Sunday, December 13, 2015
Newsletter
Hi, December 13, 2015
We had a very fun, busy week! Most of the students completed the Hour of Code challenge Friday. If they didn't finish, they were very close! We even did a little bit of coding with our 1st grade reading buddies. Encourage your child to go to Code.org and sign in through his/her Google account to continue to explore more coding activities. They had fun with Minecraft, Frozen, Star Wars, Infinity Disney, and Flappy Birds. Google email=s######@student.roundrockisd.org password=birthdate
Pen Pal Visit on Tuesday-Our pen pal visit was amazing. The kids did a great job interviewing them about their holiday memories and played lots of games together. It is so nice to see the seniors and their fourth graders enjoying time together. Our next visit will be in February.
Ridgeview Music Assembly-On Friday, the 4th and 5th graders enjoyed a performance by the Ridgeview Band, Orchestra, and Choir. They also learned more about the opportunity to choose one of these classes for an elective in middle school.
20 Book Reading Challenge-Many of the students are making progress on their 20 Book Reading Challenge and on their Monthly Challenge. Tomorrow we will read a Bluebonnet book together as we learn about biographies or literary nonfiction. The class will have an opportunity to fill out a google form about the book and if the form is completed and meets expectations by Tuesday, December 15, then they will get an invitation to the celebration on Wednesday. Be sure that your child is reading EVERYDAY for at least 20 minutes. They need to continue to read at least that much time everyday over the holiday break as well.
Literacy Night-Thank you to all the students for working so hard on their projects for Literacy Night. We learned about China and chose our own projects to show what we learned. Thank you also to everyone who was able to attend and enjoy the projects and activities from around the world. Thanks also for those who were able to donate fortune cookies. They were a huge hit!
Volunteering with Service Club-Members of the Service Club met at the Round Rock Serving Center on Saturday morning. We picked up trash around the grounds and organized books on the book case. Thank you so much to the families that came and helped. We will meet for Service Club on Tuesday, January 5 since we don't have school on Monday. We will talk more about the Walk to Read Event and Libraries of Love. More information to come.
Reading-We will continue to read some biographies this week and learn about the characteristics of Literary Nonfiction.
Writing-We will continue to revise, elaborate, and organize our expository writing pieces. We will also begin using a color coded system to edit our work.
Social Studies-We will talk a little more about the tribes in Texas and then begin learning about explorers.
There will be no spelling or vocabulary words this week. There is also no homework packet this week. Be sure to read and practice math facts daily.
Holiday party is on Thursday, December 17 at 1:00 in our classroom. Thank you to all the people who have signed up already on Sign up Genius. We appreciate your help. We also need about five people to monitor a game or activity during the party. Go to this link to sign up to help or donate needed items.
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0A4BA8AD292-holiday
Dates to Remember:
Monday, December 14-Wear FCE shirt. Writing Club after school from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, December 15-Monthly Reading Challenge Google form is due
Wednesday, December 16-Special Lunch for students who met the Monthly Reading Challenge
Thursday, December 17-Turn in Reading Logs, Holiday Party at 1:00.
Fri, December 18-Mon, January 4, 2016-Happy Holidays. READ EVERYDAY!!!!!!!!!!!
January 5, 2016-Happy New Year and Welcome Back to School. Service Club Meeting 2:45-3:45
Have a great evening.
Sincerely,
Pam
Monday, December 7, 2015
Newsletter
Hello Bat Families, 12/6/2015
We had an amazing week!
20 Book Challenge! Don't forget to record your books and times. Challenge yourself to read more. December Monthly Challenge is to read the first book in a series or a Bluebonnet Book! After a book is complete, go to the Google Document on our website and fill in and submit the appropriate form. Some students already have a few filled in and are moving right along on their challenge. Remember the students should read 20 books (at least) by the end of the school year. Monthly challenge is due on Dec. 15 and we will have lunch in the classroom on Dec. 16 for those who met the challenge.
Art Field Trip to Blanton Art Museum on Tuesday, December 1. Our field trip was wonderful. The kids had a great time sketching and learning about art and artists. It was great to hear their interpretations and thoughts about the art. They have amazing ideas and are creative, deep thinkers.
Pen Pal Visit on Tuesday, December 8 from 9:30-11:00. We are so excited to see our pen pals again. On Monday, we will make a craft for them as a holiday present. We will interview them about their culture and their holiday traditions. We will also play games and make snowflakes together. It will be a wonderful visit and you are welcome to meet us in the library to share some fun times with our pen pals.
Volunteer at the Round Rock Serving Center on Saturday, Dec. 12. from 9-10. All are welcome to come and volunteer. Email me if you will be coming so that I can let them know. Bring some gently used books to donate to the bookcase in the waiting area. (The date changed.)
Family Fun Day at Barnes and Noble today. Go shopping and earn money for our school.
Reading- To get ready for Literacy Night on December 10, we will talk about heritage together and write Cultural poems. We will also research China and read Chinese traditional tales to create projects to present at Literacy Night. Be sure to come to Literacy Night on December 10. Each grade level will present a different continent and there will be projects to view and Ballet Folklorico. We will also learn about Libraries of Love in Uganda, Africa. It will be a great night of learning and fun.
If you would like to present items or information about your ancestry, please contact Mariah Smith in the library at mariah_smith@roundrockisd.org.
Hour of Code-We will participate in an Hour of Code on Friday from 10-11. Most of our class is signed up on code.org and some kids have already begun some coding. Go to Code.org to learn more or to have your child work on some coding. They can create an account using their google email (s######@student.roundrockisd.org and their birthdate as their password) and then go to http://studio.code.org/join/BLFOEL to join our class and I can see their progress.
Writing-We are beginning to work on another expository writing piece. We are also working on combining sentences using conjunctions such as for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so or FANBOYS. Don't forget the comma before the conjunctions when combining two complete sentences.
Social Studies-We are continuing to learn about bartering and then begin learning about the explorers in Texas. We are also researching China for Literacy Night on Thursday. Be sure to come and see all the projects and hard work.
Spelling-Last week our list included silent letters (b and w) and this week will include more silent letters. (k and g) The list will include words with silent letters like sign, gnaw, knowledge) Each child will also have individual spelling words.
Vocabulary- We will study words with the affixes dis and mis. (ex.misfortunate, disappear)
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
Monday, December 7-Wear FCE shirts. Service Club 2:45-3:45 in room 512. 4th-5th invited.
Tuesday, December 8-Pen Pal Visit from 9:30-11:00 in the library.
Thursday, Dec. 10-Passport to Literacy-Cultural Night 5-7-Return your paper portrait decorated with the country of your ancestry. Come and learn about other countries and cultures. Come and present our China projects!
Friday, December 11-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-Hour of Code for our class from 10-11 am, wear college shirts, Ridgeview Band, Orchestra, and Choir will perform for our 4th and 5th graders at 1:00.
Saturday, Dec. 12-Volunteer at RR Serving Center from 9-10.
Monday, December 14-Wear FCE shirts. Writing Club after school from 2:45-3:45 in the library for grades 2-5.
Tuesday, December 15-Google Form for Monthly Reading Challenge is due
Wednesday, December 16-Monthly Reading Challenge Lunch Party
Thursday, December 17-Holiday Party at 1:00-More information to come.
I hope you continue to have a wonderful weekend!
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
We had an amazing week!
20 Book Challenge! Don't forget to record your books and times. Challenge yourself to read more. December Monthly Challenge is to read the first book in a series or a Bluebonnet Book! After a book is complete, go to the Google Document on our website and fill in and submit the appropriate form. Some students already have a few filled in and are moving right along on their challenge. Remember the students should read 20 books (at least) by the end of the school year. Monthly challenge is due on Dec. 15 and we will have lunch in the classroom on Dec. 16 for those who met the challenge.
Art Field Trip to Blanton Art Museum on Tuesday, December 1. Our field trip was wonderful. The kids had a great time sketching and learning about art and artists. It was great to hear their interpretations and thoughts about the art. They have amazing ideas and are creative, deep thinkers.
Pen Pal Visit on Tuesday, December 8 from 9:30-11:00. We are so excited to see our pen pals again. On Monday, we will make a craft for them as a holiday present. We will interview them about their culture and their holiday traditions. We will also play games and make snowflakes together. It will be a wonderful visit and you are welcome to meet us in the library to share some fun times with our pen pals.
Volunteer at the Round Rock Serving Center on Saturday, Dec. 12. from 9-10. All are welcome to come and volunteer. Email me if you will be coming so that I can let them know. Bring some gently used books to donate to the bookcase in the waiting area. (The date changed.)
Family Fun Day at Barnes and Noble today. Go shopping and earn money for our school.
Reading- To get ready for Literacy Night on December 10, we will talk about heritage together and write Cultural poems. We will also research China and read Chinese traditional tales to create projects to present at Literacy Night. Be sure to come to Literacy Night on December 10. Each grade level will present a different continent and there will be projects to view and Ballet Folklorico. We will also learn about Libraries of Love in Uganda, Africa. It will be a great night of learning and fun.
If you would like to present items or information about your ancestry, please contact Mariah Smith in the library at mariah_smith@roundrockisd.org.
Hour of Code-We will participate in an Hour of Code on Friday from 10-11. Most of our class is signed up on code.org and some kids have already begun some coding. Go to Code.org to learn more or to have your child work on some coding. They can create an account using their google email (s######@student.roundrockisd.org and their birthdate as their password) and then go to http://studio.code.org/join/BLFOEL to join our class and I can see their progress.
Writing-We are beginning to work on another expository writing piece. We are also working on combining sentences using conjunctions such as for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so or FANBOYS. Don't forget the comma before the conjunctions when combining two complete sentences.
Social Studies-We are continuing to learn about bartering and then begin learning about the explorers in Texas. We are also researching China for Literacy Night on Thursday. Be sure to come and see all the projects and hard work.
Spelling-Last week our list included silent letters (b and w) and this week will include more silent letters. (k and g) The list will include words with silent letters like sign, gnaw, knowledge) Each child will also have individual spelling words.
Vocabulary- We will study words with the affixes dis and mis. (ex.misfortunate, disappear)
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
Monday, December 7-Wear FCE shirts. Service Club 2:45-3:45 in room 512. 4th-5th invited.
Tuesday, December 8-Pen Pal Visit from 9:30-11:00 in the library.
Thursday, Dec. 10-Passport to Literacy-Cultural Night 5-7-Return your paper portrait decorated with the country of your ancestry. Come and learn about other countries and cultures. Come and present our China projects!
Friday, December 11-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-Hour of Code for our class from 10-11 am, wear college shirts, Ridgeview Band, Orchestra, and Choir will perform for our 4th and 5th graders at 1:00.
Saturday, Dec. 12-Volunteer at RR Serving Center from 9-10.
Monday, December 14-Wear FCE shirts. Writing Club after school from 2:45-3:45 in the library for grades 2-5.
Tuesday, December 15-Google Form for Monthly Reading Challenge is due
Wednesday, December 16-Monthly Reading Challenge Lunch Party
Thursday, December 17-Holiday Party at 1:00-More information to come.
I hope you continue to have a wonderful weekend!
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Newsletter
Hello Bat Families, 11/22/2015
Happy Thanksgiving! We had an amazing week!
We had a Reading Party on Thursday to kick off our 20 Book Challenge! We are so excited to read and can't wait to get started! Don't forget to record your books and times. Challenge yourself to read more. Monthly Challenge is to read the first book in a series or a Bluebonnet Book! Be sure to take advantage of our week off of school to read, read, and read some more.
Our Tribe Project Presentations for social studies were wonderful. They were creative and included important information about each tribe. The kids worked hard and it showed. Great job everyone!
Groovy-O-Rama was fantastic! Everyone looked great and sounded even better. Every year I am excited to see so many students perfoming so well. The speakers did great and the singing solos were incredible. Excellent job everyone!
Thanksgiving Lunch-Thank you to everyone who came and shared lunch with your student. It was a fun day.
Art Field Trip to Blanton Art Museum on Tuesday, December 1. Don't forget to bring a lunch and a drink. Wear comfortable shoes and a Forest Creek shirt (or green or purple shirt) It will be a great day! Thank you to Mrs. Arnold and Mrs. Shore for arranging this trip for us.
Writing Club meets on Monday, Nov. 30 after school. We will announce the UIL Creative Writing and Ready Writing Teams. We will also work a creative writing game and free writing.The club is from 2:45-3:45. All 2nd-5th graders are welcome. We will meet in the library and pick-up is in front of the school.
Volunteer at the Round Rock Serving Center on Saturday, Dec. 12. from 9-10. All are welcome to come and volunteer. Email me if you will be coming so that I can let them know. Bring some gently used books to donate to the bookcase in the waiting area. (The date changed.)
Reading-The students read a short novel called Molly's Pilgrim and compared and contrasted two of the characters in the book. They also determined a theme or lesson from the book and provided evidence or proof from the text to support thier thinking. We finished our read aloud, Dancing Home. It is a touching book about a girl named Margie who's cousin from Mexico moves in with her. Margie struggles with wanting to be fully American and learns to appreciate her heritage. To get ready for Literacy Night on December 10, we will talk about heritage together and write Cultural poems. We will also research China and read Chinese traditional tales to create projects to present at Literacy Night. Be sure to come to Literacy Night on December 10. Each grade level will present a different continent and there will be projects to view and Ballet Folklorico. We will also learn about Libraries of Love in Uganda, Africa. It will be a great night of learning and fun.
If you would like to present items or information about your ancestry, please contact Mariah Smith in the library at mariah_smith@roundrockisd.org.
Writing-We finished our final copies of our expository writing. We read Turkey Bowl by Phil Bildner and noted the strong word choice and alliteration. We then worked on some poems and stories about Thanksgiving.
Social Studies-We finished our presentations of our Texas Tribe projects. The kids did a great job. We will learn about bartering and then begin learning about the explorers in Texas.
Spelling-We reviewed plurals this week. New spelling words will come home on Monday, November 30. The list will include words with silent letters like lamb, write, and debt. Each child will also have individual spelling words.
Vocabulary- We won't have a new list for vocabulary this week.
Homework packet will come home on Monday, Nov. 30.
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
November 23-27-Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 30- Wear FCE t-shirts. Writing Club 2:45-3:45 in library. 2nd-5th invited.
Tuesday, December 1-Field Trip to Blanton Art Museum
Wednesday, December 2-Early Release and Pajama Day
Thursday, December 3
Friday, December 4-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test
Monday, December 7-Wear FCE shirts. Service Club 2:45-3:45 in room 512. 4th-5th invited.
Thursday, Dec. 10-Passport to Literacy-Cultural Night 5-7-Return your paper portrait decorated with the country of your ancestry.
Friday, December 11-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts
Saturday, Dec. 12-Volunteer at RR Serving Center from 9-10.
I hope you continue to have a wonderful weekend! Happy Thanksgiving!
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
--
Pam Bartholomew
4th Grade Teacher
Forest Creek Elementary School
Round Rock,TX 78664
512-464-5388
Happy Thanksgiving! We had an amazing week!
We had a Reading Party on Thursday to kick off our 20 Book Challenge! We are so excited to read and can't wait to get started! Don't forget to record your books and times. Challenge yourself to read more. Monthly Challenge is to read the first book in a series or a Bluebonnet Book! Be sure to take advantage of our week off of school to read, read, and read some more.
Our Tribe Project Presentations for social studies were wonderful. They were creative and included important information about each tribe. The kids worked hard and it showed. Great job everyone!
Groovy-O-Rama was fantastic! Everyone looked great and sounded even better. Every year I am excited to see so many students perfoming so well. The speakers did great and the singing solos were incredible. Excellent job everyone!
Thanksgiving Lunch-Thank you to everyone who came and shared lunch with your student. It was a fun day.
Art Field Trip to Blanton Art Museum on Tuesday, December 1. Don't forget to bring a lunch and a drink. Wear comfortable shoes and a Forest Creek shirt (or green or purple shirt) It will be a great day! Thank you to Mrs. Arnold and Mrs. Shore for arranging this trip for us.
Writing Club meets on Monday, Nov. 30 after school. We will announce the UIL Creative Writing and Ready Writing Teams. We will also work a creative writing game and free writing.The club is from 2:45-3:45. All 2nd-5th graders are welcome. We will meet in the library and pick-up is in front of the school.
