Twitter

Parents,

Would you like homework to be posted on Twitter?  You can tweet to  NHalpern4

Thanks!

Mrs. Halpern

December News

It's the first of December and we are almost half way through our 4th grade year.  We are very excited to be starting reading circles and are on chapter 2 of the book The Best Worst Christmas Ever by Barbara Robinson.  This is an enteraining book about how the Herdman family causes chaos for all the people involved in their town's pageant.  Students will be reading, reflecting, and relating the events in the book with their peers.

The end of the grading period is the day before break, so please encourage your student to have all assignments turned in.  Report Cards will be given out in January.

Snowflake Maker

Have fun with the winter snowflakes!

http://snowdays.popularfront.com/

Shoes by Christopher Reyes

Red shoes, blue shoes,
Old shoes, new shoes,
Shoes that are black,
Shoes that are white,
Shoes that are loose,
Shoes that are tight,
Shoes with buckles,
Shoes with bows,
Shoes that are narrow
and pinch your toes.

Shoes that are yellow,
Shoes that are green,
Shoes that are dirty,
Shoes that are clean,
Shoes for cold weather,
Shoes for when it is hot,
Shoes with laces
that get tangled in knots.

November News

Please send in your Campbell soup labels and any Boxtops for Education...we are also recycling aluminum cans and water bottles. 

On the weekend and on vacations remember to help your child be a life learner by applying the skills they are learning at school to things they are doing at home and around town.  For example,

• While watching TV.... ask "What do you think will happen next?"  (prediction) 
• Have them tell about a character and how what the character says helps to define the character.
• Talk about the setting of a TV show or of a book.  How does this set the mood for the story?
• Have your student summarize a story without retelling it.
• Write poetry.
• Have them keep a journal.
• Have them cook with you and use measuring cups.  Ask "Which is more a teaspoon or a tablespoon?"
• Read the newspaper or discuss the news you watch on TV or hear on the radio.

Fall Poems

Fall
       written by Adrian

Fall is not green, fall is brown.
I wish leaves did not fall to the ground.

Fall is here, Summer is gone.
Summer is very long.

Fall is not gone, Fall is here.
Now we can go hunt for moose and deer.



Treats of Fall
       written by Nicholas

Sniffy, sniffy, oh my hound,
our perfect pumpkin we have found.

Pumpkins, pumpkins, some are scary,
carmel apples make my sleepy.

Coffee or cocoa with marshmellows,
me and my dad are such good fellows.

All these things are in Fall.
How about we do them all?

Volunteer Needed

NEEDED: Parent/Relative/Community Member
to lead the class for our 5 Junior Achievement Activity classes

Everything is written out and clearly explained, all the handouts and items you will need are in the kit, we just need you to come into our class and be the leader for these activities.  All of the materials are provided graciously, by Junior Achievement, on the condition that the community works together with the school to teach the information.  The activities are fun and the kids love them.  Please consider joining us and volunteering your time.

Thanks!

Parent Teacher conferences

Parents,

During the last week of this month parent/teacherconferences will be held.  It is important for you and your child to attend if possible.  Since together we support your child's success, it is important for them to see our efforts.  Students who understand what their parent's responsibility is, a teacher's responsibility is, and what their responsibility is tend to understand what they need to do to be successful.  As in any relationship, understanding each other and the issues is very important.  Please take this opportunity to support your child by attending the conference where we will celebrating their successes and/or be developing a plan that will address areas of concern.

I look forward to meeting with each of you this month.

N. Halpern

Welcome to 4th Grade

The first six weeks of school has been great so far.  It has been a time to adjust to a new grade level, meet new people and set goals for this year! 

We are off to a great start reviewing 3rd grade and moving on to 4th grade studies. 

In addition to this blog, there is also a wiki that has information. 

http://nhclassnotes4.wikispaces.com/home

What Can Parents Do to Help Their Child Read Better

Parents,

Reading is very important to school and life success.  Since you are the most important person in your child's life, you can encourage them to be life learners by encouraging them to practice reading.
Some activities that can help your child:

1. Lead by example- be a reader and model reading
2. Take time to have your child read out loud to you then ask them to summarize what they read.
3. Is your child reading books that are at the appropriate level for them to have 75% or better understanding?
4. Ask teachers for a reading list that is the correct level for your child.
5. Take your child to the library with a list of book for their correct reading level.
6. Please make sure your child has a current library card for this year.

Your child's reading can improve with practice...it's like any other skill -- the more you practice the better the skill level.

Remember to shop the Sales for school supplies
STAPLES- 3X5 CARDS and HIGHLIGHTERS ONLY 1 CENT EACH
TARGET-  99 CENT SUPPLIES
THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE DEALS--- CHECK THE ADS  :-)

BACK TO SCHOOL SALES START NEXT 7/10

The start of another year is approaching quickly.  Only a few more weeks of summer left.

Check your back to school supply list and begin watching Staples, OfficeMax, and Walmart for their back to school sales.  This is the time of year to make sure you stock up on all the supplies you will need for this year.  Buy now for just pennies, what will be very expensive later in the year.  Also, please don't forget our classroom will need kleenix, cleaning wipes, and hand sanitizer. 

