Wilson's Winners

AUGUST 2010 Here we come!!

2011-08-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

Parents, August 2010

This is a short blog because Amphi is ready to turn over a new website which will have all the current information from Mrs. Wilson for the 4th grade year.

Please have your child bring their school supplies on the first day of school if possible. Most of the first day will be devoted to organizing our supplies.

Important dates:

August 9th: Meet the Teacher Day. 11-11:30 (Last names A-L) 11:30-12 (Last name M-Z)

August 10: First Day of School
August 16: Parent Orientation

Mrs. Wilson's school phone # 696-3818
Email Address: sawilson@amphi.com

I look forward to meeting everyone! Mrs. Wilson

Happy May!

2011-05-15T14:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome May and all of its business! It is the end of the fourth grade year!

I know this letter comes a little late, but I thought I would tie up the year with some general information.

All students were tested in the computer lab 2 weeks ago. This is called MAP testing and I can compare how the students did from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. I did give the score to your child and spoke to them individual on how they scored. Our class made a tremendous amount of growth in math and reading, with one or two exceptions. These tests typically parallel the AIMS test, which you will probably receive at the beginning of the next year. If you need more information, please let me know.

We had a large donation of field trip money given to my class for field trips and I did take advantage of that. This Wednesday, our last field trip will be the movies at Oro Valley Market Place. You should have received a permission slip to see the movie, African Cats.

I would like to sincerely thank the volunteers of our classroom who helped out with our class. You helped make our class run very smoothly. I appreciate all your time and effort.

This school year was the year of change. At first, students departmentalized (switched classes) and then they stayed with their homeroom teacher. Our report card changed twice this year. All in all, I believe we grew and made academic progress and I am basing that on the MAP test mentioned above.

It is hard to believe this is the end of the year and time to say goodbye to 28 smiling faces that I have come to respect and admire. They each made progress in their own way and it was fun seeing the light bulb come on! I am proud of your children and wish them luck for next year. I will truly miss them!

Have a safe and wonderful summer!
Love, Mrs. Wilson

Important Dates to know:

May 18............Movies at Oro Valley Market Place 9:20-1:30
May 19............Mad Scientist to visit classroom
May 25............Last Day of school (ordering pizza and watching a movie in the
class)
August 1st........Class list will be posted on windown in office for next year.
August 9th........Meet your new teacher day.
August 10th.......First day of school.

2011-03-25T13:26:00.001-07:00

Happy Spring!

2011-03-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

Happy April.... This month we will be gearing up for AIMS testing. If you would like to send in a snack for the class for the week of April 11, please let me know.
The following are some things we are working on in class for the month of April.

In Math this month we will work on fractions/decimals/percent. The students are using the paper math journals and it is working out favorable.

In Reading, we continue to do a story a week. This week we will concentrate on non-fiction text and how to find answers or read between the lines. We will also write a persuasive essay about using water bottles.

In Language, we will write a story that uses voice. The students will write their own autobiography. I will send home some questions to answer when your child was a baby.

In Spelling, we continue the routine of a paragraph test on Thursday and Friday a word test with some skills taught in the week.

In Science we will finish up weather and move on to vertebrates and invertebrates. We will also dissect a flower and know the parts of a flower.

In Arizona, we will talk about WWII and how it effected Arizona, and what life was like. If you have an older family member that could speak about the depression we would love for them to come in!

We will be going on a field trip on April 29th to Old Pueblo Archaeology. This is a dig and students will actually get to dig to find artifacts. I will be sending more information home about this later.

Dates to remember:

April 1........report cards go home
April 1-15.....Practice Aims information
April 11-14....AIMS testing
April 27.......Guest speaker from Old Pueblo Archaeology.
April 29....... Field Trip to Old Pueblo Archaeology.

Happy March

2011-03-13T14:32:00.000-07:00

Happy March,

My sincere apologies for being late this month! I was absent for one week and I am trying to catch up!

For the month of March we are doing the following:

In Math, we are learning about fractions and probablity. Students will need to recognize fractions and know which is bigger or smaller. We will also learn to add fractions, not by common denominators (5th grade) but by pattern blocks in the classroom. For example, 1 hexagon is the "whole" What is the half? The trapezoid.
What is 1/2 + 1/2? 1 whole. Students need to understand the concept before learning common denominators. About the middle of March, we will move on to perimeter and area.

