Last week of school!

The saying that time flies when you're having fun couldn't be more true.  I can't believe that we are within days of the end of the 2012-2013 school year and that I am sending all of my kiddos on to 5th grade.  It has truly been a pleasure to be your child's teacher and I wish you and your family the very best!

A few reminders for the end of the year:

• End of Year Awards Ceremony is Thursday at 9 am in the cafeteria.  I hope to see you there to help celebrate all their achievements!
• End of Year Party/Breakfast will be at 8:30 on Friday.  Please check in at the front office and then come to the portable to celebrate with us.  If you have not signed up to bring something for the party but would like to, please use the following link.  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A4CA4AF22AB9-endofyear

Alamo Field Trip This Week!

Upcoming Events:

• Book Fair is this week with Family Night on Tuesday. We will have a time for children to make their wish lists.
• During the PTA Meeting on Tuesday, we will also be having Math Night. This is an awesome opportunity to get a few games for your kids to practice their math skills over the summer.
• WBE Explorer Idol Talent Show is on Friday! Come by to see all of the talented kids we have!!!!
• YEARBOOKS FOR SALE! If you haven't yet ordered one, you can still send in $25 (cash or check) to be sure your child gets one. They will be distributed to all of the students on Monday.

Alamo Field Trip Reminders:
The Alamo Field Trip is on FRIDAY! Remember that all students need to be dropped off at school at 6:35AM and picked up at 5:00PM!  The bus is pulling out of the school parking lot at 7:00. We need students here on time so that we can be sure we are prepared to leave. If your child is not at school on time, other arrangements have been made for them to attend class.

• A few reminders:
• All students need to bring a sack lunch! Please do NOT send canned or bottled soft drinks. It is a good idea to bring a disposable plastic water bottle. 
• Camera are allowed, WITHOUT FLASH.
• Children do NOT need to bring money, because we will not have time to stop in the museum or Alamo gift shop.
• Electronic devices are NOT allowed, for example: iPad, iPod, MP3, cell phones, DS
• If you have any questions, please let me know!

Mark Your Calendar:

May 13-17 - Book Fair
May 14 - Book Fair Family Night until 6:00pm
May 14 - PTA Meeting ft. Family Math Night 6:30pm
May 16 - Meet the PTA Coffee Hour 7:30am

May 17 - Alamo Field Trip (be at school at 6:35am, return at 5:00pm)

May 17 - WBE Talent Show
May 21 - Symphony Field Trip
May 22 - Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast 7:30am
May 22 - Walking Field Trip to Mills Pond
May 27 - No School Memorial Day
May 30 - End of the Year Awards Ceremony 9:00am
May 31 - Last Day of School/Breakfast Party 8:30-9:30am

What we're learning...
Math - measuring angles (assessment Tuesday), math project
Science - producers, consumers, decomposers, food webs (assessment Thursday)
Social Studies - modern day Texas
Language Arts -

Homework:
Daily - Read for 20 minutes. Practice multiplication facts.
Monday - Math Warm-Up Series 9 Page 3
Tuesday - summary
Wednesday - Math Warm-Up Series 8 Page 4

Inner Space Caverns Field Trip Week!

Reminders/Upcoming Events:

• This Sunday (May 5th), the Dual Language students in Pre-K to 2nd grade will be having a Lemonade Sale here at WBE for National Lemonade Day. Check out the flier for more information.
• Tuesday is our field trip to the caverns. Please remember to have your child wear their class shirt and tennis shoes!!!!! Also, if you checked on the permission slip they would be bringing a sack lunch, please be sure to send it.
• Friday is Career Day. We will be able to visit with many people in different careeers and learn from them. This is always a fun and interesting day!
• YEARBOOKS ARE HERE! If you haven't yet ordered one, you can still send in $25 (cash or check) to be sure your child gets one. They will be distributed to all of the students on Monday.

Mark Your Calendar:

May 5 - Lemonade Sale
May 6-10 - Teacher Appreciation Week :)
May 7 - Caverns Field Trip
May 10 - Career Day
May 13-17 - Book Fair
May 14 - Book Fair Family Night until 6:00pm
May 14 - PTA Meeting ft. Family Math Night
May 16 - Meet the PTA Coffee Hour 7:30am

May 17 - Alamo Field Trip (be at school at 6:35am, return at 5:00pm)

May 17 - WBE Talent Show
May 21 - Symphony Field Trip
May 22 - Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast 7:30am
May 22 - Walking Field Trip to Mills Pond
May 27 - No School Memorial Day
May 30 - End of the Year Awards Ceremony 9:00am
May 31 - Last Day of School/Breakfast Party 8:30-9:30am

