Mrs. Renaud's Room 4-14

Week of 5/14 – 5/18-12

Well, the big week is finally here!  We will officially begin our Greenfield Village preparation. There is a lot of information and activities to cover.  There will be a 3 page letter and permission slip coming home as well, that will explain in detail all about this wonderful trip and experience.

Reading:  We have completed our reader, and have taken the last vocabulary and comprehension test for that. The Unit test for this will be in the week of May 21, 2012.

  However….our story of the week will be “Perseverance”.  This story comes from “The McGuffy” readers, that were used back in the 1870′s.  The vocabulary will come from this story, and the comprehension test as well.

English:   We will  complete Unit 6 in our English books, on Adverbs and Prepositions.  The test for this will be Thursday, May 24, 2012.

                     We have begun the taking of notes (Room 14 only) on our Folklore person.  We will continue this on Monday, and begin it for (Room 15). Both classes have seen a video of past speeches, I have modeled several speeches for them.  On Monday, the students will be given a folder on their person and will have the opportunity to read former students speeches and take additional notes.  I sent a letter home  in the Monday Folders with the timeline of dates for this project.  * Please help to monitor this project from home.

Religion:   Chapter 15 test will be on Monday, May 14, 2012.  We will begin Chapter 16, this week.

 Spelling:  The test will be Friday, and will be the same words from the vocabulary from the Greenfield Village list. 

Thank you for all of your support!

 

 

 

Week of 5/7- 5/11- 12

I hope everyone enjoyed the wonderful Mother’s Day celebration we had.  It was so nice to see so many of you there!  I hope everyone got a peek at the Greenfield Village pictures on my board.  Again, do not feel the need to buy special clothes.  I do have some things that I lend out.  Also, ask students from previous years about their clothing.

 Religion:  We are practicing the rosary for the month of May in honor of Mary.  We will begin Chapter 15, of our books,  the test  will be on Monday, May 14, 2012.

 Reading:  The story of the week is “ How Ben Franklin Stole the Lightning “.  This is our last story from the reader.  The Unit 6 test will be in a week or so. Again, these are not tests that can be studied for.  I used Unit 5 test as a teaching tool, and no grade was given for this.   The Vocabulary/Comprehension test is Friday.  We will then work from “The American Tall Tale” novel.  This is made up of individual stories.  We have already completed one story.  There will be vocabulary and Spelling words from these stories.

Spelling:  20 Sentences, due Friday. Reminder the grade is based on detail and description, not simple sentences.    These will be our last set of sentences for the year!!!!!!!!!

 English:   A letter will be sent home in regards to our Folklore Speeches.  Students will get a sheet of the character names on Monday.  They will pick their top 3 choices.  They will be given the name of their person by Tuesday.  They are required to have 2 sources on their person by Friday, May 11, 2012, and brought to school.   I will instruct the students on how to begin their note taking and formulate their speech.  The remainder of the speech writing will be up to them.  Due dates will sent home.

I will show movies of past speeches, they will have an opportunity to read past speeches.  I will model speeches for them, all of this will provide helpful information for them.  They will see a live speech at Greenfield Village.

Again, the students will memorize their speech. I will work individually with each child to give them actions and voice inflection. Our presentation will be on Friday, June 8, 2012 in the FSCR. in the PM.  Specific times will be given at a later date.  Students will be in costume for this speech. Most of what will be needed you already have or can easily borrow. I have many props and accessories that I lend to them.  Stayed tune for much more to come……

 We continue our study of Adverbs and Prepositions from Unit 6. The test for this Unit will be Friday, May 18, 2012.

Thank you for all of you support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Week of 4/30 – 5/4 – 12

This is a shortened week with only 4 days. On Thursday, 5/3 is National Day of Prayer, 10:00 outside on the field.

In the afternoon of 5/3 is a music practice for Mother’s Day.

On Friday, 5/4 we celebrate Mother’s Day, beginning with mass in the church at 8:30 and program in the church.  The invitations and agenda went home in the Friday Folders.

There will be no weekly story as we have special projects to prepare for Mother’s Day. Also, we will be reviewing Maniac Magee and the test will be this week.  We will begin American Tall Tales.

 No Spelling sentences this week, and NO test.

Religion: We will complete ch. 14 and the test will be Thursday. This chapter was on Reconciliation. 

English:  We will continue to work through Adverbs and Prepositions in Unit 6.

I will send out a final list of chaperones and guests.

Thank you for your support.

 

 

Week of 4/23 – 4/27- 12

 Greetings to all, and to my special Children of God as I know they are reading this web site and taking responsibility for their work too!   

Reading:    

The story of the week is ” Snowflake Bentley”,the vocabulary is done now with the students just writing the definition and “part of speech” for each word as they look the vocabulary words up in the context of the story.   All six words are due by Wednesday.  The Vocab. and Spelling Bee are on Wednesday.  The Vocab./Comprehension and Spelling tests are on Friday. The 20 Spelling sentences are due Friday as well. If your child has been scoring low on the comprehension test, please have them read the story of the week again before the test, on Thursday night.

 We are very close to completing our novel, “Manaic Magee”.  I have had such a great time doing this in class.  The kids beg for me to read, they don’t want to stop.  We have had some wonderful discussions about this book in class!  “Now, that’s what I’m talking about!”  I love the enthusiasm, reading should be a fun learning experience.  We have had to tackle some delicate subjects in this book, and the kids have done an outstanding job!

             I am so confident they will do so well on their test for this book after our over all review.  This well be taking place VERY soon!

 Then on to our next novel our American Tall Tale book.  This book is made up of individaul stories about the characters.  I have been reading to them other versions of these characters.  Very soon, they will be picking which character they would like to research to prepare for their written speech.

* Reminder:   Again,  our American Folklore Speech Presentation Day is scheduled for Friday, June 8, 2012, in the FSCR.  More to come below…

 English: We have been working hard in Unit 6, with Adverbs and Prepositions.  We will soon begin to learn how to take notes and form an outline for our ” American Folklore Speeches.”  These will follow the completion  of our novel, “American Tall Tales”.  Students will be given an opportunity to pick from over 40 American Tall Tale, Legend or Myth characters.  Students will pick their person/character the first week of May. They will be responsible to write and memorize a speech on their character. When we go to Greenfield Village on May 22, 2012, the students will have an opportunity to see a live performance of “Huck Finn” doing a first person speech.  Many of them read Huck Finn when we did the Great Illustated Classics Unit .   Students will be in full costume for this spee.  The specific times for each performance will be announced at a later date.

 The Room Mothers will be looking for volunteers to help set up in the (am), and to bring in party goods.  I am in need of someone that will volunteer to video, both performances, as well as someone that will help me with the program.   thank you……….

 Religion:  We will continue Chapter 13,  There will be an OPEN BOOK  test, on Tuesday .  We will have our usual review the day before the test.Msgr. Chuck is scheduled to come in to see us this week and teach a class.

 FYI: AGAIN…..   Our field trip to Greenfield Village, in the one-room schoolhouse, (Miller School/school of Henry Ford) is scheduled for May 22, 2012  This is an all day trip beginning in the schoolhouse in the morning, and ending with a trip through the Village in the afternoon.

10 chaperones are needed to drive, (we need cars that can seat 5 or more).

If you are not a chaperone, you may still attend this field trip as a guest. The only difference between a Guest and a Chaperone is the  Chaperone drives and is directly responsible for a small group of kids.

Guests will need to pay $8.00 for their ticket and the Chaperones’ tickets will be covered.

The Teachers, Students, Chaperones and Guests, MUST dress up in the clothing of the 1870′s. (much like Little House on the Prairie)…

 I will have a display in my classroom, on Mother’s Day, May 4, 2012  pictures from past years and outfit suggestions.  Please stop and take a look.

 VERY IMPORTANT:   If you are interested in attending this trip as a Chaperone or Guest, Please send in a note or e-mail me, indicating which you would like to be.  Remember we will all travel together on the day of the trip.

I need these no later than Friday, 4/27/11.  I need to send in a count/payment to Greenfield Village in advance.  If you are a guest I HAVE to know in order for you to receive the discounted price with our group.

NO MONEY is needed at this time.  I have a 3 page letter that will be coming home, (soon) that explains in detail all that we will be doing to prepare for this trip and what the children will be doing.  This is such a great trip, I LOVE IT !

ps…….Dads, and I have recruited a couple are welcome, I need at least 3…we love to have both schoolmarms and schoolmasters along!!!!!

 This is a lot of information…..   Thank you for your support

Week of 4/16 – 4/20 – 12

                                                Greetings……

 Reading:

 The story of the week is ,”Taking the Lead”.  The vocabulary has changed a little.  The students no longer have to copy the vocabulary word from the story in context.  They are however, expected to look the word up in the story and read the sentence the word is in, so they know which definition and “part of speech” to write for each word, from the Glossary.  3 words Tuesday, 3 words Wednesday.  The Vocabulary and Spelling Bee will continue on Wednesdays.

