Taos Charter School 4th Grade Class

For Thursday:

2012-02-01T12:47:00.002-07:00

-Writing: Bring in the mailing address of an out-of-town friend or family member for our friendly letter writing project.
-Math: Review for the Unit 6 test on Thursday. Topics include long division, word problems using multiplication and division, classifying angles (right, acute, obtuse, reflex), and measuring angles using a protractor.
-Spelling: Witten work is due. Study for the practice quiz.

For Tuesday/ Wednesday:

2012-01-30T13:10:00.002-07:00

-Math: Complete both sides of the yellow long division practice sheet.
-Writing: Bring in the mailing address of an out-of-town friend or family member for our friendly letter writing project.
-Non Skiers will be swimming on Tuesday at TYFC from 10-11. Students should bring a swimsuit, towel, and $2 for pool admission.

Spelling List 1/30/12

2012-01-30T10:07:00.001-07:00

1. February
2. conjunction
3. excessive
4. cuisine
5. liter
6. milliliter
7. conflict
8. concur
9. necessities
10. comrade
11. antagonize
12. pero (but)
13. para (for)
14. One picture is worth a thousand words.

For Friday:

2012-01-26T14:45:00.002-07:00

-Math: SL 6-7 and 6-8 (p. 133 & 135). Use the two "Practice Measuring Angles" websites in the links.
-Spelling: Study for the Friday quiz.

For Thursday:

2012-01-25T12:56:00.003-07:00

-Spelling: Written work is due. Study for the practice quiz.

- Re-enrollment Forms for next year: So far, I've received re-enrollment forms from all but the following students -- Cody, Kelden, Kaili, Andrew. Please send those in as soon as possible.

Spelling List 1/23/12

2012-01-25T12:54:00.001-07:00

1. pronoun
2. icicle
3. irregular
4. atrocious
5. innovative
6. prosperous
7. translate
8. million
9. billion
10. gradually
11. Tengo hambre. (I’m hungry.)
12. Tengo sed. (I’m thirsty.)
13. Poco a poco, se va lejos. (Little by little, you’ll go far.)

Over the weekend:

2012-01-20T09:59:00.002-07:00

-Math: SL 6-5, and finish rows G and H on the yellow long division sheet.

-On Tuesday, January 24, the 4th graders who aren’t in Ski Club will walk down to the Youth and Family Center to go swimming from 10-11. Students should bring a swimsuit, towel, lunch, and $2 for pool admission. They’ll eat lunch at the TYFC and then take a bus to the Harwood Museum for an art activity from 12:00-1:30. We need a parent or two to come along and help chaperone the swimming and/ or the museum visit if you’d like to join us. The non-skiers will be taking similar trips every Tuesday until February 14. New school rules require us to have at least one parent chaperone per class for all field trips. If chaperones aren't available, we’ll have to cancel the trip, so please plan to come along one or more weeks if you can make it.

For Friday:

2012-01-19T15:19:00.004-07:00

-Math: Finish rows E and F on the yellow long division sheet. Remainders should be shown as fractions.
-The final and championship rounds of our school-level Geography Bee will be held in the cafeteria at 1:00. Our school winner can qualify to move on to the State-Level Geo-Bee in April. Go Lachlan!

For Thursday:

2012-01-18T15:04:00.002-07:00

-Math: SL 6-4
-Spelling: Written work due. Study for the practice quiz.
-After school tutoring: Due to a scheduling problem, we won't be having Wednesday Reading Club until further notice. Math Club will continue to meet as usual on Thursdays from 3:00-3:45. Sorry for the confusion.

For Tuesday:

2012-01-13T15:50:00.004-07:00

-2nd Quarter Progress Reports were sent home with students today. Please sign and return the blue slip to verify that you received it.

-Ski Club kids should be at school by 7:50 a.m on Tuesday to catch the bus. We'll return to TCS at 5:00.

-Non skiers will be swimming at the TYFC on Tuesday morning and taking a field trip to the Millicent Rogers Museum in the afternoon. We need a parent chaperone or 2 to come with us for the swimming and/or the museum visit (10 to 11 at the pool, 12 to 1:30 at the MRM). Please let me know if you can make it.

Spelling Words 1/17/12

2012-01-13T15:43:00.001-07:00

1. collapse
2. phrase
3. estimate
4. exact
5. boundary
6. cease
7. contribute
8. advantage
9. disadvantage
10. fluent
11. hombre (man)
12. mujer (woman)
13. The thousand mile journey begins with a single step.

For Friday:

2012-01-12T14:41:00.007-07:00

-Math: Study Links 6-3 (p. 125)
-Creative Writing: Final draft of your New Years Essay is due.
-Geography Bee: 1:00pm in the cafeteria. Parents are invited.
-Non skiers will be swimming at the TYFC on Tuesday morning and taking a field trip to the Millicent Rogers Museum in the afternoon. We need a parent chaperone or 2 to come with us for the swimming and/or the museum visit (10 to 11 at the pool, 12 to 1:30 at the MRM). Please let me know if you can make it.

