Sunday, February 29, 2016

Mr. Sassman's 4th Grade Class Blog

It was a fun and educational week including drones, exploding canisters, and current events presentations. We will keep rocking with these projects this week!!! Stay tuned for more pictures!

We are in the final two weeks of the third quarter and have just about 11 weeks of school left (not including spring break of course). Homework will be winding down a bit for now :)

READ-A-THON STARTS THIS WEEK!!! PLEDGE FORMS ARE DUE THIS TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2016, I WILL COPY THEM AND GIVE THEM BACK IMMEDIATELY THAT DAY. STUDENTS SHOULD BE READING EVERY NIGHT AND MARKING DOWN THEIR TIMES ON THEIR CALENDAR. PARENTS: PLEASE INITIAL FOR EACH DAY AND TIME. I WILL ALLOW SOME TIME IN SCHOOL TO READ AND WILL INITIAL AS WELL.

This week

• READ-A-THON BEGINS
• Literacy Groups
• Literacy Circles
• Kahn Academy
• DOL
• Spelling
• Current Events (continue with google slides presentations in class) 

Monday looks like:

9:00 - 9:10

Planners

Class Meeting

9:10 - 11:00

DOL

Spelling Lesson 15

Writing Prompt

11:00 - 11:40

Library

11:40 - 12:10

Lunch

12:10 - 12:40

Recess

12:40 - 2:00

Math Block

2:00 - 3:30

Recess Part II

Literacy Circles

Writing Prompt 

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please feel free to call or email me anytime to discuss things further. I hope you find this information helpful and useful.

HOMEWORK DUE Friday, March 4, 2015
-- Literacy Circles Entry Four
-- Spelling Lesson 15

MATH HOMEWORK DUE THIS WEEK (only if you are in my math class)

NONE - TEST TOPIC 11 TUESDAY

ONGOING INFORMATION

READING LOGS
I have decided to implement weekly reading logs as a regular part of our class for this next quarter. Students will receive "points" for for each day that they read a minimum of 20 minutes at home. The purpose: for students to read each day (not 100 minutes over the weekend or 40 minutes on Tuesday to catch up for Monday).
The logs will be due on a rolling basis and should have dates read on them. I will give credit as they are turned in and filled out correctly (please initial these). The points students receive will be added to their overall reading grade, counting towards their final grade.
It is simple, if students read and turn in their logs, they will see their grade improve significantly while naturally benefitting in fluency and accuracy. If they do not, they will not be given a "0" on the assignment, they simply will not receive any points.
Please look for these to come home this week. I have a yellow folder by the classroom front door filled with new reading logs. Email me with any questions or concerns please.

GOOGLE DRIVE
You can access all of your student's digital assignments online and work at home if you would like. Just go to www.gmail.com and type in their email address and password. Then find the Google Menu (where you will find the Drive, Docs, and Slides) icon in the top right corner (it is a nine square grid next to their s-number). This is where they will make their Google Slides Presentation for their Biography Book Reports. It is as follows:

Username: s#@student.k12northstar.org (for example: s123456@student.k12northstar.org)

Password: s#g (for example: s123456g)

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Friday, March 11, 2016 - we will collect $5 from each student for transportation and admission
Field Trip to the Ice Park for a carving demonstration, sledding, and hot chocolate
End of third quarter and beginning of spring break - early dismissal at 2 PM

Tuesday, April 5th, 2016 - 5 PM in the commons
Parent informational meeting about Twin Bears

Friday, April 22, 2016 (this date may change due to scheduling)
Fairbanks Cultural Center in the morning and then a picnic lunch beside the Chena River downtown
Supreme Court Mock Trial at the Courthouse in the afternoon

Wednesday, May 11, 2016 through Friday, May 13, 2016

Angel Rocks Hike and Twin Bears Camping Trip - Details to follow

Monday, May 16, 2016
Arctic Bowl and Pioneer Park Picnic

Tuesday, May 17, 2016 (also an early out day - dismissal at 2 PM)
Birch Hill Recreation Hike and Picnic

It's a good life!

Mr. Sassman

Sunday, February 22, 2016

Mr. Sassman's 4th Grade Class Blog

UAF School of Engineering Open House for Kids will be 

Saturday, February 27, 2016 from 11 am - 3 pm. 

It's a great opportunity and it's FREE!!!

THE PEARL CREEK SCIENCE FAIR IS THIS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2016 from 5-7 PM!!!

