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Showing posts from 2010

Over Winter Break:

-Reading: Read an "on-level" chapter book over the break. Bring the book into school with you on Monday, January 3rd 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 www.sipapunm.com 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 7th. The Friends of TCS have generously provided some EXCELLENT prizes for the finalists and school-level winner. Our school winner will go on to compete in the state-level bee in Albuquerque on April 1st. The New Mexico winner and their parents get an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC to participate in the national bee May 24-25!

For Friday:

-Spelling: Study for the quiz. -Math: SL 5-2 (p. 97) -Swimming: We'll be swimming at the TYFC from about 10:00 to 11:00. Parents who would like to join us can meet us there, or walk down from school with us at 9:30. We're expecting snow tonight, so students should wear warm clothes and snowboots for the walk. They'll need a swimsuit, towel, and $2 for pool admission. In the event of a 2 hour delay, swimming will be postponed to a later date. -Secret Santa gift exchange is Friday. -Our TCS Holiday Talent Show is at 1:30 in the Embler Gymnasium. 4th graders will regale the crowd with their well-rehearsed jokes (they ARE well-rehearsed, right?). Parents are invited to join us for the fun.

For Thursday:

-History: Revolutionary Biography Reports are due. Complete steps 5, 6 (optional extra credit), 7, and 8 on the checklist. Don't forget to include the bibliography . -Spelling: Study for the practice quiz. -The pool is now fixed, so swimming is ON for Friday morning. I'll give you more information tomorrow. -Congratulations to Isaiah, Sophia, Elijah, Fallon, Charlie, and Carmen for winning our class Geo-Bee today in a very close, tough competition (Quinn and Leandro were the Runners-Up/ Alternates). Those 6 students will participate in the School-Level Geo-Bee on January 7th. . The winner of our TCS Geo-Bee will be invited to compete in the State-Level Bee in Albuquerque on April 1st.

For Wednesday:

-Geo Bee: The class-level National Geographic Bee will be held on Wednesday. The top 6 geographers from 4th grade will advance to the Semi-Final round to compete with the winners from grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 at our TCS School-Level Geo-Bee on January 7. The class-level bee will focus on US geography. -History: Complete Step #4 from your checklist, writing your final draft of the Revolutionary Biography Report.

For Tuesday:

-History: Complete step #3 on your checklist. Edit and revise your rough draft. Look for errors in spelling, capitalization, and grammar and fix them. Ask a parent or an older sibling to help you proofread. Expand your paragraphs. Say more. Add more supporting details.

Spelling List 12/13/10

1. guerilla 2. timeline 3. victory 4. treaty 5. indent 6. adjective 7. Winter Solstice 8. revolve 9. rotate 10. axis 11. Prospero Año Nuevo! (Happy New Year!) 12. regalos (gifts) 13. It is better to give than it is to receive.

Ms. Erin's List 12/13/10

x = /ks/ con/vex ex/pel in/dex ex/pand con/text ex/pect ex/pert ex/tent ex/tend next sixth

Over the Weekend:

-History: Finish the five paragraph rough draft of your Revolutionary Biography. -Homework is a joke: Come up with one or two jokes to tell for the Holiday Talent Show. Write them down and bring them into school on Monday to practice. -Secret Santa: Students drew names today for the Secret Santa gift exchange which we'll have in class next Friday, December 17. Kids can bring in wrapped, un-named gifts any day before then. There's a suggested $10 limit on gifts.

For Friday:

-Math: Review Unit 4 material for the Unit Test (decimal value to the thousandths, adding and subtracting decimal numbers, metric units of length, converting mm to cm, cm to m, m to km). -Spelling: Study for the quiz. -History: Use your outline to start writing the rough draft of your biography report (due Monday). -Taos Feeds Taos: Thank you to everyone who has brought in items for the food drive! Friday is the last day to donate in class.

For Thursday:

-History: Finish the outline for your biography report. -Spelling: Written work is due. -Thursday Tutoring is from 3:00 to 3:45. We'll review for the Unit 4 math test and get started on the rough draft of the Revolutionary Biography reports.

For Wednesday:

-History: Read and take notes for your reports. We'll start outlining your essays in class on Wednesday.

For Tuesday:

-History: Continue to read and take notes about the life of the person you're studying for the Revolutionary Biography Report.

Spelling List 12/6/10

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.

Ms. Erin's List 12/6/10

/i/ = igh bright fight flight fright light might night right sight tight high thigh sigh mid/night in/sight light/ning Contractions he is = he’s she is = she’s

Over the weekend:

-History: Find information, read, and take notes for your Revolutionary Biography Report.

Friday Fun:

-As a reward for the class hitting their goal of 80% accuracy on a three minute, 50 problem multiplication fact test, I've planned a different kind of Friday for the kids. At about 9:30, we'll walk down to the TYFC to go swimming from 10-11. Then, we'll walk back up to school, have lunch and some popcorn, and watch a DVD in the afternoon. Students should bring a swimsuit, towel, a signed Town of Taos waiver form, and $2 for pool admission. Parents are welcome to join us at the pool. You can walk with us, or just meet us at the TYFC at 10:00. -History: Students should begin to research, read, and take notes for their Revolutionary Biography Projects. A checklist with all the report guidelines and due dates went home with students today.

For Thursday:

-Math: SL 4-8 (p. 85) -Spelling: Written work due. Take a practice quiz at home tonight. -History: Decide on your top 3 choices for the Revolutionary Biography Report. -Thursday Tutoring is from 3:00 to 3:45. We'll be doing library research for the biography reports.

For Wednesday:

-Basketball: Our 4th grade team will play for another tournament championship at the Taos Pueblo Day School Gym at 5:00. Players should be there at 4:30. Good luck Hawks! -Math: Practice the multiplication and division facts up through the twelves for Test #16. -History: Start thinking about who you might choose to write your Revolutionary Biography Report about. Have your top three choices ready by Thursday. -Library Day is Wednesday. Bring in your books to renew or return.

