Classroom Update!

We have had a great week!

Everyday Math
Students in my orange tier are still working on the 3rd grade EDM number sense unit. We have talked about number sequences, place value, time, and measuring already! We will continue to revisit these concepts all year. Students in the purple tier are still working on the 4th grade EDM Geometry unit. Students have learned about properties of different polygons, angles, rays, and parallel lines. Both groups will continue with the current units of study next week.

Reading
We finished reading our first class novel, The Hundred Dresses. This novel is a short one, but it teaches many valuable lessons about how to treat others with its anti-bullying message. Next Tuesday, students will take an open book test over the book. Students are anxious to meet with me about books that they have read for the Top 40 Challenge. I have been reminding them that they have ALL year to complete the challenge and that there will be scheduled times for booktalks with me to show that they have read their books. Next week we will begin our booktalk schedule. In the back of your student's ROCKSTAR binder, you should see a packet for the Top 40 Challenge where students can keep track of what books they are reading. Please encourage your child to read more challenging chapter books!

Social Studies
Last Friday we did not get to our discussions on the U.S. government due to NWEA and DIBELS testing. We will begin our discussion on government next week. We are also starting a large unit on Geography.

Science
The secret word today is blowhole. Ask your child about the fascinating things we learned about dolphins this week. The question this week was how do dolphins sleep without drowning? The answer is pretty amazing!

TRACK Behavior System
Part of our school wide discipline model involves modeling and reteaching correct behaviors at school. I have spent the first three weeks talking a lot about behavior expectations and giving fair warnings. I have not given very many Cautions or DNFs yet, since the kids are still learning about the system. By next week, I would expect that your child understands the system. I will start using Cautions and DNFs more frequently as needed. If your child is a TRACK star, you will see it indicated in their binder at the end of the week. TRACK stars are students who do not receive any Cautions or DNFs for the entire week.

Reminders
*Tomorrow is a Colts Spirit Day! Wear your blue and white.
*Scholastic Book Orders are due tomorrow. The class orders will be placed this weekend. Hopefully, the book orders will arrive by the end of next week.
*Please be sure to read the special Invitation to the 9/11 ceremony that your child brought home yesterday. Let me know if you have a loved one that you would like to be honored.
*Please SIGN your child's assignment notebook each night.
*NO SCHOOL ON MONDAY, in honor of Labor Day.

Have a fabulous holiday weekend!