Mrs. Leahy

NewsFlash Content:

<DIV style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 1pt">
<DIV style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 6pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 14pt">
<DIV style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 1pt">
 
NEW YEAR 2012: GRADE 4 NEWSLETTER<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<v:shapetype id=_x0000_t75 coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" o:preferrelative="t" filled="f" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"></o:lock></v:shapetype><v:shape style="Z-INDEX: -5; POSITION: absolute; MARGIN-TOP: 10.15pt; WIDTH: 93pt; HEIGHT: 99.75pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 347.25pt" id=_x0000_s1026 type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-174 0 -174 21438 21600 21438 21600 0 -174 0"><v:imagedata o:title="MP900449125[1]" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg"></v:imagedata><w:wrap type="tight"></w:wrap></v:shape>RELIGION:  Our upcoming focus will be on following Jesus’ example of serving others.  Part of our upcoming Lenten preparations will be to discuss the Last Supper and recognize that it was the first Mass. We will learn why Jesus washed the disciples’ feet on Holy Thursday. The students will prepare for The Stations of the Cross by hearing and seeing them on the computer.  We are learning about our Catholic traditions on Ash Wednesday and identifying the Tri-duum. Martyrs were studied and linked to St. Blasé during our approaching throats blessing.   
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<v:shape style="Z-INDEX: -4; POSITION: absolute; MARGIN-TOP: 39.55pt; WIDTH: 71.25pt; HEIGHT: 82.5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0px" id=_x0000_s1027 type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="13869 393 10232 2356 9777 2749 10686 3535 7958 6676 2501 8247 1137 8836 1364 9818 3183 12960 6594 16102 1819 18851 1364 21404 4547 21404 20691 21404 21373 21011 18644 19244 21373 18065 21373 16495 18644 16102 21600 13156 21600 12567 20236 11193 18417 9818 20918 9033 20918 7658 18872 6676 21373 4713 21373 4124 18644 3535 18417 982 18189 393 13869 393"><v:imagedata o:title="MM900303472[1]" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image003.gif"></v:imagedata><o:lock v:ext="edit" cropping="t"></o:lock><w:wrap type="tight"></w:wrap></v:shape>MATH: Math knowledge and skills are being reviewed so students demonstrate their knowledge on the Terra Nova Tests. Computation reviews include: multiplying by double digit numbers, dividing by double digit numbers with remainders and noting the remainder as a fraction.  Adding and subtracting decimals was also learned. Adding and subtracting alike fractions, multiplying fractions and reviewing place/value concepts, patterns, rounding and estimating were also covered.  The students explored converting improper fractions into mixed numbers.  Conversely, they converted mixed numbers into improper fractions.  Tables, charts, graphs including circle, bar, line and pictographs were studied. Measurement in inches, feet, yards, liquid measurement as well as, metric measurements were reinforced. Geometric concepts included: parallel, perpendicular, triangle, equilateral, scalene, vertex, squares, rectangles, diameter, radius and degrees of circles, area and perimeter.  Literature reinforced these concepts using the Sir Cumference King Arthur of the Round Table stories.       
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<v:shape style="Z-INDEX: -3; POSITION: absolute; MARGIN-TOP: 59.3pt; WIDTH: 66pt; HEIGHT: 105.75pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 5.25pt" id=_x0000_s1028 type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="10064 0 9573 306 9818 4902 6136 5515 3191 6740 2455 8119 982 9804 245 12255 -245 17617 0 19609 1964 20068 12764 21447 16445 21447 18900 21447 19145 21447 21355 19609 21600 18996 21600 17617 15955 17157 20127 14706 21109 14400 21109 13481 20373 11643 18409 9957 16936 9804 16200 1226 15218 613 12273 0 10064 0"><v:imagedata o:title="j0305257" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image004.wmz"></v:imagedata><w:wrap type="tight"></w:wrap></v:shape>SCIENCE: Science concepts are always integrated with math, language arts and social studies. Reading text stories, Komodo Dragon, and Crocodilians described the komodo’s habitat in Indonesia.  Map work reinforced geography skills.  We viewed actual komodo dragons on the computer using United Streaming that features many Discovery Channel educational films. CDs are played to model fluent reading so students hear tone, inflection and use of punctuation.  Science terms learned were: reptiles, amphibious, ectothermic, cold-blooded, predator, prey, monitor lizards, estivate, osteoderms and scales.  Estuaries were read about and described with pictures. These estuaries are where rivers meet oceans and the fresh water meets the salt water that forms these unique habitats.  We learned how herons and other birds and fish have adapted to these wetland habitats. The students will learn about their bodies using our 3-D human, Dimensional Man. An upcoming dental health review will remind us about oral hygiene and its importance for maintaining health. This is for Dental Health Month in February.  The students are still exploring the various properties of matter by doing experiments.
  
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<v:shape style="Z-INDEX: -2; POSITION: absolute; MARGIN-TOP: 91.45pt; WIDTH: 90pt; HEIGHT: 134.25pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 352.05pt" id=_x0000_s1029 type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-180 0 -180 21479 21600 21479 21600 0 -180 0"><v:imagedata o:title="MP900439369[1]" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image006.jpg"></v:imagedata><w:wrap type="tight"></w:wrap></v:shape>LANGUAGE ARTS:  Personalized, alliteration pyramids were displayed in the hall.  Several are posted on the website.  Many concepts have been learned and reviewed so the students can apply their knowledge and skills in the Terra Novas.  Lessons included: context clues, homophones, homonyms, homographs, rhymes, synonyms, antonyms, onomatopoeias, text structure, setting and author’s purpose.  We are reviewing proper punctuation, capitalization, spelling rules and indentation, types of sentences and  friendly letter formats. Half Chicken was a story about a chicken born during the viceroy times in Mexico. He only had half a body and turned into a weather vane.  Concepts included comparing & contrasting using Venn Diagrams, using a thesaurus and inflected forms with “es.”   Rikki-tikki-tavi included understanding how to draw conclusions. The Storm integrated science and social studies and how to use almanacs.  Map work helped students locate tornado areas in the United States and math concepts were strengthened using tables for recorded wind speeds. Terms learned were: cone, funnel, violent, whirl and Fujita Scale.    
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<v:shape style="Z-INDEX: -1; POSITION: absolute; MARGIN-TOP: 61.6pt; WIDTH: 143.25pt; HEIGHT: 95.25pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 304.5pt" id=_x0000_s1030 type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-113 0 -113 21430 21600 21430 21600 0 -113 0"><v:imagedata o:title="MP900444283[1]" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image008.jpg"></v:imagedata><w:wrap type="tight"></w:wrap></v:shape>SOCIAL STUDIES: Your children did amazing constructions of their Chicago skyscrapers, their houses and the St. Thecla School building for Catholic Schools’ Week.  Their architectural marvels will be displayed in the hall.  The structures statistics will be exhibited using supplemental research on the internet. The scholars will also learn about the Presidential elections later this year. United Streaming/Discovery Channel Education will help celebrate President Washington’s birthday and President Lincoln’s recent bicentennial birthday. 
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
 NEW YEAR 2012: GRADE 4 NEWSLETTER<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<v:shapetype id=_x0000_t75 coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" o:preferrelative="t" filled="f" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"></o:lock></v:shapetype><v:shape style="Z-INDEX: -5; POSITION: absolute; MARGIN-TOP: 10.15pt; WIDTH: 93pt; HEIGHT: 99.75pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 347.25pt" id=_x0000_s1026 type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-174 0 -174 21438 21600 21438 21600 0 -174 0"><v:imagedata o:title="MP900449125[1]" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg"></v:imagedata><w:wrap type="tight"></w:wrap></v:shape>RELIGION:  Our upcoming focus will be on following Jesus’ example of serving others.  Part of our upcoming Lenten preparations will be to discuss the Last Supper and recognize that it was the first Mass. We will learn why Jesus washed the disciples’ feet on Holy Thursday. The students will prepare for The Stations of the Cross by hearing and seeing them on the computer.  We are learning about our Catholic traditions on Ash Wednesday and identifying the Tri-duum. Martyrs were studied and linked to St. Blasé during our approaching throats blessing.   
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<v:shape style="Z-INDEX: -4; POSITION: absolute; MARGIN-TOP: 39.55pt; WIDTH: 71.25pt; HEIGHT: 82.5pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0px" id=_x0000_s1027 type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="13869 393 10232 2356 9777 2749 10686 3535 7958 6676 2501 8247 1137 8836 1364 9818 3183 12960 6594 16102 1819 18851 1364 21404 4547 21404 20691 21404 21373 21011 18644 19244 21373 18065 21373 16495 18644 16102 21600 13156 21600 12567 20236 11193 18417 9818 20918 9033 20918 7658 18872 6676 21373 4713 21373 4124 18644 3535 18417 982 18189 393 13869 393"><v:imagedata o:title="MM900303472[1]" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image003.gif"></v:imagedata><o:lock v:ext="edit" cropping="t"></o:lock><w:wrap type="tight"></w:wrap></v:shape>MATH: Math knowledge and skills are being reviewed so students demonstrate their knowledge on the Terra Nova Tests. Computation reviews include: multiplying by double digit numbers, dividing by double digit numbers with remainders and noting the remainder as a fraction.  Adding and subtracting decimals was also learned. Adding and subtracting alike fractions, multiplying fractions and reviewing place/value concepts, patterns, rounding and estimating were also covered.  The students explored converting improper fractions into mixed numbers.  Conversely, they converted mixed numbers into improper fractions.  Tables, charts, graphs including circle, bar, line and pictographs were studied. Measurement in inches, feet, yards, liquid measurement as well as, metric measurements were reinforced. Geometric concepts included: parallel, perpendicular, triangle, equilateral, scalene, vertex, squares, rectangles, diameter, radius and degrees of circles, area and perimeter.  Literature reinforced these concepts using the Sir Cumference King Arthur of the Round Table stories.       
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<v:shape style="Z-INDEX: -3; POSITION: absolute; MARGIN-TOP: 59.3pt; WIDTH: 66pt; HEIGHT: 105.75pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 5.25pt" id=_x0000_s1028 type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="10064 0 9573 306 9818 4902 6136 5515 3191 6740 2455 8119 982 9804 245 12255 -245 17617 0 19609 1964 20068 12764 21447 16445 21447 18900 21447 19145 21447 21355 19609 21600 18996 21600 17617 15955 17157 20127 14706 21109 14400 21109 13481 20373 11643 18409 9957 16936 9804 16200 1226 15218 613 12273 0 10064 0"><v:imagedata o:title="j0305257" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image004.wmz"></v:imagedata><w:wrap type="tight"></w:wrap></v:shape>SCIENCE: Science concepts are always integrated with math, language arts and social studies. Reading text stories, Komodo Dragon, and Crocodilians described the komodo’s habitat in Indonesia.  Map work reinforced geography skills.  We viewed actual komodo dragons on the computer using United Streaming that features many Discovery Channel educational films. CDs are played to model fluent reading so students hear tone, inflection and use of punctuation.  Science terms learned were: reptiles, amphibious, ectothermic, cold-blooded, predator, prey, monitor lizards, estivate, osteoderms and scales.  Estuaries were read about and described with pictures. These estuaries are where rivers meet oceans and the fresh water meets the salt water that forms these unique habitats.  We learned how herons and other birds and fish have adapted to these wetland habitats. The students will learn about their bodies using our 3-D human, Dimensional Man. An upcoming dental health review will remind us about oral hygiene and its importance for maintaining health. This is for Dental Health Month in February.  The students are still exploring the various properties of matter by doing experiments.
  
