Update 12/17

Hi Parents,

There is no homework assigned tonight.  Please remember:

• Tomorrow is PJ day.  Students must wear real shoes!
• Our silly gift exchange is tomorrow.  Please don't forget to bring in a gift if your child would like to participate!
• Tonight Chick Fil A fundraising night!  Please drop by for a yummy dinner and support HES.

Also, thanks so much to the parents who came in yesterday to help us with our Gingerbread House STEAM project.  Pictures of the final products will be forthcoming :-)

Have a great night!

Update 12/15/2015

Parents,

Tonight the students have math homework on two step problem solving. They need to figure out the unknown amount by adding the "more amount" to the information that is provided. Then when they get that answer, they add it to the known amount to get the total. For example, the following problem is: The basketball team scored 30 points on Saturday. They scored 20 more points on Sunday than on Saturday. How many points did the basketball team score over the weekend. They know they scored 30 points on Saturday. They scored 20 more points on Sunday so you will add 20 + 30 to get 50 points scored on Sunday. The problem asks what they scored over the weekend. So now that we know they scored 30 on Saturday and 50 on Sunday, we add them together to solve the problem to get 80 points scored over the weekend. I hope this example helps in completing tonight's homework.

Tomorrow students will be building their gingerbread house and parents are welcome to come assist or check it out at 9:45. Have a great night.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu      mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 12/14

Hi Parents!

Tonight's homework is a short math worksheet.  This one should be a relief--students are just using the standard algorithm to add with regrouping.  Nothing fancy here :-)

Because of our Gingerbread House STEAM project, we won't be having regular reading stations, so we do not have a reader's blog prompt this week.  Students who wish to are certainly welcome to create a blog entry of their choice.  We'll definitely get back to our regular blog entries after the break.

Also, don't forget that we're looking for donations of graham crackers, twizzlers, chocolate chips, skittles, small candy canes, life savers, gumdrops, pretzel sticks, and gummies for students to use during their Gingerbread House STEAM project.  If you're able, please send these in by tomorrow.  Also, if you're free on Wednesday morning, parents are invited to come in at 9:45 and help students with the activity.

Finally, please remember that our Silly Gift Exchange will be on Friday.  Gifts need not be new and will be exchanged randomly.  You may bring the wrapped gift to school anytime this week.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions.  Have a great evening!

Update 12/10/15

Parents,

There isn't any homework with the exception of the free write on their blog this week about what they want to say about their reading.

For the field trip tomorrow, please make sure your child brings their lunch unless they signed up to get one provided to them from the cafeteria. It is supposed to be very nice weather but they still might need a jacket and comfortable shoes for walking. Parent chaperones should be at school by 8:30 with their packed lunch. Students are allowed to bring something to take pictures on like a phone, or other device. However, they can only take pictures with them and not play games, listen to music, etc. If they choose to bring something of that nature, it is their responsibility. Students were also told to not bring money. This is an educational field trip where we are very limited in time.

We have also sent a note home today with your child in regard to next week. We are completing a STEAM project where students will be building a gingerbread house. We are asking parents to bring in the following supplies to complete it: boxes of graham crackers, small candy canes, life savers, twizzlers, skittles, gumdrops, pretzel sticks, chocolate chips, and gummies. You are welcome to come in and assist with this activity next Wednesday at 9:45.

We are also doing a silly gift exchange. We are asking students to wrap a funny but school appropriate gift to exchange with a classmate. This does not need to be purchased new, but can be something you already have at home. The gift needs to be in by next Friday for the exchange.

Next Friday is also Polar Express/PJ Day. Our school is hosting a PJ/Polar Express Day where they will watch the movie and be able to wear PJ's if they want. The Pj's must cover their body in the same manner normal clothes do and they must wear appropriate shoes. No slippers allowed.

Thank you for your support in making next week an educational and entertaining week.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu   mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 12/8/2015

Parents,

There is math homework tonight. Today's lesson had students thinking about larger numbers. We calculated in class if students have been alive to see 1 million days, hours, minutes and seconds. We found out that people in general would have to live about 2,700 years to see 1 million days, 114 years to see 1 million hours, about 2 years to see 1 million minutes, and about 11 days to see 1 million seconds. They have to complete the rest of the activity sheet we started in class. This is not something students will be tested on later. I believe this lesson was implemented to get students thinking and applying larger numbers. Do your best to complete it. If your child is having a difficult time with it, set it aside and write a note that you tried it at home. Thanks.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu     mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 12/7

Hi Parents!

Today was a quiz day in Math, so there is no assigned homework.  Additionally, because we only have 3 days to work in class, there is no blog prompt.  Students are just encouraged to share whatever they'd like about their reading on the blog.

Also, progress reports went home today, so please be on the lookout.  We've assured students that, if they are unhappy with their grades, they still have 4 weeks to bring them up.  Please sign the progress reports and return them as soon as possible.  If you'd like help getting set up with a Gradespeed account so you can stay up to date, don't hesitate to ask us :-)

Finally, don't forget that there is no school on Wednesday, and Friday is our field trip to Tryon Palace.  If you did not order a bag lunch from the school, please plan to send one with your child, since there is no place to purchase food during our trip.

Have a wonderful evening!

Update 12/3/2015

Parents,

The math homework tonight is a worksheet on conversions. I think they shouldn't have too many problems with it if they remember some of the conversions that: 1 km = 1,000 m, 1 L = 1,000 ml, 1 m = 100 cm, and 1 kg = 1,000 g.
The reader response is due tomorrow. If they don't remember what the question was, please refer to the tab on the parent blog that will redirect them to the reader response blog. Thank you and have a good night.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu     mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 12/1/15

Parents,

Today's homework has students converting kilometers to meters, meters to kilometers, centimeters to meters, and meters to centimeters. The students have to remember that 1 km = 1,000 m and 1 m = 100 cm. They should have brought home the Problem Set we did in class since the homework is very similar to it with different numbers. An example of how to complete a problem from the homework might be: What is 5 km 230 m - 2 km 484 m. There are several ways to answer this problem. The easiest way might be to convert the 5 km to 5,000 m and add it to the 230 m to get a total of 5,230 m. Then convert the 2 km to 2,000 m and add 484 m to get a total of 2,484 m. Then subtract 5,230 m - 2,484 m to get 2,746 m. I hope this helps.
They should continue to work on their reader response that is due on Friday. Check the parent blog that has a tab that goes to the reader response if you don't know what question they have to answer this week.
Reminder that field trip form and $6 is due tomorrow. Have a great night.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu      mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 11/30

Hello Parents!

Tonight's homework in math is a short worksheet focusing on conversions between meters and kilometers.  Students worked on this in class today and should have example problems in their journals.  As always, if you get stuck, please just write us a note to let us know your child gave it his/her best effort :-)

This week's Reading Blog prompt is:

Authors use descriptive language to help readers visualize.  Choose a person or place in your book.  Write 4-5 sentences describing it/him/her.  You may use quotations from the text.

This blog entry is due on Friday.

Also, if you haven't yet sent in the field trip permission slip and money, the deadline is Wednesday 12/2.  We must have a good headcount, so please get those in ASAP.  If you do not want your child to accompany us, please let us know that, too, so that we can make alternate arrangements.

Thanks so much for your support!  Have a great evening!

Update 11/23

Hello Parents!

