News from Room 203
5/21/18
The end of the year is around the corner! Genius Hour will be presented next week on Wednesday and Thursday. Although I give class time to work on it, please help your child at home also.
I am sending home two Eureka Math workbooks that can be finished in the summer. I taught students how to become independent learners. They know how to watch the videos, pause them, write the examples down, rewind to review, and continue on. Completing these workbooks at home will give your child a head start in 5th grade. Attached to the workbooks is the last timed tests for the year. Students needed to get at least a 30 on both tests.
Also, inside the math interactive notebook are passwords to websites that the students can use in the summer. Do not assign too much, just enough to get ready for 5th Grade!
Mrs. Sarna
Looking for some great free resources to keep student skills up.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/1635fa232ae234b0
News from Room 203
5/9/18
They did it again! The students earned 25 links for good hallway behavior. They voted for a pajama, fort, movie day, May 10th, Thursday!
News from Room 203
5/2/18
By now you must have heard about our student-led classroom! I wanted the kids to tell you all about it. Flexible seating and independent study have been incorporated into our classroom. Students work in small flexible groups to help each other complete assignments. Responsibility to get work done, stay organized and on-task has moved to the forefront. Project-based learning and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) projects have become important.
We are busy studying the USA and we also switch classes to study our state, Illinois.This is all part of our Social Studies curriculum. We will soon begin a genius hour that can be completed at home, as well as in school. Our Earth Day Genius Hour is on display in Brodnicki’s Courtyard. Classes throughout the school have come to view all the wonderful projects. We are still working on our class book and poetry notebooks. We will stay busy until the end of school!
Before we know it, school will be over. I have so enjoyed my last year of teaching. This class was awesome! That is why I changed into the student-led classroom that is being implemented throughout the District.
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
4/3/18
PARCC testing begins tomorrow. Please make sure your child is well rested and has had a good breakfast. Research shows that these two simple things make a big difference!
Here is our schedule:
Wed.-4/4/18-ELA 10:00-11:30
Thurs.-4/5/18-Math 10:00-11:00
Fri.- 4/6/18 ELA 10:00-11:30
Mon.- 4/9/18 Math 10:00-11:00
Tues.- 4/10/18 Math 10:00-11:30
Wed.- 4/11/18 ELA 10:00-11:30
Fri.- 4/13/18 Math 10:11:30
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
3/21/18
I can’t believe it’s the last quarter of 4th Grade! We’ve all come a long way. Students are working independently on the Reading comprehension questions, instead of always in a small group. They are working on fractions. And they have been more responsible about getting long-term projects finished in a timely manner.
In Reading, our last novel of the year will be, Who Was Ernest Shackleton? This unit will be integrated with STEM Science experiments. In writing, we will once more concentrate on opinion writing. In Math, after fractions, we will begin decimals.
For extra credit, this quarter, we have two major projects,our Wonder Wall project board and a Genius Hour project using the cardboard suitcases sent home. The suitcases do not need to be returned until after Spring Break. I encourage the extra credit because we are quickly moving towards 5th Grade and sometimes the work can be challenging.
Have a restful Spring Break! PARCC testing begins the Wednesday after we return. I will send home the schedule on the Tuesday we return. :)
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
2/19/18
Our room has been buzzing with activity lately. We are working on a poetry notebook, writing a narrative, making GoogleSlides for presentations, learning about fractions, and much,much more!
The students earned another 25 links for hallway behavior! Board Game Day! We have more students than ever receiving ABC Awards for citizenship. I’m so proud of them.
In Math, we are finishing up long division, and we have started our study of fractions. Every Friday is Geometry Day! Students can correct the Math exit tickets and return for half credit.
There is also extra credit in Reading. The Wonder Flipchart and a choice board of projects can add points to the grade.
The Homework Club is every Wednesday from 2:30-3:15. Some students will be asked to attend if a project that is late or incomplete would affect a grade, but everyone can bring a note and stay on any Wednesday. All students will need a ride home at 3:15.
Come see all the projects on Paws for Celebration Night on Thursday, March 1! See you then.
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
12/8/17
Winter Break is soon approaching! But it is not here yet. Students are working on lots of projects before the break.
Until after the break, there will not be Spelling or Vocabulary. We have finished our second novel, Escape from Slavery, and the students are working on a Google Classroom project about Freedom Quilts using the book. This can also be done at home or at the library.
Our narrative about super heroes is coming along. We will publish it sometime after the break. We are also working on reports on Westward Expansion. These, too, can be worked at home.
So when your child says that they finished the homework (which now includes assignments not completed in class), remind them that these projects can be worked on.
Book It is an easy way for you and I to keep track of the 20 minutes of reading at home. Students can read any book or magazine they like. Calendars are due at the end of the month. Then students get a coupon for a free personal pizza at Pizza Hut.
In Math, we are working on the basic division facts and getting ready for long division. As you might have noticed, Eureka workbook pages are coming home for homework. These pages take concentration and should be checked over. Students take the Exit Ticket Quiz the following day.
Our Room Moms are busy working on the end of year party! Games, crafts, and refreshments will be served. Remember that over break, projects can be worked on at home. The 2nd Quarter ends on January 11th.
Have a safe and happy Winter Break!
Mrs. Sarna
Quarter 2 News
11/13/17
Room 203
I can’t believe Progress Reports will be out soon! Quarter 2 brings some changes in homework:
Classwork not completed in class or that a student wants to bring home to check over will be assigned as homework also.
Spelling Homework is the same, but I give the Spelling and Vocabulary lists out on Friday, so that students can begin studying for the end of the week tests. If students don’t finish the morning work, they must bring it home to finish also.
Sometimes, Reading Questions not completed in class can be brought home to finish or check over. Also, students should be reading 20 minutes a night and mark it on the Book It Calendar. They can also catch-up on the weekend and read more. Please sign the calendar and return at the end of the month.
Please review the multiplication facts at home, as we are using them to learn long multiplication in Module 3 of the Eureka workbook. We will soon start timed test in the basic division facts at school. Math Exit Tickets can be corrected and returned for half credit.
We are in the midst of 4th Grade level work! Students need to be responsible for writing down in their assignment notebooks any assignments that need to be completed besides the regular homework assigned. Please check.
We are in the midst of writing our first Narrative about Modern Day Superheroes. Look for the class book coming home before the Winter Break. Students also can get ahead by completing assignments in GoogleClassroom.
We won the most boxtops on our grade level for Quarter 1! Keep up the good work!
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
9/15/17
We have been so busy! Reading The Odyssey, studying for Spelling and Vocabulary tests, and learning Math through our new Math series from Eureka, are just a few of the things that keep us busy in Room 203.
I was delighted to meet all of you during Open House. If you did not attend, I will soon send home a time for Parent-Teacher Conferences in October. I look forward to discussing your child’s progress.
Ag in the Classroom is a program that discusses agriculture in Illinois. This hands-on program was presented in our classroom on Thursday. We are also going to Fair Oaks Farm for a field trip next week. If you volunteered to chaperone and were not picked for this trip, please try again, as we have two more trips this year. This program enhances our 4th Grade Life Science Unit.
Please use the flashcards on the supply list to practice multiplication basic facts. We will be studying them in this order: 3,4,6,7,8,9,and 12’s. We already reviewed the 2,5,10 and 11’s. We will use these fact for long multiplication. Then we will review the division facts in the same order for long division.
I am planning on a wonderful and successful year with your help! Thank you in advance for helping your child succeed.
Mrs. Sarna
8/18/17
I’m so excited to start the new school year! This newsletter will provide some important information to help your child.
I look forward to meeting you at Open House on August 24th J
Mrs. Sarna
News From Room 203
5/19/17
We have just one week of school left! We have been busy doing our Arctic Circle STEM projects! Next week we will make volcanoes to end our Earth Science Unit.
In Reading, students have been doing more independent work. That means that instead of working with a group or partner, your child has been using the skills from all year to answer the comprehension questions independently. Numerous extra credit projects were offered to help students support their grades.
In Math, we have spent most of the 4th Quarter reviewing concepts and skills from all year, including basic facts. Extra credit was also offered in the form of correcting any test and receiving half credit for each corrected answer.
This last report card reflects how your child has accomplished 4th Grade concepts independently.
I have enjoyed this school year immensely. My work helping your child become responsible for completing and checking over work is finished. They are ready for 5th Grade. Please keep the skills going by using the many websites I have sent home in newsletters all year. My newsletters are posted on my website if you would like to reread them. Also, the extra paper bin is a great way to review.
