Class Update
3/29/2019
Greetings Parents,
As the academic content happened to fall sequentially, we had several engaging activities this week. We had a rousing review of Weather and the Water Cycle. Table groups formed teams and came up with a name. They each received a maximum of 100 points per question based on the accuracy and thoroughness of their answers. It was an exciting finish with the Rad Rains performing an electrifying rendition of the Water Cycle Song to pull even with the Horrifying Hurricanes at 850 points.
Today in Science, kids got a scaled down taste of the distances between planets in our solar system. With the sun being about four feet in diameter, students with porportionally-sized pictures of the planets positioned themselves the distance they thought their orb would be from the sun. As usual, they grossly underestimated, although they did better that the average class. I proceeded to walk off a distance of 88 yards, the distance the pea-sized planet would be from our star at that scale.
In Math, our TAG friends joined us and Ms. Potral's homeroom class to act out the Atomic Cafe. It was the grand opening. One class waited on the other class, who were customers, and then they switched roles. Diners were allowed to order one entree such as Biscuits with Toe Jam, one side dish such as Glow in the Dark Corn, one dessert like the Hot Sludge Sundae, and then a drink- maybe Mountain Drool. It was gross. Waiters and waitresses had to total up the orders, present the bill, and then figure the change. Each customer, being the savvy consumer that they were double-checked their server's math. Customers were encouraged to tip comsumate with the quality of service. It was great fun. We even celebrated a birthday Atomic Cafe style. I was the manager, of course. I have attached a few photos.
Camp is next week, but only 1/2 days. The other half, we will be doing our usual Sicence, Math, and Texas History drill. To help foster the camp feel and to assuage some of the writing grind, you are welcome to write your child a letter from home at some point during the week. Other teachers are being encouraged to do the same. You can give it to Ms. Potral, or myself, or hide it in their lunch. You may do the same for another fourth grade student you know and love if you like. Ms. Potral wants to thank those who have sent in donations to help enhance the fun next week. She had three ladies (I think) helping set up today- one of them being our own Courtney Haskins.
Sorry that Thursday Folders became Friday Folders this week. Do note that in the folder (or stack of stuff if the folder was not turned in), there is a permission slip for our Bob Bullock Museum field trip on Monday, April 22nd. The form has two sides. There is information about chaperones, if you are interested in joining us. There is also a place for your child to sign an oath regarding their conduct on the trip. Also, we are taking sack lunches. Please indicate whether or not your child will need to order a sack lunch from the cafeteria for the trip.
I hope everyone has a lovely weekend,
Gene
3/8/12
Dear Parents,
I think we have finally emerged from two weeks of recess limbo where one day after another it was touch-and-go right up until recess time whether we would be able to go outside or not. For a week and a half, it was dampness and drizzling which kept us in the lurch. Next it was the temperature (although when the wind chill is 16 degrees, that pretty much settles the issue).
In Science we are charting the previous day’s weather by day and charting that day’s moon phase by night. The weather, we are tracking at school, but it is up to the kids to chart the moon phase at home. If the sky is overcast and the moon is not visible, there is a web address on the worksheet that shows what the orb looks like that day. Students are supposed to track the moon on a daily basis and not all-at-once as the assignment is designed to impress upon the youngsters that the moon phase changes a little each day and goes through the entire cycle in a month.
Thursday morning during the normal Specials time, the 3rd-5th grades were treated to an assembly featuring the Austin Jazz Workshop, sponsored by the PTA. Their music is very good, especially if you like jazz. Anyway, it is good for the students to experience live music, especially since they live in the live music capital. The performance was delayed about 5-minutes due to a power outage. Fortunately, it came back on before bedlam ensued.
As the Thursday Folder flyer announced, the 3rd grade Economics Fair is Tuesday. The event should bring back memories for the kiddos, fond or otherwise. If they want to be consumers this year rather than producers, they will need to bring them some money. Even 50 cents will make them a player. The Wildlife Warriors would appreciate it if you would make your denominations of the $1 and quarter variety.
Next week looks to be very busy: Monday is Great Books with Grandparents (if you think your child will have a grandparent coming, please try to let me know today), Tuesday, all fourth graders will have a strategy session for Wednesday’s Alamo Battle Re-enactment and we will shop at Third Grade’s Economics Fair, Thursday afternoon, we will walk with our Buddies for the Library Walk-a-thon, and Friday morning we have evacuation and lock-down drills. We will try to teach them something in there somewhere.
As far as school-wide events like this Library Walk-a-thon, hopefully you avail yourself of other communication means such as Thursday Folder flyers, e-Backpack announcements, Ms. Stowe's updates, etc. You may have already figured out that I am not that faithful a communicator. My apologies.
Have a good weekend everybody!
1/18/19
Happy Friday Peeps,
I hope everybody will be enjoying a three-day weekend.
I want to give you more lead time on our next evening event than I did for Family Fitness Night. Science Night will be Friday, February 1st from 6:30 until 7:30.It will be very silmilar to the last couple of years with a number of presenters representing some aspect of Science. Hopefully it will be a clear evening as we have an astronomy club bringing a powerful telescope. There will also be hands-on activities in the cafeteria, food trucks out front, and so on. I hope yall can come.
The day of Science Night, we will be having STEAM day for the kids. Each class will be doing a variety of hands-on and interesting activities like making a functional catapult, working harmonica- that sort of thing. To that end, we (the fourth grade teachers) are ordering some items through the office, but other items, we are asking contributions from anybody willing to donate. The list of needed items are:
vegetable oil
Alka Seltzer tablets
paper platesstraws
foil
cardboard
tape
liquid glue
Dixie cups
plastic drinking cups
Anything would help.
A round of practice STAAR test will be coming up in the next month. 1/31 will be the Writing test, on 2/7 Math, and on 2/21 the Reading test. We do not expect the children to do any extra studying or prep in anticipation of these assessments; they are just diagnostic to see who neeeds help in what area.
You may want to make sure your child gets a good night sleep and a good breakfast for four hour (max) marathons. Feel free to send extra snack on those days. We even allow gum are hard candy.
Starting next week, each of the fourth grade teachers are holding a different E-Slot class based on their individual interest, Students were given choice as to which class they wanted to attend based on their individual interest. Many of my kiddos have chosen to stay we me for Art. I am a serious artist; no crafts here. Others have chosen Robotics, Build Your Own Board Game, or something else. Our Student Council Reps had no choice this time around; they were automatically enrolled in a service E-Slot class.
We are investigating soil. fixing to get heavy into fractions, and shortly, move onto the colonization period of Texas history (we are almost moving through history in real time).
That's about all I know. Have a great weekend!
Gene
12/20/18
Howdy Folks,
Oh, my goodness. What a launch into 2019. Actually, what a launch back to your house for the next two weeks. It was a festive time yesterday, for sure.
To start the day, we joined forces with Ms. Potral’s Homeroom class and enriched our understanding of symmetry while prepping for the big snowflake contest by making virtual snowflakes. Then we translated that knowledge to making hands-on snowflakes. The kiddos had several tries at it. In the end, they submitted their best flake (anonymously) to be judged by the class during our afternoon party food session. Each class’s flakes was judged separately. In our class, Neha won by a landslide (photo attached).
After Specials, each student was given a list of classic holiday tunes. They had to choose from among those in an attempt to match each title to its more verbose (or at least higher vocabulary level) equivalent. For example, “Embellish the Interior Passageways” matched with “Deck the Halls.” It was quite a chore ironing out who won exactly because students exchanged papers (boys with girls and visa versa) in order to check them, and the checkers were not nearly so eager to claim victory for someone else as I suspect they would have been for themselves.
After recess, lunch, and Library, students watched the Elf Yourself videos I had made starring them! They howled. HOWLED.
We killed a little time dancing and taking some group photos.
Finally, the party. We hooked up again with Ms. Potral’s class for the book exchange- 40 children in one, big oval. As I read the story, The Night Right Before Winter Break, boys and girls handed the book in their hands to the person on their right whenever I said the word “right,” and they handed the book in their hands to the person on their immediate left whenever I said the word “left.” Simple, right? Naturally, the story was chock-full of “lefts” and “rights,” and I didn’t bother to wait until everyone had their act together. Once we got done and Ms. Potral made sure that every child had a book, they were given five seconds to swap packages with someone else who had the wrong gender book (they were all supposed to be marked “boy,” “girl,” or “either,” but some were marked “both and one actually said “neither”). After unwrapping their book, kids were given 20 seconds to negotiate with someone whose book they coveted. I am like the late George H. W. Bush in this respect- we both like to watch “scheduled train wrecks.”
Time for food, snowflake judging, and the Class Roster Word Search. Austin won the latter, and Vinay secured a prize by finding the mystery phrase, “Mr. Grubb Rocks.”
The part, day, semester, and calendar year ended with the snowball fight tournament. Boys from both classes squared off in Ms. Potral’s classroom while the girls did the same in mine. Each side started with a full sack of paper snowballs. After two minutes of chaos, screaming, and blizzard-like conditions, the team that had the least number of snowballs on their side won. In each case, it was my Homeroom class, so the boys and girls went at it in the championship with the boys prevailing.
Special thanks to Ms. Potral's Homeroom Mom and our own Courtney Askins for their time (and I suspect cash) helping out. Curtney provided prizes for the activities and Mr. Eric Hsu generously donated eats.
We are sad to say goodbye to Riley, who is moving away. She is such a good girl; we wish her and her family the best. We still have 20 in our class, however, as Krithik joined us from the Dallas area a few weeks ago.
