Well the weather couldn't be more different today than it was last week.  Your child should be able to explain the Chinook process for you from our travels through the Foothills Region!


Notes:

• Students will be dismissed as usual on Friday and will not return until Jan. 9.  I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas or a very Happy Holidays - whatever suits you best!
• A note is coming home today about our visit to Wilson Middle School for a French presentation.

Curriculum:

• Math: There will be an assessment of the measurement unit we have done so far: calendar time (including metric notation), telling time, elapsed time and 24-hour time.
• L.A.
• Spelling: Assessment of Lesson 7 on Thursday.
• Writing: Finishing off our mish-mash.
• Science: We will be taking a bit of a break from science this week to finish up some other things before we leave for the break.
• Social: We'll continue traveling in the Parkland Region looking at bodies of water, climate and vegetation.

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Friday letters due

Tuesday:

• Trip to Wilson for French
• Hot lunch
• library books due
• Choir students to City Hall for carolling

Wednesday:

• Caroling in the gym 12:30 p.m.

Thursday:

• Caroling in the gym 8:40 a.m.
• Energy Day Assembly 12:45 p.m.
• Holiday Cheer Choir and Hand Bell Concert 6:30 p.m.
• Choir students to Blue Sky Lodge for carolling

Friday:

• Last school day of 2016!

It's a busy week ahead!  Hopefully this one will include some outdoor recess time for kids to get some much needed fresh air. 





Notes:

• It is supposed to warm up this week so please make sure your child is prepared for outdoor recess!
• This is the last week if you wanted to donate socks for the Sock It To 'Em campaign.
• This is the last week for our class change drive if you'd like to contribute to buying a toy(s) for Angel Tree.  I will match donations up to $25.  So for your children have sent in $59.65!  I am overwhelmed with joy and amazement!
• I'd like to thank Miss Oberg from the University for all of her hard work with our class over the last 5 weeks.  She will be leaving us this week and we wish her all the best as she continues on her journey.

Curriculum:

• Math: We will finish off our measurement of time unit.  You can help at home by asking your child how long something takes (elapsed time), and helping them know what time it is in 24 hour time.  Continued practice with reading an analog clock would be extremely helpful.
• L.A.
• Writing: We continue to do a mish mash of writing.
• Spelling: Lesson 7 starts today.  Look for the new sort coming home.
• Science: This week's exploration will look at pulleys and how they work and how we use them in every day life.  Where do you have pulleys in your home?
• Social: Our bags are packed and we're ready to go.... to the Parkland region!  Ask your child what this beautiful and diverse region is like.

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Friday Letters due
• Hot lunch money due online by 10:00 p.m.

Tuesday:

• Tone It Up Tuesday
• Library books due

Wednesday:

• Homework Journal due
• Last day for Sock It To 'Em

Thursday:

• Choir after school for applicable students
• Miss Oberg's last day

Friday:

• Hopefully Frolicking Friday!
• No Enrichment

Week of Dec. 5 - Dec 9

It's snowy!!  I'm very excited that the weather predictions came true.  Now I just am hoping it sticks around for Christmas.


Notes:

• PLEASE make sure your child is dressed for the weather.  Even going from the car to the school when we're not acclimatized to these temperatures yet can feel awfully cold and our school's policy is that we will have indoor recess if the wind chill reaches -19.  If you need help getting proper winter coats, boots, etc. please contact the school office and they can get you set up!
• With the wet snow on the ground it's really important that kids have a dry pair of shoes to put on at school (preferably runners for gym class).  Again, if you need help getting runners for your child, the office will help you out.
• The Sock It To 'Em Campaign is still running if you'd like to donate new socks to people in need.  Thank you so much.

Curriculum:

• Math: We have started a new unit on calendars and telling time.  You can help at home by getting your  child to tell you the date in word form (e.g. December 5th, 2016) and metric notation (e.g. 05/12/16).  There are different ways to arrange metric notation (i.e. day/month/year or year/month/day or month/day/year).  You can also help your child by having them practice telling time on an analog clock (i.e. a clock with hands). 
• L.A.
• Writing: We are working on a mish-mash of writing this month.
• Spelling: Please help your child review their words.  There will be no assessment for kids with yellow, green or blue word sorts as this was a review of the first 5 lessons.  The pink group WILL have an assessment this week.
• Science: The kids will be learning about the difference between wheels and rollers and will learn more about wheels.
• Social: We're almost finished traveling through the Foothills Region.  We will have an assessment this week and then will journey on into the Parkland Region.

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:




Tuesday:

• Tone It Up Tuesday
• Library books due

Thursday:

• Choir after school for students who are involved (if you haven't signed up for Mrs. Garlock's Remind would you please ask your child for the letter sent home)

Friday:

• Frolicking Friday - dress for the weather in case we're allowed to go outside!

It's snowing!!  Some of us (teacher included!) are a little distracted by the snow today.  It's absolutely beautiful and renews hope for a white Christmas.


Notes:

• If you haven't already, please return the report card envelopes.
• It was lovely to see so many parents out to Parent/Teacher interviews.  If you weren't able to make it in and would like to meet with me, please send me a Remind message or email me/phone me at the school.

Curriculum:

• Math: Patterns continue followed by an assessment on Friday.
• L.A.
• Spelling: New words, list 6 comes out today.  It is a review of all the lessons we've done so far.
• Writing: We have started a new writing project that will last through December.  Peace poems will be finished on Wednesday.
• Science: This week we start to learn about rollers and how they help us.
• Social: Our journey through the foothills will draw to a close this week with a look at natural resources.

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• We are visiting the book fair instead of having library checkout

Tuesday:

• Tone It Up Tuesday
• Hot Lunch for anyone who ordered

Wednesday:

• Energy Day Assembly at 12:45
• Library day

Thursday:

• Choir starts after school for anyone who returned their forms

Friday:

• You Be You Showcase
• If you are a presenter, all of your materials need to go to the gym
• We will be touring the showcase together as a class
• Last day of Enrichment Round 1
• Frolicking Friday - dress for the weather!

Week of Nov. 21-25

I hope everyone was able to access their report cards electronically.  Please make sure, if you haven't already, to click the speech bubble to access the comments I included with the marks.


Notes:

• Please sign and return report card envelopes as soon as possible.
• Please book an interview (link to the right).
• Fundraising merchandise has arrived!
• Nov. 24 dress up day: dress as what you want to be when you grow up

Curriculum:

• Math: We are working through patterns in equations and exploring some algebra while we're at it!
• L.A.
• Spelling: Lesson 5 continues
• Writing: This week should find us typing up our peace poems.
• Science: The "Wheels and Levers" unit is underway.  We are learning about friction, force and work.
• Social: In our travels through the Foothills Region, we will continue to examine vegetation and will look at the animals who inhabit the region.