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
5/5/17
The end of school will be here before we know it!!! We are winding down in class, too! Next week we will end our last novel study. Spelling and vocabulary will end after next week. Homework will also end, unless it is to finish classwork and/or graded projects.
We started Junior Achievement! Every Thursday a speaker will introduce the students to products for the future. They will learn about inventors and what it takes to become one. Students will learn Math and Social Studies through this program.
In Math, we are reviewing all Math concepts practiced this year. If students do not do well on the review tests, they have the opportunity to fix the errors and receive ½ credit for each corrected answer.
In Science, we will have fun doing STEM projects for an entire week about survival in the Arctic. This unit goes along with our last novel study about Ernest Shackleton. These STEM projects are from a grant from Elmhurst College. This came about because our student teacher, Katie Foulk, was from Elmhurst College. They provided the grant because we hosted Katie and the grant is to be used to enhance student instruction this year.
Mrs. Sarna
4/13/17
We are back to Spelling with a list from our new novel study about Ernest Shackleton, a famous explorer. This means back to the Spelling pretests and post tests. Also vocabulary is back, with the test on Fridays. The new lists will be sent home today.
Extra credit in Reading is over, but in Math, all tests can be corrected for ½ credit points each question.
Thanks for joining us for PAWS for Celebration!
Mrs. Sarna
PAWS for Celebration 4/12/17
Please visit all our displays around the room and in the hallway. J
As you can see, we have been busy learning many wonderful things all year!!! I hope you enjoyed our exhibits.
Room 203
News From Room 203
4/7/17
PARCC Schedule:
4/10 Mon.- Math 11:45
4/11 Tues.- ELA 11:45
4/12 Wed.- Math 11:45
4/19 Wed.- Math 11:45
4/20 Thurs.- ELA 11:45
4/11 Tues.-Our Book Fair Purchase Day
4/13 Thurs.- Walk-A-Thon (Early Dismissal)
4/14 & 4/17- No School
4/19- Progress Reports
Mrs. Sarna
News From Room 203
3/23/17
On the Tuesday after Spring Break, we will start PARCC testing. Pajamas Are Really Comfy Clothes testing! So students can dress in their comfortable clothes during testing.
Here is the first week’s schedule:
Tues. ELA 11:45
Wed. Math 11:45
Thursday ELA 11:45
Math Tests can be corrected and returned for a higher grade. Extra credit is also being offered in Math from time to time.
Extra credit in Reading is offered for the 4th marking period. Please use the Wonder Grid. All projects will be on display during our PAWS for Celebration Night on April 12th.
Reminder: The last Book It Calendar and the March behavior calendar should be signed and returned at the beginning of April.
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
3/10/17
Newsflash: They did it! They finally did it! Our class earned the 25 links needed for our themed movie day next Friday. More info to come!
Independent open-book Reading tests ae a big part of the Reading Grade. Students have spent two quarters in groups learning to develop good answers. During the 3rd quarter, students still worked in groups, but the questions were to be used to study for the comprehension tests on Fridays. Reading homework included rereading the sections and answering the questions that were not finished in class. Rereading is a big part of Close Reading, and should not be skipped. This has affected your child’s Reading grade. I am offering extra credit in Reading:
In class- Reading Center Work
At home: 10 pages in the Wonder Flipbook
Both due on Wednesday 3/15 (end of the marking period)
There will not be Spelling homework in the weeks leading up to Springbreak. We will still have a Spelling and Vocabulary test on Friday of next week.
Important Dates:
4th Grade Spelling Bee- 3/14
Guest Speaker for Wonder- 3/15 Wear your shirt!!!
Field Trip- 3/24
Spring Break- begins 3/27
Mrs. Sarna
2/10/17
We are almost done writing our book! Look for it to be published soon. Students are working hard reading and writing this quarter. Wonder questions not finished in class can be completed for homework. I no longer take grades on the comprehension questions, but it is practice for the open-book, weekly test.
Homework Club is going well. Invitations go out on Monday, as I give students a chance to catch up on the weekend before they have to attend. Thank you for all the support with the club. I want every child to succeed and this gives me extra time for that extra attention sometimes needed.
Progress Reports go out on Wednesday. Remember that this report helps students see what they need to work on to bring up that grade. Since all missing assignments receive a low grade, there might be some changes. I am doing all I can to help my students, but they must also help themselves with your support.
The day we come back from our 3 day weekend is Valentine’s Day. Remember to review the safe snack list. Also, Wonder tee shirt money is due on 2/15. We have our guest speaker coming at the end of March and we are all going to wear them in support of choosing kind at Brodnicki School. Field trip money is also being collected.
Reminder: Signed January Book It and Behavior Calendars were due today. They are always due a week after the month ends. Book It ends at the end of March.
Mrs. Sarna
1/27/17
We are now in full swing! The new marking period is underway. The homework has changed. Math is still practicing the major concept we are learning in class. I have shown students how to access tutorial videos to help them. Reading is now rereading the Wonder chapters and finishing up the questions started in class. The reading minutes can count for Book It! Spelling is the same.
I have also started a new homework policy. I have added a study hall at the end of each day for students to begin their homework. I can then help anyone who needs help. For those student who do not complete classwork and homework by Friday, I have started a homework club after school on the following Wednesday. If your child does not complete the work during class, at recess, or during Fun Friday, they will get an invitation to the club. Students that still do not complete major assignments will have to receive an “F”.
Responsibility is part of growing up. I will have done everything I can to help students succeed. If they do not take advantage of all the help provided, it will show in their grades. L
Reminders:
Mrs. Sarna
welcome to 2017!
It’s hard to believe that half the school year is over! The December Book It and Behavior Calendars are due by Friday. The Keeping Quilt Project is also due on Friday.
In Reading, students will learn to work independently on comprehension and text evidence. Working in a group has many benefits, such as defending and proving answers using the text and figuring out new words. But the time has come to use these skills
independently. Reading homework will be from our new novel, Wonder.
In Math, we are using basic facts to master long division and measurement conversions. Please check the first row of the Math homework so that your child doesn’t do the whole paper incorrectly.
In Language Arts, we are working on our Spooky Narratives. We will publish the book soon! J Spelling homework will remain the same. But this week there will only be Math and Spelling homework. Reading homework will start up again when we start the novel.
I will shortly start a new Wednesday club called the Homework Club. It is for students who need supervision after school to complete classwork and homework.
I look forward to seeing you at Parent-Teacher Conferences next Thursday.
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
12/16/16
Room 203 is publishing a book! That’s right, a book! We will publish our spooky story narratives in book form. Look for this wonderful project after Winter Break.
January Book It Calendars will be passed out before Winter Break, so that you can record the beginning of January reading. Please make sure to return calendars, notes to be signed, library books, and party money in a timely manner. You are setting the example for your child. If you don’t get things back by deadlines, they will think it’s OK for them not to either!
Ms. Foulk’s last day is today. We were fortunate to have an extra pair of hands this semester. She came with fresh, new ideas and is now leaving with a ton of experience. The students became better readers, writers, and mathematicians! We were able to form small groups to help everyone succeed!
Heading into the New Year:
Mrs. Sarna
12/1/16
Reminders:
Project Alert!!! 11/22/16
Your child will be writing a 5 paragraph essay on Westward Expansion. We have already written a 3 paragraph essay called, “My Hero”.
This essay is based on a project-based learning model. This means that students get to pick a topic based on their interests. Research has shown that when students decide on what they want to write about, they are more enthusiastic about the project.
We have spent the last two weeks reading and writing about Westward Expansion. Students have been exposed to explorers and concepts, and have picked a topic.
Planning for the 5 paragraph essay and using a graphic organizer for the research will make it easier for the students. Ms. Foulk and I are taking it step-by-step.
We learned to research during our Greek Myth unit and that project will go home shortly. The projects were displayed during Parent-Teacher Conferences in October.
Everyone is excited about our new project. It will be displayed on poster board (supplied) with maps, pictures, and captions. This project will be on display in the spring during Academic Night.
We hope to have the project completed before Winter Break. It is part of the Common Core Standards for Informational Reading and Writing.
Mrs. Sarna and Ms. Foulk
News from Room 203
11/4/2016
It was nice to see all of you at Parent-Teacher Conferences. This will be a short newsletter because I already discussed most everything with you personally.