For Tuesday:

-Math: SL 4-7 (p. 83)

Spelling List 11/29/10

1. legible 2. independent 3. division 4. quotient 5. revolution 6. disguise 7. petition 8. loyalist 9. intolerable 10. desayuno (breakfast) 11. almuerzo (lunch) 12. cena (dinner) 13. There was never a good war, or a bad peace. –Benjamin Franklin

Ms. Erin's List 11/29/10

Final y= /e/ Final y=/i/ clum/sy cris/py draf/ty fif/ty han/dy mus/ty twen/ty ug/ly na/vy i/vy by my try shy sky

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Math: Practice multiplication and division facts on the "Fact Frenzy" worksheet that you took home (both sides). -Reading: Continue your DEAR habit of reading for 20 minutes or more per day. -History (optional): watch the end of the PBS Thanksgiving documentary video that we started in class today. It's in the links. We left off at about minute 47. -Have a fun, safe Thanksgiving with your friends and families! See you all next week.

For Tuesday:

-Math: SL 4-6 (p. 79)

Over the weekend:

-The Celebration of Life service for TCS founder Gary Embler will take place on Saturday at 11:00am at Rivera Funeral Home. -Math: Practice multiplication facts up to the 12's for accuracy and speed. Today the class average hit 76% on a 3 minute, 50 fact test, which is their new high score. Test #14 will be Monday. -Mid-quarter progress reports went home with students today. - Ski Club paperwork and payment is due no later than 3:00 pm on Tuesday, November 23. Coach has more forms if you need them. -Basketball: Our 4th Grade team, led by Coach Ron Cordova, will play for a Tournament Championship at the Ranchos Elementary Gym at 2:00 pm. Players should be there at 1:30. GO HAWKS!

For Thursday:

-Spelling: Written work is due. Study for the practice quiz. -Basketball: The 4th Grade game is today vs. ADN at the Ranchos Elementary Gym. Players should be there by 3:30. Game starts at 4:00. Go Hawks! -Thursday after-school tutoring is on, and will be from 3:00 to 3:45.

For Wednesday:

-Reading: Finish the comprehension and vocabulary test for "My Land Sings." You may use the book, your summaries, and dictionaries to help you answer the questions. -Wednesday is our Library Day. Remember to bring in your books to renew or return.

For Tuesday:

-Math: SL 4-3 (p. 75). Keep practicing the multiplication facts up to the 12's. The class fact test average plummeted down to just 60% today. Test #12 will be Wednesday.

Spelling List 11/15/10

1. sanctuary 2. decimal 3. tenth 4. hundredth 5. thousandth 6. taxation 7. representation 8. quarrel 9. boycott 10. repeal 11. jury 12. viento (wind) 13. nieve (snow) 14. Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise. –Benjamin Franklin

Ms. Erin's List 11/15/10

oo droop gloom mood proof smooth soon swoop tooth troop noo/dle Contractions can not = can’t do not = don’t

For Thursday:

-Math: SL 4-2 p. 73. -Spelling: Written work is due. Study for the quiz. -Scholastic Book Orders are due on Thursday. -After-school tutoring is called off for Thursday since I'll be out of school for the day.

For Wednesday:

-Math: SL 4-1 (p. 71). Practice the multiplication facts. The class average on a 3 minute, 50 fact test is now up to 75%!

Spelling List 11/8/10

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

Ms. Erin's Spelling List 11/8/10

Mixed Review Open/Closed Syllable ra/ven re/fund si/lent bo/nus stu/dent Final Stable Syllable fa/ble han/dle sam/ple ti/tle Suffix ed film ed ask ed drift ed Contractions it is = it’s that is = that’s

Over the weekend:

-Math: Practice the multiplication facts for Test #8 on Monday. -Science: Finish up the quiz on the circulatory system. You may use your notes and the anatomy coloring sheets to help you, so make sure your answers are complete and well-written. -TCS Fall Pottery and Soup Sale: Saturday from 11-2. -Basketball Practice: 6-8pm Friday and Saturday at the Guadalupe Gym.

For Friday:

-Math: Review Unit 3 for the test. -Spelling: Study for the quiz. -The Fall Pottery and Soup Sale will be here at school on Saturday from 11-2. Proceeds will help buy equipment for the new gym and landscaping on campus.

For Thursday:

-Math: SL 3-7 p. 57. -Spelling: Written work is due. Study for the practice quiz. -After-school tutoring begins Thursday. It will go from 3:00-3:45, and this week will be a math review group to get ready for the Unit 3 Test on Friday. Come on in and join us if you need some extra help.

For Wednesday:

-Math: SL 3-10 (p. 63), and practice your multiplication facts for Test #7.

For Tuesday:

-Math: SL 3-9 (p. 61) -Students have begun having their daily PE classes in our new gym. To protect the floor, Coach is requiring students to wear sneakers in PE which have non-marking soles. Students should wear those to school, or keep a set in their cubby to change into. -Tuesday is the last day to order your school pictures. -Parents, don't forget that Tuesday is Election Day!

Spelling List 11/1/10

1. crisis 2. crucial 3. terminate 4. French and Indian War 5. colonists 6. capture 7. veteran 8. election 9. candidate 10. governor 11. ballot 12. venado (deer) 13. Hace frio. (It’s cold.) 14. On the warpath

Over the weekend:

-Math: Practice multiplication facts up to the 12's. Fact test #6 will be on Monday. -Have a fun, safe Halloween!

For Friday:

-Math: SL 3-8 (p. 59) -Spelling: Study for the quiz. -Halloween: Students are welcome to wear costumes on Friday. Parents are invited to come see the K-4th grade costume parade at 1:30 outside on the basketball court. -New Gymnasium Grand Opening and Dedication: At 1:45 in the new gym, the whole school will gather to celebrate the opening of our beautiful new building and honor the dedication and hard work of Mr. Gary Embler, a founding parent of TCS for whom the gym will be named. Parents are invited to come and join us for this auspicious event.

For Thursday:

-Math: Practice the multiplication facts for Test #5. -Spelling: Written work due. Study for the practice quiz. -Reading: Complete the book review for Sideways Stories from Wayside School. -Parents, I'm sorry, but there are no more time slots available for Wednesday's parent-teacher conferences. If you don't yet have an appointment, and you'd like to meet, I'm available after school any day next week from 3-4. Phone conferences are another option. You can email me at mbonner@taoscharterschool.org to set one up.

For Tuesday:

-Math: SL 3-6 (p. 55) -There's no school on Wednesday, October 27 for Parent-Teacher Conferences. I’ve already scheduled meetings with some of you, and I meet with some parents fairly regularly, so conferences are not mandatory for all students. If I haven’t contacted you and you’d like to meet, please email me at mbonner@taoscharterschool.org to make an appointment. Also, if you can’t make it Wednesday, but you’d still like to talk, I’m available next week after school Monday through Thursday from 3-4 p.m. I’m also happy to do a phone-conference if that’s more convenient for you. -Student portrait proofs went home with students today. Ordering instructions and re-take information is included.

