Norris News
2/6/14 – 2/12/14
Holidays – Next Friday and Monday are holidays. No
School.
Homework
We have a full week of homework this week. Spelling and
Vocabulary words will be posted on the site but were also
be sent home in the form of pretests as usual. Remember,
spelling out your vocabulary words is NOT studying
vocabulary. Vocabulary development in learning what the
words mean.
Also, if your child isn’t at or slightly over 120 mastered
standards in IXL, enough progress has not been made.
Please set a goal, develop a plan, and stick to it.  I’d also
like to praise the families who have stepped up to support
your child’s IXL work in division. I can and will continue
to develop your child’s understanding of division.
However, teaching long division is a little bit like writing.
There are so many variations that one-on-one instruction is
almost necessary. Here’s a big thank you to each of you
that have helped your child begin this very important
process – understanding and computing division problems!
Also, as we continue our understanding of the
characteristics of solid shapes this week, IXL is the perfect
homework match because of its ability to give your child 3D images for understanding.
Continue to read, read, and then read some more! 
Finally, if your child is not on the 6-9 times table, they are
getting too far behind. More study is needed.
Valentines CelebrationNext Thursday we will celebrate Valentine’s Day. I really
let the students take the lead on this day. I will help them
make a few keep sakes to take home and I will plan for a 40
minute party on Thursday after noon starting at 2:20 but the
rest is up to them. Families are welcome to send in treats
and each child is encouraged to have Valentine’s to share
but it is not mandatory. Some chose to write out
individualized cards, which is a wonderful authentic
writing experience but it takes a lot of work. In lieu of this,
your child might consider signing store bought Valentines
to every student in class or even better, allow your child to
simply sign his/her name and allow your child to give each
card to whoever he/she chooses in class. (Just as long as
every student gets one.) Here is a list roster of students if
needed:
2013-2014 Roster
#1 David Acosta
#2 Christopher Allen
#3 Brianna Atlantic
#4 Devin Avila
#5 Aaron Frampton-Foster
#6 Samantha Cejka
#7 Connor Cook
#8 Quynh Do
#9 Adithi Gudipati
#10 Mason Henning
#11 Luzelle Isip
#12 Aiden Karnas
#13 Isaac Martinez
#14 Matthew Medbery
#15 Sage Meyer
#16 Hannah Murrillo
#17 Neel Patel
#18 Raquel Portillo
#19 Karla Ramirez
#20 Ahmaune Mincey
#21 Andrew Rodriguez
#22 Jon Salarda
#23 Ryden Stottman
#24 Trinity Thornton
#25 Jordyn Thursby
#26 Michael Trevino
#27 Blake Waggoner
#28 Tyler Ward
#30 Nathan Koyle
#31 Ashley Bromley
Help Needed – Space Mobil
We need an industrious mom or dad to cut us 32 pieces of
cardboard. WE ONLY HAVE 11 PIECES SO FAR.
COME ON MEN!  WE NEED YOUR HELP! They can
be the exact same size or just similar in size. I’d like them
to be approximately 12 x 12 inches.
I will then begin our study on space and we will finish the
mobiles as we learn about the universe, our solar system,
stars, all the planets, and even about comets and asteroids!
In addition we will be creating a space research notebook
that will hold all of our research and we’ll be writing a 16
paragraph research paper on each component of space we
study.
(We only received 5 notebooks and tabs this week)
Last year, I was able to supply all the notebooks but I just
can’t do it this year. I’d like to ask each family to supply
one 3 RING NOTEBOOK, 1 INCH, WITH A PLASTIC
FRONT COVER FOR AN ARTISTIC COVER PAGE
AND PROVIDE 16 DIVIDER TABS FOR YOUR
CHILD. THESE DIVIDER TABS WITH BECOME THE
INDENTED TOPIC SENTENCE FOR EACH
PARAGRAGH. It is my understanding that the dollar
store often has packages for sale. I’ll take any kind that
you provide but the write on divider tabs are better for us.
Finally, we need 32 PAPER TOWEL ROLLS for another
Open House craft to supplement our Native American
studies. (We only need the inside roll, you may use the
towels, first, at home.  )
Repeated notes from this point on……. 
Shout Outs – in an effort to redirect and motivate our efforts back
to our year’s goals, we have spent a great deal of time talking
about goals this week. In this spirit, I thought I would just
highlight a few students to get the ball rolling again!
5 Minute Math Club – Multiplication Tables in class – Both
Devin and Chris are waiting to see if they are moving on to the 8’s
multiplication table. Congratulations, boys! Who will finish 12’s
first?
Writing- I want to give a Shout Out to Mason. He has turned
from a “reluctant writer” to a student who voluntarily comes in to
work during recess or lunch and he’s grown from needing
reassurance on every word to barely needing assistance at all!!!! I
am so proud of his growth, work-ethic, and attitude. Keep it up
little guy!
AR- Chris is currently our AR leader passing 86/87 books read
with an average score of 94.6, 55.4 points and an average book
level of 4.0! Who could ask for more effort, great attitude, work
ethic, and accomplishment? So far so good Chris but a few of your
classmates are closing in!!!!!!! Run……………….. (I mean,
READ…………) 
Fastmath- Devin is one fact away from completing Fastmath
Division 0-12! It takes continuous focus to accomplish this and
you deserve a big Shout Out for your efforts.
IXL – We all remember Devin finished third grade IXL and we are
very proud of him as we watch him struggle through fourth grade
standards! However, I’d also like to give a big Shout Out to
Quynh. She took our discussion of using break to catch up on any
skill that was difficult and she scooted herself clear up to 215
standards passed. Thank you, mom and dad, for getting her a new
pad!!!!!!!!! 
AR IRP- This shout out goes to Jon! He came in with a little
plastic baggie full of books he read over break and has now
passed!!!!! Full length books are rich in detail, plot,
problem/solution, rich characters and often teach morals! Readers
are leaders and Jon has now read and passed 12 AR IRP books!
Go get em!!!!!
Homework- I must convey that Chris and Adithi do very complete
and consistent homework packets each week and their classroom
work reflects that dedication. However, I want to also share this
Shout Out with you about Jon. He not only consistently does
homework, without fail, but also does very difficult additional
work. He and his family have accurately concluded that it’s not
about “doing the homework to satisfy a requirement set by me” but
rather a body of knowledge to prepare Jon for life. Great attitude,
great execution, and limitless progress are at his fingertips!!!!!
Well done………. And keep it up!
Repeated Information
Test/Quizzes/classwork – Remember to place them all in a safe
place at home so you can review them with your child as time
permits. It’s very important that you praise and support your
child’s efforts on a consistent basis.
PTA - Thank you for joining PTA. It’s not too late to become a
member. Keep sending in those box tops. 
Web Site - You only need to check my web site on Thursday or
Friday. Each Thursday or Friday, please read and respond to
Norris News, start our new vocabulary and spelling, and print or
write up a new reading log for the week. Some of you may also
elect to print the vocabulary Thinking Maps and 2 - 100 problem
math fact worksheets as well. I will not update the site repeatedly
throughout the week so there is no need to check it repeatedly. 
Check your child’s backpack every night. Give positive feedback
or support where needed. Please spend extra time supporting and
correcting missed concepts on weekly tests. 
UQIA – on weekly comprehension test means – Use Question in
Answer. It’s required and your child will get half credit just for
copying the question into the answer. Our master at this is
Justin!!!! Go Justin. 
CS – means write your response in a complete sentence.
(Subject/Predicate, capital, and some kind of end mark)
Vocabulary (Back) – support your child if they are continuing to
miss the dictionary skills found on the back of each vocabulary
test. For some reason, some students just have a really hard time
and may need repeated one-on-one instruction.
Homework Summary – There is new spelling and vocabulary
this week. Your child’s pre-tests went home today or you can
check the web site.
Every Day – read and log it, multiplication facts, IXL
As Needed with pre-tests – vocabulary, spelling, other activities
Ticket To Read – Read and pass one passage with 80% or
above
If your child does not have internet access for any reason, he/she
must come to school and use one of ours. Six computers are
available before school, after school, recess, and lunch. 
If your child needs something printed, just have them ask. 
Remember, a printer is not necessary. Simply work the 6 study
areas in ways that do not require a printer. (Or ask me.) 
***** Now begin to look at your child’s study methods and
activities and compare them to quiz and test scores. If your child is
not being successful, change the method of study.  It’s a
wonderful gift to learn how to learn!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Norris