The Spelling has changed for this week and next week. It will go back to the regular assignments the week of November14th. The words are difficult and I want the students to concentrate on Spelling and Vocabulary. We will start a huge project-based learning 5 paragraph essay and use the words when writing.
This quarter students need to bring in the Book It Calendars and Behavior calendars in a timely manner. I am working on responsibility.
Thanks for your continuing support. Have a great weekend.
Mrs. Sarna and Ms. Foulk
10/21/16
Just a quick checklist of upcoming events:
Mrs. Sarna and Ms. Foulk
CoGat testing begins on Monday and goes through Wednesday. Students cannot study for this test, but you can make sure they get a good night’s sleep and a great breakfast. We will take a portion of the test every day from 9:00-10:00. Make-ups are on Thursday, but for the best results your child should be at school if possible.
We started our new Math series, Eureka Math. Look for the papers that have that at the bottom. We are transitioning into the series. We also started our Science series from National Geographics. We started with Life Science.
Book-It begins in October. Your child must read 20 minutes each day to get the free pizza coupon. This is besides the 40 minutes of homework, as all students should be reading each and every day.
Field trip money is due by October 7th. We are going to Pilcher Park in Joliet to become a part of an interactive presentation of The Underground Railroad. This goes along with our study of the Civil War in 4th Grade.
9/16/16
Wow! We are halfway through the first quarter! I wanted to give you some suggestions, so that your child can achieve the best grades possible. Homework is the topic of this letter. My homework is structured to reinforce concepts and procedures we are working on in class. It is not busy work!
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Sarna and Ms. Foulk
ework is a review of concepts that were presented in class. Math homework reinforces procedures through practice. If a student doesn’t complete assignments, they will have a harder time on the weekly assessments in Math, Reading, and Spelling. Please, no food or worse should be on the papers. Students should have a 40 minute homework time, Monday through Thursday night. If they finish homework early, they should spend the rest of that time checking over their work, using the XtraMath computer program, or reading. They should always show the teacher their best work. I have even suggested starting the Spelling homework over the weekend, in case you have a busy weekly schedule. The next week’s words are always given out the Friday before and are also on SpellingCity.
Math- Please check over the first row, otherwise your child will do all the problems wrong and remember the wrong way to do them. All math homework is still a review of 3rd grade, therefore if your child is getting a lot wrong, we may have time to take them in a small group. But you can help them at home to catch up, too. I also registered all students on XtraMath, so that they can review basic facts and become fluent. This is needed to accomplish 4th grade math. I sent home that flyer yesterday.
Reading- We start the Reading homework in class by reading the directions. We may even have time to do one or two together.
Spelling- I expect students to spell the spelling words correctly, especially when there is a word bank at the top. Please review the weekly spelling homework assignments. They were given out as a handout, pamphlet, and are also on my website. Every student searched my website during Chromebook time and knows how to get on the website.
I want to thank you ahead of time for your support. I know you want your child to do his/her best! We do, too.
Mrs. Sarna and Ms. Foulk
PS Field trip permission slips and fees are now being collected.
News from Room 203
9/2/16
I can’t wait to meet all of you at our Curriculum Night, 9/8, Thursday! Come join us and see some wonderful projects. We also have new Math and Science series that you can view.
Homework needs to come back completed and of good quality. Please check it over with your child. Homework is practice for the assessments.
All tests are on Friday. That includes Spelling, Reading, Vocabulary, and Math. Students are given the Spelling list on Friday and the Vocabulary list on Monday. This week I gave both, so students can begin studying over the 3 day weekend.
We are working on text evidence and writing the page numbers where the evidence was found on comprehension questions. Students need to use evidence from the story. They have been taught to highlight where they found the answers in the story. This should also be done on homework.
See you on Thursday!
Mrs. Sarna
8/19/16
News from Room 203
Welcome! I am excited to begin a brand-new year. I write newsletters every other week, sometimes more. The newsletter is also on my school website. Go to www.isd109.org- Brodnicki School-websites-Mrs. Sarna.
I would like to introduce my student teacher, Ms. Foulk. She is studying at Elmhurst College and will be with us until December. I worked with her before and she is awesome!
Some FYI's:
*The room temperature varies so I suggest an extra hoodie to be stored in the book bag.
*Birthdays can be celebrated with pencils, cute erasers, party favors, small toys, etc. We have children with allergies in our room, so only food on the safe snack list is allowed. (see attached list).
*Fun Friday is for students who have completed assignments all week. It is time allotted for us to help all others catch up.
*We are working on getting 25 links in our Hallway Behavior Chart. Students voted for a pillow fort movie day. Good luck to all.
*Formal homework will begin shortly. I expect homework to be completed and good quality. There will be Spelling, Reading, and Math homework every night. There will not be weekend homework, but students have the choice of working ahead in Spelling. I will send the weekly Spelling homework home before it begins.
* Please e-mail me at [email protected] with any questions and concerns.
Mrs. Sarna and Ms. Foulk
News From Room 203
5/12/16
In Reading, we are finishing up our literature circle book about Shackleton. The chapter tests are a culmination of Language Arts and Reading skills studied throughout the year. Chapter 11 will be our last test.
Spelling ends this week and along with that vocabulary tests and homework will end. L J
In Language Arts, we are working on our Poetry Notebooks. The students are doing a wonderful job and are enjoying writing different kinds of poetry.
Our changing earth, is the topic in Science. Our rocks and minerals unit ends and we will finally do our last two experiments-making crystals and making a volcano.
Social Studies will end with a unit on Illinois. I won a grant for 200.00 in books to used during this unit.
In Math, we will work on a perimeter and area unit I won an award for in 2000 from ICTM (Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics), called “Plans for the Future”. The unit reviews measurement of all kinds.
The extra credit in my classroom is recorded by giving an extra 100% to be averaged in. For book reports, I gave all participants 110%. The window for extra credit is closed now, but it was amazing to see all the Wonder and now Book Land projects.
5/2/16
Welcome to the 4th quarter of 4th Grade!!! So many things are changing.
PARCC-Last week of testing:
Tues.-12:15-2:15 ELA 3
Wed.- 10:30-12:00 (late lunch) Math 3
Fri.- 8:30-10:00 Math 4
Please check PowerSchool for grades at least once a week. Students are now answering the comprehension questions in Reading independently instead of as a group. We practiced this with the last chapters of Wonder. The tests are still open book.
In Math, if your child has a lot wrong on homework, please go over the concept with your child. www.Learnzillion.com has excellent tutorials your child can watch and learn from. Please check over the first few problems of the homework so that you child does not remember the wrong way to do the problems.
Next week (week 4) is the last week of Spelling. That means there will not be homework in Spelling after next week!
For last week and this week, Room 203 has had a homework incentive. If all homework is completed in these two weeks, they will not have homework for the rest of the year.
Just a reminder, that even though we started book reports in February, they are still due on Wednesdays. I have encouraged my students to plan ahead and not wait to the night before to begin projects.
Mrs. Sarna
4/15/16
I hope you enjoyed “Paws for Celebration”. I am very proud of all my students’ hard work this year!
The book report has changed to a choice board. These assignments are very similar to “Wonder”Land on display during the academic fair. The only difference is that the title and author of the book needs to be on the assignment. A copy of the choice board is attached to this newsletter.
I have also attached another copy of the Fourth Grade Math Research Contest. Besides the certificate at the Awards Assembly, it will count as extra credit in our classroom. Parents can help with this project!
PARCC testing starts next week. Students should get a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast to help with “brainpower”. Here is Room 203’s testing schedule:
4/19, Tuesday-ELA 1
4/20, Wednesday-Math 1
4/25, Monday- Math 2
4/26, Tuesday- ELA 2
4/27, Wednesday- Math 3
5/3,Tuesday- ELA 3
5/4, Wednesday- Math 4
Testing is not all day, but a morning or afternoon session of approximately 90 minutes total a day. Class as usual the rest of the time. Homework will still be assigned.
If you ever misplace a copy of the newsletter, please go to my website posted on the District website under Brodnicki. All newsletters from the beginning of the year are posted.
Mrs. Sarna
4/4/16
“Paws for Celebration”, our academic fair, will be on Thursday night! Come and see all the wonderful projects outside our room. I have a presentation at Western Illinois University on Friday and will be traveling Thursday night. Sorry to miss all of you, but don’t miss our wonderful displays. Please stop by Mrs. Borst’s 1st grade room to see the display of animal reports our class helped them with by showing them how to find text evidence from books. There will be no homework Thursday night. Oh yes there is!!! Come to the fair and enjoy!