Tonight's homework is a two-sided problem set which focuses on helping students develop an understanding of how different place values relate to one another.  For example, students should understand that  one "hundred" unit is ten times as many as one "ten" unit.  We completed an almost identical problem set in class, and students were encouraged to bring that worksheet home to help them complete their homework.

Due to the short week, we will not have a blog entry due this week.  If, however, your student hasn't yet completed all of the previous 3 graded entries, now would be a great time to catch up.  We're always willing to accept late work!

Finally, a few announcements:

We are experiencing a classroom shortage of pencils, and many students are coming to school without them. Please check in with your child to see if he/she needs to replenish his/her supply.  If you're willing to donate a package or two to the class, that would be greatly appreciated!

Don't forget field trip permission slips and money are due by 12/2.  At the moment, all chaperone slots are filled.  Thanks to those of you who volunteered!!

Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions!

Update 11/19

Hi Parents,

Here's tonight's homework in math:

There are 3,000,000 third graders in the United States, 300,000 third graders in CA, and 30,000 third graders in RI, and 3,000 third graders in Jacksonville.

Compare (tell how many times greater the amount):

1.  Jacksonville to the U.S.
2.  CA to RI
3. U.S. to RI.  For this problem, use words to explain your thinking.

In Reading, please remind your student that blog entries are due tomorrow.  These should consist of at least 3-5 complete sentences, fully answering the question.

Also, if you haven't yet returned your field trip permission slip and money, please do so ASAP.  At this point, Mrs. Thompson's class has reached our quota for chaperones.  Mr. Utter's homeroom still has a few spaces available.  If you have any questions, please let us know!

Have a great evening!

Update 11/17/15

Parents,

Students have to complete a math worksheet that has problems on both sides of the worksheet we gave them. They were told multiple times to take home today's problem set that they completed in class today since it would assist them in tonight's homework.
If there is still some confusion, I will explain a few of the problems on the homework. For the first problem, they are asked to answer 10 times 4 thousands. Students should label the column headings and then draw 4 dots under the thousands column to represent the 4 thousand. Then they are asked to multiply this by 10. To show the multiplication of ten, students will draw a bundle of 10 dots under the first dot, a bundle of 10 dots under the second dot, third, and fourth. This now shows 4 thousand times 10 is equal to 40 thousand. Now students will draw an arrow from each bundle over to the ten thousands column and draw 4 dots. This shows that 4 ten thousands is equal to 40 thousand. For division, they would use the same process but they would move to the right column in the place value chart. This is because when you divide by 10 you are getting a smaller number.
Problem 2 says 10 times 3 tens. So students would figure out what 10 times 3 is. They would say it is 30 tens and write it below the "unit form" column. Then under the "standard form" column, students would write the numerical value which is 300 since 30 tens is equal to 300.
For problem 3, the problem says (2 tens, 1 one) times 10. The "unit form" would have students move to the left on the place value chart since we are multiplying. So the student would write 2 hundreds, 1 ten since it is multiplied by 10. Under the "standard form" heading, students would then write the value of 2 hundreds and 1 ten is 210. We have also told students to check their answer; if they are multiplying by 10 they add a zero and if they divide by 10, they remove a zero. I hope this helped.

They should continue to read every night for at least 20 minutes and their reading response is due on Friday. If you don't know what it is, look at the tab on this blog under "reader response."

Thank you and have a great night.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu     mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 11/16

Hi Parents!

Tonight's homework is a short worksheet that students should have stapled in their journals.  The problems on this sheet are practice for the introductory concept we began today, and we realize that students may struggle--that's okay!  We will be doing more practice as the week goes on, so if your child struggles tonight, just sign off on the sheet that he/she gave it a good effort, and we'll help him/her tomorrow.

Also, students should be beginning a new Reader Response blog entry.  The prompt this week is:

What is one problem in your story?  How was it solved?  If it hasn't yet been solved, make a prediction about how you think it will work out.

Please help your child proofread his/her entry.  All entries should consist of at least 4-5 good sentences, should completely answer the question, and should include correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Also, if you haven't yet seen the permission slips for our upcoming field trip to Tryon Palace, please ask your child.  We still have room for 3 chaperones from each homeroom.  If you need more information, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Have a wonderful evening!

Update 11/12

Hi Parents!

Tonight's homework is a math worksheet that students should have glued into their math journals.  If they need help, please have them refer to the notes they took in their math journals.

Also, if students haven't yet completed this week's Reader Response Blog question, please remind that that it is due tomorrow.  These do count for a weekly reading grade. Please check Monday's entry for the question or click on the Reader Response tab on this blog.

Important reminders/information:

Tomorrow is make-up picture day.  If your child needs to take make-up pictures, he/she may wear an outfit of choice.  All other students should be in uniform.

4th grade will be going on a field trip to Tryon Palace on December 11.  Information will go home tomorrow, however, if you'd like to chaperone, please be aware that you MUST complete a background check and DoD Anti-Terrorism training.  Please contact either teacher or the main office for more information.

Have a wonderful evening!

Update 11/9

Hi Parents!

It was great seeing all of you last Friday!  If you weren't able to come in for conferences last week, please check your child's backpack, since report cards were sent home today.  Some students also received invitations to the 4th/5th grade awards ceremony, which will be held on Friday, 11/13. Invitations were given out to all students who will be receiving an award.

Tonight's math homework can be found in the students' math journals.  Fill in the blanks on this chart.

Also, students are responsible for completing this week's Reader Response Blog.  This week's prompt is:

Describe your favorite part in the book you are reading OR Describe your least favorite part in the book you are reading.  Explain WHY this is your favorite or least favorite part.  Give good reasons.

Have a great evening!

Update 11/3/2015

Parents,

Students have a math worksheet to complete that is very similar to the skill they had to exhibit last night. They are to complete place value disks for each number and answer the questions. For those of you who are still a little confused with what place value disks are, this is basically detailed expanded form. So if the number is 23,014, the students would write 2 ten thousands in the ten thousands column, 3 thousands in the thousands column, no hundreds, 1 ten in the tens column and 4 ones in the ones column.
Students should also finish their reading response if they haven't finished which is due on Friday. For those students who have forgotten what they need to write about, it is posted on the parent blog under the tab that reads "Reader Response."
A reminder that parent conferences are this Friday. Also, student pictures went home. If you do not want them, please have your child return it.
Thank you and have a great night.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu       mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Daily update 11/2

Hi Parents!

Tonight's math homework is a worksheet that students were given in class.  If they need help, please have them reference the practice problems they did in class.

In Language Arts, students should respond to the following question on their Reading Response Blog.  Responses should consist of at least 4 complete sentences with appropriate punctuation and should completely answer the given prompt.

"Describe one main character in your book (or a book you know well).  Tell how he/she is like you and different from you (compare and contrast)."


Also, if you haven't yet returned your conference confirmation form, please do so ASAP.  If you haven't yet received your conference time, please let your child's homeroom teacher know.  Second copies were sent home today.  Conferences are on Friday, November 6.

Have a wonderful evening.