Volunteer at the Round Rock Serving Center on Saturday, Dec. 12. from 9-10. All are welcome to come and volunteer. Email me if you will be coming so that I can let them know. Bring some gently used books to donate to the bookcase in the waiting area. (The date changed.)
Reading-The students read a short novel called Molly's Pilgrim and compared and contrasted two of the characters in the book. They also determined a theme or lesson from the book and provided evidence or proof from the text to support thier thinking. We finished our read aloud, Dancing Home. It is a touching book about a girl named Margie who's cousin from Mexico moves in with her. Margie struggles with wanting to be fully American and learns to appreciate her heritage. To get ready for Literacy Night on December 10, we will talk about heritage together and write Cultural poems. We will also research China and read Chinese traditional tales to create projects to present at Literacy Night. Be sure to come to Literacy Night on December 10. Each grade level will present a different continent and there will be projects to view and Ballet Folklorico. We will also learn about Libraries of Love in Uganda, Africa. It will be a great night of learning and fun.
If you would like to present items or information about your ancestry, please contact Mariah Smith in the library at mariah_smith@roundrockisd.org.
Writing-We finished our final copies of our expository writing. We read Turkey Bowl by Phil Bildner and noted the strong word choice and alliteration. We then worked on some poems and stories about Thanksgiving.
Social Studies-We finished our presentations of our Texas Tribe projects. The kids did a great job. We will learn about bartering and then begin learning about the explorers in Texas.
Spelling-We reviewed plurals this week. New spelling words will come home on Monday, November 30. The list will include words with silent letters like lamb, write, and debt. Each child will also have individual spelling words.
Vocabulary- We won't have a new list for vocabulary this week.
Homework packet will come home on Monday, Nov. 30.
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
November 23-27-Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 30- Wear FCE t-shirts. Writing Club 2:45-3:45 in library. 2nd-5th invited.
Tuesday, December 1-Field Trip to Blanton Art Museum
Wednesday, December 2-Early Release and Pajama Day
Thursday, December 3
Friday, December 4-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test
Monday, December 7-Wear FCE shirts. Service Club 2:45-3:45 in room 512. 4th-5th invited.
Thursday, Dec. 10-Passport to Literacy-Cultural Night 5-7-Return your paper portrait decorated with the country of your ancestry.
Friday, December 11-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts
Saturday, Dec. 12-Volunteer at RR Serving Center from 9-10.
I hope you continue to have a wonderful weekend! Happy Thanksgiving!
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
--
Pam Bartholomew
4th Grade Teacher
Forest Creek Elementary School
Round Rock,TX 78664
512-464-5388
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Newsletter
Hello Bat Families, 11/14/2015
We had a great week and have a busy week ahead. Our Veteran's Day Assembly was wonderful. The singing by the choir and the audience was beautiful, hearing from some Veterans was amazing, and seeing all the children waving their American flags was awesome. Flashlight Reading in the library was so much fun! Thank you for donating for Coins for Coats to help us earn that prize.
Groovy-O-Rama-Dress groovy and join us at 12:00 on Friday for some groovy singing!
OMS Toy Drive! We collected 280 toys! Thank you so much to everyone for helping to increase awareness of OMS and to brighten the day of patients in Dell Children's Hospital.
World Class Leadership Conference-5 students from Service Club joined Ms. Reinlinger, Mrs. Bendetto, and me for a district conference on leadership. It was great to see so many excited and energetic children and adults talk about the importance of leading and being positive, goal setting, helpful, creative leaders now and everyday. We had the opportunity to share information about our Service Club and to learn about iMovie, Birthday Boxes, and lots more.
Writing Club meets on Monday, Nov. 16 after school. We will also have UIL Writing Club try-outs on Monday, November 16. Students in Writing Club are encouraged to try out, but not required.The club is from 2:45-3:45. All 2nd-5th graders are welcome. We will meet in the library and pick-up is in front of the school.
Volunteer at the Round Rock Serving Center on Saturday, Dec. 5. from 9-10. All are welcome to come and volunteer. Email me if you will be coming so that I can let them know. Bring some gently used books to donate to the bookcase in the waiting area.
Reading-We read about Veteran's Day. We also learned about free verse and lyrical poems. Interpretation of poetry can vary based on the reader. We watched two videos of the same poem with very different interpretations. Watch them and see what you think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x587PpF-J1Q and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1I4uaRt6bM We talked about mood in poetry and made inferences while reading the poem DreamsDby Langston Hughes. We will work with poetry a bit more this week as well as read and discuss some Thanksgiving books.
Writing-We are publishing our Expository Writing and will write poems this week. We will write Character Cinquain poems about a main character from our book club books. We will write poems using lots of sensory words, imagery, similes, and metaphors.
Social Studies-We are working on our tribe projects. It is very exciting to see how engaged all of the children are in their work. Our driving question is how can we teach others about the tribes of Texas. Some are making dioramas, others are writing a play, others are creating gameboards, others making posters, and others are writing the lyrics to a song about their tribe. Our plan is to finish the projects by Tuesday, so that we can present our work to our homeroom on Wednesday. We will then get feedback from our classmates and spend Thursday revising and improving our projects. On Friday, we will do our final presentation at 9:30 for our 1st grade reading buddies. You are invited to come and watch our presentations at 9:30 on Friday.
Spelling-We are reviewing plurals this week. Each child will also have individual spelling words.
Vocabulary- This week we are working on science words. Practice on quizlet.
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
Monday, November 16- Wear FCE t-shirts. Writing Club and UIL try outs 2:45-3:45 in library. 2nd-5th invited.
Tuesday, November 17-library check out
Wednesday, November 18
Thursday, November 19-Thanksgiving Lunch-11:05
Friday, November 20-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-Groovy-O-Rama 4th grade-12:00
November 23-27-Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 30-Wear FCE shirts. Writing Club 2:45-3:45 in library. 2nd-5th invited.
Tuesday, December 1-Art Field Trip to Blanton Art Museum
Wednesday, December 2-Early Release-PJ Day
Friday, December 4-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts
Saturday, Dec. 5-Volunteer at RR Serving Center from 9-10.
Thursday, Dec. 10-Cultural Night 5-7
I hope you continue to have a wonderful weekend! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
We had a great week and have a busy week ahead. Our Veteran's Day Assembly was wonderful. The singing by the choir and the audience was beautiful, hearing from some Veterans was amazing, and seeing all the children waving their American flags was awesome. Flashlight Reading in the library was so much fun! Thank you for donating for Coins for Coats to help us earn that prize.
Groovy-O-Rama-Dress groovy and join us at 12:00 on Friday for some groovy singing!
OMS Toy Drive! We collected 280 toys! Thank you so much to everyone for helping to increase awareness of OMS and to brighten the day of patients in Dell Children's Hospital.
World Class Leadership Conference-5 students from Service Club joined Ms. Reinlinger, Mrs. Bendetto, and me for a district conference on leadership. It was great to see so many excited and energetic children and adults talk about the importance of leading and being positive, goal setting, helpful, creative leaders now and everyday. We had the opportunity to share information about our Service Club and to learn about iMovie, Birthday Boxes, and lots more.
Writing Club meets on Monday, Nov. 16 after school. We will also have UIL Writing Club try-outs on Monday, November 16. Students in Writing Club are encouraged to try out, but not required.The club is from 2:45-3:45. All 2nd-5th graders are welcome. We will meet in the library and pick-up is in front of the school.
Volunteer at the Round Rock Serving Center on Saturday, Dec. 5. from 9-10. All are welcome to come and volunteer. Email me if you will be coming so that I can let them know. Bring some gently used books to donate to the bookcase in the waiting area.
Reading-We read about Veteran's Day. We also learned about free verse and lyrical poems. Interpretation of poetry can vary based on the reader. We watched two videos of the same poem with very different interpretations. Watch them and see what you think.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x587PpF-J1Q and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1I4uaRt6bM We talked about mood in poetry and made inferences while reading the poem DreamsDby Langston Hughes. We will work with poetry a bit more this week as well as read and discuss some Thanksgiving books.
Writing-We are publishing our Expository Writing and will write poems this week. We will write Character Cinquain poems about a main character from our book club books. We will write poems using lots of sensory words, imagery, similes, and metaphors.
Social Studies-We are working on our tribe projects. It is very exciting to see how engaged all of the children are in their work. Our driving question is how can we teach others about the tribes of Texas. Some are making dioramas, others are writing a play, others are creating gameboards, others making posters, and others are writing the lyrics to a song about their tribe. Our plan is to finish the projects by Tuesday, so that we can present our work to our homeroom on Wednesday. We will then get feedback from our classmates and spend Thursday revising and improving our projects. On Friday, we will do our final presentation at 9:30 for our 1st grade reading buddies. You are invited to come and watch our presentations at 9:30 on Friday.
Spelling-We are reviewing plurals this week. Each child will also have individual spelling words.
Vocabulary- This week we are working on science words. Practice on quizlet.
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
Monday, November 16- Wear FCE t-shirts. Writing Club and UIL try outs 2:45-3:45 in library. 2nd-5th invited.
Tuesday, November 17-library check out
Wednesday, November 18
Thursday, November 19-Thanksgiving Lunch-11:05
Friday, November 20-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-Groovy-O-Rama 4th grade-12:00
November 23-27-Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 30-Wear FCE shirts. Writing Club 2:45-3:45 in library. 2nd-5th invited.
Tuesday, December 1-Art Field Trip to Blanton Art Museum
Wednesday, December 2-Early Release-PJ Day
Friday, December 4-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts
Saturday, Dec. 5-Volunteer at RR Serving Center from 9-10.
Thursday, Dec. 10-Cultural Night 5-7
I hope you continue to have a wonderful weekend! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Newsletter
Hello Bat Families, 11/7/2015
We had a great week! We began working with poetry and enjoyed hearing our amazing Senior Choir sing. This week we will have fun with flashlight reading in the library and we will honor Veterans on Wednesday.
OMS Toy Drive ends on Monday. Donate new toys to bring awareness to OMS. The toys will go to patients at Dell Children’s Hospital. Our goal is 200 new toys. We have about 141 toys so far! Thank you in advance for your support.
Service Club meets on Monday from 2:45-3:45. We will wrap up our Toy Drive and discuss future projects. All fourth and fifth graders are welcome.
Writing Club meets on Monday, Nov. 16 after school. We will also have UIL Writing Club try-outs on Monday, November 16. Students in Writing Club are encouraged to try out, but not required.The club is from 2:45-3:45. All 2nd-5th graders are welcome. We will meet in the library and pick-up is in front of the school.
Volunteer at the Round Rock Serving Center on Saturday, Dec. 5. from 9-10. All are welcome to come and volunteer. Email me if you will be coming so that I can let them know. Bring some gently used books to donate to the bookcase in the waiting area.
Reading-We began reading some poetry this week. There were poetry posters all over our room and we walked around with our reading partner to read and discuss the poems. We then wrote responses to the poems. We also read some friend poems. One poem included similes and one included metaphors. The Moon was a favorite poem this week. We read about the first moon landing and watched a video of Neil Armstrong's giant leap for mankind. Then we read the poem, The Moon, and used our background knowledge and text clues to make inferences. We also read independently everyday and record on our book logs. Be sure to read everyday at home and record on your log! The kids should turn in a complete book log about once a week.
Social Studies-We are finishing charts about Tribes in Texas and will begin researching one tribe and creating a project to teach others about the tribe.
Spelling-We are continuing to learn about plurals this week. This week's words focus on changing the f to v and adding es to make plurals. (wolf-wolves, scarf-scarves, wife-wives.) Each child will also have individual spelling words.
Vocabulary- This week we are working on poetry words (stanza, meter, rhyme, etc...) and words with bio-(life), graph(write), ology (study of) Practice on quizlet.
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
Monday, November 9-Service Club! Come to room 512 from 2:45-3:45. Donate toys for OMS Toy Drive to benefit Dell Children's Hospital!- Wear FCE t-shirts.
Tuesday, November 10-library check out, Flashlight Reading Party for winning Coins for Coats for our grade level, PTA meeting at 11 am, TAG information meeting at 6:30
Wednesday, November 11-Veteran's Day Breakfast at 7:15, K-2 program at 8:15, 3-5 at 9:00
Friday, November 13-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts
Monday, November 16-Wear FCE shirts. Writing Club and UIL try outs 2:45-3:45 in library. 2nd-5th invited.
Thursday, November 19-Thanksgiving lunch at 11:05
Friday, November 20-Groovy-O-Rama 4th grade-12:00
November 23-27-Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 30-School Resumes
Wednesday, Dec. 2-Early Release Day
Saturday, Dec. 5-Volunteer at RR Serving Center from 9-10.
Thursday, Dec. 10-Cultural Night 5-7
I hope you continue to have a wonderful weekend! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
We had a great week! We began working with poetry and enjoyed hearing our amazing Senior Choir sing. This week we will have fun with flashlight reading in the library and we will honor Veterans on Wednesday.
OMS Toy Drive ends on Monday. Donate new toys to bring awareness to OMS. The toys will go to patients at Dell Children’s Hospital. Our goal is 200 new toys. We have about 141 toys so far! Thank you in advance for your support.
Service Club meets on Monday from 2:45-3:45. We will wrap up our Toy Drive and discuss future projects. All fourth and fifth graders are welcome.
Writing Club meets on Monday, Nov. 16 after school. We will also have UIL Writing Club try-outs on Monday, November 16. Students in Writing Club are encouraged to try out, but not required.The club is from 2:45-3:45. All 2nd-5th graders are welcome. We will meet in the library and pick-up is in front of the school.
Volunteer at the Round Rock Serving Center on Saturday, Dec. 5. from 9-10. All are welcome to come and volunteer. Email me if you will be coming so that I can let them know. Bring some gently used books to donate to the bookcase in the waiting area.
Reading-We began reading some poetry this week. There were poetry posters all over our room and we walked around with our reading partner to read and discuss the poems. We then wrote responses to the poems. We also read some friend poems. One poem included similes and one included metaphors. The Moon was a favorite poem this week. We read about the first moon landing and watched a video of Neil Armstrong's giant leap for mankind. Then we read the poem, The Moon, and used our background knowledge and text clues to make inferences. We also read independently everyday and record on our book logs. Be sure to read everyday at home and record on your log! The kids should turn in a complete book log about once a week.
Social Studies-We are finishing charts about Tribes in Texas and will begin researching one tribe and creating a project to teach others about the tribe.
Spelling-We are continuing to learn about plurals this week. This week's words focus on changing the f to v and adding es to make plurals. (wolf-wolves, scarf-scarves, wife-wives.) Each child will also have individual spelling words.
Vocabulary- This week we are working on poetry words (stanza, meter, rhyme, etc...) and words with bio-(life), graph(write), ology (study of) Practice on quizlet.
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
Monday, November 9-Service Club! Come to room 512 from 2:45-3:45. Donate toys for OMS Toy Drive to benefit Dell Children's Hospital!- Wear FCE t-shirts.
Tuesday, November 10-library check out, Flashlight Reading Party for winning Coins for Coats for our grade level, PTA meeting at 11 am, TAG information meeting at 6:30
Wednesday, November 11-Veteran's Day Breakfast at 7:15, K-2 program at 8:15, 3-5 at 9:00
Friday, November 13-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts
Monday, November 16-Wear FCE shirts. Writing Club and UIL try outs 2:45-3:45 in library. 2nd-5th invited.
Thursday, November 19-Thanksgiving lunch at 11:05
Friday, November 20-Groovy-O-Rama 4th grade-12:00
November 23-27-Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 30-School Resumes
Wednesday, Dec. 2-Early Release Day
Saturday, Dec. 5-Volunteer at RR Serving Center from 9-10.
Thursday, Dec. 10-Cultural Night 5-7
I hope you continue to have a wonderful weekend! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
Friday, October 30, 2015
Newsletter
Hello Bat Families, 10/30/2015
We had an amazing week of Red Ribbon Week activities. With Halloween and wacky weather, this week had the potential to be very challenging. The kids did very well. We had fun, learned about healthy choices, made art for Every Artist Live, smiled for our photographs, and also focused on our assignments. Great job!!!!!
Reflections Entry Form due Monday-Our class wrote poems or stories for Reflections. Your child brought home and entry form for you to sign and return on Monday. The poems and stories are inspired by the theme, "Let your Imagination Fly" and are quite creative. The writing is in your child's Google Drive. Thank you in advance for returning the Reflections Entry Form.
