Friday, November 21, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving

There will not be any math or comprehension homework over break!!  Enjoy!

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Thanksgiving Break and Awards Assembly

Thank you for coming to conferences! I know it was cold and time is precious! I enjoyed sharing your child's growth with you and talking about future goals.  We had 100% attendance!


After break we are going to have a busy three weeks until we have another break.  Please make sure that your child is coming to school on time and is here daily, unless they are sick.  Please send in warm winter clothes for the kids. We do go outside to play as weather permits.


There will be an awards assembly on Friday, December 5th from 2:00 - 3:00. The following kids will be getting either a Paws for Applause or a Write Stuff award:
Amanie
Sean
Spencer
Mason
Annie
Lauren
Alyshia
Jenna
Ryleigh
Jadyn
Colby
Ian
Olivia


It would seem that we have someone/something that is "eating" our pencils.  If you have any extra pencils at home our class would love the donation.  I go through an average of 25 pencils a week. I am not sure where they all go to but they seem to disappear!  The pencils need to be plain yellow ones because any other kind "kill" our pencil sharpener.


Upcoming Events:


Nov. 24 - Nov. 30 - No school
Dec. 3rd - Half day
Dec. 5th - Awards Assembly and Truman Celebration
Dec. 17th - Half day
Dec. 22nd - Celebration with our second grade buddies
Dec. 23rd - Holiday activities


If you are willing to send in a holiday treat to feed our class and our second grade buddies on Dec. 22nd please let me know. There are just under 60 kids total. I am ok with a "fun" treat for the day.
I am also looking for someone to send in a drink for the kids.


Do you have a fun holiday craft that you would like to do with the 4th graders?  I am looking for a couple of parents who would like to come in on Tuesday, Dec. 23rd to do an activity with the kids.  If you are interested please let me know.
Wishing your family a blessed and relaxing Thanksgiving break!

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Thankful Celebration and Conferences

I am writing this blog with my kids.  I think that if they are a part of the blog writing then they will be more apt to ask you to check it and/or tell you what is going on at school. :)


Conferences have started.  The evening conferences are on Nov. 13th and 18th.  Some of you have times with me in the morning or right after school.  Your child brought home their report card and on the front was a turkey with your conference time on it. I look forward to meeting with you to share your child's growth!


We have earned our 550 tickets.  The children had voted to have "toy day" but decided to wait until after Christmas so they can bring in their new toys.  So instead we decided to celebrate our ticket totals with a movie, popcorn, and pj day. That will be this Friday (Nov. 14th). I have asked children to bring in some already popped popcorn to share with the class if they can. We haven't decided on a movie yet but it will be a rated "G" movie.


On Friday we will be watching a Brass Ensemble at 1:00 in Music.


On November 20th we will be watching the Disney movie The Newsies as the conclusion of our Progressive Era.  On Nov. 21st we will be having a Thanksgiving celebration with our second grade buddies.


In reading we have been working on fluency, biographies, authors purpose, and inferences.  Children have also been working on character traits.


The kids want me to write that they are angels. :)  They are pretty good kids! :)


A reminder that there is not school the week of November 24th

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Music Program , Conferences, and Pizza Party!

The 4th and 5th grade music program is this Thursday, October 30 at 6:30 at the Truman Gym. Students should wear nice looking clothes and arrive to my classroom by 6:15.


Please take a minute to go to the Truman website to sign up for conferences. If you would rather meet with me at 8:00 am please send me a note indicating that and I will let you know what mornings I have free.


Our class won the Box Tops contest so we will be rewarded with a lunch pizza party on Nov. 7th! Thanks for sending in the Box Tops! Keep saving them for the next big contest.


Book orders are due on Friday, Oct. 31st.


Our next Truman celebration will be on Friday, Nov. 7th. 


Please make sure that your child has warm clothes for recess. I have seen a lot of shivering kiddos!


