Monday 12/15

Math Review - Unit 4

Test Wednesday

Reminder: Holiday Sing Along - be there by 6:00, Baatan Hall, Wednesday 12/17.

**Class Holiday party, Friday pm, students to bring in goodies (ask your child if they volunteered to bring something. Thanks!)

Hello parents,

Thank you for helping us have such a successful week. The kids did their best on the MAP assessments, were super creative with their Diwali costumes, and focused on learning through it all.  It's truly a delight to work with your students!  They are a fantastic bunch!  

Next week is our final week before Holiday break.  Please plan to attend the Holiday Sing Along at Baatan Hall, Wedneday 12/17.  Kiddos should arrive by 6:00 to have time to get their saris and turbans pinned on. If your student cannot make it Wednesday PLEASE let me know ASAP.  That way we can alter the performance as needed based upon the absence. 

Lastly, I am seeking a parent (or parents) who might have some sewing skills up their sleeve and a little extra time over the holidays for a project:  I need our class bean bag chairs (2) to be refilled with beans/pellets.  I bought them last year and they are flattening to a mere shadow of their former selves!  If you are at all interested, please drop me a line.  

Many thanks!

-Kelly

  

This weekends Homework

Friday 12/12

Math Study Links 4.6 & 4.7

Bring mini flashlights by Monday

Reminder:  Holiday Sing Along - be there by 6:00, Baatan Hall, Wednesday 12/17.

Monday 12/8

Math Study Link 4.4 & 4.5

MAP testing Tues, Wed and Thursday - eat well, sleep well.

Hello lovely parents,

 

I hope this email finds you rested and ready for the mad dash to the Holiday finish!  The next 3 weeks are packed full of learning (and testing), projects and performances... so hang tight and let the rumpus begin! 

This Friday, our class will be working with the 1st graders to make turbans and saris in preparation for our Dewali performance at the Holiday Sing Along.  WE NEED old baseball caps to make the turbans (for the boys), and any fabric trimmings you might have - things like lace, rick rack or sparkly/glittery fabric pieces.  Any donations will be greatly appreciated.  Please send in your donations no later than this Friday.

 

HW this week includes math Study Link 4.1 (we're starting our unit on decimals), Wordly Wise word maps (2) and a Literature Response Log.

 

Also, remember to send in your payment for the Winter Sports program.

 

Thanks for all your support.  Have a great week!

-Kelly

Dear Parents,
Happy Friday!

Homework for Friday 11/21

Math Study Link 3.9

Unit 3 Review (math)

Math test Tuesday

Bring in toilet paper rolls :) 

Remember: Celebration of Learning, 2pm, Monday, 11/24  Come Join US!

HOMEWORK 

Monday 11/17

Math Study Link 3.8

Animal project - descriptive paragraph and riddle worksheet

Literature Response Log

**Animal Expert Project - is the theme this week. Ask your child what they have discovered and learned about their animal.

Remember:   Thanksgiving Luncheon @ 12:30 Wednesday. 

Homework

Friday 11/14

Wordly Wise (Unit 5) Test Monday;

WW Review Lesson 5

Math Study Link 3.7

Look for Invitation to our Thanksgiving Lunch - should be inside Homework Folder.

Have a great weekend!

Friday 11/7

Spelling Test Monday; Rule: The final e and adding suffixes.

Write 10 sentences using your spelling words

Math Study Link 3.5

Math - Time Practice

**Finish any incomplete math book pages

Friday 11/7

Spelling Test Monday; Rule: The final e and adding suffixes - To drop, or NOT to drop?

Write 10 sentences using your spelling words

Math Study Link 3.5

Math - Time Practice

**Finish any incomplete math book pages

Happy November!
The Snack calendar for November has been posted and I have placed a hard copy in your boxes.  The previous November calendar that I provided had an error:  Veteran's Day will be celebrated on Tueday, Nov 11th, NOT Monday.  Thanks!

Super BIG thank you to Kendra, Kimberly, Gina, Alix, Chris & Pam, Josie and Mario for supporting our class's Halloween celebration.  And thanks to all for providing the food donations.  We couldn't have done it without you!  Have a lovely, restful weekend.

Homework

Friday 10/31

WW Lesson 4 review

WW TEST Monday 11/3

Math Study Link 3.3

Article, Food Chain, Read, discuss, answer questions, and highlight evidence from passage

Monday 10/27

Math Study Link 3.1

Article, What is Energy? Read, discuss, answer questions, and highlight evidence from passage

Literature Response Log (4 entries this week)

Reminder - Halloween parade at 2pm Friday. Bring costumes to change into after lunch.

