FOURTH GRADE NEWS
September 10, 2015
Welcome to Fourth Grade
Jeans, boots, t-shirts, and leis were part of the fun that we have had at school this week. This has been a delightful week celebrating the Skaggs community, getting to know each other, and our friendship through participating in Howdy Week. Each day we could not wait to see what our students wore to celebrate that day's theme. We are ending our week showing Skaggs' spirit. If your child has a school t-shirt tomorrow is a great day to wear it!
Language Arts/Social Studies
This week, students will take a more in depth view of expository writing. We are going to learn how to generate broad yet distinct main ideas during the writing process. Students will also use subordinating conjunctions to write complex sentences. They will be able to tell the difference between a dependent clause and independent clause.
We will also read a wonderful story titled Ali Baba Bernstein. By the end of the week, your children should be able to tell you about round and flat characters found in stories. Lastly, students will begin a study of the geographic regions of Texas.
Math
Science
Students are continuing to practice using scientific processes, methods, and tools to answer scientific questions. Your child has been practicing these skills while learning more about different types of energy.
We are still in need of Science supplies. Listed below are the science supplies we still need for units 1 & 2:
4 bags trail mix
2 packages marbles
20 pieces foam tubing
20 regular size balloons
20 dowel rods, 30 cm
60 pieces of string, 30 cm
old magazines
4 boxes zip close baggies- gallon size
20 sugar granual packets
20 bottles distilled water
From the Teachers
- Be a star for our students and write a check to our PTA. See the information below regarding the Skaggs PTA Check Writing Campaign.
- Reading Logs: Skaggs has a new reading program that we would love to encourage your children to participate in. With this reading program, your child will read at home and record the number of minutes that he or she has read each night. At the end of the week, your child can record the number of minutes read for the week on the following web site: http://tinyurl.com/SkaggsReadingLog
- We would like to encourage your child to bring their electronic device. Electronic devices are being used in music, art, and guidance as well as the content area classes. Please have your child Bring Their Own Device on his or her Art and Music day during the week of September 14-18. They will need their devices in Guidance during the week of September 21-25.
- We are lucky to have a parenting workshop here at Skaggs on Monday, October 5th, in the library from 11:00-12:00. This workshop is about building self esteem and encouraging motivation. For more information, please check the link below.
- We have a website just for parents! You will find links, important information, and much more. https://sites.google.com/a/pisd.edu/fabulous-fourth-grade-friends/
- SPARKLE Store will open tomorrow morning! Sparkles are an incentive that we give to our students throughout the day. These sparkles may be used on Fridays to buy privileges in the Sparkle Store. The Sparkle Store is open from 7:30-7:45 a.m. You will find a link below for what your students may buy with their sparkles.
- Also linked is a list of parenting workshops given by PISD. Check out the list. There are many interesting topics that are being presented during the month of September.
- Fourth grade is in need of donations for science experiments this year. Please see the link below for a list of needed supplies. Our immediate needs are listed above.
- Library book checkout for fourth grade students will be on Mondays. A student may return the book any day of the week. Each class will have a library lesson with Mrs. Geiler on their assigned library day.
- Carpool signs - Please be sure to display your carpool sign in the front window all the way through the carpool lane until your child is in the car. Write your child’s first name, last initial & grade in bold black letters. We suggest using a plastic hanger with clips to hold the sign. The hanger can be hung from the rearview mirror to clearly display the student’s name for the staff to read.
Important Dates
- 9/18 Fall School Picnic
- 9/22 Field Trip to Outdoor Learning Center