1-31-13 Daily Update

Parents, 

Grade card envelope.  Still needed from:  Quinn

Science.  Our test over "Matter" will be next week.  A Matter Review test is posted on Moodle for students to use to practice.

Reminders:

• Last day for Scholastic book orders is Friday
• Send in your Boxtops if you have any, please.  We are having a building competition and we have had many brought in so far.  Thank you!

-Mr. Pransky

Language: 

None.

Reading:  

Read Scholastic News and complete Quiz Whiz (Highlight where answers are found!

Read your AR book for 15-20 minutes each night

AR Goal for Friday, February 1 is 20%

Social Studies:  

None.

Science: 

None.

Math:   

None.

Spelling:  

Lesson 16 Test - Thursday, January 31

SpellingCity - quiz and play games using each week's list words

Quick Links:

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

Home Connect - check AR reading and Accelerated Math, or practice with Math Facts in a Flash

Google Apps - check school e-mail and use google applications (un: last name_firstname    pw: aw + 6 digit lunch code)

Moodle - web links and resources for every subject! (un: lastname_firstname    pw: 6 digit lunch number)

Pearson  - Access math book and worksheets from the math book (un: last name_firstname    pw: aw + 6 digit lunch code)

AR Book Find - Do you have a book at home or from another library that you are wondering if it is AR?  Look it up here.

Infohio - Awesome resource for web research with online encyclopedias for kids among other things (un: infohio  pw:power)

Scholastic Book Order - Class Activation Code: F8273

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

1-30-13 Daily Update

Parents, 

Grade card envelopes.  Still needed from:  Quinn

Science.  This week we have been exploring some chemical reactions by testing them with various liquids.  This week we have  combined our 5 powders (salt, corn starch, talcum powder, alum, and baking soda) with water, vinegar, iodine, and red cabbage juice to practice observing changes.  Don't be surprised if your child asks to be a junior chemist in the kitchen this week.  I encourage this type of curiosity, but I have also cautioned them to always have adult permission and supervision and to never mix random chemicals.

Reminders:

• Last day for Scholastic book orders is Friday
• Send in your Boxtops if you have any, please.  We are having a building competition and we have had many brought in so far.  Thank you!

-Mr. Pransky

Language: 

Use notes taken to write the 1st three paragraphs of biographical report
Use the link and password for infohio.org below if your child needs more facts for their research.

Reading:  

Read your AR book for 15-20 minutes each night

AR Goal for Friday, February 1 is 20%

Social Studies:  

None.

Science: 

None.

SpellingCity - quiz and play games using each week's list words

Math:   

None.

Spelling:  

Lesson 16 Test - Thursday, January 31

Quick Links:

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

Home Connect - check AR reading and Accelerated Math, or practice with Math Facts in a Flash

Google Apps - check school e-mail and use google applications (un: last name_firstname    pw: aw + 6 digit lunch code)

Moodle - web links and resources for every subject! (un: lastname_firstname    pw: 6 digit lunch number)

Pearson  - Access math book and worksheets from the math book (un: last name_firstname    pw: aw + 6 digit lunch code)

AR Book Find - Do you have a book at home or from another library that you are wondering if it is AR?  Look it up here.

Infohio - Awesome resource for web research with online encyclopedias for kids among other things (un: infohio  pw:power)

Scholastic Book Order - Class Activation Code: F8273

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

1-29-13 Daily Update

Parents, 

Grade card envelopes.  These are still needed from:  Alex, Andy,, and Quinn.

Art Shirts.  We are doing experiments in Science that involve iodine and red cabbage juice.  Both of these liquids will stain clothing so I have asked students to wear an art shirt while we are experimenting to protect their clothing.  Unfortunately, many students were not allowed to use the chemicals today because they do not have an art shirt at school.  These were to be brought in at the start of the year.  Please send in an old t-shirt or something similar for your child to use so they can participate more fully tomorrow.  

These students still need to bring them in:  Alex, Kyle, Max, Hayden, Logan, Hannah, Alexa, Emily, and Olivia.  

Reminders:

• Send in your Boxtops if you have any, please.  We are having a building competition and we have had many brought in so far.  Thank you!

Language: 

Editing activity

Reading:  

Read your AR book for 15-20 minutes each night

-Mr. Pransky

AR Goal for Thurs., January 24 is 9%

Social Studies:  

Social Studies Weekly - due Wednesday

Science: 

None.

