Letters From Mrs. Grieves
Friday, September 26
Dear Parents,
We haven't been in school for quite a month yet, but I'm sure it's been long enough for you to see what a big change fourth grade is from third. Please remember that I like students to correct papers lower than 80%. I also need a signature on each of these papers, indicating that you've checked your child's work to see that it was done correctly. Only the ones that have been checked by an adult and signed will be able to be averaged.
You may have been disappointed in your child's math grades. I have been too. My only consolation is that this first chapter had been on place value, typically a difficult concept for children. This is also the first year in this particular series of books. The language used and ways of teaching are unfamiliar to them. Chapter two, which we started today, is on addition and subtraction. I'm hoping for better days ahead!
In reading, we learned about the Titanic. I explained to the kids that Minnesota has it's own Titanic story, The Edmond Fitzgerald. If any of you have information to share about this ship or the song that we could listen to, I would greatly appreciate it. Spelling words will coordinate with this.
Today we took our final test in English on "The Sentence." All of this talk about grades and tests reminds me of conferences. Mid trimester conferences will be held Monday and Tuesday of MEA week. At that time, I will share your child's current grades in all subjects. Please sign up next week in order to reserve a time that works best for you.
Checking the sign up sheet of room parents, I noticed I don't have one! Anyone out there willing to help? Responsibilities basically include helping with seasonal parties. Let me know if you're interested.
Have you heard about the new life in our classroom? We were fortunate enough to have three caterpillars make a chrysalis and change into beautiful butterflies! Two girls and one boy were born. They were set free to make their way to Mexico today. It was a miraculous experience!
Thank you, Mr. Reinhardt for cutting out wooden boomerangs for us. We had fun painting them today. They will be a great reminder of boomerang kindness. Whatever you throw out will come back to you!
Have a great, warm weekend!
Mary