Our Christmas Projects

On Friday we used the Speed Stacks to make some Christmas creations. These ideas were great! Below you will see the pictures of the projects and descriptions from their creators. To the right there is a poll and you can vote for your favorite! Have a great Christmas!

(Coming soon...pictures of the creators with their creations.)

CREATION #1: We built a Christian fish (look sideways) with a cross in the middle. Mr. W accidentally knocked down our first creation, so he gave us the Super Stacks to use to make up for it. We used them for the cross.
CREATION #2: We built the inn. The green mini-cups are the boys and the pink are girls. The front two mini-stacks are Mary and Joseph. There are people all over the place. That's how full the inn was.

CREATION #3: We built an angel, a wreath, and mistletoe. We had some colors left over so we tried to make a unique angel with purple wings. It was going to be a sugar cookie, but that plan didn't work.
CREATION #4: We built a fireplace with a mantle and trophies on top, two small ones and a big one. We tried to show red and orange embers and flames on top.


CREATION #5: We built Mrs. Claus in her younger years, before she went gray. She is wearing new pink earrings she got from Santa for Christmas.

Midterms and More

Midterms
Second quarter midterms are coming home today in sealed envelopes. I try hard to emphasize that grades are for the student, his/her parents, and the teacher. That's why the sealed envelopes. Please sign the form and return it tomorrow.

Christmas CD
Merry Christmas! I asked on Tuesday who drove their parents crazy with the Christmas CD and was greeted with a chorus of "I did!" Hopefully they were exaggerating. Again, I tried to get a variety - old/new, loud/soft, fast/slow, normal/not-so-normal. Anyway, I hope it brings more joy and smiles than annoyance this Christmas season.

Christmas Program
Tomorrow is the Christmas program we have been practicing. Listening today makes me think the practice has paid off. Performances are at 1:00 and 6:00 tomorrow. Students were asked to wear Sunday morning clothes, and Christmas colors would be an added bonus. I did tell them that if they wanted to save the special Christmas outfit for the evening performance it would be fine.

Okay, Let Me Explain...

I need to aplogize for the GOOFY picture I sent from the Packer game last weekend. Ugh! Let me explain! Mrs. Wilhorn tried taking pictures, but all we got were pictures of her fingers covering the camera. After trying to get a picture during the commercial breaks (and probably annoying the people around us) Mrs. Wilhorn's sister tried. What we got was a picture of Jason not ready for the picture and me trying explain what to do. Eye-yi-yi! I'd have given up if I hadn't promised a picture to the class. It didn't look that bad on my 1 inch screen!

So here are a couple good ones: Jason with his inflatable Motorola headset (He said he could talk to Al Davis with them. I wonder why he and I get along so well...) and the two of us with our matching hats - gifts from Mrs. Wilhorn, Megan, and Ethan before the game.

Friday, 12/14 Newsletter Updates

It's been a relatively quiet week, what with it being the Christmas season and all. All that is about to change next week...

Christmas Program
Rehearsals - We will be having all school rehearsals each day next week.
Program - Performances are on Thursday at 1:00 and 6:00.

Christmas Party and Gift Exchange
The class Christmas party is next week on Friday, and it will be in the afternoon. Yes, there will be a gift exchange as in past years. Please keep gifts under $5. It's not meant to be I-got-the-greatest-gift-in-history. More like What-can-I-get-to-spread-a-little-joy-to-my-classmates.

THE LIST
I have done this in past years, and we are doing it again next week. THE LIST! I have randomly selected names for the gift exchange as to whom the gifts are delivered (boys to boys, girls to girls) and hidden the list somewhere in the room. Each day the class will get clues. A bunch of them! The clues will lead them toward the list.

The Upcoming Week
Memory - Last of the Christmas program.
Religion - Christmas Program practice.
Reading - Christmas stories.
English - Complex Sentences
Math - Decimals, subtracting across zeros (regrouping)
Science - Finish Chapter 2.
Social Studies - Finish Chapter 6.
Spelling - Unit 13: boiled, annoyed, choices, poison, employer, joining, spoiled, voices, destroyed, pointing, avoided, enjoying Additional words: noisy, choir, employee, voyage Bonus words: appointed, poisonous

Be Transformed! T-Shirts

Don't forget! Mr. Betts asked that we all wear our "Be Transformed!" school theme t-shirts tomorrow for chapel. Sorry I forgot to tell everyone today...honestly, if another teacher hadn't just mentioned it, I'd have forgotten altogether! See you in the morning!

I'm at the game!

Go Packers!

Friday, 12/7 Newsletter Updates

The Upcoming Week
Memory - At Home: Q2W4 Slips At School: Christmas Program Songs

Religion - Christmas Program

Reading - How to Babysit an Orangutan, outlines. Too many students are waiting until late in the week to start on Reading Journals. Students write one letter, read my response, and then write their second letter. If the first letter is detailed and well written, then no second letter is required. Today there were about 10 students who gave me their first letter. This gives them no chance to write a second letter, which gives them an incomplete in the gradebook.

English - Compound sentences, clauses.

Math - More multiplication facts, inches to the nearest fourth, capacity (fluid ounces, cups, pints, quarts, gallons), decimals.

Science - The Earth (geology - rocks, volcanoes, earthquakes, erosion, etc.)

Social Studies - Begin the Southeast States - Chapter 6.

Spelling - No spelling list. Lesson 12 is a short review lesson.

Recommended Reading

Parents, if you haven't heard, Brett Favre was named Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year for 2007. Yes, of course I'm a Packer fan, so this thrills me. But if you don't get Sports Illustrated and haven't read the article or if you thought, "Good for him...I got dishes to do," or "Just what I need, another sports story," then I want to encourage you to take 20 minutes and read the article. It is about 10% football and 90% heart. I learned things I never knew.

There are some references to his wilder days, and some things that just aren't for the kids, but I would read it aloud to the class (selectively edited as I read) if I felt I could do it without choking up. Seriously. A great article. Here's the link: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/magazine/specials/sportsman/2007/12/03/sportsman.2007/index.html?eref=T1. I also have a print version if you'd like. Let me know if you'd like a copy.

Lots of Wednesday Updates...I'll Try To Be Brief

Butter Braid orders are due this Friday, 12/7. Deliveries will be next Friday, 12/14.

