Science Test Wednesday

Before the break for the holidays students will have a test in math and science on Wednesday. We will review for the test tomorrow. Here is some helpful information to help prepare for the science test.

Evidence of a chemical change always includes A new substance being formed and may also include one or more of the following: An odor; Bubbles which indicate a gas has formed; an unexpected Color change; a Different temperature; and Energy in the form of light given off. Chemical changes cannot usually be reversed. The key difference between a chemical change and a physical change is that in a physical change no new substances are produced. On Wednesday's test, students will be asked to identify which foods should be on the menu at The Chemical Change Cafe. The Chemical Change Cafe only serves food which has undergone a chemical change. When analyzing whether or not a food can be placed on The Chemical Change Cafe's menu, students must give evidence to support their ideas. For example, trail mix can not be placed on the menu because it is a mixture and has not gone through a chemical change. Trail mix is not a new substance because it can be sorted into its orginal ingredients. Buttermilk biscuits can be served at The Chemical Change Cafe because they go through a chemical change. Evidence of a chemical change in biscuits includes bubbles formed by gas when the biscuits bake, an odor (aroma) produced by baking, and most importantly, a new substance is formed. Once the biscuits are baked, you cannot remove the individual ingredients used in the biscuit batter so the change is NOT reversible.

Are you and your child having trouble with multiplication? Try this site on lattice multiplication. It's not the way I learned multiplication, but sometimes it's easier for those who "don't get" traditional math.

Science is Messy!!

Well, I hope everyone goes home and tells their parents about our outdoor science lab today. It was a great time! We will learn more about the science behind it next week!

Don't forget literature projects are due Monday on Informational Text.

Interims went home today. You may keep them. Please sign and return the Friday Folder.

Our holiday parties are Wednesday afternoon. Please let me know if you can donate anything for our celebration.

Twas the week before Christmas break...

Reading: We are working on Best Christmas Pageant Ever. We will finish the book this week and have a test on Friday. We will work on Learning Contract activities this week and next week.

Spelling: No words until after the new year!

Language Arts: We will work on verb tenses and subject/verb agreement.

Science: We are still working on Chemical/Physical Changes. There should be some interesting demonstrations this week in class you may hear about. For a sneak peek, click here.

Homework: Packets are due Friday. Don't forget literature projects are due next week.

December already?

How did it get to be December already?!? It is very hard to believe! We are starting one of my favorite novel units of the year for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. We will be working on this book until our Winter Break. We will be having our Christmas party on the 10th. Please look for information on how you can help to come home soon.

Students will have the opportunity to do a little holiday shopping in Santa Shop this week.

Homework and spelling packets are due Friday.

Week of the 26th

This week students will be reading the fantasy story The Stranger. Students will have a test on the story on Thursday.

Spelling and homework packets are due Friday.

Also on Friday, we will celebrate Rocket Club. I had 5 exceptional young ladies who made it into Rocket Club this 12 weeks. I am hoping for more next grading period.

There will also be a good behavior movie on Friday for those students with no missing work and who had good behavior for the month of November. Students who did not qualify will spend some time in a work room.

Next week, students will have the opportunity to do a little holiday shopping here at school. Our day for Santa Shop is Wednesday. A letter will be coming home later this week with more details.

Happy Turkey Day

No homework packets this week! Spelling is due next week. Report cards will come home next Friday. Make sure you have paid at least $20 towards your supply fee to get your report card! Shutter Bugs will meet tomorrow after school. Topic is "I am Thankful..."

Enjoy the holiday! See you Monday!!

Thank you Veterans!

Today we had a very special treat! Staff Sgt. Woodard came and spoke with us about being a veteran. She told the kids about her 15 years of experience in the Army. They saw first hand a true patriot! Our students had great questions for her. We appreciate her visit and all she does for our country.

Homework and spelling packets are due at the end of the week. Our UDF trip is Friday. Please make sure students are dresses appropriately (warm clothes and gym shoes).

I will be out of the building tomorrow presenting at a conference in Columbus. Don't forget Wednesday is 2 hour early release and pajama day.

Evacuation Drill

You students may tell you about a practice evacuation drill we held today. This is if there is ever a need to evacuate completely from the school grounds. Students did a great job today.

