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Announcements/This Week:

- Montgomery Field trip on May 4th. Arrive at school at 5:45am
- AR Mystery Trip on Friday, May 11th
-Field Day on Friday, May 18th

Homework:

- AR Read for 30+ minutes

Tests:

Spelling Test Friday: Unit 6 Week 3 on Thursday

What we are learning:

Reading: Reading and comprehending 4th grade material
English: Speaking and listening
Social Studies: Modern economy
Writing: Descriptive Writing

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Announcements/This Week:

- STAR Testing on Tuesday and Wednesday
- Montgomery Field trip on May 4th. Arrive at school at 5:45am
- AR Mystery Trip

Homework:

- AR Read for 30+ minutes

Tests:

Spelling Test Friday: Unit 6 Week 2

What we are learning:

Reading: Reading and comprehending 4th grade material
English: Speaking and listening
Social Studies: Modern economy
Writing: Descriptive Writing

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Announcements/This Week:

- Montgomery field trip forms due NO LATER THAN THIS FRIDAY.
- STAR testing will take place next week

Homework:

- AR Read for 30+ minutes

Tests:

Spelling Test Friday: Unit 6 Week 1 (a new list is coming home on Monday)

What we are learning:

Reading: Reading and comprehending 4th grade material
English: Speaking and listening
Social Studies: Modern economy
Writing: Descriptive Writing

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Announcements/This Week:

- Field trip to Burritt this Wednesday
- Scantron testing will take place this week. Please make sure your child is on time, and please try to keep the checkouts to a minimum. We will be taking the Scantron Reading on Tuesday morning and the Scantron Math on Thursday morning.

Homework:

- No homework this week

Tests:

Spelling Test Friday: Unit 5 Week 5

What we are learning:

Reading:
English: Speaking and listening
Social Studies: Rosenwald Schools
Writing: Descriptive Writing

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HAPPY SPRING BREAK!!

Announcements:

- Field trip forms for Burritt on the Mountain are due on

Homework:

- Book report (students have instruction sheet)

Tests:

Spelling Test Friday: Unit 5 Week 4
Reading Test on story Lost City

What we are learning:

Reading: RL.4.7 Make connections between the text of a story or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the text, identifying where each version reflects specific descriptions and directions in the text.
English:
Social Studies: Rosenwald Schools
Writing: Descriptive Writing

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Announcements:

- Report cards come home on March 12th
- Field Trip Forms for The Huntsville Depot and Glenwood Cemetery are due on Friday.
- I will have a substitute on Friday the 16th, and Monday the 19th.

Homework:

Group Novel Study. You child worked with their group to decide what chapters to read each week. They have their reading plan and reading log in their binder.

Tests:

Spelling Test Friday: Unit 5 Week 2

What we are learning:

Reading: RL.4.7 Make connections between the text of a story or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the text, identifying where each version reflects specific descriptions and directions in the text.
English: L.4.1a Use relative pronouns (who, whose, whom, which, that) and relative adverbs (where, when, why)
Social Studies: Civil Rights
Writing: We will be finishing our classroom book, and begin descriptive writing.

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Announcements:

- Report cards come home on March 12th
- Field Trip Forms for The Huntsville Depot and Glenwood Cemetery came home in Wednesday folders
- Dr. Seuss Week - a bright pink paper came home in Wednesday folders telling what the theme for each day is.
Monday - Silly Sock Day
Tuesday - "Rodeo for Reading" wear your best Western attire
Wednesday - Pajama Day
Thursday - Humorous hat day
Friday - Character Parade: Dress like a Dr. Seuss Character

Homework:

Students will be starting a new novel study. They will be choosing a book with a group/partner to read and study for the next 2-3 weeks. Students will be creating their own pacing guides with their groups! Your child needs to be reading for AT LEAST 30 minutes per night. If their novel study does not take up the entire 30 minutes, then they need to be reading another on-level book as well.

Tests:

Spelling Test Friday: Unit 5 Week 1

What we are learning:

Reading: RL.4.7 Make connections between the text of a story or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the text, identifying where each version reflects specific descriptions and directions in the text.
English: L.4.1a Use relative pronouns (who, whose, whom, which, that) and relative adverbs (where, when, why)
Social Studies: Civil Rights
Writing: We will be finishing our classroom book, and begin descriptive writing.

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Announcements:

Report cards come home on March 12th
AR Reading Deadline is THIS FRIDAY

Homework:

STUDY - Study guide came home last week to study for a 3rd 9 weeks cumulative test

Tests:

Spelling Test - Friday
Cumulative reading Test - Friday
Cumulative English Test - Friday

What we are learning:

REVIEW

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Announcements:

- Cathedral Caverns Field Trip
- SPELLING TEST IS ON THURSDAY

Homework:

Number the Stars novel study week 3
Students are to (1) read chapters (2) pick 5 or more vocabulary words to infer the definition of and then define using the dictionary, and (3) write a summary of the chapters they read each week.

Tests:

Spelling Test on unit 4 Week 4 on THURSDAY

What we are learning:

English
Writing (continued) Creating our classroom book

Social Studies SS.4.13 (continued)  World War II

RL.4.9 (continued) Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics
(We will be reading fairy tales this week)

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Announcements:

- Club MSE will be on Feb. 15th, since Feb 7th is now a full day.
- No school Friday (weather day)

Homework:

Number the Stars novel study continued
Students are to (1) read chapters (2) pick 5 or more vocabulary words to infer the definition of and then define using the dictionary, and (3) write a summary of the chapters they read each week.

Tests:

Spelling Test on unit 4 Week 3

What we are learning:

English L.4.2b Use commas and quotation marks to mark direct speech and quotations from a text.
Writing: Creating our classroom book

Social Studies SS.4.13 World War II

RL.4.9 Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics
(We will be reading fairy tales this week)

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Announcements:

- Club MSE will be on Feb. 15th, since Feb 7th is now a full day.
-Progress Reports come home on Monday

Homework:

We are beginning a new novel this week. We will be reading Number the Stars by Lois Lowry (you'll notice a WWII theme in all subject areas this week). Students will be required to pick their own vocabulary words each week, infer the meaning, then look up the actual definition. Students will also be required to write a one paragraph summary each week.

Tests:

Spelling Test on unit 4 Week 2
Reading "test" will be on scootpad

What we are learning:

English L.4.1e Form and use prepositional phrases
Writing: Integrating knowledge from multiple resources to write an opinion essay

Social Studies SS.4.13 World War II

Reading RI.4.9 Integrate information from two texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably.

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I am so sorry this is being uploaded late!

Announcements:

- PBIS party on Friday. Students are working hard to earn their snowflake punches.
-  AR party on Feb. 9th
- Feb 7th is now a FULL DAY for students! :)

Homework:

Holes novel study – Read chapters and complete vocabulary study (students are required to write down the inferred definition and the actual definition for each word).

Tests:

Spelling test Friday UNIT 4 Week 1

Reading test on comparing and contrasting firsthand and secondhand accounts (example below)

What we are learning:

English L.4.1d Order adjectives within sentences according to conventional patterns.
English L.4.1e Form and use prepositional phrases
Writing: Opinion

Social Studies SS.4.12 Explain the impact the 1920s and Great Depression has on different socioeconomic groups in Alabama

Reading RI.4.6 Compare and contrast firsthand and secondhand accounts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably.

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Announcements:

-  We are still in need of someone to volunteer to host a fundraiser for 4th grade. Please let us know if you are interested in hosting one
- Scantron reading test is on Thursday

Homework:

Holes novel study – Read chapters and complete vocabulary study (students are required to write down the inferred definition and the actual definition for each word).

Tests:

Spelling test Friday UNIT 3 WEEK 5

Reading test on finding text evidence (example below)

What we are learning:

English L.4.1d Order adjectives within sentences according to conventional patterns.
Writing: Opinion

Social Studies SS.4.11 Describe the impact of WWI on Alabamians

Reading RI.4.8 Explain how the author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text.
This standard will be tested through scootpad due to the nature of the skill. This is a difficult skill to grasp in a week, so depending on how the week goes, it may continue through next week. This skill can be practiced by reading nonfiction, informational texts. When the author makes a specific point, the student needs to find how the author supports that point with evidence or an example.

