Newsletter 4/4-4/8

Here's What's Happening...

English/Language Arts: This week, we will get back into the swing of natural disasters by reading a fiction picture book called Eight Days: A Story of Haiti.  This is a story about a young boy who was rescued from the rubble of the 2010 Haiti Earthquake after being trapped for 8 days.  It is a beautiful story of how he uses his imagination to get through this difficult situation.  The rest of the week will be spent working on a newscast project, where students will be working in small groups to write a script to share important information about a natural disaster.  Students will also work on the Word Work List 10 sort and definitions this week.

Science: We will get started on Chapter 3, which focuses on the question: Why are the Cecropia trees not growing or thriving in the soil?  We start with an investigation of soil by looking at various data and answering questions about it.

Social Studies: We will take a look at slavery in the early colonies this week.  Students will take a look at some primary sources and use these to answer some deeper thinking questions about slavery.

Advanced Math:  This week, students will work on a project which involves them creating an advertisement for an electric car.  Students will need to use their decimal arithmetic skills to calculate some important information about the advantages of electric cars over gas cars.  

Important Info:

Cyber Safety Presentation This Week

On Wednesday, our class will watch a presentation by Detective Wystocki regarding cyber safety.  He will help students understand the dangers of on-line sites and digital apps, and how they can ensure they remain safe as they are getting to the age where they may begin to use these digital services more.  

IAR Testing

This week begins our state testing timeframe.  Students will be taking the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) this week and next week.  This week, students will complete three Math tests in their Math classes and next week will bring three ELA tests in homeroom.  As always, we simply ask that students give their best efforts on these tests, and you can help by making sure they get a good night's sleep and eat a good breakfast.  Here is the testing schedule:

Wednesday, April 6: Math Session 1 (60 minutes)

Thursday, April 7: Math Session 2 (60 minutes)

Friday, April 8: Math Session 3 (60 minutes)

Tuesday, April 12: ELA Session 1 (90 minutes)

Wednesday, April 13: ELA Session 2 (90 minutes)

Thursday, April 14: ELA Session 3 (90 minutes)

TGFD Home Workouts!

Each week of TGFD, your learner will bring home an assignment to complete as a family. This is to help facilitate a conversation at home about the topic covered in TGFD that week. Students will have a 10 point TGFD Homework Grade in their Social Science gradebook. In order to maintain the 10 points, they need to complete the assignment at home, and then return the paper with a family signature on it by the next TGFD class. If it is not returned in time, one point will be deducted from this grade. In the past, families have found these wonderful opportunities to foster genuine conversations with their learners, and I hope you will find the same!

Schedule of Events

• Monday, April 4th: Monday Choir, 2:45-3:45pm
• Tuesday, April 5th: Tuesday Choir, 2:45-3:45pm
• Wednesday, April 6th: IAR Math Test, Session 1
• Wednesday, April 6th: American Eagle Theater Class, 2:45-3:45pm
• Thursday, April 7th:  IAR Math Test, Session 2
• Thursday, April 7th: Young Rembrandts, 2:45-3:45pm
• Friday, April 8th: IAR Math Test, Session 3