Spelling List 10/25/10

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

Ms. Erin's List 10/25/10

ture= /cher/ cul/ture lec/ture na/ture pic/ture sculp/ture tor/ture fu/ture ad/ven/ture de/par/ture ac/u/punc/ture Learned Words Mr. Mrs. Dr.

Over the weekend:

-Math: SL 3-5 (p. 53) -Practice your multiplication facts using flash cards, fact triangles, websites, and printable tests. Fact test #4 will be on Monday. -Parents, 1st marking period report cards went home with students today. The reports are yours to keep. Please sign the attached slip and return it to school Monday with your son or daughter to verify that you received the report.

For Thursday:

-Math: SL 3-3 and 3-4 -Spelling: Written work is due. Study for the practice quiz. -On Thursday, the class is taking a half-day field trip to the Stables Art Gallery (near the TCA) to see the Seed 2 exhibit and participate in an art activity. Parents are welcome to come join us at the gallery from 11:00 to 2:00.

For Wednesday:

-Math: Practice your multiplication facts. -Student picture day is Wednesday.

For Tuesday:

-Math: Complete both sides of the orange multiplication practice sheet.

Spelling List 10/18/10

1. specific 2. vague 3. percent 4. circulatory system 5. arteries 6. veins 7. capillaries 8. oxygen 9. carbon dioxide 10. heart 11. lungs 12. corazon (heart) 13. sangre (blood) 14. up in the air

Ms. Erin's List 10/18/10

/e/=e-e here there these theme ath/lete com/pete com/plete con/crete im/pede Learned Words come some Bonus Oc/to/ber

Over Fall Break:

-Reading: Spend 20 minutes or more reading each day in 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. -First Basketball Team Practice: Friday, October 8 at 6:00 pm at the Guadalupe Church gym downtown. Call Ron Cordova for more info 779-1792. -Student photo day is Wednesday, October 20. -Believe it or not, Thursday was the last day of the first marking period. First quarter student progress reports will go home on October 21. -Have a safe, fun break! See you on October 18.

Hiking Field Trip on Thursday!

On Thursday, October 7th, the fourth grade class will be taking a hiking field trip on the Rio Santa Barbara trail into the Pecos Wilderness near Peñasco. We’ll take about a 4-5 mile round trip hike up into the Pecos and have a picnic lunch in a large meadow near the trail. 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 if you have one, just in case. There is a transportation charge of $5 per student. Students can bring this fee into school on the day of the trip or before. Parents are invited to join us to help chaperone the hike. You can drive/ carpool on your own, or ride on the bus with the students. For insurance reasons, all students are required to ride the bus. We will be leaving campus at about 8:15 a.m., and we’ll return by 2:30 p.m.

For Wednesday:

-Math: SL 3-2 (p. 47) -Spelling: Written work due. Study for the Wednesday final quiz. -Field trip permission forms and payment due ($5). -Students and parents who want to join over 4 million people across the US and in 42 nations for International Walk to School Day, should meet at the TYFC at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Bicyclists are welcome too. Hope to see you there!

Spelling List 10/4/10

1. conifer 2. absurd 3. beautiful 4. millimeter 5. wilderness 6. habitat 7. backpack 8. arbol (tree) 9. oso (bear)

Ms. Erin's List 10/4/10

/u/=u-e use rude rule flute June mute cos/tume con/clude in/clude in/trude Learned Word because

Coming up next week:

-Wednesday, October 6 is International Walk to School Day. TCS kids who want to participate can have their parents drop them off at the Taos Youth and Family Center at 7:30 a.m. Ms. Perry and I will walk with the kids up to school. Students may also ride their bikes to school on this route. Parents are welcome to join us! See the "Safe Routes to School" site in the parents' links section for more info about this initiative. -On Thursday, Oct. 7, the class will be taking a hiking field trip into the Pecos Wilderness on the Rio Santa Barbara Trail. Parents are invited to come along and help chaperone. I'll send more information and permission slips home on Monday.

For Friday:

-Math: SL 2-9 (p. 40) -Spelling: Written work due Friday. Study for the quiz. -Happy San Geronimo Day!

For Wednesday:

-Math: SL 2-9 (p. 39)

For Tuesday:

-Math: SL 2-8 (p. 37) -Reading: Finish up the yellow Superfudge book review and comprehension questions if you didn't complete them in class today. -Scholastic book orders are due on Tuesday.

Spelling List 9/27/10

1. meter 2. kilometer 3. heritage 4. origin 5. vertical 6. horizontal 7. folklore 8. judge 9. grudge 10. trudge 11. opposite 12. similar 13. otoño (autumn) 14. jugar (to play) 15. Bury the hatchet

Ms. Erin's List 9/27/10

/o/=o-e broke cope hope more globe score shone spoke those con/sole flag/pole prim/rose wish/bone Learned Words said says

Over the Weekend:

-Math: Second page of SL 2-7 (p.36) -Reading: Finish and proofread your purple Superfudge chapter summaries. These are due Monday. -Scholastic Book Orders went home today. They're due back on Tuesday if you want to order books.

For Friday:

-Math: SL 2-7 (p. 35) -Spelling: Study for quiz, unless you got a 100% today on the practice. -Open House is tonight from 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Please stop by 4th grade if you can make it.

For Thursday:

-Math: SL 2-6 (p. 33) -Spelling: Written work due. Study for the practice quiz.

For Wednesday:

-Math: SL 2-5 (p. 31) -Open House is Thursday, September 23 from 5:30-7:00 pm. Hope to see you all here!

For Tuesday:

Math: SL 2-4 (p. 29)

Spelling List 9/20/10

1. Autumn Equinox 2. Constitution 3. amendment 4. Bill of Rights 6. product 7. quotient 8. contagious 9. exaggerate 10. phase 11. character 12. abuelo/ abuela (grandfather/ grandmother) 13. cuentos (old stories or folklore) 14. The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Ms. Erin's List 9/20/10

/i/=i-e glide gripe pride prime smile scribe al/pine sun/rise rep/tile ter/mite sun/shine Learned Words any many

This weekend:

-Parents, please send back those FluMist consent forms on Monday if you'd like your child to receive this free immunization. -Open House Night is next Thursday, September 23 from 5:30-7:00. -MAPS testing for 4th grade starts Monday morning. Please be on-time. Have a great weekend!

