Sunday, December 18, 2016

Hi All,

Happy holidays! Have a wonderful--long!-- vacation, beginning this Friday. 

Before Friday, we will be working hard on a district-assigned writing prompt.

On Wednesday, we will have a Pajama Day, earned by the kids for good behavior. They may wear pajamas, bring blankets to sit on when on the floor, and bring slippers to wear in class only. (They should have regular shoes as well. ) Please, don't send stuffed animals or pillows. Participation is optional.

Our Room Parents are also planning a fun holiday party on Thursday, from 10:15-11:40. An email was sent last week. 

I'd intended to make a Scholastic book order available, but I missed the window for timely orders. Please make use of the library, or other book sources,  and keep your kids reading over the break!

Finally, our field trip to Mission San Juan Bautista is on January 27. Please save the date, especially if you're interested in chaperoning. All 4th Graders will be going on the same day.

Once again, have a great vacation, and I'll see you in the new year!

Carroll Mayer


Sunday, December 11, 2016

Hi All,
I hope you enjoyed our rainy weekend!

This week, our big event is the field trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. On Thursday, kids should bring lunches, including beverages. They will not need money, and will not be allowed to purchase food or items in the gift shop. We will be visiting the aquarium, and also participating in a lab. We do not expect to return to Rio Del Mar until approximately 2:30, so kids that ride on the bus will need alternative transportation. Those who attend Afterschool will be able to join the class when we return.

Aside from the field trip, kids are working hard finishing up the MAP test mandated by the district. We've begun a new Social Studies unit in California history, and continue to work on fractions in math. Our RTI classes are reading By the Great Horn Spoon. 

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, December 4, 2016

Hi All,

I hope you had a great weekend!

Last week, we started out slowly, after a long Thanksgiving vacation, and finished with a bang!  On Friday, our 2 Fourth Grades, and one Fourth/Fifth Combination class had our second writing celebration. The kids all visited other classrooms, and got to read and comment on fellow students' informational writing. We also got to read some from our home rooms, and will continue the sharing by reading our work to Kindergarten buddies on Wednesday.

The kids then got to attend their first Big Spin, which is an upper elementary celebration of students' positive behaviors and work habits. Two kids were recognized from each class in categories including reading, overall effort, citizenship, and sportsmanship. In addition, there was a random drawing for all kids with good behavior (no blue or pink slips during the first trimester. ) Those kids picked in the drawing got to spin a wheel for prizes such as ice cream coupons and movie passes. It was a fun celebration of the kids' efforts during the first term.

In math class, kids are working hard on fractions. We have been making various models of fractions, but this is an especially important math unit to practice at home. There are many real life applications of fractions, especially in measurements. Encourage your kids to notice everyday fractions, and to take note of their relationship to benchmarks, such as 1/2. For example, what's the fraction of the carton of eggs when you have 8 left? Can it be named in more than one way (8/12, 4/6, 2/3).   Is it closer to a half a carton or a whole? When a recipe calls for 1/3 of a cup of oil, is that more or less than 1/2?  And always--how do you know? Fractions are a challenging concept and lots of practice in a variety of applications will really fine tune their understanding.

Finally, I have received many report card envelopes, but not all. We use them over the entire year, so please send back the signed envelope. I'm also waiting for several permission slips for our field trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Take care, and have a good week,
Carroll Mayer


Sunday, November 20, 2016

Hi All,

It was great to meet with you all last week and have the opportunity to discuss your beautiful children!  Report cards will come home this Tuesday, along with the kids' first writing project. Please use the writing and report card as an opportunity to set learning goals with your child, if you haven't already done so as the result of our conversation last week. Each new term is a great time to reflect on what's working, and what needs to work better.

I am not giving the kids a Homework handout this week, as we only have 2 days of school!  However, that doesn't mean that they can't read, and work on whichever homework activities your family has determined to be the best for your kid's growth.

Have a joyous, and peaceful Thanksgiving.

Warm regards,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, November 13, 2016


Looking forward to seeing you all at conferences this week!