OMS Toy Drive continues. Donate new toys to bring awareness to OMS. The toys will go to patients at Dell Children’s Hospital. Our goal is 200 new toys. We have about 91 toys so far! Many of the Service Club Members went to talk to classes this week to encourage kids to help. We will collect toys until Nov. 9. Thank you in advance for your support.
Coins for Coats-Our school collected coins for Coats for Kids this week. Our class collected more than $100! Thank you so much for your generosity! (especially Samantha!!!!)
Mimeo !!!!-We now have a mimeo machine in our classroom. This device turns our white board into a smart board. A computer website is projected onto the whiteboard. We have a stylus as a mouse and interact with the site using the stylus. It can also be used to draw or take notes as well. We've used it to practice vocabulary and spelling on Quizlet, played Food Chain games, made a web for writing, and played some other games. We look forward to investigating more activities using this cool technology.
Writing Club meets on Monday after school. Writing Club is for kids who love to write. The students choose whatever they'd like to write. We will talk about UIL Writing Teams and do some practice prompts. We will have UIL Writing Club try-outs on Monday, November 16. Students in Writing Club are encouraged to try out, but not required.The club is from 2:45-3:45. All 2nd-5th graders are welcome. We will meet in the library and pick-up is in front of the school.
Volunteer at the Round Rock Serving Center on Saturday, Dec. 5. from 9-10. All are welcome to come and volunteer. Email me if you will be coming so that I can let them know. Bring some gently used books to donate to the bookcase in the waiting area.
Reading-We are completing our study of non-fiction or expository text for now. We will revisit nonfiction reading strategies throughout the year Poetry will be our focus for the next few weeks. We are also reading independently everyday and recording on our book logs. Be sure to read everyday at home and record on your log! The kids should turn in a complete book log about once a week.
Writing-We took a writing benchmark that included some revising and editing as well as writing an expository piece. We also wrote cards of appreciation for police officers and wrote poems or short stories for Reflections. We will write more poetry and complete our final copies of our expository essays.
Social Studies-We are continuing to learn about Tribes in Texas.
Spelling-We are continuing to learn about plurals this week. This week's words focus on words that end in a consonant and y. To make these words plural, the y is changed to an i and es is added. (candy-candies, party-parties, etc...) Each child will also have individual spelling words.
Vocabulary- This week we are working on figurative language to get ready for working with poetry. Practice on quizlet.
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
Monday, November 2-Writing Club from 2:45-3:45. Reflections Entry form due. Wear FCE t-shirts.
Tuesday, November 3-library check out, Senior Choir Concert at 6:30
Wednesday, November 4-Flu Mist at 8:30, Senior Choir performs for grades 3,4, and 5 at 1:50.
Friday, November 6-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts
Monday, November 9-Wear FCE shirts. Service Club! Come to room 512 from 2:45-3:45. Donate toys for OMS Toy Drive to benefit Dell Children's Hospital!
Tuesday, November 10-PTA meeting at 11 am, TAG Parent Information Night at 6:30
Wednesday, November 11-Veteran's Day Breakfast and programs
More info about Reflections-Welcome to PTA Reflections 2015-2016! Let your imagination fly! Time is fast approaching to turn in your entries. Our theme this year is “Let Your Imagination Fly!” The categories are Visual Arts, Literature, Photography, Musical Composition, Film/Video Production and Dance Choreography. Enter as many categories as you wish. Entries will be due by Monday, November 2, 2015. All entries are to be turned in to Ms. Arnold’s room. Gallery Night is scheduled for November 17, 2015 at 6:30pm where we will showcase all the participants and our Reflections winners! If you have questions, contact Sara Douglas atsara_denney@yahoo.com. You can get your Entry Forms and rules on the PTA Website at www.txpta.org/programs/reflections/participate/.
Happy Halloween! Stay safe and dry. Have a wonderful weekend! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Newsletter
Hello Bat Families, 10/24/2015
Be safe and stay dry this weekend. We are not volunteering at the Round Rock Serving Center today. I will let you know if we reschedule. Our next scheduled volunteer trip is on Dec. 5 from 9-10. Hope you can join us.
We had a wonderful visit on Tuesday with our pen pals! We interviewed them, played games, drew pictures, and shared some Halloween gifts. It was very fun and we look forward to seeing them again in December.
RED RIBBON WEEK
OCTOBER 26-31
Monday 26th: “Put a Cap on Drugs”
Wear your favorite hat!
Tuesday, 27th: “Texans Give Drugs the Boot”
Yeehaw! Put on those boots, bandanas and anything Texas today! (If wear boots, please make sure tennis shoes are in backpack for PE classes.)
Wednesday, 28th: “We Mustache You to be Drug Free!”
It’s Mustache Day! Wear mustache anything, shirts, socks, or accessories.
Thursday, 29th: PICUTRE DAY: “A Happy Smile is a Healthy Smile”
Say “cheese” and smile BIG for your pictures to show your Pledge to be DRUG FREE!
Friday, 30th: “It’s CRAZY to do Drugs”
Students can dress CRAZY…have fun and be creative with your crazy outfits! mismatched clothes, socks, shirts inside out/on backwards, hair styles, etc.
Writing Club meets on Monday, November 2. The students will choose their writing pieces, however we will talk about UIL Writing Teams. Try-outs for the UIL Writing Teams (2-5) will be on November 16 during Writing Club. The club is from 2:45-3:45. All 2nd-5th graders are welcome. We will meet in the library and pick-up is in front of the school.
OMS Toy Drive continues. Donate new toys to bring awareness to OMS. The toys will go to patients at Dell Children’s Hospital. Our goal is 200 new toys. We have about 75 toys so far! Thank you in advance for your support.
Bring in coins for Coins for Coats and Newspapers for Garden Club.
Reading-We continue to learn about non-fiction or expository text. We read an article about the wolves in Yellowstone National Park. We compared the views of the wolf activists and the ranchers. We also watched a cool video about how the wolves changed the park. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa5OBhXz-Q We also continue to work with our book clubs. We are working hard to keep track of our thinking on post-it notes as we read, then bringing that thinking to our book club meetings to share. We are also working on leading the conversations and extending our thinking together in our group by finding proof in the text and asking questions. We are also reading independently everyday and recording on our book logs. Be sure to read everyday at home and record on your log! The kids should turn in a complete book log about once a week.
Writing-We are gathering entries for Expository Writing and have chosen a piece to go through the writing process. We will continue to revise and edit.
Social Studies-We made charts about Native Tribes in Texas and will continue researching this week. We will also talk about our project choices to show our learning about a particular tribe.
Spelling-We are continuing to learn about irregular plurals this week. Each child will also have individual spelling words.
Vocabulary- This week we are working on words with ation. We have a Shel Silverstein poem that will help us practice. (conversation, exaggeration, etc...) Practice on quizlet.
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
Monday, October 26-Service Club from 2:45-3:45. Wear FCE t-shirts.
Tuesday, October 27-library check out
Wednesday, October 28-Early Release Day at 12:45-Kona Ice at FCE
Thursday, October 29-Picture Day
Friday, October 30-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts
Monday, November 2-Wear FCE shirts. Writing Club! Come to library from 2:45-3:45.
Have a wonderful weekend! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
Be safe and stay dry this weekend. We are not volunteering at the Round Rock Serving Center today. I will let you know if we reschedule. Our next scheduled volunteer trip is on Dec. 5 from 9-10. Hope you can join us.
We had a wonderful visit on Tuesday with our pen pals! We interviewed them, played games, drew pictures, and shared some Halloween gifts. It was very fun and we look forward to seeing them again in December.
RED RIBBON WEEK
OCTOBER 26-31
Monday 26th: “Put a Cap on Drugs”
Wear your favorite hat!
Tuesday, 27th: “Texans Give Drugs the Boot”
Yeehaw! Put on those boots, bandanas and anything Texas today! (If wear boots, please make sure tennis shoes are in backpack for PE classes.)
Wednesday, 28th: “We Mustache You to be Drug Free!”
It’s Mustache Day! Wear mustache anything, shirts, socks, or accessories.
Thursday, 29th: PICUTRE DAY: “A Happy Smile is a Healthy Smile”
Say “cheese” and smile BIG for your pictures to show your Pledge to be DRUG FREE!
Friday, 30th: “It’s CRAZY to do Drugs”
Students can dress CRAZY…have fun and be creative with your crazy outfits! mismatched clothes, socks, shirts inside out/on backwards, hair styles, etc.
Writing Club meets on Monday, November 2. The students will choose their writing pieces, however we will talk about UIL Writing Teams. Try-outs for the UIL Writing Teams (2-5) will be on November 16 during Writing Club. The club is from 2:45-3:45. All 2nd-5th graders are welcome. We will meet in the library and pick-up is in front of the school.
OMS Toy Drive continues. Donate new toys to bring awareness to OMS. The toys will go to patients at Dell Children’s Hospital. Our goal is 200 new toys. We have about 75 toys so far! Thank you in advance for your support.
Bring in coins for Coins for Coats and Newspapers for Garden Club.
Reading-We continue to learn about non-fiction or expository text. We read an article about the wolves in Yellowstone National Park. We compared the views of the wolf activists and the ranchers. We also watched a cool video about how the wolves changed the park. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa5OBhXz-Q We also continue to work with our book clubs. We are working hard to keep track of our thinking on post-it notes as we read, then bringing that thinking to our book club meetings to share. We are also working on leading the conversations and extending our thinking together in our group by finding proof in the text and asking questions. We are also reading independently everyday and recording on our book logs. Be sure to read everyday at home and record on your log! The kids should turn in a complete book log about once a week.
Writing-We are gathering entries for Expository Writing and have chosen a piece to go through the writing process. We will continue to revise and edit.
Social Studies-We made charts about Native Tribes in Texas and will continue researching this week. We will also talk about our project choices to show our learning about a particular tribe.
Spelling-We are continuing to learn about irregular plurals this week. Each child will also have individual spelling words.
Vocabulary- This week we are working on words with ation. We have a Shel Silverstein poem that will help us practice. (conversation, exaggeration, etc...) Practice on quizlet.
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
Monday, October 26-Service Club from 2:45-3:45. Wear FCE t-shirts.
Tuesday, October 27-library check out
Wednesday, October 28-Early Release Day at 12:45-Kona Ice at FCE
Thursday, October 29-Picture Day
Friday, October 30-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts
Monday, November 2-Wear FCE shirts. Writing Club! Come to library from 2:45-3:45.
Have a wonderful weekend! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Newsletter
Hello Bat Families, 10/18/2015
Our fourth graders met the author Jarrett Krosoczka on Thursday during a Skype visit. They learned about his writing process and drew some illustrations together. It was wonderful. Thank you to Mrs. Smith, our librarian, for arranging it for us. Here is Mr. Krosoczka's website: http://www.studiojjk.com/activities3-6.html
Writing Club meets on Monday afterschool. The students will choose their writing pieces. We will talk about working on some poems and writing for Reflections and the UIL Writing Teams. The club is from 2:45-3:45. All 2nd-5th graders are welcome. We will meet in the library and pick-up is in front of the school.
Volunteer at the Round Rock Serving Center on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 9-10. All are welcome to come and volunteer. Email me if you will be coming so that I can let them know. Bring some gently used books to donate to the bookcase in the waiting area.
OMS Toy Drive continues. Donate new toys to bring awareness to OMS. The toys will go to patients at Dell Children’s Hospital. Our goal is 175 new toys. We have about 75 toys so far! Thank you in advance for your support.
Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences-Thank you to all the people with whom we've met already. It has been great to talk with you and discuss your child's goals and progress. We have more conferences scheduled for this week. If you haven't signed up yet, here is the link. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a4ba8ad292-student
Pen Pals are coming on Tuesday, Oct. 20! Residents from The Court at Round Rock Assisted Living Facility will come to FCE on Tuesday to meet with our class. We will interview them and learn about their childhood and then we will play games and enjoy hanging out together. You are all welcome to come and have fun with our new friends. We will be in the library from about 9:30 to about 10:45.
Reading-We are learning about non-fiction or expository text. We read an article about the history of candy and made some inferences. We will continue to read and explore non-fiction this week. We will also continue to work with our book clubs. We are working hard to keep track of our thinking on post-it notes as we read, then bringing that thinking to our book club meetings to share. We are also working on leading the conversations and extending our thinking together in our group by finding proof in the text and asking questions. We are also reading independently everyday and recording on our book logs. Be sure to read everyday at home and record on your log! The kids should turn in a complete book log about once a week.
Writing-We are gathering entries for Expository Writing and will chose a piece to go through the writing process this week.
Social Studies-We started reading about Native Tribes in Texas and will continue researching this week. We will also talk about our project choices to show our learning about a particular tribe.
Spelling-We are continuing to learn about plurals this week. This week's words focus on adding es to nouns to make them plural. This is usually done if the singular word ends in ch, sh, x, or ss. Each child will also have individual spelling words.
Vocabulary- This week we are working on science words. Practice on quizlet.
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
Monday, October 19-Writing Club from 2:45-3:45. Wear FCE t-shirts. Family Fun Night at Hat Creek from 5-9.
Tuesday, October 20-library check out-Pen Pal Visit from 9:30-10:45 in library-conferences continue afterschool
Friday, October 23-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts-Conferences continue afteschool.
Saturday, October 24-Volunteer at the Round Rock Serving Center with us from 9-10am. Let me know if you can come, so I can let them know. All are welcome. Bring some gently used books to donate for the bookshelf in the waiting room.
Monday, October 26-Wear FCE shirts. Service Club! Come to room 512 from 2:45-3:45.
Red Ribbon Week-Oct. 26-Oct. 30-More information to come
Wednesday, Oct. 28-Early Release Day at 12:45-Kona Ice is at FCE.
Picture Day-October 29
Have a wonderful weekend! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
--
Pam Bartholomew
4th Grade Teacher
Forest Creek Elementary School
Round Rock,TX 78664
512-464-5388
Our fourth graders met the author Jarrett Krosoczka on Thursday during a Skype visit. They learned about his writing process and drew some illustrations together. It was wonderful. Thank you to Mrs. Smith, our librarian, for arranging it for us. Here is Mr. Krosoczka's website: http://www.studiojjk.com/activities3-6.html
Writing Club meets on Monday afterschool. The students will choose their writing pieces. We will talk about working on some poems and writing for Reflections and the UIL Writing Teams. The club is from 2:45-3:45. All 2nd-5th graders are welcome. We will meet in the library and pick-up is in front of the school.
Volunteer at the Round Rock Serving Center on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 9-10. All are welcome to come and volunteer. Email me if you will be coming so that I can let them know. Bring some gently used books to donate to the bookcase in the waiting area.
OMS Toy Drive continues. Donate new toys to bring awareness to OMS. The toys will go to patients at Dell Children’s Hospital. Our goal is 175 new toys. We have about 75 toys so far! Thank you in advance for your support.
Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences-Thank you to all the people with whom we've met already. It has been great to talk with you and discuss your child's goals and progress. We have more conferences scheduled for this week. If you haven't signed up yet, here is the link. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a4ba8ad292-student
Pen Pals are coming on Tuesday, Oct. 20! Residents from The Court at Round Rock Assisted Living Facility will come to FCE on Tuesday to meet with our class. We will interview them and learn about their childhood and then we will play games and enjoy hanging out together. You are all welcome to come and have fun with our new friends. We will be in the library from about 9:30 to about 10:45.
Reading-We are learning about non-fiction or expository text. We read an article about the history of candy and made some inferences. We will continue to read and explore non-fiction this week. We will also continue to work with our book clubs. We are working hard to keep track of our thinking on post-it notes as we read, then bringing that thinking to our book club meetings to share. We are also working on leading the conversations and extending our thinking together in our group by finding proof in the text and asking questions. We are also reading independently everyday and recording on our book logs. Be sure to read everyday at home and record on your log! The kids should turn in a complete book log about once a week.
Writing-We are gathering entries for Expository Writing and will chose a piece to go through the writing process this week.
Social Studies-We started reading about Native Tribes in Texas and will continue researching this week. We will also talk about our project choices to show our learning about a particular tribe.
Spelling-We are continuing to learn about plurals this week. This week's words focus on adding es to nouns to make them plural. This is usually done if the singular word ends in ch, sh, x, or ss. Each child will also have individual spelling words.
