Exciting November Off and Running

 Good Afternoon,

The 4th Graders have been working hard on so many things in the classroom in addition to preparing for their Veteran's Day concert next week, it was a full week of exciting learning and growth. They have been preparing for their upcoming student led conferences, and I am excited for them to showcase themselves to celebrate what they have accomplished so far this school year. With being two full months into the school year the classroom is vibrant with energy, as we look to use that energy to fuel our growth academically and socially every day!

Week in Review:

Leader in Me: This week we took time to focus on friendships lessons where we talked about how we meet new people, being open to diverse opinions and differences, and the value of knowing and calling someone by their names. We ended the week interviewing classmates we may not know very well with the goal of trying to interview every one of their classmates this year to get to know everyone better.

Writing: This past week, 4th grade writers worked on making their persuasive essays better. They practiced fixing up their drafts by connecting their ideas more clearly. They also worked on making a strong main thesis or claim and backing it up with reasons. To stay on track, they planned what to write before starting. Plus, they added research and quotes to make their essays stronger. All of this helped them think more carefully and improve their writing.

Math: This past week in math, 4th grader mathematicians focused on division problems that have remainders. They learned how to handle remainders and think about what they can do with them, such as interpreting them in real-life situations. They also explored strategies for sharing and grouping, which helped them understand how to work with remainders in different contexts. Additionally, they applied what they know about multiplication and division to solve problems with unknown dividends, using properties of both operations to find the answers. Finally, during the Unit 2 Review, students practiced everything they’ve learned so far to reinforce their skills and build confidence.

Reading: This past week, 4th grade readers focused on improving their comprehension and research skills. They practiced summarizing what they learn and identifying text structures with readings like "Dangerous Weather" and "Wild Weather Zones." Students worked on gathering and analyzing information for a research project, using "What is a Tornado?" to focus on main ideas. They also learned to analyze information across texts, such as "Freaky Weather," and explored author’s craft in "A Photo Gallery." These activities helped build their confidence in reading and understanding different types of texts.

Content: Students investigated food waste, including the challenges that it creates for humans and the environment. They explored actions that can be taken to engage in sustainable consumption of food, and recommend a practice that can be implemented in their own lives. Students also reflected on their learning from throughout the Inquiry and drew conclusions about the personal actions they might take to promote sustainability. They collaborated to generate ideas about challenges and opportunities that they might address.

  • Thank you to a parent who shared this great resource which can benefit your 4th grader and family! Every fourth grader in the US is eligible to receive a free pass for their family to visit America’s natural wonders and historic sites, which accesses hundreds of parks, lands and waters for an entire year! Visit everykidoutdoors.gov/rules.htm for more information and to get your pass!


A Look Ahead:

  • DATE FOR MADISON FIELD TRIP
    • Thursday, December 19th. 
    • We try to accommodate all chaperones as we know this is a popular field trip for all. If you could get permission slips turned in sooner than later it would be greatly appreciated to help us with the planning process!
  • November 12th - Veterans Day Concert (6:00 P.M.)
    • Wear Red, White, and Blue to Celebrate Veteran's Day
  • November 14th - Simple Simon Order Pickup 
  • November 19th & 21st - Conferences
  • November 19th & 21st - Book Fair
  • November 22nd - Early Dismissal
  • November 27th-29th - NO SCHOOL
  • See below on information from the District for subbing opportunities!


That's all for this week!

Have a great weekend!


Mr. VW






Do you want to make a difference in Kaukauna? 
Would you like to help your child's school out? 
Do you like kids?
Are you good with kids? 
 
Then you should become a KASD SUB!! 

Talented and skilled substitute teachers and educational assistants are critical to our district. Becoming a sub aids in the instructional and procedural continuity of the district. We are so thankful for our wonderful subs! 

To become a Certified Substitute Teacher the state requires a minimum of an associate's degree and the completion of an 8 hour Substitute Training Program - in person or self guided modules from the comfort of your own home - through CESA 6 (see first link below). Once the 8 hours are complete, you will receive the certification of completion. You will then log onto the Department of Public Instruction website (DPI) (see second link below) and apply for the Short Term Substitute License. In the application, DPI will require you to upload your completion certification from the substitute training program. 

Here is the link to the CESA 6 substitute training program: 

https://www.cesa6.org/teachers/educator-licensing/substitute-teacher-training

After the program is complete, here is the link to DPI - where you will need to go after you acquire the certificate from CESA: 

https://dpi.wi.gov/licensing/apply-educator-license/sub-permit

To become an Educational Assistant Substitute no degree or certification is necessary! You just have to like kids and be reliable! Please log onto WECAN, and apply today to become an EA sub. Your school and district thank you!

Both positions - Certified Subs and EA Subs - are posted on WECAN.  Here's the link:https://wecan.waspa.org/    Please apply when you're ready and I will reach out to you once your application comes through.  

Feel free to reach out to me with any questions. 

Thank you!



Holly Parks
Human Resources and Business Services Associate
Kaukauna Area School District
920.766.6100 ext. 2050








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