Monday, December 28, 2009

Your letters will be arriving soon!

Happy New Year!!!

Hope you’re having a wonderful holiday break! Just a reminder to work on your
invention so you have it done when you return to school. Don’t forget,
the invention, log, and display board are all due on January 13th.
I hope you’re having fun completing your Holiday Grid! I’m looking forward to
receiving your letters and looking at your photos.


Keep reading,

Mr. Krupa
http://mrkrupafourthgrade.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Invention Congress - Commonly Asked Questions Over the Holiday Break

Inventors Congress Questions/Information:

1. Please do not stress or allow your child to stress over this project. It is supposed to be fun. We are not expecting or anticipating brand new, amazing inventions. Some of the best inventions have not cost a thing. I have had kids get good grades and their invention stopped working or didn’t work properly when it was at school. It’s about the process and not some big dazzling display.

2. Parents can definitely help and guide, but please don’t do it for your child. You can give ideas and use tools that kids are too young for, but please make sure they are with you throughout the process.

3. Posterboards can be purchased at school for $3.50 on December 22nd or after the break, or you can buy one or provide one on your own. A gate fold type poster board works best. There is not one specific look that it needs to have.

4. A parent packet has been sent home. Please familiarize yourself and your child with it.

5. The poster board format is in the parent packet. We would like the poster boards to look similar to those in regards to the way it is set up.

6. Grades are figured by using the poster board, speech and most importantly the log book. The log book tells the tale of how much effort a student has put into it. We don’t expect every single line to be filled out in the log book, but the large majority of it should be filled out. One or two sentences for each question just isn’t enough. Kids can skip around. I encourage kids to do a little bit each day.

7. A few log book questions usually give kids some problems. Page 1 is just asking kids problems they would like to solve. All inventions have solved a problem or made something easier. The invention your child picks is solving a problem. The 2nd part ( Another problem....) is a problem they would like to solve ( for example one little girl wanted to walk her dog at night. She went on to explain the problems). page 2 are the solutions or answers to the two on page one.

8. Poster board paragraphs should be a minimum of five sentences. The more details the better chance of a top quality project. These paragraphs need to be typed at home. If your child doesn’t have access to a computer they can write the paragraphs at home and we can find time for them to type the paragraphs at school.

9. Your child’s speech will be given the week of the Inventor’s Congress and we will discuss it with them more after break.

10. Getting an idea for an invention is often times the toughest part of Inventors Congress. Combining things that are already invented is often times the best way to go. The little girl mentioned earlier who wanted to walk her dog at night took a dog leash, some Christmas lights and found a way to make it battery powered. None of the things she used were new, but her idea was, and that was the important part. Another student had a Dad who was a poor putter in golf. The student took a putter, glued a mirror to the head of the putter, and a laser pointer to the shaft. The light in turn created a line where to hit the ball. Again, all of the items used were not new and were not invented by the student. One of the best inventions of all time was one of the most simple that I have seen. A student was tired of trying to get straight one dollar bills for the vending machine. He took an old cheese grater, and some tin foil and made an area between the foil and cheese grater that he could run the dollar through to straighten it. Simple, but brilliant. His speech was great with a wonderful poster board, paragraphs and log book.

11. We are asking that there be no recipes or games.

12. We need them to have a working model preferably. One student one year had a clay model of something that would take away world hunger. That’s a great idea in theory, and a bit unrealistic, but the problem was they couldn’t show us how it worked.

13. Failure is not a bad thing. All inventors fail.

14. Most important- Start early - watch for deadlines!!!

15. Important dates.
A. Invention proposals were due December 18th. If your child doesn’t have one by this date there still is time. Parents should check in with them to see what their plan is and where they are at.

B. Inventions, poster boards, log books are due at school January 13th

C. Inventors Congress is at school on Friday, January 22th with the time to be determined later.

If you have any other questions please let us know.

Thanks!

Example of the 'Purpose' and 'Improvement' Paragraphs

Purpose

The reason I chose to invent the “ Christmas LIght Keeper” was because I was getting frustrated with the Christmas LIghts. It was a week before Christmas and we had just got our tree. I had to get the lights untangled. I was getting so frustrated with the lights that I just had to quit. Then, I got the idea of inventing something to keep the lights from tangling. So then I discussed it with my mother and she said, “Okay”! So I then named it the “Christmas Light Keeper”. The purpose of my “Christmas LIght Keeper” is to save time, frustration, and money.



Improvement

My “Christmas Light Keeper” will improve life by saving families lots of time during a very important time of the year. You no longer have to get frustrated with untangling your lights. Putting your Christmas tree and lights up will be a lot more fun. “The Christmas Light Keeper” also improves life during the Christmas season because you will save more money on your lights since you no longer have to throw the old one away and buy new lights. That way you will have more money to spend in other ways.

Homework for the Holidays

Complete the creation of your invention.
Holiday Grid
Relax!!!

Holiday Grid - Optional - Earn Krupa bucks -Hard copies were given out on December 22nd.

Holiday Practice – Due January 5th – You may complete as many or as few of the tasks as you would like to do. A parent must initialize all completed cells and each activity must be completed by January 5th. Please make every attempt to bring the completed tasks to school so your teacher can marvel at your creativity and accomplishments!



Create a story using the same plot as the book, ‘Please, Is A Good Word to Use’. Create a sloppy copy and have someone edit it. Then develop the final draft.

Initials___________
Three tickets



Read a book to a child younger than yourself.






Initials___________
One Ticket


Complete the Multiplication packet and have someone correct it. Correct any and all errors.



Initials___________
One ticket



Read an AR book that is leveled within your reading range and pass the AR test with at least an 80 % accuracy level on January 5th.


One ticket per passed test.


Initials______________
One ticket




Write a letter to Mr. Krupa and send it to him in the mail so he can receive it on or before December 31.
PO Box 595
Saint Joseph, MN 56374

Initials_________
Ten tickets



Complete the Division packet and have someone correct it. Correct any and all errors.




Initials____________
Two tickets


Play a card game with another person. Write down the general rules of the game on a piece of paper.



Initials___________








Initials_______________
One ticket


Write a letter and send it to someone in your immediate family, a relative, a coach, or a neighbor thanking him or her for his or her kindness or thoughtfulness.

Initials____________
One ticket

Practice keyboarding by typing the alphabet five times on a keyboard/computer. Use home row, correct posture, and finger control!


Initials___________
One ticket


Watch the local or national news and summarize in your own words a story that was reported in the half hour segment.



Initials__________
One ticket



Write a holiday story. Create a sloppy copy and have someone edit it. Then complete the final draft. Must be at least a minimum of seventy-five words.





Initials___________________
Two tickets

Complete you Inventions Solve Problems packet

Initials
Six bucks






Initials_________
One ticket

Create a snow fort with at least three entries/exits. Create a flag to be placed on top of it. Either bring in the flag to show the class or take a picture of your fort with your flag on top of it and bring it to school on January 4th. Or e-mail it to your teacher.

Initials__________
Two tickets


Build a snowman and a snowwoman outside. Measure the height of each snowperson and list it on a sheet of paper in metric and standard measurement.
Ex.
Meters and centimeters.
Feet and inches

Initials__________
One ticket


Take the fourth grade quiz at http://www.schoolfamily.com/grade-4-curriculum-quiz

Discover why you may have missed any of the ten questions and then retake the quiz until you earn a score of 100%. Search the website and find other things to do and learn.





Initials_________________
One ticket
Rolling, Rolling, Rolling...Strike!!!


On Monday, December 21st, Pleasantview's entire fourth grade student body went bowling at the Great River Bowling Lanes in Sartell. This was a special event that was scheduled as a culminating activity to the bowling unit that they completed on Friday in their Physical Education classes. The students were treated to three games each, but very few students finished all three games, as there were periods of singing, dancing, and purchasing treats at the vending machines that added to the excitement. This event was a huge success as it was reported that many students bowled their highest score ever! Almost all of the students came back with the intent of asking their parents if they could spend an afternoon or evening bowling with their family members. Who knows, maybe there is a 300 game in someone's near future.

Rolling, Rolling, Rolling...STRIKE!!!

Monday, December 21, 2009

December 21, 2009


Dear Parent / Guardian,

This is an exciting week for our students! One of the many exciting events that are planned is an opportunity for the students to pick a movie to enjoy on Tuesday, December 22nd. We are going to transform our fourth grade classrooms into a Cinema complex entitled, PV IV. The four movie titles that will be playing are listed below. Please note that some of the movie choices are rated PG. If you would like your child not to view one of the PG rated movies, please instruct your child to make a G rated choice. Also, let us know your decision by placing your signature on the line provided below and circling the name of the G rated movie that they should attend. Thank you for your support!

Jingle All the Way PG Polar Express G

Home Alone 2 PG Snow Buddies G

Name of the student _______________________________________________________

Parent signature__________________________________________________________

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Display Boards

We have the cheapest display boards in town.....$3.50! Please consider making your purchase on Tuesday, December 22nd.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Enjoy the Weekend!!!

Due on Monday

White Elephant Sale - bring in your items and signed form

December Contract - To participate in the W.E.S. the contract needs to be completed.

Bowling on Monday - ask your parents if they would like to join us!

Secret, Secret.... do not tell anyone. Ice Cream Sundaes on Monday!!!





Print of this form, if you need another one.




White Elephant Sale





Dear Parent / Guardian,

Exciting News!!! We will be having a White Elephant Sale on December 21 and 22.
If your son or daughter would like to participate in our sale they will need to have completed their December Reading Contract, bring in no more than four items to sell, and return this signed form.

Enjoy the Holidays,


Mr. Krupa


________Yes, my child __________________________may participate in this sale

and sell the items that they have listed below.