Upcoming Events:
Thursday, October 30:  4/5 Music Program 6:30
Friday, November 7:  November Celebration Day, Pride Day
Monday, November 10:  Paramount 9:15-11:15
Thursday, November 13:  Conferences
Tuesday, November 18:  Conferences
Monday, November 24-28 No School

Monday, October 20, 2014

No School On Friday

With the last day of the week being Thursday we will be having things due a day earlier than normal.


Comprehension Tidbits will be due on Thursday, Oct. 23rd.
The spelling test will be on Thursday, Oct. 23rd.


Please sign up for fall conferences online by going to the Truman website. Look below the picture of Truman School to find Online Conferencing Scheduling. Conferences will be held Thursday, November 13 and Tuesday, November 18. Your child should attend the conference as part of it will be student led.

Information regarding the 4/5 music program was sent home. It is Thursday, October 30 at 6:30 at the Truman gym. Students should arrive by 6:15 and go to my classroom. They should wear nice looking clothes for this program. Thank you!



Thank you to all of our America Readers for taking time out of their day to share a story with the fourth graders!


A reminder that we will be golfing on Wednesday, Oct. 22nd in the morning. Please make sure that your child has appropriate clothing for this event.  I suggest wearing layers.  Children will be eating lunch at school so you do not need to worry about a lunch.


A new book order will be sent home today with the children . It is due on Nov. 7th.  If you are ordering books for the holidays please just send me a note and I will contact you when they come in.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Picture Day
Friday, October 10 is Picture Day. We are scheduled to have them taken in the morning around 10:30. Information and an envelope were sent home on Friday.

The class has earned their 1000 Tiger Tickets so we will be having our electronics day on Friday, Oct. 10th.  Your child may bring in something to use electronically during our celebration. I will have lap tops for kids who forget. Our next goal is to earn 550 tickets. The children selected "toy day" as their reward.

 Please send in any Box Tops you have collected by Friday, October 17. Thank you!

Your child took the Topic 3 test covering place value today.  Scores will be sent home to you. If you have any questions, please let me know.

 In Science  students did the lightbulb challenge. Given a D-cell and 2 wires they experimented with lighting a lightbulb. Next, they had to figure out how to light one using only one wire

In Social Studies we are learning about the Progressive Era and did a mock example of capitalism and monopolies.  Ask your child about the Bubble Gum Store.

During Oct. we will be having the Linn Area Extension Office come. We have the Master Gardeners.  They will be teaching the kids about plants through a variety of experiments.

In reading we are working on fluency and reading to remember. We have read books about deserts and are now doing a research paper.

Upcoming Events:
Friday, October 10:  Picture Day, Costume Bingo at Taft (Information regarding this event was sent home on Friday. A volunteer sign up sheet was sent home as well.)
Friday, October 17:  America Reads Day, Box Tops due
Wednesday, October 22: Golf 11:10-1:45 at Airport National Golf Course
Friday, October 24:  No School
Thursday, October 30:  4/5 Music Program 6:30

Monday, September 22, 2014

Reading Fluency

Last week I learned that the Department of Education has changed the reading fluency requirement for children in the 4th grade.  Children are not required to read 127 correct words per minute.  By the end of the year they should be able to read 156 correct words per minute.  This is dramatically higher than what we first reported to you.  It is vital that EVERY child practice their Comprehension Tidbits and read aloud so that all kids can meet this fluency goal.  Please have your child practice their Tidbits until they read at least 127 correct words per minute.  If they still haven't met that goal by Friday you should still return their book so that I can see their progress.  Please record every attempt in their book.
This week we will start the district math assessment. This is a long test so we will be doing a page a day.  Please make sure that your child is at school for this test.
This week is also our Wellness Week.  Our activities are as follows:
Monday - Dance Break
Tuesday - 5th grade has the Jon Cushing run and we cheer
Wednesday - Healthy snack donated by Hy-Vee
Thursday - Buddy activity in PE and Art
Friday - Tiger Trot



Monday, September 8, 2014

Parent Information Night and the Truman Tiger Trot

   Please remember that this Thursday, September 11th is our Parent Information Night.  There will be 3 sessions with the same information presented as each session. The sessions are 5:00 - 5:30, 5:30 - 6:00, and 6:00 - 6:30.  These sessions will give you a chance to hear about the 4th grade expectations, grading, and policies.  This is also a great time to ask any questions that you may have.  This is for parents.


