HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Wishing my students and their families a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy 2016.   This morning as I sit and reflect of all that I am grateful for,  my students rank right up at the top of the list.  I am thankful for the opportunity each and everyday to work with such wonderful students.

May you enjoy your family time together.

Miss Finneran

Snowflake Festival

Enjoy a the slideshow with photos from our Snowflake Festival.  We started our day  on Friday December 18th with festive music from the High School Acapella Choir.  The students then worked in teams of three to create window snowmen!  What a great time we all had!

Snowflake Festival Slideshow

Enjoy!

Malorie & Vanessa - Morning Announcements

Enjoy this video clip as Malorie and Vanessa share the pledge and morning announcements.

Looking for Volunteers!

I’m looking for volunteers on Friday, December 18th from 11:00 until 1:00.  (We may end sooner than 1:00)

The students are having their “Snowflake Festival” and will be working in six groups to create a 5-foot paper snowman to hang from our classrooms windows.    If you are able to assist with this task, it would be greatly appreciated.  I will fill slots on a first come, first serve basis, as I need no more than 6 volunteers.   

Please let me know if you are available to assist.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Week of December 7th

Just a few important reminders for this week.

1.  RECORDERS / MUSIC  are needed tomorrow.  I believe?? that the students have to play for their recorder belt.  It is expected that the students are practicing a bit each day during the week.

2.  BOOK ORDERS - Several families have place orders either online or sent in orders to school.  In order to assure they arrive on time before the winter break, all orders need to be placed by the end Tuesday December 8th.  If you are purchasing these for books a gift, please let me know either via email / note and I can get in touch to make arrangements for pick-up. 

3.  HALF-DAY on TUESDAY, December 8th - Students will be dismissed at 12:15 on this day.  Please make sure your child knows if their dismissal procedure will be different.  Remember, all students must have a note / email if their dismissal procedure changes.  Without communication, we have to send your child home the usual way.

4.  HOUR OF CODE -  During the week of December 7-13, schools across the country are encouraged to try code activities.  This week, our class will be exploring this concept during a designated time.  As I believe it may take a few classes to complete, please ask your child what we explored at the end of this week.   If you are interested in knowing more about the HOUR OF CODE, please visit this site:  https://hourofcode.com/us

5.  REPORT CARDS - The trimester one report card will be sent home on Monday, December 21st.  Monday does begin trimester 2.  We will be moving on to new units in all areas except social studies.  They students are completing a project on THE EAST REGION and need a few more days to complete it.  I am working to find a way to sent their project home via email / googledocs.  More to come!

Please let me know if you have any questions / concerns.

Kelly Finneran

Ansuman / Liam - Morning Announcements

Please enjoy this video of Ansuman and Liam sharing the morning announcements.

Homework / Test Update

 A few reminders and updates for this week.

1.  GINGERBREAD SHOP – Tomorrow we are shopping at the Gingerbread shop.  Information about the shop can be found on Coolidge’s website / blog.  If you are interested in having your child shop, they need to bring their money tomorrow.

2.  HOMEWORK / TESTS THIS WEEK:

 Science Test  - The science test is on Thursday.   The study guide was sent home over a week ago.  I did pass out new study guides for students who needed them yesterday.  Please make sure they are reviewing this guide for the assessment.  I did show the students some sites that are located on the class blog that then can also view to study / review. 

http://kfinneran31.blogspot.com/

 Math Test – This unit test will also be on Thursday.  We are currently completing a study guide in class.   This will be sent home to review Wednesday night.  A way to study with your child would be to review the key vocabulary and / or create a few similar multiplication / division problems for your child to complete.  This test is truly something we have been reviewing / working for more than the past three weeks.     A mini-review the evening before is all that they truly need.

 Although I usually don’t like to have two tests on the same day, this is unavoidable due to our schedule.    For this reason, I am limiting the amount of written homework this week.  Tonight, besides their reading log, they will have one math problem-solving page and will be asked to study for the science test.    Wednesday night’s homework will be reviewing for both their science and their math.  The only written work will be their read log.    I hope this alleviates some of the concern regarding two tests on the same day. 

On a final note, we are currently working on the social studies assessment in school   This assessment will be a project based assessment.  There is no need for studying / reviewing. 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Happy Thanksgiving

On this special day, I like to take the time and reflect upon all that I am thankful for.  My blessings are plentiful and include my family, my friends, my cats - George and Grace and my Coolidge students and families.  To effectively educate the students every day, it takes a team effort.  Thanks for supporting my efforts as I work with your children each and every day.

