Newsletter Jan. 26

4th Grade All-Stars
Monday, January 26, 2009
(Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Vargo)
Week At A Glance:

Math: How do various fractions compare in size (0, ½, and 1)? What are the numerator and denominator? How do we find fractional parts of sets?

Science: What are essential for the flow of electricity? What are the two types of circuits and how do they differ?

Language Arts: We will begin to focus on trait writing, an instructional model that teaches students the seven main components of good writing. This week we will focus on interesting ideas: the meaning and development of the message. As we work on these traits, I’d like to request your help. Periodically, your child will come home with Student-to-Parent letters that contain questions about your child’s writing. Your child will ask you to listen as he or she reads a piece aloud and then to answer and discuss the questions in the letter. It’s that simple! By providing a good listening ear and constructive feedback, you can play a crucial role in your child’s success.

Social Studies: We will begin Chapter 8: The Road to War. We will discuss the Stamp Act, Townsend Act and the Boston Massacre.

Special Announcements:
· FYI…Our field trip to Stone Mountain has been moved to Thursday, April 30th, 2009. We will not be staying for the laser show but it will still be an ALL day field trip. More information to come later.
· The Westminster Elementary Junior Beta Club is sponsoring a coat drive. We will collect coats for boys, girls, men and women of all sizes. Please make sure the coats are cleaned before sending them to school. The collection of coats will begin on January 12 and end on January 29. The coats will be distributed to families within our school first and then to other organization in Oconee County. If you know of a group or family in need of coats, please let Mrs. Cater or Mrs. Williams know.

Special Dates:
· January 12 – 29 Westminster Elementary Junior Beta Club Coat Drive
· January 26 – 4th grade Field Trip to Peace Center (9:30 am-2:30 pm)
· February 9 – Math & Science Night/Open House/Family Book Fair Night 5:00-7:00 pm
· February 13 – Student Holiday
· February 16 – Holiday or Inclement Weather Make Up Day
· February 18 – Progress Reports go home
· February 23 – SDOC Long Range Building Plans Informational Meeting 7:00 pm West-Oak Auditorium
· February 26 – SDOC Long Range Building Plans Informational Meeting 7:00 pm Tamassee-Salem Auditorium
· February 27 – Family Movie Night (more information to follow)
· March 2 – SDOC Long Range Building Plans Informational Meeting 7:00 pm Seneca High Auditorium
· March 2-6 - Kindergarten Registration for 2009-2010 School Year (be sure to bring birth certificate, social security card, immunization record and proof of address)
· March 3 - SDOC Long Range Building Plans Informational Meeting 7:00 pm Walhalla High Auditorium
· March 3 – Pre-K Registration for 2009-2010 School Year (be sure to bring birth certificate, social security card, immunization record and proof of address)

All-Stars of the Week
Jennifer
Mrs. Smith’s HR
Taysha
Mrs. Vargo’s