October 28, 2019

~~Welcome Back on track! We are now in Room E05. As some of you have heard, I got married while we were off track. My new name is Mrs. Heinrich. Students have started calling me by my new name, but you will still see Walthers on paperwork/emails, etc. until it is processed through the district. ~~

• Math: Students are encouraged to log into Think Central and Xtramath (4 points per week towards math grade) through the school portal for math practice.

-Chapter 4 Divide by 1-Digit Numbers: We begin chapter 4 this week.

-Chapter 10: Two-Dimensional Figures. We jump ahead to chapter 10 on Fridays to be sure to cover all chapters in math throughout the school year.

****Math on the Spot videos help with the "Think Smarter" word problems.

****Animated Math Models (Carmen Sandiego with the red hat) gives more practice on the skills. Use the titles of lessons in textbook to match up with skills online.

****Interactive Student Text has practice problems and tutorials for home support.

• Language Arts: We begin trimester 2 using ACT Now! (Accessing Complex Text). Students work through rigorous selections using reading strategies and skills. The book is consumable, so students are able to annotate through the passages helping with comprehension. Assessments for comprehension will be tested on Readworks and Wonders passages where students will apply the skills taught.

Grammar: Unit 2 Week 1 - Common and Proper Nouns. Students can access Wonders online for Spelling and Grammar practice.

Spelling: Student will still practice the spelling from the Wonders curriculum in class, but we have begun using Spelling Mastery. It teaches students dependable spelling skills by blending the phonemic, whole-word, and morphographs (all parts of words).

• Useful Websites:
  • Wonders
  • Lexia
  • Newsela
  • Readworks.org
• Social Studies: We continue with chapter 1: California's Geography and Early Peoples. Students are learning about where California is located in the world, native tribes, and regions.
• Writing: Expository/Informational - This connects with our current Social Studies unit.

All tests/quizzes are open-book and notes.

--Social Studies and Science will integrate--

• Science: We use Mystery Science online as well as parts of the textbook.

---Students are encouraged to take textbooks home, or access texts online, to reread or preview lessons/readings.

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Homework Agendas: Please sign the agenda every night after your child has completed their homework. Leave me a note if there was an issue I can help them with. Please do NOT sign your child's agenda if they didn't complete their homework. Thank you!

Reading Counts: Students should be reading EVERY night for homework and taking tests weekly for Reading Counts. Please make sure your child is focused on ONE book at a time so they can concentrate on the content.

***Setting goals helps us succeed! Our class goal for the next few weeks is to finish books at our lexile level and earn at least 5 points a week.***

Grades: If you aren't registered for Synergy (Parent Vue), you must visit the office for the form. Teachers cannot send the forms home with students. This is where you will find your child's grades/progress in real time.

** Remember to check your child's Home Folder (in the very back of their binder) on Thursdays for graded tests and assignments.

Scholastic Book Club Orders: If you are interested in ordering, please order online using our classroom code: Q67CZ When you order using our classroom code, points go toward our classroom library. Thank you!

Email address: swalther@egusd.net

**IMPORTANT DATES & EVENTS:

• Halloween is Thursday, but students are not allowed to wear costumes to school. Thank you.
• D Track Picture Day Make-ups are Friday, Nov. 1
• School Spelling Bee: The winner from our class will compete at the whole school level on Monday, November 18 at ZRES.
• Field Trip: November 8 from 9:30-1:30.
• 4th Grade Performance: Thursday, November 21. "The Turkeys Go On Strike". Here is the link for students to practice the lyrics and listen to the songs online. You can find the link here and also on the school website. Go to our page, Staff, Fourth Grade, and it is the first link. Students must then log in with their log in email. https://sites.google.com/egusd.net/zehnderranch4thgrade/home
• Parent/Teacher Conferences: I do not use the sign up page in Synergy, so please feel free to email me for a date and time if you would like to meet.