Here is an example of what your child is expected to do for standard RI.4.8:

Moths and Butterflies
Are you trying to decide if your specimen is a butterfly or a moth? The most obvious difference between moths and butterflies is in their appearance.  Moths tend to have stout and hairy or furry-looking bodies, while butterflies have slender and smoother abdomens. Their feelers, or antennae, are also different. Most butterflies have thin slender antennae which are club-shaped at the end. Moths, on the other hand, often have comb-like or feathery antennae.  Another difference occurs in the life cycle. Most moth caterpillars spin a cocoon made of silk within which they metamorphose into the pupal stage. Most butterfly caterpillars, on the other hand, form an exposed pupa, also termed a chrysalis.  Finally, most moths are nocturnal, while butterflies are diurnal.  Therefore, their time of activity can also help you identify if your specimen is a butterfly or a moth.

What evidence does the author give the reader to support the claim that butterflies' and moths' "time of activity can also help you identify if your specimen is a butterfly or a moth"?

A: "Most moths are nocturnal, while butterflies are diurnal."
B: "Most moth caterpillars spin a cocoon made of silk within which they metamorphose into the pupal stage."
C: "Moths tend to have stout and hairy or furry-looking bodies, while butterflies have slender and smoother abdomens."

The answer would be A  “moths are nocturnal, while butterflies are diurnal.” This supports the author’s point that identifying the specimen’s time of activity can determine whether is a moth or butterfly.

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Announcements:

-          2nd 9 weeks Report Cards coming home on Monday January 8th.

-          Permission slips for Cathedral Caverns will be coming home in Wednesday folders on Jan. 10th. Please have those back in ASAP! 😊

Homework:

Beginning Jan. 8th - Every student will a copy of the book Holes (this is NOT to keep), along with a pacing guide for what needs to be done each week. This will be a four-week book study. I encourage you to read with your children. Having them read out loud to you would be a great bonding time, while also helping them improve their fluency! Some students will be given the option to read along with a read aloud that can be found on YouTube. Your child’s pacing guide will be signed by me if they fall in that category.

FYI: The term "What the h---" is used on pg. 150. Also, the term "negro" is used around chapters 24-27 during a flashback to many years ago when interracial relationships were illegal.

Upcoming Tests:

Spelling Test – THE DATES CHANGED!! So this is Unit 3 Week 4!!

Point of view test. Students will need to know how to identify each type of point of view, as well as the characteristics of each type (1st, 2nd, 3rd limited, 3rd omniscient)

Standards/What we are learning:

Reading: RL.4.6 Compare and contrast the point of view from which different stories are narrated, including the difference between first and third person. How to practice:

- Discuss with your child the different types of points of view. Ask them after each book, article, or anything they read, what type of point of view the story is written from. Have them tell you HOW they know (pronouns, the narrator knows what everyone is thinking, narrator only knows what one character is thinking, etc.)

-  IXL Y.4

English: L.4.1c Use modal auxiliaries (e.g. can, may, must) to convey various condition

Social Studies SS.4.10 How the farming industry changed Alabama and how these changes affected its people.

Writing: W.4.1 Opinion writing

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Announcements
- Monte Sano Christmas Production December 11th
- Merry Makers Christmas Parade December 12th at 8:30
- Bucks auction will be the last school week of December. We appreciate your donations.
- The HOUR OF CODE will be happening on December 5th from 12:30-2:00. Mrs. Plunkett wants to encourage as many parents to attend as possible

Homework
In lieu of paper and pencil homework, I would like students to take that time to AR read for an extra 20-30 minutes. The only way to become better, more fluent readers is to read read read read read! And that is what I would like to do.

Tests

What are we learning?
Reading: We will be reading Stuart Little and reviewing character, setting, plot, inferring, and theme.
English: Identifying, and understanding common idioms, adages, and proverbs
Writing: Opinion Writing
Social Studies: Social and Educational changes during the early nineteenth century.

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Announcements
- Field trip forms due on December 1st. Our two chaperone slots are already filled.
- Monte Sano Christmas Production December 11th
- Merry Makers Christmas Parade December 12th at 8:30
- Bucks auction will be the last school week of December. We appreciate your donations.
- The HOUR OF CODE will be happening on December 5th from 12:30-2:00. Mrs. Plunkett wants to encourage as many parents to attend as possible

Homework
In lieu of paper and pencil homework, I would like students to take that time to AR read for an extra 20-30 minutes. The only way to become better, more fluent readers is to read read read read read! And that is what I would like to do.

Tests
- Social Studies test on Thursday. Students have a study guide for this. We will complete the study guide in class at the beginning of the week.
- Spelling test on Friday, December 1st

What are we learning?
Reading: We will be reading Stuart Little and reviewing character, setting, plot, inferring, and theme.
English: Figurative language continued
Writing: Christmas Around the World
Social Studies: Civil War ---> Reconstruction

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Announcements:
- New spelling list will be given out tomorrow! :)
- Positive Behavior Turkey Bowl party on Friday
- Math Day on Friday.
- We have created a GOAL poster for all of 4th grade who make their AR goal. Remember... if your child did not make their AR goal during the first nine weeks, and they do not make it this nine weeks, they are automatically disqualified from the end of the year mystery trip with the entire school. I would love for EVERY STUDENT to make their goal and have the opportunity to go on the trip.

Homework:
- AR reading for 30 minutes and complete reading log and summary to turn in on Friday. (Students will be given more details)

Upcoming Tests:
Due to math day and the Turkey Bowl on Friday, this week's spelling test will be on Thursday.

Reading:  | Varied Passages (poems and dramas)
RL.4.2 Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text
Social Studies: Alabama's role in the Civil War.
English: Figurative language

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Announcements:
- No school on Friday
- Veteran's Day lunch on Thursday
- We have our new set of punch cards for our upcoming Positive Behavior Initiative party (Turkey Bowl). Students have to EARN punches for good behavior and being responsible with their classwork.
- We have created a GOAL poster for all of 4th grade who make their AR goal. Remember... if your child did not make their AR goal during the first nine weeks, and they do not make it this nine weeks, they are automatically disqualified from the end of the year mystery trip with the entire school. I would love for EVERY STUDENT to make their goal and have the opportunity to go on the trip.

Homework:
- AR reading for 30 minutes.
- The Empty Pot reading response sheet

Upcoming Tests:
Spelling test this Friday will be our week SIX spelling test, which means it includes two words from each test over the last five weeks.

Reading:  | The Horned Toad Prince
RL.4.2 Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text
Social Studies: SS.4.7 Explain reasons for Alabama's secession from the Union, including sectionalism, slavery, states' rights, and economic disagreements
English: L.4.4c Consult reference materials to find the pronunciation and determine or clarify the precise meaning of keywords and phrases.

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Announcements

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I hope your kiddos had an AMAZING time at Nature's Classroom. I know I did! It seemed like they all had a blast. We have some more awesome trips coming up soon. There is a list below.

It's time for fall conferences. Please visit this Signup Genius link to choose a time slot. www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F084AA9AC29A6FD0-fall1

Announcements:
- Fall Festival is October 28th.
- Box top collection begins tomorrow. Wouldn't it be fun to be the top class and win a popsicle party? Please send in those box tops in a baggy so that your child gets the credit for the ones they send in.
- Please e-mail Brook Campbell (campbellbrooke27@yahoo.com) to help with our 4th grade fund raiser at the Fall Festival.
- If you would like  to help host another 4th grade fund raiser, please let me know, and we can throw some ideas around.
- The Spelling Bee will be held on Friday during class. This WILL NOT take the place of our regular spelling test.

Upcoming Field Trips:

December 6 – The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Grissom High School
February 23 – Cathedral Caverns
March 22 – Glenwood Cemetery and Huntsville Depot
April 18 – Burritt on the Mountain: Rosenwald School Day Experience
May 4 – Montgomery: State Capitol, State House, History and Archives

Reading Homework:
- Nightly reading response (this is the two sided paper with the passage on the front and questions on back)
- AR Reading - Record on reading log (I have noticed that a lot of students are not filling this out. I am currently unable to access AR to see who is taking tests and who is not. I want everyone to learn to enjoy reading, and the only way to get there is to keep reading and improve fluency so that reading becomes easy and therefore fun. I also do not want anyone to miss out on the super fun AR field trip at the end of the year.