We have just finished up the district Reading Performance Assessment. This is where your child has to watch a video clip and read two articles.  While they do this they are taking notes.  Then your child has to pick a side to write about and support. Our topic was if school or home lunches were healthier.
I hope to begin writing a personal  narrative piece this week.  Children will be going through the writing process and typing and illustrating their work.  My goal is that each child have a book of their writing selections for the year to take home with them.


In math we continue to work on multiplication and are now adding in some division. We will be taking the unit one math test early next week.  I have started "Rocket Math" with the kids in class. This is a leveled multiplication test.  We have also begun the "Five Minute Club" which helps the kids with all their basic math facts.  It would really help your child if they were to practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts at home.  There are many great links on the Truman Website for the kids to do that.


We are finishing up the Social Studies unit called "What is History?" and will begin the Progressive Era after that. This is an interesting time to learn about for the children.


In Science they children are making predications about items in a test bag and which ones are magnetic and which ones are not.


If I don't have an email address for you it would be helpful if you could send it in to me. I email test results and will have an update later this week.


PTO will be holding a walk-a-thon, the Tiger Trot, once again as our fundraiser.  It will be held on Friday, September 26th.  Your child will be bringing more information home today.


Book orders are due Friday, Sept. 12th


Friday, Sept. 12th is our first Truman Celebration. We will be spending that time with our second grade buddy class, Mrs. Haring's class.  We will be eating our treats and playing a get to know you game.  As of now we only have the unhealthy treat signed up for and paper products.  If you are able to bring in a healthy snack or water please let me know.


Our class ticket goal is 1000 tickets. The children voted to earn an electronics reward. We currently have earned 588 tickets towards that reward.


After this blog, I will not be printing these updates. We are working very hard at Truman School to "go green." Please become a follower of this blog so you can stay up to date on the events.

Friday, August 29, 2014

The First Week of 4th Grade

     We made it through the first week of school with flying colors!  I am so impressed with the kiddos and how they are showing respectful, responsible, and ready behavior already!
This week we spent a lot of time doing team building activities.  We role played, played a cup game, and laughed and laughed. :)
I did take some time to give each child a fluency screening on Thursday and Friday.  It was nice to hear each child read so I have an idea of what we need to work on. I will share those scores with you next week in a private email.  Students in 4th grade should be reading 90 correct words per minute in the Fall.  Students practiced their Comprehension Tidbits and should be able to teach you how you are to help them with that homework.  The goal for each child is to read 90 correct words per minute and to answer the 4 comprehension questions correctly.  You do need to record each attempt for me along with your initials. These are due each Friday.
Math homework will begin on Tuesday.  Your child will have a math book that they will need to take home  daily and return to school daily.  I do check these.  Your child can choose to do all the assigned weeks problems on one day so they wouldn't have math homework the rest of the week or they can do them nightly. Either way is fine with me.  In math we have begun unit one on multiplication and division.  Most kids have forgotten their basic multiplication facts over the summer so we will be relearning them.
When you send in snacks please do not send in bananas or items with peanuts in them. We do have some food allergies in the room.
Your child will be bringing home a note next week about needing some artifacts for Social Studies. Please look for the note on Thursday or Friday.
Please remember that Parent Night is on Sept. 11th between 5:00 and 6:30.  There will be three sessions for 30 minutes each. You only need to attend one session.
I am looking for a parent who is willing to collate and staple my book orders at home for me.  If you are interested please send me an email and I will call you.
Enjoy the three day weekend!
Mrs. Thompson

Friday, June 6, 2014

Lunch Menu for the last week of school

Here is the lunch menu for next week. Please remember that we will be at the park on Tuesday so your child will need to bring a sack lunch that day.


