May 7 CAT
May 8 315 5th Grade FIT CLUB
May 9 CAT Deadline for self-addressed envelope/return books/proof of residency
May 10 Project Due
May 11 Field Day: SACK LUNCH
May 14 IT WEEK
May 18 Spirit Day: SACK LUNCH
May 21 9-10 Honors Day 130-210 EOY Party
May 22 Students Last Day
Dear Parents,
It is hard to believe the end of the school year is right around the corner!
As you know, this time of year becomes quite busy. I have listed several end
of year reminders for you. Proof of residency is required to enroll your
child for next year, please submit necessary documents as soon as possible.
Please let me know if you have questions.
Performance Testing: Computer Adaptive Testing
This is the first year of CAT. The CAT will be useful in the interpretation
of standardized test performance and your child's academic growth. Please
make sure your child gets plenty of rest the night prior to testing.
CAT Testing
May 7 and May 9
8:15 am
Challenge Last Day
May 10
Field Day
May 11
IT Week: Tour of India
May 14-18
Awards Day
End of Year Celebration
May 21
1:30 to 2:10
Last Day for Students
May 22
April 16, 2012
Hello Parents,
Standardized testing begins tomorrow through Monday, April 23rd. The children
have minimal homework (about 20 minutes) this week. I have encouraged the
children to spend no more than 10-20 minutes reviewing for the next day's
test. Review resources are on the homework page.
Tuesday, Reading
Wednesday, ELA
Thursday, Math
Friday, Science
Monday, Social Studies
We have been instructed to administer the test in two sections, with a snack
after the test session. Please make sure your child eats a plentiful
breakfast. Children may have gum or mints during the test session.
The children and I have worked hard this year. I am excited they have this
opportunity to show how much they've learned in 4th grade. Please let me know
if you have questions. As always, thank you for your support!
April 9, 2012
CRCT Letter To Parents is being sent home today: Testing begins on April 17th
Tools to help your child prepare for the CRCTs are available on the Georgia
Department of Education’s
website at www.gadoe.org. Please see review resources in your child's binder.
Dear Parents,
I hope to see you all next Friday, March 16th at An Evening with the Stars,
SSEF's Annual Auction.
Friday, March 16, 2012
7:30 to 11:00 pm
The Buckhead Theater
Tickets:
https://ssef.ejoinme.org/STAR
Online Auction:
https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?documentId=151311039
IMPORTANT AUCTION DATES TO REMEMBER
March 1 - 20th: Online Auction BE SURE TO VIEW OUR BEAUTIFUL CLASSROOM ART
PROJECT!
March 13th: Private Screening of all SRS Classroom Art at Suzanne Evan's home
4:30 to 9:00
March 16th: Auction Event at Buckhead Theater
March 20th: Online auction closes at 8:00pm
DON'T FORGET: Tomorrow is Early Release at 11:30
I look forward to seeing you at the Student Led Conference. Please let me
know if you have questions.
March - April 2012
Ms. Wilkinson & Mrs. Hewitt, 4th Grade
February 24, 2012
We regret having to say farewell to Duke Kennedy. Duke and his family are
moving to Cobb County. We will miss the Kennedy Family and wish them the
best. Stay in touch!
Classroom Art Projects and Teacher Outings -- now online!
As you may have heard, all Classroom Art projects and Teacher Outings will be
auctioned online this year. We are very excited about this because for the
first time every family in every classroom will have the opportunity to be
the highest bidder, regardless of whether they can attend the March 16th
event. The online auction will open at 8:00 am, March 1 (next Thursday) and
end at 8:00 pm March 14th.
We are forging new SRS territory with this online auction, and would love to
have your help promoting your classroom items (and the entire auction) with
the families in your classroom. A link to the online auction will be added
to the “Evening with the Stars” home page next week, but meanwhile, if you’d
like a sneak peek, here is the link (cut & paste to your
browser) :https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.actiondocumentId=
151311039
Information on the classroom art is still coming in and being added to the
site, but most of the Teacher Outings have been listed.
Curriculum Update
In Mathematics, we are continuing our look at the relationship and
conversions among fractions, decimals and percents. We will bring this unit
to a close with the student created store and discount number story project
next week. Next, we will begin to investigate algebraic expressions,
measurement, area and perimeter. Please continue to reinforce your child’s
mastery of long division and multi digit multiplication. These multi step
skills REQUIRE students to practice everyday until the process is mastered.