Vocabulary- This week we are working on science words. Practice on quizlet.
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
Monday, October 19-Writing Club from 2:45-3:45. Wear FCE t-shirts. Family Fun Night at Hat Creek from 5-9.
Tuesday, October 20-library check out-Pen Pal Visit from 9:30-10:45 in library-conferences continue afterschool
Friday, October 23-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts-Conferences continue afteschool.
Saturday, October 24-Volunteer at the Round Rock Serving Center with us from 9-10am. Let me know if you can come, so I can let them know. All are welcome. Bring some gently used books to donate for the bookshelf in the waiting room.
Monday, October 26-Wear FCE shirts. Service Club! Come to room 512 from 2:45-3:45.
Red Ribbon Week-Oct. 26-Oct. 30-More information to come
Wednesday, Oct. 28-Early Release Day at 12:45-Kona Ice is at FCE.
Picture Day-October 29
Have a wonderful weekend! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
--
Pam Bartholomew
4th Grade Teacher
Forest Creek Elementary School
Round Rock,TX 78664
512-464-5388
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Newsletter-read and record everyday-even on weekends :)
Hello Bat Families, 10/10/2015
We had another busy and great week in fourth grade. Our pen pals had some issues with their van, so we rescheduled our visit for Tuesday, Oct. 20. We are very excited to meet them and learn about their lives.
OMS Toy Drive continues. Donate new toys to bring awareness to OMS. The toys will go to patients at Dell Children’s Hospital. Our goal is 175 new toys. We have about 63 toys so far! Thank you in advance for your support.
Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences are beginning on Monday. We are looking forward to talking about progress so far and goals for the year. Please bring your student to the conference, so he/she can be part of setting the goals for the year. If you haven't signed up yet, here is the link. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a4ba8ad292-student
Skype Author Visit on Thursday-On Thursday, author/illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka will be skyping with our fourth graders. He will lead a writing workshop session with them. His website has lots of great activities and information about him. Check it out: http://www.studiojjk.com/activities3-6.html
Reading-We are learning about non-fiction or expository text. We read a nonfiction book of our choice and worked on some facts and opinions. We also summarized part of an article in our Time for Kids publication. Book Clubs has also been a focus this week and we are working hard to keep track of our thinking on post-it notes as we read, then bringing that thinking to our book club meetings to share.
Writing-We continued gathering entries for writing essays or expository pieces. In expository writing, the author explains or gives reasons and examples to support a central idea. (Football is the best sport. –central idea. Reason 1, Reason 2, conclusion) We will also read a quote about teamwork and wrote about our thoughts and opinions of the quote and gave an example of a time in our life where the quote applied to us.
Social Studies-In our teams, we finished our maps of Texas that include regions, landforms, cities, rivers, and resources! We will have an open book quiz on the regions on Tuesday and will begin learning about Native People in Texas.
Spelling-We are beginning to look at plurals this week.
Vocabulary- Words with ian are our focus this week. Magic becomes magician when ian is added. A magician is someone who performs magic. Music becomes musician. A musician is someone who plays music. The words are attached to the homework packet. Practice on quizlet.
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
Monday, October 12-Conferences begin.
Tuesday, October 13-library check out-conferences continue
Thursday, October 15-Author Skype Visit
Friday, October 16-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts
Monday, October 19-Wear FCE shirts. Writing Club! Come write with us from 2:45-3:45.
Tuesday, October 20-Pen Pal Visit! 9:30-10:45
Have a wonderful weekend! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
We had another busy and great week in fourth grade. Our pen pals had some issues with their van, so we rescheduled our visit for Tuesday, Oct. 20. We are very excited to meet them and learn about their lives.
OMS Toy Drive continues. Donate new toys to bring awareness to OMS. The toys will go to patients at Dell Children’s Hospital. Our goal is 175 new toys. We have about 63 toys so far! Thank you in advance for your support.
Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences are beginning on Monday. We are looking forward to talking about progress so far and goals for the year. Please bring your student to the conference, so he/she can be part of setting the goals for the year. If you haven't signed up yet, here is the link. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a4ba8ad292-student
Skype Author Visit on Thursday-On Thursday, author/illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka will be skyping with our fourth graders. He will lead a writing workshop session with them. His website has lots of great activities and information about him. Check it out: http://www.studiojjk.com/activities3-6.html
Reading-We are learning about non-fiction or expository text. We read a nonfiction book of our choice and worked on some facts and opinions. We also summarized part of an article in our Time for Kids publication. Book Clubs has also been a focus this week and we are working hard to keep track of our thinking on post-it notes as we read, then bringing that thinking to our book club meetings to share.
Writing-We continued gathering entries for writing essays or expository pieces. In expository writing, the author explains or gives reasons and examples to support a central idea. (Football is the best sport. –central idea. Reason 1, Reason 2, conclusion) We will also read a quote about teamwork and wrote about our thoughts and opinions of the quote and gave an example of a time in our life where the quote applied to us.
Social Studies-In our teams, we finished our maps of Texas that include regions, landforms, cities, rivers, and resources! We will have an open book quiz on the regions on Tuesday and will begin learning about Native People in Texas.
Spelling-We are beginning to look at plurals this week.
Vocabulary- Words with ian are our focus this week. Magic becomes magician when ian is added. A magician is someone who performs magic. Music becomes musician. A musician is someone who plays music. The words are attached to the homework packet. Practice on quizlet.
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
Monday, October 12-Conferences begin.
Tuesday, October 13-library check out-conferences continue
Thursday, October 15-Author Skype Visit
Friday, October 16-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts
Monday, October 19-Wear FCE shirts. Writing Club! Come write with us from 2:45-3:45.
Tuesday, October 20-Pen Pal Visit! 9:30-10:45
Have a wonderful weekend! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Newsletter
Hello Bat Families, 10/4/2015
We had a wonderful week! Book Fair seemed to be a huge success. We wrote letters to our pen pals and are looking forward to meeting them on Tuesday. Feel free to join us in the library at about 9:30 with our new friends from The Court in Round Rock Assisted Living Facility.
Writing Club is on Monday, October 5 from 2:45-3:45 in the library. We will talk about opportunities for our UIL Writing Teams for 2, 3, 4, and 5 grades, as well. Writers-Come join us!
OMS Toy Drive continues. Donate new toys to bring awareness to OMS. The toys will go to patients at Dell Children’s Hospital. Our goal is 175 new toys. We have about 35 toys so far. Thank you in advance for your support.
Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences are coming up. Information about signups will be sent out soon. We look forward to talking with you about your child’s progress so far.
Reading-We finished learning about fiction for now and began looking at non-fiction or expository text. We examined text features and their purposes and read to learn about a topic. We read an article about the Joplin Tornado and listened to the author tell about her process of researching and writing the article. We will read more expository work this week and will begin working in book clubs.
Writing-We finished writing personal narratives this week. We started gathering entries for writing essays or expository pieces. In expository writing, the author explains or gives reasons and examples to support a central idea. (Football is the best sport. –central idea. Reason 1, Reason 2, conclusion) We will continue to gather ideas and entries this week.
Social Studies-In our teams, we are creating maps of Texas that include regions, landforms, cities, rivers, and resources. We will begin learning about Native People in Texas this week.
Spelling-This week we will review their, there, they’re, too, to, two, its, it’s, your, you’re, were, we’re and use them correctly in sentences and in our writing.
Practice on quizlet.
Vocabulary-Some math words and some reading words will be reviewed this week. The words are attached to the homework packet. Practice on quizlet.
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
Monday, October 5-Wear Forest Creek Shirts-Writing Club- 2:45-3:45 in library
Tuesday, October 6-Pen Pal Visit with our class in the library-9:30-10:45
Friday, October 9-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts
Monday, October 12-No school for students, conferences begin
Have a wonderful weekend! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
We had a wonderful week! Book Fair seemed to be a huge success. We wrote letters to our pen pals and are looking forward to meeting them on Tuesday. Feel free to join us in the library at about 9:30 with our new friends from The Court in Round Rock Assisted Living Facility.
Writing Club is on Monday, October 5 from 2:45-3:45 in the library. We will talk about opportunities for our UIL Writing Teams for 2, 3, 4, and 5 grades, as well. Writers-Come join us!
OMS Toy Drive continues. Donate new toys to bring awareness to OMS. The toys will go to patients at Dell Children’s Hospital. Our goal is 175 new toys. We have about 35 toys so far. Thank you in advance for your support.
Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences are coming up. Information about signups will be sent out soon. We look forward to talking with you about your child’s progress so far.
Reading-We finished learning about fiction for now and began looking at non-fiction or expository text. We examined text features and their purposes and read to learn about a topic. We read an article about the Joplin Tornado and listened to the author tell about her process of researching and writing the article. We will read more expository work this week and will begin working in book clubs.
Writing-We finished writing personal narratives this week. We started gathering entries for writing essays or expository pieces. In expository writing, the author explains or gives reasons and examples to support a central idea. (Football is the best sport. –central idea. Reason 1, Reason 2, conclusion) We will continue to gather ideas and entries this week.
Social Studies-In our teams, we are creating maps of Texas that include regions, landforms, cities, rivers, and resources. We will begin learning about Native People in Texas this week.
Spelling-This week we will review their, there, they’re, too, to, two, its, it’s, your, you’re, were, we’re and use them correctly in sentences and in our writing.
Practice on quizlet.
Vocabulary-Some math words and some reading words will be reviewed this week. The words are attached to the homework packet. Practice on quizlet.
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
Monday, October 5-Wear Forest Creek Shirts-Writing Club- 2:45-3:45 in library
Tuesday, October 6-Pen Pal Visit with our class in the library-9:30-10:45
Friday, October 9-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts
Monday, October 12-No school for students, conferences begin
Have a wonderful weekend! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
Newsletter 9/27/15
Hello Bat Families,
We had a great week! We had an early release day on Wednesday and the children adjusted well to a very different schedule. We also had the Austin Jazz Workshop perform for us on Friday. It was amazing!
Service Club meets on Monday from 2:45-3:45. Open to all 4th and 5th graders.
Toy Drive-The Service Club is holding a Toy Drive to bring awareness to OMS.
Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is a paraneoplastic neurological disorder and one of our kindergarteners has been treated at Dell Children's Hospital for this disorder. Bring in any NEW toys. Suggestion include baby toys, art supplies, Legos, stuffed animals, and I-Tunes Gift Cards. All NEW toys are welcome. Put the toys in the box by the office and give any gift cards to the teacher. The toys will go to children at Dell Children's Hospital.
Round Rock Serving Center- The Service Club volunteered at the Round Rock Serving Center on Saturday, September 26 from 9-10. We stocked bread and pastries in the pantry, bagged some clothes for the thrift store, and arranged books in the waiting area. Our next trip will be on Saturday, October 24 from 9-10. Your child can come to volunteer, even if they are unable to be part of our FCE Service Club.
https://www.rrasc.org/
The Book Fair is in our library this week! Thank you for supporting literacy and our school!
Pen Pals are coming on October 6-Our class and Mrs. Canizales's class are very fortunate to participate in a service learning project with The Court Assisted Living Facility on Sunrise Road in Round Rock. Our students will write letters to a resident and residents will come to our school to meet with the children. The kids will interview them, play games, share projects and stories, and basically enjoy a new friendship. You are welcome to come and participate with us in the library from about 9:30-10:45. The residents love to see the children and the kids learn so much from our older friends. I am so excited for this year's pen pal program to begin.
Reading-
*Continued to work on individual testing,
*Used our Storyworks magazine to listen to a story about bullying read by the author then talked about character changes, and theme using evidence and examples from the story to support our thinking.
*this week we will begin working on strategies for non-fiction text and will talk about characteristics of genres
*read independently daily
Writing-
*finishing up our revising, editing, and publishing of personal narratives
*will take an assessment of our writing-write a personal narrative independently in 45 minutes-(drafting, revising, editing, writing final copy)
*will write letters to our pen pals for our visit next Tuesday, Oct. 6
*begin gathering entries and ideas for expository writing
Social Studies-
*made teams to research one region and make a team poster
*this week, we will use our knowledge and research of our region to make a map of Texas with our table team (each region is represented). We will present our Texas maps with features
*interpret maps in our textbook to add information for our team's Texas Map
Spelling-
*last week-you're, your (plus individual words) New lists will come out on Monday which will include-were, we're and individual words. Test with dictation sentences on Friday.
Vocabulary-
*last week-map skills
*this week-expository reading words
Go to Quizlet to play games and practice. https://quizlet.com/
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
BOOK FAIR-all week
Monday, September 28-Wear Forest Creek Shirts-Service Club- 2:45-3:45 in room 512
Friday, October 2-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts
Monday, October 5-Wear Forest Creek Shirts-Writing Club- 2:45-3:45 in library
Tuesday, October 6-Pen Pal Visit with our class in the library-9:30-10:45
Friday, October 9-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts
Monday, October 12-No school for students
Have a wonderful weekend! See you on Monday. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
We had a great week! We had an early release day on Wednesday and the children adjusted well to a very different schedule. We also had the Austin Jazz Workshop perform for us on Friday. It was amazing!
Service Club meets on Monday from 2:45-3:45. Open to all 4th and 5th graders.
Toy Drive-The Service Club is holding a Toy Drive to bring awareness to OMS.
Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS) is a paraneoplastic neurological disorder and one of our kindergarteners has been treated at Dell Children's Hospital for this disorder. Bring in any NEW toys. Suggestion include baby toys, art supplies, Legos, stuffed animals, and I-Tunes Gift Cards. All NEW toys are welcome. Put the toys in the box by the office and give any gift cards to the teacher. The toys will go to children at Dell Children's Hospital.
Round Rock Serving Center- The Service Club volunteered at the Round Rock Serving Center on Saturday, September 26 from 9-10. We stocked bread and pastries in the pantry, bagged some clothes for the thrift store, and arranged books in the waiting area. Our next trip will be on Saturday, October 24 from 9-10. Your child can come to volunteer, even if they are unable to be part of our FCE Service Club.
https://www.rrasc.org/
The Book Fair is in our library this week! Thank you for supporting literacy and our school!
Pen Pals are coming on October 6-Our class and Mrs. Canizales's class are very fortunate to participate in a service learning project with The Court Assisted Living Facility on Sunrise Road in Round Rock. Our students will write letters to a resident and residents will come to our school to meet with the children. The kids will interview them, play games, share projects and stories, and basically enjoy a new friendship. You are welcome to come and participate with us in the library from about 9:30-10:45. The residents love to see the children and the kids learn so much from our older friends. I am so excited for this year's pen pal program to begin.
Reading-
*Continued to work on individual testing,
*Used our Storyworks magazine to listen to a story about bullying read by the author then talked about character changes, and theme using evidence and examples from the story to support our thinking.
*this week we will begin working on strategies for non-fiction text and will talk about characteristics of genres
*read independently daily
Writing-
*finishing up our revising, editing, and publishing of personal narratives
*will take an assessment of our writing-write a personal narrative independently in 45 minutes-(drafting, revising, editing, writing final copy)
*will write letters to our pen pals for our visit next Tuesday, Oct. 6
*begin gathering entries and ideas for expository writing
Social Studies-
*made teams to research one region and make a team poster
*this week, we will use our knowledge and research of our region to make a map of Texas with our table team (each region is represented). We will present our Texas maps with features
*interpret maps in our textbook to add information for our team's Texas Map
Spelling-
*last week-you're, your (plus individual words) New lists will come out on Monday which will include-were, we're and individual words. Test with dictation sentences on Friday.
Vocabulary-
*last week-map skills
*this week-expository reading words
Go to Quizlet to play games and practice. https://quizlet.com/
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
BOOK FAIR-all week
Monday, September 28-Wear Forest Creek Shirts-Service Club- 2:45-3:45 in room 512
Friday, October 2-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts
Monday, October 5-Wear Forest Creek Shirts-Writing Club- 2:45-3:45 in library
Tuesday, October 6-Pen Pal Visit with our class in the library-9:30-10:45
Friday, October 9-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts
Monday, October 12-No school for students
Have a wonderful weekend! See you on Monday. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Newsletter
Hello Bat Families,
We had a wonderful week! We set up some Google Classrooms for the subject areas in our class and began working on an assignment. They did a great job helping each other and working with technology.
