January 16, 2011

Our Christmas collection for the almoner fund was $55.70. Thank you for your generosity in helping those less fortunate.

We just finished reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in class, and we have started watching the movie. I assumed that everyone would have seen it by now, but have since learned that some have not. While the book is excellent, there are a few parts in the movie that are a little scarier than the book, either because the director chose to show more of the fighting or because some things are a little more frightening when they are seen as opposed to being read about. The movie is rated PG, and my opinion is that in general it is well done. But if your child is more sensitive and comes home upset about something s/he saw, please let me know. Thank you.

Finally, Mrs. Hackmann has reminded the class about the importance of knowing math facts, specifically multiplication. They are being reviewed in class, and there are many activities around the room which the students can use in their free time to help review them. But the most important thing that needs to be done is review and practice at home. Beginning this Friday, those students who do not know their multiplication facts well enough to pass the timed tests will be losing some of their recess time to go to Mrs. Lippert's room to practice. If I were a fourth grader, I would much rather spend a few minutes each day practicing at home, or in the car, than to have to give up some recess. The choice is yours. And the blog word this week, which I will look for on Friday, is "multiplication facts."

Janary 10, 2011

Today we begin the first full week of school in 2011. That means there will be spelling words coming home today and a test on Thursday.

The kids seem to have adjusted to the minor schedule change caused by the switch between Mr. Albrecht and me. Therefore the blog word this week is switch and I will be looking for it in your assignment notebook on Friday during lunch. It has been awhile since we have had a blog word, so you might have to help me remember to check.

Forms for family trees were handed out in October. These need to be filled out and handed in on or before Friday, January 28. If you are unable to locate your form, please ask for a new one.

Second quarter ends next week Friday, January 21. We need to be sure that all make up work is done by then. Also, this is the time of year when school supplies begin to run out. Some stores are even having sales again, so check with your child to see if s/he still has enough. Most common items to run out of are looseleaf paper, pencils, and erasers. We've also noticed that some folders are falling apart as well, and there are a few book covers missing.

Check this week's Tuesday folder for information about the St. Jacobi Health and Wellness Fair and the Six Flags reading program. Also, the Book It requirement for this month is to read a mystery. Everyone in the class will be required to read a mystery and fill out a form that I will give them as part of their reading assignment. They are to choose one of the easy ones I have in the room, which only take about an hour to finish. If they want to use it for Book It, they need to choose a more challenging book and get my approval ahead of time.

January 2, 2011

After putting about 2500 miles on the car, my husband and I are now safely back from Texas. It was quick, but God kept us safe all the while. It will now take some time for me to get caught up on correcting, so please be patient.

Remember that family trees are due soon. I neglected to remind you about that over break, so I am giving you until the end of January to finish them.

Finally, a change is coming. Starting this week, Mr. Albrecht and I will be making a trade. He will be teaching fourth grade science, and I will be teaching his reading class. The students will probably notice a change in how things are done, but I am sure they will adapt quickly. If you have any questions, you can talk to me or Mr. Albrecht.

Wishing you all God's blessings in the new year. Mrs. Hackmann and I thank you for the lovely Christmas gifts, and for the gift of Scrip.

December 19, 2010

This may be the last blog for 2010, but you never know.

There will probably NOT be a Tuesday folder this week because of the chaos of the Christmas party. Students may start bringing gifts tomorrow already. This includes their $1 gift for their classmate as well as the suggested $4 offering for those less fortunate.

In case y'all haven't heard, I will be spending a good deal of my Christmas break on the way to and from Friendswood Texas, which is where my daughter Elizabeth will be teaching grades 2-4 beginning January 3. That is not much time to get her moved and settled, so your prayers are much appreciated.

December 15, 2010

Spelling this week is days of the week and months. The test will be on Friday instead of Thursday because the kids just got the list yesterday. Each child also has to learn the Spanish word for his/her birth month. This word is not capitalized. Other than the Spanish word, everyone is taking the same test.

There will be a science test tomorrow, but it will not be necessary to study for it. The kids will be able to use their binders during the test. We went through the binders today to be sure they had all the papers they need. This is a difficult unit, which is why we are doing it this way.

Book-it reports for this month need to be handed in by Tuesday, December 21. Some students have already handed them in, but I have not gotten their coupons to them yet. I will get these out next week.

I have just a few reminders about the Christmas party, which is December 21 in the afternoon.
We could use a few more treats and a beverage. So far we have puppy chow, fruit salad, and veggies and dip. Plates are also taken care of. Don't forget to have your child buy a gift for $1.00 and to bring $4.00 or so as a gift for almoner fund. If you want more details, check back to the November 23 blog.

December 9

Here is the information you need for Monday. We are going to see "A Christmas Carol" at WLC. The play begins at 12 noon, and the bus leaves at 11:20 am. We will be eating a very early lunch before we leave. These are the parents who signed up to go. If you wish to drive yourself and meet us there, instead of taking the bus, you may do so. Just let me know so we aren't waiting for you.

Grube
Daniels
Harder
Kosloske
Kane
Conte
Moriarty
Boreson
Goba
Bigalka
Rivera
Smrz
Burke

The play lasts about an hour.

Next week the fourth graders will be having something they rarely ever get--a substitute. Mrs. Spaude will be teaching Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday and Friday. That is because Mrs. Johnson is going to New Ulm, Minnesota for her daughter's graduation. Mrs. Hackmann is going to Washington DC with Mr. Hackmann in connection with the PEP Grant. Mrs. Johnson will be teaching her classes on Wednesday morning, and Mrs. Spaude will be teaching the morning classes in the afternoon, except for phy ed, which will stay as is.

December 7, 2010

Permission slips came home today regarding the pep grant. Please sign and return ASAP. Your child signed one in school today also. Those that came home are one/family.

Spelling this week is different. We are doing homonyms. Your child did not get an individual list this time. We are all practicing the same words, and there will be a sentence test on Thursday, with all students taking the same test.

Book orders are due Tuesday at 3:15.

This week's blog word is "elbow bump", which is what we are doing now at the end of the day instead of high five. It's an effort to keep from spreading germs.

Check back to previous blogs for information on the Christmas party.