For Thursday:

2012-01-11T14:53:00.001-07:00

-Spelling: Written work is due. Study for the practice quiz.
-Creative Writing: Complete the RD of your New Year Essay.
-Math Club is on for Thursday from 3:00 to 3:45.

Mr. G's Group

2012-01-10T14:44:00.002-07:00

Reading
This week, for Mr. G’s Literature Circle class, students will be reading, “A Laugh a Minute” The story is available online under the Fun Educational Links, Storytown Advanced Readers Booklet Collection. The story is listed as Lesson 1. Students need to complete the reading of the story by Thursday, January 1st.

Math
Proceed through Unit 7. Be sure to come Thursday with any questions concerning the material.

Thank you,

Rich Greywolf

For Wednesday:

2012-01-10T14:02:00.002-07:00

-Creative Writing: Continue working on the planning of your New Year Hopes essay. Start writing the rough draft if you're ready. See the prompt sheet for all the details.
-Geo Bee: Participants and alternates should be preparing for the competition using atlases, almanacs, and geography-related websites.

For Tuesday:

2012-01-09T13:04:00.005-07:00

-Math: SL 6-1 (p. 121), and deliver the Unit 6 parent letter.
-Reading: Finish writing your Winter Break Book Review if you didn't complete it in class today.
-Free Breakfast!: TCS is now serving free breakfast everyday to all students. If you'd like to participate, please plan to arrive by 8:00 so you can eat in the cafeteria before class starts.
-Geo Bee: Our school-level Geography Bee will be held at 1:00 on Friday in the cafeteria. Parents are invited to attend.

Spelling Words 1/9/12

2012-01-09T09:55:00.000-07:00

1. prefix
2. suffix
3. root word
4. reappeared
5. centennial
6. surrender
7. sympathy
8. genuine
9. imitation
10. dishonesty
11. resolution
12. lapiz (pencil)
13. cuaderno (notebook)
14. There’s no time like the present.

Over the Winter Break:

2011-12-21T11:06:00.004-07:00

-Reading: Read an "on-level" chapter book over the break. Bring the book into school with you on Monday, January 9th to write a Book Review about it in class.

-Math: If you still haven't made it into the prestigious One-Minute Club, then keep on practicing those multiplication facts using flashcards, websites, and worksheets.

-Reminder: 4th graders ski and snowboard for FREE at Sipapu! Just bring a copy of your first marking period progress report for verification. See the link or call 800-587-2240 for more info.

-Geo-Bee: Our class Geography Bee winners and alternates should study and prep for the TCS school-wide bee on January 13th. The Friends of TCS have generously provided some great prizes for the finalists and school-level winner. Our school winner will go on to compete in the state-level bee in Albuquerque on March 30. The New Mexico winner and their parents get an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC to participate in the national bee in May! Last year's National Geo-Bee champion won a $25,000 prize and a trip to the Galapagos Islands!

What can you do to get ready? Study an atlas, globe, world almanac, or use the Geo-Bee website to see study tips, sample questions, and take the Daily Geography Quiz. There are also two books available at the NG online store that are very helpful for students to use in their preparation. The titles are "Afghanistan to Zimbabwe," and "National Geographic Bee Official Study Guide." They cost $10 each. See the link for more info.

-Have a fun, safe winter break! Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año Nuevo!

For Wednesday:

2011-12-20T12:51:00.003-07:00

-History: Finish up all the steps on your report so it's ready to hand in on Wednesday. Practice reading it out loud once or twice to someone in your family so you'll be ready to present it to the class. PLEASE remember to bring in all the library and classroom books you borrowed for this project.

-Secret Santa gift exchange will be at about 1:20. Please bring in the wrapped, un-named gift for the person whose name you drew. Parents are invited, and students are welcome to bring in a healthy snack to share during the gift-giving. We'll sing Christmas carols with some of the other classes in the Embler Gymnasium at 2:00.

-Geo Bee: Today we had the final rounds of our class-level Geography Bee. Congrats to our semi-finalists Josh, Miel, J. Ryan, Lachlan, Grayson, Kelden, and alternates Kaili and Nicky. On January 13, these students will compete against the semi-finalists from grades 5-8 for prizes and geographic glory in our School-Wide Geo-Bee!

For Tuesday:

2011-12-19T13:28:00.005-07:00

-History: Finish up steps #4, 6, 7, and 8 on the yellow checklist. Due to the disruption of the early dismissal today, I'll allow the class an extra day to work on this project if necessary. The reports are now due on Wednesday, but students may hand in and present their reports on Tuesday if they're ready.