Update 10/27/2015

Parents,

Due to the test on unit 2 (equivalent and comparing fractions) students do not have math homework tonight. They can work on their reading response on their student blog that is due on Friday and/or the natural disaster project if they want. Have a great night.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu     mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 10/26/2015

Parents,

The students have a math worksheet to complete on comparing fractions. They are not making common denominators to figure out which is bigger. They should be able to see which is bigger if either the numerator or denominator is the same. If it is not, they were taught today to find a multiple of either the numerators or denominators so they can find equivalent fractions and then compare them. The video below says to divide them to see which decimal is bigger. Don't worry about it that way. The students have worked with fraction tiles a lot and should just know that if the numerators were the same, for example, the fraction with the smallest denominator would be the bigger fraction. If the denominators were the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator, would be the biggest. They were not taught to cross multiply but they watched it on the student blog and may do that strategy to compare fractions, as well. You are welcome to watch the video below if you want to understand comparing fractions a little better.
For their reading response this week, they are asked to answer the following questions on their student blog: Tell about the book you are reading now. What is the title? What is the gist? Why did you choose this particular book? They can complete this at home or during the "Work on Writing" station during reading groups.

Reminder: Students are off this Thursday and Friday due to teacher workdays.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu       mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 10/22/2015

Parents,

The students have a math worksheet with three questions to complete on equivalent fractions. They have to decide if each fraction is equivalent or not and explain why it is or isn't using multiplication or division. For example, they should know they can multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number to see if it is equivalent.
If they have not completed their response on their student blog, that is due tomorrow. If they couldn't do this at home, they were told they could complete it during reading group rotations.
Students brought home original art created by themselves to purchase copies if you are interested. The paperwork is included with their work.
The students also received a presentation today on tutoring that all DODEA students can access for free tutoring at www.tutor.com/military.
Thanks and have a great night.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu      mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 10/20

Hi Parents,

Tonight's homework problem is:

Kelly was baking and could only find her 1/8 measuring cup.  She needs 1/4 cup of sugar, 3/4 cup of flour, and 1/2 cup of oil.  How many 1/8 cups will she need of each ingredient.

If students are stuck, remind them that they need to find equivalent fractions in eighths.

Also, don't forget that students should be working to answer the Reader Response question on their Reading Blog.  The question is:

What is your favorite book?  Explain why that book is your favorite.

Students should have 4-5 complete sentences.

Thanks for checking the blog, and have a wonderful evening!

Update 10/19

Hi Parents!

Tonight for homework, students have a worksheet for math.  The problems on the sheet are an extension of the problem sets we did during class, and it was suggested that students take home the activity they completed in class to help them in case they get stuck.

Also, we have FINALLY gotten all students' reading blogs set up, and students have been given their first blog entry assignment.  On their blog, students should answer the following question using 4-5 complete sentences:

What is your favorite book?  Explain what makes this book your favorite.

If students have trouble creating a blog entry, remind them that they access the blog through their google accounts.  If students still have trouble, or if you do not have computer access at home, they will have the opportunity to compose their blog entries at school.  Because the number of computers in our classroom and the time we have is limited, however, it would be very helpful if students could complete this at home.

Have a wonderful evening, and please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Equivalent Fractions

Hi Parents!  Thanks so much for checking the blog! Tonight's math homework is a worksheet that students should have in their journals or take-home folders.  Students should also have a set of example problems that we did in class.  If you  need additional help, please see the video below.







Also, as you may have heard, students are in the process of creating their own blogs using their google accounts.  Please ask your child to show you  his/her new blog.  Beginning next week, students will be asked to compose one blog entry per week with a focus on their independent reading.  More info to come!!



Don't forget, there is no school on 10/29 and 10/30.  Be on the lookout for letters regarding first quarter conferences!



Have a great evening!

Update 10/13/15

Parents,

I hope you had a great weekend. The following is the math homework that they wrote in their notebook to complete tonight:
1.) Using multiplication only, write 5 equivalent fractions for 5/6
2.) Solve: 3/4 = ?/16, 12/16 = ?/4

The following link shows how the problems should be solved.

https://pleaseshowyourwork.wikispaces.com/file/view/equivalent_fractions.GIF/31859765/equivalent_fractions.GIF

Don't forget Picture Day is tomorrow!

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu     mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 10/7/2015

Parents,

There is no homework tonight besides reading for at least 20 minutes. Thank you and have a great evening.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu     mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 10/6/2015

Parents,

We are continuing to work on equivalent fractions. We provided students with a sheet with the fraction strips for student use if they needed them to find the equivalent fractions for the following problems: 1/2 = ?/8, 2/8 = ?/12, 2/6 = 1/?, 6/8 = 3/?, 2/3 = 6/?, 3/5 = ?/10

They should continue to read at least 20 minutes each night.

Upcoming events
October 12 - Columbus Day
October 14 - School Pictures
October 27 - End of 1st Quarter

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu     mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 10/5/2015

Parents,

We have started a new unit on fractions today. The following questions are the math homework for tonight.
Which is bigger: 1/3 or 1/6? How do you know?
How many 1/12's equal 1 whole? Explain it.
How would you fold the paper to get 1/16? Explain it.

Students should continue to read at least 20 minutes each night.

We have begun reading groups where students will be learning about cause and effect. In social studies, students will continue learning about the regions of the U.S.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 10/1/2015

Parents,

The students have a test on partial product multiplication and division by breaking it apart into hundreds, tens, and ones tomorrow. The student's homework tonight is perfect practice for the test. The following is tonight's homework:
Mark had a graduation party. He bought 15 12-packs of soda. How many soda cans is that? (They need to use the box method as illustrated below.)
Amy collected 184 stuffed animals. She has decided to give them away equally to 4 different charities. How many stuffed animals will each charity get? (They need to use the division strategy of dividing the hundreds into four groups, then divide the tens into four groups, and finally the ones into four groups illustrated in the video below.)
They should also continue to read every night for at least 20 minutes.

Update 9/29

Hi Parents!

For homework tonight, students have a math worksheet in their folders or stapled in their math journals.  If they have trouble with the problems, please encourage them to look back over their notes and/or watch the partial products video on our student blog.

Also, don't forget that HES is hosting Curriculum Night tomorrow evening.  We hope to see all of you there!

Have a great night!

9/28 Update

Hi Parents!

For homework tonight, students are working on using Factor Trees to find the prime factorization of numbers.  Students should have the homework problems glued into their journals.  If they need extra help, please encourage them to use the notes they wrote in their journals today or to go to our student blog (hes4thgrade.blogspot.com) to re-watch the lesson video.

Additionally, many students are still working on their Clouds project in their google drive.  If possible, students should log into their google accounts at home and work on their part of the project.

Also, please save the date for our Curriculum Night on Wednesday, 9/30.  We will be teaming up with 4th grade and Ms. Moehrke to provide several interactive stations aimed at helping our families understand more about what we're working working on in math this year.

Thanks so much for your support!

Update 9/24/2015

Parents,

Tonight's math homework is a following example that your child should have written down in their notebook. We went over the homework which they also should have written down to help them remember how to solve a multiplication problem using partial products:

There homework is just like this only they will be multiplying 25 * 32. They need to draw the boxes like above, multiply them to get the partial products and then add them together. They also need to explain in their own words why this method works?

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu        mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 9/22/2015

Parents,

The students have two math problems to solve by Thursday since they are off tomorrow. The following is what your child should have written in their math notebook: 412 students went on a trip. The teachers put them in 4 equal groups. How many students are in each group? Show your work. Mr. Smith has 26 students. Each student paid $12 for the trip. How much did Mr. Smith collect? Show your work.
They will be answering the problems using the partial product strategy and the division strategy where they are breaking apart the dividend into hundreds, tens, and ones. You can also access the student blog to show you how the problems should be solved. Your child should know the log in or it can be accessed through the parent blog by clicking "extra practice."