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Friday Letters due

Tuesday:

• Tone It Up Tuesday
• Library books due

Wednesday

• Book fair starts. 

Thursday:

• Dress up day - what do you want to be when you grow up?
• Early dismissal for students at 11:45 a.m.
• Parent/teacher interviews 12:30-7:30 p.m.

Friday:

• No school for students
• Parent/teacher interviews 8:30-11:45 a.m.

Week of Nov 14 - 18

Did anyone get a chance to check out the super moon yesterday?  I missed it unfortunately but it was supposed to be spectacular.


Notes:

• Welcome to Miss Oberg who joins us from the University of Lethbridge!  She will be doing a 5 week student teaching practicum with us.
• The Sock It to 'Em Campaign is ongoing if you'd like to donate new socks for people in need.
• After the report cards come home on Friday, the online booking system for parent/teacher interviews will open (see link to the left).  I'd really like to see all parents as the home-school connection is so important.

Curriculum:

• Math: We will finish up our unit on adding and subtracting, but these are still very important skills to practice so please keep practicing at home.  We will begin another patterns unit this week.
• L.A.
• Spelling: Lesson 5 begins this week.
• Writing: We continue our work on the peace poems.
• Science: This week we will go over our test from last week and it will go home to be signed and returned.  Tomorrow we'll start the next unit, Wheels and Levers.
• Social: Our suitcases are ready and we're off to the Foothills!

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Hansel and Gretel opera

Tuesday:

• Tone It Up Tuesday
• Underground to Canada presentation by Lakeview School
• Library books due

Friday:

• Report cards come home - please sign and return envelope
• Frolicking Friday

Week of Nov 7 - Nov 11

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend with all that warm weather and sunshine.  It's very hard to believe that it's November!


Curriculum:

• Math: This week will focus on subtracting 3- and 4-digit numbers. We have also switched to subtraction Mad Minutes.  You can help at home by having your kids practice their basic subtraction facts.  Don't forget to throw some addition in there every now and then too!
• L.A.
• Spelling: Lesson 4 continues.  No dictation this week, booklet due Wednesday.
• Writing: We will begin writing a peace poem this week.
• Science: Today we will review as a class and tomorrow is the Lights and Shadows unit test.  See the "Science Review" tab for a study guide.  Also, student booklets will be coming home to help with studying.
• Social: A new journey begins through the Foothills Region!

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Friday Letters due

Tuesday:

• Tone It Up Tuesday
• School Council Meeting 6:30 p.m. - all are welcome
• Library books due

Wednesday:

• Spelling booklets due
• Remembrance Day Assembly 10:30 a.m. - parents are very welcome

Thursday:

• No school for students - staff professional learning day

Friday:

• No school - Remembrance Day

Week of Oct 31 - Nov 4

Happy Halloween!  Thanks to everyone who sent snacks for our party.  I hope everyone stays safe and dry out there tonight.




Curriculum:

• Math: We continue to add and subtract 3- and 4-digit numbers.  Please practice basic facts at home.  Also, students have a tough time estimating numbers before adding and subtracting the bigger numbers.  You could help at home by showing your kids how you use estimation (e.g. at the grocery store, etc.) and even by giving them random numbers and having them round them for you.
• L.A.
• Spelling: New words - Lesson 4 this week.
• Writing: Students will be doing self-evaluations of their journals and Friday Letters.
• Science: We will be looking at how light can be broken and mixed, and how lenses affect light.
• Social: We are finishing our travels through the Rocky Mountain region.

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Friday Letters due
• Halloween parade and party in the afternoon

Tuesday:

• Dance Troupe at lunch for those students involved
• Tone It Up Tuesday - bring a water bottle!
• Library books due please

Friday:

• Frolicking Friday - dress for the weather!

Notes:

• Thank you to all who contributed to our Feed the Bug campaign.  This is our last week to collect non-perishable food items.
• Fundraising money is due on Monday, please return your forms and money that you have collected.

Curriculum:

• Math: The students did very well on their first patterns unit and now we are on to adding and subtracting 3- and 4-digit numbers.  You can help at home by having your kids practice their basic adding and subtracting facts for a few minutes a day.  We continue to do addition Mad Minutes each day.
• L.A:
• Writing: We will hopefully finish up our suspense unit this week.
• Spelling: Lesson 3 continues and finishes with an assessment on Thursday.
• Science: Scientist Anne will lead us through a variety of activities that will cover our entire Lights and Shadows unit.  On our own, we are going to look at how light affects shadows.
• Social: In our travels across the Rocky Mountain Region, we are delving deep into the coal mines, we'll pay a visit to our National Parks, and we may run across some wild animals at some point.

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Library books due
• Fundraising due
• Geek Squad training at lunch for applicable students
• Scientists in School in the morning

Tuesday:

• Tone It Up Tuesday
• Energy Day Assembly 12:45 p.m. - parents are always welcome
• Hot lunch
• Div. II Dance Troupe at lunch for those students involved
• Family Fun Night 6:00-7:15 in Galbraith gym (with a parent)

Wednesday:

• School Photographer training at lunch for applicable students
• After school skating at Adams 3:45-4:45 (with a parent and a helmet)

Thursday:

• Div. II Dance Troupe at lunch for those students involved

Friday:

• Last day for Feed the Bug
• Frolicking Friday
• Enrichment

Week of Oct 17-21

Welcome to another short week!   Even though it is short, the learning is jammed packed!


NOTES:

• Fundraising continues until next Monday

CURRICULUM:
Math: we will be wrapping up with our first (of many) pattern units this week
LA: starting a descriptive writing project that focuses on suspense
Science: learning about REFRACTION
Social: continuing the journey into the Rocky Mountains learning more about the climate and vegetation.


WEEK AT A GLANCE:
Monday

• Friday letters due back
• Hot lunch orders due tonight online (by 10 p.m.)

Tuesday

• Library books due back
• Parent council meeting 6:30 p.m. first foyer

Wednesday

• After school skating - 3:45-4:45 p.m. at Adams (need a proper helmet and to be with an adult)

Thursday

• NO school in the afternoon - staff have professional development

Friday

• NO school - staff have professional development

Week of Oct 10-14

A very short this week this week!  We're going to pack as much in as possible.  Teachers had a very busy day yesterday coming up with action plans for literacy in our school and classrooms.


