4/23 - 4/27

I hope everyone had a great weekend! We are looking forward to a terrific week!

This week, we will be learning:

Reading: Spelling numbers, starting a novel study by Andrew Clements
Math: Fractions (Equivalent, Comparing)
SS: SE Suitcase Project
Writing: Finish Acrostic Poems, Concrete Poems

Reminder: No School on Friday! Staff Development Day

Field Trip

Field Trip letters went home on Friday. We will be traveling to Arabia Steamboat Museumand WyandotteCounty Parkon Friday, May 18. The cost is $5.25 per child. I am in need of 3-4 parents to attend the fieldtrip. Each parent will assist a small group of students throughout the day. We will depart school at 8:30 A.M. and return no later than 2:30 P.M. Unfortunately, there is little room on the bus, so we are asking that parents carpool, and follow the bus. This can be coordinated among those parents driving. Adults will be responsible for covering their own admission which is $12.50 (to be paid at the museum).

Please let me know if you are interested in being of assistance on this awesome field trip.

Earth Day Celebration
This Monday, we will be honoring Earth Day! All 4th grade classes will be switching and going to different stations to learn more about our Earth. Here's a look at what we'll be doing:

#1           Sunflower Power: Master Gardener's, Ms. Caplinger, Ms. Darlene

·         This station will be run by a member of the Master Gardener program in Leavenworth Co.  They will have the seeds and soil for this project and something to plant them in. We will provide the cups to carry plants home, tubs to carry them back to classrooms, spoons for measuring, water container and water for the plants.  Teachers will be there to assist in the planting and any discussion you would like to input for this station in regards to planting importance, needs of plants, and control of the station. I have all the supplies in my room and they will be placed on the picnic tables outside of the staff restrooms. 

#2           Rescuing Resources: Mrs. Evans       

·         Renewable/Nonrenewable resources in our environment. Discussion game of placing the resources in categories. Brainpop video on natural resources  and the importance of conserving them for the future.  

#3           What is Water?: Cheryl & Gary Rader, Mrs. Munsterman                      

·         Water Jeopardy game that will be run by Cheryl and Gary Rader. They have everything for this activity. If you get time to review the vocab I e-mailed you last week, it would help the kids do better on the game.

#4           We’ve Got the Power!: Brenda Taxeras, Ms. Sheeley, Ms. Sarah       

·         Brenda Taxeras of K-State Extension and Research will present on power sources of the future. She will be bringing wind turbines and solar panels for the kids to see how nature’s energy turns to power. This station will be outside the west green hall doors. She will need the long table in my room and the students will have to sit on the sidewalk. In the event of rain, this will move into Ms. Caplinger's room.

#5           Mr. Grass Head: Mrs. Beahan, Mrs. Doyle                

·         Mrs. Beahan & Mrs. Doyle will be doing an activity on erosion prevention and planting.  The student council has given us funds to purchase the supplies for this project.

#6           The Three R’s: Sara Conrad, Mrs. Lynn                               

·         Sara Conrad will talk about the recycle program in Lansing and our school. She will reinforce the importance of recycling, reducing, and reusing items. By doing this we can all make a difference in the future of our earth. She will do a trash sorting game with the students and she has all the supplies needed.

#7           Pop Your Brain!: Ms. Rosenthal                      

·         Have students discuss with a partner for 2 minutes what things we do to protect the environment. Make a list or have students write down things.  Show the Brainpop video about the environment. http://www.brainpop.com/science/ourfragileenvironment/humansandtheenvironment/preview.weml    (7min) There is a book about the environment to read to the class and have them discuss the things they forgot to mention in the earlier discussion.  

#8           Turn It Off!!!: Jana Stanfford, Mrs. Lamar                                

·         Jana Stafford from the LanDel Water Department will talk about water and not wasting it in our daily lives. She will do a demonstration on this with the students. She will need a table or a desk for this.