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Hi All,
Happy Halloween -- almost!  I imagine many of you have begun your celebrating. We will have the traditional parade at school tomorrow, at 10:30. Your Room Parents, Karrie and Laura, have planned a great lunch party immediately after the parade. Thanks to all who are helping with this party, and to those of you who've sent in contributions for party expenses. At home, I encourage you to have your kids sort and count any trick-or-treating candy; it's a great math activity! Also, please keep candy at home during this week, as the kids are pretty excited without adding in the extra sugar.

In class, we are working hard on our Information Writing. Kids are focusing on learning how to organize and write this kind of paper without the added stress of research, so they're writing about topics they already know a lot about.  Later in the year, they'll write a research report. In math, we are continuing to work on double digit multiplication, and story problems that call for it. However, the kids are learning many conceptual ways of addressing this sort of multiplication, rather than the standard algorithm we all learned but didn't necessarily understand. Ultimately, they will learn the standard algorithm as well! Kids are also learning about food chains in science, and will wrap up this science unit with a food chain art project.

Finally, I still need a few more volunteers if we are to go on our field trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Right now I have drivers that can take about half the class. The aquarium limits us to 1 chaperone for every 4 students, so people that can take lots of kids would be ideal. In addition, you must have volunteer clearance from the district, which means a TB test and fingerprints on file with the office. Just to be clear, we are not simply visiting the aquarium, but will be participating in a lab in their classroom space as well.

Have a great week, hopefully with the right amount of rain, at the best times!

Carroll Mayer

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Hi All,

Thanks to all for your response regarding conferences. Just about all students have conferences scheduled for the week the district sets aside for these meetings. I will send home a reminder with your time 1-2 weeks prior to the actual date.

I am also sending home some important information this week. First of all, our field trip to Monterey Bay Aquarium is scheduled for December. We will not be able to get full authorization until I have the necessary drivers and insurance information formally submitted to the office. We are now required to attach your insurance information to our Field Trip Auhorization Forms.

 In addition, I'm sending home information about MobyMax. Our class membership has been generously sponsored by a family in the class, so your kids will now have access to this program at school and home. MobyMax can be accessed through a link on my blog. The kids began the math last week, and will work in other content areas in the near future. This program allows each kid to work on the skills they need, at any grade level!

Finally, thanks in advance to those of you who are able to help with our Halloween festivities, or are supporting them through your donation to the classroom "FUN'd".  The kids look forward to these special days. In addition, a reminder that there are many terrific at-home math activities associated with Halloween, such as counting pumpkin seeds and sorting candy!

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Hi All,

I hope you enjoyed this "bonus" 3-day weekend!

This week, we will begin our second writing unit. Our first step will be Immersing, by reading various examples of informational text. By week's end the kids will begin thinking about subjects they find interesting, and then they will choose their "expert" topic.

We are also wrapping up our Social Studies unit on California regions, and then will be moving into a  
Science unit about the transfer of energy.

Finally, please contact me if you haven't yet scheduled your child's conference.

Take care,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Hi All,

Another warm, beautiful weekend!

This week we will begin RTI.  Students will be meeting with their RTI class and teacher Monday through Thursday, at 9:00. Each class will be reading, and focusing on the 4th grade reading standards. The groups are built based on assessment of the students' various learning needs. We will also continue to have time in class for kids to read their own self-selected books, and other literacy activities such as Grand Conversation.

In writing, we are entering the editing phase of our personal narratives. I'm really excited to see the enthusiasm and effort the kids have put into their stories.

Finally, we are starting unit 2 in  math. For those wishing to use the Home Connections workbook, the pages up to 24, but excluding 19 and 20, are all appropriate this week.

Take care,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, September 18, 2016



 Hi All,

We've been working hard. Spending a lot of time on the floor...

"Playing" math games.   Reading self-selected books.
 But not all our time's been on the floor!
Drafting personal narratives.

Looking forward to another busy, productive week!
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Hi All,

The busy weeks continue!

