Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are looking forward to a wonderful week with our field trip to the symphony being one of the highlights on 1/26.

Congratulations to our spelling bee winners!!: Sam and Sage (alternate). Heather Martin will be emailing those parents with instructions for the Feb. 4 county spelling bee.

Sick Days and Absences: we have had a high number of children out due to illness and weather, some for extended periods of time. When your student misses a day or more of school it is highly recommended that you come in and pick up the homework and missed classwork for the day/week. In a week, we have 7.5 hours of instruction in math alone. It is virtually impossible for a student to catch up without having the work at home to attend to. This places your child at a serious disadvantage as the class has moved considerably forward.

**Important Announcements/Field Trips:

Fourth Grade Dance Around the World: January 12 through March 2

Your child has started a unique and amazing opportunity to participate in the DATW (Dance Around the World) with Micha Scott.

1.  Classes go from January 12th for 8 consecutive Thursdays beginning at 1:00 and ending at 1:45 (note time change).

2.  A Mountain performance tba around the beginning of March.

3. The State Dance standards link is below as this will be an academic, well integrated instructional experience.

http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/dagrade4.asp

4. No academic instruction will be set aside--rather, our commitment to the arts as an integral part of a well-balanced scholastic program allows us to extend this special opportunity to our students with grant funds from the SC County Office of Education.

Science Fair- Wednesday, March 1st:

Your child received a Science Fair packet to read over with you and begin planning for a project last week.  By now all families should have reviewed this packet with their children. All students in grades 4-6 are required to complete science fair projects at home.  Clear guidelines and timeline are included in the information.  The signed proposal page is due Jan. 23rd.

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/ and SC County Science Fair Link provide helpful resources for project planning.  Please contact me with any questions.

THE SANTA CRUZ SYMPHONY FIELD TRIP: Thursday January 26th departure at 10 a.m., Civic Auditorium
This is a student-centered activity, while we need drivers, adults will not attend the concert as we are at maximum capacity. We encourage drivers to grab a cup of coffee together while they wait (concert is 45 minutes). Thank you in advance to those who have offered to drive. We really appreciate your support!

To inspire our students’ musical talents and aspirations we will participate in this fantastic event. **Please return field trip permission forms asap.**

THE SEYMOUR CENTER FIELD TRIP: Tuesday February 21 at 9:00
More information to come.

Santa Cruz County Science Fair: March 11th  (registration deadline: Fri., Feb. 10)

SC County Science Fair Link  We encourage students to enter their projects into the Santa Cruz County Science Fair. Please view the website with your child to consider whether she or he is interested in this opportunity.  The website includes helpful ideas as well as guidelines for projects. If your child is interested in participating, he/she is strongly encouraged to begin a project as soon as possible.

Upcoming Dates:

DATW with Micha Scott-- Thursdays January 12th - March 2nd, 1-1:45

SC Symphony field trip-- Thursday, January 26th, 11:00
SCCOE Spelling Bee-- Saturday, February 4th

HOLIDAY/ NO SCHOOL-- Monday, February 13th

HOLIDAY/ NO SCHOOL-- Monday, February 20th

Science Fair-- Wednesday, March 1st

Typing Club

This week we begin typing practice!! typingclub.com

We will be typing in class each week.  Please let me know if computer access is a problem.

Curriculum Updates:

ELA: we will begin reading/analyzing our literature book: The Birchbark House.  We are working on jots (note taking from the text and elaboration) and uncovering the problems that face our main characters and the life lessons taught in the text.  In addition, we continue to honor our VIP each week and listen and respond to presentations by students and practice writing friendly letters. 

SC Symphony: daily musical compositions are introduced and enjoyed every morning in preparation for our SC Symphony experience on January 26th and beyond.

Mindfulness: best practices in mindfulness are being incorporated in our classroom this year.

Harmony: best practices school-wide curriculum for building a strong social-emotional community within our classrooms.

