Tuesday, December 1, 2015

School Supplies Needed

I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family! 
Our class has run out of the following school supplies:
Lysol Wipes
Dry Erase Markers
Glue Sticks
If you are able to donate any of these items it would be greatly appreciated!

Please welcome a new student to our class.  Jeymar joins us from Florida.  She has never seen snow so we are excited to experience this first with her.

Here are some upcoming events:
December 4th - Book Orders are due
December 18th - Holiday Party
December 21st - Jan. 3rd - No School

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Homework and Conferences

     Next week the children will NOT be bringing home their green math homework book.  Rather I am sending home a subtraction sheet that I would like them to do and return to school by Friday.  I am seeing that the students are needing a lot more practice with subtraction so we are going to focus on that next week. 
Conferences will begin in our class on Thursday, Oct. 22nd.  Right now I have about half of you signed up to meet with me. Please take a minute to go to the Truman website to sign up for a time. This is a midterm conference so we will be discussing your child's progress towards the report card expectations and behavior. Your child will also be sharing their accomplishments with you.
In reading we are working on reading to remember and summarizing.  Kids are working to master the UNRAAVEL strategy with text.  Our fluency goal is 116 correct words per minute.  As of today only half of the class has met that goal. Please have your child practice their Comprehension Tidbits several times until they have reached that 116 CWPM goal.
In math we are working on multiplication facts and learning how to multiply.  Kids are working through their "karate" belts in hopes of getting their black belt.
In science we are continuing on with the Life Systems unit.  Our butterfly larvae should arrive this week and we will watch as these change into butterflies.  We then move onto the human body living system.
If your child is absent from school please contact me for work that they missed so I can get it ready and sent home. 

Upcoming Events:
Conferences - 10/22 and 10/27
America Reads - 10/23
Fall Party - 10/30 (we do not need any parent helpers for this event)

If you would like to donate sugar free gum to the class we would appreciate it!  The kids earn gum for a variety of rewards.

Friday, October 2, 2015

Tiger Trot Update


Current Tiger Trot  total as of 10/2/2015: $6,172

 

Only $828 left to meet our fundraising goal!

 

If each student brought in $3.00 we would reach our goal of $7,000.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Class Reward

Our class has earned 2000 Tiger Tickets for being respectful, responsible, and ready.  The class has voted to have "electronic time" TOMORROW from 3:15 - 3:40.  Your child may bring in an electronic device to play with during this time.  I will keep them locked up in my closet during the day.  Children that do not bring in an electronic device will be provided a lap top to use.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Tiger Trot

Tomorrow is the Tiger Trot.  Since this activity is outside I have told the kids to be sure to wear to their tennis shoes.  They may also bring sunglasses and wear hats tomorrow.  It would also be a good idea to have the kids put sun screen on before coming to school.
Please be sure to send in a water bottle since they will be working up quite a thirst!
Thanks,
Mrs. Thompson

Monday, September 14, 2015

Worms, Worms, and more Worms!

Last week we began our Living Systems science unit.  The first investigation involves learning what a system and sub system are.  Children then went a step further and learned about the ecosystem and the food chain.  We then broke into groups and began to create an ecosystem with recycled newspaper, leaves, twigs, coffee grinds, soil, and tea bags.  Each group then put in 15 red worms and we covered them in a black bag.  The students will check on their worms weekly and record what changes are happening in the worms ecosystem.  The objective is that the students make and analyze a worm habitat as a decomposition.

In reading we focused on character traits.  The children learned some new adjectives and we talked in depth about what some of the more common adjectives really mean, such a jealously and compassion. On Friday they were given an assessment to see if they had mastered the objective.  Scores will be shared in October at our conferences. This week our focus is on figuring out what the theme of a story is.

In math we have worked very hard on 3 - 4 digit addition and subtraction. We have studying place value and rounding. We will assess the children on these skills on Thursday.

This week we will take the district language arts assessment.  This can be a long assessment but I am confidant that the students will do a great job.

I am very happy with how our class has meshed as a "school family'.  Everyday I see more acts of kindness and caring from the kids.  They are wonderful kids and they make coming to work a joy!

