Dear Parents,
What a week! It has been a whirlwind of activity! We kicked off the week with Open House Mass and then, of course, Open House. On Monday, we celebrated Chicago. Fourth grade researched Chicago Historical events, created posters and presented them to our Faith Buddies. Students also played dodgeball! On Tuesday, we made Valentine Day cards for seniors with our Faith Buddies as part of our school service project. On Wednesday, we honored our families, created a class family tree and wrote thank you letters to our parents for sending us to a Catholic school. We know the sacrifice and commitment it takes to send us to St. Elizabeth. On Thursday, we had our skating field trip, pizza party, and played Bingo. Finally, Friday we had the school’s talent show! Shout out to our very own fourth grader Molly Shallcross! She was amazing on the drums.
In Language Arts, we wrapped up our novel study of Sideway Stories from Wayside School. We took our final test today. The students really enjoyed the story. Students will get their tests back on Monday, with the opportunity to make corrections, if needed, and return them back to school on Tuesday. Our next novel is Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis. I think that the students are going to really enjoy this heartwarming and poignant story. We will begin with developing their background knowledge of The Great Depression next week, before we begin reading the novel. We also continue to learn about fractions, and mixed numbers in Math. In Religion, we are learning about the different types of sins and how we can be forgiven, and also about God’s love and forgiveness. In Science, in honor of Groundhog’s Day, we are beginning a weather project that will compare the groundhog’s weather predictions versus actual weather patterns over a three year period. We have also begun our month’s writing projects. This month we will be writing a biography essay about influential African Americans, a writing prompt about the Chinese New Year, and an opinion paper on who was the better president, Washington or Lincoln.
HOMEWORK– As part of our routine, students write down the homework assignments that are posted on the board at the beginning of the day, the very first thing they do. At times, they may need to change it throughout the day, but the very first thing they are suppose to do is fill in their planner. From now on, I will be checking the planners sporadically. It is expected that you student fill in his or her planner accurately and daily. Please check at home if this is indeed happening, and if not, let me know. Every Monday, two iXL assignments in math, fourth grade level, and two iXL assignments in language arts, fourth grade level, are assigned and are due the following Monday. Please note that because the students have a week to complete their assignments that late assignments will not be accepted. I-Ready homework is assigned on Monday, as well. Students are to complete and pass two lessons in math, and two lessons in reading every week by Friday. They are unable to make it up the next week. Assignments for that week will not be credited the following week. Math workbook pages are to be completed and in school the next day. Late work will not be accepted. Reading Logs are to be handed on Mondays and due the following Monday. Math Fact Fluency Logs will also be handed out on Mondays, and due the following Monday. If a student is missing homework, a missing homework slip goes home. Please sign this slip and return it back the next day. Test corrections are allowed for half credit. They are to be done and handed in the next day. They will not be accepted after that. All tests are to be signed and returned the next day. Usually, they will have a stamp on them.
Uniforms
As a reminder, please make sure your student is adhering to the uniform policy of the school.
Dress for Recess!
We go out in very cold weather, as low as 20 degrees. While it is warm now, it will not remain. Please make sure your student is warmly dressed for outdoor play. Dress them in layers, with hat, gloves and scarves, if necessary. Thank you.