________ No, my child, ___________________________, may not participate.





Items that will be sold:

_________________________ ___________________________________


_________________________ ___________________________________




Parent Signature__________________________

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Things to Remember

The Reading Contract is due next week.
Your Invention Proposal is due on Friday.
The White Elephant Sale is begins on Monday.
Bowling on Monday.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Just a reminder that the December Reading Contract deadline is fast approaching. Also, four students have not turned in their bowling permission slip and the Invention Proposal slip needs to be turned in to receive the Invention Log. Looking orward to seeing all of the creative ideas!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Good questios to ask your child...

When can you bring in an example of an airplane? How many Reading Minutes do you need for this month? How do you round 12,643,511 to the nearest million? Hundred Thousand? Thousand? Hundred? Place these numbers in descending order;

12,435,567
12,654,555
12,653,888
12,453,567


Place these numbers in ascending order:

21,595,765
21,595,675
12,674,675
21,600,230

4 * 9 =
40 * 9 =
400 * 9 =
40 *90 =

______________* 6= 180


Greater than or less than

12,345, 678 ___________ 12.345, 786

1,345,987 _____________13,345,986


When is your Invention Proposal due? Answer: Friday


Spell: next, complete, again, special, early, certain.

Have you shared your Winter Poem?

We go to the 3rd Grade School Store on Thursday. Most items range in price from .50 to $2.00
The money raised is sent to the Toys For Tots organization.

Bowling Permission slips were due today.

Bug List

Thursday, Monday, and Tuesday (Today) we discussed problems that needed to be solved. Here is a portion of our list.


Can't find a pair of matching socks
Losing lego peices
Losing barbie shoes and earings
Something that can reach high places
When going on vacation and pack to much stuff in suitcase
Having to do the dishes
when desk slams
When desks and lockers aren't big enough
Light being too bright in the morning
Cabinets are too high
When birdies fly into your window in the summer
Your sister bites you when you don't get of the computer
When the trash can gets too full and you have too sit on it too smash it down
Can't find keys
When you are too cold when getting out of the shower
Stepping on cords
Cold when getting out o bed
When my cat wines to go outside
When having too clean someones mess up
Cant find certain stuffed animals

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Inventions

Check out the invention websites listed under 'Favorite Websites'. Which one will you share on our bulletin board?

BOOK List

Here is a list of the book that your child is currently reading.

Student 1 -B.B. - Nancy Drew - WEREWOLF IN A WINTER WONDERLAND

Student 2 -A. B.-THE CLUE ON THE CRYSTAL DOVE

Student 3 -T. C. _MAGIC TREEHOUSE BOOK

Student 4 - A. E. -SWINDLE

Student 5 -K. F. -JUDY MOODY THE DOCTOR IS IN

Student 6 - J. F.- KATY KAZOO OH BABY

Student 7 -R. G. -THE DAY OF THE DRAGON KING

Student 8 E. H. -THE CALL OF THE WILD

Student 9 -J. H.-HORRIBLE HARRY AND THE GREEN SLIM

Student 10 -D. H. - HORRIBLE HARRY

Student 11-J. K. - UNDECIDED

Student 12 -R. K. - FIVE CREATURES

Student 13 -L. K. - AUSTERE ACADEMY

Student 14 -M. K.- SWINDLE

Student 15 - C. K. - LEEPIKE RIDGE

Student 16 - R. L - HARRY POTTER

Student 17 - B. M. - ZIPPIDY ZINGER

Student 18 - R. M. - JACK ON THE TRACKS

Student 19 - N. M. - HOOT

Student 20 - J. O. S. - EXTREME BMX

Student 21 - J. P. - MEET KAYA

Student 22 - A. R. - DAY OF THE DRAGON KINGl

Student 23 - C. R. SUPER FUDGE

Student 24 B.S. JOURNAL OF THE JEHIDIAN BARSTOW

Student 25 - A. S. SOUNDER

Student 26 - C. S. - FUDGEMANIA

Student 27 - L. S. - ABSENT

Student 28 - B. S. - CAN I GO BACK TO MY DESK...HUH? UNDECIDED

Student 29 - A. S. - ABSENT

Student 30 - A. S. SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Upcoming Events- Questions to ask...

Swimming/Movie/Reading AR Reward on December 9th
Seating auction on December 10th
Hat day on December 11th to celebrate the discovery of the South Pole
Wright Brothers Anniversary on December 17th - Bring in a model plane or picture of one
Invention Proposal due and Career Day on December 18th
White Elephant Sale, Crossword Puzzle Day, and Bowling on December 21st

What is the rule for dividing words into syllables that end with -le? Example: bubble, trouble, puddle, jingle, mingle, paddle, and bottle. Answer: Cross out the silent 'e' and count back three. When will you be sharing your poem? When is your bowling permission slip due?


Enjoy the snow!!!


P.S. If you're going swimming.... bring a hat to wear afterwards.... it's going to be cold outside!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Things to be thinking about...

You should be putting your final touches on our Personal Narrative assignment. It is due on Tuesday. Be thinking about what you are going to sell at the W.E.S. Be thinking of things that are problems and what you could invent to fix them. Locate your swimming suit.


Enjoy the clean sidewalks while you can.... the snow is coming!!!


Try these...

34
.23
x_______



3.5
1.5
x________

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Good questions to ask your child...

Here are a few multiplication questions that we have been working on. Please make up a few of your own to answer. Why should you keep your columns straight? What does a zero with an 'X' in it represent?


45
32
x________


345
32
x______




345
132
x________


Just a few division problems to be attempting. What does DMSB mean? Why is important to keep your hallways straight? Why is it important to complete the 'basement' on all division problems, even the small ones?


7 / 7 =

77 / 7 =

777 / 7 =

77714 / 7 =



How about....


8 / 7 =


9 / 7=


12 / 7 =


Practice your poem and enjoy the day off!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Good questions to ask your child...

What would be the cause or need for creating a wooden hanger? A wire hanger? What changes could you make to a wire or wood hanger that would improve it? Take a guess to who you think invented the wooden hanger?


What items need to be signed and returned to school?


Name six events that the Social Committee has planned for our classroom this month...use your agenda if necessary.

Juice form and money are due on Thursday.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Good questions to ask your child...

The December Reading Contract was distributed and discussed today! Ask your child to share the contract's contents with you. Also, ask him or her about the poem that they have chosen to memorize and share.

Our Social Committee has chosen several events to celebrate this month. The first event is the celebration of National Cookie Day. Each student may bring in a purchased and wrapped cookie for each class member. Additional events have selected and more information will be shared by the committee on Wednesday. Look for the dates in your child's agenda.

What day this week is school not is session? Answer: Friday- Teacher Inservice

December Reading Contract websites are available under the heading, 'Favorite Websites'.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Good questions to ask your child...

When is the last day to take an AR Quiz? Answer: Thursday

What is one thing you have for homework? Answer: Invention Packet needs to be signed and returned by Thursday. It will be returned to the student.

Snack Orders are due on December 1st.

Second Chance!!!

Our PV T-Shirts and Sweatshirts were such a success that we are offering to our students a quick reorder window. If you would like to place an order please print off this e-mail and submit it to the PV office along with payment by the end of the day on Thursday, Dec. 3rd.


Student's Name:_____________________________________________________________

Teacher Name:______________________________________________________________

T-Shirts: Short Sleeve Youth M________ L_________
$8.00 Adult S________ M________ L_________ XL________
Adult XXL (+$1.00)___________

Long Sleeve Youth M________ L_________
$10.00 Adult S________ M________ L_________ XL________
Adult XXL (+$1.00)___________

Sweatshirts: Hooded Youth M_________ L_________
$20.00 Adult S________ M_________ L_________ XL________
Adult XXL (+$1.00)___________

Lace Up Hooded Youth (Youth Sizes not available)
$28.00 Adult XS _______S________ M_________ L_________ XL________
Adult XXL (+$1.00)___________

IF IN DOUBT ABOUT SIZING, ORDER THE LARGER OF THE SIZES- SHIRTS RUN SLIGHTLY SMALL.

Total Amount of Check Received:$_____________ Check Number __________

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Good questions to ask your child...

Your Reading Minutes are due on Wednesday, how many minutes have your accumulated? Have I ( parent of student) signed all of your minutes? How many minutes do you need for the month of November? (270 minutes) Your November Reading Contract is due on Wednesday, have I (parent of student) signed your reading contract?
Your November notebook quiz is on Wednesday, are you prepared?


I love to correct perfect, or nearly perfect, papers!!!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Good Questions to ask your child...

What had Joel never noticed about Tony before as stated in the second paragraph of Chapter Four?

What did Joel first think was the reason he couldn't find Tony?

Was Tony a good swimmer? Explain your answer.


Finish coloring and/or gluing your art project at home. We will be spray painting on Tuesday and Wednesday.

See you on Tuesday!

P.S. The November Reading Contract has an entry that mentions "Math Facts objective", it refers to objective 2f Multiplication Facts under Number Sense. Sorry if this caused any confusion and I hope this clarifies the task.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Book List - Last Day to take an AR test is Dec. 3rd.

Here is a list of the book that your child is currently reading.

Student 1 Nancy Drew - Clues Challenge x met goal

Student 2 Case of the Creative Crime x met goal

Student 3 Absent

Student 4 Absent

Student 5 Mercy Watson Not met goal

Student 6 Last Best Friend X Not met goal yet

Student 7 George Washington x met goal

Student 8 Magic Tree House Book x Not met goal

Student 9 Lions At Lunchtime x Not met goal yet

Student 10 Horrible Harry x met goal

Student 11 Junie B. Jones x met goal

Student 12 Miserable Mill x met goal

Student 13 x met goal

Student 14 Star Wars Met goal

Student 15 Champ X met goal

Student 16 Amber Brown x met goal

Student 17 Jack on the Tracks x met goal

Student 18 Thing About Georgie x met goal

Student 19 Dolphins At Day Break x Not met goal

Student 20 No Boys Allowed x met goal

Student 21 Polar Bears met goal?

