Week of December 4th

This Week in Class... 

Math - We are looking at remainders this week. 

Reading - We are beginning to read The Chocolate Touch this week. 

Writing - We are writing a pursuasive piece convincing the Grinch to give Christmas another chance. 

Spelling - There is no spelling this week due to MAP testing. 

Social Studies - We are wrapping up our exploration of the Aztec civilization. We will begin learning about the Inca next. 

MAP Testing THIS WEEK! 
We will be testing this week on Thursday and Friday. It is VERY important that all students are at school on those days. 

Holiday Store TUESDAY...
We will be visiting the Holiday Store on Tuesday at 1:30. Please send money and a list if your child wishes to shop for friends and family. 

Elfcapades... 
We will begin Elfcapades this week! We will be participating in 12 days of acts of kindness to show others around the school that we care!!! 

Snow Gear... 
Snowpants are required for PE on Mondays and Tuesdays!!! 

Week of November 27th, 2017

This week in class... 

Math - We are beginning division this week! 

Reading - We are reading the story Grandfather's Journey and discussing point of view. 

Writing - We are continuing to work with opinion writing and will begin our opinion/pursuasive writing later this week. 

Spelling - This is a normal spelling week! Test on Friday! 

Science - We are conducting an experiment this week learning about kinetic, potential, and energy transfer. 

Reading Logs are due this Friday!!! 
Please make sure you have signed your child's reading logs! 

Field Trip This Week!!! 
We will be venturing to the Performing Arts Center on Wednesday to see Electric Christmas. 

MAP Testing NEXT WEEK! 
Yes, it is that time again! We will be doing MAP testing for language arts and math next week on Thursday and Friday. Testing will take place in the morning. Some kiddos may require extra time after lunch to complete their testing. PLEASE ensure your child is at school on those days!!! Thanks! 

Week of November 13th, 2017

This Week in Class... 

Math - We are learning how to multiply 2 digit by 2 digit numbers the traditional way. 

Reading - This week we will take a test on Stone Fox and we will begin our final project for our novel study. 

Writing - We will begin discussing the difference between fact and opinion. Our next formal writing piece is an opinion piece. 

Spelling - It is a normal week for spelling. We will have our test Friday. 

Science - We are talking about kinetic energy and potential energy. 

Canned Food Drive... 
There are TWO food collections going on right now! 
1. Canned Corn - Please send in canned corn for families in need. 
2. Turkey Bingo - Please send in a variety of "thanksgiving" foods that can be won at our annual Turkey Bingo Night. 
THANK YOU!!! 

Outdoor Gear... 
Expectations for 4th graders: 
*Winter coats
*Hats 
*Gloves 
*Snow boots 
***Snowpants are not required but are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! It does get very cold here in AK. Students will also spend up to 45 minutes outdoors for PE. Snowpants will keep your child WARM! :) 

Box Tops for Education... 
Please continue to send in box tops to help our class earn rewards. They are very important to the students. 

Week of November 6th, 2017

This Week in Class... 

Math - We are working with multiplying by two-digit numbers. Please continue to help your student at home during this very important time in math learning. 

Reading - We are nearing the end of our book Stone Fox. We will be done by the end of the week. We will begin our project next week. 

Writing - We are learning about the color scheme to assist informative writing. 

Spelling - Our test is THURSDAY due to no school on Friday. 

Social Studies - We are continuing to learn about the Aztec. We are learning how to read and take notes on what we are reading. 

Thanksgiving Food Drives... 
Please send in cans of corn for our Thanksgiving Canned Corn Drive! 
Please send them in by the 17th of November. 

Please send in thanksgiving food items for our annual Turkey Bingo. 
Please send them in by next Thursday, November 16th. 

Box Tops... 
Please continue to send in Box Tops for Education. 

Week of October 30th, 2017

This week in class... 

Math - We are beginning chapter 3 this week. We will be multiplying 2 digit numbers. 

Reading - We are continuing to read Stone Fox. 

Writing - We will type our fall leaves informative pieces. 

