Friday, March 30, 2012


Jaeden, our student of the week, had lots of cool things and pics to share. We learned lots about her and had some good giggles at her pictures.
Reminder that next week we have a very short week. Early out on Tuesday, April 3rd (12:00 dismissal) and then we are off until Tuesday, April 10th.
Please get those picture envelopes or picture packets back no later than Tuesday, April 3rd. Thank you. Thank you to all of you that have already.
Obviously no spelling list this next week.
Have a great weekend.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

We've Been Egged!






We had a fun treat when we got back from PE today as we had been egged. We found eggs as you can tell from the pics in all kinds of silly places in our room. HMMMM-I wonder who we will "egg" tomorrow!!
Tomorrow is Blue & Gold Day (Yeh!!-Bobcat colors)!! Let's see if Team Hankins can make it 4 in a row for having great spirit day participation.
Tomorrow is also Library so let's get those books back.
Thank you to all of you that have returned the report card envelopes.
Also, picture money and/or any unpurchased pictures are due by Tuesday, April 3rd.
Today in Math we worked with not only fractions & decimals, but now we added the 3rd part-finding percentages. Have your child tell you the fraction, decimal, and percentage for 4/5. Write all 3 answers in the planner for free money.
Have a great night.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Alaska Came to our Classroom

Skyping with Mrs. Clark and her 6th graders in Alaska today was quite a treat. We got lots of good facts & info. from them. Ask your child about the Polar Plunge, animals on the playground at school, and running with the _______before the start of the Iditarod. Write Alaska if they can tell you about them. They asked us a few things about Montana, but of course they didn't have as many as their teacher is originally from Billings.
Today we found the "mean" or averages in Math. If your child can tell you how to do it, write average in the planner.
Today we read about the Jr. Iditarod. Thank goodness it is not as long as the adult version as these are kids 14-17 yrs. old in it. What an achievement it would be to accomplish something like this.
Mark your calendars: The 4th Grade Recorder Concert is on Wednesday, April 25th at 2:45 in the gym. These kids have been working very hard so see if you can get some time off to come and listen to them.
Have a great night.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Ducklings Made a Visit!






We were treated with a visit by Peepers & Ducklin, (Ms. Erickson's ducklings) this morning. Oh they were so cute and quite chirpy I must say. They definitely added music to the hallway today. We loved them-it so is another reminder that Spring is here with lots of new life. Ask your child the difference about how they move and write duckling in the planner for free money.
Today, we investigated our soil & sand samples in Science and recorded and discussed the difference between both. Again visit with your child about this and if they can tell you the difference, write soil in the planner. Tomorrow we will be using them again to see which holds more air & water-sand or soil.
Tomorrow we are skyping with Mrs. Clark in Alaska and we are so excited to hear from her.
In Math, we reviewed range, median, and mode and the kids had fun with it. It was so refreshing to see that they really remembered it from earlier this year when we just introduced it.
Today my reading kids read the 1st chapter of Balto. Ask them about it and we will do this with each chapter and then you will know the story if you don't already.
Have a great night.

Monday, March 26, 2012

What a Great Day Today!

First of all, thank you to all of you for your support and donations of all the goodies for the carnival. We had a blast and it was so great to see so many of you there.
Today, we had a new seating arrangement for the last quarter. We are now into pods again which is my favorite. Students made great choices today and transitions went well. They are working so hard to be 5th graders and also they know they need to show positive behavior this quarter in order to be eligible for our end of the year field trip and fun activities.
Today in Math, we did rounding of decimals. Wow-this lesson went well. These kids have surely mastered rounding numbers.
Have them round 12:56 to the nearest whole number and nearest tenth and write their answers in the planner for money.
Today in Social Studies, we found the record holder for the fastest Iditarod Race which happened last year. Also, ask them who gets the red lantern? Also, ask them why there are 2 different Iditarod trails and when each one is used. Wow-we are learning so much-maybe one day we will have a musher from Billings.
In Science, we started our section on rocks & minerals. Tonight they each got 2 bags and they are to find a sample of soil and another of sand. We will look at these closely tomorrow and see what we find and how they are different.
Have a great night.
Remember we have school all day this week and conferences are only for the primary.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Happy TGIF!!






