to their classrooms when they arrive.  Chaperones are to check in at the office.  The buses will be leaving at 8:00 AM sharp!  We will return to Coolidge for the usual dismissal time. 

•  Pack a bag lunch that can be completely thrown away when finished.   Lunches need to be in a plastic bag with a name and teacher’s name and Engineer It 1 clearly printed on it BEFORE arriving  at school.    NO GLASS containers please!!  Remember our time for lunch will be limited by the programs’ schedules, so please be sure that your child’s packed lunch is reasonable and nutritious.

•  Cameras are allowed.  Rules of the museum regarding photography will have to be followed.  NO VIDEO TAPING IS ALLOWED.

•  IPods and tablets are okay to use on the bus, BUT games / music MUST be appropriate.  Please be aware that electronic devices with the exception of cameras will be LEFT ON THE BUS during the field trip and may be unsupervised.  To avoid potential problems, it’s strongly suggested that they be kept at home. 

•  Program requires some outside walking, rain or shine.  Wear comfortable shoes/sneakers and dress appropriately for the day’s weather!!

REMINDERS / UPDATES

Families of Room 31 ~

•  Just a reminder that MONDAY, MAY 12th is a 1/2 day for the students.  The staff will be
     attending math training in the afternoon.  Dismissal for Coolidge is at 12:15.

 MATH MCAS REMINDER

Tuesday, May 13th and Wednesday March 14th, our fourth grade students will be taking the MATH portion of MCAS. The students are well prepared and their math skills have grown throughout the year.  It is time for their talents to shine!

Here are a few reminders that we’ve discussed with the students:

1.  ARRIVE TO SCHOOL ON TIME!
     This is key for those students that do not take the bus.  MCAS is scheduled to begin at 9:15.  It is
      important that we have some time to talk with the students prior to the beginning of the test.   
     Also, it is important to note here that students must complete  their test by dismissal time.  

2.  Get a good night’s sleep!

3.  Eat a good, healthy breakfast.

4.  Bring a WATER BOTTLE or two to school!

5.  Bring a FEW snacks (healthy!) to refuel during the math test.

6.  Wear comfortable, appropriate layered clothing.

7.  Remember to use all the strategies that they learned and practiced.

I KNOW they can all be successful if they pay attention to DETAILS and check / recheck their work.

Thank you for  your continued support!

Kelly Finneran

April 13th Update

Reminders -

~  The Book Fair is here!  We have media on Monday's so students may bring money to spend or may create a wish list to bring home.

~  Tuesday, April 15th is an Early-Release Day for the students.  Dismissal for students begins at 12:15 p.m. 

~  Relay for Life permission slips are due by Friday, April 18th.  We need a slip returned from every students stating their intent to  / not to participate.  

~  Students will be bringing home  a half-sheet size order for their Completion Ceremony T-shirts.  (not the Relay T-shirts!)  We want to assure that the students / families order the correct size for their child.  The T-shirts are children's sizes S - XL.   Please make sure send this back this week!

~  Next week April 21-25 is April vacation!  I hope the weather if cooperative!

~  Monday, May 12th is an Early Release Day for students. Dismissal for students begins at 12:15 p.m. 

~  Math MCAS are scheduled for Tuesday, May 13th  and Wednesday, May 14th.

~  MONDAYS are media (return all media books!) and TUESDAYS are music (send your child to school with their recorder and music please.  THURSDAYS are our gym days!  (Sneakers please!) 

Permission Slips

Lowell Field Trip and Relay for Life

A reminder that the permission slip and $8.00 for our upcoming trip to Lowell is due by Friday, April 11th. 

The permission slip (yes or no) regarding the participation in the Relay for Life on May 10th at 8:30 AM is due by Friday, April 18th.   

Thanks!

FOOD DRIVE UPDATE

Can you believe that we the class has brought in 141 food items for the Worcester County Food Bank.  We still have 2 days to go.  Last day to bring in items is Wednesday, February 12th.  The class is now trying to reach 200 items!!!  If we work together, we may just reach this goal!!! 

February 6th Update

PEDOMETERS / LOGS ~   

Just a quick reminder to let you know that the pedometers and the COMPLETED log (front and back!) are due tomorrow  - Friday January 7th!  We've had 100% participation in the past and have earned class incentives both times for everyone completing and returning them on time!  Let's shoot for a third time!
***  If your child was ABSENT this week, they may keep the pedometer over the weekend, YET need to pass the pedometer and log in on Monday!

FOOD DRIVE ~

THANK YOU to those families that have helped us read our first goal of 100 cans!  Today we passed that goal and have collected 104 items!!!   The children set the next goal as 200!!!  This may be a lofty goal, but many have shared that they have not yet brought in their items!   We have until Wednesday February 13th to bring in items!   The many students whom have shared that they have saved and used their OWN MONEY to purchase items has touched me!!  Kudos to them!

READING TAKES YOU PLACES ~

Don't forget that the reading done for their nightly log can be used for a READING TAKES YOU PLACES slip!  Yet, the students need to remember to bring in the slips SIGNED by their parents.  We have some students who have reached the goal of 10 reading slips already, while others are lagging behind.  The program ends at the end of April.  Our class goal is to have EVERYONE receive a reading medal at the 4th grade completion ceremony in June!   Keep reading and REMEMBER THE SLIPS!

VALENTINES ~

In the Monday folder this week, I sent home a class list to use for Valentine cards.  If your child chooses to hand out Valentines, they need to include a Valentine for EVERY STUDENT in the class.    Remember, no candy / food can be attached to the cards!!!    We will be having a Valentine gathering on Friday the 14th.  The students may bring in an extra snack for the celebration!

Thanks for your continued support!

Miss Finneran