SNOWFLAKE FESTIVAL / PAJAMA DAY / PE

Families of Room 31 ~

Just a reminder that tomorrow we are having a our Snowflake Festival and a WHOLE SCHOOL PAJAMA DAY .  The school has earned PAJAMA DAY by earning over 100 Big Three Victory Slips!   Way to go Coolidge!! 

Tomorrow is also - PE so they need to wear / bring their sneakers.

Looking forward to a fun filled day!

SNOWFLAKE FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Families of Room 31 ~

We will be holding our Snowflake Festival on Friday December 20th from 9:30 - 11:15 a.m.  The fourth grade classes work to create giant window paper snowman that we hang in our windows during the winter months.  We would love to invite  between 5 - 6 adults to assist the groups with the planning, cutting, gluing as the students work collaboratively designing their creations.

As of today, we have two adults whom have volunteered.  If you would like to volunteer for this event, please email Miss Finneran and Mrs. Mount.  It should be a great event to kick us off into our winter break!

Looking forward to a fun time!

Miss Finneran and Mrs. Mount

Nov. Update

Families of Room 31 ~.

It is hard to believe that November is here.  Our parent / student conferences start this week with the majority of them taking place on Tuesday Nov. 12^th.  Attached to this email you will find a Pre-conference form that we would appreciate you completing prior to the conference.  (It is also being sent home with your child on Monday).  You may choose to complete it electronically and email it back or send it back handwritten with your child.

Be on the lookout this week for:

1.     MATH GOALS – great growth is noted by all!!!  We have 12/ 17 students that have reached mastery (completion of facts if 5 minutes) in ALL operation!  We know with continued support and practice all 17 students will get there by June!

2.     THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE – our class has been asked to bring in canned vegetables and $1.00 for the annual food drive.  As notice will be going him in their mail tomorrow.

3.    NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER  – The November Newsletter is going home on Monday as well.  I’m also attaching a copy to this email.

4.    NO SCHOOL – Nov. 11^th and 12^th  – reminder that there is NO SCHOOL on Monday, Nov. 11^th as we celebrate Veteran’s Day.  There is also NO SCHOOL on Tuesday Nov. 12^th as this is parent conference day.  We will be seeing many of you and your child for our parent / student conference.

Please reach out if you have any questions / concerns.  We thank you for your continued support.

Curriculum Night

We are looking forward to seeing everyone tonight at the 4th Grade Curriculum Night.  It begins at 6:30 in our classroom - Room 31 -  on the third floor.  We will be giving an overview of the curriculum and routines in our room.  Please remember to sign up for a parent / student conference tonight.  Conference day is Tuesday, November 12th. 

**  This evening is for parents only.

Looking forward to seeing everyone tonight.

Weekend / Week of Sept. 2nd Update

Families of Room 31 ~
 
Just reminder about some work to be completed for both the parents / guardians and students:
 
1.  All About Me Bag  - Due on Tuesday Sept. 3^rd  if not brought in 

2.  Writer’s Notebook – Due back to school decorated (FRONT COVER  ONLY!) by Thursday Sept. 5^th
 
3.  FOR PARENTS – please make sure you have signed up /   into:  (See yellow packet sent home last week)

• XTRA MATH
• SCHOOLOGY
• SEESAW

A big thank you to those families that have sent in the table wipes and tissues.  It’s amazing but allergy season seems to be in full force in the classroom and we are putting these supplies to GREAT use already!!
 
Looking forward to a great second week!
 
Miss Finneran and Mrs. Mount

Homework Update

Families of Room 31 –
Today (Wednesday Aug. 28^th) the students took home a few important items, two of which are due next week.