Reading:  | Scene Two
RL.4.5 Explain the major differences between drama, prose, and poetry.
Writing: Expository Writing - The history of Thanksgiving
Social Studies: SS.4.5 Describe Alabama's entry into statehood and establishment of its three branches of government and the constitutions.
English: SL.4.1g Correctly use frequently confused words (homophones)

Upcoming Tests:
Spelling test on Friday

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Announcements:
- School pictures RESCHEDULED for October 9th
- STEM bus will be at the school Tuesday
- Fall Break October 2-6
- I will have a sub for the second half of the day on Thursday
- I have told the kiddos this but they seem to forget until the day of their game, but if your child plays a sport, I would love to come see them play (or perform/dance)! If you send me an e-mail then I will try to come to a game.
- PTA Technology night Tuesday Sept. 26th at 5:30pm
- Nature's Classroom Chaperone meeting Tuesday Sept. 26th at 5pm.

Reading Homework:
- Nightly reading response (this is the two sided paper with the passage on the front and questions on back)
- AR Reading - Record on reading log (I have noticed that a lot of students are not filling this out. I am currently unable to access AR to see who is taking tests and who is not. I want everyone to learn to enjoy reading, and the only way to get there is to keep reading and improve fluency so that reading becomes easy and therefore fun. I also do not want anyone to miss out on the super fun AR field trip at the end of the year.

Nature's Classroom:  Final payment due NO LATER than Friday. If you can get it in before then, that would be amazing! :)

Reading:  | Letters home from Yosemite
RI.4.2 Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details.
Writing: Four Square Writing - W.4.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequence.
Social Studies: SS.4.5 Describe Alabama's entry into statehood and establishment of its three branches of government and the constitutions.
English: SL.4.4 Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience in an organized manner, using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace.

Upcoming Tests:
Spelling test on Friday

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Announcements:
- School pictures RESCHEDULED for October 9th
- New spelling words came home Friday.
- 1/2 day and CLUB MSE on September 22
- Fall Break October 2-6

Reading Homework:
- Nightly reading responses
- AR Reading - Record on reading log (I have noticed that a lot of students are not filling this out. I am currently unable to access AR to see who is taking tests and who is not. I want everyone to learn to enjoy reading, and the only way to get there is to keep reading and improve fluency so that reading becomes easy and therefore fun. I also do not want anyone to miss out on the super fun AR field trip at the end of the year.
- Pretty soon I will be sending home a fluency packet. Don't worry, this will biweekly, and it will only take about 2 minutes. Be on the lookout for that coming home. I will send a Seesaw announcement when it comes home.

Nature's Classroom:  The second payment ($80) was due on Friday, Sept. 15th. Still missing a lot! Please send those in! The next payment is due NO LATER than Sept. 29th.

Reading:  | Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
RF.4.4 Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension
Writing: W.4.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequence.
Social Studies:  SS.4.2 Explain the social, political, and economic impact of the War of 1812, including battles and significant leaders of the Creek War, on Alabama.
English: L.4.3b Choose Punctuation for effect
SL.4.4 Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience in an organized manner, using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace.

Upcoming Tests:
Spelling test on THURSDAY
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory final test (open book) on Thursday

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Announcements:
- School pictures on Sept. 12. ***I will update you when I find out when we are rescheduled for.
- SPELLING TEST - This week, our spelling test will be 2 words from each list from the past 5 weeks. There will be 2 bonus words.
- Please send those signed progress reports back as soon as possible.
- The Behavior Learning Guide contract came home a few weeks ago. I need those back, signed by you and your child. So far, I only have 3 of them.
- I am still in need of a room mom... Mrs. Metcalf will be contacting you all soon about this. This is such an important job!! I want your kiddos to have awesome class parties throughout the year, but this won't happen without parent volunteers.
- Please keep in mind that unfinished classwork is sent home as weekend homework. I DO NOT like giving weekend homework, but much of our classwork is used for grades, therefore I need it completed. If this classwork is not sent back, then it will result in a grade of 50% (this is a 1 on standards based report cards).
- 1/2 day on September 22
- Fall Break October 2-6

Reading Homework:
- Nightly reading responses
- AR Reading - Record on reading log
- Pretty soon I will be sending home a fluency packet. Don't worry, this will biweekly, and it will only take about 2 minutes. Be on the lookout for that coming home. I will send a Seesaw announcement when it comes home.

Nature's Classroom:  Thank you to those who got the deposit sent in on time. As I said in my e-mail, I need all paperwork sent in ASAP!! :) If you are sending your child with any OTC medicine (including bug spray), we must have a signed form. Also, if you are chaperoning, you will be in charge of your own child's medicine.

Reading:  | Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
RI.4.1 Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.
Writing: W.4.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effictive technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequence.
Social Studies:  SS.4.2 Explain the social, political, and economic impact of the War of 1812, including battles and significant leaders of the Creek War, on Alabama.
English: L.4.2c Use a comma before coordination conjunction in a compound sentence.
SL.4.4 Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience in an organized manner, using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace.

Upcoming Tests:
Spelling test on Friday

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It's time for fall conferences. Please visit this Signup Genius link to choose a time slot. www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F084AA9AC29A6FD0-fall1

Announcements:
- Fall Festival is October 28th.
- Box top collection began last Monday. Wouldn't it be fun to be the top class and win a Popsicle party? Please send in those box tops in a baggy so that your child gets the credit for the ones they send in.
- Please e-mail Brook Campbell (campbellbrooke27@yahoo.com) to help with our 4th grade fund raiser at the Fall Festival.
- If you would like  to help host another 4th grade fund raiser, please let me know, and we can throw some ideas around.

Congratulations to our classroom spelling bee winners, Je'rion Peebles and David Sarpong. They will both move on to the school wide spelling bee on November 14th.

Upcoming Field Trips:

December 6 – The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Grissom High School
February 23 – Cathedral Caverns
March 22 – Glenwood Cemetery and Huntsville Depot
April 18 – Burritt on the Mountain: Rosenwald School Day Experience
May 4 – Montgomery: State Capitol, State House, History and Archives

Reading Homework:
- Nightly reading response (this is the two sided paper with the passage on the front and questions on back)
- AR Reading - Record on reading log (I have noticed that a lot of students are not filling this out. I am currently unable to access AR to see who is taking tests and who is not. I want everyone to learn to enjoy reading, and the only way to get there is to keep reading and improve fluency so that reading becomes easy and therefore fun. I also do not want anyone to miss out on the super fun AR field trip at the end of the year.

Reading:  | Scene Two
RL.4.5 Explain the major differences between drama, prose, and poetry.
Writing: Expository Writing - The history of Thanksgiving
Social Studies: SS.4.5 Describe Alabama's entry into statehood and establishment of its three branches of government and the constitutions.
English: SL.4.1g Correctly use frequently confused words (homophones)

Upcoming Tests:
Spelling test on Friday

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I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day Weekend with your family.

Announcements:
- Grandparents Luncheon - Friday, Sept. 8 at 11:20.
- School pictures on Sept. 12.
- Slushies started back on Friday. Don't forget to send $1 if you would like your child to have a slushie.
- The dates on the spelling list are incorrect. This week our words will be the week 5 column. The week 6 spelling test will be cumulative, and a new spelling list will come out next week.
- Progress Reports come home on Tuesday.
- The Behavior Learning Guide contract came home a few weeks ago. I need those back, signed by you and your child. So far, I only have 3 of them.
- I am still in need of a room mom... Mrs. Metcalf will be contacting you all soon about this. This is such an important job!! I want your kiddos to have awesome class parties throughout the year, but this won't happen without parent volunteers.
- Please keep in mind that unfinished classwork is sent home as weekend homework. I DO NOT like giving weekend homework, but much of our classwork is used for grades, therefore I need it completed. If this classwork is not sent back, then it will result in a grade of 50% (this is a 1 on standards based report cards).