What a special treat we had today. Yes, Mrs. Yasenak came and talked about and gave a slide show about the Iditarod & Alaska. She has so much knowledge to share that we could have listened to her all day. Unfortunately, she had to get back to her 3rd grade students in Lockwood. We didn't get time to ask our questions so we will get to skype with her next week. We are also skyping with her daughter next week too. Her daughter is a teacher in Anchorage so how lucky we are to have Alaska brought right to our classroom here hundreds of miles away.
Tonight is the carnival. Thank you-thank you so much for all the wonderful cakes and baked goodies. Many of them are adorable and not to mention the fact they smell fabulous too. It has been a tough day having them in here right in front of us all day, right kids? I hope you all can make it tonight. The baskets for raffle are incredible. WOW-Bitterroot kids/families have done a GREAT JOB once again supporting all that we all do for kids and education. Thank you.
We had great representation by our class for Camo Day today. We had 16/24. Good Job.
Congrats to Theo, our student of the week. What great pics and so much to share. I think we all want to go on a cruise now! Great book you had to share.
If you brought treats to the carnival, your child will be paid the money on Monday.
Have a great weekend.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Carnival & Cake Walk Tomorrow

Yes, it is Friday already tomorrow and time for the Classroom Carnival so please bring in those baked goods either tomorrow morning or tomorrow after school. Students will get $100 for each cake or plate of (at least a dozen) baked goodies. Also, if they attend the carnival they will receive an additional $500. See you all tomorrow for some school & family fun.
Today was a normal day and we loved it. We started our Balto and the Great Race book in my reading class. Actually, we didn't start the book, but started some before the book activities. We have lots of great activities and skills to go with it.
In Social Studies, we learned about the Iditarod in preparation for Mrs. Yasenak tomorrow. We watched some video footage of this years race. Ask your child what they saw and learned so far about the Iditarod and if they can tell you 3 things, write them in the planner for free money.
In Math, we started standard measurement conversions such as 4 cups =1 pint. This is a bit tricky and once again they need to know their multiplication and division facts.
Tomorrow is Library so get those books back.
Have a great night and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Volcano Fun!

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I hope you enjoyed the volcano show. We had a great time and the kids learned a lot!
Today was an awesome day. We finished testing for now. The kids did great and I am so proud of them. They worked hard and were very persistent with some of the hard questions. I know they did their best.
Then as a special treat for being done testing and also to conclude our dream & goal setting, we watched the Soul Surfer movie. If you have not watched it before, it is a must to put on your list. Have a box of Kleenex handy. After the movie, we had a great discussion about how Bethany didn't give up after the attack and how she went up the ladder of baby steps to achieve & continue her dream. Tonight's homework is to have a conversation about the movie with your child and then for free money tomorrow, write 3 highlights or AahHah's that they had while watching it in the planner.
Tomorrow is back to normal finally with a normal schedule. I am excited to teach again for a full day. Don't get me wrong, I love to see the kids testing to show what they know, but it is quite boring for me.
We get to continue our Alaska unit. My reading kids will start the book: Balto and the Great Race. This is of course a connections to the Iditarod which we will be learning more about tomorrow before our guest speaker on Friday. We are so excited for Mrs. Yasenak to share as she helped work the Iditarod in 2011.
Have a great night and enjoy the weather.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

What a Fun Day!

Thank you so much for those of you that were able to watch the volcano eruptions. The kids had a blast and I will make a Smilebox tomorrow to post for you to see.
Tomorrow is the last day of testing. The students are doing fabulous on the Math and we have had great attendance with no make-ups so far so let's end strong.
Tomorrow is Music so bring those recorders.
Also, the Soul Surfer movie is tomorrow and students can bring a drink of choice. Just make sure it has a cap so they can open and close it to avoid spills.
Have a great night.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Lucky Pays a Visit






