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!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday News, 3/16
Wednesday and Thursday
I will be gone on Wednesday and Thursday this week. On Wednesday I will be at Our Savior's Lutheran School in Springfield, Illinois talking to their teachers and students about books. A former teacher here at Immanuel, Mr. Parris, is now the principal there and asked me to come when he learned I'd be in town on Thursday.
On Thursday I will still be presenting about literature at the Illinois Reading Council's annual convention in Springfield. I'll be driving back Thursday evening and in school, ready to go, on Friday because on Friday is...
The Andrew Peterson Concert
Andrew Peterson will be at Immanuel during the day. At 1:00 he will discuss his books with the older students, grades 4-8. We've already been brainstorming questions to ask. At 2:00 he will do a mini-concert for our students. How cool is that? The full concert is at 7:00 at the PAC. Immanuel families get tickets for their family at $5.00 each! All other tickets are $7.00 in advance and $10.00 at the door. If you haven't yet, check out http://andrewinrapids.blogspot.com.
Choir News
First of all, thanks to everyone for coming to St. Luke's and Immanuel these past two weeks to sing with the 3/4 grade choir. This Thursday is the annual swim night at Lincoln High School. No money is needed. Students may get into the locker room at 6:15 and the pool is open at 6:30. This event is open to all choir members, which means our entire class!
Prayer Request
We discussed this and prayed in class today, but I wanted to ask families to pray as well. One of our fifth graders here at Immanuel is in the hospital in Madison. (The kids can fill you in, but for digital privacy reasons, I'll leave the name out of this post.) I don't know many details, but as of noon today, family and doctors were still awaiting the results of various tests.
Please do what you can to avoid speculation or jumping to conclusions and please help your children to do the same. Above all, pray. Pray for healing, strength for the family, wisdom for the doctors, and that most of all, God's will - "for the good of all who love Him" - be done. Thanks.
I will be gone on Wednesday and Thursday this week. On Wednesday I will be at Our Savior's Lutheran School in Springfield, Illinois talking to their teachers and students about books. A former teacher here at Immanuel, Mr. Parris, is now the principal there and asked me to come when he learned I'd be in town on Thursday.
On Thursday I will still be presenting about literature at the Illinois Reading Council's annual convention in Springfield. I'll be driving back Thursday evening and in school, ready to go, on Friday because on Friday is...
The Andrew Peterson Concert
Andrew Peterson will be at Immanuel during the day. At 1:00 he will discuss his books with the older students, grades 4-8. We've already been brainstorming questions to ask. At 2:00 he will do a mini-concert for our students. How cool is that? The full concert is at 7:00 at the PAC. Immanuel families get tickets for their family at $5.00 each! All other tickets are $7.00 in advance and $10.00 at the door. If you haven't yet, check out http://andrewinrapids.blogspot.com.
Choir News
First of all, thanks to everyone for coming to St. Luke's and Immanuel these past two weeks to sing with the 3/4 grade choir. This Thursday is the annual swim night at Lincoln High School. No money is needed. Students may get into the locker room at 6:15 and the pool is open at 6:30. This event is open to all choir members, which means our entire class!
Prayer Request
We discussed this and prayed in class today, but I wanted to ask families to pray as well. One of our fifth graders here at Immanuel is in the hospital in Madison. (The kids can fill you in, but for digital privacy reasons, I'll leave the name out of this post.) I don't know many details, but as of noon today, family and doctors were still awaiting the results of various tests.
Please do what you can to avoid speculation or jumping to conclusions and please help your children to do the same. Above all, pray. Pray for healing, strength for the family, wisdom for the doctors, and that most of all, God's will - "for the good of all who love Him" - be done. Thanks.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Andrew Peterson in Concert
The Andrew Peterson concert is next week on Friday. As a way to get the word out, we created a website with information about Andrew, the show, tickets, etc. It also includes live performances and videos of Andrew's music. New videos will be posted every day from now until the concert on March 20.
The address is http://andrewinrapids.blogspot.com/. (That's Andrew In Rapids . blogspot.com.)Please email that address to anyone and everyone you think might be interested in learning more about Andrew Peterson, his music, and the upcoming show.
