2.27.12 - 3.2.12

We had an exciting week!  We set up our aquariums, welcomed our fish, and traveled to Brooks to preview the BRAVO program.

Next week, ISAT testing begins. If you haven't already done so, please send back the envelopes with motivational slips for your child. They can be on your own stationary if you wish. It's great for them to have a little comfort from family before each test.  Please make sure they're cut!
Other ways you can you help at home include:

• Help your students get plenty of sleep
• Encourage them to eat a healthful, hearty breakfast
• Pack a healthful morning snack and water bottle
• Ask your kids about how they're feeling about ISATS, ask them what we're working on, etc.

Reading:  We read a great short story by Chris Van Allsburg called Zathura.  Van Allsburg also wrote Jumanji, The Polar Express, and Harris Burdick.  We enjoyed the adventures of two brothers through space and practiced using context clues, summarizing, and main idea/ detail.

4th Grade Math:   We wrapped up Unit 6 and tested on Thursday.  We also reviewed some key concepts for the ISAT test, such as geometry terms, perimeter, area and volume.  We'll begin Unit 7 after ISAT testing is complete. 

5th Grade Math: Check out Ms. Wennerberg's website and newsletter for updates: http://www.op97.org/swennerberg/

Social Studies: Check out Ms. Wennerberg's website and newsletter for updates: http://www.op97.org/swennerberg/

Science:  Our fish arrived!  We made our aquariums this week, complete with gravel, elodea, duckweed, algae, snails and fish!  The kids had a blast setting everything up; each student named their new pets and were careful to record their observations as they created their new ecosystems.  Fingers crossed they stay alive...

Miscellaneous:

• Don't forget to purchase your March to Success tickets!
• Every Wednesday is Whittier Wear Wednesday! If you need to update your Whittier Wear Wardrobe, visit the PTO website to place an on line order. Go Wildcats!