I wish you, your family and friends a wonderful Thanksgiving and a restful few days.

Miss Finneran

Below are a few reminders for this week.

1.  RECORDERS - students need these EVERY MONDAY!

2.  FOOD DRIVE - Thanks to those whom have already brought in their $1.00 and their FLOUR or SUGAR.  For those that haven't, the final day is Wednesday.  Let's all do our part to support our local community!

3.  CHORUS CONCERT - Wednesday October 18th - The students have been working hard to prepare for this weeks evening concert.  I know you will enjoy their efforts.  I know the concert begins at 7:00 yet the students need to be here earlier.  Please watch for an email reminder from Ms. Fallis, their chorus teacher, as to what time the students need to arrive.

4.  End of the Trimester - the end of the trimester is in sight.  This means that the students will be taking various assessments - writing, math, and science and will be completing a social studies project in school that will be their assessment.  Please keep an eye in their planner for upcoming study assignments.

Enjoy your week.  Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions / concerns.

Week of Nov. 9th Update

A few updates for this week.

It was wonderful meeting with so many of you during parent conference day last Tuesday.  Working together, we can do wonders to support your child.  Please don't hesitate to get in touch with any concerns. 

1. RECORDERS NEEDED on MONDAY'S.   All students now have their recorders that they should be practicing at home for music with Ms. Fallis.  They need to bring them (along with their given music), to school on Mondays!.  It is recommended that they keep their recorders in their back pack.  This way they have them when needed.

2.  NO SCHOOL - Wednesday, November 11th  -  In honor of Veteran's Day, there will be no school  this Wednesday.

3.  CHORUS CONCERT  - Wednesday, November 18th.  I look forward to seeing so many of you on this evening.  If you child has a speaking part, please make sure they are PRACTICING their lines for this evening performance!

4.  St. Anne's Food Drive begins this week.  Our class has been charged with bringing in either FLOUR or SUGAR for baking, along with $1.00 to purchase turkey vouchers.  In the spirit of community service and giving, I look forward to our class making a difference in the lives of local families this holiday season.

5.  Clothing Drive is on going at Coolidge!  So far there have been over 23 barrels of clothes donated.  Coolidge receives $.22 per pound!  Keep the clothes coming!

6. HIGH QUALITY WORK -  Recently, there has been an excessive amount of homework slips given for work turned in that is not HIGH QUALITY or due to assignments not being turned in on time.    Please make sure you ask your child to read over their work for CAPITALIZATION, PUNCTUATION and SPELLING.  NEATNESS also matters!  when it comes to math work - students must show their steps to solving the problems.  Without this, or papers will excessive errors, will need to be redone  / corrected.

Thank you for your continued support.

It was great seeing many familiar faces at the Family Fun Walk Friday afternoon.
Here are a few reminders:

1.  RECORDERS needed on Mondays ~  If you child had their recorder approved by Ms. Fallis, they need their recorder tomorrow  - Monday, November 2nd.  Students who purchased recorders will be getting them tomorrow.  They will need to bring them to school EVERY MONDAY until notified differently.

2.  Tuesday, Nov. 3rd is PARENT CONFERENCE DAY!   -  I look forward to meeting with many of you this coming Tuesday.  Thank you in advance for completing the pre-conference form.  This will help make sure I address any questions / concerns you have as our time is limited.    Please remember - there is NO SCHOOL for students this day!

Coins / Fundraiser / Passwords

FUNDRAISER - Due FRIDAY October 23rd.  We mistakenly wrote tomorrow as the due date.  Please help raise money for our school by participating in the fundraiser.  The money raised helps to support field trips, enrichment activities, author visits and so much more!    So far, our homeroom has completed / brought in only ONE fundraiser.    Please consider participating and sending ion all money and forms by Friday, October 23rd.

COINS for the LIBRARY! - Today was the first of

 THREE days to bring in coins for the Shrewsbury Public Library construction.  So far, our class has made only $2.48 in contributions.  If our school goal is to raise $1000.00 we realized that every student in our class needs to bring in between $2.00 - $3.00 to help out!   We only have two more days to bring in coins!  I sent a new form home today. Please consider having your child bring in their counted coins either Tuesday or Wednesday.  Let's all do our part!