I know I'm biased, but you won't want to miss it. Parents, grandparents, everyone.
Enjoy the videos!
The address is http://andrewinrapids.blogspot.com/. (That's Andrew In Rapids . blogspot.com.)Please email that address to anyone and everyone you think might be interested in learning more about Andrew Peterson, his music, and the upcoming show.
I know I'm biased, but you won't want to miss it. Parents, grandparents, everyone.
Enjoy the videos!
Friday, March 6, 2009
An OK Bit of Extra Information
Click The OK Book for more information from illustrator Tom Lichtenheld's website.
Check out the activites at the bottom of the page. They are designed for younger kids, but they'll give you an idea of what the book is about.
Check out the activites at the bottom of the page. They are designed for younger kids, but they'll give you an idea of what the book is about.
Friday Newsletter Updates
Amazing Lutheran Schools Week
What a fun week! From LEGOs to Opera to Talent Shows to Dressing Up to Class Colors to School Spirit to Breakfast to Christian Messages to Dr. Seuss! Where else can you do all of those in one week other than a Lutheran School during Lutheran School's Week? Most importantly, isn't it great that we can celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ in school, each day, and do all of these things in His name? Of course it is! Thanks for a great week.
Third & Fourth Grade Choir Sings This Weekend...
Sunday, March 8 at St. Lukes at the 10:30 service. Students are asked to meet in the church basement at 10:15 to run through the songs. Singing will happen at the beginning of the service. After that, students are excused to sit with their parents or leave quietly, especially if you've already attended worship elsewhere.
...And Next Weekend
Sunday, March 15 at Immanuel at the 8:00 service. Again, please meet 15 minutes early, this time upstairs in the choir room. Students are again dismissed to sit with parents after the singing is complete.
The OK Book
We did a fun activity today with The OK Book. Ask your fourth grader what they might be OK at.
The Upcoming Week
Memory - At School: The Lord's Prayer, The first prayer before meals. At Home: Q3W7 Slips
Reading - Wrap Up Theme 3. Begin a novel...maybe...?
English - Writing
Math - Lessons 69-71, Test 13, and an Investigation lesson.
Science - Finish the solar system. Begin body systems.
Social Studies - Finish the south central states.
Spelling - Unit 25: doctor, dollar, power, sugar, corner, collar, danger, ladder, labor, cellar, other, motor Extra Words: hunger, calendar, horror, officer, explore, porch Bonus Words: examiner, firefighter
What a fun week! From LEGOs to Opera to Talent Shows to Dressing Up to Class Colors to School Spirit to Breakfast to Christian Messages to Dr. Seuss! Where else can you do all of those in one week other than a Lutheran School during Lutheran School's Week? Most importantly, isn't it great that we can celebrate our Lord Jesus Christ in school, each day, and do all of these things in His name? Of course it is! Thanks for a great week.
Third & Fourth Grade Choir Sings This Weekend...
Sunday, March 8 at St. Lukes at the 10:30 service. Students are asked to meet in the church basement at 10:15 to run through the songs. Singing will happen at the beginning of the service. After that, students are excused to sit with their parents or leave quietly, especially if you've already attended worship elsewhere.
...And Next Weekend
Sunday, March 15 at Immanuel at the 8:00 service. Again, please meet 15 minutes early, this time upstairs in the choir room. Students are again dismissed to sit with parents after the singing is complete.
The OK BookWe did a fun activity today with The OK Book. Ask your fourth grader what they might be OK at.
The Upcoming Week
Memory - At School: The Lord's Prayer, The first prayer before meals. At Home: Q3W7 Slips
Reading - Wrap Up Theme 3. Begin a novel...maybe...?
English - Writing
Math - Lessons 69-71, Test 13, and an Investigation lesson.
Science - Finish the solar system. Begin body systems.
Social Studies - Finish the south central states.
Spelling - Unit 25: doctor, dollar, power, sugar, corner, collar, danger, ladder, labor, cellar, other, motor Extra Words: hunger, calendar, horror, officer, explore, porch Bonus Words: examiner, firefighter
Monday, March 2, 2009
Tuesday
Class Color Day
Tomorrow is class color day, and our class's color is...hold on for it...here it comes...are you ready?...GRAY!