We are continuing the Treasures series in Language Arts. We have begun Unit 5
this week reading an excerpt from Because of Winn Dixie. We will study
various reading concepts such as, plot, setting, character attributes, point
of view, etc. As you read with your child at home, ask them questions about
what they are reading such as “From whose point of view is the story told?”
and “What is the problem and solution in the story?” We continue shared
inquiry and Junior Greats Books every two weeks. In writing, we have
completed our American Revolutionary Bio Folder. This project will be added
to your child’s portfolio.
In Social Studies, we are learning about The French and Indian War and its
link to the American Revolution. We will use persuasive strategies to compose
an argument in support of Great Britain and King George or the Colonial
Patriots. After looking at the causes and events of the American Revolution,
we will identify the results of the American Revolution and the foundations
of our nation. We will look at the three branches of government at their
function, the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence.
We are reviewing the three branches of government and the function of each
branch.
Government and Civics: Essential Questions
What are natural rights?
Why is the Declaration of Independence and Constitution important?
Why are checks and balances important?
We are continuing to investigate the concepts of Astronomy including
comparing and contrasting celestial bodies, moon phases and day-night cycles.
The children are learning about constellations by reading A Zoo in the Sky
and writing their own constellation story. Solar System Science Labs have
been held investigating: Solar System Size and Scale; Star Compositions and
Comparison; The Moon and It’s Phases. The children will participate in High
Touch High Tech that focused on weather next week.
Parent Tips: Build the Basics
It is very important that your child continue practicing basic math facts. At
this point, all students should know the facts through the 9s automatically.
Your child should continue to read aloud for at least ten minutes and ten
minutes of silent reading. As you read your child’s writing pieces, note
whether each sentence begins with a capital, ends with punctuation and proper
nouns are capitalized. These writing conventions should be mastered at this
age.
Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences and Student Portfolios
Conferences will be held March 12th through March 23rd. Three students will
hold their conferences per session. There will be a total of nine sessions
each lasting 15 minutes.
We are assembling your child’s student portfolio. Your child will be leading
the conference, sharing their student portfolio and goals for next year. You
will receive an email to schedule a conference from SIGN UP GENIUS. Please
register by March 2nd for your conference.
CRCT Test Preparation: GOAS and IXL
We will review during the month of March and April. We will revisit concepts
that were introduced at the beginning of the year. In addition, we will
continue the online practice tests. Your child should complete and review the
tests that have been assigned. Additional review resources are available on
our LINKS page.
Our Classroom Needs
Emergency Snacks
Sharpened No. 2 and Colored Pencils
Ziplocs
Paper Towels
Non Toxic Antibacterial Wipes
Important Dates
March 7
Walk to School Day
March 9
Early Release: Teacher Training
March 11
Daylight Savings
March 16
Report Cards
Spirit Day: Wear Green
SRS Auction: An Evening with the Stars
March 20
First Day of Spring
March 21
Class Picture Day
March 22
Book Fair
HTHT: MACHINES
March 23
Grandparents Day
April 2
Spring Break
April 17
CRCT
May 22
Last day for students
As always, thank you for your continued enthusiasm and support. If you have
any questions or comments, please let us know.
Have a nice weekend,
Ms. Wilkinson and Mrs. Hewitt
Email: stwilkinson@atlanta.k12.ga.us
http://teacherweb.com/GA/SarahSmith/Wilkinson/
READ A THON UPDATE
Thank you for your support during the Readathon. Our class accumulated 2,160
Book credits during the readathon and pledged over a $1000. Our class winner
was Margaret Fish with 358 points! Elliana Hau also accumulated a lot of
credits with 277 points. We had 10 blue ribbon winners, 1 red ribbon winner
and 2 yellow ribbon winners!
Please make sure you send in checks for the pledges made out to Sarah Smith
PTA (cash is not accepted). If you didn't pledge and would like to, by all
means send in a check. If your amount was not what you expected and more
than you had planned to pay, that's okay, send in what you would like to
contribute. You should have received your booklets on Tuesday with an
envelope attached. Place the donation checks in this envelope and have your
child return to school.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SPELLING BEE FINALISTS!