Spelling and vocabulary tests will be on Thursday this week. We will study for both in class by making toothpick geometry using the spelling words. Don’t forget to study at home, too.
PARCC testing is coming up soon. If you would like to view sample tests or have your child figure out a few problems at home, use the website: http://parcc.pearson.com/practice-tests/. The projects from the academic fair are all from the Common Core Standards. Your child is ready to take this test with confidence. They have become good researchers and writers. They also understand math concepts and are able to tell you how and why.
In Social Studies, we will soon begin learning the states and capitals. Our last project will be the Illinois Project. I won a grant this year from the Illinois Farm Bureau for over $200.00 in books for my unit plan called “From Critter to Litter” about farming and products in Illinois. This unit includes jobs of the future and a Science experiment about our natural resources. Students will go through centers and gather information for a project-based learning research essay. This unit plan includes Reading, Writing, Science, and Math skills.
Mrs. Sarna
3/24/16
Happy Spring! Everything and everybody has been growing and changing! Mrs. Borst has asked my class to help her class work on their animal projects. Everyone in our class has a buddy that they are helping write a report on animals. My students are using text evidence from the books the 1st graders brought with them. I am so proud of my class for using the skills they are learning to help the younger students.
Remember that my students have homework in Math, Reading, and Spelling (MRS.) every night. The homework might change, but it is always those three subjects. We are working on neatness.
Thank you to all the volunteers in the classroom this year. I had to divide up all the parents for the parties and field trips, so everyone could have a chance. Ten parents volunteered for the upcoming field trip alone.
Please work on the 4th Grade Math Contest over the break. I have attached the flyer to the newsletter. This will count as extra credit in Math in my classroom. Display the concept in any creative way!
I also attached another copy of the Read to Succeed Reading Log. This was given out in January and was due at the end of March. Please get it in right after the break if your child wants the free pass to Great America.
We study for the PARCC Test all year, but as it gets closer students will take the practice test on-line after break. We are already using the paper copy to brush up on the skills. Your child can practice on-line anytime at http://parcc.pearson.com/practice-tests/.
Have a wonderful break!
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
3/11/16
The end of the marking period is coming up shortly. I am extending the Wonder extra credit until Monday, March 14th. You child has the opportunity to complete up to 3 projects on the grid sent home with the last newsletter and again with this one. I have allotted some class time during independent study, but now it must be done over this weekend to count towards the 3rd quarter Reading grades.
March is the last month for Book It! We then go to Read to Succeed. This program rewards students with a free ticket to Great America. Some students have already handed in the record sheet completed.
I am piloting a new online math series for the District along with other teachers at Brodnicki and the other schools. It is called Origo. I have blended it in with my program and it is going well. You can view videos from the series at http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=ee10226263cafad4a68b0e0ca&id=f3dc55f6c9&e=c988e5ce73.
Penmanship grades are determined using a point system. (+1 on a paper). A student needs to hand in 5 neatly written papers a week out of the numerous papers completed in a week’s time. Please encourage your child to write neatly at all times, so it becomes a habit.
We are working on our poetry notebooks. I hope you are enjoying the Myth Book our class wrote. It is fantastic! All our wonderful projects will be on display during Academic Night on April 7th.
In Science, the class is studying rocks and minerals. We will make our own crystals in class and also display our virtual rock collection. Students can also bring in their own rock collections to share with the class. My daughter and I have a giant rock collection I will share.
We are heading towards 5th grade full steam now. Please check grades on PowerSchool on a regular basis. Your child is developing responsibility for doing work that is on time, neat, and checked over. You can help your child by making sure the homework is done on time, neatly, and checked over.
Mrs. Sarna
2/26/16
So much is happening! We have our Part 2 for Agriculture in the Classroom on 3/2/16. Then Junior Achievement begins on Wednesday mornings until the end of March. In the meantime, we are halfway through our 3rd novel, Wonder.
Reading grades are starting to improve as the students use the Wonder Project Grid to choose three projects for extra credit. (see attached) Extra credit can also be done using the flip book vocabulary section. I have encouraged students to bring that home for you to see. Keep asking about it. All extra credit needs to be in the week before the marking period ends (by 3/11)
Reading homework has changed. Instead of a Reading worksheet, students finish the Wonder questions from the daily Reading Group Work. Spelling and Math homework remain the same. Reading the novel can also count as the 20 minutes of reading a day for Book It.
We are studying Rocks and Minerals in Science. We will soon do an experiment (with goggles and gloves) to make crystals! How much fun is that? Students are excited to use “scientists’ equipment.”
Ms. Foulk has joined us to observe and teach mini-lessons under the supervision of Elmhurst College. She will be a student teacher at Brodnicki next year.
Your child need ear buds for computer lab. They can remain in the backpack until needed. Also if you would like to order from Scholastic on-line, the code is DML8T.
2/8/16
They did it! Room 203 earned 25 links for good hallway behavior! The reward is no homework for a week. This means there is no Spelling, Reading worksheet, or Math worksheet for one whole week. This doesn’t mean there isn’t any homework however.
Students still need to study for Spelling and Vocabulary tests. Wonder chapter reading and comprehension questions can be taken home and worked on every night. Last week this was an option and still ¼ of the class did not complete the assignments. So this week it is not optional. Your child needs to learn to complete classwork at home in order to keep up. This week is a great opportunity to start bringing home that book!
Book reports handed in on time receive an “A” to help bring up Reading grades. Each day it is late, it is marked down one grade. Missing book reports receive a zero. L
Please check your child’s grades on PowerSchool. This way you can see whether they are keeping up or not. If you need the password again, please let me know. If you choose not to use PowerSchool, then realize that you will not know your child’s progress until progress reports or report cards come out. Looking over the graded work each night will also help you see progress.
Unfortunately, students are not completing work, or it is coming in late. In that case, I try to help them during recess or Fun Friday. But I will give a zero for missing work and late work will be marked down. I hope to reinforce good study habits before 5th grade.
Congratulations to Room 203 again! They voted on double recess for the next reward for good hallway behavior. Hopefully it will not take them so long to earn this next reward!
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
2/1/16
Wow! It’s hard to believe we are halfway through 4th Grade! The 3rd quarter brings many changes. First, book reports have started. They are due on Wednesdays and are a major part of Reading because they review so much, including story elements, summarizing, and main idea and details. We started the first one in class and this first one is due this Wednesday. It is in the shape of a quilt design.
Another change is that we are reading the novel, Wonder, in class. Students are expected to rise up and meet the reading requirements. If they are not finished with the work in class, it will be assigned as homework due the next day. Everyone signed a Wonder contract, and is expected to have the book in class each day. Otherwise they will get behind in the Reading. Welcome to the pace of the 3rd quarter.
If your child has “fix” on an assignment, it means that the homework or classwork was not completed properly. Please encourage your child to check over work and complete it correctly and neatly. Recess and Fun Friday time is used to correct work.
&nbs
5/21/18
The end of the year is around the corner! Genius Hour will be presented next week on Wednesday and Thursday. Although I give class time to work on it, please help your child at home also.
I am sending home two Eureka Math workbooks that can be finished in the summer. I taught students how to become independent learners. They know how to watch the videos, pause them, write the examples down, rewind to review, and continue on. Completing these workbooks at home will give your child a head start in 5th grade. Attached to the workbooks is the last timed tests for the year. Students needed to get at least a 30 on both tests.
Also, inside the math interactive notebook are passwords to websites that the students can use in the summer. Do not assign too much, just enough to get ready for 5th Grade!
Mrs. Sarna
Looking for some great free resources to keep student skills up.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/1635fa232ae234b0
News from Room 203
5/9/18
They did it again! The students earned 25 links for good hallway behavior. They voted for a pajama, fort, movie day, May 10th, Thursday!
News from Room 203
5/2/18
By now you must have heard about our student-led classroom! I wanted the kids to tell you all about it. Flexible seating and independent study have been incorporated into our classroom. Students work in small flexible groups to help each other complete assignments. Responsibility to get work done, stay organized and on-task has moved to the forefront. Project-based learning and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) projects have become important.
We are busy studying the USA and we also switch classes to study our state, Illinois.This is all part of our Social Studies curriculum. We will soon begin a genius hour that can be completed at home, as well as in school. Our Earth Day Genius Hour is on display in Brodnicki’s Courtyard. Classes throughout the school have come to view all the wonderful projects. We are still working on our class book and poetry notebooks. We will stay busy until the end of school!
