Dear Parents,
     Happy Thursday!!  What a rainy yucky week!!!  I want some sun and warmth!  Please check the folder for a letter about the 4th grade annual field trip.  We will be heading to Boone, Iowa, to ride the Boone Scenic Valley Railroad.  It is a fun trip.  It is great to learn about the history of trains in Iowa and their importance.  We also travel over the "High Bridge"  which in the highest single track bridge.  It is not the Kate Shelley Bridge. That is a different one that is linked to this train line but we don't go over that one. I am in need of a couple of drivers for this trip.  Please email or text me if you are interested and I will send the proper forms home for you to fill out.  This is a first come first serve basis. Please fill out permission form and return.

Math - This week we have been covering a little bit of geometry that I saved until we learned about double-digit multiplication.  We have learned perimeter, area, and volume all this week.  I have given examples and demonstrated its meaning with manipulatives.  We also paid close attention on how to label each one.  This is where "square units", and "cubic units" come into play.  We will begin our division chapter starting tomorrow.  Please work on those division flash cards!!!

Language Arts - This week our story is called Museums Worlds of Wonder.  It is an informational piece telling us about 5 different museums in the United States and what they have to offer.  It is an interesting story because we learned some pretty cool facts about different places we might like to visit.  Spelling words focused on three syllable words and the grammar was on possessive pronouns.  We discussed advertisements and what their purpose is.  The students are working on an advertisement on a museum they have been to or an imaginary museum of their own making.  We also read a photo essay on recycling.

Social Studies -  We picked our last state and project this week.  I will send due dates home with the students today or tomorrow.  They will be due from the 16th through the 23rd.  We are learning about the Southwest rather quickly.  The lessons with these states are not very long.  We have talked about the varied climate the region has.  We also focused on the Grand Canyon and what it had to offer.  They seemed to enjoy the video I showed of the Grand Canyon.  My favorite part is the park ranger that guides you to the bottom while your are riding a burro.  He has a great sense of humor.  It is something I would like to try.

I am amazed that we are all ready in the last month of school.  I know this is a very busy time for all of us.  Please keep in mind this last month is just as important as any other month in their 4th grade year.  Please continue to encourage the importance of getting homework completed neatly and on time!!  As always, thank you for sharing your child with me.  Have a great weekend!!

God Bless, 
Mrs. Sickels