1st, Samantha Stewart
2nd, Neil Sashti
3rd, Colin Brake
School Spelling Bee February 22nd
January-February Class Newsletter
Ms. Wilkinson, 4th Grade
January 27, 2012
CURRICULUM UPDATE
In Language Arts, we are reviewing simple and complete subjects/predicates,
types of sentences and other grammar skills using Mountain Language. The
students will begin researching a notable figure from the American Revolution
and compose a biography project in February. We will use persuasive
strategies in our writing to compose an argument in support of Great Britain
and King George or the Colonial Patriots. The students will support their
opinion with historical evidence and share their position in a class debate.
Several students have shown interest in writing a newspaper. I will be
helping them with layout and journalistic writing.
In Reading, students are reading selections from the Treasures anthology and
Junior Great Books. While reading, we looked for important events, character
development and what we were left wondering after we read the story. Skills
we practiced were making generalizations, drawing conclusions and inferring.
We continue shared inquiry discussions while reading The Nightingale by Hans
Christian Anderson. The children and I agreed this was our favorite story!
Please remember the Read a Thon began this week and will end February 6th.
Fractions and Their Uses; Chance and Probability One of the most important
ideas in mathematics is the concept that a number can be named in many
different ways. For example, a store might advertise an item at � off its
original price or at a 50% discount�both mean the same thing. Much of the
mathematics your child will learn involves finding equivalent names for
numbers. Fractions serve the same purpose. After reviewing the meaning and
uses of fractions, students will explore equivalent fractions�fractions that
have the same value, such as 1/2, 2/4, 3/6 and so on. Fractions are also used
to express the chance that an event will occur.
Fractions, Decimals and Percents We will be studying percents and their uses
in everyday situations. Your children have begun finding examples of percents
in newspapers and magazines, on food packages, on clothing labels, and
brought them to class. They will be used illustrate a variety of fraction,
decimal and percent applications. As we study percents, your child will learn
equivalent values for percents, fractions, and decimals. For example, 50% is
equivalent to the fraction � and to the decimal 0.5. The class will develop
the understanding that percent always refers to a part out of 100.
Equivalents should become automatic for your child. Such fractions are common
in percent situations and are helpful with more difficult fractions,
decimals, and percents. Throughout the unit, your child will convert
fractions to percents and will learn how to calculate discounts, sale prices,
and percents of discount. Finally, the class will begin to apply the
multiplication and division algorithms to problems that contain decimals. The
approach used in Everyday Mathematics is straightforward: Students solve the
problems as if the numbers were whole numbers. Then they estimate the answers
to help them locate the decimal point in the exact answer. In February, our
culminating math project will require your child creating a store and writing
fraction, decimal and percent number stories about realistic scenarios where
their understanding of fractions, decimals and percents is applied.
Astronomy and American Revolution We will begin a mini unit focusing on the
position and motion of Earth in the solar system in February. We will also
sequence the phases of the moon and explore the changes in season determined
the revolution of the Earth and the Earth�s tilt on its axis. The students
are continuing to learn our American history by studying the causes, events
and results of the American Revolution. The field trip to the Cobb Youth
Museum supported our learning about Colonial Life and foreshadowed what we
will learn about our fight for independence.
Content Vocabulary
Rebellion
Revolution
Patriot
Militia
Minutemen
Petition
Delegate
Boycott
Protest
Liberty
Correspondence
Proclamation
Tax
Constellations
Axis
Rotation
WELCOME MRS. AYSHA HEWITT
Join me in welcoming Mrs. Hewitt from the University of Phoenix. She will be
our student teacher beginning Monday through the end of April. The experience
and knowledge Mrs. Hewitt acquires while working with your children is vital
to her success as a future elementary school teacher. The students and I are
pleased to have this opportunity.
IMPORTANT DATES
Class Spelling Bee
January 30
Book Project 2: A book in a...
February 3
School Spelling Bee
February 22
Valentine's Day
February 14
Winter Break
February 17-20
St. Valentine's Treat February 14th If you would like to help with a
Valentine craft and treat, please let me know. Students are allowed to
exchange cards for the class of 27.
As always, thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. Please
contact me with questions. Have a wonderful weekend!
Ms. Wilkinson
Sarah Smith Elementary
4141 Wieuca Road, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30342
Phone: (404) 802-3880
Email: stwilkinson@atlanta.k12.ga.us
TASTE OF SARAH SMITH
Thursday, March 29th, 2012
5:30-7:00, Intermediate Campus
Do you have a favorite family dish or activity from your native country?
Do you have a favorite family dish or activity that celebrates another
country's culture?