My first three choices were gone by the time I got to choose, so I just said, "Gray!" That's all right, all rainbows need gray clouds to start. AND if you mix all the primary colors you end up with gray. So, it's like we're rainbows!
Midterm Signature Forms
I am still waiting for three signature forms from the midterms. If yours is still out, please return it tomorrow so I know midterms all made it to the proper home.
THANKS
There were a lot of white t-shirts today, and that allowed us to affix stars to our bellies and be star-bellied sneetches. Some of us were sneetches with "no stars upon thars." Here's a little sneetchy treat:
Head to the class website for the video. http://loudestclass.blogspot.com
Tomorrow is class color day, and our class's color is...hold on for it...here it comes...are you ready?...GRAY!
My first three choices were gone by the time I got to choose, so I just said, "Gray!" That's all right, all rainbows need gray clouds to start. AND if you mix all the primary colors you end up with gray. So, it's like we're rainbows!
Midterm Signature Forms
I am still waiting for three signature forms from the midterms. If yours is still out, please return it tomorrow so I know midterms all made it to the proper home.
THANKS
There were a lot of white t-shirts today, and that allowed us to affix stars to our bellies and be star-bellied sneetches. Some of us were sneetches with "no stars upon thars." Here's a little sneetchy treat:
Head to the class website for the video. http://loudestclass.blogspot.com
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Sunday Night Announcement
Sorry, sorry, sorry for the late notice on this, and I know not everyone will see this tonight, but here's an announcement for tomorrow concerning Lutheran Schools Week.
Monday - tomorrow - is scheduled to be Literature Day / Dr. Seuss Day. It's actually Read Across America Day sponsored by the National Education Association, a day to encourage reading, and it's Dr. Seuss's birthday! As a part of the day, students are encouraged to dress as a favorite Dr. Seuss character. So here's the deal:
If you already had a plan to be Thing 1 and Thing 2 with a friend or to be the Cat in the Hat or any other plan (maybe even Gerald McBoing Boing) go with it. Keep your plan.
If you didn't, and here I admit that I forgot to discuss it with the class, I have a plan. It's easy. Wear a white t-shirt tomorrow. I have a Dr. Seuss book I'd like to share, and we can all easily be a character from that book.
Again, sorry, sorry, sorry, for the late notice. If you see or talk to anyone tonight, let them know. Pass the word around. I tried to catch everyone I saw at the FunFest today, but I know I missed some people. Feel free to wear your sweatshirt over it too, that'll be fine.
If it works, it works. If it doesn't, we'll roll with it and come up with the very best improvisation the Lutheran School World has ever seen! On a Monday. During Lutheran Schools Week. In 2009.
Monday - tomorrow - is scheduled to be Literature Day / Dr. Seuss Day. It's actually Read Across America Day sponsored by the National Education Association, a day to encourage reading, and it's Dr. Seuss's birthday! As a part of the day, students are encouraged to dress as a favorite Dr. Seuss character. So here's the deal:
If you already had a plan to be Thing 1 and Thing 2 with a friend or to be the Cat in the Hat or any other plan (maybe even Gerald McBoing Boing) go with it. Keep your plan.
If you didn't, and here I admit that I forgot to discuss it with the class, I have a plan. It's easy. Wear a white t-shirt tomorrow. I have a Dr. Seuss book I'd like to share, and we can all easily be a character from that book.
Again, sorry, sorry, sorry, for the late notice. If you see or talk to anyone tonight, let them know. Pass the word around. I tried to catch everyone I saw at the FunFest today, but I know I missed some people. Feel free to wear your sweatshirt over it too, that'll be fine.
If it works, it works. If it doesn't, we'll roll with it and come up with the very best improvisation the Lutheran School World has ever seen! On a Monday. During Lutheran Schools Week. In 2009.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday News, 2/27
Celebration Weekend!
Tomorrow is the Third Annual Celebration Auction and Sunday is the Twenty-Somethingth Annual FunFest! Both activities are great fun, and the weekend is an excellent fund raiser for our school. Hopefully you can be a part of one, the other, or both! I hope to see you this weekend.