In Reading, We are going to finish up Call it Courage. The students seemed to enjoy this book. The book was not always literal and sometime students had to figure out answers by the clues given. We will move on persuasion and informational text type reading.
Students will have a power point book report due. The original due date was March 4, but that has been extended due to my absence. The new due date is March 16.

In Spelling, we continue with our paragragh test on Thursday. By now, most of the students can do this with a high degree of accuracy.

In English, we are discussing word choice in writing and sentence fluency. Your child will write a creative story about accidently being locked in a toy store!

In Arizona, we are finishing chapter 8 about transportation and communication in Arizona. We will move on to WW II and how it relates to Arizona.

In Science, we are studying plant and animal defenses. Ask your child about these words: Mutualism, mimicry, adaptation and camouflage. We will have a guest speaker from the Arizona Game and Fish department to discuss these animals and their defenses. Next we will move on to weather and climate in Arizona.

Dates to remember:

March 14....An author will visit our classroom and discuss how she published her book.
March 16...Book report due
March 17 Grandparent breakfast
March 21-25 Spring Break

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-01-26T12:16:00.000-08:00

Happy February!

Here are some activities that are happening in our classroom this month.

In Math, we are working on long division and measuring angles by degrees. We will be using protractors to do this. Also, I am happy to report almost everyone has a workbook for math this semester. This will really help the children in math. Please contact Mrs. Wilson if your child does not have one. (Journal 2 math) Special thanks to Mrs. Coletti for helping our class get the math workbooks!

In Reading, your child may attend a different classroom depending on their reading abilities. If your child is in my class, we are starting to work on the book, Call it Courage. We will study comprehension, vocabulary, foreshadowing, and learning about a different culture.

In Spelling, our class has a paragraph dictation test every Thursday. Therefore, homework on Wednesday is always a copy of the paragraph to study. Please be sure your child knows the paragraph. On Friday we have a word test.

In Language, we are learning about adjectives and ideas for writing.

In Science we will finish up Magnets and Electricity and move on to Weather.

In Arizona, we are in chapter 7, which is about Arizona and the mining boom.

We could really use some baby wipes to clean the room if you can donate these!

Dates to remember:

Feb. 8.............guest speaker water
Feb. 10............guest speaker Mad scientist
Feb. 11............Valentine party at end of day.
Feb 21.............field trip to Kartchner
Feb. 23............western day
Feb 24-25..........Rodeo...no school
March 4............Book report due (power point)
March 8............guest speaker Arizona game and fish.

Happy January and a brand new year 2011!

2010-12-22T06:40:00.000-08:00

It is a brand new year, welcome 2011.

Our school year in January comes with many changes too. It feels like a fresh start to fourth grade. I am looking forward to talking with the students about the changes to come for the rest of the fourth grade year. The following should help us all understand the new routine. Thank you for your support through all the changes as we learn and grow.

Your child will attend my classroom for instruction, except Reading and all specials. (art, music and pe) During the second hour of the day, your child will attend a reading class that will help focus on their skills and what is needed. A reading calendar for the month will be introduced to keep track of their 30 min. of reading.

I will teach all other academic subjects. Math homework will still remain M-TH. Spelling will be introduced, with quizzes on Thursday and Friday. Spelling homework will be M-Th too. Writing will be taught with the 6 traits of writing to help shape the student into a creative writer. Grammar and editing skills will also be a daily occurrence. I will pickup Arizona studies where Ms. Ronnie ended. I will start chapter 6 in the Arizona book. This will be the Spanish influence on Arizona. A review will always come before the test. Finally, Science will also continue from Ms. Gaff's instructions and we will move into an exciting subject, electricity. Again, a review will always come before a test. I will still do a book report a month and will always give your child a month's notice of the due date and what is required.

Everyday I will list the assignments on the white board and notate homework with a "HW". Your child will write the homework ONLY in their planner. This way you can stay informed. (Basically it will be Math and Spelling M-Th and 30 minutes of Reading M-F.) I will also list the goals for the day of what we need to accomplish each day so your child will understand why we need to learn the information.

Other information you may want to know...I hope to give a study hall period at the end of the day. This will help your child get started with homework and I can help.
At the end of the week on Friday, your child will be able to have a recess reward if they kept up with all the expectations. If not, your child will attend a study hall for missed work or behavior.

I hope to post grades on line for you this semester. However, with all the changes in the Amphi grading system, I need to see if this is possible.

As you can see, I have a very defined day and hope to get into a routine so we all know our expectations. Please contact me if their is a problem or how I can help.

