Ross / Ellis Weekly Newsletter
November 2, 2018
"If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes."
Happy Halloween!
What Will We Be Learning This Week?
Math
We will begin Cluster 4 next week: Develop Multiplication and Division Strategies. Students will be learning to multiply 1 by 2 digit, 1 by 3 digit, 1 by 4 digit and 2 by 2 digit numbers. Students will learn to multiply larger numbers using their knowledge of place value.
Please understand that the algorithms taught may look very different from those taught to you when you were in school. I strongly encourage students to use the place value strategies, even if the standard algorithm seems 'simpler'. By using knowledge of place value, students are better able to understand multiplication and division conceptually.
Science
We will conclude our study of animals by taking a closer look at ourselves. We will be talking about our body's systems. Students will learn that systems are groups of organs and tissues that work together to do the work of an organism. Topics will include the skeletal system, the nervous system, the muscular system and the cardiovascular system.
Language Arts
We will continue reading Soft Rain this week. We are focusing on helping the students to be empathetic towards the plight of the Cherokee people on the Trail of Tears.
We will have a spelling list this week.
Social Studies
We will not have any NC Studies Weekly assignments until we finish reading Soft Rain (see above). Please send your child's homeroom teacher an email by Monday with your favorite candy in the subject to earn your child a free homework pass. Assignments that we complete for Soft Rain will count as grades in both Language Arts and Social Studies.
Odds & Ends
Weekly Progress Reports
Student-Led Conferences
Thanks to those of you who attended Student Led Conferences on Monday! Students did a great job sharing their progress and goals with their families. If you have not yet attended a conference with your child, please use the link below to sign up for a time to come into school.
Conferences will be held on Wednesday, November 7th from 1:40 - 2:00 pm or 2:00 - 2:20 pm.
Secure Volunteer Link
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, November 7th - Report Cards
Monday - Friday, November 5-9th Fourth Grade Spirit Week (Information to come)
Monday, November 12th - NO SCHOOL - Veterans Day Observed
Tuesday, November 13th - Battle of the Books Practice 2:30pm
Tuesday, November 20th - Club Day!
Wednesday, November 21st - Friday, November 23rd - Thanksgiving Holiday, NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, November 27th - Fall Make Up Pictures
Tuesday, November 27th - 2:30 Battle of the Books Practice
Monday - Tuesday, December 3-4th - Dental Bus
Wednesday, December 5th - Progress Reports
Friday, December 7th - School Dance 6pm
Monday - Friday, December 10-14th - Christmas Shop on Cafeteria Stage
Tuesday, December 11th - Battle of the Books Practice 2:30pm
Thursday, December 13th - Christmas Program at Blackburn 6pm
Thursday, December 20th - Club Day
Thursday, December 20th - Early Release Day 11:30am
Friday, December 21 - Wednesday, January 2nd - NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, January 2nd - Teacher Workday, NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Thursday, January 3rd - Students return to school
Tuesday, January 8th - Battle of the Books Practice