December 17-20

Wow!  I can't believe it's already time for our Winter Break!  This year has gone by incredibly fast!  We've got a very busy week coming up so please take time to check out our reminders.

Important Information:

• Field trip is Tuesday.  Please make sure you send a sack lunch with your child if you signed up to do so.
• We will be having our pajama day on Wednesday rather than Tuesday due to the field trip. 
• Responsibility Recess will be on Wednesday.  Encourage your child to turn in all missing assignments no later than Wednesday morning in order to take part in the extra recess.
• Our Winter Celebration in on Thursday at 1:45.  If you would still like to donate an item or two, please contact me and I will let you know what we are still missing.  Also, we would love to have you join the festivities if you are able to make it!
• We will be having a Changes to Land Assessment on Wednesday and a  Division Assessment on Thursday.

What we're learning ...
Math - division with larger numbers -- I am posting a picture to show you a few strategies (See below).
Science - erosion, weathering, deposition
Social Studies - Texas Revolution
Language Arts - compiling research into presentation

Homework:
Daily - Read for at least 20 minutes. Practice multiplication facts!!!! (It will make division this week much easier.)
Monday - Read for 20 minutes and practice multiplication facts
Tuesday - Read for 20 minutes and practice multiplication facts
Wednesday - Read for 20 minutes and practice multiplication facts
Thursday - Read for 20 minutes and practice multiplication facts

Week of 12-10

• Science Fair information came home in Thursday folders a few weeks ago.  Additional resources can be found on the WBE website if needed. Please take time to look through the resources to be sure your child is following all WBE Science Fair Rules. The science project is much easier if you start thinking about it and working on it soon!
• This week we are administering CBAs (Curriculum-Based Assessment) in Reading (Monday), Math (Tuesday), Science (Wednesday), and Writing (Thursday). Please be sure you read the note in your child's Thursday folder from Ms. Cini regarding these assessments.
• The Winter Celebration is coming up. I've sent home a note with items that will be needed for the party. Please help us have a great party by signing up to donate something if you can. You are also welcome to join us on December 20th from 1:45-2:45 for the party! (Items still needed include: juice packs, semi-sweet chocolate morsels, 2 bags of M&ms, 20 cupcakes, decorative sprinkles, plates, and napkins)
• Holiday Shoppe will be open next week. Our class will have a viewing/shopping time at 11;30 on Wednesday.  Students will be allowed to visit during their recess any other point in the week if they bring money. (It works just like the Book Fair, except they will be purchasing gifts for others.)
• Tuesday, December 11th is a PTA Meeting at 6:30! Choir will be performing a Holiday Concert!!!
• Friday, December 14th is PTA Movie Night at 6:30
• The Joy Jar Toy Drive is still going on. Please donate NEW, UNOPENED toys to children that are in the hospital for the holidays.

What we're learning (after we take CBAs)...
Math - division with larger numbers
Science - erosion, weathering, deposition
Social Studies - Texas Revolution
Language Arts - compiling research into presentation

Homework:
Daily - Read for at least 20 minutes. Practice multiplication facts!!!! (It will make division this week much easier.)
Monday - review HW
Tuesday - editing/revising
Wednesday - p.85/86
Thursday - reading passage

Reminders

Reminders

• We will be following the early release schedule on Wednesday, December 5th.
• A note about the science fair came home in the Thursday folder this week.  Please review it with your child and begin discussing ideas.  I will be discussing it with students in more detail on Monday.
• Please sign up for the Parent Access Center so that you can see your child's grades and any missing assignments that they may have.  This is a very helpful tool for parents to track their child's progress and grades. 

What we're learning...
Math - Fractions
Science - Changes to land
Social Studies - Causes and effects of the Texas Revolution
Reading - Literary non-ficton
Writing - Biograph/Expository


Homework:
Daily - Practice multiplication facts and read for at least 20 minutes.
Monday - pg. 6/9
Tuesday -  Revising and Editing Practice
Wednesday - pg. 7-8
Thursday - Reading Passage 158

Thanksgiving Week

I am so very thankful for such amazing students and families this year!  I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving full of family, friends, and food! 

