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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)