1.  WRITER’S NOTEBOOK - Due back in school by THURSDAY Sept. 5^th but may returned as soon as they are finished.  The students are to decorate the front cover only with pictures or drawings about their hobbies, family, pets, interests.  Their decorations will serve as launching points for future writing pieces.    Please see the paper sent home today for more information.  The back has a photo copy / sample of my writer’s notebooks for ideas. 
2. ALL ABOUT ME BAG – Due back in school by Tuesday Sept. 3^rd or sooner.  There is a yellow half sheet that explains what the students are to bring in.  Information about this was also sent home in our summer letter.  We will use these bags / items as a way for students o share more about themselves.
3. COMMUNICATION SIGN UPS – This packet (yellow cover letter), includes THREE different items we need the adults to take care of for future communication / math work.  Please take the time over this long weekend to sign up into these accounts for your child.  I will be sharing more about these during our curriculum night on Thursday, September 12^th.  If you have any difficulty with any of these, please let me know.   I’d like to start using these with the students next week.

Reminder – Friday, August 30^th (Professional Development Day for teachers) and Monday September 2^nd (Labor Day), there is no school.
 
Regards –
Miss Finneran and Mrs. Mount

Great First Day!

Families of Room 31!!

What a wonderful first day we all experienced!!!   We were so excited to have our room filled with eager and excited students!  

We spent some time unpacking and labeling our supplies.   Some supplies  -  the extras we did not ask for, were sent home (or to be kept in their backpacks) as we don’t have room to store them in our small buckets. 

Today the children will come home with their planners and Monday communication folders (blue folders) .   The homework folder and planner (and starting tomorrow a purple homework folders)  are to travel between home and school on a daily basis.    The blue Monday communication folder is to be cleaned out of notices / corrected homework and returned empty the next day.

Tonight, students and parents are to read / review the opening day letter that was sent home in the communication folder.  Please make sure your child brings back their planner and an empty communication folder tomorrow. 

Please review these forms tonight and send them back with your child in the morning.    We also ask that you:

            •  send your child to school each day with a WATERBOTTLE and SNACK. 

            •  sign  / initial your child’s planner EVERY NIGHT this school year.

 Just a reminder - Friday is a day off for students as teachers attend a professional development training.  Monday is Labor day so there is no school. 

We are looking forward to a GREAT YEAR!   Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

Miss Finneran & Mrs. Mount

Week on June 10th

Families of Room 31 ~

It is hard to believe that this is our last week of school.  The year has certainly flown by quickly.  There are a few updates I promised the students that I'd share:

Wednesday, June 12th - Completion Ceremony 9:30 - 11:00 All parents are welcome.  Students will be receiving their completion certificate, reading / math medal and will be performing.  Please see attached flyer for more details.  ***  Please have the students come to school on time dressed for the ceremony.  They may bring a change of clothes and change after the ceremony is over.  Grade 4 Celebration Invitiation.pdf

Thursday, June 13th  - Ice Cream Social (In school - students only) - Students will be receiving their yearbooks and enjoying an afternoon of ice cream while socializing  with their fourth grade peers.  THANK YOU PTO!

Friday, June 14th - 4th Grade T-Shirt Day - Students will receive their 4th grade signature T-shirt on Thursday and we are asking that they wear them on Friday.  They will have a T-shirt parade at some point in the morning with the rest of the building for everyone to cheer them on!  This day is a 1/2 day of school.  Dismissal is at the 12:15 time.
I am asking the the students come to school this week with EMPTY backpacks.  Please clean them out DAILY!  Many items will be sent home each day as we don't want to overload them all on one day.

Please reach out if you have any questions / concerns.

Kelly Finneran

Lowell Mills Field Trip - May 30th

LOWELL NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

FIELD TRIP 

THURSDAY, MAY 30th

Students must be dropped off at school at 7:45 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 if open.  The buses will be leaving at 8:00 AM sharp! 

•  Pack a bag lunch / drink that can be completely thrown away when finished.  Lunches need to be in a plastic bag with student’s 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.

•  Camera’s and electronic devices (phones / iPads / iPods / video games…) are NOT allowed.  Students may bring a book to read on the bus if they choose.

•  Wear comfortable shoes / sneakers / appropriate clothing  as there will be a lot of walking inside and outside!!

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

**  CHAPERONES – you may NOT dismiss your child after the field trip.  If your child is going to be parent pick up, please go into the parent pick up line as  usual.

May 20th

Families of Room 31 ~

First – I want to congratulate the children for their hard work and outstanding efforts they put forth while taking the MCAS exams this year.  I could not be any prouder of each and every student!