Spelling - There IS spelling this week! We are back on track! 

Social Studies - We are beginning to talk about ancient civilizations beginning with the Aztec this week. 

Tuesday, October 31st... 
We will have a fall fun day! Science and STEM activities, The Wizard of Oz, and a costume parade! 

Wednesday, November 1st... 
Our field trip to see Journey to Oz. We will get on the bus to leave at 11:00 and will return by 1:30. Chaperones should arrive around 10:30. Please send a snack for before the field trip because we won't have lunch until 1:30. 

Our NEXT Field Trip... 
We will go to the PAC again to see Electric Christmas on November 29th. Permission slips and payment are due THIS FRIDAY!!! 

Week of October 23rd, 2017

This week in class... 

Math - We are reviewing for and taking the Chapter 2 assessment! 

Reading - We will continue reading Stone Fox. 

Writing - We are in the revising and peer editing phase of the writing process with our autumn leaves informative writing. 

Spelling - There is NO spelling this week due to half days! 

Science - We will finish our experiement on how force affects speed. 

Homework...
There is NO spelling homework this week! Your child WILL have a math review for homework. Help ensure your child is coloing in their pumpkin reading logs and Book-It reading logs for the month of October. They are due November 1st. 

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES ARE THIS WEEK! 
I will email you and send home a reminder of your child's conference time. See you then! 

HALF-DAYS THIS WEEK!
There will be half days on Wednesday and Thursday this week due to conferences. 
THERE IS NO SCHOOL FRIDAY FOR STUDENTS! 

Spirit Week is this Week... 
Monday - Wear red 
Tuesday - Crazy Day (hair and/or clothes) 
Wednesday - Nerd Day 
Thursday - Hat Day 
Monday Oct. 30th - Pajama Day 
Tuesday Oct. 31st - Costume Day or Spirit Wear  

Snack... 
Please send a healthy snack with your child each day. 
***If any families would like to donate healthy, prepackaged snacks to our class, many kids would be grateful! 

Boxtops for Education... 
Please keep sending them in! 

Week of October 16th, 2017

This Week in Class... 

Math - We will be working on multi-step problems and contuing practicing our multiplication skills. 

Reading - Last week we began our novel study of Stone Fox. We will be working with chapters 3 and 4 this week. 

Writing - We are continuing our informative piece about the changing autumn leaves. We will peer edit and rewrite in paragraph form. 

Spelling - We will have our spelling test this THURSDAY. Please help ensure your child is prepared a day earlier than normal. 

Science - This week we will set up an experiment involving force and how it affects speed. 

Walking Field Trip for Red Ribbon Week is THIS WEEK! 
We will be walking and taking a picture for Red Ribbon Week. We will be out of the building between 1:00 and 3:00. 

THERE IS NO SCHOOL THIS FRIDAY OCTOBER 20TH!!! 
It is a district-wide grading day for all teachers. 

Homework Club... 
Please help remind your child to complete and turn in all homework! My policy for late work is only one day and then I will not accept it for homework club. This month the reward is popsicles! 

CONFERENCE WEEK IS NEXT WEEK!!! 
I have received confirmation from all families for their conference day/time! Thank you so much for that!!! There will be normal school days on Monday and Tuesday and there will be half-days on Wednesday and Thursday. There will be NO SCHOOL on FRIDAY the 27th. 

Week of October 9th, 2017

This Week in Class...

Math - We will learn the traditional method for multiplying.

Reading - We will begin a novel study of Stone Fox.

Writing - We began our first informative piece on the changes in Autumn leaves and will continue that process this week.

Social Studies - We will make another flip-flap on the continents, ocean, equator, and prime meridian.

Homework Club...
We are beginning a new month for homework club! Remember, all assignments must be turned in on-time for students to be apart of homework club and earn a prize!

Book-It Reading Program...
Stdudents received their October reading log (it has clocks on it) for the Pizza Hut Program! IF students fill out their log and bring it in November 1st, they will get a free personal pizza coupon from Pizza Hut!