Speed Stacks orders are also due this Friday, 12/7. Deliveries should be here by Christmas.

Remember the non-perishable food items for chapel offerings. Mr. Betts challenged us for next week to see if everyone could bring ONE item.

Mr. Betts also asked that we all wear our "Be Transformed" theme t-shirts next Wednesday.

Mr. Betts ALSO challenged us to try and answer the WFHR kids' animal trivia question on the radio each morning. WFHR keeps track of the schools where the winners attend. There's a contest going that the class with the most winners gets Tropical Smoothies for their whole class! (Apparently St. Paul's has won the past two months.) And what a great opportunity to show the community how smart we are!!! The question is at 7:40 AM on 1320 AM.

It's winter. (Is your back sore from shoveling too?) Please help your child remember to have their boots, snowpants, hats, mittens, and all that stuff for recess. The snow piles have been awesome! Kids are expected to go outside. Please help make sure it will be an enjoyable - warm - time for them.

And that's all, folks! (Do I still need to write a newsletter on Friday?)

Advent Chapel Offering

I forgot to mention this in class today. Starting tomorrow students can begin bringing food offering for the food pantry. This is your standard non-perishable items, of course. We will be bringing them up front to the tree tomorrow during chapel and the following 2 weeks as well. In the past, Immanuel students have been extremely generous, often filling pickups with donations at Christmastime. Thanks!

Friday, 11/30 Newsletter Updates

Welcome to Jordan
On Monday Jordan joined our class. No, not that Jordan, but a new student. So far we are trying to figure out what to call both of them now. Jordan S. and Jordan C.? New Jordan and Old Jordan? Maybe just use middle names? I guess we'll wait and see on that, but we certainly welcome him to Immanuel nevertheless! (And today is his birthday! Happy 10th, Jordan!)

Basketball Teams
Congratulations to the girls for winning their game last night! The boys, however, lost a squeaker. I was able to watch some of both games and it was exciting. When I left I thought both teams were on their way to W's. If both teams play like I say, I'm sure there will be more W's than L's in the future!

Next Week
It is shaping up to be a pretty normal week. No jury duty, no schedule quirks, no extras. Who knows what twists and turns the Lord has in store for us, but right now none of them are on my calendar. Enjoy the weekend!

The Upcoming Week
Memory - At Home: Quarter 2 Week 3 Slips At School: Christmas Program lyrics. We are practicing at school, and I'll assign them as we go.

Religion - We are moving up in the book to study the works on Jesus during his ministry on earth.

Reading - Charlotte's Web, theme, How to Babysit and Orangutan.

English - Compound sentences, clauses.

Math - Fractions of a dollar, fractions and mixed numbers on a number line, more multiplication facts.

Science - Finish chapter 1 on weather.

Social Studies - Finish Chapter 2 on the Atlantic Coast and Appalachian states.

Spelling - Unit 11: ground, frown, downtown, bounced, council, about, scout, counter, background, amount, bound, shower Additional words: mountain, county, cloud, south Bonus words: thousand, allowance

Choir Update and November Book Order

Choir Update
The 3rd and 4th grade choir is singing at Advent worship this Wednesday. Students are bringing home a pink note from Mr. Altis today as well. Church is at 6:30. Students should meet at 6:10 for a brief rehearsal. Check the pink note for more details.

November Book Order Recommendations
Books I've Read and Recommend
The Family Under the Bridge
Newbery Favorites Pack - I've read many of these. Some may be tough for 4th graders.
The Wright 3 - Sequel to Chasing Vermeer...but I don't see the first one in the order!
Room One - From the author or Frindle.
The Sign of the Beaver
Tuck Everlasting - A great book full of difficult choices.
Esperanza Rising
Princess Pack - Ella Enchanted is great, but I haven't read the other book.
Boys Vs. Girls Pack - the first 3 books and the fourth (Girls Rule) is right next to it in the order.

The November book order will be due on Thursday, November 29. That's only 4 days away. Parents, feel free to contact me if you wish to make purchases "quietly" due to the Christmas season.

Wednesday, 11/21 Newsletter Updates

Field Trip - Wow! and Thanks!
Again, what a great trip. The website has been cleaned up, and all the pictures should be clear and the gibberish cleared out. Thanks to the drivers for taking time to transport the kids. Thanks especially to Mrs. McDonald who volunteered to stay over night and be our second chaperone. Hopefully next week I'll have a slide show ready of all the photographs I took.

After School Speed Stacks Starts Next Week
A note is coming home tonight for the Speed Stackers. All of the year's dates are included as well as some other information.

Memory
We are starting our Christmas program practices more and more. Starting next week we will be working on songs from the program. Students now have a song sheet, and we will take care of individual songs as they come. Watch your child's planner for specific assignments.

The Upcoming Week - Sort Of...
It's been a crazy week as far as our normal schedule is concerned, and I haven't had a chance to look too far ahead yet. We'll continue in our reading journals and with our next reading story, begin compound subjects and predicates in English, lesson 31 in math, and will be starting new chapters in social studies and science. The spelling list is coming home today.

And that's it for today. I'm racing to get this done, posted, printed, copied, and distributed before the end of the day.

C.W.E.S. Field Trip and Pictures

The trip was great! Hopefully you have heard the same at home. I will be working on a slide show of all the pictures I took, and they will be available on CD or (possibly) on the website. I also have to take a look at the website and see why some pictures are showing up and why some are nothing but blank spots.

And this should be the last post from me today. Your inbox should stop beeping.

Lumberjack Olympics

Students participated in activities that lumberjacks would have done to pass the time on Sunday, their one day off. Lumberjacks would have races to cut logs, log tossing contests, "one-hit" nail driving contests, and light-the-match-with-the-ax contests.

Archeologists at work.

