Weekly Math

Weekly Math due 3/30/17 (Lesson 56: Write Fractions as Sums & Lesson 61: Add Fractions Using Models)

Math in Focus Chapter 9: Angles

Next Week we will be starting Chapter 9: Angles. In this chapter, students learn that angles can be seen everywhere around them. Angles are formed when two rays or sides of a figure meet. In this chapter, students learn how to measure angles with a protractor and estimate angle measures. Students will also be introduced to the degree symbol  and what degree measure represents. They will learn to draw angles to 180 degrees using a protractor.

Another important concept in this chapter is turns and their relation to angle measure. A 1 degree angle is introduced as 1/360 turn about the center of a circle. Students relate right angles to fractions of a turn: a 1/4 turn is the same as a right angle (or 90 degrees), a 1/2 turn is the same as two right angles (or 180 degrees), and so on.

These angle concepts culminate in students applying the angle addition property to solve problems. Students use the part-whole concept to solve equations of the forms a+b=? and a+?=b, where a and b (or “?”) are the measure of adjacent angles.

The Chapter 9 Parent letter was sent home today in the Friday Folders.  This time there is a Chapter 9 Wrap-up attached.  The chapter 9 Wrap up highlights the concepts that students should be able to do once we have completed the Chapter.  There are also some videos to explain these concepts.

Bingo For Books!

Our Bingo for Books event was previously cancelled due to our school not having power. This event is rescheduled for Thursday, April 27th. More details coming soon…stay tuned.

Daddy Daughter Dance

Don’t forget to send in your Daddy-Daughter Dance RSVP’s in SOON! No RSVP’s will be taken after March 31st. Do not miss out on this event! New Venue! Awesome DJ! Delicious Food! Fond Memories with your Daughter(s)!

Make sure to RSVP by next Friday so you don’t miss out on this fun night out!

Guest Readers

We were lucky enough to have a couple of guest readers come in and read to our class this week!  Mrs. Metzger is the principal of Bennie Elementary.  She chose to read The Stinky Cheese Man by Jon Scieszka

Dr. Pittman is the Curriculum Director for Allen Park Public Schools.  He read the book, Two by Catherine Otashi

The students enjoyed both guest readers!

Hello!  I hope that everyone enjoyed their “Power Break” last week.  The long weekend was quite a surprise!  We spent this week getting back on track! It is hard to believe that in 2 weeks will be off for Spring Break!  This year sure is flying by!

Math

We have been busy covering the concepts of adding and subtracting decimals in Chapter 8.  Most students are enjoying this because “all it is is adding and subtracting with a decimal point!” Our class will be wrapping up Chapter 8 next week, and taking a test on Thursday March 23.  Chapter 8 was super short!  After a brief review of decimals, the students will take their Quarter 3 Math assessment, and we will begin Chapter 9.  Chapter nine will focus on angles- how to measure and identify angles!

Here are some pictures of the students working with partners to practice adding and subtracting decimals:

Weekly Math

This week’s Weekly math consists of 2 pages!  Both need to be turned in on Thursday March 23!

March is Reading Month

I hope that you have taken some time to do a little extra reading this month!  A Reading Log was sent home with your child at the beginning of the month. Please be sure to fill it in and send it back with your child before the end of the month.

A big thank you for Selena’s grandma for coming in to help decorate our classroom door for the door decorating contest.  Winners will be announced next week!

This week we were lucky to have a visit from Chris Bak.  She is an author that came and spoke with the students about the importance of reading AND writing!  She talked about some of her favorite books, and even showed some that were written and/or illustrated by children! It was a great time!

Science

We have been learning about Weathering and Erosion, and how these concepts change the Earth’s Surface.  On Thursday we conducted an experiment with sugar cubes and gravel that shows how mechanical weathering works.  Here are some pictures of the students working in their groups!

Upcoming Events:

Spring Fling

This Saturday, March 18th, the PTSA will be holding our annual Spring Fever Craft/Vendor show, Mom to Mom Sale, Bake Sale, Sports Memorabilia and Card Show, and Silent Auction. Please join us at the High School from 9-3 to help support our Community and graduating Seniors. All proceeds help fund our scholarship program.

Daddy Daughter Dance

Don’t forget to send in your Daddy-Daughter Dance RSVP’s in SOON! No RSVP’s will be taken after March 31st. Do not miss out on this event! New Venue! Awesome DJ! Delicious Food! Fond Memories with your Daughter(s)!