This time of year, our schedules tend to run amuck.  I recommend you mark your calendars regarding some of these upcoming events.

Monday - May 27^th – NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day

Thursday  - May 30^th – FIELD TRIP to Lowell.  Students must be dropped off

         to school at 7:45. Bus leaves promptly at 8:00.  We will return for dismissal

         time. More information to come.

Friday – June 7^th – Field Day / Tracks for Technology

Monday – June 10^th – RAIN DATE - Field Day / Tracks for Technology

Wednesday – June 12^th – Completion Ceremony 9:15

Friday  - June 14^th – LAST DAY OF SCHOOL – 12:15 dismissal

BLUE COMMUNICATION FOLDERS - Please clean out your child’s Blue Communication folder when it comes home.  Recently, I have noted that several students still have forms / papers in their folder when I am placing new mail into their folder.

PHOTOGRAPHS NEEDED – a notice is going home on Monday with your child requesting students bring in photos of themselves.  We will use these to create a photo collage of your child for the Completion Ceremony.

TISSUES / CLEANING WIPES – Although I thought we were going to make to the end of the year, these past two weeks (allergies and colds) have depleted our supply of tissues and cleaning wipes for the tables.   If you have a spare box or container of wipes you could donate, we would appreciate it!

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

Kelly Finneran

MCAS / COMMUNICATION FOLDER

Families of Room 31 ~

Just a reminder that the fourth graders will be taking their ELA MCAS Tuesday, April 23rd and Wednesday, April 24th.  We have sent home a few reminders already, yet wanted to touch base via email too.  I am attaching the memo that was sent and have highlighted a few items below.

1.  Please make sure you child arrived to school on time the next few days.  It would be most helpful if they are parent drop off that they are in the classroom by 8:45 to get settled and use the bathroom.  We want some time for discussion for a whole group "pep talk" starting at 9:00.

2.  SNACKS and WATER BOTTLE(S) - Please make sure your child has TWO snacks.  One will be eater prior to testing (before 9:15) and the other will be during the test as a "refuel"  quick break."

3.  BREAKFAST and SLEEP - its important the the students eat a good healthy breakfast for "energy" and that they do their best to get a good night's sleep.

The rest of the reminder is in the memo 2019 4th Grade MCAS ELA reminder.doc  that was sent home before vacation and today.

I am COMPLETELY confident that each and every student is well prepared for this.  It is my goal to help they "relax" and use their nervous energy as a resources.  Please reach out if you have any questions.

BLUE COMMUNICATION FOLDERS - I noted today when packing communication folders today that several haven't been emptied and are filled with prior notices, corrected papers and other pieces of information.  Please make sure you CLEAN OUT this folder the night you get it and return it EMPTIED the next day! 

April 1st Update

Families of Room 31~

Happy April!  My body and mind is looking forward to the warmth that spring brings.   It is a busy time for us in 4^th grade so it will be important to reach out if you have any questions.

Report Cards:   Trimester 2 report cards are coming home on Monday April, 1^st.  Please sign and return the report card envelope, yet keep the report card at home.  Please reach out of you have any questions / concerns.

Field Trip Slip / Money : The students took home their field trip information last week.  If you have not done so already, please return the blue form and the $12.oo by April 9^th. 

Spring Fling – Our class has been asked to bring in items for a Squishy / slime basked.  If you have not already contributed, you may send in an item or $5.00 contribution by Friday April 5^th.  Thanks to those families whom have already contributed!

Coolidge Spring Fling, Friday, April 26th from 5:30-7:30 at Oak Middle School.  A notice was send home last Monday to purchase tickets for the ice cream!  Hope to see you there.!

Early Release:  Tuesday, April 2^nd is an early release.  Dismissal will be at 12:10. 

Coolidge Book Fair:  The Coolidge Book Fair is happening this week.  Students may bring in money any day for shopping purposes.  Also, the book fair will be open from 3:30 – 6:00 on April 4^th if any families want to shop during this time.