Last week, we devoted Thursday and Friday morning to MAP, an on-line Math and ELA assessment from the district.  This was a challenging exam, as it is based on year-end standards for 4th grade. It will be repeated a couple more times this year. The kids persevered, all putting in their best effort. I was also pleased to see how considerate they were of each other, as they each shifted from testing to quiet and independent work, allowing their classmates time needed to finish the test.

On another note, many more kids remembered their Homework Choice Board this week--26/30. The kids enjoyed sharing some of the activities they did for homework, and it was especially fun to hear from some who tried an activity for the first time!

Finally, if you wish to order from Scholastic, please return forms or order online by Wednesday. Also, please note the Picture Day information coming home.

Take care, and have a good week,
Carroll Mayer

Monday, September 5, 2016

Hi All,
Oh what a beautiful weekend!

Now, back to work. This week, the kids will begin drafting their personal narratives.  During the last week or so, they've been working on "seed" ideas, and are now ready for the next step!  In reading, we continue with Tiger Rising as our mentor text, and the kids are enjoying their own selections as well. I've conferenced with each kid about AR goals, and the kids have until the trimester's end to meet their goal. Kids should have no trouble achieving their goals -- if they are reading a lot, as the homework Choice Board says. We continue to work on multiplication concepts in math, and the kids are learning various ways to efficiently multiply basic facts. They will also be taking an assessment called the NWEA later this week. It is an online test that is mandated by the district, and replaces the benchmark assessments we have given in the past.

This week's Homework Choice Board will come home on Tuesday. Please work with your child on identifying the best activities for their learning, in addition to the reading. Last week only 19 students returned the handout. Kids are responsible for returning the completed form on Friday mornings.

Scholastic order forms are also coming home Tuesday. If you wish to order, please do so by Wednesday, September 14th. Our class code is H6KT4, and is always posted on the blog if you wish to order online.

Have a great week!
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Hi All,


Please come to Back-to School Night on Tuesday, August 30th. Mrs Dorney will be speaking from 6:45-7:15 and then I'll be available in Room 9 from 7:15-8:00. During that time I'll give you a brief overview of the year, explain homework, special projects, and answer any questions that might arise.
I look forward to seeing you then.

Best Regards,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Hi All,
Happy Week #2!

Thank you all for the timely return of the Emergency cards and other forms. If you haven't had a chance to fill them out, please take care of them so I don't have to nag your kid.

Last week, we were doing a lot of Getting-to-know-you Activities, and establishing our schedule and routines. That will continue this week, but I will also be giving the kids some baseline assessments. In addition, we will  begin our weekly art class (new VAPA teacher) and PE with Mr. Kurek. We will be getting books from the library, and Monday will be our regular day. Kids have been arriving on time, which has been very helpful.

Finally, thanks so much for the supplies. We will be sharing them, and replenishing as needed.

I look forward to meeting you all at Back-to-School Night!

Carroll Mayer


Monday, August 15, 2016

Welcome Parents and Kids,

I'm so excited for a new year and I hope you are too. Every year I feel fortunate to have a "clean slate"-- an opportunity to do some things better and other things differently. I also love revisiting favorite "old friends"; the topics, lessons, and books I never get tired of.

I usually update this blog once a week, with a run down of the big ideas being addressed in the coming week, as well as special volunteer needs or upcoming events.

For now, school supplies and parent forms are the needs. The kids will be bringing home a huge stack of papers from the district. As you know, these are important to update yearly so we can stay current and so that you can remind your child of our expectations regarding behavior in person and with technology. Parent Alliance is also giving you a terrific variety of volunteer opportunities. As for supplies, I have a list to the right. Please don't purchase binders; they're heavy and awkward for the kids to use. I also have a Wish List to the right of this entry. Donations are always welcome!

Finally, I encourage you to subscribe to this blog (above). That way you will get updates whenever I post!

Take care, and I look forward to seeing you all soon,
Carroll Mayer



Sunday, May 22, 2016

Hi All,

I can't believe it's our last full week of school this year!