PASSWORDS - Most of our students have brought in their passwords for the iPad use.  Some families created passwords, yet never entered them into Power School.  I will be reaching out to those families that still need to enter via a separate email.   Please make sure this is done this week. 

Techology Password Needed!

TECHNOLOGY PASSWORDS
I'm pleased to share that all fourth graders across the district will have access to shared iPads this school year.   The iPads will be used in school only.   Please check your child's homework folder this evening for a parent letter regarding iPads.

The first step in getting the use of the iPads  up and running is to have your child and you create a secure password. Your child had a lesson in class about regarding creating a secure password.  We ask that you please work with your child to create a password. There are some tips on DO's and DON'T's included with the parent letter.

You are also asked to go into your child's Parent Portal in Powerschool and enter this password.  Please do this as well as making sure your child's secure password is sent back to school by THIS Friday, October 16th.

MEDIA
Media is tomorrow - Thursday, Oct. 15th.  Please make sure your child returns at least one of their media books!

VOCABULARY
As you may have noticed, we have begun a new routine regarding vocabulary.  The students are being introduced to 5 vocabulary words every other week.  (One week will be spelling, the other week will be vocabulary.)  In school we are practicing various activities to help the students solidify an understanding of these words.  As this is new to us, we are working through it with the students.  As we become more familiar with the routine, both in school and at home, we will work on the assessment pieces of these words. 

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.  Thank you for your continued support.

Weekly Update

1.  MEDIA is tomorrow!  We hope each week that students return at least ONE of their books so they can check out a new one.  As of today, several students still had two books checked out.  Please remember to bring them if you are finished.

2.  READING TAKES YOU PLACES - The reading program has begun.  Children should be turning in their Reading Takes you Places slips ones they have completed them.  My assigned nightly reading counts for this program too.  the end of the year reading medal, students need to turn in 10 slips!  Each slip turned in earns the students a ticket to spend at school store!  Please start turning in your slips!

3.  SOCIAL STUDIES TEST - The East.  The students have their social studies map test on the east tomorrow.  We assigned it 10 days ago.  They need to know the states, the physical features and the water ways.   Capitals are a bonus!!   Please make sure they review BOTH sides of the study map!

4.  NO SCHOOL FRIDAY and MONDAY - Just a reminder that their is no school on FRIDAY October 9th as it is a professional development day for staff.  The school is closed on Monday, October 12th,  due to Columbus Day.

5.  FUNDRAISER - The school fundraiser went home on Tuesday of this week.  Please consider participating in the sales.  All the proceeds go to support the school / children through the enrichment programs and field trips!  All order forms are due by October 20th.

Thank you all for your continued support.  If you have any questions/ concerns, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

STUDENT COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Congratulations are in order for Aarushi, Thiago and Viviane.  They have been elected as our student council representatives for our homeroom. 

ALL of the students deserve a round of applause as they wrote wonderful speeches and were risk takers reading their speeches in front of their peers.

Give that 17 out of 20 students were interested in running for student council, it is clear that many of them are interested in leadership positions.  There are plenty of ways we can have all the students helping out in some capacity.  Please know that we will do our best find ways for all the students to pitch in and help out.

Congratulation again to Aarushi, Thiago and Viviane!

Miss Finneran

STUDENT COUNCIL SPEECHES MONDAY

The student council speeches / elections for our homeroom were delayed Friday due to an absence.  The elections will take place on Monday, October 5th as long as we have all student who are interested in running for student council are present.   The three student council members elected by their peers from our homeroom will be announced once elections take place.

CURRICULUM NIGHT TONIGHT!

Parents of Room 31  ~

Just a reminder that curriculum night is TONIGHT!   It begins at 7:00 PM. 

1.  Please make sure you sign up for parent conferences.  The sign up will be on a table outside of the classroom. Parent conference day is Tuesday, Nov. 3rd.

2.  Our time together tonight is short and I have plenty of information to share.  If there is anything you know you would specifically like me to address, please email me today and let me know.

I look forward to seeing all of you this evening.

SCHOOL PICTURE DAY

WEDNESDAY
September 23rd

Just a reminder that school picture day is Wednesday, September 23rd.  At this time, I do not know when picture retake day is.  I will let you know if needed.