Student 22 Needs to find a book x met goal

Student 23 NIghtmare at.... x Not met goal yet

Student 24 Swindle x not met goal yet

Student 25 Knights of the Lunch Table x Not yet

Student 26 Absent

Student 27 Sometimes x met goal

Student 28 ...Junie B. Jones x not met goal yet

Student 29 Series of Unfortunate Events x met goal

Student 30 Mystery Girl x Not yet

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Homework

Locating Information packet (Blue Jeans).

Be thinking of your topic for your Personal Narrative.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Good questions to ask your child...

We are beginning our personal narrative writing assignment on Thursday. The kids should begin thinking about their topic and narrowing it to a single incident or situation. Here are ten suggestions to 'get the ball rolling'.

1. [Lightbulb Moment] Think of an experience when you realized that you suddenly understood an idea, a skill, or a concept you had been struggling with -- it might be something related to a class that you took or a specific athletic skill you were trying to perfect. For instance, you might think about trying to understand how to identify iambic pentameter in a poem or how to complete a Taylor Series problem in your Calculus class. Or you might consider trying to perfect your free throws and suddenly understanding how your follow-through was affecting your success. Write a narrative that tells the story of your movement toward understanding. How did you finally come to understand? What changed your perceptions and gave you a new understanding? Your paper should help readers understand how you felt to struggle with the idea or skill and then to understand.

 
2. [Being Unprepared] Because you have been sick, out of town, busy at work, or working on other homework, you didn't have as much time to study for an important test as you needed.  Everyone going to school has been in this situation.  Think of a specific test that you took that you felt unprepared for and narrate the events.  Tell your readers about the preparation that you were able to do, the reasons that you didn't get to prepare as well as you wanted, taking the test, and any significant events that happened after you took the test.  Your paper should help readers understand what it felt like to be unprepared.
 

 
3. [Early Childhood Event] Choose a vivid time from your early childhood -- You might think of the first time that you rode a school bus, or a time when you went to the principal's office, the first A you earned on a test or paper, earning money to buy something that you really wanted, and so on.  Narrate the events related to the childhood memory that you've chosen so that your readers will understand why the event was important and memorable.
 
 
4. [Achieving a Goal] Think of a time when you achieved a personal goal -- you might have finally completed a job, made a goal, or you might have learned how to use a piece of software or made it to a new level on an XBox game  Tell your readers about the story of how you met your goal.  Be sure that your readers understand why the goal is important to you.
 
5. [The Good and the Bad]  Think about an event in your life that seemed bad but turned out to be good.  Maybe you got injured and while you were waiting for your broken leg to heal, you learned how to use a computer, microwave, or found the remote.  What makes the event change from bad to good may be something that you learned as a result, something that you did differently as a result, or something that happened that wouldn't have occurred otherwise.  Tell the story of the event that you experienced and help your readers understand how an event that seemed negative turned out to have valuable consequences.

 
6. [Being a Teacher]  Teaching someone else how to do something can be rewarding.  Think of a skill that you've taught someone else how to do. Perhaps you taught someone else how to swim, showed someone how to bake a souffle, or helped someone learn how to study more effectively.  Think about the events that made up the process of teaching the skill, and narrate the story for your readers.
 
7. [Changing Places]  Every place has things that change -- sometimes as the result of economics, sometimes because different people are involved, and sometimes for no clear reason that you know about.  Think of a change to a place that you know well.  Perhaps the local grocery store you grew up with as Smith and Bros. Grocery was bought out by a regional chain like Cash Wise or Corborns.  Maybe the First National Bank of Smithburg suddenly becomes NationsBank.  Perhaps the change was more personal -- an older sibling moves out of the house and your family changes the room to a guest room or an office.  Think of a specific change and narrate the events that occurred.  Readers should know the details of the change, and they should know how you feel about the changes that occurred.
 
8. [Personal Rituals]  Describe a personal ritual that you, your friends, or your family have.  Think about the personal steps that you always go through when you prepare for an test or complete a project.  Do you sit at a desk, spread books and notes across your bed, or use the kitchen table?  Do you have to have something to drink...soda, water, jolt?  There are numerous things that we do for which we create our own personal rituals.  Choose one event -- studying for a test, writing a paper, dressing and warming up before a game, or preparing and having a special family meal.  Narrate the events that take place when you complete your ritual so that your readers understand the steps that the ritual includes and why you complete them.
 
9. [Standing Up]  Choose a time when you did something that took a lot of nerve, a time when you didn't follow the crowd or a time when you stood up for your beliefs.  Perhaps your friends were urging you to do something that you were uncomfortable with and you chose not to cave into peer pressure.  Maybe you took a stance on a political issue that was important in your community, or you might have stood up to a bully.  Whatever you choose, think about the details of the event and write a story that tells about what happened. Your narrative should show your readers why you decided to make a stand or try something that took nerve, give specifics on the events, and share how you felt after the event.
 
10. [Disagreeing]  Think of a time when you disagreed with a decision that had been made and did something about it.  The decision might have been made by someone you know personally -- your local Dairy Queen raised its prices, the local grocery store quit caring your favorite cereal, or an older family member decides to cancel a subscription to a magazine that
you liked to read.   You might have responded by discussing your concerns with your principal or dean, or you might have decided to get a part-time job to earn enough money to buy the magazine yourself.  Or the decision could have been made by someone you never met -- perhaps your school board decided to change the lines in your school district so that you would have to go to a different school, or your state legislature has passed a bill that you disagreed with.  Your response might have been to write a letter to the editor, to your state representative, or to the school board.  Whatever happened, your job is to write a paper that narrates the events that occurred -- from the decision that was made to your response.  Be sure that your paper gives enough details that your readers understand why you disagreed with the decision and why you felt that your response was appropriate.

11. Your own idea. Let's write about it on Thursday!!!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Good questions to ask your child...

When is the Snack Form due? Answer: Dec. 1st What is the cost?

When is the Juice Form due? Answer: Dec. 3rd What is the cost?

What papers do you need to get signed and returned to earn extra
Krupa Dollars?


Next week, which days are school not in session?

Monday, November 16, 2009

Good questions to ask your child...

Identify three words that use the 'ea' spelling pronounced as a long 'e'.


Identify three words that use the 'ea' spelling pronounced with a short 'e'.


Identify two words that use the 'ea' spelling pronounced with the long 'a' sound.


Have you earned nine AR points?


How many reading minutes have you accumulated for the month of November.


On My Honor - Chapter Two

What did Tony want to do instead of going to Starved Rock?


Why did Joel feel betrayed by his father?


What is the description of the Vermillion River?


What was Tony's nickname for the river?


See you on Tuesday!!!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Five Elements of a Presentation

Pace

Too Fast Too Slow Just Right

-Paused at commas Stopped at periods Break at the end of Paragraphs-




Poise

Too much movement Too little movement (stiff) Just right

-Rocking Twisting arm Moving head Swinging leg-




Fluency

Too many mistakes Too monotone Just right

-Lots of stuttering Breaks in the middle of sentence Run on-



Eye Contact

Didn’t look up Looked up and lost their place often Just right



Voice Tone

Too soft Too loud Just right

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Homework for Tonight

Finish reading Chapter One of On My Honor.


Good questions to ask you child....


What does it mean when Joel thinks to himself, "To win this argument would be to lose?"


Which boy is the more responsible one, Tony or Joel?


What does the phrase "on my honor" mean?


What was Joel's plan to get out of Tony's wild idea of climbing the bluffs? Did his plan work?


Happy reading!!!

Return Your Signed Math Unit 3 Test for Five Krupa Dollars

Remember to correct your errors and return it on or before Friday, November 13th.

Return your signed and corrected Antonyms, Synonyms and Homonyms page for two Krupa dollars.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Good questions to ask your child...

Covert 1/2 to a decimal and a percent. What do 7/14, 3/6, and 10/20 have in common with 1/2?

What is a repeating decimal? What does it have in common with 2/3? Covert 2/3 to a decimal and a percent. You may use a calculator, if needed.

How do you properly say the following decimals?


.4

.40

.35

.20

.2

.3

.35

Bonus

.345



Put these decimals in descending order.


.3, .34, .32, .35



.29, .19, 39, 09


What does the prefix re- mean? List four words that begin with the prefix re-?



What does the prefix mis- mean? List four words that begin with the prefix mis-?



What does the prefix non- mean? List two words that begin with the prefix non-?



Have a wonderful evening!

Reminder

Picture retakes will take place tomorrow morning (November 11) starting at 8 am.

If your student was absent on October 7th, they will need to have their picture taken tomorrow. If you would like to order pictures, we have order forms in the office. The order form must go to the camera with your student. Even if they are not ordering we need them to have their picture taken for the yearbook etc.

If you ordered a package on Oct. 7th and were not happy with the pictures, your student can have their picture retaken, but they must bring the picture package with them to the camera.

If you have any questions, please let me know and I would be happy to help.



Ellen Fuller

Monday, November 9, 2009

Good questions to ask your child...

In a fraction, which digit is the numerator? Which is the denominator? Covert .25 to a percent. Write one half as a decimal.
Veteran's Day essays are due on Tuesday, may I edit your essay?

Friday, November 6, 2009

Good questions to ask your child...

Is your Logic Problem on display in the classroom? How far are you on your Veteran's Day Essay (sloppy copy is due on Monday).

Good questions to ask your child...

Who are veterans? What have Veterans done? Why should we honor veterans? Let's say that Fred wanted to make three chains and he knew that it took 50 beads of each color to make a single chain. He also knew that he currently only had 34 red beads, 47 blue beads, and 24 yellow beads. How many more beads would he need to make the three chains?

Hint: 150 beads are needed to make one chain.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Here is a list of the book that your child is currently reading.