We will continue work from our novel, ( Maniac Magee) and in our groups .  The students individually were given a set of questions, page 9 – 10 for Maniac Magee that they started in school.  These will be due Tuesday, 4/17/12.  Each answer MUST be restated for full credit.

 English: 

 We have begun Unit 6 on Adverbs and Prepositions.  We have been doing board work and skill packets for these skills.  These will be in your child’s  “Portfolio “  under English.  I STRONGLY  encourage your child continue to practice these skills using the added practice pages at the end of each chapter.  I will begin to work backwards and review all of the skills that we really prepare them for the Fifth Grade.

Religion: 

Chapter 12 test is Tuesday, 4/17/12.  We will review the material again in class on Monday.  We will begin chapter 13 this week.  Msgr.Chuck had to reschedule his teaching time for 4th grade.  He will be in near the end of April!  We are very excited!

Thank you for all of your support!!!!!    Ps   we can use some hard candy, Jolly Ranchers are the big hit, pencils, and red pens. 

Week of 4/9 – 4/13 – 12

Welcome back from our spring break.  I hope everyone had a wonderful and very Blessed Easter! 

We are in the final stretch of our Fourth Grade year.  Our goal is to start this fourth quarter off on the right foot.  Our focus is to instill full responsibility in each child for their work ,behavior, and doing the best quality job they can.

In my last web site I listed some of the things we are working on.  Please continue to monitor these with your child.       Thank you…..

 Check their supplies…. for the last 3 days before vacation, I put out 10 new pencils each day….all gone………

Religion:  We are completing  Chapter 12 , the test date will be Friday, April 13, 2012

 Reading:   The story of the week is “The Gold Rush Game.”  The Vocabulary will be 3 words Tuesday, and 3 words Wednesday, this week due to the shortened week.  * ALL spirals should go home EVERY night to study.  Focus on the part of speech for each word, as well as the definitions.  The Voc./Comprehension test is Friday.  I have continued to encourage the kids to reread the stroy on Thursday nights again before the test.

I will continue to complete Maniac Magee in the classroom.  We have done circle groups, and discussions. There will be a test n Part One coming up.

Spelling:   As you know the students are  responsible for writing 20 sentences with their Spelling words.  These are always due on Fridays.  Again, I am grading not just on 20 simple sentences.  The students need to add description, detail, and proper punctuation, they know this because I have stressed it many times!  . The Spelling test is Friday as well.

 English: We will be begin Unit 6 on ” Adverbs and Prepositions”.  Again, I (STRONGLY) encourage the students to bring their books home and do practice exercises, that come after each lesson. These are located by page # after our daily lesson. This will help for test preparation.  These are good habits for them to get into.   THERE  IS ALWAYS HOMEWORK THAT CAN BE DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for all of your continued support, as we work together for your wonderful Children of God!!!

 Please contact me for and questions or concerns: anne.renaud@stregis.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week of 3/26 – 3/30 – 12

The Third Quarter ends on Friday 3/30/12.   Power school will be shut down so teachers may finish putting their grades in.  Notification will be sent as to when grades may be viewed, through the E News.  

Just a few things that would be VERY helpful for the remaining part of the year.

 1.)PLEASE do a supply check for your child.  Many kids are down to one pencil, no red pens, or rulers.  Checking with your child will really help to make the rest of the year go more smoothly.

 2.) Continue to check your child’s planner and hold them accountable for their assignments.

 3.)  Spelling words MUST be written in the planner every week!

 4.)  The six Vocabulary Words, should be completed by Wednesday.  They should go home for study, every night.  They are torn out from their spirals and handed in on Fridays, stapled to the weekly Vocabulary test.

 Religion:  Again, Chapter 11 test will be Wednesday, 3/28.  We will review on Tuesday.  Our Room 14 visit with Msgr. Chuck will be rescheduled, as he has been called away to do a funeral on Monday. Room 15 is still scheduled for Friday, 3/30. There will also be an All School Stations of the Cross in church on Friday.

English: We have already begun our review for Unit 5 test on Pronouns. Again, this test is Thursday, 3/29. (This test grade is needed for the report card grades). If your child will be absent for this they will take the test before they leave. So please plan accordingly, and notify me if your child will not be in school on Thursday, to take the test. I will plan an earlier time.  Thank you.

Reading: The story of the week is (Leah’s Pony). The vocabulary is done in the usual manner. The Vocabulary/Comprehension test is Friday. Please help review the Part of Speech for each word with your child.  This is an area where some of  the kids are falling down on their tests.

        NO 20 Spelling sentences for this week.  The test will be on Friday.

Any tests that are taken on Friday, 3/30 go toward the 4th quarter marking period. Just the Religion and English tests will be added to the 3rd quarter marking period.

I would like to wish all of you a Very, Happy and Blessed Easter Season! God bless all of you and your wonderful Children of God!!!  If you are traveling ” Happy Trails to You!”  Be safe!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week of 3/19 – 3/23 – 12

Religion: We will have an (Open Book) test on the section in the back of the book on “Lent”, Tuesday, March 20, 2012.  We will continue our study of Chapter 11, this week.

Reading:  The story of the week is Adelina’s Whale.  The Vocabulary is done in the usual way.  The Spelling, Vocabulary/Comprehension tests are on Friday.  We are continuing on with our novel, Maniac Magee.  We have been reading this together in class. We have completed part 1 and are in discussion groups. 

English: We are continuing our study of pronouns in Unit 5.  We are doing various types of projects for this as well.

20 Spelling sentences due Friday!

 

Continue to check your child’s planner to be sure they are recording their assignments EVERYDAY.  There is always something that should be written in the planners.  Look for the spelling words to be written weekly in the planner.

 

Continue to STRESS everyday neatness, in daily work!   

 Another reminder, if your child acquires 3 lates in the same subject, it becomes a detention.  The Retention Room is for those students who did not do the nightly homework.  

Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  The kids seem to be lacking in supplies, pencils, red pens,etc. PLEASE do an inventory of their supplies.  Thank you so much!

 

AGAIN: REMINDER: Please mark your calendars for our Greenfield Village One Room Schoolhouse/Village Trip.  This will be Thursday, May 22, 2012.  Please plan your child’s outfit in advance.  Use the clothing style of The Little House on the Prairie. This does not mean you need to rush out and buy things.  In general you can probably find what you need in your closets. There is a store in Rochester,(Willow Creek) that specializes in pioneer clothing.  A few people have already inquired. All chaperones and guests are required to dress up as well.  I do have some dresses and clothing items that I usually lend out to any parent in need!  Much more to come on this wonderful trip as we get closer.  There will be pictures of past trips on display in my room on Mother’s Day.

 

Thank you for your continued support!!!

 

Please contact me with any questions or concerns. thank you   anne.renaud@stregis.org

 

 

Week of 3/12- 3/16 – 12

Again, I was thrilled with the students and the wonderful job they did on their ” Demonstrative Speeches”!  We learned everything from fishing,  to making a pizza, paper airplane, cookies, brownies, Greek salad, fruit smoothies, lemonade, milk shakes, cake poppers, play dough, goo, drawing a monkey, making crayons, how to put on sports equipment, making an ornamental snowflake, a magic trick, to shooting a basketball, a slapshot, a soccer kick, just to name a few…….Such  great practice for them to speak in front of the class…..

Save the Date ALERT:

1. Again, Greenfield Village / Miller One Room School field trip is scheduled for  Tuesday, May 22, 2012. This is an all day trip!  Start now to prepare your child’s outfit, (Little House on the Pairie style).  All will be welcome….. and will also dress in the same style of clothing, as the kids.  I will display clothing and pictures from past trips on Mother’s Day.  May 4, 2012.

 2. Our “America Folklore Speech Program,” is a grand event. Our speech day is already set so please mark your calendars, for the afternoon of Friday, June  11, 2012.  I will be doing two programs, one for each fourth grade!  Each student will write, memorize, and dress up as a Famous American Folklore Character.   They will actually get to see one of these speeches live when we go to Greenfield Village. (Much more to come as we get closer).  Our next novel for class will be The American Tall Tales !

Religion: We did our first group Stations of the Cross on Friday. We will be writing our own stations and pray them in a special paraliturgy. We have completed our Lent section in our book. Students are working on their purple Lenten books.   * Reminder  Chapter 10 test is Tuesday, 3/13/12.  We will review on Monday together.

Reading:  The story of the week is …(At  H0me in the Coral Reef ) The vocab. is done in the usual way.  However, next week is a shortened week, with no school 0n Friday, as the teachers will be going to an in service at St. Hugo’s School. The Vocab./Comprehension, and Spelling tests will all be on Thursday.  NO….. 15 Spelling sentences for this week. 

We will continue to read, Maniac Magee, a modern day Tall Tale.  I have decided to keep this in the classroom, and read it together.  The students will have some activities to do with the book, that may come home.  You will receive notice for this.  Only the R and B groups will be responsible for this book.