AR Reading: Accelerated Reader continues to be an important part of our reading program.  Students are reading appropriate AR books found through the AR book find link and then quizzing on them within 24 hours of finishing their book.  It is critical to support your child in book selection (most books are in our school and classroom libraries) and to remind them to read, read, read whenever the opportunity arises--in the car, while waiting for an appt., to and from school, before bed time, on a Sunday in your jammies, etc.  These books should travel to and from the classroom in a daily fashion for classroom DEAR (drop everything and read) sessions as well as nightly reading homework and beyond.  Students have a goal of 14 points for the second trimester.  Each book has a certain amount of points it is worth.  This information is listed with reading level and appropriateness (grade school, middle school, high school, for example).  Points per book range from 3 to 5, generally, with longer books being worth more points.  On an average this is going to mean your child is reading anywhere from 3-5 books a Trimester. That said, help your child select books that are on their reading level (their latest DRA2 level), and have high interest for them.  This will allow them to accomplish reading books from start to finish successfully.

    

Math: Fractions. Please check your child's planner for specific page numbers. We begin fractions next week.  POM solving and presentations (problem of the month) continue. The next MARS task will be introduced this month as well.  If your child is still struggling with 2-digit multiplication, division and math facts, a packet of extra practice will be coming home this week with the expectation of extra time spent practicing these important skills. 

Science: "Solid Earth" and science fair preparation.

Social Studies: explorers.

Writing and Grammar: summary writing continues throughout the year. Personal narratives, grammar and root word study.

Warmly,

Mrs. Young

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are getting back in the groove and students are enjoying the various rich academic as well as artistic and extracurricular activities of our classroom and school. We are all so fortunate to be at Mountain, a school so dedicated to educating the whole child in academics and the arts!

**Important Announcements/Field Trips:

Fourth Grade Dance Around the World: January 12 through March 2

Your child has started a unique and amazing opportunity to participate in the DATW (Dance Around the World) with Micha Scott.

1.  Classes go from January 12th for 8 consecutive Thursdays beginning at 1:00 and ending at 1:45 (note time change).

2.  A Mountain performance tba around the beginning of March.

3. The State Dance standards link is below as this will be an academic, well integrated instructional experience.

http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/dagrade4.asp

4. No academic instruction will be set aside--rather, our commitment to the arts as an integral part of a well-balanced scholastic program allows us to extend this special opportunity to our students with grant funds from the SC County Office of Education.

Science Fair- Wednesday, March 1st:

Your child received a Science Fair packet to read over with you and begin planning for a project last week.  By now all families should have reviewed this packet with their children. All students in grades 4-6 are required to complete science fair projects at home.  Clear guidelines and timeline are included in the information.  The signed proposal page is due Jan. 23rd.

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/ and SC County Science Fair Link provide helpful resources for project planning.  Please contact me with any questions.

THE SANTA CRUZ SYMPHONY FIELD TRIP: January 26 at 11:00, Civic Auditorium
This is a student-centered activity, while we need drivers, adults will not attend the concert as we are at maximum capacity. We encourage drivers to grab a cup of coffee together while they wait (concert is 45 minutes). Thank you in advance to those who have offered to drive. We really appreciate your support!

To inspire our students’ musical talents and aspirations we will participate in this fantastic event. **Please return field trip permission forms asap.**

THE SEYMOUR CENTER FIELD TRIP: Tuesday February 21 at 9:00
More information to come.

Santa Cruz County Science Fair: March 11th  (registration deadline: Fri., Feb. 10)

SC County Science Fair Link  We encourage students to enter their projects into the Santa Cruz County Science Fair. Please view the website with your child to consider whether she or he is interested in this opportunity.  The website includes helpful ideas as well as guidelines for projects. If your child is interested in participating, he/she is strongly encouraged to begin a project as soon as possible.