Needed: Baby wipes for desk cleaning
Looking for a parent volunteer on Fridays

I hope all this information helps! Mrs. Wilson

Dates to Remember:

January 17...........Martin Luther King holiday
January 28...........Book report due

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-02T09:58:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it is December already! This is a busy month!

If you have not heard, starting January 3 all fourth grade classes will be taught by their homeroom teacher only. (except your child will attend a different leveled reading class) We hope to get this organized and start on Jan. 3, 2011. In the future, when you have a problem please email me as I will be the advocate for your child. As always, I promise to create an environment that will be conducive to learning and end our year on a successful note. I will work hard to create this. Please contact me with any concerns.

ON December 14th, we will build graham cracker houses and spend the entire day on holiday activities. It will be a fun day and parents are welcome to attend and spend the day with your child. Your child may need a ride home this day, as the graham cracker houses will not be allowed on the bus.

Congratulations to Connor and Charly, the spelling bee winners of our classroom.

This month we will not have a book report due. However, in late January we are going to do a book report on a biography. Your child will have to read and study about a famous person and report about this person. More details to follow!

On December 7th, Tucson Electric Power will be a guest speaker in our class. We will be studying magnets and electricity.

DATES to remember:
Dec. 6.........Band Concert for students
Dec. 7.........TEP to visit
Dec. 14.........Holiday party in all of 4th grade
Dec. 16 .......Pajama Day

Happy Turkey Month!!

2010-11-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents,

The fourth grade will go on a field trip on November 12, 2010. This is sponsored by Tucson Water and the students will learn about the water cycle. It is at Brandi Fenton Park and transportation will be provided. We will leave at aproximately 10:30AM and return at 2:30 PM. Students will need to bring a sack lunch for the day.

The book report for this month is due November 30th. Students will have to make a poster about their book persuading others to read the book. We have talked about the power of persuasion. The book will need to be in the correct lexile level for your child. We will NOT have a book report for the month of December due to a busy month.
The next book report will be in January.

Important Dates to remember:
November 11.......No School
November 12.......Water field trip
November 25 and 26....No School Thanksgiving holiday
November 30...........Poster Book Report due
Deceber 4............Night of Lights
December 14...........4th grade Graham Cracker House day (more info to follow)

Happy September and October 2010

2010-09-22T18:14:00.000-07:00

Parents,

Happy Fall! I will soon be meeting with some of you for conferences. Conferences are scheduled Oct. 4-8. You will get an information letter home soon. We do have a new report card for fourth grade and hopefully you have been able to attend one of our report card information meetings. If not, you need to know that it is a standard based report card. I will be reporting on how your child is meeting the state standards of Arizona.

If you have not visited the Math News on my website, please do. This is where I will address Math concerns for the the students and the parents.

Our homeroom class has "buddies". These are kinder friends and our class is helping them to accomplish some goals. Ask your child about helping their buddy on making a Skittles graph and teaching their buddy to write their name.

Please be aware that I have sent home information on a program called Ticket to Read.
Your child has a password and may use this program at home on a computer to increase reading. We will use the program at our computer lab too. Your child can count their 30 minutes of reading by using the computer program. It is a great way to help your child to advance in reading. The stories get more difficult as they go own. Let me know if you have trouble getting this as it is a great program!

Our days are very busy and we are getting into a routine. I look forward to talking with you at conference time. I will send home a pre-conference form for you to fill out and return.

Mrs. Wilson

Dates to remember:

Oct 4-8 Conferences. School will have early out Oct 5-8 Report cars go home.
Oct 11-15 Fall Break
Oct 26 Next book report due. This is a Book Jacket design.

Happy August 2010!

2010-08-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

Parents and Students,

Hello and welcome to my information blog. Please check this every new month with new information about Mrs. Wilson's class.

Painted sky is piloting an exciting new instruction model this year. Your child will receive focused instruction from all members of the fourth grade team. Each teacher will teach a subject area and the students will rotate through each class. Your child will begin and end each day with me in homeroom. I will teach the Math, Mrs. Bertram will teach Reading, Mrs. Gaff is Science, Ms. Ronnie is Social Studies, and Mrs. Eldridge is Writing.

Open House will be August 24. A-L will be from 6-6:45 and M-Z is 6:45-7;30. I looking forward to see you then. You can sign up to volunteer at that time.