Reminders

• School is in session Monday and Tuesday (19th/20th), but there is no school on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (21st, 22nd, 23rd) in observance of Thanksgiving.
• Please sign and return field trip notes as soon as possible.
• Keep an eye out for our class t-shirt note.
• We will be having a Energy, Motion, and Force Unit Assessment on Monday and a Multiplication and Combinations Assessment on Tuesday.
• Please sign up for the Parent Access Center so that you can see your child's grades and any missing assignments that they may have.  This is a very helpful tool for parents to track their child's progress and grades.  Progress reports will go home the week of November 26th.

What we're learning...
Math - Multiplication and Combinations
Science - Force/Gravity Experiment
Social Studies - Colonization
Reading - Reading Comprehension
Writing - Personal Narratives

Homework:
Daily - Practice multiplication facts and read for at least 20 minutes.
Monday - Be thankful for NO HOMEWORK this week!
Tuesday -
Wednesday -
Thursday -

4 Methods for Solving 2 Digit by 2 Digit Multiplication

More Multipliation!

We have been learning strategies to multiply larger numbers by breaking them apart in order to multiply them. Here is an example:

Step 1: Break apart the 2 digit number into tens and ones.
Step 2: Multiply the first factor by the broken apart numbers.
Step 3: Add the products from each problem back together.
Step 4: Circle your answer.


Today we began multiplying 2 digit by 2 digit numbers.  I showed students 4 different methods that they can use.  I will be posting a picture of these strategies soon so that you can reference them at home if  your child needs help on their homework.  I know that most of us learned the traditional algorithm for multiplication, but now there are even more ways to solve.  Challenge your child to teach you the cluster method, the window method, or the lattice method!  I am sure you'll find it as intriguing as I did when I first learned!

Week of Novemeber 5th

New News

• We will begin a new classroom management system on Monday called Sokikom which is very similar to class dojo but incorporates learning games as well as reinforcements for classroom behaviors.  This program is a secure and safe network for children and approved by Round Rock ISD.  The only downside to the new system is that there is not a way to email reports weekly as I had been doing, but I am told that this feature will be up and running by January.  I am working on a way to continue communicating behaviors with you in the meantime.  As always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to call or email. 
• A BIG thank you to all of you who donated to the can food drive!  I am not sure of the results, but I know that our generosity shined! 

Reminders

• Breakfast Club is in full swing in Ms. Losli's room! Students can head over to Ms. Losli's room beginning at 7:20 or get help on HW or something from class. She is well-versed in all 4th grade materials and is ready to help kids in need. She will be focusing on elapsed time for kids that still need help with that.
• November 6th at 8:45 will be our 1st Explorer Excellence ceremony of the year. This will be a time when students will celebrate the hard work they've put in over the first nine weeks. Please join your child to celebrate their accomplishments as well.
• Report cards will be sent home on Tuesday, November 6th.  Please keep one copy for your records and sign and return the second copy.

What we're learning...
Math - division!!!!!
Science - Electricity, Conductors, and Insulators
Social Studies - Colonization
Reading & Writing - poetry

Homework:
Daily - Practice multiplication facts and read for at least 20 minutes.
Monday - Pg. 23/29
Tuesday - revising/editing practice
Wednesday - Pg. 34/35
Thursday - nonfiction reading passage

October 29-November 2

Reminders:

• 4th grade is beginning a can food drive on October 22nd and it will run until November 2nd.  Please help support this cause by sending in can food items next week.  
• Please remember that students are not allowed to dress up on Wednesday, Oct. 31st.
• Monday, October 29th is the beginning of the 2nd 9 weeks.  Please encourage your child to try their very best and to complete all of their work.  Report cards for the 1st 9 weeks will be sent home on Tuesday, November 6th.
• Please check your child's backpack every Thursday night for documents in the Thursday folder.  I use that as a way to communicate upcoming events and grades.
• Please have your child practice multiplication facts nightly.  (There may be a surprise activity in 4th grade that requires students to know their facts!)

What we're learning...

• Math: Division
• Science:  Types of Energy/Electricity, Insulators, and Conductors
• Social Studies: Native Americans/Early explorers and missions
• Writing: Poetry
• Reading: Poetry

Homework:
Daily- Practice multiplication facts and read for at least 20 minutes every evening.
Monday - Meaning of Division/p. 92
Tuesday - Nonfiction reading passage
Wednesday - Relating Multiplication and Division/p. 93
Thursday - Revising and Editing practice

Clock Timeline

Parents,

I have taught my students a strategy for elapsed time using the clock timeline below.  I know some kids are trying to recreate this at home, but I wanted to let you see  a copy of mine so that you can make sure they are correctly recreating it. 