Monday will be honor Veteran's Day. Please be sure to wear your red, white, and blue.

Some students still need to bring in their UDF permission slip and $$ for Friday's field trip.

Have a great weekend!

November 8th

In science we began our physical science unit. Following are the indicators which will be addressed:

Physical Sciences

1. Identify characteristics of a simple physical change (e.g., heating or cooling can change water from one state to another and the change is reversible).

2. Identify characteristics of a simple chemical change. When a new material is made by combining two or more materials, it has chemical properties that are different from the original materials (e.g., burning paper, vinegar and baking soda).

3. Describe objects by the properties of the materials from which they are made and that these properties can be used to separate or sort a group of objects (e.g., paper, glass, plastic and metal).

4. Explain that matter has different states (e.g., solid, liquid and gas) and that each state has distinct physical properties.

5. Compare ways the temperature of an object can be changed (e.g., rubbing, heating and bending of metal).

Don't forget spelling and homework packets are due tomorrow. Also, a few people still need to return their UDF permission slips and $5.

Reminder that next Wednesday is early release day AND more importantly pajama day! Students will be returning home 2 hours early.

Conference Night

I want to thank everyone who made it to conference night tonight. Although it made for a long evening, I enjoyed meeting with all of you and talking about your children.

Tomorrow is a great day to get those homework packets done. They are due Friday with the spelling homework.

Don't forget to turn in the UDF field trip permission slip and $5 fee.

Enjoy the day off tomorrow!

"Ohio, Ohio, What a great state!"

I have just come from the 9:30 show of our annual 4th grade program. Those of you coming today are in for a huge treat! Remember, grandparents show is at 12:00 and evening show tonight at 7:00. Kids should be here by 6:45.

Reminder, homework packets and literature projects are due tomorrow.

Happy Halloween!

Hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween.

Remember our 4th grade programs tomorrow. Grandparents program starts at noon. Lunch will follow.

The evening program starts at 7:00. Students with parts should arrive at 6:30 and report to Mrs. Conroy. All other students should report at 6:45.

Remember literature projects and homework packets are due Friday.

October 29th

NO SPELLING THIS WEEK!

Remember, homework packets and literature projects due Friday. Also, the 4th grade program is Thursday. Check out the 4th grade website for more information.

Use your toothpaste tonight. You will need to have used it for your conclusion tomorrow!

October 25th

Don't forget homework packets are due tomorrow.

Literature projects are due next Friday on their mystery book.

The 4th grade musical and Grandparents Day is Thursday November 1st. There will be 3 performances: 9:30, 12:00, and 7:00. Students are can invite grandparents to join them for the noon show and then stay for lunch.

October 23rd

(Hi Ciera!)

Sorry for the late post! We had lots of kids stay for Shutter Bugs today! If you didn't stay you can still see me about getting your picture turned in.

Today was our book fair day. If you forgot your money, you can do make ups Wednesday and Thursday.

Homework due Friday!

Don't forget next week is our program. Let us know if you have grandparents coming for Grandparent's Day on the 1st. Program is in the evening at 7:00.

October 22nd

We had a fire drill today. Everyone did very well. We will be creating our cola formulas tomorrow in science. I reading we began reading the story Bunnicula.

Homework packets are due Friday. Remember to be working on the literature projects that due next Friday.

October 20

VEHICLE DAY WAS A BLAST! And not just because I got to go up in a cherry picker! Even though we had to listen to the honking of the semis all morning, Vehicle Day was a huge success. The weather was great and we had all sorts of different vehicles to look at. Students got to spray cones down with a water hose and watch their teacher get the fear of her life riding in the cherry picker! Students were also able to blow the horn on a huge semi tow truck!

Homework packets and conference forms went home on Friday Folder reports. Although some students do not need a conference, you are more than welcome to request one.

October 17

Today they teachers got be be students! We had professional development on brain-based learning that was very beneficial. We learned activities that we can use in class right away (I always love those kinds of classes!).

Reminder that students need to complete homework by Friday.

Students have a social studies test tomorrow.

There is a math test on Friday.