Notes:

• Picture proofs are going home and money is due Oct. 20
• Hot lunch orders are due Oct. 17

Curriculum:

• Math: We continue our work on patterns this week.  What patterns have you found at home?
• L.A.:
• Spelling: Spelling assessment Lesson 2 this week.
• Writing: We will continue to add to our "Wall of Happiness" that we started last week.
• Science: Bill Nye will be helping us out this week as he has a great video about light.
• Social: Our travels this week will have us exploring how mountains were formed, the Columbia Icefields and the rivers of Alberta.

This Week's Schedule:
Wednesday:

• Friday Letters due
• After school skating 3:45-4:45
• First Grade Level Assembly - ask your child what they learned with Ms. Scheldrup

Thursday:

• First day of recorders in music class

Friday:

• Enrichment
• Frolicking Friday - dress to frolic in the snow!

First of all, thank you so much to everyone who donated money for our Terry Fox run.  The final total for the school will be announced soon.  Thank you also to those of you who have signed up for Remind - I enjoy sending pictures and snippets of what we're doing throughout the day, and it's great for letting you know what's coming up.




Notes:

• We had a lockdown practice today.  Please ask your child what we talked about.  They did awesome!  I'd hate to have to play hide-and-seek with them because I'd lose for sure!
• Next Monday, October 10 is Thanksgiving and there is no school.
• Next Tuesday, October 11 is an Assessment Day for staff - no school for students.
• The "Feed the Bug" campaign has started.  We will have a box in our room to collect non-perishable food items if you would like to contribute. 
• There are two letters coming home today - one about Scientists in School and the other one about music.

Curriculum:

• Math: We will be having an assessment on graphing today to see where the kids are at and then we will begin our first of many patterns units.  You can help at home by encouraging your child to find patterns in the real world.
• L.A.
• Spelling: New spelling words are out this week.
• Writing: This is our week to finish up our small moments life maps.
• Science: We will be learning about which objects allow light through and which cast shadows.  We will also explore reflection of light some more.
• Social: The kids will be building clay maps of Alberta's regions and we get to start exploring the Rocky Mountain region.

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Friday letters due
• Lockdown practice

Tuesday:

• Tone It Up Tuesday - have a water bottle!
• Library books due

Wednesday:

• After school skate at Adams Ice Arena 3:45-4:45 - all children must be accompanied by an adult, and all skaters must wear helmets

Friday:

• Enrichment begins!
• Frolicking Friday

Week Of Sept 26 - 30

Busy exciting week coming up with Picture Day, Energy Day Assembly, Hot Lunch, Terry Fox Run & Orange shirt day and making our Enrichment choices! 


Remember, all week we are collecting Toonies for Terry in support of the Terry Fox Run.  Thank you!

Curriculum:

• Math - We will be finishing graphing this week. 
• L.A.
• Spelling - Continuing Lesson 1.  There will be a spelling dictation assessment on Thursday.  How to help at home: have your child sort their words and explain the rule.  Challenge them to spell some of the words.
• Writing - Finishing up Small Moment Life Maps this week.  We will start a suspense writing unit later in the week.
• Science - We are continuing to talk about how light travels (i.e. reflection and refraction).
• Social - We will be learning about dinosaurs and completing the introduction to Alberta.  We are eagerly awaiting our trip to the first region of Alberta: the Rocky Mountain Region.

Do you wish you would hear more than a quick "good" when you ask your child "How was school today?"  Children actually love to talk about their day and what they are doing, but sometimes it takes a little bit of prompting.  Here are some fun open-ended questions that typically encourage children to share the most about their day.  I will continue to share 4 or 5 every week.

1. What was your favourite part about school today?
2. What activity did you like the most today?  And the least?
3. What did you think of the first assignment you had to do today?
4. If you could do any moment at school over today, what would it look like?
5. What was the funniest thing that happened in your class today?

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Energy Day Assembly 12:30 p.m.
• Friday letters due

Tuesday:

• Hot lunch day
• Library books are due

Wednesday:


Thursday

• Picture day - remember to wear your smile!!

Friday:

• Frolicking Friday

Week of Sept. 19-23

Sorry for the late post!!


Our routines are becoming set, and the classroom is feeling more and more like home.  These kids are doing a great job adapting to grade 4.  I'm sure some days they feel like we're running a hundred kilometres an hour but they don't complain!  Things will get easier as they become even more familiar with our schedule.

Notes:

• The Terry Fox run is happening next week and we are going to start collecting "Toonies for Terry."  If you'd like to make a donation, please send it in to our classroom.
• Letters went home today about Reading Rewards - a fun way for students to track their reading and get rewarded for it.  This is meant to be fun for the kids and hopefully encourage reading.  

Curriculum:

• Math: We have started our graphing unit.  Ways to help at home: look for graphs in books, online, in the newspaper (if you still get it!), etc.  Talk about how we share information.
• L.A.
• Spelling: The first list went out today.  Students took home a letter and a set of words to practice.
• Writing: We are working away at our "Small Moments" unit that will turn into a Life Map.  Today we wrote about our earliest memories.  
• Science: Our experiments this week will look at how light is reflected.  There will be a quick quiz on Thursday.  How you can help at home: go on a light scavenger hunt!  Which objects make the best reflectors?
• Social: This week we will be turning back time to look at how Alberta began.  How can you help at home?  Ask your child to tell you the two different versions of Alberta's creation.

This Week's Schedule:

Monday:

• Friday Letters due

Tuesday:

• Tone It Up Tuesday - be sure to have a water bottle!
• Hot lunch orders due online via schoolcashonline.com by 10:00 p.m.
• Library books due

Wednesday:

• Bus evacuation practice

Thursday:

Friday:

• Frolicking Friday - have proper footwear for running outside

Week of Sept 12 - 16

Week 2 and it is a super busy week!  I have to say that I'm really enjoying getting to know your kids.  What a nice bunch of young people!  For the blog this week I am posting in the format that you can come to expect.  I will list any notes or reminders; the curriculum we're working on (usually just the four core subjects); and finally a schedule for the week.

Notes:

• Welcome Back BBQ and Meet the Teacher is happening already!  I really hope you can all come because I love putting parents together with students and meeting their families.  Plus, we have lots to show and share!

• THANK YOU to parents who wrote back to their kids in their Friday Letters!  A new one will be coming home Friday, this time written by your child and not as a class.
• Don't forget to follow our class on Twitter!  @nelsonclassgr4
• Don't forget to sign up for REMIND.  This is a great communication tool. If you are looking for the number and directions, please email me. 

Curriculum:

• Math: We are looking at whole numbers up to 10 000.  How you can help at home: talk about numbers!  Where do you see them?  How do you use them in everyday life?
• L.A:
• Spelling: We are doing the Schonell assessment to determine what levels of spelling everyone is at so I can best help them this year.
• Writing: September's project for writing is a Life Map.  How you can help at home: Talk about your child's favourite memories, look at old photos.
• Science: To gear up for science we are learning about the scientific method and how to be good scientists.
• Social: The social curriculum for Grade Four is "Our Alberta" and we are getting acquainted with our province this week.