Reminder - Family Night at Book Fair this Thursday

Curriculum Night - Sept. 30th from 5:00 - 6:30

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 9/21/2015

Parents,

Happy Monday. The students have a math assignment to complete tonight. They have to divide 381 by 3. But they are not allowed to do this division with the basic algorithm that we all learned. They need to draw 3 squares to represent hundreds, 8 thin rectangles to represent tens, and 1 little square to represent ones. Then they will show how they will split the hundreds up with three people which will be easy since there is already 3 hundreds. As for the tens, they can spit up 60 of the eighty to three people leaving them with 20 left. They must trade in the 2 tens to 20 ones which will give them a total of 21 ones. Now they can split up these ones among the three people. I hope this clears up confusion if your child had difficulty with this problem. Have a great week.

Reminder - Book Fair is this week.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu     mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 9-17-2015

Parents,

The following is the math problem your child has to answer for homework: My tens digit is even and my ones digit is odd. I am prime. My digits add up to 5. I am less than 30. Who am I?
Students should continue to read every night for at least 20 minutes.

Just a couple of reminders:

Spirit Night at Wendy's tonight ($1.99 Kids Meal All Day)

Book Fair all next week

Curriculum Night Sept. 30th

Questions/Concerns?

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu      mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 9/16

Good Afternoon Parents!

For homework tonight, students should read for at least 20 minutes.  Students in the purple group (they know know they are!) should also be making progress on their math projects.  Due to the shortened day, other math groups do not have homework tonight.

Don't forget about our PTO Scholastic Book Fair that begins next week!  Students will have an opportunity to preview the fair on Friday.

Also, as the weather turns a little cooler, the HES staff would like to remind all families that any jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, etc., that are worn inside the school MUST conform to the district dress code.  Outerwear that does not meet the dress code must be removed upon entering the school.

Thanks so much for your support!  Please let us know if you have any questions.

Update 9/15

Hi Parents!

I hope you're having a great week.  Here's tonight's homework:

**Read 20 minutes
**In math journals, answer the following question:

The sum of my ones digit and tens digit is ten.  My tens digit is greater than my ones digit.  I am a prime number.  What number am I?


Don't forget the PTO Scholastic Book Fair coming up next week.  Students will preview the books on Friday and may begin shopping on Monday 9/21.  There will be a Family Book Fair night and "I Scream" Social on 9/24.  Hope to see you there!

Daily Update 9/10

Hi Parents and Families!

Here's tonight's homework:

In math journals:

1.  List the factors and multiples of 18 (students drew a chart in their journals)

2.  Is 33  multiple of 4?  Why or why not?

3.  Is 9 a factor of 62?  Why or why not?

4.  What is the difference between a factor and multiple?


Information about Boxtops for Education today.  Don't forget to collect those boxtops to raise money for our PTO.  They do amazing things for our school and our students.

Save the date, September 30, for Curriculum Night!  We'll be focusing on our math curriculum and would love to see you here!

Update 9-9-2015

Parents,

Sorry for the delay in updating this today. Please keep in mind after students leave at 1:00 on Wednesdays, we have mandatory meetings to attend until 4:00. Students should continue to read every night for at least 20 minutes. There is no math homework today.

Reminders

Freedom Walk this Friday - meet your child in the C-wing hallway at 8:45.

Dining to Donate (Wendy's) - Sept. 17th

Book Fair is Sept. 21st - Sept. 25th, Family Night is 5-7:00 on Sept. 24th

Curriculum Night is Wednesday, September 30th. from 5 - 6:30

Update 9-8-2015

Parents,

Students were given homework to glue into their math notebook to complete tonight. We went over an example as a class on how to complete the chart. They are writing the factors and multiples for each number and then circling the prime numbers. They have a quiz tomorrow on factors, multiples, prime, and composite numbers. If they want to review for this quiz, they can go on the student blog at hes4thgrade.blogspot.com to look at videos and practice games. They should continue to read every night for at least twenty minutes, as well. Thank you and have a great week.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu     mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Daily Update 9/4

Hi Parents!

TGIF, so no homework tonight!  Just a couple of reminders:

If your child is unable to complete homework, please write a quick note or sign their journal.  That way we know that they made the effort and are struggling with the material.

We have no school on Monday.  Have a safe and fun Labor Day holiday!

Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Utter

Daily Update 9/2

Hi Parents!

Tonight for homework, students should read a grade-level book for at least 20 minutes.  Because Wednesday is a shortened day and we use our math block for reviewing skills, we do not typically assign math homework on Wednesday night.

Please be on the lookout for Rock Wall permission slips sent home by Ms. Reilly.  Students will need to have these signed in order to participate in this PE program.

Tomorrow is a PE day for Mrs. Thompson's class, so please have your student wear/bring appropriate shoes.  Thank you!

Have a wonderful evening!

Update 9/1/2015

Parents,

Your child should continue to read every night for at least 20 minutes. Their math homework deals with factors and products. They wrote the assignment in their math journal. They are to fill in the blanks for the problems - some being a factor while other answers may be a product. After they figure out the five blanks, they are to choose one of the above math sentences and write a word problem. For example, they could choose 3 * 5 = 15 if that was a problem and write their own word problem/story using those factors and product.

Reminder to have your child return the green student transportation form and yellow internet agreement form if you haven't already done so. Thank you for your continuous support and have a great evening.

Reminder you can check the daily schedule, lunch schedule and specials schedule on the tabs on this blog.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu     mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Daily Update 8/31

Hello Parents!

Thanks so much for checking in on our blog.  Here's tonight's homework:

Read 20 minutes--within the next week or so, there will be an additional component to this assignment, and students will be expected to write at least one Reader Response Blog entry per week.  At this time, however, the accounts are not quite ready for use.

Math--students have one math problem to complete in their math journal.

Have a wonderful evening!

Hi Parents!

We've had a wonderful week so far and are really enjoying getting to know your students.  This week we've been spending time on giving the required beginning of the year assessments, getting student computer accounts set up, and getting students into the 4th grade routine.  We hope your child is having a great week so far!

Today your students were given permission slips that allow them to receive services from Debbie Burns, our school's Military Family Life Counselor (MFLAC).  Please be aware that signing this slips does NOT mean that students will automatically see Ms. Burns; it just means that students MAY see Ms. Burns if the need arises.  Feel free to contact either Mrs. Thompson or Mr. Utter with any questions.

As we said in an earlier post, because we're spending so much time on assessing students, and because students don't yet have their accounts, homework will not begin until next week.  Please encourage your child to read nightly, though!  Further homework updates can be found here!

Have a wonderful evening, and don't hesitate to contact us with questions!

Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Utter

Update 8/24/2015

Parents,

We enjoyed working with your child today and are happy to see them. We are not giving any official homework until next week. However, your child can still begin reading at least 20 minutes every night. If you have any questions, please let us know. Have a great week.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu     mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Welcome to 4th Grade!

Please take a few minutes to click on the link below to the Google Form that will give us information about your child for the school year, Thank you.

http://goo.gl/forms/JcW8OC50t9

Update 6/4/2015

Parents,

I just wanted to remind you that you are welcome to come to our "wax museum" between nine and ten in the morning where students will be displaying their tri-fold board and themselves as the person they wrote and researched about. They don't have homework but should memorize their speech for tomorrow if they haven't done so. They will dress like them as much as possible and may bring a change of clothes if they would like. Thank you for your support.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Daily Update 6/1

Hi Parents and Families,

As we reach the end of the school year, we will no longer be assigning homework unless your child is falling behind on his/her project and needs to work at home.  If that's the case, we will contact you and let you know.