School Absenses...
If your child misses a day of school, please contact the front office to excuse them. I will be calling families that have unexcused absenses to check in. Thanks!

Parent-Teacher Conferences...
COMING SOON! The week of October 23rd. I will be scheduling all families and contacting you soon!

Box Tops...
Please continue sending in box tops. We earned our popcorn party and we are working towards 250 box tops to earn a popcicle party!

Cold Weather is upon us...
Please start sending coats with your children. We are having rainy, crisp fall days and warmth is important for our health! Thanks!

Field Trip...
We will be seeing Journey to Oz at the Performing Arts Center on November 1st! That is coming up!!!

Week of September 25th, 2017

This week in class... 

Math - We will be learning about estimation in multiplication, the distributive property, and how to multiply a multi-digit number by a 1 digit number. 

Reading - This week we are reading the story Akaik and will be working on answering text dependent questions. 

Writing - We will be learning about relative pronouns and types of sentences. 

Science - We are continuing learning about the scientific method and doing activities with "force". 

Reminder... 
Please do not allow your child to bring toys to school. Toys will be collected if they are out and parents will be notified. 

Homework... 
Math homework is due the very next day. Spelling homework is due every Friday. I always allow homework to be 1 day late. Any later and that student will not be in Homework Club for the month. 

September Reading Log... 
Due October 1st! There are enough activities on the log to last your child 5 days a week for 4 weeks! 

Open House This Week! 
Please join us this Friday for Open House! 

Box Tops for Education... 
Please send in box tops to help our class earn a reward. the first 50 box tops will earn our students a popcorn party! Please make sure that the tops are not expired and that the date is not cut off. Thanks! 

Week of September 18th, 2017

This Week in Class... 

Math - This week are beginning Chapter 2. We will be learning about multiplying a 2 digit numbers by a 1 digit number. 

Reading - We have completed our Chris Van Allsburg author study. We are spending the week doing our final projects! Students are making a movie poster for a book of their choosing. 

Writing - We are learning about the prefix re- which means "again". 

Science - We are starting the year with "force". We will be using the scientific method to drive our experiments this year. This will get us ready for the Science Fair later this year! 

Mediator Training THIS WEEK!!! 
If your student filled out an application and received/returned a permission slip to attend training it will be held this THURSDAY and FRIDAY the 21st and 22nd. Please send your child with a packed lunch from home. Please make sure your child is ON TIME to school on those days! 

***I will be attending Mediator Training on both days so there will be a substitute in my classroom for two days. We will discuss as a class the appropriate behavior expected when there is a guest teacher in the classroom and I hope that families will discuss this further at home. 

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION 
Please start sending in those box tops!!! The first class prize for bringing in 50 box tops is a popcorn party! 
*Please make sure they are not expired 
*Please make sure the date is visible on the box tops 

OPEN HOUSE iS COMING! 
Open House will be held next Friday the 29th. 

Week of September 11th, 2017

This Week in Class... 

Math - We will have our very first test on Tuesday! It will cover expanded/word/standard form, rounding, estimating, addition and subtraction. As always, students that earn a D or F will have the opportunity to make corrections and earn back points. 

Reading - We are nearing the end of our author study. We will watch the movie Jumanji and do a compare and contrast activity with it. 

Writing - We will be reviewing nouns and pronouns this week. Soon, we will begin informative writing. 

Spelling - There is spelling this week. Homework went home on Friday and is due this Friday! 

Social Studies - We are learning about map keys/legends and cardinal directions. 

SEL - We have been discussing empathy in class. Empathy means "to walk in someone else's shoes" or to understand what others are feeling. The idea of empathy is a very big concept and discussing it at home would tremendously help young kids learn how to better get along with peers, siblings, and adults! 

HOMEWORK... 
Math homework is sent on most days and is due the very next day. Spelling homework goes home on Friday and is due the following Friday (test day!). Reading logs are due the 1st of every new month. Please talk with your children about what homework they have each day and remind them to get it turned in on-time. RESPONSIBILITY is KEY in 4TH GRADE!!! :) :) :) 

SNACK... 
Please send healthy snacks to school for your child. It is simply not my responsibility to provide food daily for my students. If any families would like to donate individually packaged snacks for the class we would graciously accept. Thanks for understanding! 

