Wrapping Up November

 

Goodbye, November! Hello, December!

Though there are still a few weeks left before the semester is over, I wanted to extend a thank you all for a wonderful first semester of fourth grade. Despite the challenges of quarantines, our fourth graders have maintained a positive attitude and an incredible work ethic. Thank you for supporting them at home. I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving and are able to look forward to a relaxing winter break full of family and rest. 

Where We've Been
November has been a very busy month in our class! We've started and finished a unit on multiplication, we've learned about the fossil hunter Mary Anning and earthquakes, and we have transitioned from a science focus to a social studies emphasis. We're starting to dig deep into the cultures of the ancient Maya, Inca, and Aztec people.

Where We're Going
As we finish up this first semester, we will be working hard on our division skills and some geometry. Our social studies unit on ancient Central and South American cultures will continue, and we'll begin our new literature study called Race to the Moonrise by archeologist and author Sally Crum.

Traveling Folders and Report Cards/Portfolios
Expect Traveling Folders to come home later this week and portfolios and report cards to go home the week we return from winter break. If you missed them a few weeks ago, please take a peek at the other assignments as well before signing them and returning them to school.

Other "Stuff"
Please help students remember water bottles for school each day or to keep at their desk for the week. There are no drinking fountains available and I'm running low on my "loaner" water bottles. If you'd be interested in donating old water bottles you have around the house, we'd gladly take some. Thank you so much! 

Homework has felt a "low priority" this year, and it is doubtful we will have any before winter break. If you're interested in helping out with school work at home, practicing multiplication facts to build fluency is a huge help in fourth grade math. Also, don't forget to have your child read each day or show you the skills they've been working on in math.

Upcoming Dates to Remember
Thursday, December 9 - Early Release For Students
Tuesday, December 14 - Gov Board Mtg
Friday, December 17 - End of 2nd QTR
Monday, December 20- Friday, December 31 - Winter Break
Monday, January 3 - Begin 2nd Semester!  Hello 2022!!