Lucky, the Leprechaun visited our classroom this weekend and found some decorated hats that he magically changed. The kids had fun today trying to figure out how Lucky shrunk the hats. Ask your child how they think he did it and write Lucky in the planner.
Today was Day 1 of the Math test and the students did an awesome job. They worked really hard and took their time. Make sure they have that healthy breakfast and snack tomorrow for Round 2.
Today, we read about the Inuits in Alaska. Ask your child why they were doing a dance for Aputik. The answer to this leads into the next section we talked about today. How the Iditarod (The Great Race) started. Again ask your child about the history of it starting in 1925. If they can tell you about it, write Iditarod in the planner. The race finished today. They were amazed that there was one family who had 4 different members entered. Grandpa, his 2 sons, and a grandson. What a family tradition. We will do lots more with it on Thursday and have a guest speaker on Friday. Yeah!!!
Permission slips went home for the Soul Surfer movie which will take place on Wednesday. If you choose for your child not to watch it, I will find an alternate placement for them.
Volcanoes are erupting tomorrow at 2:00 on the grassy area. The snow should be melted by then. Come prepared for some excitement and good pictures.
Have a great night.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Lucky the Leprechaun Will Visit This Weekend

Today, we had a little fun after our testing was over in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Ask the students what they got from me that they had to leave out for Lucky the Leprechaun. Write it in the planner. Monday, they will see what Lucky did-it is so magical!
Yes, today was the last day for the Reading testing. Monday-Wednesday next week we will finish up with the Math. I know the kids are taking their time, believing in themselves, and are quite confident in how they are doing. Keep putting those little messages in the planner. They help and I love reading them. I give them messages too. Today, they got 2-ask them what they were.
Notes about the Classroom Carnival went home today. Yes, we do the Cake Walk in 4th Grade. It is a big favorite and we love doing it. Please donate a cake or cakes or baked goodies for this great cause. We will of course use the money for class projects we do along with field trips. You know we like to do them and so much learning takes place outside of these 4 classroom walls.
We are working on dreams and goals and report card time is quickly approaching once again. Yes, 3rd quarter is about to end.
For this quarter, not only do I put comments, but I have the students do it too by writing down 1 thing they feel they really shine at and 1 thing they need to work on. I want them to think about it this weekend and then on Monday, they will be given an index card to write them on. This is a good connection to our goals and dreams.
In Math today, we did capacity measurement with Mr. GallonBot. Hopefully, this helps the kids understand cups, pints, quarts, and gallons better.
Have a great weekend and enjoy this fabulous weather.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

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Don't you just love the volcanoes-they did a great job and are looking forward to erupting them on Tuesday at 2:00.
Another great day of testing again today. Keep sending those positive messages with them. I know they help. Ask them what positive they got from Mrs. Hankins this morning and write it in the planner. Again $100 for those that are here tomorrow.
Today in Morning Meeting, we started reading a book about a person who had to BELIEVE in himself, setting goals and working hard to reach those dreams and goals. They are finding out that perseverance pays off. Ask them who it is about and put it in the planner for free money.
Today in Math, we started linear measurement measuring to the nearest 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and inch as our benchmark fractions. They did a great job measuring various objects in the room along with some lines. Tomorrow we start capacity with GallonBot. YOu will see him tomorrow when he comes home.
Today in Social Studies we finished our first Alaska Read-A-Loud. We are finding out lots of cool facts about this huge state.
Have a great night and remember tomorrow is Session 3 of reading test.
Also, Library books are due tomorrow. We didn't have library last week so get those books back.
Have a great night

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Awesome Volcanoes

What a fabulous job the students did with their volcanoes! They are amazing. I will take some pics tomorrow and post them then. If you are coming to eruption day, it is on Tuesday, March 20th at 2:00. Come a little early if you can to see them displayed in the hallway before they get destroyed in the eruption process.
In Math today, we finished going over a big practice test. Students are to go over some of it with you tonight and discuss the ones they are having difficulty with. If you do, write math in the planner.
The one area that most students are having difficulty with is problem-solving and choosing the correct operation. That is their homework tonight. They have 12 story problems to read and work out.
In Science, we had our final volcano quiz. It is from a Brain Pop site that we use quite a bit. We watched it 3 times over the past few weeks and students were able to take notes on it.
In Social Studies, we continued with fact finding today and reading the book :"Child's Glacier Bay". Have your child tell you about it along with the connections I made to the book today. It was quite an experience I can tell you that. Fun though as it brought back lots of memories of my trip there. If they can tell you about the book, write "rough seas" in the planner. Tomorrow we will do some Alaska map work.
Tomorrow is Session 2 of the Mont Cast Reading test. Today went great so keep up the great positives for more money again and also the good rest, breakfast, and snack. Also, $100 for attendance.
Have a great night.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Happy Tuesday!!