Reading Homework:
- Nightly reading responses
- AR Reading - Record on reading log
- Pretty soon I will be sending home a fluency packet. Don't worry, this will biweekly, and it will only take about 2 minutes. Be on the lookout for that coming home. I will send a Seesaw announcement when it comes home.

Nature's Classroom:  Thank you to those who got the deposit sent in on time. As I said in my e-mail, I need all paperwork sent in ASAP!! :) If you are sending your child with any OTC medicine (including bug spray), we must have a signed form. Also, if you are chaperoning, you will be in charge of your own child's medicine.

Reading:  | Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
RL.4.3 Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story, or drama, drawing on specific details in the text.
RI.4.1 Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
Writing: W.4.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effictive technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequence.
Social Studies:  SS.4.2 Explain the social, political, and economic impact of the War of 1812, including battles and significant leaders of the Creek War, on Alabama.
English: L.4.2a Use correct capitalization

Upcoming Tests:
Spelling test on Friday

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Thanks for checking the website! Here is some info about this week:

Announcements:
- I will have a sub on Tuesday and Wednesday while I am out for Medical Assistant Training.
- Slushies started back on Friday. Don't forget to send $1 if you would like your child to have a slushie.
- The dates on the spelling list are incorrect. This week our words will be the week 4 column.
- My e-mail has changed to danae.king@hsv-k12.org
- My iNow has been down, so I have not been able to upload grades. It is back up now, so I will be uploading grades over the weekend. Thanks for being patient and understanding.

College and Career Week:
Monday - Wear a college t-shirt from any college or university
Tuesday - "I have BIG dreams" (students may wear pajamas)
Wednesday - Career day (students may dress up as their favorite career)
Thursday - College and career begin here. Where Monte Sano t-shirt!
Friday - Hats off to college and career (students may wear hats to school)

Reading Homework: Reading homework is located in the reading section of your child's binder. There is a story and a quick activity to complete each night. Your child also needs to be reading their AR books and recording what they read on their reading log. The reading log is located in your child's reading folder in the reading section. This is REQUIRED even when I do not assign homework. This will tell me if, and how much your child is reading every night.

Nature's Classroom: $25 deposit is due by Aug. 31. Info packets came home two weeks ago. If your child is NOT going, please be sure to indicate that on the permission form, and leave everything else blank.

Reading: RL.4.3 We will begin reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory this week.
Writing: W.4.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effictive technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequence.
Social Studies: SS.4.1 Compare historical and current economic, political, and geographic information about Alabama on thematic maps, including weather and climate, physical-relief, waterway, transportation, political, economic development, land-use, and population.
English: L.4.1f Run-ons and fragments

Upcoming Tests:
Spelling test on Friday
Social Studies Test on Friday (a study guide will be sent home)

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Announcements
- Monster Bash on Tuesday from 1:00pm-2:00pm
- Keep sending in those box tops!
- Book fair is next week!! We will browse the book fair on Monday and buy on Wednesday.

Homework
- Complete the "History of Thanksgiving" writing essay. Must be AT LEAST 3 paragraphs. Simplified timeline, word bank, and example paper will be posted on Seesaw under *Activities*.
- Thanksgiving poster project... due on FRIDAY! :)
- AR reading. Please don't forget that AR reading is an independent activity that is done mostly at home. Students are able to take tests in my class in the morning, and they have a few minutes of AR time, but most of their AR reading time is at home.

What we are learning
Reading - literal vs non-literal language and allusions
Writing - Expository
English - Greek and Latin roots and affixes
Social Studies - Alabama and the Civil War

Upcoming Tests
Spelling Test on Friday
Greek and Latin roots quiz on Friday... study guide coming home on             Friday
Reading Test on allusions and literal vs non-literal language

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Thanks for checking the website! Here is some info about this week:

Reading Homework: Reading homework is located in the reading section of your child's binder. There is a story and a quick activity to complete each night. Your child also needs to be reading their AR books and recording what they read on their reading log. The reading log is located in your child's reading folder in the reading section. This is REQUIRED even when I do not assign homework. This will tell me if, and how much your child is reading every night.

Nature's Classroom: $25 deposit is due by Aug. 31. Info packets came home last week. If your child is NOT going, please be sure to indicate that on the permission form, and leave everything else blank.

Reading: RI.4.3
Writing: W.4.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effictive technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequence.
Social Studies: SS.4.1 Compare historical and current economic, political, and geographic information about Alabama on thematic maps, including weather and climate, physical-relief, waterway, transportation, political, economic development, land-use, and population.
English: L.4.1f Run-ons and fragments

Upcoming Tests: Spelling test on Friday

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Thanks for checking the website! Here is some info about this week:

Reading Homework: Reading homework is located in the reading section of your child's binder. There is a story and a quick activity to complete each night. Your child also needs to be reading their AR books and recording what they read on their reading log. The reading log is located in your child's reading folder in the reading section. This is REQUIRED even when I do not assign homework. This will tell me if, and how much your child is reading every night.

Nature's Classroom: $25 deposit is due by Aug. 31. Info packets will be coming home this week. If your child is NOT going, please be sure to indicate that on the permission form, and leave everything else blank.

Solar Eclipse Party: Permission forms will be coming home soon for the solar eclipse party. If it is not signed, your child will not be allowed to participate.

Reading: RL.4.3 - Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story, or drama, drawing on specific details in the text. This week we will be reading Lewis and Clark and Me.
Writing: W.4.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effictive technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequence.
Social Studies: SS.4.1 Compare historical and current economic, political, and geographic information about Alabama on thematic maps, including weather and climate, physical-relief, waterway, transportation, political, economic development, land-use, and population.
English: L.4.1b Form and use the progressive verb tenses (I was walking; I am walking, I will be walking.)

Upcoming Tests: Spelling test on Friday

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Thanks for checking the website! Here is some info about this week.

Reading Homework: For this week, until we get into the groove of our "normal" schedule, the only reading homework will be our daily reading log. This is located in your child's reading folder in the reading section. This is REQUIRED even when I do not assign homework. This will tell me if, and how much your child is reading every night.

Nature's Classroom: The yellow interest form came home in Wednesday folders. Thank you for getting those back in to me so quickly. If you indicated that you would like to chaperone, then I will send home chaperone papers in the packet coming home very soon.

Yellow Cards: I sent home yellow cards with everyone on Friday. Please fill those out and have them in by Monday. I forgot to put them in Wednesday folders this past week.

Reading: RL.4.1 - Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text days explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. This week we will be reading a condensed version of the book Because of Winn-Dixie (watch the movie if you have it!)
Writing: W.4.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Social Studies: SS.4.1 Compare historical and current economic, political, and geographic information about Alabama on thematic maps, including weather and climate, physical-relief, waterway, transportation, political, economic development, land-use, and population.
English: L.4.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English grammar and usage when speaking or writing.

Spelling test on FRIDAY!! Spelling list will come home on Monday.

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Welcome back everyone!!

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Announcements:

-         No school Monday January 15th

-         We are still in need of someone to volunteer to host a fundraiser for 4th grade. Please let us know if you are interested in hosting one!

Homework:

Holes novel study – Read chapters and complete vocabulary study

Tests:

Spelling test Friday

Reading test will be on Scootpad

What we are learning:

English L.4.1d Order adjectives within sentences according to conventional patterns.
Writing: Opinion

SS.4.11 Describe the impact of WWI on Alabamians

RI.4.8 Explain how the author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text.
This standard will be tested through scootpad due to the nature of the skill. This is a difficult skill to grasp in a week, so depending on how the week goes, it may continue through next week. This skill can be practiced by reading nonfiction, informational texts. When the author makes a specific point, the student needs to find how the author supports that point with evidence or an example.

Here is an example of what your child is expected to do for standard RI.4.8:

Moths and Butterflies
Are you trying to decide if your specimen is a butterfly or a moth? The most obvious difference between moths and butterflies is in their appearance.  Moths tend to have stout and hairy or furry-looking bodies, while butterflies have slender and smoother abdomens. Their feelers, or antennae, are also different. Most butterflies have thin slender antennae which are club-shaped at the end. Moths, on the other hand, often have comb-like or feathery antennae.  Another difference occurs in the life cycle. Most moth caterpillars spin a cocoon made of silk within which they metamorphose into the pupal stage. Most butterfly caterpillars, on the other hand, form an exposed pupa, also termed a chrysalis.  Finally, most moths are nocturnal, while butterflies are diurnal.  Therefore, their time of activity can also help you identify if your specimen is a butterfly or a moth.