Spring Concert:  The Grade 4 Spring Concert will be held on May 1st from 7:00-8:00 PM for families to enjoy.  More information from Mrs. Falvo will be coming home soon.

4^th Grade MCAS: 

     ELA – April 23^rd and 24^th

     Math  - May 15^th and 16^th

Reading / Math Incentive Program:  The Reading / Math Incentive Program ends on Friday April 26^th.  This will be the final day for any slips to be turned in.  Many students have already reached gold medal status!  I’ll be sending home updates for each child on Tuesday of this week.  Please get those final slips in!

WACKY SHOES Reading / Writing - This week students will NOT have a reading log to complete.  They will be working on a Reading / Writing Prompt similar to those we have worked on in school. The assignment will be spread out over the course of the week.  The final writing sample may either be hand written and turned in OR if you child has access to a computer, they may either type it and print it or type I and send it to me via email.  Please reach out if you have any questions.

MATH:  Students are moving on to our next chapter (Chapter 10) on parallel and perpendicular lines.  It is a SHORT chapter and we will complete it as well as the assessment by April vacation. 

SOCIAL STUDIES:  Our class is wrapping up their study of the Midwest.  They will take their Midwest assessment on the climate, physical features, natural resources and the economy of this region on Thursday April 11^th.  Their study guide and notes should be coming home on Tuesday April 2^nd.  The test will be similar in format to the test they took on the South region. 

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Kelly Finneran

MARCH 4th UPDATE

Week of March 4^th

Well…. We made it to March but it doesn’t look like Spring is around the corner!  As they say… March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb.  Fingers crossed the snow this month does not amount to much and that sun and warm weather arrives by the end.    Below are a few updates for this week.

MORNING ARRIVALS – for those students whom are parent drop off, it is most helpful for your child to arrive in the classroom closer to the 8:45 time.  Many students have been arriving at 9:00 or later.  Although they are not tardy until 9:00, most of their classmates are already in class and unpacked / working or in morning-meeting.   Arriving a little earlier is great practice for next year when your child will have to arrive at Sherwood for an 8:00 start time.

Tuesday March 5^th:  This day is a ½ day for students.  Dismissal will begin at 12:10!

ELA MOCK MCAS - On Friday, a letter went home with your child sharing the fact that the fourth grade will be holding a “MOCK” MCAS.  We will be giving the students one article to read where they will have to answer multiple choice questions as well as plan for and type an open response question using the iPad.  We feel it is important for the students to experience what the ELA Reading MCAS will be like prior to the actual MCAS testing on April 23^rd and 24th, especially given this is their first experience taking MCAS on the iPad.

Please send your child to school with TWO snacks and a water bottle this day for us to “practice” what snack eating will be like during MCAS.

COMPLETION MONEY - The $10.00 and the pink form sent home last week is due by Thursday March 7^th.   Thanks to the many of you whom have already sent your in!  More information about the end of the year celebration will be coming home in the near future.

Scholastic Book Orders:  Book orders are due online or by check by Friday, March 8^th.

MATH – We are completing our lessons this week on Adding and Subtracting Decimals.  This chapter includes some math problem solving using decimals.  Our assessment will be later this week or early next week!

READING / WRITING – We a quite a few different activities happening in these areas.  Some students are working to wrap up their current DRA.   All students have been working on the comprehension skill of Determining Importance by locating FACTS / ASKING QUESTIONS and RESPONDED to the article or story read.  They have learned the importance of merging their thinking while learning new information!  Also, the students have been working on writing point of view responses.  As we wrap that up, we will be moving on to writing responses that continue the story! 

SCIENCE – We are in the middle our “TECH TRIAL” where the students are attempting to use the design process to build prototypes to light lightbulbs and make a motor run.  When we wrap this up we will be moving to our new unit on WAVES.

SOCIAL STUDIES – We have started our study or the Midwest by working on our maps in school.  I will be assigning the map quiz on the states, capital and physical features this week.   Look for the study guide / practice maps to come home.  Know that you can also find them on our Schoology site.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions / concerns.