Our Wax Museum will be set up on June 5, so please help your child remember to bring his/her costume on that day.  Parents are also invited to view our projects from 9am to 10 am.  We'd love to see you here!

Please let us know if you have any questions!

Update 5/28/2015

Parents,

There is no homework tonight. I just want to remind you to bring a packed lunch unless you ordered one from the cafeteria. Mr. Utter's homeroom students should wear a white shirt if possible to represent our team while Mrs. Thompson's homeroom students should wear a red shirt if possible. They should wear their bathing suit underneath their clothes. They need a change of clothes since they will probably get wet. They can wear a hat to keep the sun out of their face or wear sun block. Hope to see you there tomorrow.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 5/27/2015

Parents,

The math assignment that was assigned last night is due tomorrow in preparation for the test on decimals (topic 13). Have a good night.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 5/26/2015

Hi Parents,

As you've probably heard, students in our class are researching the life of an influential American and will be presenting their work to their fellow students next week.  For this project, each student will need to bring a trifold display board to school no later than Monday, June 1.  These boards can be found almost anywhere you buy school supplies and typically cost no more than $4-$5--usually less.  If you have problems finding one of these boards, please let me know!

Presentations will be on Friday, June 5, and students are encouraged to dress in a costume/outfit that represents the person they have researched.  Costumes need not be elaborate, and please don't feel like you need to spend a lot of money!  In the past, most students have been able to piece something together from things found around the house.  If you  need some inspiration, just let us know, and I'll be happy to help!

If you have any difficulties getting these supplies or have questions about this project, please let us know. Thanks in advance for your support!

Students do not have to complete a reading log this week. We are finishing up topic 13 on decimals in math. In preparation for the test on Thursday, students have to complete the reteaching problems, sets A, B, C, D, and F on pages 312-313. This assignment is due on Thursday.

Tomorrow is the last day to turn in box tops. 

mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu    charles.utter@am.dodea.edu

5/20--Study Trip Tomorrow!!

Good afternoon!

There is no homework tonight, since we have a study trip tomorrow.  Parents, please look over the checklist sent home with your child today to make sure that he/she has everything needed for the trip.

Please note:  Because of the wet, sandy conditions, and because we are unable to appropriately monitor phones/etc. for every child while on this trip, students should NOT bring cell phones or any other hand-held electronics on this trip.  Thank you in advance for your support.

Please let us know if you have any questions, and PLEASE cross your fingers for beautiful weather!

Have a great night!

Update 5/19

Hi Parents!

Tonight's homework:

Language Arts:

Students were given new spelling words this week.  However, because of the two shortened weeks, the test will not be given until Thursday, 5/28.  Please encourage your child to study the following words:

telephone
biography
telescope
photograph
microwave
diameter
barometer
microscope
headphones
microphone
autograph
microchip
telegraph
perimeter
paragraph
phonics
symphony
saxophone
periscope
megaphone

Challenge Words
stethoscope
xylophone
cacophony
microorganism
microbe

**We will have no more reading logs this year.  Please still encourage your child to read nightly!

Math
Due to EOY testing, students have no math homework tonight


**Please don't forget that our study trip is on Thursday 5/21.  Unless you ordered a lunch from the cafeteria, please plan to pack a lunch for your child.  Thanks!

Update 5/18/2015

Parents,

Students have a math worksheet to complete on problem solving and their reading log. They will receive spelling words tomorrow where they will test on them next week due to the shortness of the week. Reminder that the rescheduled field trip is this Thursday and the students don't have school on Friday due to a Professional Development Day for teachers. Thank you and have a great week.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 5/14/2015

Parents,

Students have a math worksheet on rounding decimals and then adding or subtracting them. They have their reading log to complete as usual. There are still some students who haven't handed in their field trip permission slip for the rescheduled date of May 21st. Have a great weekend.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 5/13/2015

Parents,

Students have a review math worksheet on decimals on both sides. They should continue to study their stems and complete their reading logs. Please return a signed field trip permission slip for the new date - May 21, 2015. Tomorrow night is family night for the book fair.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu     mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 5/12

Hi Parents and Families!

Today's homework:

Math:  13-1 Rounding Decimals homework sheet

Language Arts:  Keep going with your reading log.  Don't forget to answer in complete sentences!  Also, study your word stems.  See below for the list.

**New permission slips for the rescheduled study trip were sent home today.  Please send them back ASAP.  All students have paid, so no money is due, but we do need permission to take your student on the new date.  We MUST have all forms by 5/18.  Thanks!

Have a wonderful evening!

Daily Update 5/11

Hi Parents, Happy Monday!

Tonight's homework:

Math--students had a test today, so there is no formal homework.  Please consider using www.ixl.com to practice math concepts.

Language Arts--
Reading Log
Study word stem meanings:

Vis--see
therm--heat
struct--build
aud--hear
photo--light

Also, you probably heard that our study trip, originally scheduled for tomorrow, has been postponed.  Please be on the lookout for updated information coming home very soon!

Have a wonderful evening!

Update 5/7/2015

Parents,

The students have a math review worksheet on problem solving. They will review topic 12 (decimals) tomorrow and will test on it on Monday. They may have review homework this weekend in preparation for the test. The reading log should be done and handed in tomorrow, as usual. Thank you.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu   mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Daily Update 5/6/2015

Parents,

Students have to complete a review math worksheet on decimals. An email went out on Fun and Fitness Day. Please check it out and return forms on it when possible. Thanks.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Daily Update 5/5

Hi Parents!

Tonight's homework:

Language Arts:  Reading Log, Study spelling words (see below for a list)

Math:  Homework sheet 12-5  Fractions and Decimals on a Number line

Have a wonderful evening!

Daily Update 5/4

Hi Parents!

Tonight's homework:

Language Arts:

Reading Log--Make sure you fully answer the question using complete sentences!
Study spelling words--Test Friday.

distrust
discontinue
unopened
inability
uncertain
unaware
disrespect
disapprove
incomplete
disorer
unimportant
unsolved
unlikely
discount
unlisted
disobey
unfair
indirect
disrepair
unsuspecting

Challenge Words
disintegrate
disillusioned
unconscious
unappetizing
intolerant

Math:

Homework sheet 12-3:  Fractions and Decimals

Have a great evening!

Daily Update 4/30

Hi Parents!

Tonight's homework:

Language Arts:

Reading Log due!
Stems Test tomorrow.  Please see below for a list to study.

Math:

12-1 Introduction to Decimals--this can be a difficult concept, so please consider taking advantage of the Pearson videos for review.

**STUDY TRIP FORMS AND MONEY DUE TOMORROW!!

Update 4/29/2015

Parents,

The students had to complete a review sheet on fractions and do their normal reading log. Just a reminder to have your child send the field trip permission slip and $10 in by Friday if they have not done so already. Thank you.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Daily Update 4/28

Hi Parents!

Tonight's homework:

Language Arts:  Keep reading!  Remember to complete one Reading Log question per night using complete sentences.

Study this week's word stems.  Here's the list:

loc--place
sign--mark
nat--born
cogn--know
ped--foot

Test Friday!!

No math homework tonight.  If you can, use www.ixl.com to practice adding and subtracting fractions.

