Fun in Fourth Grade
A Newsletter About Our Fantastic 4th Grade "Chastain-ians"
Thank you for taking the time to read updates from our classroom. Have a wonderful week!
Heartfelt Thanks and Shout Outs
My appreciation goes out to volunteers who assisted with math groups last week: Kim Gustafson, Mariana Valdez, Christine Patterson, and Emily Chan. Thank you so much for your help! Also thanks to the Williams family who heard from Rachel that we were having a pencil shortage crisis in the classroom and came to our rescue. We appreciate the pencils!
Curriculum Updates
Math
- We are wrapping up the first decimal unit and will be taking the chapter test tomorrow, on Tuesday. Please see your child's planner for assigned IXL strands to support their work in class. Later this week, we continue on with rounding, estimating and adding and subtracting decimals.
Language Arts
- We are reading aloud a novel called The Stout-Hearted Seven: Orphaned on the Oregon Trail. This historic tale, based on a true story, helps students to envision what life was like for pioneers making the journey west.
- This week's Spelling City List is #19. Please test at home on Thursday night. Students should bring a note from home or printed test with parent signature indicating that you proctored the test.
- In lieu of Greek & Latin roots vocabulary this week, students will finish the Earth Science Vocabulary Unit #3 assignments at home. We began these assignments last week in class. Please proctor your child's vocabulary test at home and students should bring a printed test with parent signature or parent note indicating that you proctored the test.
Earth Science
- Preparing for Disaster! Last week students received guidelines for a long-term project due on April 30th. This project is a great opportunity to learn more about a natural disaster that shapes the surface of the earth. Students can use the following symbaloo to research websites for their projects: http://www.symbaloo.com/home/mix/13eP26XVXB.
Social Studies
- Westward Ho! We continue to learn about journeying west to California. This week will also test students' decision making, problem solving and team work skills as we embark on our pioneer simulation. Students have been put into wagon trains and we encounter a variety of scenarios commonly faced on the Oregon Trail! PS - Don't be too alarmed if your child announces that he has died of Cholera at some point during the week. : )
Smarter Balanced Testing
Scholastic Book Fair This Week!
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 2:45 to 4:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. (During the International Festival)
International Festival
The International Festival is an annual Westlake Charter School event and it is coming up soon on Saturday, April 5th. One of the very best things about this fantastic family event are the cultural booths. The IF committee is looking for more parents to coordinate cultural booths. If you would like more information about this, please email AshleyCahjigas atacajigas@westlakecharter.com.
If you would like to sign up for a cultural booth, you can do so here:
Message from Mrs. Brumfield on Pebblewood Campus:
Westlake Charter Middle School prides itself on many of our accomplishments, and included in these is our emphasis on college. I am working on creating a "Knowledge for College" collage wall in my classroom and would love to display your alma maters! If any of you have a pennant or flag with your college logo and would like to send them in to be displayed, please let me know! You can send the items to P-10 on the Pebblewood campus.
Mrs. Brumfield's email is: cbrumfield@westlakecharter.com
Dates to Remember...
- April 1: Talent Show applications due
- April 5: International Festival
- April 8 and 9: Smarter Balanced Testing in Class
- April 8 in 4:00 to 6:00 in NP# Gym: Talent Show Auditions
- April 11: Culture Spirit Day
- April 14-25: Spring Break
- April 30: Preparing for Disaster Project Due
- May 15 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. in NP3 Gym: Talent Show
Warmly,
Heather Chastain