Friday the 25th

Happy Friday! I returned from my inservice day with the room disheveled, but everyone happy and well. Today we used manipulatives to act out problems in math. With Mr. Smith, the 5th graders read about the New England colonies. In grade four they practiced more for next week's writing test and started geometry. After lunch, we had our fourth Project LEAD lesson focusing on the need to be properly educated so you won't have to want for many things in the future. We did a fun budgeting lesson during which the kids got a taste of what it feels like to make tough choices when on a budget. The most important idea that came out of the lesson was to willingly make sacrifices now (putting off fun to do your work) or the sacrifices will be made for you in the future (when you don't have the funds or opportunity to do all you wish). Finally, we read Cynthia Rylant's short narrative entitled, "Slower Than the Rest". Give us a few days to discuss but, afterwards, please ask your child about the story. It is very powerful. Have a nice weekend. Stay dry and warm.

IMPORTANT INFO:
1) If your child wishes to brush up on their basic math skills (and beyond) or just have fun they can do it @ envision math's site: https://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com. To do so:

a) Have your child log into the site using his/her computer password and loggin used @ school.
b) Choose the grade and click premium.
c) Click search @ the top.
d) Type in keyword games.
e) Have fun and learn at the same time :).

2) If your child has not kept up with their HW they may have standards to write. We've had to take a tough line as MANY students are not completing their HW nightly. As such, CHRONIC offenders will have to write 25 standards for each missed assignment. Please check your son/daughter's planner nightly and ask to see the completed assignments. It may save them future problems with arthritis :).

Homework:
Math:Study chapter 5 (gr. 5); (gr. 4) none
Reading: Read daily for @ least 35 mins.
Spelling: Smile
Science: Help out @ home
Lang Arts: Be nice
General: Sign CJ and planner; finish standards (if needed)