The kids only homework responsibility is to memorize their Famous Artist speech for Friday's Wax Museum, and put together a costume. We will also be practicing the speeches in class. Kids who don't have their speeches memorized will still be performing, but will have their grade lowered. In addition, kids' costumes must be school appropriate. Many teacher from other grades have shared their enthusiasm for bringing their classes to see the kids perform.

Other than the Wax Museum, we'll continue to enjoy Esperanza Rising and Golden Gulch. Kids will be able to take AR tests all week, and may even take them during the final week. However, I will need to complete report cards by next Tuesday, May31st, so last minute AR tests may not be accounted for on the report card. Despite this, kids will have the satisfaction of knowing they've reached their goal.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Monday, May 16, 2016

Hi All,
It was such a beautiful weekend that I forgot to write my post!

Thank you, thank you for the gift card to Bittersweet. It's a destination my husband and I both enjoy, and it will be a fun treat!  I so appreciate all the kind gestures you all have made throughout this year!
I feel very nurtured!

This week there are no specific homework assignments. I assigned  a lot of 10 Marks activities and my intention is that the kids can work on those well into the summer. They're not really homework --they're just extra practice for those who enjoy it as an option. In addition, kids can work on their Famous Artist report, especially if they're feeling behind.   Written paragraphs -- between two and four-- are due this Friday, May 20. The kids have had a lot of time to work on these paragraphs in class and the majority of the class is well on their way. Next week the main homework will be practicing their speech --including memorizing it --so that they can say it during the "Wax Museum".

Have a great week,
Carroll

Monday, May 9, 2016

Hi All,
Sorry to be tardy with this post, especially with so much happening these days!

First of all, a big thank you to the parents who drove and chaperoned Friday's field trip in Monterey. Even with the goofy directions, you all found your way and kept your good humor. You are so appreciated.

Secondly, I was overwhelmed last week with all the wonderful treats, lattes, flowers, gifts and cards. Thank you all so much!  I felt fussed over the entire week.

As for business, the science project, including "poster" on the file folder, is due this Wednesday. The kids haven't had any other homework, so I expect the the work to be beautifully completed. I will not be sending home math homework for the remainder of the year, but the kids will  have one more project to work on at home. The Famous Artist Wax Museum is scheduled for Friday, May 27th from 10:15-11:00. Kids will submit their 2-4 paragraph speeches by Friday, May 20th, and will practice and memorize them at home and school during the week between these two dates. They will also need to put together a "dress up" style costume for the wax museum. Lastly, we are happily finishing up the remaining bits of testing, and have returned to a more normal in class routine.

The final book order was sent home last week, and is due this Wednesday. You can order from the brochures sent home, or online from any of Scholastic's offerings. It's fun to start the summer with new books, and essential that kids continue their daily reading throughout the break.  Our class has read over 20 million words this year!

Finally, this Thursday is Open House from 6:30-7:30. Please come by!

Have a great week, and see you Thursday night,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Hi All,

It's a shock, but we are now entering our final month of the school year.  May promises to be a busy month.

First of all, thanks to those of you who came out to help and cheer during Jogging for the Arts. It was lots of fun!  Next, thanks to the people who've offered to drive and chaperon for our field trip this Friday. We have enough drivers now!

This week the kids will continue with state testing. We are also still working on math and reading Esperanza Rising, along with Golden Gulch and the watercolor lessons from our Spectra Art teacher. On Thursday, it was impressive to see the kids' plans for science projects, and I look forward to seeing their finished products and hearing their results next week.

Our final big project, which will begin in class this week, is a Famous Artist "Wax Museum".  Each kid will research an artist of their choice and then recite a short speech about their life in first person. As with 3rd Grade's Famous American speeches, kids will dress up in character.

Happy May, and have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Monday, April 25, 2016

Hi Parents,

Just a quick update...

Our field trip is in less than two weeks. At this point I have seats for 27 kids. We need 2-3 more drivers!