Bingo For Books

Bingo for books was cancelled due to the Power Outage.  It has been rescheduled for Thursday, April 27!  The same time-frame will apply!

Penny War

I am so amazed at the amount of change that came in for the penny war!  I did not realize that these students were so competitive!  Today alone, we had over 4.000 pennies (yes! over $40.00 in pennies) collected!  Thank you for your generosity.  The money will go to supplying books to Arno Elementary students!

Happy March!    Happy Birthdays to out March Birthdays!

Congratulations to Owen for being an excellent role model for the month of February!  He was our February Super Cougar!  Today he enjoyed a pizza lunch with Mr. Zielinski and all of the other Super Cougars!

March is Reading Month!

Roll out the Red Carpet and Read!

This month we celebrate reading!  Here at Arno we will do a variety of fun reading activities! Students brought home a calendar with all of the events, today was “Dress like your favorite Dr. Suess/Book Character!  They looked adorable!  We had some Characters from the Cat in the Hat, Fly Guy, Harry Potter, and Charlotte’s Web!

Students should also be completing a “Star” Reading Log that was attached to the March is Reading Month Calendar of activities

On March 16th we will have an assembly with Author Chris Bak.  Today a Pink book order form came home.  You can order books, and have them autographed for your child!  It is very exciting to receive a book that is autographed by the author!   Please send in orders on, or before, March 16!

Math

We are wrapping up Chapter 7 – decimals.  It is great to see the students make a connection between fractions and decimals.  Students have also seem to feel more confident with the work they are completing.  We will review Monday and Tuesday and take the test on Wednesday, March 8!

Today we played a decimal matching game!  It helped the students compare fractions and decimals and see how they are related!

Weekly Math

This week’s Weekly math consists of 2 pages!  Both need to be turned in on Wednesday, March 9!

PBIS Reward

Congratulations to the students who earned the PBIS reward for the month of February!  On Wednesday we enjoyed playing board games during the day!

MobyMax contest

This month we are having a reading Contest on MobyMax!  Students can earn points by logging in and completing different reading activites in the following Categories:

• Reading Stories
• Reading Skills – Literature
• Reading Skills – Informational
• Vocabulary

Just head to https://www.mobymax.com/signin and begin the activities!  Students have their log-in information on the front cover of their planner!

Daddy-Daughter Dance

Information regarding the Daddy-Daughter Dance has been sent home.  If you are interested, be sure to get your R.S.V.P. on, or before, March 31!  There were will be no late responses accepted!

Weekly Math

Weekly Math due 3/2/17 (Lesson 5: Problem Solving: Multiply 2-Digit Numbers)

Daddy Daughter Dance

Information regarding the Daddy-Daughter Dance has been sent home.  If you are interested, be sure to get your R.S.V.P. on, or before, March 31!  There were will be no late responses accepted!

Daddy Daughter Dance Form

March is Reading Month 

In March we are going to “Roll out the red carpet and read…” for our Hollywood theme this year. There are so many fun activities planned for March is Reading Month, so please see the Information Letter and other documents below for details.  Hard copies of this information will be coming home on Monday!

2017 March Is Reading Month Parent Letter

2017 March is Reading Month Calendar

2017 March is Reading Month Challenge

We will be decorating our door for March is Reading Month.  We have to pick a book that is also a movie for the decorating.  I am hoping that 1-2 parents would be able to help brainstorm, and assist the students in the decorating process!  If you are interested, please let me know ASAP!

Bingo for Books

Please join in celebrating March is Reading month by participating in our Bingo for Books on March 9th.

Eat, play, socialize AND win books for readers of all ages.  Price is $5.00 per person. Only one BINGO card per player.  Reservations are necessary.

*Price includes 1 slice of pizza, 1 drink, 1 cookie

*Additional pizza costs $1.00 extra per slice.

We are asking that you pay for the food for your whole family ahead of time, including the extra slices of pizza.

Date: Thursday, March 9th

Time:

Session #1-Dinner 5:00-5:25, Bingo 5:30-6:00        

Session #2-Dinner 6:15-6:40, Bingo 6:40-7:10

Please click on the flyer below for more details. Hard copies of the flyer will be going home next Monday or Tuesday.

2017 Bingo for Books Flyer

I hope that you enjoy your Mid-Winter Break!  The weather is supposed to be beautiful this weekend!  I hope you all have a great weekend!