~ Kelly Finneran

February 10th Update

Week of Feb. 11^th Finneran Class Updates

It’s hard to believe that we have FIVE school days until February vacation!  We’ve passed our 100^th day and are well onto hopefully the beginning of Spring in the near future!    This is a busy week in many ways so here is an update for everyone:

KINDNESS WEEK – We began our Kindness Week celebration on Friday honoring Mrs. Lucchase and Mrs. Zimmermann.    Here is the schedule for this coming week:

Monday -  CAFETERIA STAFF DAY!   Wear:  Red Pink or Coolidge School Spirit Wear
Tuesday  - MR. ANDERSON DAY!  - Wear:  Super Hero Gear!
Wednesday  - PARA- PROFESSIONAL DAY!  Wear: Sports Wear/Favorite Team
Thursday -  BUS DRIVER DAY!   Labels with a phrase provided by office
Friday  - STUDENT APPRECIATION DAY!  Theme: “Wild About Coolidge Kids!”

SOCIAL STUDIES – We have our SOCIAL STUDIES test on the South this Thursday, February 14^th.  By the time the students take the test, they will have had their study notes / materials for two weeks.  The cover letter on the study guide gives you an overview of what the test will be like.  Please have the students continue to study their notes / read the assigned pages.  We will also be reviewing in school this week prior the test.  Previous years, students have needed more than the allotted Social Studies time on Thursday, so if they do not finish the assessment Thursday during Social Studies, they will complete it on Friday.

MATH – We are completing our final lesson on Chapter 7 – Decimals.    The students will wrap up their study guide on Tuesday and take their assessment on Wednesday February 13^th.  After February vacation, we move on to Chapter 8 – Adding and Subtracting Decimals.

SCIENCE – This past Tuesday, students worked with their partners to create a chain reaction machine.  Their designs were so unique.  We are currently working to send you videos of their creating along with the explanation of how energy was both stored and transferred throughout their design.

VALENTINES DAY –   Thursday, February 14^th - Last week, I sent home a class list with the student names.  We will be exchanging Valentine’s Thursday afternoon.  IF you child chooses to exchange, please make sure they have a Valentine for the entire class. (19 students in total)   Also… the Valentines CAN NOT include any candy / food.    Students may bring in an extra snack if they choose. 

BOOK ORDERS – Book orders were due Friday , February 8^th, yet two families asked if I could extend the deadline. I will be placing the order on Tuesday February 12^th so please make sure any orders are submitted online or sent in by Tuesday morning.

YANKEE CANDLE FUNDRAISER -   Yankee Candle packets have been sent home with students.  Please consider participating in this popular fundraiser for the PTO (40% of every sale goes to Coolidge School).  All money and orders must be returned by February 12th.  More information can be found here.

BOXTOPS   - Please send in any BOXTOPS with your child this week by Friday, February 15^th.    As part of the BOXTOP CHALLENGE, we as a class have collected only a few sheets this month.  The classroom with the most submitted BoxTops will win a small prize!  Send them in!!!  This is a great way for the PTO to raise some money.  Thus far, they have collected over $600 this year!

As always, thank you for your continued support.  Please reach out if you have any questions / concerns.

Kelly Finneran

Jan. 19th Update

Families of Room 31 ~

For those whom are Patriot Fans – GO PATS!  I also hope you enjoy the wintery mix mother nature is sending us this long weekend!  Stay warm and safe!

MATH STUDY GUIDE - You child brought home their Chapter 6 MATH STUDY guide Friday, January 18^th.  Please make sure that they review it over the long weekend.  The study guide also needs to be signed by an adult and returned on TUESDAY, January 22^nd.    We will be having our math text on this chapter on Tuesday.  If students need more time than a class period, we will continue it on Wednesday.

Just a reminder that there is NO SCHOOL on Monday, January 21^st as it is Martin Luther King Day.

CHORUS CONCERT – the first 4^th grade Chorus Concert is on January 31^st at 7:00 PM.  Students need to arrive at 6:45.   They will be wearing their red concert T-shirts which they will receive on Friday Jan. 25^th for our school concert (dress rehearsal!). If you have any other questions, please reach out to Mrs. Falvo, they students’ music teacher.