 

Monday

Chicken patty or chicken tenders on bun

Applesauce

Baked beans

Steamed carrots

Alternate Hamburger on bun

 

Tuesday

Fish on bun

Mandarin oranges

Corn

Green beans

Alternate

Cheese or pepperoni pizza

 

Wednesday

Grilled cheese sandwich

Pineapple

Fresh cauliflower

Celery sticks

Alternate

Yogurt with muffin

 

Thursday

Turkey lunchmeat sandwich

Baby carrots

Strawberry cups or Applesauce  cups

Monday, June 2, 2014

Tuesday, June 3rd Celebration

Tomorrow we will be having our class ticket party. We will be having PJ day. The children can bring a stuffed animal, blanket, and pillow. We will be watching the movie Because of Winn Dixie.
Children MAY bring a "junk" treat with them and a drink.
Please make sure that your child has shoes that they can wear at recess and PE if they decide to wear slippers.

Please let me know by tomorrow if your child will need a school lunch for our park day next Tuesday!
There will NOT be anymore math homework this year. We will be doing it in class.
Reminders:

Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, June 3:  9:30-10:30 5th grade slideshow followed by previewing 5th grade Learning Boards
Thursday, June 5:  9:15-10:15 Rock and Prevention assembly
Monday, June 9: 9:15 Kernel's Reading Program Assembly,  Battle of the Books
Tuesday, June 10: Picnic at Cherry Hill Park
Wednesday, June 11:  Rain date for picnic at Cherry Hill Park
Thursday, June 12:  Last day of school and 1:30 Early Dismissal

Thursday, May 29, 2014

The Final Count Down!

This year has really gone by fast.  As we do the end of the year testing I am impressed with the growth that the kids have made.  They have worked hard and it is paying off!  Each and every child should feel a sense of pride in all that they have accomplished this year.

As we gear up for the last few days our schedule gets a bit more complicated.  I want to give you an updated list of upcoming activities so that you can be prepared at home.

May 30th- Awards Assembly at 1:45
                  LAST SPELLING TEST OF THE YEAR!
June 3rd - 5th grade celebration assembly for the entire school in the morning
June 5th - Rock and Prevention at 9:15
June 6th - Great Depression Celebration - Kit Kitterman  movie with popcorn.
                 PLEASE HAVE YOUR CHILD BRING THEIR OWN DRINK
June 6th - Last Reading Comprehension Tidbits due.
June 9th - Battle of the Books
June 10th - Park Day at "old" Cherry Hill Park. from around 10:30 - 2:00.
                   YOUR CHILD WILL NEED TO HAVE ON SUNSCREEN AND BUG SPRAY. YOUR 
                    CHILD WILL NEED A LUNCH AND A DRINK(s) WE WILL BE WALKING TO
                    THE PARK AND THEY WILL BE CARRYING THEIR OWN LUNCH.
                    YOU ARE WELCOME TO COME AND MEET YOUR CHILD THERE.
June 11th - Rain date for Park day. Desk pack up day
June 12th - Last day of school - half day
I WILL BE AT MY DAUGHTER'S 8TH GRADE GRADUATION UNTIL NOON. MRS. SMITH WILL BE HERE IN MY PLACE.

Thank you for sharing your child with me for the year! It has been a blessing to get to know them and to share in their life. You have wonderful kids with big hearts. I have no doubt that each and every one of them will be successful next year!

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

End of the Year

As we near the end of the year we are getting to the time where the kids begin to "check out" of school.  There are still 17 school days left and many assessments to give.  Please help me by making sure that your child is at school, hsa a good night sleep, and has done their homework.    It is important that we finish the year strong!

The last book order for the year is due on Friday, May 23rd.  Please make sure that your child continues to read over the summer.

Upcoming Events:
Wednesday, May 21:  1:30 Early Dismissal
Monday, May 26:  No School-Memorial Day
Friday, May 30:  Awards Assembly 1:45
Tuesday, June 10:  Picnic at Cherry Hill Park
Wednesday, June 11:  Rain date for picnic at Cherry Hill Park
Thursday, June 12:  Last day of school 1:30 dismissal

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Thank You and Music Program

Thank you for all the wonderful things that were done for "Teacher Appreciation" week.  I appreciate your kind words and gestures. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful group of kids and to be a part of the Truman Community.
Just a reminder that the music program is tonight.  Children are bringing home a note today with the specifics. Please ask to read it.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Experiment on "Screens."