Please remember that cough drops are not allowed at school .  I have noticed that some of the kiddos are getting the "yuck" already.  We make sure that we wash hands and Lysol daily to help prevent illness.
Please remember to turn in your Walk-a-Thon money. Thank you for collecting it and supporting our school. We hope to buy more Surface Pros for the students to use.

Upcoming events:
Wednesday, September 16:  1:30 Early Dismissal
Thursday, September 24:  Walk-a-thon
Friday, October 2:  Pride Day
Friday, October 9:  Fall Pictures

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Week Two

     The kids have all done a great job adjusting to school!  They seem to really like 4th grade and are getting used to the schedule.  In 4th grade we move very quickly through the curriculum and our day.  Some days I feel like we have run a marathon! 
Homework has started this week and your child should be able to tell you what is due and when.  If not there is a homework schedule on back of their red folder.  My expectation is that homework is completed weekly.
This year we are NOT having spelling tests.  We will work on words by using the program Words Their Way but will not be testing on them. 
Our schedule is coming together and is complicated.  Here is our routine...
8:45 - 9:00 - Morning Work
9:00 - 9:40 - Every other Monday is guidance with Mrs. Hall
                     Every day 3 is LMC check out and/or lesson/lab
                     Any day that is open is Science/SS
9:40 - 10:20 - Specials
                       Day 1 - Pe    Day 2 - Music   Day 3 - Art
10:20 - 11:30 - Snack and math
11:30 - 12:00 - Intervention
12:00 - 12:15 - Tiger Test
12:15 - 1:10 - Lunch and recess
1:15 - 3:15 - Read aloud and reading
3:15 - 3:35 - Writing
3:35 - 3:45 - Clean up and dismissal

I do know that kids get sick!  However, if you know that your child is sick or that you will be gone please contact me so I can send the work home with them .  I will only send the "must do" home but it will ease anxiety on your child to have it done before they return to school.

Here are some upcoming events:

Friday and Monday Sept. 4th and 7th - No school
Friday, Sept. 11th - Book orders are due and it is a Pride Day
Wednesday, Sept. 16th - early dismissal
Thursday, Sept. 17th - PTO meeting
Thursday, Sept. 24th - Walk -a- Thon

Please feel free to email me with questions and concerns. 
Thanks
Carrie Thompson

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Welcome to the 2015 - 2016 School Year!

This is the blog that I will be using to keep you updated on the happenings in the classroom.  Later in the year I will switch to the district Canvas program.  Please make sure that you register with Canvas while you are at open house tonight.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. My email is cthompson@cr.k12.ia.us .
Thanks!
Mrs. Thompson

Monday, May 11, 2015

Week of May 11th

The children are going to be taking the district English Language Arts and the Iowa Common Core math assessment this week. Due to the intensity of the testing schedule I have told the class that there will NOT be ANY homework this week.
Their "homework" is to get plenty of rest and fresh air.  It is really important for them to have breakfast and be at school on time as well.

Please remember that book orders are due on Thursday, May 14th.

Friday, May 8, 2015

Thank You!

Thank you for all of the wonderful flowers that were brought on for Teacher Appreciation Week!.  As I type this I am enjoying them and their great smell!

Just a few reminders for next week:
Book orders are due on May 14th.
The Common Core Math test is next week as is the ELA reading test. 

Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, May 12:  Kernel's Night at the Ball Park
Wednesday, May 20:  1:30 Early Dismissal
Friday, May 22:  Family Life presentation (an information sheet was sent home on Thursday), last day to check out books.
Monday, May 25:  No School
Wednesday, May 27:  Library Books Due
Friday, May 29:  Awards Assembly 2:00 (Emails were sent to those receiving an award.)

Friday, May 1, 2015

May Happenings

It is hard to believe that we are closing in on the end of the year!  This is the time of the year that things get crazy!
Below are the activities that I know of. Please write these on your calendar and check it often.  There are many activities that the kids will need specific things for.

May 4th - NO SPELLING this week due to testing and fishing. We will be doing the state FAST testing. Please make sure your child is at school on time.