Before we know it, school will be over. I have so enjoyed my last year of teaching. This class was awesome! That is why I changed into the student-led classroom that is being implemented throughout the District.
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
4/3/18
PARCC testing begins tomorrow. Please make sure your child is well rested and has had a good breakfast. Research shows that these two simple things make a big difference!
Here is our schedule:
Wed.-4/4/18-ELA 10:00-11:30
Thurs.-4/5/18-Math 10:00-11:00
Fri.- 4/6/18 ELA 10:00-11:30
Mon.- 4/9/18 Math 10:00-11:00
Tues.- 4/10/18 Math 10:00-11:30
Wed.- 4/11/18 ELA 10:00-11:30
Fri.- 4/13/18 Math 10:11:30
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
3/21/18
I can’t believe it’s the last quarter of 4th Grade! We’ve all come a long way. Students are working independently on the Reading comprehension questions, instead of always in a small group. They are working on fractions. And they have been more responsible about getting long-term projects finished in a timely manner.
In Reading, our last novel of the year will be, Who Was Ernest Shackleton? This unit will be integrated with STEM Science experiments. In writing, we will once more concentrate on opinion writing. In Math, after fractions, we will begin decimals.
For extra credit, this quarter, we have two major projects,our Wonder Wall project board and a Genius Hour project using the cardboard suitcases sent home. The suitcases do not need to be returned until after Spring Break. I encourage the extra credit because we are quickly moving towards 5th Grade and sometimes the work can be challenging.
Have a restful Spring Break! PARCC testing begins the Wednesday after we return. I will send home the schedule on the Tuesday we return. :)
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
2/19/18
Our room has been buzzing with activity lately. We are working on a poetry notebook, writing a narrative, making GoogleSlides for presentations, learning about fractions, and much,much more!
The students earned another 25 links for hallway behavior! Board Game Day! We have more students than ever receiving ABC Awards for citizenship. I’m so proud of them.
In Math, we are finishing up long division, and we have started our study of fractions. Every Friday is Geometry Day! Students can correct the Math exit tickets and return for half credit.
There is also extra credit in Reading. The Wonder Flipchart and a choice board of projects can add points to the grade.
The Homework Club is every Wednesday from 2:30-3:15. Some students will be asked to attend if a project that is late or incomplete would affect a grade, but everyone can bring a note and stay on any Wednesday. All students will need a ride home at 3:15.
Come see all the projects on Paws for Celebration Night on Thursday, March 1! See you then.
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
12/8/17
Winter Break is soon approaching! But it is not here yet. Students are working on lots of projects before the break.
Until after the break, there will not be Spelling or Vocabulary. We have finished our second novel, Escape from Slavery, and the students are working on a Google Classroom project about Freedom Quilts using the book. This can also be done at home or at the library.
Our narrative about super heroes is coming along. We will publish it sometime after the break. We are also working on reports on Westward Expansion. These, too, can be worked at home.
So when your child says that they finished the homework (which now includes assignments not completed in class), remind them that these projects can be worked on.
Book It is an easy way for you and I to keep track of the 20 minutes of reading at home. Students can read any book or magazine they like. Calendars are due at the end of the month. Then students get a coupon for a free personal pizza at Pizza Hut.
In Math, we are working on the basic division facts and getting ready for long division. As you might have noticed, Eureka workbook pages are coming home for homework. These pages take concentration and should be checked over. Students take the Exit Ticket Quiz the following day.
Our Room Moms are busy working on the end of year party! Games, crafts, and refreshments will be served. Remember that over break, projects can be worked on at home. The 2nd Quarter ends on January 11th.
Have a safe and happy Winter Break!
Mrs. Sarna
Quarter 2 News
11/13/17
Room 203
I can’t believe Progress Reports will be out soon! Quarter 2 brings some changes in homework:
Classwork not completed in class or that a student wants to bring home to check over will be assigned as homework also.
Spelling Homework is the same, but I give the Spelling and Vocabulary lists out on Friday, so that students can begin studying for the end of the week tests. If students don’t finish the morning work, they must bring it home to finish also.
Sometimes, Reading Questions not completed in class can be brought home to finish or check over. Also, students should be reading 20 minutes a night and mark it on the Book It Calendar. They can also catch-up on the weekend and read more. Please sign the calendar and return at the end of the month.
Please review the multiplication facts at home, as we are using them to learn long multiplication in Module 3 of the Eureka workbook. We will soon start timed test in the basic division facts at school. Math Exit Tickets can be corrected and returned for half credit.
We are in the midst of 4th Grade level work! Students need to be responsible for writing down in their assignment notebooks any assignments that need to be completed besides the regular homework assigned. Please check.
We are in the midst of writing our first Narrative about Modern Day Superheroes. Look for the class book coming home before the Winter Break. Students also can get ahead by completing assignments in GoogleClassroom.
We won the most boxtops on our grade level for Quarter 1! Keep up the good work!
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
9/15/17
We have been so busy! Reading The Odyssey, studying for Spelling and Vocabulary tests, and learning Math through our new Math series from Eureka, are just a few of the things that keep us busy in Room 203.
I was delighted to meet all of you during Open House. If you did not attend, I will soon send home a time for Parent-Teacher Conferences in October. I look forward to discussing your child’s progress.
Ag in the Classroom is a program that discusses agriculture in Illinois. This hands-on program was presented in our classroom on Thursday. We are also going to Fair Oaks Farm for a field trip next week. If you volunteered to chaperone and were not picked for this trip, please try again, as we have two more trips this year. This program enhances our 4th Grade Life Science Unit.
Please use the flashcards on the supply list to practice multiplication basic facts. We will be studying them in this order: 3,4,6,7,8,9,and 12’s. We already reviewed the 2,5,10 and 11’s. We will use these fact for long multiplication. Then we will review the division facts in the same order for long division.
I am planning on a wonderful and successful year with your help! Thank you in advance for helping your child succeed.
Mrs. Sarna
8/18/17
I’m so excited to start the new school year! This newsletter will provide some important information to help your child.
- Students can bring in a daily snack. We have a long morning!
- Water is allowed as long as the container can be tightly closed.
- Students can bring in birthday treats.
- Sometimes it gets very cold in our room, so if you have an extra hoodie that can be left at school, it would be helpful.
- We use whiteboards, so if you have an old sock, it works as a great eraser.
- Students are working on good hallway behavior. When they earn 25 links in the chain, they voted for a “pajama fort movie party”. I’ll let you know when that happens. J
I look forward to meeting you at Open House on August 24th J
Mrs. Sarna
News From Room 203
5/19/17
We have just one week of school left! We have been busy doing our Arctic Circle STEM projects! Next week we will make volcanoes to end our Earth Science Unit.
In Reading, students have been doing more independent work. That means that instead of working with a group or partner, your child has been using the skills from all year to answer the comprehension questions independently. Numerous extra credit projects were offered to help students support their grades.
In Math, we have spent most of the 4th Quarter reviewing concepts and skills from all year, including basic facts. Extra credit was also offered in the form of correcting any test and receiving half credit for each corrected answer.
This last report card reflects how your child has accomplished 4th Grade concepts independently.
I have enjoyed this school year immensely. My work helping your child become responsible for completing and checking over work is finished. They are ready for 5th Grade. Please keep the skills going by using the many websites I have sent home in newsletters all year. My newsletters are posted on my website if you would like to reread them. Also, the extra paper bin is a great way to review.
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
5/5/17
The end of school will be here before we know it!!! We are winding down in class, too! Next week we will end our last novel study. Spelling and vocabulary will end after next week. Homework will also end, unless it is to finish classwork and/or graded projects.
We started Junior Achievement! Every Thursday a speaker will introduce the students to products for the future. They will learn about inventors and what it takes to become one. Students will learn Math and Social Studies through this program.
In Math, we are reviewing all Math concepts practiced this year. If students do not do well on the review tests, they have the opportunity to fix the errors and receive ½ credit for each corrected answer.
In Science, we will have fun doing STEM projects for an entire week about survival in the Arctic. This unit goes along with our last novel study about Ernest Shackleton. These STEM projects are from a grant from Elmhurst College. This came about because our student teacher, Katie Foulk, was from Elmhurst College. They provided the grant because we hosted Katie and the grant is to be used to enhance student instruction this year.