English: We are continuing our study of Pronouns.  Please be sure your child has been reviewing our class lessons a few times a week.  There was a Pronoun sheet that was posted on the Power School.  I removed the grades, and decided to allow those that needed a refresher to do so and retake.  The new grades will be posted, after this is completed.

Thank you for all of your continued support as we journey together with our Children of God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

Week of 3/5 – 3/9 – 2012

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Week of 9/6 – 9/9 – 2011

Dear Parents,

                        We had a wonderful first week!  The students seem to be adjusting well to Fourth Grade. I am very excited to be working with each of your Unique and Special Children of God!

                        They have been introduced to our Panda Power Theme.  Pandas are a unique animal.  They have many special qualities.  We are celebrating our uniqueness as well.  This was demonstrated through the “Get To Know Me Bags”.

                      The students were able to see how they are all different from each other.  We are working to highlight our differences, as well as our specialness this year!

                     We are learning to become BUCKET FILLERS, by recognizing the good things people say and do.  This filling  of each others’ buckets is done through POSITIVE comments to each other.  We DO NOT want to be  BUCKET DIPPERS, by saying NEGATIVE comments to each other and lower somone’s self esteem.

                 Friday Folders, that went home on Thursday.  Please return these in the signed Friday Folder, by Tuesday, September 6, 2011. 

Looking forward to seeing you at Meet the Teacher Night, 9/6/11  7:00.

                 Religion:  We have begun chapter one. We will be working in our new Bibles.  We will be making a collage about Creation.  CHAPTER 1 test: 9/12/11.

                 Reading:  Our story of the week is My Diary from Here to There, from our brand new reading series! .  The students have already read the story. I taught the SQ3R study technique for reading.  Ask your children about it.  It can be applied to all of their subjects.

                     They will always read the story of the week the Friday before. The six weekly Vocabulary Words and definitions, are tested every Friday.  The defintions of the words are begun in class 3 on Monday and three on Tuesday.On Wednesdays we do a Vocabulary and Spelling bee quizzing on the week’s words. The Reading Practice pages are generally completed in class.  They can become homework if not completed.  DO NOT work ahead of the assigned pages. Students should always have a chapter book in their desk for silent reading.    Library is scheduled for Thursdays, and begins this week..  EVERY question in the workbooks is to be restated in question form.

                 English:  We are unit one, working with the four types of sentences.  There will be some small (in school) projects we will do to help promote our writing.

                  Spelling:  We have already taken ch.1 pretest.  The post tests are always on Fridays.  The workbook pages are generally done in class, completed at home if need be. Please do not work ahead of the assigned pages.

                  Planners:  Students are to record ALL of their assignments daily.  If they complete an assignment they are to put a check next to it . Our weekly Spelling words are are recorded in our planners as well.  Please review your child’s planner nightly.   Our Special Classes will be recorded in the front of their planner.  Mondays are our Gym days…..

Thank you for your support, I am looking forward to a wonderful year working together with you!

Contact me anytime with questions and concerns.

               Mrs. Renaud

 ps You child’s hardcover books need to be covered by Tuesday.  They need five JUMBO covers.  Unfortunately this was omitted from their supply list and has been corrected by the office.   Thank you!

         

 

 

             

           

Week of September 12 – 16/11

Our first GYM class is on Monday!  Reminder all of the Specials’ Classes are written on the green letter that you received, on Meet the Teacher Night, for those that attended.  If you were unable to make it, the letter is in the Friday Folder.

The Friday Folders did not have a lot of papers for this week, much of what was covered in here was on display.  You can expect more in next week’s folders.

Religion:  We have almost completed  chapter one.  The test has been moved to Wednesday, 9/14/11.    Room 14 has the Mass preparation for Tuesday.             

Reading:   The story of the week is  Ali Baba.  The story was read silently in class today.  The Vocabulary Words(1-3) definitions and sentences are due Tuesday.  The words (4-6)  definitions and sentences are due Wednesday. Please be reminded the students are instructed to not go ahead of the assigned pages in their Reading practice book.

The Vocabulary/Comprehension test of the week is on Friday, 9/16/11. The students should get in the habit of bringing their Vocabulary spirals home everyday to study.

Students should always have a chapter book in their desk, for quiet reading.

Students will be taking a quiz next Wednesday, on their summer chapter book, Ralph S. Mouse.   We are reviewing in small groups and picking the questions from these small group discussions.

English:  We continue our study in Unit One, of sentences, types of sentences, and proper sentence structure.  We will be doing some (in class work packets).  These can be kept after grading to use for studying.

Spelling:  The students should be studying the weekly words from their planners nightly, along with their Reading Vocabulary definitions from their spiral. Please do not go ahead in the Spelling workbook.  Test is Friday.

Weekly Update: 9/19 – 9/23- 11

Dear Parents,

                       We are well into our routine now.  A few things Mrs. Balch and I are noticing are some of the students are not copying all of their assignments in their planners.  Thus the missing and late assignments have started.

            The normal procedure is to have your child go to RETENTION instead of recess on the day they have missing work.  This is not a habit we want to see forming.

                        Please help us by reminding your children that ALL work is to be copied from the homework board.  If they have completed it, it should be checked off, but it still needs to be written.  If they know you are monitoring this, it will help them to get into this routine.  At this age the prime responsibility of copying the homework and completing it on time should basically be with the students.

FYI:  The homework assignments are written for both teachers on the homework board in each classroom.  Your children have ample time to write all of their work!

This is such a wonderful group of children!  We have received many compliments on our behavior.  Mrs. Balch and I are doing everything to promote this!  Our MARBLE JAR and, RENAUD’S REWARDS are starting to flow !  I know this to be true with the BALCH’S BONUSES and their jar as well.

We are continuing to encourage the “Bucket Filling” of each other’s buckets.  Treating each other the way we want to be treated is KEY!  Complimenting each other rather than saying negative things!

 We have a shortened week this week, with no school on Friday.

Students WILL have their normal Friday tests on Thursday,  ( Vocabulary and Spelling).  Please continue to have your child study their Vocabulary definitions from their Vocab. spiral nightly.  ROUTINELY, 3 words are done on Monday and 3 words are done on Tuesdays.  All 6 words should be completed by Wednesday.

Spelling: (Mondays following the pre-test.)  They should be studying from their planners nightly.

Again, please DO NOT ask your child to work ahead on their Spelling or Reading Practice pages.  We often do these together, some are done orally, and some we skip, depending on the need to repeat the skill.

Continue to be sure your child has a chapter book at ALL times.  They may check out from my library of books in the classroom as well as the school library.  We are going to begin having 15 minutes of silent reading everyday. When we are reading one of the assigned novels they will read from these.  We will start our first assigned novel next Monday.  This will begin in class w/me doing oral reading to the classes.  I will send home a copy of the reading assignments in the Thursday Folder for this week.

Religion:  We have begun Ch. 2 in our books. The chapter two test is Tuesday 9/27/11.  Routinely, you can expect a weekly test on Tuesdays.FYI:We review heavily in class for these tests, students may also, choose to  do a Webreview for the tests as additional study may be necessary. I do offer EXTRA CREDIT ONLY for RELIGION TESTS.  I will write that on your child’s test.

ALL tests below the grade of (C-) are to be signed and returned in your child’s Friday Folder.  PLease continue to return the signed folders by Monday.  Thank you!!!!!!

English:  We are continuing in Unit One.  Students took a quiz on Friday, on 9/16/11,  on the four types of sentences.  Continue to encourage your child to bring their English book home to review the daily lessons.

I apologize for the length of this week’s website, but I feel the more informed you are the closer we can work together.

Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

  anne.renaud@stregis.org

 Phone ex. 425

 

 

Week of 9/26- 9/30 – 11

Religion: Our Ch. 2 test will be moved to Monday, October3, 2011.

                     Reading:

                The Vocabulary is begun on Monday, words 1-3, look up the sentence from the story and the definition from the glossary, these are written in the Vocab. spiral.  Due on Tuesday.   Words 4 – 6, are done using the same format. Due on Wednesday.

The weekly vocabulary/comprehension and Spelling tests are EVERY Friday.  Based on the scores of the first few tests, some students may need to read their story again at home for extra review and details.

 We have begun our next novel, The Tale of Despereaux, each student has received their own copy.  We will read the first few chapters together.  On Friday, 9/29/11, the students will bring home a sheet of  assigned chapters, and due dates. 

 

Shortly following some activities that we will do with this novel.  We will be having discussion groups for the next several Fridays, related to our assigned reading.

Please be sure your child has their book with them for school EVERYDAY!

FRIENDLY REMINDER:  PLEASE do not have your child work ahead in their Practice or Spelling workbooks.    Thank you!

English:  We are completing our study of the four types of sentences, subjects and predicates, punctuation, and compound sentences.  Test date: Wednesday, 10/5/11.  We have reviewed this material at length.  However, some of the students (need additional review at home, as evidenced by the quizzes and worksheets.). 

FYI:

          Sign and return the Friday Folders EVERY MONDAY and any tests  or work that requires a signature.

         Picture Day is Wednesday, 9/28/11       

  Progress Reports are just around the corner.