Our elapsed time, graphing, and temperature test is on Wednesday.  It would be a great idea to have them practice at home.

I also sent home a word problem about temperature for extra credit.  If they return this on Wednesday, they will receive extra credit on their assessment. 

Let me know if you have any questions!

Red Ribbon Week

I'd like to say a huge thank you to those who donated items to help us learn about mixtures and solutions!  The kids had a great time with it and I think that it helped them understand the difference between the two.  I feel truly blessed to be a part of such wonderful, generous families. 

Reminders:

• 4th grade is beginning a can food drive on October 22nd and it will run until November 2nd.  I am so excited about this community project and even more excited that it was one of my student's ideas!  I believe that it is crucial to make our kids aware of the needs of others and how they can be a part of the solution.  Please help support this cause by sending in can food items next week.  A flyer about this will come home on Friday, October 19th.  
• McTeacher Night is here again!  It will be held on October 23rd from 5-7pm.  I'll be there greeting and handing out condiments from 5-6pm.  This is a great way to help support Wells Branch Elementary so I hope to see you all there!
• We will have early release on October 24th.
• Please remind you child to turn in any missing assignments or corrected assignments for grade below a 70 no later than the 25th.  October 26th is the last day of the 1st nine weeks and I want grades to reflect their academic standing, but I must have all assignments turned in to do so.  
• Please check your child's backpack every Thursday night for docmuments in the Thursday folder.  I use that as a way to communicate upcoming events and grades.
• The week of October 22nd is Red Ribbon Week!  Please encourage your child to participate in the activities below:
• Monday: Wear boots or western wear - "Give drugs the boot!"
• Tuesday: Wear crazy socks - "WBE will sock it to drugs"
• Wednesday: Wear red day - "Show off your drug-free spirit by wearing as much red as possible"
• Thursday: Wear mismatched clothes - "Don't let drugs mix you up"
• Friday: Wear your WBE T-shirt - "We're on a Drug-Free Team at WBE!"

What we're learning...

• Math: Elapsed time, temperature, and graphs/First nine weeks review
• Science:  Mixtures and solutions/Types of Energy
• Social Studies: Early explorers and missions
• Writing: Personal Narrative and review for Curriculum Based Assessment
• Reading: Thinking as you read/Critical thinking skills

Homework:
Daily- Pratice multplication facts and read for at least 20 minutes every evening.
Monday - Hours and Minutes/Writing Time
Tuesday - Nonfiction reading passage
Wednesday - Happy Grandparent's Day/Elapsed Time
Thursday - Revising and Editing practice

Week of October 15th

Reminders:

• Individual pictures are scheduled for Wednesday, October 17th.  Be sure to dress nice!
• We will be learning about mixtures and solutions next week and will be using these items to illustrate the difference between the two.  Please let me know if you are able to donate any of the following items by Monday morning.  The items needed are: pretzels, Cheerios, M&Ms, goldfish, and a canister of lemonade powder.
• We will have early release on October 24th.
• Please remind you child to turn in any missing assignments or corrected assignments for grade below a 70 no later than the 25th.  October 26th is the last day of the 1st nine weeks and I want grades to reflect their academic standing, but I mist have all assignments turned in to do so.  I will be sending home a list of missing assignements with students today.
• Please check your child's backpack every Thursday night for docmuments in the Thursday folder.  I use that as a way to communicate upcoming events and grades.

What we're learning...

• Math: Elapsed time, temperature, and graphs
• Science:  Mixtures and solutions
• Social Studies: Early explorers and missions
• Writing: Expository writing
• Reading: Procedural Text

Homework:
Daily- Pratice multplication facts and read for at least 20 minutes every evening.
Monday - Hours and Minutes/Writing Time
Tuesday - Nonfiction reading passage
Wednesday - Happy Grandparent's Day/Elapsed Time
Thursday - Revising and Editing practice

Conference Week

We were fortunate enough to have an exciting assembly today that taught us about the importance of being strong enough to stand up for ourselves and our friends to help put an end to bullying.  Here's how Mrs. Drain, Mrs. Hayden, and I got in on the fun!!! 

Reminders:

• Fall Conferences will be held on Monday, October 8th. If you don't remember your conference time, please email me.  Also, the schedule is very tight so please do your best to be here on time. 
• The PTA meeting and Health Fair will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 6:30 pm.  It looks like it's going to be a great opportunity to connect with the community and learn about healthy living!