Students will have a quiz on the scientific method tomorrow in science. Students will be given a lab report to label. They should know the following 6 steps:

Question: What am I trying to solve?
Observations: Collecting information using my senses.
Hypothesis: Educated guess stated in a way that can be tested.
Procedure: Step by step instruction to complete the experiment.
Data: Information collected from experiment.
Conclusion: Was hypothesis correct? What changes would I make?

October 16th

DON'T FORGET EARLY RELEASE TOMORROW!!

Students will be going home 2 hours early. Please make sure you let us know if your child needs other transportation arrangements.

Homework and spelling packets are due Friday.

Students may earn science extra credit for brining me fun facts/trivia about the Coca-Cola company.

October 15th

Welcome back from our long weekend. Don't forget there is an early release Wednesday.

Homework packets went home on Thursday last week. Students had additional math and social studies homework tonight that needs to be completed for tomorrow.

October 11th

No post yesterday. I was out with my young daughter. I got a good report on almost everyone from the sub.

Still need a few more report card envelopes back.

I am sending home next week's homework attached to the Friday Folder report. I thought some of you might like to get a jump start! My reading class will still be working on finishing

There is an early release day next Wednesday! Remember they will be coming home 2 hours early. Please send in a note if your child has other transportation arrangements that day.

Enjoy the long weekend!!

October 9th

You MUST ask your child about what they learned in science class today! I don't want to spoil the surprise but we tackled the hot topic of global warming.

Remember, homework and spelling packets are due Thursday since there is no school Friday. There will be a spelling test Thursday.

There will be an early release next Wednesday. Students will be arriving home 2 hours early.

October 8th

Today our local firefighters came in to talk with is about fire safety. Be sure to ask you kids about what they learned today. Please remember to sign and return your report card envelopes. You may keep the report cards.

Washington D.C. deposits were due today. Please contact Mrs. Bower ASAP if you were planning on going and have not sent in your deposit.

Homework packets went home on Friday so students could get a head start on this short week. Homework and spelling packets are due on Thursday.

Remember, NO SCHOOL FRIDAY!!

Oct 2nd-4th

Sorry for the last few days. This has been a crazy week!!! The field trip yesterday was very cool, even thought we had some technical difficulties! The pirate exhibit was VERY cool! I hope the kids enjoyed it as much as I did. Many thanks for Mrs. Haggard, Mrs. Douglas, and Mrs. Baird for coming along! You were a HUGE help!

Homework packets are due tomorrow. There was no spelling this week.

Report cards will come home tomorrow for people who have paid a portion of their student fees. If you have any questions, please call Mrs. Distler in the office.

Next week is a short week, no school Friday. I will send the homework packet home tomorrow for next week so that students can get a head start.

Washington D.C. deposits are due Monday and are $50. Checks should be made out to Croswell.

October 1st

NO SPELLING THIS WEEK!!!

Students only have homework packet this week.

Our field trip to the museum is Wednesday. I am still needing a few permission slips. Please send them in tomorrow. Students need to pack a sack lunch with NO GLASS BOTTLES.

Report cards go home Friday. You must have paid at least $1o towards student fees to get a report card.

September 27th

We are half way through Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. The kids are really enjoying the book. We will continue the book next week as well. In science, we continue to learn about the scientific method. We will begin inventing our own toothpaste and glue next week.

We will have our class auction tomorrow. If you have anything you would donate (snacks, drinks, knick-knacks) please send them in. We will shoe our good behavior movies tomorrow. Students will get to buy a movie tickets and snacks with their money they have earned this 6 weeks.

Spelling and homework packets are due tomorrow. Literature projects are also due tomorrow. I am looking forward to seeing them.

September 26th ("Sniff... Bye Serena!")

Someone told me it was going to be cooler today. Well, NOT IN ROOM 222!!

Anyway, enough complaining. We took our ThinkLink math test today. This will really help us plan our instruction. Our students worked very hard!

Homework: Spelling and homework packets. Literature projects are due Friday. One came in today that was amazing!! Ask the kids about it!

Also... our butterfly hatched today!! She was only in her chrysalis for a week. We let her go at my house tonight (my 4 year old cried for an hour and wanted her back!).