God bless everyone. Enjoy your families over the holiday and hopefully some time off!
12/7/18
Howdy Folks,
Things are hopping here as always, all the more as the end of the semester approaches. We are covering the usual academic content thoroughly, even trying to play a little catch-up, yet without leaving any child behind.Add to that holiday hoopla plus a major fundraiser. Today, we happened to have several extra-curricular activities: we attended the encore performance of the choir concert (starring many of your offspring), we enjoyed an hour of coding, and we met with our kindergarten Buddy class, where we re-wrote the lyrics to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, changing the setting and characters.
Speaking of the fundraiser, Apex, the company PTA has employed has a small army of fun young people who keep the students motivated and stirred up. Our class is currently at $12 per lap, which means the kids have $360 for the benefit of the student body, $36 of which will stay in the class.
The Winter Break Party is coming up Wednesday afternoon, the 19th. I am sorry to say that due to the growth of our school (over 1,000 students), administration has had to decide that parents will not be allowed to attend the party unless they are helping out, and sibling are not allowed at all. That being said, I will provide pictures of the goings on. There will be s snowflake making contest, a lively book exchange (letter coming home today), snacking, and a snowball fight.
Grade-wise, I recently entered a test on force into the books. I have previously used a few of the unit DCA's as a test grade. I did so for the force unit, but because it was tough, I only made it half their grade if they turned in their friction lab report on time. Then, that counted as half (a full 50 points for each. For some, they picked the wrong time to be irresponsible. Most of them did well on the DCA, though, and collectively, tests only count for 30% of the grade. For my Math students, as usual, I will drop their lowest Warm-up grade for the nine weeks.
That's all for now; have a great weekend!
Gene
11/16/18
Good afternoon Parents,
Your children are creating an pixel animation with a free online program called Piskel even as I write. Last week for e-slot, they monkeyed around on a pretty powerful free online photo editor called Pixlr. I show them a few of my tricks. Other weeks, we have done Kindergarten-level STEM activities with our Buddies, some Hot Wheels force and motion experiments, and some life drawing where I showed the class a system for drawing the human figure. In the spring, my team of teachers will give students a choice of nine E-slot classes.
Today, we played paper football (called Woody Ball back in the day), not because we are killing time before the holiday. Students will be writing paragraphs detailing how different forces such as inertia, friction, and drag are at play in the game. In Math, my class are delving into angel measurement, beginning by laying a thick theoretical foundation. In Texas History, we are finalizing our Native American Texas History Book page, then we will turn our attention to European exploration. To keep up with what Ms. Potral is doing, check out her blog, which is accessible from the EEE website.
We are tooling along. Though we have been playing catch-up all semester, I hope to be close to the district suggested pace by Winter Break. It's always a delicate balancing act trying to meet both state mandates of covering the rather sizable load of content and leaving no child behind. The is doing well. I think they're going to make it.
You should have received a flyer from the EEE Student Council in your child's Thursday Folder yesterday. I am the SC sponsor this year. I hope that I was not presumptuous in suggesting some activities for the Thanksgiving holiday to foster gratitude. That is our theme for the year. the idea that thankfulness leads to responsibility. It is the realization that we are in a good place and therefore ought to make the most of the opportunities before us. As part of our efforts, we recorded a cumulative song The 12 Days of Thanksgiving, which and ran on the morning broadcast for the last two weeks. Ask your child about it. Other plans are in the works, including a service E-Slot class.
That's all I know at this time. My grandbabies are in town, so I am going to cut out to go see them. Y'all have a fabulous Thanksgiving. Enjoy your families.
Gene
10/9/18
Howdy folks,
It was so nice seeing almost all of you yesterday for conferences. Though it was probably awkward coming for only a 10-minute visit (less time than some had to wait in the afternoon), you were most understanding and gracious. I forwarded Ms. Potral's communication to you a little earlier about her plans going forward.
Fall pictures are scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, October 17th before Specials, recess, and lunch. Order forms will be going home this Thursday for those interested. Ms. Potral and I have to be careful with scheduling since she has my homeroom class in the morning, and I have hers, but I believe we are on the same page. I will triple check.
If any parents are interested in having your student tested for TAG, the TAG teachers have let us know that there will be an interest meeting in early November. Details to be forthcoming.
I sometimes let you know what we covered (past tense) that week on my Friday Updates, but I am going to try to be diligent to give you a little notice by keeping the Academic Content page of my website up-to-date. I did say, "Try." Also, I will be adding additional photos on the Photo Gallery of that same sight. I just added some from last Friday's Buddy session. Those "kinder-babies" are a hoot.
Have a good week,
Gene
9/23/18
Good morning Parents,
Yes, I am working a little on Sunday morning, but I am not a heathen; I will be attending church later this morning.
This last week was officially Celebrate Freedom Week in the state with Monday being Constitution Day. We looked at the purpose of our constitution and of the first 10 amendments, with students coming up with suggestions for what might constitute a "Kids' Bill of Rights." Some of your children wanted to drive, vote, run for president, live free from homework, do whatever they wanted, and receive lump sums of money. we looked at the feasibility of these suggestions and maybe why it is good for adults to make these decisions.We also studied and reflected upon Norman Rockwell's paintings of FDR's Four Freedoms, We saw Red Skeleton's impersonation of his childhood principal's reflection on the pledge of allegiance to the American flag. We attempted to do the same with the pledge to the Texas flag. Finally, we mulled over a kids friendly version of some freedoms outlined in the declaration of Independence. It was a full week in Social Studies.
Yesterday, in our E-Slot time, table groups took the marshmallow challenge. Students had done this last year with a large marshmallow atop their dry spaghetti and tape structure. This year, however, they had to deal with a jumbo marshmallow. Two of the five groups had something standing at the end of the appointed time. Many individuals were more focused on answering the trivia questions provided to secure extra tape. A few photos are attached.
We have been making slow progress in Science, but after having looked at density, buoyancy, and now solubility, we should wrap up the physical properties of matter. The class will perform an investigation this week to discover how to best separate the different ingredients in a sandy mixture.
Math- it's adding and subtracting large numbers, including subtracting across zeros. Your children (non-TAG) are very good at the process), but we are working on careful consistency and on applying these operations in word problems.
We had indoor recess a couple of times this week. While the rain is welcome, we have unspent energy we are sending the children home with on such days. It hasn't always been raining, but we have to consider safety and our poor custodians in making the decision whether to go out or stay in. With cooler weather coming eventually, just know that so longer the temperature is above freezing, we will go out, so please bundle your kiddies up.
That's all I know for now,
Gene
9/7/2018
Good afternoon Parents,
In Science, after spending a few days reading about and taking noted on careers in Science, we have been discussing, observing, and comparing the physical properties of matter. All of this work has been recorded in the students' Science Notebooks. I am trying to give the class support by supplying reference pages with questions to ask themselves about their own entries and possible sentence stems (sentence starters) to use if they get stuck for what exactly to say. I also provide frequent reminders and admonitions to split their time between reading/observing and recording. Still it requires discipline on the kids' part; I cannot write for them. In addition to the snare of forgetting to record, there is the omnipresent temptation to visit with classmates about topics unrelated to the job at hand. This is a good bunch, and they do pretty well staying on task, but I am, of course, trying to get their personal best out of them. Monday, they will become Human Particles.
In Texas History, we are finally ready to move on from map skills to the four natural regions of Texas, with an emphasis on where humans settle where they do. A large part of the process will be taking an imaginary and partially virtual bus tour of the state. The class will probably only have three grades by the end of next week, so each grade will weigh heavily on the IPR (Interim Progress Report). I will average a bout a grade a week, though, by the end of the nine weeks. Science and Math will have four or five grades.
In my Math class, we have spent considerable time solidifying our number sense so that the rest of the year will be "on wheels." Specifically, we are into rounding whole numbers. As in everything, I strive to make sure each student not only learns the processes, but understands the concepts and why the processes work.
I have attached at list of EEE's current available library resources and the login information needed to access the sites. Gone are such subscriptions as IXL and Think Through Math. Budget victims, no doubt.
Please make sure your kiddos are reading 20-30 minutes each night for Ms. Potral.
Speaking if Kathy Potral, she is putting the finishing touches on the SignupGenius for parent conferences on October 8th. As soon as it goes live, either SignupGenius or I will notify everyone at once. Here is how it will work: the sign-up slots will only be 10 minutes apart, but there will be 41 of them. Parents and their child will spend that 10 minutes with me discussing Math, Science, Social Science, and for my Homeroom students, their general behavior and study skills, but then will spend the next 10 minutes talking with Kathy about Language Arts.
Of we will have some early morning and late afternoon times. If, of course, someone is unable to make any of those times on October 8th, I will work with you to find a time when we can meet.
That's all for now. Have a great weekend,
Gene
8/24/2018
Howdy Parents,
This week, we wrapped up our emphasis on PAWSitive Expectations with their accompanying activities on Tuesday and began doing the class switch thing with Ms. Potral. She has my homeroom bunch (your children) in the morning for Language Arts and I have from 11:00 on, including recess and lunch. It has gone smooth enough so far. Ms. Potral is impressed with my bunch. They really are fabulous. I am impressed, but never entirely satisfied- just the Bill Belichick/ Lou Saban in me (successful detail-oriented football coaches).