Early Dismissal Monday 1:00

2011-12-19T11:02:00.003-07:00

-The District has called an early dismissal today for all Taos Schools due to the approaching winter storm. Please pick up students at 1:00, and help us spread the word to notify other parents if you can.

Over the Weekend:

2011-12-16T22:25:00.003-07:00

-History: Complete the second part of Step #3 on your checklist - edit and revise the RD. Add new information. Expand your paragraphs. Then, begin Step #4 - writing the final draft.

For Friday:

2011-12-15T11:41:00.007-07:00

-Math: SL 5-9.
-History: If you finished your RD, complete the first part of Step #3 on your yellow checklist. Make sure the place where you decide to put your rough draft is cool and dark so that it cures properly, and safe from the dangers of pets and younger siblings.

-Secret Santa: Students will draw names Friday for the Secret Santa gift exchange which we'll have in class next Wednesday, December 21. Please limits gifts to about $10. Participation is optional.

For Thursday:

2011-12-14T14:51:00.003-07:00

-Math: SL 5-8.
-History: Finish up the 5 paragraph rough draft of your biography report. I'll check those Thursday in class. Length should be about 3 to 5 full pages.

For Wednesday:

2011-12-13T12:19:00.005-07:00

-History: Keep working on Step #2 on the yellow checklist - writing your rough draft. Try to write two good, solid, detailed paragraphs tonight. Apply what you learned today about paragraph structure in your writing, and remember the "Hamburger Paragraph" model. For review, see the "How-To Write a Great Paragraph" link.

For Tuesday:

2011-12-12T14:46:00.003-07:00

-Math: SL 5-7, and teach your mom or dad how to do lattice multiplication.
-History: Use your outline and your notes to start writing your rough draft. See step #2 on your yellow checklist.

-Spelling: There's no spelling list this week so you'll have more time to work on your Revolutionary Biography Project.

Over the Weekend:

2011-12-09T13:13:00.004-07:00

-History: Finish up your research and reading on the Revolutionary Biography Report. Then, make an outline to plan your 5 paragraph essay using the format we discussed in class. Use the outline format sheet and your yellow checklist step #1 to help in your planning. Outlines are due Monday.

For Friday:

2011-12-08T13:05:00.002-07:00

-History: Research, read, and take notes on your Revolutionary Biography project. Students should use at least 4 sources of information including books, websites, encyclopedia entries, and/or magazine articles.

-Spelling: Study for the quiz.

For Thursday:

2011-12-07T12:41:00.001-07:00

-Math: SL 5-6
-History: Read and take notes on your biography report.
-Spelling: Written work is due. Study for the practice quiz.

For Wednesday:

2011-12-06T16:39:00.001-07:00

-History: Research, read, and take notes on your Revolutionary Biography project.

For Tuesday:

2011-12-05T16:01:00.002-07:00

-Math: Finish both sides of the pink multiplication practice sheet (2 digit x 1 digit, and 3 digit x 1 digit).
-History: Research, read, and take notes on your Revolutionary Biography project.

Spelling Words 12/5/11

2011-12-05T09:55:00.001-07:00

1. monarchy
2. democracy
3. outline
4. rough draft
5. paragraph
6. topic sentence
7. supporting details
8. conclusion
9. edit
10. revise
11. bibliography
12. biblioteca (library)
13. tarea (homework)
14. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

Over the Weekend:

2011-12-02T14:29:00.005-07:00

-History: Find information and read about the person you chose to do your Revolutionary Biography report on. Use the books you checked out from school, the Taos Public Library, and websites. Ask your parents to help in your research. You'll get more information about the specifics of the project on Monday.

For Friday:

2011-12-01T14:43:00.005-07:00

-Math: SL 5-4
-Spelling: Study for the quiz.

-History: Show a parent your blue Revolutionary Biography info sheet. Choose 3 Revolutionary-era people who you'd be interested in studying for this project. Use the list on the blue sheet for names, or check out the American Revolution (people) link for more ideas.

-Reading: If you were absent today, read up to p. 199 in Storytown of "Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World." Use the Storytown E-Book link, then go to Theme 2, Lesson 7, Main Story.

For Thursday:

2011-11-30T15:29:00.001-07:00

-Math: SL 5-3
-Spelling: Study for the practice quiz. Written work due.
-Math Club will meet from 3:00-3:45.

For Tuesday:

2011-11-28T16:24:00.001-07:00

-Math: SL 5-1 (p. 85), and deliver the Unit 5 parent letter.

Spelling Words 11/28/11

2011-11-28T16:23:00.001-07:00

1. punctual
2. tardy
3. reluctant
4. taut
5. resounded
6. propaganda
7. boycott
8. immigrant
9. unfortunate
10. Declaration of Independence
11. sueno (dream)
12. alegre (happy)
13. On the warpath

For Wednesday:

2011-11-22T12:10:00.004-07:00

-Math: SL 4-9 and 4-10 (p. 87 & 89). Review Unit 4 skills for the test (decimal place value to the thousandths, adding and subtracting decimal numbers and money, measuring with cm and mm, missing number problems in addition, subtraction, and multiplication.)