Dear 4th grade families,

Next week in reading we will be discussing and reading about how much time kids spend on “screens.”

As part of this discussion, I would like to ask that you have your child fill out this chart and questions and

and return it to school on Friday, May 2nd.

Students will be learning about some of the effects that screen time can have on them, such as attention

Issues, poor sleep habits, addiction, and the inability to do many things at once but none of them well.

Students will learn that the average time spent on screens per week across the country is 7 hours.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids limit their screen time to no more than 2

hours a day.

Imagine if children were to read or do math for that long every day!!

After we get our weekly results we will be talking about goal setting and trying to have the children

reduce the time spent on their screens and instead find another activity to participate in, such as

family games or playing outside.

Children will then be comparing and contrasting the two weeks in a writing piece. 

Please have your child be honest as they track this time!  Thanks for your help with this project. It will

Be interesting to see if any of the kids learn that they are other things to do besides using screens.

 

Mrs. Thompson

Friday, April 18, 2014

Happy Easter

     Our spring carnival basket is Summertime Fun.  A note was sent home with your child on Thursday to give you ideas of what we will need to collect.  Please send these items in anytime.
Information regarding the Human Growth and Development presentation was sent home. The presentation will take place on Friday, April 25 at 2:15.
Information regarding summer bowling passes were sent home a couple weeks ago. If you would like to purchase one, please return the completed form to school.
Upcoming Events:
Friday, April 25:  Human Growth and Development presentation 2:15
Wednesday, April 30:  1:30 Early Dismissal
Thursday, May 1:  Kernels Night at the Ball Park (Information sheet to purchase tickets was sent home.)
Friday, May 2:  Pride Day, Spring Carnival 6-8
Monday, May 6:  Fishing Trip
Wednesday, May 7:  1:30 Early Dismissal
Thursday, May 8:  Grades 4/5 music program at Truman 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Iowa Assessment and Reward Day

This week the children met their class goal of earning 1,000 tickets.  We will be having our reward day on Friday from 2:45 - 3:30.  This reward is electonics day.  Your child may bring in ONE electronic device to play.  I will lock these in my closet until it is time to use them.  If your child does not have anything to bring in I will have some lap tops available for them to play on.

The school reward celebration will also be tomorrow.  It is a surprise!  It should be "eggtra" special.

Next week we will be starting to take the Iowa Assessments.  Please make sure that your child is ready for these important tests and that they are at school.  There are some notes coming home with your child today to give you some ideas of how you can help them with these tests.

We have decided to cancel spelling for next week so that the kids can get to bed at a decent time nightly and be ready for the tests.  We will test daily from 9:15 to 10:30 ish.

I am still missing some of the parent homework from a few of you.  If I DO NOT have your homework you will recieve another copy of the assignment today.  THESE ARE DUE TOMORROW!

Please note that Wednesday, April 9th is an early dismissal day.

Friday, March 21, 2014

Homework for Parents

After spring break, student will be taking Iowa Assessments.  While  I understand there are many ways to show progress, I also know that the Iowa Assessments are the primary assessment used by our district and state to show students' progress. Therefore, it is important that we reinforce with students the importance of taking these tests seriously and putting forth their best effort.  What is most imporatant  is that each student shows their maximum growth on the assessments. We have been talking about the assessments a lot, and practicing test taking strategies.  My goal is to help students go through this year's testing with confidence, calmness, and to know that we are supporting them.

Homework for parents:

With that, I have a favor to ask of you. Will you please write a note to your child, that they can read each morning of testing?
This note could remind your child about how much you love them, how much you believe in them, and the importance of putting forth their personal best. 
You know your child better than anyone, and I know that your kids look up to you.  I think it would mean a lot to have a note from you to remember how much you care, and give your child an extra boost day of testing.