Student 1 Nancy Drew - Clue on the Crystal Dove

Student 2 The Thing About Georgie

Student 3 Small Steps

Student 4 Champ

Student 5 Buster and Phoebe

Student 6 Emmy and the incredible shrinking rat

Student 7 George Washington

Student 8 Katie Kazoo - Oh Baby

Student 9 Absent

Student 10 B. Bears Trouble with Money

Student 11 Animal Babies

Student 12 Swindle

Student 13 Leepike Ridge

Student 14 Homework Machine

Student 15 The Giver

Student 16 Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Student 17 Dear Dragon

Student 18 10 Ways to Make My Sister Disappear

Student 19 Champ

Student 20 Magic tree house

Student 21 Don't Take Your Snake for a Stroll

Student 22 The Good Dog

Student 23 The Secrets of Drew

Student 24 Swindle

Student 25 Olivia

Student 26 Katie Kazoo Bad Rap

Student 27 Sometimes Things Change

Student 28 ...At this Address

Student 29 Hoot

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Good questions to ask your child...

Beginning on the left side of the keyboard, what letters are considered to be 'home row'? How were the numbers zero thru nine represented in our ESP lesson? List the multiples of 6 , 7, and 8.

Enjoy!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Picture retakes will be in the gym, on Wednesday, Nov. 11th starting at 8 am.


For students who need retakes and are ordering must bring their picture package with them on Nov. 11th to the camera. Picture packages are available in the office. Students that are not ordering still need to have their picture taken.

We will call students down by grade level starting at 8:00 am

If you have questions, please let me know. Thanks.

Ellen Fuller
Pleasantview Elementary School

October and November Newsletters

The Pleasantview October Newsletter has been posted tot he web site:

Please go to www.isd47.org to view this newsletter

Click on Calenders/news
Click on Bluilding newsletters
Click on Pleasantview
Click on Nov 2009

Mr. Krupa will be absent on Tuesday, November 3rd - I'm attending an all day workshop. See you on Wednesday!!!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Good questions to ask your child...

What are three conjunctions that we talked about today? Create two simple sentences that can be combined to make a compound sentence. Does the conjunction go before or after comma? What will you wear for red, white, and blue day? What would be a good goal for you to set for the remainder of the trimester? When is the next two hour late start? Homework tonight: Rule 4.


Enjoy the evening!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Login for Study Island

Grade 4

Username = srrpv followed by the first 5 letters of your last name and the first 3 letters
of your first name (example: Thomas Jefferson's username would be
srrpvjeffetho)

Grade 4 Password Password = srr


Enjoy the long weekend!

American Spirit Concert at SCSU

Pay tribute to our veterans of the Armed Services at the “American Spirit” concert at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, in the Ritsche Auditorium, Stewart

Details are listed under "Favorite Websites" Click on American Spirit Concert

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Here is a list of the book that your child is currently reading.

Student 1 Nancy Drew

Student 2 Rules

Student 3 Ghost Town at Sundown

Student 4 Champ

Student 5 Fudge A - Mania

Student 6 Testing Today - reading Cam Jansen and the Mystery of Flight 54

Student 7 George Washington

Student 8 Katie Kazoo - Oh Baby

Student 9 Absent

Student 10 B. Bears Trouble with Money

Student 11 Animal Babies

Student 12 Swindle

Student 13 Leepike Ridge

Student 14 Homework Machine

Student 15 The Giver

Student 16 Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Student 17 Dear Dragon

Student 18 10 Ways to Make My Sister Disappear

Student 19 Champ

Student 20 The Maze of Bones

Student 21 Don't Take Your Snake for a Stroll

Student 22 The Good Dog

Student 23 The Secrets of Drew

Student 24 Swindle

Student 25 Olivia

Student 26 Katie Kazoo Bad Rap

Student 27 Sometimes Things Change

Student 28 ...At this Address

Student 29 Hoot

Monday, October 26, 2009

Conference Schedule

Monday

4 PM Student 27
4:20 Student 14
4:40 Student 1
5 PM Student 22
5:20 Student 21
5:40 Student 25
6:20 Student 16
7 PM Student 17
7:20 Student 8
7:40 Student 6


Thursday

4:20 Student 9
4:40 Student 24
5 PM Student 3
5:20 Student 11
5:40 Student 12
6:20 Student 19
6:40 Student 4
7 PM Appt.
7:20 Student 2
7:40 Student 20


Friday
7 AM Student 18
7:20 Student 10
7:40 Student 29
8:40 Student 15
9:00 Student 23
9:20 Student 13
10 AM Student 28
11:20 Student 26
12:30 Mr. Krupa appt.
1:20 PM Student 5

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Reading Minutes

This weekend would be a good time for your child to total their Reading Minutes for October. The Reading Minute goal is due on Thursday and each day's total needs to be signed by a parent. Thanks!!!

Accelerated Reading Results

The AR scores were printed off and sent home on Friday. The AR goal for October is 3 points and 9 points are needed for the first trimester. Please look over your child's scores and sign their AR score sheet. The signed sheets are due on Tuesday. Enjoy your success!!!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Good questions to ask your child...

Name the three biomes found in Minnesota. List several things that help us identify each biome.

List the seven continents (Remember: N, S, E, 4 A's). List the four oceans.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Field Trip to St. Johns

Remember to turn in your permission slip and eight dollars ASAP. Our substitute teacher reported that only sixteen students have turned in both their permission slip and money for the field trip. Remember that it was due on the 20th. Also, dress for the weather, as we will be outside for 90% of the time. Check out weather.com (under 'Favorites') for the lastest weather update. Try clicking on 'Radar Map', then 'Future' .... cool stuff!


Bring a bag lunch and beverage, too!

Monday, October 19, 2009

All is Well!

My wife and I are pleased to announce that we had a baby boy over the MEA Break! Equally exciting, is the fact that almost all of our family members have either overcome the flu or are on the backside of its fury! Only one hasn't had it ...yet... and two (including myself) seem to be coming out of the last of it! I will be with my family thru Wednesday. I will be checking my e-mails. Hope to see everyone happy and healthy on Thursday!

Homework Assignment: Stay Well,


Mr. Krupa

Monday, October 12, 2009

AR Book Choices

Total AR points, so far..... remember our goal is nine points for the trimester and three points for the month of October (3 points must be earned in October, even if you already earned your 9 point goal in September)

Student 1 15 pts. The Thing About Georgie

Student 2 9 pts. The Year of The Dog

Student 3 5.4 pts. absent

Student 4 5.4 pts. Dog Watch

Student 5 1.5 pts. Fudge A Mania

Student 6 .9 pts. Katie Kazoo

Student 7 7.6 pts. Magic Tree House

Student 8 4.5 ponts Anyway You Slice It

Student 9 5.2 pts The Good Dog

Student 10 5.5 pts. B. Bears

Student 11 3.6 pts. Not I, Not I


Student 12 7.2 pts. The Night I Flunked My Field Trip

Student 13 Made goal Leep Pike Ridge

Student 14 5.6 pts. Mystery In the Sand

Student 15 12.0 pts. Inkheart

Student 16 10.6 pts. The Year Of the Dog

Student 17 9.3 pts. Absent

Student 18 4.6 pts. Katie Kazoo

Student 19 3.6 pts. Absent

Student 20 10. pts. Blister

Student 21 3.7 pts. Honey, Honey Lion

Student 22 4.0 pts. Testing today

Student 23 4.0 pts. The Giver

Student 24 3.2 pts Dog Watch

Student 25 4.0 Judy Moody The Doctor is In

Student 26 7.6 pts. The Homework Machine

Student 27 5.1 pts Dragon Wars

Student 28 3.2 pts. absent

Student 29 4.1 pts Hoot

Student 30 7.8 pts. The Homework Machine


Read, read, read!!!

Grand Reopening!!!

On Monday, October 19th the Back Safety Zone will reopen for drop off and pick up of students. Buses will return to the front of the building in the Bus Chute by Door #1. Car traffic will no longer be allowed in this area. Parking in that area is for staff only. If you would like to park and bring your child into the building, please park in the lot off of the playground or in the back parking lot.

Please watch for flyers coming home with your youngest child explaining this further.

We appreciate all of your help and patience this fall as we have worked around the road construction.




Good questions to ask your child...

What is the zetabet? Can you say the zetabet?

The main character uses sarcasm to answer Jaime’s statement about where you should be in a thunderstorm. He states, “Oh, sure. Just snap your fingers and your chauffeur will appear.” Describe a time when you used or heard a sarcastic remark. Put the sarcastic comment in quotes. How did this comment make you feel?

How would you have responded when Jamie climbed in the car beside the driver and hoisted Martha to his knees. Would you have let your sister and your friend get in the car with a stranger? Explain

Jamie tells the author’s mom that the driver was Ed Chambers before the author can answer his mother. What does this tell you about Jamie? How would this make you feel?

Who tells Jaime to quit messing with the bees? Why does she say this? How does Jamie respond to her directive?

What do you think the doctor will give Jamie to make him feel better?

What is 6 * 9 = _________ What is 60 * 9=________
What is 60 * 90=________
What is 600 * 90=________
What is 6,000 * 90=________
What is 6,000 * 900=________


Enjoy the snow!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Homophones and Homographs Defined

What are homophones (a/k/a/ homonyms)?

Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings (ate and eight, for example). It is important for our students to be able to use the correct word in their writing!

What are homographs?

Homographs are words that share the same spelling but have different meanings (bow and bow, read and read). When spoken, the meanings may be distinguished by different pronunciations. It is important that students be able to use the correct pronunciation in their speaking.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Results of our last poll

HERE'S AN INTERESTING ARTICLE TO READ. COPY AND PASTE THIS WEB ADDRESS TO YOUR COMPUTER AND VOTE ON THE FOLLOWING QUESTION. HTTP://WWW.TIMEFORKIDS.COM/TFK/TEACHERS/WR/ARTICLE/0,27972,1927629,00.HTML HOW MUCH OF THE TREASURE WOULD YOU SELL?