 

         IOWA testing begins 10/3/11:  We will try do our testing in the am, so please try not to schedule appointments during that time.  Light homework will be given during this time period.  The usual weekly, Vocab. and Spelling tests will be given.

Thank you for your support!!!   Please continue to monitor your child’s planner.

 

 

 

 

Week of (10/3 – 10/7) /11

Dear Parents,

                                               We begin IOWA TESTING next week.  On Monday we are doing some light practice testing and filling out of the answer sheets.  Our actual testing will not begin until Tuesday.

                        Our schedule will be to do a least one test each morning within our homerooms.  We will try to keep our afternoon schedule the same.

Please try not to schedule any morning appointments next week. Have your child get plenty of rest and eat a good breakfast everyday!   Homework will be on the light side during the testing period.  Thank you!

Reading:  The story of the week is Because of Winn Dixie ….. This is the last story in Unit One.  The Unit One test will be given next week, during a regular Reading class.(This is NOT a test that can be studied for.)  This is test where the students apply their reading skills to various reading passages. 

Vocabulary words 1-3 are due Tuesday, and 4-6 on Wednesday.   Please have your children study the definitions and spelling of the words, from their spirals during the week.

English: Unit one test is Wednesday, 11/12/11.  We have reviewed for this in class.  Students have some worksheets in their folders MARKED “SAVE”, these came home on Friday.  They may study from these as well as the Unit Review that will come home this Friday, 10/7/11.   PLEASE sign this Review for 2 extra points to be added to your child’s test.  The test will include the skills related to sentences.We will be working on writing  a Personal Narrative story related to Halloween. 

Students will also be making masks and learning poems and songs with short skits that they will perform for the lower grades on October 27 and 28  2011.  This is all so exciting!

Spelling and weekly Vocabulary tests will be Friday. These will still be given this week!

 I will hold on the next Religion test, until after  IOWA testing is completed.  We are beginning chapter 3 next week.

 If you have any questions or concerns please contact me……by e-mail anne.renaud@stregis.com or by ex. 425. I will get back to you within 24 hours.   I thank you for all of your support.  REMEMBER:  WE are in this together to faithfully educate your WONDERFUL Children of GOD!

                                                              Anne Murphy Renaud           

 

 

 

Week of 10/10– 10/14 -11

e have completed our IOWA tests.  Several grades have additional tests that Fourth Grade does not take.

Reading:   We have completed Unit One.    I am scheduling the Unit test  for this week.  Remember, there is no studying necessary for this test. This tests the students on how well they apply their learned skills on different passages.  These first tests will be shared with you at Parent Conferences.

The story of the week is My Brother Martin.  The weekly Vocabulary words 1 – 3 are due for  Tuesday.  Vocab. 4 – 6 are due Wednesday. The Comprehension/Vocabulary tests will be on Friday 10/14/11.  Please have your child review these nightly.  * Students that are scoring lower on the comprehension portion of the test should bring their books home to read the weekly story on Thursday nights  before the Friday tests.

Continue to follow the assigned reading for the Tale of Despereaux.  We had our first discussion groups today.  We are definitely enjoying this book. 

Religion:   We completed theme 2 in our Reconciliation books.  We will continue our study of  Chapter 3 in our regular Religion books.  The test will be Monday, 10/17/11.

English:  REMINDER: Our Unit 1 English test Wednesday, 10/12/ 11.     We  will   be   writing a Personal Narrative next week related to Halloween.

     WE  WILL BEGIN WORKING ON OUR HALLOWEEN SONGS AND  POEMS.  EACH STUDENT WILL BE IN A SMALL GROUP, AND WILL MAKE A MASK THAT WILL FIT WITH THE SONG OUR POEM THEIR GROUP IS DOING.  WE WILL PERFORM THESE FOR THE  YOUNGER GRADES, PK – 4.

 Thank you for all of your support as we move forward!

Contact me 248 646-2686 ex. 425

anne.renaud@stregis.org

Week of 10/17 – 10/21 – 11

Dear  Parents,

 English:                     

   This coming week we will be working on our Halloween poems and songs as well as our masks in English class.  The Fourth Grade students will present these the week of   Halloween to our lower grade students.  Oh, so very exciting!!!  We will continue our study of the different types of Nouns as we work our way through Unit 2.  We will do several projects in class with this Unit.

Religion:

                The Chapter 3 Religion test is on Monday, 10/17/11.  We have reviewed for this in class .  We will begin Chapter 4 after that.  The students are doing a Ten commandments project.  We are up to Commandment 8.

Reading:

                Our story of the week is Mighty Jackie. Reminder have your child bring their book home on Thursdays to read the story again before the test on Friday.  The routine of the weekly Vocabulary remains the same.  Words 1-3 are due Tuesday.  Definitions for words 4-6 are due Wednesday.  Our weekly Spelling and  Vocabulary Bee is on Wednesday.  All six words for Vocab. and their definitions and the 25 Spelling words are used.  The Vocabulary and Spelling tests are Friday, 10/21/11.

Our reading groups for the novel The Tale of Despereaux are doing a fine job.  I am definitely seeing the improvement in comprehension.  The groups are working well together.  We are working through our review packets.

For the students that have completed reading their book, they MUST have another book to read during our  daily silent reading period.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact me either by phone or e-mail.

 

ex. 425      anne.renaud@stregis.org

           

                       Thank you for your continued support!

 

Week of 10/24 – 10/28 -11

Dear Parents,

       Religion:    We will continue in chapter 4 of our regular book next.  Look for the Chapter 4 test to be Thursday, 10/27/11.  Room 14 will do the Tuesday mass this week, join us if you can.

 English:  We have been learning and working on recognizing all types of nouns in Unit 2.  We  We will be presenting our Halloween skits/songs on Friday, October  27,   2011   for the younger grades.  Halloween is Monday October 31, 2011.  It is a half day and we do have Gym class.  Please see the E News for the costume restrictions.

Reading:  The story of the week is (Making a Splash), follow the usual vocabulary procedures. The groups are doing well with their reading and study of Despereaux.  Please continue to have your child follow th date chart that was sent home weeks ago.  We continue to read in class everyday.  The test is early November, we are reviewing for this in class!

The Reading Comprehension/Vocabulary test will be on Friday.

Planners:   Parents we are asking you to follow through and be sure your child is writing in their planner daily,  and completing their assignments .  Thank you

Thank you for all of your support.  Continue to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Week of 10/31 – 11/4 – 11

……………Happy Halloween……………Today is a 1/2 day of school.  Students may come to school dressed in their costume.  Please follow the guidelines that were sent in the E News

Religion:   We will begin Ch. 5 on Tuesday of this week.  The test for this chapter will be Tuesday 11/8/11.  

Reading :  The story of the week is Wild Horses.  The usual procedure for Vocabulary words.  The Vocabulary words for the week ( descendants, emerge, habitat, threatened,emerge,fragile,and sanctuary.  The Spelling/Vocabulary tests will be on Thursday of this week, due to no school on Friday.

Due to our Halloween songs and poems that we performed for the school, the students missed their discussion groups last Friday. They should be read up to and including Ch. 45, of our novel, on Tuesday.  I am going to review the novel with the class and then I will give the current test date which will not be until next week due to our shortened schedule this week.  The students will have a review to study from.

English:  We are continuing unit 2 this week.   I am encouraging the students to do some of the practice exercises from the unit, to review our daily lessons.  These are located after the unit.  These will help to prepare the student in advance for our next Unit test

 We had a great time performing our Halloween songs and poems  for the various grades. The students did a great job on their masks too!  A great big thank you to Mrs. Brown who accompanied me w/Room 15 as we went throughout the school.

Another great big thank you to Mrs. Mardo for accompanying Room 14 as we went ghouling about and for supplying both Fourth Grades w/cupcakes and drinks. A good time was had by all.

 

Our Halloween party on Monday, will be much calmer!!!!!!!!!!              

 

Week of 11/7 – 11/11 – 11

Dear Parents, 

 I am sure by now you have reviewd your child’s report card on line.  I am very proud of them and now that we are well into Fourth Grade, the work will become a little more of a challenge.

Our goal is to guide your children in the understanding that they are responsible for their  schoolwork,homework,planner, and neatness, and to further develop their organizational skills.

      We are now beginning the second quarter, and you will notice a step up in the curriculum.  During the first quarter, as we were learning the  classroom procedures, many reminders were given.  Much of these you would see on your child’s papers, such as, full headings, with classroom #, title, restate answers, proper punctuation, capitalization, and sentence structure.  Now, that we are in the swing of things students will be expected to follow these procedures, or receive points off as far as grading.  In the past 2 weeks I had an enormous amount of no name papers.  As a matter of fact, there were so many names missing from the Ten Commandment project, I was unable to grade them and put them in under the first quarter grades.

Taking points off is not to punish them by any means, it is to instill in them a sense of responsibility, and pride for doing quality work.  Full headings are a must and should be the first thing on the paper.

