Ms. Garcia’s Class

I have had a problem updating the site with classroom news, but it is now working!  Below is an update on a couple classroom happenings:

In Math, the students have been working very hard mastering the multiplication facts.  It is extremely important that students know all of the facts from 0-12.  Timed tests have been given to test the students on this skill.  If your child received a log sheet, please make sure to practice the multiplication facts on a daily basis.

In Reading we finished Unit 1.  We are going to be reading a novel, The Family Under the Bridge together in class and at home.  Along with reading the story, the students will be focusing on new vocabulary, the literary elements, improving comprehension, as well as other skills. 

The second quarter reading assignment is to choose a chapter book of at least 70 pages to read.  A graphic organizer packet must be completed and turned in no later than December 15th.

Our first field trip is scheduled for Monday, December 1, 2008.  Information regarding the trip was sent home last week.  Permission slips are due by Wednesday, November 19th.  If you are interested in being a chaperone, please check off the box on the permission slip.  Chaperones will be randomly picked from those that volunteered and notified on Thursday, November 20th.

Upcoming Events/Tests

November 19th

*Math ~ Chapter 4 Test

*Spelling ~ Unit 5 test: spelling

November 24th

*Parent Teacher Conferences

November 24th - November 28th  Thanksgiving Break ~ No School

December 1st

*Museum of Science and Industry  Field Trip

What an exciting week!  After a long 3 day weekend, the class was treated to a movie in the Dome Theater.  The Dome Theater was brought to Pennoyer by the PTC.  The students truly enjoyed the experience of watching a movie about the solar system and Milky Way.

In Science, we are finishing our chapter about fossils by discussing fossil fuels.  The students were coal miners in the class searching for coal (pennies) to see how much they could find.  The students learned that if we continue to mine coal, it will eventually disappear.  We discussed the importance of preserving the world’s fossil fuels as well as alternate ways to get energy.

Upcoming Events/Tests

October 19th

Red Ribbon Walk~ Norridge Park 12:00pm

October 23rd

*Reading Test ~ The Astronaut and the Onion

October 24th

*Half Day!

*Science Test ~ Fossils

This week the students have been taking the Terra Nova tests.  It is very important that your child be in school on time because we start promptly at 8:20am. 

In Reading, we studied compound words.  The class came up with approximately 40 compound words and was very eager to continue the list.  It was amazing!

Upcoming Events/Tests

October 9th

*Language Test

October 13th

*Columbus Day ~ No School

October 14th

*Dome Theater

October 17th

*Spelling ~ Unit 3 definition test

October 22nd

*Science extra credit due

Wow!  Last week flew by!  We ended the week with the Walk-a-Thon.  The weather was perfect and the students had a great time!  Andrew was the winner of the raffle in our class for walking the most laps. Congratulations!

We have been practicing making change using two methods.  The first is by subtracting the price of items from the amount used to pay for the items.  The students do an excellent job this way.  The other way, is by counting up.  Please practice this at home with your child.  This is a skill that is necessary to know.

Upcoming Events/Tests

October 1st

Progress Reports Due

Social Studies Test

October 3rd

Math Test~ Chapter 2

Spelling Test ~ Unit 3

October 6th

Scholastic Book order due

Terra Nova Testing begins

Fourth grade is the first time the students can become involved in Student Council.  After a week of hard work and preparation, our elections were held on Friday.  7 students made campaign posters and gave a speech.  It was definitely a tough decision when it came time to vote because only 2 students would become our representatives. Congratulations Gaetano and Oliwia for being elected the classroom student council representatives!

Upcoming Events/Tests

September 24th

* Science Test ~ Earthquakes and Volcanoes

September 25th

* Walk-a-Thon pledges are due.

* Reading Test ~ A Walk in the Desert

September 26th

* Spelling ~ Unit 2 definition test

* Progress Report Day ~ Some students will receive progress reports depending on how they are doing in certain subject areas.  All students will receive a notice regarding the number of AR points thus far.

I would like to thank all of the parents that attended Curriculum Night.  I hope the night was very informative for you.  A note was sent home with a correction on my email address.  The correct address is: agarcia@pennoyerschool.org

This past week the students took their first Reading test.  I must say that everyone did very well.  We discussed the test today in class so the students will be more familiar with the test format for our next story.

Upcoming Events/Tests

September 17th

*Book Fair

*Picture Day

September 18th

*Unit 2 Spelling test ~ spell the word only

September 24th

*Science Test ~ earthquakes and volcanoes

September 30th

*Spotlight on 34 due

The school year has started off very smoothly for our class.  I am very pleased with how well the students follow directions.  Please remember that homework is given so the students can practice the skill being learned in class.  It is important that homework be returned on time as mentioned in the homework policy sent home last week.  Ask your child to see his/her assignment notebook for assignments and test dates. Below are a couple reminders about upcoming events:

September 9th

*Scholastic Book orders due

 September 11th

* Mystery of the Missing Lunch test

* Curriculum Night 7pm-8pm

September 12th

*Unit 1 Spelling Test ~ definitions

September 15th

*Math Chapter 1 test

Enjoy pictures of several class activities!

8/26/2008   Welcome to Mrs. Garcia’s class!

I am very excited about being your child’s teacher, and am looking forward to a year filled with many activities.

~ Today, the students learned about the daily routine and expectations.  Information regarding several classroom requests was sent home today.  Please check your child’s folder.  More information will be sent home this week regarding the Accelerated Reading program as well as the homework policy.