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<v:shape style="Z-INDEX: -2; POSITION: absolute; MARGIN-TOP: 91.45pt; WIDTH: 90pt; HEIGHT: 134.25pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 352.05pt" id=_x0000_s1029 type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-180 0 -180 21479 21600 21479 21600 0 -180 0"><v:imagedata o:title="MP900439369[1]" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image006.jpg"></v:imagedata><w:wrap type="tight"></w:wrap></v:shape>LANGUAGE ARTS:  Personalized, alliteration pyramids were displayed in the hall.  Several are posted on the website.  Many concepts have been learned and reviewed so the students can apply their knowledge and skills in the Terra Novas.  Lessons included: context clues, homophones, homonyms, homographs, rhymes, synonyms, antonyms, onomatopoeias, text structure, setting and author’s purpose.  We are reviewing proper punctuation, capitalization, spelling rules and indentation, types of sentences and  friendly letter formats. Half Chicken was a story about a chicken born during the viceroy times in Mexico. He only had half a body and turned into a weather vane.  Concepts included comparing & contrasting using Venn Diagrams, using a thesaurus and inflected forms with “es.”   Rikki-tikki-tavi included understanding how to draw conclusions. The Storm integrated science and social studies and how to use almanacs.  Map work helped students locate tornado areas in the United States and math concepts were strengthened using tables for recorded wind speeds. Terms learned were: cone, funnel, violent, whirl and Fujita Scale.    
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<v:shape style="Z-INDEX: -1; POSITION: absolute; MARGIN-TOP: 61.6pt; WIDTH: 143.25pt; HEIGHT: 95.25pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 304.5pt" id=_x0000_s1030 type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-113 0 -113 21430 21600 21430 21600 0 -113 0"><v:imagedata o:title="MP900444283[1]" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image008.jpg"></v:imagedata><w:wrap type="tight"></w:wrap></v:shape>SOCIAL STUDIES: Your children did amazing constructions of their Chicago skyscrapers, their houses and the St. Thecla School building for Catholic Schools’ Week.  Their architectural marvels will be displayed in the hall.  The structures statistics will be exhibited using supplemental research on the internet. The scholars will also learn about the Presidential elections later this year. United Streaming/Discovery Channel Education will help celebrate President Washington’s birthday and President Lincoln’s recent bicentennial birthday. 
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=left> 
NEW YEAR 2012: GRADE 4 NEWSLETTER<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
RELIGION:  Our upcoming focus will be on following Jesus’ example of serving others.  Part of our upcoming Lenten preparations will be to discuss the Last Supper and recognize that it was the first Mass. We will learn why Jesus washed the disciples’ feet on Holy Thursday. The students will prepare for The Stations of the Cross by hearing and seeing them on the computer.  We are learning about our Catholic traditions on Ash Wednesday and identifying the Tri-duum. Martyrs were studied and linked to St. Blasé during our approaching throats blessing.   
 <o:p></o:p>
MATH: Math knowledge and skills are being reviewed so students demonstrate their knowledge on the Terra Nova Tests. Computation reviews include: multiplying by double digit numbers, dividing by double digit numbers with remainders and noting the remainder as a fraction.  Adding and subtracting decimals was also learned. Adding and subtracting alike fractions, multiplying fractions and reviewing place/value concepts, patterns, rounding and estimating were also covered.  The students explored converting improper fractions into mixed numbers.  Conversely, they converted mixed numbers into improper fractions.  Tables, charts, graphs including circle, bar, line and pictographs were studied. Measurement in inches, feet, yards, liquid measurement as well as, metric measurements were reinforced. Geometric concepts included: parallel, perpendicular, triangle, equilateral, scalene, vertex, squares, rectangles, diameter, radius and degrees of circles, area and perimeter.  Literature reinforced these concepts using the Sir Cumference King Arthur of the Round Table stories.       
 <o:p></o:p>
SCIENCE: Science concepts are always integrated with math, language arts and social studies. Reading text stories, Komodo Dragon, and Crocodilians described the komodo’s habitat in Indonesia.  Map work reinforced geography skills.  We viewed actual komodo dragons on the computer using United Streaming that features many Discovery Channel educational films. CDs are played to model fluent reading so students hear tone, inflection and use of punctuation.  Science terms learned were: reptiles, amphibious, ectothermic, cold-blooded, predator, prey, monitor lizards, estivate, osteoderms and scales.  Estuaries were read about and described with pictures. These estuaries are where rivers meet oceans and the fresh water meets the salt water that forms these unique habitats.  We learned how herons and other birds and fish have adapted to these wetland habitats. The students will learn about their bodies using our 3-D human, Dimensional Man. An upcoming dental health review will remind us about oral hygiene and its importance for maintaining health. This is for Dental Health Month in February.  The students are still exploring the various properties of matter by doing experiments.
  <o:p></o:p>
LANGUAGE ARTS:  Personalized, alliteration pyramids were displayed in the hall.  Several are posted on the website.  Many concepts have been learned and reviewed so the students can apply their knowledge and skills in the Terra Novas.  Lessons included: context clues, homophones, homonyms, homographs, rhymes, synonyms, antonyms, onomatopoeias, text structure, setting and author’s purpose.  We are reviewing proper punctuation, capitalization, spelling rules and indentation, types of sentences and  friendly letter formats. Half Chicken was a story about a chicken born during the viceroy times in Mexico. He only had half a body and turned into a weather vane.  Concepts included comparing & contrasting using Venn Diagrams, using a thesaurus and inflected forms with “es.”   Rikki-tikki-tavi included understanding how to draw conclusions. The Storm integrated science and social studies and how to use almanacs.  Map work helped students locate tornado areas in the United States and math concepts were strengthened using tables for recorded wind speeds. Terms learned were: cone, funnel, violent, whirl and Fujita Scale.    
 <o:p></o:p>
SOCIAL STUDIES: Your children did amazing constructions of their Chicago skyscrapers, their houses and the St. Thecla School building for Catholic Schools’ Week.  Their architectural marvels will be displayed in the hall.  The structures statistics will be exhibited using supplemental research on the internet. The scholars will also learn about the Presidential elections later this year. United Streaming/Discovery Channel Education will help celebrate President Washington’s birthday and President Lincoln’s recent bicentennial birthday. 
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=left> 
DECEMBER 4TH GRADE NEWSLETTER<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
RELIGION:  We will prepare for Jesus’ birth by reading Peppy.  It’s a story about a small and weak donkey that carried Mary to Jesus’ birthplace.  The students will also learn about the census because this was the reason Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem.  Art was integrated by drawing Jesus as The Light of the World.  We will extend our Advent Prayer Ceremonies with classroom Jesse Trees and reading in the textbook about Advent.  
 <o:p></o:p>
MATH:  Lessons will focus on telling time, calculating elapsed time, using data from charts and tables to make graphs and using logical reasoning to solve word problems.  The mathematicians will differentiate between bar graphs, line graphs, pictographs and ordered pairs.  Choosing the best graphs, interpreting graphs and using models to write number equations broadened their knowledge and skills.  Reviews continue regularly so the students’ comprehension expands and stays current.  The scholars have mastered multiplying by a 2-digit number and dividing by a 2-digit divisor.  That’s awesome!  The mathematicians can identify alike fractions and know how to add and subtract alike fractions.  The scholars are also proficient at multiplying fractions.    
 <o:p></o:p>
SCIENCE: Numerous mini lessons have been explored.  We’ve learned about our skin, eyes, ears and skeletal system.  Language Arts was integrated by reading, Ants, that explained how insects have exterior skeletons called exoskeletons.  The scientists also learned about the ants’ lives within their colonies.  Current reading selections expand the content by learning about crocodilians and komodo dragons that are exothermic.  Social studies is incorporated by locating Indonesia where the dragons live on Komodo Island.  Volcanoes, magma, lava, faults and plate tectonics integrated science and social studies by viewing actual volcanic activity in Hawaii and regions within the “Ring of Fire” in the Pacific Ocean. Songs reinforce science concepts such as the three types of volcanoes.  
 <o:p></o:p>
LANGUAGE ARTS: The 4th graders are progressing in reading and improving their comprehension.  They’ve learned how to recognize a story’s theme, use context clues, write instructions in proper sequence, relate cause and effect and identify an author’s purpose for writing.  We’ve finished James and the Giant Peach and Indian in the Cupboard is the current novel.  Many mini books are read daily so reading is modeled and test taking skills are practiced using technology. Comprehension questions help students understand content and expand their vocabulary use in oral language and writing.  We’ve finished A Big City Dream, and read numerous biographies.  Annie Oakley, Milton Hershey, Helen Keller & Annie Sullivan were several biographies that were explored.  Language mechanics included common and proper nouns, plurals, possessives, compound words and compound sentences. Weekly spelling lists are practiced playing Sparkle and e-quizzes are available on the teacher’s website.   
 <o:p></o:p>
Thank you,
 <o:p></o:p>
Mrs. Leahy          
                       
NOVEMBER, 2011 4TH GRADE NEWSLETTER
 <o:p></o:p>
RELIGION:  We will learn the Lord’s Prayer using American Sign Language.  The students learned about St. Teresa of Avila, Spain and how important prayer was in her life.  We discussed how she can be a role model for us to include more prayer in our lives. We prayed the Litany of St. Joseph and learned about All Souls’ Day as the commemoration of all our faithful departed.  We read and discussed St. Martin de Porres who was the first black saint born in the Americas.  The Commandments, Noah, Abraham and Moses were discussed and God’s covenant with mankind.        
 <o:p></o:p>
MATH: Rounding, estimating, ordering/comparing, adding, subtracting, multiplying by 2 digits and dividing with remainders continue.  Reviews include: place value, numbers/decimals put in proper rows, patterns, equations and numbers showing greater and lesser amounts.  Students will use diagrams, charts and tables to collect and record data to solve problems. Basic geometric shapes were reinforced with manipulatives and reviewed using Halloween designs. Students will construct shapes with marshmallows and toothpicks.  Word problems are done regularly to find solutions using given data.  Fractions were introduced using pie charts.  Chocolate bars will be divided into parts and labeled to expand understanding.  Adding & subtracting alike fractions is upcoming as well as, multiplying fractions.  Averages will be learned soon.  The M & M’s book will be used with M & M’s to practice multiplication and division. Thanks for your donations!
 <o:p></o:p>
SCIENCE:  Topics included: inner and outer planets’ characteristics, lunar phases, eclipses, space suits, astronauts, Earth’s hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.  Future topics are volcanoes, tornadoes, earthquakes and rainforests.  Reading was integrated with Space Probes to the Planets so knowledge is reinforced and comprehension deepens. Health will include lessons on our skin, teeth and hygiene.
 <o:p></o:p>
READING:  Train to Somewhere was about 14 orphans traveling westward by train in the 1880s who wanted to get adopted.  The theme was the children’s hopes, fears and anticipation about their new lives and families. Setting was defined and clue words helped students make inferences.  Focus was on events that occurred simultaneously to different characters.  Yingtao’s New Friend focused on cultural differences of American and Chinese people.  Friendship, playing musical instruments and stereotyping are the story’s themes. Vocabulary words were related to music and playing in an orchestra.  Cause and effect, comparing vs. contrasting, persuading, text structure, elements of a story and making story maps constitute our Reading agenda.  Family Pictures also high- lighted the concepts of family, friends and cultures.  James and the Giant Peach will soon be finished and underscores the theme of friendship.  Space Probes to the Planets was read and integrated Science.  The author’s organization of the information was the primary focus. Venn Diagrams were completed that compared and contrasted each planet’s characteristics. We read Addie in Charge and Cricket in Times Square.  Marvin of the Great North Woods is next and tells about the flu outbreak at the beginning of the last century.  Into the Sea will also integrate Science when we learn about the oceans’ light and dark zones.  A short passage will be read about an art museum visit featuring Van Gogh’s art.  This reading will introduce Van Gogh before our art project.
 <o:p></o:p>
LANGUAGE:  Imperative, declarative, interrogative and exclamatory sentences were reviewed.  Nouns, pronouns, homophones, time order, thesaurus usage were also covered.  Friendly letter formats, plurals, irregular plurals, cause & effect, fact vs. opinion, the writing process and focusing on the narrator are several cross-curricular concepts that will be studied.  Singular/plural possessives and subjects/predicates will be explored soon.
 <o:p></o:p>
SPELLING: Short and long vowels, consonant clusters and words with “ch” & “tch” were studied.  Many concepts introduced in Reading and Grammar are reinforced in Spelling.  Proofreading, using a dictionary/thesaurus, using context clues and identifying base words, rhymes, homophones, synonyms and antonyms were learned.
 <o:p></o:p>
SOCIAL STUDIES:  Map skills will be a primary focus.  These include hemispheres, latitude, longitude, prime meridian, equator, map keys, inset maps and compass rose. 
 <o:p></o:p>
ART:  Each student’s name was written in hieroglyphics and decorated with Egyptian symbols.  Math and art will be integrated to learn geometric shapes. Vincent Van Gogh’s painting, Bedroom, will be colored to reinforce the concept of dimension. Students will be constructing Chicago skyscrapers from cartons.  This will be a group cross-curricular project that’s completed in January.  Another long-term project is each student’s torso.  This is an individual endeavor showing their St. Thecla identity that’s also completed in January.  These projects will be showcased during Catholic Schools’ Week.  
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=left> 
4th GRADE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER NEWSLETTER
RELIGION: 
We identified good people and good things in our lives. Grace, God’s presence, and goodness from God were discussed. We reread the Story of Creation and discussed how God created all good things. We, humans, have free will to choose evil or sin by turning away from God. Students will learn about St. Francis of Assisi, sing the Canticle of the Sun, and discuss environmental stewardship. A biography of the American writer, Rachel Carson, was read and her environmental work researched. Art, religion and social studies were integrated by viewing Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Italy and its cities, Rome and Milan, were located on the map. We learned that the painting is in a monastery in Milan. This lesson was extended by Jesus’ example of service to others by washing the disciples’ feet. Praise and thanksgiving were central themes. The lesson included St. Thomas Aquinas who lived in a monastery and was renowned for his intellect. We read the Bible story of King Solomon to see other people who had great wisdom and used it to make our world a better place. Bible readings also included Moses and Jonah. 
The two main parts of the Mass, Liturgy of the Word and Eucharist will be reviewed. Attending Mass on Sunday was highlighted with a lesson on this Commandment. We learned that the word of God is Scripture in the Bible. Active participation at Mass is vital. Students are required to respond and sing hymns during Mass. Mrs. Styka practiced reverence and Mass participation with the students. Weekly Mass is celebrated on Tuesday for the school community. Attendance is part of our religious curriculum. Your example and praise while attending Family Sunday Mass strengthens these Catholic values. Thank you for your continued efforts. 
Each student prays and meditates in class. Learning the importance of quiet time and its calming effect on our bodies and minds is prayerful. Conversations with God are prayers that can be formal prayers or daily informal conversations with Jesus. 
October is Respect Life Month so students will discuss strategies to respect their peers,
Parents, grandparents, the elderly, younger children and all God’s creatures. We are including discussions on the Sacrament of the Sick. The students made beautiful floral bouquets from egg cartons for the Anointing of the Sick Mass. The students’ crucifixion drawings will be colored and displayed in the Church’s front lobby. 
MATH: Foreign and domestic coins will be brought to class. Students use money to pay and make change by simulating shopping. The class will learn historical facts about U.S. coins. Our penny was the first coin with a president, Abraham Lincoln. It replaced Indian head pennies. Geography was integrated with map work locating countries using the currencies the students will bring to class. 
Place, value, comma placement, ordering, comparing, strategies for word problems, benchmarks, and checking math problems, were reviewed. Bar graphs, measurements in yards/feet will be introduced using NFL Team statistics. Estimating and rounding to the nearest 10,000 or 100,000 is upcoming. Mental mathematics was also be explored. 
Reviews are ongoing to reinforce skills. Multiplication tables, addition, subtraction, and division are ongoing as summer skills refreshers. Long division will be introduced as well as long division with remainders and multiplying by a 2 digit number. We learn and practice dividing using a country-western music CD. 
 
SCIENCE: The earth’s orbit around the sun and moon’s orbit around earth were studied. Students became “the sun” “the earth” and “the moon.” They rotated and revolved to understand the concepts. We replicated the Earth’s axis with a tennis ball and pencil and demonstrated rotation. Motion through space, shadows and gravity were studied. Gravity, solar and lunar eclipses were demonstrated as well as the moon’s monthly orbit around earth. The mass of objects was studied. Comparing and contrasting planets will be reinforced using Venn Diagrams and by writing post cards to fellow students from space. Students get a better understanding by using the NASA CDs and watching launch videos. 
The 3 “P’s” of fire safety are persuasion, prevention, and protection. Students demonstrated stop, drop, roll, and learned the “pyromid” fire triangle that includes oxygen, heat, and fuel. The Count Floyd video donated by a major insurance company supplemented fire safety in the home. 
Environmental health integrated religion focusing on St. Francis. Ecosystems are interdependent and require reducing, reusing, and recycling to survive and thrive. 
LANGUAGE: An introduction to outlines and the writing process will be learned. Audiences will be identified and that writing should be tailored for the particular audience. We learned the different types of writing that informs, describes and persuades. Sentence structure and the concept of complete sentences were studied. We will play “The Whiffle.” An assigned student, “the writer” will address the class giving information about a specific thing, “called the whiffle.” Classmates, “the writer’s audience” see if the information actually describes the object well enough to identify it. Subjects, predicates, nouns, pronouns, verbs, and sentences will be introduced, reviewed and practiced. Synonyms, antonyms and using the thesaurus will be reinforced using reading and spelling lessons. Ms. Dohnal and Ms. Kalble expand classroom reading lessons on researching topics and outlining during library and computer classes. 
Declarative, interrogative, imperative and exclamatory sentences were differentiated. We will interrogate a Halloween witch to reinforce interrogative sentences, questions. Sentences will be written by students and pulled out a bag so they can be identified. Rappin’ grammar identified a noun as a person, place, or thing. 
SPELLING: Spelling strategies were introduced and commonly misspelled words were reviewed. Students are encouraged to utilize Spell Check but using the dictionary in class is mandatory. Words can be spelled the same but pronounced differently and have different definitions. An example is bow: a weapon, a tied ribbon, to bow or lower one’s head, a violin bow or the bow (front) of a boat. Word context was learned. Consonant combinations of str, squ, (1 vowel), scr, thr, were studied. Words with kn, gn, wr, mb were studied. Silent letters in words like knot and gnat were noted. Double consonant words were also examined. We learned a spelling strategy of looking at the word, saying and spelling it aloud, and closing our eyes to visualize the word. Using the dictionary, thesaurus and other reference books was integrated. The Spelling companion CD is used in class and in computer class to enhance the weekly lesson in the book.
 