Sunday is Free Museum Day in Austin. Have fun and check out some museums this weekend. http://www.austinmuseums.org/museumday/
Writing Club begins this week on Monday, September 21 from 2:45-3:45 in the library. It is open to all 2nd-5th graders. Come and write with us and share your writing with others.
Toy Drive-The Service Club is starting a Toy Drive to bring awareness to OMS. The toys will go to children at Dell Children's Hospital. Bring in any NEW toys. Suggestion include baby toys, art supplies, Legos, stuffed animals, and I-Tunes Gift Cards. All NEW toys are welcome. Put the toys in the box by the office and give any gift cards to teacher. Service Club will meet again on Monday, September 28 from 2:45-3:45 in room 512. (Our classroom) It is open to all 4th and 5th graders.
Round Rock Serving Center- The Service Club will also volunteer once a month at the Round Rock Serving Center. Our first visit will be on Saturday, September 26 from 9-10. Email me and let me know if you and your family are able to come, so I can let them know our numbers. Your child can come to volunteer, even if they are unable to be part of our FCE Service Club. https://www.rrasc.org/
Reading-
*Continued to work on individual testing,
*Discussed theme, character motivation, and drawing conclusions from information in text
*will continue to work on strategies for reading realistic fiction this week, then will begin working on strategies for non-fiction text
*read independently daily
Writing-
*chose an entry to begin revising, editing, and publishing next week
*will work on drafting strong leads and meaningful endings
*will continue to plan, sequence, and add specific details to personal narratives so that the readers can see a movie in their heads with our words
Social Studies-
*Happy Celebrate Freedom Week!
*learned about the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights
*discussed the Emancipation Proclamation and Women's Suffrage and amendments to the Constitution
*watched several Brainpop videos and Schoolhouse Rock videos to learn more
*recited the preamble-We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. and the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence-
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
Spelling-
*last week-too, to, two (plus individual words) New lists will come out on Monday.
Vocabulary-
*last week-science and parts of speech
*this week-map skills
Go to Quizlet to play games and practice. https://quizlet.com/
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
Sunday, September 20-Free Museum Day in Austin!
Monday, September 21-Wear Forest Creek Shirts-Writing Club 2:45-3:45 in library
Wednesday, September 24-Early Release Day at 12:45-Kona Ice will be here.
Friday, September 25-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts
Saturday, September 26-Volunteer at Round Rock Serving Center from 9-10 am. Email me to let me know if you are able to come. https://www.rrasc.org/
Have a wonderful weekend! See you on Monday. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
We had a wonderful week! We set up some Google Classrooms for the subject areas in our class and began working on an assignment. They did a great job helping each other and working with technology.
Sunday is Free Museum Day in Austin. Have fun and check out some museums this weekend. http://www.austinmuseums.org/museumday/
Writing Club begins this week on Monday, September 21 from 2:45-3:45 in the library. It is open to all 2nd-5th graders. Come and write with us and share your writing with others.
Toy Drive-The Service Club is starting a Toy Drive to bring awareness to OMS. The toys will go to children at Dell Children's Hospital. Bring in any NEW toys. Suggestion include baby toys, art supplies, Legos, stuffed animals, and I-Tunes Gift Cards. All NEW toys are welcome. Put the toys in the box by the office and give any gift cards to teacher. Service Club will meet again on Monday, September 28 from 2:45-3:45 in room 512. (Our classroom) It is open to all 4th and 5th graders.
Round Rock Serving Center- The Service Club will also volunteer once a month at the Round Rock Serving Center. Our first visit will be on Saturday, September 26 from 9-10. Email me and let me know if you and your family are able to come, so I can let them know our numbers. Your child can come to volunteer, even if they are unable to be part of our FCE Service Club. https://www.rrasc.org/
Reading-
*Continued to work on individual testing,
*Discussed theme, character motivation, and drawing conclusions from information in text
*will continue to work on strategies for reading realistic fiction this week, then will begin working on strategies for non-fiction text
*read independently daily
Writing-
*chose an entry to begin revising, editing, and publishing next week
*will work on drafting strong leads and meaningful endings
*will continue to plan, sequence, and add specific details to personal narratives so that the readers can see a movie in their heads with our words
Social Studies-
*Happy Celebrate Freedom Week!
*learned about the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights
*discussed the Emancipation Proclamation and Women's Suffrage and amendments to the Constitution
*watched several Brainpop videos and Schoolhouse Rock videos to learn more
*recited the preamble-We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. and the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence-
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
Spelling-
*last week-too, to, two (plus individual words) New lists will come out on Monday.
Vocabulary-
*last week-science and parts of speech
*this week-map skills
Go to Quizlet to play games and practice. https://quizlet.com/
Go to Learn2earn to log in reading time (use your paper reading log also) and respond to your reading. You can also earn coins to change your owl avatar.
https://www.learn2earn.org/
Dates to remember:
Sunday, September 20-Free Museum Day in Austin!
Monday, September 21-Wear Forest Creek Shirts-Writing Club 2:45-3:45 in library
Wednesday, September 24-Early Release Day at 12:45-Kona Ice will be here.
Friday, September 25-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test, vocabulary test-wear college shirts
Saturday, September 26-Volunteer at Round Rock Serving Center from 9-10 am. Email me to let me know if you are able to come. https://www.rrasc.org/
Have a wonderful weekend! See you on Monday. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Week 3-Great week!
Hello Bat Families,
Happy Grandparents' Day! It was wonderful to see such love and support of our children. We appreciate you being here!
Our week was fun and busy. We only had four days, but we packed a lot into each day.
Service Club begins on Monday, September 14 from 2:45-3:45 in room 512. (Our classroom) I am excited to get this group started this year. We will have a guest speaker, Mrs. Dennis, who will give the children information about a toy drive to bring awareness to OMS and give toys to the children at Dell's Hospital. We will also volunteer once a month at the Round Rock Serving Center. Our first visit will be on Saturday, September 24 from 9-10. Email me and let me know if you and your family are able to come, so I can let them know our numbers. Your child can come to volunteer, even if they are unable to be part of our FCE Service Club.
Reading-
*Continued to set up reading workshop and work on individual testing,
*Discussed what readers do to stay focused and think about the text w/proof
*Don't read like a curmudgeon! Read with understanding and expression.
Writing-
*plan and write small moment, seed stories
*add details to tell what you saw, heard, tasted,smelled, touched, and felt
*reread and revise
Social Studies-
*wrote about our favorite region
*worked together to create team names and flags
*Problem Solving challenge-use materials in bag (rubber bands, mailing labels, paper plates, paper, pipe cleaners) They had to imagine they were creating a rope to rescue a hiker who fell off the edge. Points were awarded by working together positively, 5 pts for every foot of rope, 25 pts if rope can stay together when people hold the ends.
Spelling-
*last week-their, there, they're, its, it's (plus individual words) New lists will come out on Monday.
Vocabulary will begin this week. Practice each day.There will be a test on Friday.
We talked about 9/11 today. Eventhough this is a sad day from history, we can remind ourselves to help others and turn it into a day of hope. We also read 14 Cows for America. Ask your child about it. We watched two videos and they are attached here.
http://video.scholastic.com/services/player/bcpid858992059001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAAFv844g~,BASb5BU03X-I8zjhaYyMRNzgkSvpc3CO&bctid=1123712711001
http://www.scholastic.com/911day/
The children also wrote a bit about 9/11 also.
Dates to remember:
Monday, September 14-Service Club 2:45-3:45, Chick-Fil-A Night 5 pm Pflugerville
Tuesday, September 15-Sr. Choir Interest Meeting-3pm, TAG Night-6pm
Friday, September 16-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test,
Wednesday, September 24-Early Release Day 12:45
Have a wonderful weekend! See you on Monday. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Pam
Happy Grandparents' Day! It was wonderful to see such love and support of our children. We appreciate you being here!
Our week was fun and busy. We only had four days, but we packed a lot into each day.
Service Club begins on Monday, September 14 from 2:45-3:45 in room 512. (Our classroom) I am excited to get this group started this year. We will have a guest speaker, Mrs. Dennis, who will give the children information about a toy drive to bring awareness to OMS and give toys to the children at Dell's Hospital. We will also volunteer once a month at the Round Rock Serving Center. Our first visit will be on Saturday, September 24 from 9-10. Email me and let me know if you and your family are able to come, so I can let them know our numbers. Your child can come to volunteer, even if they are unable to be part of our FCE Service Club.
Reading-
*Continued to set up reading workshop and work on individual testing,
*Discussed what readers do to stay focused and think about the text w/proof
*Don't read like a curmudgeon! Read with understanding and expression.
Writing-
*plan and write small moment, seed stories
*add details to tell what you saw, heard, tasted,smelled, touched, and felt
*reread and revise
Social Studies-
*wrote about our favorite region
*worked together to create team names and flags
*Problem Solving challenge-use materials in bag (rubber bands, mailing labels, paper plates, paper, pipe cleaners) They had to imagine they were creating a rope to rescue a hiker who fell off the edge. Points were awarded by working together positively, 5 pts for every foot of rope, 25 pts if rope can stay together when people hold the ends.
Spelling-
*last week-their, there, they're, its, it's (plus individual words) New lists will come out on Monday.
Vocabulary will begin this week. Practice each day.There will be a test on Friday.
We talked about 9/11 today. Eventhough this is a sad day from history, we can remind ourselves to help others and turn it into a day of hope. We also read 14 Cows for America. Ask your child about it. We watched two videos and they are attached here.
http://video.scholastic.com/services/player/bcpid858992059001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAAAFv844g~,BASb5BU03X-I8zjhaYyMRNzgkSvpc3CO&bctid=1123712711001
http://www.scholastic.com/911day/
The children also wrote a bit about 9/11 also.
Dates to remember:
Monday, September 14-Service Club 2:45-3:45, Chick-Fil-A Night 5 pm Pflugerville
Tuesday, September 15-Sr. Choir Interest Meeting-3pm, TAG Night-6pm
Friday, September 16-Homework packet is due, Reading Response Letter is due.
spelling test,
Wednesday, September 24-Early Release Day 12:45
Have a wonderful weekend! See you on Monday. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Pam
Monday, September 7, 2015
Newsletter
Hello,
I hope you are enjoying your three day weekend! We went to Plano for a soccer tournament with my 12 year old daughter. It was hot, but we had some exciting games and had fun.
I am enjoying getting to know your children and they are working hard to read, understand, enjoy, and finish books and choose books that are just right for them. Thank you to those who were able to come to our Open House on Thursday. It was wonderful to see you. We will post the powerpoint that we shared. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.
Be sure to read over the holiday and record it on your reading log. Every child should read at least 20-30 minutes everyday (even weekends!) Happy Reading!!!!
Read about our week:
Reading-In reading, we are continuing to work on setting up our reading workshop and I have begun individual reading assessments on each child. It takes a long time, but gives me valuable information of each student as a reader. We will continue this week. We will also discuss 9/11 on Friday. We will read about the events and the way the world came together to show support. Be sure to write a reading response letter this week to turn in on Friday. See the sample in the homework packet.
Writing-We wrote some amazing poems last week! We went through the writing process by drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. We also used google documents on our accounts on the google drive. We will gather more entries for personal narratives this week and will discuss characteristic of quality personal narratives to use when drafting and revising.
Spelling-We will have a spelling test on Friday on their, they're, there, its, and it's. We each also have individual words on our list. Be sure to study and practice using proof (or substitute words) to be sure you have the correct spelling. Practice by putting the words in sentences to be sure that you have the write word. (their-our, they're-they are, there-here, its-his, it's-it is)
Social Studies-We went on a virtual field trips through the regions of Texas. We will use the photos that most students brought to school to discuss more about the regions and will continue to explore Texas this week. If you didn't bring in a Texas photo, yet be sure to do so this week.
Dates to Remember-
Tuesday, September 8-PTA Meeting at 11:00, Watch Dog kick-off at 6:00, Volunteer and Homeroom Parent Orientation at 6:45
Friday, September 11-Homework packet due, Spelling test, Grandparents' Day Lunch at 11:05
Monday, September 14-Service Club at 2:45-3:30 in Room 512 for 4th and 5th graders, Homeroom Parent Orientation at 9:30, PTA Family Fun Night at Chick-Fil-A at 5:00 pm
Monday, September 21-Writing Club at 2:45-3:30 in library for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders
Wednesday, September 23-Early Release Day at 12:45
Did you know that the White House launched an "Every Kid in the Park" initiative, which gives fourth grade students and their family members FREE passes for a year to over 2,000 federal lands (including national parks)? Check it out at https://www.everykidinapark.gov/. It sounds very cool!
I am looking into a website that the kids can use to log reading time and write about their reading. More information to come. (Thanks, Mrs. Rodriguez!)
Have a wonderful day and a great week. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your children with me.
Sincerely,
Pam Bartholomew
I hope you are enjoying your three day weekend! We went to Plano for a soccer tournament with my 12 year old daughter. It was hot, but we had some exciting games and had fun.
I am enjoying getting to know your children and they are working hard to read, understand, enjoy, and finish books and choose books that are just right for them. Thank you to those who were able to come to our Open House on Thursday. It was wonderful to see you. We will post the powerpoint that we shared. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.
Be sure to read over the holiday and record it on your reading log. Every child should read at least 20-30 minutes everyday (even weekends!) Happy Reading!!!!
Read about our week:
Reading-In reading, we are continuing to work on setting up our reading workshop and I have begun individual reading assessments on each child. It takes a long time, but gives me valuable information of each student as a reader. We will continue this week. We will also discuss 9/11 on Friday. We will read about the events and the way the world came together to show support. Be sure to write a reading response letter this week to turn in on Friday. See the sample in the homework packet.
Writing-We wrote some amazing poems last week! We went through the writing process by drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. We also used google documents on our accounts on the google drive. We will gather more entries for personal narratives this week and will discuss characteristic of quality personal narratives to use when drafting and revising.
Spelling-We will have a spelling test on Friday on their, they're, there, its, and it's. We each also have individual words on our list. Be sure to study and practice using proof (or substitute words) to be sure you have the correct spelling. Practice by putting the words in sentences to be sure that you have the write word. (their-our, they're-they are, there-here, its-his, it's-it is)
Social Studies-We went on a virtual field trips through the regions of Texas. We will use the photos that most students brought to school to discuss more about the regions and will continue to explore Texas this week. If you didn't bring in a Texas photo, yet be sure to do so this week.
Dates to Remember-
Tuesday, September 8-PTA Meeting at 11:00, Watch Dog kick-off at 6:00, Volunteer and Homeroom Parent Orientation at 6:45
Friday, September 11-Homework packet due, Spelling test, Grandparents' Day Lunch at 11:05
Monday, September 14-Service Club at 2:45-3:30 in Room 512 for 4th and 5th graders, Homeroom Parent Orientation at 9:30, PTA Family Fun Night at Chick-Fil-A at 5:00 pm
Monday, September 21-Writing Club at 2:45-3:30 in library for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders
Wednesday, September 23-Early Release Day at 12:45
Did you know that the White House launched an "Every Kid in the Park" initiative, which gives fourth grade students and their family members FREE passes for a year to over 2,000 federal lands (including national parks)? Check it out at https://www.everykidinapark.gov/. It sounds very cool!
I am looking into a website that the kids can use to log reading time and write about their reading. More information to come. (Thanks, Mrs. Rodriguez!)
Have a wonderful day and a great week. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your children with me.
Sincerely,
Pam Bartholomew
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Great First Week!
Hello Bat Families,
I am so happy to be your child's teacher this year. We've had a wonderful week and I know we will have a great year.
Hopefully, this is the best email for me to use to send you information. Let me know if you want an additional email added or if you want one deleted or changed. I try to communicate with you at least weekly and want to be sure that you are receiving the information.
Read about our week:
Reading-In reading workshop, we discussed making reading resolutions and the importance of reading lots of just right books everyday to be the best readers we can be. We thought about ways we can make our reading lives rich and wonderful such as choosing books that interest us, finishing books, carrying books with us to grab extra time to read, and trying to get lost in our books so that we want to keep reading and reading. We have a reading log in our purple homework folder that should have reading recorded in school and at home. Thank you for encouraging your child to read and love reading. We will continue to set up the reading workshop and will begin individual reading assessments next week.
