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Monday Memo
September 8, 2008

We made it through our first week with flying colors!  It’s hard to get used to the idea that summer is over and we are back in school….but it was fun to get to know each other and to check out the new supplies, some new faces and all the new shoes!

Students completed several assessments last week, which provide  information to teachers and parents about where students are academically. These tests highlight areas of strength and identify those in need of review.  Hopefully parents are able to work on multiplication facts each evening if your child scored below 70% on the fact assessment.  We use multiplication and division every day, so mastery of these facts makes math much easier and lots more fun!
We began our first literature book, Poppy, by Avi, last week.  It’s a wonderful story, which we enjoy reading aloud together while sitting outside in our beach chairs under a tree.  We share core literature books to improve our vocabulary and reading fluency and comprehension, but most of all, to nurture a love of good books.  Our standards-based reading and grammar curriculum begins today.  Watch for packets coming home each week, which help students to reinforce concepts we are working with each week.  Thursdays and Fridays are quiz days…to check progress.
Spelling begins this week as well.  Students may challenge the fourth grade words on Monday if they choose.  A 90% or better entitles one to study challenge words for the week.  Test on Friday. 
Tuesday we will divide the students up into two math groups.  Students will be placed in ability grouping which are flexible throughout the year. Both groups will cover the fourth grade curriculum, and one will move at an accelerated pace and include advanced problem solving instruction.  I will teach one for half the year, and Mr. Orr will teach the other.  Half way through, we switch, so everyone gets to know everyone else!
We are learning about the geography and different regions of our beautiful state in social studies.  We plan to write to Governor Schwarzenegger this week and invite him to visit us here at CSS.  Anyone with any connections? 
In science we are learning about electricity.
As you can see, our days are full!

Homework
30 minutes of reading each evening.  Please listen to your child read aloud to you for a portion of that time.  It helps a lot with fluency.  Don’t allow them to guess at or skip words.  It’s wonderful if you have time to read aloud to them as well.  I do, every afternoon, and they love it!
Reading log each night- neat, in pencil, two sentences, proofread.  One or two other short assignments as well…please check your child’s agenda for more info.
Students are responsible for bringing their books to and from school each day.  
Neatness is important, as is proofreading and editing on written work.  Parent support is welcome!

Coming up!
Back to School Night- Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 6:00.  Find out all about our program and learn about opportunities to help us out!

Quote of the week:
“100% of the shots you don’t take, don’t go in.”
Wayne Gretsky

Thank you for your support….Have a wonderful week