Math Information: By now your child should be coming home with math papers for homework. Please know that I grade the homework as a pass or fail. If your child receives a "1" it is 50% or more wrong and thus a failing paper. If it is a "2", it is 50% or more correct. Your child may correct any "1" papers.
Also, I will be sending home a math answer key to ALL fourth grade homework. This is meant for the parents and the parents ONLY. This is to help you so you may help your child with homework. Please note on my website, there is a link called Everyday Math Fun. There are lots of games and review coordinated with the chapter we are on in class. Your child can play this at home by clicking on the Everyday Math Fun.

Important dates to remember:

August 24.........Pictures and Open House
September 14.......Book Report due for Mrs. Wilson's homeroom class. (Ask your child about this)

Happy May!

2010-05-06T17:24:00.001-07:00

Welcome May and all of its business! It is the end of the fourth grade year!

The students worked on MAP testing in the computer lab for Reading, Writing and Math. I hope to put the scores in your child's report card. Reading and Language showed growth. Math showed large growth. These typical parallel the AIMS tests, which you probably will receive at the beginning of next school year.

The last day of school, the fourth graders will walk down to Wildlife Ridge Park and play a tournament kickball game. I will be sending home permissions slips for this. It will be from about 9-12 on May 20. It is just an end of year celebration
to conclude our fourth grade year.

Thank you to the volunteers who regularly helped out in the classroom and made such a difference in our students. Thank you to ALL the parents who have made this year successful.

All grades are posted on line and have been updated today, May 6, 2010. Please take a look at this with your child so you know the grades. A few grades will continue to enter over the next couple of weeks.

Have a wonderful and safe summer!

Mrs. Wilson

Welcome April

2010-04-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

Hello April!

This month I have added something new to my website. If you go to my website there is a link on my page called EVERYDAY MATH FUN. Click on this link and it will take you to math games, worksheets, ect. The interesting thing about this site, is that it is coordinated to which chapter we are on in math. For example, this month we are starting chapter 11 about weights and volume. If you click on chapter 11 this will let your child play interactive games and worksheets about this particular chapter. This certainly makes learning fun! Take a peek.

This is also the month of AIMS testing. We have been reviewing in class this week. Ask your child about the "clickers" they used in class. This was fun for all.
AIMS will be April 12-19. (4th grade starts Tuesday, rest of school starts Monday)
I sent home a schedule of testing so hopefully appointments can be scheduled around AIMS. If any parents would like to send in snacks for the class on the week of AIMS, we would truly appreciate this. (pretzels, crackers, ect)

The following are some things happening in our class:

In Reading, we are starting the novel unit Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. We will do projects around this book, learn about 1st person, imagery, writing techniques, difficult vocabulary, and much more.

In Math, we are starting chapter 11 about weights/measurement( grams, gallons,ect) and volume. Students will learn the mathematical formula. V=L X W X H. We will learn how to draw 3 dimensional cubes.

In Spelling, we have changed back to the paragraph dictation test. Paragraphs will be given every Monday and the test will be on Friday.

In English, we are reviewing parts of speech and we will learn to write an autobiography. Everyone in class will be expected to write an autobiography, however stories will be voluntarily shared as some information is personal. I am looking forward to these as it tells me how much your child has progressed as a writer.

In Science, we are starting weather. Your child will be able to identify various clouds and interpret weather symbols on a map.

In Arizona, we will study about the territorial days in Arizona. This is chapter 7

Questions for students:

1. Give the mathematical formula for Volume.

2. What is an autobiography

3. What is a rain cloud called?

Important Dates to remember:

April 12-19..........................AIMS testing
April 26.............................Field Trip to the movies called Oceans. More information to follow.
May 7th..............................Last Book Report of 4th grade.

Happy Spring!

2010-02-28T12:17:00.000-08:00

Hello March.....Where does the time go?

In Math, we finished perimeter and area. We will move on to fractions, decimals and percents. Remember on homework if your child receives a "2", it is a passing paper.
A "1" can be corrected and I will take an average of the grades. Some students are not taking advantage of this. Parents if you are struggling with helping your child with math homework, I did send home an answer key for parents to help out. If you need one let me know.

In English, we are close to finishing our research papers and I cannot tell you how proud I am of all the students. As they are being turned in, I am just amazed at how AMAZING they look. We all worked very hard on this! One day this month the students will share their research to the class. All students have a basic understanding of writing a 5 paragraph report. Next in English, we will start tackling some creative writing and how to become a better fiction writer. We will learn all the 6 traits of writing. Fluency, voice, editing, ideas,and word choice.