For Friday:

-Math: SL 2-3 (p. 27) -Spelling: Study for the quiz if you're one the 13 who didn't ace today's practice quiz. -The Friends of Taos Charter School needs a parent rep for 4th grade to help occasionally with events and notifications. Please contact Whitney Goler at 741-0335 or whitney@laplaza.org if you'd like to help out. -Seasonal flu immunization nasal mists will be available this fall to students at TCS. Parent consent forms went home with kids today. Parents, if you'd like your child to receive this free vaccine, please fill out and sign the parental consent form and return it to school asap. To decline the FluMist vaccine, just don't return the form.

For Thursday:

-Math: SL 2-2 (p. 25) -Spelling: Written work due. Study for the practice test. -Open House Night is next Thursday, September 24, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Hope to see you here!

For Tuesday:

-Math SL 2-1 (p. 23)

Spelling Words 9/13/10

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.

Ms. Erin's List 9/13/10

name grade shade shame state trade dic/tate man/date pul/sate spec/tate stag/nate Learned Words they who

For Friday:

-Spelling: Study for the quiz. -Math: Review Unit 1 skills for the test (geometry, shapes, + and - facts).

For Thursday:

-Spelling: Written work due. Study for the practice test. Students who get a 100% on the practice quiz are exempt from the Friday quiz!

For Wednesday:

-Math: Study Links 1-8 (p. 17) -Wednesday is the final day to bring in money for the flower bulb sale. -Our beautiful new cafeteria opened today at last! The new gym will be ready soon.

Spelling List 9/7/10

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

Ms. Erin's Spelling List 9/7/10

/sh/ shall shelf shock shrimp shook brush fresh splash shel/ter sham/ble sel/fish pub/lish Learned Words you your

Over the Labor Day weekend:

Turn off the computer, and get outside to enjoy the beautiful weather! Safe travels to everyone. See you Tuesday.

For Friday:

-Spelling: Study for the Friday quiz, unless you're one of the six kids who aced today's practice quiz. -Math: Keep on practicing those + and - facts.

For Thursday:

-Math: Study Links 1-6 (p. 13) -Spelling: Written work due. Remember, students who score 100% on the Thursday practice quiz are exempt from the Friday quiz!

For Tuesday:

-Math: Study Links 1-5 (p. 11)

Spelling List 8/30/10

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

Ms. Erin's Spelling List 8/30/10

Final /er/ af/ter en/ter num/ber sis/ter tem/per un/der win/ter thun/der din/ner di/ner sum/mer su/per sup/per Learned Words does was

Over the weekend:

-Math: If you scored less than 80 on your subtraction fact test today, spend some time using flash cards or math websites to practice (see our links). You'll see that test again next week, and I want to see improvement. -Have a great weekend!

For Friday:

-Creative Writing: "One Summer Day" essay final draft due. -Spelling: Study for our first spelling quiz. -Parents, did you receive this week's Chalkboard via your email? This is the 2nd school-year that we've been trying to send those out electronically in an effort to reduce our paper use. If you did NOT get an email version of the Chalkboard, contact Kathy Martinez at taoscharter@newmex.com and she'll get your address on the list.

For Thursday:

-Spelling: Written work due (practice writing each word five times, and use each word in a creative sentence).

For Wednesday:

-Math: Study Links 1-3 (p. 7) -Creative Writing: Rough draft of the "One Summer Day" essay is due.

One Summer Day Essay

-Start thinking about what summer day you'll write about for your essay. What was so fun about that one day? What made it special?

Weekly Spelling Routine

4th Grade Spelling Process and Expectations 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 our class blog, as well. 4. On Thursday, we’ll have a practice spelling quiz. 5. On Friday we’ll have the real spelling quiz. On the quizzes, I won’t actually say the word. Instea

Spelling List 8/23/10

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”

Ms. Erin's Spelling List 8/23/10

R-Controlled Syllables ar, or arch chart harsh gar/den har/vest mar/ket born North storm in/form or/bit tor/ment Learned Words would could should

NM SBA Results

-Parent copies of your child's NMSBA scores from last spring went 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. -Have a great weekend! See you Monday morning.

First Day (and first assignment)

-The first day of school flew right by today. The homework is for students to deliver the packet of school documents to their parents for mom or dad to read and fill out. The deadline on returning all the forms is Monday, August 23, and I'll be collecting them in class until then.

See You Wednesday Morning!

Hello to all the incoming 4th grade students at Taos Charter! I hope you all have had an awesome summer. 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 18th at 8:15 AM. Supply lists are available in the office (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: bike, swim, and play to your heart's content during your last few days of break, and I'll see you bright and early on Wednesday morning!

Have a great summer!

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.

Field Day!

-Wednesday is our annual K-4 Field Day at Kit Carson Park from 10:30 to 2:15. Parents are invited to come on over and join us for the activities. I'll give out awards and final progress reports a little before 2:00 under the big tree. Parents may pick students up at the park at 2, or at school at the normal time. Buses will run as usual. -Thursday: Since final report cards will have already been distributed on Wednesday, attendance is optional on Thursday from 8:15 to 10:00. Kids who want to come in and help clean the class and the schoolyard are welcome, but wear your work clothes. I repeat, attendance is optional. I've already marked all students "PRESENT" for Thursday. -Library Books: Several students are missing library books or text books. As per Mrs. O'Bryan's rule, I can't send home final report cards or present awards to those students until the books are returned or paid for. Each missing book costs $25. -4th Grade Radio Theater: On Wednesday, stu

For Tuesday:

-Return any library books that you may still have at home. Lost books are $25 each. -Bring in any school books you have at home. Also look for any classroom library books that you may have borrowed.

For Friday:

-Spelling: Study and practice for the quiz. -Swimming: Remember to bring a suit, towel, and $2 for pool admission. We'll be swimming from 10-11. Parents are welcome to come join us!

For Wednesday:

-Reading: Read chapters 36-39 in Holes. Write a chapter title for each. -Math: Finish the Reducing Fractions (B) practice that you started today in class.

For Tuesday:

-Reading: Read Chapters 29-32 in Holes. Write a chapter title for each.

Spelling Words 5/17/10

1. theater 2. script 3. character 4. dialogue 5. monologue 6. scene 7. actor 8. enunciate 9. comedy 10. tragedy 11. audition 12. verano (summer) 13. Hace calor. (It’s hot.) 14. En boca cerrada, no entran moscas.