**Family picnic on Thursday, April 30.  Please come out to have lunch with your students!

**Field Trip money is due Friday, May 1.  At this point, all chaperone slots have been filled.  Thanks for your support!

Have a great evening!

Update 4/27/2015

Parents,

Happy Monday. Students have a math worksheet on adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators. It is easy, however, they must simplify the fractions. They have to complete their normal reading log this week. There are still some students who have not handed in their field trip permission slip and/or $10 to attend. We would like to get it in by this Friday, if possible. Have a great week.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Daily Update 4/23

Hi Parents and Families!

We had a great time today at the Camp Lejeune Earth Day Expo :-)  Thanks so much for supporting your child's participation!

Tonight's homework:

Language Arts:  Spelling Test tomorrow--see below for a word list; Reading Log due tomorrow

Math:  Math Test tomorrow--no written homework, but please consider using www.ixl.com or Pearsonsuccessnet.com to review fraction concepts.

Other Announcements:

**Picture Day is tomorrow!  If you'd like to buy spring pictures or class pictures, you must send money with your child.  Envelopes and order forms were sent home earlier this week.

**The PTO is hosting Doughnuts for Dads tomorrow morning.  We'd love to see all our dads there :-)

**The Shackleford Banks field trip permission slips and money are due May 1.  We still have space for chaperones, so please consider coming along with us on this awesome trip!

Have a great evening!

Update 4/22/2015

Parents,

Tomorrow is Earth Day. Please have your child bring a bag lunch for the trip if you signed on the permission slip that they were bringing one. The math homework that was assigned last night is due tomorrow along with completing your usual reading log. Have a great night.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu     mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Daily Update 4/21

Good evening parents and families!

Here's tonight's homework:

Language Arts:  Reading log, and study for Friday's spelling test.  See below for the list.

Math:  Due THURSDAY

page 244-247
Set A:  1-4
Set C:  1-2
Set D:  1-8
Set E:  1-10 odd
Set G:  1-14 odd
Set H:  1-12 odd

Other announcements:

Please be on the lookout for spring picture and group picture forms.  They came home today and are due on Friday!  Pictures are on Friday!

If you haven't yet returned the permission slip for our Shackleford Banks field trip, those are due no later than May 1.  The $10 fee is also due May 1.  We still have room for chaperones, too!  Please return both forms and the money ASAP.  Thanks!

Have a great evening!

Update 4/20/2015

Happy Monday Parents,

The spelling words are as follows for this week: chicken, eleven, given, jungle, national, several, natural, needle, single, citizen, threaten, diagonal, paddle, animal, spiral, marble, oval, mumble, tangle, frighten  Challenge: strengthen, knuckle, individual, cubicle, and three-dimensional.
Students have their reading log to complete as usual and have a math worksheet on problem solving. They will be reviewing for the fraction unit tomorrow and will test later in the week. Permission slips went home today explaining our field trip on May 12th and forms went home if you would like to purchase a class picture. I also want to remind you Curriculum Night is this Wednesday. Thank you and have a great week.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu   mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 4/16

Hi Parents!

Tonight's homework:

Language Arts:

Reading Log due TOMORROW! Don't forget to get all those signatures and bring it to school.
Spelling test tomorrow.  Check last Thursday's post if you need the word list.

Math:
Math homework sheet

**If you haven't yet returned your Earth Day study trip form, your yearbook order form, or your Family STEAM night pizza order form, please make sure to send those in tomorrow.

Have a great night!

Update 4/15/2015

Parents,

Students have a math worksheet that is review on estimating fractional amounts and the other side is on equivalent fractions. They should continue their reader response, as usual. Please make sure you have signed the permission slip for having your child attend Earth Day. We are looking for some parent volunteers to assist us in supervising the students on this trip. Information on this went home today. If you are interested in purchasing a yearbook, your request and money should be in by the end of this week. Have a great night.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu   mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Daily Update 4/14

Hi Parents!

Tonight's homework:

Math:  Simplifying Fractions, sheet 10-5.  This can be a challenging concept for some, so don't forget that students can log into their Pearson accounts to re-watch the lesson video.

Language Arts:
Keep studying those spelling words!
Read 20 minutes and complete one entry per night in the reading log

Social Studies:
Students should have selected a topic for their Biography Project by tomorrow.  Please ask your child if he/she has chosen and influential American and signed up yet.  If not, you may want to help them narrow down a few choices so that they can sign up tomorrow.

**Don't forget the following:

Please return Yearbook order forms and Report Card envelopes ASAP.  Thanks!

4/22  Family/Curriculum Night.  Order forms for pizza went home today.

4/23  Earth Day Study Trip/ Take Your Child to Work Day--if you want your child to attend the Earth Day study trip, please return the permission slip ASAP.

4/24  Donuts with Dads

Have a great evening!

Update 4/13/2015

Parents,

You can find this week's spelling words on last Thursday's post. They have the reading log to complete, as usual. They also have math 10-4 on equivalent fractions to do. Students should be practicing fractions on IXL when they get a little extra time at home. They received their report cards today. Please sign the outside cover and have your child return it to school. They also received a permission slip on going to a short field trip for Earth Day. Please sign and have your child also return that, as well. Thank you and have a great week.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu     mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Daily Update 4/9

Hi Parents and Families!

Tonight's homework:

Math--Fraction Homework sheet
Language Arts--Read 20 minutes (no Log this week!), begin studying for spelling test (test NEXT Friday 4/17)

Because our schedule is slightly "off" we are giving students their new spelling list today, but the text will not be given until next Friday.  Please encourage your child to study for this test.  Www.spellingcity.com is a great resource.  Here's the current spelling list:

its
ours
mind
yours
family's
families'
man's
men's
girl's
girls'
hers
theirs
brother's
brothers'
teacher's
teachers'
aunt's
aunts'
boy's
boys'

Challenge Words
country's
countries'
witness's
witnesses'
laboratory's
laboratories'

Have a great evening!

Mindy Thompson and Chuck Utter

Daily Update 4/8

Hi Parents and Families,

We hope you had a wonderful spring break!  Due to the shortened week, students will not have Language Arts homework this week.  There is no math homework for tonight, but be on the lookout for a math assignment tomorrow night :-)

We do have a few upcoming events for you to be aware of:

• Next week is STEAM week.  Students will participate in a different extended STEAM activity each day next week.  Be sure to ask your child about what he/she learned each day!
• We are beginning a new "Famous American" project.  Over the next few days, your child should choose a person to focus on who has made an important contribution to American culture or history.  We have begun discussing a list of possible topics in class, but please feel free to help your child research and choose at home, too.  We look forward to inviting you to our class to see our presentations in June!

• Friday, 4/10 is our 3rd Quarter Awards Ceremony.  If your child is receiving an award, he/she will be bringing home an invitation today.  

• Family curriculum night is 4/22.  We hope you see you!

Have a wonderful evening, and please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Mindy Thompson
Chuck Utter

Update 3/26/2015

Parents,

The students have a Stem test tomorrow and their reading logs are due. Have a great Spring Break.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Daily Update 3/24

Hi Parents and families!

Tonight's homework:

Language Arts:

Study the word stems and their meanings.  Test Friday.
Reading Log--please make sure students are answering a different question every night and writing in complete sentences.

Math:
Students are reviewing fraction concepts in preparation for an upcoming unit.  If you're able, please encourage your child to practice 4th grade fraction topics on IXL.com.