OUTDOOR GEAR... 
Please send your child to school with appropriate gear. In Alaska we do get rain and snow and it does get cold quickly! It is so important for students to get outdoor time for fresh air, exercise, and social time outside the classroom. Please have your children ready for the outdoors! Thanks! 

Week of September 4th, 2017

This Week in Class... 

Math - We will review the concepts from our first Mid-Chapter Checkpoint. We will also review addition and subtraction cpncepts. 

Reading - We are continuing our Chris Van Allsburg author study. We are focusing on theme, setting, and character traits. 

Writing - We will be learning about prefixes, suffixes, and grammar concepts this year! We will start our journey with the prefix -un this week. We will continue to write in our writer's notebooks as well! 

Spelling - This is our first week of spelling! Every student received his/her spelling packet last Friday.  Our first test will be this Friday. Homework packets are also due Friday morning. 

Social Studies - We will learn about map keys and legends. 

Homework... 
Wlecome to a new month! All homework assignments must be turned in for students to earn a prize in Homework Club. If assignments are not turned in when they are due, then students have ONE extra day only to get in their assignment for Homework Club. Also, September reading logs went home on Friday. They are due October 1st. 

Summer Pictures... 
We have begun using our summer memories to enhance our writing! If you have not sent pictures in with your child please do that as soon as possible. You can upload pictures to Walmart.com from your social media and computers and will be printed in an hour for very cheap! :) 

Snack... 
Please send healthy snacks with your child to school. We have snack time each day in the afternoon. I would like to give a shout out to Sonja Mitchel for donating snack to our class. If anyone else would like to donate snacks we would graciously appreciate them. Pre-packaged healthy snacks would be best. 

Week of August 28th, 2017

We had an AWESOME first week back to school! 

FYI ... We are currently switching our emailing system. I would normally email all families by now with updates and information about our class. Thank you for your patience!!!!!!!!! 

This week in class... 

Math - We are beginning chapter 1 in GoMath! We will be working with place value, rounding, standard/expanded/word form. There will be our first mid-chapter quiz on Friday! 

Reading - We are currently doing a Chris Van Allsburg author study. He wrote books such as Jumanji and The Polar Express. Finding "theme" in the books we read will be a big part of our focus this year. 

Writing - We are setting up our writer's notebooks and fostering our love of writing this week! Please send in 10 pictures form summer to help fuel our writing! 

Spelling - This week we are practicing our spelling procedures in class. We will be using the program "Words Their Way" in our class. Spelling will begin next week. 

Social Studies - We will spend first quarter learning about maps and globes and how to use them. 

Homework... 
Students have received their first reading log. It is due September 1st. Students will also begin receiving a page of math practice on most nights. All assignments must be turned in for students to be eligible for Homework Club. 

Book Check-Out in the Classroom... 
Students are able to check out books from our classroom. I have developed a sign-out and students who want to borrow books must agree to the following: 
*Take care of the books
*Bring it back the next day 
*Replace it if ruined or lost
I will email parents when books are checked out from me. 

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!!!

Welcome! I am SO happy to see everyone's smiling faces! This is going to be a WONDERFUL year in 4th grade! 

You can check this blog for weekly updates about what we are doing class! I will also post reminders about sepcial events for our class and school. 

In case you were not able to join us at "Meet the Teacher Night" here is a list of school supplies for your child: 

• 2 Mead composition notebooks (no spirals)
• 2 plastic folders (1 blue, 1 green)
• 1 pack of Ticonderoga pencils
• 1 -24 package of crayons
• 1 pack of washable markers
• 1 pack of colored pencils
• 4 dry erase markers (black)
• 1 skinny dry erase marker
• 1 pair of scissors
• 1 bottle of liquid glue
• 4 Large size glue sticks
• 2 Erasers
• 1 Plastic container with your child’s name on it for their supplies.