What we're learning...
Math - measuring angles
Science - producers, consumers, & decompsers
Social Studies - current life in Texas
Language Arts - persuasive texts

Homework:
Daily - Read for at least 20 minutes. Practice multiplication facts.
Monday - Series 9 Page 1
Tuesday - summary
Wednesday - Series 9 Page 2
Thursday - summary

Week of April 29th

Upcoming Events/Reminders

• Tuesday evening is Jumpoline Night from 5-7pm. Teachers will be on hand to jump with the kids. Part of the proceeds earned is returned directly to WBE! This is a great fundraiser for us and great opportunity for your children to release some extra energy. $7 per jumper. Every jumper has to sign a waiver. Waivers can be accessed online in advance.  Jumpers must wear socks. You can arrive early to get checked in a sign waiver.
• Friday is Field Day!! Parent Volunteers are still needed by the PE coaches. If you would like to volunteer, please let me know and I'll pass your e-mail on to them. Please be sure your child wears their CLASS SHIRT on Friday! So that you or your child doesn't forget, they can bring their shirt to school earlier in the week and leave it with me. Field Day will not start for us until 12:45. Parents are welcome to join us for Field Day festivities. Students should remember to bring a bottle of water and sunscreen!!
• We will be going on 3 Field Trips in May. The permission slips have all been sent home. The newest is the Alamo on May 17th. Please notice that the field trip requires students to be at school earlier than the normal school day (6:35am) and picked up later than the usual school day (5:00pm). If you have any questions about any of these trips, please don't hesitate to let me know!

Other Upcoming Events:

• May 7 - Caverns Field Trip
• May 17 - Alamo Field Trip
• May 17 - WBE Talent Show
• May 21 - Symphony Field Trip
• May 27 - No School Memorial Day
• May 30 - Last Day of School

What we're learning...

Math - angles (specific measurements)

Science - Producers, Consumers, and Decomposers

Social Studies - 21st Century

Language Arts - novel study

Homework:

Daily - Practice multiplication facts. Read for at least 20 minutes.

Monday - Series 9 Page 5

Tuesday - summary

Wednesday - Series 9 Page 4

Thursday - summary

Power up for STAAR!

Upcoming Events/Reminders:

• The Spring Festival is from 2-6 on Saturday. You may purchase tickets in advance at school. (Purchasing in advance is a little bit of a discount.) If you are new to WBE, this is a fun event for your entire family. If you live close, it's best to walk to school. There will be all sorts of games, food for purchase, and a silent auction.
• I will be sending home math homework M-Th of this week.  The pages we have assigned are a review of everything your child will be responsible for on STAAR. This is in addition to their normal Tuesday/Thursday reading homework!
• We will be having motivational week for the upcoming STAAR tests the week of April 15th.  If you would like to donate any trinkets or goodies for that week it would be greatly appreciated.  Contact me if you would like ideas for things to donate.
• Math STAAR is April 23rd and Reading STAAR is April 24th. 
• Tuesday is another School Spirit Day. Students are asked to dress as superheros (no masks please).
• Thank you for all of your Spring Festival donations!!!

What we're learning...
Math - cumulative review
Science - life cycles
Social Studies - 20th Century Texas
Language Arts - reviewing all genres

Homework:
Monday - STAAR Warm-Up Series 10 page 4
Tuesday - STAAR Warm-Up Series 10 page 5/reading passage
Wednesday - STAAR Warm-Up Series 10 page 6
Thursday - STAAR Warm-Up Series 10 page 7/reading passage

Week of March 25-29

Reminders/Upcoming Events:

• We are so very excited about our new Power Up for STAAR (Super Mario Brothers) theme for our STAAR review week.  We will be using this theme to help motivate students to fine tune all of their skills prior to the Math and Reading STAAR Assessment.  If you are able to help make decorations or would like to make donations, please contact me. 
• There is NO SCHOOL on FRIDAY due to a Spring Holiday. Enjoy the 3-day weekend!
• The STAAR Writing Test is Tuesday, April 2nd and Wednesday, April 3rd. Be sure your child is completing their nightly homework as well as getting a good night's rest and healthy breakfast to be sure they are ready for a full day of learning. This is especially important for the nights before the test to ensure they are ready to show everything they've learned this year!
• The STAAR Parent Night provided helpful information so that parents are aware of the types of questions your child will be answering on the upcoming tests. If you were unable to make it and would like to look at those questions, here is the link. There are questions for all grade levels and test subjects. Please look over them and feel free to go over them with your child.
• We are still in need of baking/cooking items and colored hair spray donations for the Spring Festival. 