Reading:   The story of the week is Mystic Horse. The usual procedures will be done for the Vocabulary Spiral.  All vocabulary words are highlighted in that story.  You will no longer receive copies of the weekly tests for reading.  As you have seen an answer sheet will come home with the weekly vocabulary stapled to it.  I will be grading the vocabulary a little harder.  The students that have not been following the correct format will lose more points and not just receive reminders on the top of their papers.   AS A REMINDER:  The vocabulary word is written, underlined in RED, then the sentence from the story containing that word is copied.  This allows them to copy the context of the sentence to help them choose the correct glossary definition, which is the next step.  Finally, to write a sentence of their own,(which I am now expecting to be a fourth grade level sentence with detail). EVERY time the vocabulary word it is to be underlined in red with a ruler.  These vocab. assignments are an easy way to help raise your child’s grade.  The grade is based on neatness and completeness. There are several student that are rushing and making very careless mistakes, just to get the assignment done..

The students have ample time in the classroom to complete their vocabulary on Monday and on Tuesday.  If your child is coming home with unfinished vocabulary, they are not using their independent time wisely!  You will however, start to see more written work coming home as far Practice book pages etc.  In the past, and to help me to get to know the level of your children, I would allow enough time for the Practice work to be completed in class.

I would like to state my continued homework expectations:  The vocabulary words ,definitions, and spelling of the words should be reviewed, EVERY night.  Spelling words should be reviewed EVERY night as well.  These are always listed in your child’s planner.  I have always expected them to read at least 15 minutes EVERY night from our novel or another.  Lastly, they should have been bringing home their English book a few nights a week to review the daily lessons, or to do practice exercises. This has been on my website in the past.  The problem we are having is that if there is no WRITTEN homework the students think they have no homework.  WRONG!!!!!  We will be working a lot more on this, as a study skill. 

 The Tale of Despereaux will be reviewed in the groups, this week.  Students will receive the review questions for the test.  Test  date (TBD), based on the review and if they are ready. This has been delayed due to my absence last week, and the shortened week.

Instead of a new novel for the second quarter, we will be doing a project.  Introducing the Great Illustrated Classics:

The students will pick out a Great Illustrated Classic,on Monday, as part of the 3-4 book requirement for Reading in this second quarter.  I have my own private library of books that they may pick from.  Over the next 10 weeks they are required to read 3-4 books, write a short book report on each book signed by you.  Then after fulfilling the reading requirement they will pick one of their choice books to do a Book Project on. Right before the Christmas break you will receive a letter and materials necessary to complete the final project.  In the meantime continue to encourage your child to read, read, read!!!   In my past experiences, The Great Illustrated Classics light a fire under the kids and they really get into this project.   More to come!

English:  We will be completeing Unit 2 on Nouns.  test for Unit 2 will be Monday, 11/14/11.  We will begin the review on Thursday and Friday.  Please sign your child’s Unit Review and, they will receive 2 extra credit points toward their test.  Last Unit some kids lost out on the bonus points for no parent signature.  These reviews will be in your Child’s big red English spiral by Friday.  The  pages (152-155) will be from their hard cover book.  Look for these to be completed and checked,  as well as some English worksheets that are marked saved and any that have come home already, in their Friday Folders.  These are great sources for review.

We will also be writing a totem pole story for Thanksgiving later in this month.

The Vocabulary and Spelling tests will be Friday.

Religion:  We will start another theme in our Reconciliation book.  We will also complete Chapter 5 in our regular book this test will be Thursday, 11/10/11..

Please continue to be sure your child is writing in their planner EVERY night.  Again, they are to write EVERY assignment from the board.  If they have completed it they place a check mark after it.  This way you may see what is completed, and assigned.  If you are NOT seeing this in your child’s planner speak to them about it.  They know I am on the hunt and randomly checking planners.  their planner must match mine.

 If you have any questions or concerns please contact me, thank you for your continued support!!!  anne.renaud@stregis.org

 (248) 646-2686  ex. 425

Week of 11/14 – 11/18 – 11

Reading:  I have decided end our work with The Tale of Despereaux.  This has stretched out longer than I would have liked. There have been scheduling changes that have pushed this back. I am satisified with the group discussions, as I have sat in on them.  I will accept the work that they have done thus far as their final grade.  The kids have all moved on full steam ahead into our new unit on the Great Illustrated Classics!

I am asking for parents to oversee their child’s  ACTUAL reading of these books.  There seems to be a race going on in the grade, as to who can read the most books.  I am all for a competition and more importantly a personal challenge.  In fact I encourage it, but I don’t want to see partially read books, or anyone saying they have completed a book when they haven’t. The students receive 15 silent reading everyday.  You can hear a pin drop in my room.  Oh so soothing

Thank you to Mrs. Grobbel for supplying the grade with some pretzels to kick of f our unit.

 The story of the week is the first story of Unit 3 :  (When I Went to the Library).  The Story Vocabulary is :    (apologize, slithered, genuine, ambulance, harmless, weekdays) It is done with the usual  procedure.  The Unit 2 test will be given this week.  There is no study necessary for this test.  The students will apply the skills they have learned to various reading passages.

The Great Illustrated Classics’ Unit is really taking off, as mentined above. Again, the kids are gobbling these books up.  The materials and letter for the final project will go home the second week of December. The project and books will not be due until the end of the quarter.  The date TBD.  PLEASE continue to monitor your child’s reading and signing of their smaller reports.  The assignment is to read 3-4 books.   So read, read, read and enjoy!

English:  The Unit 2 test is Monday, 11/14/11.  The students were instructed to bring home their English spirals.  They should have their completed and checked Unit Review.  Please sign this for 2 bonus points to be added to their test.  They should also have some worksheets that we did , that are marked (SAVED) on the top. Review these as well. We will begin Unit 3 this week.

Religion:  We will be  completing our next theme in our Reconciliation books.  We started  Chapter 6 in our regular books.  We will also be preparing for Advent very soon!

The weekly Spelling and Vocabulary tests will be on Friday .

 

Week of 11/21 – 22/11

Dear Parents,

                         A very Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families.

                         We have a very short week next week, with two half days, and conferences.

            Monday:  We will complete our Indian symbol stories and share these in class.  We will also write Totem Pole stories with much description.  Students will write what the First Thanksgiving was like from an Indian or Pilgrim point of view for their age level.

                                         I have begun my Advent Unit, there will be much more to come in relation to this, and the projects we are doing .

        Our Theme for Advent is giving of our time and talents for the good of others.  We will have a Good Deeds Tree in my room.  Students will decorate an ornament and hang it on the tree after doing a deed for someone.

              We are working from the Advent Chapter in the back of our Religion book.       

          St. Nicholas Day is Tuesday, December 6, 2011.  We have been studying about St. Nicholas and his great gift giving from the heart, as part of Advent.      

 On Monday, December 5, 2011, the  students will be making a special stocking for St. Nicholas to fill, when he visits us, on Tuesday, December 6, 2011.     In the afternoon of 12/6, after St. Nicholas’ visit we will be watching Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates.  This is one of our Great Illustrated Classics.  Some of the kids have already read the book.  We will watch the movie and enjoy the treats St. Nick has given us.

                       The Great Illustrated Classics Unit continues.  Please continue to engage your child in conversation about each book they are reading, and the book reports you are signing.

                      I am very pleased that so many of them have sunk their teeth into this, BUT, I also want the LOVE of reading to be the #1 focus, not the competition of who read how many books.  I am a very proud teacher, because of their HIGH interest level!!!

                     I will be sending home the packet of information in a few weeks for the final Book Jacket Project, that is not due until January.

                   We have much planned in the coming weeks so let’s stay healthy enough to enjoy it all.

                     Many blessings to you and your families this Holiday Season.

                                                                  Mrs. Renaud

 

Week of 11/28 – 12/2 – 11

                                                  HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Religion:  The Advent Season is a very busy time in Fourth Grade.  We are doing many things to prepare our hearts and minds, and to share our time and talents with others.

                   St. Nicholas has long been remembered as a great gift giver from the heart. We are modeling our behavior to be like him.  With St. Nick as our Advent Role Model, we will be decorating ornaments of (good deeds), and hanging them on our tree in the hall outside Room 14. We will be celebrating St. Nicholas ‘  special day on Tuesday, 12/6/11.

                 To prepare for this the students will be making stockings, 12/5/11.  Parent volunteers out of both homerooms have already signed up to send in supplies and to help me with the small groups.  St. Nicholas will visit (in secret of course) on 12/6/11, and leave behind TRADITIONAL treats, that will be shared while watching Hans Brinker one of our Classics, from The Great Illustrated Classics Unit.  In the movie the students will get to see how St. Nick visited the European countries and what customs and traditions have been passed on to us.                    

We will be doing several projects throughout this season.  I will update you weekly!

One project we will be doing is to MAKE gifts for each other.  I will be reading a story (Memories of the Present), this story reminds us that the greatest gifts of all come from the heart.  Students will pick names within their own homeroom in Religion class. They are expected to MAKE a gift for the person that they pick, boy or girl. 