Many thanks!

-Kelly

Friday 10/17

Math Study Link 2.7

Lexiacore5.com - see Lexia letter.  20 minutes only.  This only applies to students who have access to computer/internet at home. 

Many thanks!

-Kelly

PS I'm looking for parent volunteers to help with Halloween and afternoon class party.

Thanks!

PPS - Don't forget to sign up for your parent-teacher conference (Friday 10/24). 

Homework

Friday 10/10

Math Study Link 24

Study multiplication facts! Keep going!!

Science - Energetic Emily. Read, discuss and answer questions from this article.

NO SCHOOL MONDAY - 10/10 Teacher In-service

Homework  Friday 10/3

Math Study Link 2.2

Study multiplication facts! Keep going!!

Enjoy this beautiful weekend! :)

Homework update:

Wednesday 10/1

Check with your student to see if they passed their spelling test today. If they did not earn 80% or better, they must make up this test on Friday, 10/3.  Unit 1 spelling packet with study words was sent home last week on Thursday with reminder to study over the long weekend.  No other homework has been assigned for the remainder of the week.

Bandelier Field Trip - 9/26

Dear Parents,

We are excited to be able to go on this trip as a kickoff to our New Mexico History studies in 3^rd and 4^th grade!  Please return the permission slip ASAP, if you haven’t already.  Here are the trip details:

1.      We leave at 8:30 sharp, so please have your child at school on time.

2.     Please pack a lunch and a water bottle for your child.

3.     Please apply sunscreen at home, if you choose.

4.     We have allotted space on the bus for 10 parent chaperones.  If you are interested in chaperoning, please contact Mr. Hugh or Ms. Kelly.  First come, first served.

5.     Students must ride the bus to Bandelier.  Your child can be released into your custody after the conclusion of activities at Bandelier, with a parentally signed release form.

6.     Please, do not bring siblings or other non-enrolled children.  This is an educational field trip, and additional children are a distraction to the learning process.

7.      We expect to return by 4:00.  Please make aftercare arrangements, or plan on picking up your child at 4:00.  We will not be able to get children on the afternoon bus routes.

Thanks for your help getting your child ready.  Here’s to a great learning experience! 

Ms. Kelly and Mr. Hugh

Homework:

Friday 9/22

Math

*Geometry Practice - circles, radius, diameter

*practice multiplication facts

Language Arts
*Wordly Wise Review Exercise 2

*Test Tuesday 9/23

See also the letter regarding our Bandelier trip scheduled for next Friday, 9/26. 

Have a great weekend!

:) 

Open House Tonight  9/17  @ 6:30

See you there!

This week's homework

given Monday 9/15

Math

*Study Link 1.7

*Geometry practice page

*practice multiplication facts

Language Arts
*Literature Response Log (at least 4 entries)

MAP testing scheduled to begin Tuesday, 9/16 through Thursday 9/18.

Homework

Friday 9/5:

Math

*practice multiplication facts using the Fact Triangles. Get your parent signature on 1 triangle to show that you did this.

Language Arts
*Autobiography Warm Up - follow directions and brainstorm significant events in your life. List at least 10 and put them in chronological order. Choose 5 events and write a sentence about each one - using at least 2 adjectives. Collect pictures or images from magazines to bring these events to life.

* Cursive review - 2 pages

MAP testing scheduled to resume Tuesday, 9/9 through Thursday 9/11. 

Dear Parents,
Congratulations to the kiddos - they've successfully completed their first FULL week of school! What a week it was -  packed full with routines, subtraction and multiplication, new vocabulary, cursive and science lessons on the brain and the science of weather. I observed lots of learning and excitement in the process.  What fun! 

Enjoy the 3 day weekend and grab that last bit of summer while it lasts.  Somewhere in there though, please plan to squeeze in a little time to work with your child on their homework.  They will be working on Wordly Wise vocabulary, subtraction and geometry.   Next week, look for a Literature Response Log to come home too.  This exercise is a great opportunity to talk with your child about the books they are reading.

Cheers,
Kelly

Welcome to 4th Grade - 2014

8/18/14

Dear Parents,

Wow – it’s already that time of year again!  Welcome back to Anansi Charter School! I am honored and excited for the opportunity to work your child.  By partnering together, we will be able to inspire and support your child’s success- and create yet another fabulous school year!

I’d like to introduce myself.  I moved to Taos in 1989 and began teaching over 15 years ago.   I have taught 3^rd grade through High School with specific emphasis in Science and Mathematics.  I’ve also taught abroad, including 2 years in Ecuador teaching 4^th grade.  I am blessed with a beautiful family with whom I rock climb, ski and garden.  My 7 year old daughter Sophie also attends Anansi.  It’s been a win-win situation for this working mommy!

