August 5, 2013 Hello Fourth Grade Friends, I hope you are enjoying your summer vacation so far.

I have been hiking, swimming, kayaking, reading and relaxing with my family. I look forward to hearing about your summer adventures when we return to school. Although summer is a time to relax from school routines, it is very important that you continue to read during the summer months. Reading is like training for a marathon. It requires daily practice. I am asking you to read every day. You may read independently or with an adult/sibling/friend. I have included a bookmark to help you keep your place in your favorite book. Additionally, I am including information on your summer reading books to help assist you. Choose one title from the required grade level list that most closely matches your independent reading Level as indicated on the June report card. Choose two additional titles from the leveled list that matches your independent reading level. Be sure to respond to each book using the Grades 3/4 Activity Form. Dont forget to have your parents complete the K-4 Sign-off Sheet. You can find the Summer Reading List and all necessary Activity Sheets at: http://schools.shrewsbury-ma.gov/egov/docs/1251926636456.htm All paperwork should come to school with you during the first week of school. You should be prepared to discuss your books and share your activity sheets with your classmates over the first couple weeks. One last request is that you send me at least one postcard from your travels this summer. I am planning several activities the first week of school where we will discuss and write about our summer adventures. You are also welcome to write a letter to me over the summer, as I would love to get to know you even better. Please send the postcards and letters to: Sandra Travers Spring Street School 123 Spring Street Shrewsbury, MA 01545 stravers@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us

Finally and most importantly, the 4th grade teachers will be hosting a Back-ToSchool Ice Cream Social at Spring Street School on Tuesday, August 20, 2013 from 6:00-7:00 pm. We are looking forward to seeing you and your families. Siblings are welcome. Please RSVP at stravers@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us by August 15, 2013. Have a wonderful summer and keep reading!! Warmly, Mrs. Travers