Thanks,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Hi All,

First of all, thanks for the kind deeds throughout the week. I enjoyed a lovely bouquet, some delicious treats, and a latte! However, that's not too unusual this year. You all have fussed over me many days, and it's always appreciated! Thanks so much!

This week 4th Grade will begin standardized testing. We will be working on the tests 1-2 hours per day, so that kids are at their freshest and most energetic. I will not be using parent volunteers during this period, as our schedule will be shifted around daily.

On Friday, we will be Jogging for the Arts. The kids look forward to this event every year, and it assures us of the funding for arts. Thanks in advance for your work and donations for and to this fundraiser. Coincidentally, we began our first art lesson last week. The kids will be learning about watercolor. Their first project was a California-themed treasure map!

Finally, because of testing, I will not be sending home a normal packet, or math, for the next few weeks. The kids will be bringing home a Science Fair project that they should work on during the next weeks. There is a portion of the project to turn in this Thursday, so please review the assignment with your child right away. I will also put the handout in the Google Classroom, so kids can access additional copies if needed.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, April 17, 2016

Hi All,

What a beautiful weekend!

First of all, my compliments to your beautiful children, who sustained a polite, independent "Grand Conversation" on the book Coolies. For 45 minutes they respectfully shared their thoughts about this historical fiction picture book on the Chinese workers who built the transcontinental railroad. Kids mentioned discrimination, family loyalty, asked questions, and made comparisons to other books we've read like Wonder and our Reflections text. Their conversation ended Friday on a bright and powerful note!

On Friday we were also fortunate to have a terrific assembly by the Banana Slug String Band, sponsored by Soquel Creek Water District. In addition, we squeezed in the spelling and vocabulary test and the mid-module test on fractions.

This week will be the final week of RTI, and our last week of spelling words in the homework packet. ( We will still be reading and will still have homework packets!).   Packets during the remainder of the year will be project-oriented. The first project will be a science experiment and  presentation, which will be due on Tuesday, May 10th. Information will be coming home on next week's packet, but kids can start thinking about simple science experiments now.

Fourth Grade will begin state testing in a week, and parent volunteers will be cancelled during the two week window. While we won't be testing for hours and hours each day, our normal schedule will be shifted about somewhat. We will continue with math lessons on some days, but I don't intend to send math homework during the two weeks of testing. As I mentioned above, RTI will end after this week. Instead, our class will be reading the novel Esperanza Rising, by Pam Munoz Ryan, and will have independent Reader's Workshop time as well.

It's hard to believe, but our class has used all the pencils, end cap erasers, wipes, and Kleenex sent in at the beginning of the year. If you can send in a bit more (especially pencils), we'd really appreciate it!

Finally, on Monday I'm sending home permission slips for our field trip to Monterey's Custom and Pacific House museums. It is scheduled for Friday, May 6th. Please return the permission slip and $3 ASAP. Email me if you are able to drive on that day, and already have cleared TB tests and fingerprints on file.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Hi All,

We will continue with our normal routines this week (in terms of homework.). I've been assigning more activities using technology, so if computer access is an issue for your child, I encourage attendance to the After School program at least once a week. Computers are always available during the second hour. We will have 2 more weeks of spelling, and then weekly homework will include some special projects.

State Testing begins for some grades next week, but we won't start for 2 more weeks.

We will be beginning Golden Gulch this week, which is a simulation activity that the kids work on in teams. We will learn a lot more about the gold rush, as well as team work.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Monday, April 4, 2016

Hi All,
Sorry to be tardy; it's hard to give up the last few hours of Spring Break!

Generally, we are following a normal schedule and will have the usual amount of homework, etc. We will stay with that format until state testing. It will begin for Fourth Grade in about 3 weeks, and at that time homework format and content will vary from day to day. When testing ends, we will continue with more varied homework for the remainder of the year.

We are also increasing the amount of time the kids use the Chrome Books. A lot of our writing assignments are being completed digitally, in order to practice those skills for testing and beyond. On that note, I'm encouraging the kids to bring personal headphones if they are able.  I believe the in ear ones will work, as well as any other styles you have on hand. With headphones, the kids will be able to view Brain Pop and You Tube videos, as well as read articles online.