**Don't forget Jump Rope for Heart tomorrow.  We'll be jumping from 10:20--11:05
**Be on the lookout for the green re-registration forms!  If you haven't see one come home, please contact Mrs. Thompson or Mr. Utter.

Have a wonderful evening!

Update 3/23

Hi Parents and families,

Happy Monday!  Below is our homework for tonight:

Language Arts:

Stems Review--practice the following 10 word stems for a test on Friday.  

geo--earth

fac--make

bio--life

morph--shape

mater--mother

spec--see

rupt--break

aqua--water

gen--birth

sub--below

Students should also be reading and completing one Reading Log question nightly.

Math:

Students should finish the assigned Geometry Town project to submit tomorrow.  If students have finished their Geometry Town project, they have no written math homework.

Re-registration forms will be sent home this week.  Please return them ASAP.

The 4th grade is running very short of pencils.  If you're willing to pick up a box or two of pencils for your child or to share with the whole class, we'd greatly appreciate it.

Have a wonderful evening!

Daily Update 3/16

Hi Parents,

Due to testing, there will be no homework this week.  Please continue to make sure your child gets a good night's sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and arrives to school on time.

Have a wonderful evening!

Update 3/13/2015

Parents,

I just wanted to remind you that students will be taking Terra Nova testing all next week. Have a great weekend.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Daily update 3/12

Hi Parents and Families,

Tonight's homework:

Reading Logs are due tomorrow.  Don't forget to bring them to school!

Stems test tomorrow.  Please see Tuesday's post for a study list.

No math homework, since there was a Topic 9 Test today (Don't forget that check your child's score on www.pearsonsuccessnet.com)


**Terra Nova testing is next week.  Please keep in mind that students will not be allowed to enter class after testing has started, so make sure to arrive at school on time.  Any missed tests will be made up the following week.

Have a great evening!

Update 3/11/2015

Parents,

Students need to make sure their math is done that was assigned yesterday. It is due tomorrow. They should continue to study their "stem" words and do their reading log. Thanks.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu   mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Daily Update 3/10

Hi Parents and Families,

First of all, our apologies for not posting yesterday.  Our school network went down, and we weren't able to access the internet.

Tonight's homework:

Reading Log--don't forget to write in complete sentences!

Study word stems.  You may want to make a game of finding these word stems in everyday life :-)

morph--shape
fac--make
ast--star
geo-earth
rupt--break

Math--We're finishing up the Geometry Unit.  Complete textbook page 212-213 all problems in every section.  If you forgot your book, don't worry...you can access it online through your Pearsonsuccessnet.com account.  **Homework is due Thursday.  **Topic 9 Test will be on Thursday.

Update 3/5/2015

Parents,

I just want to let you know your child does have math homework (9-6) to be completed and brought back to school on Monday. Thank you.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 2/4/2015

Parents,

There is no math homework tonight. They need to still do their reading log, as usual. Have a good night.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 2/2/2015

Parents,

I hope you had a great weekend. The students have their weekly reading log to complete along with a math worksheet on polygons (9-4). They should also study their words for the test tomorrow. Since they have the test tomorrow, they won't have words for the rest of the week.

Just a reminder that progress reports will go home tomorrow. You should have received information on the Heroes ES Fundraiser Event which will be this Friday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm at 2005 N. Marine Blvd. Jacksonville, NC. Students will receive a token sticker on Thursday redeemable for 10 free tokens for the event. The staff at Heroes will be having parent conferences for any parents who would like to discuss their child's progress if you need to.

Thank you and have a great week.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 2/26/2015

Parents,

Students have a worksheet on using a protractor to figure out the degrees of angles. Your child was provided a paper protractor to use to solve the problems.

They should continue doing their reading log. Due to the snow days, the spelling test is being pushed to next Tuesday and progress reports will also go home on Tuesday.

Thank you.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Daily Update 2/23

Hi Parents and Families,

Welcome to a new week!  Let's hope this week is a little more predictable than last :-)

Tonight's Homework:

Language Arts--

Spelling--study for a test on Friday
Latin roots:  dic--speak, loc--place, port--carry, rupt--break

dictionary
abrupt
predict
import
locally
verdict
locate
portable
transport
bankrupt
dictate
location
erupt
passport
export
contradict
rupture
interrupt
dislocate
Challenge Words
vindictive
portfolio
jurisdiction
corruption
interruption

Reading--students should read nightly for at least 20 minutes and complete one entry in the reading log.  To receive full credit for Reading Log homework, students MUST answer in complete sentences.

Math-- Math Practice 9-2

**Be on the lookout for Jump Rope for Heart materials.  Students can help our school raise money for a good cause AND earn fun prizes!

**No Lego Club tomorrow (2/24)

Daily Update 2/18

Hi Parents and Families!

Since it was a very short day in the middle of a very short week, there is no homework tonight.  Students are expected to continue reading nightly, but we will not have a reading log or spelling words this week.

In math, students have finished up Topic 8 and will be moving on to Topic 9--Geometry this week.  There is no math homework tonight, but if you'd like to get a head start on Topic 9, be sure and check out the 4th grade geometry topics on www.ixl.com.

Have a wonderful evening and stay warm!
Mindy Thompson
Chuck Utter

Daily Update--2/12

Hi Parents and Families!

Tonight's homework:

Language Arts:

Study for tomorrow's spelling test!  Students should have a list in their take-home folders, or you can scroll down and find a list on Monday's post.

Complete the Reading Log.  Please don't forget to bring the signed log to be collected tomorrow.

Editing quiz tomorrow!  We've been working on editing skills in class for the last several weeks.  You can find more practice here:  http://www.tburg.k12.ny.us/mcdonald/grammar4.htm

Math:

Topic 8 Test tomorrow!

Topic Review:  Pages 190--193

Set B-- #1, 5, 9, 13, 17
Set C-- #2, 4, 6, 8
Set D-- #1, 4
Set E-- #1, 4, 5, 8
Set H-- #2, 3, 6
Set J-- #1-6
Set K-- #1

Optional:  practice math facts on IXL.com, online editing practice

**We will pass out valentines tomorrow afternoon.  Your child should have brought home a list of students in his/her class on Monday.  If you decide to send in Valentine's Day cards, please make sure to include every student in your child's class.  Thank you!**

Have a wonderful evening!

Update 2/11/2015

Parents,

Students have a review math sheet that is double sided to complete. They should be reading each night in order to complete their reading log.

Have a good night.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu   mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Daily Update 2/10

Good evening parents and families!

Tonight's homework:

Math:  8-10 Practice sheet--multi-step problems

Language Arts:  Study for Friday's spelling test; Reading and Reading Log

Optional:

If your student hasn't yet finished his/her persuasive letter, he/she may work on it on the google drive.
IXL.com--a great way to practice those math concepts!

Have a wonderful evening!
Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Utter

Daily Update 2/9

Hi Parents and families!

Happy Monday!

Tonight's homework:

Study spelling words (see below)
Read 20 minutes--Reading Log entry

Math--8-9 Prime and Composite numbers


This week's spelling words--Compound Words:

watermelon
highway
jellyfish
fireworks
homemade
upstairs
touchdown
haircut
understand
thunderstorm
campfire
loudspeaker
sometimes
shortcut
skateboard
laptop
shoelace
doorbell
anyway
flashlight

**Don't forget, Spelling City is a great resource for learning and studying our spelling words!**

Update 2/5/2015

Parents,

Students have a math practice sheet on long division tonight. They should be finishing up their reading response and studying for the spelling test. I wanted to remind you that the award ceremony is at 2:30 tomorrow for students who received an invitation in their report card.