If so, we invite you to be a part of the 1st annual International Taste of
Sarah Smith on March 29th!
Stayed tuned for more information coming SOON about this exciting school-wide
event brought to you by the SRS Multicultural Affairs Committee.
Class Reminders and Celebrations
Ms. Wilkinson 4th Grade
December 16, 2011
MID YEAR UPDATE
In today's Friday Folder, please find resources we have been using for a Mid
Year Review& Assessment. While I do not use the resources for drilling
students, I do find the resources helpful when used as a quick review. The
review offers students a refresher and serves as an overview of 4th
grade skills/content. The review helps guide my instruction and re teaching
for theremainder of the year. Also, you will find your childs most recent
STAR reading diagnostic report and a Treasures English Language Arts
diagnostic assessment. Report Cards will be sent home in January 2012.
We have begun assembling our portfolios. The students are excited to see how
they have developed as students this year.
LOST AND FOUND ALERT!
All unclaimed items in Lost & Found will be donated by SRS Girl Scouts
Troop 29333 to a local shelter. The donation of coats, hats and scarves will
help keep a struggling family warm this holiday season. Please claim your
items
before December 20th during normal school hours.
REMINDERS
12/19 Winter Craft and Delicious Math
12/20 Holiday Breakfast
12/21 End of semester
1/04 School Resumes
No Tutorial
1/16 No School
2/03 Book Project 2: A book in a...
Genre: Newbery
2/14 Valentine's Day
2/17 to 2/20 Winter Break
WISHING YOU HAPPY HOLIDAYS & MANY BLESSINGS IN 2012
Thank you for your continued support, enthusiasm and all you do for our
class. I hope you enjoy this time with your children, family and friends. See
you in 2012!
Ms. Wilkinson
Ms. Wilkinson
4th Grade, Sarah Smith Elementary
November-December 2011
Dear Parents,
I enjoyed meeting with you during our Fall Conferences. I appreciate your
positive feedback. Thank you very much!
Mid Quarter Grade Reports were sent home last Friday. You can check your
child�s grades online using the Infinite Campus portal. I conferenced and
set
goals with your child if s/he has below an 80 in any content area. All
assignment retakes will be graded and posted before the end of Semester 1.
Thank you for supporting your children in preparing for the Academic One
Fair. Congratulations Neil Sashti and Drew Berg who placed in the Academic
One Fair that was held last week. GOOD JOB!
1st Place, Neil Sashti, Terrible Teeth and how Sports Drink and Soft Drinks
Affect your Teeth
2nd Place, Drew Berg, The Physics Behind the Fun
If you haven�t seen our Native American Totem Poles, be sure to view the
photos on our class website. THANK YOU Meredith Stubbs and Uma Sashti for
coordinating the art project.
On December 9th, your child will be participating in our Explorer Wax Museum.
I have posted photos from previous museums to give your child some ideas. We
will be writing a short biographical summary that your child will recite
during the museum. The project will begin when we return from Thanksgiving
Break (details on page three).
Don�t forget to come by and visit our classroom and see your child�s work
in
the hallway. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. I am
grateful for your continued support and enthusiasm!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Ms. Wilkinson
CURRICULUM UPDATE
English Language Arts
Your child checked out a Dear America or My America chapter book this week.
This literature will support our next writing project. We will write two
diary entries. These entries will focus on point of view. One entry will be
written from the Native American perspective and the other from an Explorer
perspective.
Mathematics
During our next unit, we will identify the characteristics of geometric
figures, compare and contrast solid figures, and classify quadrilaterals
including parallelograms, squares, rectangles, trapezoids and rhombi. The
students will explore the concept of weight and use the standard and metric
system to measure objects in grams, kilograms, ounces, pounds and tons. We
will revisit measurement and the meaning of a half rotation (180�) and a
full
rotation (360�).
Geometry and Weight Vocabulary
point, ray, line, line segment, parallel, perpendicular, diagonal line,
plane, weight, ounce, pound, ton, gram, kilogram, protractor, degree,
rotation, parallelogram, trapezoid, rhombus, rectangular prism, pyramid,
right triangle, acute triangle, obtuse triangle, net, straight angle
Health and Wellness
The students and I have enjoyed using our new Health and Wellness book this
semester. We have had lively classroom discussions (these may have made their
way into your home!) Specifically, we have looked at Nutrition and Total
Wellness (emotional, physical and mental health). While we have completed
these chapters in the textbook, it is important to me that we continue
learning. The Service in Action student committee is planning to compile a
Healthy Snack Recipe Book in 2012. Our children have already been
brainstorming their ideas! The SIA committee will be holding activities to
support Shriner�s Hospital for children.