SOCIAL STUDIES: Patriotism was explained and why it’s important. The equator, prime meridian, ethnic groups, customs, populations, regions and understanding maps initiated our lessons. Lectures and readings included Our Nation’s Land and The United States Today. Natural resources, their uses to humans, and conservation were explained. Continents were learned and finding locations by using latitude and longitude was practiced. Students will pretend they are flight crew members and will chart world destinations. Map work will include regions and identifying land masses such as islands and peninsulas. Native Americans and Columbus will be researched on the internet. 
READING: A Day With Grandpa was supplemented with literature, Sky. The worksheets focused on the setting of a story, its place and time.
A Newbery Medal book, Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry will be read. The story is about Mafatu, a boy in the South Pacific, his dog Ari , the Albatross he adopted and how he overcomes his fear of the sea. He was alone and drifted in the sea because his mother did not survive the sea voyage. So he feared water until he was 15. 
We’ll start the novel James and the Giant Peach. The video will be viewed to compare and contrast the book and movie. 
Space Probes will be read to expand understanding of our current science unit. This story focused on data about each planet in our solar system and how writers organize information. This is text structure. Train to Somewhere, Yingtao, and Family Pictures will be read. Father Ken will read Family Pictures in Spanish for Latin Heritage Month. 
Journey to the North Pole, and Clay Children are stories that will be read and discussed.
Students will see models of the necessary components for book reports: Title, Author, Main Character/Characters, Summary/Synopsis, and Opinion. Facts and opinions were differentiated. Modern day space or sea explorers or explorers from the past like Christopher Columbus or Lewis and Clark will be researched, books will be read and reports will be done . 
ART/RELIGION: Egg carton flower bouquets will be made for the Anointing of the Sick Mass. We made our 3-D self images and will draw stained glass windows of Jesus‘ crucifixion. The scholars will write their names in hieroglyphics and decorate their papyrus with Egyptian art. This project integrates art and social studies. 
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
 
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　


　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
　
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=left> 
<DIV style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 1pt">
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center>ROOM 206-MRS. LEAHY<o:p></o:p>
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center>WELCOME 4TH GRADE STUDENTS<o:p></o:p></DIV>
 <o:p></o:p>
Dear 4th Grade Scholars,<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
Hello and welcome to 4th grade! We are looking forward to a very productive, creative, and exciting new school year! With the help your parents, we will help you reach new heights. You are great and nothing can stop you! You will succeed by working hard each day and giving your best effort. You will earn super grades and excel. You can do it! Set realistic goals with due dates and work hard to achieve them. Your parents and I will help. Choose to be respectful, courteous, and friendly because each of you deserves this.<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<v:shapetype id=_x0000_t75 coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" o:preferrelative="t" filled="f" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"></o:lock></v:shapetype><v:shape style="WIDTH: 60.75pt; HEIGHT: 58.5pt" id=_x0000_i1025 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape>School is demanding, but we can work together and solve the hardest of challenges by working together. Division, fractions, decimals, and multiplication by double and triple-digits will be magical when you learn the secrets and become a Math- Magician! In Science, we’ll explore the solar system, rain forests, and oceans. We will watch an erupting volcano and an earthquake model in class too! You will use the NASA website and sing some catchy songs to assist your learning.  For Social Studies, the class will make a United States Jello map to see and then eat. YUMMY! In Language Arts, we will read and examine some great literature like James and the Giant Peach and Indian in the Cupboard. We will also focus on becoming more creative in our Writing Skills too. We’ll play Spelling Sparkle, Bingo, Class Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune this year; to name a few. We’ll meditate, pray, tell Bible stories, and learn miraculous things about Jesus’ life. Most importantly, we will model our daily behavior by Jesus’ life. We will encourage and assist our fellow classmates and lead by example. <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<DIV style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 1pt">
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center>ROOM 206-MRS. LEAHY’S <o:p></o:p>
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center>WEEKLY SPECIALS SCHEDULE<o:p></o:p></DIV>
 <o:p></o:p>
<v:shape style="WIDTH: 104.25pt; HEIGHT: 104.25pt" id=_x0000_i1026 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image003.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p>
Monday:      Physical Education<o:p></o:p>
Tuesday:     Computer Lab, Music, Mass<o:p></o:p>
Wednesday: Physical Education<o:p></o:p>
Thursday:    Computer Lab<o:p></o:p>
Friday:         Library<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<DIV style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 1pt">
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center>WORDS OF WISDOM<o:p></o:p>
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center>THE FISH PHILOSOPHY <v:shape style="WIDTH: 41.25pt; HEIGHT: 51.75pt" id=_x0000_i1027 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image005.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></DIV>
 <o:p></o:p>
<v:shape style="WIDTH: 51pt; HEIGHT: 54.75pt" id=_x0000_i1028 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image007.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape> Don’t forget to…..<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
ü      Bring smiles and enthusiasm everyday by choosing your attitude<o:p></o:p>
ü      Be friends with your classmates and make their day<o:p></o:p>
ü      Eat a nutritious breakfast each morning<o:p></o:p>
ü      Get plenty of sleep <o:p></o:p>
ü      Exercise your body and mind<o:p></o:p>
ü      And…..HAVE FUN! <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<DIV style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 1pt">
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center>FINAL THOUGHTS<o:p></o:p></DIV>
<v:shape style="WIDTH: 61.5pt; HEIGHT: 61.5pt" id=_x0000_i1029 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image009.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape>MISSION CONTROL…..<o:p></o:p>
Over and out for now but before we set to launch here are a few last reminders….<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
Become an avid reader because reading is fun, relaxing, and the key to success. Read at least 30 minutes each night. Remember to practice your multiplication tables daily as well as your addition, subtraction, and division facts. Practice your spelling words throughout the week in school and at home. Learn to spell new words and discover a foreign language! Do fun scientific experiments at home with your family and discuss your observations and results. <o:p></o:p>
Be respectful, listen, follow instructions, come prepared and get READY TO SUCCEED! <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
Thanks for your cooperation and valued support!<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
Thanks again,<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
Mrs. Leahy (Website: http://teacherweb.com/IL/StThecla/MrsLeahy/index.html)<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=left> <v:shapetype id=_x0000_t154 coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="154" path="m0@2l21600,0m0,21600l21600@0e" adj="9600"><v:formulas><v:f eqn="val #0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 21600 0 #0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @1 1 4"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod #0 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @3 10800 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @4 10800 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 21600 @2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 1 2"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path o:connecttype="custom" o:connectangles="270,180,90,0" o:connectlocs="10800,@4;0,@6;10800,@5;21600,@3" textpathok="t"></v:path><v:textpath fitshape="t" on="t"></v:textpath><v:handles><v:h yrange="6171,21600" position="bottomRight,#0"></v:h></v:handles><o:lock v:ext="edit" shapetype="t" text="t"></o:lock></v:shapetype>
<v:shape style="Z-INDEX: 1; POSITION: absolute; MARGIN-TOP: -45pt; WIDTH: 259.5pt; HEIGHT: 26.45pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 2in" id=_x0000_s1026 type="#_x0000_t154" fillcolor="#ffe701"><v:fill type="gradient" focus="100%" focussize="" focusposition="1,1" color2="#fe3e02"></v:fill><v:shadow color="#868686"></v:shadow><o:extrusion v:ext="view" type="perspective" on="t" color="#f60" lightharsh2="t" lightlevel2="14000f" lightlevel="52000f" lightposition=",50000" brightness="4000f" skewamt="0" skewangle="0" viewpointorigin="0,0" viewpoint="0,0" rotationangle="18,18"></o:extrusion><v:textpath style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Impact'; FONT-SIZE: 14pt; v-text-kern: t" trim="t" string="GRADE 5 ROOM 206 FEBRUARY, 2011 NEWLETTER" fitpath="t"></v:textpath></v:shape>
<o:p> </o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Grade 5 <o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
 Room 206 Mrs. Leahy<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Spring, 2011 Newsletter<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
<v:shapetype id=_x0000_t75 coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" o:preferrelative="t" filled="f" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"></o:lock></v:shapetype><v:shape style="Z-INDEX: -251657728; POSITION: absolute; MARGIN-TOP: 10.85pt; WIDTH: 77.25pt; HEIGHT: 144.75pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 366pt" id=_x0000_s1028 type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-210 112 -210 21152 1049 21488 5662 21488 21600 21488 21600 336 19922 112 10695 112 -210 112"><v:imagedata o:title="MC900021667[1]" src="file:///C:\Users\temp\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.wmz"></v:imagedata><w:wrap type="tight"></w:wrap></v:shape>RELIGION:   We explored why Popes Leo, Pius and John XXIII invited representatives from Christian Churches, who were not Catholic, to the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council.  Magisterium is the Church’s teaching authority on the doctrine of infallibility that means without error on matters of faith and morals. The students learned about the events at Baptism: older children and adults receive Baptism during the Easter Vigil.  <o:p></o:p>
Fr. Gene gave the students an opportunity to prepare for Confession using the Confessionals. Vocabulary included: chrism, Pascal, & font   Students memorized The Stations of the Cross prior to the multimedia Stations of the Cross.  Senor Alejandro introduced the Stations of the Cross in Spanish.  DARE incorporated an Anti-Bullying Program.   <o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
<v:shape style="Z-INDEX: -251658752; POSITION: absolute; MARGIN-TOP: 13.25pt; WIDTH: 187.5pt; HEIGHT: 81.75pt; MARGIN-LEFT: -5.25pt" id=il_fi type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-86 0 -86 21402 21600 21402 21600 0 -86 0" o:spid="_x0000_s1027"><v:imagedata src="file:///C:\Users\temp\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg" o:href="http://www.inetours.com/Chicago/images/Art/History-Museum_s4887.jpg"></v:imagedata><w:wrap type="tight"></w:wrap></v:shape><o:p></o:p>
MAY FIELD TRIPS: The 4th & 5th Graders will visit the Chicago History Museum to connect with our city’s history.  They will view photographs of the Great Chicago Fire and experience artifacts like the “L” Car No. 1 and the Pioneer locomotive. Chicago’s   100 years of history will be imagined by viewing Dioramas. Chicago will be sensed by riding a high-wheel bicycle, and crawling into a Chicago style hot dog.    <o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
MATH: Converting fractions into decimals/ percents and calculating decimals are central concepts. Ratios and order of operations were recently studied. Metric lengths: cm, mm, m and km were explored. Whole #s were multiplied by fractions.  Reviews included adding & subtracting unlike fractions and reducing into simplest form. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
SCIENCE: Tree-dwelling mammals are arboreal. The African Great Apes’ habitats, diet and adaptations were explored. Reading was integrated with timeforkid.com/earthday that listed tips for Green Living. The Everglades are a complex ecosystem in Florida.  Our vocabulary included canal and marsh.  The students also read about sharks and learned that the skin is rough and covered in scales called denticles.  We also read about the “Terrible Twisters” that touched down in Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin.       <o:p></o:p>
 