-Ski Clubs forms and payment are due Wednesday.
-Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, Reading Club will not meet this week.

For Tuesday:

2011-11-21T09:48:00.002-07:00

-Math: SL 4-8.
-Reminder: Wednesday is the last day to hand in Ski Club forms and payment.

-Correction: Wednesday is a full-day of school at TCS. I had been telling the class that it's a half-day, but I was mistaken.

Over the Weekend:

2011-11-18T08:35:00.003-07:00

-Basketball: Our class team has made it to the the final championship game in the ADN 4th grade tournament! Game time is 11:00 on Saturday at the Arroyos School Gym. Players should be there at 10:30.

-4th graders ski and snowboard free all season at Sipapu! Just bring your most recent progress report and get a free lift ticket every time. Sipapu opening day is Saturday, November 19. Call them at 800-587-2240 for more info.

-Math: Multiplication test #15 will be on Monday - another chance to earn your "African Lions" dvd set if you haven't yet. Keep practicing those x facts!

Fun Friday!

2011-11-17T13:08:00.005-07:00

-Last week, 4th grade achieved a goal of hitting 85% for the class average in a 3 minute, 50 problem multiplication fact test! To celebrate, we're having a Fun Friday tomorrow: swimming at the TYFC in the morning, movie and popcorn in the afternoon. Parents are invited to come along if you'd like to help chaperone the swim. We'll leave school at about 9:50 a.m. and arrive at the pool by 10:15. Parents can join us for the walk or just meet us down there. Students should bring a swimsuit, towel, and $2 for pool admission.

-Study for the Friday spelling quiz.
-Our class basketball team has won two straight in their first tournament of the season! Today's game is at 5:45 at the Arroyos del Norte Gym. Players should be there by 5:30. Go Hawks!

For Thursday:

2011-11-16T15:11:00.003-07:00

-Math: SL 4-7
-Spelling: Written work is due. Study for the practice quiz.
-Thursday is our Thanksgiving lunch. Parents are invited to come in and have lunch with the kids. 4th grade lunch time is 11:25-11:55.
-Reminder: The last day to turn in raffle tickets is Friday.

For Tuesday:

2011-11-14T12:07:00.006-07:00

-Math: SL 4-5 (p. 79)
-Science: Tuesday is your very last chance to hand in your take-home circulatory system quiz if you didn't hand it in today. Remember, you can use your anatomy coloring packets and the blue fact page to help.

-Our first 4th grade basketball tournament of the year tips off this evening at 7:00 at the Enos Garcia School Gym. Players should be there at 6:30. Many thanks to Coach Tomas Tafoya for all of his effort in organizing and coaching our team. I know it's going to be a great season. GO HAWKS!

Spelling Words 11/14/11

2011-11-14T11:35:00.001-07:00

1. legible
2. independent
3. withdraw
4. deposit
5. revolution
6. disguise
7. petition
8. loyalist
9. desayuno (breakfast)
10. almuerzo (lunch)
11. cena (dinner)
12. There was never a good war, or a bad peace. –Benjamin Franklin

Over the weekend:

2011-11-11T12:14:00.004-07:00

-Math: SL 4-4 (p. 77)
-Science: Complete the quiz on the circulatory system. You can use your anatomy coloring packets and the blue fact page to help.

For Thursday:

2011-11-09T14:48:00.002-07:00

-Math: SL 4-3 (p. 75)
-Spelling: Written work is due. Study for the quiz. Take a practice quiz at home.
-Math Club is CANCELED for Thursday this week.
-Taos Feeds Taos has set up a box for non-perishable food donations in each class at TCS. Please donate if you can.

For Tuesday:

2011-11-07T15:55:00.002-07:00

-Math: SL 4-1 (p. 71), and deliver the Unit 4 parent letter.
-Literature circle group: The knot activity assignment is due for Mr. G.

Spelling Words 11/7/11

2011-11-07T15:54:00.000-07:00

1. sanctuary
2. attentive
3. colonists
4. French and Indian War
5. quarrel
6. capture
7. decimal
8. tenth
9. hundredth
10. thousandth
11. viento (wind)
12. nieve (snow)
13. Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. –Benjamin Franklin

For Friday:

2011-11-03T11:57:00.003-06:00

-Spelling: Study for the quiz.
-Math: Practice the x facts for timed test #10.
-Ski Club info packet went home with students today. Forms and payment are due on November 23.

-Mr. G.'s Literature Circle (Due Tuesday): Cobble’s Knot Challenge
Maniac Magee was given the ultimate challenge to prove himself – he faced the infamous Cobble’s Knot. Hundreds of people had tried to untie it, but only Maniac had the patience and skill to accomplish the feat.

