English Language Arts
Every week your child will read an anchor text as well as a paired text. The anchor text is used to work on fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary skills and strategies. The paired text may be similar in theme and or genre. This text also reinforces vocabulary usage. Student understanding of the anchor text and vocabulary will be assessed on Fridays.
Students will also work on grammar throughout the week. Weekly spelling words will no longer be assessed in order to allow time for MSTEP & NWEA review.
Weekly Reading
Every Friday, your child is assigned reading material for the week. This assignment will be in the form of an electronic article using ReadWorks (login info is in your child’s planner) or an issue of Scholastic News. Your child is required to read and answer questions that are Common Core based. Similar questions will appear on the M-STEP. The electronic submission or separate questions worksheet is due by the following Thursday. All short answer questions MUST be answered in complete sentences and contain proper punctuation in order to earn full credit. If your child doesn’t submit or return the reading homework by Thursday, he/she will stay in from Friday Rewards to complete the assignment.
ReadWorks Article: News Debate: Cashing In due 5/9
4th Grade Choir Concert
Math Extra Credit
At the beginning of Chapter 12, students were given a Chapter 12 Reteach Packet. This is an extra credit opportunity that I encouraged them strongly to complete. Extra credit can only help, not harm a student’s grade. I am including a copy below in case it mysteriously disappears. To earn the extra credit, this packet must be completed and returned no later than Friday, May 10th.
Chapter 12 Reteach (Extra Credit)
MSTEP & NWEA/MAP Testing Dates
Monday, 5/6 MSTEP Math (Part I)
Tuesday, 5/7 MSTEP Math (Part II)
Wednesday, 5/15 ELA or Math NWEA/MAP
Wednesday, 5/22 ELA or Math NWEA/MAP
It is strongly recommended that you and your child explore the sample M STEP test questions together. These questions will help both parent and child get a glimpse of what M STEP questions are like. We will also be viewing these sample questions at school but it never hurts to have extra practice!
Please click on the link below to access practice test questions.
https://wbte.drcedirect.com/MI/portals/mi/
With M-STEP and NWEA/MAP assessments quickly approaching, I am asking that students practice basic skills, such as memorizing math facts, multiplying and dividing multi-digit numbers, finding equivalent fractions, performing operations with fractions, and calculating area and perimeter of shapes. By reviewing these tasks at home, students will have less anxiety and build confidence. If you would like additional resources, please review the sample test using the link above or go to Think Central online and complete the Cumulative Reviews in the workbook. Thanks again for your continued support in your child’s education.
MSU Sea Grant Field Trip 2019 
In June, our fourth grade class will be participating in the Great Lakes Education Program through Michigan State University and its Sea Grant Program. Below is some information about the program.
- The Great Lakes Education Program (GLEP) introduces fourth-grade students to the unique features of the Great Lakes through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience. The program is designed to stimulate interest in the Great Lakes and help students understand their role in protecting these vital freshwater resources.
- More than 40,000 students, teachers, adult chaperones and volunteers in southeast Michigan have participated in the Great Lakes Education Program since it began in 1991.
- Educational Relevance
The Great Lakes Education Program is part of an approved science curriculum for fourth-grade students and addresses an important need. Studies have shown that fourth grade students in Michigan generally have little understanding of the Great Lakes and local water resources. GLEP helps bridge this gap and prepare students for their roles as future decision-makers responsible for the state’s natural resources.
For more information, go to www.glep.us.
The field trip permission slip and money are due Friday, May 24th. The cost of the trip is $15. This is an amazing educational opportunity for our students and has proven to be a favorite field trip for 4th grade students, teachers, and parents each year. Our class field trip is on Friday, June 3rd.
Due to boat regulations, only 4 adults will be able to accompany us. Please make sure I now you are interested in chaperoning this trip by May 17th. I will have a raffle and chaperones will be determined. Once confirmed, chaperone money will be due along with student $ on May 24th.
I will keep the names of others interested in case there is a cancellation. The cost for parent volunteers is $15.00. Please turn this in by Friday, May 24th. If you have already paid and were not chosen, your $15 will be returned to you. Thank you!
GLEP Boat Field Trip 2019 Permission Slip