Please write the note and have your child return it in an envelope by Thursday, April 3rd.

THIS IS A SURPRISE FOR YOUR CHILD!

Do You Have Time?

Truman PTO is looking for some more people to join their board!  Do you have some extra time to join this team?  This is the group that helps brainstorm ideas ways to make Truman an even better place for kids, staff, and parents!  There are so many ways that you can help the PTO! It is a great way to stay involved with your child and their school.  It also gives you a chance to meet some of the pther Truman parents! 
 Please consider joining their board. If you are interested in more information please send me an email.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Friday, March 21st


Lunch on Friday will be:

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Baked beans

Baby carrots

Sliced apples

milk
 
We will be watching the Disney, Rated G movie Hercules.  Your child may bring in unhealthy snacks and a drink.
 
The famous Iowa bottle people look GREAT! If you get the chance to come and look at them they will be displayed in the LMC until after break.

Lunch on Friday


Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Baked beans

Baby carrots

Sliced apples

milk

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Movie on Friday

On Friday, March 21 students will be watching the movie, Hercules which is rated G. The movie goes along with the unit on mythology. Your child may bring an unhealthy snack and a beverage to have during the movie.

There will NOT be any homework over break. The next story Harriet Tubman will be due on April 4th.
Have a wonderful week with your kids! If you are traveling, be safe!

Friday, March 14, 2014

Project Due Thursday!

Please remember that your child's Social Studies famous Iowan bottle person is due on Thursday. The kids will be sharing them with the class. You may begin sending them in at any time.

We have started a Greek Mythology unit in reading to help the kids learn about figurative language. The kids are VERY interested in this unit and are making amazing discoveries.  Next week we will be using the mythology sheet that the kids did as homework this week as a writing project.  I am excited to see all the creativity the kids will use in their writing!

We will be completing our geometry unit next week. After that we will move on to fractions.  The children have slowly but surely learned about rays, lines, and angles.  We continue to practice our basic math facts daily.  If you child has not mastered these by now it is a skill that they should focus on at home as well.

We have taken a break from Social Studies and Science to do some explicit teaching of test taking skills in preparation for the Iowa Assessments.  Please mark your calendars that we will be taking these tests from April 7th through the 13th. It is VERY important that your child be at school this week and that they be well rested. Having a good breakfast will help keep their brain energized.  As you know last year our scores indicated that Truman become a SINA school.  We have worked very hard all year long on our reading comprehension and math skills so that we can "rock" this test.  Mrs. S. and I will be coming up with some incentives for the kids and some motivators.

Please welcome Elijah to our room. Elijah has fit right in and is a welcome addition to our class.


Upcoming dates to remember:
March 19th - Early dismissal
March 21st - Class celebration ( Disney movie "Hercules" along with junk day)
March 22 - 30th - Spring break
March 31 and April 1st - Mrs. Thompson absent
April 7 - 13 - Iowa Assessments
April 4 - Pride Day
April 9th - Early dismissal

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

March Madness!

I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy days to come and visit with me about your child's progress!  I am happy with the academic growth the kids are making. If only Mother Nature would cooperate with us so the kids could run some energy off!

In reading we are finishing up our biographies and are worling on our concluding project.  We will begin a Greek Mythology unit on Thursday. The children are very excited to learn more about mythology. Your child will be having an extra homework assignement next week to go along with Greek Mythology.  They are going to be asked to research a natural phenomenon that they will then use in their mythology writing piece.  These will be coming home on Tuesday, March 12th and will be due on Monday, March 17th.  This will require the use of internet.

In math we have begun our geometry unit. The children are learning to measure angles and will be learning about polygons and quadrangles. Thanks to Mrs. S, we are using a wonderful You Tube sight called Math Antics to help the kids understand this concept. This site is one that I would keep written down at home because it covers a multitude of math concepts in a kid friendly way.

In Social Studies we are learning about Iowa. We are almost done with our famous Iowan brochures and are completing Era 2 which tells the kids about the Indian Removal Act. Just a reminder that bottlographies are coming due quickly! ( March 20th) This is a large part of their grade.