What we're learning...

• Math - table relationships
• Science - changes from heat (matter)
• Social Studies - early Texas Indians
• Reading - text structures with expository text, cultural expository text 
• Writing - revising and final draft of expository

Homework:

Daily - Practice multiplication facts. Read for at least 20 minutes.
Monday - No homework
Tuesday - nonfiction reading passage
Wednesday - Alegebraic Resoning Step 2 B & C/ Math Machines
Thursday - revising/editing practice

Holiday Scholastic Book Order

Parents,

I know that we have just gotten into October, but I am sending home a Holdiay Scholastic Book order home in tomorrow's Thursday folder.  I know it seems a little premature, but many of you will soon begin holiday shopping and I want you to be able to use this for gifts if you'd like.  If you purchase something and intend on it being a holdiay gift for your child, please email me with the items you'd like me to hold back and we can come up with a way to get that purchase to you without any little eyes seeing.  The easiest way is to order online (there is a link to the left of this blog) but feel free to order the old fashioned way if that is better for you.  I can't say enough how much I am enjoying my students and the great conversations we are having in class!  Thank you for your continued support! 

Welcome to October!

This week we had our Multiplication Bee and I am very happy with how hard the kids worked to learn their facts. I encourage EVERYONE to continue practicing their facts because it will make 4th grade much easier if you know your multiplication. We will be having another Multiplication Bee in April...so keep practicing!
Reminders:

• Fall Conferences will be held on Monday, October 8th. Please keep an eye out for the reminder form so you know your time. If you have not yet signed up, please do so by Monday, October 1st. The schedule is very tight so please do your best to be here on time. 

What we're learning...

• Math - table relationships
• Science - changes from heat (matter)
• Social Studies - early Texas Indians
• Reading - cause/effect in nonfiction 
• Writing - expository

Homework:
Daily - Practice multiplication facts. Read for at least 20 minutes.
Monday - Music Sales/CDs and DVDs
Tuesday - nonfiction reading passage
Wednesday - Table Relationships HW
Thursday - revising/editing practice

Education Go Get It Week and Multiplication Bee

Reminders: 

• The Multiplication Bee is on Thursday (in class) and Friday (with 4th grade). Make sure you are ready!!!!!!
• Monday, October 8th is reserved for Parent Conferences. Please be sure to sign up on the form I sent home in order to get your preferred time. I will send confirmation notes to the person who registers first for each time slot. If you are unable to make these times, please let me know. We will work something out!!!!
• This week is Education Go Get It Week -- Read the activities organized by the counselors below.
• If you have any questions/concerns, please feel free to call or e-mail me.

What we're learning...

• Math - multiplication strategies (assessment Friday)
• Science - classifying matter (assessment Friday)
• Social Studies - Regions of Texas
• Reading - nonfiction text features, main idea, detail, fact & opinion
• Writing - expository

Homework:

• Daily - Practice multiplication facts. Read for at least 10 minutes.
• Monday - Kick It!
• Tuesday - Main Idea & details p.170
• Wednesday - What a Mix Up
• Thursday - "Get a Kick Out of Martial Arts" p.39/40

“Education Go Get It” Week Schedule of Activities

• Monday “Show your College Spirit” - Each student and teacher will wear their favorite college t-shirt or colors.
• Tuesday “Dress for Success” - Students are encouraged to dress up in career attire.
• Wednesday “Parents and their Work Day” - Students will interview their parents and learn about what they do at their jobs.
• Thursday “Hats off to College” - Students are encouraged to wear their favorite collegiate hat.
• Friday “Education - We Got It!” - Students are encouraged to do journal writing about interesting facts that they learned this week about colleges and careers.

Freedom Week

Last week we created our own investigation with termites. We found out that termites will follow the ink of your writing on paper, but not all ink. We weren't quite sure what that meant and why, so we investigated to find the answer. It was a great experiement and we had a great time investigating, but we learned an even more valuable lesson - sometimes science doesn't lead you to the answer, but to another question and investigation.  Please ask your child about Operation Termite!