I have sent home a new Current Events Presentations Calendar.

READ-A-THON is rapidly approaching. I have sent home the directions/pledge form and calendar last week as well.

Field Trips: There are many coming up and I have listed them below. Be sure to check things out. We need parent chaperones and volunteers!!!

This week

• Reading Logs (con't) - more information down below
• Folk Tales
• Literacy Groups
• Literacy Circles
• Kahn Academy
• DOL
• Spelling
• TFK
• Current Events (continue with google slides presentations in class) 

Monday looks like:

9:00 - 9:10

Planners

Class Meeting

9:10 - 11:00

New Job

New Seats

DOL

Spelling Lesson 15

Folk Tales

11:00 - 11:40

Library

11:40 - 12:10

Lunch

12:10 - 12:40

Recess

12:40 - 2:00

Math Block

2:00 - 3:30

Current Event Presentations

Literacy Circles

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please feel free to call or email me anytime to discuss things further. I hope you find this information helpful and useful.

HOMEWORK DUE Friday, February 26, 2015
-- Literacy Circles Entry Three
-- Spelling Lesson 14

MATH HOMEWORK DUE THIS WEEK (only if you are in my math class)

Tuesday, February 23, 2016
-- Practice/Reteach 11-6
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
-- Practice/Reteach 11-7
Thursday, February 25, 2016
-- TOPIC 11 REVIEW Part 1
Friday, February 26, 2016
-- TOPIC 11 REVIEW Part 2

ONGOING INFORMATION

READING LOGS
I have decided to implement weekly reading logs as a regular part of our class for this next quarter. Students will receive "points" for for each day that they read a minimum of 20 minutes at home. The purpose: for students to read each day (not 100 minutes over the weekend or 40 minutes on Tuesday to catch up for Monday).
The logs will be due on a rolling basis and should have dates read on them. I will give credit as they are turned in and filled out correctly (please initial these). The points students receive will be added to their overall reading grade, counting towards their final grade.
It is simple, if students read and turn in their logs, they will see their grade improve significantly while naturally benefitting in fluency and accuracy. If they do not, they will not be given a "0" on the assignment, they simply will not receive any points.
Please look for these to come home this week. I have a yellow folder by the classroom front door filled with new reading logs. Email me with any questions or concerns please.

GOOGLE DRIVE
You can access all of your student's digital assignments online and work at home if you would like. Just go to www.gmail.com and type in their email address and password. Then find the Google Menu (where you will find the Drive, Docs, and Slides) icon in the top right corner (it is a nine square grid next to their s-number). This is where they will make their Google Slides Presentation for their Biography Book Reports. It is as follows:

Username: s#@student.k12northstar.org (for example: s123456@student.k12northstar.org)

Password: s#g (for example: s123456g)

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Thursday, February, 25, 2016 (5-7 PM)
Pearl Creek Science Fair - Information available at the front office or oat http://plc.k12northstar.org

Friday, March 11, 2016
Field Trip to the Ice Park for a carving demonstration, sledding, and hot chocolate
End of third quarter and beginning of spring break - early dismissal at 2 PM

Friday, May 6, 2016
Fairbanks Cultural Center in the morning and then a picnic lunch beside the Chena River downtown
Supreme Court Mock Trial at the Courthouse in the afternoon

Wednesday, May 11, 2016 - Friday, May 13, 2016

Angel Rocks Hike and Twin Bears Camping Trip - Details to follow

Monday, May 16, 2016
Arctic Bowl and Pioneer Park Picnic

Tuesday, May 17, 2016 (also an early out day - dismissal at 2 PM)
Birch Hill Recreation Hike and Picnic

It's a good life!

Mr. Sassman

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Mr. Sassman's 4th Grade Class Blog

I hope you had a nice Valentine's Day!

Some Housekeeping...

The Pearl Creek PTA will host a Pearl Creek Book Drive/Exchange. Donations can be delivered to a box by the kaleidoscope or boxes in the library. This has been such a great exchange in years past and let's keep this going. 

Girls on the Run is starting back up again. It starts February 18th and will be from 3:30 - 5 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Mrs. Bartusch has enrollment packets and it is open to girls in grades 4-6.

