The James Journal

Welcome Back!

Dear Parent(s),                                                    January 5, 2009

Happy New Year! I hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing Winter Break. As we prepare for the next 5 months of your child's 4th grade year at GM, I wanted to give you a head's up concerning our first week back!

But first, I must say a big "Thank You" to everyone for making our Holiday Breakfast such a success. It was great to see so many parents celebrating the last day of school in 2008 with their students. I cannot tell you how much your kind words and thoughtful gifts meant to me. You are a wonderful group of families to work for and with this year.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 6th:

In Grammar, we will review and continue to learn more about adverbs and their use in our writing. A quiz will be given on Thursday 01/08.

In Spelling, we will continue in Sitton Spelling with Unit 18 words. Our challenge words will come from our Math chapter on solid figures in geometry.

In Reading, we will start a new Reading Record. Just a reminder that our 9-week goal is 400 pages. January's Independent Reading Project assignment will come home today. In class, we will begin reading books about colonial life in America to tie in with our new Social Studies Unit. Students will be in groups investigating new skills to help them gather important facts from their reading.

In Writing, we will be participating in the PTSA sponsored writing event. The topic is "Heroes." More information will come home on Thursday. I look forward to continued progress in the student's writing as they learn more about the process of editing and final presentation.

In Math, we will continue our study of Geometry in Chapter 13 with solid figures. A quiz will be given this Friday, 1/9. On Monday, 1/12, we will begin our study of Fractions in Chapter 14 and 15. 

In Social Studies, we will begin a new unit on Colonization in America. We will utilize the USA Weekly Reader newspaper and Chapters 4 and 5 in our textbook.

FYI: Conference Week is January 26-30. Scheduling information will be coming home this Thursday. If your child has a sibling at GM, I will be coordinating times with the other teachers Tuesday at our faculty meeting after school. Please let me know if you have a particular need as far as a day or time for your conference. I look forward to speaking to each of you about your child's performance during the last 9 weeks (grading period ending 12/19/08).

Holiday Happenings with A Dash of Academics

Dear Parent(s):                                         December 10, 2008

I hope everyone was thankful over Thanksgiving. I know I was truly thankful for the full week of vacation!

December is flying by with only 7 days of school until Winter Break.

An Overview of Academics:

Language Arts: We are studying prefixes, types of sentences, adverbs, and as always capitalization, end marks.

Reading: Wishes, Kisses and Pigs by Betsy Hearne is an adorable novel we are enjoying in class. We plan to finish and test on it before the Break.

Independent Reading Projects are due Wed. 12/17.

Reading Records are due Thursday 12/18.

Spelling:We are testing this Friday on Unit 16 words and Unit 17 next Friday. The challenge words come from Chapter 12 in Math. Students should have them listed in the Notes section of their agendas. We have been focusing on long vowel sounds and homophones.

Writing: Your students have completed their Explorer Research papers and they are looking great! They recently wrote a personal narrative titled: "A Special Memory with a Special Person." The grades will be communicated before the Break. Please continue to encourage your students in their cursive writing and thank you for the wonderful participation in Letter Home Journals. I learn so much about my students each week!

Math: Scores on the Long Division Test will come home in Thursday folders tomorrow.  Thank you for the extra time spent at home helping with division homework. We will revisit this skill throughout the year.

We have finally moved on to a new topic: Geometry. It is fun and challenging for the students. We will test over Chapter 12 Wed. 12/17.

Congratulations to our 10 Multiplication Masters (students scoring 90% or above on timed tests)! Ask your students about the new ice cream scoop challenge we are starting to get everyone on track with their multiplication facts. Mrs. James and Mrs. Robertson will give an ice cream party when everyone is a "master." This will hopefully result in more students improving their timed tests scores.

Science: Simple Machines was a topic the students were enthusiastic about and it showed in their test scores and group projects. Thanks for your help in the photograph assignment.

Sound and Light are being investigated in our class, and your student should begin preparing for next Thursday's test. 12/18. A study guide will come home Friday.

Please encourage your students to study at home especially on those days with less homework.

Social Studies: We will begin a study of Colonization in America after the Break.

An Overview of the Fun:

Book Buddies Polar ExpressParty is Friday 12/12. Your students can wear pjs and slippers as we enjoy hot chocolate and a treat while we watch parts of the movie with Mrs. Clark's 1st graders. Remember to bring tennis shoes for PE and recess.

9 week Behavior Reward Party is Friday 12/19. Donations of full-size candy bars, popped bags of popcorn, and cans of soda would be greatly appreciated.

Treasure Chest purchases can be made starting next Wednesday 12/17 for those students having the greatest Checkbook balances to the least. Donations of any kind would be appreciated.

You are invited to come and share with the class any special traditions of your faith this holiday season! Mrs. Versoza has offered to talk about Jewish customs/traditions at 9:30am on Tues. 12/16. All are welcome to participate! Please contact me to schedule time.

