The James Journal

Test Feed by Schulman

Getting to Know You

Your 4th graders and I are enjoying getting to know each other. We are creating a wonderful community of learners. I know we are all strugging to get used to a new and rigorous routine, yet I am pleased with the efforts everyone is making to adjust and do their best.

I want to clue you in on the curriculum we are currently covering in our class. Math is all about place value and reviewing the basics with our addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts. You should have received a letter on Monday explaining how you can help your child practice these facts. Thank you in advance. Our Chapter 1 Math Test will be next Wed., 8/27.

We have our first Spelling Test this Fri., 8/22. The words are in your child's agenda. Long and short vowel sounds have been a focus.

The Secret Moose is a short novel we are reading together in class. We are working on comprehension and vocabulary. We took our baseline SRI test today in the Media Center and your child was able to begin checking out books. Please have them read daily. You will be getting more information next Friday about our independent reading projects.

In grammar we are studying nouns. In writing we are covering Voice as one of our 6 Traits of Writing. We will be in the Computer Lab on Friday morning working on our final copy of "The Day I Met..." so please ask your child about the story they will begin writing this Wednesday in class. We have been doing some pre-writing activities to get ready. By the way, I am asking your child to use cursive writing. It is a struggle for some right now but I told them to stick with it. Usually, in 4 weeks time they should feel more confident and be able to increase their speed.

The new Social Studies textbook should be in their backpack today 8/19. Unit 1 is called Our Land and First People. Becoming familiar with maps is our first order of business.

A special thank you to our parents who have contributed items to our classroom. They are appreciated. Jane Evans and Stephanie Dinnan will be our room parents this year, and they will let you know more about how you can be involved.

I look forward to sharing more with you at Open House. Please join us this Thurs. at 6:30 pm in the GM cafeteria.

Important Dates to Start the Year

Mark your calendars:

Friday, August 8th Sneak-a-Peek

• 8:30-9:00 am New GM Families
• 9:00-9:30 am Last Name A-K
• 9:30-10:00 am Last Name L-Z

Monday, August 11th 1st Day of School

• Students report between 7:20-7:55 am

Thursday, August 21st Open House

• 3rd-5th grades
• 6:30 pm in Cafeteria

About Your Teacher

Hello and welcome back to Garrison Mill for the 2008-2009 school year. I hope everyone enjoyed a fun and relaxing summer vacation.

A sixth 4th grade class was created at the end of last year to accomodate the numbers of students coming up from 3rd grade. My name is Audra James, and I am thrilled to be your teacher. I earned a B.S. in Middle Grades (4-8) Education from Kennesaw College. I have also recently added Special Education and Elementary Education to my teaching certificate. I am coming to GM with over 6 years of teaching experience in Cobb County. The majority of my career was as a middle school teacher in both 8th and 6th grade at Dodgen M.S. I look forward to experiencing a new grade level and exciting curriculum.

On a more personal note, I am a Wheeler High School graduate and long-time resident of Cobb County. My husband Tom and I recently celebrated 15 years of marriage, and we have two sons, Thomas and William, who will be attending GM in 5th and 1st grades. Our crazy yet lovable family pet is a one year old Jack Russell Terrier named Rocky.

GM is a special place with special people, and I look forward to getting to know each of you.