Families of Room 31 ~

      REMINDER: No school Friday, Sept 4th and
      Monday Sept. 7th                                                           

I hope you all enjoyed the extended weekend.  We were certainly tired after our first three days back to school.  What an exciting first week we had!

HIGHLIGHTS
    •  We established class rules
    •  We began sharing / decorating our All About Me bag sharing
    •  We unpacked and labeled all our notebooks and folders
    •  We began reviewing / discussing class and homework expectations
    •  We began to utilize our planners and homework folders.
    •  We took out 4 math 100 fact quizzes
    •  We completed a math problem solving activity


WRITER’S NOTEBOOK ~ Today I sent the students home wit their Writer’s Notebook, as well as a yellow handout with directions.  The students are to decorate the FRONT of the notebooks with pictures / photographs / drawings / lists / memories / quotes that you can use as inspiration for writing their own stories.  There is a picture on the front of the yellow paper to assist you in what it should look like.  Please have your child return their notebook by Thursday, September 10th.

Please remember to send your child to school everyday with a SNACK and WATER BOTTLE.  Our lunch is at 1:05 and they need a snack to hold them.  Also, our room is HOT and a water bottle is suggested to keep them hydrated.  Remember – NO NUTS/ TREENUTS!

PLANNERS - Don’t forget to check and SIGN your child’s planner every night.   They have homework Monday – Thursday and their planner and homework folder should be coming home and back to school EVERYDAY!

SUMMER READING / SUMMER WORK – All summer reading / math calendars were due  by today.  I have made a few special arrangements for some to be completed and handed in next week.     Most students have handed in BOTH their math calendar and their summer reading work.  If your child has not, please make sure the works comes in next Tuesday.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have ANY QUESTIONS.   Email is the best way to reach me, yet you may send in a note / write a note in the planner if you would like.


I look forward to meeting all of you at Curriculum Night on September 30th.

Kelly Finneran

Welcome to Fourth Grade

8/26/15

Welcome to 4th Grade!!!   I am looking forward to meeting the students on Tuesday, September 1st  The summer went by fast, but for the past month, I know I was ready for the school year to begin!   (I don’t do well with idle time!)   The room is set and I know we are ready to begin!

Knowing that the transition back to the structure of the school day can be difficult for some, the first week back to school we will focus on many areas that will help that structure our return.   Along with some informal assessments in various subjects, we will be spending a good amount of time participating in classroom community building activities and establishing class expectations.  

On the first or second day of school your child will be coming home with a “bag” to fill with 3 or 4 items.    They are going to use this bag to introduce themselves to their classmates while we practice our questioning techniques.   I will model this for them the first day of school to introduce myself.  In the summer letter I sent home, I shared that they would need to bring in some items that would tell us a little about themselves, their family or their interests.  (Ex. – a baseball card might represent that they collect baseball cards or that they like to play baseball.)    We will be sharing the contents of the bag the first week and second weeks of school and will use the contents for our first writing exercise.

The students will also be coming home with their homework planner.   This planner will be where they will record their daily / weekly or long term assignments.   I make every attempt to have myself or another adult initial the assignment so I know it is correct.   I would like your child to show you their planner, have you initial / sign it, and have them bring it back to school the following day.   They will need to do this everyday throughout the school year.   Starting this on the first day helps to establish the routine we are working towards. 

I also wanted you to know that I often use “all parent” emails and personal emails as a means of communication.    Please feel free to contact me at any time, either through email, written notes and / or phone calls.   I will get back to you as soon as possible.   I value home – school communication and feel that it is crucial to the success of the students.  I strongly believe that we are a team - parents, students, and myself, and it will be important that we all work together and keep the lines of communication open.    I am hoping that the email address I have for you is correct.   I would appreciate it if you would send a quick reply to this email, even if you just write  “Got it!” so I know that you have received it. 

Lastly, don’t forget to send your child to school with their summer reading sheets, math calendar, a healthy snack (lunch is at 1:00 this year!!!), and a water bottle!

I look forward to meeting everyone soon!


Fondly,

Miss Finneran

Completion Ceremony

Just a reminder that tomorrow - June 16th -  is the fourth grade Completion Ceremony.  The ceremony begins at 9:30 and should be over by 11:00ish.  Parents are invited. A few main points to review:

1.  Students are to wear appropriate clothing.  We shared it should be like "going out to a nice restaurant or a special family occasion."  They may bring a change of clothes for later in the day.

