Newsletter from June 5- June 15th

Ms. Hewitt’s Fourth Grade Class Newsletter  

Sunday, June 5th, 2016

Good Evening Guardians and Students,

We have one exciting and busy week! Read carefully so you do not miss anything!

On Monday students will be performing their play titled,  "Villains in the Goldfields"

• Students will perform on the outdoor stage after lunch at 12:45 to about 1:20.
• You are welcome to attend! I will provide some time for group photos.
• Students are asked to wear their uniform to school and bring their pioneer day costumes to change into.

Tuesday is - PIONEER DAY!

It's finally here! Some reminders from the previously shared presentation:

• Pioneer Day is an extended day and runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Students and volunteers will wear their pioneer costume to school. Please refer to the presentation for specifics about costumes if needed.
• Students and volunteers need to bring water, a sack lunch and wear sunscreen. Bring any sort of  bag to carry their materials from stations.
• Students will report to the outdoor stage in the morning. Parents can pick up from the parking lot, or the cafeteria if you want to come a little early and join the fun!

Here is the presentation for your reference.

Thank you to the many parents who signed up to make this day special for our 4th graders!

Thursday students will be able to experience coding and will play with the neatest robot around, DASH!

Friday we will show the “Always Changing Video” and Lesson On Friday, June 10th boys and girls will be divided into different classrooms and will learn about the changes that happen during puberty. There will be a parent screening for both videos on Wednesday, June 1 at 6 p.m. If you haven't already done so, please return the permission slip that went home a couple weeks ago, indicating your preference about your child's participation in this lesson.

Monday, June 13th

• Pack up our classroom for PW.
• Closing memories and activities as a class.

Tuesday, June 14th 4th grade awards assembly at 8:30 AM. Look forward to celebrating students growth! 4th Grade End of Year Celebration -- Afternoon at the Movies! We celebrate the end of year by allowing 4th graders to choose from different movies screening in each of the fourth grade classrooms on the afternoon of June 14th. If you would like, parents can contribute snacks to complete our movie viewing experience. Thank you for signing up here if you would like to donate items. Wednesday, June 15th

Last Day of School: Field Day: Specifically, we are seeking 30 volunteers for the event on Wednesday, June 15th.  We ask that volunteers arrive at 8:30 a.m. and plan to stay until dismissal (minimum day schedule). Most volunteers will be assisting a station as 4th grade leaders will be running the stations this year.  A few parent volunteers will act as floaters to help as needed. We are also in need of a few donation items.  Please use this link to sign up and help out.  Thank you for all that you do to support your student and our Westlake community. I will hand you student report cards on this day as part of our checkout system. 8th Grade Promotion - Wednesday, June 15th - 4:00 pm

Language Arts

• No spelling or vocabulary this week.  
• Reading: We will finish By the Great Horn Spoon this week.
• AR points are due on Monday and will calculate their average overall % and new AR GE.
• I will also finish their fluency and grades will be finalized by Thursday this week.

Math

Math Challenge-

Next 8 days students will continue working on completing levels on Front Row to prepare for 5th grade. If they do not complete these levels I will encourage all students to do so over summer to ensure they are best prepare for 5th grade. Encourage your children at home to complete Front Row levels every night for at least 20 minutes.

Encourage your children to utilize our many math resources XtraMath,  Mangahigh our school ID is 67993,  McGraw Hill, Front Row, and Prodigy!

Science with Mrs. Miksit

Robot Building Supplies Needed!

Your children will be building small robots as part of our energy investigation, and they will need supplies you may already have around your home. Please contribute what you can - students will work in teams to build their robots:

• any empty small plastic containers (yogurt, fruit cups, etc.)
• empty water bottles with lids
• corks, twist ties, popsicle sticks
• empty glue sticks and lids
• rubber bands, clothes pins
• rolls of 3/4" masking
• tape
• strawberry baskets
• small plastic spoons
• other small plastic containers or lids not mentioned above

Art

Check out Ms. Jackson's website to see what's currently happening in art. Tons of neat pictures of students work!

Campus Culture Videos

Each month Westlake celebrates a core value. Enjoy our school’s videos here by clicking on the link above.

Reminders-   

Yearbooks are now on sale at westlakecharter.com!  This year's book was designed and created entirely by students.  The books are $20 each and our supply is limited! ORDER NOW by clicking here!