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Friday letters are due back with a letter written back from you to your child.

Tuesday:

• Tone it Up Tuesday, please bring a water bottle and dress to workout.

Wednesday:

• 5:00-6:00 p.m. - Welcome Back BBQ
• 6:00-7:00 p.m. - Meet the Teacher

Thursday:

• Palm-sized rock due for health

Friday:

• Frolicking Friday - dress to walk and run outside!
• Watch for a new Friday Letter

Sept. 6, 2016

Welcome!  Thank you for stopping by!  If you’re here, it means your child showed you their agenda and you followed the link - well done!  I’m really looking forward to getting to know you and your child this year.

 

A few things to get us started:

• Please check this blog every Monday for the latest update.  It will include curriculum information and events for the week.  If it helps, you can get email reminders by clicking the link and signing up to be notified when there is a new post. If there is an extra post in a week, there will be a note about it in the agenda.  Please take a minute to explore the blog to find out the tools and resources I have available. 
• Speaking of the agenda, this is another very important tool.  Your child will write to you every day with reminders and notes.  Please read and sign the agenda every single day and encourage your child to be responsible for having it at school every morning.  
• Please sign up for Remind.  A letter went home today about this excellent communication tool.  It will allow us to communicate quickly and efficiently.  The letter also includes other ways to communicate with me.
• Your child has homework!  Sorry, I know that's just cruel handing out homework on the very first day, but this is cool!  Every student gets to have a leadership role in our classroom by being part of a team.  The homework is to read the information about the teams and fill out the application form.  These forms are due on Friday so that we can get going right away with our routines.
• We have a Welcome Back assembly on Friday at 8:40.  Parents are always very welcome to join us for these occasions.
• Another date to put into your calendars right away is Sept. 14 - our Welcome Back BBQ and Meet the Teacher Night.  I can't wait to give you some more information about Grade 4 including homework expectations, home reading, incentives, field trips and more.
• Follow us on Twitter @nelsonclassgr4.

I think that's probably enough information for now!  If you have any questions or would just like to introduce yourself, please send me a Remind message, email me at kristy.nelson@lethsd.ab.ca or phone me at the school at 403-327-3653.

Week of June 27-29

I am not sure where this year has gone, but it almost done!!  I have truly enjoyed teaching all of my kids for the year and watching them grow.  I call them my kids as you trust me with such precious cargo for 10 months.  I was looking at pictures over the weekend and I was amazed at how much they have changed since they walked through these doors.  Soon, they will be in Grade 5 and before we all know it, graduating from high school.  (Well, not that quickly, but truly time will fly by!)


I wish you all a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing your child in September!




Thank you for everything you have done this year, without you, I couldn't have been so successful!

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Afternoon at the park - Adam's Ice Arena playground (DQ treats have been delayed as their freezer broke down!)

Tuesday:

• Outdoor swimming at Westminster Pool - please make sure your child has a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat and a snack (the concession will not be available).  The forecast for the day is 29°C. 

Wednesday:

• Grade 5 Farewell Assembly 8:45 a.m.
• Report cards come home
• Early dismissal at 11:45 a.m.

Thursday:

• Last day for staff - done at 3:26 p.m.

Friday:

• Happy Canada Day! 

Week of June 20-24

This is our last full week of school!  I simply refuse to believe that this year is almost at an end.  It just isn't possible! 


Notes:

• Division II students will be swimming next week on Tuesday June 28 at Westminster Pool.  We will be there all afternoon from right after attendance to right before the end of the day.  We would love for any parents to join us!  You can walk over with us, meet us there, swim, not swim, it's up to you!
• Next week we will be taking a walk to the Boys and Girls Club park to spend the afternoon with friends relaxing and celebrating.  See the note coming home.
• Library books are now overdue.  Please make sure they are all returned.

Curriculum:

• Math: We have finished all our units and are now reviewing and playing math games.
• L.A: We are writing letters to the future grade 4's who will be sitting in this room next year.
• Science: Amusement parks are coming along with some very creative and inventive rides.
• Social: We are finishing up learning about Alberta this week until the present day.  Thank you to the students who have shared their pictures and their stories of their (real!) travels around Alberta!
• PE: We continue to learn new track and field events.  Please make sure your child has proper running shoes to avoid injuries.

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Friday Letters due
• Hot lunch
• Energy Day Assembly

Tuesday:

• Kickball at lunch - Team A vs. Team B

Wednesday:

• Kickball at lunch - Team C vs. Team D

Friday:

• Frolicking Friday

Week of June 13-17

We had a visit from the Learning Clicks program today.  Ask your child to show you the booklet they got and what they learned about careers.  The ladies shared some websites with us.  They are:

• learningclicks.alberta.ca
• OCC Info
• Personality Test

Curriculum:

• Math: We are starting the last unit of math for grade 4 - Venn and Carroll diagrams.
• L.A.
• Spelling: We are doing a final assessment of student spelling.
• Writing: Musical chairs writing and "fun" writing
• Science: Our amusement park building has begun.  We will still take any building materials.
• Social: In the history of Alberta, we are learning about how Alberta changed after becoming a province.
• PE: We are doing lots of track and field events.  Please make sure your child has proper gym runners for running (or socks if your child wants to use their indoor shoes and wear flip-flops as outdoor shoes - we don't care!)

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Friday Letters due

Tuesday:

• School Council AGM 6:30 p.m.

Thursday:

• Hot lunch

Friday:

• Frolicking Friday

Week of June 6-10

We had a very exciting week last week with our Early School Day (the kids looked great and we had a great learning experience!), and the Cemetery Tour (where the kids were pleasantly surprised by how interesting and engaging the experience was!).  This week brings some more fun and excitement with our upcoming trip to Fort Macleod. 


Notes:

• THANK YOU!! to Peyton, Mikka and Mr. Nussbaumer for taking their spare time to create the Grade 4 Kickball League.  Games are Mondays and Wednesdays at lunch for students who are participating.
• Patroller training has started.  Ask your child what day they will be staying after school to train.

Curriculum:

• Math: We will be assessing our knowledge of multiplication and division and then we will learn about Venn and Carroll diagrams.
• L.A.
• Writing: We are going to try using Lego to write with!
• Spelling: Lesson 16 continues
• Science: Our final unit, "Building Vehicles and Devices that Move" will begin this week (see the letter that went home last Friday). 
• Social: As we get closer to the present day, we will be learning about homesteads.