 This is to remain a secret as St. Nicholas was a secret gift giver.  I have given them suggestions and I will give you websites that have hundreds of ideas.  As I told the boys and girls, if they choose to add something to accessorize their gift that is purchased, that is fine.  Example:  decorating a soup can w/felt and glitter, students may put candy canes and pencils inside, making a jewelry box decorating it, they may put stuff inside.

* All gifts are to be wrapped with the name of the student they are for.  Do Not sign who the gift is from. PLEASE put the wrapped gift in a brown/or other type bag, as to hide the gift, when brought to school.  All gifts should be at school by Wednesday 12/14/11. We will exchange  these on 12/16/11.

We will also  be doing the Advent Unit from the back of our regular Religion book, as well as my own unit.  The test for this will be after the holidays.

We will also continue with Chapter 6, test on Thursday 12/1/11 in our regular Religion book.

                 Reading: We are on story two of Unit  Three.  The  story of the week is Dear Mrs. LaRue. The vocab. spiral is to be done in the usual procedure. (weekly vocab : neglected, desperate, obedience, appreciated, endured, misunderstood).

         I was unable to give the Unit 2 Reading test, due to the number of absences the last few days before Thanksgiving break.. I will give that this week.       

    Please continue to monitor your child’s reading of the Classics.  Sign each book report, and engage them in conversation about each book. REMEMBER: This is a wonderful reading experience for the children.  Going above the requirement is great. 

                The requirement of  3-4 books, the small reports, and completing the big book project will be due January 20, 2012. The materials for this and letter with details will be sent home December 16, 2011.

English:We have begun Unit 3 on Verbs.  Please encourage your child to bring home their English book a few times a week to review  material, along with their Spelling and Vocab. spiral. THIS IS A MAJOR PART OF MY HOMEWORK, AS WELL AS 15 MINUTES OF SILENT READING EVERY NIGHT!!!!!!!

Weekly Spelling and Vocabulary tests on Friday.

 

 

 

 

Week of 12/5- 12/9 -11

Our first week of Advent was a very productive one. We say our morning Advent  prayer and light the candle from the Advent Wreath each day.  We each turn the prayer windows on our Advent calendars,and our good deed’s tree is filling up.  Our goal is to do Good Deeds, that are unexpected, and done secretly!

We will be making our special St. Nicholas stockings on Monday.  Thank you to all of the volunteers, and those that sent in the materials needed.

On Tuesday we will have a visit from St. Nicholas himself, and he will fill our stockings with the traditional goodies.  These will be enjoyed as we watch “Hans Brinker”, the movie Classic!

Religion:  We have completed our study of Advent, and the section in the back of our book.  We also have completed  chapter 6, this will be an (open book test) given on Tuesday morning.

A letter was sent home on Monday 11/29/11.  It explained about the making of the homemade gifts, websites and due dates.  If you have not seen this please ask your child.

 Reading:  Our story of the week is ( Words to Success). The Vocabulary  for this week( dismiss, conceived, interact, definition, motivate).  These  will  NOT  be  done in the usual way.  For this week the words will be done completely at home.  There are only 5 words, these   are to be completed by Wednesday, as well as Practice Book pages 109 – 111).  This is because of the special projects being done on Monday and Tuesday in my class.  Please see that your child completes these at home.  (Red vob. spiral)  Keep reading those Classics!  The instructions for the project will come home on 12/16/11.

We have an All School Liturgy on Wednesday, 12/8/11 at 8:30.

English:We have begun Unit 3 on Verbs.  I am encouraging students to bring their English book home to review daily lessons a couple times a week.  We will beginning Main and Helping Verbs this week page 182.  Anything before that should be reviewed.  Also, there are additional practice pages after the Unit that follow the material being taught, beginninig on pages 244 – 255.  This is an excellent way to prepare in advance for tests and quizzes.

The Vocabulary and Spelling tests will be on Friday.                   

 Merry Christmas Season to all, keep the Spirit of St. Nicholas in your hearts throughtout  this joyous time of year!    Again, thank you for all of your support!!

  Contact me w/any questions or concerns:  anne.renaud@stregis.org

  248 646- 2686  ex. 425

Week of 12/12/11 – 12/16/11

Greetings,                        Merry Christmas Season,

              Religion:  As we light our pink candles to represent the third week of Advent, we are reminded of our heart felt wish to give of ourselves to others, in many UNEXPECTED ways.

Room 14 homeroom has the mass preparation for Tuesday, 12/13/11.

We are completing our work in Chapter 7, and the test for this will be on Thursday 12/15/11.    The Advent test will be after Christmas, Thursday, January 5, 2012.  This is an open note test as many of the questions will be essay and comparisons. 

ALL handmade gifts from the heart/ Our Secret Santa exchange are due in school on or before Wednesday 12/14/11.  The exchange day will be on Friday, 12/16/11. Please be reminded to wrap the gift in  Christmas paper, write the name of the student the gift is for on the outside.  DO NOT write who it is from.  Please bring to school in a bag to Mrs. Renaud’s room.

The Christmas concert is 0n Thursday, 12/15, students need to be in the church at 6:45, band students by 6:15.

Our Christmas Crafts are on Friday afternoon, 12/16 at 8:30 am.

Reading:   The story of the week is:Ranita, The Frog Princess. The Vocabulary for the week: cranky, selfish, exasperated, specialty, famished, commotion..  The Vocabulary is done in the usual manner.

The Vocabulary and Spelling tests will be Thursday 12/15/11.

English: We will continue our study of Verbs in Unit 3.  We will complete this after Christmas.

Keep your child reading their Classics.  The materials and instructions come home on 12/16,with the Friday Folders.

 Proud teacher announcement: Almost all of the students have completed their reading requirement, and the  book reports that go with them.  They may continue to read the Classics.  Mrs. Balch will now introduce a book and project they will be working in her subjects.                       

 Please contact me: anne.renaud@stregis.org

Week of 1/02 – 1/06 – 2012

                        Happy New Year to all of you !!

I hope everyone had a very, Merry Christmas, and that you enjoyed the Holiday Season, with the long break we had!  I know I did. 

I want to thank everyone for the generous Christmas gifts I received.  Your thoughfulness is much appreciated! Thank you!

Getting back is always a challenge, but we are at a very important part of our school year.  So we do need to get down to business, there is so much planned to learn and do!!

RELIGION:  We will have the  Advent test on Thursday, January 5, 2012.  We will begin Chapter 7 this week as well.

READING:  On December 16, the last day before break, I sent home the materials for the big Book Report, due 1/20/12.  There was an instructional letter attached.  When turning in the final report please be sure your child attaches their 3 smaller reports to the back.  Please check to see where your child is with this project.  These Book Reports will be on display during the Open House.

The story of the week is (Me and Uncle Romie) The Vocabulary is ( strutting, skyscrapers, swarms, glorious, barbecue, collage).   PLEASE insist your child bring home their Vocab. spiral each night to study.  Pay close attention to the (Part of Speech) for each word.  This will now be added to their weekly test .

ENGLISH: We are completing the last portion of this Unit on VERBS.  The test date to be announced.  We will review this week, but also start Unit 4.

SPELLING:  PLEASE encourage your children to bring their books home to study.  Again, their weekly words are written in their planner on Mondays.

Please DO NOT have your child work ahead in their Practice books for Reading or Spelling.  We tend to do most of this in class.  (The way these books / subjects are taught and assigned vary from year to year).   Thank you this will be a great help!!

We are hoping to start this New Year, with a lot less late or incomplete work. 

Mrs. Balch and I are trying to stress the IMPORTANCE of your children taking responsibility for their work, assignments and planners.

***For the students that wish for their planners to be checked out with the teachers, they must come up to us at the end of the day. This is their responsibility!

The students do have a few opportunities to copy homework from our boards.  Both teachers list each other’s work on their  homework boards.

Looking forward to a very, happy and productive 2012, working together with you, for the best of your CHILDREN of GOD!!!!

Please contact me for any questions or concerns anne.renaud@stregis.org

                Thank you,      Mrs. Renaud

       

 

 

Week of 1/9- 1/13 – 12

We are almost half way there on our Fourth Grade Journey!!  Let’s follow the road to a SUCCESSFUL END !

A few things are necessary in doing just that:

1.) Please check your child’s supplies.  Each student needs at least 5 pencils at ALL times.  Many have no pencils and are borrowing.  Please check red pens for checking, crayons, and markers.  This would be a great help!  Students were given a red pen and pencil w/their book from the teachers for Christmas.  Our room moms have also purchased a couple boxes of pens and pencils.  I don’t know where these are disappearing to. 

 

2.) Please assist us, by checking your child’s planner to be sure they are recording EVERYTHING that is written on the board.  They should be in the habit of crossing off what is finished.

3.)  Ask your child to bring home their English and Religion books a couple of times a week to review daily lessons. ( The written English homework will increase).