Newsletter for May 28th- June 3rd

Ms. Hewitt’s Fourth Grade Class Newsletter  

Saturday, May 28th, 2016

Good Morning Guardians and Students,

Thank you to all the families who came to Open House this Wednesday evening. I loved looking around seeing my students faces light up with pure joy to know you came out to see their work. They have been working so hard on their “All About Me”, pioneer simulation, “What I Be” poems, and all the other work they showcased. I am beyond proud to be apart of their learning and be their teacher for not only this year, but the next! Thank you for always showing support!

Spring NWEA is officially over!

I will be going over each student’s growth and we will be tracking it in their growth trackers next week. I am planning on attaching their NWEA student growth sheet to their report cards to hand out on the last day of school. I love looking at their growth, and also the areas they can continue to work on over the summer, and next year.

Always Changing Video and Lesson On Friday, June 10th boys and girls will be divided into different classrooms and will learn about the changes that happen during puberty. There will be a parent screening for both videos on Wednesday, June 1 at 6 p.m. If you haven't already done so, please return the permission slip that went home a couple weeks ago, indicating your preference about your child's participation in this lesson.

Yearbooks are now on sale at westlakecharter.com!  This year's book was designed and created entirely by students.  The books are $20 each and our supply is limited! ORDER NOW by clicking here!

Language Arts

• Spelling Test “Easily Confused Words.” Be sure to complete the assigned activities throughout the week and come prepared to take the test Friday morning in class.
• Narrative Writing Assessment: will take place next week.
• Reading: By the Great Horn Spoon. Through this class novel we will engage in journal responses, learning and reflecting more about the Gold Rush and the travels on the sea route.

Math

Math Challenge-

Many of you may have noticed or seen that 4th grade is offering a chance for students to “challenge” their grade for a higher score. Students will challenge tests next week for chapter 13 area and perimeter test, chapter 5 and 6 on long division and two step multiplication. The most important goal is that students learn the concept. If they are able to show growth, I am happy to update this growth on their report cards.

Chapter 13 A&P and 6 long division challenge tests will be given on Wednesday. Chapter 5 multiplication test will be given on Thursday.

Next 2 and a half weeks we will be working on completing levels on Front Row to prepare for 5th grade. If they do not complete these levels I will encourage all students to do so over summer to ensure they are best prepare for 5th grade. Please encourage your children at home to complete Front Row levels every night for at least 20 minutes.

Math Timed Tests will be given on Wednesday, June 1st.

Encourage your children to utilize our many math resources XtraMath,  Mangahigh our school ID is 67993,  McGraw Hill, Front Row, and Prodigy!

Social Studies

Encourage your children to study their lines until memorization to be prepared for our 4th grade play called, "Villians in the Gold Field." Play performance will be on Monday, June 6th from 12:45-1:20, Miksits class will perform right after ours from 1:20-2:05. Students will need to bring their pioneer costumes to school this day to change into for the play. We hope to see you there to enjoy this hilariously fun play.

We will also be exploring answers to the following essential questions: There will be google classroom assignments on these questions using their Studies Weekly online as a resource.

• What impact did the Transcontinental Railroad have on western development?
• How did advancing methods of communication and transportation bring the east and west together?

Science with Mrs. Miksit

Robot Building Supplies Needed!

Your children will be building small robots as part of our energy investigation, and they will need supplies you may already have around your home. Please contribute what you can - students will work in teams to build their robots:

• any empty small plastic containers (yogurt, fruit cups, etc.)
• empty water bottles with lids
• corks, twist ties, popsicle sticks
• empty glue sticks and lids
• rubber bands, clothes pins
• rolls of 3/4" masking
• tape
• strawberry baskets
• small plastic spoons
• other small plastic containers or lids not mentioned above

Art

Check out Ms. Jackson's website to see what's currently happening in art. Tons of neat pictures of students work!

PE

With weather getting warmer, Ms. Connelley would like to remind everyone to please expect to have warm weather out in PE. PE will go indoors once the weather exceeds 95 degrees, and will remain outdoors until then. We must remember this month's core value is perseverance, and understand that this is a part of being active! Remember, there is always one opportunity for water during class, however, if a student brings a water bottle, they technically have 3 chances. One, when they enter class, one during class, and one at the end when they pick up their water bottles on exit. As always, if a student is exhibiting signs of distress, they will absolutely be allowed to take a break, get water, and go to the office if necessary.

Thank you,

Sabra Connelley

Physical Education Teacher

sconnelley@westlakecharter.com

Campus Culture Videos

Each month Westlake celebrates a core value. Enjoy our school’s videos here by clicking on the link above.