Reminders:

- Don't forget that Breakfast Club is happening every morning in Ms. Losli's room. Students can head straight to her room beginning at 7:15 every morning. This is a great opportunity for ANY 4th grader to get help with something they didn't understand on their homework and/or a chance to use a computer that they might not have access to at home.
- Phil Bildner will be visiting on Monday. We are super excited to get to meet a real author and learn his tricks of the trade. (All students will go during their language arts time with Mrs. Gloria.)
- Wednesday is an Early Release. Dismissal is at 12:45. 
- PTA Fundraiser forms are due on Friday. If every child sells at least 1 item, some sort of prize will be awarded...although I can't think of what it is right at this moment. (sorry!)
- Progress Reports will be sent home in Thursday folders this week. Be sure to look over it, sign it, and return it immediately. If you would like a copy, just write that on it and I will check it off and send it right back. Remember that you can ALWAYS check your child's most current grades on the Home Access Center. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me!
- EVERYONE should be practicing for the Multiplication Bee. The classroom bee will be held on Thursday, September 27th and the grade level bee will be held on Friday, September 28th. All students will compete and regardless of winning the class bee will be in a drawing to compete in the grade level bee. An information sheet went home Thursday.
- The Yearbook Cover Contest is going on right now. I encourage everyone to participate...your older or younger children too, as long as they are students at WBE!

What we're learning...
Math - multiplication
Science - classifying matter
Social Studies - Freedom Week
Writing - personal narrative
Reading - characters & plot

Homework:
Daily - Read for 20 minutes. Practice multiplication facts!!!!
Monday - meaning of multiplication
Tuesday - prefixes & suffixes
Wednesday - multiplication word problems
Thursday - "No International Postage" reading passage

4th Grade Parent Orientation

Parents,

In the event that you are unable to make tonight's meeting, I have posted the parent orientation presentation link under helpful websites on my blog (in the left column).  Please take time to review it and feel free to let myself or Mrs. Gloria know if you have any questions.

Reminders

Reminders:

• Parent Orientation will be held on Wednesday from 6-7pm. This is a great opportunity to learn the expectations of your child this year. We will cover everything you need to know! Please meet all of the 4th grade teachers in the library promptly at 6pm.
• The temperature in our classroom fluctuates from minute to minute and day to day. Please be sure your child has a jacket that they can wear for those times it is cold.
• If you would like your child to have snack, please send a healthy snack that follows the snack guidelines (posted to the left). Snacks that do not meet Minimal Levels of Nutrtional Value will not be allowed during snack time. If you would like to donate snack to the class for students that are unable to bring snack, I'd be grateful. 
• Ms. Losli will begin Breakfast Club on Monday the 10th. Students who would like to come and work on homework or get a few minutes of educational computer time, may head to her room with their breakfast beginning at 7:20. Ms. Losli will welcome students into her classroom until 7:35. If you arrive after that time, she will send you to Morning Literacy in the gym. 
• Monday, September 17th we will have a visit from a children's book author, Phil Bildner. He has visited Wells Branch 4th grade students before and they love him every time. There will be an opportunity to purchase his books and have him personalize the autograph. More information will be sent home about this.

What we're learning:

• Math - place value
• Science - tools and safety
• Social Studies - community building
• Reading - plot
• Writing - ideas and organization

Homework:

• Daily - Read for 20 minutes. Practice multiplication facts (either flashcards or online).
• Monday - No School
• Tuesday - (language arts)
• Wednesday - (math) place value...standard form, word form, & expanded form
• Thursday - (language arts)

ClassDojo Update:

• This week we did a great job following expectations! We've got lots of classmates that love participating, are doing a great job following directions and WBE expectations. Please let me know if you had any trouble reading your child's individual Dojo report from last week.

First Week of School!

I can't believe the first day of school is finally/already here. I know we are going to have an incredible year of learning and growth in 4th grade! Parents, please be sure you read the last blog post so you know what to expect this year. Each week I will post the goings on of the class and school.

What we're learning this week:

• Everyday - getting to know the class activities
• Math - place value
• Science - notebook & tools

Reminders:

• Please return all forms signed as soon as possible. 
• If you have yet to fill out BOTH the Contact Information Form and the Parent Questionnaire, please do so as soon as possible! 
• If at any time you are without Internet and unable to check out website, please let me know and I will send home a paper copy of the weekly update.
• As always, please contact me if you have any concerns! I can best be reached by e-mail, and all phone calls will be responded to within 24 hours.

Homework:

• Monday 
  • parents signature needed in Student Handbook, emergency card, & ClassDojo form (if not completed already)
  • name sign (due Friday)
• Tuesday
  • parent signature needed on Science Safety Contract

Welcome to 4th Grade!

