April 25, 2024

Dear Parents,

Happy Thursday!! Well, we are down to 21 days left of school. It is so hard to believe we are here already. I received my end of the year folder yesterday, which seems crazy. It is our folder of items that need to be completed before we can leave at the end of the year. I am usually one of the last people to check out for the summer. I usually do some extra cleaning and clearing out things in my room. I find it easier to do this at the end of the year than at the beginning.

Language Arts

We have begun reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. We have covered the first 5 chapters so far. This has taken us to the "Golden Ticket" chapter. The students have been asked to design a golden ticket. I have golden paper for them to put it on after they practice their design. I am waiting for paper to arrive at my house but it has not showed up yet. They need to have their practice done for tomorrow and then I will give them the paper to copy it to tomorrow. I plan on reading chapter 6 tomorrow and doing the corresponding pages in the packet for these chapters.

We are also still working on our personal narrative. We are walking through all the steps to complete this paper. Today they are writing their draft of the story. Tomorrow we will focus on the closing then begin typing it into the computer. I hope to have this all finished by the end of next week.

Math

We have been working on the standard algorithm or long division this week. They are struggling! We find it simple but it is a super hard thing to teach. We just have to keep practicing. I have tried different things with them. Some of them just forget the process and get stuck not knowing what to do next. I have the steps written on the board: 1) Divide 2) Multiply 3) subtract 4) Bring down. I have taught them a cheer or chant to help them remember the steps in order. If you are struggling working with your child on this homework, send them into school early and I can help them.

Social Studies

We are finishing up this chapter. Tomorrow I am giving them a study guide to study for a test on Monday. We are doing this differently. I am giving them the completed study guide. We will go over each question together and they will have the weekend to study. We will see how this goes. Then we will move on into the Unit on the Southwest Region. I don't cover all the lessons but we do what is important. This test next week will be their last Social Studies test.

Earth Day Clean-Up

The Clean-up day has been moved to Tuesday, April 30th due to the prediction of weather tomorrow. 4th graders are supposed to bring rakes that day. It is a great day to teach them how to take care of God's creation. A lot of the time I have to give raking lessons to begin the time. I am always amazed at how wonderful the school grounds look after this day.

Glow Run

May 2nd is the Glow Run during their PE class. The kids are to wear clothing that will glow in florescent lighting. Please, check your fundraising page for the due date of the donations for this event.

Spirit Day

Tomorrow Friday the 26th is a Spirit Day. The kids can pay $1.00 to wear sweats or wear a hat. This money always goes to a good cause. We appreciate all the donations we get.

This weekend sounds like a wet one for sure. I am spending the weekend with my pregnant daughter. We have a baby shower in Omaha on Sunday. I am going up on Saturday to hang out with her and stay there. I am only looking forward to summer because of the baby. I am so excited to be a Grandma. I am counting down the days,

God Bless,

Mrs. Sickels