Hello!!! Welcome to 4th grade!!!
     I am so excited about starting a new year.  I am looking forward to working with your child!!  Thank you for sharing your precious gem with me!  I think we have had a great first couple of days.  The class has been rather quiet, which is normal in the beginning of the year.  I know this will change so I will just enjoy it!  So far no homework!! I have been working on assessing your kids to see where they are in Language Arts and Math so I know what direction I need to go with them.  I did give them an extra recess today just to get outside and wake up.  I hope this blog is helpful in keeping you posted on things we are doing in class and fun things we may do throughout the year.  If you have any questions or concerns for me shoot me an email at msickels@crestonstmalachy.org  or call the school 641-782-7125.  I am available most mornings 7:45 - 8:10 then again 8:30-9:00.  Also at the end of the day 3:15-3:45.

Language Arts -  This first few days I am assessing the kids on what they retained from last year and what areas they struggle in, so I know where to begin work with them.  We took half of the test today and will finish tomorrow.   I also gave them a diagnostic spelling test to see how well they spell.  Next week I will begin the first story of the Unit with them, which is called Because of Winn Dixie.  It is a story from a book right off my book shelf written by Kate DiCamillo.  They will enjoy it. You will begin to see homework next week.

Math - I am very excited about our new math series!!  The math series is based on Iowa Core.  This means I will be teaching the students all the standards and benchmarks that are aligned with Iowa Core.  I will use the same strategies to teach the material to the students that I have been using.  I love the way this book progresses through the year.  We took half of a diagnostic test today, this test will tell me what they retained from last year.  Keep in mind this is based on if the students had learned from this series.  It will really tell me what area they really don't know and what I need to focus on.  We will take a  beginning of the year test next week which is based on what they are going to learn this year.  This will let me know the weak areas that I may need to slow down and allow time for students to absorb new  concepts. 

Science and Religion - Just a reminder that your child will go to Ms Surma for Religion class and Mrs. Burg for Science.  I am in charge of 3-5 Social Studies.  This is the same as last year.  Any questions about these two classes, please feel free to contact them.

Again I am looking forward to a great year full of fun and LOTS of learning.  Have a great weekend!

God Bless,
Mrs. Sickels