September 25th

Today we had our double special, art and library. We watched a really neat video about important inventions in the last century that have changed our lives.

Make sure you are signing and sending back in Friday Folder reports each week.

Homework: A few students need to finish a language arts paper on the 4 types of sentences. Literature projects are due Friday along with other homework.

September 24th

Happy Fall?!? Just one more day of hot weather and then some relief!!

Today we had our first Think Link testing date. We did the reading/language arts test today. This is an online assessment that helps is target our instruction to better prepare us for the Ohio Achievement Tests. We will take the reading test on Wednesday. Students also had their pictures taken today. They will have the opportunity to have their picture taken again during retakes later this year.

We starting reading Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing today. We will be reading it for the next 2 weeks.

Spelling and homework packets are due Friday. Realistic literature projects are also due on Friday. Students need to see me ASAP if they need a project idea.

September 21st

Today the kids got a special treat. The were able to watch and hour long presentation about Native American story telling. We wrapped up our M&M lab today in science. We took our spelling tests. I met with all of the students today and talked about possible literature projects. Some students had not even selected their book! Hopefully they will catch up over the weekend!

We were excited about our butterfly going into his chrysalis yesterday. We will keep you informed of his progress.

Picture Day is Monday. Everyone bring their smiles! We will begin Think Link testing on Monday. This is an online assessment that helps us target areas of concern to prepare for the Ohio Achievement Tests in May. We will have these tests again in December and in the spring.

September 20th

Today we took our reading test on Coyote School News. This was a challenging story. In science we talked more about the scientific method and asked the question, "What color is most dominant in a Fun-size bag of M&M's?" Students made their own predictions and collected their data. Tomorrow we will work with our data.

In social studies, students need a piece of cardboard approximately 9x12 inches (cutting up an old box is fine). They also need index cards.

Spelling test and homework packets due tomorrow.

Homework packets due tomorrow.

September 19th

Sorry for the late post! Early release through me off! Today I spent the day setting up Shutter Bug blog for those kids who turned in their blog permission slip. You can check out how they are set up by clicking here.

Reading Test tomorrow. Make sure you have read the story carefully!

September 18th

Today we had our thumb wrestling championship for each of the science classes! Congratulations to all of the competitors! It was a great day! On Thursday in science class we will compare our data and answer our question "What makes a champion thumb wrestler?"

Remember, EARLY RELEASE DAY tomorrow! Students will be released 2 hours early tomorrow. Also, the bus drivers are going over bus safety with the high, middle, and elementary schools, so the buses may be a little late picking up your child in the morning.

Homework: Packets and spelling.

Literature Projects: Due Friday the 28th!

September 17th

Today we worked on collecting our data so that we can begin our Thumb War tournament. We are using the scientific method to answer the question, "What makes a champion thumb wrestler?" We measured thumb length, thumb circumference, and wrist circumference. Each student recorded their own hypothesis. We shared our data today and filled in our brackets. Tomorrow, GAME ON!

Homework: Packet and spelling (students will be able to complete 30 points at school).

Literature Projects are due next Friday. I will be conferencing with students this week to make sure they have an idea about their project. If not, I will help them come up with one.

September 12

Don't forget to turn in homework packets tomorrow! Spelling homework packets are also due. Students were able to complete 30 points in class.

Spelling Test Tomorrow!

As of Monday, students must return signed Friday Folders. Please help them remember to return them to school!!

Instructions for logging onto the internet and getting access to the Scott Forsemen web site will be coming home tomorrow. This allows you access to the reading and math text and workbooks online!!

September 10-12

YEAH!! Cooler weather! This might actually be our first regular week! This week we have lots of cool things. We had our first Shutter Bugs meeting. If you would like to join, you can still turn in your permission slip to me. Our first assignment, Our Town, is due on September 25.



We have Mrs. Krebs from the Soil and Water Conservation coming today to talk to us about Monarch butterflies and the milkweed plant.

Homework packets went home on Monday. Students will have the opportunity to complete 30 points of spelling homework in class, so they only need to complete 20 points at home.

Don't forget literature projects are due on the 28th!!!