Upcoming Dates:

DATW with Micha Scott-- Thursdays January 12th - March 2nd, 1-1:45

HOLIDAY/ NO SCHOOL-- Monday, January 16th

Mt. School Spelling Bee-- Thursday, January 19th, lunch time

SC Symphony field trip-- Thursday, January 26th, 11:00

HOLIDAY/ NO SCHOOL-- Monday, February 13th

HOLIDAY/ NO SCHOOL-- Monday, February 20th

SCCOE Spelling Bee-- Saturday, February 4th

Science Fair-- Wednesday, March 1st

Typing Club

This week we begin typing practice!! typingclub.com

We will be typing in class each week.  Please let me know if computer access is a problem.

Curriculum Updates: January

ELA: we will begin reading/analyzing our literature book: The Birchbark House.  We are working on jots (note taking from the text and elaboration) and uncovering the problems that face our main characters and the life lessons taught in the text.  In addition, we continue to honor our VIP each week and listen and respond to presentations by students and practice writing friendly letters. 

SC Symphony: daily musical compositions are introduced and enjoyed every morning in preparation for our SC Symphony experience on January 26th and beyond.

Mindfulness: best practices in mindfulness are being incorporated in our classroom this year.

Harmony: best practices school-wide curriculum for building a strong social-emotional community within our classrooms.

AR Reading: Accelerated Reader continues to be an important part of our reading program.  Students are reading appropriate AR books found through the AR book find link and then quizzing on them within 24 hours of finishing their book.  It is critical to support your child in book selection (most books are in our school and classroom libraries) and to remind them to read, read, read whenever the opportunity arises--in the car, while waiting for an appt., to and from school, before bed time, on a Sunday in your jammies, etc.  These books should travel to and from the classroom in a daily fashion for classroom DEAR (drop everything and read) sessions as well as nightly reading homework and beyond.  Students have a goal of 14 points for the second trimester.  Each book has a certain amount of points it is worth.  This information is listed with reading level and appropriateness (grade school, middle school, high school, for example).  Points per book range from 3 to 5, generally, with longer books being worth more points.  On an average this is going to mean your child is reading anywhere from 3-5 books a Trimester. That said, help your child select books that are on their reading level (their latest DRA2 level), and have high interest for them.  This will allow them to accomplish reading books from start to finish successfully.

    

Math: Fractions. Please check your child's planner for specific page numbers. We begin fractions next week.  POM solving and presentations (problem of the month) continue. The next MARS task will be introduced this month as well.  If your child is still struggling with 2-digit multiplication, division and math facts, a packet of extra practice will be coming home this week with the expectation of extra time spent practicing these important skills. 

Science: "Solid Earth" and science fair preparation.

Social Studies: explorers.

Writing and Grammar: summary writing continues throughout the year. Personal narratives, grammar and root word study.

Warmly,

Mrs. Young

Dear Parents and Guardians,

    Happy New Year! I hope you all had a marvelous vacation filled with rest, relaxation, adventure, and memory-making experiences.  Thank you for your kind sentiments and generous gifts.  I feel honored and appreciated!

**Important Announcements/Field Trips:

Fourth Grade Dance Around the World: January 12 through March 2

Your child will have a unique and amazing opportunity to participate in the DATW (Dance Around the World) experience with Micha Scott.

1.  Classes begin on January 12th for 8 consecutive Thursdays beginning at 1:00 and ending at 1:45.

2.  A Mountain performance tba

3. The State Dance standards link is below as this will be an academic, well integrated instructional experience.

http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/dagrade4.asp

4. No academic instruction will be set aside--rather, our commitment to the arts as an integral part of a well-balanced scholastic program allows us to extend this special opportunity to our students with grant funds from the SC County Office of Education.

Science Fair- Wednesday, March 1st:

Your child received a Science Fair packet to read over with you and begin planning for a project.  All students in grades 4-6 are required to complete science fair projects at home.  Clear guidelines and timeline are included in the information.   

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/ and SC County Science Fair Link provide helpful resources for project planning.  Please contact me with any questions.