Ms. Erin's Speliing List 5/17/10

Compound Words class/room note/book every/where every/thing every/one to/night for/get some/one some/thing some/times some/where any/thing

For Thursday:

-Spelling: Written work due. Study for the quiz. -Career Projects due. -Field trip permission slips and payment due. -Missing Camera: My blue Canon digital camera is missing from my desk drawer. Please let me know if you know of its whereabouts.

Field trip to Bandelier on Friday:

Information about the trip and permission slips went home with students today. Please return the permission slips to me on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Spelling Words 5/10/10

1. Anasazi 2. Ancestral Pueblo 3. cliff dwelling 4. cistern 5. cavate 6. petroglyph 7. kiva 8. sipapu 9. viga 10. archeologist 11. artifact 12. pottery shard 13. A rolling stone gathers no moss

Ms. Erin's Speliing List 5/10/10

The Changing Rule If a baseword ends in y after a consonant, change y to i before adding any suffix, except one beginning with i. copy + ed = copied pretty + est = prettiest rely + able = reliable carry + er = carrier lonely + ness = loneliness study + ed = studied cry + ing = crying reply + ing = replying study + ing = studying

Over the weekend:

-Career Project: Step 7. Projects are due Thursday, but you're welcome to present early if you finish before then.

For Tuesday:

-Math: SL 9-9 (p. 211) -Career Project: Steps 5 and 6. -MAPS Test results went home with students today.

Spelling List 5/3/10

1. remedy 2. incarcerate 3. delirious 4. initiate 5. mirage 6. stifling 7. strenuous 8. precarious 9. fate 10. escribir (to write) 11. Yo escribo. (I write.) 12. Tu escribes. (You write. - friendly) 13. Usted escribe. (You write. - formal) 14. Ustedes escriben. (You all write.) 15. El/ ella escribe. (He/ she writes.) 16. Ellos escriben. (They write.) 17. Nosotros escribimos. (We write.) 18. The thousand mile journey begins with a single step.

Ms. Erin's Spelling List 5/3/10

Greek Medial y = /i/ an/to/nym crys/tal dys/lex/i/a gym/na/si/um hom/o/nym mys/ter/y myth phy/sics syl/la/ble syn/o/nym sys/tem typ/i/cal

For Friday:

-Math: SL 9-8 -Spelling: Study for the quiz. Work on those knowing the Spanish verb forms. -Career Project: Steps 5, and 6. - Field Trip : Come prepared to hike, and be dressed for the weather which is forecast to be cool, windy, and maybe a little wet. Parent chaperones, we are now planning to leave school at 10:30 (rather than 10:00). If we have to postpone the trip because of weather, we'll call you by 9:30 to let you know. Please make sure your son or daughter has your cell number. If you don't hear otherwise, the trip is ON .

For Thursday:

-Math: Study and practice fraction, decimal, and percent equivalents for the quiz (you should know the hundredths, tenths, eighths, fifths, fourths, thirds, and halves). Example: 2/5 = 0.4 = 40%. -Spelling: Written work due. Study for the practice quiz.

For Wednesday:

-Math SL 9-6, 9-7 (p. 205, 207) -Career Project: Continue working on steps 3, 4, 5. -Hiking Field Trip: On Friday, the class will be taking a hike on the Devisadero Trail in Taos Canyon. We'll leave school at around 10:00 a.m. and return by 2:30. Parents are invited (and needed) to come along and help chaperone. More info. will go home with students on Wednesday.

Spelling List 4/23/10

1. carbon footprint 2. destiny 3. desolate 4. innocent 5. guilty 6. urban 7. suburban 8. rural 9. comer (to eat) 10. Yo como. (I eat.) Tu comes. (You eat. - friendly) Usted come. (You eat. - formal) Ustedes comen. (You all eat.) El/ ella come. (He/ she eats.) Ellos comen. (They eat.) Nosotros comemos. (We eat.) 17. It’s always darkest just before the dawn

Erin's Spelling List 4/23/10

Greek Final y=/i/ ny/lon py/thon cy/cle cy/clone de/hy/drate car/bo/hy/drate en/cy/clo/pe/di/a hy/brid hy/dro/gen hy/dro/plane hy/e/na hy/phen

Over the weekend:

-Career Project: Get started on steps 3, 4, and 5.

For Thursday:

-Math: SL 9-4 (p. 201) -Spelling: Written work due. Study for the practice quiz. -Career Project Step #1: Fill in the six spaces with possible choices for you to study. -Our Earth Day Celebration is outside at TCS from 1-5 pm. See the Chalkboard for all the info!

For Wednesday:

-Math: SL 9-3 (p. 199) -Career Project: Parents, the class is beginning a career education project which will require your assistance and involvement. Each student will be choosing a career that they are going to be studying. As part of the project, I’ve asked the students to arrange a visit and an interview with a local person who has the career that they choose. Please assist your son or daughter in contacting this person (perhaps you have a friend or a colleague who would work). The culminating activity of the project will be a posterboard presentation by each student teaching the class about the career that they have studied. The presentations will begin Thursday, May 13 (or sooner if students finish early). The students have more information about the specifics of the project. Please contact me at school if you have any questions. Tonight, students should be thinking about what careers they may be interested in studying. Write down two or three of them on your tan checklist.

For Tuesday:

-Math: SL 9-2 (p. 196 and 197) -Earth Day: We still need a few 4th grade parents to help out with activities for Earth Day on Thursday. If you can make it, please come on in for the 12:30-2:20 shift or the 2:30-4:30 shift, or both! Contact Susan Vernon at 770-7430 or email her at susanv@newmex.com for more information.

Spelling List 4/19/10

1. career 2. local 3. national 4. global 5. interview 6. inexpensive 7. mislead 8. foreign 9. caminar (to walk) 10. Yo camino. (I walk.) 11. Tu caminas. (You walk. –friendly) 12. Usted camina. (You walk. – formal) 13. Utsedes caminan (You all walk.) 14. El/ ella camina. (He or she walks.) 15. Ellos caminan. (They walk.) 16. Nosotros caminamos. (We walk.) 17. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.

Ms. Erin's Spelling List 4/19/10

Greek ph =/f/ Greek ch=/k/ phone phrase dol/phin am/phi/bi/an graph par/a/graph cha/os chem./i/cal chem./i/cal ar/chi/tect school

For Thursday:

-Math: Review for Unit 8 test (area and perimeter). -Concrete Truck Day procedures are still ON for Thursday, but NOT for Friday. I apologize about all the back and forth changes on this, but I'm just passing it on as I hear it.

