• Tests Next Week October 6 - October 10

I was only able to give 4 of the 5 assessments I'd plan to administer. Students took Vocabulary, Comprehension tests, and wrote a narrative based on the story, The Illuminated Adventures of Flora and Ulysses. Students will take a county created Cycle Assessment with a new story. 

I wasn't able to give the spelling test. I plan to give it next week, the week of October 27th.

• New Cycle

We're beginning a new cycle and learning a new set of skills based on the portion of the book, The Year of the Rat. You can check the Homework tab for the Cycle Summary. It summarizes the spelling, writing, and reading skills for the next two weeks. 

• iReady Diagnostic Reports

On Monday, October 13, 2025, your child's Fall 2025 iReady BOY reports will be sent home. Please be on the lookout for these reports in your child's backpack. Be sure to ASK them about it! Remember that the BOY assessment only provides BASELINE data for your scholar and gives teachers a better look at what they need to work on with your scholar's to help them grow.

• Spring 2025 MCAP Reports

On Monday, October 6, 2025, your child's Spring 2025 MCAP Reports were sent home. All students in grades 4-8 shold have received their reports for Math and ELA and the 6th graders also received a report for MISA.

Hopefully your child shared these reports with you. Accompanied with the score reports were a couple different documents. You may view these documents below:

• Letter from Ms. Hogue

• Understanding the MCAP Score Report ELA & Math (current 4th - 8th grade)

• Understanding the MCAP Score Report MISA (current 6th grade)

If your child did not bring a report home, it is because we haven't received their report from their previous school, they came from out of state, OR they did not sit for MCAP last year. Should you have any questions, please reach out to our School Testing Coordinator, Ms. Stefanak.

• Tests Next Week October 6 - October 10

There will be 5 assessments next week, wrapping up all the Cycle 1 skills we've practiced in class. 

Monday we will have a 10-question comprehension test based on the first 9 chapters of a book we read in class, The Illuminated Adventures of Flora and Ulysses.

Tuesday students will take a test on the following words from Flora and Ulysses, 

Critical Vocabulary: cynic, defiance, profound,inadvertently, consumed, descended, obliged,mundane, considered, disdain

1. cynic: A cynic is someone who always expects bad things to happen.

2. defiance: If you act in defiance, you know something is not allowed, but you do it anyway.

3. profound: A profound thought is one that is deep and meaningful. 

4. inadvertently: If you act inadvertently, you do something by mistake or without realizing it. 

5. consumed: If you consumed something, you ate it. 

6. descended: If something descended, it came down or spread around. 

7. obliged: If you obliged, you did what you were asked or expected to do.

8. mundane: Someone who is mundane is ordinary and often dull. 

9. considered: If you considered something, you thought about it carefully. 

10.disdain: If you treat someone with disdain, you act as if he or she is unimportant or not as good as you are

Wednesday Students will take a county created Cycle Assessment that test students on identifying central idea, figurative language (hyperbole), author's purpose and text features but with a new story. 

Thursday is the spelling test with short and long e words.

Friday there's no test but it's the last day to edit and press the Turn In button on www.noredink.com This assignment is put into Synergy as an assessment. 

• Scholastic Book Fair:

Thank you to all the volunteer who gave up time to help our students make purchases at the Book Fair. Thank you to all of you who were able to give your students money for purchases to support our PTO.

• Scholastic Book Fair:

Foulois is having it's first book fair since the pandemic. Many students already had the opportunity to make purchases. Every purchase supports the PTO. It's held from September 24th to October 3rd. Students will have several opportunities to make a wish list and shop for items during the school day. 

• iReady Lessons and the Grading Policy:

Only on week's with 5 school days, I use the following grading rubric for iReady. 

Four (4) completed lessons a week. Here is the rubric for iReady usage. 

5+ lessons passed = 110%

4 lessons passed = 100%

3 lessons passed=85%

2 lessons passed=70%

1 lesson passed =55%

There is extra credit built into the completion because students should receive credit for exceeding expectations. 

• Tests Next Week October 6 - October 10

There will be 5 assessments next week, wrapping up all the Cycle 1 skills we've practiced in class. 