One of the best organizers you can buy is an eight section divided file.  Homework and notes can be neatly filed and then turned in the next day without wasting valuable time hunting for papers.  Sometimes Target has these file for as little as a dollar but you can find them anywhere.  A string bag to carry your folders in will work fine.  Please do not purchase large size backpacks!  Students frequently load them up with toys or extra items they do not need at school providing distractions in the classroom.  Also, carrying heavy packs are not healthy for their backs and necks. 

Next week begin reviewing your math facts to prepare for the first week of school.

See you soon,

Mrs. Halpern

It's the end of June

Greetings,

Be sure to check the school supply list and watch for those sales.  For fun websites to look at go to our 4th grade wiki page.  I have started saving some websites for you to help you get ready for school.  Parents, if you use twitter, please let me know and I can use that as another way to communicate with you. 

Thanks and enjoy the holiday weekend, 

Mrs. Halpern

School Supplies

• 6-8 pocket organizer for homework and notes is highly recommended. DRAWSTRING BAG preferred over backpacks (med-smaller sized) The organizers should fit in neatly and be much lighter and healthier for your child to carry
• Wide-ruled notebook paper NOT COLLEGE RULE (at least 8-10 pkgs. for the year)
• 1 pkg. graph paper
• 2 spiral notebooks
• Pencil box or bag
• 2 doz. yellow pencils min. (if you use mechanical pencils you must have lead to refill them)
• 1 red grading pencils w/ erasers
• 1-2 pink erasers
• Highlighters (at least 2 yellow)
• 1 pkg. whiteboard markers (fine or larger) erasers are good to have also
• Markers, crayons & colored pencils (set for home and one for school)
• 12-inch ruler (w/ centimeters)
• 1 pkg. pencil-top erasers
• Scissors- good quality Fiskar/Durasharp
• 2 pocket folders w/ center prongs (red, blue, yellow, green, orange, purple)
• Dictionary-you should have a dictionary at home for Homework.

 

Welcome to 4th Grade

Change is in the air! When I see you at the end of the summer it will be 4th graders that I will be greeting at MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT. Our first day back to school will be August 10th, which will be an early dismissal day.

Be watching for school supply sales during the month of July and stock up on paper and pencils. I will put a full list of supplies a little later in the summer.

Enjoy your break, relax, rest up. We have a busy year ahead of us! If you get bored...... read at least 4 books. The experts say that is how many you need to read to keep your reading speed from dropping....hmmmmmmm.... if you read 6 books do you think you might read better???? What a great experiment to try over the summer.

My Goodness- It's May Already!!!

Time flies! We had a fantastic trip to Biztown just before Easter Break. Our students did a wonderful job as they took on the roll of CEOs, CFOs, and the many other workers who make a thriving economy possible. I was so proud of all of them.

As we begin our final month together I would like to thank all the parents for their support this year. Your help this year donating boxtops, assisting on field trips, contributing tissues to our classroom has been totally appreciated.

Students you have been a fantastic class. I would like to ask each of you to check around at home for any of the classroom library books and return them to the shelf in the next week. Also please remember we are still working, learning students til the end of the year, so don't think it's summer vacation quite yet!

It is getting pretty warm out, so please remember your WATER BOTTLES :-)

Mrs. Halpern

AIMS testing is April 11-14

What should you do to prepare for AIMS? It's really pretty simple. First, go to our math website and play the games for the lessons and review the tutoring videos that are available for you. If you need more help or practice go to AAAmath.com or Google some math interactive activities. Second, review your writing notes and grammar rules. Also for Reading, review the vocabulary notes. Don't just recognize the words be able to tell about them. Next, go to bed early the night before the tests. Get a good nights sleep and eat a healthy breakfast. Include proteins, not sugary foods. Bring healthy snack for the morning break on test days. Last, remember not to get nervous and instead take your time, slow down, read carefully, think about class discussions on the topic and then look for the best answer. READ CAREFULLY, don't rush. Writing day- spend time on you prewrite and make sure you have interesting information that shows details and effects. Go through the steps, don't shortcut, and consider if you would find your essay interesting. If not, edit. Proofread, take the time to USE the dictionary, and read it to yourself before saying 'I'm done.' AIMS week is YOUR WEEK TO SHOW OFF ALL YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED so far this year and in years past. Make sure you put your best foot forward! I know you can. Mrs. Halpern

BEEEEEE READY for 4th Quarter!

As we BEEgin 4th Qtr. BEE ready to continue WITH 100% effort!

BEE RESOURCEFUL- use a dictionary, thesaurus, and your knowledge from all you have learned to complete QUALITY WORK that demonstrates your readiness to advance to 6th grade!

BEE PREPARED FOR THIS QUARTER- have your homework completed BEfore you arrive at school in the morning and BE sure you have the supplies you need at school to complete your work.

BEE READY- for your AIMS testing by reviewing what we have studies throughout the year. Yes, look over the papers you have taken home throughout the year or go on the math website and review chapter by chapter... BEE YOUR VERY BEST BY BEE-ING PREPARED!

See everyone bright and early Monday Morning!!

