4th Grade Newsletter
August 23, 2018
Welcome to Fourth Grade
Important Dates
- Thursday, August 23rd @ 6:00 PM: 4th Grade Parent Night
- August 27th - 31st: Howdy Week (see schedule below)
- Monday, September 3rd: Labor Day Holiday (no school)
- Tuesday, September 12th @ 6:30 PM: Watchdog Meeting
- Thursday, September 27th from 5-7 PM: Color Run/Fall Picnic
- Monday, October 8th: Student/Teacher Holiday
- Tuesday, October 9th: Conference Day & No School (For Students!)
Math
In math, your student is learning to read and write numbers through one billion, and decimals to the hundredths, using expanded notation, numerals, and words. For those of you who would like to spend some time reviewing these concepts at home, I’ve included a snapshot of our notes. He/she will also learn how to order numbers and decimals from least to greatest and from greatest to least, and to compare them using the appropriate symbols (<, >, and =). These skills require an understanding of the concept of each place value- the idea that the value of a digit depends on its place in a number.
I’m sure that many of our students took a break over the summer, but please continue to review those multiplication facts (though the 12 times table) at home. Fluent recitation is paramount in 4th grade math! Thank you!
Reading
1. Why are words and pictures important?
2. What do good readers do?
3. How do I understand what I read?
We are exploring these questions through the lens of fiction. This week we began by discussing the characteristics of different fiction genres. We also explored how characters drive the story. The students are writing about their own character traits and recognizing that they are the main character in their own life story!
Attendance
Your child should be in his/her seat by 7:45 AM ready for instruction. A good guideline is to arrive at school by 7:35. This will allow your child enough time to get in the building, put his/her things away, and begin work by 7:45.
Our gym doors open at 7:00 AM for early student drop off. Barksdale staff members will supervise students from 7:00 - 7:30. Students line up by grade level while they wait. Each student will sit quietly while waiting. He/she may read, study, work on homework, or visit with friends sitting in front or behind them. Early drop off helps parents avoid morning traffic thus ensuring every student is in his or her seat by 7:45 ready to learn. Breakfast is also available every morning beginning at 7:15.
Please make sure to send in a note with your child if they need to go home a different way.
Barksdale Triatholon
PTA Reflections due November 1st
Science Fair Projects due January 16th
Bronco Press Books due April 24th
Lunch
Due to our large enrollment and ongoing cafeteria renovations, the school will be able to accommodate one adult per family once a semester for lunch.
Lunch visitors will go outside to the corral rain or shine. Please check the weather before you plan to visit and prepare accordingly.
Thank you for your cooperation. Our lunchtime is from 11:30-12:00.
Birthday Treats
This year at Barksdale we are excited to continue to celebrate student birthdays in a variety of ways, however we are discontinuing food related birthday treats brought to school. We just received new carpet and with all the bright colored frosting and sugar related foods, we respectfully ask no food be brought in for birthdays.
We enjoy making students feel special on their birthday, and in addition to announcing birthdays on our school morning announcements, each grade level will have their own fun way to celebrate. If you feel the need to send something to school with your child for their birthday, some possible non-food ideas include pencils, stickers, or a book for the classroom library.
Please know that you do not have to send anything with your child on their birthday! We promise to make them feel special!
Security Clearance
Click on the link below to fill out your application.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Federal Meal Program Application- (Free or Reduced Meal Application)
Application in Spanish https://fans.pisd.edu/lfserver/fma_spa