I am very excited to begin a new year full of learning and fun! This year Ms. Gloria and I will be team teaching so your child will have two teachers.   I will be teaching Math and Science and Mrs. Gloria will teach Reading and Writing. Social Studies will be taught in each teacher's homeroom. Mrs. Gloria and I have worked together for a few years now and are very excited to be sharing classes. We have similar expectations and are very open communicators with each other and you! We will be working VERY closely to be sure your child is making the progress necessary to be successful in 4th grade.

A few things that will be helpful for you to know:
- Please fill out both the Contact Information Form and the Parent Questionnaire  by September 7th. I will be using this information to better communicate and understand your child's needs throughout the year. If your child's homeroom teacher is Mrs. Gloria, there is no reason to fill out my forms. We will exchange information to save you time!

- Look over the blog. It includes my contact information, weekly updates with the content we are learning, important links and documents, the classroom calendar, my classroom wish list, and of course, any reminders that you may need for each week. Please be sure to check back every Monday for important information!

- Be sure to look over the class schedule so that you know your child's whereabouts throughout the day. This should be looked over carefully if you are needing to schedule any sort of doctor appointments, so that your child is missing as little instruction as possible.

- I understand that not every parent can volunteer their time and come to school, but what I do ask is that you support your child's learning as much as possible from home. Be sure your child completes his/her homework each night, talk to them about the importance of giving their best effort at school, as well as turning in their work daily. This year will be much more successful if we work as a team!

- If there is ANYTHING that you need to address at any point in the year, don't hesitate! I am available via e-mail, phone, or notes to school. I am here to work with you to make sure your child is successful and happy this year.

Summer Ideas

I know the summer comes with lots of free time and parents/caregivers are trying to fill the time. I've compiled some ideas from online and hope you all have a great summer!!! Please be sure to stop by and see my at some point next year! 

• FreeFuninAustin.com - Check this website often to see what's going on for free or cheap. It also has an up-to-date list of places kids can eat free.
• Austin Children's Museum - mention "Open Door policy" and it's free for everyone in your group!!!! I usually say, "Do you still have the open door policy?"  FREE!
• Public Library - Free library cards for RRISD students! (only for Round Rock public libraries) We just found this out yesterday, and it a big deal this summer... and a limited time offer. This is for ALL Round Rock Public Libraries. Even though many of our students do not technically live in Round Rock, they are still eligible for their freecard because they are students in the district. As many of you already know, public libraries offer lots of great activities, storytimes, and reading incentives over the summer. Their schedules can be found online. Our situation is a little weird, because our students may choose to go to Austin, Round Rock or Wells Branch libraries, depending on where their parents live, or what is convenient, and all these libraries have different systems in place. However, whatever local library your students choose to patronize will be happy to have them, so please just encourage them to go, whenever and wherever it happens! FREE!
  • http://www.austinpubliclibrary.org/
  • http://www.roundrocktexas.gov/library/
  • http://www.wblibrary.org/
• Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program - This is my favorite of the vendor-style reading programs this summer because it is organized, convenient, and the kids can win a free book, just by participating! All they have to do is read 8 books over the summer, keep a reading journal, and hand it into any B&N store before September 4th, and they win. FREE!
• Improv Summer Camps - I know we have many students in our class that LOVE performing. I found this summer camp link that some of you may be interested in registering your child for. Here is the info directly from the website: "The Hideout Theatre brings back their exciting, unique summer camp! Kids learn the basics of improv, story telling, and stagecraft while having more fun than the law should allow. Everyday we play games, create stories, perform scenes, do crafts and generally have a blast. On the final day we show off our amazing new skills in a performance for friends and family."
• Summer Camp List - Here is a list from AustinChronicle.com with a list of summer camps for kids around Austin, however, some of them are a bit pricey. 
• Zilker Hillside Theater's production of the Sound of Music (July 6 - August 11) - I usually attend the theatre production every summer and thoroughly enjoy it!!! We usually take our picnic dinner and enjoy the performance under the stars. Parking is about $3 per car and the performance is FREE.
• Blues on the Green - Every other Wednesday beginning May 30th. My friends and I always attend this and love it. It's great to take your picnic dinner and enjoy Austin music. FREE!
• Symphony in the Park - Every Sunday at 7:30pm beginning June 3rd. I have attended this with my friends as well and also enjoy taking a picnic dinner and enjoying the symphony while also able to see the Austin skyline from the lawn in front of the Long Center. FREE!
• Other ideas that I usually find myself doing during the summer (either with friends or my nephew):
  • kayaking (either at Town Lake or Brushy Creek Park)
  • weekend festivals (usually google to find one or look it up on FreeFuninAustin.com)
  • community pools/water areas (including Rock'N River Water Park, Scott Mentzer Pool, & Brushy Creek Park Splash Pad)