Reminders/Mark Your Calendars-   

• Monday, May 30: Memorial Day, No School!
• WAVE Volunteer Appreciation event on June 2nd before the monthly WAVE meeting.  We’ll be presenting recognition to those families who complete and their 30+ hours.  We appreciate your volunteerism at WCS!
• End of Year Awards Ceremonies:  On Tuesday, June 14th at 8:30 AM

• Pioneer Day Information: volunteer for the event or like to know more about it please click here to access our presentation we shared on Monday evening. There is a link in the presentation to sign up for day of or take home projects.  Pioneer square dancing will take place Tuesday and Thursday mornings with all of 4th graders to prepare for our Pioneer Day! I can not wait!

• Rivercat’s game on Sunday, June 5th at 1pm!  Our own WCS Glee Club will be performing the National Anthem.  A percentage of the ticket sales will be coming back to WCS.  All orders must be received by Monday, 5/23 and can be done online at:  www.rivercats.com/gamelink , be sure to use promo code: WCS.  Click here to view the flyer.
• 8th Grade Promotion - Wednesday, June 15th - 4:00 pm
• Last Day of School: Field Day: "Hello Wonderful Westlake Families! As our school year comes to an end we look forward to celebrating our fantastic explorers at Field Day.   We need your help to make Field Day awesome. Specifically, we are seeking 30 volunteers for the event on Wednesday, June 15th.  We ask that volunteers arrive at 8:30 a.m. and plan to stay until dismissal (minimum day schedule). Most volunteers will be assisting a station as 4th grade leaders will be running the stations this year.  A few parent volunteers will act as floaters to help as needed. We are also in need of a few donation items.  Please use this link to sign up and help out.  Thank you for all that you do to support your student and our Westlake community.
• Summer Programs:  VocabularySpellingCity Program- check it out here!

Newsletter for May 22nd-27th

Ms. Hewitt’s Fourth Grade Class Newsletter  

Sunday, May 22nd, 2016

Good Afternoon Guardians and Students,

I am beyond excited to tell you that ALL 28 students said YES to looping! My dream came true! Each student is such a special, unique piece to our classroom puzzle and it wouldn’t be the same without everyone included. Thank you ALL for believing in our class and staying with us for one more year! 5th grade at Pebblewood is going to be INCREDIBLE!

Spring NWEA Dates:

Our last NWEA testing is this Tuesday, May 24th from 8:30-9:50. They will be showing their growth on math! Thank you for making sure they come to school on time and are well rested.  

Open House: I am SO excited to see you all for Open house this Wednesday at 6pm- 7pm. The students have been working hard on project they want to show you digitally and on our classroom walls! Thanks for making sure you come to this special event!

Last Day of School: Field Day

"Hello Wonderful Westlake Families! As our school year comes to an end we look forward to celebrating our fantastic explorers at Field Day.   We need your help to make Field Day awesome. Specifically, we are seeking 30 volunteers for the event on Wednesday, June 15th.  We ask that volunteers arrive at 8:30 a.m. and plan to stay until dismissal (minimum day schedule). Most volunteers will be assisting a station as 4th grade leaders will be running the stations this year.  A few parent volunteers will act as floaters to help as needed. We are also in need of a few donation items.  Please use this link to sign up and help out.  Thank you for all that you do to support your student and our Westlake community.

End of Year Awards Ceremonies:  On Tuesday, June 14th we will have our End of Year Awards ceremonies on both campuses. 4th Grade - Del Paso - 8:30 AM

Ready, Set, Go:

Phase 1 of our parking lot campaign is ready to launch on TOMORROW!  The focus of Phase 1 will be on student safety.       

1.    Let your students know where they are going after school.  (BASE, walking or car pick-up) If this changes for some reason, call the school office at (916) 567-5760

2.    Pick up walkers from their line their regular dismissal time.

Car pick-up and BASE pick-up will remain the same.

Summer Programs:

VocabularySpellingCity Program- check it out here!

Yearbooks are now on sale at westlakecharter.com!  This year's book was designed and created entirely by students.  The books are $20 each and our supply is limited! ORDER NOW by clicking here!

Volunteer Recording Contest:  Be sure to log your hours by Friday, May 27th at 5pm

for the contest.  In order for your class to win the $100 prize and special treat, 100% of all families in the class must be registered (even if they don’t have hours to record) AND have the most total hours recorded.  Signing up is SUPER easy.  Just go to Volunteer Builder and start recording hours today.  Please see this flyer for information about our Parent Volunteer Hours Classroom Competition!  