Concrete Truck Days Changed (again)

-The Concrete Truck Days at TCS are now going to be on Thursday and Friday. I'm told we couldn't get one of the necessary permits for work to start on Wednesday.

Concrete Truck Days (Wednesday and Thursday)

-Parents, on Wednesday and Thursday this week, work crews will be pouring the foundation for the new gym. Numerous concrete trucks will be rolling in and out of campus all day both days, and the parking lots will be closed to cars. Parents should drop their children off at the Youth and Family Center by 8:00am on those two mornings. Ms. Perry and I will walk with groups of students from there up to TCS. After school, students will be transported by bus from school down to the TYFC where parents can pick them up at 3:00pm. Please notify other parents in the school of what's happening on those days in case they don't hear about it. -Due Tuesday: Math Study Links 8-8 (p. 189) -Test Prep: Use your test-prep strategies to get yourself ready for the final 3 sessions of the NMSBA on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. You're almost done with it. Let's finish strong!

Over the Weekend:

-Math: SL 8-7 (187) -NMSBA schedule next week: Science 1 and 2 on Tuesday, Science 3 on Wednesday, and that's it!

Concrete Truck Days Changed

-As updated in today's Chalkboard, the "Concrete Truck Days" have been changed to next Wednesday and Thursday, April 14 and 15. More info coming soon on that.

This week's NMSBA schedule:

Tuesday: Writing 1 and 2 Wednesday: Math 2 Thursday: Math 3

NMSBA's Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

-This week, fourth graders will be taking the Reading sections of the NMSBA on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings. The homework during the testing weeks will be the following: get some fresh air and exercise after school, eat a healthy dinner, get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and get to school on time. Parents, please encourage your son or daughter to give their best effort on these tests so that we can get an accurate assessment of their skills.

For Monday:

-Math: MJ p. 342 on Equivalent Fractions. -Third marking period progress reports went home today with students. -New Mexico Standards-Based Assessments (NMSBA's) will start on Tuesday, March 30 with Part 1 of Reading Comprehension.

For Wednesday:

-Math: SL 7-4 -Parents, as you may know, there's no school on Friday, March 26 for Parent-Teacher Conferences. I’ve already scheduled meetings with some of you, and I meet with some parents fairly regularly, so conferences are not mandatory for all students. If I haven’t contacted you and you’d like to meet, please email me at mlbonner@yahoo.com. Also, if you can’t make it Friday, but you’d still like to talk, I’m available next week after school Monday through Thursday from 3-4 p.m. I’m also happy to do phone-conferences or weekend chairlift conferences (TSV Chair 2) if that’s more convenient for you. -Teacher evaluation forms went home with students today. Parents should fill those out and return them to school no later than April 2. -Today the class received a thank you letter from Doctors Without Borders for the money they raised to help earthquake victims in Haiti.

Spelling List 3/22/10

1. Spring Equinox 2. certain 3. cite 4. factor 5. multiple 6. estimate 7. eliminate 8. equation 9. perimeter 10. area 11. opinion 12. calle (street) 13. vecino (neighbor) 14. Take the bull by the horns. Ms. Erin's Spelling List 3/22/10 ie = /e/ brief chief grief field shield thief yield be/lieve re/lieve re/trieve a/chieve fron/tier

Spring Break!

-Science Report: Several fourth graders weren't able to hand in their research papers today. They'll need to complete that work over the break. -Reading: Keep your reading comprehension skills sharp by reading for at least 20 minutes per day. Choose a novel, a non-fiction book, newspapers, or magazines. Have a fantastic spring break! Safe travels to everyone. See you on Monday, March 22.

For Friday:

-Science report: Steps 10, 11, 12, and 13 on the blue checklist.

For Thursday:

-Science report: Step 9 (final draft). Focus on writing 5 good solid paragraphs with lots of supporting details. Save the cover page, graphs, illustrations, bibliography, etc. for Thursday.

For Wednesday:

-Science Report: Steps 7 and 8 (revise and edit the rough draft).

For Tuesday:

-Science Report: Steps 6 and 7 on the blue checklist.

Spelling List 3/8/10

1. famous 2. infamous 3. accumulate 4. ruthless 5. conceal 6. pursue 7. peasant 8. dismayed 9. license 10. accomplishment 11. deportes (sports) 12. baloncesto (basketball) 13. Do onto others as you would have them do onto you.

Ms. Erin's Spelling List 3/8/10

VC/CCV an/gry chil/dren con/flict dis/tant ex/tra frus/trate hun/dred hun/gry mem/brane os/trich pil/grim sim/ply tun/dra

Over the weekend:

-Science: Steps 2, 3, 4 on the blue checklist. Five paragraph RD is due Monday.

For Friday:

-Science: Report outline is due. Ms. Susan's National Geographic assignment through question #9 is due. -Spelling: Study for the quiz. -Math: Review long division, measuring angles, and division word problems for the Unit 6 test.

For Thursday:

-Science: Step 1 on the blue sheet. Finish reading, research, and note-taking. Start working on the outline for a 5 paragraph report. Outlines will be checked on Friday. -Spelling: Written work due. Study for the practice quiz.

For Tuesday and Wednesday:

-Science: Continue working on step 5 of the tan sheet (research, read, and take notes on your report topic).

Spelling List 3/1/10

1. numerator 2. denominator 3. dynasty 4. ancient 5. emperor 6. tyrant 7. immortal 8. luxurious 9. scholar 10. oasis 11. tierra (earth) 12. agua (water) 13. fuego(fire) 14. Still waters run deep.

Ms. Erin's Spelling List 3/1/10

/shun/ = sion per/mis/sion ad/mis/sion sus/pen/sion ex/ten/sion dis/cus/sion pro/fes/sion ex/pres/sion /zhun/ = sion con/fu/sion in/va/sion e/ro/sion con/clu/sion ex/plo/sion

Over the Weekend:

-Science: Research, read, and take notes on your science report topic (Step #5 on the tan sheet). Use multiple sources of information: books, magazine and newspaper articles, encyclopedias, and reliable websites.

For Friday:

-Math: SL 6-8 (p. 135) -Science: Steps 2 and 3 on the tan sheet. Come up with a working title for your research paper. -Movie Night at TCS on Friday at 6:00 pm!

For Thursday:

-Math: SL 6-7 (p. 133) -Science: Work on steps 1 and 2 of the tan sheet.