What evidence does the author give the reader to support the claim that butterflies' and moths' "time of activity can also help you identify if your specimen is a butterfly or a moth"?

A: "Most moths are nocturnal, while butterflies are diurnal."
B: "Most moth caterpillars spin a cocoon made of silk within which they metamorphose into the pupal stage."
C: "Moths tend to have stout and hairy or furry-looking bodies, while butterflies have slender and smoother abdomens."

The answer would be A  “moths are nocturnal, while butterflies are diurnal.” This supports the author’s point that identifying the specimen’s time of activity can determine whether is a moth or butterfly.

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What's happening this week (and throughout the month):

AR Mystery field trip on May 9th. Permission slips will be coming home this week.

Field Trip to Falls Mill Museum on May 11th. Permission slips will be coming home this week.

STAR Testing will be the week of May 8th.

Skills, topics, and standards for the week:

English -

Writing - Reviewing writing skills from the year

Reading -

Tests to be aware of:

Spelling Test on Friday

Stuart Little reading test on Friday

Homework:

AR Reading log... please be sure to sign it!! If you don't sign it, your child will loose a "buck" in class.

*Classwork and homework that is not turned in will result in a grade of 50%/F

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What's happening this week (and throughout the month):

Field Trip on Thursday, March 30th. Please send a lunch if you did not order a sack lunch.

Camp McDowell Payment of t $65 is due on March 31st (for those who did not receive a scholarship).

1/2 and Club MSE on March 31st

Skills, topics, and standards for the week:

English - Formal and informal English

Writing - Reviewing expository writing for the ACT ASPRE

Reading - RI.4.5 Text Structure (review)

Tests to be aware of:

NO SPELLING TEST THIS WEEK!!!

ASPIRE April 10-13

Homework:

AR Reading log... please be sure to sign it!! If you don't sign it, your child will loose a "buck" in class.

*Classwork and homework that is not turned in will result in a grade of 50%/F.

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WELCOME BACK!!! I hope everyone had an awesome and relaxing Spring Break. I don't know about you, but I absolutely cannot believe that we are in our last 9 weeks. Please be sure to keep checking back here each week to see what is going on for the week and to make sure you don't miss anything! :)

What's happening this week (and throughout the month):

Please make sure all field trip forms and money for our field trip on March 20th are turned in ASAP.

Camp McDowell Payment of t $65 is due on March 31st (for those who did not receive a scholarship).

Report Cards come home TODAY (March 20th)

1/2 and Club MSE on March 31st

Skills, topics, and standards for the week:

English - Relative pronouns

Writing - Reviewing expository writing for the ACT ASPRE

Social Studies - 1920's and Great Depression

Reading - RL.4.2 Theme (review)

Tests to be aware of:

Weekly Spelling Test on Friday, 24th

ASPIRE April 10-13

Homework:

AR Reading log... please be sure to sign it!! If you don't sign it, your child will loose a "buck" in class.

*Classwork and homework that is not turned in will result in a grade of 50%/F.

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What's happening this week (and throughout the month):

SchoolNet Benchmark test on Tuesday, Feb. 28th.

Camp McDowell Payment of $65 was due on Feb. 24th. I will be contacting those of you who said you would like a scholarship for your child to attend.  The next $65 payment is due on March 31st.

Read Across America will be March 3rd, and March 6-10. At the bottom of this post I have included all the fun things that will be going on that week.

Skills, topics, and standards for the week:

Reading - Review for SchoolNet

English - Antonyms and synonyms

Writing - We will continue work on our classroom book this week. Each student will  be require to complete one page as one picture. There will be an opportunity to order these later this month.

Social Studies - WWI

Tests to be aware of:

Weekly Spelling Test on Friday, March 3rd

SchoolNet benchmark on Tuesday Feb. 28th.

Homework:

No homework for this week due to SchoolNet testing. However, continue to read every night - AR Read for 30 minutes

Homework will be a little different for the last 9 weeks... more to come soon.

*Classwork and homework that is not turned in will result in a grade of 50%/F.

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What's happening this week (and throughout the month):

SchoolNet Benchmark test on Tuesday, Feb. 28th.

Camp McDowell Payment of $65 is due on Feb. 24th. I will be contacting those of you who said you would like a scholarship for your child to attend.

Skills, topics, and standards for the week:

Reading - Review for SchoolNet

English -

Writing - We will continue work on our classroom book this week. Each student will  be require to complete one page as one picture. There will be an opportunity to order these later this month.

Social Studies

Tests to be aware of:

Weekly Spelling Test on Friday, Feb. 25 - New spelling list was sent home on Friday

SchoolNet practice test on Friday

Homework:

Every night - AR Read for 30 minutes

Common Core Reading Comprehension Packet

If your child says "I don't have any homework" or "I've finished my homework for this week!" then please make sure they have completed all unfinished classwork in their binder so that they can turn it in. They can also complete a skill on IXL, or if they are in PST

*Classwork and homework that is not turned in will result in a grade of 50%/F.

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What's happening this week (and throughout the month):

Valentines day party on Feb. 14th at 1:30. You should have received an e-mail from Donne Gullion with more information. Students are to bring a box/bag for their valentines, and a valentine for each student. A list of all students was sent home in Wednesday folders.

1/2 day for students on February 15th

No School on Monday Feb. 20th

Skills, topics, and standards for the week:

Reading - Reteaching/reviewing text structures.

English - Review of prepositions and prepositional phrases.

Writing - We will continue work on our classroom book this week. Each student will  be require to complete one page as one picture. There will be an opportunity to order these later this month.

Social Studies - Civil War

Tests to be aware of:

Weekly Spelling Test on Friday, Feb. 17 - This will consist of words from our last 5 spelling tests.

SchoolNet practice test on Friday

Homework:

Every night - AR Read for 30 minutes

Common Core Reading Comprehension Packet

If your child says "I don't have any homework" or "I've finished my homework for this week!" then please make sure they have completed all unfinished classwork in their binder so that they can turn it in. They can also complete a skill on IXL, or if they are in PST

*Classwork and homework that is not turned in will result in a grade of 50%/F.

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What's happening this week (and throughout the month):

Camp McDowell Packets came home on Wednesday. Please refer to the check list for information about when payments and paperwork is due.

Valentines day party on Feb. 14th

1/2 day for students on February 15th

Skills, topics, and standards for the week:

Reading - RI.4.9 Integrate information from two texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgably.

English - We will be working on a Character Education Project with Mrs. Scrimsher and reviewing prepositions and prepositional phrases.

Writing - We will start working on our classroom book this week. Each student will  be require to complete one page as one picture. There will be an opportunity to order these later this month.

Social Studies - SS.4.11

Tests to be aware of:

Weekly Spelling Test on Friday, Jan. 20th - Unit 4 week 3

SchoolNet practice test on Friday

Homework:

Every night - AR Read for 30 minutes

Common Core Reading Comprehension Packet

If your child says "I don't have any homework" or "I've finished my homework for this week!" then please make sure they have completed all unfinished classwork in their binder so that they can turn it in. They can also complete a skill on IXL, or if they are in PST

*Classwork and homework that is not turned in will result in a grade of 50%/F.

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What's happening this week (and throughout the month):

YEARBOOK forms were sent home in Wednesday folders a few weeks ago. If you would like to order a yearbook, the form is due back FEBRUARY 1st!!

GREEN CAMP MCDOWELL INTEREST FORMS NEED TO BE IN ASAP. $25 Deposit due Wednesday, Feb. 1st.

Skills, topics, and standards for the week:

Hopefully we will FINALLY be finishing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory this week.

Reading - RI.4.8 Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text.

English - L.4.1e Form and use prepositional phrases

Writing - W.4.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.

Social Studies - SS.4.10 Analyze social and economical changes during the late nineteenth and early twenties centuries for their impact on Alabama.