In Spelling, the 20 word test continues on Friday. Again, the class has about a 90-95% success rate with this in the classroom. Since this is true, we focus on more needed academics.

In Science, we will start learning about vertebrates and invertebrates. We will also talk about mimicry and camouflage in animals

In Arizona, we will study the Mountain Men of Arizona and how they played a role in our history. This is chapter 6 in our Arizona book. At the end of each chapter I send home a study review before the test.

In Reading, we are still reading a story a week from the the 4th grade reading book and will mix it up with a magazine called Storyworks. This magazine covers poetry, fiction and nonfiction stories. We are also working on how to be better writers. Please remember to take advantage of the home program called Ticket to Read. All students have access to this on a home computer. You can count this as your 30 minutes to read each evening.

Field Trips: The fourth grade is planning 2 upcoming field trips. We will go to Old Pueblo and participate in a archeology dig. This will be on March 31. Information will be sent home about this later in the month. We will also go to the Disney movie Oceans on April 26. More details to follow soon.

Student questions:

1. What is 1/4 in a fraction and in a decimal?

2. Explain what voice is in writing.

3. What is a vertebrate and in vertebrate?

Dates to remember:

March 5................all research papers due
March 12...............all powerpoint book reports due (to be completed in class.)
March 15-19............Spring Break (end of grading period)
March 31...............Field trip to Old Pueblo

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-01-31T11:31:00.000-08:00

Happy February! We will have a small Valentine party on February 12 at the end of the day. It is optional to bring Valentine cards, but please include all students in the class if cards are brought to school.

The following are things happening in Mrs. Wilson's class:

In Reading, we are finishing up our contracts. Please ask your child what novel they read. Most students enjoyed the time to read. We will move on to reading a story a week mixed up with important skills such as reading functional text (lists, menus, recipes, bus schedules) and intepreting them.

In Math, we are finishing up fractions and probability. We will go into perimeter and area. If you have not heard, we took the student workbooks and inserted each page in a plastic sleeve and put into a 2 inch binder. The students have black erasable markers to do their work. The students are excited about it and the system seems to be working out very well. The purpose of this task is to save the worksheets for the next few years as our budget continues to have cuts.

In English, we are deeply involved in a large research project. As of today everyone has met their deadlines. February 5th is the deadline to have "notes" done on their project. We set aside time to work on this each day and I am personally involved in each project helping with notes, explaining words and phrases, and determining the importance of information. Eventually, I hope to have your child become an "expert" on their subject and share with the class. Again, the majority of the project will be done at school. You can help by typing the rough draft. It will be a major grade for English.

In Spelling, we continue with the 20 words per week, with the test on Fridays.
I have about a 90% success rate for this subject, and some students have bonus words.
Great Spellers!

In Science, we are still working on Magnets and Electricity. We had TEP come and talk to our class about electicity safety. They provided some magazine with more information. We also had a "Mad Scientist" visit our classroom. He was amazing and also emphasized electical safety. Ask your child about the electric buzzer toy they received. This was a big hit in the classroom.

In Arizona, we will finish up explorers in the Southwest and move on to Mountain Men.

The next book report will be combined to a Feb/March book report. The next book report will be due on March 12. This book report will be done at school as a power point presentation. Since, our class can only do this in the computer lab, we cannot complete this in one month (due to one lab visit a month). If you would just make sure your child has a book approved by me and have your student work on the reading, I will show them how to do a powerpoint presentation with their book. Each child will then share their project via the smartboard to our class. Fun!

Also, parents are you having your child take advantage of the program Ticket to Read? Students can access this on their computer at home. We do this once in a while at school, but I cannot dedicate enough time for this during school hours. It would be very beneficial to use this at home. Feel free to use this as the 30 minutes of reading each night! Your child should know how to do this at home. Please contact me if you are having trouble and we will get it fixed.

February 10 is an extra early release day to provide time to teachers for conferences. If you are not contacted, rest assured everything is going smoothly for your child. I will only contact you if it is necessary.

Student questions:

1. What is the difference between perimeter and area?

2. What is a stanza in poetry?

3. What is a fable?

Important dates to remember:

Feb. 3.......................pictures
Feb. 5.......................Mr. Dailey(parent) Magnet presentation
Feb. 10......................Early Release for parent teacher conferences
Feb. 10......................Nature shop viewing by 3rd grade
Feb. 11......................Nature shop buying (optional to send money)
Feb. 24......................Rough Draft of Research due
March 5......................Final Typed Research due
March 12.....................Feb/March Powerpoint book project due

Happy New Year 2010

2010-01-03T14:25:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! It is hard to believe the year is nearly half over. The new year brings time for reflection and I will try to focus in on individual students who need help. If you have any input, I always welcome your thoughts.