SpellingCity - quiz and play games using each week's list words

Math:   

Test tomorrow over Algebra - use "Around the Room" problems to review

Spelling:  

Lesson 16 Test - Thursday, January 31

Quick Links:

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

Home Connect - check AR reading and Accelerated Math, or practice with Math Facts in a Flash

Google Apps - check school e-mail and use google applications (un: last name_firstname    pw: aw + 6 digit lunch code)

Moodle - web links and resources for every subject! (un: lastname_firstname    pw: 6 digit lunch number)

Pearson  - Access math book and worksheets from the math book (un: last name_firstname    pw: aw + 6 digit lunch code)

AR Book Find - Do you have a book at home or from another library that you are wondering if it is AR?  Look it up here.

Infohio - Awesome resource for web research with online encyclopedias for kids among other things (un: infohio  pw:power)

Scholastic Book Order - Class Activation Code: F8273

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

1-28-13 Daily Update

Parents, 

Grade card envelopes.  These are still needed from: Hannah, Alex, Alexa, Andy, Kyle, and Quinn.  Please sign and return tomorrow if possible.

Division Facts.  Most students are doing a great job mastering new levels in Math Facts in a Flash.  Multiplication fact mastery was expected before the end of 2nd quarter.  Now division facts will need to be mastered by the end of 3rd quarter.  Starting this week, we will be learning "long division."  Students absolutely need to have their multiplication and division facts memorized by this time, otherwise learning the long division algorithm is very difficult.

Reminders:

• Send in your Boxtops if you have any, please.  We are having a building competition and we have had many brought in so far.  Thank you!

-Mr. Pransky

Language: 

None.

Reading:  

Read your AR book for 15-20 minutes each night

AR Goal for Thurs., January 24 is 9%

Social Studies:  

SS Weekly - due Wednesday

Science: 

None.

Math:   

AM Practice

Spelling:  

Lesson 16 Test - Thursday, January 31

Quick Links:

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

Home Connect - check AR reading and Accelerated Math, or practice with Math Facts in a Flash

Google Apps - check school e-mail and use google applications (un: last name_firstname    pw: aw + 6 digit lunch code)

Moodle - web links and resources for every subject! (un: lastname_firstname    pw: 6 digit lunch number)

Pearson  - Access math book and worksheets from the math book (un: last name_firstname    pw: aw + 6 digit lunch code)

AR Book Find - Do you have a book at home or from another library that you are wondering if it is AR?  Look it up here.

Infohio - Awesome resource for web research with online encyclopedias for kids among other things (un: infohio  pw:power)

SpellingCity - quiz and play games using each week's list words

Scholastic Book Order - Class Activation Code: F8273

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

January Scholastic Book online order

Dear parents,

Below are directions if you would like to order Scholastic books online.  Lots of good choices in January's Arrow book order.  I have added some as "Recommended" which are books I have read and enjoy or know are very popular.

-Mr. Pransky

Scholastic Book Clubs Ordering Information
www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: F8273

Ordering online is fast and easy:

•  REGISTER at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs
•  ENTER the Class Activation Code at the top of this letter
•  CHOOSE from thousands of print titles, value packs, and Storia eBooks
•  SUBMIT the order to your child's teacher
•  EARN FREE Books for you and the classroom too!

https://orders.scholastic.com/F8273

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

Daily Update 1-26-13

Parents, 

AR Pizza party.  The party was a lot of fun Friday!  Thank you for encouraging your child's nightly reading 2nd quarter.  Let's keep this positive momentum going 3rd quarter as well.  Your child has a new point goal and a new expectation to earn the pizza party this quarter.  In addition to meeting 100% of their points, students will be expected to read books that are (on average) above their book level goal (see their folder insert for this).  Students are allowed to read below this goal number, but the average of the books read for the entire quarter must stay above this to earn the party.  The point of this goal is to encourage students to read at levels that will challenge them and help them build their vocabulary,

Valentine's Day Party.  I think we are all covered for items for the Valentine's Day party.  Thank you for the great support once again.

Grade cards.  Your child should show you their grade card envelope this weekend.  Please remove all of these papers and return the envelope signed on Monday.

STAR Math & STAR Reading reports.  Please examine these reports closely as they give you an excellent overview of how your child is growing in those two area.  I think they are pretty self explanatory, but the key area I focus on as I read them are the Percentile Ranks (PR).  The PR number shows the percent of students nationally that scored below your child.  If this number is increasing from the beginning of the year, this means of course that your child is showing more growth than expected.  If the number stays the same, this means the growth is as expected and your child is learning at the same pace as their peers nationally.  If the number drops then the growth is less than expected and this can sometimes be a concern.  There is also testing variability based the child's effort on that particular test and other factors.

Reminders:

• Send in your Boxtops if you have any, please.  We are having a building competition and we have had many brought in so far.  Thank you!