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Fun At-Home Ideas*:

• Design a Garden. Design a garden from scratch. What plants will you grow? How many rows? Encourage children to determine the length, width, and area of their garden. Does your garden need a fence? Measure each side of the garden to discover the perimeter!
• Create a boat that floats. What materials will you use? Encourage your students to design a boat that carries a load. What items sink, and what items float? Explore various items found around the house!
• Experience the water cycle! What happens to the water in a puddle? Write down your predictions in a science notebook and measure the puddle every hour.
• Observe the clouds. What types of clouds do you notice?
• How much precipitation fell during the month? Create a rain gauge and record precipitation and evaporation.
• Create music! Fill recycled jars with water. The children can decide how much water to put in each jar. Tap the jar with a spoon to hear the different pitches. Create new songs with friends!
• Observe the states of matter. Encourage children to discover the states of matter with water. How might we turn a liquid into a solid? How does a liquid turn into a gas in nature?
• Design and pitch a tent. How much space do you need in your tent? Measure the area and design a tent using blankets and sticks.
• Make a campfire. Experience a chemical change first hand! With an adult, observe how the logs change in the campfire. Don't forget to observe (and taste) the change of marshmallows, too!
• Observe the night-time sky. Observe and document the star constellations and moon phases. What changes do you see throughout the warm summer nights?
• Have some flashlight fun. Use a camping flashlight to determine what outdoor items are opaque, translucent, and transparent.
• With an adult, take a night-time walk! Document the nature and wildlife you see.
• Grow a recipe. What is your favorite recipe? Grow the ingredients to your family's favorite soup or meal!
• Start a seed collection. Seeds are all around us! Use an old photo album or index cards to collect your favorite seeds.
• Identify what plants need. What do plants need to live? What is the purpose for each of the plants' parts? Encourage children to observe and document a plant's changes over time.
• Craft a nature projects. Encourage your children to build something for nature! Use recyclable or reusable items to create a birdbath or a bird feeder.
• Bring the outdoors inside! Reuse a plastic container and make a terrarium.

Summer vacation is a wonderful opportunity to spend extra time outdoors. Encourage your children to spend time this summer engaged in outdoor science and math activities!

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*Ideas compliments of PrometheanPlanet.com

Important Dates and Events

Parents,

I can't believe we are down to the last two weeks of the school year!  Oh, how the time has flown by!  We are going to be very busy the next 10 days so please see the dates and events below so that you don't miss anything.

17th - Symphony Field Trip (Please make sure your child dresses up for this event.)
17th - ALL MISSING ASSIGNMENTS DUE

21st - Stunt Ranch Field Trip Redo (Please send a water bottle, sunscreen, and a towel with your child. You will not be required to fill out another waiver, but a new permission slip will be coming home.)

23rd - End of the Year Assembly (9 am in the cafeteria)

25th - End of the Year Breakfast Party (Please send back form if you are able to donate any items.)

Thank you for your continued support!

Week of April 23-27

We have made it to our last two STAAR Tests! I am extremely proud of all the hard work my students have been doing. Next week is a very important week because we have a chance to show what we have learned this year. We will take our math STAAR Test on Tuesday, April 24^th and our reading STAAR Test on Wednesday, April 25^th. Please make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep, eats a healthy and filling breakfast, and arrives to school on time. The cafeteria is offering FREE breakfast next week to all students on testing days. After our two days of testing, we will be doing a multiple intelligences book report based on Island of the Blue Dolphins. We will also work on a math project that involves a program called Google SketchUp. Students will be using geometry and measurement to create virtual, three-dimensional structures. During science, we will begin studying inherited traits and learned behaviors. There will not be any assigned homework next week. I hope everyone has a wonderful and restful weekend! Thank you for all you do for our school!

Things to Remember...

In the upcoming weeks we will be preparing for the reading and math STAAR Test.  Please help your child by making sure they get enough sleep, healthy meals, and encouraging them to do their best every day! 