Monday we will have a 10-question comprehension test based on the first 9 chapters of a book we read in class, The Illuminated Adventures of Flora and Ulysses.

Tuesday students will take a test on the following words from Flora and Ulysses, 

Critical Vocabulary: cynic, defiance, profound,inadvertently, consumed, descended, obliged,mundane, considered, disdain

1. cynic: A cynic is someone who always expects bad things to happen.

2. defiance: If you act in defiance, you know something is not allowed, but you do it anyway.

3. profound: A profound thought is one that is deep and meaningful. 

4. inadvertently: If you act inadvertently, you do something by mistake or without realizing it. 

5. consumed: If you consumed something, you ate it. 

6. descended: If something descended, it came down or spread around. 

7. obliged: If you obliged, you did what you were asked or expected to do.

8. mundane: Someone who is mundane is ordinary and often dull. 

9. considered: If you considered something, you thought about it carefully. 

10.disdain: If you treat someone with disdain, you act as if he or she is unimportant or not as good as you are

Wednesday Students will take a county created Cycle Assessment that test students on identifying central idea, figurative language (hyperbole), author's purpose and text features but with a new story. 

Thursday is the spelling test with short and long e words.

Friday there's no test but it's the last day to edit and press the Turn In button on www.noredink.com This assignment is put into Synergy as an assessment. 

Announcements

• Music (Chorus & Piano) Orientation:

On either Monday or Wednesday, of this week, Ms. Twine and Mrs. Pruett will spend 15 minutes each speaking with 4th-graders about chorus and piano pull-outs during their Creative Arts blocks.

• Schools Closed:

PGCPS are closed for students for the Rosh Hashanah holiday.

• Read-a-Thon Fundraiser

We're kicking off a Read-a-Thon on Monday, September 22nd in the afternoon. The fundraiser will run until October 10th.

• Back to School Night:

Please join us in person from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. this Wednesday September 24th. Parents will first hear from the Creative and Performing Arts team in the cafeteria. Then parents will move to individual classrooms. We're asking all 4th-grade families to meet Mr. Curtis (math) and I in room 119 for a joint meeting. There will be 2 30-minute sessions for teachers to attend. 

• Scholastic Book Fair:

Foulois is having it's first book fair since the pandemic. Please come out on Back-to-School Night to support. It's held from September 24th to October 3rd. Students will have several opportunities to make a wish list and shop for items during the school day. 

• iReady Lessons and the Grading Policy:

Only on week's with 5 school days, I use the following grading rubric for iReady. 

Four (4) completed lessons a week. Here is the rubric for iReady usage. 

5+ lessons passed = 110%

4 lessons passed = 100%

3 lessons passed=85%

2 lessons passed=70%

1 lesson passed =55%

Grading iReady will begin the week of September 29th. There is extra credit built into the completion because I believe students should receive credit for exceeding expectations. 

• First Spelling Test

I am very proud of how students performed on their first spelling test. Some students earned extra credit for spelling the secret bonus words correctly. I didn't tell families there were bonus words because I want to students to know all 12 words. 

I believe when students exceed expectations they should receive credit for it. My curriculum provides a list of 7 spelling words. I add another 5 words but hold students accountable for 3 of those extra words. Every spelling test is graded out of 10. Please refer to the grading list below. 

12 out of 12 correct = 120%

any 11 out of 12 correct = 110%

any 10 out of 12 correct = 100%

any 9 out of 12 correct = 90%

any 8 out of 12 correct = 80%

any 7 out of 12 correct = 70%

any 6 out of 12 correct = 60%

any 5 out of 12 correct = 50%

The iReady lessons are the spelling test are the ONLY extra credit opportunities I offer. There are no other opportunities for extra credit.

Celebrations from the Week

Important Announcements

• Band and Orchestra Orientation:

  • On Tuesday, September 16th. Mr. Carter (band) and Mrs. Alexander (orchestra) will meet with both 4th-grade classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. for their annual interest/orientation meeting. Students will receive information on how to join band and orchestra.

• Spelling Test:

  • The first spelling test will be on Friday, September 19th. Spelling tests occur on Day 1 of a new 8-day cycle. All students will use the same set of words for the first four tests. After that, I will differentiate spelling lists based on a quick pre-test. Lists will be labeled A, B, and C.

