Week of January 9!

Dates:
Wednesday, January 11 - Science Test
Thursday, January 12 - Morning Math Session7:45
Thursday, January 12 - Alvin Ailey Performance
Thursday, January 12 - Write down 3 animal choices for rainforest
Friday, January 13 - Receive animal choice
Monday, January 16 - No school

Homework:
Monday - Write words 3 times, Spelling worksheet, Study multiplication facts, Read
Tuesday - Spelling sentences, Study Science, Study multiplication facts, Read
Wednesday - Spelling choice worksheet, Study multiplication facts, Read
Thursday - Study for spelling, Study multiplication facts, Read
Friday - Spelling Test

Class News:
Math -   Beginning this week students are expected to practice their multiplication facts as part of their homework.  Over the course of the week a total of 30 minutes will reinforce the work we are doing in class. This is also an opportunity for children to learn time management because we understand that some nights are very busy and students can only study five minutes in the car.  When that is the case, students should spend more time studying the following night.   Students are allowed to study  any way that is suitable for them. Differentiated opportunities for students to work at their own level are websites and electronic apps.  Besides websites and apps, some other affective ways to study are flashcards, worksheets, and card games.

Science - The Science test is Wednesday.  The students should have brought home a study guide,vocabulary list, Science folder, and Science book last week.Reviewing the review and test prep questions at the end of chapters 15 and 16 will also be very helpful.

Spelling - This week we will change to a fourth grade spelling book.  There will be 20 regular words with 5 challenge words.  We will no longer have any Super Challenge Words.  All students will learn the 20 list words.  If students miss 5 or less words on the pretest they will study the Extra Challenge Words.  If you would like your child to learn all 25 words then please feel free to make that judgement.  If you feel like 20 words is too difficult for your child then please contact his/her teacher to make an accommodation plan. Also, we will have new spelling homework on Wednesday nights.  Students will be given a choice of ways to practice spelling for the night.  Student need to choose only one out of a list of 5/6.  We will reevaluate the lists each week and add and delete some activities.  This shouldn't be more time consuming but just give the students a choice.

Rainforest - We will begin our rainforest unit this week.  On Monday we will complete a K-W-L chart and watch a video on rainforest animals.  Student will spend the time looking at rainforest animals by looking at Wildlife Fact Cards, searching the Internet, and looking through books.  Students should be prepared to write down three animal choices on Thursday, January 12.  Please make sure you have talked with your child about the size of animal you are willing to make.  Next Friday, January 13 the students will get their rainforest animal that they will be an "expert" on that animal.

Important rainforest dates: These are some rainforest dates.  Please read blog weekly for further dates.
Thursday, January 12 - Students make animal choices
Friday, January 13 - Students receive animal choice
Tuesday, January 17 - Students need to have at least 2 Internet resources about animal to bring to school (Please make sure the web address and date are on the bottom of the resource for bibliography purposes.)
Tuesday, February 14 Animal are due (Students can bring animals in the Thursday 2/ 9 or Friday 2/10.)
Thursday, March 1 Rainforest Open House 11:30-1:00

Bully Prevention Workshops at St. Paul’s

1^st – 5^th Grades  Tuesday,  January 24  

Middle School   Wednesday, January 25 

Parents’ Workshop  Thursday, January 26             7 PM  North MPR

RSVP for the Parent Workshop to lvan@speds.org

More information is available in the Head of School’s Monday Morning Memo and Mrs. Watt’s blog found at

http://spedswatts.blogspot.com/  

Spelling Words:
1. wrist
2. know
3. thumb
4.sign
5. unknown
6. wreck
7. limb
8. wrench
9. knit
10. comb
11. wreath
12. assign
13. knot
14. lamb
15. kneel
16. knob
17. writing
18. climb
19. design
20. wren

Challenge Words:
1. bologna
2. lasagna
3. align
4. wrestler
5. cologne