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Friday Letters due
• Library books due

Thursday:

• Fort Macleod - we leave promptly at 8:30 so do NOT be late or you will miss the bus!

Friday:

• Frolicking Friday

Week of May 30 - June 3, 2016

Are you kidding me right now?  June starts this week??  How did that even happen?!  Time really does fly when you're having fun I guess!


Notes:

• If you're wanting to order a Gregg LeRock CD, please have your order form and money in by tomorrow.
• If your child is interested in being a patroller next year, please have their form signed and returned by the end of the week at the latest.

Curriculum:

• Math: We're going to finish with division by the end of the week.  We are still focused on division in our Mad Minutes.
• L.A.
• Spelling: New words today.
• Writing: We are finished with Kenny and the Dragon and are going to start on some end of the year stuff.
• Science: The test for the plants unit is going home today.  Please sign and return it.  We're going to take a little break this week as we prepare for our final unit and learn some neat paper tricks!
• Social: Our Early School Days role playing was really great.  The kids really got into their parts and I think they learned a lot about what it may have felt like to be a student a long time ago.  I have to say though, it's exhausting maintaining the strict school marm façade!  Now we're onto learning about Alberta becoming a province.

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Friday Letters due
• Library books due

Tuesday:

• Energy Day Assembly 12:45 p.m.
• Family Fun Night 6:00-7:15 p.m.

Thursday:

• Cemetery Tour with Belinda from the Galt Museum

Friday:

• Volunteer Tea 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• Frolicking Friday

Science Review

Science Review

Study Guide – Plant Growth and Change

1. Define the following words: 

• Germination
• How a plant begins to grow
• Pollination
• When an insect (like a bee) transfers pollen from one plant to another and fertilizes it
• Photosynthesis
• The process of turning sunlight and carbon dioxide into food for the plant
• Chlorophyll
• The chemical in a plant that makes it green and helps in photosynthesis

2. What are the similarities and differences between the basic needs of plants and humans? (HINT: see VENN diagram)

• We need each other
• Both need
• shelter, love, water, food, sunlight
• Plants need:
• Soil
• Humans need:
• Clothing

3. Describe the Oxygen Cycle. (HINT: What gases do plants and animals give off?)

• Plants give off oxygen and take in carbon dioxide
• Humans breathe out carbon dioxide and breathe in oxygen

 
4. What are some products that we can get from plants?

• Cotton - jeans/clothing
• Latex - rubber (from trees) and gum
• Paper

5. What is the purpose of a plant’s:

• Leaves - absorbs sunlight and makes food
• Stem - holds the plant up, brings water up from the roots
• Bulb - stores food over the winter for some plants
• Roots - holds the plant in the soil, absorbs water

6. What is function of the different parts of a flower?

• Stamen/Carpel - reproduction
• Sepals - protection of the bud
• Petals - brightly coloured to attract insects.

7. What is the difference between a fibrous and tap root?

• Fibrous - like a carrot - one long root with little hair-like roots coming off it
• Tap - like a marigold - many roots all the same length and tangled together

8. What is the difference between simple and compound leaves?

• Simple - one leaf blade with a rib and veins that flow up the leaf
• Compound - made up of many little leaves

9. Describe the different stages in the life cycle of a bean plant? (HINT: Look at your title page).

• Seed begins to grow -> leaves and roots develop -> flowers bloom on adult plant -> seeds form in the flower -> plant dies and seeds are scattered

10. What does the inside of a bean plant look like?

• Embryo (new plant)
• Cotyledon (stored food)
• Seed coat 

11. How do plants begin to grow? (ex. seed)

• Water softens the seed coat and causes the seed to swell
• The embryo grows
• The roots grow down into the soil
• The stem grows up above the soil 

 12. What are the different ways that seeds scan be dispersed for reproduction?

• Water
• Fire
• Wind
• Explosive
• Scat (animals)
• Hitch hikers

May 23-May 27

Welcome back to the sun now that the long weekend is over!  I hope that if any of you went camping, you were able to stay dry and have some fun.


Curriculum:

• Math: We are now learning about how to divide with remainders.  We continue our division Mad Minutes, and this is an area that really needs some practice at home.
• Language Arts:
• Writing: We will be finishing up with Kenny and the Dragon this week. 
• Spelling: No assessment due to our trip to see Gregg LeRock
• Science: We will wrap up the Plant Growth and Change unit with a unit test on Thursday.  See the "Science Review" tab for the study guide
• Social: We will be learning about some of the many reasons people came to what is now Alberta

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• I hope you enjoyed the day off!

Tuesday:

• Medieval Feast - ask your child about how awesome our feast and festival were!
• Money for spring photos due (you can pay online following the directions on the form)

Wednesday:

• Ms. Arndt, an Education student from the University will be starting with us.  She will be here for six weeks.

Thursday:

• Field trip to the Yates to see Gregg LeRock

Friday:

• Frolicking Friday
• Favourite Book Character Day
• Intro to School Safety Patrol

Week of May 16-20

Market Day is almost here!  PLEASE check in with your child to see what they need for their stall (e.g. cups, juice jugs, napkins, baking, etc.).


Notes:

• Spring pictures went home today.  Money is due May 24 if you are ordering.
• Please make sure to see the email that went home about volunteering for the One School One Book Medieval Feast
• Speaking of volunteering, if you'd like to come help us with Market Day, we'd love to have you!

Curriculum:

• Math: Continuing to work on multiplication.
• LA
• Spelling: New words (Lesson 15)
• Writing: We are loving our Kenny and the Dragon One School One Book
• Science: Looking at seed dispersal and getting ready for our unit test next week
• Social: Postponed due to Market Day (it actually fits in with our social curriculum beautifully!)

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Library books due

Tuesday:

• Need to be ready for Market Day

Wednesday:

• Market Day - students will be selling their wares and will have an opportunity to shop as well

Thursday:

• CAP (Classroom Agriculture Program) visiting

Friday:

• No school for an extra long Victoria Day weekend - enjoy!

Week of May 9-13

My apologies!  I completely missed transferring my post last week and today I am late!  It must be getting to a busy time of year...then again - it is always busy! 

As a grade 4 team we are excited for the kindness of your children and their willingness to host a Market Day in the help to donating to the Red Cross for the Fort McMurray fire relief efforts.  A note went home today to explain more about this adventure and the Market Day will occur on May 18.  (Yes, this is a quick turn around as we find it best and most effective).

