Next Week Friday
Next week is mini-course week. Students will be involved in many different activities on Friday. Fourth graders will stay in the building - some of the other grades go off-campus for different activities - and students will work in small groups.
I will be attending my final advisory board meeting for the CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center) at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. I served a 3-year term which is done this year. It is a great organization, and I'm honored to have served.
Mid Terms
It's that time again - grades! Fourth quarter midterms are coming home next week on Tuesday. Again, these aren't official grades. Rather, they are an update of where we stand at this point in the quarter. Please return the signature forms as soon as possible.
Wash Your Hands, Everybody
Swine Flu has been all over the news. The latest update I've seen is that it has reached Adams County, and the infected gentleman works in Wisconsin Rapids.
Of course, the number one way to keep from being infected with any virus, including the latest flu virus that is spreading quickly, is to wash your hands regularly. And I always add this next bit for the kids...they think it's hilarious, even though it's true...viruses enter the body through mucus membranes like the eyes and mouth. However, the number one way viruses enter the body? The nose. Keep your fingers visible, folks.
All joking aside, let's do what we can to prevent the spread of all viruses. Wash, cover your mouth, wash again, and stay home if you are sick.
Memory
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing is our memory hymn for next week. We will only be doing the three verses marked on the sheet coming home. This is a tough one! It's got longer verses and weird words. We will spend part of our religion time discussing what it all means - interpreting the poetic phrases, so to speak. Two verses are required. Three verses are needed for an A.
Here are two versions. Both are slightly different, and there are no lyrics on the video, but nevertheless, knowing the melody and fitting the lyrics into it usually helps with remembering.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Whoops! Branch Observation Today!
I forgot to remind everyone, but the assignment is still assigned:
Make your branch observation tonight.
Of course, I should have reminded everyone, so if you don't get this message, than Tuesday evening will be fine. I'm going to write it on the assignment board right now so I don't forget again.
Make your branch observation tonight.
Of course, I should have reminded everyone, so if you don't get this message, than Tuesday evening will be fine. I'm going to write it on the assignment board right now so I don't forget again.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Next Week's Memory
Here is next week's memory. It is the hymn All Creatures of Our God and King. The first video is from the LCMS Youth Gathering in 2007 (I think it was 2007.) This is the worship band that led worship for over 40,000 high school students from Lutheran churches around the country. The second video is from David Crowder Band. (I couldn't resist.) Both have the lyrics printed.
Student should say all three verses.
Student should say all three verses.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Thursday, 4/23, Newsletter Announcements
The Cheese Stands Alone
Tomorrow is the big day! Performances of The Cheese Stands Alone are at 10:30 tomorrow morning and 6:30 in the evening. Fourth graders should know what their costumes are, and will be given time to change before the morning performance. Students should arrive at school at 6:10 for the evening show. If you arrive earlier, please keep your children with you until that time.
A note should have come home yesterday with these details, or it will come home tonight.
Pictures
A few weeks ago we took spring pictures. It is your option to purchase them or not. If you wish to purchase them, follow the instructions on the insert with the pictures. If you do not want any, simply return them to school. All pictures that are kept must be paid for, and all returns must be back by April 30.
Tomorrow is the big day! Performances of The Cheese Stands Alone are at 10:30 tomorrow morning and 6:30 in the evening. Fourth graders should know what their costumes are, and will be given time to change before the morning performance. Students should arrive at school at 6:10 for the evening show. If you arrive earlier, please keep your children with you until that time.
A note should have come home yesterday with these details, or it will come home tonight.
Pictures
A few weeks ago we took spring pictures. It is your option to purchase them or not. If you wish to purchase them, follow the instructions on the insert with the pictures. If you do not want any, simply return them to school. All pictures that are kept must be paid for, and all returns must be back by April 30.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Next Week's Memory - Amazing Grace
Here are two videos of Amazing Grace by two different artists. Both have included extra parts, but all that is required are the 5 verses marked on the memory sheet that went home today. Students are not required to say any of the italicized words on the memory sheet. Those are all the extra choruses added by the artists. I suggested to students to find the verse they want to study, watch/listen to it, then click back to the point in the video where it began to watch/listen to just that part again.
Of course, these videos aren't a requirement - "Fourth graders did you watch your videos today?" - but for some students, seeing/hearing/reading/singing is a great way to learn the words. (And the songs are pretty cool, too.)
Amazing Grace contains four verses. Grace like rain contains two of the same verses plus one additional verse.
Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) by Chris Tomlin
Grace Like Rain by Todd Agnew
Of course, these videos aren't a requirement - "Fourth graders did you watch your videos today?" - but for some students, seeing/hearing/reading/singing is a great way to learn the words. (And the songs are pretty cool, too.)
Amazing Grace contains four verses. Grace like rain contains two of the same verses plus one additional verse.
Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) by Chris Tomlin
Grace Like Rain by Todd Agnew
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Tuesday, 4/14 News
Achievement Tests
We started the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills yesterday and, other than a little grumbling, they have gone off without a problem. We'll continue taking 2 or 3 a day and will be finished by the end of the week.
The Cheese Stands Alone
We also are busy practicing for the Spring musical. Yesterday we worked on staging - where to stand, how to deliver our lines, etc. - and this afternoon we will be doing a large group practice of all the songs. Keep practicing those lines at home. Fourth graders are the lead characters! Performance day is Friday, April 24. There will be one matinee and one evening performance.
Ablaze!
Ablaze is a program developed by the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod to get the good news of Jesus to millions of people. The Lutheran School initiative involved a 20 program of hearing the word. We are listening to the story of Jesus according to the Gospels. Coming home today is a "Bible Stick" or Bible mp3 player. It includes main stories of the Old Testament, the New Testament, and some songs. Also included is the 20 day program we are doing in school that can also be done at home. The second part of the program is that the DVD and Bible Stick would be shared with someone else after the program is finished so that more people can hear the Word of God. After all, faith comes by hearing the Word.
Branch Observation
Yesterday was Day #2 for the science branch observation. If your branch is like ours, there have been very little changes. Nevertheless, detailed observations are necessary. These observations will be used to complete the final assignment. Also, it is a good idea to state differences you see week to week. This will help in the end. It is also something I have modeled for the students with a branch in front of school, so they know what I'm looking for.
We started the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills yesterday and, other than a little grumbling, they have gone off without a problem. We'll continue taking 2 or 3 a day and will be finished by the end of the week.
The Cheese Stands Alone
We also are busy practicing for the Spring musical. Yesterday we worked on staging - where to stand, how to deliver our lines, etc. - and this afternoon we will be doing a large group practice of all the songs. Keep practicing those lines at home. Fourth graders are the lead characters! Performance day is Friday, April 24. There will be one matinee and one evening performance.
Ablaze!
Ablaze is a program developed by the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod to get the good news of Jesus to millions of people. The Lutheran School initiative involved a 20 program of hearing the word. We are listening to the story of Jesus according to the Gospels. Coming home today is a "Bible Stick" or Bible mp3 player. It includes main stories of the Old Testament, the New Testament, and some songs. Also included is the 20 day program we are doing in school that can also be done at home. The second part of the program is that the DVD and Bible Stick would be shared with someone else after the program is finished so that more people can hear the Word of God. After all, faith comes by hearing the Word.
Branch Observation
Yesterday was Day #2 for the science branch observation. If your branch is like ours, there have been very little changes. Nevertheless, detailed observations are necessary. These observations will be used to complete the final assignment. Also, it is a good idea to state differences you see week to week. This will help in the end. It is also something I have modeled for the students with a branch in front of school, so they know what I'm looking for.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Thursday - Feels Like Friday - 4/9 Newsletter Updates
Report Cards Today
Third quarter report cards are coming home today, and again, they are in sealed envelopes so to avoid comparisons with classmates. Please return the signature form as soon as possible.
Memory
Our fourth quarter at-school memory starts next week. We will be doing lyrics from traditional hymns. A printed copy of the song was sent home today, and a video is also posted on the website. The video has the song along with the lyrics. You can listen and follow along. It's a great way to learn the song. Some songs have an added chorus or other part. These are written in italics and not required. Students may say as much as possible at a time, but it should be at least one verse.
Our first hymn is "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing" performed by the David Crowder Band. It's a traditional hymn in an nontraditional arrangement.
And after Easter, isn't that a wish that we all should have, that we could have a thousand tongues (and that wouldn't even be enough) to sing the praises of a God that loves us so much?
Achievement Tests
We will be taking our achievement tests next week. Again, there isn't much to do in preparation other than get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and don't stress out about it.
Spring Program Practice and Performance
We've been working hard with Mrs. Rucks and Ms. Tara McMiller getting ready for the big Spring program. April 24 is performance day with an afternoon show and an evening show. In the meantime, kids are working on memorizing their lines and singing the songs.
So why does the cheese stand alone, anyway?
Spanish
Fourth graders started their four session exploratory Spanish class today. Spanish colors and counting up to 100 should be part of their vocabulary! We will not have a session next week, but there are three more in the weeks after that.
Here's the Video of the Memory Hymn: (available on the website, but not in the email.)
Third quarter report cards are coming home today, and again, they are in sealed envelopes so to avoid comparisons with classmates. Please return the signature form as soon as possible.
Memory
Our fourth quarter at-school memory starts next week. We will be doing lyrics from traditional hymns. A printed copy of the song was sent home today, and a video is also posted on the website. The video has the song along with the lyrics. You can listen and follow along. It's a great way to learn the song. Some songs have an added chorus or other part. These are written in italics and not required. Students may say as much as possible at a time, but it should be at least one verse.