2.  We do ask that the girls we flat shoes - no heals or beach flip flops as we will be in the gym and the floor can be slippery.

3.  After the ceremony, we will have time for pictures. 

4.  When you leave, please take home your child's All About Me poster, Completion Certificate and their reading medal.  The posters can be taken down off the blue boards in the gym.  Just leave the thumb tack behind on the board.

5.  Students should plan on staying for the entire day.  We have other student / staff events (ice cream social) planned for them later in the day.


Our last day of school is Wednesday June 17.  We will begin dismissal at 12:15 pm.  There is no breakfast or lunch served on the last day of school.  If your child attends the after school program they will be dismissed there.  The after school program runs a full day as usual.  If you provided medication to the school nurse you must pick it up by Wednesday June 17 before 12:00 pm or it will be discarded.  

I look forward to seeing all of you tomorrow.

Kelly Finneran

Field Day / Tracks for Technology / SELCO COMMERCIALS

FIELD DAY

Just a reminder that tomorrow - Friday, June 5th, is field day.  Please make sure your child:
~  Wears sneakers
~  Applies sunscreen at home
~  Brings their lunch if they did not purchase lunch in advance.

Looking forward to a great day!


TRACKS for TECHNOLOGY

Tracks for Technology will take place tomorrow afternoon after field day.  Thanks to those families whom have helped by making a donation!!!  Money can still be turned in tomorrow.


SELCO Commercials

Here is the link to the SELCO adds / commercials the Coolidge fourth grades helped to make.  The adds will begin running on SELCO stations this summer.  Thanks to SELCO for making this happen!

https://youtu.be/5lZHdAqER8k

TRACKS for TECHNOLOGY

     TRACKS for TECHNOLOGY

     Friday, June 5th

          Please consider joining us field day Friday afternoon June 5th as we walk the Jordan Pond Trail and complete various fitness events to raise funds for Coolidge School's technology initiative.   The funds raised in past years have helped purchase various technology pieces for our building including several interactive whiteboards.  Your pledge or donation is greatly appreciated.

June 1st Update / Field Day lunch

This time of year can be very hectic for fourth grade.  Just a few reminders:

Field Day Lunch:  Field day is schedule for Friday June 5th (rain date: June 12th).  A notice went home on Friday regarding lunches.  If your child wants to purchase a lunch on Field Day,you need to send in money or a ticket on MONDAY, JUNE 1st.  If they do not pay by this day, they have to bring their lunch on field day.  The notice should be in their homework folder.

Spirit Week:  The memo went home on Friday in their homework folder.  Please refer to memo for the theme of the day.

Chorus Concert: Please refer to Ms. Fallis's recent email about the upcoming concert Thursday June 4th.  I look forward to seeing everyone!

Sherwood Tour: Sherwood Middle has invited all Coolidge 4th grade students to tour the building Wednesday June 3rd from 4:30 - 5:45.  I recommend that you take advantage of this opportunity with your child.
 
Completion Ceremony:  Tuesday, June 16th at 9:30.  Please join us at celebrate with all the 4th graders and their families.  Children may bring cloths to change into after the ceremony.

Last day of school - Wednesday, June 17th.  Dismissal will be at 12:15.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Field Trip - Thursday, May 28th

LOWELL MILLS FIELD TRIP 

Thursday, May 28^th 

Students must be dropped off at school at 7:45 A.M.

The buses will be leaving 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 clearly printed on it BEFORE arriving at school.  NO GLASS containers please!!  Backpacks are NOT allowed in the museums. Students should only bring what is reasonable for them to carry and eat in a limited time. 

•  We will NOT be stopping at the gift store so there is NO need for money.

•  Cameras are allowed.  Rules of the museum regarding photography will have to be followed.

•  Electronic devices (smartphones, DSI’s, iPods, etc.) are okay to bring.   The following rules

        will be strictly enforced.

         ~  All music MUST be appropriate

         ~  The device may be used ONLY as a camera in the museum. 

         ~  No taking pictures while the tour guide is speaking.

         ~  No texting or phone calling in the museum or on the bus.

         ~  No videotaping

         ~  Students will be responsible for all items brought.  Remember, we are not 

              allowed to have backpacks in the museum.

         ~  If your electronic device does not have a camera, it will be left on the bus – at 

              your own risk!

•  Wear comfortable shoes / sneakers as there will be a lot of walking!!