In my Math and Science classes, I am laying subject specific foundations so that we can build high. I am trying to make sure the kids thoroughly understand our base 10 place value system and the four operations to the point they can explain it to someone else. In Science, it is the same with the process skills, being observant, and being able to effectively communicate what you learn. In Social Studies, we are getting acquainted with map skills, the Texas regions, and the beginning of human geography- how people interface with their environment.
TAG classes begin Monday.
We have Kindergartners as our Buddy class. What fun.
A big thank you to Courtney Askins for volunteering to be our Homeroom Parent!
If you think you may be interested in helping us chaperone a field trip or want to help out at Field Day in the spring or anything like that, please read the following from Ms. McFerren, our AP:
I hope everyone can make it to Parent Information Night Wednesday 6:30-7:30. We will all meet in the cafeteria for introductions and grade-level information, then break and go to our homeroom classes for more class specific info. Ms. Potral and I will switch at some point so you can hear from us both.
Fall parent conferences are scheduled for Monday, October 8th. Kids are off for Columbus Day, but I want them to come with you (regardless of anything you might hear from them) at their scheduled time. If anyone cannot meet at one of the pre-fab times, of course I will arrange a time with you that works for us both.
That's all I know. Have a great weekend,
Gene
4/6/2018
Happy Friday Parents,
Things have been calmer this week post-writing camp. We did conduct Writing University, where classes were shuffled from one teacher to another each morning, not to compose, but to review some of the finer points of revision and editing. My mission was to make sure the entire grade level knew the difference between simple and compound sentences and could punctuate both properly, as I have this sentence.
The STAAR Writing test IS Tuesday. The kids know this, but notices to that effect, from the office, were handed out too late Thursday for me to include them in Thursday Folders. I am confident that each child can write a proper, if not fabulous, expository composition because they have proved that they can. Their revising and editing skills are less certain, but we are reviewing and practicing like a house a-fire the myriad of rules, exceptions, and nuances of our language.
One of the Writing U. courses was dictionary skills as the state is allowing students to use shared dictionaries on both Language Arts STAAR tests. No thesaurus, though. As with the practice STAAR tests, we allow kids to snack the whole time. THey can even chew gum, so long as it stays in their mouth. Pita chips are too loud .
Report Cards came home yesterday. If you could return one copy signed in the original envelope, I would appreciate it. BTW, for the few students who received a 79 in any subject, it was only one failed activity which dropped them from a B. Any student who fails any assignment has the opportunity at any time to correct it and have the assignment grade raised to a 70. Here, in each case, I reminded those students with 79s of their opportunity before finalizing my gradebook, but they did not take advantage if it.
We still do not assign homework outside of the 20 minutes of reading each night. If your child is bringing home work, it is either because they work slow or are not being as diligent as we had hoped. I cannot afford for us to lollygag as a class as there are much knowledge and many skills to cover yet this year (such as when to use "much" and when to use "many").
Have a great weekend,
Gene
3/2/2018
Dear Parents,
I hope everyone is doing well. It seems like we have a lot going on here at “the big school for little people,” as my dad used to say, but that is generally the case.
STAAR Ready Writing compositions and revisions will be coming home next Thursday. The first composition is in the back with the revision on the front. I have written my personal 1-4 evaluation on the back of the original “finished” copy and on the front of the “no, seriously finished” copy. A one is failing (because of writing in the wrong genre or not addressing the prompt), a two is a very broad “so-so” category, a three is commended. And a four is fabulous. I have added a plus or minus in some cases to give the kiddos a better idea where their “writing performance” -as the state refers to it- fits in the range of the number. With the original composition score are actually my notes to myself for the student conference. I am straightforward in my dealing with the children, but not always that blunt. As a whole, they are getting the structure and the idea how to support their reasons. What is often still lacking is depth of thinking and originality. The depth I try to draw out of them, but more imagination I can only model or show examples of.
In Math, I assessed my kiddos’ application of their fraction skills. As is often the case with fractions, they didn’t fare too well. Some of it was carelessness (for one, I did not give them credit if they didn’t show their work- something about which I gave them previous ample admonition), but something happens with children of this age when it comes to applying the skills; a couple of screws come loose. I am reinforcing those skills and will give them another chance, averaging the unit DCA score with the test. We will also regularly review the concepts and processes.
We started a drama unit in Reading. We reviewed/learned the associated terms and tried our hands at a little improve. Our writing class will also have the opportunity to write and perform a skit before it’s all over. One of the fifth grade classes invited us to a very timely performance of the American History play they had worked hard on. The kids did well.
We are beginning a Science unit on Weather. As part of that, we are tracking the local weather day-by-day to get a feel for how it changes. Of course, we will be getting into the where and why-fors of it all. Then there is the forecast they will write and perform, the human weather front activity, and jazz like that.
Next week is Career Week. Tuesday, everyone is invited to dress up in the garb of the occupation they would love to have in the future. Friday, they can wear their favorite college T-shirt. Tuesday also is the 3rd grade Economics Fair. They will be on the other side of the counter now, so they will need some change if they want to participate. If any of you parents want to visit us either on Wednesday between 10:40 and 11:30 or else on Thursday from 11:00-11:30 to talk about your career/job, we would love to have you. Also, you are welcome to write up a little something. Just let me know. Round Rock High School is also hosting a Career Exploration Fair in their front parking lot form 6-8 pm on Monday night, the 5th. The district website has more info about that.
Writing camp will be coming up the second week after Spring Break. I will be asking y’all for the use of some camping equipment, greenery, stuffed animals, and also permanent use of some extra snacks. So, you have that to look forward to.
Please make sure you have your child continue to read 20 minutes each evening. It is important.
You guys have a splendid weekend,
Gene
2/3/2018
Happy Saturday Parents,
If you have not gleaned from one of the school communication outlets, Tuesday and Wednesday are the days set for class and individual pictures. Our time is 11:05 Tuesday. That is before recess and lunch. If you send an extra set of clothes, your child will have the opportunity to change between pictures and going outside.
This year's talent show (for fourth and fifth graders only) has been scheduled for February 23rd. Auditions will be this coming week. I informed my class Friday, but we had a few absent (as most classes have). I have attached the flyer that has been created.
I apologize for the late notice on both the previous events. I frequently run a little behind on on reading my non-parent e-mails (and even those if I overlook the).
Thank you all so much for all the donations you sent in to help make Science Night a success. We were concerned that attendance might have been way down because there were no Science Fair projects on display. Not so.
You have also already filled up the Gingerbread House decoration SignUp Genius (except for one item) in your usual prompt fashion. This will be a fun project for the kiddos. I sincerely hope that nothing interferes with me being present for the duration. I am appearing for jury duty Monday. But as juror 227, maybe I won't be needed. Besides, as the judge said once, it's amazing how many parties settle as the court date approaches.
You are going to be given the opportunity to donate to a couple of more causes in the next week: the Valentine's Day party and Friday's grade-wide enrichment activity. You will hear about them from our Homeroom Parent, Raji. I fear we are in danger of overtaxing your resources and generosity. Just do what you can. If you can't, you can't; we will make do.
Speaking of shelling out for school hoopla, the deadline for ordering Camp STAARlight T-shirts is this Thursday. Whoever purchases an official T-shirt will wear it at least once during writing camp in March and on our field trip to Bob Bullock Museum Hopefully, anyone who chooses not to buy one has a goldenrod-colored shirt they can wear at those times to blend in.
The class will take the four hour (max) Math practice STAAR on Wednesday. As with the Writing practice STAAR, they will break for Specials, recess, and lunch, but not for snack. They are welcome to snack as they test, even suck on hard candy and chew gum. Just so long as it doesn't become a distraction or result in sticky answer documents. The Reading practice STAAR is the 22nd. The lion share of the class is on schedule as far as their progress on both revision and editing skills and on writing expository compositions. Even for the few who didn't exactly write in expository style or who didn't exactly address the prompt as it was, it was more of a discipline issue than it was a writing aptitude issue. Even most who fully addressed the prompt turned the test in with time to spare when their writing wanted for some degree of revision, editing, creativity or some combination of the above, despite the fact that I posted a picture of the tortoise and the hare above the time reminder. Oh well, they are children. I'll keep working on them.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend,
Gene
12/22/2017
Happy holidays Parents!
This week was thrilling in many ways. Children throughout the school "held it together" Monday and Tuesday even though most classes had to stay indoors for recess. They were done by Wednesday, or at least, the anticipation of party day proved too much for them. Still, we survived.
Hopefully your child has a modest craft for you and hopefully it is in one piece. I apologize that I provided no way to present the thing, but the small magnets that I had cut for fridge mounting proved ineffective in repeated crash tests.
Yesterday was a hoot. It would not have been possible, however, without your generous donations and without Raji coordinating eats and supplementing our table with items I left off the sign up. Thank you all. And thank you to those who either gave me a personal gift or contributed to the class gift. I apologize to those I failed to get an individual Thank You card to. Some, I ran out of time,, some gave me something at the party, and some of your children probably failed to share the card as instructed. Oh well, I do appreciate it all. I will eat the food and spend the gift cards and prayerfully bless you all in the process.
The class practiced making snowflakes online, then cut some out of Patty Paper. Each child submitted one for the competition. Congratulations to Sivani, who garnered the most votes. There was a class roster word search. And who won that? Oh yeah, Sivani. There were runner-up prizes, but we don't publish runner-ups. Students rewrote the lyrics to Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, matching the rhyme and meter, but changing the characters and setting. We has some rousing performances of those, usually with background dancers for some reason. There was also the book exchange, which was not as peaceful as it might sound and then the scheduled train wreck- I mean the snowball fight. Oh, and the elf videos. I am including a smattering of pictures to give you an idea.