From Mr. Dunavin:

We are starting the Healthy Futures program here at Pearl Creek!  This is a program simply to encourage kids to get outside and play for 60 minutes a day.  I will pass out forms that each kid will need to fill out for each day they are active for 60 minutes.  The 60 minutes can be broken up into segments as well.  For example, 30 minutes of playing tag at recess will count, 35 minutes of gym class, swimming for 30 minutes, walking, hiking, playing catch and/or other activities. Students completing the log with at least 15 days of 60 minutes a month will receive Healthy Future prizes distributed at the end of each month.   The program will continue through the end of April.  So your child will have the opportunity to earn prizes at the end of each month.   Encourage your students to take part and stay active!  

Thank you,

Scott

Student-led Parent-teacher Conferences were Monday and Tuesday. It was really nice seeing you and I hope you enjoyed all the hard work your children have put into their education.

I will send home a new Current Events Presentations Calendar with the kiddos on Wednesday.

READ-A-THON is rapidly approaching. I will send home the directions/pledge form and calendar on Wednesday as well.

Upcoming Field Trips: There are many coming up and I am still waiting on dates/confirmations from people. As I solidify things, I will add them to the "Dates to Remember" section down below.

UAF School of Engineering
Ice Park 3/11/16
Supreme Court Mock Trial at the Courthouse
Fairbanks Cultural Center
Bowling and Pioneer Park Picnic
Birch Hill Recreation Hike and Picnic
Twin Bears

This week

• Reading Logs (con't) - more information down below
• Folk Tales
• Literacy Groups
• Literacy Circles
• Kahn Academy
• STEM LESSON: Force and Motion (Exploding Canisters)
• Current Events (continue with google slides presentations in class) 

Coming Up

• Tableaux
• Field Trip to UAF School of Engineering (Date TBD) - Two parent volunteers will be needed

Wednesday looks like:

9:00 - 9:10

Planners

Class Meeting

9:10 - 11:00

Folk Tales

Art

11:00 - 11:40

Music

11:40 - 12:10

Lunch

12:10 - 12:40

Recess

12:40 - 2:00

Math Block

2:00 - 3:30

Literacy Circles

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please feel free to call or email me anytime to discuss things further. I hope you find this information helpful and useful.

HOMEWORK DUE Friday, February 19, 2015
-- Literacy Circles Entry Two

MATH HOMEWORK DUE THIS WEEK (only if you are in my math class)

Thursday, February 18, 2016
-- Practice/Reteach 11-5
Thursday, February 19, 2016
-- Practice/Reteach 11-5

ONGOING INFORMATION

READING LOGS
I have decided to implement weekly reading logs as a regular part of our class for this next quarter. Students will receive "points" for for each day that they read a minimum of 20 minutes at home. The purpose: for students to read each day (not 100 minutes over the weekend or 40 minutes on Tuesday to catch up for Monday).
The logs will be due on a rolling basis and should have dates read on them. I will give credit as they are turned in and filled out correctly (please initial these). The points students receive will be added to their overall reading grade, counting towards their final grade.
It is simple, if students read and turn in their logs, they will see their grade improve significantly while naturally benefitting in fluency and accuracy. If they do not, they will not be given a "0" on the assignment, they simply will not receive any points.
Please look for these to come home this week. I have a yellow folder by the classroom front door filled with new reading logs. Email me with any questions or concerns please.

GOOGLE DRIVE
You can access all of your student's digital assignments online and work at home if you would like. Just go to www.gmail.com and type in their email address and password. Then find the Google Menu (where you will find the Drive, Docs, and Slides) icon in the top right corner (it is a nine square grid next to their s-number). This is where they will make their Google Slides Presentation for their Biography Book Reports. It is as follows:

Username: s#@student.k12northstar.org (for example: s123456@student.k12northstar.org)

Password: s#g (for example: s123456g)

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Thursday, February, 25, 2016 (5-7 PM)
Pearl Creek Science Fair - Information available at the front office or oat http://plc.k12northstar.org.

Friday, March 11, 2016
Field Trip to the Ice Park for a carving demonstration, sledding, and hot chocolate!
End of third quarter and beginning of spring break - early dismissal at 2 PM

It's a good life!

Mr. Sassman

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Mr. Sassman's 4th Grade Class Blog

Some Housekeeping...

Thank you to all who came, participated, volunteered at our annual STEM Night. It was a great night of activities and learning. A special thanks to Theresa Kay, a member of our PTA, and organizer of the STEM night. 