***Extra supplies will be kept in the classroom and available to all students to share.

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  I will provide your child's homework folder this year! It will include a planner that your child will be expected to use to record his/her assignments. You can check it daily for homework information. I also included a parent survey that should be completed by you and sent back to school the next day. I use the survey's valuable information to get to know your child better and it helps me keep your child SAFE! :) 
  
  
  This year our class will have a "Homework Club". It is our school's policy that homework is "practice without penalty" so I will not be recording grades for homework. However, your child is expected to complete all homework and turn it in when due. As incentive, our homework club will be a way that I record all completed assignments and your child can earn a monthly reward for their hardwork and responsibility to their learning. 
  Homework to expect: 
  *1 page of daily math practice - Due next day
  *Weekly spelling packets - Due Friday mornings 
  *Monthly reading log - Due 1st day of each new month
  
  
  4th grade means letter grades!!! 
  That's right! We will move to classice letter grades this year. The following is our grading scale: 
  90% - 100%... A 
  80% - 89%... B 
  70% - 79%... C 
  60% - 69%... D 
  59% and below... F 
  This can be a difficult change for students and families. Please discuss the importance of trying your best, practicing your skills, completing homework, and asking questions when you don't understand. This will help ensure success in 4th grade!!! 
  
  
  If you ever have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me or drop by the classroom! My email is pringle_kelly@asdk12.org and the school phone number is (907) 742-1600. 
  
  
  LET'S MAKE THIS A FANTASTIC YEAR!!! :) :) :) 

Week of April 3rd, 2017

This wee in class...

THIS WEEK IS PEAKS TESTING FOR 3RD GRADERS! WE WILL TEST ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY! 

Math - We will begin learning about perimeter and area. 

Reading - We will continue working in our literature circle groups. 

Writing - We have begun to learn about poetry and will continue to write different forms of poetry. 

Spelling - THERE IS NO SPELLING THIS WEEK DUE TO PEAKS! 

Social Studies - We will learn about the Tlingit group. 

Please continue to send in Box Tops for Education! 
We currently have 787 and are working towards 1,000 to earn a cupcake party! 

Week of March 20th, 2017

Welcome Back!!! 

This week in class... 

Math - We will begin chapter 12 on geometry and angles. MId-chapter checkpoint will be next MONDAY. 

Reading - We are continuing literature circle groups. 3 groups are working on final projects. Yay! 

Writing - We are peer editing and beginning our final drafts of our personal narratives. 

Spelling - Homework came home on Monday and our test will be Friday as usual. Please ensure your child is completing his/her homework and bringing it Friday! 

Social Studies - For the next 3 weeks we will learn about 5 Native groups of Alaska! 

Please continue to send in Box Tops! 
We earned our popcorn party and we are on our way to earning a cupcake party for 1,000 box tops! 

Science Fair Projects DUE WEDNESDAY MARCH 22ND!!! 
Please send in projects and science fair packets for participation points! 

Please help your child arrive to school on time! Students should line up near the playground with their classmates at 8:45. The bell rings at 8:50! 

Week of February 27th, 2017

This week in class... 

Math- We are continuing to learn about fractions! 

Writing- We will interview our classmates about a time we learned something new. We will use our interviews to write personal narratives. 

Reading - Some groups are still on their first book, and others have moved on to their second book in literature circles. After reading two books in a series, groups will do a compare and contrast book report. 

Spelling - Spelling will continue as usual this week. 

Science - We will continue to learn about the water cycle. We will use the scientific method to pose a question about evaporation to create a class science fair project. Stay tuned for details! 

This week is Spirit Week! 
Monday: Crazy or mismatched socks day 
Tuesday: Hat day 
Wednesday: Wacky clothes day 
Thursday: Twin day OR Pajama day for Read Across America Day! 
Friday: Wear green or spirit colors

We are running low on tissues in class! If anyone is willing to donate boxes of tissues, we would appreciate it! 