I'm updating the website after having sent all the pictures and wanted to share some information about this picture and activity. This house was built by New Hope Lutheran Church as their parsonage in 1857. It burned down in 1945 after a lightening strike. UWSP purchased the land recently and has been allowing students to dig up the area. We found many nails and pieces of melted glass, bricks upon bricks, forks, knives, and pieces of plates. One piece of ceramic looked like a decorative wall-hanging plate. The piece we found had a calendar from January of 1910. Around the outside we were able to see holly leaves and berries painted on. We found the shower head, part of an oven grill, and a table leg (?) with a wheel/caster at the bottom. Over time the forest had grown over the house. A tree stump was dug/whacked/pulled out from the middle of the house. Our most amazing discoveries were an unbroken light bulb and a plastic or vinyl table cloth under the tree stump that amazingly survived the fire. The tree roots were wrapped around the table cloth so we were unable to pull it all out. All of the "important" finds were cataloged in the logbook with the discoverer's name. The kids were asking to skip lunch to keep searching.

Good Morning, Girls!

Does this bright-eyed bunch look like they just woke up?

Good Morning, Boys!

Do they look like they just woke up?

Sing-Along Time

Before we went on our night hike we spent some time with our teachers from UW-SP learning some new songs. The swaying made some of the kids blurry.

Class Time

We spent some time inside learning lessons to use in the woods. This lesson was on tree identification.

Clearing Farmland

A pioneer family clearing stumps from their farmland. The lumberjacks have already clear cut all the trees.

We Made It!

Friday, 11/16 Newsletter Updates

Field Trip - MONDAY!!!
A final reminder note is coming home today with some final information. Please take a look in your child's take-home folder. Please remember to watch the weather and pack accordingly (it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!). Remember to be at school Monday morning by 8:15 behind the gym. We leave at 8:30. We will be back at school on Tuesday at 3:00, and students are excused at that time.

Next Week
Next week we will be at the Environmental Station on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday will be back at school where we'll be tying up some loose ends, and Thursday and Friday are off due to Thanksgiving. What a week!

Pictures
During the field trip I will take pictures and post them on the website for you to see what we are doing as it happens! I may even try a video! The website is located at http://loudestclass.blogspot.com.

Each picture will result in another email to you, however, and I want to apologize in advance for the inbox clutter. Feel free to delete them and see all of the pictures on the website. Also, there will be some clutter and gibbrish on the website at first. I will clean all that up when we return, but the pictures should be visible.

Conferences
Thank you to everyone for taking the time to visit with me this week. Every one of you should be proud of the work these kids are doing. Keep encouraging them. Keep helping them. And keep them focused on always doing their best.

The Upcoming Week
It's pretty much planned already. There will be no spelling or memory, but we will be working in our Reading Journals! Students should have their silent reading book and their journal for the field trip! There will be time to read and work.

Lots of Monday Updates

Parent Teacher Conferences Start Today
Don't forget our scheduled meetings. I will see 8 of you tonight. Report cards will be outside the room for you to see before our meeting.

Picture Retakes
Pictures will be retaken tomorrow. We had no absences, but if you are dissatisfied with your child's pictures, return them tomorrow and pictures will be retaken.

Field Trip One Week from Today
We are going to the Environmental Station one week from today. I will have a reminder note and some extra information for you soon - maybe today. Watch your child's take-home folder. If you haven't returned the permission slip or payment, please send that in as soon as possible. Some people did not return the driver form. I assume that means you can not drive. I should have a driver schedule soon as well. Thank you to all who volunteered to drive.

Possible Jury Duty on Thursday
I am still on call for jury duty through the month of November. My next potential date is Thursday, so I may be gone. I will know on Wednesday afternoon.

And, I'm Sorry to Say, Head Lice
This was discovered in the upper grades on Thursday. Grades 5-8 had a field trip and were all in the same bus together. Nothing has been reported for our class. I am sending home all extra sweatshirts, gym clothes, and other clothing. Please wash them and run them through a hot dryer. Also, encourage your child to not share hats and sweatshirts.

Friday Newsletter Updates on Thursday, 11/8

Parent - Teacher Conferences and Report Cards
All grades will be calculated tonight and tomorrow and report cards will be printed tomorrow. They will be available to you at your scheduled conference time. Swing by early to pick it up to see it before our meeting. I will attach them to the wall in envelopes.

Yesterday you should have recieved a note with your scheduled time. A few small changes, were made, so double check with your child if yours was switched. (If you sent me a note, it was switched. One other person was moved 15 minutes earlier.) I look forward to talking with everyone next week.

Quarter 2 Memory Assignments
All of the memory for the second quarter is coming home today. You will find both at-home and at-school assignments. Attached to the newsletter is next week's memory slip, Q2W1.

Speed Stacks World Record Attempt
The fourth grade did their part! We successfully stacked for 30 minutes, so 19 more people will be added to the list. For more information check www.speedstacks.com and http://www.worldsportstackingassociation.org/ for more information about the world record attempt.

Permission Slip, Driver Form, and Payment
One week from Monday is our field trip to the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station! (http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/cwes/ for more information) A little more than half of you have returned your permission slips, driver forms, and payment. I will be sending additional copies home next week along with some additional information about the trip.

Get Healthy!
There seems to be a lot of kids out sick - not too many in our class yet, but in school there is some general icky-ness. Keep those hands washed and keep some chicken soup handy! (I wonder if the candy corn I am munching helps...)

The Upcoming Week
Memory - At Home: Q2W1 Slips At School: 6th and 7th Commandment and meanings.

Religion - Continue Joseph and his brother in Egypt.

Reading -The Seven Children, predicting, back to our Reading Journals. There will be an added twist to what is required in Reading Journals in the second quarter.

English - Complete and simple predicates, simple and compound subjects and predicates.

Math - Multiplication facts, subtracting 3-digit numbers with regrouping, multiplication patterns.

Science - Light and sound.

Social Studies - Finish (?) the Middle Atlantic States.

Spelling - Unit 9 cared, dairy, unfair, rarely, stared, dared, glare, airplanes, barely, farewell, software, staircase Extra words: everywhere, carefully, square, therefore Bonus Words: comparison

Class Photo Test

I realized that I can take a picture with my phone, email it to the website where it gets posted on the site and emailed out to everyone. From my phone. Sorry for all the extra Alltel gibberish. That should be gone now. When we go on our field trip in two weeks, I can post occasional pictures of what we are doing.

Monday...Let's Catch Up!

We spent some time this morning helping Mr. Wilhorn get caught up with all that happened on Friday. Now it's my chance to catch you up with Friday's Newsletter.