Class Holiday Party Friday 12/19 8:00-9:00 am. All parents are invited to join us for breakfast and holiday fun in the classroom. Please contact Jane Evans if you would like to volunteer food, etc.: jlevans @jokerman.org or 770-649-7274.

Last but not least! Whooping cough! As you have been made aware we have two cases in our class.The students are on antibiotics and your child should be protected if they have up to date immunizations. Please check with your pediatrician if you have any questions. Know that we are lysoling

Happy Thanksgiving!

The James Journal

November 15, 2008

Dear Parent(s):

You are all cordially invited to join our class Thanksgiving celebration this coming Thursday, Nov. 20th. Please plan to meet us in the classroom at 12:25 pm . Our luncheon in the GM Cafe is scheduled from 12:45 - 1:15 pm. Your students have been planning a little something special for you!

Progress reports will come home this week in Thursday folders only for those students with averages of C and below in any subject.

Science Test scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18th. Information to help your student prepare for the test over Force and Motion came home this past Friday.

Our next unit will cover Simple Machines! I am assigning a simple machines activity for completion over the Thanksgiving Holiday. Please help your student find and take a photo of him/her with a simple machine. Look for written instructions this week.

Study Skills assistance available during Walk-Fit, MWF 7:25-7:45am. Encourage your students to join me to learn study skills which can help them be more successful in test taking.

The Independent Reading Projects were outstanding this month! The next round of projects will be due the Wednesday before Winter Break. Look for written instructions this week.

BOOK FAIR COMING UP THIS WEEK! NOVEMBER 17-21!

Thank you to Jane Evans for our Halloween Centers! Thank you to the Harkins family and the Benjamin family for the special treats! Thank you to Melinda Donalson for shooting, printing and displaying some wonderful photos of our class! The students continue to enjoy our "Mystery Readers." Thank you for your time!

Have a wonderful holiday time with family,

Mrs. Audra James

Test

Feedburner Test by Schulman

Pancake Breakfast

Pancake Breakfast
and Raffle
Saturday, October 25th
7-11 AM
$5.00 Pre-Sale Tickets
$5.50 at the door

New Beginnings!

James' Journal

October 16, 2008

Dear Parent(s):

Time flies! Your children came home today with their report cards for the first nine week grading period of 4th grade. Please sign the enclosed card and return it in the brown envelope. I am satisfied with the effort and quality work I have seen so far. Now that we are in the "groove", though, the pace will increase along with expectations for academic performance and behavior. Thank you for your continued support from home!

Yesterday, the children celebrated with a party! They voted to watch the movie, "Swiss Family Robinson" with Mrs. Hohn's students. They enjoyed sodas, popcorn, candy and homework passes that were awarded based on our behavior sheet markout system. Thank you to all the parents who contributed to make our party a success! The slate has been wiped clean this week and everyone is starting with 0 markouts. Please continue to help your students remember to complete and turn in their homework daily according to our "system" to avoid mark-outs and study hall.

Tomorrow is treasure chest day! The students will be able to purchase prizes with money they have earned in their classroom checkbooks. Any donations would be appreciated to prepare for our next treasure chest day after the 2nd nine week period.

In Social Studies, we have spent 3 days in the media center researching European Explorers. The students are learning how to use a variety of reference materials including the internet to obtain information about their particular explorer. They are learning notetaking skills. Our end goal is for your child to write their first research paper ( a 4th grade standard). It is exciting to watch them journey through this process.

In Math, we are exploring multi-digit multiplication and will move into long division. Many students still need work on their basic multiplication facts to keep up with the pace of this curriculum.

Please email me with any questions or concerns you may have at this point in the year. I am truly enjoying having each of your children in my class.

Have a wonderful Fall weekend!

Mrs. James

YEARBOOK

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL $22*
Nov. 1st price increast to $25*

On-line ordering available at:  http://www.myyear.com
*Note:  cost includes taxes.  Does not include 1x $1.75 processing fee per transaction, multiple items per order allowed.  Be sure to print & keep your confirmation for proof of payment.

ORDER FORMS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON THE CREDENZA OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE.

9 Week Grading Period Coming to an End

James' Journal

Oct. 5, 2008

The first nine week grading period comes to an end this Friday the 10th. Report Cards will come home Thursday the 16th.

Math- We finished our Unit on graphing last Thursday with a test. My class also learned to use the software program, Excel, to create their own graphs. We utilized laptops in the classroom as well as the computer lab. We took more timed tests to compare our progress since the first week of school. Monday, we begin a new Multiplication/Division Unit.

Grammar- We have been learning all about adjectives and writing "juicier" sentences using more adjectives. We will take a quiz Thursday or Friday of this week.

Reading- We began our 3rd novel study, Holes. The students are keeping a Reading Journal to record their responses to what we are reading as well as listing new vocabulary. The students turned in their 1st Independent Reading Projects. There were lots of "yummy" dishes that related to their book choices. Thanks to all the parents who helped out last weekend in the kitchen. There were some intricate and detailed relief maps created. A graded rubric will come home this Thursday. A new project information sheet will also be sent home with choices for our next reading project.