Thanks, and have a great week,
Carroll

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Hi All,

This week is short, with lots of excitement due to Spring Break!  The homework packet will consist of a Social Studies Ch. 5/6 Review. We will have a test on these chapters on Thursday. The kids will also have math homework on Tuesday and Wednesday as usual.

On Thursday, the 4th -6th graders will  have the Big Spin. This is the awards ceremony we have every trimester  to recognize students' achievements including sportsmanship, academic achievement (outstanding work ethic), reading (AR word count), attendance, and citizenship. In the final trimester 4th Graders are also eligible for honor roll. After the awards, all students who have not received a pink slip during the trimester are entered in a raffle, and if their name is selected they spin a giant wheel for prizes--thus, the Big Spin.

On other days this week, we will get to see the 2nd grade play, as well as watch the film version of By the Great Horn Spoon. 

On another note, a big thank you to Dawn Nemec. She worked with the kids in class ( and several additional hours at home) to put together a gorgeous auction project from Room 9.

Have a great week, and an awesome vacation!
Best regards,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Hi All,

Awesome rainy weekend!  Too bad it's one hour shorter.

This week homework follows the usual pattern. The majority of the class has been responsible and consistent with their work, but if your child has been struggling with this responsibility, the beginning of the trimester is a terrific time to make a clean start.

Please send signed report card envelopes back with your child. They will be reused in June.

Our class now has its own Chrome Books! Along with all 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classes, we have a  cart. This will enable the kids and I to incorporate much more technology throughout the day. We don't yet have headphones, but kids who have them may bring them to use during the appropriate times.

Have a great week!
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Hi All,
I hope you're enjoying this rain-filled weekend!

This week, we'll continue our study of fractions. I've been pleased with the kids' understanding of this challenging math concept so far. We'll also continue to focus on analyzing story problems carefully, and applying the strategies that each student prefers to solve them accurately.

We finished our persuasive letters to Congressman Farr, and will be signing and mailing them off this week. We are also nearing the end of our terrific historical novel, By the Great Horn Spoon. Kids may take AR tests on this book when they've completed it. In addition, I've been conferencing with students and setting last trimester AR goals. All students are keeping a goal at least as high as Trimester 2. I am also challenging them again to make 10% of their AR points with nonfiction. The kids read daily in class, but are expected to read a minimum of 20-30 minutes per day outside of school as well. Kids this age also still enjoy listening to books read by their parents!

Report cards will come home this Friday. Please regard the report card as an opportunity for discussion and goal-setting. This final trimester goes by fast, but there is still plenty of time to grow!

Have a great week,

Carroll Mayer




Monday, February 29, 2016

Hi All,
I'm sorry to be tardy with this post. Weekends are just too short!

The trimester ends this Wednesday. I know many kids have been "thinking" about their AR goals, but the deadline is almost here. All AR tests taken after Wednesday will go toward the final trimester's goal. If your child is struggling with meeting their target, please remind them that making mistakes (like not completing work on time) is an opportunity to grow. A missed deadline is a great time to talk about pacing yourself, and making plans. Some kids haven't taken tests on all the books they've read. Others haven't read enough. (They should be reading every night, and also read independently about 25 minutes a day in class.) Finally, please remember that AR is not an end in itself-- it's supposed to be an opportunity for kids to have structured, yet independent reading at their level. If your child is reading a lot, but not taking tests, that's a different challenge.

Aside from that, we continue with fractions this week, and will be for quite a while. Fractions are one of the hardest concepts, and I encourage you to use the YouTube videos as a resource. As with other units, kids will represent and work with fractions in a variety of ways, some of which are new to most adults. Please encourage your child to be open to all the ways.

We have also shifted back to Social Studies, and will be reading about the period leading up to the Gold Rush. Soon, we will be starting a simulation activity called Golden Gulch. Finally, children are wrapping up their persuasive letters to Congressman Sam Farr regarding ocean health, and they will be mailed next week. Please contact me if you do not wish your child to use their home address in their letter.