Memory and Spelling
Memory slips and spelling lists are coming home today. It's a normal week concerning assignments, but it's a short week. No school Friday. Kids, don't procrastinate!

Speed Stacks
Thursday after school is the World Record Speed Stacking attempt. See the school newsletter for more information. The fourth grade boys and girls have basketball practice. We will take time that day setting up Kuechle Hall and doing our part to break the record. Their 30 minutes will count even if it's not after school.

Battle of the Books
Permission slips are coming home today. There will be more information in tomorrow's school newsletter like last week's. Students who wish to participate are to organize their own teams, get permission slips signed, and turn in their forms as teams to Mr. Wilhorn. The sign-up deadline is next week on Wednesday.

End of the Quarter
Thursday is it! The End of Quarter 1! All assignments must be turned in by Thursday or they will be zeros. Kids, make sure it's done and turned in...especially memory assignments.

Winter!
Now that winter is here, apparently, please make sure your child has the right clothing for recess. Hats and mittens/gloves are expected in cold weather. Boots and snowpants are expected when the snow flies. Kids won't be allowed outside without the right clothing.

This Week
Memory - Q1W8 due Thursday. 4th and 5th Commandment.
Reading -Finish Frindle
English -Finish final copies
Math - Continue, lessons 27, 28, 29.
Science - Light.
Social Studies -Middle Atlantic States.

I wrote that out pretty quick. Hopefully it's clear, and I didn't miss anything important.

Upcoming Field Trip

Three weeks from today is the annual fourth grade field trip to the Central Wisconsin Environmental Station. Fourth graders have been doing this trip for years, and it is one of the most memorable and educational trips we take.

Today an informational note, sample schedule, driver note, and permission/medical slip is coming home. Please return the last two pages - that's the driver's note and permission/medical slip. Payment needs to be returned as well.

This is still three weeks out, so there is no rush at this time. Read the note carefully. There's a lot of information in there. As the dates get closer, I'll send reminder notes home along with even more information like a supply list and emergency phone numbers.

Frindle

This week we started reading Frindle by Andrew Clements for reading class. As I am rereading it I am reminded how much I like this book. Today's assignment is to read chapters 5 and 6, and most kids will have it done by the end of the day. I'm going to have them bring their books home anyway for you to see.

People ask me, "What are some simple ways to help my child read?" Here's a simple way. Show an interest in what your children are reading. Ask questions about it. Read it. Tell them your favorite parts. This is a great book for that. It's short, creative, and there's some stuff that adults get a lot quicker than the kids. Parents can offer some insight that the kids might not pick up on their own. (And I think the 30 minutes it will take you will be time well spent.)

Have a great long weekend.

Wednesday, 10/24 Newsletter Updates

Spelling and Memory
Sometimes it's nice to have a short week off, but next week it's business as usual. Spelling lists and memory slips are attached to the printed newsletter coming home today.

Costume Day
Wednesday is costume day. The costume parade is immediately in the morning. Remember, costume judging will happen in the following categories: story book character, Biblical character, inanimate object, animal, historical character, and miscellaneous. Be creative, but of course, remember our school's guidelines - no ghosts, devils, weapons, etc.

The Costume Day Party will happen at the end of the day...and I don't have my note in front of me, but I think it is at 2:30. You should have received a note last week.

Chapel on Thursday
Because of Costume Day, Mr. Voelker and the seventh graders will lead chapel on Thursday morning instead of Wednesday. The theme will focus on Reformation Day and All Saints Day.

A Busy Week Ahead...And Possibly An Absolutely Crazy Week!!!
I will be gone next Friday, November 2. Last year I was invited to serve on the advisory board of the CCBC - that's the Cooperative Children's Book Center - at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Friday is our fall meeting. For more information click here http://www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/.

I also have the honor and priviledge of upholding my civic duty. In other words, I have been called for jury duty. My first possible date to report is next Thursday, November 1. I don't know how long it will last or how many days I report or, well, anything really. Every day I need to call and find out what to do the next day. Whether I am here or not is up in the air until the day before. I will do my best to have the children prepared for me being gone...if I'm gone. Thanks in advance for your understanding.

The Upcoming Week
Memory - At Home: Q1W7 Slips At School: 1. second commandment and meaning. 2. third commandment and meaning.

Religion - Joseph and his brothers and Joseph in Egypt.

Reading - Frindle. This is our reading book for a while. Frindle doesn't take the place of a silent reading book, so students need to be sure to have one of those as well.

English - Descriptive paragraphs. Revising, editing, proofreading, and publishing.

Math - Missing numbers in addition and subtraction, subtraction stories, fractions, multiplication, elapsed time.

Science - Electricity and magnetism. Test late in the week?

Social Studies - Finish chapter 3. Test late in the week? (I won't put both tests on the same day if I can avoid it.)

Spelling - SPELLING LIST, UNIT 7: carved, garden, harm, farther, barked, alarm, chart, starved, harder, parked, smartest, charge Extra Words: guard, hardware, harbor, garbage Bonus Words: compartment, argument

Friday, 10/19, Newsletter Updates

Field Trip
What a great trip! First of all, it poured rain while we were driving. When we turned left on Hwy G in Nekoosa, there was an amazing blue sky, and when we turned right on Batterman Road, the sun came out. What a blessing! Be sure to ask (if you haven't gotten an earful already) about the cranberry harvest and the cheese factory. We also had a great variety of cheeses and cranberries to eat. Enjoy the cranberries! Let me know if the recipes worked out.

An Apology
When I planned the field trip, the first call I made was to the cheese factory. Thursday was a day they said would work, and that day also worked for the cranberry marsh. I completely forgot about band that day. So, band students and parents, I apologize for making you miss a lesson. I should have scheduled the trip for a different day, but it totally slipped my mind, and for that I apologize.