<o:p> </o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
<v:shape style="Z-INDEX: -251659776; POSITION: absolute; MARGIN-TOP: 15.75pt; WIDTH: 93.05pt; HEIGHT: 81.15pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 363.7pt" id=_x0000_s1026 type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="7535 288 753 1152 0 2016 1005 4896 0 5184 251 11808 502 13824 3014 18720 3014 20736 5023 21024 13814 21024 16074 21024 16326 21024 21349 15840 21349 15552 19340 14112 20344 12096 20093 10656 17833 9504 19591 9504 19591 8064 17833 4896 18084 2592 15572 1152 9544 288 7535 288"><v:imagedata o:title="bs00554_" src="file:///C:\Users\temp\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image004.wmz"></v:imagedata><w:wrap type="tight"></w:wrap></v:shape>READING: Everybody Can Serve by Belinda Cisneros is a functional article.  This genre explains how to do something such as serve others advocated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Fluency Solutions Oral Reading Fluency     Thomas Alva Edison’s first invention was the phonograph.  He also invented the stock ticker, motion picture camera and electric miners’ safety lamp.  Thomas Edison recited the first stanza of Mary Had a Little Lamb to test his invention, the phonograph in 1877. Topics studied were: prefixes: in, mis, pre, antonyms, dictionary and thesaurus usage.  Concepts included: an author’s perspective or point of view and poetry consonance or the repetition of end consonant sounds in a series of words.  Symbolism is using a concrete object to represent an abstract idea.  Narratives and expository passages were read.  An example was the cross-curricular article: Hurricanes by Seymour Simon. Topics included informational nonfiction literary devices such as suspense, figurative language and similes.  To develop comprehension, infer, analyze and compare two unlike things we used words such as like and as.  Our current novel, Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo explores theme and character analysis.         <o:p></o:p>
 MARCH NEWSLETTER GRADE 5<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
ROOM 206 MRS. LEAHY
 <o:p></o:p>
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day  &  Happy Saint Joseph’s Day<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
RELIGION:  Lenten lessons included the Triduum, The Feasts of St. Patrick, St. Joseph, Corpus Christi and St. Peter’s Roman Chair. The Sacraments of Holy Orders and the Holy Eucharist were established at the Last Supper on Holy Thursday.  The reviews included the required preparations for the 40 days of Lent. These include prayer, alms giving and fasting when a person reaches age 14. Various new religious terms were learned: Vigil, Vespers and the Pange Lingua Tantum Ergo written by St. Thomas Aquinas.  The words of the Nicene Creed are also being memorized.     <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
MATH: The mathematicians calculated the circumferences of circles using the diameters.  When the radius was only given, the learners multiplied that measurement by two and then, used the diameter and Pi to calculate the circumference. The historical background of Pi and the ancient Greeks  was also learned.  Pi is the irrational number of 3.14156 that goes on forever.  Pi Day was celebrated by eating pie in math class and singing the Pi Song to the music of Jingle Bells. Correct formulas were applied to calculate the areas of triangles & trapezoids. Celcius was converted to Fahrenheit and Fahrenheit was changed to Celcius.  Students recognized faces, edges and vertices.  Many concepts were practiced and reviewed these formulas were applied. Examples included multiplying mixed fractions and decimals as well as, changing fractions to decimals.<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
SCIENCE: Weather concepts were introduced and linked with literature.  We are reading a Magic School Bus story about Ms. Frizzle teaching her students regarding  weather conditions.  Some concepts included the closest 8-10 mile layer surrounding Earth, the troposphere where most of the weather conditions are made.  The next layer is the stratosphere that extends from about 10 to 30 miles above the earth.  It contains the ozone layer that protects us from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.  The students also learned about the various tools and instruments used by meteorologist to forecast weather patterns.  Some tools include thermometers, barometers and anemometers that measure air pressure.  We will continue learning about weather and natural phenomena such as hurricanes.  We’re hopeful that Ms Ginger Zee will reschedule her visit as she indicated. <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
LANGUAGE ARTS: The book Follow the Drinking Gourd was recently read.  It will be integrated with art, fine arts and social studies to learn about the Underground Railroad.  The students are learning to sing the Negro Spiritual, Follow the Drinking Gourd.  Many students have already brought in their supplies for constructing their banjoes.  Many skills and concepts were reviewed to prepare for Terra Nova Tests.  Homophones, topic sentences, an author’s purpose for writing and various writing forms such as narratives and expository writing are being read.  We are beginning our third novel, Because of Winn Dixie.  The competed novels were Shiloh and Island of the Blue Dolphins.  <o:p></o:p>
Thanks for your support,<o:p></o:p>
Mrs. Leahy<o:p></o:p>
                      <o:p></o:p>
 HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<v:shapetype id=_x0000_t75 coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" o:preferrelative="t" filled="f" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"></o:lock></v:shapetype><v:shape style="Z-INDEX: 2; POSITION: absolute; MARGIN-TOP: 17.4pt; WIDTH: 108pt; HEIGHT: 55.85pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 252pt" id=_x0000_s1027 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image002.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape>THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING OUR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS’ WEEK OPEN HOUSE.  YOUR SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED.<o:p></o:p>
<v:shape style="WIDTH: 41.25pt; HEIGHT: 34.5pt" id=_x0000_i1025 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="so02963_" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image002.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape> <v:shape style="WIDTH: 89.25pt; HEIGHT: 33pt; flip: x" id=_x0000_i1026 type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="so02963_" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image002.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape>                            <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
RELGION: Fr. Gene visited the students and discussed how humor in one’s life and bringing joy to others keeps the devil away.  We will research the life of St. Valentine to understand that the holiday is more than a secular celebration.  Upcoming lessons will center on Lent to prepare for the Triduum and Jesus’ Resurrection on Easter Sunday.  We reread the story of Genesis and discussed our free wills to choose right over wrong.  The Bible is the Word of God and is a collection of 73 Books divided into the Old Testament and New Testament. Finding a passage requires finding the book, then the chapter and finally the verse. We also learned of Fr. Damian’s work with lepers in Molokai, Hawaii.        <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
MATH:  Preparing for Terra Nova Testing has begun.  Reviews focused on adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions.  Skills and background knowledge were applied to convert unlike fractions into alike fractions and equivalent fractions. Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of decimals were also reviewed.  The students divided decimals by whole numbers, whole numbers by decimals and decimals by decimals.  Mixed numbers were changed to improper fractions.  Improper fractions were also converted into mixed numbers.  Geometry concepts such as congruency, flips and turns were also included. Algebraic expressions were included in all content areas.<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
SCIENCE:  Reviews centered on the water cycle, vertebrates/invertebrates and human organ identification such as the trachea and esophagus.  Did you know that an 80 lb. child  has 2 ½ quarts of blood?  Our hearts pump about 7000 quarts of blood daily. The Scien-fic Method was also identified and explained.        <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
READING:   Sledding on Boston Commons was reread and a cross-curricular discussion centered on the American Revolution.  The students learned that the locals referred to the British troops as Lobster Backs because of their red coats.  Shiloh, The Newbery Medal novel, will soon be completed.  We’ve discussed the ethical dilemmas faced by Marty and how he gives a voice to the abused Beagle dog.  We also read materials on women’s suffrage, women who serve in the military, Black and Mexican people who worked as cowboys and Senor Alejandro expanded the lesson with Spanish vocabulary. <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
SPELLING:  Homographs such as: insert, minute and conduct were studied. The students learned that these words are recognized and deciphered within the context of sentences.  Words with final sounds: el, en were also studied.  Examples include slogan, wooden, heron, mountain and marvel.  Spelling Bee words were also included.     <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
Thank you,<o:p></o:p>
Mrs. Leahy    <o:p></o:p>
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center> HAPPY NEW YEAR! <o:p></o:p>
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center>GRADE 5 JANUARY, 2011 NEWSLETTER  <o:p></o:p></DIV>
 <o:p></o:p>
RELIGION:  The Virgin Mother’s apparition at Fatima, Portugal was discussed.  We also learned about the Magi who visited the Messiah on the Feast of the Epiphany. A biography of Corrie ten Boom was studied and the concepts of social justice and peace were explored.  Reviews will continue about mortal & venial sins, atonement, our conscience, the Act of Contrition and the Penitential Rite during Mass.          <o:p></o:p>
<H1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">RE<o:p></o:p></H1>
<v:shapetype id=_x0000_t202 coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="202" path="m0,0l0,21600,21600,21600,21600,0xe"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:path o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t"></v:path></v:shapetype><v:shape style="Z-INDEX: 1; POSITION: absolute; TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN-TOP: 166.2pt; WIDTH: 27pt; HEIGHT: 63pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 522pt; LEFT: 0px; flip: x" id=_x0000_s1026 type="#_x0000_t202"></v:shape>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%">
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #ece9d8; BORDER-LEFT: #ece9d8; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent; BORDER-TOP: #ece9d8; BORDER-RIGHT: #ece9d8">
<DIV style="PADDING-BOTTOM: 3.6pt; PADDING-LEFT: 7.2pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 7.2pt; PADDING-TOP: 3.6pt" class=shape v:shape="_x0000_s1026">
 <o:p></o:p></DIV></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>MATH: Going West by Russell Freedman was read from the Read-Aloud Anthology in the math textbook.  It told the story of a Missouri boy who traveled west on the most popular trail leading west.  The best known was the Oregon Trail across the Great Plaines.   Students calculated how many days the trip would have taken if the wagons covered about 15 miles a day.  They learned the Oregon Trail covered 2,400 miles.  Geometry was practiced by: calculating areas of rectangles, finding the perimeters of polygons, distinguishing between perimeter & area and exploring circumferences of circles. Translation, reflection and rotation were also included.  Students are continuing to subtract mixed numbers that are unlike fractions and to multiply fractions.               <v:shapetype id=_x0000_t75 coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" o:preferrelative="t" filled="f" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"></o:lock></v:shapetype><v:shape style="WIDTH: 44.25pt; HEIGHT: 46.5pt" id=_x0000_i1025 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="na00826_" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape style="WIDTH: 45pt; HEIGHT: 47.25pt" id=_x0000_i1026 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="na00826_" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
SCIENCE: We read about the tallest birds in North America, the Whooping Cranes.  They stand 5 feet tall.  We learned that vertebrates have backbones.  Some vertebrates, like alligators, breathe air whereas, other vertebrates like fish live under water and get oxygen through their gills.  Invertebrate mollusks, like clams and oysters, were identified.   <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
READING: The Caldecott Medal book, Polar Express by Chris Van Alsburg was read.  Liam Neeson’s narration of the story was also listened to on a CD.  Students can go to polarexpress.com to find activities, recipes and other information that relate to the book.  Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor will soon be read.  This Scholastic Book is a Newberry Medal winner. The Reading Level is 5.7 and the Lexile is 890L.  The story was read in our textbook and now, we will read the entire book.  Some concepts that were covered included: idioms, making inferences, using context clues and recognizing different genre such as realistic fiction like Shiloh.  My Great-Grandmother’s Gourd is our current story.<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
We are preparing for the in-class Spelling Bee.  Please access the Spelling Bee word list  found on my website and practice the 5th Grade list.  Good Luck to all!  <o:p></o:p>
The Internet Safety Presentation was valuable and the link will be posted on my website.<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
Thank you,<o:p></o:p>
Mrs. Leahy   <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 14.0pt 6.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoTitle> DECEMBER NEWSLETTER GRADE 5<o:p></o:p>
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 14.0pt 6.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoTitle><v:shapetype id=_x0000_t75 coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" o:preferrelative="t" filled="f" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"></o:lock></v:shapetype><v:shape style="WIDTH: 66.75pt; HEIGHT: 73.5pt; flip: y" id=_x0000_i1025 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="so01380_" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape></DIV>
 <o:p></o:p>
Happy December!  Thank you FSA for the Wheel of Wisdom!<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<v:shape style="WIDTH: 57pt; HEIGHT: 63.75pt" id=_x0000_i1026 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="so01380_" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape style="WIDTH: 57pt; HEIGHT: 63pt" id=_x0000_i1027 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="so01380_" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape style="WIDTH: 63pt; HEIGHT: 69.75pt; flip: y" id=_x0000_i1028 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="so01380_" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape>We wish you a peaceful and  Merry Christmas!<o:p></o:p>
RELIGION:  Advent is the season for preparation and anticipation for Jesus’ birth.  Our focus continues on welcoming our Messiah.  We have learned about Catholic traditions during Advent and have come together as a school community to light our Advent wreath. Senor Alejandro will teach the students about Our Lady of Guadalupe.  The 5th grade students will honor Mary during the Immaculate Conception Mass by singing and playing instruments.  The spirit of Thanksgiving broadened by learning the Corporal Works of Mercy and the Spiritual Works of Mercy.  St. Katherine Drexel Awards were colored and the children’s expressions of admiration were noted on the certificates. Literature will include reading the Christmas story about the donkey, Peppy.   
 <o:p></o:p>
MATH:  Reviews were about finding products by multiplying whole numbers and multiplying decimals.  Quotients with remainders were also included in our reviews.  The knowledge and skills expanded by dividing decimals by whole numbers.  Circle graph data was used to complete charts.  Data charts with keys were used to show the information using bar graphs. Soon we will convert numbers from charts into fractions and express that same information as decimals and percents. 
 <o:p></o:p>
SCIENCE: Classifying living things into a genus or kingdom by species and traits was  studied.  The Scientific Method will be explored and analyzed.  Asking a question or stating the problem is the first step in the process.  Next, a hypothesis is made predicting the outcome.  Experiments are done using a control group to compare results.  Then our senses are used to make observations and record the data.  Last, a conclusion is draw by inferring from the accumulated data.  
 <o:p></o:p>
LANGUAGE ARTS:  Easily confused words were clarified such as the homophones, “their and there.”  The concept of cause and effect using key words written by the author was reviewed by reading the story, Cooking School Adventure.  Please try to attend the Family Book Club at the Roden Library on Thursday, Dec. 9th @ 6:30 P.M. to discuss The Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days.  
Thank you and have a blessed Christmas,<o:p></o:p>
Mrs. Leahy<o:p></o:p>
    
 <o:p></o:p>
                      
<DIV style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 6pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 14pt">
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 14.0pt 6.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoTitle>DECEMBER NEWSLETTER GRADE 5<o:p></o:p>
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 14.0pt 6.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoTitle><v:shapetype id=_x0000_t75 coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" o:preferrelative="t" filled="f" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"></o:lock></v:shapetype><v:shape style="WIDTH: 66.75pt; HEIGHT: 73.5pt; flip: y" id=_x0000_i1025 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="so01380_" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape></DIV>
 <o:p></o:p>
Happy December!  Thank you FSA for the Wheel of Wisdom!<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<v:shape style="WIDTH: 57pt; HEIGHT: 63.75pt" id=_x0000_i1026 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="so01380_" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape style="WIDTH: 57pt; HEIGHT: 63pt" id=_x0000_i1027 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="so01380_" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape style="WIDTH: 63pt; HEIGHT: 69.75pt; flip: y" id=_x0000_i1028 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="so01380_" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape>We wish you a peaceful and  Merry Christmas!<o:p></o:p>
RELIGION:  Advent is the season for preparation and anticipation for Jesus’ birth.  Our focus continues on welcoming our Messiah.  We have learned about Catholic traditions during Advent and have come together as a school community to light our Advent wreath. Senor Alejandro will teach the students about Our Lady of Guadalupe.  The 5th grade students will honor Mary during the Immaculate Conception Mass by singing and playing instruments.  The spirit of Thanksgiving broadened by learning the Corporal Works of Mercy and the Spiritual Works of Mercy.  St. Katherine Drexel Awards were colored and the children’s expressions of admiration were noted on the certificates. Literature will include reading the Christmas story about the donkey, Peppy.   
 <o:p></o:p>
MATH:  Reviews were about finding products by multiplying whole numbers and multiplying decimals.  Quotients with remainders were also included in our reviews.  The knowledge and skills expanded by dividing decimals by whole numbers.  Circle graph data was used to complete charts.  Data charts with keys were used to show the information using bar graphs. Soon we will convert numbers from charts into fractions and express that same information as decimals and percents. 
 <o:p></o:p>
SCIENCE: Classifying living things into a genus or kingdom by species and traits was  studied.  The Scientific Method will be explored and analyzed.  Asking a question or stating the problem is the first step in the process.  Next, a hypothesis is made predicting the outcome.  Experiments are done using a control group to compare results.  Then our senses are used to make observations and record the data.  Last, a conclusion is draw by inferring from the accumulated data.  
 <o:p></o:p>
LANGUAGE ARTS:  Easily confused words were clarified such as the homophones, “their and there.”  The concept of cause and effect using key words written by the author was reviewed by reading the story, Cooking School Adventure.  Please try to attend the Family Book Club at the Roden Library on Thursday, Dec. 9th @ 6:30 P.M. to discuss The Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days.  
Thank you and have a blessed Christmas,<o:p></o:p>
Mrs. Leahy<o:p></o:p>
    
 <o:p></o:p>
                      
 November Newsletter Grade 5
<v:shapetype id=_x0000_t75 coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" o:preferrelative="t" filled="f" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"></o:lock></v:shapetype><v:shape style="WIDTH: 1in; HEIGHT: 40.5pt" id=_x0000_i1025 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="bs00559_" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape></DIV>
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
RELIGION: Our focus will be to learn alternatives to arguing and fighting.  The students will view Casey’s Revenge and be aware of guidelines for avoiding fights and disagreements.  The CD, Stop Bullying Now will also be viewed and discussed.  Mrs. Kalble will reinforce the concepts with lessons in the lab using the companion site: <A href="http://www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/">www.stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov</A>.  The Fish Philosophy: Fish for School Situation Cards will also be incorporated to encourage new approaches, build trust and emotional safety.  Each card is titled, What are your choices?  The students will act out the scenarios noted on the cards and discuss appropriate responses and actions from the characters.
 <o:p></o:p>
MATH: The marvelous mathematicians attended a Math Magic Show; and will broaden their learning with a post-show activities’ link.  The math scholars will use magic squares, binary trick cards and mysterious dice that defy the laws of probability.  The 5th grade mathematicians have mastered adding and subtracting complex decimals.  They have also conquered the process for multiplying decimals by whole numbers as well as, multiplying decimals by other decimals.  Currently, our focus is dividing decimals by whole numbers.  Soon we’ll embark on dividing dividends that are decimals by divisors that are decimals. The 2nd floor students will use a Smart White Board to enhance lessons.
 <o:p></o:p>
SCIENCE: The students sampled freeze-dried astronaut food from the Apollo & Space Shuttle flights. What are Moon Trees? They are ordinary trees of many varieties but were grown from seeds that were taken to the Moon in 1971 on Apollo 14.  A Sycamore tree was planted at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland in 1975 from “moon seeds.”    
<v:shape style="WIDTH: 1in; HEIGHT: 1in" id=_x0000_i1026 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="pe07677_" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image003.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape>
Bacteria, one-celled organisms, found in our bodies were discussed so proper prevention is understood.  We learned that some bacteria make us sick, while other bacteria help us with digestion, produce vitamins, are used in the production of fuel and decomposition of garbage and sewage.  Most dairy products are made by or with the help of bacteria. 
A Radiometer demonstrated how the sun makes it go and spin faster with the intensity of light.  The dark vanes absorbed the light rays while the light vanes reflected the light rays.  An ice cube will be melted to show this concept further using dark and light cloth.  
 <o:p></o:p>
READING: Numerous stories were read and the students summarized their under-standing by doing group PowerPoint Presentations in the computer lab.  Their Power Point Presentations are posted on the teachers’ sites for reference and review.  The Practice Books and lesson summaries are other learning tools that have also been posted.
Thank you for your support.      Mrs. Leahy  
 <o:p></o:p>
            
 <o:p></o:p>
 
<DIV style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 1pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div">
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center>October, 2010 5th Grade Newsletter <o:p></o:p></DIV>
<o:p> </o:p>
RELIGION: Fr. Paul will visit the students and give a presentation about the Queen of Poland, Our Lady of Czestochowa, the Black Madonna and the late, Pope John Paul II. 
We studied how Pope Pius X became canonized a saint and was responsible for allowing young children to receive the Holy Eucharist.  The Paschal Mystery was also studied. We are also preparing for the Living Rosary and the Anointing of the Sick project.  
Art will be linked to our celebration of Polish Heritage Month. <뛤Ţ><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"></o:lock><v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1.LAB\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.jpg" o:href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/Czestochowska.jpg"></v:imagedata></뛤Ţ>
Art educator and storyteller, Jasmin Cardenas, performed Ancient Legends and Myths at the Roden Chicago Public Library.  There were tales from Columbia and Mexico to also celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. We learned the Salsa and performed the dance for Senor Alejandro in Spanish class. He expanded the lesson by bringing in pictures of the places mentioned in the performance. We read the stories in English and learned about Hispanic cultures and traditions. Anthony also showed us Mexican currency.  
 
