Room 304 Update
May 7, 2016
Grade4Cares Service Project
In just a few short days, we've made a lot of progress in launching our service project! Students are currently researching charitable organizations, and writing persuasive essays to convince the rest of the 4th grade to support that non-profit. We'll have a grade-wide vote early next week, and will be able to announce the cause the 4th grade is committed to supporting!
Also early next week, you can expect a flyer coming home with specific dates for the can-and-bottle drive, and detailing what types of cans and bottles can be accepted. Thank you to our room parents, for getting the PTA on board to handle the finances of the fundraiser!
Narrowing our Focus
Students brainstormed several problems that they were interested in learning more about, and supporting. After 2 rounds of voting, we narrowed it down; we are now researching the work of the Jimmy Fund (cancer), Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Merrimack Valley Food Bank, MA Coalition for the Homeless, and the MSPCA-Angell Animal Hospital.
Research and Writing
Students are applying their research, analysis, synthesis, and writing skills to write op-eds in favor of specific charities, news articles about the issues, and informational pieces about the grade4cares project.
Authentic Learning
This is a big project to take on, and I'll admit it--It's a little overwhelming; I've never done anything like this before! But seeing students so invested, so engaged in authentic application of interdisciplinary skills, and committed to making a difference in the world--absolutely worth it. I'm so proud of our kids!
Math MCAS is coming up!
The Math MCAS will take place Wednesday, May 11, and Thursday, May 12. We have worked hard this year to learn the skills and strategies to be flexible problem solvers, and I believe our students are very well prepared for the test! Next week there will be NO homework, so that students can focus on early bedtime routines (though nightly reading is always encouraged!). A good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast are the best ways to prepare for the test, in my opinion!
Chaperones Needed!
Thank you to the parents who have volunteered to be chaperones for our upcoming Whipple Hill field trip! To those parents, I'll be in touch shortly with more details; in the meantime, we still need one more chaperone! In order to be a chaperone, you must have a completed, current CORI on file with the Main Office. You can check with the Main Office to see if your CORI is still valid; they expire every three years. Turnaround time for a CORI check can be 3+ weeks, so if you need to renew yours, please submit the form to the Main Office ASAP!
Event Information
Whipple Hill Field Trip
A culminating field trip/Big Backyard Walk for our science unit on rocks and minerals. Stay tuned for more information!
When?
Wednesday, May 18, 2016, 08:30 AM
Where?
Whipple Hill, Lexington, MA, United States
Event Information
Harvard Museum of Natural History Field Trip
A special opportunity (in the last week of school!) to visit the Museum of Natural History to study rocks and minerals, as well as the other collections on exhibit. Stay tuned for more information closer to the date!
When?
Monday, Jun 20, 2016, 08:30 AM
Where?
Harvard Museum of Natural History, Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA, United States
Mrs. Ahern's Fourth Grade Classroom
Email: cahern@sch.ci.lexington.ma.us
Location: Estabrook School, Lexington, MA, United States
Phone: (781) 861-2520
Twitter: @CaitAhern