We are going to take a break from social studies and science next week so we can focus on Iowa Assessment preparation.

Next Tuesday will be Title One night at Truman. We hope to see many of you there.

Book orders are due on Monday, March 10th.


Upcoming Events:

Friday, March 7:  No School
Monday, March 10:  Book Fair Preview
Tuesday, March 11:  Title 1 Night
Friday, March 14:  Pride Day
Wednesday, March 19:  1:30 Early Dismissal
Thursday, March 20:  Famous Iowan Bottle due
Monday, March 24-28: No School Spring Break
Monday, April 7-18:  Iowa Assessments (Please avoid having appointments in the morning during these two weeks. Thank you!)


Monday, February 3, 2014

Valentine List

A class list was sent home today if your child is interested in sending cards to school for Valentine's Day. Sending cards is optional, however, if your child wants to give cards, they must do so for each student in class. The party is Friday, February 14 at 3:00-3:30. Cards may be sent on the day of the party.

This week in reading we are reading the Scholastic News Magazine. We are working on comparing and contrasting and points of view.  The children are learning how to compare and contrast the different points of view of people.

In writing we are starting to write a fictional narrative.  This is a story that the authors "makes up." while writing this story the children will be working on how to write dialogue.

In math we are going to be testing Unit 9 on Wednesday which is simple division.  We will then move on to harder division.  The children were taught to do division using this statement....
Think McDonald's Super Cheese Burger.  Ask your child what that means. I will email your child's math test score home next week.

Thank you to everyone who sent in Play Dough! We are able to construct our mound artifacts and will be sharing them with the class next week! The children are really excited for this activity! We will be starting Era 2 next week.

MANY CHILDREN ARE IN NEED OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES!! THEY NEED PENCILS AND NEW CRAYONS.



Upcoming Events:
Wednesday, February 5:  1:30 Early Dismissal
Friday, February 7:  Pride Day, Bingo Night 6-8
Friday, February 14:  Valentine's Party 3:00-3:30
Monday, February 17:  School Make-Up Day, Report Cards sent home
Tuesday, February 18:  Conferences
Thursday, February 20:  Conferences
Wednesday, February 26:  1:30 Early Dismissal, Conferences
Thursday, February 27:  Spring Picture Day

Monday, January 13, 2014

Conference News

It is time for spring conferences. Go to the Truman Website and you can complete the Online Signup.

This week, students will be taking the Reading Performance Assessment. Results will be shared at your child's conference.

Students will be taking the Topic 8 math test covering multiplication.  Topic 9  will cover division.

We started the next science unit on the Human Body. Students will learn about the function of the skeleton.


We started the Iowa unit in Social Studies. Your child will be bringing home an AT HOME project sheet for this unit sometime this week.

We are working on the district writing test this week. The students are to write about a life experience.

Thank you for your patience while I buried my father-in-law.  Just a reminder that I will be gone on Tuesday the 14th for my son's surgery. I have district meetings on the mornings of the 15th and 16th.  Mrs. Lewis will be the sub. on both days.

Book orders are due on Friday, Jam. 24th.


Upcoming Events:
Monday, January 20:  No School (teacher inservice)
Wednesday, January 29:  1:30 Early Dismissal
Wednesday, February 5:  1:30 Early Dismissal
Friday, February 7:  Pride Day, Family Bingo Night 6-8
Friday, February 14:  Valentine's Party 3:00-3:30
Monday, February 17:  School Make-up Day
Tuesday, February 18:  Conferences
Thursday, February 20:  Conferences
Wednesday, February 26:  1:30 Early Dismissal, Conferences

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Updates on the Next Two Weeks

   I wanted to let you all know that I would not be here this week. On Monday my father - in - law died.  Before his illness he had lived with us and his wife still does so I need to be there to support her as we lay grandpa to rest.
 Next week I will be gone on Tuesday. My son has to have surgery.  I have a half day math training on Wednesday, and another half day meeting on Thursday.  On all of these absences Mrs. Lewis will be here with the kids.
Thank you for your patience and thoughts.