Tests to be aware of:

Weekly Spelling Test on Friday, Jan. 20th - Unit 4 week 3

SchoolNet practice test on Friday

Homework:

Every night - AR Read for 30 minutes

Reading Comprehension Packet

If your child says "I don't have any homework" or "I've finished my homework for this week!" then please make sure they have completed all unfinished classwork in their binder so that they can turn it in. They can also complete a skill on IXL, or if they are in PST

*Classwork and homework that is not turned in will result in a grade of 50%/F.

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What's happening this week (and throughout the month):

YEARBOOK forms were sent home in Wednesday folders a few weeks ago. If you would like to order a yearbook, the form is due back FEBRUARY 1st!!

Be on the lookout for Camp McDowell information coming home sometime this week. Also, be thinking about if you would like to be a chaperone. It will be a three day trip (April 19-21) and we will be needing several parent chaperones.

Space Week Jan. 30 - Feb 3

I will have a sub on Tuesday afternoon (just so you are aware).

Skills, topics, and standards for the week:

Hopefully we will FINALLY be finishing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory this week.

Reading - RI.4.6 Compare and contrast a firsthand and secondhand account of the same event or topic.

English - L.4.1b Ordering adjectives

Writing - W.4.1d Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented.

Social Studies - SS.4.9 Analyze political and economic issues facing Alabama during reconstruction for their impact on various social groups.

Tests to be aware of:

Weekly Spelling Test on Friday, Jan. 20th - Unit 4 week 3

SchoolNet practice test on Friday

Homework:

Every night - AR Read for 30 minutes

Reading Comprehension Passage - I will be sending home a packet with a reading comprehension passage and a task/recording sheet for each night of the week (use the same passage each night). This is to be completed and turned in on FRIDAY!! :)

If your child says "I don't have any homework" or "I've finished my homework for this week!" then please make sure they have completed all unfinished classwork in their binder so that they can turn it in. They can also complete a skill on IXL, or if they are in PST

*Classwork and homework that is not turned in will result in a grade of 50%/F.

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What's happening this week (and throughout the month):

YEARBOOK forms were sent home in Wednesday folders a few weeks ago. If you would like to order a yearbook, the form is due back FEBRUARY 1st!!

No School on Jan. 16th (Martin Luther King holiday)

Space Week Jan. 30 - Feb 3

Skills, topics, and standards for the week:

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory continued

RL.4.9 Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics and patterns of events in stories, myths, and traditional literature from different cultures.

English - L.4.1c Use modal auxiliaries (e.g., can, may, must) to convey various conditions.

Writing - Opinion Writing: W.4.1b Provide reasons that are supported by facts and details.

Social Studies - SS.4.9 Analyze political and economic issues facing Alabama during reconstruction for their impact on various social groups.

Tests to be aware of:

Weekly Spelling Test on Friday, Jan. 13th - Unit 4 week 2

SchoolNet practice test on Friday

Homework:

Every night - AR Read for 30 minutes

Reading Comprehension Passage - I will be sending home a packet with a reading comprehension passage and a task/recording sheet for each night of the week (use the same passage each night). This is to be completed and turned in on FRIDAY!! :)

If your child says "I don't have any homework" or "I've finished my homework for this week!" then please make sure they have completed all unfinished classwork in their binder so that they can turn it in. They can also complete a skill on IXL, or if they are in PST

*Classwork and homework that is not turned in will result in a grade of 50%/F.

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Scholastic Reading Club - If you like to buy books for your child through Scholastic, please don't forget to enter the class code QPPYR in order to help our classroom to get free books!! :)

Homework:

Every night - AR Read for 30 minutes

Reading Comprehension Passage - I will be sending home a packet with a reading comprehension passage and a task/recording sheet for each night of the week (use the same passage each night). This is to be completed and turned in on FRIDAY!! :)

If your child says "I don't have any homework" or "I've finished my homework for this week!" then please make sure they have completed all unfinished classwork in their binder so that they can turn it in. They can also complete a skill on IXL, or if they are in PST then they can do SuccessMaker.

What's happening this week (and throughout the month):

Report cards come home on Monday

Friday, Jan. 13th we will have Club MSE

No School on Jan. 16th (Martin Luther King holiday)

Space Week Jan. 30 - Feb 3

Tests to be aware of:

Weekly Spelling Test on Friday, Jan. 13th - Unit 4 week 1

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory quiz on Friday (Chapters ???)

Skills and topics for the week:

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory continued

Comprehension - Comparing first person point of view to third person point of view.

English - Modal Auxiliary Verbs

Writing - Opinion Writing

Social Studies - Alabama's role in the Civil War

Due to the amount of missing work last semester, I spoke with Mrs. Driggers about how to handle this situation. We have decided that graded classwork or homework that is not turned in will result in a grade of 50%.

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Although getting back into a normal routine is going to be difficult, I am very excited to see all of your kiddos and to hear their stories of how they spent their holiday. My Christmas was very WONDERFUL; it included a lot of time with friends and family, sleeping in, a trip to Disney World, and getting engaged!!! :) My Fiance, Ethan King, is a police officer (he will be transferring to Huntsville Police Department next month) and we plan to get married in July.

Please check back here sometime before Monday morning. I will be updating you on what is happening in our classroom this month, as well as giving you info about homework.

Our first three days back we will be working on finishing up Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, we will have  a make-up art and music class, we will take our STAR Reading on  Thursday, and we will be setting some  goals for ourselves for the rest of the year.

Our next spelling test will take place on Jan. 13th, but I will be sending home the new spelling list THIS Friday, Jan. 6th.

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The Holiday Program is tomorrow and Tuesday. Students need to be in the classroom by 5:15. Their green shirts will be in the classroom on their chairs with their names on them so that they can use the same one both nights.

I am so grateful for those who have offered to help. Our main job will be making sure their are lined up tallest to shortest, making sure they get to the cafeteria at the right time, helping those who are going on stage to listen for their cues, and making sure they stay quiet while it's not their turn. I can play a movie in the room to help keep the chaos down while they are waiting.

I hope your child shared with you about our wonderful Manners Class that we had Friday. They learned all kinds of useful info from the wonderful ladies from the Gothic Guild who came to do that for us.

SchoolNet ELA will be Monday and Math will be Tuesday.

Thursday is our Club MSE and Polar Express/pajama day.

Class Holiday parties will start at 1:30 on Friday. Parents are welcome to come.

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Homework:

Every night - AR Read for 30 minutes and any unfinished classwork.

Complete Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Foldable (ch.11-20). This will not be finished until after we get through ch. 20. I will put on the newsletter next week what day it is due.

What's happening this week (and throughout the month):

12/5/16 Hour of Code

Field trip forms and money due on Monday, December 5th!!!

Manner's Class on December 9th.

Club MSE and a special school-wide movie day will be on December 15th.

Holiday Party will be on December 16th at 1:30pm

Christmas play December 12th and 13th 5:30-6:30. Students will perform BOTH nights, but parent's and family of 4th grade are invited to come on Tuesday, December 13th. An e-mail was sent out asking about volunteers. Please respond if you are able to help.

Tests to be aware of:

- Weekly Spelling Test on Friday
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory quiz on Friday
- Our schoolnet 2nd 9 weeks benchmark test will be during the week of December 12-16. I will give more details later on about which subjects will be on which days.

Skills and topics for the week:

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory continued

Comprehension - Theme
English - Adages, proverbs, and idioms
Writing - Informational and poetry
Social Studies - Alabama's role in the Civil War

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I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break, and were able to spend it with those you love. Here are some announcements for this week.

PENCILS - Yes, it's true! We are out of pencils. I am going to buy enough to last us through the next three weeks, but you might want to stock your child's pencil box with some for when we come back in January. I started the whole year with an entire Tupperware box full of pencils (apx. 600 pencils), but they have all somehow disappeared.

Homework:

Every night - AR Read for 30 minutes and any unfinished classwork.

Due Wednesday: Read Social Studies Chapter 4 Lesson 1 pgs. 86-89.

What's happening this week (and throughout the month):

Field trip forms are coming home on Monday and need to be back no later than December 5th.

Manner's Class on December 9th.

Club MSE and a special school-wide movie day will be on December 15th.

