Mrs. Salemi's Classroom News!
April 2021
Parent Teacher Conferences
I look forward to discussing your child's growth and progress! As always, thank you for your support!
Mrs. Salemi :)
IAR Testing
The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) is the state assessment and accountability measure for Illinois students enrolled in a public school district. IAR assesses the New Illinois Learning​ Standards Incorporating the Common Core and will be administered in English Language Arts and Mathematics.
There are 2 ELA (English Language Arts) and 3 Math assessments for 4th grade.
4th Grade's IAR Schedule:
- Monday, April 19th: Math - 1 & ELA - 1
- Tuesday, April 20th: Math - 2 & ELA - 2
- Wednesday, April 21st: Math - 3
Important Information:
- HYBRID students will complete testing at Apollo.
- REMOTE students will be testing at the FRC (Family Resource Center).
(An email from the school district was sent with detailed information about testing.)
- REMOTE students who opted out from testing with be given a choice board to complete during the days of testing.
**All afternoons during testing will remain the same. All students will learn remotely from home - attending PFA's (art, music, etc.) & completing science/social studies assignments independently.
New & Exciting Summer Reading Opportunities!
Summer Reading Book Packs
- All students in preschool through 8th grade will be able to select their own collection of summer reading books. The best part? The books are free for all students!
- 3rd-5th grade students will select nine books
- The window for selecting books will open on March 15 and will end on April 5.
- To make book selections (beginning on March 15), students will use their Chromebooks to log into Classlink. Need step-by-step instructions on how to do this? Check out the Summer Book Self-Select Direction Sheet. If you need technology assistance making book selections, email support@emsd63.org.
- Summer reading packs will be delivered to schools in May and distributed to students before summer break.
Summer Enrichment Program
- District 63 will offer a new Summer Enrichment Program - available to all students entering K-8th grade in the 2021-2022 school year.
- This enrichment program will occur in the afternoons during the month of July, and students will be able to choose one or two sessions - rooted in the Illinois Learning Standards for all subject areas - on topics of interest.
- First, to gauge participation in the program and ensure that we offer topics that are appealing to students and families, we ask that you fill out the Summer Enrichment Program Survey. The survey will close on March 19.
- Many details are still being finalized for this exciting new program, so stay tuned for more information coming your way about how to register your student(s).
We are excited to offer these summer break opportunities to all students and look forward to keeping their learning going in fun and engaging new ways.
Here is what we have been learning about last month!
Reading
- We started our last Reading Unit on Historical Fiction! The best part of this unit is that students have been working together and reading historical fiction books in their book clubs. They read and collaborate each day, reflecting and using a variety of reading strategies to support their work.
Writing:
- Students shared a chapter from their American Revolution sub-topics. The work they put into their writing is incredible and I was very proud of all their hard work
- We have also started our last unit it writing which is realistic fiction. Students have taken a deeper look at their characters for their story, creating interesting plots/storylines!
Math:
- We finished Module 5 which focused on fractions. We were able to start just a couple of lessons in Module 6 which focuses on decimals.
- Need help getting a better understanding of math? Check out my website or here for more support!
Science/Social Studies:
- Students have been learning all about money! Spending & saving money, producers & consumers, goods & services are just some of the topics that have been covered. We will wrap up this unit with students building their own businesses!
SELS (Social Emotional Learning Standards):
- We have discussed complex feelings. Many times we often have more than one feeling at a given time. This can lead to confusion but is completely part of growing up.
- To tie in with your theme of the month, "Be Adventurous"-students have shared their recent adventures, as well as the most adeventurous thing they have ever done!
Important Dates!
April 5th - Virtual Parent/Teacher Conferences - 5-8 pm
April 6th - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Virtual Parent/Teacher Conferences - 8-11 am
April 19th-April 21st- IAR Testing (Read above for further information regarding testing.)
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER!
Make sure to check out the fun that happens in 4th grade on Twitter!!
Follow me: @MrsSalemi
Mrs. Salemi's Contact Information!
Email: ssalemi@emsd63.org
Website: http://www.emsd63.org/Domain/828
Location: Apollo Elementary School, Dee Road, Des Plaines, IL, United States
Phone: 847-493-8382
Twitter: @MrsSalemi