As soon as I could, I would sell all of it.
1 (8%)

I would sell half of it now and wait a few years and sell the rest.
1 (8%)

I would keep it all for myself
2 (16%)

I would sell pieces of it over a five to ten year period.
1 (8%)

I would definitely keep a few pieces for myself and sell the rest within a year
5 (41%)

other
2 (16%)

Homework Tonight- Thursday

Read Chapter 2 in TOB and finish your Zoom Book.


Good questions to ask your child....

Explain how to find the median, mode, and range within a group of data?

Practice borrowing within a two, three, and four digit subtraction problem. Examples: 1,234 minus 1,045=

34 - 18 =
456 -378 =

Give me an example of a homograph?


Good luck on Friday's Math test!!!

AR Totals (as of 10 - 9 -09)

Total AR points, so far..... remember our goal is nine points for the trimester and three points for the month of October (3 points must be earned in October, even if you alreaedy earned your 9 point goal in September)

Student 1 15 pts.

Student 2 9 pts.

Student 3 5.4 pts.

Student 4 5.4 pts.

Student 5 1.5 pts.

Student 6 .9 pts.

Student 7 7.6 pts.

Student 8 4.5

Student 9 5.2 pts

Student 10 5.5 pts.

Student 11 3.6 pts.


Student 12 7.2 pts.

Student 13 Made goal

Student 14 5.6 pts.

Student 15 12.0 pts.

Student 16 10.6 pts.

Student 17 9.3 pts.

Student 18 4.6 pts.

Student 19 3.6 pts.

Student 20 10. pts.

Student 21 3.7 pts.

Student 22 4.0 pts.

Student 23 4.0 pts.

Student 24 3.2 pts

Student 25 4.0

Student 26 7.6 pts.

Student 27 5.1 pts

Student 28 3.2 pts.

Student 29 4.1 pts

Student 30 7.8 pts.


Read, read, read!!!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Questions to Ask Your Child Tonight

From Chapter One of A Taste Of Blackberries (TOB)...


What does snitch mean? What does aggravated mean? What does crimson mean?


Describe what the main character means when he states, “for my best friend he surely did aggravate me sometimes”.


The books states that , “Jamie’s face was crimson.” What does crimson mean and why was his face crimson?


Would you have crossed the fence to snitch some apples? Why or why not?


List one or two of your friends that you think would have chosen not to steal the apples and explain why you think they would have made that choice.


List one or two people that you know who you think would have made the choice that Jamie made and stolen the apples. Why do you think they would have made that choice?


The main character states,” I knew I could get the kids to help anyone else. But Mrs. Houser?” Why do you think the main character is going to have a tough time convincing people to help Mrs. Houser?

Why is it always a good idea to ask before you enter?

Check out these websites for interesting "apple facts".

http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-apples.html

http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/20-facts-about-apples.html

Field Trip!!! Slips went home on Monday. You may print this one if needed.

Fourth Grade is going on a Fieldtrip!
Dear fourth grade families,
We will be going on our first fieldtrip of the year on Thursday, October 22nd!! We will be traveling to the St. John’s University Arboretum to learn about nature and Minnesota Biomes and then to the challenge course for fun team building activities!! This will be an all day event so please have your child bring a bag lunch. The cost is $8.00 per student (Checks can be made payable to Pleasantview Elementary). Each fourth grade class can also take 2 parent chaperones, so let us know if you would be interested in coming along!
**Please sign permission below and return to school with payment by Tuesday, October 20th.

Thank you,
Miss Kurowski, Mrs. Arndt, Mrs. Hopper, Mrs. Burski and Mr. Krupa
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Student _______________________ I would be interested in being a chaperone

Parent Signature _____________________________ Number to be reached _______________________

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Monday, October 5, 2009

Good questions to ask your child...

When is your spelling parent letter due (purple sheet)? What happend to Scotty Skull this week? What is your idea for your milk carton computer? What is this month's home responsibility contribution effort? Hint: TOT. What do you think will be the final score of the Vikings game tonight? When is the field trip permission slip due? Have a wonderful evening!

We are currently enjoying these wonderful books!

Here is a list of the book that your child is currently reading.

Student 1 Clementine

Student 2 Year of the Dog

Student 3 Dolphins at Day Break

Student 4 The Dog Watch

Student 5 Fudge a Mania

Student 6 Kathy Kazzo Open Wide

Student 7 testing Today (Vacation Under the Volcano)

Student 8 Ralph S. Mouse

Student 9 Double Fudge

Student 10 Testing Today Checked out going to the doctor

Student 11 Into the Land of the Lost

Student 12 Zipity Zinger (absent)

Student 13 The Liberation of Gabriel King

Student 14 Mystery in the Sand

Student 15 Inkheart

Student 16 Holy Enchilada

Student 17 Big Egg

Student 18

Student 19 (Left book at home) Need to test on it

Student 20 Help! I'm a Prisoner in the LIbrary

Student 21 Honey, Honey Lion

Student 22 Double Fudge (absent)

Student 23 Journal of Scott P. Testing today

Student 24 Dog Watch

Student 25 Shelia the Great

Student 26 The HOmework Machine

Student 27 Leepike Ridge (score?) The Dragon Wars

Student 28 Halfway to the Sky

Student 29 Hoot

Student 30 The Homework Machine

Friday, October 2, 2009

Friday

Good questions to ask your child... When do you want me to look over your October Reading Contract and sign it? When are school pictures going to be taken? How's your Zoom book coming along? When is the Zoom book due?


Enjoy the weekend!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Social Committee Decisions

Our class Social Commmittee met today and made the following decisions. We will have Hoodie Day on Wednesday, October 14th. All students are asked to wear a sweatshirt with a hood on this day. We will wear green or pink on October 22nd. Girls will wear pink and boys will wear green for our field trip. More information will be coming out about the field trip, soon. We will have a White Elephant Auction on November 3rd. More information will be coming out, soon. Save your Krupa Dollars!!!




Good questions to ask your child...... Is your math packet completed? What were some of the differences between the NOTT book and the movie? Which did you enjoy more, the movie or the book? What was your favorite part of the book? Which was your least favorite part? If you could change one thing about the book, what would you change? If you could ask the author one question about the book, what would you ask? How do you think the author would answer that question?

I've set up an educational link for more information on tornado activity under our Favorite Websites section of this Blog. It's entitled, Tornado Tour. An interest in weather could lead to what type of job occupations? Enjoy your discoveries!!! Or copy / paste the address below in your web address bar


http://www.tramline.com/tours/sci/tornado/_tourlaunch1.htm I would suggest reading the FAQ page. Interesting thoughts, information, and advice!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Good evening!

Good questions to ask your fourth grader.... What is a line plot? What is your idea for your Zoom book? What are the requirements for the Zoom book? What were some of the questions on the September Notebook test? Keep working on your Math Packet!!!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

End of the Month Reminders

A few things to remember as we approach the last day of the month.

The September Reading Contract is due on Wednesday. Remember to met the objectives each student needs to have taken the Night of the Twisters AR test and an AR test on an additional book. Each student needs to have completed, at least, four of the tasks on the back of the September Reading Contract. Each students needs to have accumulated 180 reading minutes. These minutes need to be signed by an adult.

If students are participating in the Design a Krupa Dollar Contest, they need to have their entry turned in on Friday. Good luck!

If students are completing a job application for the opportunity to become our Kids' Council Representative, they should have their application turned in on Thursday.

We have a spelling test on Wednesday. Ask your child to list and spell words that follow the long 'o' patterns of ow, oa, o-consonant-e, long 'o' at the end of a syllable, and 'old'.

Double check your September notebook for legibility and accuracy, as we have an open notebook test on Wednesday.


Enjoy the success of your hard work!!!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Current AR Reading List

Here is a list of the book that your child is currently reading.

Student 1 Clementine

Student 2 Year of the Dog

Student 3 Dave the Dragon King

Student 4 Dog Watch

Student 5 Junie B. The First Grader

Student 6 Welcome to Zanzibar Road

Student 7 Twister on Tuesday- passed

Student 8

Student 9 Double Fudge

Student 10

Student 11 Into the Land of the Lost

Student 12 Zipity Zinger

Student 13 Princess Academy

Student 14 The Lighthouse Mystery

Student 15 Inkheart

Student 16

Student 17 Gregory and the Code of Claw

Student 18 Kangaroo

Student 19 Polar Bears Past Bedtime

Student 20 Romona

Student 21 Arthur Meets the President

Student 22 Double Fudge

Student 23 Journal of Scott P.

Student 24 Dog Watch

Student 25 Chicken Soup With Rice

Student 26 Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great

Student 27 Leepike Ridge

Student 28 Arthur and the Comet Crisis

Student 29 Hoot

Student 30 Three Good Deeds

Saturday, September 26, 2009

As you know, we had a bee in the cafeteria last week. No doubt we will encounter another one before winter sets in. Check out the link to an article on bee stings in the 'Favorite Website' section of our blog. Then answer this week's polled question, 'How often have you been stung by a bee?" Thank you for participating! The results should be interesting!

Good Questions to ask your child...

As we approach the end of the month, this would be a great time to ask your child the following questions.

Do you need to finish your dart board project this weekend? When is it due?

Have you taken an AR test and how close are you to finishing your first or second book?

Is your monthly notebook accurate and organized? Remember that you have an open notebook test on the 30th.

How many AR points have you accumulated? What was your accuracy percentage on the first AR test? Remember that you goal is nine points for the trimester.

How many items they have completed on the September Reading Contract grid (back page)? Remember that you need to complete at least four out of the six and have a parent sign them.

How many Reading MInutes (RM's) have you accumulated? Don't forget to have a parent sign your daily RM's.

Mr. Krupa corrected your math test, passed it back to you, and went over the answers on Friday. Drum roll, please.......... Congratulations!!! What do you need to do to earn eight Krupa Dollars?