Holiday Party will be on December 16th at 1:30pm

Christmas play December 12th and 13th 5:30-6:30. Students will perform BOTH nights, but parent's and family of 4th grade are invited to come on Tuesday, December 13th. An e-mail was sent out asking about volunteers. Please respond if you are able to help.

Tests to be aware of:

- Weekly Spelling Test on Friday
- Weekly SchoolNet Test on Friday
- Our schoolnet 2nd 9 weeks benchmark test will be during the week of December 12-16. I will give more details later on about which subjects will be on which days.

Skills and topics for the week:

Unit 3 Week 3

Comprehension - Theme
English - Similes and metaphors
Writing - Informational and poetry
Social Studies -

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What's happening this week:

Thanksgiving Luncheon on Thursday (please send back the RSVP that was put in Wednesday folders on 11/9)

Club MSE on Friday 12:30-2:30

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday, November 21-25

Christmas play December 12th and 13th 5:30-6:30. Students will perform BOTH nights, but parent's and family of 4th grade are invited to come on Tuesday, December 13th. An e-mail was sent out asking about volunteers. Pleas respond if you are able to help.

Tests to be aware of:

I am trying something new... I will now be giving SchoolNet tests instead of Pearson tests on Fridays. I feel like that will be more effective in helping me guide instruction based on specific standards. The Pearson tests  have not been effective and do not give me the information I need, so we have not even done many of them. School net tests are based on the standards, and will help us to practice for our quarterly SchoolNet benchmark tests.

Skills and topics for the week:

Unit 3 Week 2

Comprehension - Fact vs. Opinion
English - Reviewing dictionary skills
Writing - Informational writing continued
Social Studies - (we are doing the lesson that we did not get to last week) Economic and political aspects of the lifestyles of early nineteenth-century farmers, plantations owners, slaves, and townspeople.

Homework:

Every night - AR Read for 30 minutes and any unfinished classwork.

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NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11th.

Book Fair!!! We will go to the book fair on Monday afternoon to "browse" and on Tuesday to "buy". Your child will bring home their wishlist on Monday afternoon.

Please continue to send those Wednesday folders back before each Wednesday. I have things to put in them EVERY week. Also, make sure to check through the graded papers that are sent home, because every now and then we will need you to sign it and return it.

Tests to be aware of:

Spelling test will be Thursday instead of Friday. A new list came home on Friday.
A sheet will be sent home on Monday that will need to be studies for an English quiz on Thursday.

Skills and topics for the week:

Unit 3 Week 1

Comprehension - Graphic Sources
English - Greek and Latin roots and affixes
Writing - Informational Writing Continued
Social Studies - Economic and political aspects of the lifestyles of early nineteenth-century farmers, plantations owners, slaves, and townspeople.

Homework:
Please feel free to e-mail me anytime if there is a problem with homework.

Every night - AR Read for 30 minutes and any unfinished classwork.

Thanksgiving Poster Project - Due. Nov. 10th

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We are so excited about our first field trip on Monday. We are going to have a blast. Please remember, that unless you have contacted me, you are not able to attend. This field trip is on the arsenal, and I was required to send in the social security numbers of ALL adults attending. Thanks! :)

Skills and topics for the week

This week we are studying Greek Mythology. I will be advising students not to research Greek Mythology on any websites that are not advised by me or a parent/guardian since you never know what you are going to find when you research it. Students will NOT be allowed to google pictures related to Greek Mythology. We will be reading a few of the stories and all of our writing activities will be themed as well. It should be a fun week! :)

Homework
Please feel free to e-mail me anytime if there is a problem with homework.

Every night - AR Read for 30 minutes and any unfinished classwork.

Reading: Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing ch. 9-10 with vocabulary and chapter summary. Friday November 4th.

Thanksgiving Poster Project - Due. Nov. 10th

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Announcements:
- No school on Friday
- We have our new set of punch cards for our upcoming Positive Behavior Initiative party (Turkey Bowl). Students have to EARN punches for good behavior and being responsible with their classwork.
- We have a new GOAL for all of 4th grade to make their AR goals.

Homework:
- AR reading for 30 minutes.
- The Empty Pot reading response sheet

Reading:  | The Horned Toad Prince
RL.4.5 Explain the major differences between drama, prose, and poetry.
Writing: Expository Writing - The history of Thanksgiving
Social Studies: SS.4.5 Describe Alabama's entry into statehood and establishment of its three branches of government and the constitutions.
English: SL.4.1g Correctly use frequently confused words (homophones)

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Lots of announcements this week!!!

Red Ribbon Week:

Monday - Wear Red

Tuesday - Dress like a "nerd"

Wednesday - Students will receive Dum Dum suckers

Thursday - Wear hiking boots

Friday - Character Parade

Monday I will be out for PD and will have a sub until 11am

Tuesday is picture make-up day. We will also be doing a fun Halloween craft in the afternoon.

Wednesday is a half-day for students. We will be starting Club MSE that day.

Character Parade on Friday! If your child chooses to participate, they will receive a grade for dressing up and bringing the book associated with their character. This is based on the 4th grade standard RL4.3 Describe in depth a character, setting, or event in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g. a character's thoughts, words, or actions).

Saturday, October 29th is the Fall Festival!! I hope to see you all there.

WEDNESDAY FOLDERS: Please make sure these come back to me. I have SEVERAL students who have not returned them from the first week they were sent home. This is how I send home graded papers and PTA handouts each Wednesday.

BINDERS: Please do not take papers from your child's binder, unless they are handouts from PTA or the front office that were not given to me before Wednesday folders were sent home. This is where your child keeps their unfinished work and homework, and I have some kiddos who have told me that their parent took some of their papers we were working on out of their binders.

Skills and topics for the week

Comprehension Skill - main idea and details
English - Multiple meaning words and phrases
Writing - Informational writing continued

Homework
Please feel free to e-mail me anytime if there is a problem with homework.

Every night - AR Read for 30 minutes and any unfinished classwork.

Reading: Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing ch. 9-10 with vocabulary and chapter summary. Friday November 4th.

Thanksgiving Poster Project - Due. Nov. 10th

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Field trip papers and money due Wednesday!! Several students have tried to give me the form without the money, but I will only take them if both are turned in.

Report cards came home on Monday

Vision screening is on Thursday

Skills and topics for the week
Unit 2 Week 4

Comprehension - Fact vs Opinion
English - Frequently confused words
Writing - Informational writing
Social Studies - Alabama's natural resources

Homework
Please feel free to e-mail me anytime if there is a problem with homework.

Every night - AR Read for 30 minutes and any unfinished classwork.

Reading: Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing ch. 7-8 with vocabulary and chapter summary. Due on MONDAY, Oct. 24th.

Thanksgiving Poster Project - Due. Nov. 10th

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I hope you all had a wonderful, fun, and relaxing Fall Break! It will definitely be hard to wake up early in the morning.

Vision Screening papers went home on Monday.
Field Trip Permission Forms coming home on Tuesday.

I have many of you scheduled for conferences next week. Please be sure to arrive at the time you are scheduled due to the time restraint for each conference.

Can you believe that our 1st 9 weeks is complete? I sure can't! Report cards will come home on Monday, October 17th.

FIELD TRIP - Our first field trip is on Monday, October 31st. You will be receiving the permission form this week. Please send it back in a sealed/labeled envelop with a check or cash for the amount specified. The due date will be on the form. Chaperones are on a first-come, first-served basis, so please e-mail me if you would like to chaperone. Parents will not be allowed to attend unless they have been assigned the position of chaperone.

Skills and topics for the week
Unit 2 Week 3

Comprehension - Drawing Conclusions
English - Irregular Plurals
Writing - Informative
Social Studies Chapter 2 Lesson 3 - American Settlers in Alabama (Indian Removal Act and Trail of Tears)

Homework

Every night - AR Read for 30 minutes and any unfinished classwork.

Due on Friday, OCTOBER 14th:

Reading: Tales of a 4th Grade  Nothing Chapters 5 and 6 with vocabulary sheet and chapter summary.

Social Studies: Finish the Trail of Tears internet scavenger hunt (if it is not finished in class)

Writing: Using the graphic organizer started in class

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FALL BREAK!! :) Have fun and be safe

Don't forget about the Cherrydale Fundraiser over Fall Break!!