THE SANTA CRUZ SYMPHONY FIELD TRIP: January 26 at 11:00, Civic Auditorium

To inspire our students’ musical talents and aspirations we will participate in this fantastic event.

**A field trip form is in your child’s Monday folder.**

THE SEYMOUR CENTER FIELD TRIP: Tuesday February 21 at 9:00

Santa Cruz County Science Fair: March 11th  (registration deadline: Fri., Feb. 10)

SC County Science Fair Link  We encourage students to enter their projects into the Santa Cruz County Science Fair. Please view the website with your child to consider whether she or he is interested in this opportunity.  The website includes helpful ideas as well as guidelines for projects. If your child is interested in participating, he/she is strongly encouraged to begin a project as soon as possible.

Upcoming Dates:

DATW with Micha Scott-- Thursdays January 12th - March 2nd, 1:50-2:35

HOLIDAY/ NO SCHOOL-- Monday, January 16th

Mt. School Spelling Bee-- Thursday, January 19th, lunch time

SC Symphony field trip-- Thursday, January 26th, 11:00

HOLIDAY/ NO SCHOOL-- Monday, February 13th

HOLIDAY/ NO SCHOOL-- Monday, February 20th

SCCOE Spelling Bee-- Saturday, February 4th

Science Fair-- Wednesday, March 1st

Typing Club

This week we begin typing practice!! typingclub.com

We will be typing in class each week.  Please let me know if computer access is a problem.

Curriculum Updates: January

ELA: we will begin reading/analyzing our literature book: The Birchbark House.  We are working on jots (note taking from the text and elaboration) and uncovering the problems that face our main characters and the life lessons taught in the text.  In addition, we continue to honor our VIP each week and listen and respond to presentations by students and practice writing friendly letters. 

SC Symphony: daily musical compositions are introduced and enjoyed every morning in preparation for our SC Symphony experience on January 26th and beyond.

Mindfulness: best practices in mindfulness are being incorporated in our classroom this year.

Harmony: best practices school-wide curriculum for building a strong social-emotional community within our classrooms.

AR Reading: Accelerated Reader continues to be an important part of our reading program.  Students are reading appropriate AR books found through the AR book find link and then quizzing on them within 24 hours of finishing their book.  It is critical to support your child in book selection (most books are in our school and classroom libraries) and to remind them to read, read, read whenever the opportunity arises--in the car, while waiting for an appt., to and from school, before bed time, on a Sunday in your jammies, etc.  These books should travel to and from the classroom in a daily fashion for classroom DEAR (drop everything and read) sessions as well as nightly reading homework and beyond.  Students have a goal of 14 points for the second trimester.  Each book has a certain amount of points it is worth.  This information is listed with reading level and appropriateness (grade school, middle school, high school, for example).  Points per book range from 3 to 5, generally, with longer books being worth more points.  On an average this is going to mean your child is reading anywhere from 3-5 books a Trimester. That said, help your child select books that are on their reading level (their latest DRA2 level), and have high interest for them.  This will allow them to accomplish reading books from start to finish successfully.

    

Math: Review of 2-digit multiplication and division of large numbers. Please check your child's planner for specific page numbers. We begin fractions next week.  POM solving and presentations (problem of the month) continue. The next MARS task will be introduced this month as well. 

Science: "Solid Earth" and science fair preparation.

Social Studies: explorers.

Writing and Grammar: summary writing continues throughout the year. Personal narratives, grammar and root word study.

Warmly,

Mrs. Young

Hello Parents,

Happy Monday!

We had our first movie and popcorn on Friday to celebrate all the points we have earned this last month as a reward for behavior and student posture!  