What is 'up' with the two water bottles on the cabinet? How do these remind you to continue to make good character trait choices? What was the 'connection' that was made to a sport's athlete's muscles and routinely making good chaarcter trait choices? How will this assist you in the future?

Have you returned your fundraiser packet or are you still working on making several sales?

Enjoy the weekend!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Good afternoon!

Questions to ask your child.....

How was the math test??? Were you well prepared? Did the study guide help you review the information?

What did you learn during this first math unit? Do you think that there is anything that you should review in the next few weeks to make sure you still understand and comprehend it?

List several words with a short vowel sound. List several words with a long vowel sound. Give me a short vowel word that can be made into a long vowel word by adding one extra vowel. Example; bat: bait,

What chapter should you finish reading tonight in your NOTT book?


What happened to Officer Kelly? How did they make it to the police station?


Enjoy the evening!!!


P.S. Does anyone have a fan with a three prong connection that we could borrow for about two weeks? If so, please contact me at 258-1268. Thank you very much!!!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

September 22, 2009

Good questions to ask your child.....

What does perpendicular mean?

What job are you going to apply for and when are the applications due?

What does tangent mean?

Good luck on the math test on Wednesday!!! Return your signed math study guide.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Upcoming deadlines

The Math Packets were corrected and returned to the students. If the students would like to earn eight Bonus Dollars, they should correct their errors, have their parent/ guardian sign the packet, and return it on or before Wednesday.

The .Dot projects are due on Tuesday. The new art project will be assigned on Tuesday.

Today, we worked on the Geometric Math Packet. It is due on Friday.

The Math Study Guide was also discussed and sent home today. It is due on Wednesday.

Good questions to ask your child....

How do you spell... civil?

What did you use the flashlight for and where did you go?

Describe the function of a protractor?

Describe the function of a compass?

What do you need for computer class??? Hint: It sets on your head and enters in your ears.

Do you need a protractor? Several students have broken or lost their protractor. Also, several students never had one.
They do need one... thanks!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

AR Book Choices

These are the books that the children have chosen to read. If you don't know your number, check your class list in your agenda. You can count down from the top, but remember that L.H. has been moved to the bottom. This was due to the fact that he is moving to a new city. Enjoy your books!!!

Student 1 Flush

Student 2 Bridge to Terabithia

Student 3 Absent

Student 4 Absent

Student 5 Whittington

Student 6 Mad Toy Craves

Student 7 Twister on Tuesday

Student 8 Miss Daily is Crazy

Student 9 Double Fudge

Student 10 On the Ocean Floor (Student's initials D.H. not L.H.)

Student 11 Double Fudge

Student 12 The Pizza Mystery

Student 13 Flush

Student 14 Molly Moon

Student 15 The Silver Chair

Student 16 Never Trust a Dead Man

Student 17 Gregory and the Code of Claw

Student 18 Double Fudge

Student 19 Absent

Student 20 Dairy of a Whimpy Kid

Student 21 Double Fudge (was still pondering choice, please verify)

Student 22 Double Fudge (was stilling pondering choice, please verify)

Student 23 The Giver

Student 24 Diary of a Whimpy Kid

Student 25 Never Trust a Dead Man

Student 26 Known as Sheila the Great

Student 27 Birhsay Mystery (please see me with title and book level...thanks!)

Student 28 Arthur and the Comet Crisis

Student 29 Hoot

Student 30 Sounder

Student L. H.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Friday, September 18

Good questions to ask your child this weekend...

This is a 'gifted' group of individuals! Ask your child to demonstrate to you how they are able to 'see' through a group of dice. Hmm, how'd they do that trick?

Whose poster did you make a 'connection' with and what are they interested in doing that you are interested in doing?

What is a concave polygon?

While Dan, Arthur, and Ryan were crouched in the bath tub, attempting to protect themselves from the storm, what was occurring outside? What did they see when they finally looked up?

Enjoy the weekend!

Helpful and Interesting ABC's of 4th Grade

Helpful and Interesting ABC’s of 4th Grade!


Agendas - Students will be responsible for completing an agenda each day. In this agenda, students will highlight or write down any work they need to finish. Your child is responsible for sharing the agenda with you and asking you to sign it every day. MTB stands for ‘Make the Bed’ and they should respond to this query with ‘yes’ or ‘no’. You may suggest other tasks that your child may perform to transfer the idea of being a responsible citizen at school and at home. Students should also read at least 15 minutes per week night. You may make suggestions to alter this requirement; however, the idea is that this requirement will help them reach their AR trimester goal. The first trimester goal at the fourth grade is 9 AR points and for the test to count toward their total, they must pass with at least of minimum of 80% accuracy. A test that is completed with less than an 80%, will not count toward their accumulated total.

Blog - I have information and links on my blog (http://mrkrupafourthgrade.blogspot.com) or link to it from the district website. Be sure to check it, especially when the agenda says, ‘Blog Alert’. I try to put something on it everyday. If you don’t have internet access, let me know so we can send a copy home.

Conferences - We will be meeting two times this year for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Our first meeting is in October which gives you the opportunity to learn about how your child’s year has gotten started. I look forward to working closely with you to assure that we are doing our best to meet the interests and needs of your unique learner. Please check the conference schedule near my desk to verify your scheduled time slot.

Details that Make a Difference - If for any reason your child has a change in their routine at the end of the day, we are required to have a note from you or we will have to send them to their regular place/bus. If it’s a sudden change, please call the office or call me and talk directly to your child and myself. Our discipline policy allows for a ‘cooling off’ period and I provide the student with the opportunity to complete a ‘Write the Rule’ activity or complete a ‘Student Observation’ form which gives me a chance to discuss the situation with the student. Sometimes consequences need to be enforced immediately and warrant a parent phone call. I utilize a ‘ticket’ system which rewards and encourages good behavior. These tickets may occasionally be used as ‘fines’ for repeated inappropriate behavior. If late work becomes an issue, the fourth grade staff may provide “Choice Time’ activities that are additional learning opportunities for those that complete their work on time. Students that have late work will not be able to attend, as their time will be spent completing their work or contemplating their poor judgment. This year we will be utilizing a detention program to deter late work and inappropriate behavior. There will be a handout explaining this activity.

Exciting Extras - Field trips provide a wonderful opportunity for learning outside the walls of the classroom. You will hear more about these field trips as they approach. Students will also have the chance to participate in various lyceums and mini field trips around the school grounds throughout the year. Two of our scheduled field trip are to the Sartell Bowling Alley in December and the Minneapolis Children Theater in February.

Focus Fridays - All of our 2 hour late starts will be on Fridays this year. Each of these days will be a ‘Focus Friday’, where the entire school will have activities focused on a certain topic. The first 2 hour late start will be Friday, September 25th.

General Mills Box Tops - Remember to bring in all of those box tops, milk lids, soup labels, etc. you’ve been saving. Once again we’ll participate in these programs that donate to our school. The money from this program has helped fund many special events at Pleasantview. The Growing Healthy video will be shown in May. Parents will be given a opportunity to view this material before the students. It stresses the importance of good personal hygiene.

Handwriting - We will spend the first few months of school reviewing the individual letters and connections in cursive. After we have reviewed all letters, the use of cursive handwriting will be encouraged, with most assignments being required to be written in cursive during the months of February thru March.

Individuality - Each learner is special and unique in his/her own way. During the day we will strive to offer a variety of activities which will challenge and stretch each learner to his/her potential. Motivation to accept and respond to a challenge is something which must be supplied by the learner. We will be identifying our preferred Multiple Intelligences throughout the year.

Join Us for Lunch - Join us for lunch sometime when you are available. Our lunch time is 12:10- 12:30 each day. Late work is discuss in the detention policy handout

Keeping Track of Progress - There are several ways I’ll keep track of progress throughout the year. Progress reports will be sent home 3 times during the year, but watch for corrected assignments to come home too! You may want to have your child bring home their accordion folder, three-ring binder, or notebook on occasion to check their progress and view what we having been studying. Keep an eye on our blog, as many assignments and activities are featured in its pages.

Language Arts - Our language program coordinates reading, word study, and writing skills. Throughout the year students will learn about the 6 Trait approach to writing. A variety of reading materials will be used to further develop vocabulary and comprehension skills. There will be time each day for silent reading, this helps develop independent reading skills and allows the students to read something of interest to them and at their level. There will not be regular Friday spelling tests; however, misspelled words will be written in the student’s agendas for you to practice with them at home. We will also utilize audio books to develop the ability to mentally visualize a book, to experience fluency techniques, to improve comprehension, and to enjoy well written literature.

Mathematics - Our math will follow the Everyday Mathematics math curriculum. It allows for ‘different’ ways of solving problems. We expect all 4th graders to have mastered the basic facts by the end of the year! Refer to the Math Fact Requirement expectations in our child’s PIN folder and strive to improve your child’s accuracy and speed.


Night Of the Twisters - We began the year reading a very exciting and interesting novel. Your child will be taking their first Accelerated Reading test sometime next week. Please discuss the story with your child. I believe that communication between school and home is important for the success of this school year. Always encourage your child to be reading AR books to themselves or outloud and taking AR tests to improve their comprehension and fluency.

Other Teachers - During each school week, your child will work with specialists in the areas of Physical Education, Music, Art, Computer, and Media. We also do some activities and curriculum with the other classrooms teachers (Mrs. Arndt, Mrs. Burski, Mrs. Hopper, and Mrs. Kurowski).

Peanut Allergy - We do have students with peanut allergies in our school, so please be careful about which snacks you send to school. You can get a list of peanut safe snacks from the school website, or let us know if you need one.

Questions and Answers - Should you at any time have any questions about your child’s progress or any concerns you wish to discuss you may contact me by writing a note in the agenda or other paper, or telephoning Pleasantview Elementary School at 253-0506. I can also be reached by e-mail at david.krupa@isd47.org . If I don’t reply to an e-mail in 48 hours, please give me a call as we have some trouble with out of district e-mails. When e-mailing me, please put ‘SRR Student’ in the subject line to be sure it gets past our filter.