Notes:

• Registrations are now past due.  Please send them into the office as it helps us to prepare for next year.
• Gymnastics will finish this week.  Please remind your child to bring a pair of shorts and short sleeve t-shirt to participate.
• The Galt Cemetery tour is this Thursday.  It is a fantastic field trip if you are able to join us.
• The hot lunch order for May is up on School Cash Online.  There will be a formal invitation to join us at the feast sent home this week.
• Don't forget to send back in the permission for The Fort field trip in June.   

Curriculum:
Math: starting on multiplying 3x1 digit numbers.  Practice those math basic facts for immediate recall of the facts up to the 9 times table.

Science: learning about what is inside of a seed and some different seed types.

Social: the building of the CPR and it's impact on settling the west

LA: today we launched our ONE SCHOOL ONE BOOK project - "Kenny & the Dragon".  We will be reading the book for the next three weeks and going back in time to medieval days.

Week at a Glance:

Monday

• Friday letters returned
• Kenny & the Dragon - book launch

Tuesday

• Library day

Wednesday

• clothing order for Galbraith clothing closes today at 10 (online - school cash)

Thursday

• Cemetery tour - at noon.  Please send a lunch with your child as we will be eating at 11:15.

Friday

• NO school for students.  This is a Professional Learning day for staff.

Week of April 25-29

The weather this Monday sure is different than last Monday!  The dry soil must be very grateful.


Notes:

• If you have not sent in a t-shirt please do so right away.  The date on the note was wrong (from last year!).  We would like to complete this art project this Thursday.

Curriculum:

• Math: We are finishing up area and will have an assessment on Tuesday.  We will then be doing an assessment for learning on patterns to see how much we still need to work on.
• L.A.
• Spelling: Lesson 13 assessment this week.
• Writing: We will mostly be focusing on our class novel study, "Fatty Legs," this week.
• Science: Our focus will be on plant parts and what they do this week.
• Social: The kids are starting a project on the North West Mounted Police today.

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Friday letters and library books due

Tuesday:

• Energy Day Assembly 12:30
• Family Fun Night 6:00-7:15 (a parent must be in attendance)

Thursday:

• Hot Lunch
• T-shirt art project

Friday:

• Frolicking Friday - dress for the weather!

Week of April 18-22

I hope you all had a great extra day with your child.  As a staff, we enjoyed a Professional Learning day in which I had the opportunity to work with colleagues to plan an exciting project.


Notes:

• Remember to send in a cotton t-shirt by May 4.  It is for an art project and will be returned to you in a different form.  Please, don't buy a shirt, rather, find one that doesn't fit anymore or has a nasty stain that you can't get out.  (The "larger" the better I find too.)
• I am still missing some report card envelopes.  If you could please send those in. 

Curriculum:
Math - continuing on the Area unit
LA - This week with our pun unit, we will be illustrating some, I can't wait!
Science - a combination of plants and recycling as it is Earth Week.
Social - it's the move west!  Students will learn about settlers and the NWMP.  If only I could still get in on the deal of 1870 of 160 acres for only $10!


Week at a Glance:
Monday

• Welcome back!

Tuesday

• Library day - books were due back yesterday

Wednesday

• MY BIRTHDAY!
• Theme V Birth Facts sheet due

Thursday

• Helen Schuler field trip.  Please send a lunch with all studnets as we will be eating early in calss and leaving at noon. 

Friday

• last day of enrichment for the year
• Frolicking Friday

April 11-15

Is it just me or is April flying by?  We'll be halfway through by the end of this week!


Curriculum:

• Math - Starting a unit on area.  Does your child struggle with word problems?  I found this link that may help at home.
• L.A.
• Writing - We are really enjoying our puns unit.  Where can you find puns?  I saw a sprinkler company's ad on a bus bench that said they are the "answer to your sprayers."
• Spelling - Continuing with Lesson 12
• Science - We started our "Plant Growth and Change" unit today
• Social - Early settlement in Alberta was a wild time. 

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Library books and Friday letters due

Tuesday:

• Recycled Robots day - 12:30 p.m. on the 3rd floor if you'd like to join us
• School Council - 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Wednesday:

• Dance Club at lunch for participating students

Thursday:

• Jump Rope for Heart in the afternoon - pledges due

Friday:

• Learning day for teachers - no school for students

Week of April 4-8

Welcome back!  I hope you all had a restful, relaxing break.  It was nice to get back to see all the smiling faces!


Notes:

• Popcorn fundraising is due tomorrow.  Thank you for your support!
• Jump Rope for Heart (Heart & Stroke Foundation) fundraising is going until April 14.
• Registration packages went home today and are due back as soon as possible.  Be sure to sign all of the pages necessary.  This helps us to build class lists and of course, staffing for next year.
• We will be swimming on Thursday.  Thank you to the volunteers.  If you would still like to join us, you are more than welcome!  Let me know.

Curriculum:
LA - With April here, we will be working on a PUN unit!  I love PUNS and the humor in them. 
Science - Finishing up Waste In Our World and starting to learn about Plants.
Social - Continuing on with he Fur Trade.
Math - ask your child why we read "Pigeon".  It is a mystery.....


Week at a Glance:
Monday

• Library books are due

Tuesday

• Popcorn fundraising due!  Thank you!
• Waste in Our World unit test
• ***Grade 5 parents - Wilson Middle School parent orientation for Grade 6 - 6:30 in our gym

Wednesday


Thursday

• swimming in the afternoon

Friday

• Enrichment
• Frolicking Friday - please dress for the weather

Week of March 21-25

Notes:

• Volunteer for swimming if you are able.  We would love to have you!
• No school next week.  Enjoy the break!
• After Easter, we will be encouraging all students to use the handwriting we have been learning all year. 

Curriculum:
Math - subtracting decimals to the 10ths and 100ths place.  There will be a quick Show What You Know on Thursday for our decimal unit.
Science - finishing up with our Waste In Our World unit.  We will be discussing water, biodegradability and the Garbage R's.
Social - learning about Rocky Mountain House, Fort Edmonton and who David Thompson was.
LA - finishing our persuasive essay.  There will be no new spelling until after the break.


Week at a Glance:
Monday

• Library books & Friday letters due in

Tuesday

• Hot Lunch!
• Assembly at 12:45 p.m.
• Family Fun night in the gym - with an adult 6-7:15 p.m. (badminton)

Wednesday

• Grade 3 CUPCAKE sale!  50 cents each!

Thursday

• FULL day of learning!
• Math quick quiz
• Science - Waste In Our World Unit Test

Friday

• No School - Good Friday!
• Enjoy your Easter break and we will see you on April 4, 2016.

March 14-18

Welcome to the day after the day we Spring Ahead!  It was certainly hard to get out of bed on an hour less......and we all made it with smiles on our face!


