Hello 4th Grade Families,

Tonight for homework your child is reviewing or relearning how to find the average for a set of numbers. I sent home a reminder worksheet with directions on division, as well as the steps for finding the average (or mean). There are only four problems on the worksheet, but I want each child to read both sides before solving the problems. We are doing this in preparation for the second math MAP test (standardized test done on the computer) for the year, which will be tomorrow. On Wednesday, we'll jump back into decimal work from chapter 13.

In spelling this week it's a tricky lesson. All the words have either an –aw or an –au. Students will need to study these words in order to remember which has which, because they sound the same.

Your child needs to return his or her binder with second trimester work and progress report (signed) in it by Wednesday. I'd like to keep the work inside for now, you are welcome to keep it at the end of the trimester when report cards are sent home.

Tomorrow the Spanish teacher has asked students to bring treats in for a party they have earned, check with your child about what he or she offered to bring!

On Friday we have guests from the Pacific Science Center coming to kick off our human body unit with a lesson on nutrition! Be sure to ask how the lesson went on Friday afternoon.

The In Twenty Years essays are just about all complete and students are now working on the art part. The essays will be sent to Studentreasures.com to be bound and will be available for sale as a hardback class book. I will send the order form home later this week. There is no pressure to get one, but I will say they are really fun to read a few years down the road. They do cost about $20.

Next week, we will have a small Valentine's Day Party on Tuesday at the end of the day. Students are welcome to bring treats and/or cards as long as there's one for everyone. On next Wednesday evening there will be a FREE Family Math Night from 6-8pm. Pizza will be available from 6-6:30 and math games will be open from 6:30-8. Please come! Friday, the 17th there will be a snow make-up day. It was previously a no school day, for our mid-winter break. If you have plans already and your child won't be here that is okay. We will be back to school on Wednesday, February 22nd.

All for now,
Claire Plehal