Monday...My favorite day of the week.

This AM the fifth graders continued to work on their Native American Powerpoints with Mr. Smith. They also turned in their science labs, which were apparently not very proficient (: and went over their vocabulary words for mixtures and solutions. The fourth graders went to Mrs. Barnes where they worked on dividing 3 digit numbers and made magnets dance in science. During math, the fifth graders continued dividing large numbers by 2 digit divisors. We are struggling a bit as many students do not know their math facts. If you get the chance, please review the multiplication facts with your son or daughter. After lunch, we reread and discussed, "Poor People" a narrative that deals with homelessness. We also continued our discussion of world problems and came up with possible solutions for each for an essay we will write soon. It was a nice way to start the week, as the students were motivated and positive.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
1) The fourth graders will take the NAEP test this week. If you have questions about this test and its expectations, refer to this site : nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard
2) Articulation Night is Thursday in the auditorium @ 6:00. All SUSD middle schools will be represented.
3) This month's character trait is commitment.

Homework:
Math: IWB pages 49 and 51 #'s 1-4 ONLY
Reading: Read for @ least 35 mins.
Spelling: Lesson 16; grade 4 Lesson 18
Science: Study for Wednesday's quiz
Social Studies: None
General: Sign CJ and planner

Happy Friday!

Today flew by for the students. We took our spelling test first thing this morning because of our first Project LEAD lesson in the afternoon. Next, the kids went to Mr. Smith and worked on their social studies Powerpoints. Mr. Smith also told the students that he has tentatively scheduled a science test for Thursday or Friday of next week. During math, we continued our work around dividing to the thousands with 2 digit divisors. We also took a brief assessment to see where we are as a class when it comes to dividing larger numbers. During math and science, the fourth graders took an assessment online. After recess and lunch, we welcomed a District Attorney and a police officer. Our first Project LEAD lesson revolved around how our court system works. The children read a play, learned quite a bit about our legal system and asked many thoughtful questions. Finally, we went to WHEEL during which we had science, computer and engineering. The class did a tremendous job in engineering. Mrs. Ramirez was so happy and impressed that I thought she was going to cry :). She said it was an excellent way to end a long week. I did not send home a Friday Folder this week, but will do so next Friday. It's been a great week! Have a wonderful weekend.

Shout out goes to Daniel Cruz who is the first of my soon to be many thousands of blog followers (I'm sure:).

HOMEWORK:
Math: Practice multiplication facts; GR.4 -Finish Test (if needed)
Reading: Read daily for @ least 30 minutes
Science: Finish Separating Mixtures lab; Gr. 4 - None
Social studies: Work on Powerpoint; Gr. 4- None
General: 1) Sign CJ and planner 2) Smile and be happy :)

Just a Regular Day...

Today we had a normal day as usual. In math we continued to divide numbers into the thousands using 2 digit divisors (Envision lesson 4.7). We'll have an assessment on this topic at the end of class tomorrow or on Monday. In science, w/ Mr. Smith, the students did an excellent job with their Separating Dry Mixtures lab. Mr. Smith was very impressed (for a change :). After lunch and recess, we had DI and finished the second part of our narrative entitled, "The Doughnuts". Next, some of the students went to band while the rest of us discussed problems in our society and possible solutions to those problems. Finally, we went outside for PE.

Tomorrow is our first Project LEAD lesson. During Project LEAD members of San Diego's District Attorneys Office, as well as probation and police officers. They will instruct the students on law, as well as thoughtful approaches and solutions to problems involving gangs, theft, graffiti, truancy and other important issues. LA County's Project LEAD homepage can be found @ http://da.lacounty.gov/cr/lead.htm. I do not think San Diego has a site discussing the program, but both programs are very similar. We are extremely fortunate as only two classes in San Diego Unified have the honor of taking part in this program.

It was another great day. The students were motivated, conscientious and positive.

HOMEWORK:
Math: Reteach page 21
Reading: Read for 35 mins.
Language Arts: DLR - Monday
Science: Draw a picture and finish lab. Finished lab due Monday
Social Studies: Work on Powerpoint
General: Sign CJ/Planner and Project LEAD permission.

MTM Trip

We had an interesting and informative time @ MTM. While there, we took a tour and met 2 vice-principals and 3 counselors. We also received a robotics demonstration from several 7th and 8th graders. We found out that next year MTM will NOT have a minimum day. Also, the students will be expected to arrive @ 7:50 for middle school next year. I'd never been to MTM so I was looking forward to our trip. I found the staff to be friendly,helpful, motivated and kind. Their focus is the same as ours, so if your son or daughter matriculates to MTM they will have a leg up on the other 150 or so other sixth graders expected to enroll next school year. I was impressed with the program @ MTM. Please ask your son or daughter what they thought about the school and our trip. MTM'S homepage can be found @: http://www.mtechmiddle.org/

Tonight's HW:
Math- Test Prep pages 19 and 47
Language Arts- Comparative and superlative worksheet
Reading- Read for 35 mins.
General- 1) Sign CJ/Planner 2) Have an adult sign permission for Project LEAD

Day One

We were inserviced today by Mrs. Mathews on how to create Blogs. I love the idea of having a classroom Blog. Within this Blog, I can update our classroom schedule, discuss upcoming events and upload copies of our homework assignments (hopefully).