Have a great week. Report cards will be sent home next Friday, March 11th.

Carroll

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Hi All,

First of all, thanks so much to all of you who came on our mission field trip last Friday. It was a beautiful day, and the kids loved exploring Mission San Juan Bautista!  We learned that they have special activities on the first Saturday of each month, and I know many of the kids would love to return and share them with siblings and other family members. This Tuesday, we have another great opportunity--our Math Festival. The kids will have the chance to work on the many hands-on activities during the day, and families are encouraged to return together in the evening. They also need volunteer help with Tuesday's activities. Please contact Mrs. Davis, or call the school if you are able to help.

This week, we begin fractions. As with other units, the emphasis is on kids understanding the concept and knowing how to work with fractions in a deep way. I highly recommend the YouTube videos by Dwayne Habecker, and encourage you and your children to watch them as we work on this concept that many find challenging.
Module 5, Lesson 1


We are approaching the end of the trimester. Many of the kids have worked hard and already met their AR goal for the term. However, there are some kids that have not. Please review this with your  child. Along with the regular goal, I asked the kids to read 10% nonfiction, and it is noted at the bottom of their progress page when they log into the site. (The purpose of the goal is to track students' reading, and make sure that they are getting enough reading practice, and comprehending the books they choose. Kids who are struggling to meet their goal may not be reading enough, may be selecting books that they are not ready to read independently, or may be procrastinating with taking the tests. )

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Monday, February 15, 2016

Hi All,
I hope you are all enjoying a beautiful Presidents' Day!

This week's homework packet was sent home last Tuesday, and is due on Friday. We will have a spelling and vocabulary test first thing on Friday, and then head off on our field trip to Mission San Juan Bautista. The Fourth Grade will be returning from the mission in time to hear a presentation on bullying from Brian Stow, also scheduled for Friday, at 1:00. There are a few children who still need to return their permission slips.

We will wrap up our Geometry unit with a module test on Thursday, so math homework this week will be review for the test.  We'll begin studying fractions on February 22 with the  Math Festival also scheduled for that week, on Tuesday, February 23rd. There will be a night time component to the festival, so please save the date.

Finally, a big thank you to all our Room Parents, Lori, Mary, and Michelle, who planned another great celebration for Valentine's Day. Thanks, as well, to the parents who came by and contributed to the party with treats, drinks, and other necessities. Thanks also, to those of you who have volunteered to drive to the mission. We have enough drivers, and I will be contacting all to confirm plans.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, February 7, 2016

HI All,

I hope you are enjoying the first of two! three-day weekends.  Because of the short weeks, we will have one homework packet that will extend over the entire period.  The spelling test will be scheduled for Friday, February 19th, and that's when the entire packet will be due.

In terms of academic content, we are continuing units already begun during previous weeks.  Geometry will wrap up during the week ending 2/19, and I anticipate a Module test on that Thursday. We've shifted from Social Studies to Science, so that we can learn about ecosystems. The kids are loving By the Great Horn Spoon, and should be able to tell you all about it. Finally, we are working on persuasive letters to our congressman, proposing ideas for addressing the problems we see occurring with our ocean habitat.

Our Valentine's Day party is scheduled for this Friday, February 12th, at the end of the day.  Kids may bring valentines, but need enough for all 34 students.  Valentines are not required. Here is a link to a class list. 2015-16 Class List

Finally, the 4th Grade field trip to Mission San Juan Bautista is scheduled for Friday, February 19th, from 9-1:00. I have many, but not all permission slips returned.  Currently, I have seats for 26 kids, so I need 2-3 more drivers, depending on car size. If you are able to drive, but would prefer to be a back-up, please let me know. (You will still need to have all paperwork in order.)  Thanks for all your help.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, January 31, 2016

Hi All,

Yay!  We have another "normal" week, but with a 3 day weekend to look forward to at the end!