Great day today as we finally got to start our Alaska Unit. We each made a map of the state and located 2 places to go along with the book I am reading aloud to them about glaciers in/and around Glacier Bay in Glacier Bay National Park. It is about a boy and his family who are taking a trip there and the only way to get there is by boat or plane. Awesome story with facts and beautiful photos of the state so they are fact collecting also. I also was able to show them my slides of our trip to Alaska seeing the wildlife and glaciers. It is absolutely BEAUTIFUL & BREATHTAKING!! We also colored Alaska's flag. Ask your child who designed it and what the flag looks like and write flag in the planner for free money.
Tomorrow starts our next set of MontCas Testing. We will be taking Session 1 of Reading. $100 to those that are here. We had great attendance for the Science portion so let's do it again. Remember good night's sleep, protein breakfast & snack, and gum.
Also, keep up the great testing messages in the planner. Students will earn $50 for a message from you.
In Math, we corrected the first 1/2 of our practice test. Tomorrow we will finish it and do some linear measurement.
My reading kids today made a graph comparing different kinds of owl and then wrote thank you letters to Jeff for coming in on Friday with Gabel, the owl.
Volcanoes are due tomorrow. Students are to make sure their names are on them and then they are to just drop them off on the tables that will be up in the hallway.
FANTASTIC NEWS: The class earned a "celebration" point in PE today. Way to Go!!
Have a great night.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Enjoy the Two Smileboxes Below


Hi there-
Sorry I didn't post on Sunday, but I truly had a fabulous weekend enjoying brother, friend, and hubby time. Even got to play golf. I just love this weather!!
For some reason, there are 2 smileboxes instead of just one, but enjoy. As you can see, we had a great time with owls and Hawaii. Today was hilarious as some of the kids seemed a bit grossed out with the whole thing. They sure did find some cool bones though. They found it quite amazing that some of the pellets had 2 skulls and some had none. Just depends on what the owl ate and its' digestion.
Now in Social Studies, we are starting to study Alaska. We will focus on some fast facts, animal migration, the Iditarod, and the Inuit Indians. I will be reading quite a few different books on these topics. Look forward to your child telling you lots about them. Also, my dear friend who worked at the Iditarod last year will come in and talk to the kids next week and also we will be skyping with her daughter who teaches 5th grade in Anchorage. So so excited for this as they will have so much to share and I was there once and have lots of pictures to share with the kids. We will learn lots about this wonderful state.
In Science, we are finishing up our volcano unit. Remember the volcanoes are due on Wednesday and will be on display in the hallway. Then we will erupt them on Tuesday, March 20th at 2:00. You are so welcome to come and watch. This will be weather permitting of course.
In Math, we continue to do some practice tests for the math test that is next week. We are going to do some measurement also this week.
Testing for this week is Wed.-Friday from 10-12:00 on those days. We are testing Reading this week.
We will not be doing new book clubs for awhile as our testing is during our reading block this week and next week so that takes up our reading time.
The kids had a great day today in Music and Art so way to go guys.
We are continuing this week with long term goal setting. Ask your child their long term goal and write it in the planner. Then next week on Wednesday, March 21st we will watch the movie "Soul Surfer" which takes place in Hawaii so that is cool and it is also about Dreams & Goals. Permission slips will be coming home for your child to view it.
Nathaniel shared his student of the week pics on Friday. We loved everyone of them and WOW-you are a great artist drawing Angry Birds. Also, bet you can't tell who is favorite team is. I think it has something to do with his long term goal.

