Dear Parents,
Happy Thursday!! What a week of weather. Nice warm days then BOOM here comes the rain and cold! This is not good weather for track meets that is for sure. I may be a little cold today. Behaviors have not been as bad this week. I am hoping some of you questioned your child about being kind. I am struggling with April being over and May beginning. It's always a crazy push for the rest of the year. I can't believe the end is near. I guess not only my last month with your kids but also the last for my oldest in High School! Hard to believe they are college bound. Let's enjoy the last month!!!
Language Arts - This week we have been using our class time to read in our book report books. We also have taken the Unit 5 test. I have also been reading to them from The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. This is a book I had read to me when I was in 4th grade. It won the Newbery Medal in 1968. It is a very good book about 2 kids that run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. They live in the suburb of Greenwich, New Jersey. I know it is a book about running away but we try not to focus too much on that part and more about the adventure and mystery of the trip. I also talk about how scary it would be and that is why this book is fiction. The prices of things are so much cheaper back then, we discuss the differences of then to now. Next Tuesday, I would like to start our Charlie and the Chocolate Factory books. If you have a copy please send it to school. If you don't and want your child to use their Kindle, Nook, Ipod, Ipad or other device, as of today the book is $7.99 on Amazon. One year we caught it just right it was only $1.99. No such luck this year. I have about 15 copies of the book for students. We can share them if necessary. We will read through and apply some of the things we have learned this year in Language Arts. We will have questions to answer and small projects to complete. The favorite is completing a golden ticket. I am looking forward to this book.
Math - We are finishing up correcting our tests and then the plan is to move onto the division chapter. We may not do every lesson in this chapter. We will do what is necessary to fulfill my requirements. I hope to begin that chapter tomorrow. Today we will finish up corrections.
Social Studies - We are moving through the Midwest region. I am covering the first chapter then for the 2nd half of the Midwest we are going to do some work on some Puzzle pages to require them to do some research on the State looking for certain things. The things they have to find are all very good items to know about the states. I plan to put together a packet for them to complete with partners or groups of 3. We will utilize the computer lab for that. I think they will find this a lot of fun.
Lap-a-thon- The weather has not been very conducive to our best fundraiser. The Lap-a-thon was to take place today but rain has held it off. We will be doing it on Monday. The 4th grade will run their laps from 8:45-9:45 in the morning. I told the kids to dress in layers and bring a 2nd pair of shoes and socks. IF ground is wet their shoes will be wet and socks will be damp. We don't want wet feet all day 1) they will stink and 2) it's just plain uncomfortable. I also suggested they wear layers. The morning shift is usually still very chilly. They need to also bring in a water bottle.
Music Program - Reminder that the Music Program is next Wendesday, May 4th in the High School Auditorium. We will have dress rehearsal on this Monday also. We will leave the school about 10:15 and be back around 11:40. This will allow enough time to run through the program so kids know where they are going and what needs to be done. Please be sure to fill out permission form for your child to ride the bus over to High School. You should have that in today's folder. Please sign and return tomorrow!
I hope all of you have a great weekend!!
God Bless,
Mrs. Sickels
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Dear Parents,
Happy Thursday!! I feel like this has been a completely crazy week!! It was a short one but over before I knew it. Behaviors this week definitely reflect a full moon!! I have had to have conversations about being kind and respectful to others. I am not seeing some very kind behaviors right now. I am not sure if it is because they are bombarded with soccer, baseball, dance, or other things that keep them very busy and they are tired but I have witnessed "Mean" things this week. I would just like if you talked about being kind with your student. I am watching them very closely and will let you know if your child is exhibiting these behaviors and I feel it is effecting others. We have such a short period of time left I don't want anyone to ruin the end to our year!
Language Arts - We read a short story called "The Fun They Had". It was a science fiction story set in the future. It was showing what teachers and learning was like in like 2157. The kids find a book from the past and think it is waste of paper and space because the words are not on a screen moving. It was interesting to think about someone's perspective of the future and education. This class doesn't think they want to be taught that way. In Grammar this week we talked about capitalization in titles, ending punctuation, and commas in compound sentences. We also talked about some word parts and their meanings (therm, aud, fac, meter). We had a crazy day today with our author visit. We took our spelling post test but didn't get to the end of the week assessment. We will read the story and take that test on Monday. I told the kids to study their vocabulary words again over the weekend.