Speaking of the PTA, they will host a Pearl Creek Book Drive/Exchange. Donations can be delivered to a box by the kaleidoscope or boxes in the library. This has been such a great exchange in years past and let's keep this going. 

Girls on the Run is starting back up again. It starts February 15 and will be from 3:30 - 5 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Mrs. Bartusch has enrollment packets and it is open to girls in grades 4-6.

Library book fair and gals read start the week of February 8, 2016. 

Pearl Creek Spelling Bee will be this Thursday, February 11, 2016  at 9:30 in the commons.

Mr. Brent's class is sponsoring another "Date Night," on Saturday, February 13, 2016 form 5-10 PM. Flyers are available in the front office. 

Last Week was productive even thought it was a short one. Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic were in full swing and we have made our way through long division for now. Next up...fractions!!! We didn't get to AMP test training, but we will try again this week. We are in forward motion towards prepping for student-led conference preparations. 

This week we will be working away on few projects including current events slides prep, but we will also be starting Literacy Circles. Students will have a specific book that we will read IN CLASS (small groups of 4-5 for each book). They will then BRING HOME THEIR PACKETS AND RESPOND TO THE WRITING PROMPTS. This is an attempt to differentiate instruction based on reading level and interest, while giving the students the option to choose certain books.  

This week

• Reading Logs (con't) - more information down below
• Literacy Groups
• Literacy Circles
• Comic Life
• Self Reflections/Writing
• DOL
• Kahn Academy
• Moon Journaling
• Current Events (continue with google slides presentations in class) 

Coming Up

• Tableaux
• Spelling Bee
• STEM LESSON: Force and Motion (Exploding Canisters)
• Field Trip to UAF School of Engineering (Date TBD) - Two parent volunteers will be needed

Monday looks like:

9:00 - 9:10

Planners

Class Meeting

9:10 - 11:00

Conference Preparations

DOL

11:00 - 11:40

Library

11:40 - 12:10

Lunch

12:10 - 12:40

Recess

12:40 - 2:00

Math Block 

2:00 - 3:30

Literacy Circles

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please feel free to call or email me anytime to discuss things further. I hope you find this information helpful and useful.

HOMEWORK DUE Friday, February 12, 2015
-- Literacy Circle Packet One

MATH HOMEWORK DUE THIS WEEK (only if you are in my math class)

Tuesday, February 9, 2016
-- Practice/Reteach 11-2 
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
-- Practice/Reteach 11-3
Thursday, February 11, 2016
-- Practice/Reteach 11-4
Thursday, February 12, 2016
-- Practice/Reteach 11-5

ONGOING INFORMATION

READING LOGS
I have decided to implement weekly reading logs as a regular part of our class for this next quarter. Students will receive "points" for for each day that they read a minimum of 20 minutes at home. The purpose: for students to read each day (not 100 minutes over the weekend or 40 minutes on Tuesday to catch up for Monday).
The logs will be due on a rolling basis and should have dates read on them. I will give credit as they are turned in and filled out correctly (please initial these). The points students receive will be added to their overall reading grade, counting towards their final grade.
It is simple, if students read and turn in their logs, they will see their grade improve significantly while naturally benefitting in fluency and accuracy. If they do not, they will not be given a "0" on the assignment, they simply will not receive any points.
Please look for these to come home this week. I have a yellow folder by the classroom front door filled with new reading logs. Email me with any questions or concerns please.

GOOGLE DRIVE
You can access all of your student's digital assignments online and work at home if you would like. Just go to www.gmail.com and type in their email address and password. Then find the Google Menu (where you will find the Drive, Docs, and Slides) icon in the top right corner (it is a nine square grid next to their s-number). This is where they will make their Google Slides Presentation for their Biography Book Reports. It is as follows:

Username: s#@student.k12northstar.org (for example: s123456@student.k12northstar.org)

Password: s#g (for example: s123456g)

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Monday, February 15, 2016 and Tuesday February 16, 2016
Student-led parent/teacher conferences (NO SCHOOL) - please speak to Mrs. Lisa Corbett at the front office for your scheduled time if you have questions. I will send home papers with your confirmed times when we are closer.

Thursday, February, 25, 2016 (5-7 PM)
Pearl Creek Science Fair - Information available at the front office or oat http://plc.k12northstar.org.

Friday, March 11, 2016
End of third quarter and beginning of spring break - early dismissal at 2 PM

It's a good life!

Mr. Sassman