Alcala’s Actions
November 4, 2009
Dear Parents,
Our brand new second quarter is now in session.
The students are working hard and for the most part progressing. M
Mr
Math We have finished chapter 17 in math and will begin chapter 18 tomorrow.
Fridays will be our math center day with students reviewing all the math
strands. We also are continuing to review multiplication tables with weekly
drills. We will be testing on the 8’s and 9’s tables this week.
Weekly Drops in the Bucket quizzes are given on Thursdays.
Please follow along on eharcourtschool.com.
It offers additional practice problems that support our curriculum.
AR points and Reading Logs: Students were given their new AR point goal for
the second quarter. It is stapled in the front of their planner and is based
in part on the recent FAIR assessment.
Reading: We have begun reading a wonderful classic story from the Little
House books. I have sent home the site to access Story Town resources. The
students can access their textbook and practice book pages online. It would
be wonderful for the students to review weekly in order to prepare for the
weekly test. Ticket to Read and FCAT Explorer are additional sites the
students are enrolled in. Practice on both will promote reading growth.
Writing: Students practiced a 45 minute expository prompt this week with a
format similar to FCAT. We will continue to review the expository essay and
will also begin focusing on the narrative essay in November. Retelling
stories or movies at home by recognizing the characters, setting, problem and
attempts to solve the problem will help students prepare for the narrative.
Thank you to all parents who are continuing to support their child’s
attendance at the after school writing class on Thursdays.
DOL Effective sentence editing skills are necessary to writing strong
essay. Each week, fourth grade practices either editing with individual
sentences or editing with paragraphs. Every Monday through Thursday, we
correct together the exact sentences or paragraphs that the students are
tested on Friday. Students will be required to take home their DOL classroom
books to study on Thursday for homework. These books MUST be returned on
Fridays as part of their homework.
Science Fair: Thank you, parents for coaching your child to complete their
science boards. All but two students had their boards finished. Please plan
on attending Science Fair Night on November 5th. There are hands on
activities and science boards can be picked up. 6:00-7:00 PM
Wednesday Work Folders: Please make sure to empty and sign weekly work
folders. (this is week 1).
Website: Please check for homework and any announcements regularly.
Please contact me regarding any questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Kristine Alcala
Upcoming Events:
November 5-Science Fair Night 6:00-7:00 PM
November 6: Picture retakes
November 9: Report cards go home
November 11th- PTO Meeting
November 13th Principal’s Coffee
November 18th-Fundraiser Deliver
November 24th 1st Qtr Renaissance Celebration