New behavior/student posture incentive plan: this trimester we are using a new plan with popsicle sticks in order to earn individual points as well as points for the class for popcorn and a movie.  Each student is given 2 popsicle sticks at the start of every day.  Students who keep their popsicle sticks throughout the day receive points as does the class.  The loss of a popsicle stick or sticks results when a student is disrespectful, talks during instruction, blurts out, doesn't follow directions, disrupts, passes notes, or uses the bathroom unnecessarily to avoid class, for example.  Students who lose 2 sticks in a day are given an "uh oh" sheet filled out by the teacher to inform home of what happened and why. Your parent initial is respectfully requested on these, and they are to be returned the next day by the student.  The hope is to encourage high student posture and to keep communications with home open.  If you are not seeing "uh oh" sheets, your student is on target.  If you have received such a sheet talk to your child to set expectations.  And, please, feel free to contact me as well if you need further explanation. 

ELA: we are reading/analyzing our literature book: By the Great Horn Spoon.  We are working on jots (note taking from the text and elaboration) and uncovering the problems that face our main characters and the life lessons taught in the text.  In addition, we continue to honor our VIP each week and listen and respond to presentations by students and practice writing friendly letters. 

SC Symphony: daily musical compositions are introduced and enjoyed every morning.

Mindfulness: best practices in mindfulness are being incorporated in our classroom this year.

Harmony: best practices school-wide curriculum for building a strong social-emotional community within our classrooms.

AR Reading: Accelerated Reader continues to be an important part of our reading program.  Students are reading appropriate AR books found through the AR book find link and then quizzing on them within 24 hours of finishing their book.  It is critical to support your child in book selection (most books are in our school and classroom libraries) and to remind them to read, read, read whenever the opportunity arises--in the car, while waiting for an appt., to and from school, before bed time, on a Sunday in your jammies, etc.  These books should travel to and from the classroom in a daily fashion for classroom DEAR (drop everything and read) sessions as well as nightly reading homework and beyond.  Students have a goal of 14 points for the second trimester.  Each book has a certain amount of points it is worth.  This information is listed with reading level and appropriateness (grade school, middle school, high school, for example).  Points per book range from 3 to 5, generally, with longer books being worth more points.  On an average this is going to mean your child is reading anywhere from 3-5 books a Trimester. That said, help your child select books that are on their reading level (their latest DRA2 level), and have high interest for them.  This will allow them to accomplish reading books from start to finish successfully.
    
Math: we are working on multiplication and division of large numbers. Please check your child's planner for specific page numbers. We will continue to review these concepts.  POM solving and presentations (problem of the month) continue. A MARS task will be introduced this trimester as well. 

**Keep Practicing: students are expected to have their times tables memorized.  If your child isn't saying times tables in the car on the way to and from school and every night for a 5 minute run through (and driving you a bit crazy), something is amiss.  These are goals that were set in early September.  In order for your child to be successful with the math in this grade level, it is important to have these skills down.  Please have some fun with these and have your child rehearse daily so that they can test on these math facts. As your child tests on each one, please check off and initial the checklist sheet and return it to our classroom. Thank you.

Science: soils, rocks and minerals from FOSS.

Social Studies: the Native American tribes, their regions and customs.  This historical study will be research for the first personal narrative essay we write. Students will write from the perspective of a Native American youth.  Maps of regions are being completed. Panarama/shadow box art project to follow.

Writing and Grammar: summary writing continues throughout the year. Study of various grammar: prepositions, nouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives. Figurative language: simile, personification, hyperbole, alliteration, onomatopoeia.

Upcoming Announcements/Events:  
Dec. 15--7:00 5/6 Play
Dec. 22--11:00 Holiday Sing
Dec. 23 - Jan. 6 Winter Break

Thank you for supporting me and the growth of your child in every way.

Warmly,

Mrs. Young

Hello Parents,

As the Holidays rapidly approach,  spend this time spreading compassion to yourself and others.  It is an exciting yet busy time.  With that, things can become somewhat stressful.  A good time to remember to breath and enjoy all the gifts we have in our lives. 

Holiday Night is December 9th and needs volunteers.  If you are available to help, please let Shauna know.