Challenge: Make a knot that would be a worthy opponent of Maniac himself!

You will be using an online resource to find step-by-step instructions on how to make all different kinds of knots. Use as many or as few types of knots as you wish; your end goal is to make your knot as difficult to untie as possible.

Internet Resource: www.2020site.org/knots/

When all of your knots are complete, we will have an Untying Face-Off!

Checklist:
____Use the rope provided.
____Browse the internet resource to different kinds of knots to use
____Make your knot
____Give it a title
____Make a title card

For Thursday:

2011-11-02T11:13:00.003-06:00

-Math: Review Unit 3 material for the unit test which will include x facts to 81, factors and multiples, map scale, true or false number sentences, using parentheses, solving + and - word problems, and beginning algebra
(34 - A = 8 solve for A, etc.)

-Spelling: Written work is due. Study for the practice quiz.

For Wednesday:

2011-11-01T14:47:00.001-06:00

-Math: SL 3-11 (p. 65), and practice your x facts for Timed Test #9.

Spelling Words 10/31/11

2011-10-31T16:37:00.001-06:00

1. crisis
2. crucial
3. responsible
4. folklore
5. neighbor
6. contradict
7. veteran
8. artery
9. vein
10. valve
11. cuentos (stories, folklore)
12. venado (deer)
13. Hace frio. (It’s cold.)
14. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

For Friday:

2011-10-27T15:53:00.002-06:00

-Math: SL 3-8 (p. 59)
-Spelling: Study for the quiz.
-Reading: Several students did not complete and hand in their Superfudge chapter summaries or Book Review/ Comprehension questions today. Friday is you last chance to hand in these very important assignments.

For Thursday:

2011-10-25T15:42:00.003-06:00

-Spelling: Written work is due. Study for the practice quiz.
-Math: Practice the multiplication facts up to the 12's for Test #7.
-Reading: Define the 5 words in your "New Word List" at the end of your chapter summaries, write the Superfudge Book Review, and answer the 4 comprehension questions as fully as you can. Use your novels to go back and review when you need to.

Spelling Words 10/24/11

2011-10-25T10:00:00.000-06:00

1. Halloween
2. eerie
3. oxygen
4. carbon dioxide
5. red blood cells
6. white blood cells
7. plasma
8. platelets
9. atrium
10. ventricle
11. capillaries
12. exchange
13. brujo/bruja (witch)
14. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
15. Blood is thicker than water.

Over the weekend:

2011-10-21T13:00:00.003-06:00

-First quarter progress reports went home with students today.
-Math: Practice the multiplication facts. Fact test #6 will be on Monday.
-Reading: Read Chapters 8 and 9 in the novel Superfudge (p. 95-132), and write a good chapter summary for each.

For Friday:

2011-10-20T14:31:00.003-06:00

-Math: Study Links 3-6 (p. 55)
-Spelling: Study for the quiz.
-First quarter progress reports will go home with students on Friday.

For Thursday:

2011-10-19T13:43:00.002-06:00

-Spelling: Written work is due. Study for the practice quiz.
-Math: Practice the multiplication facts.
-Math Club meets on Thursday after school from 3:00-3:45.

For Wednesday:

2011-10-18T12:43:00.002-06:00

-Math: SL 3-5 (p. 53).

-Field Trip: On Wednesday the class will be taking a field trip that combines art and biology. Our first stop will be at the Sol Feliz Farm off of Witt Road to tour a local organic vegetable farm and learn about the science and history of agriculture in Taos. From there, we'll head over to the Stables Art Gallery (near the TCA) to check out the Seed 3 exhibits and participate in an art activity led by Anne Costanza and Mandy Stapleford. Parents are invited to come along and help chaperone if you're available. We'll leave TCS at 9:00, and return at about 12:45. Students should bring a snack and a water bottle, as we won't have lunch until we return to school. There is a transportation charge of $3 per student for those kids who didn't pay the the one-time $35 bus fee on our last field trip.

-Reading Club will meet Wednesday after-school from 3:00-3:45.

For Tuesday:

2011-10-17T13:00:00.005-06:00

-Math: SL 3-3 and 3-4 (p. 49 and 51), and practice your multiplication facts.

-Field Trip Wednesday: On Wed., October 19 from 9:00-1:00, the 4th and 1st grade classes will be taking a trip to the Sol Feliz Farm in Canon and to the Seed art show at the Stables Gallery. Parents are invited to come along and help chaperone. I'll send home more info about the trip tomorrow.