We had three students who bugged out early to beat the traffic out of town, but everyone else was here. My wife, who is an AP at Cactus Ranch says there is something of an flu epidemic there- 97 children out yesterday. Once fifth grade class only had six kids in attendance!
Don't forget to bring me back some soil if you go to the coast, Oklahoma, Arizona, or someplace that might have interesting dirt.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good break!
Gene
12/2/2017
Howdy Folks,
I was surprised at how well the children behaved this week. They were understandably amped up prior to the Thanksgiving break, but came back ready to learn. With four weeks between the two holidays, teachers get a little concerned that children will check out early.
It was a lively week. The PTA brought in a couple with an interesting Ocean Experience presentation about sharks. The kids were riveted for an hour. We also had an author visit this week. Author/Illustrator Don Tate talked to the kiddos about his his career. The McNeil choir performing group graced us on Friday with Christmas carols in Old English garb.We also met with our Buddies.
Even with all this going on, we did manage a plateful of academia. Students are now revising their expository compositions. The class conducted four days worth of force experiments for the dual purposes of investigating various forces and getting a taste of experiment design. My LA class has begun reading a biography of a famous American. They will also be creating a lifelike figure of their person using a bottle for the body and a Styrofoam ball for a head. I am including a picture of some of last years characters. We may be assembling these people in class, but the kids should begin thinking about collecting materials. Once my writing class finishes editing their present composition, I will have them write their own biography. We are wrapping up the exploration era of Texas History and ready to talk about Spanish missions. My Math class has been covering geometric objects and angle measurement. Although the youngsters acted like they never hear of Geometry a week and a half ago (in school time), they averaged a high B on the test.
Our Winter Party is scheduled for after lunch on Thursday, December 21st. It should be lively, as my parties tend to be. You welcome to come witness the mayhem. I am sure our Homeroom Parent Raji will ask you to donate some eats. Please cooperate for the sake of the tots, as is your custom.
Have a great weekend,
Gene
11/17/2017
Happy Friday Parents,
This has been an exciting week and an especially big one for me as I was asked to emcee two of the International Children's Festival assemblies. I also had my yearly observation where the principal sits in on a lesson and provides feedback on various aspects of the lesson, delivery, student involvement and management, etc. I am happy to say that the class behaved well when I was on stage Monday morning. I couldn't reach them, but I could see them. I did let them know that I would not hesitate to call them down, if necessary, using the cafeteria sound system. The class also did well during my observation, both from behavioral and participatory points of view. The only aspect I was concerned about was when we all brainstormed altogether. If the kids' imaginations were dry holes that day, it would come off badly. They came through like champs, and Ms. Stowe said she had fun.
For the ICF assembly Monday, three of my boys- Brandon, Revanth, and Justin- volunteered to dress up in African garb and play percussion instruments as part of Miss Elizabeth's musical safari. They did well, but alas, no pictures as I was without my phone for two days. Sorry. I was in suspense the first day, but I prayed and got the victory. So I was peaceful on day two until the rather expensive phone turned up.
Speaking of Revanth, sadly today is his last day. His family has moved into a house in the Patsy Sommer area and is transferring there. We wish them the best going forward.
Today wraps up week three of my incentive program. Yes, I would like them to more closely adhere to my expectations as a whole, but the real goal is class self-management. Kids are free to remind and encourage their table group mates to do right. That means I get involved less, which is better all the way around. I very purposefully make up the table groups, attempting to spread evenly those who are more and less challenged in the self-discipline and integrity departments.
We are enjoying learning about Canada. Feel free to quiz your students about that country - I did. Well, at least my Reading students. Mahek won with Aryan a close second. Ellie's mom, Susan, who was a presenter elsewhere also shared her knowledge of Kenya with us. She has been to Kenya and her husband is from there as a son of missionaries. Thank you Ms. Curp for sharing!
I am hoping to get all the videos off my phone over the break and make something of a compilation that I can share. We have some silly individuals among us.
I also hope everybody gets some extra time off next week and enjoys their family immensely!
Gene
9/25/17
Howdy Parents,
I am happy to see that 20 of my 22 parents have already signed up for a conference time. It's a long day for me, but I am very happy to get the full day to knock them out rather than doing one or two a day here and there. Yes, I want you to bring your child with you to the interrogation... er, I mean... conference! Do not entertain any report to the contrary. We will be discussing goals for your student for the coming year. They should have some say in this and also be there to commit to doing their part to make the progress a reality as will you and I.
A second letter should have come home for you to sign about the goings-on here. I still have not instructed them on how to write a strong paragraph, but their letter format should be fabulous. Honestly kids can be such creatures of habit already that you almost have to use dynamite- almost- to get them to skip a line after the greeting, add the date, etc. Also, the information should also be interesting. We always say that the purpose of non-fiction is to inform and the purpose of fiction is to entertain. Even though they are telling what happened, their narrative should be more akin to storytelling that zombie reporting.
I will be gone Thursday and Friday. My wife and I have an opportunity to see our son, who is station in Ft. Irwin in CA compete with his Calvary (actually the Army's equestrian version of a color guard) platoon (?) in OK. Shital, who is an old pro and was an aide here last year, has taken the assignment. I hope the kiddos do well for her. I will read the the "riot act" before I leave. I will NOT do, as one fifth grade teacher at Berkman did, when I subbed the 15 years ago, and write R-E-T-R-I-B-U-T-I-O-N on the chalk board before I leave. My Math class really tries to loosen up after lunch, and the entire class wants to be done during Science at the end of the day. Students have always been this way, but I swear it's getting worse.
I have always pushed for vocabulary development with whatever teammates I have worked with. Children are just at an age where their development allows them to perform the kind of reasoning which allows them to branch out in their ability to express themselves. As a result, my entire class has completed the first of probably many vocabulary packets in class (unless they have to take it home to finish). I traditionally had children do this for homework once trained, but no more. It is a really good program, which requires the children to learn and apply 15 words each packet throughout five different activities. I grade it very strictly, taking off for everything, because I use it as a focal point for many Language Arts skills. Consequently, it bites the careless, as they soon find out. Of course, I try to tell them repeatedly in advance. Some believe me, and some find out the hard way. Point is, it is more work than many of them want to do, but I am unphased. I will train them to do a fabulous job. 14 years of doing this that the nine or ten year old who is incapable of the quality of work I expect- at least in RRISD- is rare. I do not require this much rigor on everything, but I do these packets. I also expect them to utilize whatever skills we study throughout the year. If we learn the difference between there-their-they're, then I expect them to use it right in each assignment. Use it or lose it, you know, and I don't cover things just for my looks (it's not working anyhow). Graded packets will go home Thursday so you can see what I am talking about. I must show them to the class first, so we can go over what they missed (i.e. No, a train crash would not be "hailed" by the people).
As I review this Update, I realize that I have been a little grouchy, but I have half the weekend to get over it.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend,
Gene
p.s. I have attached a few photos of kids with Ozbots during our Enrichment time. So far, there has been no comprehensive plan on how to use this time, but it is coming.
Greetings Parents,
As the academic content happened to fall sequentially, we had several engaging activities this week. We had a rousing review of Weather and the Water Cycle. Table groups formed teams and came up with a name. They each received a maximum of 100 points per question based on the accuracy and thoroughness of their answers. It was an exciting finish with the Rad Rains performing an electrifying rendition of the Water Cycle Song to pull even with the Horrifying Hurricanes at 850 points.
Today in Science, kids got a scaled down taste of the distances between planets in our solar system. With the sun being about four feet in diameter, students with porportionally-sized pictures of the planets positioned themselves the distance they thought their orb would be from the sun. As usual, they grossly underestimated, although they did better that the average class. I proceeded to walk off a distance of 88 yards, the distance the pea-sized planet would be from our star at that scale.
In Math, our TAG friends joined us and Ms. Potral's homeroom class to act out the Atomic Cafe. It was the grand opening. One class waited on the other class, who were customers, and then they switched roles. Diners were allowed to order one entree such as Biscuits with Toe Jam, one side dish such as Glow in the Dark Corn, one dessert like the Hot Sludge Sundae, and then a drink- maybe Mountain Drool. It was gross. Waiters and waitresses had to total up the orders, present the bill, and then figure the change. Each customer, being the savvy consumer that they were double-checked their server's math. Customers were encouraged to tip comsumate with the quality of service. It was great fun. We even celebrated a birthday Atomic Cafe style. I was the manager, of course. I have attached a few photos.
Camp is next week, but only 1/2 days. The other half, we will be doing our usual Sicence, Math, and Texas History drill. To help foster the camp feel and to assuage some of the writing grind, you are welcome to write your child a letter from home at some point during the week. Other teachers are being encouraged to do the same. You can give it to Ms. Potral, or myself, or hide it in their lunch. You may do the same for another fourth grade student you know and love if you like. Ms. Potral wants to thank those who have sent in donations to help enhance the fun next week. She had three ladies (I think) helping set up today- one of them being our own Courtney Haskins.
Sorry that Thursday Folders became Friday Folders this week. Do note that in the folder (or stack of stuff if the folder was not turned in), there is a permission slip for our Bob Bullock Museum field trip on Monday, April 22nd. The form has two sides. There is information about chaperones, if you are interested in joining us. There is also a place for your child to sign an oath regarding their conduct on the trip. Also, we are taking sack lunches. Please indicate whether or not your child will need to order a sack lunch from the cafeteria for the trip.