Very special thanks to Mrs. Dailey (donating all the frosting bags)and Mrs. Gillette (making ALL the frosting!)for making our holiday party a success! Thanks to all other families for providing treats for the kids. We had a great and memorable day.

The following is a run down of some things happening in January in Mrs. Wilson's class.
In Reading, each child will be selecting their own book and doing an independent contract of work with the book. I will send this home for you to preview. It will be about a 2-3 week project.
In Math, we will be starting fractions. Your child will learn equivalent fractions and lowest term fractions. We will work with manipulatives for a clear understanding of fractions.
In Spelling, we are changing up the program and going back to the 20 word list for a more challenging words. (we did this at the beginning of the year)
In English, we will be starting a MAJOR project which is a research paper, complete with a bibliography. I will be sending home information for you and deadlines. It will be basically your child's responsiblity. I may ask you for help in some typing.
When the project is complete, it will be a master piece of many lessons put together. The students are usually very proud of this project.
In Social Studies, we are learning about the spanish influences in Arizona.
In Science, we are starting a fun activity about magnets and electricity. The Painted Sky Science Fair will be the end of January. It is optional for your student to join the science fair. However, all students in my class will receive extra credit in science if they are a participant.

Students:

1. What is a conductor in electricity?
2. Give another fraction for 1/3
3. What are you doing when you try to "persuade" someone?

Important dates to remember:

January 8................report cards go home
January 15...............spirit day Dress up formal day
January 18 No school Civil Rights Day
January 29...............Book Report due

December 2009

2009-12-01T12:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

Now we begin the whirlwind month of December....Let the fun begin.

In English, we have been working on publishing a poetry book complete with illustrations. The process has been slow and tedious. Unfortunately, I do not have extra pages in case a mistake is made. We are doing our best by using white out and being a bit creative fixing mistakes. However, it is teaching the students to focus in on writing without mistakes!

In Spelling, the paragraph test still continues to be on Friday. This is harder for the students, but again it makes the students think about punctuation marks.

In Math, we are starting division. We will start off with simple division and go to division with remainders. Later in the month, we will learn how to measure angles.

In Science, we are learning about natural disasters on earth.

In Social Studies, we will learn about the Spanish in Arizona, more specifically Francisco De Coronado, the Spanish explorer.

In my Reading class we are learning about similes, metaphors, idioms and personification. Please remember, all students have a password for ticket to read and should be using this reading program at home. We do use this once a week in my class at the computer lab.

Students:
1. What is the difference between a simile and metaphor?
2. How many degrees is a right angle?
3. What is a tsunami?

Important dates to remember:

December 4.............................Book Report due
December 4.............................Night of Lights
December 11............................Pajama Day
December 15............................Graham Cracker House Day (parents are welcome to join...it all begins at 10:00AM!)
December 17............................Last day of school for students 2009
January 4..............................School begins 2010.

Have a safe and joyous holiday. Thank you for all your help and support. Mrs. Wilson

Happy Turkey Day!!

2009-10-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

November is the month of our Katchner Caverns field trip. Our class will leave by bus promptly at 7:30 AM on November 19th. Look for more details in your child's Monday folders.

We have a new program at Painted Sky. It is called Ticket to Read. Each child has his/her own password and can read stories on the computer, take tests and receive rewards from the program.The great news about this program is it is leveled to your child's reading ability AND it can be used at home. I will teach the students how to use this program. Please encourage your children to use this at home and I will use this at school also.

In Reading, we are reading a book called Owls in the Family.(980 lexile level)
Students have a contract to complete. Next, we will move on to a program called Storyworks. This is a magazine, complete with stories, reading skills, graphic organizers and high level vocabulary. I had to write a grant to pay for this program and I was just awarded the program this month. The program is through Scholastic. Students will also use the new program called Ticket to Read.

In Spelling, we started a new program with a paragraph test on Friday. This seems to be more difficult for the class. However, it really makes the students focus on every period, comma, capital letter and spelling.

In English, we are writing poems. By December, I will collect 7 poems from the students. I am in contact with a publishing company and hope to have their poems published. I will send home more information about this.

