Grammar Videos

In order to reach visual and musical learners, we have learned about some parts of speech with the help of short musical videos.  Here are the links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byszemY8Pl8 (prepositions)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdUXxdmhIsw (subject and predicate)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koZFca8AkT0 (pronouns)

In addition, we have learned about nouns, verbs, adjective, and adverbs.  There are fun and helpful YouTube videos for those as well (all of Schoolhouse Rock is available).  If your child seems confused about a certain part of speech, I encourage you to show a video to him/her and to have a discussion to help him/her understand better.

We will practice grammar throughout the year starting in October with Daily Language Review, which will help your child develop a strong understanding of English grammar.

October 28th is Picture Retake Day

On Tuesday, October 28th we will take our class photo, as there was no time on the original date.  Also, children will be able to re-take individuals photos if needed.

First Assembly of the Year Coming Up

Next Monday, September 29th, we will have our first assembly of the year.  The goals of the assembly will be to reaffirm our commitment to our school-wide rules (C.A.R.E.S. or Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy, and Self-Control) and to have fun as a community.  The assembly for grades 3-5 will be at 8:30 on Monday morning in the auditorium.  While you may have to stand, families are very welcome to participate in all assemblies.

ECO Rocks and Giant VT Map

Today we had our first ECO.  We walked to Sabin's Pasture and learned about how different rock properties are valuable for making various tools out of rocks.

We also conducted a science experiment today to explore how abrasion contributes to the weathering of rocks.

We have a giant map of Vermont at our school this week, and I mean GIANT!  The map covers an entire classroom floor, and is made of sturdy material that allows us to walk on it in our socks.  We rented the map from Vermont Geographic Alliance (http://www.vtgeoalliance.org/giant-traveling-map-of-vermont.html). Today we walked the perimeter of the map, noticed what borders VT, studied the compass rose, and learned about some features found in a map legend.  We will use the map again throughout the week for math and social studies activities.

First ECO on Monday

Our class will head out for our first ECO (Educating Children Outdoors) session on Monday.  We will leave before 9am and return in time for PE at 11:35.

All are welcome to join and help out!  Please let me know if you are able to come (wendym@mpsvt.org or 225-8238).

Sorry for the late notice about the time.  We have been trying (and are still trying) to figure out a way to extend our time outside.  With Interactive Arts in the middle of the day, we are currently locked in to brief ECO sessions.  I will update families in the next few weeks about this issue.

Our next ECO session will be on October 6th and will be in the afternoon after 12:30.

Picture Day Rush

Hello Families, 

Because the picture day schedule became backed up, students were able to take their individual photos, but we were unable to take the group photo before dismissal time.

We will take our class photo on picture make-up day.  I will update you as soon as I am given that date.

Thanks!

Picture Day Next Week

Tuesday, September 16th will be school picture day!  A form will go home with your child today, Friday September 12th.  You can order online or have your child bring the form in on Tuesday.

Please note that we are scheduled to get our pictures taken near the end of the day.  If you would like your child to wear something special, I suggest having her/him change into the nice clothes after lunch.

Save the Date for Open House: 10/2/14

Our UES principal, Chris Hennessey, has just announced the date for Open House.  Please join us on October 2nd from 6:15 to 7:15.  Come see what your child has been doing in school and meet all of his/her teachers.

I look forward to seeing all of you there!

First Full Week Begins

Today kicked off our first full week of school.  Students drafted goals that we will refine and publish as the week goes on.

Your child has homework this week.  The assignment is to collect and bring in three unlike rocks by Friday.  This assignment is in anticipation of our first science unit on the properties of rocks.

Also this week, we will go to the Tunbridge Fair on Thursday.  Students will be able to visit agricultural and historical exhibits that feature Vermont's rich farming legacy.  Students will not be able to go on rides, play carnival games, or buy food at the vendors, so there is no need to send your child with money.  Your child does need a bagged lunch unless he/she has ordered one from school.

Settling into Routines and Setting Goals

I am enjoying getting to know the individuals that make up our class.  Every kid is adjusting to the routines, and many are really excelling!

During this second week of school, students are demonstrating responsibility by using their daily planners to record and help them complete homework.  Please help support your fourth grader by checking his/her planner on a daily basis.

This week students have reflected on their personal strengths and weaknesses in school.  We will use those reflections in order to create goals to help students work toward doing their personal bests academically and socially.