Farewell to February!

Can you believe that February and the third quarter are all most over?  This year has flown by!  I wanted to catch you up on some of the things the Rascals have been and are working on.............

Spelling:  Because of the shortened week we are focusing on reviewing our spelling words.  The students are responsible for 115 words at this point.  All of the words we've had to date can be found in your child's binder under the spelling tab.  We'll pick up with Unit 24 next Monday.

Math:  We're working away on chapter 9.  Chapter 9 includes working with fractions, decimals, and percents.  It is so important that your child still work on their multiplication and division facts if they're still having trouble.  These MUST be memorized.  We use both skills in every lesson we complete.

Reading:  The Cereal Box Book Reports were awesome!  I enjoyed learning about each book and watching the commercials.  Thank you for helping your child to shine!  Our next book report will be completed at school and we'll be working on a Power Point presentation model for each report.  The kiddos will need to pick a book to start reading this week.  The book will need to be completed in the next few weeks to allow us time to create the Power Points.  Each reading group is working on skills that are taylored to that group.  To see your child's reading grade you will need to log on to their reading teacher's website.   

Science:  We worked with Magnets and Electricity in January and February.  The kiddos did a fantastic job and knew the concepts in and out.  We were even fortunate enough to bring Mad Science to our class to teach us about Electricity! 

Social Studies:  The last two weeks we worked on chapter 5 in our Social Studies book.  This chapter was about the Spanish Explorers and Missionaries in Arizona.  We took this test on Friday and the kiddos did awesome.  They have a love for history and it shows in each lesson!  Today we started chapter 6.  This chapter will focus on Arizona as part of Mexico. 

Language:  We are continuing to work on homophones, the parts of speech, tenses, and the 4 types of sentences.

Reading and Homework Logs:  Some of the kiddos haven't been turning in their logs on Friday.  The reading portion is calculated into their reading grade and can bring the grade up or down.  Everyday the students must complete the homework and notes section of the log.  This is where I mark upcoming tests and the kiddos highlight the info.  We have been doing this all year but I'm getting some phone calls from parents that they weren't aware of upcoming tests.  Tests are ALWAYS on the assignment board and usually are accompanied by a study guide well in advance.  It's hard to give an exact date of when a test will be because it all depends on how well the kiddos get through the lessons.  Some days we have to do a little reteaching and other days we can combine two lessons into one.  When we're nearing the end of a chapter I then put the test date on the assignment board.  The kiddos always have a minimum of 3 days to study, usually more.  It is the student's responsiblity to get this information home.  When I'm able I usually put this information on the blog too.

Please remember that if your child recieves an F or a 1 on any paper that is not a test they can redo it and I'll average the scores.  This helps their grades a great deal and helps to ensure that they're getting the concepts.  Be sure to check your child's grades online on a regular basis.  The kiddos should be checking these as well.  

Volunteer Calendar:  I sent home the March and April volunteer calendars to be filled out.  I only recieved two back.  I'll update the volunteer calendar on our website today and that will show what days are open if you would like to be added.  Wednesdays are the only taken day as of now.  We love our volunteers and would love for you to come in but we understand if you're too busy as well.  I'm looking for someone who would be willing to volunteer from home.  I need someone who is comfortable typing.  I would send home the some sheets and you would type up a form for each kiddo.  If this is something you would like to do then we would love you forever!  Just let me know.  

Field Trips:  We have two upcoming field trips!  On April 1 we will be venturing to Old Pueblo Archaelogy Center and on April 26 we will be attending Disney's Oceans.  The dig will go with our study of Arizona and the Southwest and Oceans will go with our studies of adaptation and the water cycle.  It's looking like we have enough tax credit money to cover both trips.  Look for itineraries and forms to come home in the future. 

Remember, Story Book Parade is this Wednesday.  The kiddos come to school dressed as their favorite book character.  They need to bring the book as well.  I encourage everyone to participate.  It will be a fun day! 

Rodeo Break is this Thursday and Friday.  That leaves us with two weeks left in the third quarter when we return.  Thank you for your continued support.  It makes a difference in your childn't education!

Mrs. Ronnie