What we're learning...
Math - geometry (2D, 3D, transformations)
Science - inherited traits and learned behaviors
Social Studies - oil industry
Writing - REVIEW FOR STAAR (revising old compositions, revising/editing, qualities of good )compositions

Homework:
Daily - Read for at least 20 minutes. Practice multiplication facts!
Monday - revising/editing AND 2D shape hunt/p.141
Tuesday - revising/editing
Wednesday - revising/editing AND p.137/138

Week of March 18th

• STAAR Infomation Night is Tuesday, 3/19 at 6:30.  This is a great opportunity to get infomation about the upcoming STAAR Assessment, look at some sample questions, and ask any questions you may have.  I hope to see you there!
• Please remember we only have two weeks before we take our Writing STAAR Tests on April 2 and 3.
• Class will not be held on March 29th. 
• This is the time of year when Round Rock ISD asks all parents and students to fill out a Climate Survey. Please take a moment to fill this out. I will be taking all of your children to the computer lab to fill theirs out before the deadline. I appreciate your participation. Use the links to complete the survey: English or Spanish
• We are still seeking  donations for Spring Festival. We are in need of donations for both our 4th grade auction basket and the 4th grade booth: baking/cooking items & colored hair spray.

What we're learning...
Math - Geometry
Science - Adaptations
Social Studies - Railroads
Reading - expository - cause/effect, main idea/details, fact/opinion
Writing - expository composition about important item

Homework:
Daily - Practice multiplication facts. Read for at least 20 minutes.
Monday - pg. 132-133
Tuesday - revising/editing
Wednesday - pg. 126-127
Thursday - reading passage

Spring Break is almost here!

• I will be sending home STAAR Ready results this week. Please be sure to look over it with your child. Please be aware that there were 9 questions on the test that we have not covered (they appear in our next math unit). The test was very difficult, but my goal is to prepare your children to do ANYTHING! If you have any questions/concerns, please contact me. I assure you that I am doing everything I can to make sure your child is prepared for the upcoming STAAR test...and LIFE! We will continue to work hard over the next two months to be sure we are prepared!
• Wednesday is an Early Release at 12:45.
• Wednesday is Responsibility Recess for students who have no missing work. If students have missing work, they will be given this time to complete the work. All assignments MUST be turned in by Friday!!!
• This is the time of year when Round Rock ISD asks all parents and students to fill out a Climate Survey. Please take a moment to fill this out. I will be taking all of your children to the computer lab to fill theirs out before the deadline. I appreciate your participation. Use the links to complete the survey: English or Spanish
• This is the time of year we ask for donations for Spring Festival. We are in need of donations for both our 4th grade auction basket and the 4th grade booth: baking/cooking items & colored hair spray.
• Have a wonderful Spring Break!!!!

What we're learning...
Math - measurement estimates (assessment Thursday)
Science - patterns on earth - moon, tides, seasons (assessment Thursday)
Social Studies - Texas after the Civil War
Reading - expository - cause/effect, main idea/details, fact/opinion
Writing - expository composition about important item

Homework:
Daily - Practice multiplication facts. Read for at least 20 minutes.
Monday - p.176/1
Tuesday - revising/editing
Wednesday - Mass/Weight p.174-175
Thursday - reading passage

STAAR Ready Week

Reminders/Upcoming Events:

• The STAAR Ready Reading Test is on Tuesday, February 26th and the STAAR Ready Math Test is on Wednesday, February 27th.  Please help your child reduce any testing anxiety by having them prepare or study as necessary, get plenty of sleep the night prior to the test, eat a healthy breakfast with protein the day of the test, and remind them to stay focused and take brain breaks as needed. 
• Any missing/corrected work needs to be turned in as soon as possible.
• This is the time of year when Round Rock ISD asks all parents and students to fill out a Climate Survey. Please take a moment to fill this out. I will be taking all of your children to the computer lab to fill theirs out before the deadline. I appreciate your participation. Use the links to complete the survey: English or Spanish
• The 4th grade will be hosting a colored hairspray booth at the spring carnival and our basket theme is cooking and baking.  We are in need of donations for the booth and for the basket.  If you are able to donate any items, it would be greatly appreciated! 
• Early Release - March 6 at 12:45
• Spring Break - March 11-15!!!