Writing-We are beginning to work on personal narratives and started some drafts today about a small moment with a special person. We used a kernal story graphic organizer to plan our story. Kernal Stories include boxes with notes about the setting (where and when the story took place), the first thing that happened, what happened next, what happened last, and a reflection (what I learned about this, what I realized, or what I will always remember.) We began drafting these stories and adding details (feelings, dialogue, sensory words, descriptions, etc.). We will draft several small moment stories than choose one to take to publication.
Grammar-We worked on nouns and verbs. We talked about they're, there, their and usage. We did some free writing and practiced proving and using they're. (they are) We will continue to work on parts of speech and complete simple sentences as well as tricky homophones. Spelling work will start after Labor Day.
Social Studies- We are learning a little about Texas and reading some maps. We will begin learning about the four main regions of Texas and the characteristics of each. Be sure to send in a photo of your child somewhere in Texas. These photos are due on Wednesday. We will use these photos to find different locations in Texas and will be taking a virtual bus ride throughout Texas to explore the regions.
Dates to Remember:
Friday, August 28, 2015-Wear Favorite College shirts
Monday, August 31, 2015-Wear FCE or green/purple for Spirit Day, Decorated Writer's Notebook due
Wednesday, September 2, 2015-Texas Photo due
Thursday, September 3, 2015-Open House at FCE 6:00 pm in classroom
for fourth grade information, 6:30 in cafeteria for school wide information
Friday, September 4, 2015-Wear Favorite College shirt
Monday, September 7, 2015-No school
Friday, September 11, 2015-Grandparent's Day Lunch
Wednesday, September 23, 2015-Early Release Day 12:45 pm
Have a wonderful evening! Be sure to let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to seeing you at our Open House on Thursday. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam Bartholomew
I am so happy to be your child's teacher this year. We've had a wonderful week and I know we will have a great year.
Hopefully, this is the best email for me to use to send you information. Let me know if you want an additional email added or if you want one deleted or changed. I try to communicate with you at least weekly and want to be sure that you are receiving the information.
Read about our week:
Reading-In reading workshop, we discussed making reading resolutions and the importance of reading lots of just right books everyday to be the best readers we can be. We thought about ways we can make our reading lives rich and wonderful such as choosing books that interest us, finishing books, carrying books with us to grab extra time to read, and trying to get lost in our books so that we want to keep reading and reading. We have a reading log in our purple homework folder that should have reading recorded in school and at home. Thank you for encouraging your child to read and love reading. We will continue to set up the reading workshop and will begin individual reading assessments next week.
Writing-We are beginning to work on personal narratives and started some drafts today about a small moment with a special person. We used a kernal story graphic organizer to plan our story. Kernal Stories include boxes with notes about the setting (where and when the story took place), the first thing that happened, what happened next, what happened last, and a reflection (what I learned about this, what I realized, or what I will always remember.) We began drafting these stories and adding details (feelings, dialogue, sensory words, descriptions, etc.). We will draft several small moment stories than choose one to take to publication.
Grammar-We worked on nouns and verbs. We talked about they're, there, their and usage. We did some free writing and practiced proving and using they're. (they are) We will continue to work on parts of speech and complete simple sentences as well as tricky homophones. Spelling work will start after Labor Day.
Social Studies- We are learning a little about Texas and reading some maps. We will begin learning about the four main regions of Texas and the characteristics of each. Be sure to send in a photo of your child somewhere in Texas. These photos are due on Wednesday. We will use these photos to find different locations in Texas and will be taking a virtual bus ride throughout Texas to explore the regions.
Dates to Remember:
Friday, August 28, 2015-Wear Favorite College shirts
Monday, August 31, 2015-Wear FCE or green/purple for Spirit Day, Decorated Writer's Notebook due
Wednesday, September 2, 2015-Texas Photo due
Thursday, September 3, 2015-Open House at FCE 6:00 pm in classroom
for fourth grade information, 6:30 in cafeteria for school wide information
Friday, September 4, 2015-Wear Favorite College shirt
Monday, September 7, 2015-No school
Friday, September 11, 2015-Grandparent's Day Lunch
Wednesday, September 23, 2015-Early Release Day 12:45 pm
Have a wonderful evening! Be sure to let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to seeing you at our Open House on Thursday. Thank you for sharing your child with me.
Sincerely,
Pam Bartholomew
Friday, July 31, 2015
Welcome to 4th Grade!
Hello!
I am so excited to begin our 2015-2016 school year. The classroom is almost ready and I went to some amazing staff development trainings. I have lots of new ideas to help us learn and grow in remarkable ways together. It is going to be a great year.
I hope that you had a wonderful summer. I hope that you enjoyed time with friends and family and I look forward to hearing all about your summer adventures.
Reading over the summer is one of my favorite things. (I also traveled to the northeast to see family and had some fun times hiking, paddling, and playing games.) I read lots of interesting books over the summer like I am Malala, Girl on the Train, and The Year the Swallows Came Early. As readers, I am sure that you read lots of incredible books over the summer. I can wait to hear about your reading adventures and talk with you about books.
Don't forget that supply drop off is on Friday, August 21. If your last name begins with A-L, then you will come between 4:00-4:30. If your last name begins with M-Z, then you will come between 4:45-5:15. I hope that you can come and visit our classroom, choose a desk, tell me a little about your interests, and see your friends. I am very excited to meet you!
The first day of school is on Tuesday, August 26. Come with a smile, a healthy snack, and a book that you are reading.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me at pam_bartholomew@roundrockisd.org. I am very happy to have the opportunity to be your teacher. We are going to have a fantastic year reading, writing, talking, creating, helping, sharing, and inspiring each other.
Sincerely,
Pam Bartholomew
I am so excited to begin our 2015-2016 school year. The classroom is almost ready and I went to some amazing staff development trainings. I have lots of new ideas to help us learn and grow in remarkable ways together. It is going to be a great year.
I hope that you had a wonderful summer. I hope that you enjoyed time with friends and family and I look forward to hearing all about your summer adventures.
Reading over the summer is one of my favorite things. (I also traveled to the northeast to see family and had some fun times hiking, paddling, and playing games.) I read lots of interesting books over the summer like I am Malala, Girl on the Train, and The Year the Swallows Came Early. As readers, I am sure that you read lots of incredible books over the summer. I can wait to hear about your reading adventures and talk with you about books.
Don't forget that supply drop off is on Friday, August 21. If your last name begins with A-L, then you will come between 4:00-4:30. If your last name begins with M-Z, then you will come between 4:45-5:15. I hope that you can come and visit our classroom, choose a desk, tell me a little about your interests, and see your friends. I am very excited to meet you!
The first day of school is on Tuesday, August 26. Come with a smile, a healthy snack, and a book that you are reading.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me at pam_bartholomew@roundrockisd.org. I am very happy to have the opportunity to be your teacher. We are going to have a fantastic year reading, writing, talking, creating, helping, sharing, and inspiring each other.
Sincerely,
Pam Bartholomew
Monday, June 8, 2015
Happy Summer!
Hi,
Congratulations to you for completing fourth grade! All of the children worked hard, and we learned a lot from each other. We enjoyed having pen pals with our friends at The Court at Round Rock, learning about Texas history, and reading books about civil rights, homelessness, WWII, Egypt, and many more topics. We wrote letters for Annie and letters for children in Honduras. We wrote stories, compositions, poems, and comic books. We wrote for Rising Star, Red Ribbon Week, and Reflections.We went to the Bob Bullock Museum and Laguna Gloria Art Museum. We collected toys, books, and flip flops for people in need from around the world. We learned the importance of respecting ourselves and each other and treating all with kindness.
It was an amazing year and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to spend it with these wonderful fourth graders. (Now fifth graders!)
Have a great summer. Enjoy time with your family and friends. Read a lot, write a lot, think deeply and creatively, make observations, and learn something new everyday. I look forward to hearing about your adventures and discoveries.
Love,
Mrs. Bartholomew
Congratulations to you for completing fourth grade! All of the children worked hard, and we learned a lot from each other. We enjoyed having pen pals with our friends at The Court at Round Rock, learning about Texas history, and reading books about civil rights, homelessness, WWII, Egypt, and many more topics. We wrote letters for Annie and letters for children in Honduras. We wrote stories, compositions, poems, and comic books. We wrote for Rising Star, Red Ribbon Week, and Reflections.We went to the Bob Bullock Museum and Laguna Gloria Art Museum. We collected toys, books, and flip flops for people in need from around the world. We learned the importance of respecting ourselves and each other and treating all with kindness.
It was an amazing year and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to spend it with these wonderful fourth graders. (Now fifth graders!)
Have a great summer. Enjoy time with your family and friends. Read a lot, write a lot, think deeply and creatively, make observations, and learn something new everyday. I look forward to hearing about your adventures and discoveries.
Love,
Mrs. Bartholomew
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Newsletter
Hi, April 19, 2015
Pen Pal Visit
We had a wonderful visit with our pen pals on Tuesday. We will begin writing about them to create a pen pal book. We will be seeing them again on May 26.
Science Day was amazing!
We had great presentations about landscape architecture, land surveying, and sound. A dairy farm brought a live cow and shared information with us. We also did virtual surgery and worked on an Art Bombing project. We had a lot of fun and learned a lot.
Reading Logs due on Monday
Reading logs from last week are due tomorrow with 100 min of reading time (at least) and 20 minutes of I-Station. Please let me know if you are unable to log onto I-Station at home.
STAAR Testing is Tuesday and Wednesday.
The fourth graders will take the STAAR Math test on Tuesday and the STAAR Reading test on Wednesday. Things to remember for testing:
-go to bed early
-take your time
-read and reread
-take frequent breaks
-bring water and snacks that won’t leave marks on answer document
-show your work
-prove your answers
-try your best!!!
We have been practicing test taking skills and ways to read test questions and passages. We have shared strategies and talked about what worked well for us. We are ready to show what we know and it is going to be great!
Tutorials
Tutorials will take place on Monday this week from 2:45-3:45. We won’t have tutorials on Tuesday.
No Homework
We will not have homework this week. We won’t have reading logs due, I-Station due, or summary and responses due. We also won’t have a spelling or vocabulary test. Everyone should be well rested and focused on working hard and doing their best.
Free Breakfast
This week the cafeteria will provide free breakfast! We want everyone to be full of nutritious food.
Earth Week Celebration - April 20-24
Monday 4/20 – REDUCE Trash Lunch Day. On average, during one day of lunch for all grades, our students fill 15 to 16 large gray trash containers! That’s 75 trash bags in just 1 week. That’s a lot of trash. Let’s see if we can use ‘greener’ ways with our lunches today and all this week. Try packing a lunch with reusable containers, and recycle your plastic water bottles and juice pouches in the recycling bins in the cafeteria. GO GREEN!
Tuesday 4/21 – 3R’s (REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE) Bring empty juice pouches and place them into our recyclable bin in the cafeteria and keep it out of the earth’s landfills. Don’t forget to keep using your reusable water bottle!
Wednesday 4/22 – Wear Green! How will you be better to the Earth? Pass it on to a friend. Fill out the small green card located in an envelope on the Go Green bulletin board located near the office and post it onto the bulletin board. How will I help the Earth?
Thursday 4/23 – Turn it off day! Try conserving electricity, water, and reducing carbon emission around your house. You can do this by turning off the water while brushing your teeth, turn off your computer, room lights and fans when you are not using them and walk insteard of drive when you can.
Friday 4/24 – Go Green Plant sale today after school. 50 cents per plant and be sure to check out the gardens at Forest Creek!
Dates to Remember:
Monday, April 20-Reading log due with 20 min. of Istation, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, April 21-Math STAAR Test-no tutorials
Wednesday, April 22-Reading STAAR Test
Thursday, April 23-Service Club 2:45-3:45
Monday, April 27-Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, April 28-Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Wednesday, April 29-Reading Summary and Response Due
Thursday, April 30-Writing Club from 2:45-3:45
Friday, May 1-Reading Summary and Response Due, Vocabulary and Spelling tests, Rising Star Entries due
Monday, May 4-Reading log due with 20 min. of Istation, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, May 5-Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Wednesday, May 6-Reading Summary and Response Due, Early Release at 12:45
Thursday, Mary 7-Service Club 2:45-3:45
Friday, May 8-Reading Summary and Response due, Vocabulary and Spelling test
Monday, May 11-4th grade field trip to Laguna Gloria, Reading log due with 20 min. of IStation
I hope you had a fantastic weekend! Email with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Pam
Pen Pal Visit
We had a wonderful visit with our pen pals on Tuesday. We will begin writing about them to create a pen pal book. We will be seeing them again on May 26.
Science Day was amazing!
We had great presentations about landscape architecture, land surveying, and sound. A dairy farm brought a live cow and shared information with us. We also did virtual surgery and worked on an Art Bombing project. We had a lot of fun and learned a lot.
Reading Logs due on Monday
Reading logs from last week are due tomorrow with 100 min of reading time (at least) and 20 minutes of I-Station. Please let me know if you are unable to log onto I-Station at home.
STAAR Testing is Tuesday and Wednesday.
The fourth graders will take the STAAR Math test on Tuesday and the STAAR Reading test on Wednesday. Things to remember for testing:
-go to bed early
-take your time
-read and reread
-take frequent breaks
-bring water and snacks that won’t leave marks on answer document
-show your work
-prove your answers
-try your best!!!
We have been practicing test taking skills and ways to read test questions and passages. We have shared strategies and talked about what worked well for us. We are ready to show what we know and it is going to be great!
Tutorials
Tutorials will take place on Monday this week from 2:45-3:45. We won’t have tutorials on Tuesday.
No Homework
We will not have homework this week. We won’t have reading logs due, I-Station due, or summary and responses due. We also won’t have a spelling or vocabulary test. Everyone should be well rested and focused on working hard and doing their best.
Free Breakfast
This week the cafeteria will provide free breakfast! We want everyone to be full of nutritious food.
Earth Week Celebration - April 20-24
Monday 4/20 – REDUCE Trash Lunch Day. On average, during one day of lunch for all grades, our students fill 15 to 16 large gray trash containers! That’s 75 trash bags in just 1 week. That’s a lot of trash. Let’s see if we can use ‘greener’ ways with our lunches today and all this week. Try packing a lunch with reusable containers, and recycle your plastic water bottles and juice pouches in the recycling bins in the cafeteria. GO GREEN!
Tuesday 4/21 – 3R’s (REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE) Bring empty juice pouches and place them into our recyclable bin in the cafeteria and keep it out of the earth’s landfills. Don’t forget to keep using your reusable water bottle!
Wednesday 4/22 – Wear Green! How will you be better to the Earth? Pass it on to a friend. Fill out the small green card located in an envelope on the Go Green bulletin board located near the office and post it onto the bulletin board. How will I help the Earth?
Thursday 4/23 – Turn it off day! Try conserving electricity, water, and reducing carbon emission around your house. You can do this by turning off the water while brushing your teeth, turn off your computer, room lights and fans when you are not using them and walk insteard of drive when you can.
Friday 4/24 – Go Green Plant sale today after school. 50 cents per plant and be sure to check out the gardens at Forest Creek!
Dates to Remember:
Monday, April 20-Reading log due with 20 min. of Istation, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, April 21-Math STAAR Test-no tutorials
Wednesday, April 22-Reading STAAR Test
Thursday, April 23-Service Club 2:45-3:45
Monday, April 27-Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, April 28-Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Wednesday, April 29-Reading Summary and Response Due
Thursday, April 30-Writing Club from 2:45-3:45
Friday, May 1-Reading Summary and Response Due, Vocabulary and Spelling tests, Rising Star Entries due
Monday, May 4-Reading log due with 20 min. of Istation, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, May 5-Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Wednesday, May 6-Reading Summary and Response Due, Early Release at 12:45
Thursday, Mary 7-Service Club 2:45-3:45
Friday, May 8-Reading Summary and Response due, Vocabulary and Spelling test
Monday, May 11-4th grade field trip to Laguna Gloria, Reading log due with 20 min. of IStation
I hope you had a fantastic weekend! Email with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Pam
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Newsletter
Hi,
Our pen pals are coming for a visit on Tuesday. We are looking forward to seeing them, writing poems together, and creating some artwork with our friends. We will also interview them and play games together. You are welcome to come and spend time with us on Tuesday from about 9:30-10:30.
Be sure to read the attachment about the importance of At-Home Reading.