Spelling Words 10/17/11

2011-10-17T12:51:00.000-06:00

1. destination
2. cooperate
3. biography
4. accuracy
5. library
6. catch
7. caught
8. buy
9. bought
10. bring
11. brought
12. calle (street)
13. listo/ lista (ready or smart)
14. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Over Fall Break:

2011-10-07T10:15:00.003-06:00

-Reading: Spend 20 minutes or more each day reading a book, newspaper, or magazine of your choice. Keep track of your daily reading on your Fall Break Reading Log.
-Math: Practice your multiplication facts using flash cards, fact triangles, websites, or printable practice sheets.
-Gym Bleachers Fundraiser: Sell $5 raffle tickets to help the Friends of TCS raise money to buy bleachers for the gym. Envelopes went home today with students that contain all the info.
-Believe it or not, Friday was the last day of the first marking period. First quarter student progress reports will go home on October 21.

-Have a safe, fun Fall Break! See you on October 17.

For Friday:

2011-10-06T15:01:00.003-06:00

-Math: Complete the yellow multiplication chart, filling in all the blanks. Use the table on the other side to check your work.

-Spelling: Study for the quiz, unless you got a 100% on the practice quiz.

-Individual student photo retakes will be done on Friday for students whose parents request them. Parents, please send a note in tomorrow if you'd like a retake.

For Thursday:

2011-10-05T12:40:00.003-06:00

-Spelling: Written work due. Study for the practice quiz, and be sure to know the meaning of each homophone on the list.
-Math: Practice the multiplication facts using a chart, flash cards, or math websites. We'll have our first timed test on Thursday.
-Math Club will meet Thursday after school from 3:00-3:45.

For Wednesday:

2011-10-04T13:02:00.004-06:00

-Math: SL 3-2 (p. 47)
-Bring in your TCS Library books on Wednesday to renew or exchange.

-Reading Club meets Wednesday after school from 3:00-3:45. Thank you parents for picking kids up on-time after tutoring!

-Math Club will meet Thursday after school from 3:00-3:45 for the following students: Ry, Daisy, Max, Cody, Sakura, David, Emree, Lauren, and Andrew.

For Tuesday:

2011-10-03T13:12:00.000-06:00

-Math: SL 3-1 (p.45). Also, deliver the Unit 3 parent letter.

Spelling Words 10/3/11

2011-10-03T12:18:00.000-06:00

1. factor
2. product
3. homophone
4. clothes/ close
5. break/ brake
6. buy/ by
7. hear/ here
8. right/ write
9. sum/ some
10. whole/ hole
11. would/ wood
12. there/ their/ they’re
13. peek/ peak
14. mail/ male
15. (your own pair of
homophones)

_________ / ________

16. Money burning a hole in your pocket

Over the weekend:

2011-09-28T13:52:00.003-06:00

-Reading: Spend at least 20 minutes reading each day over the 4-day weekend. Keep track of what you've read on your DEAR Log Sheet.

-Happy Rosh Hashanah, and have a great San Geronimo Day! See you Monday.

For Wednesday:

2011-09-27T15:15:00.001-06:00

-Math: SL 2-9 (pages. 39 AND 40)
-Reading Club will meet after school on Wednesday from 3:00-3:45. Parents should pick students up at 3:45 outside at the bus turnaround area. Reading Club includes: David, Emree, Lauren, Sakura, Andrew, and Cody.

For Tuesday:

2011-09-26T12:46:00.002-06:00

-Math: SL 2-8 (p. 37)
-Tuesday is Picture Day.
-There's no spelling list because of the 3-day week.
-Invitations to our Wednesday after-school Reading Club went home today. Math Club will meet on Thursdays. Those invitations will go out next week, since there's no school this Thursday.

For Friday:

2011-09-22T15:40:00.002-06:00

-History: Finish the US Constitution essay questions that you started today in class.
-Spelling: Study for the quiz.

Wednesday Field Trip!

2011-09-20T12:39:00.004-06:00

-The bus will be leaving at 8:20 Wednesday morning for our hiking field trip. Don't be late - students who miss the bus will spend the day working in Ms. Baker's class. See the green take-home letter or the "Field Trip Info" blog post below for reminders on what to wear and take with you.

For Thursday:
-Spelling: Written work due, and study for the practice spelling quiz.
-Math: SL 2-7 (p. 35)
-Reminder: Parent Open House is on Thursday, September 22 at 5:30 in grade-level classrooms. We'll have two rotations for parents so you can visit more than one classroom if needed: 5:30 to 6:00 pm and 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. Please plan to attend this once-a-year event.

For Tuesday:

2011-09-19T15:56:00.003-06:00

-Math: SL 2-6
-Remember to bring in your permission slips and bus fees for the Wednesday field trip if you didn't hand yours in today.

Spelling Words 9/19/11

2011-09-19T15:54:00.001-06:00

1. Autumn Equinox
2. Constitution
3. amendment
4. Bill of Rights
5. wilderness
6. conifer
7. contagious
8. solemn
9. cringe
10. character
11. abuelo/ abuela (grandfather/ grandmother)
12. tio/ tia (uncle/ aunt)
13. The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Field Trip Info:

2011-09-16T11:49:00.004-06:00

-On Wednesday, September 21st, the class will be taking a hiking field trip on the Rio Santa Barbara trail into the Pecos Wilderness near Peñasco. We’ll hike up along the Middle Fork of the RSB and have a picnic lunch in a large meadow near the trail. It's about 4.5 miles round trip. Students should be prepared for the elements and wear sturdy sneakers or hiking boots, pants, and a warm layer on top as it will be chilly up there in the morning. They should also bring a small backpack with their own lunch, a water bottle or two, and a rain jacket (rain may be in the forecast for that day).