Social Studies and Science
We when return, we will begin Who We Are: Exploration Investigation. The
enduring understanding is that exploration leads to new knowledge and
opportunities for people. The unit is an inquiry into 1) explorers 2) reasons
for exploration 3) impact of exploration.
NATIVE AMERICANS
�Locate where Native Americans settled with emphasis on Arctic (Inuit),
Northwest (Kwakiutl), Plateau (Nez Perce), Southwest (Hopi), Plains (Pawnee),
and Southeastern (Seminole)
� Describe how Native Americans used their environment to obtain food,
clothing, and shelter
� Explain why each of the Native American groups (Arctic-Inuit, Northwest-
Kwakiutl, Plateau-Nez Perce, Southwest-Hopi, Plains-Pawnee, and Southeastern-
Seminole) occupied the areas they did, with emphasis on why some developed
permanent villages and others did not; connection between settlement and
geographic location.
EXPLORATION
� Describe the reasons for, obstacles to, and accomplishments of the
Spanish,
French, and English explorations of John Cabot, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, Juan
Ponce de Leon, Christopher Columbus, Henry Hudson, and Jacques Cartier
� Describe examples of cooperation and conflict between Europeans and Native
Americans
� Describe how the early explorers (John Cabot, Vasco Nunez de Balboa, Juan
Ponce de Leon, Christopher Columbus, Henry Hudson, and Jacques Cartier)
adapted, or failed to adapt, to the various physical environments in which
they traveled; connection between humans and adaptation to environment.
GEOGRAPHY: IT�S IMPACT TO HISTORY AND DECISION MAKING
� Locate major physical features of the United States; include the Atlantic
Coastal Plain, Great Plains, Continental Divide, the Great Basin, Death
Valley, Gulf of Mexico, St. Lawrence River, and the Great Lakes
� Locate major man-made features; include New York City, NY; Boston, MA;
Philadelphia, PA; and the Erie Canal
ECOSYSTEMS
� When one population increases and decreases it will change the entire
ecosystem.
� All living things need energy to grow and live.
� In a food chain, predators eat prey and prey eat smaller prey or
producers.
� Without the nonliving parts of an ecosystem (sunlight, water, soil) there
would be no living parts.
� Animals have physical and behavior features that help them survive.
WATER CYCLE AND WEATHER
� What is the water cycle?
� What instruments are used to help predict weather?
� What happens when a cold front comes in? What happens when a warm front
comes in?
DECEMBER 9th WAX MUSEUM
On Friday, December 9, 2011, our class will go back in time to portray the
lives of notable and historic early explorers from around the world. Please
join us in the fourth grade hallway as we circumnavigate through time and
demonstrate our wealth of knowledge about this integral part of our history!
The students will write a short biographical summary from the point of view
from the explorer. See the following example.
I am the amazing Francisco Vasques de Coronado. I was born in Salamanca,
Spain. I left home because my parents promised the family fortune to my older
brother. In 1535, I sailed to Mexico with Antonio de Mendoza, the colony�s
first Admiral. I became one of the great governors of New Galacia (one of the
Spanish colonies in the New World). Between 1536 and 1539, Admiral Mendoza
heard stories about the Seven Cities of Cibolo, also known as the Seven
Cities of Gold, where the streets and houses were made of gleaming gold and
jewels. He sent me on an expedition to find them and claim the wealth and
wonder for Spain.
Our very own Kennedy Walls will be performing in The Atlanta�s Ballet�s
Nutcracker this year. If you are interested in receiving a dancer�s
discount,
please contact Elenora Walls.
