September 29 Newsletter

4th Grade All-Stars
Monday, September 29, 2008
(Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Vargo)
Week At A Glance:

Math: What are transformations? What are the various 3-D shapes and their properties? What are coordinate planes? How can we use transformations to prove congruency?

Science: What is the water cycle? What are the three types of clouds? What is a good question for science fair? In science this week we will be recording weather data. Use my blog to help find links to help complete weather data chart or watch the weather report on the evening news. www.scienceandmathwithmrssmith.blogspot.com

Language Arts: We will begin to discuss prefixes, suffixes and root words. How we can use these to help us determine meanings of words. We will also learn the difference between predicates and subjects in sentences. We will discuss that expressive writing creates a personal voice for the main character by showing what they are thinking. Students will have an opportunity to write an expressive writing. We will read the story Lou Gehrig:The Luckiest Man. Spelling test and story comprehension test on Friday.

Social Studies: We will learn about the Native Americans of the Southwest Desert. We will also begin reviewing previous Native Americans studied and take notes on these various people.

Special Announcements:
See the enclosed website for information about WES’s Book Fair beginning October 13. http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bookfairs/cptoolkit/publish/westminsterelementaryschool
If you have a child in grades 3-5 you may refer them for Screening for the Gifted and Talented program (GATE). All students in grade 2 will be tested. You may stop by the main office to pick up a referral form or you may request one be sent home by your child’s homeroom teacher. All referrals need to be completed by October 15, 2008. If you have any questions contact Donna Baumgarner at 886-4520 or donnab@oconee.k12.sc.us .
The next date for embroidery will be October 1. The cost is $8.00 and the school will get $2.00 for each bag that is embroidered. Make sure the money is in the book bag of the student on October 1.

Special Dates:
October 14 – Book Fair 4:30-6:30 p.m. / Family Literacy Night/ Open House 5-7 p.m.
October 13-17 - Fall Book Fair
October 27-28 – Student Holidays
October 29 – Report Cards Go Home
October 30 – Make Up Pictures

All-Stars of the Week
Lauren
Mrs. Smith’s HR
Haley
Mrs. Vargo’s HR