During the upcoming year, your student and I will build upon the learning they gained last year.  Mathematics will emphasize multiplication and division, geometry and problem solving; Language arts will include guided literature analysis, writing, vocabulary development, grammar and spelling; Social studies will focus primarily on New Mexico history while Science will explore the human body, forces and motion, earth’s materials, and weather.  Homework will be given on a regular basis and enriching projects will be sent home throughout the year.

Anansi Charter encourages open communication between home and school.  If you need to speak with me, please do not hesitate to approach me.  I am available most afternoons after school for a brief check-in.  However, in the mornings I am less available as I’m busy preparing for the day’s learning.  If you desire a longer meeting, we can schedule an appointment.  My email is kafarewell@gmail.com and I check it regularly.   I have also created a class BLOG where information will be posted about our 4^th grade class activities, needs and homework.  Check it out at www.anansi4thgrade.blogspot.com. 

Thank you for your support. This year is going to be a blast!

With gratitude,

Kelly Farewell  (Aka Miss Kelly)

Hello parents,

The kids are getting very excited about the camping trip to Bandelier next week (Thursday 5/22 & Friday 5/23).  They have gear checklists in their homework folder that will help them plan and pack for the adventure.  Ask them about it. 

If you are a chaperone, please read the attached materials and plan to attend our MEETING this Monday, May 19th, in the classroom at 3:30.  My hope is that I can lay out the plan and discuss your responsibilities and field any questions - all in about 1/2 hour.  I know your time is valuable and will try to get us out the door quickly.

Lastly, I want to tell you all Thank YOU for all the lovely goodies last week for Teacher Appreciation week. The pass to Ojo and gift certificate at Video Casa were very thoughtful - and I'll very much enjoy using them once the dust settles in June.

Again, many thanks and see you at the meeting on Monday!

Cheers,

Kelly

Hello lovely parents, 

Our field trip to Bandelier National Monument and Tsankawi is quickly approaching.  Please read over the lists of NEEDS, Chaperones, and tents.  Please respond to these needs surveys asap so I can compile our gear and follow up on needs.  I will be providing a hard copy GEAR Check List to the kiddos this week in hopes that they will take responsibility for packing their own stuff.  There is a Parent Permission Form that will also need to be signed and returned to me.  

Huge thanks to Lori Weichart and Liana Bayles.  They will do the food shopping for us and pack coolers.  I will be holding a meeting with all Chaperones on MONDAY, May 19, immediately after school to discuss duties, responsibilities and the itinerary.  Please watch for for more information specific to chaperones to follow later this week.  

Many thanks! Let the rumpus begin!

Hello parents,

I just wanted to remind you that our Spring Performance is this Wednesday night, at 6:30 pm, at the Bataan Hall.  Students should arrive a few minutes early and in COSTUME.  We will be working on making 'toga' type costumes in Art class this Tuesday - as everyone is expected to dress up as a citizen (or slave) from Ancient Greece, or as their favorite God or Goddess.  Thus why I have asked for old sheets to be delivered to the classroom.  If you'd like to help us with the costume making, stop by the class on Tuesday from 2-3pm. Thanks!  

Homework this weekend was [] memorize the Greek Rap, [] Read bookclub book and complete Role, or if finished reading, they should be working on the final project: a Bookbag Report.  Math - S.L. 7.12

Many thanks, 

Kelly

Monday 5/5

*Study Ancient Greece RAP

*Bring in old white or tan sheet for costume

*Bookclub - continue reading book, roles and final project.

*Math - S.L. 7.10 & 7.11

Hello lovely families,

I know I'm feeling energized from the break last week and I hope this email finds you feeling the same.  The kids shared lots of fun stories and highlights from their week off.

Greece:  This week we wrapped up our study of the Greek Gods and Goddess with a poster presentation and a Quiz Game with the 3rd grade.  Nice work everyone - and so fun!  We will return to our study of Ancient Greece in one week - right after we have our Science Fair. 

Science:  Today we spent considerable time learning how to make graphs via a wonderful website (nces.ed.gov/nceskids/makeagraph/.  Everyone successfully made a graph with invented data.  This afternoon, those children who remembered to bring in their science folders and data were able to make a graph for their project and you should be able to find it in their folder.  MONDAY, I have set aside another hour to let the kids work on their projects - with the emphasis being writing their Conclusion.  Many thanks for all your support from home on this very worthy project. The students should bring in their completed science fair BOARDS by Thursday so we can begin practice presentations.  FRIDAY, MAY 2nd, will be the actual event.  Please COME to our Science Fair from 2-3 pm. 