Kennedy is in Cast C; performances are:
� Sat, Dec 10 @ 2P
� Sun, Dec 11 @ 7P
� Sat, Dec 17 @ 7:30P
� Thurs, Dec 22 @ 2P
CLASSROOM NEEDS
Scotch Tape Dispenser
Green, Red and White gumdrops for Holiday Delicious Math in December
Printer Paper
SAVE THE DATE
November 21-28
Thanksgiving Break
December 1
Math and Science Night 5pm
December 9
Wilkinson and Barker Wax Museum
December 20
Class Party
Hanukah Begins
December 21
End of Semester 1
Winter Break Begins
January 4
School Resumes Semester 2
January 16
No School
Overheard in the classroom�
The children have taken our study about Native Americans to recess! During
the past several weeks, it has been nice to watch all 26 students cooperate
as they divided into the Inuit, Kwakiutl and Pawnee tribes and built a tribe
teepee from limbs and brush they found on the playground. This student-
initiated play at recess is an authentic expression of their learning. During
my tenure in education, I rarely see an entire class play together so well. I
learn about your children by watching their interactions during play. They
even chose tribal chiefs and planned a feast where all the tribes come
together to share chips, Cheerios, peanut butter, apples and oranges to
celebrate (not your traditional Thanksgiving fare, but fun was had by all).
Ask your child to tell you all about it!
Contact Information:
Stephanie Wilkinson, M.Ed 4th Grade Teacher
Sarah Smith Elementary
4141 Wieuca Road, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30342
Phone: (404) 802-3880
Email: stwilkinson@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Ms. Wilkinson
4th Grade, Sarah Smith Elementary
October-November 2011
Dear Parents,
I am looking forward to our Fall Parent Teacher Conference. You will receive
an email next week with a link to Sign Up Genius, please sign up for your
conference between October 12 and November 4. Overall, the students have made
a lot of progress both socially and academically. Due to Parent Teacher
Conferences, Wednesday Tutorial is canceled during the entire month of
October. I look forward to sharing your child�s progress with you. Thank you
for your support in facilitating their growth. For more strategies for
success, see the PARENT TOOLBOX on our LINKS page.
Since the One Fair is right around the corner, I will not be assigning
projects to complete at home. It is my hope that you will use this additional
time to help your child with the APS-required project. The only project due
is the Book Jacket Adventure project that was assigned in August due November
4.
We will be sharing Spooky Stories and Autumn treats on October 31st. If you
would like to send a treat to share with the class, please let me know.
CURRICULUM UPDATE
English Language Arts
In Language Arts, we are working on the mechanics of writing using Mountain
Language and spelling. In the upcoming weeks, we will write Spooky Stories
and Autumn Shopping Number Stories to apply what we have learned about
grammar, punctuation and sentence structure. To kick off the second quarter
of school, we are going to investigate how to make writing more interesting
by using adjectives, sensory details and figurative language.
Colorful Adjectives
Encourage your child to �rename� words to develop their vocabulary. For
example, ask them other words that convey the meaning �red�: bloodshot,
blush, brick, burgundy, cardinal, cherry, crimson, flaming, florid, flushed,
fuchsia, garnet, geranium, glowing, healthy. See www.thesaurus.com
Sensory Details
Following the Narrative Diamond, the students will use figurative language,
fascinating nouns, mesmerizing verbs and astounding adjectives to write a
Spooky Story. The story will include basic parts of a narrative to tell a
spooky story.
Reading Log and Book It
To support your child�s reading progress, s/he should be reading each night
for at least twenty minutes. Beginning October 1, they should complete the
Reading Log questions after reading. The Reading Log is in their binder.
Also, please see the Book It! reading incentive program in this week�s
Friday
Folder.
In reading, we are continuing to focus on literary text elements such as
foreshadowing, context clues and predicting using story selections from Unit
2 in Treasures and The Gold Coin from our Junior Great Books anthology. See
readkiddoread.com
Number Stories, Open Sentences, Decimals, Multiplication and Division
We have been writing number stories that require mathematical operations such
as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Algebra has been
introduced through number sentences and parentheses in number sentences.
In our next unit, we will explore decimals and their uses. Students will
compare order and estimate with decimals. One way you can support learning at
home is allow your child to use money when you pay for items at the store.
This will reinforce adding and subtracting with money. This is a real life
connection and allows your child to recognize the importance of math in their
everyday life.
We have started identifying the differences between �parts� and
�wholes�. It
is important your child has a solid understanding of the PLACE VALUE SYSTEM.
I explain digits extending left from the decimal are greater and right from
the decimal are less than one whole.
In upcoming weeks, we will use various strategies for multiplying and
dividing. We will share a variety of addition, subtraction and multiplication
strategies throughout the year. I encourage the students to select the
strategy that works best for them.
To support their learning at home, practice basic multiplication facts
regularly. Your child should complete the IXL strands that are assigned
weekly as homework. Please see the strands on our HOMEWORK page.