There is no homework over fall break, but our novel study will pick back on Monday, Oct. 10th. Your child will need to have read chapters 3-4 and complete the vocabulary and chapter summary worksheets that they were given on Monday, Sept. 26th. These are not intended to be completed over Fall Break, which is why they were given out this past Monday.

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Announcements

AR REMINDER: THIS FRIDAY (Sept. 30th) is the last day to make points for AR goals.
Please look for fundraiser info coming home in binders today!!

We have not received Wednesday folders yet. There might be some chaos going on in your child's binder at the moment. Feel free to organize it how you see fit. It might be good to add a place to store homework papers, as well as a place to put graded papers so that they do not get lost in the side pockets (I would have done this at the beginning of the year, but since I started out without my teammate, I didn't know how the binders would function).

Please click the following link to sign up for a Fall Conference if you have not already done so.  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f084aa9ac29a6fd0-fall

I will have a sub on Tuesday, September 27th.

Fall Break - October 3-7!! Enjoy the time with your precious kiddos!

Our first field trip is October 31. Be on the lookout for info about that coming after Fall Break.

SchoolNet Benchmark test is this week! Once your child has completed it, you can log in (through their ClassLinks app) and access their score.

Reflections - A paper came home in your child's binder this week about the upcoming Reflections contest. I am not requiring your student to participate, however, I am strongly suggesting that everyone does. :)

Skills and topics for the week
Unit 2 Week 2

Comprehension - Drawing Conclusions
English - Irregular Plurals
Writing - Thank-you note
Social Studies Chapter 2 Lesson 2 - Conflicts Over Land

Homework

Every night - AR Read for 30 minutes and any unfinished classwork.

Due on MONDAY, OCTOBER 10th:

Tales of a 4th Grade  Nothing Chapters 3 and 4 with vocabulary sheet and chapter summary.

Always feel free to e-mail with any questions or concerns you may have! :)
E-mail: danae.young@hsv-k12.org

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REMINDER: Friday the 23rd is a 1/2 for students. School will be dismissed at 11:30!!!

Skills and topics for the week

Comprehension - Cause and Effect
Spelling - Spelling words went home on September 16th. Test on Friday.
English - Common and Proper Nouns
Writing - Poetry: Limerick and Shape poems
Social Studies - Early European Settlements

Homework

Every night - AR Read for 30 minutes and any unfinished classwork.

Due Friday:
- NOVEL STUDY* Tales of a 4th Grade  Nothing Chapters 1 and 2. Fill out vocabulary Sheet.
- Social Studies chapter 2 lesson 1 lesson questions (we will read and discuss lesson in class on Wednesday).

I am missing many class assignments and homework assignments. Your child will have silent lunch until these are completed and turned in (they were already given this warning on Friday).

*This is our first week doing our novel study. I have explained to every child how it will work, so they should be able to explain to you that we will be reading two chapters per week and discussing it every Monday. We will fill out a summary together on Monday, and the vocabulary sheet will be homework each week.

Other Announcements

Reminder: Friday the 23rd is a 1/2 for students. School will be dismissed at 11:30!!!

E-mail: danae.young@hsv-k12.org

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It's time for fall conferences. Please visit this Signup Genius link to choose a time slot. www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F084AA9AC29A6FD0-fall1

Announcements:
-Character parade on Friday, October 27th. Come dressed as your favorite book character.
- 1/2 Day on Wednesday, October 25th
- Fall Festival is October 28th.
- Box top collection began last Monday. Wouldn't it be fun to be the top class and win a popsicle party? Please send in those box tops in a baggy so that your child gets the credit for the ones they send in.
- Please e-mail Brook Campbell (campbellbrooke27@yahoo.com) to help with our 4th grade fund raiser at the Fall Festival.
- If you would like  to help host another 4th grade fund raiser, please let me know, and we can throw some ideas around.
- The Spelling Bee will be held on Friday during class. This WILL NOT take the place of our regular spelling test.

Congratulations to our two classroom spelling bee winners Je'rion Peebles and David Sarpong! They will move on to the school wide spelling bee on November 14th. Congratulations also to our round two winners Jack Wendorf and Taylor Davenport.

Reading Homework:
- Thanksgiving Project (your child will receive instructions on Oct. 23)
- AR Reading - Record on reading log (I have noticed that a lot of students are not filling this out. I am currently unable to access AR to see who is taking tests and who is not. I want everyone to learn to enjoy reading, and the only way to get there is to keep reading and improve fluency so that reading becomes easy and therefore fun. I also do not want anyone to miss out on the super fun AR field trip at the end of the year.

Reading:  | So You Want to be President
RI.4.5 Describe the overall structure of events, ideas, concepts, or information in a text or part of a text.
Writing: Expository Writing - The history of Thanksgiving
Social Studies: SS.4.5 Describe Alabama's entry into statehood and establishment of its three branches of government and the constitutions.
English: L.4.4a Use context as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.

Upcoming Tests:
Spelling test on Friday
Reading test on Friday. Study the "text structures" flip-book that we are creating in class.

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Skills and topics for the week

Comprehension - Review of Unit 1 Skills
Vocab skill - Review of Unit 1 Skills
Fluency - Review of Unit 1 Skills
Spelling - Review of Unit 1 Skills (Test will be a mixture of spelling words from each week. They will only be words that were on previous tests)
English - Review of Unit 1 Skills
Writing - Finishing Personal Narrative and Review of Unit 1 Skills
Social Studies - Chapter 1 Lesson 3: Early Explorers

Homework

**Students now have their homework planners in their binders, but I will try to post on here as well. Please check back periodically, because I might update the homework section throughout the week.**

Every night - AR Read for 30 minutes, and finish unfinished classwork

Monday - Read Social Studies pgs. 18-23. Be prepared to answer questions #1-8 in class.
Tuesday - Read Social Studies pgs. 18-23. Be prepared to answer questions #1-8 in class.
Wednesday - Finish Daily Common Core by FRIDAY.
Finish Social studies questions from today.
Many students have not finished social studies homework from last week. If this is not turned in by TOMORROW (Sept. 15), they will have silent lunch until it is turned in.
Thursday -  GATE students (or absent students) "Reading Comprehension: Giraffes", and Daily Fix It worksheets (due Monday).

Other Announcements

PTA meeting on Tuesday September 13 (send in order form for food!!!)
Picture Day on Thursday, Sept. 15th
Sept. 15th - I will have a sub from 7:45-11:00, due to a meeting at central office.

CONFERENCES:
My homeroom Conference days are on Mondays and Tuesdays at 11:40-12:10, or 3:15-3:45... If neither of these times work for you, then let me know what times do work for you and we will try to work something out. Please contact me about when you would like to set up your Fall conference. I will not be having conferences the week of Sept. 26-30; I'm celebrating my birthday all week long!! ;)

E-mail: danae.young@hsv-k12.org

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Welcome to my NEW website. I am sorry that the weebly is not going to be used anymore. Here are the announcements for this week. 

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Welcome to my NEW website. I am sorry that the weebly is not going to be used anymore. Here are the announcements for this week. 

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​September 6-9

I am so sorry that it took me so long to create my website. This is where I will update you once a week regarding what we are learning in 4th grade reading/writing/social studies class, as well as announcements and upcoming events. Thanks for stopping by!!

No School On Monday September 5th (Happy Labor Day!!)

Skills and topics for the week
Comprehension - Main idea and details and text structure
Vocab skill - suffixes -ist, -ive, -ness
Fluency - Appropriate phrasing
Spelling - Long u
English - Clauses and Complex Sentences
Writing - Personal Narrative
Social Studies - American Indians of Alabama

Homework
AR Read for 30 minutes every night
Monday -
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -

Other Announcements

PROGRESS REPORTS COME HOME TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th!!! Please sign and return by Friday, Sept. 9th.

​TENTATIVE Upcoming Field Trips:
October 31 (after character parade): Path to Nature
November (date TBA... possibly Nov. 8): State Capital Trip
December 6 or 7: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
March 30: Voices from the Grave at Glenwood Cemetery and Depot
May 11: Water Power & Pioneers - Belvidere, TN