Notes:

• Remember to send in the report card envelope.  Thank you!
• Book fair ends today.  Thank you for the support!
• We will be making our traps tomorrow afternoon.  Send in your supplies - thank you!

Curriculum:
Math - continuing on in fractions and learning about decimals. (tenths and hundredths)
LA - this week we will be writing the body paragraphs of our opinion essay.
Science - learning about the hazardous symbols and water usage
Social - starting in on the Fur Trade


Week at a Glance:
Monday

• Happy Pi Day!  3.14

Tuesday

• Book Whisperer Club in library at noon

Wednesday


Thursday

• Choir - 3:30-4:30 p.m.
• Book Whisperer Club in library at noon

Friday

• Frolicking - dress for the weather
• Enrichment
• Stuffed Animal Spirit Day

Week of March 7 - 11

Welcome to what looks to be a beautiful week!  I hope everyone had a great weekend and had a chance to enjoy the beautiful weather on Saturday.  I have to say, I even enjoyed listening to the rain while I relaxed on Sunday morning.


Notes:

• Please sign and return the report card envelope ASAP so I can use them for the final report card in June.
• Hot lunch money is due tonight at 10:00 p.m. at schoolcashonline.com. 
• Celebration of Learning is this Thursday.  Come and go between 6 and 8 p.m.  We'd love to show you all we've been learning!  If you have something you'd like to discuss with me more privately you can book an interview with me for Friday morning at that time.  There will be no school for students that day.

Curriculum:

• Math: We continue learning about fractions including comparing unit fractions (e.g. which is greater, 1/6 or 1/2?) and comparing fractions with the same denominator (e.g. which is greater 3/8 or 7/8?).  You can help at home by pointing out fractions when you see them, and showing the differences between different sets.  The students were having a hard time seeing the difference between a fraction of one set and the same fraction of a different set (e.g. 3/5 of 20 is more than 3/5 of 10 because 3/5 of 20 is 12 and 3/5 of 10 is 6).  A helpful site is the Khan Academy (linked on the side) which will show you videos of how to do different math concepts.  You may need to sign up for a free account but it's a great resource when kids are stuck on something and just need to hear it in a different way.  There are practice questions as well.  Just search "fractions."  We do not need to know more than basic fractions, and we do not add or subtract them or anything. Another great resource is IXL.  It is not free, but you can do 20 free questions per day.
• L.A:
• Spelling: Lesson 11 is coming home today.
• Writing: The introduction paragraph of our persuasive essays will be written this week.
• Science: We will be learning about hazardous waste this week and the hazardous materials symbols.
• Social: We are very excited that Mrs. Big Bull, our FNMI Liaison will be meeting with us today for an in-school field trip to learn about the First Nations people of Alberta as we begin Book 2 of Our Alberta.

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Library books due
• Friday Letters due

Tuesday:

• School Council meeting 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Thursday:

• Celebration of Learning 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Friday:

• Parent/Teacher Interviews (as required) - no school for students

Feb. 29 - March 4

Happy Leap Year!  Report card marks are in and report cards will go home this Friday!


Notes:

• I have received great feedback about "Remind" - the communication tool we started using this month.  If you haven't signed up, please do - it's great!  You don't need to download an app and you can sign up to receive text messages or emails.  I can then send out announcements to all parents, or we can have a private chat.  As a parent, I love receiving the messages from my son's teacher.  It's such a quick and easy way to communicate.  If you can't find the note that went home, just let me know and I can send another one.  Each parent can sign up individually as well so if your child spends time in different households, this makes sure that both parents get the reminders.  Thanks so much to the parents who signed up so far!

Curriculum:

• Math: We're still having fun learning about fractions.
• L.A:
• Spelling: Spelling assessment for Lesson 10 on Thursday; activities for Lesson 10 due
• Writing: We have started learning about writing persuasive essays and will choose our topics this week.
• Science: Waste in Our World continues with waste in nature.
• Social: We will finish up our stay-cation in the Grasslands Region.

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Friday Letters due
• Library books due

Thursday:

• Indy 500 - dress to run!

Friday:

• Frolicking Friday
• Report cards go home

Week of Feb. 22-26

Welcome back!  I hope you all had a restful week off.  I enjoyed the time with my family and learned some new things at Teacher's Convention. 


Curriculum:
Math - starting our adventure in Fractions!
Science - beginning a new unit - Waste in Our World
Social - finishing up the Canadian Shield Region and then going on a stay-cation to learn about the Grassland Region.
LA - Spelling - week 10
      - Writing - we will start on a new project...a persuasive essay





Week at a Glance:
Monday

• Library books are due back

Tuesday

• Hot lunch today!
• Assembly at 12:45 p.m. in the gym
• Family Fun Night in the Gym - 6 - 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday

• Pink Shirt Day

Thursday

• Indy 500 - please bring a water bottle!
• Senior Choir at lunch

Friday

• Frolicking Friday - please dress for the weather!

Week of Feb 8-12

Notes:

• A note is coming home today about a new communication tool for parents that I'm using called Remind.  You can sign up using text or email.  It's NOT a replacement for the agendas as I feel it is really important that students learn to be responsible for their learning and belongings, etc.  However, this will enable me to send out quick announcements like reminders to the whole group or quick messages about cool things your kids are doing to individual parents.  The app is free and information is kept private.  Please contact me if you have any questions!  Oh!  I almost forgot - I may have bribed the kids.  The first 12 parents to respond on Remind win their child a full sized chocolate bar!!!
• Next week is a break.  Monday is Family Day, Tuesday and Wednesday are a "Reading Week" break, and Thursday and Friday are Teachers' Convention.  No school for students ALL next week.
• Reminder that the Valentine's Day class list is on the blog.  If your child chooses to send valentines, please make sure there is one for everyone.
• We are still looking for some "dippers" for our Valentine's Day party on Friday.  So far we have apples and bananas being sent in.  Drop me a note if you are able to contribute!

Curriculum:

• Math: We are finishing with basic multiplication and division for now with a "Show What You Know" on Wednesday and Thursday.
• L.A.
• Spelling: Lesson 9 Assessment on Thursday; activity booklets for Lesson 9 will be due.
• Writing: We are launching our "Work on Writing" portion of Daily 5 which includes what to write about and what types of things to write.
• Science: Because we had the unit test last week, and next week is a break, we will be using this time to work on Social.
• Social: We are going to finish learning about the Canadian Shield region this week.

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Cheer squad will cheer on Team 1 at Galbraith
• Library books due
• Friday Letters due

Wednesday:

• Cheer squad will cheer on Team 2 at Galbraith

Thursday:

• Choir at lunch time

Friday:

• Valentine's Day party - bring on the chocolate fondue!
• Hot lunch money due online by 10 p.m. (early due to Reading Week)

Class List for Valentine's Day

Here is a list of the students in our class.