Encourage your child to use the following math mnemonics. Ask your child to
explain these to you:
Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally mnemonic to recall the Order of Operations
Does McDonalds Sell Cheeseburgers mnemonic to recall steps for Long Division
Water Cycle and Weather
What is the water cycle?
What instruments are used to help predict weather?
What happens when a cold front comes in?
What happens when a warm front comes in?
Native Americans and Explorers
During the second quarter we will look at Native Americans and their way of
life. During the study, the students learn about various geographic regions
of the Plain, Pacific Northwest, Southwest or Desert and Woodland tribes.
Students will make connections between the geographic location of the tribes
and the lifestyle including: climate, natural resources, food, housing,
clothing and trade.
PORTAPORTAL
This is a website (www.portaportal.com) that we utilize as a 4th grade team.
1. Go to www.portalportal.com.
2. Under "Guest Name" type srs4thgrade and click "Visit."
3. Start exploring!
SAVE THE DATE
September 30
Lunch Bunch 2
October 3
Book Fair Begins
October 5
End of Quarter 1
October 7
Lunch on the Lawn
October 10-11
Fall Break for students
October 12
Parent Teacher Conferences begin
October 14
Lunch Bunch 4
October 20
Parent Teacher Social
October 21
Lunch Bunch 5
October 28
Harvest Mix Delicious Math
Lunch Bunch 6
October 31
Spooky Story and Autumn Treats
November 4
Book Jacket: Adventure due
Parent Teacher Conferences end
November 9
One Fair
November 21-28
Thanksgiving Break
December 20
Hanukah Begins
December 21
End of Semester 1
Winter Break Begins
January 4
School Resumes Semester 2
January 16
No School
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm!
Ms. Wilkinson
(404) 802-3880 stwilkinson@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Monday - Friday 7:30 am to 3:00 pm
September 7 ANNOUNCEMENTS
The APS server problem was resolved today. I am able to send and receive
email from home and school. Thank you for your patience as I sort through any
email you may have sent while the server was down.
It is hard to believe we have reached the mid point of the first quarter.
Please check your child's grades online using the Infinite Campus portal. If
you are unable to view your child's grades, please contact Mrs. Rush at the
IC Main Office. We attempt to resolve system errors promptly.
If you have proof of residency documents pending, please send the documents
to Ms. Johnson as soon as possible.
Please check your child's binder today for important information. These
documents should be completed and returned tomorrow. If you received a
conference request form, I will confirm our meeting time by the end of the
week. Tutorial invitations will be stapled to your child's agenda the Friday
prior to tutorial.
We received set up instructions for the Sarah Smith Elementary School IXL
subscription this week. I will post new log on instructions once I have
entered the student roster data and activated the account. You will find IXL
useful in supporting your child's learning.
Homework is posted daily on our class website. Please check your child's
binder and website consistently.
As always, thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm!
Ms. Wilkinson
4th Grade, Sarah Smith Elementary
August - September 2011
Curriculum Update
The first few weeks have been spent completing beginning of the year
assessments. These assessments help me know where to begin instruction with
your child. Your child took a STAR diagnostic assessment that will help them
select books for independent reading and AR. Please see the report in their
binder.
In Language Arts, we are working on the mechanics of writing and parts of
speech using Mountain Language. We also learned the different types of
sentences. We have discussed expectations for the Adventure Book Report due
in November. The instructions are in your child�s binder. I will complete
the
Realistic Fiction Book Report with my SUPERSTAR reading group in class. While
completing the project, we will investigate the elements of literature.
We are looking at different types of Expository/Informational writing and
identifying its characteristics. We reviewed expectations for the Endangered
Species Expository Report due on September 26th. The instructions are in your
child�s binder and on the class website.
In Treasures, we are reading A Walk in the Desert. This story supports our
learning about ecosystems. We identified new words, main idea and details
while reading. To build fluency we POPCORN read. Ask your child how to
POPCORN read�
Next week, we will read our first Junior Great Books story. Thank You M�am
is
written by Langston Hughes. In the short story, Hughes explores the character
trait integrity. As a family, you might talk about a time when it was
difficult to be honest, fair or to act with integrity. Ask your child to tell
you about someone they trust to be honest or fair. This is one of my personal
favorites. I hope your child enjoys it too!