Book Order
The October book order will be due next week on Wednesday, October 24.
Here are some books I can recommend. By no means are these the only good books available. This is simply meant to be a starting point for you in your shopping.
- Lunch Money - Andrew Clements is one of my all-time favorite authors.
- Flush - A future read aloud. Students may want their own copy.
- The Good Dog - The story is told by the dogs in a neighborhood.
- Lawn Boy - Start mowing lawns, end up rich in the stock market and investing in a prize-fighter.
- A Wrinkle in Time - An all-time classic by a Christian author.
- The Giver - Might be hard for 4th grade, but parents, you would love it.
- Igraine the Brave - I haven't read it yet, but I certainly can recommend the author.
- Inkheart/Inkspell - A father, when he reads aloud, somehow magically "reads" characters alive...and real people become characters in the books. This switching is the conflict as characters are trapped in stories that aren't their own.
- Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing - First in the "Fudge" series.
- Roald Dahl Pack - Very funny author.
- Little House Box Set - If you haven't read the Little House books here's a great chance.

The Upcoming Week - School Mon/Tues/Wed Only!
Memory - None, short week.

Religion - Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, Esau, and one of my favorite stories Jacob, Rachel, and Leah.

Reading - Begin a novel together. What novel? It's a secret...for now!

English - Personal Narratives. Describing Paragraphs.

Math - Shapes, fractions, adding money, lines, segments, rays, and angles.

Science - Continue electricity and magnetism.

Social Studies - Chapter 3: The New England States

Spelling - None, short week.

Tomorrow's Field Trip

Schedule
8:45 – Leave School
9:15ish – Arrive at Cranberry Marsh
11:15ish – Depart Cranberry Marsh
12:00 – Lunch at school
12:45 – Leave School
1:15 – Begin Cheese Factory Program
2:45ish – Leave Cheese Factory
3:00 – Taste Testing Time!

Morning Drivers - VanNatta, Whitemarsh, Williamson, Wilhorn (5 each) Please be ready at 8:45.

Afternoon Drivers – VanNatta, Mohr, Williamson, Wilhorn Please be ready to leave at 12:45.

Lunch – Students will be at school for a normal lunch period. They will be able to take hot lunch.

Morning and Afternoon – The whole trip happens during the school day. There is no need to arrive early. Bus students can take the bus both to and from school.

Weather – Please be ready for anything at the cranberry marsh. The current forecast calls for scattered thunderstorms and an 80% chance of rain. It is always colder at the marsh. Be prepared.

I think that’s it! Pray that we stay dry, for safe travel, and that everything goes as well as it can.

Monday Updates and Field Trip Information

The printed Friday newsletter is coming home today. Sorry for the delay. Included is the Q1W6 memory slip. There is no spelling list attached. This is a review week for spelling.

Also included is information about this week's field trip. Please fill in the permission slip and complete the bottom portion for volunteers to drive. Not many are needed, and parents are welcome to join us on the field trip. Soon after this email I will send another with the field trip information sheet and permission slip attached. Printed versions are in take-home folders.

Science Test - Woo-Hoo!!!

I just finished grading the science tests and wanted to share how we did. There were two 100% tests (A's) and six 95% tests (A-'s). As a class our average was 90%. That's a B+. Well done!

Friday, 10/12 Newsletter Updates

Field Trip Next Week
Next week on Thursday, October 18, we will be taking a field trip to a cranberry marsh and to Dairy State Cheese in Rudolph. This is the first activity that is part of our Wisconsin History study in social studies. Most of the study will be in the spring. More information will come on Monday including costs, details and permission slips.

Choir on Sunday
This Sunday at the 10:30 service at Immanuel the 3rd and 4th grade choir will be singing. Student should be upstairs at 10:10 for a quick rehearsal. The choir will sing at the beginning of the service. They then may sit with their parents for worship. St. Lukes families are certainly excused to attend the special service you are having this weekend.

Math Assignments
We have been working hard on our math assignments so far, and I hope this continues. But be careful, students! Remember the way we have done examples in class. Remember how to organize papers. Remember your labels, problems with more than one question, and to read the whole question carefully. This is normally the time of year when students start thinking, "I got this math stuff down! Time to take it easy." That's when the silly mistakes happen. Don't let it happen to you!

Note Coming Home With the Boys
There is an additional note coming home with the boys today. All the information you need to know is in the note. Parents, please read it and send back the signature form.

And Finally...
I didn't get this done until after the kids went home so there is not printed version today. Memory slips and the printed newsletter will come home on Monday. Feel free to do the next three verses for the memory slip over the weekend. You'll get the slip on Monday.

The Upcoming Week
Memory - At Home: Q1W6 Slips At School: 1. Books of the New Testament 2. The First Commandment and its meaning.

Religion - Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, their children.

Reading - Plum Creek, point of view, author's purpose, end of Theme 1.

English - Writing narratives and paragraphs that describe.

Math - Rounding, perimeter, triangles, rectangles, squares, and circles.

Science - Electricity and magnetism.

Social Studies - Finish chapter 2. Test mid-week. This chapter has been fragmented due to weird scheduling this week (Women in History presentation, picture day, etc.), so it will be done differently. Maybe open book, groups, or something to that effect.

Spelling - No list. Review lesson.

Mid-Terms Today, Picture Day Tomorrow

Mid-term grades are coming home today. I emphasize in class that grades are for students, teachers and parents, and that's it. So I put the mid-term reports in sealed envelopes, and that is how they should reach you - sealed. There is a signature form at the bottom. Please sign and return that form with any questions or comments. Thanks.

Remember, tomorrow is picture day. We will be taking a panoramic picture and individual pictures. If you wish to order both, please include a separate check with each order. Thanks, again.

Newsletter Updates for Thursday, 10/4

Mid-Terms on Monday
We are officially half way through the first quarter. Yes, already. On Monday mid-terms will come home with the fourth graders. This is not an official grade report. It is simply an update as to where your child is. Take time to discuss where and how improvement can happen, and don't forget to acknowledge where success is happening as well. Please send the signature form back as soon as possible.

School Pictures on Tuesday
Order forms went home earlier this week for school pictures. Remember, seperate checks are needed for individual packages and the panoramic all-school photo.

Women in History Presentation on Thursday at 1:00
This was just recently added to the schedule. I don't know much about the presentation at this point other than simply what it says. We will take a look at the roles of women throughout history.

The Upcoming Week
Religion - Abraham, Isaac.

Memory - At Home: Q1W5 Slips At School: 1. Historical Books of the Old Testament (Genesis - Esther) 2. Poetic Books and Prophetic Books of the Old Testament (Job - Malachi) These are two seperate assignments.

