Reset for Final Stretch!

Good Afternoon,

I encouraged the 4th graders to take this upcoming mini break as a chance to “sharpen their saw,” and I hope everyone else can do the same. They wrapped up all of their Forward testing today, and I know how long and demanding the process can be. They’ve absolutely earned some time to recharge and do the things they love. I’m incredibly proud of the energy, effort, and focus they brought to their testing. Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and healthy extended weekend with family and friends!

Week in Review:

Leader in Me: This week we learned to contrast valuing and accepting differences. We also learned how to use many strengths to solve a problem. Synergize and complete five-in-a-row for Family Bingo Board on Leader in Me Online!

Writing: Writers this week started by doing some final refining on their writing skills for their last ELA Forward testing session, and then ended the week with an on demand writing for narrative. Our final writing unit will begin after break where they will be taking their narrative writing skills, and putting it into graphic novels!

Math: This week, our mathematicians took part in a fun and engaging egg hunt activity, where each egg was filled with math test prep questions. It was a creative way to review key concepts in preparation for the upcoming Math Forward Exam. To wrap up the week, students put their knowledge to the test as they completed the two sessions of the Math Forward Exam.

Reading: Readers completed a pre assessment for our final reading unit which is historical fiction. They were assessed on the following thinking skills in their writing about reading: character traits, perspective, part to whole, and theme. We will be diving into this final unit next week with lots of students ready to take on more 4th and 5th grade thinking work in their books!

Content: This week in social studies, 4th graders explored why people can have different opinions about historical events and memorials. They examined a case study using two different sources to understand how perspectives can differ, and they practiced asking critical questions to dig deeper into the past. Students looked at various state memorials and discussed the viewpoints these represent. They learned how thoughtful questioning helps uncover a fuller picture of history and why relying on a single source can limit our understanding. Through evidence-based reasoning, students began to see the importance of exploring multiple perspectives to better understand people, places, and events in history.

  • 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:

  • April 18th & 21st - No School
  • April 30th - Culver's Order Forms Due
  • May 23rd - Early Dismissal (11:30)
  • May 26th - No School
  • May 29th - 4th Grade Concert
  • June 3rd - Field Day
  • June 4th - 4th Grade Walk to Library & End of Year Picnic 
  • June 4th - Cafe Krueger Celebration
  • June 5th - Last Day of School; Early Dismissal (11:30)


That's all for this week!

Have a great weekend!


Mr. VW



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