Mrs. Ross' Newsletter
4th Grade at Bell Prairie Elementary
Science
Our of unit of study for the next few weeks will be magnets. So far, students have spent their lab time learning what magnets are attracted to, how magnets interact, and being iron detectors. Vocabulary covered includes north and south poles, attract, repel, and magnetic force. They also discovered that magnets aren't attracted to all metals, but are only attracted to iron and steel. Thanks for spending some time asking what they learned about this week. Teaching you about these magnetic concepts will solidify them in their minds and help them recall the information on the science portion of the 5th Grade MAP test.
Reading and Math
Mrs. Nick has done a wonderful job of stepping right in. In Reading, the students are learning about first-hand and second-hand accounts in text. In Math, the students are learning about fractions.
Congratulations go to Mrs. Buckley on the birth of her daughter, Mila!
Planners
New planners for the 2nd semester have been handed out. Please make sure you are signing the planner each night.
Cold Weather Has Arrived!
Please make sure your student comes to school dressed to go outside for recess. Warm winter coats, hats, gloves, and a scarves are recommended for winter recess days.
ELA Benchmark - Friday, January 15
Students will be taking the Winter ELA Benchmark on the 15th. You can help them prepare by encouraging them to to log onto Study Island and working on the ELA strands. Our 4th grade goal is an average of 70% for all students.
CONGRATULATIONS 4TH GRADERS!!! YOU CRUSHED YOUR GOAL OF A 47% AVERAGE ON THE WINTER MATH BENCHMARK WITH A 51% AVERAGE.....WAY TO GO!!!
Writing - Literary Essays
Our Opinion Unit of Study continues with writing an opinion piece about a piece of literature. The focus of their writing can be one book, on an author, or about a character in a book. This week's focus has been on creating a possible topic list, choosing a topic, and writing a thesis statement with 3 supporting reasons. This group is so passionate about their literature. I am looking forward to seeing their opinions unfold in their writing.