• Guidance with Mrs. Colbert

• Our professional school guidance counselor Mrs. Colbert will meet with both classes on Wednesday for a 30 minute lesson. 

• iReady Lessons and the Grading Policy:

  • T

• Scholastic Book Fair:

  • T

I hope this newsletter finds you well! As I move further into the school year, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are creating a nurturing and engaging environment for our students.

Celebrations from the Week

We had a fantastic time during the Books on the Ground event last Friday after school! Families who attended enjoyed socializing, dancing, and delicious food from the food trucks. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate our love for reading.

Important Announcements

• iReady Diagnostic:

  • Monday and Tuesday are reserved for the iReady diagnostic assessments. Please ensure that your child is well-rested and ready to do their best!

• Early Dismissal:

  • On Friday, September 12th, students will have an early dismissal at 1:15 p.m. Please make arrangements for pick-up accordingly.

• Band and Orchestra Orientation:

  • Mr. Carter (band) and Mrs. Alexander (orchestra) will meet with both 4th-grade classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. for their annual interest/orientation meeting. Students will receive information on how to join band and orchestra.

• Spelling Test:

  • The first spelling test will be on Friday, September 19th. Spelling tests occur on Day 1 of a new 8-day cycle. All students will use the same set of words for the first four tests. After that, I will differentiate spelling lists based on a quick pre-test. Lists will be labeled A, B, and C.

• Unit Summary and Syllabi:

  • The Unit summary is posted in the Homework tab of our website. You will also receive a paper copy in your student(s)' Boomerang Folder. Syllabi for both Reading and Social Studies are included. This information can help you tailor additional homework for your child(ren).

As we look forward to the upcoming weeks, we are grateful for your ongoing support and dedication. Together, we can provide the best possible learning experience for our children. Thank you for being an essential part of our school community!

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying the start of a new school year! It has been heartwarming to see our scholars back in the classroom, filled with enthusiasm and curiosity. Thank you for being an essential part of our school community!

Celebrations from the Week

We have successfully completed our first week of school! Our classrooms are thriving thanks to the Treatment Agreements we established. Students worked together to agree on how everyone should treat each other, fostering a supportive and respectful environment. It has been uplifting to hear so many encouraging words from families. Thank you for your support!

Important Announcements

• Emergency Contact Form: If you haven't already done so, please fill out and return the blue emergency contact form.

• Chromebook Agreement: Please submit the Chromebook Agreement shared by Ms. Stefanak on Class Dojo. You can access the form here: Chromebook Agreement Form.
  Important Note: Scholars without a signed device agreement will not be provided a device until one is received. We only need ONE form per scholar, but a separate form must be filled out for EACH scholar you have here at BDF. The form will send a copy of your responses to the email address you enter when completing it. Please double-check that you aren't sending a second agreement! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

• Homework: Homework will be begin this week. I'm asking students to fill out a list of favorites so I can get to know them better. In a 5-day week, homework sheets are given to students on Monday and due every Friday. The extended due date, without penalty, will always be the next Tuesday. Parents and guardians can print out the PDF version from the HOMEWORK tab if the paper is lost. 

I want to address an issue regarding five students whose last names were misspelled on a list given to the fourth-grade teachers. This has caused some lapses in connecting on Class Dojo. I apologize for this oversight and will work on correcting those names on the folders and name tags this week.

We are grateful for your ongoing support in making this school year a success. Your partnership is invaluable, and together, we can create a nurturing environment for our scholars.

Looking forward to more wonderful moments ahead!

1 backpack

1 reusable water bottle

1 1-inch, 3-ring binder

1 pack of 5 binder tabs

3 composition books

1 each, blue, black, and red poly folders

8 boxes of pre-sharpened pencils

4 boxes of crayons

2 boxes of colored pencils

1 pack of water colored markers

1 zippered soft pouch

1 set of over-the-ear headphones with microphone

4 bottles of liquid glue

2 packs of glue sticks

1 pair of scissors

1 pack of clear tape

The following are encouraged but not mandatory:

• • boxes of facial tissues

  • bottles of hand sanitizer

  • disinfecting wipes

  • paper towels

  • Ziploc bags