Have a great night and again enjoy the nice weather.
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Thursday, March 8, 2012

Rough End of the Day



Ok-so today was not so good in PE. Wow-I heard all kinds of things went on like throwing scooters around, using them as hockey pucks, and rolling around on them while Mrs. Buss was talking. Wow-this is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE and the kids that were part of the problem should be TOTALLY ASHAMED about their behavior. We got back in the room at 3:10 and they knew I was not happy. Some confessed up for their behavior, but I don't think everyone did. Sad thing about this is that their behavior yesterday for Mr. Goodheart in Music was not much better. :( ::((((( I would like you to have a SERIOUS talk to your child about this tonight and write serious talk in the planner if you do. We work so hard in Morning meetings to discuss and model what good character is and then this happens. Also, all the positives we do to encourage & compliment one another makes me think that this is all a waste of my time. Well I shouldn't say that as some kids have learned a lot and are displaying good character in here and I feel bad for them having to go through this with the misbehaved ones, but like I always tell them "they should feel good about themselves" and they will continue to be rewarded as they get older because making good choices now will help lead to positive choices later on too. As you can tell, I am not happy about this as I feel it is a reflection on me and I sure hope those that made bad choices will think & act differently. If not, they sure will be missing out on lots of fun this spring when we go on field trips and do other fun end of the year activities. I was tempted to have them sit out of Hawaii Day, but the things have been bought and they have paid in already.
Speaking of activities, tomorrow is Hawaii Day. Make sure you have a beach towel, sunglasses, flashlight, and clothes. They will be allowed to change at 1:15.
Pictures are tomorrow too.
Today, we made origami owls for Day 1 of owl day. Tomorrow is Day 2 and Jeff, from the zoo will be here and we will make an owl snack. Then on Monday is Day 3 and we will dissect owl pellets.
No Library tomorrow due to Hawaii Day.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Another Great Day!






Today was a great day from start to finish. We were greeted by a fun message from Mrs. Hankins on our desk about cookies. If they can tell you what it was, write cookie in the planner. Then we started out the morning meeting by writing & illustrating how we were feeling about the testing. The kids were very open and honest about them and we discussed how being nervous is a good thing because it really shows you are working hard and wanting to do your best. Also, helped calm the scared feelings that all we expect is your BEST. There were many that were happy and ecstatic so that is great. See why I love these kids.
In Science, we watched 2 short clips of volcanoes one being Mt. St. Helens and the other was in Indonesia and it is an active one unlike Mt. St. Helens being dormant.
Then it was testing time. We started out with a fun dance titled "Do You Know What Time It Is?" It is testing time and we moved around the room having lots of fun and releasing our energy. Once again, they did great on the test and we are done now until next Wednesday. Ask them what their fun message was for the Starburst!!
Tomorrow is a first owl day. Students will be engaged in fun activities to help culminate our Owls in the Family book.
Friday is Hawaiian Day. It is also picture day and we don't want the kids to wear hawaiian clothes for their pics. so we are encouraging them to bring them and change into them after lunch. Also, for Hawaiian Day, they need a beach towel, sunglasses, and a flashlight for our fun activities. Please don't bring these items before Friday.
Tomorrow is the HIV video in Health and Mrs. Buss will have an alternate placement for those that can't attend.
Have a great night.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

What a Busy Day!

We had another Terrific Tuesday in here today. It started out this morning with the kids making little inspirational messages for themselves on colored cards that we taped to their desks that they can look at during the test. Many of these messages came from you the parents so please send another message with them tomorrow in their planners. It is such a fun pick-me-up for them.
Then we took Part 2 of the Science test. Once again I was totally happy with their hard work and determination to do their best. They are taking their time, checking over their answers, and really showing what they know. Tomorrow is Part 3 of the Science and then we have a break until next Wednesday. Once again have that healthy breakfast, bring a nutritional snack, and gum.
After lunch we went to the ABT for Solas the Irish Music. Wow-they were great and really got the kids participating in the music. We even were singing a little Irish-not sure what we were saying but it was still fun.
After we got back from ABT, they got back in their groups and planned their Hawaiian vacation. They will share these tomorrow and we will decide whose vacation sounds the most intriguing.
Thursday is the HIV video and Mrs. Buss will have an alternate placement for those opting out and those who never returned the permission slip.
Have a great night.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Great First Day of Testing!

