Final blog entry to all fourth grade classes for 2021! Crazy year, right? Like George Washington and the men at Valley Forge, we survived and are stronger for having lived through it. Okay, maybe not really "like" them, but you know what I mean. Quick update on my personal craziness...my in-laws left town and I was able to do my crab dinner for Mother's Day on Monday - delicious! Tuesday was my 31st anniversary, so my husband and I went out to dinner. Thursday I went out with one of my sisters and then came back to my house to hang out outside (the weather was so nice this week!) which was very fun, since I'd been busy entertaining my husband's family for so long. Friday night we went out again for our anniversary with some friends of ours whose anniversary is the day after ours. Today is super busy! I'm having coffee with Mrs. Fawcett to discuss how we assess our science and history, I have a bridal shower in the afternoon, and then my daughter is having her girlfriends over to get ready for prom. All the boys will come here to pick them up before the dance, so I'll be sure to get some phtotos. Then Dave and I are going over to some friends' for dinner with 4 other couples. Sunday, I'm having a few old colleagues over to my house to celebrate the completion of this school year. Whew! Thankfully, next week looks pretty calm in comparison.
As we wind down and you start to clean up your school stuff at home, please check your libraries, bedrooms, countertops, couches, and floors for any books that might belong to the school. In addition to school library books, each classroom has books that may have gone home with students at some point. Inside the front cover you will find your teacher's name, if it belongs on our shelves. Please be sure to return these before the end of school, so we will know if any books need to be replaced.
Let's take a look at what we'll be doing this week. Remember, Monday is our only full day; the rest of the week the kids will be dismissed at 12:30.
Language Artts - We are almost done with everything we set out to accomplish this year. The final essays demonstrate that our students are ready for the challenge of 5th grade composition class. We have one final Latin and Greek Roots test on Tuesday covering all 74 roots we have learned this year. We will also write a summary or two on a reading that has to do with the Constitution.
History - Speaking of the Constitution...We are wrapping up our quick study of this important document with a virtual field trip Monday morning. We have someone from the National Constitution Center who will Zoom with us and teach us more about how our Founding Fathers worked to ensure our government would last for centuries.
Math - We took all of our Singapore Math tests for GH last week, so this week we are going to review concepts dealing with time. After assessing, it appears that some scholars may not have mastered the material when they were distance learners last year. Then we will have a fun activity for them to do involving area and perimeter.
Science - We are finished with our respiratory system, so we are hoping to maybe find some cool science demonstrations to show the kids this week.
On Thursday each classroom will have an end-of-the-year party to celebrate. The theme will be "Carry On, Fifth Graders!" Thank you to everyone for signing up for the supplies necessary to make this party a success.
That's it! We appreciate the opportunity to teach your beautiful children and watch them grow this year! Many blessings and safe travels to you all over the summer.
Warmly,
Mrs. Maza and all the fourth grade team