In Math, we are finished with decimals and moving on to larger multiplication. I will show the students several different ways of multiplying.

In Social Studies, we are learning about the current native Americans in Arizona.

In Science, we will start to learn about cave formations. This will help us prepare for Kartchner Caverns.

Thanks to the Sole family for donated xerox paper, baby wipes, and manilla folders to our classroom. It is appreciated!

Special thanks to Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Kolodisner for setting up and organizing our harvest party. The students had a great time.

Questions for students:

1. What is a speleothem?
2. How do you multiply 32 X 49?
3. Name a Native American tribe that is currently in Arizona.

Important dates to remember:

November 6................Spelling Bee(Good luck to Mina and Ian)
November 11...............Veterans' Day No School
November 18...............Marcos Pizza night
November 19...............Kartchner Field Trip
November 20...............RAD day (Reading all Day)
November 26-27............Thanksgiving (I am thankful for my class)
December 4th..............2nd Book Report due.

October

2009-09-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall everyone!

By this time we are in a good routine at school. I have regular volunteers in the classroom and a student teacher. We have great help to help individual problems. I am very thankful for this! This will help our class run smoothly.

When your child took the computer test for Reading, they received a reading score and a lexile level. A lexile level determines the range of reading your child can read successfully. Our library is color coded using this range. Your child knows their lexile level and color. During the month of October, we will start book reports. The first book report is due Oct. 23rd. The book must be in their lexile level. I will talk to the students on what the expectation is for the book report. You can help by making sure they are reading a book and having it completed by Oct. 23rd.
Another interesting thing is you can go to the internet and type in lexile.com and put in any title of a book and it will give a lexile number for the book. So if your child would like to use a book from home to read for the book report, check the lexile level. Ask your child to show this to you at home, as I taught them this at school

Remember to order books on-line. Ordering is easy! Just go to my website and click on Book Orders and follow the directions! The books are delivered to Painted Sky and I will hand out the books when they come in. Also, I have a bowl of special treats on my desk. Students will each get one this month. It is for something very special they accomplished in class. It could be a great grade on something they have been struggling on or something extremely thoughtful. Ask your child how they received their "body part"!

Our music teacher is helping the students get ready for a musical. The 4th grade musical will be October 7th. There will be a performance at 2:00 and 7:00. The play is about a vacation in Arizona. Most of the kids have a part they have to memorize, so it would be great if you helped out with that! Our class needs to dress up as a tourist..sunglasses, hats, binoculars ect. Please do not go out and purchase anything.

This is the first grade where students can receive "honor roll" for their report card. It is a 3.5 grade average. If your child makes honor roll they will be able to attend a lunch provided by Mrs. Wichers. They will also get a certificate and a pencil.

The following are some things happening in our classroom:

In Reading, we finished the Number the Stars book. We will read about Yellowstone National Park and the Amazon Rain Forest. Your student will learn to write a persuasive paper during this time.
In Spelling, the tests continue every Friday. If your child passes the pretest on Monday, they are asked to write the challenge words. However after break, our spelling program will completely change. The students will be asked to write a dicatation paragraph. I will explain this to the students.
In English, we are learning about friendly letters and business letters. We are also learning about adjectives.
In Math, we are finishing simple multiplication. Everyday we take a timed multiplication test. Ask your child what number they are on. Students are expected to memorize 0-12 facts.
Next, we will move on to decimals. Your child will be able to compare fractions to decimals.
In Science, we have been learning about the scientific method. Your child has been doing science experiments in class. Ask your child to explain the pendulum experiment we will do on October 5th.

********Questions for students:

1. What is a hypothesis?
2. Is a decimal a whole number?
3. What is the bowl of body parts for on Mrs. Wilson's desk?

Dates to remember:

October 7th............................4th grade musical.
October 12-16.......................Fall Break
October 23............................First book report due.
October 23 ..........................Report cards go home today.

Happy September!

2009-09-01T14:54:00.000-07:00

We are off to a great start for fourth grade!

In math, we are learning about median, mode and range. We are also learning about different methods in addition.
In spelling, the words should come home on Monday. I am giving a pretest on Monday and if your child can pass, they can skip the test on Friday. Please ask your child for the spelling words every Monday.
In Language, we are learning about helping verbs and main verbs. We also started a writing book that we are creating which will contain written stories, ideas on how to write, great word choices, how to edit your paper and written journals. We will keep this writing together and I will send it home occasionally for you to look at.
In Reading, (remember not all my students are in this class.) We are reading Number the Stars.
It is about a young jewish girl during WWII. The setting is in Denmark and Nazi soldiers are invading. The students are very interested in this reading.
In Arizona, we are learning about the first people in Arizona, the ancient Native Americans.
The students will write about the Hohokams, the Mogollons and the Ancient Puebloan People.
In Science, we will learn about the Scientific process and how to do experiments.