We have noticed that some students are having trouble remembering their multiplication facts so we will be hosting the Ultimate Multiplication Bee on April 23rd!  Please help your child prepare for this by practicing multiplication facts nightly.  (A note with more information will be sent home on 4/5)

The STAAR Math Test will be held on April 24th and the reading test will be administered on April 25th.

Additionally, we have scheduled a field trip to the stunt ranch on May 10th.  More information about this valuable science opportunity will be sent home in the next few weeks.

As always, thank you for your continued support!

The Workshop!

Parents,

This week we are focusing heavily on our writing skills to prepare for the STAAR Writing Test.  We sure have come a long way!  As we finish our writing, I will let students bring home their masterpieces so that they can share them with you, but they will need to bring them back to keep in their writing workshop binder.  Please give them praise for all of their hard work they've been doing and encourage your child to read at home, as reading helps develop writing styles. 

Additionally, the 4th grade will be holding a Writing Rally on Saturday, March 24th from 9-11am. This is completely optional, but I highly recommend attendance because students are able to target any last minute issues and hone in on their craft.  (A note was sent home about this last week.) This is more of a laid-back day to boost the confidence of our wonderful writers. Ms. Cini has also graciously offered to provide a small breakfast for all 4th graders in attendance. I would love to see ALL of my students at the Writing Rally!

Summer Camp Fair

Do you realize summer break is only 12 weeks away?

After a brief introductory meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to meet over 35 Summer Camps such as Camp Doublecreek, i9 Sports, Advancing Robots, Kids Adventure Camp, Fantastic Magic Camp, YMCA, Mad Science and many, many more. With so many choices, you’re certain to come away with plenty of ideas for the upcoming summer. And for parents interested in locking-in dates, several camps will be offering early-enrollment discounts.

Summer Camp Fair

Tuesday, March 20^th @ 6:30pm

WBE gymnasium

If your summer plans aren’t completely locked yet (or you haven’t even gotten started, like a lot of us!) please join the Wells Branch Elementary PTA Tuesday, March 20^th at 6:30pm for their Summer Camp Fair in the WBE gymnasium.

WANTED: KISS-O-GRAMS

Hi Parents!

Our Kiss-O-Gram fundraiser is right around the corner and we are very short on Hershey Kisses!  If you are able to donate Hershey Kisses (nut free) or volunteer your time, we would greatly appreciate it. 

If you are interested in volunteering, please click on the following web link (or copy it into your web browser if clicking doesn't work) to go to the signup sheet:

http://www.volunteersignup.org/TQPKB

To sign up, just follow the instructions on the page. It only takes a few seconds to do.

As always, thank you again for your support and allowing me to be a part of your child's life this year!

 

Kiss-O-Grams!

January is halfway over which means our annual 4th grade fundraiser is right around the corner. Every year 4th graders sell kiss-o-grams around Valentine's Day to raise money for our 4th grade fund. We set up a booth during the lunch block at our school (10:45-12:45) and sell Hershey kisses for 10 cents. The students purchasing the kisses can choose to send them to themselves, a friend, or a teacher in the school. We will sell the kiss-o-grams from February 7-13. Then, on February 14th, fourth graders deliver the kiss-o-grams to everyone. In order to make this successful we need sandwich baggies and Hershey Kisses (nut free please). Feel free to start sending donations to school with your child as soon as possible. Also, I am asking for volunteers to help sale the kiss-o-grams during the lunch block. Please let me know if/how you can contribute. Thank you all for your support and allowing me to work with your wonderful children.

Explorer Excellence Awards!

Just a reminder - Our Explorer Excellence Awards for the 2nd 9 weeks will be held at 8:40 a.m. on Tuesday, January 10th in the WBE cafeteria.

I am very proud of all of the growth we have made in this last semester!  Hope to see you there!

Science Fair News

This is just a reminder that Science Fair is right around the corner. Please remember that all projects must follow the Austin Regional Science Fair guidelines. If you have any questions, please visit their website at http://www.sciencefest.org/index.php. If your child is still struggling to come up with an idea, check out the links below. You are also invited to attend our WBE Science Fair Research Night this Thursday at 5:30 pm in the library. All projects are due on Wednesday, January 25. Science Fair Night will be held on Thursday, January 26, from 5:30-7:00 pm. Thank you so much for all that you do to support your child at home.

http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/

http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/category0.html

http://www.juliantrubin.com/fairprojects.html

http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/fair.html

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml?From=body

http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/