MATH: We will attend a performance of a Math Magic Show in November.  Students need to view math as relevant to their daily lives and fun. Adding & subtracting decimals are currently being explored and comprehension is increasing. The students have demon- strated proficiency in multiplying by 2 & 3 digit numbers. Fractions are being reviewed. 
<o:p> </o:p>
SCIENCE: Life science lessons included molds, bacteria, protists, cells, tissues and organs. Space science was integrated by tasting astronaut food. Food samples that were tasted were beef stew, corn, chocolate pudding, strawberries and ice cream sandwiches.  We viewed many foods, apples, cantaloupes and lettuce under microscopes.  Science lesson reviews are online so students can reinforce concepts and skills taught in class.  <v:shape style="WIDTH: 63pt; HEIGHT: 55.5pt" id=_x0000_i1026 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="bs00554_" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1.LAB\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image003.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape style="WIDTH: 59.25pt; HEIGHT: 60pt" id=_x0000_i1027 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="hm00363_" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\ADMINI~1.LAB\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image005.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape>     
<o:p> </o:p>
LANGUAGE ARTS: Several stories were read like Faith and Eddie, to model reading and the students tested their comprehension by taking the Scholastic Reading Counts quizzes.  Davy Crockett Saves the World, Forests of the World and Blast Off to Space Academy are stories that we’ve explored. Plot, characters, setting, compound words, comparing/contrasting and summarizing are skills that have been investigated.  The Reading/Spelling/Grammar Practice Books are now online for reference. 
<o:p> </o:p>
Please have your child read for 15 minutes every evening.  As you know, reading is at the heart of everything we do. Reading for math comprehension is vital. Your child will benefit greatly because reading fluency and comprehension unlocks the key to success.
<o:p> </o:p>
Thank you,
Mrs. Yolanda Leahy                      <o:p></o:p>
 5th Grade Newsletter September, 2010<o:p></o:p>
Mrs. Leahy, Room 206 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<H1 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">WELCOME BACK </H1>
HAPPY NEW SCHOOL YEAR!<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
   Thank you for supporting St. Thecla School.  Thanks again for endorsing Mrs. Styka’s decision to appoint me to be a team member with Ms. Miller in 5th grade.  The TV program title asks a question, Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? I can assure you that I’ve mastered 5th grade material. However, I learn from your children every day.  They teach and enrich this teacher’s life and they are wise beyond their tender years.  The fifth grade teaching team will work collaboratively and effectively to ensure that your child feels safe, happy and achieves.<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
Religion:  Lessons started with the story of Creation and Rachel Carson, the environmentalist.  Students learned that God’s creations are gifts and we are stewards of those precious treasures.  Our lessons will also include these topics: Paschal Mystery, Psalms of praise, St. Pius X, the Church, the seven sacraments and God’s love for all humanity.  <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
Math: Reviews and summer skills refreshers launched our math studies.  Your children will demonstrate their mastery of the multiplication tables, 0-12. The students will review place value concepts, compare and order whole numbers & decimals and benchmarks.  Focus will center on writing in math, decoding word problems, applying background knowledge of computation, multiplying decimals, measurement in inches and centimeters, using data tables and estimation.<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
Science:  Science instruction will start with reviews in life science. Topics will center on wetland habitats, mammal characteristics, organism characteristics, vertebrates, invertebrates, producers, predators, prey, decomposers and the food chain.  Students will use the empirical method to observe, question and learn by doing group experiments. Learning will expand by using science journals and illustrating demonstrations of the scientific concepts that were taught.  The basic units of life, cells, and their parts and functions will be examined.  The Kingdom of Life will be classified by traits that will lead into plant structures and functions.    
 <o:p></o:p>
Language Arts: Novels will supplement our Language Arts instruction.  Island of the Blue Dolphins is the first novel. Our new Reading Text series centers on interdisciplinary instruction to reach each learner with varied teaching methods. Miss Alaineus A Vocabulary Disaster is currently being read.  A National Spelling Bee and Grandmas’ Tales are upcoming stories.  Spelling and Grammar Practice Books are linked to the Reading text. The students will expand their knowledge of proofreading, sorting and practicing words, comparing/contrasting, various kinds of sentences with subjects and predicates. Mrs. Kalble used small group instruction in the lab to broaden the students reading comprehension. They retold the main elements of the current story with PowerPoint Presentations.  Spelling is centered on short and long vowels.   <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
Art: A tree mosaic, 3-D box flower bouquet and blended faces were art projects that have been completed.  The next project has been introduced where the student artists represent themselves during the 1960’s Hippie era.  <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
Thank you,<o:p></o:p>
Mrs. Leahy<o:p></o:p>
   <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
         
<DIV class=Section1>
<DIV style="BORDER-BOTTOM: #4f81bd 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 4pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in">
 
