Midterms Home Today

Happy Monday. Today was a busy day. Kids came home with a laminated blank map divided into the five regions. We are moving onto the SE region. Kids may use these maps to practice writing in the states in their correct location. I would also advise that they remember the NE states as well. They will not be tested on them again this time, but at the end of the 4th grade they will have a test on all 50 states and capitals. This is a life long skill that I wish my 4th grade teachers would have made me do. I am constantly looking up cities and states on mapquest. States and key cities are constantly in the news, and kids need to know about their worldly surroundings. These maps are theirs to keep. I recommend they keep them on a clip on the fridge or in a desk drawer. They will need them throughout the year.

We finished up our thermometer unit. Kids got the basics of the concept. It was a pretty tough concept, so I allowed them to use their notes on the test. I couldn't believe how many chose to guess instead. This is a study skill they will also use forever. I don't expect them to remember tough concepts like thermal and kinetic energy by name, but I do expect them to see their notes, drawings, and charts and remember what we discussed in class. I was pretty disappointed in some. I hope they make a better choice next time. Learn and grow. To those that did use their notes and earned an A...YAY!!! Thank you for turning in your very, very best! I appreciate you!!

The Christmas program is almost here!!! It will be on the Monday of our last week. There will be two performances, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The programs will be identical so you need to only attend one. Unless, you want double tears. These kids are growing up so fast. I can't believe the changes I have seen each and every one of these students go through. Amazing!!! I will have more details on the exact times when I get them. I would plan to be here early if you want a good seat, or a seat at all. It is a parent favorite! :0)

Midterms came home today. Science grades are low, but they should be rising as we get in more assignments in the next week or two. Please stress how important each and every assignment is, and how when there is so few assignments done in an area that the average is little. We are only half way through, and they still have plenty of time to go up (or down).

Don't forget tomorrow is MacKenzie Pizza night. Earn $500 fake dollars by eating there tomorrow night. Just write me a note in their planner. Don't forget to tell them you are from Bitterroot School. Thanks!

Seems like 4th grade started something with our Flakesgiving Rachel's Challenge days. Now, the entire school is doing two fun days to raise money to help BITTERROOT families with their Christmas expenses. Thursday is gum day and Friday is hat day. Both days require a dollar donation buy in. Thanks again for your help.

Have an amazing evening!!!