May 6th - Fishing in the afternoon.  NO sandals allowed.  Children will need a sack lunch.  Kids must wear jeans on this trip. Rain date will be May 13th.

May 8th - No School

May 10 - Planet X fundraiser

Week of May 11th - Math testing and ELA testing. Please make sure that your child is at school on time.
Dental Sealants are this week.

May 12th - Kernels Reading Program assembly and Truman Night at the ball park.

May 13th - Taft band coming to perform

May 20th - Early dismissal

May 21st - PTO meeting

May 25th - No school

May 29th - Award Assembly

June 5 - last day of school

Please check back regularly to keep updated on the events.  We will be having a park day the last week of school.

Monday, March 2, 2015

Iowa Assessments, Hawaiian Day, and Conferences

Iowa Assessments will take place Monday, March 9 through Friday, March 13. Please do not plan any doctor appointments for the morning if at all possible. Also, please make sure that your child gets plenty of sleep the night before and eats a good breakfast each morning. Thank you for your assistance!
The children have earned a school wide reward. We will be having Hawaiian Day on Thursday, March 5th. Please have your child wear something Hawaiian themed that is school appropriate.
  The weather just is not looking great for conferences tomorrow again.  If there is a weather related issue with conferences I will be holding conferences on Wednesday, March 4th from 4:00 - 6:00. Simply come whenever you can during that time and I will make sure to fit you in. 
THIS IS ONLY IF THERE IS A WEATHER RELATED CANCELLATION!
Upcoming Events:
Tuesday, March 3: Conferences
Wednesday, March 4:  Conferences
Thursday, March 5:  School (snow make-up day)
Friday, March 6:  No School
March 9-13:  Iowa Assessments
Wednesday, March 11:  Spring Pictures
Thursday, March 12:  Title 1 Night 5:00-7:00
Friday, March 13:  Celebration Day, Pride Day
March 23-27: Spring Break
Wednesday, April 1:  Hoover Museum 10:00-2:00
Friday, April 3:  1:30 Early Dismissal

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Conference Times and Rescheduled Conferences

Thank you for your patience with the winter weather.  Below you will find the NEW conference schedule.


Monday, March 2nd at 8:30 - Lexa
Monday, March 2nd at 3:45 - Colby

Tuesday, March 3rd
3:45 - Gabe
4:00 - Spencer
4:10 - Abby
4:40 - Kaleb
5:00 - Amanie
5:20 - Kelsey
5:30 - Max
6:00 - Kate
6:20 - Lauren
6:40 - Oliva
7:00 - Annie


Those of you that are on Tuesday  may come earlier than what is listed since you only meet with me a total of ten minutes. These conferences are student led so you will be with your child for the majority of the conference.


Wednesday, March 4th at 4:00 - Ian


If I have not rescheduled your conference please come at your convenience on Tuesday, March 3rd between 4:00 and 6:00.


Thanks,
Carrie Thompson

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Awards Assembly

On Friday, Feb. 27th there will be an awards assembly for grades 3-5 at 2:00.  These kids will be receiving an award.
Kaleb
Kelsey
Kate
Savannah
Lexa
Lauren
Bryanna
Ryleigh
Jalen
Darren
Ian
Abby
Max
Gabe


Please remember that conferences begin tomorrow afternoon. A reminder note of your conference time was sent home with your child.  These are student led conferences so your child should come with you.
I look forward to sharing all the great growth the kids have made!

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Conferences

There is a link on the Truman website for you to use to sign up for a conference time.  This conference will be student led.  I am excited to facilitate the celebration between you and your child!


Friday we will be having our monthly celebration. The kids will be having some treats and looking at their Valentines.


Book orders were sent home on Monday.  These orders will be due on Feb. 20th please. There are a few really great books that are only $1.  They would make a great addition to any Easter basket.


I am still collecting milk caps for a reading center. Please send in any milk caps that you have. 


Below is the class list. I am asking that your child either send in Valentine cards for all the kids or not bring them at all. I don't want any hurt feelings.


