Anyone that is too busy to reflect, is too busy to learn!

Hi there. Isn't that quote above so powerful? Our guest speaker today at our PIR meeting shared it. How true is it? I am a huge reflector and I love to learn new things. I hope every student in my class does as well! I sure hope you enjoyed this gorgeous day off! As for me, all report cards are done and grades are locked in. I am happy to say that we ended with no missing work. A few things for all kids to work on in general for quarter 3: practice spelling words (there has been a mass drop in grades over the past few weeks), keep those basic multiplication facts fresh by doing them in the car when running errands, and getting those planners signed.

It is Civil Rights Week in here! This is one of my favorite weeks to be a teacher. There is so much academics and character built into this week! We will be doing some poem writing, some research, and reading all types of fun picture books. Please remember those tri-fold boards tomorrow. We will glue on our first project tomorrow. :0)

With MLK, Jr, Rosa Parks, and Ruby Bridges comes the African American culture. This culture was often wrapped around a religious belief that a higher power would give them a better life. They often joined together in prayer and hymn. MLK, Jr. himself was a preacher. Therefore, the culture will come out in this week's lessons. Where it will not be a teaching topic, it will be brought up in stories and in the movie we will watch at the end of the week. I just feel it is important for me to give you a heads up. Please feel free to see what I mean by all of this by watching all or part of the movie for yourself. I have put the link off to the right under Ms. Erickson's favorite Websites. Please refrain from allowing kids to watch it however. I want them to watch it with the whole picture of that time period, and that will come with all of the weekly lessons we will do. If you don't want your child to do any of this, please let me know by writing me a note in the planner tomorrow or throw me a text or email. Thanks.

Homework this week will also revolve around these historical figures.

It is now Quarter 3 in the 4th grade. We are halfway done, and cursing right along. With quarter 3 comes new math standards. We will begin this week by going further with fractions. We will learn to add and subtract unlike denominators. Yeehaw!

Next Monday, we have a field trip to Alberta Baer. Kids will view Aladdin. Part of the learning experience is going to a theater. Proper attire is encouraged to make it as real as possible. Pull out those Sunday bests. Who knows, I may even wear a dress. Oh my goodness, that is a fancy occasion! Permission slips will come home this week.

In tomorrow's Tuesday folders there will be two important documents from Mr. Pertuit. One is for the upcoming growth and development talk for both boys and girls. Little bodies are changing into big bodies, and explanation as to what and why (at an appropriate grade level ) will be delivered. Your permission is required. Please fill out the permission slip and return to school on Wednesday. The second one is GREAT news. Fitness club is back for round 2. Permission slips have to be signed (even if you did session one, this one has to be signed again) and returned. Please do so on Wednesday as well. Yay for Fitness Club!

PTA has asked us to share a link with you. They are wanting you to take a minute or two and give your opinion on some fundraising questions. This is your time to speak up and give ideas or solutions for the upcoming 2014-15 school year. Those of you that do take the time to fill it out, please write the word SURVEY in the planner for $50 tomorrow. Yes, it is just that important!  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/X6BCDHM 

Don't forget that next Thursday night is Arrowhead night at the Reef! Mark those calendars for some slip and slide fun! Also, this Thursday night is Technology Extravaganza. This is a family event. Come spend an hour going from station to station and learning how to use the new technology that Arrowhead's students are lucky to have. I am impressed daily at what all teachers do to bring learning to the 20th century learning level. Plus, it will help you understand what teachers are talking about when they blog about this or that piece of technology. Quality family fun guaranteed! See Tuesday folders for details.

A HUGE thank you to Jen for sharing her Rainbow Loom organizer with us as her Show and Tell reward ticket. Friday night, Em and I went right out and got one too. Emma sure loves it! Thanks for inspiring her to do even more with her fun hobby! You made her whole weekend Jen!



Lastly, I got the honor to attend a basketball tournament this weekend. Spencer, Caden, McLean, and Max all got out there and played hard. What impressed me the most is the amount of teamwork I saw. They really all worked so well with each other! It was also nice to see some of my SS kids from Mrs. Auch's class there too: Quin, Max, and Carter all did a great job! Very impressive boys! Your teacher was very proud to watch all of you and your great sportsmanship last weekend! Congrats!



Have an awesome Monday night!
Ms. Erickson