Lutheran Schools Week
It must be the first week of March because Lutheran Schools Week is upon us. Next week is full of activities for students and parents alike. Check the list that has gone home with the past newsletters - and probably attached to the school newsletter that you'll get today in your inbox.
Wednesday is visitation day, so maybe you can be a part of our lessons. Don't think you can sit in back and not answer any questions! Lunch for 4th graders begins after coming in from recess at 11:35 and continues to around 12:10 or 12:15.
Midterm Signature Forms
Midterms came home earlier this week. If you haven't returned your signature form, please send it in on Monday.
The Upcoming Week
Memory - At Home: Q3W6 Slip At School: 3rd Article Meaning "In the same way..." to "...all believers." 3rd Article Meaning "On the Last Day..." to the end. Extra Credit: 3rd Article and Meaning, All.
Reading - Keep working on 39 Clues, Book 3. We have had great lessons on deciphering new words and making judgments about characters actions and decisions.
English - Finish adjectives, begin verbs. Test late in the week.
Math - Lessons 66-70.
Social Studies - We will begin studying the South Central States.
Science - Finish up the textbook information about the Solar System. Then we're going to create our own planets. More details later.
Spelling - No list.
Tomorrow is the Third Annual Celebration Auction and Sunday is the Twenty-Somethingth Annual FunFest! Both activities are great fun, and the weekend is an excellent fund raiser for our school. Hopefully you can be a part of one, the other, or both! I hope to see you this weekend.
Lutheran Schools Week
It must be the first week of March because Lutheran Schools Week is upon us. Next week is full of activities for students and parents alike. Check the list that has gone home with the past newsletters - and probably attached to the school newsletter that you'll get today in your inbox.
Wednesday is visitation day, so maybe you can be a part of our lessons. Don't think you can sit in back and not answer any questions! Lunch for 4th graders begins after coming in from recess at 11:35 and continues to around 12:10 or 12:15.
Midterm Signature Forms
Midterms came home earlier this week. If you haven't returned your signature form, please send it in on Monday.
The Upcoming Week
Memory - At Home: Q3W6 Slip At School: 3rd Article Meaning "In the same way..." to "...all believers." 3rd Article Meaning "On the Last Day..." to the end. Extra Credit: 3rd Article and Meaning, All.
Reading - Keep working on 39 Clues, Book 3. We have had great lessons on deciphering new words and making judgments about characters actions and decisions.
English - Finish adjectives, begin verbs. Test late in the week.
Math - Lessons 66-70.
Social Studies - We will begin studying the South Central States.
Science - Finish up the textbook information about the Solar System. Then we're going to create our own planets. More details later.
Spelling - No list.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Midterms Today
Midterms are coming home today. They are, once again, in sealed envelopes. They're sealed when they leave the room...they ought to be sealed when they reach home. As I mention to the students, grades are for me, the student, and parents. Nobody should be comparing grades.
And I read this out loud as I typed it, so they know the message is coming home. :-)
And I read this out loud as I typed it, so they know the message is coming home. :-)
Monday, February 23, 2009
Monday, 2/23 News
Here's a few quick updates and reminders:
- This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. We will be celebrating the beginning of Lent with worship at church at 9:00. Everyone is welcome to attend and worship with us.
- Auction Tickets - If you are planning on attending the auction this weekend but haven't purchased your tickets yet, please do so today or tomorrow if possible. Auction organizers need to get a head count to the Ridges on Tuesday, and the more tickets that are purchased by that time, the more accurate the count will be.
- Butterbraid Sale - People have been asking when those delicious Butterbraids would be for sale again, and the answer is this week! Order forms will be coming home shortly. Students in grades 5-8 can use their proceeds towards their class trip in 8th grade. The proceeds from students in grades K4-4 will be split between the school and the students' tuition payments - 50% of the profits will go toward each.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Quick News Update, 2/20
There's only a few minutes before the kids are back from gym, so I'll make this brief.
- The music night at the Lincoln pool has been postponed until March 19.
- The orchestra today was super cool. We heard music from all sorts of movies including E.T., The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and a 1945 Hitchcock film.