                                   Thank You………

 

English: It was announced to the kids that English test Unit 3 will be Wednesday, 1/11/12.  However, due to the fact we ill not have school on Monday, the test will be Thursday, 1/12/12.  We began the review last week, but will be doing the Unit Review on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Please sign this review and your child will receive 2 bonus points on their test.

                   RELIGION:  We have Completed Chapter 7 , on the Beatitudes.  The test will be moved from Tuesday to Wednesday, 1/11/12.  The Beautitude’s project will be due on Wednesday as well This was done in class. We will move ahead to the next theme in our Reconciliation books.

Vocabulary  1-3 due Wednesday, and words 4-6 are due Thursday. The story of the week is (The Cricket in Times Square).  Please encourage your children to bring their Vocab. spirals home nightly to review. ( They will now be responsible to know the Part of Speech for each word, as well as the definition.Vocab./Comprehension tests are Friday.  Please encourage your child to bring their reader home to review the weekly story on Thursday.

REMINDER:  The BIG Book Report is Due, Friday,January 20, 2011.  These will be on display for the school’s Open House.  All materials and instruction letter was sent home on 12/16/11.  I have a sample report that I have shown the students.  Any questions please let me know.

 

Week of 1/16 – 1/20/12

We have a three day weekend, with Monday off for Martin Luther King day!

READING:      The story of the week is ” The Life and Times of the Ant“. The Vocabulary words 1-3, located on Practice page 146 were started last Friday  Words 4-6 are due on Wednesday. .  Students are given a lot of class time to complete this in class.  They should bring  VOCAB. spirals, and (SPELLING WORDS)  nightly to study.The vocabulary is torn out on Friday and stapled to their weekly vocab. test.

Some of your children are not completing this routine/procedure.  It is ALWAYS written on their test to be completed and handed in, and that I will adjust their grade.  If students do not hand this in it does lower their grade.

The Big Book Report (for all students) is Due Friday, January 20, 2012. Please check over your child’s project to be sure that they have all the necessary story elements that were listed on the letter, (sent home on December 16, 2011.  Also, they need to attach their smaller book reports to the back as well.  That will end our Classic Unit!  These projects will be on display for the Open House.   However…….

Students may still check out the Classics to read.  Or they may read another chapter book.  They MUST have a novel at all times.  WE will be beginning our next in class novel soon!!!!!

Religion:  Students took their Advent tests last  week.  I was really proud of the scores for everyone.  We also are working on the Forgiveness theme in our Reconciliation books.  The kids will continuing doing some skits on this.   We will begin chapter8 in our regular books.

English: We have begun Unit 4 on ADJECTIVES.  There will be several projects involved with this Unit.  Students will be doing a (DEMONSTRATIVE SPEECH), writing a Fairy Tale, writing a few types of poetry, and more.

The Spelling, Vocabulary, and Comprehension tests will still be on Friday!!

The students will also be taking their next Unit test in Reading.  Theis will not be on the 3rd quarter grades.

If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail me.

 

Week of 1/23- 1/27 – /12

The book reports look fantastic!!  I see a lot of effort and hard work went into them. Look for these during Open House, 1/29/12.

*Our Specials Schedule for Room 14 has not changed!

Religion: The Chapter 8 Religion test is on Wednesday, 1/ 25/12.  In this chapter we are discovering how life isn’t always fair but God loves us all equally. In our recent Reconciliation Theme we did some small skits of forgiveness.  Many students were put in situations that may have taken them out of their comfort zone.  Everyone did a wonderful job and much was learned from these skits!

  English: We are continuing our study of Adjectives.   We have done some activities of comparison.  We are making games in small groups to practice  our use of the Parts of Speech and language. We will start an in class project with Fairy Tales.  Students will create their own fairy tale, using adjectives and detail.

Reading: The story of the week is ( The Power of Oil ).  Vocabulary is done in the usual manner. There are only 4 words this week. The students staple their Vocabulary work to their Vocab. test on Fridays. They are to be studying them during the week from their spiral notebooks.

 There have been some students not turning these in on time.  You have see my notification of this on the test as it comes home in the Friday Folders.

Unfortunately, this has lowered some overall grade averages on Report cards. As always,  if  these were completed, and returned I raised the grade. 

Vocab./Comprehension, and Spelling  tests will be on Friday.  Students may continue to check out the Classic Books, even though the Unit is now over.  They may use their Dear America book, from Mrs. Balch’s class to read during quiet reading.  Each student is to have a book at all times.

Ten Spelling sentences will be due every Friday.  Students are being graded on the quality of the sentence, using detail, description, proper sentence structure and punctuation.

 Thank you again for your continued support!  Mrs. Balch and I both appreciate working in partnership with you.  PLEASE continue to monitor your child’s planner to be sure they are recording their daily assignments. 

Please contact me with any questions or concerns: anne.renaud@stregis.org

 

Week of :1/30 – 2/3 – 12

     This is Catholic Schools’ Week…..  The activities and dress code for this week were sent to you on eNews .  Please go over these with your children.     * Reminder uniforms for the all school mass on Tuesday.

 

Religion:

                     We have just completed Unit 2 in our regular Religion books. This week we will do the Unit 2 review together and then  move on to Chapter 9 in Unit 3. We will also move on to Chapter 5 in our Reconciliation books. A letter went home in regards to the dates for Reconciliation, in your child’s Friday Folder.

 

English: We are nearing the end of our Unit 4 on Adjectives.   The test will be scheduled for Tuesday 2/7/12. This is a good time to help your child begin to prepare for this test.  Go over the green section for review pages 332 – 341 in your child’s Language book. I have spoken to the students about the importance of preparing in advance for their tests.  The students have been receiving more written daily work, as well as homework!

 

Information will be coming home soon for our Demonstrative Speeches.   The kids were told to think of a topic they want to write about. Something they know a lot about and are comfortable with. It should be simple with at least four or more steps.  They will learn how to make a flow chart to learn their steps in a process.  These speeches do not need to be memorized, however most kids  learn their steps by heart with repeated practice.  They will make 3×5 cards that can be used as well.  The students need to have a visual aid for this speech, the end result of what is demonstrated.  You can google (Demonstrative Speeches) and there will be many ideas.

 

Reading:  The story of the week ( Ima and the Great Texas Ostrich)  Voc. is done in the usual way.   Test is on Friday, with the Spelling test.  The Vocabulary words can be be found on page 164 of  their Reading Practice book.  As always the story of the week was read silently on Friday.  I am still encouraging students to read the story again on Thursdays before the comprehension test.  We always orally read and discuss the story on Tuesdays.

 

I gave the Reading Unit 3 test this past Thursday.  It was a little delayed due to several absences.  From the results of this test I am going to be forming small groups to work on skills and additional reading strategies. The students will still remain as a whole group for the overall teaching of the class. These smaller groups will be additional and will be done during independent work time.

 

I have discussed at great length the expectations of the second semester both with work and behavior.  The students need to step up and accept these as their responsibility. They are all so capable of doing this. I am so proud of all of them.  But, I do  want them to be well prepared for the challenge 5th grade will offer them.. 

 

If you have any questions or concerns please contact me

anne.renaud@stregis.org

 

Thank you for sharing your Children of God with me!

 

 

Week of 2/6- 2/10 – 12

Dear Parents,

                        Thank you for all of the wonderful treats and meals that were sent in for Catholic Schools’ Week. The staff felt very spoiled and much APPRECIATED!   It was certainly a very high spirited week, a good time was had by all!

 

RELIGION:     We will begin Chapter 9 of our regular book on Monday, as well as begin another theme in  our Reconciliation books.  Please be reminded of our Reconciliation meeting on February 7, 2012, in the church.  This will include the Second and Fourth  Grades, and their parents.  * (Chapter 9 will be an OPEN BOOK TEST).

As mentioned in my last website, please help review the Act of Contrition with your child.  They will have a written test on this and the Steps to Reconciliation on February 27, 2012. Refer to my last website for page referrals.

 

READING:  The story of the week is ” My Brothers’ Flying Machine”.  The Vocabulary is done in the usual manner. PLEASE be sure your child is bringing their Vocab. spiral home EVERY night!!!  Please continue to review the (part of speech) for each word along with the definitions. Spelling, Reading Vocab./Comprehension tests are on Friday.

 

ENGLISH: As mentioned in the email I sent to you, the Unit 4 English test is now on Friday, 2/10/12.  This will allow the absent people time to catch up, as well as finishing our review of the Unit.  We will complete the last of the presentations of our Book Projects on Monday!

 

DEMONSTRATIVE SPEECHES:  Each child will fill out an index card with three choices, they  have picked for their speech, by Monday 2/13/12.  Please discuss the topic choices with your child.

Students are in the process of doing comparative paragraphs with Tall Tales.  The kids are learning to web the characters’ likes and dislikes and then formulate sentences using comparative adjectives.

 

Our Valentine party will take place in the last period of the day.  The Room Moms will contact you if you signed up to send in treats.  The students will be making a Valentine Envelope in class.  All students are asked to distribute valentines to everyone in Room 14, however, they also may to anyone in Room 15 that they would like. 