 <o:p></o:p>
        
 SPRING 4TH GRADE NEWSLETTER<o:p></o:p></DIV>
  <o:p></o:p></DIV><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Tempus Sans ITC'; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"> 
   Religion included technology when the students took a virtual tour of a Catholic church on United Streaming.  The students identified the tabernacle, paten, crucibles and other items used during the celebration of the Eucharist.  Mary, the Patroness of the United States, will be our focus in May.  We are preparing for Mary’s upcoming May crowning.  Art will also be integrated when the students construct their fold up churches.<o:p></o:p>
    <o:p></o:p>
    Math progressed by students mastering simplifying fractions, using equivalent fractions to add and subtract unlike fractions and learning how to multiply fractions.  Division is constantly reviewed so students’ skills are maintained at their highest levels.  Adding and subtracting decimals is currently being learned.  Geometry will be enhanced using marshmallows and toothpicks to construct 3-D figures such as cubes and pyramids.  <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
    Science was a blast!  It included blasts of air to demonstrate wind power.  St. Thecla’s students enjoyed their Museum of Science and Industry fieldtrip to the Science Storms exhibit.  Fr. Ken joined the 4th graders to demonstrate that air pressure is the scientific process that makes suction cups work.  We also saw how a hard-boiled egg got sucked into a glass milk jug opening using the properties of air pressure.  Our most amazing example of using air was when we PLUMPED EASTER PEEPS.  We also learned how animals adapt to survive in their arctic environments.  Blubber gloves in ice water showed how animals, like whales, stay warm in frigid waters.  We also used bubble wrap to feel how the air pockets protect birds that live in arctic areas by insulating their heat.             <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
    Language arts included math and social studies.  Our current story, Race for the North Pole, chronicles the Arctic expeditions of Robert Peary and Mathew Henson.  This story also depicts the racism that was prevalent at the time.  Numerous assignments included map skills and data graphs that were used to complete the comprehension questions.  Several books are being read to model reading. Then the students can demonstrate proficiency using computerized tests on Reading Counts.  Charlotte’s Web was read and we are starting to read Stuart Little.  <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
     Social Studies included technology and cultural diversity awareness.  We learned the historical facts about Cinco de Mayo and sampled several Mexican treats used to celebrate this important holiday.  United Streaming was viewed to enhance out lessons.                            <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
    Thank you for an amazing school year.  It’s hard to believe that our 2009-2010 school year is concluding soon!  God bless you all.  You are wished a safe and relaxing summer filled with family, friends and lots of fun.   Remember to please read for recreation.<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
Your partner in Catholic education,<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
Mrs. Leahy       <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>   
NOVEMBER,  4TH GRADE NEWSLETTER
 <o:p></o:p>
RELIGION:  We’re learning the Lord’s Prayer using American Sign Language.  The students learned about St. Teresa of Avila, Spain and how important prayer was in her life.  We discussed how she can be a role model for us to include more prayer in our lives. We prayed the Litany of St. Joseph and learned about All Souls’ Day as the commemoration of all our faithful departed.  We read and discussed St. Martin de Porres who was the first black saint born in the Americas.  The Commandments, Noah, Abraham and Moses were discussed and God’s covenant with mankind.        
 <o:p></o:p>
MATH: Rounding, estimating, ordering/comparing, adding, subtracting, multiplying by 2 digits and dividing with remainders continue.  Reviews include: place value, numbers/decimals put in proper rows, patterns, equations and numbers showing greater and lesser amounts.  Students will use diagrams, charts and tables to collect and record data to solve problems. Basic geometric shapes were reinforced with manipulatives and reviewed using Halloween designs. Students will construct shapes with marshmallows and toothpicks.  Word problems are done regularly to find solutions using given data.  Fractions were introduced using pie charts.  Chocolate bars will be divided into parts and labeled to expand understanding.  Adding & subtracting alike fractions is upcoming as well as, multiplying fractions.  Averages will be learned soon.  The M & M’s book will be used with M & M’s to practice multiplication and division. Thanks for your donations!
 <o:p></o:p>
SCIENCE:  Topics included: inner and outer planets’ characteristics, lunar phases, eclipses, space suits, astronauts, Earth’s hydrosphere, lithosphere, atmosphere and biosphere.  Future topics are volcanoes, tornadoes, earthquakes and rainforests.  Reading was integrated with Space Probes to the Planets so knowledge is reinforced and comprehension deepens. Health will include lessons on our skin, teeth and hygiene.
 <o:p></o:p>
READING:  Train to Somewhere was about 14 orphans traveling westward by train in the 1880s who wanted to get adopted.  The theme was the children’s hopes, fears and anticipation about their new lives and families. Setting was defined and clue words helped students make inferences.  Focus was on events that occurred simultaneously to different characters.  Yingtao’s New Friend focused on cultural differences of American and Chinese people.  Friendship, playing musical instruments and stereotyping are the story’s themes. Vocabulary words were related to music and playing in an orchestra.  Cause and effect, comparing vs. contrasting, persuading, text structure, elements of a story and making story maps constitute our Reading agenda.  Family Pictures also high- lighted the concepts of family, friends and cultures.  James and the Giant Peach will soon be finished and underscores the theme of friendship.  Space Probes to the Planets was read and integrated Science.  The author’s organization of the information was the primary focus. Venn Diagrams were completed that compared and contrasted each planet’s characteristics. We read Addie in Charge and Cricket in Times Square.  Marvin of the Great North Woods is next and tells about the flu outbreak at the beginning of the last century.  Into the Sea will also integrate Science when we learn about the oceans’ light and dark zones.  A short passage will be read about an art museum visit featuring Van Gogh’s art.  This reading will introduce Van Gogh before our art project.
 <o:p></o:p>
LANGUAGE:  Fourth graders wrote “Spooky Stories” in computer class.   Their stories contained good content, descriptive language, punctuation and spelling.  They read them aloud with scary background music for Halloween.  Imperative, declarative, interrogative and exclamatory sentences were reviewed.  Nouns, pronouns, homophones, time order, thesaurus usage were also covered.  Friendly letter formats, plurals, irregular plurals, cause & effect, fact vs. opinion, the writing process and focusing on the narrator are several cross-curricular concepts that will be studied.  Singular/plural possessives and subjects/predicates will be explored soon.
 <o:p></o:p>
SPELLING: Short and long vowels, consonant combinations (str, scr) and double consonants were studied.  Many concepts introduced in Reading and Grammar are reinforced in Spelling.  Proofreading, using a dictionary/thesaurus, using context clues and identifying base words, rhymes, homophones, synonyms and antonyms were learned.
 <o:p></o:p>
SOCIAL STUDIES:  Map skills are a primary focus.  These include hemispheres, latitude, longitude, prime meridian, equator, map keys, inset maps and compass rose. 
 <o:p></o:p>
ART:  Each student’s name was written in hieroglyphics and decorated with Egyptian symbols.  Math and art were merged to showcase Halloween geometric shapes.  Mrs. Anderson will share her expertise and creativity by teaching the students the art of making clay coil and pinch pots. Vincent Van Gogh’s painting, Bedroom, will be colored to reinforce the concept of dimension. Students will be constructing Chicago skyscrapers from cartons.  This will be a group cross-curricular project starting in November that’s completed in January.  Another long-term project is each student’s torso.  This is an individual endeavor showing their St. Thecla identity that’s also completed in January.  
<DIV>
<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%">
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD width="15%"></TD>
<TD width="70%">
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0px auto; WIDTH: 100%"></DIV></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%">
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD width="15%"></TD>
<TD width="70%">
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; MARGIN: 0px auto; WIDTH: 100%">
<H2 class=Header>Newsletter</H2>
<DIV id=ctl00_ctl00_ProductSkinMainPlaceHolder_MainContentPlaceHolder_ctl00_ctl00_SubscribeUpdatePanel>
<DIV id=ctl00_ctl00_ProductSkinMainPlaceHolder_MainContentPlaceHolder_ctl00_ctl00_ContentViewPanel>
<DIV style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal align=left> 4th GRADE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER NEWSLETTER<O:P></O:P></DIV>
<O:P> </O:P>
Welcome everybody! Thank you once again for attending Parent Night last week and kicking off our year. In addition, fourth grade would like to express gratitude to everyone who donated books from our Book Fair and contributed to our respective classroom libraries. All of your generosity is well appreciated! <O:P></O:P>
We have started off our year in Math by reviewing place value, comma placement, ordering, and comparing numbers. Strategies have also been discussed for word problems and self- checking mathematical computations. Multiplication, addition, subtraction, and division practice are continually reinforced in class. We strongly recommend practicing math facts with your child so they can sharpen their skills at home too.  Soon, we will introduce long division with/without remainders and multiplication by 2- digit numbers. For our sports fans, we will be examining bar graphs and measurements in yards/feet using NFL Team statistics.   Estimating and rounding to the nearest 10,000 or 100,000 will also be studied.<O:P></O:P>
In Religion, we have identified good people and good things in our lives. We have shared the Story of Creation and discussed how God created all good things. Soon, students will learn about St. Francis of <ST1:CITY w:st="on"><ST1:PLACE w:st="on">Assisi</ST1:PLACE></ST1:CITY>, sing the Canticle of the Sun, and discuss environmental stewardship.  Art, Religion, and Social Studies will be integrated by viewing Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. <ST1:COUNTRY-REGION w:st="on">Italy</ST1:COUNTRY-REGION> and its cities, <ST1:CITY w:st="on">Rome</ST1:CITY> and <ST1:CITY w:st="on"><ST1:PLACE w:st="on">Milan</ST1:PLACE></ST1:CITY>, will be located on a map and discussed. In Art, fourth grade completed their 3-D self-images last week and proudly displayed them in our hallway. Upcoming projects will include hieroglyphic writing, floral bouquet making for the Anointing of the Sick Mass, and sequence mapping a how-to-do something cartoon.<O:P></O:P>
In Social Studies, we learned about the equator, prime meridian, populations, regions, and different kinds of maps.  This week through the use of our software technology program, United Streaming, we identified locations of the <ST1:COUNTRY-REGION w:st="on">United States</ST1:COUNTRY-REGION> in the <ST1:PLACE w:st="on">Western Hemisphere</ST1:PLACE> and described some of the landforms. This month students will pretend they are flight crewmembers and will chart U.S./World destinations for a class demonstration. Additional map work will include regions and identifying landmasses such as islands and peninsulas. <O:P></O:P>
In Science, the earth’s orbit around the sun and moon’s orbit around earth were studied.  Students became “the sun”, “the earth”, and “the moon.”  They rotated and revolved to understand the concepts.  We replicated the Earth’s axis with a tennis ball and pencil and demonstrated rotation.  Motion through space, shadows, and gravity were studied. Gravity, solar and lunar eclipses were demonstrated as well as the moon’s monthly orbit around earth. Comparing and contrasting planets will be reinforced using Venn Diagrams and by writing post cards to fellow students from space.  <O:P></O:P>
            In Language Arts, sentence structure and the concept of complete sentences were studied. Declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences were defined and differentiated through classroom participation.   Subjects, predicates, nouns, pronouns, and verbs will be reviewed and practiced through the use of “Grammar Rap.” Synonyms, antonyms, and thesaurus usage will be reinforced using reading and spelling lessons.  In writing, an introduction to outlines and the writing process will be learned.    We will review the necessary components for book reports such as: Title, Author, Main Character/Characters, Summary/Synopsis, and Opinion. In Spelling, we learned a spelling strategy of looking at the word, saying and spelling it aloud, and closing our eyes to visualize the word.  We have also practiced using our dictionaries to find out the spellings and meanings of unfamiliar words. In <ST1:CITY w:st="on"><ST1:PLACE w:st="on">Reading</ST1:PLACE></ST1:CITY>, we have studied setting and sequence in the readings of A Day With Grandpa and A Train to Somewhere. Next week, we will broaden science concepts and skills by connecting the next story, Space Probes to the Planets. Students will discover more amazing space information by integrating expository nonfiction. Soon, we will start the novel James and the Giant Peach and will compare and contrast the book and movie.  </DIV></DIV></DIV></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> 
<DIV style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 1pt">
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center>ROOM 206-MRS. LEAHY<o:p></o:p>
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center>WELCOME 4TH GRADE STUDENTS<o:p></o:p></DIV>
 <o:p></o:p>
Dear 4th Grade Scholars,<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
Hello and welcome to 4th grade! We are looking forward to a very productive, creative, and exciting new school year! With the help of my teaching partner, Mr. Cerjak, we will help you reach new heights. You are great and nothing can stop you! You will succeed by working hard each day and giving your best effort. You will earn super grades and excel. You can do it! Set realistic goals with due dates and work hard to achieve them. Your parents and I will help. Choose to be respectful, courteous, and friendly because each of you deserves this.<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<v:shapetype id=_x0000_t75 coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" o:preferrelative="t" filled="f" stroked="f"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"></v:stroke><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></v:f><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></v:f><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:formulas><v:path o:connecttype="rect" gradientshapeok="t" o:extrusionok="f"></v:path><o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t"></o:lock></v:shapetype><v:shape style="WIDTH: 60.75pt; HEIGHT: 58.5pt" id=_x0000_i1025 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape>School is demanding, but we can work together and solve the hardest of challenges by working together. Division, fractions, decimals, and multiplication by double and triple-digits will be magical when you learn the secrets and become a Math- Magician! In Science, we’ll explore the solar system, rain forests, and oceans. We will watch an erupting volcano and an earthquake model in class too! You will use the NASA website and sing some catchy songs to assist your learning.  For Social Studies, the class will make a United States Jello map to see and then eat. YUMMY! In Language Arts, we will read and examine some great literature like James and the Giant Peach and Indian in the Cupboard. We will also focus on becoming more creative in our Writing Skills too. We’ll play Spelling Sparkle, Bingo, Class Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune this year; to name a few. We’ll meditate, pray, tell Bible stories, and learn miraculous things about Jesus’ life. Most importantly, we will model our daily behavior by Jesus’ life. We will encourage and assist our fellow classmates and lead by example. <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<DIV style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 1pt">
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center>ROOM 206-MRS. LEAHY’S <o:p></o:p>
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center>WEEKLY SPECIALS SCHEDULE<o:p></o:p></DIV>
 <o:p></o:p>
<v:shape style="WIDTH: 104.25pt; HEIGHT: 104.25pt" id=_x0000_i1026 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image003.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p>
Monday- Library<o:p></o:p>
Tuesday- P/E
Wednesday- Computers<o:p></o:p>
Thursday- P/E<o:p></o:p>
Friday- Computers
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<DIV style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 1pt">
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center>WORDS OF WISDOM<o:p></o:p>
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center>THE FISH PHILOSOPHY <v:shape style="WIDTH: 41.25pt; HEIGHT: 51.75pt" id=_x0000_i1027 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image005.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></DIV>
 <o:p></o:p>
<v:shape style="WIDTH: 51pt; HEIGHT: 54.75pt" id=_x0000_i1028 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image007.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape> Don’t forget to…..<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
ü      Bring smiles and enthusiasm everyday by choosing your attitude<o:p></o:p>
ü      Be friends with your classmates and make their day<o:p></o:p>
ü      Eat a nutritious breakfast each morning<o:p></o:p>
ü      Get plenty of sleep <o:p></o:p>
ü      Exercise your body and mind<o:p></o:p>
ü      And…..HAVE FUN! <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
<DIV style="BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 1pt; PADDING-LEFT: 4pt; PADDING-RIGHT: 4pt; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; PADDING-TOP: 1pt">
<P style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0in; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; PADDING-LEFT: 0in; PADDING-RIGHT: 0in; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-TOP: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt" class=MsoNormal align=center>FINAL THOUGHTS<o:p></o:p></DIV>
<v:shape style="WIDTH: 61.5pt; HEIGHT: 61.5pt" id=_x0000_i1029 type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/Owner/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image009.wmz"></v:imagedata></v:shape>MISSION CONTROL…..<o:p></o:p>
Over and out for now but before we set to launch here are a few last reminders….<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
Become an avid reader because reading is fun, relaxing, and the key to success. Read at least 30 minutes each night. Remember to practice your multiplication tables daily as well as your addition, subtraction, and division facts. Practice your spelling words throughout the week in school and at home. Learn to spell new words and discover a foreign language! Do fun scientific experiments at home with your family and discuss your observations and results. <o:p></o:p>
Be respectful, listen, follow instructions, come prepared and get READY TO SUCCEED! <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
Thanks for your cooperation!<o:p></o:p>
Fourth Grade Team,<o:p></o:p>
Mrs. Leahy (Website: http://teacherweb.com/IL/StThecla/MrsLeahy/index.html)<o:p></o:p>
Mr. Cerjak  (Website: http://teacherweb.com/IL/StThecla/MrCerjak/index.html)<o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
 <o:p></o:p>
PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN ATTACHED SHEET FOR OUR RECORDS<o:p></o:p></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>4TH GRADE MAY, 2009 NEWSLETTER RELIGION: Beatitudes are our primary focus. Students recognized the true meaning of Easter by reading Our Church Celebrates Holy Week. The children studied Tridium Liturgies to better understand the events preceding Christ’s Passion. A religious “Easter Play” was read aloud. Art and religion will be integrated with drawings of the Sacred Vessels: Cruets, Chalice, Ciborium, Paten and Tabernacle. Reading about Thomas’ doubts and Pentecost is included. Everyone will write “God” in Japanese characters because we viewed the video Respecting Other Religions. Japan’s oldest religion, Shinto, and Buddhism were highlighted. Social Studies was integrated with conversations about traditional, eremonial Japanese dress, Kimonos, traditions, food, respect for ancestors, and St. Frances Xavier. -We learned how our Church honors saints. St. Vincent de Paul, St. Isidore and Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton. Other lessons focus on St. Agnes, and how our Church honors Mary. We’ll examine the Feast of the Assumption, Feast of the Immaculate Conception and The Angelus, an ancient prayer. MATH: Reviewing multiplying by 3 digit numbers, computing quotients with remainders and dividing using a 2 digit divisor, adding/subtracting like/unlike fractions, mixed numbers, and calculating equivalent fractions. Counting squares, perimeter and area have been covered as well as, Fahrenheit and Celsius Temperatures. Equations are reviewed to understand that everything to the left of the equal sign must equal everything to the right of the equal sign. Soon, the students will study units of weight: ounces, pounds and tons. Your mathematicians are also finding products by multiplying using a 3 digit numbers. An example is: 76,543 X 892 =. … -Students will construct geometric shapes with their marshmallows and toothpicks. They are eating their chocolate bar fractional pieces. Soon, we will review customary units of capacity: cups, pints, quarts and gallons. Lessons also included centimeters, millimeters, comparing/ordering fractions, multiplying and dividing fractions. SCIENCE:Ocean light/dark zones, the food chain, adaptations and the hydrosphere have been studied. Other topics included volcanoes, plate tectonics, islands, subduction, earthquakes, Richter Scales, seismographs and how life returns after a volcanic eruption. Students identified the earth’s crust, mantle and core. Scientists’ drilling was simulated by drilling into a hard-boiled egg with its shell with a straw to demonstrate the layers. The science scholars will erupt a volcano using vinegar and baking soda. They will demonstrate the destructive power of an earthquake by stacking empty soda cans on a table that will quake. The lithosphere will continue to understand how mountains form. Matter, its properties, forms, density, physical and chemical changes are also topics. READING: The Disguise includes predicting, summarizing, using inflected form (es) differentiating between main ideas/details and suffixes. Cross-curricular work will include locating Korea on the map and defining Korean words, kimchi. Half-Chicken and Blue Jay Takes the Heat and Blame It On the Wolf were also read. Paraphrasing, writing descriptions, understanding thesaurus entries: synonyms and antonyms were studied. The homophones vain, vane, vein were reviewed. Students learned about the legend of the weather vane. A Peddler’s Dream will integrate Math and Social Studies with circle/bar graphs indicating immigration to Texas from Mexico, India, Philippines and Viet Nam. Silent consonants: kn, gn, wr, mb will be included. A plot was discussed as well as conflict/problem, climax, resolution or outcome of a story. We read: Charlotte’s Web, Blame It on the Wolf and Lou Gehrig, the Luckiest Man Alive. Venn Diagrams were used and students identified clue words like but, instead and unlike for contrasting. Each story had comprehension questions and open book multiple choice test questions to expand comprehension by applying the skills acquired from the lesson. Mrs. Kalble is supplementing our classroom reading, Rikki-tiki-tavi. The CD Rom, The Legend of Mowgli, is an interactive game of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale of adventure. LANGUAGE: Adjectives, pronouns, subject pronouns, possessive pronouns, and object pronouns were studied. Sentence subjects and predicates are upcoming. Students also studied: inflected form with “er” and “est.” Lessons included: contractions with not, context clues, plurals, possessive plurals, using library book listings: card catalogues and electronic listings, using encyclopedias, alphabetical order, compound words and sentences, topic sentences that state the main idea, and persuasive paragraphs that give an author’s opinion and reasons that support the opinion. SPELLING: Topics included: suffixes, prefixes, analogies, haikus, antonyms, synonyms, word associations, compound words, spelling strategies, recognizing classifications, onomatopoeias, homophones, and homographs. SOCIAL STUDIES: Lessons about the Civil War, slavery, cotton, rice, plantations and the Southeastern Region of the U.S. were recently concluded. Post Civil War lessons focus on changes in this same agricultural region after the abolishment of slavery. Eli Whitney’s cotton gin and George Washington Carver’s scientific discoveries for improving crop production are currently being read. Map work is done regularly to keep skills current. Map keys, map legends, latitude/longitude and hemispheres are included. Future lessons center on the shift from agriculture to manufacturing in large cities. FEBRUARY 4TH GRADE NEWSLETTER HAPPY ST. VALENTINES DAY RELIGION: Our focus is on following Jesus example of serving others. Part of our Lenten preparation is discussing the Last Supper that was the first Mass. We discussed why Jesus washed the disciples feet on Holy Thursday. The students prepared for The Stations of the Cross by hearing and seeing them on the computer. We are learning about the Triduum and Deacon John will visit the students on Ash Wednesday. Our field trip centered on a religious theme from the Bible story, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. The story was read; then the students drew and colored Josephs story. MATH: Math knowledge and skills are being reviewed so the students show their best efforts on the upcoming Terra Nova Tests. Computation reviews include: multiplying by double digit numbers, dividing by double digit numbers, dividing with remainders, adding and subtracting alike fractions, multiplying fractions and reviewing basics like place/value concepts and patterns. We also did comprehensive reviews of tables, charts, graphs including circle, bar, line and pictographs. Measurement is being practiced, including measuring in inches, feet, yards and liquid measurement as well as, metric system measurements. Geometric terms and concepts include: parallel, perpendicular, triangle, equilateral, scalene, vertex, squares, rectangles and circles diameters/degrees. SCIENCE: Science concepts are always integrated with math, language arts and social studies. Our reading text stories, Komodo Dragon, and Crocodilians describes the komodos habitat in Indonesia. Map work reinforced geography skills. We viewed actual komodo dragons on the computer using United Streaming that features many Discovery Channel educational films. A CD was played to model fluent reading so students hear the readers tone, inflection and use of punctuation. Science terms that were learned were: reptiles, amphibious, ectothermic, cold- blooded, predator, prey, monitor lizards, estivate, osteoderms and scales. Estuaries were read about and described with pictures. These estuaries are where rivers meet oceans and the fresh water meets the salt water that forms these unique habitats. We learned how herons and other birds and fish have adapted to these wetland habitats. The students are also learning about their bodies using our 3-D human, Dimensional Man. An upcoming Dental Health Presentation teaches proper hygiene and why its important for maintaining health. LANGUAGE ARTS: Our personalized, pyramid/alliteration sentences were displayed in the hall. Many are also posted on our website for you to enjoy. Many concepts have been learned and reviewed so the students can apply their knowledge and skills in the Terra Novas. Lessons included: context clues, homophones, homographs, rhymes, synonyms, antonyms, text structure, setting and authors purpose. We are reviewing proper punctuation, capitalization, spelling rules and indentation as well as the different kinds of sentences. Friendly letter formats and neat, legible cursive writing is practiced. SOCIAL STUDIES: Your children did amazing group work on their Chicago skyscrapers. Their architectural marvels were displayed in the hall and supplemented with research on the internet. The scholars learned numerous concepts about elections linked to the recent Presidential elections and President Obamas Inauguration. Technology was used on United Streaming to celebrate President Lincolns bicentennial and President Washingtons birthday. We learned about slavery, the Gettysburg Address, Emancipation Proclamation and the Revolutionary War when Washington was general. JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2009 NEWSLETTER GRADE 4 Welcome back to school after a peaceful, joyful and restful Christmas vacation. Mother Josephs biography was learned and extended our Beatitude lesson. Technology was included by researching www.sistersofprovidence.net. Another terrific thank you to the fourth grade performers who sang and had dialogue in the Christmas Concert. You made the day special for your families, friends and the entire school community. What a glorious way to praise God with our voices joined in song. Math knowledge and skills are practiced daily so the mathematicians can apply what theyve learned and scaffold their comprehension. We mastered adding/subtracting alike fractions. Multiplying fractions was introduced The scholars will venture converting fractions into equivalent fractions. Long division using single, double and triple digit divisors is done regularly. These computations include quotients without remainders as well as, with remainders. Multiplication is linked to division so we multiply our division problems as a method of checking our work. Therefore, work can be checked for accuracy and multiplication can be practiced so students stay current. Language arts included many skills including summarizing, sequencing, homophones, synonyms, antonyms, adjectives and writing. The entire writing process was reviewed and is being implemented. Cross-curricular stories such as Into the Sea have science components. Descriptive stories were written using indentation, capitalization, punctuation, correct spelling and adjectives. Watercolor drawings will enhance our concept of the oceans biodiversity and the artwork will be proudly displayed in the hall. Mrs. Kalble will assist with the project by having the students do their descriptive stories in Word and insert graphics into the text. Formatting will also be reviewed. Pyramid sentences are being done to practice alliteration, grammar and punctuation skills. Sparkle was played so spelling skills stay sharp. This game requires total focus because the student thats called must know the next letter of the word being spelled. The game is intense but the students thrive in it and enjoy the challenge. The word that no one spelled correctly was onomatopoeia. Are you able to spell it and give its definition? The group skyscrapers are being constructed for Catholic Schools Week and the students architecture is amazing. As you know, fine arts is included because were working with Mr. Peyovich on recording our background construction songs and The Picasso structure will be displayed as part of our project. Please join us for Catholic Schools Week to celebrate your childrens success! Thank you for your support and caring. Mrs. Leahy 4TH GRADE NEWSLETTER RELIGION: We identified good people and good things in our lives. Grace, Gods presence, and goodness from God were discussed. We reread the Story of Creation and discussed how God created all good things. We, humans, have free will to choose evil and sin by turning away from God. Students learned about St. Francis of Assisi, sang the Canticle of the Sun, and discussed environmental stewardship. A biography of the American writer, Rachel Carson, was read and her environmental work researched. Art, religion and social studies were integrated by viewing Leonardo Da Vincis The Last Supper. Italy, was located on the map and, its cities Rome and Milan were discussed. We learned that the painting is in a monastery in Milan. The lesson was extended by Jesus example of service to others by washing the disciples feet. Praise and thanksgiving were central themes. The lesson included St. Thomas Aquinas who lived in a monastery and was renowned for his intellect. We read the Bible story of King Solomon to see other people who had great wisdom and used it to make our world a better place. The two main parts of the Mass, Liturgy of the Word and Eucharist were reviewed. Attending Mass on Sunday was highlighted with a lesson on this Commandment. We learned that the word of God is Scripture in the Bible. Active participation at Mass is vital. Students are required to respond and sing hymns during Mass. Please reinforce this by praise and example at Sunday Mass. Thank you for your continued efforts. Each student prays and meditates in class. Learning the importance of quiet time and its calming effect on our bodies and minds is prayerful. Conversations with God are prayers that can be formal prayers or daily informal conversations with Jesus. October is Respect Life Month so students will discuss strategies to respect their peers, parents and grandparents, the elderly, younger children and all Gods creatures. We are including discussions on the Sacrament of the Sick. The students made beautiful floral bouquets from egg cartons for the Anointing of the Sick Mass. The students crucifixion drawings will be displayed in the Churchs front lobby. MATH: Foreign and domestic coins will be brought to class. Students use money to pay and make change by simulating shopping. The class will learn historical facts about U.S. coins. Our penny was the first coin with a president, Abraham Lincoln. It replaced Indian head pennies. Geography was integrated with map work locating countries using the currencies. Place, value, comma placement, ordering, comparing, strategies for word problems, benchmarks, and checking math problems, were reviewed. Bar graphs, measurements in yards/feet will be introduced using NFL Team statistics. Estimating and rounding to the nearest 10,000 or 100,000 is upcoming. Mental mathematics was also be explored. Reviews are ongoing to reinforce skills. Multiplication tables, addition, subtraction, and division were reviewed. Long division was introduced as well as long division with remainders and 2 digit multiplication. We sing division to country-western music. Using data to draw conclusions was analyzed. Lessons also encompassed identifying numerical relationships. Heres an example of a problem presented to students. Thirty five round vases must be displayed in a triangular shape stacked in rows. The top row has 1 vase. The next row below has 4 vases. The 3rd row has 7 vases. So how many rows are needed to display our 35 vases? Overall, students did very well after several review lessons. They deserve praise for their hard work and enthusiasm. (Did you figure out the answer? Probably so, but dont fret if you are rusty, with analytical thinking. I sometimes need a moment to think about beginning 4th grade math and I have the answer key). Rows 1 and 2 have a difference of 3. Row 2 and row 3 also have a difference of 3. So the next row, 4th row, would have 3 more than in row 3. Row 4 should then have 10 vases. Row 5 then would have 3 more than the 4th row, or 13 vases. So rows 1-5 have 1+4+7+10+13=35. Five rows are needed to display our 35 vases. Thats the relationship and pattern. Students recognize patterns and apply them to sequences. Halloween geometric shapes will be integrated with art by drawing and coloring items for the holiday. Your children have already learned to add and subtract alike fractions. Hurray! SCIENCE: The earths orbit around the sun and moons orbit around earth were studied. Students became the sun the earth and the moon. They rotated and revolved to understand the concepts. We replicated the Earths axis with a tennis ball and pencil and demonstrated rotation. Motion through space, shadows and gravity were studied. Gravity was demonstrated. We simulated solar and lunar eclipses. The moons monthly orbit around earth was demonstrated. The mass of objects was studied. Comparing and contrasting planets will be reinforced using Venn Diagrams and by writing post cards to fellow students from space. Students get a better understanding by using the NASA CDs and watching launch videos. The 3 Ps of fire safety are persuasion, prevention, and protection. Students demonstrated stop, drop, roll, and learned the pyromid fire triangle which include oxygen, heat, and fuel. The Count Floyd video donated by a major insurance company supplemented fire safety. Environmental health integrated religion with St. Francis. Ecosystems are interdependent and require reducing, reusing, and recycling to survive and thrive. LANGUAGE: An introduction to outlines and writing process will be learned. Audiences were identified and how writing should be tailored for the particular audience. We learned the different types of writing used to inform, describe and persuade. Sentence structure and the concept of a complete sentence were studied. We played The Whiffle. An assigned student, the writer will address the class giving information about a specific thing, called the whiffle. Other students, the writers audience see if the information actually describes the object well enough to identify it. Subjects, predicates, verbs, and sentences were reviewed and practiced. Synonyms, antonyms and using the thesaurus was reinforced from reading and spelling lessons. Ms. Dohnal and Ms. Kalble expand classroom reading lessons on researching topics and outlining. Declarative, interrogative, imperative and exclamatory sentences were differentiated. We interrogated a Halloween witch to reinforce interrogative sentences. Sentences will be written by students and pulled out a bag so they can be identified. Rappin grammar identified a noun as a person, place, or thing. Subjects and predicates are next. SPELLING: Spelling strategies were introduced and commonly misspelled words were reviewed. Students are encouraged to utilize Spell Check but using the dictionary in class is mandatory. Words can be spelled the same but pronounced differently and have different definitions. An example is bow: a weapon, a tied ribbon, to bow or lower ones head, a violin bow or the bow (front) of a boat. Word context was learned. Consonant combinations of str, squ, (1 vowel), scr, thr, were studied. Words with kn, gn, wr, mb were studied. Silent letters in words like knot and gnat were noted. Double consonant words were also examined. We learned a spelling strategy of looking at the word, saying and spelling it aloud, and closing our eyes to visualize the word. Using the dictionary, thesaurus and other reference books was integrated. The Spelling companion CD is used in class and in computer class to enhance the weekly lesson in the book . SOCIAL STUDIES: Patriotism was explained and its important. The equator, prime meridian, ethnic groups, customs, populations, regions and understanding maps initiated our lessons. Lectures and readings included Our Nations Land and The United States Today. Natural resources, their uses to humans, and conservation were explained. Continents were learned and finding locations by using latitude and longitude was practiced. Students will pretend they are flight crew members and will chart world destinations. Map work will include regions and identifying land masses such as islands and peninsulas. We discussed Columbus and researched information on the internet. READING: A Day With Grandpa was supplemented with literature. The worksheets focused on the setting of a story, its place and time. A Newbery Medal book, Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry will be read. The story is about Mafatu, a boy in the South Pacific, his dog Ari , the Albatross he adopted and how he overcomes his fear of the sea. He was alone and drifted in the sea because his mother did not survive the sea voyage. So he feared water until he was 15. Were finishing the novel James and the Giant Peach. The video was shown to compare and contrast between the book and movie. Space Probes will be read to expand understanding of our current science unit. This story focused on data about each planet in our solar system and how writers organize information. This is text structure. Train to Somewhere, Yingtao, and Family Pictures was read. Father Ken will read Family Pictures in Spanish for Latin Heritage Month. Journey to the North Pole, and Clay Children are stories that well also read. Students were shown models of the necessary components for book reports: Title, Author, Main Character/Characters, Summary/Synopsis, and Opinion. Facts and opinions were differentiated. Octobers reports are entertaining scary stories. These explorers can be modern day people or explorers from the past like Christopher Columbus or Lewis and Clark. Students can also choose to report on space or sea explorers. ART/RELIGION: Egg carton flowers were made for the Anointing of the Sick Mass. We made our 3-D self images and stained glass windows of Jesus crucifixion. Now we are writing our names in hieroglyphics and decorating the papyrus with Egyptian art. Dear St. Thecla Parents: Hello, Im Mrs. Leahy. Thank you for your continued commitment to Catholic education. Ive had the privilege of meeting many of you already. There are many fun, fascinating and educational activities planned for 2008-2009. The goals are for your child to grow personally, spiritually, and excel academically. A joint effort makes this possible. Your input is vital, appreciated, and helpful. Please share the following information. Please note your responses in the margin please. Your input is welcomed, valued, appreciated and will help your child develop a better self concept and self confidence. Has there been a recent event that affected your child? What are your childs favorite activities: hobbies, puzzles, or games? Why does your child enjoy this activity? Please ask, and if your childs response is, Its fun! please ask for specifics. Lots of activities are fun, so why is this one the favorite? Who are his/her special friends? Are there any ongoing issues with other classmates? What remedies have been most successful? Does he/she struggle in a particular subject? Is he/she tutored outside of school? Does your child read regularly for leisure? Please note his/her favorite book. Are you able to read regularly as a family? What sports, toys, TV programs, or movies are your childs favorites? Are there any specific, difficult issues? If so, how may I help? Your childs well being and success in school are paramount. Working together assures this goal. Your information is confidential and enables me to better serve your child. Basic school supplies: 2 sharpened #2 pencils with erasers, 2 black/blue erasable ink ball point pens, 1 red pen, lined loose leaf paper, ruler, small dictionary, calculator, small stapler, compass, protractor, and separate pocket folders for each subject. Subject folders are color coded and will be kept in a 3 ring binder. Good daily habits eliminate wasted time, ease frustration and help students excel. School related stress diminishes when assignments are easily found. The students become more organized and learn study skills. Daily math and reading homework is assigned Mon.