-Mr. Pransky

Language: 

None.

Reading:  

Read your AR book for 15-20 minutes each night

AR Goal for Thurs., January 24 is 9%

Social Studies:  

None.

Science: 

None.

Math:   

None.

Spelling:  

Lesson 16 Test - Thursday, January 31

Quick Links:

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

Home Connect - check AR reading and Accelerated Math, or practice with Math Facts in a Flash

Google Apps - check school e-mail and use google applications (un: last name_firstname    pw: aw + 6 digit lunch code)

Moodle - web links and resources for every subject! (un: lastname_firstname    pw: 6 digit lunch number)

Pearson  - Access math book and worksheets from the math book (un: last name_firstname    pw: aw + 6 digit lunch code)

AR Book Find - Do you have a book at home or from another library that you are wondering if it is AR?  Look it up here.

Infohio - Awesome resource for web research with online encyclopedias for kids among other things (un: infohio  pw:power)

SpellingCity - quiz and play games using each week's list words

Scholastic Book Order - Class Activation Code: F8273

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

1-24-13 Daily Update

Pizza party.  No need to pack a lunch for your child tomorrow as we are having our pizza party.

Valentines Day Party.  Our Valentine's Day Party is Friday, February 15.  Because we have a small class and were missing a few people at Open House, I have some open slots for items needed to be provided for the party.  Here's what I have and need:

Drinks: Hayden
Food item:  Alex F.
Treat bag and Item: Paul
Food item: JD
Treat: Andrew

i still need:
Plates/Napkins:
Food item:
Treat Bag Item:

Reminders:

• Send in your Boxtops if you have any, please.

-Mr. Pransky

Language: 

Editing activity

Reading:  

Read your AR book for 15-20 minutes each night

AR Goal for Thurs., January 24 is 9%

Social Studies:  

None.

Science: 

None.

Math:   

None.

Spelling:  

Lesson 16 Test - Thursday, January 31

Quick Links:

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

Home Connect - check AR reading and Accelerated Math, or practice with Math Facts in a Flash

Google Apps - check school e-mail and use google applications (un: last name_firstname    pw: aw + 6 digit lunch code)

Moodle - web links and resources for every subject! (un: lastname_firstname    pw: 6 digit lunch number)

Pearson  - Access math book and worksheets from the math book (un: last name_firstname    pw: aw + 6 digit lunch code)

AR Book Find - Do you have a book at home or from another library that you are wondering if it is AR?  Look it up here.

Infohio - Awesome resource for web research with online encyclopedias for kids among other things (un: infohio  pw:power)

SpellingCity - quiz and play games using each week's list words

Scholastic Book Order - Class Activation Code: F8273

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

1-23-13 Daily Update

Parents,

Weather.    Well, the weather hasn't exactly been cooperative with us this week.  As a result, we are hoping to get back to a normal schedule again tomorrow.  If it warms up above 20º F tomorrow, we will go outside.  Please be sure you child is dressed for this.

Thank you.  Thank you for all of those who have offered to bring in two liters for the party Friday.  I think we are all set now.  (I may even have some extras that I can save for the 3rd quarter party.)

Valentines Day Party.  Our Valentine's Day Party is Friday, February 15.  Because we have a small class and were missing a few people at Open House, I have some open slots for items needed to be provided for the party.  Here's what I have and need:

Drinks: Hayden
Food item:  Alex F.
Treat bag and Item: Paul

i still need:
Plates/Napkins:
Food item:
Food item:
Treat Bag Item:

Reminders:

• Pizza party is Friday
• Send in your Boxtops if you have any, please.

-Mr. Pransky

Language: 

None

Reading:  

Read your AR book for 15-20 minutes each night

AR Goal for Thurs., January 17 is 100%

Social Studies:  

None.

Science: 

None.

Math:   

AM Practice

Spelling:  

Unit 3 Review Test Thursday, January 24th

Quick Links:

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

Home Connect - check AR reading and Accelerated Math, or practice with Math Facts in a Flash

Google Apps - check school e-mail and use google applications (un: last name_firstname    pw: aw + 6 digit lunch code)

Moodle - web links and resources for every subject! (un: lastname_firstname    pw: 6 digit lunch number)

Pearson  - Access math book and worksheets from the math book (un: last name_firstname    pw: aw + 6 digit lunch code)

AR Book Find - Do you have a book at home or from another library that you are wondering if it is AR?  Look it up here.

Infohio - Awesome resource for web research with online encyclopedias for kids among other things (un: infohio  pw:power)

SpellingCity - quiz and play games using each week's list words

Scholastic Book Order - Class Activation Code: F8273

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade