Dear Families,

Thank you for a terrific year!  Fourth Grade has been a great academic adventure for me; I've had an exciting time learning about tape diagrams and California history right along with the kids.  This week, there is no homework.

Our grade level party is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, as it's not a Restructured Day.  The  Room Parents, Brandi and Julie,  are requesting a $5.00 donation by Tuesday to pay for the activities and treats.

Once  again, thanks to all of you for the tremendous support you've given your children and me. The transition from primary to intermediate grades is not an easy one, and recent changes in education created even more challenge. It's been wonderful to see the way the kids have risen to the increased rigor of the new standards.

Have a spectacular summer, and drop by and say "hi" when we're back in school,
Carroll Mayer

Hi All,

Happy Mother's Day!  

This week we're returning to our homework routine. There will be a "packet" on Monday, and math homework most nights. 

We are also getting back to our RTI schedule, reading Esperanza Rising and Riding Freedom. Kids will present their Science Projects to the class Monday - Wednesday. We are also beginning a new writing project, and finishing up a Social Studies unit on railroads and communication in California during the period following the gold rush. 

A giant thank you to Jennifer  and Christa, for volunteering to trek around Cabrillo College with some very excited kids; and to Michael Pebworth for being our guide. The kids got a positive picture of the school, and some of the opportunities available on the campus. 

Finally, the Open House is this Thursday, May 14 at 6:30. I look forward to seeing you then!

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Hi All,

I hope you've had a great weekend!

While many members of the class have finished testing, we will still spend 1 or 2 more blocks of time dedicated to this activity. Students have been reading as they complete testing, and on Friday worked on an assignment in our Google Classroom (a network exclusively for students and teachers). Kids will also have more time on the Chrome Books for this assignment during the day.  The assignment is due for all on Wednesday, so if your child says that he/she is still actively testing, please allow some screen time at home to complete this assignment. During these remaining weeks of school I will be assigning various work to complete and submit digitally, through our Google Classroom.

The other big focus for homework is completion of the Science Fair project. This homework is due on Friday, May 8th. Students should have their full written project, as outlined in the handout sent home 2 weeks ago. I'm looking forward to seeing their experiments, and hearing their presentations during the week of May 11th.

On Friday, we'll be visiting Cabrillo College for our field trip. I need  a second form ( from Cabrillo) as well as the signed permission slips ASAP. I'll send home Cabrillo's form Monday. I'd also like one more chaperon. Try to get these forms in Tuesday.

This week our class is also beginning a 4 week Geology class, presented by Learn to Discover.  We'll begin on Monday, but the class is normally scheduled for Friday.

Thanks, and have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Hello,
I forgot to mention the final Scholastic book order. If you wish to purchase books, please send in an order by May 1, or order online using the class code posted on the blog.
Thanks,
Carroll Mayer

Hello All,
As you know 4th Graders will be taking the state test, referred to as the SBAC or CAASPP, this week. I will not be assigning any regular homework. Please enjoy this time, get plenty of rest, and work on science projects.

All the 4th grade classes will be going on a field trip to Cabrillo College on Friday, May 8th. We are riding on school buses, but are looking for a couple of parents to chaperon. Please let me know if you'd enjoy joining us. Permission slips will come home this week.

Take care, and have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Hi All,
This week the kids will be bringing home detailed directions for their 4th Grade Science Project. Kids should formulate a topic, choose a question and hypothesis, and write up their procedure this week. It's due on Thursday so I can look them over and return them before the weekend. There are many great websites to help with this process!  If kids need extra support, I'm also available after school most days.

In addition, we are assigning students rereading chapters from their RTI books. This will replace the free choice reading on the homework.

Finally, we are asking students to spend some time on the SBAC website to practice the tech skills needed for the test. Encourage them to work on the Language Arts tests, as they seem to have more highlighting, dragging and dropping, etc.

Math homework will be lighter for the next two weeks due to these activities.

Testing will begin on Monday, April 27. Please avoid appointments and tardies!

Take care, and have a great week,
Carroll Mayer

Hi All,

Sadly, Spring Break is drawing to a close. I trust you all found ways to enjoy the time!

This week we'll be beginning several new things. First, we will be reading about, and practicing the "scientific method" in preparation for a 4th grade Science Fair Project. This will be a simplified version of the 6th grade project, and will be homework beginning next week. For those wishing to get a head start, thinking about potential (very manageable) topics/questions is a great way to begin. I will send home directions with due dates next week.

In addition, RTI groups will be starting new historical novels focused on California history. Students will be reading Riding Freedom or Esperanza Rising. 

We will also begin some practice for the SBAC, California's new standardized test. I'll be asking kids to do some additional practice tests at home as well, primarily to become comfortable with the various tools available on the program. I've provided a link to the site on the blog. Kids can practice with the tools by logging in as a Guest and taking 3rd or 4th grade tests. There are also tests that are for Grades 3-5, so be aware that some content will be unfamiliar.

Finally, we are going into the most exciting, but also stressful part of the year. Encourage your children to work hard, play hard, but pace themselves.

Have a great week,
Carroll Mayer