•  We will return to school in time for usual dismissal.

  

SELCO / PARCC

SELCO - Just a reminder that tomorrow the students will be heading to SELCO during the school day.  We will be there for about 2 hours.  We will leave close to 10:15 and return around 12:30.  If you child is not going to have the snack SELCO provides, please make sure you send them to school with a snack in a disposable container / bag.

PARCC - The final testing dates for PARCC are Monday, May 18th and Tuesday the 19th.  The focus of the tests these days will be math.  Please make sure the students have a good night's rest on Sunday, a healthy breakfast on Monday morning and that they come to school on time with a water bottle.

Thanks for your support!!

Kelly Finneran

PARCC reminder

PARCC REMINDER

Tuesday May 12th, our fourth grade students will be taking the ELA portion of the PARCC performance based assessments.  The students are well prepared and have certainly progressed in their reading and writing skills 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.  PARCC  testing is scheduled to begin shortly after 9:15 on each of the days.  It is important that we have time to talk with the students prior to beginning the day’s assessment, so arriving on time is essential.

2.  Get a good night’s sleep!

3.  Eat a healthy breakfast.

4.  Bring a WATER BOTTLE to school!

5.  Wear comfortable, appropriate layered clothing.

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

Next scheduled PARCC –  MATH

~  Monday, May 18^th and Tuesday, May 19^th

End of the Year Updates

 Now that April vacation is over ~ we are in the home stretch!  I hope your family enjoyed this past April vacation!   (Warmer weather would have been nice!?!?!)    I look forward to seeing the students and hearing about their break when we return to school on Monday. 

This time of year becomes very hectic for us all.  Please keep an eye on deadlines and important dates.    With upcoming field trips, field day, Relay for Life, completion ceremony…. It will be important to keep your calendars up to date.  Please refer back to the blog or email me if you have any questions regarding any of the upcoming events.

~  RELAY for LIFE slips and SELCO permission slips are due on Friday, May 1^st.  These will be coming home with your child on Monday.

~ Tuesday, May 5  -  Early-Release Day.

       Dismissal for students will begin at 12:15pm.  Breakfast or lunch will NOT be served. 

~  Tuesday, May 12  - end of year English Language Arts PARCC exam.

~  Friday, May 15^th  - 2 hour field trip to SELCO.  (Permission slips are going home on Monday)

~   Monday, May 18  / Tuesday, May 19  - end of year Math PARCC exams.

~ Thursday, May 28^th – Field Trip to Lowell.  Students need to arrive to school early!

~  Saturday, May 30^th – 11:30 – 1:00    RELAY for LIFE!  Join us as Coolidge and Company 

   walks at Oak Middle School.  Fundraising for American Cancer Society.

~  Thursday, June 4th - 4th Grade Concert.  

~  Friday, June 5^th – Field Day

~  Tuesday, June 16^th – Completion Ceremony – more info to come.

Math: Monday we begin Chapter 11, "Squares and Rectangles.”  Students will learn the many properties of squares and rectangles. Students will apply their knowledge of angles and lines from the previous chapters.  Their Chapter 10 test is coming home on Monday to be signed.

Science – We have begun investigating Magnets.  The Boston Museum of Science presented a fantastic demonstration on Electromagnetism on Friday, April 17^th.     Shortly, we will move on to our experiments building electrical circuits.

Reading – All students are involved in a Literature Circle discussion group reading books by Kate DiCamillo.  The books we are reading are The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Because of Winn Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux.

~ Reading Takes you Places -  This program comes to an end later in May.    As of now, 90% of our class has completed the necessary steps  to receive their medals in June!  Please make sure your child is returning these slips.  The nightly reading I assign count for this program too!

Writing:  Our focus right now is on Opinion Writing.  It is amazing how many opinions 4^th graders have on various topics.  Right now, we are focusing on a group discussion as to whether there should be zoos!    It is tough being moderator on this one!

Social Studies – We are wrapping up the MidWest this week.  Our assessment on this region will be in the near future.  Once we wrap this region us, we are off to  the West! 

Thank your for your continued support!   As always, don’t hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions.

Updates / Save the Date!

Just a few important reminders / updates:

1.  Tuesday - April 7th is a 1/2 day of school. Dismissal is at 12:15.

2.  The students WILL have gym!  We usually miss gym on half days, yet Ms. Pacheco has worked it out for us to have our class at 9:15 in the AM.  Please make sure they are wearing their sneakers as they will take part in the PACER.  Also... a healthy breakfast may help!