What we're learning...
Math - STAAR Ready Review and Reteach
Science - Patterns on Earth - Tides
Social Studies - Texas during and after the Civil War
Reading - Nonfiction
Writing - Expository Text

Homework:
Daily - Read for at least 20 minutes. Practice Multiplication Facts
Monday - Study multiplication facts!!!  Rest and prepare for the STAAR Ready Test.
Tuesday - No homework - rest and prepare for the STAAR Ready Test.
Wednesday - No homework.
Thursday - No homework. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Reminders/Upcoming Events:

• Kiss-o-Grams continue to be sold this week. They are 10 cents each. Your children can purchase them for friends and teachers during their lunch time. Thank you to all of our parent volunteers. We could not do this fundraiser without you.
• Monday is Math Night at the apartments at 2900 Century Park Blvd. from 5:30-7:00. All families are welcome to attend to play and take home some great math games. Teachers will be there to join in the fun. Pizza will be served (for free) to everyone who attends.
• Tuesday at 6:30 is a PTA Meeting in the cafeteria.
• Wednesday is Group Picture and Individual Spring Picture Day. Dress to impress!

What we're learning...

Math - measurement: volume & capacity

Science - water cycle

Social Studies - Civil War

Reading - drama

Writing - personal narrative

Homework:

Daily - Read for at least 20 minutes. Practice multiplication facts.

Monday - p.61/219

Tuesday - revising/editing

Wednesday - Customary and Metric Units of Capacity

Thursday - reading passage

Science Fair Week

Reminders:

• Science Projects are due Wednesday, January 30th!!! The Science Fair will be held on Thursday, January 31st from 5:30-7:00.
• We are still needing Kiss-o-Gram volunteers AND donations. If you are interested in helping, please fill out the online form. If you are able to send in Hershey kisses (any flavor without nuts), they would be appreciated!!!!!
• Tuesday, January 29th is Western Wear Spirit Day! Be sure to wear boots, cowboy hats, handkerchiefs, or any other western gear you have!
• February 2nd is the CG Superbowl Extravaganza at Zilker Park!  I'd love to see you there if you can make it.  More info on this event is in the previous post.
• Please be sure your child is keeping up with their missing work. Grades are updated weekly so please be sure to sign up on the parent access center so that you can be well informed about your child's grades at all times.   All missing work and corrected work should be turned in as soon as possible. It's easier to keep up with work now than all of the assignments at the end of the 9 weeks.

What we're learning...
Math - Review of previous concepts/Measurement - Length
Science - Weather
Social Studies - Statehood of Texas
Reading - Continue Character Study
Writing - personal narrative

Homework:
Daily - Practice multiplication facts. Read for at least 20 minutes.
Monday - Multiplication and Division Word Problems/multiplication worksheet
Tuesday - revising/editing & multiplication worksheet
Wednesday - Customary Units of Length & multiplication worksheet
Thursday - reading passage & multiplication worksheet

2 Important and Fun Updates!

Hi there!

Have you ever wondered when you'd get the chance to workout with me on a Saturday???  What? Never?  Well, you're in luck even if you haven't ever wondered that because I have a great event where you and your child can join me in having a fun workout while raising money for Dell Children's Hospital!

Here is the information from Camp Gladiator:

Super Bowl Workout– February 2^nd  @ 9:30am  Who says the pros get to have all the fun? Join Camp Gladiator from 9:30 AM-11:30 AM  on February 2^nd for a special CG Superbowl Saturday Extravaganza!  The workout will be held on the Northside of Zilker Park next to the volleyball courts.  No need to be signed up –EVERYONE is invited! Your friends, kids, even  - your whole extended family can come; this is a public and FREE event!  Accompanying us will be the Dell’s Children Hospital, with all of the proceeds going to help the kids going through  treatment right now – we will be accepting donations at the event.  There will be a kids workout going on at the same time so bring them out to join in on all the fun!  Our very own NFL star Jeff Ogden is ready - are you? Mark your calendars, bring your cleats, jerseys, and eye black…and be sure to show up early so you are guaranteed parking.

I am a member of Camp Gladiator which is a great company and boot camp centered around living a healthy lifestyle and having fun while working out.   I will be at the CG Superbowl Extravaganza on Saturday morning, and I am extending the invitation to all the families in my class as well. It should be a great time and a good cause. Come on out, get some exercise and of course, have fun! If you have any questions about this event please don't hesitate to call or email me. Let me know if you plan on attending, and I can make sure to look for you and your family! Remember, this is completely optional, but I'd love for you to join if you are able to! 

http://campgladiator.com/

http://www.campgladiatoraustin.com/jeff_ogden.html

Valentine's for Kids

Mix 94.7 has a campaign going on right now where they will deliver Valentine's Day cards to the children who are in local hospitals.  I have told all of my students about this and given them materials to make Valentine's Day cards when they finish their work or during any free time in the day.  If you, and/or your family, would also like to make some cards, please feel free to do so and send them to me no later than February 4th so that I can get them in the mail. Let me know if you have any questions! 