Math - We began the test over chapter 13 today. Some finished but there are others who need more time. We will finish that up on Monday. I feel like they have a pretty good handle of what area and perimeter are and how to find them, but I guess the test will tell me the truth. Next topic will be division.
Social Studies - We took a test on Monday. I had people finishing up corrections today. I will get those tests back to the students next week for a parent signature. They all did very well. The maps were excellent!!! I feel like a few need to work on those capitals but they have the map down! That is awesome. We are beginning the Midwest states. They have worked on some vocabulary words for this chapter all ready. Next week we will dig into the chapter. We will discuss how the Great Lakes were formed and also the Badlands. It is an interesting chapter.
I will be gone next Tuesday. I am attending BizzTown with the 5th graders. I have had a hand in teacher them some pieces of the Bizztown curriculum so I get to go see what this day is all about. I am excited. We have had some fun learning life skills and about our economic system in the United States. Ms. Surma hopes to return next Wednesday. I hope everyone enjoys a nice long weekend!! It's DANCE RECITAL at our house!! I will be glad when the weekend is over. I am thankful Molly is older and doesn't need me as much!!
God Bless,
Mrs. Sickels
Happy Thursday!! I feel like this has been a completely crazy week!! It was a short one but over before I knew it. Behaviors this week definitely reflect a full moon!! I have had to have conversations about being kind and respectful to others. I am not seeing some very kind behaviors right now. I am not sure if it is because they are bombarded with soccer, baseball, dance, or other things that keep them very busy and they are tired but I have witnessed "Mean" things this week. I would just like if you talked about being kind with your student. I am watching them very closely and will let you know if your child is exhibiting these behaviors and I feel it is effecting others. We have such a short period of time left I don't want anyone to ruin the end to our year!
Language Arts - We read a short story called "The Fun They Had". It was a science fiction story set in the future. It was showing what teachers and learning was like in like 2157. The kids find a book from the past and think it is waste of paper and space because the words are not on a screen moving. It was interesting to think about someone's perspective of the future and education. This class doesn't think they want to be taught that way. In Grammar this week we talked about capitalization in titles, ending punctuation, and commas in compound sentences. We also talked about some word parts and their meanings (therm, aud, fac, meter). We had a crazy day today with our author visit. We took our spelling post test but didn't get to the end of the week assessment. We will read the story and take that test on Monday. I told the kids to study their vocabulary words again over the weekend.
Math - We began the test over chapter 13 today. Some finished but there are others who need more time. We will finish that up on Monday. I feel like they have a pretty good handle of what area and perimeter are and how to find them, but I guess the test will tell me the truth. Next topic will be division.
Social Studies - We took a test on Monday. I had people finishing up corrections today. I will get those tests back to the students next week for a parent signature. They all did very well. The maps were excellent!!! I feel like a few need to work on those capitals but they have the map down! That is awesome. We are beginning the Midwest states. They have worked on some vocabulary words for this chapter all ready. Next week we will dig into the chapter. We will discuss how the Great Lakes were formed and also the Badlands. It is an interesting chapter.
I will be gone next Tuesday. I am attending BizzTown with the 5th graders. I have had a hand in teacher them some pieces of the Bizztown curriculum so I get to go see what this day is all about. I am excited. We have had some fun learning life skills and about our economic system in the United States. Ms. Surma hopes to return next Wednesday. I hope everyone enjoys a nice long weekend!! It's DANCE RECITAL at our house!! I will be glad when the weekend is over. I am thankful Molly is older and doesn't need me as much!!
God Bless,
Mrs. Sickels
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Dear Parents,
Happy Thursday!! What a week!! It had been Iowa Assessment Week!! We have been working hard and definitely enjoying our morning snack! Most kids are all ready whining about next week and no snacks! I also tried to point out and NO tests! It has been a long week! I love that the weather is finally turning things around. I am looking forward to my track meet tonight in the nice weather.
Language Arts - We have spent all week on this so No language Arts! I did assign the final book report to them! They need to be looking for a book and begin reading so they have plenty of time to do the project. This one requires a little bit more work. Covering a shoe box with paper and and creating a scene on the inside. They shouldn't wait too long to get started.
Math - We have continued working on Math this week. We have focused this week on finding the missing length on a rectangle if given the perimeter or Area. Yes, this is tough stuff. This is Algebra stuff. They acted like it was easy until they began working on it on their own. Then they had questions. We will also do the problem solving section and then we will review for a test!! So probably looking at a test next week in Math over Chapter 13.