Our first hymn is "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing" performed by the David Crowder Band. It's a traditional hymn in an nontraditional arrangement.
And after Easter, isn't that a wish that we all should have, that we could have a thousand tongues (and that wouldn't even be enough) to sing the praises of a God that loves us so much?
Achievement Tests
We will be taking our achievement tests next week. Again, there isn't much to do in preparation other than get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and don't stress out about it.
Spring Program Practice and Performance
We've been working hard with Mrs. Rucks and Ms. Tara McMiller getting ready for the big Spring program. April 24 is performance day with an afternoon show and an evening show. In the meantime, kids are working on memorizing their lines and singing the songs.
So why does the cheese stand alone, anyway?
Spanish
Fourth graders started their four session exploratory Spanish class today. Spanish colors and counting up to 100 should be part of their vocabulary! We will not have a session next week, but there are three more in the weeks after that.
Here's the Video of the Memory Hymn: (available on the website, but not in the email.)
Monday, April 6, 2009
One Forgotten Note
Branch Observation Project
Today we started the annual fourth grade branch observation project. A detailed letter went home with the assignment today. Students are to observe a tree branch once a week until the end of the quarter to see how trees change in spring.
Students were given the final assignment as well. This isn't an assignment at this point. I simply wanted the students to see what will be asked of them at the end of the project and hopefully recognize the importance of detailed observations.
We are doing the assignment as a class here at school as well so students know what is expected and can see weekly how it's done. The plan is that observations will be made each Monday, but I did tell students that if Monday evening doesn't work, the observation could be done on Monday morning or Sunday evening if necessary, but it is important that the observations take place at regular intervals.
Today we started the annual fourth grade branch observation project. A detailed letter went home with the assignment today. Students are to observe a tree branch once a week until the end of the quarter to see how trees change in spring.
Students were given the final assignment as well. This isn't an assignment at this point. I simply wanted the students to see what will be asked of them at the end of the project and hopefully recognize the importance of detailed observations.
We are doing the assignment as a class here at school as well so students know what is expected and can see weekly how it's done. The plan is that observations will be made each Monday, but I did tell students that if Monday evening doesn't work, the observation could be done on Monday morning or Sunday evening if necessary, but it is important that the observations take place at regular intervals.
Monday, April 6 Updates
Tomorrow is Picture Day
Tomorrow is Spring picture day. The photo company takes the photos at no charge, and families are given the opportunity to purchase them afterward. There is no obligation to purchase anything, but it is a unique opportunity for additional photos.
Chapel This Week
At Immanuel we have traditionally had chapel every day during Holy Week, and that tradition continues this week. Each morning at 8:50 Pastor Grohs and some assisting students will lead a 10-15 minute chapel service.
ITBS..What's That?
Next week, starting Monday, we will be taking the ITBS, better known as the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. These are your standard fill-in-the-bubble achievement tests. Students take these in the even numbered grades here at Immanuel, so students last took them in second grade. There isn't anything to do to prepare for them other than get plenty of rest and eat a good breakfast. We won't do all of them in one day. We won't even block out big chunks of time. Instead, we'll take an hour here, 40 minutes there, and plug away at them over the course of the entire week.
Report Cards
Third Quarter Report Cards are coming home on Thursday. Keep an eye out for that envelope.
And Finally...
I hope everyone had a great Spring Break full of rest and relaxation, whether you stayed close to home or traveled the world. Everyone seemed to be smiling this morning, so it seems it was a pretty good break. Welcome to the fourth quarter!
Tomorrow is Spring picture day. The photo company takes the photos at no charge, and families are given the opportunity to purchase them afterward. There is no obligation to purchase anything, but it is a unique opportunity for additional photos.
Chapel This Week
At Immanuel we have traditionally had chapel every day during Holy Week, and that tradition continues this week. Each morning at 8:50 Pastor Grohs and some assisting students will lead a 10-15 minute chapel service.
ITBS..What's That?
Next week, starting Monday, we will be taking the ITBS, better known as the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. These are your standard fill-in-the-bubble achievement tests. Students take these in the even numbered grades here at Immanuel, so students last took them in second grade. There isn't anything to do to prepare for them other than get plenty of rest and eat a good breakfast. We won't do all of them in one day. We won't even block out big chunks of time. Instead, we'll take an hour here, 40 minutes there, and plug away at them over the course of the entire week.
Report Cards
Third Quarter Report Cards are coming home on Thursday. Keep an eye out for that envelope.
And Finally...
I hope everyone had a great Spring Break full of rest and relaxation, whether you stayed close to home or traveled the world. Everyone seemed to be smiling this morning, so it seems it was a pretty good break. Welcome to the fourth quarter!
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