Have a wonderful day! 

MLK Day!

I love watching all of the learning taking place in the classroom!  Please take a moment to congratulate your child on how much they have accomplished thus far and all that they are going to continue doing.

Reminders:

• No school Monday in honor of MLK Day.
• I will be holding Science Fair tutoring time onThursday from 3:00-4:00. Students may use my materials to put together their board or the computers to type up their report. 
• Science Projects are due Wednesday, January 30th!!! The Science Fair will be held on Thursday, January 31st from 5:30-7:00.
• We are still needing Kiss-o-Gram volunteers AND donations. If you are interested in helping, please fill out the online form. If you are able to send in Hershey kisses (any flavor without nuts), they would be appreciated!!!!!
• Tuesday, January 29th is Western Wear Spirit Day! Be sure to wear boots, cowboy hats, handkerchiefs, or any other western gear you have!
• Please be sure your child is keeping up with their missing work. Grades are updated weekly so please be sure to sign up on the parent access center so that you can be well informed about your child's grades at all times.   All missing work and corrected work should be turned in as soon as possible. It's easier to keep up with work now than all of the assignments at the end of the 9 weeks.

What we're learning...
Math - adding and subtracting decimals (assessment Friday)
Science - Earth's resources (assessment Friday)
Social Studies - Republic of Texas
Reading - folktales
Writing - personal narrative

Homework:
Daily - Practice multiplication facts. Read for at least 20 minutes.
Monday - No school
Tuesday - revising/editing & multiplication worksheet
Wednesday - p.10/11 & multiplication worksheet
Thursday - reading passage & multiplication worksheet

January 14-18

Upcoming Events/Reminders:

• Report cards go home Monday. Please be sure to sign and return one copy and the envelope. 
• Tuesday is Explorer Excellence at 8:45 in the cafeteria. We hope to see you there supporting the awesome work your children have done the past 9 weeks.
• Remember that a science project is REQUIRED for every student! Science Projects must be brought to school by January 30th. Finished projects may be turned in before that!
• There is NO SCHOOL next Monday for MLK Day.
• We are currently looking for volunteers that are able to coordinate and run the 4th Grade Kiss-o-Gram Fundraiser February 4th-13th. If you aren't sure what this entails, but you are interested, please let me know. We are also looking for volunteers for small time slots each day. As much or as little time as you can donate would be appreciated. 
• We are out of class snack. Any donations are appreciated. 

What we're learning...
Math - decimals
Science - natural resources
Social Studies - Texas Revolution
Writing - personal narrative
Reading -folktales, characters, theme

Homework:
Daily - Practice multiplication facts. Read for at least 20 minutes.
Monday - multiplication worksheet
Tuesday - revising/editing, multiplication worksheet
Wednesday - multiplication worksheet
Thursday - reading passage, multiplication worksheet

Welcome Back!

Welcome back!  I hope you and your family had a wonderful break and are ready to get back into the swing of things.  I am looking forward to spending the rest of the school year learning and having fun!

Reminders:

• Science Fair is QUICKLY approaching. I will be having some after school science fair sessions for any child in our class that needs extra time to work on thier projects. We will not be able to conduct the actual experiment,  but your child will have the opportunity to use a computer for research and also for typing up and putting together their display board. These sessions will be held Thursdays from 2:45-3:45 (with the exception of January 17th).  Any student is allowed to attend, but students must be able to work independently, as this is a tutoring time for students as well. 
• Science Fair Research Night is Thursday, January 10th at 5:30.
• Report Cards will be sent home on Monday, January 14th.
• Explorer Excellence will be held Tuesday, January 15th in the cafeteria at 8:45. We hope to see you there to support all the wonderful work your children have been doing!
• Sokikom (through Edmodo) now has e-mail parent reports. I will be sending those every Friday for you and your child to review their behavior for the week. These reports will look slightly different than the ones from the beginning of the year because it is a different program.

What we're learning...
Math - decimals
Science - natural resources
Social Studies - Texas Revolution
Reading - folktales
Writing - personal narratives

Homework:
Daily - Practice multiplication facts. Read for at least 20 minutes.
Monday - multiplication practice & decimals
Tuesday - revising/editing
Wednesday - multiplication practice & decimals
Thursday - reading passage