Language Arts

• Spelling Test # 25. Be sure to complete the assigned activities throughout the week and come prepared to take the test Friday morning in class.
• Vocabulary: No vocabulary this week.
• Reading: By the Great Horn Spoon. Through this class novel we will engage in journal responses, learning and reflecting more about the Gold Rush and the travels on the sea route.

Math

IXL Strands- Complete IXL strands 30 minutes a week is the minimum requirement.

Encourage students to go on Front Row at home.

Over the remaining weeks we will be circling back to review some of the more challenging math standards covered this year. Next week's theme will continue to be long division.

I have grouped IXL Strands into sets for students to work on if this concept isn't yet mastered: Set 1 - E.4, E.5, E.6; Set 2 - E.13, E.14, E.17, E.18; Set 3 - E.8, E.9, E.10 and Set 4 - E.7 and E.11.

Encourage your children to utilize our many math resources XtraMath,  Mangahigh our school ID is 67993,  McGraw Hill, Front Row, and Prodigy!

Social Studies

The assessment will be on Wednesday, May 25th. Students should review the study guide, on google classroom, to prepare.

After the assessment, students will begin working on a play called "Villians in the Gold Field." We will also be exploring answers to the following essential questions:

• What impact did the Transcontinental Railroad have on western development?
• How did advancing methods of communication and transportation bring the east and west together?
• Students will be assigned roles in a class play titled, "Villains in the Gold Fields." Lines will need to be memorized by May 31st.

Science with Mrs. Miksit

4th graders will experience "switching" classes for one hour three days a week for a single subject. Mrs. Miksits will be teaching our class a physical science unit about energy.

Please study these: Kinetic and Potential Energy flashcards | Quizlet

They will continue their investigation of energy this week through hands-on exploration of circuits.

Robot Building Supplies Needed!

Your children will be building small robots as part of our energy investigation, and they will need supplies you may already have around your home. Please contribute what you can - students will work in teams to build their robots:

• any empty small plastic containers (yogurt, fruit cups, etc.)
• empty water bottles with lids
• corks, twist ties, popsicle sticks
• empty glue sticks and lids
• rubber bands, clothes pins
• rolls of 3/4" masking
• tape
• strawberry baskets
• small plastic spoons
• other small plastic containers or lids not mentioned above

Art

Check out Ms. Jackson's website to see what's currently happening in art. Tons of neat pictures of students work!

PE

With weather getting warmer, Ms. Connelley would like to remind everyone to please expect to have warm weather out in PE. PE will go indoors once the weather exceeds 95 degrees, and will remain outdoors until then. We must remember this month's core value is perseverance, and understand that this is a part of being active! Remember, there is always one opportunity for water during class, however, if a student brings a water bottle, they technically have 3 chances. One, when they enter class, one during class, and one at the end when they pick up their water bottles on exit. As always, if a student is exhibiting signs of distress, they will absolutely be allowed to take a break, get water, and go to the office if necessary.

Thank you,

Sabra Connelley

Physical Education Teacher

sconnelley@westlakecharter.com

Campus Culture Videos

Each month Westlake celebrates a core value. Enjoy our school’s videos here by clicking on the link above.

Reminders/Mark Your Calendars-   

• Wednesday, May 25: Open House
• Monday, May 30: Memorial Day, No School!
• WAVE Volunteer Appreciation event on June 2nd before the monthly WAVE meeting.  We’ll be presenting recognition to those families who complete and their 30+ hours.  We appreciate your volunteerism at WCS!
• 8th Grade Promotion - Wednesday, June 15th - 4:00 pm
• End of Year Awards Ceremonies:  On Tuesday, June 14th at 8:30 AM
• June 15: Last Day of School- Field Day!

• Pioneer Day Information: volunteer for the event or like to know more about it please click here to access our presentation we shared on Monday evening. There is a link in the presentation to sign up for day of or take home projects.  Pioneer square dancing will take place Tuesday and Thursday mornings with all of 4th graders to prepare for our Pioneer Day! I can not wait!
• Rivercat’s game on Sunday, June 5th at 1pm!  Our own WCS Glee Club will be performing the National Anthem.  A percentage of the ticket sales will be coming back to WCS.  All orders must be received by Monday, 5/23 and can be done online at:  www.rivercats.com/gamelink , be sure to use promo code: WCS.  Click here to view the flyer.