McFarland-Mayberry-Begley Bulletin
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Reading Workshop
Check out Hadley’s notes from our class conversation about this quote at the beginning of our new read aloud, Journey! It’s so tempting to glance at a quote like this and flip the next few pages to dive into chapter one. But one concept we’ll focus on throughout the year is that authors don’t just stick things in their books to take up space; there’s a reason. And it’s our job as readers -- if we’re really understanding what we’re reading -- to think about possible reasons, to work it out in our minds as we’re reading the book. After reading this quote together a number of times, marking and defining and interpreting words and phrases, listening to and building upon others’ ideas, we studied the cover of the book, and we have already started making connections from the cover to the quote. Deep thinking!
Writing Workshop
Good-bye, narrative, hello, essay! This week, students finished up the final drafts of their narratives, which I’ll be scoring over the next week or (or two). Thursday, the kids wrote a narrative prompt. All 4th graders showed off their knowledge of narrative writing this week for this prompt. Fourth grade writing teachers will score the pile next Friday. I can’t wait to see the growth from early September! Next week, we will focus on introducing essays…
Math
This week we wrapped up the first unit. Students took the unit assessment on Thursday. I will share the results with you at our upcoming conference.
Next up - unit 2 covers multiplication in a big way. You can help at home by having your child work on their basic multiplication fact fluency.
Spelling
This week students learned about prefixes and suffixes. Students glued a list of the five suffix rules in their spelling notebooks, along with examples. We will continue to work with prefixes and suffixes in the upcoming units.
Theme
This week students had two working sessions to prepare for the play. We ran through the entire play and on Wednesday, then worked in small focus groups with students across the three classes who have the same part. A big thanks to Shannon Campbell and Jen Segal for their assistance. We’ll do a run through in the gym next Monday and the big night is, Wednesday, October 21st. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before the start of your class’s time. The Mayberrys will perform at 6:00 (arrive at 5:45), the Begleys at 6:30 (arrive at 6:15), and the McFarlands at 7:00pm (arrive at 6:45). Students should go to the cafe to warm up, parents can enter the gym once the previous class’s performance is done.
In class students also worked on a mini research project, creating a living glossary of the terms in the play. I will have them on display Wednesday.
Please work on your child’s costume this weekend, if you haven’t already. Below are the roles and what we’ve decided that character will wear.
Student 1, 2, Rosie, and Jenn: normal school clothes
Sherlock Holmes: trench coat, detective hat
Watson: vest or suit coat, shirt, and slacks
Volcanoes: red top, black bottoms
Ferns: green top, tan or khaki bottoms
Earth: green and blue (If someone wants to get creative, you could cut out continents from green felt/fabric and glue to a blue shirt)
Seashore: blue outfit (possibly flowy like waves)
Valley: green outfit
Canyon: tan/neutral outfit
Mountains: gray top / black bottom
Sedimentary: top w/ stripes in neutrals, reds, oranges, or yellows
Metamorphic: gray top
Igneous: black top
Professor Rock: button down and pants (I have my lab coat to lend)
Due Dates / Upcoming Events:
Monday, October 19th - Reading logs due/Sneakers for P.E.
Tuesday, October 20th - Study link due / Newspaper and Chorus after school
Wednesday, October 21th - The McFarland, Mayberry, Begley team presents Geology Rocks! 6pm, 6:30pm, and 7pm (McFarlands)
Thursday, October 22nd - Spelling due / Color Guard 3:00-4:00pm
Friday, October 23rd - Home link due
Swimming: We will begin our swimming lessons on Monday, October 26 and
conclude Friday, December 4. Our classes are coordinated by Suzanne Martelle, GHS Pool Director. Students will be developing their swim strokes and learning the basics of water safety. They will be grouped according to their current skill level. Instructional time is organized so that each child can progress at their own
Swimming takes place of typical physical education classes during this six weeks.
Please help your child be prepared for each swim class. Your child’s swim bag should include: swim cap for hair longer than 3 inches, swim suit, goggles, towel, hair brush or comb. Swimming is a unique unit that we are lucky to be able to offer as part of our curriculum. Thank you for your continued support of our programming.
PTO News:
Don't Forget The GRAND EVENT!
Next Wednesday, October 21st, 2015
At MIW, 4-6PM
Your children and their 'Grandfriends' don't want to miss this awesome event!
Please take a moment to RSVP by logging onto:
PARENT POWER APPEAL
Did you know that the PTO is celebrating it's 40th anniversary? In order for the PTO to remain the vibrant organization that our children depend on for memorable field trips and fun family events, WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT. Enrichment requests are already rolling in from teachers and being approved. Just this week, the 3rd grade students went on a field trip to the Maine Wildlife Park!
There are only 17 days left to donate to the Parent Power Appeal and we are 1/2 way to our $10,000 goal. Please help us reach our goal by donating today at www.greelypto.org! Help us say "YES" to teachers!
-Greely PTO
Conferences
Please see the separate email from ptcfast.com, our conference appointment signer-upper! We look forward to seeing you soon for our conference!
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