Like all the other classes at TCS, we’re asking parents to pay a one-time $35 field trip fee that will cover bus transportation for all the trips and activities that we’ll be taking this year. You can make checks out to Taos Charter School. Cash is accepted. If you can’t pay that amount at this time, please send in $5 to cover this trip and pay the remaining $30 later in the year.

Parents are invited to join us to help chaperone the hike. There will be plenty of room on the bus. We will be leaving campus at about 8:15, and we’ll return by 2:30 p.m. Permission slips went home with students today. Please fill out and sign those and send it back to school on Monday or Tuesday.

For Friday:

2011-09-15T13:03:00.001-06:00

-Math: Complete items 3, 4, 5 on the Range, Median, Mean exercise. You can use a calculator to find the mean.

-Spelling: Study for the Friday quiz.

For Thursday:

2011-09-14T14:01:00.000-06:00

-Spelling: Written work due. Study for the practice quiz.

For Wednesday:

2011-09-13T09:38:00.003-06:00

-Parents fyi: District schools will be closing early on Friday for Homecoming Day, and TCS will be on a regular full day schedule. So, the afternoon buses will be like a wacky Wednesday schedule, with no bus 24 and no transfers, and only buses 7 and 14 going to the Youth and Family Center.

-Math: SL 2-4 (p. 29)

-Upcoming Field Trip: Next Wednesday, September 21 the class will be taking an all-day hike on the Rio Santa Barbara Trail near Penasco. I'll send home all the info and permission slips with students later this week.

For Tuesday:

2011-09-12T12:42:00.006-06:00

-Math: SL 2-3 (p. 27)
-Reminder: Parent Open House is on Thursday, September 22 at 5:30. Please plan to attend this once-a-year event.

Spelling List 9/12/11

2011-09-12T12:42:00.001-06:00

1. maximum
2. minimum
3. range
4. mode
5. median
6. accelerate
7. your
8. you’re
9. erosion
10. plateau
11. Taos Charter School
12. arriba (up)
13. abajo (down)
14. Beauty is only skin deep.

For Friday:

2011-09-08T12:45:00.003-06:00

-Spelling: Study for the quiz. Congrats to Emree, Chloe, Caitlin, Miel, Kaili, and Lachlan who all aced their practice quizzes today and do not have to take the Friday quiz!
-Math: Study Links 2-1 (p. 23), and deliver the Unit 2 parent letter. Corrected Unit 1 tests went home with students today

For Thursday:

2011-09-07T09:49:00.000-06:00

-Spelling: Written work due. Study for the practice quiz.

For Wednesday:

2011-09-06T14:12:00.003-06:00

-Math: Get ready for the Unit 1 Geometry Test by reviewing p. 88-100 in the SRB.

Spelling List 9/6/11

2011-09-06T08:48:00.001-06:00

1. hurricane
2. mountain
3. novel
4. fiction
5. non-fiction
6. improvement
7. are
8. our
9. hour
10. laugh
11. Albuquerque, New Mexico
12. joven (young)
13. viejo (old)
14. Break the ice

For Friday:

2011-09-01T14:43:00.002-06:00

-Spelling: Study for the quiz.
-Grammar: Use the links to help you practice for the There / Their / They're quiz.

For Thursday:

2011-08-31T16:05:00.001-06:00

-Math: SL 1-7 (p. 15)

-Spelling: Written work due. Study for the practice quiz. Remember, students who get a 100% on the practice quiz do not have to take the Friday quiz.

For Wednesday:

2011-08-30T17:15:00.002-06:00

-Math: SL 1-6 (p. 13)

-Nine students still haven't brought in their signed TMSD lunch paperwork: Zoey, Lauren, Ryan K., Romeo, Kelden, Trempealeau, Max, Jesus, Andrew. I sent home extras with those students today. Parents, please sign those forms and return them to school as soon as possible, even if your child doesn't eat school lunch. These forms are required by the District. Feel free to write "n/a" in the income box if you wish. Thanks!

Spelling List 8/29/11

2011-08-29T09:57:00.000-06:00

1. latitude
2. longitude
3. hemisphere
4. elevation
5. there
6. their
7. they’re
8. labor
9. queasy
10. deprive
11. gullible
12. Me llamo _______. (My name is ______ .)
13. estudiante (student)
14. escuela (school)
15. When it rains, it pours.