AIMS is almost here. Are you ready?

It is time to focus on AIMS review and upcoming testing in April. In class, we are review daily as we continue with our 3rd Quarter learning. :-)

Review math by going to the lesson review at http://www.mhschool.com/math/mathconnects/grade5/sg5c1lesson1.html

Practice great grammar on all assignments and pay attention to the reviews in class.

Review reading by knowing the vocabulary we studied. Get in the habit of reading information twice, check yourself for understanding, and do the homework.

If you are prepared, you have nothing to regret; you can sit down with confidence and go for it!

Upcoming Events

Simple Machines Projects due 3/4

Student need to bring in materials such as tape, paper tubes, foil, coils, cardboard, wooden dowel rods, etc to use to create their projects. Each project must include the use of an incline plane, screw, wheel and axle, pulley, lever, and wedge. The use of a gear is extra credit as a 7th simple machine used. The projects are due Friday, March 4th... so don't delay!


Revolutionary War Reenactment just before Spring Break

The fifth grade will be reenacting battles of the Revolutionary War. We will need donations of flour, Kleenex type single ply tissues, and refreshments. Please send in whatever you can. Students will have some after school activities to prepare, so please watch for notices that will come home.

BIZTOWN- April 20

Our field trip is planned for April 20th. The cost is $20 and will be due the second week in March if possible. This fee covers all the materials needed for the classroom activities and the activities and cost of the field trip. Students will learn and practice all their economic standards for Social Studies in preparing and participating in these activities. I don't have the donations or additional funds this year to offset the cost, so please plan ahead, send in the money a little now and a little later. We will also need about 8-9 parent volunteers. Please contact me if you would be able to participate in helping students organize their businesses. If you would like more information on BIZTOWN check out the link on the previous post or email me and I will send it to you.

Thank you for your support.

February 2011

This year is passing sooooooo quickly. We will be heavily focusing on math this quarter and students will have math homework every night. They will have some class time at the end of the day also to complete their work. Remember to refer to our wonderful textbook website for assistance as needed. Study guides with examples are passes out at the beginning of the chapters for parents and students who want to refer to them for sample problems with solutions.
http://www.mhschool.com/math/mathconnects/grade5/sg5c7lesson1.html

Please continue to send in Boxtops. Our class will also be needing masking tape and other supplies for our Simple Machines unit.

BIZTOWN FIELD TRIP MONEY can be paid in installments starting this month. Our program will cost $20 per student. If this will be a hardship to pay all at once, please consider sending the money in a little at a time and I will keep track of it for you. This is one trip you don't want your child to miss. In the past we have had extra money for scholarships, but this year I'm not sure we will be able to accommodate students. So plan ahead and make that a life lesson.

Special Dates
2/18 early release
2/21 Presidents' Day- no school

Mrs. Halpern

3rd Quarter Notes

Please return the second copy of your report card with a parent signature to me on Monday. If you mention seeing this on our Blog you will get a bonus to deposit in your classroom micro society checking account. Students please work hard this quarter to get all of your assignments in on time.

Choosing success requires that your work be completed to the best of your ability. If you are struggling with an assignment, please make arrangements to see me before school, during lunch or on Monday, Wednesday or Friday after school. AIMS testing time is creeping up quickly and being prepared for this assessment is important.

Coming up in April is our field trip to BIZTOWN. This is an incredible opportunity for participation in a micro society economy which select students all over the country experience. The materials, checkbooks, and use of the facility with a wonderful staff of Junior Achievement professionals to guide the day costs $20.oo per student and is absolutely worth every cent. We also will need parents to volunteer for each of the stores we open in the town. Please click on this link for more information. http://www.jaaz.org/programs/biztown/

Please check back to see your students poetry on our poetry page.

Best wishes always to you and your families,

Mrs. Halpern

January Update

Race Day is January 27th

All 5th grade students have their Forces and Motion Project Packets and Rubrics to complete their race cars. Parents can help built and discuss design ideas with their child but the students should do most of the work. Parent help will be needed to assist in cutting the cardboard and with other tasks in the construction of the cars. Only the items on the materials list may be used. Nothing except paint to decorate the car can be added. The goal is to have the car with the best design to use the car's mass to move the car forward the greatest distance and with the least amount of friction to slow the car down. The 2 drawings and 3 paragraphs must be completed by the Tuesday before the race and turned.

100th Day Auction is the 21st. Please be sure you have signed the parent permission slip for your child to participate with their classroom cash. See note sent home 1/14/11.

REPORT CARDS SENT HOME 1/21/11 PLEASE SIGN ENVELOPE and return to school on Monday. Any parent wanting a conference can contact me at school at 3:15 to 3:45.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Welcome back to school. I look forward to us continuing our journey through 5th grade with a short review of the last two quarters.

In January we will be studying:

Science- force and motion (get ready to build a racecar)

Soc. Studies- pre-Revolutionary War events

Math- Order of Operations and Function Tables

Reading- Sequencing, Main Ideas, Inferences

Spelling- Affixes and how they change the meaning of a word

Writing- 6 Traits Skill Building

See you Monday at 7:45 on the 3rd!