Reading - Theme and Point of View in our Literary Elements Books, Lou Gehrig, prefixes and suffixes, One the Banks of Plum Creek.

English - Diamonte Poem.

Math - Expanded form, missing numbers in subtraction, adding columns of numbers, scales, clocks, rounding.

Science - Energy, work, force, simple machines. Possible test late in the week.

Social Studies - Continue chapter 2.

Spelling - UNIT 5 Word List: hoop, wounded, shoot, booth, broom, boost, mood, fooling, afternoon, spoon, smooth, tooth Extra words: raccoon, bloomed, useful, route Bonus Words: souvenir, routine

"Be Transformed" Theme T-Shirts Are Here!

The t-shirts with this year's school theme have arrived! Everyone completed an order form at registration. Students all receive a shirt free of charge, and many parents ordered one for yourselves. Students are receiving them today and are asked to wear the shirts tomorrow. The whole school will proclaim that we will "Be Transformed" by the Power of God!

Soccer Game and Social Studies Test

Tonight's Soccer Game
Tonight the Immanuel soccer team is playing Assumption Middle School at 7:00 at Washington School. This game will be under the lights on the varsity field. The two teams played last week to a 1-1 tie. That game also included 3 shots that banged off the goalpost or crossbar. It was a great game, and tonight's game should be just as good.

Friday's Social Studies Test
Students are bringing home their social studies test today. I was somewhat disappointed with the grades, so on Monday, without any warning, we did the first part of the test again orally. It wasn't the best way to review it, but I really thought we knew the information better than we did. This is the sheet attached to the top of the test. It did not affect their grades.

Friday 9/28 Newsletter Updates

School Directory Coming Home Today
That just about says it...look in your child's take-home folder for the school directory. There is one per family, so your oldest child will have the book.

Four Day Week
Next week is only a four day week. Friday is a professional development day. Teachers will be at school working on various activities, but kids...enjoy the long weekend!

Midterms...Already???
Well, not just yet. Midterms will come home a week from Monday on October 9. File that away in the back of your mind. One week and we will see officially how the year is going!

The Upcoming Week
Memory - At Home: Q1W4 Slips At School: Returning Thanks, prayers 1 & 2. These are two seperate assignments. They do not need to be said together.

Religion - Abraham

Reading - Literary Elements: Genre. Finish My Name is Maria Isabel, characters' feelings and actions, Lou Gehrig.

English - Finish sentences. Test on Tuesday.

Math - Larger subtraction problems, subtraction with regrouping, expanded form, adding columns of numbers.

Science - Motion, friction, kinetic and potential energy, work and motion.

Social Studies - Begin chapter 2 about regions.

Spelling - UNIT 4: those, coach, solid, include, crew, plus, operate, broke, upset, tune, June, floating Extra Words: plume, renew, husband Bonus Words: honor, populated

Another Video Has Been Added

The kids enjoyed the first video so much that I thought I'd add another. "Why? What's up with all the Stellar Kart?" you may wonder. I'm so glad you asked...

Next week they are going to be in concert in Green Bay on Friday night (October 5) at a place called the Cup O' Joy. (www.cupojoy.com) It is a non-profit Christian coffee house that simply brings in bands and provides a Christian atmosphere. Concerts are free, but they do pass the plate. You can donate to the band or to Cup O' Joy's ministry.

I am planning on going with my family. There is no school that day, so if you are looking to fill the day with something, maybe this is it. They will be loud - Make A Loud Noise, Psalm 98:4! - but the drive home will be quiet with the kids sleeping, right? Anyway, I just wanted to make you aware of it. Other than the 2-hour drive, the price is right and the message is great!

If you have any questions, let me know. I'll do my best to answer them.

Picture Day, Parking, and Mornings

I'm not sure what happened with that last post. Apparently I published it accidentally. My apologies. Here is what it was supposed to say.

Picture Day
Picture Day is Tuesday, October 9. That day we will take the all-school panoramic photo, individual pictures, and sports photos (this one won't affect 4th grade). If you plan on ordering more than one item (for example: an individual photo package AND a panoramic photo), seperate checks will be needed for each. I'm not sure why this is...I was just asked to communicate it to you.

Parking Proceedures
A few reminders: 1. Students being dropped off in the morning are to be dropped off in the back parking lot. Yes, it is longer to walk, but it is the safest place. When parking in the front, please be sure to come down Eleventh Street from the north. Don't come from the south and swing all the way around to the parking spots. (The police have requested that one personally.)

Morning Arrival Time
Students are allowed up into the halls and classrooms at 8:25. BUS students who arrive before that are to go to the cafeteria until they are dismissed at 8:25. WALKERS and DROPPED-OFFERS are to remain outside until 8:25. Yes, it will get colder. Yes, it may be rainy. Arriving on time will solve those problems. There have been too many people in the building before that time, and supervision becomes a problem. Thanks for your understanding.

Culver's Night and Various Other Stuff

Don't forget!  Tonight is the first Culver's Night of the year.  Culver's donates 10% of all proceeds from people who say they are there for Immanuel back to the school.  Unfortunately, my family will be there without me.  We have a soccer game in Marshfield.  I'll be supporting the Vesper Fire Department at their monthly brat fry.

If you have one of those music-liking fourth graders and he/she comes home talking about some cool sounding CD (or strange sounding CD, depending on their perspective), it's a new one I got that I shared with them.  My favorite band, the David Crowder Band, just released their new album called Remedy.  Two songs I played are "O, For A Thousand Tongues to Sing" - straight out of the hymnal, but not sounding like church - and a song called "We Won't Be Quiet."  Both songs fit our class theme perfectly!  For more information, check http://www.davidcrowderband.com/. 

Finally, mark your calendars for next Tuesday.  Immanuel's soccer team will be playing Assumption Middle School at 7:00 at Washington School.  This is the second year we are playing under the lights on the varsity field.  There will be pregame and halftime music, great people from school, and a great game to watch.

Video Added to the Website!

I'll admit, I am having fun playing with this site a little bit. I found a way to add videos! The first video is from a Christian band called Stellar Kart. This song - Activate - was the last one I cut from our CD because it didn't fit. The song is about living your life so that others see Jesus in your life. It's easy to just slip by without doing much, but God wants more. Activate! Get Started! BE LOUD! The video itself shows that you should be yourself and not something else. I hope you find it as funny as I do.