For Wednesday:

-Science: Think about what GENERAL field of science you're interested in writing a research report project on (tan sheet item #1). -Math: Use the top 2 links to practice measuring and estimating angles. -Spelling: No spelling list this week.

Over the Weekend:

-Reading: Finish reading IBD. Write a chapter title for each of the final four chapters of the novel. Write a Book Review. -Tutoring is available after school on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 to 3:45 for any fourth grader who needs help in math, reading, or language arts. Let Mr. Bonner know if you could use a little extra help and you can join us. Parents will need to pick you up at 3:45, or you can walk down to the TYFC with parent permission.

For Friday:

-Math: Complete the long division practice sheet B (both sides). -Spelling: Study for the Friday quiz. -Bingo Skate is Friday at TYFC from 3-7. See the blue waiver form for more information. Students are required to have signed waiver forms to get in on the fun. Bring those in on Friday (Last Chance).

For Thursday:

-Math: Finish both pages of the long division practice that you started today in class (divide, multiply, subtract, bring down...) -Spelling: Written work due Thursday. Study for the practice quiz. -Bingo Skate is on Friday at the TYFC from 3-7. See the blue waiver forms for more information. Fill out that form and bring it in on Thursday if you want to participate.

For Wednesday:

Math: SL 6-3 and 6-4

Spelling List 2/16/10

1. protractor 2. vertex 3. acute angle 4. right angle 5. obtuse angle 6. biology 7. geology 8. meteorology 9. astronomy 10. Como se llama usted? (What’s your name?) 11. Me llamo ________. (My name is ______.) 12. The more, the merrier

Ms. Erin's Spelling List 2/16/10

/shun/ = tion in/ter/rup/tion sat/is/fac/tion cal/cu/la/tion con/ver/sa/tion pop/u/la/tion op/er/a/tion hi/ber/na/tion con/tam/in/a/tion ex/ter/min/a/tion con/fed/er/a/tion

Over the long weekend:

-Writing: Finish revising and editing the RD of your friendly letter, and compose the final draft in your neatest handwriting. -Field Trip: On Tuesday, the class will be taking a field trip to the Millicent Rogers Museum for a tour of their art collection and an art activity. Parents are invited to come out and join us. We'll leave school at 9:00 and return at noon. Please bring in $4 to pay for transportation.

For Thursday:

-Math: Complete/ correct all the facts on Test I, and solve rows B and C on the back side of the division practice sheet. -Writing: Write the RD of your friendly letter. It should be 2-3 good paragraphs long and follow the format we discussed in class. -Spelling: Written work due. Study for the quiz.

For Tuesday and Wednesday :

-Math: SL 6-1 -Writing: Starting on Wednesday, the class will be doing a friendly letter writing project. Each student needs to bring in their own mailing address, and the mailing address for an out-of-town friend or relative. -Non-Skiers: We'll be walking down to the TYFC to go ice skating on Tuesday. Remember to wear warm clothes, a hat, and gloves. Bring $2 for skate rentals. Parents are invited to come along. We'll be at the rink from around 10:30-11:30. -Re-Enrollment Forms: Please send those into school as soon as you can. - Basketball Game : Wednesday night at 6:00pm at the Enos Garcia School gym.

Spelling List 2/8/10

1. remainder 2. friendly 3. sincerely 4. vanquished 5. hesitate 6. volume 7. mass 8. density 9. oppose 10. advantage 11. disadvantage 12. Me gusta ______. (I like ______.) 13. Tengo ___ anos. (I’m ___ years old.) 14. Forget injuries, but never forget kindnesses. (Chinese proverb)

Ms. Erin's Spelling List 2/8/10

/au/ = au /au/ = aw at the end of the word cause fraud haunt launch vault laun/dry as/sault be/cause Au/gust au/di/ble au/then/tic au/top/sy au/to/mat/ic au/thor au/to draw saw law

For Friday:

-Math: SL 5-11 (p. 113), and review for the Unit 5 test. -Spelling: Study for the quiz. - Movie Night : Friday at TCS at 6:30 p.m. in the 6th and 7th grade classes. $6 admission includes movie, soda, and popcorn. Proceeds will benefit the upper grades' trip to Washington, DC in May.

For Thursday:

-Math: SL 5-10 (p. 113). The Unit 5 test wil be on Friday. Review the skills you learned in this unit: 3x1 digit, 2x2 digit, 3x2 digit, and 3x3 digit multiplication (using both "Old School" and Lattice), multiplication word problems, place value up to the one billions, big number estimation, and the powers of ten. -Spelling: Written work due. Study for the practice quiz. -Basketball practice: Thursday at 3:30 in the Ranchos Elem. gym.

For Tuesday:

-Math: SL 5-9 (p. 111) -Non Skiers: We'll be swimming tomorrow at the TYFC. Kids should bring a swimsuit, towel, and $2 for pool admission. If you can, please also bring a sack lunch that you can eat down at the Youth Center after we swim.

Spelling List 2/1/10

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

Ms. Erin's Speliing List 2/1/10

/u/=a a/bout a/lone a/like a/live a/loud a/mend a/round a/way a/cute a/mount la/ment ca/reer Ja/pan Chi/na Cu/ba

Scholastic Book Orders Due on Monday (last chance)

For Friday:

-Spelling: Study for the quiz. -Math: SL 5-8 (p. 109) -Basketball game tonight at 7:45 at the Ranchos gym. Players should be there at 7:30. -Scholastic book orders due Friday.

For Thursday:

-Math: Ski Club kids need to complete the salmon-colored 3x3 and 4x4 lattice multiplication practice sheet (both sides). -Spelling: Written work due. Study for the practice quiz. -Scholastic Book Orders: Due Friday -Basketball: There's a game today in the Ranchos gym at 4:00. Players should be there by 3:45. Go Hawks!

Science Fair Judges Needed on Friday, 11-2!

-Parents, the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes will be having their annual science fair this Friday, January 29 and they are in serious need of adults to volunteer to judge the projects. If you're available that day, and you'd like to participate, please come into school at 11:00 a.m. and meet in the library. There's free pizza and salad for lunch provided for all judges!

For Tuesday and Wednesday (updated) :

-Math: Complete Row B (Lattice) and Row C (Old School or Lattice, your choice) on the yellow practice sheet. - For Wednesday : Finish Row A (Old School), and Row E (Lattice), and the 4x4 lattice problems on the back side of the yellow sheet. -Non-Skiers will be going to the southside Guadalajara Grill for lunch on Tuesday. Please bring $10 to pay for your lunch, a drink, and bus charge. Parents are invited to come along, or meet us there. We plan to leave school at about 11:05 and arrive at the Guad around 11:15.