- In exactly one month - four weeks from today - is the Andrew Peterson author visit and concert. Tickets are now available. I'm biased, but you don't want to miss it.
- One week to purchase Celebration Auction tickets for Saturday, February 28.
- Thanks to everyone who donated to the class auction basket or has donated any other way to the auction or Funfest. Both events are shaping up to be excellent once again.
Spelling Words UNIT 23: addition, sadness, lovable, endless, handful, plentiful, breathless, happiness, solution, careful, function, stillness Extra Words: information, celebration, capable, available
Memory Assignments:
- Last part of the 2nd Article's Meaning (carried over from this week.)
- The Third Article
- The Third Article Meaning "What does this mean?" to "...the true faith."
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Friday News, 2/13
Field Trip
The fourth graders have the opportunity to see the orchestra in Stevens Point next week on Friday. There is no cost for the trip. It's not just a concert, but the conductor takes time to explain what is happening so kids understand more about how an orchestra concert works.
We need volunteers to drive. At this point, Mr. Altis and I are driving. There are also two parents who have already volunteered. Based on numbers, I believe we still need one more driver to take 4 kids.
Me - 5 kids
Mr. Altis - 3 kids
Parent - 3 kids
Parent - 3 kids
A permission slip is coming home with your child today. We will leave school at 10:00 and return around 12:30. We will eat lunch when we return.
No School on Monday
Monday is a professional day for teachers - faculty meetings, etc. See you on Tuesday for a short week.
Skate City...Again? Yes, Again!
The PTC has reserved Skate City for all Immanuel Students on Monday from 1-4. The cost is $4, and an additional $1 for skate rental.
Upcoming Choir Events
A note went home earlier this week concerning upcoming choir events, but here's the list:
1. Sunday, March 8 - Sing at St. Lukes, 10:30 worship service. Meet in the bastment at 10:15.
2. Sunday, March 15 - Sing at Immanuel, 8:00 service.
3. Palm Sunday, April 5 - Sing at Immanuel, 10:30 service.
4. Tuesday, March 3 - Swimming at Lincoln pool. This is for all students in any music program.
Spelling Words
Unit 22: families, worried, ugliest, funnier, happily, easily, heavier, earlier, tiniest, supplied, luckily, relied EXTRA WORDS: activities, countries, goodies, applied BONUS WORDS: enemies, hurriedly
Memory
At Home: Q3W4 Slips
At School: The Second Article, Meaning Part 1, and Meaning Part 2.
The fourth graders have the opportunity to see the orchestra in Stevens Point next week on Friday. There is no cost for the trip. It's not just a concert, but the conductor takes time to explain what is happening so kids understand more about how an orchestra concert works.
We need volunteers to drive. At this point, Mr. Altis and I are driving. There are also two parents who have already volunteered. Based on numbers, I believe we still need one more driver to take 4 kids.
Me - 5 kids
Mr. Altis - 3 kids
Parent - 3 kids
Parent - 3 kids
A permission slip is coming home with your child today. We will leave school at 10:00 and return around 12:30. We will eat lunch when we return.
No School on Monday
Monday is a professional day for teachers - faculty meetings, etc. See you on Tuesday for a short week.
Skate City...Again? Yes, Again!
The PTC has reserved Skate City for all Immanuel Students on Monday from 1-4. The cost is $4, and an additional $1 for skate rental.
Upcoming Choir Events
A note went home earlier this week concerning upcoming choir events, but here's the list:
1. Sunday, March 8 - Sing at St. Lukes, 10:30 worship service. Meet in the bastment at 10:15.
2. Sunday, March 15 - Sing at Immanuel, 8:00 service.
3. Palm Sunday, April 5 - Sing at Immanuel, 10:30 service.
4. Tuesday, March 3 - Swimming at Lincoln pool. This is for all students in any music program.
Spelling Words
Unit 22: families, worried, ugliest, funnier, happily, easily, heavier, earlier, tiniest, supplied, luckily, relied EXTRA WORDS: activities, countries, goodies, applied BONUS WORDS: enemies, hurriedly
Memory
At Home: Q3W4 Slips
At School: The Second Article, Meaning Part 1, and Meaning Part 2.
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