Over the weekend:

2011-08-26T14:06:00.004-06:00

-Math: Study Links 1-5 (p. 11), if you didn't finish it in class on Friday.

-Creative Writing: Complete the final draft of your "One Summer Day" essay if you didn't already finish it and hand it in Friday.

-Have a GREAT weekend! See you Monday.

For Friday:

2011-08-25T14:50:00.002-06:00

-Math: Study Links 1-4 (p. 9)
-Spelling: Study for the quiz.

For Thursday:

2011-08-24T12:59:00.003-06:00

-Spelling: Written work due, and study for the practice quiz.
-Creative Writing: Finish the rough draft of your "One Summer Day" essay if you didn't finish writing it in class today. Minimum length is one full page (if you skip lines on the RD, minimum length is 2-sides).
Students will have time to proofread, edit, and write the final draft in class on Thursday. Parents, for this one assignment, please resist the urge to proofread your child's writing. Thanks, MB

For Wednesday:

2011-08-23T15:42:00.000-06:00

-Math: Study Links 1-3 (p. 7)

For Tuesday:

2011-08-22T11:39:00.000-06:00

-Math: Study Links 1-2 (p. 5), and deliver the Everyday Math parent letter.

Weekly Spelling and Vocabulary Routine

2011-08-22T10:13:00.003-06:00

1. A new spelling list comes out every Monday.
2. We discuss the meaning of each word in class. Students should take notes on the definitions and keep them in their Spelling Journal.
3. Written assignment (due every Thursday):
A.)Practice spelling each word by writing it 5 times in your SJ.
(Twice for the weekly saying.)
B.) Use each word by writing a creative sentence that shows you understand the meaning of the word. The sentences can be funny or fictional. Please make them interesting to read.
C.) For the Spanish words, do the best you can to write simple sentences in Spanish. If you need extra help with those sentences, ask a family member, Mr. Bonner, or Senor Ruybal some time during the week before Thursday. There are Spanish translation websites posted on the class blog as well.
4. On Thursday, I'll check your written spelling work, and we’ll have a practice quiz. If you get 100%, you do not have to take the Friday quiz.
5. On Friday we’ll have the real spelling quiz. On the quizzes, I won’t actually say the word. Instead, I’ll say the definitions and give hints and students will have to come up with the spelling word on their own.

Spelling List 8/22/11

2011-08-22T10:11:00.001-06:00

1. sum
2. difference
3. geometry
4. privilege
5. improvise
6. geography
7. northeast
8. southeast
9. southwest
10. northwest
11. tu (you, friendly)
12. usted (you, formal)
13. nosotros (we)
14. “as the crow flies”

NMSBA Results

2011-08-18T09:58:00.000-06:00

-Parent copies of your child's NMSBA scores from last spring will be sent home with students today. Please take some time to read the reports and discuss them with your son or daughter. Let me know if you have any questions.

First day! (and first assignment)

2011-08-17T12:55:00.004-06:00

-The first day of school flew right by today. The first homework assignment is for students to deliver the packet of school documents to their parents to read and fill out. The deadline for returning all the forms is Monday, August 22, and I'll be collecting them in class until then. The three new students already have all of their paperwork handed in.

See You Wednesday Morning!

2011-08-11T12:31:00.009-06:00

Hello to all the incoming 4th grade students at Taos Charter! I hope you've all have had a fantastic summer break. I really enjoyed mine too, but I'm glad to be back working in the classroom and excited to kick off another school year with this new group of kids. School starts Wednesday, August 17th at 8:15 AM. Supply lists are available in the office or at http://www.taoscharterschool.org (and there's a basic list posted on this board below on the right.) It's not necessary for everyone to have all their supplies on the first day. Pencils, folders, and composition books are the most important items. Until then, get outside, have some fun, and make the most of your last days of break. I'll see you bright and early on Wednesday!

Have a Great Summer!

2011-05-26T15:12:00.000-06:00

It's been an excellent year. I've really enjoyed working with all the creative, diligent, kind-hearted, smart kids in this group. I'll miss seeing you all every day! Please email me a schedule of your baseball/ softball/ soccer games (mbonner@taoscharterschool.org), and I'll come see them if I can.

Over the summer, keep your skills sharp and get ready for Mr. Jones' class by continuing the D.E.A.R. habit of reading for at least 20 minutes every day. Practice and build your math skills using links like Math Playground and IXL.

For Thursday ( the last day of school!) :

2011-05-25T15:08:00.006-06:00

-Field Day for grades K-4 is at Kit Carson Park from 10:30-2:00. Parents are invited to come down and join the fun! BYO lunch, or enjoy TMSD hot dogs. I'll give out final progress reports and student awards at the park at about 1:45. Parents can pick up students down there at 2:00. Otherwise, kids will ride the bus back up to TCS for dismissal at the normal time.

-Bring in your signed field day permission slip and $3 bus fee if you haven't yet.