Updates Before Break

First, let me apologize.  I am a little behind on grading due to being out most of last week.  My plan is to get everything done over break; hopefully that works!  =)

After break, we will be doing our flashcards for the Colonial Times unit in VA Studies.  I'll email you when the completed flashcards come home. Our test will be sometime during the 2nd week in December.  Holy COW it's December already!!!!

On Friday, December 5th we will have our Winter Wonderland from 5:30-7:30.  It's only $5 to get in and there will be really cool games, crafts and even a moon bounce.  There will also be a pizza dinner for $2.50.  The book fair will also be open and SCA will be selling spirit wear and baked goods. All proceeds come directly back to the school so come in and have a blast!

Also in December our kids will have their first SCA dance!  It will be Friday the 12th and it is right after school.  If your child wants to go, they need to be picked up at 5 in the gym.  It's only $1 to get in and all the grade levels have to bring an item - I think our item is a bag of chips, because they will eat snack during the dance as well.  All of this will come home in a permission slip when we get back from break.  But please let me know if you have any questions. Fourth graders are normally very excited because this is the first dance they get to attend. 

 

Finally, Tuesday folders will go home next week, not today.  That way folders won't get misplaced and I can put some papers in their mailboxes.  

 

As always, if you have any questions let me know.  Have a super break!  Enjoy the warm  weather today and the possible snow on Wednesday.  In Virginia, you just never know what you're going to get!

Reading Project - Due Thursday the 13th

This week in reading, our story is a nonfictional text focusing on movies as well as looking at the difference between facts and opinions.  Using these skills I have assigned my reading students a "movie" poster.  Here are the guidelines to follow:

1. Can be based on a current movie or a "made up" movie
2. The artwork on the poster has to be original - cannot copy the picture off of a current DVD/movie poster - and cannot be printed
3. NOTHING gory, bloody or scary please
4. Must contain two facts about the movie ~ for example, the setting, a character, something that happened in the movie ~ The main characters in this movie are Gru and the Minions.
5. Must contain two opinions about the movie (similar to a critic) - for example, in class I used the example ~ This movie is great!  Please don't use that one and encourage your child to be creative in their opinions
6. Putting the poster on construction paper is wonderful, poster board is not needed

Please know your child will have time to work on this in class on Wednesday and Thursday.  This is not an elaborate project.  I want them to focus more on the fact/opinion angle than putting tons of time into the poster part. 

Jamestown Trip tomorrow.

I just wanted to post the specifics for the field trip tomorrow.  I will also be discussing this with the students today but just to be sure the correct info gets to you here goes:

1. Buses LEAVE school @ 7:45 ~ Mrs. Fleming should be here by 7:15 so you can arrive anytime after that. 
2. Come to my back door.  The front door remains locked until 8:30 and there won't be anyone there to let you in.

3. Bring a lunch - no one has told me they needed a prepared lunch from the cafeteria so I'm assuming everyone is bringing a lunch.  NO SODAS please and no GLASS bottles. 

4.  Electronics are welcome as are movies (rated G); however, your child is responsible for their own things.  We will be leaving everything on the bus and students aren't allowed to bring backpacks so just keep that in mind.

5. Your child may bring money for the trip, but again, they are responsible for it.  There is a gift shop but please be sure your child understands, NO guns, knives, or anything else that could be a weapon can come back on the bus.  Cameras are allowed and if your child is bringing their DS or iPOD for the camera feature that is fine.  Again, they are responsible for it.

6. We leave Jamestown about 2:30 and should be back to school between 4:00 and 4:30.  Please let Mrs. Fleming know when you take your child, don't just leave.  :)

6. The weather is supposed to be less than stellar tomorrow and we WILL NOT CANCEL.  Please be sure to dress your child warmly and rain boots/umbrellas are highly suggested.  90% of our trip is outside.

VA Studies Test

Last set of flashcards have been answered and should go home today. Our test on Jamestown will be Friday November 14th.