This week we will be continuing with angles in Geometry. We are still reading By the Great Horn Spoon in RTI, and kids are also responsible for reading their own "on level" books. I gave them AR goals at the beginning of the trimester, and the kids should be quite able to show you their progress toward goal. I specified that I wanted them to try for 10%  nonfiction, which is noted at the bottom of the page when they go to the "progress" tab. The trimester ends on March 2nd. This week's homework packet has Social Studies review on the back, as we have completed Chapter 4 about Mexican rule of California. We will have a test on this material on Friday. It will be "open notes", using notes made in class, but not "open book." We are also beginning a science unit on ecosystems, as well as working on a persuasive writing assignment about ocean health!

Room parents are planning a low key party for Valentine's Day.  Kids are welcome to bring valentines  for classmates, but need to include all 34 members of the class. We also have a field trip to Mission San Juan Bautista scheduled for Friday, February 19th.

Have a great week!
Carroll Mayer

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Hi All,

We are finally having a full (normal!) five day week. I'll be sending home a homework packet on Monday, and it'll be due on Friday. Geometry homework will go home on Tuesday and Wednesday, and be due the following days.  

We are loving By the Great Horn Spoon, and I encourage you and your child to revisit it by reading the book or enjoying the audio tape, which is posted on Mr. McMillan's blog. The kids should know how to access it. In Social Studies, we are reading the last chapter about the transitional period from Spanish rule of California to Mexican rule. There will be an assessment during the first week of February (more info. next week.). The kids are loving the Geometry unit in math, and are learning lots of new terms.

Finally, a huge thank you to all the parents who drove/chaperoned the field trip. The kids had a terrific hand-on lab, and also began gathering some background information for our next writing project: a persuasive letter about the need to protect our oceans!

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Monday, January 18, 2016

Hi All,

This will be a fast week!

Our field trip to the aquarium is this Wednesday. I'm still missing 5 permission slips, so if your child hasn't returned theirs, please make sure it's in on Tuesday. We will be leaving at 8 on Wednesday and returning after the 12:20 buses, so please coordinate a ride if you're unable to collect your child at 1PM Wednesday.

This week's homework consists of the packet sent home last week, as well as math homework Tuesday night. There will not be math homework on Wednesday as we will be on the trip all day.

Thanks in advance to all that are able to drive/chaperone our trip. It should be both fun and educational!

Regards,
Carroll Mayer

Monday, January 11, 2016

HI All,

Welcome back! I trust you all had a fun, stimulating vacation!

Hopefully, most of you received the email regarding our field trip on Wednesday, January 20.  We will be going to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  We will leave first thing in the morning, about 8AM. We will not return to school until approximately 1PM. Unfortunately, it's a Restructured Day, so students will be missing the bus. Please make arrangements for your child's transportation, and send a note if they will be riding home, or to an after school program, with another parent. Currently, I have these volunteers: Skyla (5), Michelle (3), Julie (5), Heidi (3), Dawn (5), and Lori (5). As you can see, that's enough seats for 26 kids and we have 34 students, so we need a few more drivers.

This week we are beginning some interesting and fun material!  First of all, the class will be reading By the Great Horn Spoon, which is a terrific historic novel set during the Gold Rush. The audiobook is linked on Mr. McMillan's website, and many kids enjoy rereading (or relistening) to the chapters after school.  In addition, we are beginning a short math unit on Geometry.  While we will review the plane figures and terminology, the big focus of the unit is angles.  We will be using a protractor in class, as well as a ruler, and it will benefit your child to have their own tools for homework. I will make copies of a protractor for kids to take home, but a real one is much better!

In Social Studies, we will be advancing through California history, and learning about the rancho era, and other events leading to the Gold Rush and California statehood. We will not be doing a big report on a California mission, although any students interested in the topic may work on a model or presentation for the class. We will be going on a field trip to Mission San Juan Bautista in the middle of February.

Finally, this week's Homework Packet will be for the next 2 weeks.  The spelling words and homework questions will not be due until Friday, January 22.

Take care,
Carroll Mayer