Social Studies - We worked on a study guide for Chapter 7 this week. We will correct the study guide today and take a test tomorrow. Remember they need to know their states and capitals. Also need to be sure they can label the map of the Southeast region.
Ms. Surma - Just to let you know Ms. Surma's mother Grace passed way on Tuesday at 4:30 in the afternoon. I saw her Tuesday evening and she was doing very well. Her mother had had a very long hard week in the hospital so it was truly a blessing. The funeral is set for Saturday, April 23rd with the visitation the night before. It is Porter's Funeral Home in Rock Valley, IA and the funeral mass will be at St. Mary's which is also in Rock Valley. We continue to pray for her and her family as they begin arriving from Pennsylvania and California.
I hope all of you enjoy the weekend ahead. Sounds like the weather is to be very enjoyable!!! We are off to Iowa city for my great niece's 2nd birthday party!
God Bless,
Mrs. Sickels
Happy Thursday!! What a week!! It had been Iowa Assessment Week!! We have been working hard and definitely enjoying our morning snack! Most kids are all ready whining about next week and no snacks! I also tried to point out and NO tests! It has been a long week! I love that the weather is finally turning things around. I am looking forward to my track meet tonight in the nice weather.
Language Arts - We have spent all week on this so No language Arts! I did assign the final book report to them! They need to be looking for a book and begin reading so they have plenty of time to do the project. This one requires a little bit more work. Covering a shoe box with paper and and creating a scene on the inside. They shouldn't wait too long to get started.
Math - We have continued working on Math this week. We have focused this week on finding the missing length on a rectangle if given the perimeter or Area. Yes, this is tough stuff. This is Algebra stuff. They acted like it was easy until they began working on it on their own. Then they had questions. We will also do the problem solving section and then we will review for a test!! So probably looking at a test next week in Math over Chapter 13.
Social Studies - We worked on a study guide for Chapter 7 this week. We will correct the study guide today and take a test tomorrow. Remember they need to know their states and capitals. Also need to be sure they can label the map of the Southeast region.
Ms. Surma - Just to let you know Ms. Surma's mother Grace passed way on Tuesday at 4:30 in the afternoon. I saw her Tuesday evening and she was doing very well. Her mother had had a very long hard week in the hospital so it was truly a blessing. The funeral is set for Saturday, April 23rd with the visitation the night before. It is Porter's Funeral Home in Rock Valley, IA and the funeral mass will be at St. Mary's which is also in Rock Valley. We continue to pray for her and her family as they begin arriving from Pennsylvania and California.
I hope all of you enjoy the weekend ahead. Sounds like the weather is to be very enjoyable!!! We are off to Iowa city for my great niece's 2nd birthday party!
God Bless,
Mrs. Sickels
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Dear Parents,
Happy Thursday!! I hope all of you are having a great week. It is a very tiring one here. Two track meets in a week is wearing on me and I am not sure why. Prom is this weekend so it will be very busy. I have family from Des Moines and Iowa City coming in to stay with me. I am excited because my great niece and great nephew are also staying at my house. That will keep me completely occupied!
The kids have all been full of energy this week. I have had to take a few minutes off recess because they have been loud and talkative. We are having a better end to the week.
Language Arts- This week we read a story called Owen & Mzee (Mzay). It was a fun story about an animal sanctuary and two very different animals coming together to form a very special bond. Owen is a hippopotamus and Mzee is a tortoise, a very old one. The Hippo is scared and finds solace with the tortoise. These animals are actually very famous because it is such an odd relationship. You can put the names into google and find articles and pictures about them. The kids found this fun to read about. Also, there are 3 authors and one of them is a 6 year old girl. That also interested the students. We have talked about comma rules this week in grammar. Students should study their vocabulary words and also the use of suffixes -ed and -ly for the assessment tomorrow. Also, don't forget spelling words!!
Math- In Math we are finishing up a Mid-Chapter checkpoint over perimeter and area. Our next lesson will cover missing sides. Meaning I will tell the students what the perimeter or area is and then tell them one side and they will have to find out what the missing side it. This is an algebra topic. Once I teach it to them and they get it, I will tell them they are doing algebra. They love it when I do this. After that lesson we will get ready for a test over chapter 13. I told you it would be short chapter!! Again next we dive into division.