Social Studies- The students have been working in cooperative groups learning about a specific Native American tribe. They used newspapers to obtain information, created a poster, and presented their tribe to the class. Last Wednesday a study guide came home and Friday they created a summary chart by pulling information from the group posters and textbook. Our Chapter 2 Test will be this Tuesday. We will then begin a new unit on Early Explorers.

Science- We will begin a unit on Forces of Motion and Simple Machines in the next 9 week period.

Spelling- We continue to see success in our Sitton Spelling program. I have added Social Studies words to the mix for the last two weeks, and the students are meeting the challenge.

Writing- The students have completed 3 Narrative writing samples this grading period. The first was graded on conventions as a baseline. The second was graded on voice. All students received an A. The third is being graded on conventions. (ie spelling, capitalization, use of commas, and punctuation). A graded rubric will be coming home this week.

Upcoming Events:

Oct. 7th,9th,14th,16th,21st and 23rd- Fire Safety Program. Area firefighters will be teaching this exciting and informative unit to your students.

Oct. 10th- End of 1st 9 week Grading Period

Oct. 14th- Picture Day!

Oct. 15th- 9 Week Party! Donations of cans of soda, full-sized candy bars      and microwavable popcorn would be greatly appreciated.

Oct. 16th- Report Cards come Home!

Oct. 22nd- High Touch, High Tech: Simple Machines

Oct. 27th- Reading Night 6-8 pm/ Square One Art

Oct 27-31- Red Ribbon Week

I must thank all of you supportive parents for making education a priority in your homes. Student success is a partnership between you and I as we work alongside them.

Also, a big thanks to all our parent volunteers, and a special thanks to Melinda Donalson for stepping up to be our class photographer!

Congratulations to our Fun Run participants: Reid Harkins, Evan Hill, and Will Wiggins (1st Place !) We appreciate the behind the scenes work of Robyn Benjamin in organizing this fun event! Last but not least, thanks to all my students who came out to "support" Mrs. James in the Dunk Tank at the Fall Festival!

Progress Reports Go Home!

James' Journal

September 19, 2008

Dear Parent(s),

We had another great week of learning!

Math: My class finished Chapter 3 and began Chapter 4 on graphing. There will be a combined test next Friday over both chapters. The students are taking a survey of 4th graders (40 minimum) and creating a tally table and frequency chart to bring to class on Monday. We will be learning how to create graphs in Excel next week. Students will make their own graphs using the software in class on the laptops. Mrs. Alvarado's class took the Chapter 3 Test today and will begin Chapter 4 on Monday.

Our Social Studies Unit is underway! We are learning about how the first Americans (the Paleo-Indians) arrived in North America, and we will continue discussing the Native American tribes that followed. Look for a test over this material the week of the 29th.

Reminder: Independent Reading Project due Monday, Sept. 29th.

Have a super weekend!

Mrs. James

What's Up with the Weather?

The James Journal                                               Friday, Sept. 12th

Dear Parent(s),

As the fifth week of school comes to an end I am surprised at all we have done as a class and amazed at all the things that lie ahead.

Dates to remember:

Saturday is GM Habitat Day; Tuesday is Early Release Day.(dismissal at 12:20)

Science time is continuing to focus on weather. Your students have been given an assignment to be a weather reporter one day in class next week. A Weather Reporter Handout came home in the Thursday folder. You may want to remind them to fill the data in for the assigned date. For example, if your child was assigned Saturday, they are to write down the forecast for Sunday.

The Chapter 3 Weather Test will be Wednesday. A Study Guide came home in the Thursday folder and is due Wednesday. We need to teach them how to study in advance to move information from short to long-term memory. This will be especially important throughout the year in Science and Social Studies. We will begin a Social Studies Unit on Native Americans towards the end of next week.

The students took a Chapter 2 Math Test this week. These will be graded and sent home Monday. We pre-tested for the next Unit and will begin new math classes on Monday. Thank you for continuing to work with your child on the basic math facts to increase their speed. We will take a 2nd round of timed tests next week to see where we stand.

In grammar we are learning more conventions to make our writing better. We will continue studying capitalization and move to the proper uses of commas.

Spelling words will be given on Monday and tested on Friday.

We are continuing to read The Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. We read weather related stories to our book buddies in 1st and 2nd grade.

Our guidance counselor, Mrs. Miller, did a wonderful listening activity with the class; it was a load of fun. It also proved to be very telling. We need to work on listening better and talking less. As a result, you may see more frequent mark outs and study halls assigned as we strive to curb this disruptive behavior. On a positive note, each child received a check register with a $20 balance. They can increase their personal account by demonstrating personal responsibility and good behavior. A treasure chest will provide a means for spending those hard earned dollars. Donations towards the class treasure chest are greatly appreciated.

Thank you to Mr. Castro, our mystery reader.

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Dinnan and Mrs. Evans, along with the entire class, who helped me celebrate my birthday last week. I appreciate the kind gift and card!

Have a wonderful weekend!