I hope everyone has a lovely weekend,
Gene
Greetings Parents,
As the academic content happened to fall sequentially, we had several engaging activities this week. We had a rousing review of Weather and the Water Cycle. Table groups formed teams and came up with a name. They each received a maximum of 100 points per question based on the accuracy and thoroughness of their answers. It was an exciting finish with the Rad Rains performing an electrifying rendition of the Water Cycle Song to pull even with the Horrifying Hurricanes at 850 points.
Today in Science, kids got a scaled down taste of the distances between planets in our solar system. With the sun being about four feet in diameter, students with porportionally-sized pictures of the planets positioned themselves the distance they thought their orb would be from the sun. As usual, they grossly underestimated, although they did better that the average class. I proceeded to walk off a distance of 88 yards, the distance the pea-sized planet would be from our star at that scale.
In Math, our TAG friends joined us and Ms. Potral's homeroom class to act out the Atomic Cafe. It was the grand opening. One class waited on the other class, who were customers, and then they switched roles. Diners were allowed to order one entree such as Biscuits with Toe Jam, one side dish such as Glow in the Dark Corn, one dessert like the Hot Sludge Sundae, and then a drink- maybe Mountain Drool. It was gross. Waiters and waitresses had to total up the orders, present the bill, and then figure the change. Each customer, being the savvy consumer that they were double-checked their server's math. Customers were encouraged to tip comsumate with the quality of service. It was great fun. We even celebrated a birthday Atomic Cafe style. I was the manager, of course. I have attached a few photos.
Camp is next week, but only 1/2 days. The other half, we will be doing our usual Sicence, Math, and Texas History drill. To help foster the camp feel and to assuage some of the writing grind, you are welcome to write your child a letter from home at some point during the week. Other teachers are being encouraged to do the same. You can give it to Ms. Potral, or myself, or hide it in their lunch. You may do the same for another fourth grade student you know and love if you like. Ms. Potral wants to thank those who have sent in donations to help enhance the fun next week. She had three ladies (I think) helping set up today- one of them being our own Courtney Haskins.
Sorry that Thursday Folders became Friday Folders this week. Do note that in the folder (or stack of stuff if the folder was not turned in), there is a permission slip for our Bob Bullock Museum field trip on Monday, April 22nd. The form has two sides. There is information about chaperones, if you are interested in joining us. There is also a place for your child to sign an oath regarding their conduct on the trip. Also, we are taking sack lunches. Please indicate whether or not your child will need to order a sack lunch from the cafeteria for the trip.
I hope everyone has a lovely weekend,
Gene
3/8/12
Dear Parents,
I think we have finally emerged from two weeks of recess limbo where one day after another it was touch-and-go right up until recess time whether we would be able to go outside or not. For a week and a half, it was dampness and drizzling which kept us in the lurch. Next it was the temperature (although when the wind chill is 16 degrees, that pretty much settles the issue).
In Science we are charting the previous day’s weather by day and charting that day’s moon phase by night. The weather, we are tracking at school, but it is up to the kids to chart the moon phase at home. If the sky is overcast and the moon is not visible, there is a web address on the worksheet that shows what the orb looks like that day. Students are supposed to track the moon on a daily basis and not all-at-once as the assignment is designed to impress upon the youngsters that the moon phase changes a little each day and goes through the entire cycle in a month.
Thursday morning during the normal Specials time, the 3rd-5th grades were treated to an assembly featuring the Austin Jazz Workshop, sponsored by the PTA. Their music is very good, especially if you like jazz. Anyway, it is good for the students to experience live music, especially since they live in the live music capital. The performance was delayed about 5-minutes due to a power outage. Fortunately, it came back on before bedlam ensued.
As the Thursday Folder flyer announced, the 3rd grade Economics Fair is Tuesday. The event should bring back memories for the kiddos, fond or otherwise. If they want to be consumers this year rather than producers, they will need to bring them some money. Even 50 cents will make them a player. The Wildlife Warriors would appreciate it if you would make your denominations of the $1 and quarter variety.
Next week looks to be very busy: Monday is Great Books with Grandparents (if you think your child will have a grandparent coming, please try to let me know today), Tuesday, all fourth graders will have a strategy session for Wednesday’s Alamo Battle Re-enactment and we will shop at Third Grade’s Economics Fair, Thursday afternoon, we will walk with our Buddies for the Library Walk-a-thon, and Friday morning we have evacuation and lock-down drills. We will try to teach them something in there somewhere.
As far as school-wide events like this Library Walk-a-thon, hopefully you avail yourself of other communication means such as Thursday Folder flyers, e-Backpack announcements, Ms. Stowe's updates, etc. You may have already figured out that I am not that faithful a communicator. My apologies.
Have a good weekend everybody!
1/18/19
Happy Friday Peeps,
I hope everybody will be enjoying a three-day weekend.
I want to give you more lead time on our next evening event than I did for Family Fitness Night. Science Night will be Friday, February 1st from 6:30 until 7:30.It will be very silmilar to the last couple of years with a number of presenters representing some aspect of Science. Hopefully it will be a clear evening as we have an astronomy club bringing a powerful telescope. There will also be hands-on activities in the cafeteria, food trucks out front, and so on. I hope yall can come.
The day of Science Night, we will be having STEAM day for the kids. Each class will be doing a variety of hands-on and interesting activities like making a functional catapult, working harmonica- that sort of thing. To that end, we (the fourth grade teachers) are ordering some items through the office, but other items, we are asking contributions from anybody willing to donate. The list of needed items are:
vegetable oil
Alka Seltzer tablets
paper platesstraws
foil
cardboard
tape
liquid glue
Dixie cups
plastic drinking cups
Anything would help.
A round of practice STAAR test will be coming up in the next month. 1/31 will be the Writing test, on 2/7 Math, and on 2/21 the Reading test. We do not expect the children to do any extra studying or prep in anticipation of these assessments; they are just diagnostic to see who neeeds help in what area.
You may want to make sure your child gets a good night sleep and a good breakfast for four hour (max) marathons. Feel free to send extra snack on those days. We even allow gum are hard candy.
Starting next week, each of the fourth grade teachers are holding a different E-Slot class based on their individual interest, Students were given choice as to which class they wanted to attend based on their individual interest. Many of my kiddos have chosen to stay we me for Art. I am a serious artist; no crafts here. Others have chosen Robotics, Build Your Own Board Game, or something else. Our Student Council Reps had no choice this time around; they were automatically enrolled in a service E-Slot class.
We are investigating soil. fixing to get heavy into fractions, and shortly, move onto the colonization period of Texas history (we are almost moving through history in real time).
That's about all I know. Have a great weekend!
Gene
12/20/18
Howdy Folks,
Oh, my goodness. What a launch into 2019. Actually, what a launch back to your house for the next two weeks. It was a festive time yesterday, for sure.
To start the day, we joined forces with Ms. Potral’s Homeroom class and enriched our understanding of symmetry while prepping for the big snowflake contest by making virtual snowflakes. Then we translated that knowledge to making hands-on snowflakes. The kiddos had several tries at it. In the end, they submitted their best flake (anonymously) to be judged by the class during our afternoon party food session. Each class’s flakes was judged separately. In our class, Neha won by a landslide (photo attached).
After Specials, each student was given a list of classic holiday tunes. They had to choose from among those in an attempt to match each title to its more verbose (or at least higher vocabulary level) equivalent. For example, “Embellish the Interior Passageways” matched with “Deck the Halls.” It was quite a chore ironing out who won exactly because students exchanged papers (boys with girls and visa versa) in order to check them, and the checkers were not nearly so eager to claim victory for someone else as I suspect they would have been for themselves.
After recess, lunch, and Library, students watched the Elf Yourself videos I had made starring them! They howled. HOWLED.
We killed a little time dancing and taking some group photos.
Finally, the party. We hooked up again with Ms. Potral’s class for the book exchange- 40 children in one, big oval. As I read the story, The Night Right Before Winter Break, boys and girls handed the book in their hands to the person on their right whenever I said the word “right,” and they handed the book in their hands to the person on their immediate left whenever I said the word “left.” Simple, right? Naturally, the story was chock-full of “lefts” and “rights,” and I didn’t bother to wait until everyone had their act together. Once we got done and Ms. Potral made sure that every child had a book, they were given five seconds to swap packages with someone else who had the wrong gender book (they were all supposed to be marked “boy,” “girl,” or “either,” but some were marked “both and one actually said “neither”). After unwrapping their book, kids were given 20 seconds to negotiate with someone whose book they coveted. I am like the late George H. W. Bush in this respect- we both like to watch “scheduled train wrecks.”
Time for food, snowflake judging, and the Class Roster Word Search. Austin won the latter, and Vinay secured a prize by finding the mystery phrase, “Mr. Grubb Rocks.”
The part, day, semester, and calendar year ended with the snowball fight tournament. Boys from both classes squared off in Ms. Potral’s classroom while the girls did the same in mine. Each side started with a full sack of paper snowballs. After two minutes of chaos, screaming, and blizzard-like conditions, the team that had the least number of snowballs on their side won. In each case, it was my Homeroom class, so the boys and girls went at it in the championship with the boys prevailing.
Special thanks to Ms. Potral's Homeroom Mom and our own Courtney Askins for their time (and I suspect cash) helping out. Curtney provided prizes for the activities and Mr. Eric Hsu generously donated eats.
We are sad to say goodbye to Riley, who is moving away. She is such a good girl; we wish her and her family the best. We still have 20 in our class, however, as Krithik joined us from the Dallas area a few weeks ago.