 

Bookclub:  Ask your child to tell you what book they picked, what they've been noticing as they read and check in with them about when it's supposed to be finished. 

 

Lastly, the final round of MAP Testing will be completed on the mornings of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of next week (4/29-5/1).  Please be sure your child comes to school well rested and with a full tummy. 

 

Again, many thanks for all you do...

Kelly

 

Dear parents,
Thank you for supporting us so well during SBA testing.  The kids loved coming in and have a second breakfast together.  They were well nourished, both in body and in mind!  And congratulations, SBA testing is complete.

For the next 2 weeks - and then again when we get back from Spring Break - we will be reading and writing about Ancient Greece, as well as delving deeper into our understanding of fractions.  The Science Fair project is also a big topic on the minds of the kiddos - they're really getting excited about the idea of experimenting.  Thank you for supporting their learning on this project.  As a reminder, they should bring their Science Folder (orange) back to school each Thursday so we can check in together on their progress and we also can troubleshoot if needed.

It was so nice to chat with all of you during the parent teacher conferences.  I love my job and knowing your children.   I'm grateful for your support. It takes a community...!

Many thanks,
Kelly

Good morning dear parents,

Happy Spring!  I hope this email finds you well.

This week we'll wrap up the SBA testing by completing the Science sections on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning.  The kids have done a great job so far, so let's stay the course and cheer them on to the finish!  Any chance anyone can send in some fruit or muffins for Wednesday or Thursday? I'll be bringing in some waffles for tomorrow's breakfast soiree.

It was a pleasure meeting with so many of you on Friday for conferences.  I look forward to meeting with the rest of you during my afternoon office hours tomorrow.  If you haven't already, please bring your Read-a-thon money to Roberta. 

Many thanks - and have a fabulous day!

-Kelly

PS  No homework this week (3/24-3/28).  Look for regular homework to resume this Friday. Also keep an eye out for the Science Fair Project - also coming your way this week.  Thanks!

3/7/14

Happy Friday lovely parents!

Boy did we have an action-packed week! Ask your child about our static electricity investigation... fun, fun!

Heads up! SBA testing begins next week on Tuesday through Thursday. The students will be taking the Reading portion of the SBA for about 1 hour each of those days.  Please be sure your student gets lots of rest and eats a good breakfast.  I will NOT be assigning homework for the next few weeks during testing.

I was thinking it would be nice to provide an extra 'breakfast' snack during the testing weeks.  I am seeking donations of breakfast goodies (i.e. fresh fruit, juice, muffins, waffles, bagels or breakfast bars, etc) for the 3 days each week they do testing.  I will let the kiddos eat these extra snacks first thing in the morning.  This will be in addition to the regular snack provided at 10am.  Let me know if you can help me out... I'll be heading to the grocery store myself this weekend to help chip in.

Many thanks!  And have a lovely weekend.

-Kelly

Dear Parents,
Whahooo! The kiddos had a great morning reading for the Dr. Seuss read-a-thon.  They exceeded their class goal of 150.... they read a whopping 181 books, with 20 minutes to spare! Nice work 4th grade.  If your child has not already done so, please help them secure pledges totaling $50 for our class trip scheduled for the end of May.  The money is due the same day as the parent-teacher conferences:  Friday, March 21.
Thanks!

This week's homework:

Monday 3/3

WW Midterm Test - take home

Lexiacore5.com - 20 minutes

Math - Area and Perimter practice worksheet

Friday 3/7

Math - Fraction & Decimal review; division mini-practice

HEADS UP:  SBA testing will begin next week, on Tuesday, March 11th.  We will test 3 days a week - for about 1 hour a day.  The first subject to be assessed will be reading.  You can help your student do their very best by ensuring they  [1] get sufficient rest and [2] eat a healthy breakfast.  Thanks!  

Dear parents,
I hope you've been able to enjoy the lovely weather we've been having!

As a reminder, this Friday is the Dr. Seuss read-a-thon.  You are welcome to join us if you'd like from 8:30 to 10:30.  I've asked the kiddos to bring in Dr. Seuss books (or other favorite short stories) to be shared by the class.  We have set a goal of reading a total of 150 books during Friday's read-a-thon.  Each student is expected to seek pledges totaling $50 in connection with the read-a-thon. (Money is due in late March). This money will be used to cover the costs of the end of the year overnight trip to Bandelier and Tsankwae. Thank you for supporting our goals.