September 7

Today was a bust day. We finished our spelling and reading tests. Make sure you ask your kids about Dr. Xargle and the Earthlets.

Shutter Bugs meet Tuesday. Students must have a permission slip to stay after school. Any questions, please let me know.

Spelling: Student will have the opportunity to complete 30 of the spelling points in class next week. That means they only need to do 20 points at home! Try and finish the spelling over the weekend!

Thanks for everyone who attended Parent Information Night last night. If you missed it, all of the information we covered is on the website, www.cne4thgrade.org.

Have a great weekend!!!!!

Parent Information Night Tonight at 7!

Parents, don't forget about our informational meeting tonight. We will cover all kinds of information about your child's 4th grade year! Please try and attend!

Homework: Packets are due tomorrow!

Spelling: Test and homework packet is due tomorrow!

Reading: For Mrs. Thompson's reading class, test on Lewis and Clark and Me tomorrow.

Hope to see you this evening!!!!

September 5

Today we had our 1st computer lab. Students were given their assignments for the 4th grade newsletter from Mrs. Merrill. Students will work on their jobs this month and then be given a new job next month.

Last night we had a visit from some furry friends that need a good home. Their mother was rescued and the 10 husky mix puppies are looking for a good home. There is a wide variety of colors (brown, black, red). Some have blue eyes, some have brown, and some have one of each! The price for the puppies is only $20 to cover the cost of the food. They are very sweet little guys and are great with kids (we got to puppy sit a little while last night). If you'd like more info, please contact me ASAP! They are going to have to go to the pound if no one takes them!!

Homework: I am still waiting on some people's work from last week. Packets for this week are due Friday.

Spelling Homework: Starting this week, student will have the option to complete a spelling worksheet worth 20 points!

Don't forget Parent Information Night tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. in the gym!!!

September 4

Today was another hot one. Tomorrow looks worse! Please make sure to bring a water bottle tomorrow!

After a weekend of grading papers we had LOTS of missing work. Please look around at home for those missing assignments.

Homework: 3 page packet.

Spelling homework: 50 points by Friday for an A. Congrats to the 2 smart students who finished their spelling homework over the weekend.

Parent Information Night on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in the gym.

Kids- tell your parents about Shutter Bugs!

August 31st

What a fun day!!! Today we finished our wiki project. You can see our experiment by clicking on the link to the left. As you can see we also had a special visitor today. Sammy is CS's grandma's new puppy and he came for a visit today. These pictures don't do him justice. He was TOOO cute and so tiny.

Friday Folders went home today. Encourage your child to get their spelling homework completed over the weekend.

Remember, no school on Monday!!

Have a great weekend!!!!

August 30th

Today we had a fire drill. Everyone did a great job. Here is what you need to know for tomorrow.

Homework: Packets are due tomorrow. The packets included a math, social studies, and reading worksheet as well as the spelling homework.

Spelling: We will have a spelling test tomorrow. Our spelling test is modeled after the Ohio Achievement Test. Make sure your child can identify the words if they are misspelled.

We will work on our internet project tomorrow. Student must have their permission slip signed to get on the computers. Click here to view our paper airplanes for our internet project. The password to view the pictures is "gocne."

August 29th

Hopefully everyone has stayed cool on this early release. I didn't leave until 4:45 and I can tell you it was HOT!!! Here is some important information for tomorrow.

Reading: There is a test tomorrow. Make sure you know those vocabulary words (kids- sing along if you need to!).

Spelling: Weekly lists are now posted on the web page under Student Links. Click here to see the list.

Today we started our internet project. We tested our paper airplanes today and recorded the results. Ask your child about their question and hypothesis. We will be revising our lab sheets tomorrow and post the information on the web pages Friday.

August 28

Early Release tomorrow!!!

Here is important information for today.

Reading: There will be a test on Winn Dixie Thursday. For some extra practice on the vocabulary, click here. Extra Credit:Complete the "Because of Winn Dixie" webquest.

Spelling: Test Friday. For a link to the spelling homework, click here.

Math/Social Studies: Some students may be bringing home a class assignment to finish tonight for homework. It is due tomorrow.