God bless everyone. Enjoy your families over the holiday and hopefully some time off!
12/7/18
Howdy Folks,
Things are hopping here as always, all the more as the end of the semester approaches. We are covering the usual academic content thoroughly, even trying to play a little catch-up, yet without leaving any child behind.Add to that holiday hoopla plus a major fundraiser. Today, we happened to have several extra-curricular activities: we attended the encore performance of the choir concert (starring many of your offspring), we enjoyed an hour of coding, and we met with our kindergarten Buddy class, where we re-wrote the lyrics to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, changing the setting and characters.
Speaking of the fundraiser, Apex, the company PTA has employed has a small army of fun young people who keep the students motivated and stirred up. Our class is currently at $12 per lap, which means the kids have $360 for the benefit of the student body, $36 of which will stay in the class.
The Winter Break Party is coming up Wednesday afternoon, the 19th. I am sorry to say that due to the growth of our school (over 1,000 students), administration has had to decide that parents will not be allowed to attend the party unless they are helping out, and sibling are not allowed at all. That being said, I will provide pictures of the goings on. There will be s snowflake making contest, a lively book exchange (letter coming home today), snacking, and a snowball fight.
Grade-wise, I recently entered a test on force into the books. I have previously used a few of the unit DCA's as a test grade. I did so for the force unit, but because it was tough, I only made it half their grade if they turned in their friction lab report on time. Then, that counted as half (a full 50 points for each. For some, they picked the wrong time to be irresponsible. Most of them did well on the DCA, though, and collectively, tests only count for 30% of the grade. For my Math students, as usual, I will drop their lowest Warm-up grade for the nine weeks.
That's all for now; have a great weekend!
Gene
11/16/18
Good afternoon Parents,
Your children are creating an pixel animation with a free online program called Piskel even as I write. Last week for e-slot, they monkeyed around on a pretty powerful free online photo editor called Pixlr. I show them a few of my tricks. Other weeks, we have done Kindergarten-level STEM activities with our Buddies, some Hot Wheels force and motion experiments, and some life drawing where I showed the class a system for drawing the human figure. In the spring, my team of teachers will give students a choice of nine E-slot classes.
Today, we played paper football (called Woody Ball back in the day), not because we are killing time before the holiday. Students will be writing paragraphs detailing how different forces such as inertia, friction, and drag are at play in the game. In Math, my class are delving into angel measurement, beginning by laying a thick theoretical foundation. In Texas History, we are finalizing our Native American Texas History Book page, then we will turn our attention to European exploration. To keep up with what Ms. Potral is doing, check out her blog, which is accessible from the EEE website.
We are tooling along. Though we have been playing catch-up all semester, I hope to be close to the district suggested pace by Winter Break. It's always a delicate balancing act trying to meet both state mandates of covering the rather sizable load of content and leaving no child behind. The is doing well. I think they're going to make it.
You should have received a flyer from the EEE Student Council in your child's Thursday Folder yesterday. I am the SC sponsor this year. I hope that I was not presumptuous in suggesting some activities for the Thanksgiving holiday to foster gratitude. That is our theme for the year. the idea that thankfulness leads to responsibility. It is the realization that we are in a good place and therefore ought to make the most of the opportunities before us. As part of our efforts, we recorded a cumulative song The 12 Days of Thanksgiving, which and ran on the morning broadcast for the last two weeks. Ask your child about it. Other plans are in the works, including a service E-Slot class.
That's all I know at this time. My grandbabies are in town, so I am going to cut out to go see them. Y'all have a fabulous Thanksgiving. Enjoy your families.
Gene
10/9/18
Howdy folks,
It was so nice seeing almost all of you yesterday for conferences. Though it was probably awkward coming for only a 10-minute visit (less time than some had to wait in the afternoon), you were most understanding and gracious. I forwarded Ms. Potral's communication to you a little earlier about her plans going forward.
Fall pictures are scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, October 17th before Specials, recess, and lunch. Order forms will be going home this Thursday for those interested. Ms. Potral and I have to be careful with scheduling since she has my homeroom class in the morning, and I have hers, but I believe we are on the same page. I will triple check.
If any parents are interested in having your student tested for TAG, the TAG teachers have let us know that there will be an interest meeting in early November. Details to be forthcoming.
I sometimes let you know what we covered (past tense) that week on my Friday Updates, but I am going to try to be diligent to give you a little notice by keeping the Academic Content page of my website up-to-date. I did say, "Try." Also, I will be adding additional photos on the Photo Gallery of that same sight. I just added some from last Friday's Buddy session. Those "kinder-babies" are a hoot.
Have a good week,
Gene
9/23/18
Good morning Parents,
Yes, I am working a little on Sunday morning, but I am not a heathen; I will be attending church later this morning.
This last week was officially Celebrate Freedom Week in the state with Monday being Constitution Day. We looked at the purpose of our constitution and of the first 10 amendments, with students coming up with suggestions for what might constitute a "Kids' Bill of Rights." Some of your children wanted to drive, vote, run for president, live free from homework, do whatever they wanted, and receive lump sums of money. we looked at the feasibility of these suggestions and maybe why it is good for adults to make these decisions.We also studied and reflected upon Norman Rockwell's paintings of FDR's Four Freedoms, We saw Red Skeleton's impersonation of his childhood principal's reflection on the pledge of allegiance to the American flag. We attempted to do the same with the pledge to the Texas flag. Finally, we mulled over a kids friendly version of some freedoms outlined in the declaration of Independence. It was a full week in Social Studies.
Yesterday, in our E-Slot time, table groups took the marshmallow challenge. Students had done this last year with a large marshmallow atop their dry spaghetti and tape structure. This year, however, they had to deal with a jumbo marshmallow. Two of the five groups had something standing at the end of the appointed time. Many individuals were more focused on answering the trivia questions provided to secure extra tape. A few photos are attached.
We have been making slow progress in Science, but after having looked at density, buoyancy, and now solubility, we should wrap up the physical properties of matter. The class will perform an investigation this week to discover how to best separate the different ingredients in a sandy mixture.
Math- it's adding and subtracting large numbers, including subtracting across zeros. Your children (non-TAG) are very good at the process), but we are working on careful consistency and on applying these operations in word problems.
We had indoor recess a couple of times this week. While the rain is welcome, we have unspent energy we are sending the children home with on such days. It hasn't always been raining, but we have to consider safety and our poor custodians in making the decision whether to go out or stay in. With cooler weather coming eventually, just know that so longer the temperature is above freezing, we will go out, so please bundle your kiddies up.
That's all I know for now,
Gene
9/7/2018
Good afternoon Parents,
In Science, after spending a few days reading about and taking noted on careers in Science, we have been discussing, observing, and comparing the physical properties of matter. All of this work has been recorded in the students' Science Notebooks. I am trying to give the class support by supplying reference pages with questions to ask themselves about their own entries and possible sentence stems (sentence starters) to use if they get stuck for what exactly to say. I also provide frequent reminders and admonitions to split their time between reading/observing and recording. Still it requires discipline on the kids' part; I cannot write for them. In addition to the snare of forgetting to record, there is the omnipresent temptation to visit with classmates about topics unrelated to the job at hand. This is a good bunch, and they do pretty well staying on task, but I am, of course, trying to get their personal best out of them. Monday, they will become Human Particles.
In Texas History, we are finally ready to move on from map skills to the four natural regions of Texas, with an emphasis on where humans settle where they do. A large part of the process will be taking an imaginary and partially virtual bus tour of the state. The class will probably only have three grades by the end of next week, so each grade will weigh heavily on the IPR (Interim Progress Report). I will average a bout a grade a week, though, by the end of the nine weeks. Science and Math will have four or five grades.
In my Math class, we have spent considerable time solidifying our number sense so that the rest of the year will be "on wheels." Specifically, we are into rounding whole numbers. As in everything, I strive to make sure each student not only learns the processes, but understands the concepts and why the processes work.
I have attached at list of EEE's current available library resources and the login information needed to access the sites. Gone are such subscriptions as IXL and Think Through Math. Budget victims, no doubt.
Please make sure your kiddos are reading 20-30 minutes each night for Ms. Potral.
Speaking if Kathy Potral, she is putting the finishing touches on the SignupGenius for parent conferences on October 8th. As soon as it goes live, either SignupGenius or I will notify everyone at once. Here is how it will work: the sign-up slots will only be 10 minutes apart, but there will be 41 of them. Parents and their child will spend that 10 minutes with me discussing Math, Science, Social Science, and for my Homeroom students, their general behavior and study skills, but then will spend the next 10 minutes talking with Kathy about Language Arts.
Of we will have some early morning and late afternoon times. If, of course, someone is unable to make any of those times on October 8th, I will work with you to find a time when we can meet.
That's all for now. Have a great weekend,
Gene
8/24/2018
Howdy Parents,
This week, we wrapped up our emphasis on PAWSitive Expectations with their accompanying activities on Tuesday and began doing the class switch thing with Ms. Potral. She has my homeroom bunch (your children) in the morning for Language Arts and I have from 11:00 on, including recess and lunch. It has gone smooth enough so far. Ms. Potral is impressed with my bunch. They really are fabulous. I am impressed, but never entirely satisfied- just the Bill Belichick/ Lou Saban in me (successful detail-oriented football coaches).
In my Math and Science classes, I am laying subject specific foundations so that we can build high. I am trying to make sure the kids thoroughly understand our base 10 place value system and the four operations to the point they can explain it to someone else. In Science, it is the same with the process skills, being observant, and being able to effectively communicate what you learn. In Social Studies, we are getting acquainted with map skills, the Texas regions, and the beginning of human geography- how people interface with their environment.