MATH – We will complete our Chapter 6 math test on Tuesday (possibly Wednesday) of this coming week.  We then move on to Chapter 7  - Decimals!

READING – Students have been busy in their guided reading groups focusing on various skills.  During this reading block they also work on individual assignments connected to grammar, vocabulary, and often are assignment independent reading and writing assignments using their Story Works magazines.  It is great to see so many students taking responsibility for their own learning and feverously working to complete these assignments. 

WRITING – We are wrapping up our review of opinion writing with a focus on expanding our details.  We are moving on to a combine reading / writing unit where we will be focusing on three articles connected to segregation and will use our inference skills to come up with a theme of these articles.  Along with a writing assignment will be the review of annotation and recording our inner conversations!  This will be a two week focus for our entire fourth grade.

SOCIAL STUDIES – We continue our study of the South, focusing on the physical features, climate, economy and natural resources.  Their South map assessments will be coming home on Tuesday, January 22^nd to be signed.

SCIENCE – I hope many of you enjoyed your child’s SEESAW photos of our roller coaster experiment.  We are exploring the concepts of kinetic and potential energy as well as the ability to transfer energy.  This unit is very “hands-on” and engages our class in some great scientific discussions as well as leaving us with many unanswered questions to explore!

PARENT DROP OFF – For those families whom regularly drop their child off to school in the morning, I have noticed many are slipping back to arriving closer to the 9:00 time.  Although your child is not tardy, they are arriving in their classroom well after most of their peers.  It would be great if they were in the classroom by the 8:45 time.  When they enter this late, their classmates are already settled in and working or we have even begun our daily routine of morning meeting.  Arriving earlier is also GREAT PRACTICE as the students will been to arrive much earlier for start of middle school next year.  Please reach out if you have any questions. 

HOMEWORK PLANNERS  / READING LOGS – Another reminder – please make sure you are checking to see your child completed their homework and you sign both their planner and reading log every night!  I have had to hand out more than the usual amount of homework slips for missing / incomplete homework or missing signatures.

The education of your child truly “takes a village,” and without your efforts, I could not do my job as effectively.  As always, I truly appreciate your continued support. 

Stay warm!

Week of Jan. 7th Update

Families of Room 31 ~

It is wonderful to be back in the swing of things with the students.  Since our return from break, we have been spending some time reflecting on year and working to set new individual learning goals.    Below is a few curriculum updates and dates to keep in mind.

Monday, January 21^st – NO SCHOOL – Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Thursday, January 31^st – Chorus Concert.  Be on the lookout for more information from Ms. Falvo – our chorus / music teacher

MATH – We are continuing to work on our Chapter 6 – FRACTIONS.  There are a few more lessons to complete prior to our assessment.  Please remember that you can always access the student book through our Schoology account in the Math Resources or find it on the class blog - http://kfinneran31.blogspot.com/

SCIENCE – We have begun our second unit – ENERGY!  The week we will be learning about kinetic and potential energy.  We will be creating “cars” to show how stored energy can be converted into energy of motion.

SOCIAL STUDIES – Our focus is learning about the SOUTH.  Students have completed their maps of the south in class focusing on learning about the land forms and waterways.  They have also been assigned their MAP QUIZ which is Jan. 18^th.  This gives the students a little over two weeks to study and be prepared.    Students will need to know the names / locations of the 14 states, all the landforms (mountains, delta, peninsula) and waterways (rivers / oceans).  Capitals are a bonus.  If you child needs another study map they may find in on our Schoology account in our social studies resources or they may ask me.

WRITING – the focus of our writing over then next few weeks takes us back to OPINION writing.  We are focusing on EXPANDING our writing by elaborating the supporting facts / details. 

READING – along with our guided reading groups, we are also focusing on whole class lessons connecting to the concept of INFERRING.  We have been using an article on the TITANIC for students to practice this skill.

BOOK ORDERS – a new order was sent home today.  If you are interested in placing an order for your child, please do so by Wednesday, January 16^th.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.  As always, thank you for your continued support!

Kelly Finneran