Here's this week's homework.

Monday 2/24

Literature Response Log

Lexiacore5.com - 20 minutes

Math - division practice worksheet

*Bring Dr. Seuss books for Friday read-a-thon

*Bring sm. plastic water bottle for making a lung model

Friday 2/28

Math - coordinate graphing art; division mini-practice
Spelling Test - Monday (i before e rule). Pg. 44 Maze practice.

Hello parents,
Please be sure to ask your student about our class' fundraising goals for the end-of-the-year trip to Bandelier.  Each student needs to gather $50 in pledges for the Dr. Seuss Read a Thon.  If we all do our part, we will be able to fund a really fun trip at the end of the year.  Thank you for your help and support.
Dr. Seuss Read a Thon is Friday, 2/28.  Pledges due in a month - on 3/21.

Also in science, we've started a new unit of study - our body's many systems, including the skeletal, nervous, digestive, respiratory and circulatory.  This week our observations will dig deeper into the nervous and digestive systems.  Ask your student about it!

Here's the week's homework:

Tuesday 2/18  - due Friday

Literature Response Log

WW Mid-Term Test (take home) Ch.1-10.

Lexiacore5.com - 20 minutes

Math - quotient estimation worksheet

Friday 2/21 - due Monday

Math Study Link 6.3 division
Mobymax.com 20 minutes at home

Homework update:

MONDAY 2/10

Literature Response Log

WW Lesson 10- choose 10 words and write original sentences

Math - decimal worksheet

THURSDAY 2/13

Valentine's Day Party 2-3pm

*Math Study Link 6.1
*WW Lesson 10 - Review Exercises; Vocabulary Test Tuesday
*Mobymax.com 20 minutes at home

NO SCHOOL MONDAY, 2/17  PRESIDENT'S DAY

FEBRUARY 4, UPDATE:

Monday 2/3

*MATH - Study Link 5.11; word problems worksheet

*LANGUAGE ARTS -

*Literature Response log (minimum 4 entries)

*Lexiacore5.com website - 20 minutes at home. See instructions for logging on inside student homework folder.

FRIDAY 2/7

*Math Study Link 5.10
*Spelling Unit 4 page 36(maze) and test on Monday - 10 words on the Final Y Rule.

*My Life as a Rock - diary or short story; see handout
*Mobymax.com 20 minutes at home.

February Snack Calendar:

MONTH of FEBRUARY
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
	3 LILITH	4 ZEPHANAYA	5 MOISES	6 DYLAN	7 AMARA
	10 SHIRAH	11 ANDREW	12 SELINA	13 ELIZA	14  In-Service NO SCHOOL
	17 PRES. DAY NO SCHOOL	18 ROBBIE	19 LUCAS	20 ENOCH	21 Miss Kelly
	24 MARLENA	25 BEN	26 ALLANI	27 ISABELLA	28 Dr. Seuss Read-a-thon JOHN

Homework update:

 

Tuesday 1/21

*MATH - Study Link 5.6 - (partial-products is the same as Multiplication Wrestling- See page 253 Student Reference Book.)

*LANGUAGE ARTS -

*Literature Response log (minimum 4 entries)

*Lexia Core 5 - website - 20 minutes at home. See instructions for logging on inside student homework folder.

FRIDAY 1/25
 *Math Study Link 5.7 -multiply w/ lattice method, SRB pg. 19;
*Spelling Unit 3, page 29 (maze) and test on Monday - 10 words on the Final E Rule.
*Mobymax.com 20 minutes at home

Welcome back and Happy New Year 2014!

I hope this post finds you and yours well-rested from the Holiday break and ready to have fun in the New Year!  The students and I had a great week together last week.  We finished up our reading of Earthquake Terror, honed our multiplication skills and investigated all sorts of forces and motion in science class.  What a great start to 2014!

This week we will be taking our MAP short cycle assessments.  Students can help themselves do their very best by getting a good night's rest and eating a healthy breakfast.  Before taking each MAP, we review strategies for each content area.  MAP testing will be completed by the end of the day on Thursday.

A REMINDER that winter activities start this Wednesday (for the next 5 Wednesdays).  Please be sure to read the emails sent recently from Ms. Michele regarding the details of your child's activity.  

Lastly, our snack drawer took a bit of a beating just before Christmas and we are running short on 'back up' snacks.  If you can, I would gladly accept an additional donation of snacks for the classroom.  The kids really enjoy tortilla chips and salsa,  popcorn, crackers, and granola bars.

Many Thanks!
-Kelly