TAG classes begin Monday.
We have Kindergartners as our Buddy class. What fun.
A big thank you to Courtney Askins for volunteering to be our Homeroom Parent!
If you think you may be interested in helping us chaperone a field trip or want to help out at Field Day in the spring or anything like that, please read the following from Ms. McFerren, our AP:
- Campus Volunteers: Before parents can begin volunteering, they will need to complete your annual Volunteer Application through the district. All classroom helpers, library volunteers, field trip chaperones, field day helpers, office helpers, cafeteria helpers...all volunteers need to complete this application for approval every year. The online application takes about 5 minutes to complete and requires a Social Security number. Approval for online applications usually occurs within 72 hours. If parents do not have a Social Security number, they will have to complete a paper application. The paper applications can take up to three weeks to process.
I hope everyone can make it to Parent Information Night Wednesday 6:30-7:30. We will all meet in the cafeteria for introductions and grade-level information, then break and go to our homeroom classes for more class specific info. Ms. Potral and I will switch at some point so you can hear from us both.
Fall parent conferences are scheduled for Monday, October 8th. Kids are off for Columbus Day, but I want them to come with you (regardless of anything you might hear from them) at their scheduled time. If anyone cannot meet at one of the pre-fab times, of course I will arrange a time with you that works for us both.
That's all I know. Have a great weekend,
Gene
4/6/2018
Happy Friday Parents,
Things have been calmer this week post-writing camp. We did conduct Writing University, where classes were shuffled from one teacher to another each morning, not to compose, but to review some of the finer points of revision and editing. My mission was to make sure the entire grade level knew the difference between simple and compound sentences and could punctuate both properly, as I have this sentence.
The STAAR Writing test IS Tuesday. The kids know this, but notices to that effect, from the office, were handed out too late Thursday for me to include them in Thursday Folders. I am confident that each child can write a proper, if not fabulous, expository composition because they have proved that they can. Their revising and editing skills are less certain, but we are reviewing and practicing like a house a-fire the myriad of rules, exceptions, and nuances of our language.
One of the Writing U. courses was dictionary skills as the state is allowing students to use shared dictionaries on both Language Arts STAAR tests. No thesaurus, though. As with the practice STAAR tests, we allow kids to snack the whole time. THey can even chew gum, so long as it stays in their mouth. Pita chips are too loud .
Report Cards came home yesterday. If you could return one copy signed in the original envelope, I would appreciate it. BTW, for the few students who received a 79 in any subject, it was only one failed activity which dropped them from a B. Any student who fails any assignment has the opportunity at any time to correct it and have the assignment grade raised to a 70. Here, in each case, I reminded those students with 79s of their opportunity before finalizing my gradebook, but they did not take advantage if it.
We still do not assign homework outside of the 20 minutes of reading each night. If your child is bringing home work, it is either because they work slow or are not being as diligent as we had hoped. I cannot afford for us to lollygag as a class as there are much knowledge and many skills to cover yet this year (such as when to use "much" and when to use "many").
Have a great weekend,
Gene
3/2/2018
Dear Parents,
I hope everyone is doing well. It seems like we have a lot going on here at “the big school for little people,” as my dad used to say, but that is generally the case.
STAAR Ready Writing compositions and revisions will be coming home next Thursday. The first composition is in the back with the revision on the front. I have written my personal 1-4 evaluation on the back of the original “finished” copy and on the front of the “no, seriously finished” copy. A one is failing (because of writing in the wrong genre or not addressing the prompt), a two is a very broad “so-so” category, a three is commended. And a four is fabulous. I have added a plus or minus in some cases to give the kiddos a better idea where their “writing performance” -as the state refers to it- fits in the range of the number. With the original composition score are actually my notes to myself for the student conference. I am straightforward in my dealing with the children, but not always that blunt. As a whole, they are getting the structure and the idea how to support their reasons. What is often still lacking is depth of thinking and originality. The depth I try to draw out of them, but more imagination I can only model or show examples of.
In Math, I assessed my kiddos’ application of their fraction skills. As is often the case with fractions, they didn’t fare too well. Some of it was carelessness (for one, I did not give them credit if they didn’t show their work- something about which I gave them previous ample admonition), but something happens with children of this age when it comes to applying the skills; a couple of screws come loose. I am reinforcing those skills and will give them another chance, averaging the unit DCA score with the test. We will also regularly review the concepts and processes.
We started a drama unit in Reading. We reviewed/learned the associated terms and tried our hands at a little improve. Our writing class will also have the opportunity to write and perform a skit before it’s all over. One of the fifth grade classes invited us to a very timely performance of the American History play they had worked hard on. The kids did well.
We are beginning a Science unit on Weather. As part of that, we are tracking the local weather day-by-day to get a feel for how it changes. Of course, we will be getting into the where and why-fors of it all. Then there is the forecast they will write and perform, the human weather front activity, and jazz like that.
Next week is Career Week. Tuesday, everyone is invited to dress up in the garb of the occupation they would love to have in the future. Friday, they can wear their favorite college T-shirt. Tuesday also is the 3rd grade Economics Fair. They will be on the other side of the counter now, so they will need some change if they want to participate. If any of you parents want to visit us either on Wednesday between 10:40 and 11:30 or else on Thursday from 11:00-11:30 to talk about your career/job, we would love to have you. Also, you are welcome to write up a little something. Just let me know. Round Rock High School is also hosting a Career Exploration Fair in their front parking lot form 6-8 pm on Monday night, the 5th. The district website has more info about that.
Writing camp will be coming up the second week after Spring Break. I will be asking y’all for the use of some camping equipment, greenery, stuffed animals, and also permanent use of some extra snacks. So, you have that to look forward to.
Please make sure you have your child continue to read 20 minutes each evening. It is important.
You guys have a splendid weekend,
Gene
2/3/2018
Happy Saturday Parents,
If you have not gleaned from one of the school communication outlets, Tuesday and Wednesday are the days set for class and individual pictures. Our time is 11:05 Tuesday. That is before recess and lunch. If you send an extra set of clothes, your child will have the opportunity to change between pictures and going outside.
This year's talent show (for fourth and fifth graders only) has been scheduled for February 23rd. Auditions will be this coming week. I informed my class Friday, but we had a few absent (as most classes have). I have attached the flyer that has been created.
I apologize for the late notice on both the previous events. I frequently run a little behind on on reading my non-parent e-mails (and even those if I overlook the).
Thank you all so much for all the donations you sent in to help make Science Night a success. We were concerned that attendance might have been way down because there were no Science Fair projects on display. Not so.
You have also already filled up the Gingerbread House decoration SignUp Genius (except for one item) in your usual prompt fashion. This will be a fun project for the kiddos. I sincerely hope that nothing interferes with me being present for the duration. I am appearing for jury duty Monday. But as juror 227, maybe I won't be needed. Besides, as the judge said once, it's amazing how many parties settle as the court date approaches.
You are going to be given the opportunity to donate to a couple of more causes in the next week: the Valentine's Day party and Friday's grade-wide enrichment activity. You will hear about them from our Homeroom Parent, Raji. I fear we are in danger of overtaxing your resources and generosity. Just do what you can. If you can't, you can't; we will make do.
Speaking of shelling out for school hoopla, the deadline for ordering Camp STAARlight T-shirts is this Thursday. Whoever purchases an official T-shirt will wear it at least once during writing camp in March and on our field trip to Bob Bullock Museum Hopefully, anyone who chooses not to buy one has a goldenrod-colored shirt they can wear at those times to blend in.
The class will take the four hour (max) Math practice STAAR on Wednesday. As with the Writing practice STAAR, they will break for Specials, recess, and lunch, but not for snack. They are welcome to snack as they test, even suck on hard candy and chew gum. Just so long as it doesn't become a distraction or result in sticky answer documents. The Reading practice STAAR is the 22nd. The lion share of the class is on schedule as far as their progress on both revision and editing skills and on writing expository compositions. Even for the few who didn't exactly write in expository style or who didn't exactly address the prompt as it was, it was more of a discipline issue than it was a writing aptitude issue. Even most who fully addressed the prompt turned the test in with time to spare when their writing wanted for some degree of revision, editing, creativity or some combination of the above, despite the fact that I posted a picture of the tortoise and the hare above the time reminder. Oh well, they are children. I'll keep working on them.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend,
Gene
12/22/2017
Happy holidays Parents!
This week was thrilling in many ways. Children throughout the school "held it together" Monday and Tuesday even though most classes had to stay indoors for recess. They were done by Wednesday, or at least, the anticipation of party day proved too much for them. Still, we survived.
Hopefully your child has a modest craft for you and hopefully it is in one piece. I apologize that I provided no way to present the thing, but the small magnets that I had cut for fridge mounting proved ineffective in repeated crash tests.
Yesterday was a hoot. It would not have been possible, however, without your generous donations and without Raji coordinating eats and supplementing our table with items I left off the sign up. Thank you all. And thank you to those who either gave me a personal gift or contributed to the class gift. I apologize to those I failed to get an individual Thank You card to. Some, I ran out of time,, some gave me something at the party, and some of your children probably failed to share the card as instructed. Oh well, I do appreciate it all. I will eat the food and spend the gift cards and prayerfully bless you all in the process.