3.  Field trip slips and money ($9.00) are due by Friday, April 10th.  I am in need of chaperones.  As of today, I only have 1 parent volunteer for this trip on May 28th to Lowell!

4.  SAVE THE DATE!  I know several parents have asked - The Fourth Grade Completion Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 16th in the morning.  More information to come after April vacation. 

5.  Please sign and return all report card envelopes at your earliest convenience.

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

PARCC / Class Update

It is that time of year when the clocks change and warmer weather approaches!  It also means in fourth grade, there is a lot going on in the classroom and school that you should be aware of:

First round of PARCC testing:
PARCC testing – ELA dates:

Wednesday, March 25

Thursday, March 26

Friday, March 27.

Math testing are:

Wednesday, April 1

Thursday, April 2

We participated in a times MATH PARCC Mock test on Wednesday March 11^th and will have a MOCK ELA PARCC with the students on Wednesday, March 18^th.  Please see the letter send home with more information about PARCC.

Science: We are wrapping up our simple machine unit.  Students will take their test on Friday, March 20^th.  Please see their study guide and refer to sites on the class blog to help review study. 

Social Studies:   I was thrilled with the states and capitals test on the MidWest.  The students will soon be moving to various classrooms to explore the physical features, climate, natural resources and the economy of the Midwest.  Each region we move to the students expand their knowledge of each of these categories and compare what they have learned with what they are learning about the region.  Take some time to view the EDUPLACE interactive map site with your child and discuss what they are learning about.!

Math: We are midway through unit 8, Adding and Subtracting Decimals.  We move on to the final lesson of the week where the students need to apply their knowledge of decimals to solve real-world problems. It is our hope to wrap up this unit next Tuesday, March 24^th. 

Reading / Writing: The students recently completed their Trimester 2 writing pieces where they had to write an informational piece about a topic of choices.  I was so proud of their effort and stamina working for 1 ½ to 2 hours!  These will be coming home soon.  Please check them over with your child and return them.  Must of the focus has been on connecting the writing to reading via practice PARCC samples.  The children have worked to learn the format of the test, yet have realized that all we have been working on this year has helped prepare them for this assessment.

Spring Fling – Thanks to those who have sent in either their $5.00 or camping items!  All items or money are due by March 23^rd.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Thank you for your continued support!

Valentines.... Food Drive.... Tissues! Oh My!

                               

                VALENTINE’S DAY

We will be enjoying our Valentine’s celebration on Friday, February 13th.   If your child chooses to do so, they may bring in Valentines for the entire homeroom.   We do ask that no one is excluded from the list.   Please do not send in any Valentines with candy.   The students may also bring in an extra “special snack” that they can enjoy while we pass out our Valentines.

They may address each Valentine if they choose, yet, the may also just sign each one and distribute without personalizing.    The letter that came home had the names of all the students in the class.  Please refer to this if your child would like to address the Valentines personally.

 CANNED BOXED FOOD DRIVE

Thanks to those families whom have already contributed to our annual food drive for the Worcester County Food Bank.  We are close to our first classroom goal of reaching our goal of 100 food items.  In order to reach our school record of over 1 TON of food donated, we realize we will need to bring in more than 100 items.  Let's see how we do!  So far, we've held some great discussion regarding sales, shopping and estimating.  Thanks in advance for your contributions!   The food drive ends on Thursday, February 11th!                  
                                           TISSUES

My last call for tissues was minimally successful.  We received about 5 boxes and we have already used 3 of those boxes (colds....bloody noses!)  If you are able to send in a box in the near future, we would greatly appreciate it!

As always, thank you for your continued support!

1/2 Day Tomorrow & Tissues!

Just a reminder that tomorrow - Tuesday, January 13th is a 1/2 day.  Dismissal will begin at 12:15.  Lunches will not be served, yet students should bring their snack. 

Don't forget that tomorrow is our health test!

 

TISSUES NEEDED!

Lastly, many of you asked for me to let you know when we needed more tissues as you held off sending them in at the beginning of the year.  The time is now!  At this point, we have only two boxes left to get us through this cold / flu season.  If you are able to send any tissues in with your child during the next few weeks to help up with our deplete supply, we would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks for your continued support!

Miss Finneran