Please continue to send in box tops! 

Week of February 21st, 2017

Conferences this week! 

Thank you to everyone that attended!!! 

Week of February 13th, 2017

This Week in Class... 

Math: We are beginning chapter 8 on fractions! 

Reading: We are working in literature circle groups reading various books. Ask your student what he/she is reading!!! 

Writing: We are learning about how to write a narrative piece. 

Science: We will be learning about the water cycle! 

Valentine's Day Celebration... 
We will celebrate on Tuesday, February 14th, 2017 
If your child brings in valentines to give out, please ensure there is a valentine for EVERY STUDENT. 
Please help your child make a holder for his/her valentines (box, envelope, bag, etc...) 

Box Tops for Education: We have 485 box tops. We will earn a popcorn party once we reach 500! 

Variety Show... 
Friday, March 3rd, 2017 
We will be performing the song "Count on Me" 
We are collecting "Movie Night" themed items for an auction basket (popcorn, candy, movie tickets, DVDs, etc...) 

Week of January 3rd, 2016

This week in class... 

Math - We are continuing chapter 7 and practicing division skills. 

Reading - This week we are doing a final project for the book Return to Sender. Students will be making a book cover for the story that includes an illustration and summary of the book. 

Writing - All students are working on rough and final drafts for their opinion piece this week! 

Science - We are going to do an overview of the states of matter and earth's spheres. We will start learning about the water cycle soon! 

SNOW DAY - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD, 2016 
We will be participating in the winter field day during the A.M., from 9:10 - 11:25. Please let me know if you plan to attend with your child! :) 

100TH DAY OF SCHOOL - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD, 2016 
Your child's mystery bag project is due that day!!! 

Please continue to bring in box tops! We are close to a popcorn party! 

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT BROUGHT IN EXTRA SUPPLIES FOR THE CLASS!!!

Week of January 23rd, 2017

This week in class... 

Math: We will continue practicing our division skills and will have our mid-chapter checkpoint later in the week! 

Reading: We are continuing reading the story Return to Sender and practicing literature circle jobs that we will be using in future literature circle groups. 

Writing: We will write rough drafts for our opinion piece. 

Social Studies - We will learn about a few more Alaskan Symbols such as the state flower and bird. 

Homework Reminder: 
Math- Due the next day after it has been assigned. 
Spelling- Due Friday morning (Test day!). 
Reading Logs- due Monday. (Use the weekend to catch up on reading!) 

Please continue to send in box tops for education! 

Week of January 17th, 2017

This week in class... 

Math - We are beginning chapter 7 on division skills. 

Reading - We are continuing the book "Return to Sender" by Kevin Henkes. 

Writing - We are beginning our rough drafts on an opinion piece. 

Social Studies - We are continuing our learning about Alaska's state symbols. 

Reminder: Please help your child remember to return his/her library books on FRIDAY! 

Please continue to bring in box tops for education! We are close to earning a popcorn party! 

Our class is in need of glue sticks and plastic sandwich bags and would welcome donations. THANK YOU!!! 

Week of January 9th, 2017

This Week in Class... 

Math - We will review division concepts we learned before break and move on with a few more division skills. We will take our test on division either Thursday or Friday. 

Reading - We will be transitioning into literature circles this semester! To kick off the transition, we will read a chapter book called Return to Sender by the author Kevin Henkes!

Writing - This week we will write about our New Year resolutions and continue Opinion writing next week. 

Spelling - There will be spelling this week! Students will be bringing home spelling on Fridays, and homework will be due the following Friday (this week students get spelling Monday due to break). 

Science - We will learn about how seeds travel. 

Please continue to bring in Box Tops for Education! It is not too late for our class to earn a reward for reaching 500 box tops! 

There is NO SCHOOL NEXT MONDAY due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

Please remember to send weather appropriate gear to school: Snow pants, winter coats, hats, insulated gloves, and snow boots. It's cold out there!!! 

Also, Please remind your student to bring shoes each day so that they are not wearing their snow boots all day. That is a classroom expectation.