Mrs. Sarna
4/13/17
We are back to Spelling with a list from our new novel study about Ernest Shackleton, a famous explorer. This means back to the Spelling pretests and post tests. Also vocabulary is back, with the test on Fridays. The new lists will be sent home today.
Extra credit in Reading is over, but in Math, all tests can be corrected for ½ credit points each question.
Thanks for joining us for PAWS for Celebration!
Mrs. Sarna
PAWS for Celebration 4/12/17
Please visit all our displays around the room and in the hallway. J
- Art Projects
- Letter Writing
- Civil War Google Slides Essay Writing
- “New” News from Room 203
Poetry Notebook - Spooky Stories Publication
- Westward Expansion Essay Writing
- “Wonder” Land- Reading Extra Credit Wall
- Underground Railroad Field Trip Quilt
- Equivalent Fraction Freedom Quilt
- Keeping Quilt
- Picture Collages from Activities Throughout the Year
As you can see, we have been busy learning many wonderful things all year!!! I hope you enjoyed our exhibits.
Room 203
News From Room 203
4/7/17
PARCC Schedule:
4/10 Mon.- Math 11:45
4/11 Tues.- ELA 11:45
4/12 Wed.- Math 11:45
4/19 Wed.- Math 11:45
4/20 Thurs.- ELA 11:45
- Wonder extra credit is due no later than 4/12. Come see all our wonderful projects during PAWS for Celebration on 4/12 6:30-8:00.
- The last Book It Calendar and March Behavior Calendar were due today. (The week after the month ends)
- Spelling and regular homework will resume after PARCC Testing.J
4/11 Tues.-Our Book Fair Purchase Day
4/13 Thurs.- Walk-A-Thon (Early Dismissal)
4/14 & 4/17- No School
4/19- Progress Reports
Mrs. Sarna
News From Room 203
3/23/17
On the Tuesday after Spring Break, we will start PARCC testing. Pajamas Are Really Comfy Clothes testing! So students can dress in their comfortable clothes during testing.
Here is the first week’s schedule:
Tues. ELA 11:45
Wed. Math 11:45
Thursday ELA 11:45
Math Tests can be corrected and returned for a higher grade. Extra credit is also being offered in Math from time to time.
Extra credit in Reading is offered for the 4th marking period. Please use the Wonder Grid. All projects will be on display during our PAWS for Celebration Night on April 12th.
Reminder: The last Book It Calendar and the March behavior calendar should be signed and returned at the beginning of April.
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
3/10/17
Newsflash: They did it! They finally did it! Our class earned the 25 links needed for our themed movie day next Friday. More info to come!
Independent open-book Reading tests ae a big part of the Reading Grade. Students have spent two quarters in groups learning to develop good answers. During the 3rd quarter, students still worked in groups, but the questions were to be used to study for the comprehension tests on Fridays. Reading homework included rereading the sections and answering the questions that were not finished in class. Rereading is a big part of Close Reading, and should not be skipped. This has affected your child’s Reading grade. I am offering extra credit in Reading:
In class- Reading Center Work
At home: 10 pages in the Wonder Flipbook
Both due on Wednesday 3/15 (end of the marking period)
There will not be Spelling homework in the weeks leading up to Springbreak. We will still have a Spelling and Vocabulary test on Friday of next week.
Important Dates:
4th Grade Spelling Bee- 3/14
Guest Speaker for Wonder- 3/15 Wear your shirt!!!
Field Trip- 3/24
Spring Break- begins 3/27
Mrs. Sarna
2/10/17
We are almost done writing our book! Look for it to be published soon. Students are working hard reading and writing this quarter. Wonder questions not finished in class can be completed for homework. I no longer take grades on the comprehension questions, but it is practice for the open-book, weekly test.
Homework Club is going well. Invitations go out on Monday, as I give students a chance to catch up on the weekend before they have to attend. Thank you for all the support with the club. I want every child to succeed and this gives me extra time for that extra attention sometimes needed.
Progress Reports go out on Wednesday. Remember that this report helps students see what they need to work on to bring up that grade. Since all missing assignments receive a low grade, there might be some changes. I am doing all I can to help my students, but they must also help themselves with your support.
The day we come back from our 3 day weekend is Valentine’s Day. Remember to review the safe snack list. Also, Wonder tee shirt money is due on 2/15. We have our guest speaker coming at the end of March and we are all going to wear them in support of choosing kind at Brodnicki School. Field trip money is also being collected.
Reminder: Signed January Book It and Behavior Calendars were due today. They are always due a week after the month ends. Book It ends at the end of March.
Mrs. Sarna
1/27/17
We are now in full swing! The new marking period is underway. The homework has changed. Math is still practicing the major concept we are learning in class. I have shown students how to access tutorial videos to help them. Reading is now rereading the Wonder chapters and finishing up the questions started in class. The reading minutes can count for Book It! Spelling is the same.
I have also started a new homework policy. I have added a study hall at the end of each day for students to begin their homework. I can then help anyone who needs help. For those student who do not complete classwork and homework by Friday, I have started a homework club after school on the following Wednesday. If your child does not complete the work during class, at recess, or during Fun Friday, they will get an invitation to the club. Students that still do not complete major assignments will have to receive an “F”.
Responsibility is part of growing up. I will have done everything I can to help students succeed. If they do not take advantage of all the help provided, it will show in their grades. L
Reminders:
- Calendars are due a week after the month ends. Be sure to sign both the Behavior and Book It calendars.
- Library is every Tuesday!
- Wonder T-shirt money will soon be due. Students must meet the deadline set, as we have a deadline to get them printed!!!
Mrs. Sarna
welcome to 2017!
It’s hard to believe that half the school year is over! The December Book It and Behavior Calendars are due by Friday. The Keeping Quilt Project is also due on Friday.
In Reading, students will learn to work independently on comprehension and text evidence. Working in a group has many benefits, such as defending and proving answers using the text and figuring out new words. But the time has come to use these skills
independently. Reading homework will be from our new novel, Wonder.
In Math, we are using basic facts to master long division and measurement conversions. Please check the first row of the Math homework so that your child doesn’t do the whole paper incorrectly.
In Language Arts, we are working on our Spooky Narratives. We will publish the book soon! J Spelling homework will remain the same. But this week there will only be Math and Spelling homework. Reading homework will start up again when we start the novel.
I will shortly start a new Wednesday club called the Homework Club. It is for students who need supervision after school to complete classwork and homework.
I look forward to seeing you at Parent-Teacher Conferences next Thursday.
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
12/16/16
Room 203 is publishing a book! That’s right, a book! We will publish our spooky story narratives in book form. Look for this wonderful project after Winter Break.
January Book It Calendars will be passed out before Winter Break, so that you can record the beginning of January reading. Please make sure to return calendars, notes to be signed, library books, and party money in a timely manner. You are setting the example for your child. If you don’t get things back by deadlines, they will think it’s OK for them not to either!
Ms. Foulk’s last day is today. We were fortunate to have an extra pair of hands this semester. She came with fresh, new ideas and is now leaving with a ton of experience. The students became better readers, writers, and mathematicians! We were able to form small groups to help everyone succeed!
Heading into the New Year:
- There will be no Spelling or Vocabulary next week! Therefore, students will have only two worksheets for homework. J
- Starting next quarter, the Spelling words will be mixed up, not in order.
- We will be doing more independent study. This is where students are working on their own projects at their own pace.
- I look forward to Parent-Teacher Conferences in January.
Mrs. Sarna
12/1/16
Reminders:
- November Book It and Behavior Calendars need to be signed and returned at the end of the month.
- I have attached an alternative page if your child does not color in and you do not sign the Book It Calendar.This way I know your child is reading every day.
- Please make sure you check your child’s folder every night and homework is completed.
- Library books are due on Tuesdays!
- < >: They did it! The class earned 25 links for good hallway behavior. The reward is a pajama pillow fort movie day with snacks, tomorrow, 12/2/16.
Project Alert!!! 11/22/16
Your child will be writing a 5 paragraph essay on Westward Expansion. We have already written a 3 paragraph essay called, “My Hero”.
This essay is based on a project-based learning model. This means that students get to pick a topic based on their interests. Research has shown that when students decide on what they want to write about, they are more enthusiastic about the project.
We have spent the last two weeks reading and writing about Westward Expansion. Students have been exposed to explorers and concepts, and have picked a topic.