Social Studies- We are getting ready to take a test. We will finish this chapter Friday and Monday and will plan on taking a test next week. I know it is Iowa Assessment week but you can't study for those and they can study for this one. I need to keep us moving or I will never get through all regions. This test will require them to label a map with Southeast states and they will also need to list capitals. Let's start reviewing these! Next chapter will begin the Midwest. They love this because it is where we live.
Ms. Surma - I just wanted to let you know. Ms. Surma's mother was life flighted from our hospital Wednesday morning to Methodist in Des Moines. She has pneumonia and has a hard time with it. It hits her fast and hard. This is the third time she has had it. The first two times landed her in the hospital for several days. Ms. Surma is kind of her primary care giver so she is out the rest of this week and depending on how her mom is, probably part of next week. We ask that you keep her mom and the entire family in your prayers for a speedy and full recovery.
I hope all of you have a great weekend!! Make sure we are gearing up for Iowa Assessments next week. Pointers for you are to make sure your student is getting some good sleep, and make sure they are eating breakfast. Also be sure you child has a couple wooden #2 pencils. We don't want any issues with pencils so wooden #2 is what I am requesting. They will get snacks from the PTO 3 days next week. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday the students will be provided with a nice break from testing and a treat. It gives them a little time to socialize also. This hopefully keeps them focused on the test, which are very important. The teachers use this data to make many decisions about instruction and what kids we need to pay closer attention to. All we ask is that each student do their very BEST!!!
God Bless,
Mrs. Sickels
Happy Thursday!! I hope all of you are having a great week. It is a very tiring one here. Two track meets in a week is wearing on me and I am not sure why. Prom is this weekend so it will be very busy. I have family from Des Moines and Iowa City coming in to stay with me. I am excited because my great niece and great nephew are also staying at my house. That will keep me completely occupied!
The kids have all been full of energy this week. I have had to take a few minutes off recess because they have been loud and talkative. We are having a better end to the week.
Language Arts- This week we read a story called Owen & Mzee (Mzay). It was a fun story about an animal sanctuary and two very different animals coming together to form a very special bond. Owen is a hippopotamus and Mzee is a tortoise, a very old one. The Hippo is scared and finds solace with the tortoise. These animals are actually very famous because it is such an odd relationship. You can put the names into google and find articles and pictures about them. The kids found this fun to read about. Also, there are 3 authors and one of them is a 6 year old girl. That also interested the students. We have talked about comma rules this week in grammar. Students should study their vocabulary words and also the use of suffixes -ed and -ly for the assessment tomorrow. Also, don't forget spelling words!!
Math- In Math we are finishing up a Mid-Chapter checkpoint over perimeter and area. Our next lesson will cover missing sides. Meaning I will tell the students what the perimeter or area is and then tell them one side and they will have to find out what the missing side it. This is an algebra topic. Once I teach it to them and they get it, I will tell them they are doing algebra. They love it when I do this. After that lesson we will get ready for a test over chapter 13. I told you it would be short chapter!! Again next we dive into division.
Social Studies- We are getting ready to take a test. We will finish this chapter Friday and Monday and will plan on taking a test next week. I know it is Iowa Assessment week but you can't study for those and they can study for this one. I need to keep us moving or I will never get through all regions. This test will require them to label a map with Southeast states and they will also need to list capitals. Let's start reviewing these! Next chapter will begin the Midwest. They love this because it is where we live.
Ms. Surma - I just wanted to let you know. Ms. Surma's mother was life flighted from our hospital Wednesday morning to Methodist in Des Moines. She has pneumonia and has a hard time with it. It hits her fast and hard. This is the third time she has had it. The first two times landed her in the hospital for several days. Ms. Surma is kind of her primary care giver so she is out the rest of this week and depending on how her mom is, probably part of next week. We ask that you keep her mom and the entire family in your prayers for a speedy and full recovery.
I hope all of you have a great weekend!! Make sure we are gearing up for Iowa Assessments next week. Pointers for you are to make sure your student is getting some good sleep, and make sure they are eating breakfast. Also be sure you child has a couple wooden #2 pencils. We don't want any issues with pencils so wooden #2 is what I am requesting. They will get snacks from the PTO 3 days next week. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday the students will be provided with a nice break from testing and a treat. It gives them a little time to socialize also. This hopefully keeps them focused on the test, which are very important. The teachers use this data to make many decisions about instruction and what kids we need to pay closer attention to. All we ask is that each student do their very BEST!!!
God Bless,
Mrs. Sickels
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