Spelling List 1/25/10

1. exponent 2. avalanche 3. debris 4. elect 5. government 6. innovative 7. prosperous 8. translate 9. million 10. billion 11. gradually 12. Tengo hambre. (I’m hungry.) 13. Tengo sed. (I’m thirsty.) 14. Poco a poco, se va lejos. (Little by little, you’ll go far.)

Ms. Erin's Spelling List 1/25/10

/e/ Open Unaccented be/came be/fore be/gan de/bate de/fend de/mand e/lect e/vent pre/fer pre/tend re/fuse re/late re/lax re/sult re/quire

For Friday:

-Math: Rows L and M of the pink practice sheet. Solve Row L using "Old-School" multiplication, Row M using the lattice. Also, teach your parents the lattice method if they don't already know how to use it.

For Thursday:

-Math: SL 5-7 (p. 107) on lattice multiplication. -Dress for the weather: Starting Thursday, students who come to school without a jacket, hat, and gloves on cold, windy, snowy days will not be allowed to participate in morning recess, lunch recess, afternoon recess, or PE. -The new Chalkboard went out today. Are you receiving it in your email? If not, contact Kathy Martinez in the office 751-7222 ext. 201, or email her at: taoscharterschool@newmex.com and she'll put you on the list. -Basketball practice is on Thursday at 3:30 at the Ranchos Elementary gym.

Snack Sale Fundraiser

-On Friday the class raised a total of $627.55 for the Doctors Without Borders relief effort in Haiti. The class wrote a letter to DWB, and we sent the donation in the mail today. Thanks again to everyone who helped out, bought snacks, or donated at this sale!

Over the Weekend:

-Math: Solve all the multiplication problems up through rows C and I on the pink sheet. -Thanks SO much to everyone who sent in snacks and helped out in today's fundraiser for the Doctors Without Borders Haiti relief fund. We made a LOT of money. It's safe, secure, and locked up for the weekend. We'll count it all on Tuesday during our math time. The school will write a check for the total amount of cash, and we'll put it in the mail on Tuesday afternoon so DWB gets it as soon as possible. I'm very proud of all the students in the class for rallying up the whole school community to raise awareness and support for this cause. They really planned, cooperated, and made it all happen. Great work, fourth grade! -Have a fun, safe MLK weekend. See you on Tuesday. - Non-Ski Club students will be swimming with the 5th graders on Tuesday at the TYFC. Remember your swimsuit, towel, and $2 for pool admission. If you read this, please call a few of your classmates to spread the

For Friday:

-Math: Solve rows A and G on the pink multiplication practice sheet. - Fundraiser : If you can, please bring in a healthy homemade snack for our sale to benefit the Doctors Without Borders Haiti Relief Fund which will be on Friday afternoon from 2-3 p.m. Parents are invited to come in and help with the sale if you're available at that time.

For Thursday:

-Math: SL 5-6 -Spelling: Written work due. -Creative Writing: Last chance to hand in the final draft of the New Year Essay. -Current Events: Watch the news, read a paper, or find information online about the earthquake in Haiti and what is being done to help. - Fundraiser : Today in class, we discussed the earthquake disaster situation in Haiti. The students are very concerned and want to do something to help the victims, so I presented some information and history about the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders and UNICEF. The class voted to try and do a fundraiser to donate to the Doctors Without Borders Haiti Relief Fund. We're not allowed to have "Bake Sales" at school anymore, but the 4th grade got special permission to have a "Healthy Home-Made Snack" Sale on Friday afternoon from 2-3 pm . Parents, if you can, please make a plate of carrot bread, cookies, muffins, brownies, etc. with your son or daughter for the class to sell for this cause. Pre-packaged indi

For Tuesday and Wednesday (updated):

-Math: Finish rows F, G, H, K, L, M on the multiplication practice sheet. -Creative Writing: Revise and edit the RD of your New Year Essay. Expand those paragraphs. Say more. Final draft is due Wednesday . -Non-skiers will be going swimming on Tuesday at the TYFC from 1:30-2:15. Remember to bring a swimsuit, towel, and $2. Parents are invited to come along, swim, and help chaperone. We'll leave school at about 1:00 and walk down to the pool. The bus will pick us up at 2:30 for the return trip. -After-school tutoring is canceled this week for 4th graders so I can meet with parents. -Congratulations to the 4th grade basketball team on winning their first two games of the Ranchos tournament! Next game: Friday at 6:45 pm in the Ranchos Elementary Gym.

Over the weekend:

-Creative Writing: Use your outline and the prompt to write the rough draft of your New Year Essay.

For Friday:

-Creative Writing: Outline or web due for the New Year Essay. -Spelling: Study for the quiz. -Second quarter progress reports went home with students today. Parents, please sign the blue slip and return it to school with your son or daughter on Friday. The report itself is yours to keep.

For Thursday:

-Math: SL 5-4 (p.101) -Spelling: Written work due. Study for the practice quiz.

For Wednesday:

-Math: SL 5-3 (p. 99) -Creative Writing: Be thinking about your four paragraph New Year essay that we discussed in class today. Outlines are due Friday.

Spelling List 1/5/10

1. prefix 2. suffix 3. root word 4. international 5. sympathy 6. doctor 7. geology 8. abandoned 9. dishonesty 10. resolution 11. lapiz (pencil) 12. cuaderno (notebook) 13. There’s no time like the present.

Ms. Erin's Speliing List 1/4/10

suffix ful arm/ful help/ful harm/ful hope/ful shame/ful thank/ful wish/ful suffix es words ending in s,x,z,ch,sh classes taxes fizzes inches wishe

Welcome Back and Happy New Year!

-Math: SL 5-2 (p. 97) -Reading: Finish the Book Review that you started in class today. -Spelling: Lists will be posted on Tuesday. -Creative Writing: Be thinking about your four paragraph New Year essay that we discussed in class today. Outlines are due Friday. - Great Deal : Beginner skiers and snowboarders (ages 6-12) can get a lift ticket, rentals, and a lesson all for just $30 at any ski area in New Mexico, including TSV, Ski Santa Fe, Red River, Angel Fire, and Sipapu until January 31! Reservations are required. Check the link for details.