Thank you and have a great weekend.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu     mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 2/4/2015

Parents,

Students have a review worksheet to complete on division that is two-sided. They should continue to read each night and complete their reader response. If students have a little extra time, they can practice some more math on IXL.

Have a good night.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 2/3

Hi Parents and Families!

Tonight's homework:

Language Arts:

• Study the 5 Latin stems and their meanings.  We'll have a test on Friday. 
• Keep reading nightly and completing the reading log questions. Please encourage your child to write his/her answers in complete sentences.
• Optional:  We've been working on persuasive letters in Writing, and most students are working on their rough draft in google docs.  Students may use their google accounts to access their letters and work at home.  

Math:

• 8-4 Practice sheet
• Optional: Please encourage your child to spend time reviewing and extending his/her math skills using their IXL subscription.  Thanks!

**Tonight is family night at the book fair.  Please consider stopping by to add to your book collection and support our fabulous PTO.

Have a wonderful evening!  Please let us know if you have any questions :-)

Update 2/2/2015

Parents,

The students will need to complete their reading log and math worksheet (8-3) on division. This is a new unit on long division where many students are learning the division process for the first time. Students are also welcome to work on their persuasive writing at home on google docs if they are able to.

Their stem words this week are: mater - Latin root for mother, qua - Latin root for water, gen - Latin root for birth or race, bio - Latin root for life, spec - Latin root for see or look.

Have a great week.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu   mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 1/29

Hi Parents and Families,

Happy Friday-eve :-)

For Language Arts, please make sure that students study for tomorrow's spelling test.  If you don't have the word list, you can find it below on Monday's post.  Also, please make sure your child brings in his/her weekly reading log.  This is a weekly reading grade, and if students consistently forget to return it, their grade does suffer.  Finally, we've been working hard on editing skills, and students will take an editing quiz tomorrow.  If you'd like for your child to practice, there are many, many online editing games that can help.

In math,  students took the Topic 7 test today, so there is no homework.  They will begin with Topic 8, Dividing by 1-Digit Divisors, tomorrow.  If you're able, please encourage your child to spend some time practicing math concepts on www.IXL.com.

Finally, don't forget that tonight is HES Night at our local Wendy's.  Please consider supporting our wonderful PTO by stopping by.  Don't forget to mention you're there to support Heroes.

Thanks so much for your support.  Have a great evening!

Update 1/27/2015

Parents,

The students have to complete the reteaching practice from the textbook pg.160-161, all sets, that will prepare them for the topic 7 test on Thursday. This assignment is due on Thursday, as well giving them two nights to complete it. They have their reading log tonight, too.

Have a good night.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu   mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Daily update 1/26

Good afternoon!  We're excited to be beginning a new week!  We hope you all had a wonderful weekend.

This week's spelling list:

stomach
memory
Canada
element
mystery
science
remember
forget
suppose
iron
gravel
difficult
fortune
giant
architect
normal
notify
privilege
cement
yesterday

Challenge Words
ridiculous
syllable
magnificent
asparagus
cinnamon

Please practice these words with your child each night this week.  Spelling City is a great resource for making spelling practice fun :-)

Students should also read nightly and answer a different Reading Log question each night (using complete sentences, of course).

Tonight's math homework:  Topic 7 Multiple Choice Test.  Students will review in class tomorrow and will be having a Topic 7 (double digit multiplication) test on Thursday.

Have a wonderful evening!

Update 1/21/2015

Parents,

Students are responsible for completing a review math worksheet on multiplication with "special cases" which we went over on Friday.

I just want to remind you that the students do not have school this Friday due to a teacher workday as we will be completing second quarter report cards to be going home soon.

Have a great weekend.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu     mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 1/20/2015

Parents,

We hope you had a nice three day weekend. Students do not have spelling words due to the shortness of the week. However, they do have math homework on two step problem solving. Thank you and have a good night.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 1/15/2015

Parents,

We had technical difficulties yesterday so I couldn't send out the blog. Sorry about that. The students have a Stems test in language arts. There response journal is due tomorrow, as usual. They have math homework tonight on two digit times two digit multiplication. They are welcome to use either strategy to solve the problems (old school way that most people know or using break apart with the boxes).

Next week we will have some mid-year assessments on a short week with the students having Martin Luther King, Jr. Day off and Friday to a teacher workday.

Thank you and have a good night.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 1/13

Good evening!

Tonight for Language Arts, students should continue working on their reading log.  Please make sure your child is reading for at least 20 minutes. Don't forget to study those prefixes, as well.  You can find a list in yesterday's post.

In math, students should complete their assigned math worksheet.  Keep working on mastering those basic math and division facts, too; IXL is a great resources to help!

Finally, since inclement weather is a possibility tonight, keep an ear out for any possible delays.  We hope you all stay safe and warm!

Have a wonderful evening!

Mindy Thompson
Chuck Utter

Update 1/12/2015

Hi Parents and Families!

Happy Monday!

This week in Language Arts, we will have a word stems list in lieu of spelling.  The prefixes are:

post--after
pre--before
retro--before/past
ante--before
inter--between

Students made study cards for these today.  Please encourage them study for the quiz on Friday.

Students also have a reading log to complete; please make sure the students are studying for at least 20 minutes each night.

Math homework tonight is 7-3 Two-digit times Two-digit with Break Apart Strategy.  Also, please encourage your child to use their www.ixl.com subscription.  This is an excellent way for students to maintain math skills and to master basic math facts.

In science, students are beginning a new unit focusing on animal structure and behavior.  In Social students, we have begun a mini-unit focusing on The American Civil War.

Please let us know if you have any questions!  Have a great evening!

Update 1/9/2015

Parents,

TGIF! No homework as usual. Although, students are welcome to finish up their hour of IXL for the week if they haven't done it yet.

Thank you for your support and have a great weekend.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu    mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 1/7/2015

Parents,

Sorry about missing to update the blog yesterday. They did not have math homework last night due to having the topic 6 math test with the exception of the reading log.

Tonight they have one last review sheet on algebra (double sided). They have their reading log.

In language arts, the students are reading about Louis and Clark while analyzing character development. They will be working on editing paragraphs as their grammar skill. In social studies, they are studying historical events. In science, we are finishing up our electricity unit by completing a STEAM project where students are building an electrical alarm. In math, we finished algebra as you already know and will be starting topic 7 - Multiplying by 2-Digit Numbers.

We are also encouraging students to go onto IXL to practice their math skills. The students know their username and password to log in. This is a great site that our school has adopted to have students practice their math skills that they are learning in class. This is not a requirement but we would like to see students complete an hour of IXL practice a week. Every time a student completes four hours of IXL, she will be rewarded with a prize. I thank you for assisting them in completing the practice.

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu   mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu

Update 1/5/2015

Happy New Year Parents,

We are finishing up Topic 6 - algebra. There homework tonight is to do all the sets (A-D) on pgs. 138-139 to prepare them for the test on it tomorrow. They also have their normal reading log to complete.

The spelling words for the week are: sigh, right, weigh, eight, detail, height, spray, braid, bait, grain, slight, thigh, tight, raisin, trait, highway, frighten, dismay, freight, sleigh, Challenge: eighteen, mayonnaise, campaign, daylight, twilight.

Thank you and have a great week!

charles.utter@am.dodea.edu   mindy.thompson@am.dodea.edu