Planning for the 5 paragraph essay and using a graphic organizer for the research will make it easier for the students. Ms. Foulk and I are taking it step-by-step.
We learned to research during our Greek Myth unit and that project will go home shortly. The projects were displayed during Parent-Teacher Conferences in October.
Everyone is excited about our new project. It will be displayed on poster board (supplied) with maps, pictures, and captions. This project will be on display in the spring during Academic Night.
We hope to have the project completed before Winter Break. It is part of the Common Core Standards for Informational Reading and Writing.
Mrs. Sarna and Ms. Foulk
News from Room 203
11/4/2016
It was nice to see all of you at Parent-Teacher Conferences. This will be a short newsletter because I already discussed most everything with you personally.
The Spelling has changed for this week and next week. It will go back to the regular assignments the week of November14th. The words are difficult and I want the students to concentrate on Spelling and Vocabulary. We will start a huge project-based learning 5 paragraph essay and use the words when writing.
This quarter students need to bring in the Book It Calendars and Behavior calendars in a timely manner. I am working on responsibility.
Thanks for your continuing support. Have a great weekend.
Mrs. Sarna and Ms. Foulk
10/21/16
Just a quick checklist of upcoming events:
- Halloween party money is due.
- October Book It Calendars will soon need to be signed and returned. I expect all students to be reading 20 minutes a day and the calendar is evidence.
- October Behavior Calendars also need to be signed and returned at the end of October.
- Book orders are due on October 26th.
- Library is on Tuesdays. I have asked students to have the books “sleep” in the backpack every night, so that they will be there when they have to be returned.
- Please check over your child’s homework. Just because you don’t have to sign the assignment notebook every night doesn’t mean that you cannot help with your child’s study skills. Skills are still developing and they still need your help.
- We have a short week next week. There will still be a Spelling test, but no vocabulary test. We are also working on the 8’s in multiplication and will have the test on Wednesday.
Mrs. Sarna and Ms. Foulk
CoGat testing begins on Monday and goes through Wednesday. Students cannot study for this test, but you can make sure they get a good night’s sleep and a great breakfast. We will take a portion of the test every day from 9:00-10:00. Make-ups are on Thursday, but for the best results your child should be at school if possible.
We started our new Math series, Eureka Math. Look for the papers that have that at the bottom. We are transitioning into the series. We also started our Science series from National Geographics. We started with Life Science.
Book-It begins in October. Your child must read 20 minutes each day to get the free pizza coupon. This is besides the 40 minutes of homework, as all students should be reading each and every day.
Field trip money is due by October 7th. We are going to Pilcher Park in Joliet to become a part of an interactive presentation of The Underground Railroad. This goes along with our study of the Civil War in 4th Grade.
9/16/16
Wow! We are halfway through the first quarter! I wanted to give you some suggestions, so that your child can achieve the best grades possible. Homework is the topic of this letter. My homework is structured to reinforce concepts and procedures we are working on in class. It is not busy work!
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Sarna and Ms. Foulk
ework is a review of concepts that were presented in class. Math homework reinforces procedures through practice. If a student doesn’t complete assignments, they will have a harder time on the weekly assessments in Math, Reading, and Spelling. Please, no food or worse should be on the papers. Students should have a 40 minute homework time, Monday through Thursday night. If they finish homework early, they should spend the rest of that time checking over their work, using the XtraMath computer program, or reading. They should always show the teacher their best work. I have even suggested starting the Spelling homework over the weekend, in case you have a busy weekly schedule. The next week’s words are always given out the Friday before and are also on SpellingCity.
Math- Please check over the first row, otherwise your child will do all the problems wrong and remember the wrong way to do them. All math homework is still a review of 3rd grade, therefore if your child is getting a lot wrong, we may have time to take them in a small group. But you can help them at home to catch up, too. I also registered all students on XtraMath, so that they can review basic facts and become fluent. This is needed to accomplish 4th grade math. I sent home that flyer yesterday.
Reading- We start the Reading homework in class by reading the directions. We may even have time to do one or two together.
Spelling- I expect students to spell the spelling words correctly, especially when there is a word bank at the top. Please review the weekly spelling homework assignments. They were given out as a handout, pamphlet, and are also on my website. Every student searched my website during Chromebook time and knows how to get on the website.
I want to thank you ahead of time for your support. I know you want your child to do his/her best! We do, too.
Mrs. Sarna and Ms. Foulk
PS Field trip permission slips and fees are now being collected.
News from Room 203
9/2/16
I can’t wait to meet all of you at our Curriculum Night, 9/8, Thursday! Come join us and see some wonderful projects. We also have new Math and Science series that you can view.
Homework needs to come back completed and of good quality. Please check it over with your child. Homework is practice for the assessments.
All tests are on Friday. That includes Spelling, Reading, Vocabulary, and Math. Students are given the Spelling list on Friday and the Vocabulary list on Monday. This week I gave both, so students can begin studying over the 3 day weekend.
We are working on text evidence and writing the page numbers where the evidence was found on comprehension questions. Students need to use evidence from the story. They have been taught to highlight where they found the answers in the story. This should also be done on homework.
See you on Thursday!
Mrs. Sarna
8/19/16
News from Room 203
Welcome! I am excited to begin a brand-new year. I write newsletters every other week, sometimes more. The newsletter is also on my school website. Go to www.isd109.org- Brodnicki School-websites-Mrs. Sarna.
I would like to introduce my student teacher, Ms. Foulk. She is studying at Elmhurst College and will be with us until December. I worked with her before and she is awesome!
Some FYI's:
*The room temperature varies so I suggest an extra hoodie to be stored in the book bag.
*Birthdays can be celebrated with pencils, cute erasers, party favors, small toys, etc. We have children with allergies in our room, so only food on the safe snack list is allowed. (see attached list).
*Fun Friday is for students who have completed assignments all week. It is time allotted for us to help all others catch up.
*We are working on getting 25 links in our Hallway Behavior Chart. Students voted for a pillow fort movie day. Good luck to all.
*Formal homework will begin shortly. I expect homework to be completed and good quality. There will be Spelling, Reading, and Math homework every night. There will not be weekend homework, but students have the choice of working ahead in Spelling. I will send the weekly Spelling homework home before it begins.
* Please e-mail me at [email protected] with any questions and concerns.
Mrs. Sarna and Ms. Foulk
News From Room 203
5/12/16
In Reading, we are finishing up our literature circle book about Shackleton. The chapter tests are a culmination of Language Arts and Reading skills studied throughout the year. Chapter 11 will be our last test.
Spelling ends this week and along with that vocabulary tests and homework will end. L J
In Language Arts, we are working on our Poetry Notebooks. The students are doing a wonderful job and are enjoying writing different kinds of poetry.
Our changing earth, is the topic in Science. Our rocks and minerals unit ends and we will finally do our last two experiments-making crystals and making a volcano.
Social Studies will end with a unit on Illinois. I won a grant for 200.00 in books to used during this unit.
In Math, we will work on a perimeter and area unit I won an award for in 2000 from ICTM (Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics), called “Plans for the Future”. The unit reviews measurement of all kinds.
The extra credit in my classroom is recorded by giving an extra 100% to be averaged in. For book reports, I gave all participants 110%. The window for extra credit is closed now, but it was amazing to see all the Wonder and now Book Land projects.
5/2/16
Welcome to the 4th quarter of 4th Grade!!! So many things are changing.
PARCC-Last week of testing:
Tues.-12:15-2:15 ELA 3
Wed.- 10:30-12:00 (late lunch) Math 3
Fri.- 8:30-10:00 Math 4
Please check PowerSchool for grades at least once a week. Students are now answering the comprehension questions in Reading independently instead of as a group. We practiced this with the last chapters of Wonder. The tests are still open book.
In Math, if your child has a lot wrong on homework, please go over the concept with your child. www.Learnzillion.com has excellent tutorials your child can watch and learn from. Please check over the first few problems of the homework so that you child does not remember the wrong way to do the problems.
Next week (week 4) is the last week of Spelling. That means there will not be homework in Spelling after next week!
For last week and this week, Room 203 has had a homework incentive. If all homework is completed in these two weeks, they will not have homework for the rest of the year.
Just a reminder, that even though we started book reports in February, they are still due on Wednesdays. I have encouraged my students to plan ahead and not wait to the night before to begin projects.
Mrs. Sarna
4/15/16
I hope you enjoyed “Paws for Celebration”. I am very proud of all my students’ hard work this year!