-Thurs. Weekly spelling units will be completed by the last day of the school week. Students complete 1 page daily from the unit to prepare for Friday tests. Monthly books are required to be read. Book Reports will be written. The format was modeled and students were advised of the first theme. Please encourage your child to center his/her backpack to distribute the weight. Proper posture is also required while seating or standing in class. By working together, your childs spine will keep growing strong, straight, and healthy. An assignment notebook is vital. Your child received his/her Good News Assignment Book the first day of class. Daily entries should be crossed out after completing assignments. Students learn better organizational skills, time management, self reliance and adhere to due dates. Project supplies will be announced at least 2 weeks prior to the start date. Regular reminders will be given verbally, written on the board and internet. It is the students responsibility to note needed supplies and assignments in the homework notebook. Crossing out completed tasks completes the process. Notes indicating project supplies will not be sent home for 4th graders. Lets help them develop lifelong skills. We want students to do their best. Organization can be learned. Folders should be labeled for each subject. All assignments and hand outs for specific subject should be kept in the designated subject folder. The most current work should be in front. Homework is due on the assigned date. Five points are deducted daily for late work unless a signed written excuse is submitted for an illness or an emergency. If there is an emergency or illness, extra time will be given, but these are infrequent occurrences. No homework will be given on Fridays so school work wont conflict with your familys weekend activities. However, special projects should be worked on over weekends and holiday breaks when time is available. Homework is assigned on long holiday weekends when theres no school on a Monday. Homework always relates to our class lessons. Makeup work is due the week after returning to school. Any catch up work should be completed over the weekend after an absence. Extra time will always be given to complete assignments after an extended absence. Please reassure your children. A parents signature is requested on assignments with poor grades. Please designate a comfortable, well lit space at home for your child to do homework. A completely quiet environment thats free of distractions helps your child focus so assignments are completed quickly, productively, and comfortably. About a half hour will be assigned. Graded or checked assignments should be removed from folders on the weekend after the schoolwork is returned. This lightens the backpack weight and helps students to find assignments easily. Please continue recycling paper. We can be the best role models. School/classroom rules, and procedures must be practiced. Christian conduct is essential. If students choose inappropriate conduct, they also choose to accept the consequences. Positive consequences are rewards. Negative consequences are punishments resulting from breaking the rules. Name calling, bullying, inappropriate language, or violence will not be tolerated; warnings/detentions will be issued. Detentions are served the Friday after the issue date unless otherwise advised. Rules protect each student, maintain a Christian environment, and provide an atmosphere for optimal learning. Each individual must feel safe, maintain self- esteem, enjoy school and excel. All students are required to follow all rules at all times. Please call me if your child tells you of any concerns with classmates. Also advise me by getting feedback from your children. I will listen; their opinions matter. Assure them that voicing their legitimate concerns will benefit them. Students will keep a conflict journal. Whenever disagreements arise, students will be asked to note how the situation could have been prevented. It will be required that sentences start with, I should/could have.. Students will not be permitted to state, He/she did/said Students are accountable for their actions. To help them make positive choices, conflict resolution videos will be viewed regularly and discussed. Thank you for entrusting me with your child. My commitment is making your childs 4th grade experience safe, fun, and academically challenging. If you want to discuss your childs progress, please call Mrs. Sansone and give a convenient time to call back. Youll get a reply that day or the next day and well meet at the appointed time. Please specify any concerns before our meeting so suggestions can be prepared and be available for you. Time will be saved and effective strategies can be implemented. Kids 1st! Please check backpacks every Wednesday. Occasionally, information is given on Friday, so please ask your child for any bulletins. Students rotate cleaning our classroom on the last school day of each week. Chores include bundling trash, washing desks, boards and vacuuming. Students are dismissed by 2:45 p.m. after cleaning. A signed note is required. Thanks, your children are great helpers and I appreciate their hard work. A well-ordered environment and positive academic expectations result in effective classrooms where students excel. Positive expectations help students achieve their standards. ALL CHILDREN CAN LEARN! Teachers do NOT teach 4th grade or subjects. We teach STUDENTS and they learn the various subjects. Your children will hear this. You are responsible for learning, achieving and performing. I have positive expectations for each student. Working together enhances the quality of your childrens lives. They will learn and practice school and life skills as well as working in groups. Thanks for being exemplary partners in your childrens schooling. Together, we will guide your children to becoming happy, productive, life-long learners who succeed. Respectfully, Mrs.Leahy 4TH GRADE APRIL, 2008 NEWSLETTER RELIGION: Beatitudes are a primary focus. Our Church Celebrates Holy Week was read and discussed so students recognized Easters true meaning. The children studied Tridium Liturgies to better understand the events preceding Christs Passion. A religious Easter Play was read aloud. Art and religion will be integrated with drawings of the Sacred Vessels: Cruets, Chalice, Ciborium, Paten and Tabernacle. Reading about Thomas doubts and Pentecost is included. Everyone will write God in Japanese characters because we viewed the video Respecting Other Religions. Japans oldest religions, Shinto, and Buddhism were highlighted. Social Studies was integrated with conversations about traditional Japanese dress, Kimonos, traditions, food, respect for ancestors, and St. Frances Xavier. -We learned how our Church honors saints. St. Vincent de Paul, St. Isidore and Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton. Other lessons focus on St. Agnes, and how our Church honors Mary. Well examine The Ascension, Feast of the Assumption, Feast of the Immaculate Conception and The Angelus, an ancient prayer. MATH: Reviews continue on multiplying 3 digit numbers, computing 2 digit quotients, dividing with remainders, adding/subtracting like/unlike fractions, mixed numbers, and calculating equivalent fractions. Counting squares and area have been covered as well as, Fahrenheit and Celsius Temperatures. Equations are reviewed to understand that everything to the left of the equal sign must equal everything to the right of the equal sign. Soon, the students will study units of weight: ounces, pounds and tons. Your mathematicians are also finding products by multiplying with 2-3 digit numbers. An example is: 76,543 X 892 =. -Students will construct geometric shapes with their marshmallows and toothpicks. They will eat their chocolate bar fractional pieces. Soon, we will study customary units of capacity: cups, pints, quarts and gallons. Lessons also included perimeter, centimeters, millimeters, comparing/ordering fractions and multiplying fractions. SCIENCE: Ocean light/dark zones, the food chain, adaptations and the hydrosphere have been studied. Approaching lessons include volcanoes, plate tectonics, islands, subduction, earthquakes, Richter Scales, seismographs and how life returns after a volcanic eruption. Students identified the earths crust, mantle and core. Scientists drilling was simulated by drilling into a hard-boiled egg with its shell with a straw to demonstrate the layers. The science scholars will erupt a volcano using vinegar and baking soda. They will demonstrate the destructive power of an earthquake by stacking empty soda cans on a table that will quake. The lithosphere will continue with focus mountain formation. READING: The Disguise will include predicting, summarizing, using inflected form (es) differentiating between main ideas/details and suffixes. Cross Curricular work will include locating Korea on the map and defining Korean words, kimchi. Half-Chicken and Blue Jay Takes the Heat and Blame It On the Wolf were read. Paraphrasing, writing descriptions, thesaurus entries: synonyms and antonyms were studied. The homophones vain, vane, vein were reviewed. Students learned about the legend of the weather vane. A Peddlers Dream will integrate Math and Social Studies with circle/bar graphs indicating immigration to Texas from Mexico, India, Philippines and Viet Nam. Silent consonants: kn, gn, wr, mb will be included. A plot was discussed as well as conflict/problem, climax, resolution or outcome of a story. Were reading: Charlottes Web, Blame It on the Wolf and Lou Gehrig, the Luckiest Man Alive. Venn Diagrams will be used and students will identify clue words like but, instead and unlike for contrasting. Each story has comprehension questions and open book multiple choice test questions to expand comprehension. It also allows the students to apply the skills acquired from the lesson. Mrs. Mason is supplementing our classroom reading, Rikki-tiki-tavi. The CD Rom, The Legend of Mowgli, is an interactive game of Rudyard Kiplings classic tale of adventure. LANGUAGE: Adjectives, pronouns, subject pronouns, possessive pronouns, and object pronouns will be addressed. Sentence subjects and predicates will be included. Students also studied: inflected form with er and est. Lessons included: contractions with not, context clues, plurals, possessive plurals, using library book listings: card catalogues and electronic listings, using encyclopedias, alphabetical order, compound words and sentences, topic sentences that state the main idea, and persuasive paragraphs that give an authors opinion and reasons to support it. SPELLING: Topics included: suffixes, prefixes, analogies, haikus, antonyms, synonyms, word associations, compound words, spelling strategies, recognizing classifications, onomatopoeias, homophones, and homographs. SOCIAL STUDIES: Lessons about the Civil War, slavery, cotton, rice, plantations and the Southeastern Region of the U.S. were recently concluded. Post Civil War lessons focus on changes in this same agricultural region after the abolishment of slavery. Eli Whitneys cotton gin and George Washington Carvers scientific discoveries for improving crop production are currently being read. Map work is regularly done to keep skills current. Map keys, map legends, latitude/longitude and hemispheres are included. Future lessons center on the shift from an agriculture to manufacturing in large cities. FOURTH GRADE NEWSLETTER RELIGION: Lessons include: The Feasts of the Assumption, Immaculate Conception, Angelus, Mary: Patroness of the United States. Students are preparing for our May Crowning. -The 1st 3 Ten Commandments teach us to love God. The other Commandments teach us to love each other. Students differentiated between the Sacraments of Initiation, Sacraments of Healing, and Sacraments of Commitment. The Great Commandment and the Good Samaritan were topics. Vocabulary included: Ash Wednesday, Lent, Passover, Way of the Cross, Calvary, Holy Week, Triduum, values, reverence, vain, Sabbath, Incarnation, and Messiah . -Respecting our parents is a commandment. Discussions centered on the importance of family and why parents deserve our respect. -Jesus Goes to the Temple will be read and discussed. Thomas More, Lord Chancellor of England, and his execution by Henry VIII is upcoming. Readings included Thomas touching Jesus side and hands and the story of Pentecost. -World Peace will be sung using the corresponding sign language. READING: Making judgments means deciding how to react towards people and situations. Welcome to McBrooms Farm is the short story which highlights judgements. John Henry is a story about a super human African-American man. Exaggeration and tall tales were discussed. Blame It On the Wolf had contrasting and comparing. -Inflected word forms (er, est) and plots were reviewed. Example: whiter/whitest -The Luckiest Man is about two time MVP, New York Yankee baseball player, Lou Gehrig who died from ALS. Gehrigs work ethic, sportsmanship, and citizenship were highlighted in the story. Henry Ford was discussed along with his contemporaries so students understood the era when Lou Gehrig lived. His teammate, Babe Ruth, was also discussed. Cal Ripken Jr. was read which included text structure, the way writing is organized in chronological order. Topics included the Baseball Hall of Fame and interviews. Chronological order was also reinforced. Pecos Bill featured Texas coyotes. Encyclopedia entry formats contained newts, salamanders, and amphibians. - Fujita Scales for measuring tornadoes were studied. Out of the Blue is our current story about Benjamin Franklin and his inventions. Lydia LaRue is another inventor who was included in our reading. Readings included these inventions: Post-It Notes, Silly Putty, and Dr. Pepper. -The Disguise and Korean Foods features a girl who overcomes gender stereotypes. Podari is backpack in Korean, Kimchi is a traditional Korean spicy appetizer. Work book assignments included antonyms, and summarizing which tells the main idea. -Rudyard Kiplings Rikki-Tikki-Tavi is about triumph. The lesson included making inferences, making decisions, and then drawing conclusions. Half Chicken is about a chicken born with a single leg, wing, and partial feathers and includes paraphrasing. He is very vain and finds that his calling in life is to be a weather vane. Blame It on the Wolf and Wolves were read. The students acted the parts. The wolf is on trial for allegedly blowing down the pigs houses. Chocolate Is Missing includes Brazil, its exports, guinea pigs, and investigations. Blue Jay, Stagecoaches, Peddlers Dream, and Amazing Alice, were recent stories. Paraphrasing, prefixes, Henry Fords assembly line, predicting, adjectives, summarizing, themes, inflected forms, thesauruses, and contractions were included. -May book report topics are volcanoes and April reports were about inventions. MATH: Fraction bars help in adding and subtracting fractions. Equivalent fractions continued, their similarities and differences discussed and the 2 ways of solving the problems practiced. They show the same amount but the sizes of pieces are different. Fractions in their simplest form also continued as well as fractional parts of numbers. -Mixed numbers, a whole number with a fraction, were identified and written as a fraction. Adding and subtracting like and unlike fractions was included. Fractions were multiplied and reduced to lowest terms. -Line plots, slide symmetry, perimeter, and area were studied. Also studied were: units of capacity, pints/quarts/gallons, and conventional/metric measures including gram/kilogram. -Hypotenuse is the longest side of a triangle having a 90 degree angle. Concave and convex were defined. -U.S. time zones and elapsed time will be calculated using maps. Fahrenheit and Celsius temperatures were also reviewed. -Word problems using dollars, cents, and measurements were completed to practice thinking skills, multiplication and division. -The Calculator was a cross-curricular lesson with Spelling which included terms like key sequence and display. SCIENCE: Students viewed the Discovery Channels The Ultimate Guide to Sharks that showed the predators role in the ocean. A sharks physiology and communication were also explained. Students will expand their knowledge in computer class. The website is: www.discoveryschool.com. Volcanoes, magma, lava, subduction, faults, earthquakes, crust, mantle, core, plate tectonics, mountain formation, Richter Scales and seismographs will be studied soon. Survivors and colonizers were defined and their importance in regenerating an area after an eruption. Subduction is sliding 1 plate under another. Students learned that sub is Latin for under such as submarine and duct is Latin for to lead as in conduct. Igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic, pumice, granite and obsidian rocks were identified. The entire crust of the earth moves around floating on a huge blob of melted iron and rock that starts 50 or so miles below our feet. Ground forces were simulated by doing a tabletop earthquake of empty soda cans. The duck, cover and hold earthquake survival method will be demonstrated. -Adaptations were reviewed and why they help all species survive in their habitats. -A Newberry Honor Book, Volcano, by Patricia Lauber (Bradbury Press, 1986) and National Geographic, January 1981 are 2 publications to share photos with your child of the Mt. St. Helens May 18, 1980 eruption. -The current module is The Rainforest about stewardship of our Earth. Cross curricular studies have been done with geography topics about rain forest countries. The students learned about the 3000 fruits that are grown in the rainforest. We eat about 200 varieties of these fruits. Deforestation and species extinction has been examined for its long term effects. -Sanitized owl pellets will be dissected. Various preys skeletal remains will be observed so students understand the interdependence of the rainforest and the food chain. LANGUAGE /SOCIAL STUDIES: Adjectives were defined. They answer the questions: how many or what kind? Students will write letters using adjectives to describe a day in an American National Park. The students will do web quests on National Parks in Mr. Wasowskis class. - Language reviews included: nouns, pronouns, adjectives, singular/plural possessives, subjects/predicates, compound words and sentences, capitalization, abbreviation, possessives, topic sentences, facts/opinions, metaphors, similes, homographs, quotations, context clues, manuals, and main ideas of paragraphs. Other concepts were: context clues, contractions with not, and properly using I, me, we, and us, action and linking verbs. -Social Studies topics included: George Washington Carver, a slave who became a world famous scientist in agricultural research. His important work was discussed. Cotton Gins and other inventions improved lives and resulted in changes. Key terms included: cash crops, plantations, slavery and colony. We recently studied concluded learning about the Southwestern region of the United States: landforms, economics, and people. SPELLING: Suffixes (ly, ion, ful) were studied with these words: carefully, action and beautiful. Students also learned that the word pollution comes from Latin meaning dirty or soiled. -Prefixes (dis, in, re, mis) were learned. Words included: disrespect and misconduct. -Japanese haikus were studied and students wrote haikus. Other multicultural connections included words like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. -Capitalization, abbreviations, possessives, palindromes, inferences, word associations, context clues and easily confused words, then/than and our/are are currently being studied. Future lessons focus on: word building and base words plus suffixes. Final lessons will be cross curricular. American bison, land forms, herbivores, plant reproduction and geometry are some topics. -Tales of Courage was read which supplemented Science earthquake/volcano lessons. -Units included vowel sounds and same sounds that are spelled differently. Examples include the s sound with words support, scent, cent, waltz, and listen. -Vowels in final syllables that sound alike but are spelled differently were studied. Examples are: people & model FEBRUARY-MARCH, 2008 4TH GRADE NEWSLETTER RELIGION: Former lessons focused on the Pope, Mother Theresa, Beatitudes, and people who lived according to their convictions. These included Franz Jaeger who died during WWII because of his beliefs. Currently we are concentrating on Lent, Palm Sunday, the Triduum, Jewish Passover customs, and Jesus Resurrection on Easter Sunday. The students understand the Lenten obligations of praying, fasting, and almsgiving during the forty days of Lent. The upcoming lessons include Pentecost. The Rice Bowl lessons include Japan, its culture and respect for other religions. Catholic Relief Services in the African nation of Mila was also discussed as an extension of the Rice Bowl Project. St. Patricks teachings of the Holy Trinity using shamrocks and St. Josephs like were also highlighted. MATH: Lessons included reviews to refresh skills. Place, value, standard and expanded forms, multiplying by 2-3 digit numbers, dividing using 2 digit numbers, and dividing with remainders, averaging, finding patterns, adding and subtracting fractions, calculating equivalent fractions, showing simplest form, multiplying fractions, graphs, geometry, perimeter, and area were covered. Dividing fractions has been introduced. SCIENCE: Adaptations were studied and waters necessity for life. Sharks and other predators in the hydrosphere were discussed showing the animals roles in the oceans ecosystem. Currently we are focusing on the Rainforest with its diverse ecosystem and interdependence of species. Its a continuation of the interdependence of life. Light and dark zone ocean habitats include producers, consumers, and decomposers. Math was integrated using bar graphs showing differences between monkeys and calculating annual rainfall using feet, inches, yards and centimeters. The future topics include mountain formations, earthquakes, volcanoes, and rocks. READING: Stuart Little will be read during Library Class. Collaborating with Ms. Dohnel affords more class time to broaden knowledge using leveled readers linked to topics in our Reading text. The upcoming book reports will be about Presidents, Washington & Lincoln, and about inventors. Students will construct and display their inventions. Tall tales and other fictional stories were studied in John Henry. The theme also corresponded with African American History Month. Making judgments, inflected forms with er and est, researching card catalogs and databases were other concepts that were included. Marvin of the Great North Woods included these skills: drawing conclusions, using context clues, plural forms, collecting and recording information, and using outlines. Students learned about French-Canadian culture, the influenza epidemic in large metropolitan areas during the 1900s and heard French phrases. Future stories will be: On the Pampas, Rikki-tikki-tavi, Half Chicken, Blame It on the Wolf, and Lou Gehrig: The Luckiest Man. Willie Mayes biography was read to build background knowledge and generate interest in baseball. LANGUAGE AND SPELLING: Lessons focused on the following skills: analogies, collective nouns, homophones, homographs, tongue twisters, synonyms, antonyms, suffixes, compound words and sentences, words in context, possessives, and contractions. SOCIAL STUDIES: Reading and technology were integrated using reports on inventors. Students will do web quests on the U.S. National Parks. Comparing and converting skyscraper heights around the globe, integrated math and map work. Thank you, Mrs. Leahy On the Pampas is the current story and skills include: generalizing, drawing conclusions, and learning about beef and dairy cattle and life on ranches. JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 2009 NEWSLETTER GRADE 4 Welcome back to school after a peaceful, joyful and restful Christmas vacation. Another terrific thank you to the fourth grade performers who sang and had dialogue in the Christmas Concert. You made the day special for your families, friends and the entire school community. What a glorious way to praise God with our voices joined in song. Math knowledge and skills are practiced daily so the mathematicians can apply what theyve learned and scaffold their comprehension. We mastered adding/subtracting alike fractions. Multiplying fractions has also been introduced. The scholars will venture converting fractions into equivalent fractions. Long division using single, double and triple digit divisors is done regularly. These computations include quotients without remainders as well as, with remainders. Multiplication is linked to division so we multiply our division problems as a method pf checking our computations. Therefore, work is checked for accuracy and multiplication can be practiced so students stay current. Language arts included many skills including summarizing, sequencing, homophones, synonyms, antonyms, adjectives and writing. The entire writing process was reviewed and is being implemented. Cross-curricular stories such as Into the Sea have science components. Descriptive stories were written using indentation, capitalization, punctuation, correct spelling and adjectives. Water color drawings will enhance our concept of the oceans biodiversity and the artwork will be proudly displayed in the hall. Mrs. Kalble will assist with the project by having the students do their descriptive stories in Word and insert graphics into the text. Formatting will also be reviewed. Sparkle was played so spelling skills stay sharp. This game requires total focus because the student thats called must know the next letter of the word being spelled. The game is intense but the students thrive in it and enjoy the challenge. The word that no one spelled correctly was onomatopoeia. Are you able to spell it and give its definition? The group skyscrapers are coming in for Catholic Schools Week and the architecture is amazing. As you know, fine arts is included because were working with Mr. Peyovich on recording our background construction songs and The Picasso structure will be displayed as part of our project. Please join us for Catholic Schools Week to celebrate your childrens success! Thank you for your support and caring, Mrs. Leahy </DIV>

Automatically clean input to optimize for the web.

Email From Name:

From Email Address:

noreply@TeacherWeb.com

The from email address is set to improve delivery rates to your subscribers.

Customer replies will go to your email address.

ReplyTo Email:

Your site's registered email address.

Email Subject:

Email/Text Message:

characters remaining.

Manage Options
Manage Subscribers

Or, would you like to view and optionally restore one of these previous versions?

Password: Forgot your password?

TeacherWeb.com

Content on this site is the responsibility of the Subscriber. Additional information is available in the TeacherWeb Terms & Conditions