Weekly Math

Weekly Math due 2/16/17 (Lesson 29: Multiply 2-Digit Numbers with regrouping) Yes! Students are required to estimate. In addition to applying multiplication algorithms and showing accuracy, students will also be assessed on their ability to use place value to estimate.

Reading

As we are getting closer to the end of the month.  Please remember to get those reading logs completed!  They are due on February 28th!

Students seem to be enjoying their second round of Book Clubs.  It is great to watch them take ownership of their own learning, and discussing their books with one another!

Daddy Daughter Dance

Information regarding the Daddy-Daughter Dance went home last week.  If you are interested, be sure to get your R.S.V.P. on, or before, March 31!  There were will be no late responses accepted!

Spring Pictures

Spring Pictures will be taken on Thursday, March 2!  An order form came home with your child on Wednesday.  be sure to check it out for the information regarding what packages are available to purchase.  Students will only have their picture taken if they send in an order form.

You may also order online by going to this website: https://inter-state.com/shop

Math

Today we wrapped up our unit of Fractions with our Chapter 6 Test.  We will begin Chapter 7 on Monday.  There is a letter explaining the content that will be covered in Chapter 7 in your child’s Friday Folder.  Please look it over for information that may be helpful to you.  I have included a parent support video, and a clip I plan to show next week  that shows the relationship between fractions and decimals.

Chapter 7 Parent Letter

Weekly Math:

Every Friday your child should bring home a math practice paper. The math worksheet will be a review of concepts already covered in the classroom. Students should be able to do the work independently. However, if you notice your child is struggling with a concept, please help him/her. Math practice is due back on Thursday. If your child doesn’t return it by Thursday, he/she will receive a pink “missing/incomplete assignment” sticker for not being responsible and automatically miss Friday Rewards. Students who do not complete the work or meet grade level expectations will revisit the concepts during Friday Rewards.

Please Note:  This week’s math assignment is in their Friday Folders!  Please check there!

Daddy Daughter Dance

Girls received information about the Daddy-Daughter Dance in their Friday Folders.  RSVP’s are due before March 31 – No EXCEPTIONS!  Please look for this information and let me know if you need another flier sent home!

Anti-Bullying Assembly – Matt Wilhelm

On Monday we had an exciting assembly.  Matt Wilhelm is a World Famous BMX bike rider.  He has been seen on America’s Got Talent, and is even in the Guinness Book of World Records!  Matt dazzled us with his bike tricks, and told his story about being picked on as a child; and how important it was to have a good friend to support you!  He also talked about following your dream, even if you don’t succeed the first time around!  He had such insightful things to say, and the kids were really excited to hear what he had to say!  He even jumped his bike over Mr. Zielinski and Mr. Trionfi!!!

*Students were told multiple times, not to try these tricks at home! 🙂

Conferences

If I need to meet with you, I sent an email with a sign-up genius link.  If I requested to meet with you and you haven’t had a chance to sign up yet, please sign up for a time!  If you would like to meet, please sign up for a time!  Thank you!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409084aafa92fa3fc1-higgins1

Spirit Week!

This week was full of Spirit!  We have a great week dressing up with the various themes!  Today was exciting end to Spirit Week with the “Pie in your Face” Assembly.  I only got “pied” once!  Thanks Morgan!

Ice Cream Lunch

On Thursday, we had a lunch reward for the students who has 0-1 card flips for the 2nd card marking.  Our class was joined by Mrs. Kalis’ class!  We had lunch and popsicles, and lots of silliness!  Congratulations to those students who were responsible and turned in their homework on time!  Keep up the hard work!

Math

We will be finishing up Chapter 6 this week.  We will be taking the test on Thursday 2/9.  We will spend Monday-Wednesday reviewing the concepts that were covered.  Please be sure to help reinforce these concepts with your child at home!

Weekly Math

Weekly Math due 2/9/17 (Lesson 35: Multiply with Regrouping)

Hot Chocolate Reward

Congratulations to the following students who earned a hot chocolate-y treat by completing a reading log over Winter Break!  Caleb, Julia, Alex, Whitney, Brayden, Morgan, Owen, Brooklyn, Liam, Addison, Selena, Peyton, Jeran, and Keegan took time out over their Winter Break to to complete a Reading Challenge Log!  Way to go Guys!

