4th Grade News

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October 3, 2014
Issue #7
Character Word: Self Control
What a fantastic week of learning this was!

We are continuing to deepen our knowledge of fractions. This week we fo-
cused on adding fractions and simplifying them, improper fractions, and
mixed numbers. I was very impressed how quickly the students picked up sim-
plifying fractions, ask them to show you at home! We have learned a couple
different ways. While you will see these added to our Morning Math, please
know that we do not assess it while we are teaching it. It will be considered a
new skill for a while before we transfer it to something we assess for mas-
tery. However, we do like to see where they start and how they progress so
you might see scores on their papers.
In reading this week we worked more in non-fiction texts. We read lots of
books about rocks, minerals and the process of weathering. Students asked
higher level questions about what we are reading and discussed facts and
opinions about the text. I love their conversations and ideas!
Science ROCKED this week! We explored types of rocks and their character-
istics. Students learned about the rock cycle. We also created fossils this
week. Every fossil has a story and we sure had some creative fossil stories!
Big Event Next Friday, October 10, is our first Big Event. I am sending home
an electronic information page along with this newsletter. If you are new to
Mathews, the Big Event is a BIG deal! It celebrates students who are consis-
tently demonstrat-ing our school-wide expectations.
We have added several new assignments to the portfolio section of the
SOAR bind-er. Please look through these with your child, but leave the as-
signments in the portfolio section. We will be adding to our portfolios
and bringing home graded assignments each Friday. We have discovered
some days we run out of time dur-ing the week and have now set aside
specific time on Friday to pass back papers and add to their portfolios.
Please make sure you sign up for a Parent/Teacher conference using this
link:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c4faead29a0fc1-miss/




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10/10Big Event 1/2 Day
Week of 10/13
Parent/Teacher Conferences
10/17No School
10/22 Picture Retakes
10/28 SOARing Assembly
10/31 Fall Parties Wizard of
Oz theme

4th Grade News
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October 3, 2014
Issue #7
Character Word: Responsibility
Weekly Reading Minutes

August 3020 minutes UpChuck and the Rotten Willy
September 120 minutes UpChuck and the Rotten Willy
September 215 minutes UpChuck and the Rotten Willy
September 320 minutes UpChuck and the Rotten Willy
September 425 minutes New Book: Super Fudge

_____________________________ 100 minutes
Parent Signature

Student Response:
This week I found out that my prediction is coming true because Rotten Willy
and UpChuck are becoming friends. I can tell they are building a relationship
because UpChuck is asking Willy all kinds of questions about college, and Willy
is taking the time to share with him. I think this friendship will continue to
grow. I am also wondering if something is going to happen to Tom. The book
makes me wonder this because it keeps referring to the fact that Tom and
UpChuck will be friends FOREVER I am really enjoying this book. It is funny
and the author does a good job of helping me see the story in my head. I cant
wait to find out what happens next!