Parents, I hope that our kids see that following Jesus isn't only sitting quietly in church, so to speak. These guys have a lot of fun, make a lot of noise, and are devoted to Jesus. I'm afraid people don't always see those things fitting together.

The videos are located down the right side. Click on the video and it will play at the top of the page.

Have a great rest of the weekend. Enjoy the weather, Go Packers!, and see you in the morning.

Friday 9/21 Newsletter Updates

Magazine Sales
Going into today our class was in third place.  In first place was the eighth graders.  Their average was 1 order per student higher.  So far I don't know the results after today's orders have been totaled.  I DO know that our envelope was packed.  It was really full!  If we don't catch them, it won't be because we didn't try! 

Of course, the real reason we get excited about this is that every bit of profit goes directly to our school, and every little bit helps.  Thanks for all your time and efforts helping your kids in their first official year of participating.

The Year So Far
Every morning in devotions we take prayer requests.  Today my turn came up.  My prayer was one of thanksgiving for a class that has been so responsible.  They are doing a great job of getting their work done, turning things in on time, staying organized, and reading tons of books.  So thank YOU too, parents, for your role in the success of your children.  If the rest of the year goes this smoothly, they should cut my pay...but don't tell anyone that!

Book Covers
Please remember to get textbooks covered.  The best stuff to use is brown bags from the grocery store.  Remember, don't use the elastic covers.  They are damaging some books.

The Upcoming Week
Memory - At Home - Quarter 1 Week 3 Slips.  Turn them in as soon as they are done.  Lots of people are taking advantage of the weekend.  At School - 1. Asking a Blessing Part 1.  2. Asking a Blessing Part 2.  There are two assignments this week, and students may say them any morning.  Don't procrastinate!

Religion - Noah and the Flood.

Reading - Continue in our Literary Elements books.  Continue writing in our Reading Journals.  Continue reading great books!  Donavan's Word Jar, characters' feelings and actions, My Name is Maria Isabel.

English - Sentences.  Possible test mid-late week.

Math - Test Monday.  Students shouldn't have to study - honestly! - since the book continues to review each lesson.  The test will be on the first 5 lessons.  Then on to number lines, addition stories, missing numbers in subtraction, and adding 3-digit numbers.

Science - Test Tuesday on chapter 1.   Then chapter 2: force, energy, motion, and work.

Social Studies - Possible test late week.  The students have been working hard on their cards.  These can/should be used to review like flashcards.  These work for me as a daily assignment, but are great to keep and use for reviewing.  For now we've kept the information simple.  I also told the kids that the book starts with the longest lessons with the longest lists of vocabulary words.  I'm not sure why, but that's the way it is.  We decided that if we get used to long lessons with lots of information, the shorter lessons will be a piece of cake!

Spelling - UNIT 3: mine, tie, wild, type , smile, drive, size, blind, visit, thick, die, prize  Extra words: fifty, picnic, decide, tiny  Bonus Words: none.  Again, the test is on Friday.

Have a great weekend.  Is this summer?  Shouldn't we still be off school?  WOW!  Enjoy it while it lasts.  Next week we may be shoveling snow!

Friday Newsletter Updates

September Book Orders
Book orders are due Thursday, September 20.  I always try to give some suggestions and recommendations for each book order I hand out.  These are simply meant to be a starting point as you browse the book order.  There's a lot of great books in the September order, so on to the recommendations:

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler - A great mystery in New York City.
The Tale of Despereaux - One of those books with different stories that all come together at the end.
Island Pack - High adventure.  More and more each page.
The Penderwicks - Describes a summer vacation most of us would love to have.
Stormbreaker - Another great adventure book.  First in a series.
Princess Acadamy - This is a new book, but it's quickly becoming a personal favorite.
Back to School Newbery Value
Number the Stars - A chapter is in our Reading book.
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry - A great book, but might be tough for 4th graders.
Bridge to Terabithia - Better than the movie…and I never saw the movie!
The Chronicles of Narnia - Again, better than the movie…and I did see this movie.
A Series of Unfortunate Events - Totally better than the movie.  One of my favorite series.
Judy Blume Pack - Hilarious.  Parents, do you remember reading about Fudge?

Magazine Sales
Monday is the second turn-in day.  We had a great start as a class!  There is a pink note included in take-home folders that tells the prizes and promotions for Monday's turn-in.  Remember, every little bit counts, and all profits go directly to our school.

Walk For Education
Tomorrow is the annual St. Lukes Walk For Education.  Walkers will leave St. Lukes at 10:30, walk down 8th Street to Immanuel, and then head back on 12th Street.  Everyone is welcome to stay for a picnic at St. Lukes in the picnic shelter.  Everyone received a pledge sheet in a recent newsletter.  Any donations go directly toward the technology fund here at school.

Basketball Note
Mr. Voelker has sent home a note with all of last year's basketball players and anyone else who said they were interested for this year.  We already need to get an idea of how many players there will be at each grade level in order to properly schedule games.  Please take the time to fill out the form and return it to school as soon as possible.  Thanks.

The Upcoming Week
Memory - At Home - Quarter 1 Week 2 Slips.  Remember, these are due by next Friday, but can be turned in as soon as they are completed.  At School - The Evening Prayer.  Students may again split it up to learn it, but they will need to say the whole thing by Friday.  If you learned the Morning Prayer, this one is really easy!

Religion - Adam and Eve and the Family of God.

Reading - We are all reading some great silent reading books!  This week we started writing in our reading journals about our books.  We also received our Literary Elements books, and will be working with them in the weeks to come.  We also will be in our Reading book, reading Donavan's Word Jar. 

English - Sentences (declarative, interrogative, imperative, exclamatory)

Math - Writing numbers to 999, adding money, adding with regrouping, even and odd numbers.  I told students today that it is taking me less time to grade 19 papers this year than it took to grade 10 last year.  It's not because of some great difference in math ability, but rather that I remembered to teach and model how to organize a math paper, and these guys are really doing a great job of keeping their papers neat and orderly.  THANK YOU!!!

Science - Physical changes, chemical changes.  Possible test late in the week.