I finally have your child's grades on-line. Please ask your child for their password and you can check it frequently. Remember if your child is missing work, the grade program averages the missing work as a "zero". As soon as the work is turned in ,I will change the grade.

The nurse is asking if your child is sick and has a fever, please do not send to school..even if they have a test. We are being very diligent about cleanliness and being germ free. I keep soap and antibacterial wash in the classroom. The desks are wiped down often. Thank you for your help on this.

Parent volunteers will start this week. Please check your calendar for your time. If you can't make it on your scheduled day, I would appreciate a phone call or email. If you would like to volunteer, just let me know. Volunteers help make this classroom run smoothly.

This week I will send home a letter about our first field trip to Kartchner Caverns. We plan to go on November 19. I will need volunteers for this. I will send more information in the coming weeks.

If you have not donated tax credit money, think about donating to fourth grade field trips. This helps our class by paying for our field trips.

Mrs. Wilson

Important Dates to remember:

September 7........no school
September 10-11.........MAP testing in the computer lab for Mrs. Wilson's class
September 12..............Family movie night
September 15-18.......Parent teacher conferences.
September 28............Picture retakes

Questions for students:
1. Who are the "Hohokams"?
2. Show me a problem with partial difference subtraction
3. what does word choice mean?

August 2009 Hello Fourth Grade!

2009-08-04T13:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents and Students,

Hello! I am anxious to meet all of you. I hope to use this blog to give you information about our classroom. Please check it frequently with new updates.

My name is Mrs. Wilson. I have been teaching for 29 years! I went to the University of Arizona. I have a Masters Degree in Education. I am married and have 2 children. My daughter, Nicole is 26 and my son Daniel is 23. I also have a pet dog named Lexi. She is a Maltese/Bichon mix.

The following are some procedures that might clear up some questions you might have during the year:

Folders: Every Monday, I will be sending home folders with graded papers. This is for your perusal and for you to check over. The papers will communicate what we are learning in class.
Take the graded papers out of the folder, sign and return the folder the following day. Any "F" papers may be corrected, except tests.

Assignment Sheet: Every Monday, your child will get an assignment sheet for the week. This replaces the planners (too costly). The sheet will need to be filled out and turned in by the end of the week.

Book Orders: Your child will be able to order low cost books from book clubs this year. This is voluntary. Please make out a check for this and do NOT send cash.

Snack: I always have a snack time (optional) and students may bring water bottles to class.

Birthdays: It is okay to send in a treat for your child's birthday (Please follow Amphi food rules).
This is also voluntary. I currently have 26 children. The celebration will be during recess and not during class time.

Parties: Fall festival, Christmas, Valentine and End of the Year.

Newsletter: This will serve as my newsletter. I will try to update often, but for sure monthly. Grades will be a part of this and I will update weekly. However, Amphi is in the middle of a transisition change for grades on line so it may be a few weeks before I can get this started.

Parent Orientation: Our Orientation is Aug. 10 6-6:45. This is an "adult only" evening and will be able discuss your concerns and how I plan on educating your child.

Contacting Me: You may leave me a message at 696-3818 or at SaWilson @amphi.com.

Finally, thank you for entrusting your child to my care this year. I will pledge to provide the guidance and educational environment he/she needs. Please feel free to contact me with your concerns. I look forward to working with you and your child.

Reading: This year your child will be (possibly) changing to another teacher for reading. We are ability grouping to better serve the needs of the students. We will start the first week with reading the novel Stone Fox.

Math: We will start with lines, rays and line segments.
Spelling: Your child will get a list of 20 words on Monday and the test will be Friday.
English: We will start with nouns and verbs.
Social Studies: We will learn the counties of Arizona.
Science: Electricity and Magnets!

Student questions: 1. How many counties in Arizona?
2. What is a verb?
3. What is a "ray" in geometry?

Important Dates:

August 10.........Parent Orientation 6-6:45 PM
August 20........PTO meeting 9 AM
August 20........Band concert 7:00 PM
August 26th....Picture Day