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

 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

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

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

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

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

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