Homework Packets: Due Friday

Tomorrow will be very hot. Please bring a water bottle to help get through the day! We are releasing 2 hours early due to the heat!!

August 27

Today was a great day! Everyone suffered through the heat and survived. Tomorrow we will be starting our internet project, so make sure I get those permission slips back. Students were given their homework packets for the week. They are due Friday.

Don't forget water bottles and healthy snack for tomorrow!

Week 2

Well, we made it through our first week. Looks like this week is going to be a hot one as well, but not hot enough to get out early. Make sure you bring in those water bottles and snacks.

Please make sure all of the forms are turn in tomorrow. We are starting a collaborative project with a class from Wyoming Middle School this week, so I need everyone's permission slips! To access the page for the project, click here. Hopefully this is the first of many fun projects this year.

Is it hot enough for ya?

Well, we made it through another unbearable day! It is 8:00 and I still haven't quite recovered. Thanks to all of you for making today's early release go smoothly. Hopefully after tomorrow things will cool down.

Things to remember for tomorrow...
1. Water bottle
2. Healthy snack
3. School forms

Remember 2 hour early release on Friday!!!

What a great 1st day!

Well, we survived the heat in our 1st day! I am so excited about the great group of student I have this year. Here are some things to remember for tomorrow:

1. Water bottle
2. Healthy snack
3. Pictures and magazines to cut up
4. Any supplies you need
5. 2 book covers (reading and social studies books)


We will be dismissing 2 hours early on Friday because of the heat. Please make sure you make arrangements for you child.

Open House

I really enjoyed meeting most of you tonight at Open House. I hope you are looking forward to a great year! Remember to bring your water bottle and a healthy snack this week. It will be hot. If there is a parent out there who would like to drop in with some popsicles to cool us off in the afternoon, we would welcome you with open (and sweaty) arms!!

I am looking forward to a great year! See you in the morning!!

Meet the Teacher Night

It is almost time!! Hope everyone is ready for the new school year. We will be having Meet the Teacher Night Tuesday from 5:00-6:00. This is an opportunity to find your room and say hello to your teachers. Remember, you will have me for reading and science, Mrs. Humble for math, and Mrs. Bower for social studies. You can also bring in your bulky school supplies so you don't have to carry them on the bus. Later we will have a parent information night and will go over specifics for the year.

Our start and ending times have changed this year. We will be moving everything up 10 minutes, so school starts at 8:25 and ends at 3:25. Lots of the bus routes have changed as well. If you are not sure about pick up/drop off times, please make sure you check with the bus garage.

Remember on the first day to bring pictures and things we can scrapbook on your journal. Also, we eat a late lunch, so student are permitted to bring a healthy snack for the morning. Since it is going to be VERY HOT students are also allowed to bring a water bottle with a sports cap.

Looking forward to seeing everyone this week!!!

School Supplies

I know everyone is getting ready for the beginning of school. Shopping for those school supplies can be lots of fun for kids (and frustrating for us parents). Just a few comments about the supplies, it is important to get a 2 inch binder so it fits all of our supplies. Students will need the plastic folders that go into the binders. For an example of those folders, click here. For the first day of school, each student will need a composition notebook. This is a great time to purchase them because they can be found for 50 cents or less at stores like Target and Staples. In addition to a notebook, everyone needs to bring in several pictures (that will not be returned) that represent important aspects of your lives. Pictures cut from magazines and/or photographs are perfect for the activity that we will do.
I hope to see you at the Open House on Tuesday, August 21 from 5-6 p.m!

Counting Down!!

It is hard to believe, but the school year is less than 1 month away. I hope everyone is having a great summer! I sent everyone a welcome letter, so I hope you got it! I know we are starting to get excited and plan for that big 1st day. If you lost your supply list and need to know what you need you can click here for a copy. Keep checking back here for information about Open House!

Hello New 4th graders!

Welcome to 4th grade. If you have any questions or concerns over the summer, feel free to post a response. I am sure any questions you have are probably shared by others! If your question is more specific, feel free to email me!

I am looking forward to a great year! Keeping reading this summer. Remember the AR library will be open!

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog. This is my first post on my teacher page. Feel free to post any comments or questions.