December 2009 Dear Parents, Here are a few updates on what we'll be working on in the coming days and weeks: MATH Our current unit in math focuses on multiplication and division, as well as problem solving skills such as making a table, breaking down multi-step problems, and evaluating expressions. The students are making significant gains in their math fact fluency, so continue your support at home by reminding them to do their nightly Mad Minute and practice their facts on the Internet or with flashcards. Student will progress from one packet to another once they score a 90% or better on their weekly timed test in class. The next unit in math focuses on data, graphs, and concepts of time. This week we are exploring different ways to express and show data: pictographs and bar graphs. SCIENCE: Ecosystems and How They Change This week we "dug" right into our study of ecosystems and change by creating decomposition bottles. The students will be observing the process of decay and the decomposition of organic objects over the coming weeks. Be sure to ask them about the changes they see in the bottles! We also read about different kinds of ecosystems and how organisms needs are met within their communities and habitats. As we continue, we'll be learning more about the types of consumers, and producers, and how matter flows through food chains. BOOK-IT UPDATE Wow! During October and November we had more than half our class reach their reading goals, and many students even surpassed their goal of 200 and 250 minutes. The general goal for December for all fourth graders is 300 minutes for the month, and each student has also set personal goals. All reading done outside of school counts: reading the story for homework, reading for a book report or project, and reading for pleasure. Remember to sign your child's reading log at the end of the month. I will had out new logs before the winter vacation so students can continue to log their minutes right when January begins. UPCOMING EVENTS: SPELLING BEE The spelling bee for grades 3-5 will be held on Thursday January 21 (snow date is January 22). Congratulations to Ethan Boisvert, our class winner, and the runners up, Fred Stamatatos and Alyssa Gettings. We look forward to silently cheering on Ethan on January 21 as he represents our class. HOLIDAY PARTY The Holiday Party will take place on Wednesday December 23. Mrs.Rodrigue and Mrs.Todd will be calling parents to ask for donations of food and party supplies. We may also be making a small holiday craft that day as well. Feel free to email me or call if you have any questions or concerns about anything. Best wishes, Jill Karwacki