ARNO SPIRIT WEEK (February 6th- February 10th)

On Monday we will begin Spirit Week!  For every day that student participate by dressing with the daily theme, they will earn a chance to “Pie” the teacher of their choice during Friday’s assembly.  Let’t see if Room 124 has School Spirit!!!  The students brought home a flier in their Friday Folders, but here are the daily themes, just in case you missed it!

Spiritwear (Monday)- Students may wear Arno or Allen Park spirit wear.

Pajamas (Tuesday)- Students may wear school appropriate pajamas.

Imaginative/Mix Up (Wednesday)- Students should dress creatively; mismatched.

Rainbow (Thursday)- Each grade level wears a t-shirt of a designated color.

K- red                3- green

1- orange           4- blue

2- yellow           5- purple

I

Teams (Friday)- Students may wear apparel supporting their favorite sports team.

Our Pie-in-the-Face assembly will take place on Friday. One spirit ticket will be pulled from each classroom bucket. Then, grade level buckets will be combined for a bonus ticket pull per grade level.  Hope to see you all wearing your AP/Arno Clothing on Monday!!!

Congratulations to our January Super Cougar!

Congratualtions to Brayden for being respectful, responsible, and safe!  He has been an excellent role model for his classmates!  Way to go, Brayden!

The following students earned a certificate in Media-Lit for returning their library books 100% of the time!  How fantastic!

Also congratulations to our Arno Olympic Medalist from Room 124!

Jorja – Gold Medal

Jeran – Silver Medal

Liam – Bronze Medal!

We are officially halfway through the school year!  Please be sure to check your child’s planner each evening and make sure that they are staying on top of their assignments.  This is ultimately their responsibility, but they are still learning to prioritize assignments and manage their workload, so they may need some assistance!  Because we are halfway through the year and diligently trying to prepare the students for 5th grade, I will no longer be accepting missing assignments that are more than 2 weeks late!

Also, please be sure to check into the Parent Connect on MiStar!  It is a wonderful resource to let you and your child know what their grades are!  You will see their grades as they are updated!  This week I have showed some of the students how just one missing assignment can really hurt their overall letter grade!  If you do not have log-in information yet, please let me know, and I will help you get this set up!

Report Cards will be coming home next week in the Friday Folders!  Be sure to look for them!  After reviewing the report card, please sign the envelope for the 2nd card marking and return the envelope to school with your child; the report card is yours to keep!  There will also be a sign-up genius link that will be emailed to you regarding conferences.

Weekly Math

Weekly Math due 2/2/17 (Lesson 33: Area Models and Partial Products)

Science – Stream Water Demonstration

This Tuesday we had an exciting experience come to Arno!  Fourth Graders at Arno were were selected to have members of the University of Michigan’s Museum of Natural History come to demonstrate weathering and erosion concepts and how they affect our world!  Students were able to design and build their city in the stream table.  They created cities, roads, and had to plan to keep the city safe in case of a flood!  They explored how to use different materials to re-route waterways, and how to protect the community from erosion!  It was an awesome experiecnce!  A huge thank you to Mrs. Solak for writing the grant so we could have this experience!

Zumba – PBIS Reward

Today students participated in the January PBIS reward – ZUMBA!!!  Most everyone enjoyed showing off their dance moves!  Way to go!  Keep up the awesome job of being respectful, responsible and safe!

Arno Fun Fair

Advanced Tickets

Basket Raffle

Many thanks to those of you who selected donations for our 4th grade basket. I have never had a signup genius donation list fulfilled in that short of time! We are asking that all donations be sent to school no later than Monday, January 30th. Thank you in advance for your support and generosity. Below is the signup if you needed to view or make changes.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4eaaac2ea4f94-fourth1

January Birthdays!

Happy Birthday to our January Birthdays!

Valentines Day

Valentines Day is quickly approaching!  We will be having a small celebration in class on Tuesday, February 14.  If you would like to send in Valentines for your child to pass out to the class you may do so.  We have 27 students!  I will be sending home a class list for names, and a sign-up genius link for donations for a party soon.  I do not know if any food allergies.  Please remember if you do send in Valentines to be sure to include one for everybody in the class!

Weekly Math

Book Clubs

We will be starting another round of book clubs.  Students will be working on Reading tasks throughout the week.  Once a week, I will meet with each group; during this meeting students will demonstrate their understanding of the story, and turn in their tasks from the previous week.  The idea of books clubs allows students to take an ownership of their learning, while collaborating with their classmates to help comprehend the reading.