In reading-we are reviewing test taking strategies to get ready for our STAAR test on April 22. We are watching short video clips to gather background information as we practice using passages relesased by TEA. We learned about Lady Bird Johnson, the Dust Bowl, and manatees. We are also reading independently and researching topics of our choice during our reading time.
In writing-we are working on new pieces and/or revising old writing to submit some entries for the FCE Rising Star Book. Entries are due on May 1 and then grade level teams will choose 3 poems, 3 narratives, and 3 expositories for publication. This week we will also begin writing about our pen pals for our pen pal book.
In social studies-we finally finished videotaping our Voices of Texas Reader's Theater. The kids did a great job. We will learn some more about the Texas Revolution and then will learn about the Republic of Texas.
Dates to remember:
Monday, April 13-Reading logs due with 20 min. of Istation, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, April 14-Pen Pal Visit from 9:30-10:30 in library, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Wednesday, April 15-Summary and Response Due
Thursday, April 16-Writing Club 2:45-3:45
Friday, April 17-Summary and Response Due, Spelling and Vocabulary test-Science Day
Monday, April 20-Reading log due with 20 min. of Istation, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, April 21-Math STAAR Test-no tutorials
Wednesday, April 22-Reading STAAR Test
Thursday, April 23-Service Club 2:45-3:45
Have a great weekend! Email with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Pam
Our pen pals are coming for a visit on Tuesday. We are looking forward to seeing them, writing poems together, and creating some artwork with our friends. We will also interview them and play games together. You are welcome to come and spend time with us on Tuesday from about 9:30-10:30.
Be sure to read the attachment about the importance of At-Home Reading.
In reading-we are reviewing test taking strategies to get ready for our STAAR test on April 22. We are watching short video clips to gather background information as we practice using passages relesased by TEA. We learned about Lady Bird Johnson, the Dust Bowl, and manatees. We are also reading independently and researching topics of our choice during our reading time.
In writing-we are working on new pieces and/or revising old writing to submit some entries for the FCE Rising Star Book. Entries are due on May 1 and then grade level teams will choose 3 poems, 3 narratives, and 3 expositories for publication. This week we will also begin writing about our pen pals for our pen pal book.
In social studies-we finally finished videotaping our Voices of Texas Reader's Theater. The kids did a great job. We will learn some more about the Texas Revolution and then will learn about the Republic of Texas.
Dates to remember:
Monday, April 13-Reading logs due with 20 min. of Istation, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, April 14-Pen Pal Visit from 9:30-10:30 in library, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Wednesday, April 15-Summary and Response Due
Thursday, April 16-Writing Club 2:45-3:45
Friday, April 17-Summary and Response Due, Spelling and Vocabulary test-Science Day
Monday, April 20-Reading log due with 20 min. of Istation, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, April 21-Math STAAR Test-no tutorials
Wednesday, April 22-Reading STAAR Test
Thursday, April 23-Service Club 2:45-3:45
Have a great weekend! Email with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Pam
Friday, April 3, 2015
Newsletter
Hi,
We had our first round of STAAR testing this week and everything went well. Our next set of state tests will be in a few weeks. On April 21, the fourth graders will take the Math STAAR and on April 22, they will take the Reading STAAR. We will do well, if we keep working hard and trying our best. I am impressed with how much effort our students are putting forth and how excited they are about learning.
The students did a great job on their Texas Hero projects. They researched collaboratively using the Google drive, organized the important information, and presented that information to the class. The projects are on display in the hallway and in our classroom.
We will be working on Text Structures this week in reading. We will also work on the characteristics of each genre, such as expository text, narrative text, poetry, and drama. Ms. Walkup showed us a new site for creating presentations called Powtoon. We are going to read a short piece then do a book report using Powtoon. The students are welcome to experiment with Powtoon at home.
We will resume our reading log, vocabulary, spelling, and summary and response homework this week.
In Social Studies, we will finish up learning about the Texas Revolution and begin learning about the Republic of Texas.
Dates to remember:
Monday, April 6-Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, April 7-Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Wednesday, April 8-Summary and Response due
Thursday, April 9-Service Club from 2:45-3:45
Friday, April 10-Summary and Response due, Vocabulary test, Spelling test
Saturday, April 11-Empty Bowl Event at Cedar Ridge High School from 11-2
Monday, April 13-Reading logs due with 20 min. of Istation, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, April 14-Pen Pal Visit from 9:30-10:30 in library, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Wednesday, April 15-Summary and Response Due
Thursday, April 16-Writing Club 2:45-3:45
Friday, April 17-Summary and Response Due, Spelling test, Vocabulary test-Science Day
Monday, April 20-Reading log due with 20 min. of Istation, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, April 21-Math STAAR Test-no tutorials
Wednesday, April 22-Reading STAAR Test
Thursday, April 23-Service Club 2:45-3:45
Have a great weekend! Email with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Pam
We had our first round of STAAR testing this week and everything went well. Our next set of state tests will be in a few weeks. On April 21, the fourth graders will take the Math STAAR and on April 22, they will take the Reading STAAR. We will do well, if we keep working hard and trying our best. I am impressed with how much effort our students are putting forth and how excited they are about learning.
The students did a great job on their Texas Hero projects. They researched collaboratively using the Google drive, organized the important information, and presented that information to the class. The projects are on display in the hallway and in our classroom.
We will be working on Text Structures this week in reading. We will also work on the characteristics of each genre, such as expository text, narrative text, poetry, and drama. Ms. Walkup showed us a new site for creating presentations called Powtoon. We are going to read a short piece then do a book report using Powtoon. The students are welcome to experiment with Powtoon at home.
We will resume our reading log, vocabulary, spelling, and summary and response homework this week.
In Social Studies, we will finish up learning about the Texas Revolution and begin learning about the Republic of Texas.
Dates to remember:
Monday, April 6-Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, April 7-Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Wednesday, April 8-Summary and Response due
Thursday, April 9-Service Club from 2:45-3:45
Friday, April 10-Summary and Response due, Vocabulary test, Spelling test
Saturday, April 11-Empty Bowl Event at Cedar Ridge High School from 11-2
Monday, April 13-Reading logs due with 20 min. of Istation, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, April 14-Pen Pal Visit from 9:30-10:30 in library, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Wednesday, April 15-Summary and Response Due
Thursday, April 16-Writing Club 2:45-3:45
Friday, April 17-Summary and Response Due, Spelling test, Vocabulary test-Science Day
Monday, April 20-Reading log due with 20 min. of Istation, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, April 21-Math STAAR Test-no tutorials
Wednesday, April 22-Reading STAAR Test
Thursday, April 23-Service Club 2:45-3:45
Have a great weekend! Email with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Pam
Friday, March 13, 2015
Newsletter
Hi,
We worked very hard to complete our Texas Hero projects. The children were creative, focused, patient, and cooperative. They worked together, helped each other, and patiently waited for conferences with me. It was wonderful and the projects look great.
If your child wasn't in class today or didn't finish, they can either finish over the spring break week or stay after school for tutorials on Monday, March 23 to complete the project. We won't have time in class to work on them. We will begin presentations on Tuesday, March 24 in the afternoon, so they will need the three objects (or pictures/drawings of objects) that represent their person's life for the presentation.
Be sure to read at least 100 minutes over spring break for our Reading Challenge. Make at least 20 minutes I-Station. Explore Storia also. Our class (and a few other classes in school) has a trial of Storia to test before we considering purchasing it for our school. Let us know what you think of Storia (good and bad) to help with our decision. Storia log in is- www.storiaschool.com. Username-(child's first name)-smit128 for example: pam-smit128. Your child has a little paper with the initial password. Then he/she will be asked to change their password-use their birthdate then they will remember it. IF you have any questions about Storia or trouble with logging in, email mariah_smith@roundrockisd.org
Return reading logs on Monday, March 23. Prizes for reading over 100 minutes will be given out on Tuesday. Readers with most minutes will choose first.
Have a wonderful spring break! Have fun, enjoy your family, read, rest, come back to school ready for WRITING CAMP!!!!!
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Pam
We worked very hard to complete our Texas Hero projects. The children were creative, focused, patient, and cooperative. They worked together, helped each other, and patiently waited for conferences with me. It was wonderful and the projects look great.
If your child wasn't in class today or didn't finish, they can either finish over the spring break week or stay after school for tutorials on Monday, March 23 to complete the project. We won't have time in class to work on them. We will begin presentations on Tuesday, March 24 in the afternoon, so they will need the three objects (or pictures/drawings of objects) that represent their person's life for the presentation.
Be sure to read at least 100 minutes over spring break for our Reading Challenge. Make at least 20 minutes I-Station. Explore Storia also. Our class (and a few other classes in school) has a trial of Storia to test before we considering purchasing it for our school. Let us know what you think of Storia (good and bad) to help with our decision. Storia log in is- www.storiaschool.com. Username-(child's first name)-smit128 for example: pam-smit128. Your child has a little paper with the initial password. Then he/she will be asked to change their password-use their birthdate then they will remember it. IF you have any questions about Storia or trouble with logging in, email mariah_smith@roundrockisd.org
Return reading logs on Monday, March 23. Prizes for reading over 100 minutes will be given out on Tuesday. Readers with most minutes will choose first.
Have a wonderful spring break! Have fun, enjoy your family, read, rest, come back to school ready for WRITING CAMP!!!!!
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Pam
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Newsletter
Hi, March 8, 2015
I hope that you are all staying dry. We had an amazing time on our field trip to the Bob Bullock Museum. Everyone did a great job and had fun. Thank you so much to our volunteers, Ms. Gordan and Mr. Junkans! We couldn't have done it without them! The first floor of the museum was under renovation. Be sure to go back and visit this summer. The tours at Texas State Cemetary and the Texas State Capitol also are wonderful trips to learn more about Texas history. These would be fun activities for spring break! Check out http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/SPB/Plan/Tours.htm and http://www.cemetery.state.tx.us/tour.asp for more information.
Spring Break Reading Challenge: We will be having another fun reading challenge! Read at least 100 minutes from March 13-March 22 and receive a prize when we return to school on March 23. The students who read the most will get to choose their prizes first. Challenge yourself and lose yourself in some great books. I can't wait to hear about what you read!
Reading: We will read more non-fiction this week. We will be examining some articles in Time for Kids as well as reading more about the Texas Revolution and famous Texans. We will be summarizing, making inferences, and determining character traits using textual evidence about our famous Texans. Reading summary and response is due this week on Wednesday and Friday. Don’t forget to work on I-Station for at least 20 minutes as part of your reading log time. Reading logs will be due on Friday this week.
Writing: We are determining the difference between personal narratives and expository writing. We will be writing more expository entries this week and continue to go over our CBA and figure out our strengths and challenges in writing to help us make improvements as writers. We will also continue to use mentor sentences to work on conventions.
Social Studies: Our goal is to complete our Texas Hero projects in school this week. We will continue researching on Monday and then begin typing our information for our posters or cereals boxes. We were going to learn a new computer presentation site for the projects, but will use that for our next project after spring break. Please send in empty cereal boxes this week and/or regular size poster board for your child's project. We will work hard to complete them in class this week. (extra empty cereal boxes would be appreciated!)
Dates to Remember:
Monday, March 9-Reading log due with at least 20 minutes of I-Station recorded.
Tutorials from 2:45-3:45, Kinder Round Up, Kona Ice sales at 3:15
Tuesday, March 10-Tutorials from 2:45-3:45, PTA Meeting at 6:30 pm
Wednesday, March 11-Early Release at 12:45. Summary and Response due, Kona Ice sales at 1:15
Thursday, March 12-Service Club 2:45-3:45 (Work on Empty Bowl Project)
Friday, March 13-Summary and Response due, Reading log due before Spring break, spelling and vocabulary test
Monday, March 16-20-Spring Break-We will have a Reading Challenge!!!!! Yeah!!!!
March 24-27-Writing Camp!!!!!!! More information will come soon.
March 27-Spring Carnival at 5pm
March 30-31-STAAR Writing Tests
April 3-Spring Holiday-No school
Have a great rest of the weekend! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns!
Sincerely,
Pam
I hope that you are all staying dry. We had an amazing time on our field trip to the Bob Bullock Museum. Everyone did a great job and had fun. Thank you so much to our volunteers, Ms. Gordan and Mr. Junkans! We couldn't have done it without them! The first floor of the museum was under renovation. Be sure to go back and visit this summer. The tours at Texas State Cemetary and the Texas State Capitol also are wonderful trips to learn more about Texas history. These would be fun activities for spring break! Check out http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/SPB/Plan/Tours.htm and http://www.cemetery.state.tx.us/tour.asp for more information.
Spring Break Reading Challenge: We will be having another fun reading challenge! Read at least 100 minutes from March 13-March 22 and receive a prize when we return to school on March 23. The students who read the most will get to choose their prizes first. Challenge yourself and lose yourself in some great books. I can't wait to hear about what you read!
Reading: We will read more non-fiction this week. We will be examining some articles in Time for Kids as well as reading more about the Texas Revolution and famous Texans. We will be summarizing, making inferences, and determining character traits using textual evidence about our famous Texans. Reading summary and response is due this week on Wednesday and Friday. Don’t forget to work on I-Station for at least 20 minutes as part of your reading log time. Reading logs will be due on Friday this week.
Writing: We are determining the difference between personal narratives and expository writing. We will be writing more expository entries this week and continue to go over our CBA and figure out our strengths and challenges in writing to help us make improvements as writers. We will also continue to use mentor sentences to work on conventions.
Social Studies: Our goal is to complete our Texas Hero projects in school this week. We will continue researching on Monday and then begin typing our information for our posters or cereals boxes. We were going to learn a new computer presentation site for the projects, but will use that for our next project after spring break. Please send in empty cereal boxes this week and/or regular size poster board for your child's project. We will work hard to complete them in class this week. (extra empty cereal boxes would be appreciated!)
Dates to Remember:
Monday, March 9-Reading log due with at least 20 minutes of I-Station recorded.
Tutorials from 2:45-3:45, Kinder Round Up, Kona Ice sales at 3:15
Tuesday, March 10-Tutorials from 2:45-3:45, PTA Meeting at 6:30 pm
Wednesday, March 11-Early Release at 12:45. Summary and Response due, Kona Ice sales at 1:15
Thursday, March 12-Service Club 2:45-3:45 (Work on Empty Bowl Project)
Friday, March 13-Summary and Response due, Reading log due before Spring break, spelling and vocabulary test
Monday, March 16-20-Spring Break-We will have a Reading Challenge!!!!! Yeah!!!!
March 24-27-Writing Camp!!!!!!! More information will come soon.
March 27-Spring Carnival at 5pm
March 30-31-STAAR Writing Tests
April 3-Spring Holiday-No school
Have a great rest of the weekend! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns!
Sincerely,
Pam
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Newsletter
Hi, March 1, 2015
I hope that you are all staying warm. This weather is crazy, and it looks like it may stay unpredictable for a bit longer.
Tomorrow is Texas Independence Day! It is the day that the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed on Washington-on-the Brazos in 1836. We will be learning more about this event tomorrow in class and we will begin researching a Texas Hero! Mrs. Walkup is teaching us how to use the Google Drive. We will be choosing a famous Texan to research using books and websites. We will be taking notes on our person using a document on Google Drive. We will be collaborating with a classmate as we research and write a bibliography. We will do a project to teach others about our famous Texan, and we will decide to do our project individually or with our partner. It will be a great way to learn together as we learn about famous people of Texas.
Friday will be our field trip to the Bob Bullock State History Museum. We will be having our spelling test and our vocabulary test before we leave for the trip. We will be leaving at about 9:15. Our lunch will be outside, so dress accordingly. I ordered lunch for those that requested a lunch from the cafeteria. Be sure to bring a lunch, if you didn’t order one. If your child has a Forest Creek Elementary t-shirt, wear that on Friday. If not, don’t worry. A green or purple shirt would be great. Your child won’t need any money for the trip and we aren’t allowed to take photos in the museum, so cameras won’t be necessary. Please remind them that the rules for school also apply on a field trip. If you’re able to be a chaperone, we would love to have you attend. Let me know. I am excited about going to this museum and know that your child will have a wonderful time!
Reading: Your children did a great job on their book projects of their lit circle books. We enjoyed some super power points, posters, and even a play. It was great. Last week we read more nonfiction about Antarctica and will read more non-fiction this week on the Texas Revolution and famous Texans. Reading summary and response is due this week on Wednesday and Friday. Don’t forget to work on I-Station for at least 20 minutes as part of your reading log time.