New behavior/student posture incentive plan: this trimester we are using a new plan with popsicle sticks in order to earn individual points as well as points for the class for popcorn and a movie.  Each student is given 2 popsicle sticks at the start of every day.  Students who keep their popsicle sticks throughout the day receive points as does the class.  The loss of a popsicle stick or sticks results when a student is disrespectful, talks during instruction, blurts out, doesn't follow directions, disrupts, passes notes, or uses the bathroom uncesessarily to avoid class, for example.  Students who lose 2 sticks in a day are given an "uh oh" sheet filled out by the teacher to inform home of what happened and why. Your parent initial is respectfully requested on these, and they are to be returned the next day by the student.  The hope is to encourage high student posture and to keep communications with home open.  If you are not seeing "uh oh" sheets, your student is on target.  If you have received such a sheet talk to your child to set expectations.  And, please, feel free to contact me as well if you need further explanation. 

ELA: we are reading/analyzing our literature book: By the Great Horn Spoon.  We are working on jots (note taking from the text and elaboration) and uncovering the problems that face our main characters and the life lessons taught in the text.  In addition, we continue to honor our VIP each week and listen and respond to presentations by students and practice writing friendly letters. 

SC Symphony: daily musical compositions are introduced and enjoyed every morning.

Mindfulness: best practices in mindfulness are being incorporated in our classroom this year.

Harmony: best practices school-wide curriculum for building a strong social-emotional community within our classrooms.

AR Reading: Accelerated Reader continues to be an important part of our reading program.  Students are reading appropriate AR books found through the AR book find link and then quizzing on them within 24 hours of finishing their book.  It is critical to support your child in book selection (most books are in our school and classroom libraries) and to remind them to read, read, read whenever the opportunity arises--in the car, while waiting for an appt., to and from school, before bed time, on a Sunday in your jammies, etc.  These books should travel to and from the classroom in a daily fashion for classroom DEAR (drop everything and read) sessions as well as nightly reading homework and beyond.  Students have a goal of 14 points for the second trimester.  Each book has a certain amount of points it is worth.  This information is listed with reading level and appropriateness (grade school, middle school, high school, for example).  Points per book range from 3 to 5, generally, with longer books being worth more points.  On an average this is going to mean your child is reading anywhere from 3-5 books a Trimester. That said, help your child select books that are on their reading level (their latest DRA2 level), and have high interest for them.  This will allow them to accomplish reading books from start to finish successfully.
    
Math: we are working on multiplication and division of large numbers. Please check your child's planner for specific page numbers. We will continue to review these concepts.  POM solving and presentations (problem of the month) continue. A MARS task will be introduced this trimester as well. 

**Keep Practicing: students are expected to have their times tables memorized.  If your child isn't saying times tables in the car on the way to and from school and every night for a 5 minute run through (and driving you a bit crazy), something is amiss.  These are goals that were set in early September.  In order for your child to be successful with the math in this grade level, it is important to have these skills down.  Please have some fun with these and have your child rehearse daily so that they can test on these math facts. As your child tests on each one, please check off and initial the checklist sheet and return it to our classroom. Thank you.

Science: soils, rocks and minerals from FOSS.

Social Studies: the Native American tribes, their regions and customs.  This historical study will be research for the first personal narrative essay we write. Students will write from the perspective of a Native American youth.  Maps of regions are being completed. Panarama/shadow box art project to follow.

Writing and Grammar: summary writing continues throughout the year. Study of various grammar: prepositions, nouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives. Figurative language: simile, personification, hyperbole, alliteration, onomatopoeia.

Upcoming Announcements/Events:  
Dec. 9--6-8:30 Holiday Night (needs volunteers)
Dec. 15--7:00 5/6 Play
Dec. 22--11:00 Holiday Sing
Dec. 23 - Jan. 6 Winter Break

Thank you for supporting me and the growth of your child in every way.

Warmly,

Mrs. Young