These are the books we are reading:

• Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan
• The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
• Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar
• Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
• Stone Fox by John reynolds Gardiner
• Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

Biography Reports

Students did a great job!  I thought that I put the grading sheets in their Friday Folders, but While I was organizing my papers on my desk, I found them!  Oops!  The grades have been updated on the Parent Connect Portal, and I will make sure that the grading sheets go home next week!  I apologize for any inconvenience!

Science Quiz – Chapter 2

Students will have a quiz on Chapter 2 in the Life Science books this Thursday, January 26!  A Chapter Review/Study Guide will come home on Monday!  Please be sure to help your child study review this information to study for the test!  It will be the last grade before the second marking period ends!

 January Scholastic Reading Club Orders

Students brought home Scholastic Book Order for January in their Friday Folders.  This is a great opportunity to order reading materials for your child as well support our classroom. You can fill out the order form and return it to school with your child, or you can click on the link below to order online.

• VISIT  http://scholastic.com/readingclub
• ENTER the one-time Class Activation Code: M8CBH
• SHOP from a carefully curated selection of the best books and value packs
• SUBMIT your order and earn FREE Books for our classroom

If you order includes a gift, please let me know so  we can make arrangements when the books come in.

End of the 2nd Marking Period

The 2nd Quarter ends on Friday January 27.  You will be receiving your child’s report card the following Friday in their Friday Folder.  If you are checking the Parent Connect portal there shouldn’t be any surprises, but as always if you have any questions, please let me know!   Speaking of Parent Connect, if you still do not have access to the online portal to view your child’s grades, please let me so know we can get you all set up!  It allows you to check the grades as they are posted, so you can help hold your children responsible for turning in their work!

More information will follow regarding conferences.  They will be help February 15th and 16th in the evenings.

Reading with Dr. Hall

Where has the time gone?  I cannot believe that it is January already!

This week we have talked about “Resolutions,” and why many people make them around this time of the year.   The students in Room 124 have resolved to get better grades, and turn in their homework!  So far this week, we have made it 3 days without out a missing assignment!  I will keep you posted on the countdown next week!  Hopefully this trend continues.

Biography Reports

Students should have read their report and be putting the finishing touches on their project!  These are due Tuesday, January 17!!!  They will have to bring their Poster OR Puppet to school and be prepared to share the report with the class!

Weekly Math

Weekly Math due 1/19/17 (Lesson 13: Algebra- Number Patterns)

Field Trip to AP Center for the Arts

Today the students have brought home permission slips for a field trip.  On Thursday, January 19th, Arno fourth and fifth graders have the opportunity to attend a play at the Allen Park Center for the Arts, which is located by the high school.  The High School students will be putting on a show for us.  I am very excited to see their production!

There will be no cost for this trip, however a slip will need to be signed and returned.  Please get these permission slips signed and returned by Wednesday January 18, 2017.

APCA Play Permission Slip

January Scholastic Reading Club Orders

Students brought home Scholastic Book Order for January in their Friday Folders.  This is a great opportunity to order reading materials for your child as well support our classroom. You can fill out the order form and return it to school with your child, or you can click on the link below to order online.

• VISIT  http://scholastic.com/readingclub
• ENTER the one-time Class Activation Code: M8CBH
• SHOP from a carefully curated selection of the best books and value packs
• SUBMIT your order and earn FREE Books for our classroom

If you order includes a gift, please let me know so  we can make arrangements when the books come in.

End of the 2nd Marking Period

Progress Reports were sent home before Winter Break.  I’m afraid to say it because I don’t want to jinx anything, but this year (2017) the class has been doing a great job being responsible and turning in their work!!!    Please be sure to check your child’s planner and help them stay responsible by completing their homework at home!

The 2nd Quarter ends on Friday January 27.  You will be receiving your child’s report card the following Friday in their Friday Folder.  If you are checking the Parent Connect portal there shouldn’t be any surprises, but as always if you have any questions, please let me know!   Speaking of Parent Connect, if you still do not have access to the online portal to view your child’s grades, please let me so know we can get you all set up!  It allows you to check the grades as they are posted, so you can help hold your children responsible for turning in their work!

More information will follow regarding conferences.  They will be help February 15th and 16th in the evenings.