Reading - It is very important that students spend some time reading at home. Research has shown that this is one of the biggest contributors to success in reading. I expect them to set and met a reading contract goal each month.! They will be expected to turn in the record of their reading which will begin on September 15th and end on September 30th. This reading contract should be signed by you and be returned no later than Friday, September 18th. Their AR goal for this trimester is 9 AR points and most student easily meet or exceed this goal. However, there are those few exceptions. One expectation that a few students seem to forget is that for an AR test score to qualify as passed, a student must achieve a minimum of 80% accuracy. Any AR that does not meet the 80% accuracy rule, does not count toward the student accumulation of points. Often, a student that earns 70% on a test will think that the few points that are offered for taking this test will be added to their AR total. This is not true! Students must earn at least 80% on each AR test. I would love to have all my students meet this AR goal. The list of AR books can be accessed through the Pleasantview media link at www.isd47.org There is also a copy of the AR book list in the Media Center and in our classroom. We are very pleased to have a long list of AR books!

Snacks - We will have some time set aside for a snack each day between 9:40 and 10:10 AM. Students who wish to bring a snack for themselves should bring a small, nutritious snack.

Time to Complete Assignments - Homework assignments will usually be the result of work not completed during class time or a special project to be completed at home. I do assign monthly reading contracts, fluency practice activities, a weekly art project, an occasional Study Link, etc. Also, it seems that we are always writing a new story. If at any time there is a problem completing the assignment or a question arises, please feel free to contact me to discuss the matter. Late slips may be given for work that is not turned in on time or not completed. The personalized poster, ALL About Me, is due on Friday, September 18th. Keep an ‘eye’ on the agenda and our blog.

Unique - Each year of your child’s life is a time of exploration and experimentation. Please remember that your child’s year should be a journey and not a race. Your child will set his/her own pace. He or she may stumble and may even fall a time or two. It is through our combined encouragement, guidance, boundaries, and support that your child will achieve his/her greatest success. Please encourage your child to do their best and to accept consequences with the intent of making improvements. I do not take pleasure in reprimanding my students, but I do understand that lessons learned early in life through the use of consequences can help an individual avoid experiencing larger, more expensive, consequences in the future

Voice Mail - If I’m teaching or not in my classroom, the office will connect you to my voice mail. I will return the call as soon as I can call you back.

Weekly Book Check-Out - Our scheduled day for checking out books from the media center is
Day 4. I really encourage students to check out books to have for our silent reading time and for at home. Please remind your child that there is a monetary fine for not returning a book at the end of the year. Hopefully each child will continue to discover or expand their interest in reading this year!

eXtra Credit - Many opportunities will be given for the students to stretch above and beyond the required effort. I have incentives available for going that extra mile!!

You and Your Special Child - You are a very important teacher for your child. I look to you for any information you may share that will help me identify your child’s individual interests and learning needs. I look forward to working with both you and your child throughout our year together.

Zeroing in on Successes - During the year we will be celebrating the many good things about being part of 4th grade at Pleasantview Elementary!

Detention Letter

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Dear Parents/Guardians,

In an effort to continue to promote responsible, respectful, and self-efficient behavior in our students, we are initiating an after school detention. Our goal is to provide students with the opportunity to realize the importance of completing quality work in a timely manner and the significance of maintaining appropriate behavior in all situations.

Beginning on September 28th and continuing every week thereafter, students will be monitored during the school day for unfinished assignments and inappropriate behavior. Any student that does not have their work completed by Friday will have the weekend to complete it. Missing assignments will be written or stapled to their agenda. All assignments will be expected to be turned in by the following Monday. If an assignment is still missing on Monday, the student's parent/guardian will be notified by phone that their child will be attending detention from 2:15 -3:15 on Tuesday.

It will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian to arrange transportation home for their child. Students that cannot be picked up by 3:15 will need to make arrangements with our Kidstop Program.

It is our desire to have each and every 4th grade student appreciate the satisfaction of a quality job well done.

Sincerely,

Pleasantview Elementary
4th Grade Teachers
Mrs. Hopper, Ms. Kurowski, Mrs. Burski, Mrs. Arndt, and Mr. Krupa

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parent / Guardian Signature________________________________

Student Signature


Phone number where you can be reached during the school day on a Monday.

_______-_______-__________

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Parent Information Night

All parents are invited to Parent Information Night tonight. Each grade level has a time for you to meet in your child's classroom to find out information regarding your child and their classroom.

Gr. 1 meets 6 - 6:30 pm
Gr. 2 meets 6:30 - 7 pm
Gr. 3 meets 7 - 7:30 pm
Gr. 4 meets 7:30 - 8 pm
Gr. 5 meets 8 - 8:30 pm

Please leave children at home as this is for parents only. We hope to see you there. Please beginning filling out your child's agenda and September notebook when you arrive... thanks!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Wednesday, September 16th

Good questions to ask your child tonight...


Tell me about the ten deadliest tornadoes?

Where should I sign on your contract?

What would you do if the school's tornado alarm went off and you were not with your class?

What is an acute angle?

What is an obtuse angle?

What is a reflex angle?

What is a parallelogram?

List several examples of demonstrating citizenship at school? At home? In our community?

How may Krupa dollars have you earned?

When is your .Dot project due?

When does your Reading Contract need to be signed and turned in?

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Terrific Tuesday!!!

Questions to ask your child tonight.....


When is the .Dot PRoject due?

What is a .Dot project?

Did you show me your purple long vowel / short vowel worksheet? Did you have me sign it so you can earn two Krupa Dollars?

What were the results of your survery question?

Are you almost done with your 'All About Me' project? When is it due?

When is PIN? What time does it begin?

Will Mr. Krupa be making a copy of the reading contract for us to keep at home?

How many AR points do you need to earn this trimester?

Where can you find a list of the AR books that are available to you? Can you name at least three places?

Are you able to see a list of the AR books that you tested in the past?

What is the deadline for taking your first AR test?


Please let me know if your child is unable to answer any of these questions by placing a note in their agenda. If they were able to answer all of them, please relay that message as well. Way to go!

Good evening,

Mr. Krupa

Monday, September 14, 2009

Welcome Back and Happy Monday!!!

Questions to ask your child tonight...

Tell me the directions to the All About Me poster board?

What is the fundraiser all about and when is it due?

What is your graphing survey questions?

When is PIN?

What papers do I need to sign for you tonight?

What is a vertex?

Give me another name for angle DEM?

See you on Thursday night!

Friday, September 11, 2009

An Article on the Progress of Ground Zero

The Reconstruction at Ground Zero
by Vera H-C Chan

Eight years later, Ground Zero remains a construction zone.

The plans for the former site of the World Trade Center, brought down hijacked planes on Sept. 11, 2001, have taken time and much input along the way to unfold. The Freedom Tower's frame—just emerging above street level now—and the transit hub won't be finished in time for the 10th anniversary, two years away. Negotiations for three office towers planned for the east have entered arbitration, and the wrangling means no firm date at all.

When the Skyline Will Change
The majority of New Yorkers, though, remain skeptical, given the "snail's pace" of reconstruction, and families of 9/11 victims have declared the slow-going "outrageous."

Still, formal tributes to America's tragedies have historically taken a long time. The Oklahoma City National Memorial's dedication took five years, but the USS Arizona Memorial's formal commemoration of World War II vets emerged 20 years after Pearl Harbor.

For its part, the Port Authority, which oversees much of the reconstruction, asserts a "new spirit" of progress: The Record details what's planned on the site, including these deadlines:

Memorial (2011)
Vehicle security center (early 2012)
Museum (early 2013)
1,776-foot-tall Freedom Tower (mid 2013)
Transportation hub the size of Grand Central Station (late 2013)
Makeshift Tributes
As people await the grand vision to rise in lower Manhattan, Ground Zero tributes do exist in one form or another. Across the street from the construction site, a foundation has set up shop—literally—to show videos and sell souvenirs to fund-raise for the museum. Online there's Project Rebirth, which is tracking the rebuilding using lapsed photography. And while few can visit Hangar 17 at JFK, the NYT hosts a panorama of its contents...and the pieces of Ground Zero await a permanent home.

Below, a quick timeline of Ground Zero construction thus far.

Ground Zero Construction Timeline
2001: NYC employees clear makeshift tributes of flowers, pictures, and candles. The first memorial service for victims' families is held Oct. 28.
2002: Shrine artifacts from Ground Zero and throughout New York form a New York Historical Society exhibit. Ideas begin to float about how to mark the site, including a memorial tomb. That summer, six possible site designs are unveiled to the public, but about 4,000 gather at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center to ask for something "bolder." The process starts over again.
2003: Memorial or not, visitors pay homage at the crater. The contest comes down to two visions, and Daniel Libeskind's soaring glass spire is chosen. Another competition, this time for the World Trade Center memorial design, comes up with the reflecting pool. That winning design undergoes tinkering for months.

2005: Some politicians and 9/11 families protest the International Freedom Center, and a mediator has to be called in. On the fourth anniversary, other 9/11 relatives bemoan stalled progress.

2006: A search for a contractor to start the work finally begins, although some families of the dead sue to stop concrete from being poured over "sacred ground." Just as progress seems to happen (an impromptu steel cross created after the WTC collapse is approved), the mayor declares memorial costs too high. Fortunately, other projects proceed quickly.

2008: After getting angry reactions that a memorial wouldn't make a 10th anniversary deadline, the Port Authority vowed the waterfalls would make the date.

2009: A jumbo column juts out above street level. Delays aside, progress is now visible: Newsday documents the change in a photo gallery.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Friday's Assignment - Due September 18th

Good morning!

On Friday, September 11th, your assignment will be posted below. It will be to create an ALL About Me poster.