 

 Thank you for your continued support in working with your WONDERFUL Children of God!

 

contact me anne.renaud@stregis.org

 

                       

Week of 2/27- 3/2 – 12

             Welcome back, I hope everyone had a fun winter break!  But ………Now, it’s time to get back to work.  We have so many fun and exciting things planned for the remainder of the year….

    We have a shortened week this week because of our Father’s Day Celebration on Friday, March 3 2012.  The day will begin with mass at 8:30, please do not come to school before that.  Followed by the program.  The classroom visits will be last.

ENGLISH: We had to halt our rough draft writing of our Steps in a Process Demonstrative Speeches due to so many absences before the break. Students should all have an index card with their topic highlighted in yellow. If your child is doing a recipe they will need to have that recipe written down or copied and brought to school by Monday, 2/27/12.  We will be working on special Father’s Day projects and our speech flowcharts.

Demonstrative Speeches will be March 6, 7 and 8.  Each student will receive their speech date this week.  In class we will be writing the flowchart of steps for each speech. These will come home this week as well. 

At home you should go over the steps of your child’s flowchart with them.  (They MAY write 3×5 cards at home to be used on the day of their speech). Collect all materials being used for speeches and put them in a bag.  These should be sent in on your child’s individual speech day.

If your child is demonstrating a food item, or drink,(they may bring enough for their homeroom  to share after their speech is done.  This is not necessary, but some students have asked if they may do this.  I will leave this decision completely up to you.

RELIGION: The Sacrament of Reconciliation is Tuesday, 2/28/12 !!!!!!!!

                      We will be making Lenten signs to remind us of our behavior during Lent.  These signs will be hung in the hallway as a reminder to all of the students to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. We will be working from the back of our regular Religion book on Lent, Pages 296-319.  The test for this will be announced at a later date.

We will finish reviewing our Reconciliation book in preparation for  our Sacrament being celebrated on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at 7:00 in the church.  Students should dress appropriately for church, formal wear not necessary, regular Sunday best!

Reminder:  The students will have a test on Tuesday, 2/28/12.   They will need to write out the Act of Contrition.  They will also need to put the Steps to Reconciliation in order.  The steps will be already listed, and they will number them correctly.  We will review this again on Monday.  Again, all of this is in their Reconciliation books as listed previously on my website.

READING:

                  The story of the week is ( The Roadrunner’s Dance).  The vocabulary is done in the usual way.  The Vocabulary and Spelling tests are on Thursday,  3/1/12 this week.  We will begin our next novel, Maniac Magee, this week in class.  I will be doing the first few chapters with the class.  The due dates and reading assignments will not be sent home until the following week.

Mark your calendars:  The Greenfield Village/ One Room Schoolhouse field trip, will be May 22, 2012. This is an all day trip. Plan your child’s outfit now!!!!!  They will need to dress like school children of the 1870′s.   The best modeling would be the clothing from “The Little House on the Praire.”  All chaperones, guests, and teachers will be dressed in that same fashion.  Much more information to follow as we get closer to the date. This is one of the highlights of the Fourth Grade Year!

For any questions or concerns please contact me! anne.renaud@stregis.org

 

 

Week of May 23- 27 – 11

This is our big week, Greenfield Village is on Thursday, May 26. 2011Mrs. Balch and I are very excited to do this trip and have the kids experience education in the 1870′s.  There will be a letter coming home with a few reminders on Monday!

 

The story of the week is “Perseverance” this story is taken from the McGuffy reader that the kids will use in the school house.  The Vocabulary and Spelling list will also come from this book.  The students will receive the list on Monday, and the test will be on Friday.  These will be the last Vocabulary and Spelling tests for the year.

 

We are currently reading our last novel” The Secret School together in school.  It is all about a one room school house..

When we complete this book we are going to have a book club.  We will have bagels and juice and discuss this book in small groups. Thie will be in early June.  Great Fun!!

 

I collected the Folklore speeches on Friday.  I will go over these and make any  corrections or additions.  The kids should receive these by Tuesday, May 24, 2011.  They will need to make the necessary changes and give me a new copy the next day!!!

The speeches should be memorized by June 3, 2011.   Please begin to put together a costume for your child for their speech.  I do have a box of goodies, and your child will know what they need from home.  Most of the outfits are western and are put together very easily.  NO need to purchase anything!! 

I am very excited because the students  will be able to see “Huck Finn” do a speech at Greenfield.  This will definitely give them some clues, movement suggestions and  expressions to use for their own speech. Many of the kids read  the book Huck Finn when we did our Unit on The Great Illustrated Classics.  They have been able to relate the time period of the Classics and the schoolhouse experience to the current novel we are reading, along with all of their Folklore Characters.

 

Religion:  We completed ch. 14 on Reconciliation.  There was no test as they already had a Reconciliation test in March.  I treated this as a review.  We have begun Ch. 15 , the test for this will be Wednesday, June 1, 2011. This will be the last test for the year, in Religion.

 

English: Along with the speeches we are completing our last unit.  The test will be Monday June 6, 2011.  Unit 6…..

 

 

 Thank you for ALL of your support!!!!

 

Week of 2/13 – 2/17 – 2012

                   The students will be making valentine envelopes in Religion.  On Tuesday we will be celebrating with a party the last period of the day.  Students that choose to pass out valentines, have been asked to have one for every child in their homerooms). * Students will be allowed to pass out valentines to friends/classmates in the other fourth grade(if they choose to).

 

Religion:  Reminder,  I will be giving the (Open Book) Religion test for Ch.9 this week!

  We are continuing in our Reconciliation book as well.  Reminder:  Re: The letter that went home about 2 weeks ago, from Mrs. Hundsrucker stating that the students know the difference between Apostles’ Creed, The Nicene Creed and to memorize The Act of Contrition, for this sacrament.  On February 27, the students will have a test on The Act of Contrition, and the Steps to Reconciliation.

 

 All of the prayers can be found in both of their Religion books.  Please continue to review these prayers with your child.

 

English: Students received an index card, they are to write their 3 possible topics for their Demonstration Speech.  These cards are to be returned on Monday. Again Google this and there are several choices.  Students will begin work on their Demonstrative Speeches, in class this week.  We will be doing a flowchart with the “Steps in a Process”.   The actual speeches will not be done until after the winter break.

 

Reading:     The story of the week is ” A Walk in the Dessert“.  The  vocabulary is to be done in the usual manner.  We will begin Maniac Magee, our next novel, after the break.   The Vocabulary/Comprehension test will be on Friday.

 

Spelling:  There will be (no 15 sentences) due this week!  The test is on Friday.

 

Look for the Reading Great Illustrated Book Classics’ Project to come home after the winter break.   We have just completed presenting them .

 

Thank you for all of your  continued support, please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.        anne.renaud@stregis.org

                                                                                                                Thank you

Week of May 31 – June 3, 2011.

I would like to thank all of our chaperones and guests that came to Greenfield Village.  We had a wonderful time and the weather could not have been better.

There were definitely prayers that were answered!!!

Thank you to Mrs. Linehan for making our special berry ink to use with the quill pens.

 

Room 14 has the Mass on Tuesday, 5/31/11 join us if you can.

 

Religion : The test for chapter 15 will be Wednesday, 6/1/11.  We will move into our next chapter but there will be no test.

 

English:  ALL speeches need to be memorized by June 3, 2011.  I will begin listening to the speeches that day, or before for those that are ready.  The final test Unit 6, will be Monday, June 6, 2011.

 

Reading:  We will work together to complete our last novel, ” The Secret School”.   We will have a book club when completed, stand by for details.

We have completed our last Unit, the Unit 6 test,(can not be studied for) will be on Tuesday, May 31, 2001.

 

There will also be an End of the Year test given that will test basic skills and reading levels.

Week of 6/6 – 6/10

Welcome to the last week of school.  It seems hard to believe the year is cver!!

We have done so many wonderful things and your Children of God have grown so much.

I am proud of them and their individual accomplishments.

 

                   Summer is a very fun, happy and exciting time.  If there is one thing you can do to continue your child’s progress would be to have them continue to read, and keep a jouranl of written summaries.  The Language Arts is a  process that grows only if used.  Keep those young minds sharp, interested, and prepared to take on new challenges.

                                                    Read, Read, Read!!!!!!

 

Thank you for a wonderful year, for all of your help, and support .  The parents at St. Regis are the best!!!!!!  You do so much for the teachers and the school!

 

Monday we have our last test English Unit 6

 

We will be preparing for our speeches unil the programs on Wednesday afternoon.  Please see the bright yellow letter in Friday Folders for times and specifics.

***  PLEASE practice your child’s speech with them several times, until they are comfortable.If you see an area where hand movements will work add them.  Several of the kids are showing some real creative flare!!!!!!!!!

         Our Folklore practices were cut a little  short on Friday due to several children leaving early.  I would appreciate any help you can give those children.  It really does help for them to stand in front of the mirror to say there speech.  This is where the movements tend to flow naturally!