The book report has changed to a choice board. These assignments are very similar to “Wonder”Land on display during the academic fair. The only difference is that the title and author of the book needs to be on the assignment. A copy of the choice board is attached to this newsletter.
I have also attached another copy of the Fourth Grade Math Research Contest. Besides the certificate at the Awards Assembly, it will count as extra credit in our classroom. Parents can help with this project!
PARCC testing starts next week. Students should get a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast to help with “brainpower”. Here is Room 203’s testing schedule:
4/19, Tuesday-ELA 1
4/20, Wednesday-Math 1
4/25, Monday- Math 2
4/26, Tuesday- ELA 2
4/27, Wednesday- Math 3
5/3,Tuesday- ELA 3
5/4, Wednesday- Math 4
Testing is not all day, but a morning or afternoon session of approximately 90 minutes total a day. Class as usual the rest of the time. Homework will still be assigned.
If you ever misplace a copy of the newsletter, please go to my website posted on the District website under Brodnicki. All newsletters from the beginning of the year are posted.
Mrs. Sarna
4/4/16
“Paws for Celebration”, our academic fair, will be on Thursday night! Come and see all the wonderful projects outside our room. I have a presentation at Western Illinois University on Friday and will be traveling Thursday night. Sorry to miss all of you, but don’t miss our wonderful displays. Please stop by Mrs. Borst’s 1st grade room to see the display of animal reports our class helped them with by showing them how to find text evidence from books. There will be no homework Thursday night. Oh yes there is!!! Come to the fair and enjoy!
Spelling and vocabulary tests will be on Thursday this week. We will study for both in class by making toothpick geometry using the spelling words. Don’t forget to study at home, too.
PARCC testing is coming up soon. If you would like to view sample tests or have your child figure out a few problems at home, use the website: http://parcc.pearson.com/practice-tests/. The projects from the academic fair are all from the Common Core Standards. Your child is ready to take this test with confidence. They have become good researchers and writers. They also understand math concepts and are able to tell you how and why.
In Social Studies, we will soon begin learning the states and capitals. Our last project will be the Illinois Project. I won a grant this year from the Illinois Farm Bureau for over $200.00 in books for my unit plan called “From Critter to Litter” about farming and products in Illinois. This unit includes jobs of the future and a Science experiment about our natural resources. Students will go through centers and gather information for a project-based learning research essay. This unit plan includes Reading, Writing, Science, and Math skills.
Mrs. Sarna
3/24/16
Happy Spring! Everything and everybody has been growing and changing! Mrs. Borst has asked my class to help her class work on their animal projects. Everyone in our class has a buddy that they are helping write a report on animals. My students are using text evidence from the books the 1st graders brought with them. I am so proud of my class for using the skills they are learning to help the younger students.
Remember that my students have homework in Math, Reading, and Spelling (MRS.) every night. The homework might change, but it is always those three subjects. We are working on neatness.
Thank you to all the volunteers in the classroom this year. I had to divide up all the parents for the parties and field trips, so everyone could have a chance. Ten parents volunteered for the upcoming field trip alone.
Please work on the 4th Grade Math Contest over the break. I have attached the flyer to the newsletter. This will count as extra credit in Math in my classroom. Display the concept in any creative way!
I also attached another copy of the Read to Succeed Reading Log. This was given out in January and was due at the end of March. Please get it in right after the break if your child wants the free pass to Great America.
We study for the PARCC Test all year, but as it gets closer students will take the practice test on-line after break. We are already using the paper copy to brush up on the skills. Your child can practice on-line anytime at http://parcc.pearson.com/practice-tests/.
Have a wonderful break!
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
3/11/16
The end of the marking period is coming up shortly. I am extending the Wonder extra credit until Monday, March 14th. You child has the opportunity to complete up to 3 projects on the grid sent home with the last newsletter and again with this one. I have allotted some class time during independent study, but now it must be done over this weekend to count towards the 3rd quarter Reading grades.
March is the last month for Book It! We then go to Read to Succeed. This program rewards students with a free ticket to Great America. Some students have already handed in the record sheet completed.
I am piloting a new online math series for the District along with other teachers at Brodnicki and the other schools. It is called Origo. I have blended it in with my program and it is going well. You can view videos from the series at http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=ee10226263cafad4a68b0e0ca&id=f3dc55f6c9&e=c988e5ce73.
Penmanship grades are determined using a point system. (+1 on a paper). A student needs to hand in 5 neatly written papers a week out of the numerous papers completed in a week’s time. Please encourage your child to write neatly at all times, so it becomes a habit.
We are working on our poetry notebooks. I hope you are enjoying the Myth Book our class wrote. It is fantastic! All our wonderful projects will be on display during Academic Night on April 7th.
In Science, the class is studying rocks and minerals. We will make our own crystals in class and also display our virtual rock collection. Students can also bring in their own rock collections to share with the class. My daughter and I have a giant rock collection I will share.
We are heading towards 5th grade full steam now. Please check grades on PowerSchool on a regular basis. Your child is developing responsibility for doing work that is on time, neat, and checked over. You can help your child by making sure the homework is done on time, neatly, and checked over.
Mrs. Sarna
2/26/16
So much is happening! We have our Part 2 for Agriculture in the Classroom on 3/2/16. Then Junior Achievement begins on Wednesday mornings until the end of March. In the meantime, we are halfway through our 3rd novel, Wonder.
Reading grades are starting to improve as the students use the Wonder Project Grid to choose three projects for extra credit. (see attached) Extra credit can also be done using the flip book vocabulary section. I have encouraged students to bring that home for you to see. Keep asking about it. All extra credit needs to be in the week before the marking period ends (by 3/11)
Reading homework has changed. Instead of a Reading worksheet, students finish the Wonder questions from the daily Reading Group Work. Spelling and Math homework remain the same. Reading the novel can also count as the 20 minutes of reading a day for Book It.
We are studying Rocks and Minerals in Science. We will soon do an experiment (with goggles and gloves) to make crystals! How much fun is that? Students are excited to use “scientists’ equipment.”
Ms. Foulk has joined us to observe and teach mini-lessons under the supervision of Elmhurst College. She will be a student teacher at Brodnicki next year.
Your child need ear buds for computer lab. They can remain in the backpack until needed. Also if you would like to order from Scholastic on-line, the code is DML8T.
2/8/16
They did it! Room 203 earned 25 links for good hallway behavior! The reward is no homework for a week. This means there is no Spelling, Reading worksheet, or Math worksheet for one whole week. This doesn’t mean there isn’t any homework however.
Students still need to study for Spelling and Vocabulary tests. Wonder chapter reading and comprehension questions can be taken home and worked on every night. Last week this was an option and still ¼ of the class did not complete the assignments. So this week it is not optional. Your child needs to learn to complete classwork at home in order to keep up. This week is a great opportunity to start bringing home that book!
Book reports handed in on time receive an “A” to help bring up Reading grades. Each day it is late, it is marked down one grade. Missing book reports receive a zero. L
Please check your child’s grades on PowerSchool. This way you can see whether they are keeping up or not. If you need the password again, please let me know. If you choose not to use PowerSchool, then realize that you will not know your child’s progress until progress reports or report cards come out. Looking over the graded work each night will also help you see progress.
Unfortunately, students are not completing work, or it is coming in late. In that case, I try to help them during recess or Fun Friday. But I will give a zero for missing work and late work will be marked down. I hope to reinforce good study habits before 5th grade.
Congratulations to Room 203 again! They voted on double recess for the next reward for good hallway behavior. Hopefully it will not take them so long to earn this next reward!
Mrs. Sarna
News from Room 203
2/1/16
Wow! It’s hard to believe we are halfway through 4th Grade! The 3rd quarter brings many changes. First, book reports have started. They are due on Wednesdays and are a major part of Reading because they review so much, including story elements, summarizing, and main idea and details. We started the first one in class and this first one is due this Wednesday. It is in the shape of a quilt design.
Another change is that we are reading the novel, Wonder, in class. Students are expected to rise up and meet the reading requirements. If they are not finished with the work in class, it will be assigned as homework due the next day. Everyone signed a Wonder contract, and is expected to have the book in class each day. Otherwise they will get behind in the Reading. Welcome to the pace of the 3rd quarter.
If your child has “fix” on an assignment, it means that the homework or classwork was not completed properly. Please encourage your child to check over work and complete it correctly and neatly. Recess and Fun Friday time is used to correct work.
&nbs