Writing: We are determining the difference between personal narratives and expository writing. We will be writing more expository entries this week and continue to go over our CBA and figure out our strengths and challenges in writing to help us make improvements as writers.
Social Studies: Texas Revolution and researching famous Texans will be our focus this week. Going to the museum on Friday will help to pull together a lot of the information that we have been learning.
Vocabulary and Spelling this week will include words from the Texas Revolution.
Dates to Remember:
Monday, March 2-Reading log due with at least 20 minutes of I-Station recorded. Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, March 3-Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Wednesday, March 4- Summary and Response due.
Thursday, March 5-Writing Club from 2:45-3:45
Friday, March 6-Field Trip to Bob Bullock Museum, Spelling and Vocabulary test, Summary and Response due. Hoe Down for K-2
Monday, March 9-Reading log due with at least 20 minutes of I-Station recorded.
Tutorials from 2:45-3:45, Kinder Round Up, Kona Ice sales at 3:15
Tuesday, March 10-Tutorials from 2:45-3:45, PTA Meeting at 6:30 pm
Wednesday, March 11-Early Release at 12:45. Summary and Response due, Kona Ice sales at 1:15
Thursday, March 12-Service Club 2:45-3:45 (Work on Empty Bowl Project)
Friday, March 13-Summary and Response due, Reading log due before Spring break, spelling and vocabulary test
Monday, March 16-20-Spring Break-We will have a Reading Challenge!!!!! Yeah!!!!
March 24-27-Writing Camp!!!!!!! More information will come soon.
March 27-Spring Carnival at 5pm
March 30-31-STAAR Writing Tests
April 3-Spring Holiday-No school
Have a great rest of the weekend! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns!
Sincerely,
Pam
I hope that you are all staying warm. This weather is crazy, and it looks like it may stay unpredictable for a bit longer.
Tomorrow is Texas Independence Day! It is the day that the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed on Washington-on-the Brazos in 1836. We will be learning more about this event tomorrow in class and we will begin researching a Texas Hero! Mrs. Walkup is teaching us how to use the Google Drive. We will be choosing a famous Texan to research using books and websites. We will be taking notes on our person using a document on Google Drive. We will be collaborating with a classmate as we research and write a bibliography. We will do a project to teach others about our famous Texan, and we will decide to do our project individually or with our partner. It will be a great way to learn together as we learn about famous people of Texas.
Friday will be our field trip to the Bob Bullock State History Museum. We will be having our spelling test and our vocabulary test before we leave for the trip. We will be leaving at about 9:15. Our lunch will be outside, so dress accordingly. I ordered lunch for those that requested a lunch from the cafeteria. Be sure to bring a lunch, if you didn’t order one. If your child has a Forest Creek Elementary t-shirt, wear that on Friday. If not, don’t worry. A green or purple shirt would be great. Your child won’t need any money for the trip and we aren’t allowed to take photos in the museum, so cameras won’t be necessary. Please remind them that the rules for school also apply on a field trip. If you’re able to be a chaperone, we would love to have you attend. Let me know. I am excited about going to this museum and know that your child will have a wonderful time!
Reading: Your children did a great job on their book projects of their lit circle books. We enjoyed some super power points, posters, and even a play. It was great. Last week we read more nonfiction about Antarctica and will read more non-fiction this week on the Texas Revolution and famous Texans. Reading summary and response is due this week on Wednesday and Friday. Don’t forget to work on I-Station for at least 20 minutes as part of your reading log time.
Writing: We are determining the difference between personal narratives and expository writing. We will be writing more expository entries this week and continue to go over our CBA and figure out our strengths and challenges in writing to help us make improvements as writers.
Social Studies: Texas Revolution and researching famous Texans will be our focus this week. Going to the museum on Friday will help to pull together a lot of the information that we have been learning.
Vocabulary and Spelling this week will include words from the Texas Revolution.
Dates to Remember:
Monday, March 2-Reading log due with at least 20 minutes of I-Station recorded. Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, March 3-Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Wednesday, March 4- Summary and Response due.
Thursday, March 5-Writing Club from 2:45-3:45
Friday, March 6-Field Trip to Bob Bullock Museum, Spelling and Vocabulary test, Summary and Response due. Hoe Down for K-2
Monday, March 9-Reading log due with at least 20 minutes of I-Station recorded.
Tutorials from 2:45-3:45, Kinder Round Up, Kona Ice sales at 3:15
Tuesday, March 10-Tutorials from 2:45-3:45, PTA Meeting at 6:30 pm
Wednesday, March 11-Early Release at 12:45. Summary and Response due, Kona Ice sales at 1:15
Thursday, March 12-Service Club 2:45-3:45 (Work on Empty Bowl Project)
Friday, March 13-Summary and Response due, Reading log due before Spring break, spelling and vocabulary test
Monday, March 16-20-Spring Break-We will have a Reading Challenge!!!!! Yeah!!!!
March 24-27-Writing Camp!!!!!!! More information will come soon.
March 27-Spring Carnival at 5pm
March 30-31-STAAR Writing Tests
April 3-Spring Holiday-No school
Have a great rest of the weekend! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns!
Sincerely,
Pam
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Newsletter
Hi, February 14, 2015
Happy Valentine’s Day! We had a great party yesterday! The chocolate fountain and pink cupcakes were definitely a hit! The kids also loved the valentine boxes and the scratch off cards. Passing out valentines cards and treats was also super fun and exciting. Thank you to all the families who donated supplies. Thank you to our homeroom moms, Colleen Komatz and Darcy Hollingsworth, for organizing and running our party. It was wonderful!
Friday evening, my mom, Ms. Fry, and I took dinner (lasagna, salad, bread, as well as cookie cake and cupcakes for dessert) to the STARRY Emergency Shelter. We also gave them bags filled with valentines made by our FCE students and candy. We even had some handmade bracelets and gift cards from Cinemark, Outback, Target, and Walgreens. The house parents were very appreciative and overwhelmed with the generosity of our FCE community! Thank you so much to the Service Club, to classrooms who made cards, and to our staff and families for the donations. It was wonderful to help the children to have a Happy Valentine’s Day.
FYI-Progress Reports were in last week’s Thursday folders.
On Tuesday, we had a great visit with our pen pals from The Court Retirement Facility. We interviewed them about their favorite people, places, and things to help us get some ideas for our expository writing. We shared our personal narratives and made words using the letters VALENTINE. We gave them decorated foam hearts with our photos on them and played some games together. It was a fun visit!
On Wednesday, we took a Writing Curriculum Based Assessment. The children worked hard and we will use data from the assessment to drive our instruction in writing.
Reading-In reading this week, we finished our literacy circle books and have been working hard on our Book Talk Presentations. Some are making Power Points, some are creating posters, and some are acting out a scene from the book then talking about the entire book. A few children are almost done and we will begin our presentations on Wednesday. They are working well in groups and doing very well. I can’t wait to see the finished products. We will then work on reading more nonfiction using books about Antarctica.
Writing-We will continue to discuss the characteristics of Personal Narratives and Expository Writing. We are gathering a few more entries and ideas for our expository pieces. Writing a central idea and then explaining it using reasons and examples with a strong conclusion, is our focus. We will also continue to work on revising and editing using mentor sentences.
Social Studies-Texas Revolution is our topic and we will read about it this week.
Dates to Remember:
Monday, February 16-No school for students
Tuesday, February 17-Reading Logs due, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Wednesday, February 18-No Summary and Response due-Reading Homework packet due on Friday
Thursday, February 19-Writing Club from 2:45-3:45
Friday, February 20-Spelling Test, Vocabulary test, Reading Homework packet due
Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy this beautiful weather!
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your children with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
Happy Valentine’s Day! We had a great party yesterday! The chocolate fountain and pink cupcakes were definitely a hit! The kids also loved the valentine boxes and the scratch off cards. Passing out valentines cards and treats was also super fun and exciting. Thank you to all the families who donated supplies. Thank you to our homeroom moms, Colleen Komatz and Darcy Hollingsworth, for organizing and running our party. It was wonderful!
Friday evening, my mom, Ms. Fry, and I took dinner (lasagna, salad, bread, as well as cookie cake and cupcakes for dessert) to the STARRY Emergency Shelter. We also gave them bags filled with valentines made by our FCE students and candy. We even had some handmade bracelets and gift cards from Cinemark, Outback, Target, and Walgreens. The house parents were very appreciative and overwhelmed with the generosity of our FCE community! Thank you so much to the Service Club, to classrooms who made cards, and to our staff and families for the donations. It was wonderful to help the children to have a Happy Valentine’s Day.
FYI-Progress Reports were in last week’s Thursday folders.
On Tuesday, we had a great visit with our pen pals from The Court Retirement Facility. We interviewed them about their favorite people, places, and things to help us get some ideas for our expository writing. We shared our personal narratives and made words using the letters VALENTINE. We gave them decorated foam hearts with our photos on them and played some games together. It was a fun visit!
On Wednesday, we took a Writing Curriculum Based Assessment. The children worked hard and we will use data from the assessment to drive our instruction in writing.
Reading-In reading this week, we finished our literacy circle books and have been working hard on our Book Talk Presentations. Some are making Power Points, some are creating posters, and some are acting out a scene from the book then talking about the entire book. A few children are almost done and we will begin our presentations on Wednesday. They are working well in groups and doing very well. I can’t wait to see the finished products. We will then work on reading more nonfiction using books about Antarctica.
Writing-We will continue to discuss the characteristics of Personal Narratives and Expository Writing. We are gathering a few more entries and ideas for our expository pieces. Writing a central idea and then explaining it using reasons and examples with a strong conclusion, is our focus. We will also continue to work on revising and editing using mentor sentences.
Social Studies-Texas Revolution is our topic and we will read about it this week.
Dates to Remember:
Monday, February 16-No school for students
Tuesday, February 17-Reading Logs due, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Wednesday, February 18-No Summary and Response due-Reading Homework packet due on Friday
Thursday, February 19-Writing Club from 2:45-3:45
Friday, February 20-Spelling Test, Vocabulary test, Reading Homework packet due
Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy this beautiful weather!
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for sharing your children with me.
Sincerely,
Pam
Sunday, February 8, 2015
Newsletter
Hi, February 8, 2015
Happy Valentine’s Day! We have a busy week ahead. It is going to be great!
Tuesday-Our pen pals are coming to visit! We will be decorating foam hearts for them with our photos on them and writing cards for them. We will interview them about their favorite people, places, and things with reasons to help us get more ideas for expository writing. We will also play games and make so crafts with hearts together. We love when our pen pals come. You are welcome to join us from about 9:30-10:30 in our classroom.
Group and Spring Individual Photos will be taken on Tuesday.
Wednesday-CBA for writing-We will have a Curriculum Based Assessment for writing. It will include some passages with multiple-choice questions about revisions and editing. Then the students will plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish a composition in response to a prompt. The children will be working on this assessment for most of the day on Wednesday. The data from this test will guide our instruction. It will let us know what the students have mastered and what they still need to work on in fourth grade writing. Thank you for encouraging your child to try his/her best and work hard, but not be overly stressed out by this day.
Thursday-Service Club Meeting-We will make Valentines for the children at the STARRY Emergency Shelter in Round Rock. We will organize the valentines made by the classes into bags for the children and make little gifts for them. I will drop off dinner and the bags for the children at the shelter on Friday afternoon. If you would like to donate something for them, go to this link. Thank you so much! http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0a4ba8ad292-valentine
Friday-We will have a Valentine’s Day party at 1:30. Here is a list of the names of the children in our class. If you bring valentines, please bring one for every child in class. We want everyone to be included in the fun. Ms. Komatz and Ms. Hollingsworth are very excited about the party. Here is the link to sign up to donate supplies for our party.
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0A4BA8AD292-valentines
Here are the names of the children in our class. Thank you for including everyone.
Rachel
Lilly B.
Erin
Madi
Kayla
Jacob
Alli
Isabelle
Luke
Joey
Celine
Jace
Hana
Lily P.
Sebastien
Parker
Graeme
Joshua
Jordan
Jayden
RRISD Strategic Planning
After our four community forums and our 14 focus groups, Round Rock ISD is now asking EVERY member of the community – all students, parents, community members, and partners – to complete our Strategic Planning Survey. The data collected from the survey, focus groups, and forums will be presented to our Design Team at the end of February. That group of 40 students, staff, parents and community members will be tasked with designing action plans to map out five-to-ten years of innovation and growth for Round Rock ISD. That plan will be presented to our Board of Trustees in spring 2015 for adoption, rejection or modification.
Upcoming PTA Meeting - February 10
The next PTA meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 10 beginning at 6:00pm. After the general meeting, we will hear a presentation titled "Don't Stand By, Stand Up." This anti-bullying presentation shares valuable information and will begin at 7:00pm.
Read about our week:
Reading-We will be finishing up our book club or literature circle books. YEAH! This week we will work on projects to share our books with others. The kids are very excited about being creative and choosing a project for their book. They will present their book talk/project on Thursday and Friday in class. Presentations will be about 3-5 minutes each. The projects need to include the title of the book, the author, a brief summary of the book (without giving away the ending!), and the theme of the book and why. They will also tell a description of one of the character and how the character changed in the book, using text evidence. Next week we will work with reading and responding to non-fiction text.
Writing-We finished writing personal narratives and shared them last week. We will gather entries for expository writing this week. We will also continue to work with mentor sentences to teach us about grammar, capitalization, and punctuation.
Social Studies-We learned more about empresarios last week and will begin learning about the Texas Revolution this week.
Dates to Remember:
Monday, February 9-Reading Logs due, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, February 10-Group and Individual Photos will be taken, Pen Pal Visit from 9:30-10:30, Tutorials from 2:45-3:45, PTA meeting at 6:00, Bullying presentation at 7:00pm
Wednesday, February 11-CBA Writing- No Summary and Responses due this week
Thursday, February 12-FCE Service Club-2:45-3:45
Friday, February 13-Spelling test, Vocabulary test, No summary and response due this week, Valentine’s Day Party 1:30-2:30
Monday, February 16-No school for students
Tuesday, February 17-Reading log due
Have a wonderful rest of your weekend and a great week!
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Pam
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Newsletter
Hi, January 25, 2015
We had a busy, but great week! Kate Klise, author, came and led writing workshops with all the fourth graders. She writes books and her sister does the illustrations. She taught us about the clock graphic organizer that she uses to plan her fiction or narrative writing. She also worked for People Magazine and taught us about her template for writing expository. We were able to practice some writing with her and share our writing. It was a wonderful visit and we learned a lot.
Thursday was our FCE Talent Show! We have many talented students at Forest Creek! Congratulations especially to Madi, Isabelle, Sophia, Kyla, and April!
In Reading, we began reading literacy circle books and discussing them in groups. Each group has a calendar with their readings for each day. We are reading award winning books-The Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson, Ghetto Cowboy, The Watsons Go to Birmingham, Bud, Not Buddy, Elijah of Buxton, and Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World. Talk to your child about his/her book. What is the setting of the book? What is the problem? How would they describe the characters and the setting? How are the characters changing in the book? What are his/her predictions? What do they think about the book so far and why? Feel free to read along and engage in your own discussions at home.
In Writing, we are working on personal narratives and reading mentor texts to get ideas for our own writing. We also use sentences from books to practice grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Vocabulary words this week include words with therm(hot or warm) and aud (to hear) and in spelling, we are learning prefixes dis and pre.
In Social Studies, we are learning about the American and Mexican Revolutions and how they affected Texas. We also learned about the Austin family and how Stephan F. Austin became the Father of Texas and brought the Old Three Hundred or the first 300 families to his colony in Mexican Texas. We will talk more about empressarios and early settlements this week.
Dates to remember:
Monday, January 26-reading logs due, tutorials after school from 2:45-3:45
Tuesday, January 27-tutorials after school from 2:45-3:45
Wednesday, January 28-summary and response due (only if not caught up with lit. circle writing and reading)
Thursday, January 29-Service Club after school from 2:45-3:45, Math and Science Night at 5:00 and Science Fair
Friday, January 30-spelling and vocabulary tests, summary and response due (only if not caught up with lit. circle writing and reading), Marathon Kids Logs due to Coaches
Wednesday, February 4-Early Release at 12:45, Kona Ice will be here
Have an amazing weekend and let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Pam
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