I encourage students to read for at least 20 minutes every night. As your
child reads, remind them of the following GOOD READER STRATEGIES
� Use mind pictures
� Make connections to the text from the real world or past experiences
� Ask question about what you are reading (5Ws)
� Make predictions
� Use context clues
In Math, we have been collecting, displaying and analyzing data. The students
have collected data from their classmates and displayed their findings in a
bar graph. They also calculated the median, mode and range of the data set. I
think the students� favorite activity was Jump Rope Math. We discovered
Colin
is our Master Jump Roper with 43 jumps in 20 seconds! We are also identifying
place value and practicing multi digit addition and subtraction. In Unit 3,
we will learn more about number sentences, algebra, multiplication and
division. To support your child�s learning at home, practice basic math
facts
using the IXL program. Please see our class website for log on information.
Our Data Shows That Ms. Wilkinson�s Class Favorite Things Are�
Beverage: Sprite & Dr. Pepper
Candy: Chocolate
Baseball: The Braves
Color: Orange
Yogurt: Swirl
Movie: The Smurfs
Underwater Animal: Dolphin
Chocolate Bar: Kit Kat
SEC Football Team: UGA Bulldogs
(except for the teacher�ROLL TIDE!)
Bakery: GiGi�s Cupcakes
Music Group: Blackeyed Peas
The students completed the landform project where they worked collaboratively
to identify natural and man made landforms. Their learning will help us when
we study Native Americans, Exploration and Colonization later in the year. We
have been looking at the components of ecosystems. Our study will help us
answer the following questions about ecosystems:
What is an ecosystem?
What are the roles of producers, consumers and decomposers in an ecosystem?
How does energy flow through an ecosystem?
What factors influence ecosystems?
Infinite Campus and Friday Folders
Information is still being loaded into Infinite Campus. If you are unable to
view your child�s grades or attendance, this indicates your child�s
information has not been entered. I will email you when grades have been
entered. Please check IC to confirm you are able to view your child�s
grades.
Please keep all student work sent home in the Friday Folder. This
is �practice� work. I keep projects and some final assessments in their
student portfolio. Return the checklist and folder on the following Monday.
Classroom Needs
Manila Drawing, Construction or Heavy Duty White Paper (On clearance at
Target)
Playground Equipment
Small paper cups
Dates to Remember and Reminders
September 2 Spirit Day: College Colors
September 5 No School
September 23 First Day of Autumn
September 24 Sun Lun�s Birthday
September 26 Endangered Species Expository Report Due
September 28 Field Trip: GA Aquarium
September 30 Delicious Math/Friday Folders
October 5 End of 1st Quarter
October 10-11 Fall Break, No School for Students
October 28 Delicious Math/Friday Folders
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. Please know that I truly
appreciate all that you do! If you have any questions or concerns, please let
me know.
Ms. Wilkinson
(404) 802-3880 stwilkinson@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Monday - Friday 7:30 am to 3:00 pm
4th Grade Open House
6:30 pm Monday, August 22nd
August 12, 2011
Dear Parents,
I had a great week with your children this week! Please make sure you have
returned the yellow clinic card, federal form and green student information
form by Monday.
A class email distribution list email was sent to you today. Please reply to
the email to verify that you received it. Don�t forget to check our website
for updates and announcements.
Thank you for the classroom donations, support and enthusiasm. A special
thanks to Meredith Stubbs and Uma Sashti who are coordinating our class Pizza
Box Self Portrait art project. If you are interested in helping, please
contact Meredith or Uma.
I hope you have a restful weekend. Please let me know if you have questions.
Warmly,
Stephanie Wilkinson
SAVE THE DATES
August 16th PTA Meeting
August 22nd 4th grade Open House
August 24th Early Release
Thank you for your classroom donations and returning the school/PTA
information promptly. I am compiling an email distribution list and will send
a test email to verify delivery. Until then, please check our class website
for announcements and updates. I look forward to seeing you at PTA and Open
House.
SAVE THE DATES
August 16th PTA
August 22nd 4th Grade Open House
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome Back! If you were unable to attend Celebration of Learning, your
child will bring home the information that was handed out on Monday, August
8th. Additional information about our class schedule and expectations is
forthcoming. I am excited about the upcoming school year and look forward to
working with your family.
Warmly,
Stephanie Wilkinson
Contact Information:
Stephanie Wilkinson, M.Ed 4th Grade Teacher
Sarah Smith Elementary
4141 Wieuca Road, NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30342
Phone: (404) 802-3880
Email: stwilkinson@atlanta.k12.ga.us