Great job to all the kids for doing a super job on the Part 1 of the Science MontCas test. Tomorrow we have Part 2 of Science. I was so happy to see those nutritious snacks so please send them again tomorrow. Also, don't forget to have a great night's sleep and breakfast. Also, I was so happy that we had PERFECT ATTENDANCE so everyone got free money. There will be more free money for being here tomorrow.
To help us all prepare for the test, we made a test taking tips chart this morning in morning meeting. Hopefully, this was helpful. Talk with your child about what helped them the most and also write them a positive note for tomorrow in their planner for free money. Just a reminder that all our tests will be from 10:00-12:00 during our reading block on test days.
Tomorrow we go to ABT at 12:00. I still need permission slips from Jose', Thomas, Jaeden, Grayson, and Jeremiah. Remember you need these to go.
Today in Science, we talked about the 3 kinds of volcanoes. If your child can tell you the names of them, write volcano in the planner.
In Social Studies, students got into their groups and started planning a Hawaiian Vacation for the whole class. They have to go to 4 different islands and they have different excursions or things to do on each. Some of them are free and some of them have a cost. They can spend $400 on each students. It is fun to see what kind of trip they are planning while maintaining their budget. They will share these on Friday before our Hawaiian Day.
Have a great night.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Rusty Was Here!




Yahoo-we got a special treat this morning as Rusty from School Tools was here to share about his childhood and growing up. He talked about how his life wasn't always that great and how it helped him be a stronger, better person. It is amazing how he was a bully as a child/teenager and now he is helping kids deal with those same issues and feelings. That is so awesome!! Just goes to show that dreams are achievable if you believe in yourself; just like my motto: Dream, Believe, Achieve.
Alberta Bair Performance: Permission slips went home today for the ABT performance that is on Tuesday, March 6th. Please sign and get the slip back by Monday for a $100.
Monday is the start of MontCas Testing. Yes, we start with Science first. I told the kids not to panic and worry about them. Their main jobs to prepare for these tests is to get a good night sleep the night before and then to have a good, nutritional breakfast that morning, and then bring nutritional, protein snack. Boiled eggs, peanut butter, nuts, etc. Then their main job for the tests is to do their BEST!! Our saying a lot is "DO YOUR BEST ON THE TESTS!!! See the whole schedule for these tests on the side of the blog. I am giving you this ahead of time so you don't schedule any appointments or trips during these times please. It is so hard to get them made up and they do have to be made up. Then if they have to make one up, they miss what we are doing in class that day.
Volcano Projects: Make sure you are planning and working on these and not waiting until the last minute.
There will be no Spelling words this week.
Have a great weekend.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Let the Building Begin

Are you ready for some volcano fun and to see your child display lots of creativity? I can't wait as this is one creative bunch and you never know what they are going to come up with!! The volcano basic instruction sheet went home today for our projects. This is only basic and just one way to create them. We talked extensively about other ways to make them and the ONLY REQUIREMENT WE HAVE IS TO USE A 2 LITER BOTTLE OF DIET SODA!!!! However else they want to make it other than the paper mache is great. Also, adding lots of detail to make the landscape before one occurs would be awesome. Lots of good ideas were brought up today and we talked about trying some of those out to see which works best. Just like scientists do-they don't get it right the 1st time. These will be graded on creativity and effort. I will provide the eruption mento mints. They are due on Wednesday, March 14th and not before due to space to store them.
We took our states and capitals test today and everyone did real well. Way to go!
In Math, we started talking about how fractions and decimals can be equal. If your child can tell you what the decimals are for 33/100 and 9/10, write them in the planner.
Remember Library tomorrow so get those books back.
Also, just a note that pictures are not tomorrow as originally scheduled on a letter from the office, but are next Friday, March 9th.
Envelopes for ordering these went home today.
Have a great night.