Lucas
Jeanette
Bailey
Jenna
Haivyn
Alejandra
Nathan
Kailey
Adonis
Eva
Elijah S.
Sadie
Cayley
Keira
CJ
Valerie
Elijah C.
Marissa
Kaiden
Nikki
Brittney
Lauren
Dickchya
Wesley
Mrs. Nelson


Thank you!  Happy Hearts Day!

Feb 1 - 5

I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend.  We had a fantastic learning day as a teaching staff!


Notes:

• We are out of Kleenex and pencils.  If you can send any of these supplies, that would be lovely!
• Thank you for your continued support of the homework calendars.  They are neatly done and well thought out. 

Curriculum
LA

• Spelling - new sorts come home today with the answer key glued into their agenda.
• Writing - we have finished our LOST photography story.  We will be launching Daily 5 - the writing component.

Math

• continuing to work on MULTIPLICATION and DIVISION.  Practice those math basic facts!

Science

• reviewing our Simple Machines unit.  Here is a link to the review guide. 
• There will be a test on Thursday.

Social

• Our journey to the Canadian Shield continues.

Week at a Glance
Monday

• Library books due.
• Bullying Presentation from 1-2.  Ask you child about it.
• New homework calendar comes home today!
• Cheer squad will be cheering on the home team in basketball today! Go Galbraith Team 1 Go! 

Tuesday

• Groundhog Day!!

Wednesday

• Cheer squad will be cheering on the home team in basketball today! Go Galbraith Team 2 Go! 

Thursday

• Choir from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the music room.

Friday

• Frolicking Friday - please dress for the weather

Week of Jan 25-29

Week of Jan. 25-29, 2016
Notes:

Please remember that hot lunch is Thursday, not Tuesday as it usually is.
Homework journals are now overdue.  If your child has not handed it in yet, please have them do so ASAP.
I will be away in Red Deer this week for two days learning about the Daily 5 literacy program.  Several of our teachers already use the program and love it so I wanted to check it out as I believe that teachers need to constantly be learning to stay relevant and to keep improving.  This is my last planned absence for awhile!

Curriculum:
Math: Multiplication!  You can help your child at home by playing the games we learn at school and by practice of the basic multiplication facts. 
L.A.
Spelling: Lesson 8 assessment on Thursday.
Writing: Finishing up the "lost item" story.
Science: We are finishing up our unit on "Wheels and Levers" by learning about third class levers.  Bill Nye is going to help us out this week!
Social: We're heading up north to check out the Canadian Shield region starting Monday!

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:
Library books due
Friday Letters due
Mrs. Nelson away in Red Deer for Daily 5
Tuesday:
Energy Day Assembly 12:30 p.m.
Mrs. Nelson away in Red Deer for Daily 5

Thursday:
Taco Time hot lunch
Choir in the music room (please note: all students who have signed up for choir are expected to be in the music room.  Students who wish to leave the choir must speak to Mrs. Garlock PRIOR to choir practice)

Friday:
Staff Learning Day - no school for students

Week of Jan 18-22

A busy week ahead full of learning! 


Notes:

• Hot lunch is now paid online along with all other school fees and will be due on the 20th of each month.  You can sign up here.  If you're having trouble, please contact the office.
• Galbraith is a safe and caring school and as such, we have certain rules and expectations to keep us all healthy, safe and happy.  Please remind your child that they need to stay off the snow hills outside, wear their indoor shoes (leaving their outdoor shoes on the boot rack), and to sneeze or cough in their sleeve.  Thanks so much for your support!

Curriculum:

• Math: We are finishing our current unit on patterns.
• L.A.
• Spelling: Spelling Week 8 went out today.
• Writing: We have a cool new project started that combines writing and photography.  Ask your child about it!
• Science: We are finishing up with gears and will move on to levers this week.
• Social: Oil sands, forestry and different points of view will all be explored in the Boreal Forest region.

This Week's Schedule:
Monday:

• Friday Letters due
• Library books due

Wednesday:

• Hot lunch money due via School Cash Online

Thursday:

• Tone It Up
• Choir after school for Sr. Choir

Friday:

• Frolicking Friday - our field is snowy!

Week of Jan. 11 - 15, 2016

Welcome back to another wintery week!  Please remember to have your child walk out the door in the morning with their mittens, toques and boots because we do live in southern Alberta and we know that the weather can change quickly.  We also have the snow shoes here and the kids will be going outside for that gym activity.  Thank you!


Notes:

• School Cash Online - just a reminder to sign up for this so that your child's hot lunch can be ordered and paid for.  If you have any questions or concerns, come in to the office and they will help you out. 

Curriculum:
LA - working on our LOST item story
      - spelling assessment will be this week
MATH - continuing to work on patterns in tables and charts.  The goal is to push the students to find the pattern horizontally in a chart versus vertically.  This is the start of creating formulas and doing algebra.
SCIENCE - we will be finishing up on wheel and belt drive systems and moving into learning about gears.
SOCIAL - continuing our adventure on the train to the Boreal Forest region.


Week at a Glance:
Monday

• Friday letters signed and returned.
• Library books due
• JOB APPLICATION forms are due TODAY!
• afterschool cheer 3:30 - 4:30

Tuesday

• I am away today for a planning day regarding a project I am working.  Mrs. Fano will be in for me.

Wednesday

• afterschool choir 3:30 - 4:30

Thursday

• Tone it up Thursday - please bring a water bottle
• afterschool choir

Friday

• Frolicking Friday - please dress for the weather.

Jan. 4 - 8, 2016

Welcome back!  I hope you all had a restful, fun filled holiday spent with family near and far.  I was excited to come back today to see your beautiful children (though it was a little hard to get out of bed on time today!)


Notes:

• Just a reminder to sign up for the online payment program.  Our school is going cashless and all payments can be made online for agendas and hot lunches.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Curriculum:
LA: new spelling sorts go home today.  Week 7.  Remember to practice sorting and understanding the rule pattern.
We will looking back at 2015 and ahead to 2016 for a brief writing project and then moving into a LOST photography story for the month of January.
Math: we will be working again with PATTERNS.  They shape our world.  We will be learning how to extend them and understand the position rules that patterns create.
Science: learning about wheel drives and belt drive systems.
Social: another new adventure!  We will be going to the Boreal Forest!


Week at a Glance:
Monday

• Welcome back!
• Library books due

Tuesday


Wednesday


Thursday

• Tone it up Thursday - please bring a water bottle!

Friday

• Frolicking Friday - please dress for the weather!