This poster will have a big circle in the middle of it. It will have four sections around the circle. Your name will be written at the top of the poster in large bold letters. Each of the four section will be titled with bold letters. You may choose four entries from the following titles; Summer, Family, Goals, Hobbies, Great Memories, or Words That Describe Me. Each section will have at least one photograph or one drawing. The middle circle will be entitled, Favorites. In this area you will list your favorite things. This assignment will be due September 18th. Most of this assignment will be completed at home. Today, your task will be to create the outline of your poster and list many of your favorite items. Partially completed examples are shown below (we're experiencing technical difficulties, they will taped to the chalkboard on Friday). Please outline your poster in pencil before you use a marker. You may design the poster with as much creativity as you desire, but please follow the section topics as listed. Enjoy being creative!!!

Thursday, September 10th

Good afternoon,

Just a reminder that we would like forms returned by Friday, September 11th, especially the Snack and Juice forms. Thank you!

Good questions to ask your child tonight would be...

What was your favorite red letter day? Hint, hint... what do you have for homework?

What three items are you going to put in your bag?

List as many of the words (names) on today's spelling pretest?

List a few of the magazines that have donated to our classroom, so far?

What did you write on your oval? triangle? rectangle?

What's due next Tuesday?

When is book checkout?


Enjoy the evening,

Mr. Krupa

P.S. If possible, bring a snack and a water bottle. Also, wear light weight clothing.... whew, it's warm inside our building!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Snack and Juice

Snack and Juice Forms are due on Friday. Things to ask your child tonight.... Who are Dan and Arthur? Where do they live? When are Snack / Juice forms due? What's a polygon? What color is your binder? Who is Jonas?


Phy ed. on Wednesday!!!! Wear your gym shoes!

Good night!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Hello and welcome to our Blog Page!!!

It was an exciting first day!!! We filled out our Time Capsules, organized our agendas, completed a math pretest, collected our forms, and drew polygon pictures. Ask your child about our Reader's Theater!!!

Just a couple of reminders and events coming up...

Juice and Snack forms are due on Friday. Snack and Juice will begin being distributed on Monday , Sept. 14 to those students that have returned their sign up forms and payments.

Please bring a snack each day until the Snack and Juice programs officially begin.

We will be sharing President Obama's message to the students next Monday, September 14th at Jump Start. His remarks can be viewed at http://www.whitehouse.gov/mediaresources/ Click on 'President's remarks'.

Three Polygon Pictures are due next Tuesday.

Please sign your child's agenda, nightly.

On or about Friday, ask your child about MTB.

Thank you for filling out and returning all of those forms! I know it was a lengthy process, but very beneficial, so thank you!

I'll leave several of last year's posts on this blog so you can get an idea of how I use this technology.

Enjoy,

Mr. Krupa

Friday, May 22, 2009

NWEA Test Results

Night At The Museum Part II

The movie begins at 5:40... let's pay for our tickets, buy our treats, and meet at 5:30 inside the main entrance with pop and popcorn in hand. This way we will be ready to be seated before the movie begins. See you there!!!!

There are parents that are willing to drive...see our chalkboard for their phone numbers.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Movie Event

May 12, 2009



Dear Parent/Guardian,

The fourth grade students and teachers will be offered the option of attending a showing of the movie, Night At the Museum II on Tuesday, May 26th. This is an optional activity that will require the students to generate their own transportation to and from Parkwood 18, along with locating their own chaperone. We will all be gathering at the theater and attending the showing of Night At the Museum II that is closest to 5:30 P.M. When the movie dates and times are announced on May 22nd, we will announce to the students at school what theater number and what time the movie will begin. The students will need to purchase their own tickets and treats, as this will not be considered a school-sponsored activity. We hope to see you there!

If you would like to chaperone this event and would consider driving students to and from the theater, please sign the form below and we will give your name and phone number to students so their parents may get in contact with you.



Just so we have an idea of how many students might be attending this movie on this night, we would like to have you sign below. Please return this form by Friday, May 22nd. You may still attend this event even if you do not return this form, but we would like an approximate number of students attending this event. Again, we hope to see you there!





Yes, _______________________________ will be attending the after school movie on May 26th. I will be responsible for their attendance or will find a chaperone to oversee my child.

Signed ________________________________________




Yes, I would be interested in transporting several students to and from the theater. Please post my phone number so parents may contact me about chaperoning their child.


Printed Signature ____________________________ Phone Number_________________

Monday, May 11, 2009

Movie Night

Join us for our Fourth Grade Movie Event at Parkwood 18 on Tuesday, May 26th. We will all be watching Night At The Museum II around 5:30... more details to come.

Field Day

Field Day Wednesday from 8 - 10:30....Feel free to join us at the MIddle School Football Field for activities and games.

Friday, May 8, 2009

News From the Office

Appropriate Dress-As the weather gets warmer, it is important to monitor how our students are coming to school. We also need to be good role models of what is appropriate to wear to school. Here is what our handbook says...
Our school expectations for student dress is as follows:
No strapless shirts or spaghetti straps
All tops must appropriately cover students front and back
No bare midriffs will be tolerated. When standing in a normal posture, without altering or stretching the top, it must not reveal any midriff skin.
Unreasonably short shorts, skorts, or skirts will not be allowed.
No inappropriate or suggestive messages on clothing.
There is no exposed underclothing, bras, panties, or boxers. Pants must ride above the buttocks.
A general rule is if a student has to ask someone if ther dress is appropriate, then it is probably not appropriate to wear to school.

Week of May 11th - PTAC has designated this week as Staff Appreciation Week....stay tuned for more details!

Monday 5/11 BOGO Book Fair - Mr. Krupa's Class will view the Book Fair at 10:30
7:00 School Board Meeting


Tuesday 5/12 BOGO Book Fair


Wednesday 5/13 BOGO Book Fair

4th and 5th Grade Field Day


Thursday 5/14 MAP Testing
Alternate Field Day


Friday 5/15 MAP Testing

Monday, April 27, 2009

Field Trip- Mpls.

Remember to bring a bag lunch, beverage, and appropriate attire on April 28th. Enjoy!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Due Dates

The due date for the April Reading Contract is quickly approaching....Here are the due dates for a few of the assignments.


The States Project notes are due on Monday, April 27th.
The State Posters are due on Wednesday, April 29th.
The Poem Booklets are due Tuesday, April 28th.


Don't forget to be accumulating your reading minutes and AR points.


Enjoy!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Chaperones

Please return your chaperone form by Wednesday, April 22nd to be eligible for our drawing to attend our field trip to Minneapolis. Good luck!

Weekly Fluency Practice

Tazio Nuvolari is due on Friday, April 21st. Please have your parent sign your page.

Play Ball!

The students may bring a baseball glove to Phy. Ed. class on Wednesday.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Dates to Remember

April 17th Book Orders due / Choice Time
April 21st Possible Detention (Yuck)
April 24th Oceans of Fun Carnival / Beach Day
April 28th Children's Theater - Mpls.
April 29th Reading Contract due
April 30th Wear Black / Symphony Field Trip
May 1st Two Hour Late Start and turn in collected money (Goal $200)

Monday, April 13, 2009

Homework for Monday Night

Fluency - Senor Coyote, the Judge
Spelling - Take-Home Task 13

Remember to keep working on your April Reading Contract. It is due on April 29th. The State Project instructions were given out today and the students began working on the ibooks. Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Conficker Survival Guide or Big Hoax?

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/132464

Homework Tonight

Mr. Krupa's math group has journal pages 265-268. Also, our Fluency, Spelling, and Reading Contract need to be signed by a parent and returned by Friday. Our True Tale assignment is due on Wednesday and needs to be signed, too.



Thank you!

News From the Office

Spring pictures will be taken at Pleasantview on Wednesday, April 1st.

Individual pictures will be taken of all the students. Packages will be sent home in a couple of weeks. You may purchase your students pictures at that time.

In addition to the individual pictures they will be taking class pictures. If you wish to purchase a class picture you student must have the order form and payment with then at the time they go to the camera. Information has been sent home with your child.

If you wish to have a preschooler photoed, you may bring them at 7:30 am.

If you have questions please call the Pleasantview office at 253-0506.

Reminder

Picture Day is on Wednesday, April 1st @ 11:12 AM

We will line up from tallest to shortest :-)

Monday, March 30, 2009

Corrected Papers / Homework / April Reading Contracts

The month of March, in like a lion and out like a lamb? We'll find out if this is true or not.

Anyway, these corrected papers were sent home on Friday and Monday.

~ The 'Bats' comprehension test which included the REGS practice question on the back
~ Unit 8 Math Test
~ Unit 9 Math Pretest
~ Unit 11 Spelling Test
~ Keynote Project results.
~ Study Island Practice Results
~ Accelerated Reading point totals.

These items were sent home on Monday and need to be completed and signed by a parent. They are due on April 3rd.

~ April Reading Contract and Grid
~ Unit 12 Spelling Parent Letter
~ This week's Fluency Home Practice Activity

We are asking that each student bring in a plastic bottle for our Walk For Life service project. The plastic bottle can be of any size and shape, as long as it has an opening that is as big as a quarter.

Thanks and enjoy the... snow?

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

W.E.S.

White Elephant Sale


Dear Parent(s),

On Thursday, March 26th, our class will be having a White Elephant Sale. This auction will be for those students that have successfully completed the requirements indicated on their March Reading Contract. We will be using the tickets that we have earned throughout the year to place bids on items brought in for the sale. The students may bring in up to four items to sell and they must be sold individually. Please provide permission for your child to participate and sell the items that they have brought to school. The March contract included, 300 Reading Minutes, 3 AR points, and the Reading Contract Grid completed with 70% accuracy.


Thank you,

Mr. Krupa



I give, _____________________________ permission to participate in the White

Elephant Sale and to sell the following items.


Parent Signature________________________

________________________ ___________________________

_________________________ _____________________________