Greetings to all of our 4H families. We were so fortunate on Thursday afternoon - just in time for us, the drizzle ended, the clouds parted, and all 66 fourth graders from WM enjoyed a beautiful, mostly sunny fall afternoon trekking all across Pope Farm Park with gardeners, naturalists, and archaeologists. Our sessions focused on how the native people who lived right in this area 13,000 years ago were able to thrive and survive. Our kids were highly engaged in their simulated hunt for necessary supplies, tools, food, and shelter. It was a memorable afternoon! Thank you again for coming with us: Cindy M., Hana A., Betty S., Jamie F., Wendy A. - it was fun sharing this experience together.
Back in the classroom, we are wrapping up another writing project, focusing on strong beginnings and significant endings. In reading we have been delving into tips and strategies for knowing the characters in our books more deeply, and therefore, our understanding and our engagement in our reading also becomes deeper. Math class has all groups beginning Unit 3 this week. For the 4th grade students, the unit focuses on all aspects of multiplication - not only becoming more accurate with the facts, but also understanding factors, multiples, prime and composite numbers, division, and number sentences. Social studies continues to give us opportunities to become familiar with our state's rivers, lakes, boundaries, neighbors, major cities, and landmarks. We are leading up to a big study of the glacial age and how it has affected Wisconsin. Science with Mrs. Bertz has been full of experiments with rocks and minerals.
Right along with all of our studies comes the development of good work habits and the goal of increasing the ability of each of our students to become organized and meet deadlines for completed assignments. Some of our students are not taking advantage of good strategies for keeping track of papers and due dates, such as using their planner and keeping their Take Home Folder organized. I would like our 4th graders to be in charge of their folders, and their 'to do' lists in their planners, supported by you. Sitting together for 5 minutes each day/evening after school and allowing your child to take you through their papers (what needs to stay home, what needs your attention, what needs to remain in the folder, what needs to go back to school) is to be their responsibility - please allow them to be in charge. Let them tell you what is due and when, so that it remains their job, and not yours - thank you! :) It is the same with their reading log and their math books - you can support them best by asking them to show you what they are doing.
You have probably heard about the "Pride Paws" being handed out all through West Middleton. Students earn these slips of paper whenever a staff member observes them demonstrating safe, responsible, and respectful behavior anywhere in and around school. All classes are focusing on hallway performance now through November. Starting this week, Willy's Warehouse will be open for business! Pride Paws are saved and 'spent' every two weeks at our new school store - Willy's Warehouse! Orders will be submitted every other Friday, and within the next week, students will receive their purchased 'merchandise' which will usually go right into backpacks to be taken home. The kids are pretty excited about it.
I am just about ready to send home the entire list of our Parent/Student/Teacher Conference schedule for November 19th and 21st. This will confirm everyone's time, and if you encounter a problem with your time, you might be able to switch with another family if necessary. Do let me know if you have any changing circumstances or questions. Please remember that next week is a short week of school, with no classes on Thursday and Friday. In addition, I have been invited to be a member of a team from our school who will attend seminars on 5 different days throughout the school year on 'The Culturally Responsive Classroom' - and the first day will be Tuesday, October 22nd. Therefore, Mrs. Connie Johnston will be our guest teacher that day.
The following week - and the last week of the month already! - includes Halloween. I will be looking for any parents who might like to plan a little celebration for the last 40 minutes of the day on Thursday, October 31st - some goodies to eat, an activity like a craft or a game or two... whatever you might dream up! Keep it in mind, and if I hear from you, I will put you in touch with others who have responded, and you may plan away! Thank you, thank you!
Sincerely, Melanie Hannam
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