Classroom News for the Week of February 6th

News and Upcoming Events: 

• Orchestra is on Monday. Please remember to bring your instruments.
• Volunteers needed: If you are available to help with a sewing project (very basic skills only) on Thursday 2/9 between 10:15 and 12, your help would be appreciated. I am looking for adults to work with small groups of students to help with threading needles, assisting with basic stitches, untangling thread etc. 5 parents would be ideal. If you can come please email me at slc5001@lausd.net. 
• Donations needed: If you have any extra batting for stuffing pillows, your donation is greatly appreciated. Please send any donations to school by Wednesday 2/8.
• The Grade 4 Spelling Bee will be 2/14. Participation is voluntary and all students are strongly encouraged to participate. Students will received a word listless week. It is a list of all the spelling words from this year's Greek and Latin roots. Students should study the list at home. We will also be doing mock bees in the classroom. 
• 2/14 Valentine's Day. Yay! We will celebrate at the end of the day. If your child brings valentines, please make sure there are enough for every student. We have 33 students in class. Small candies attached to valentines are fine, but please do not send any additional treats such as cookies, cupcakes, donuts etc.  Any of these items will be left in the office for you to pick up. Thank you for your understanding.

What's Going On This Week In Class:

Math: 

Our new unit is on Geometry. This week students will be learning how to use a compass and protractor. We will be measuring and drawing angles.
Key Vocabulary: Right, acute, and obtuse angles; perpendicular and parallel lines.

Reading:

 Bud, Not Buddy. - Chaps 16-19. This week we will finish the book; determine the theme(s) of the book in cooperative groups, take the AR quiz, and write a short essay about the book.

Students will be taking the ELA interim assessment on iPads this week.

Genre Genius: Ask your child about his/her progress.

Spelling & Vocabulary:
Bee practice; Syllabication ("vowel team syllables") practice.

Writing:

Writers' Workshop: Drafting opinion essays a paragraph at time; Using powerful and convincing language

Arts:
Drama class with Ms. Beret:Pantomimed scenes using a rubric to guide us (Focus, Enthusiasm, Gesture, and Content)

Social Studies/ Science:

SS: The end of the Rancho Era and the Bear Flag revolt
Science: Energy Transfer and work on class project: Mousetrap 2.0

Reminders:

Tardies:

 Please make sure your child is at school and in line by the 8:06 bell. We try to start the school day at 8:11 promptly. Thank you for your help!

Homework:

Please check your child's Homework Log nightly and sign or initial after the work has been completed. Remind your child that completed homework and the HW log are due in class daily.