Social Studies - Continue U.S. geography, land, rivers, and natural resources.

Spelling - UNIT 2: asleep, empty, queen, deal, needed, spelling, east, feelings, tea, keeping, beneath, agree  Extra words: easy, method  Bonus Words: elevator, suggested  The test is on Friday.

Two Tuesday Notes - School Newsletter and Social Studies

School Newsletter - Coming with today's school newsletter is our Acceptable Use Policy for computers, a signature form, and an informational letter. Please take a few moments to go over the policy and return the signature form. New students should also return the password form so we can create a new account for you.

Social Studies - Students are bringing home a different assignment today. They are to read a lesson. As they read they are to define the vocabulary words and answer the review question at the end of each section. However, each word and question is on a notecard. Definitions and answers should be on the back side of each card. I'll explain more about this in the future, and after one lesson, I already have a few ideas about how to make the process easier. Thanks!

Friday Newsletter Updates

What a Great First Week! - That pretty much says it all right there. We have had a great week getting back into the swing of things. I have enjoyed getting to know all of the students better and better, and I think they are getting used to me and how fourth grade works. All of the "old" students have been welcoming to our "new" students - Abbi on the first day and Dakotah on the third day. Thanks, parents, for your part in helping the transition from summer to school go so smoothly. And now...on to the rest of the school year!

Memory Work - In your child's take home folder today you will find three things: an outline of all the memory assignments for the year, all of the first quarter memory (two sheets), and a slip of paper with next week's at-home memory. The at-home memory verses need to be memorized and said at home. Please sign and date the slip and return it as soon as it's done. It is due by next Friday. The at-school assignments are listed here each week. 1. Morning Prayer - up to "…may please You." 2. Morning Prayer - all. If students choose, they can say the whole thing at once and be done, but they may do half first to practice. These can be practiced at home and said at school any morning next week. Remember, don't put it off!

Spelling - Next week's spelling words are always included with the Friday newsletter. There is a copy in your child's take home folder, but they are right here too: played, escape, steak, subway, gray, safely, mistake, greatest, break, after, planting, scratch Extra Words: holiday, paragraph Bonus Words: Wilhorn, Immanuel The first 12 words are practiced in the spelling book. The extra words follow the same spelling pattern and extend the lesson. The bonus words are extra credit. Give them a try!

Magazine Sales Fund Raiser - The magazine sales are off and running, and I already received a call from a determined fourth grader who will be getting my Sports Illustrated renewal for sure. Hopefully all your questions were answered in the package information, but if you have any others, please let me know. The first turn-in day is Monday, so don't forget your orders! And remember, it's double prize point day. Two points for every order on Monday.

Gym Clothes - Bring them on Monday. We have gym class on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Handouts in Take-Home Folders - There are a lot of handouts coming home. You should find: Memory (3 sheets, 1 slip), Spelling words, bus student information sheet, volunteer drivers form, last year's physical fitness awards, and a copy of this Friday Newsletter. Wow!

The Upcoming Week:
Religion - Creation, Adam and Eve.

Reading - The Gardener, Literary Elements Books. Ask about your child's silent reading book. They all picked good ones!

English - Sentences.

Math - Sequences, digits, place value, ordinal numbers, months of the year.

Science - Matter, length and volume, mass and density.

Social Studies - United States geography.

Finally… - I think that's it! (Whew!) Have a great weekend!!!

Ice Cream Social Tonight

Don't forget to bring the family for an ice cream social at school tonight. With weather like this, who wouldn't want ice cream? It goes from 6:00 to 7:30. Come and go as you please. Catch up with old friends…meet some new ones! Hope you can make it!

Magazine Sales Start Today

All students in grades 4-8 start the annual magazine sales fund raiser today. There is a lot of information in your child's take-home folder, but I wanted to give you a "heads-up":

1. The Mag-Net books are due tomorrow - Thursday. These are for addresses of out of town relatives and friends who otherwise wouldn't be able to help with the fund raiser.

2. Students are encouraged to talk to family, friends, and friendly neighbors. Please NO door-to-door sales.

3. Carefully and clearly fill out the forms. Customers get the pink slip. All other sheets come back to school.

4. Money is collected and turned in with the order. Checks can be made out to Immanuel Lutheran School.

5. Students are encouraged to seek renewals. This way people don't need to purchase a new magazine.

6. Prizes are awarded. There is a list in the folder. Student earn one "prize point" for each order. Points are then used to "purchase" prizes at the end of the program. (On the first turn-in day, points are doubled to 2 per order.)

7. The first turn-in day is Monday, September 10.

Wow, that seems like a lot! But it's not that bad! Really! This is a big fund raiser for our school - thousands of dollars worth each year. Take the time to look at the materials and see how you can help. Thank you!!!

Welcome, Weekend, and Art Supplies

Welcome everyone to the email list! I hope the email you received explained things clearly, and we will be able to use this website and list for our online newsletter. This post and email will be our first official test with everyone added to the list.

Have a great weekend. Probably some of you are already having a great weekend and won't see this until Monday night or Tuesday! Nevertheless, enjoy the weekend, and we'll see all the kids bright and early on Tuesday morning.

Finally, we will be doing a simple art project with blank CDs. We will need 1 per student. If you have a blank CD or two that you don't need, we could use them at school. They don't have to be completely without writing, but those with the least writing on them will work the best. I already have some, but a few more are needed. Thanks!

Post #4 - Yes, Another Test!

This time I am testing email addresses and the format of the emails that arrive in your inbox after each post. So far I've done 7 home visits, and they were all great. There are 7 more tomorrow and 4 on Monday.

Time to publish this post and test the emails.

Another Test? Really?

This is a test to see if I can email a post.  If this works, it means that anytime I think of something important to tell everyone, I can just send an email, the message gets posted, and an email is sent out giving you the news.  All from one email.  Yes, I'm just as amazed as you are.

Post Number Two

This could get boring if you read all these test posts, but I am testing if my posts will be automatically emailed when they are published.

The First Post

This is the first post on the Immanuel Fourth Grade weblog. This will be the place to see what is happening in school - assignments, news, announcements, etc. In other words, check here to read the past, present, and future of the fourth grade. In the past I have sent home a newsletter every Friday. This year it is my intention to post the news here as it happens.