Mr. Wilhelmy & Mrs. Jones - Week of 3/4 – 3/8
Language Arts
The students and I worked on Haiku and lyrical poetry this week. We wrote some of our
own poems and focused our attention on point of view, similes, and metaphors. Review of these
skills can be found on Study Island if your 4th grader is unable to tell you about them this
weekend.
Next week all fourth graders will buckle down for their spring writing assessment. You
may recall back in early September we took a two-paragraph writing sample to acquire a baseline
on all students. It’s time to measure the progress that has been made over the course of the year.
It’s no coincidence that the topic for the spring assessment is to write an essay that compares
and contrasts the student with a favorite story character. Our children have had a number of
similar experiences, most recently the January book report. We’ve talked in length on how to
improve from the book report experience, so I expect these samples to be a huge success.
This was in last week’s newsletter but it’s worth mentioning again… For those students who have
not read Danger Along the Ohio by Patricia Willis, this would be an ideal time to read this book. I
will be making references to the story throughout the next few weeks in social studies. Our
lessons relate well to the events from the story
Social Studies
We have a social studies test on Thursday, March 7, over chapter 4 lessons 3-4. The students
have notes/study guide in their binders that they can use for studying. We will also spend time
during the week preparing.
Math
Our current unit focuses on fraction skills. Next week, we will estimate with fractions as well as find
equivalent fractions. Upcoming assessments include a Unit 7A Fractions test on Friday, March 15th and
our end of the quarter vocabulary quiz on Tuesday, March 19th. I am enjoying looking at the work of
many students who took on the Enrichment Design Projects. We have some future architects in our
classroom!
Science
We had a great week completing activities with the Periodic Table as we study atoms, elements, and
molecules. We had many students correctly research and identify the Scientist of the Month for February.
All students should be currently completing an assignment where they are studying two elements and
creating Trading Cards for each element. Directions went home on Thursday and the project is due on
Friday, March 8th. An “Atoms Family Atomic Challenge” was introduced last week for students desiring
enrichment.
We are proud to announce the February Students’ of the Month, Danny A. and Mary K.. Both students
work hard each day in school. They show kindness to their classmates consistently. We are proud to
have them represent our classes!
Congratulations to Taylor K., Nicole C., and Sam F. for going “Above and Beyond.” These students
have been seen on multiple occasions this week being helpful to classmates. Their thoughtful and kind
attitudes really make a difference to others!
The following students have gone “Above and Beyond” by researching and naming our February Scientist
of the Month, Dmitri Mendeleev: Allie K., Grace S., Erik T., Maire K., Nicole C., Taylor K., Igli S., Joey
B., and Evie K..
Mr. Wilhelmy wants to acknowledge Julia G. and Sarisha M. for their excellent presentations they
prepared for the class this week. Each of these girls gave an instructional presentation to the class on
Haiku poems and meter in lyrical poetry. They did a great job!
Good luck to all talent show participants. We are proud of you and you’re going to do great!
Reading Performances
Monday, March 4th- Ian O. and Piper S.
Tuesday, March 5th – Gabe P. and Igli S.
Upcoming Dates:
Tuesday, March 5th - Fun Lunch;
Wednesday, March 6th – Grace Q. and Zenon Y.
Wilhelmy- Book Fair
Thursday, March 7th – Spencer R.
Friday, March 8th -
Monday, March 11th- Grace S.
Jones- Book Fair
Tuesday, March 12th- Erik T.
Week of 3/11-3/15K-Kids Change Collection for Relay
for Life; Spring Food Drive