Kaleb
Kelsey
Amanie
Sean
Kate
savannah
Lexa
Spencer
Mason
Annie
Lauren
Bryanna
Alyshia
Jenna
Jadyn
Jalen
Darren
Colby
Ian
Abby
Olivia
Max
Ryleigh
Dylan
Kiera
Gabe

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Celebrations!

I am happy to announce that we have finished ALL of our testing that was required!  The kiddos were real troopers during the testing and I am thrilled to tell you that the results that I am seeing are AMAZING!
On the FAST reading test each and every 4th grader passed the test !  What this means is that there were not any 4th graders that didn't pass the comprehension and the fluency piece.  The result of that is that we don't have any kiddos on a "FAST" plan. 
All the kids made great growth in their reading fluency! There were kids that made great growth however did not meet the 141 words per minute benchmark.  These are the kiddos that I will still work with on fluency.  I don't want them to be discouraged though.  The growth from Fall to now is newsworthy!
Your child will be sharing their FAST score with you at conferences.


PLEASE continue to work on reading fluently at home. Our next goal is 157 words per minute and that is a tough one!


The kids have reached another ticket goal.  Tomorrow we will celebrate with "Toy Day."  They may bring in ONE toy to play with that will fit in their locker. I plan to bring in ice cream treats for the kids as a thank you for their flexibility during my absences.  We will have "toy time" from 3:00 until the end of the day.


I am looking for donations of clean milk carton caps for a reading center that I want to make. Please send those in to me!


Conference sign up will be going "live" soon! Please watch your email for it.


We have started to learn division in math.  The kids are working hard to remember the steps and the process.


Next week we will start a three week unit on Greek Mythology in reading. The kids will end the unit by sharing trading cards that they will be making in class on Greek Gods and Goddess'.  This will be a graded presentation.


We will be having a Valentine's celebration at school.  This will simply consist of snacks and the kids reading their Valentines. There will not be any formal party.
If your child didn't bring home the class list for the cards you can find it on the previous blog page.
If your child brings in cards please make sure that they bring them for everyone.



Thursday, January 22, 2015

Testing and Valentine's Day

We are on the last leg of our month long testing. The children have been troopers I am THIRLLED with the test results that I am seeing and cannot wait to share them with you at conferences!


Conference sign up will again be online.  This will be a student led conference. This means that your student will do the majority of the reporting to you.  You will only meet with me for ten minutes to summarize.


A January book order was sent home today. Please notice that the due date is Jan. 30th.


Rather than have the Truman celebration the first Friday in February we have decided to have it on Feb. 13th so that we can celebrate Valentine's Day.  Your child may bring in Valentine's for the class. HOWEVER, they must bring for all the kids or none at all.!


I have included a list of kids below for your child to use for their Valentine's Day cards.


Mrs. Thompson
Mrs. S
Mrs. Woods
Kaleb
Kelsey
Amanie
Sean
Ryleigh
Kate
Savannah
Lexa
Spencer
mason
Annie
Lauren
Bryanna
Alyshia
Jenna
Jadyn
Jalen
Darren
Colby
Ian
Abby
Olivia
max
Gabe
Drew
Keyara

Friday, January 16, 2015

Spelling For the Week of Jan. 19th

     Spelling for the week of Jan. 19th will be a review.  I will send home the spelling list with the children on Tuesday.  Children should be able to get 100% on this review test.
We are still testing away.  Please make sure that your child is at school if at all possible so they don't get behind on the district tests.  We have completed the math testing.  We have also completed the State Fast reading test. I will have test scores for you at conference time.


We will be having our monthly school celebration on Feb. 13th for Valentine's Day.  More information will be sent out at a later date.

Monday, January 12, 2015

A note from the PTO President

Dear 2nd and 4th grade Parents,

Your child's classes have been asked to help at the upcoming PTO dance in February. The dance will be on Friday, February 6th from 6-8pm. Many of you have already offered to help with this event and you will be hearing from the PTO soon. If you are able to attend this weeks PTO meeting on January 15th at 6pm to help plan this event, it would be much appreciated. If you have any questions please let me know.

Thanks,
Alice Murray
PTO president
alice_murray@msn.com