The class practiced making snowflakes online, then cut some out of Patty Paper. Each child submitted one for the competition. Congratulations to Sivani, who garnered the most votes. There was a class roster word search. And who won that? Oh yeah, Sivani. There were runner-up prizes, but we don't publish runner-ups. Students rewrote the lyrics to Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, matching the rhyme and meter, but changing the characters and setting. We has some rousing performances of those, usually with background dancers for some reason. There was also the book exchange, which was not as peaceful as it might sound and then the scheduled train wreck- I mean the snowball fight. Oh, and the elf videos. I am including a smattering of pictures to give you an idea.
We had three students who bugged out early to beat the traffic out of town, but everyone else was here. My wife, who is an AP at Cactus Ranch says there is something of an flu epidemic there- 97 children out yesterday. Once fifth grade class only had six kids in attendance!
Don't forget to bring me back some soil if you go to the coast, Oklahoma, Arizona, or someplace that might have interesting dirt.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good break!
Gene
12/2/2017
Howdy Folks,
I was surprised at how well the children behaved this week. They were understandably amped up prior to the Thanksgiving break, but came back ready to learn. With four weeks between the two holidays, teachers get a little concerned that children will check out early.
It was a lively week. The PTA brought in a couple with an interesting Ocean Experience presentation about sharks. The kids were riveted for an hour. We also had an author visit this week. Author/Illustrator Don Tate talked to the kiddos about his his career. The McNeil choir performing group graced us on Friday with Christmas carols in Old English garb.We also met with our Buddies.
Even with all this going on, we did manage a plateful of academia. Students are now revising their expository compositions. The class conducted four days worth of force experiments for the dual purposes of investigating various forces and getting a taste of experiment design. My LA class has begun reading a biography of a famous American. They will also be creating a lifelike figure of their person using a bottle for the body and a Styrofoam ball for a head. I am including a picture of some of last years characters. We may be assembling these people in class, but the kids should begin thinking about collecting materials. Once my writing class finishes editing their present composition, I will have them write their own biography. We are wrapping up the exploration era of Texas History and ready to talk about Spanish missions. My Math class has been covering geometric objects and angle measurement. Although the youngsters acted like they never hear of Geometry a week and a half ago (in school time), they averaged a high B on the test.
Our Winter Party is scheduled for after lunch on Thursday, December 21st. It should be lively, as my parties tend to be. You welcome to come witness the mayhem. I am sure our Homeroom Parent Raji will ask you to donate some eats. Please cooperate for the sake of the tots, as is your custom.
Have a great weekend,
Gene
11/17/2017
Happy Friday Parents,
This has been an exciting week and an especially big one for me as I was asked to emcee two of the International Children's Festival assemblies. I also had my yearly observation where the principal sits in on a lesson and provides feedback on various aspects of the lesson, delivery, student involvement and management, etc. I am happy to say that the class behaved well when I was on stage Monday morning. I couldn't reach them, but I could see them. I did let them know that I would not hesitate to call them down, if necessary, using the cafeteria sound system. The class also did well during my observation, both from behavioral and participatory points of view. The only aspect I was concerned about was when we all brainstormed altogether. If the kids' imaginations were dry holes that day, it would come off badly. They came through like champs, and Ms. Stowe said she had fun.
For the ICF assembly Monday, three of my boys- Brandon, Revanth, and Justin- volunteered to dress up in African garb and play percussion instruments as part of Miss Elizabeth's musical safari. They did well, but alas, no pictures as I was without my phone for two days. Sorry. I was in suspense the first day, but I prayed and got the victory. So I was peaceful on day two until the rather expensive phone turned up.
Speaking of Revanth, sadly today is his last day. His family has moved into a house in the Patsy Sommer area and is transferring there. We wish them the best going forward.
Today wraps up week three of my incentive program. Yes, I would like them to more closely adhere to my expectations as a whole, but the real goal is class self-management. Kids are free to remind and encourage their table group mates to do right. That means I get involved less, which is better all the way around. I very purposefully make up the table groups, attempting to spread evenly those who are more and less challenged in the self-discipline and integrity departments.
We are enjoying learning about Canada. Feel free to quiz your students about that country - I did. Well, at least my Reading students. Mahek won with Aryan a close second. Ellie's mom, Susan, who was a presenter elsewhere also shared her knowledge of Kenya with us. She has been to Kenya and her husband is from there as a son of missionaries. Thank you Ms. Curp for sharing!
I am hoping to get all the videos off my phone over the break and make something of a compilation that I can share. We have some silly individuals among us.
I also hope everybody gets some extra time off next week and enjoys their family immensely!
Gene
9/25/17
Howdy Parents,
I am happy to see that 20 of my 22 parents have already signed up for a conference time. It's a long day for me, but I am very happy to get the full day to knock them out rather than doing one or two a day here and there. Yes, I want you to bring your child with you to the interrogation... er, I mean... conference! Do not entertain any report to the contrary. We will be discussing goals for your student for the coming year. They should have some say in this and also be there to commit to doing their part to make the progress a reality as will you and I.
A second letter should have come home for you to sign about the goings-on here. I still have not instructed them on how to write a strong paragraph, but their letter format should be fabulous. Honestly kids can be such creatures of habit already that you almost have to use dynamite- almost- to get them to skip a line after the greeting, add the date, etc. Also, the information should also be interesting. We always say that the purpose of non-fiction is to inform and the purpose of fiction is to entertain. Even though they are telling what happened, their narrative should be more akin to storytelling that zombie reporting.
I will be gone Thursday and Friday. My wife and I have an opportunity to see our son, who is station in Ft. Irwin in CA compete with his Calvary (actually the Army's equestrian version of a color guard) platoon (?) in OK. Shital, who is an old pro and was an aide here last year, has taken the assignment. I hope the kiddos do well for her. I will read the the "riot act" before I leave. I will NOT do, as one fifth grade teacher at Berkman did, when I subbed the 15 years ago, and write R-E-T-R-I-B-U-T-I-O-N on the chalk board before I leave. My Math class really tries to loosen up after lunch, and the entire class wants to be done during Science at the end of the day. Students have always been this way, but I swear it's getting worse.
I have always pushed for vocabulary development with whatever teammates I have worked with. Children are just at an age where their development allows them to perform the kind of reasoning which allows them to branch out in their ability to express themselves. As a result, my entire class has completed the first of probably many vocabulary packets in class (unless they have to take it home to finish). I traditionally had children do this for homework once trained, but no more. It is a really good program, which requires the children to learn and apply 15 words each packet throughout five different activities. I grade it very strictly, taking off for everything, because I use it as a focal point for many Language Arts skills. Consequently, it bites the careless, as they soon find out. Of course, I try to tell them repeatedly in advance. Some believe me, and some find out the hard way. Point is, it is more work than many of them want to do, but I am unphased. I will train them to do a fabulous job. 14 years of doing this that the nine or ten year old who is incapable of the quality of work I expect- at least in RRISD- is rare. I do not require this much rigor on everything, but I do these packets. I also expect them to utilize whatever skills we study throughout the year. If we learn the difference between there-their-they're, then I expect them to use it right in each assignment. Use it or lose it, you know, and I don't cover things just for my looks (it's not working anyhow). Graded packets will go home Thursday so you can see what I am talking about. I must show them to the class first, so we can go over what they missed (i.e. No, a train crash would not be "hailed" by the people).
As I review this Update, I realize that I have been a little grouchy, but I have half the weekend to get over it.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend,
Gene
p.s. I have attached a few photos of kids with Ozbots during our Enrichment time. So far, there has been no comprehensive plan on how to use this time, but it is coming.
Greetings Parents,
As the academic content happened to fall sequentially, we had several engaging activities this week. We had a rousing review of Weather and the Water Cycle. Table groups formed teams and came up with a name. They each received a maximum of 100 points per question based on the accuracy and thoroughness of their answers. It was an exciting finish with the Rad Rains performing an electrifying rendition of the Water Cycle Song to pull even with the Horrifying Hurricanes at 850 points.
Today in Science, kids got a scaled down taste of the distances between planets in our solar system. With the sun being about four feet in diameter, students with porportionally-sized pictures of the planets positioned themselves the distance they thought their orb would be from the sun. As usual, they grossly underestimated, although they did better that the average class. I proceeded to walk off a distance of 88 yards, the distance the pea-sized planet would be from our star at that scale.
In Math, our TAG friends joined us and Ms. Potral's homeroom class to act out the Atomic Cafe. It was the grand opening. One class waited on the other class, who were customers, and then they switched roles. Diners were allowed to order one entree such as Biscuits with Toe Jam, one side dish such as Glow in the Dark Corn, one dessert like the Hot Sludge Sundae, and then a drink- maybe Mountain Drool. It was gross. Waiters and waitresses had to total up the orders, present the bill, and then figure the change. Each customer, being the savvy consumer that they were double-checked their server's math. Customers were encouraged to tip comsumate with the quality of service. It was great fun. We even celebrated a birthday Atomic Cafe style. I was the manager, of course. I have attached a few photos.
Camp is next week, but only 1/2 days. The other half, we will be doing our usual Sicence, Math, and Texas History drill. To help foster the camp feel and to assuage some of the writing grind, you are welcome to write your child a letter from home at some point during the week. Other teachers are being encouraged to do the same. You can give it to Ms. Potral, or myself, or hide it in their lunch. You may do the same for another fourth grade student you know and love if you like. Ms. Potral wants to thank those who have sent in donations to help enhance the fun next week. She had three ladies (I think) helping set up today- one of them being our own Courtney Haskins.
Sorry that Thursday Folders became Friday Folders this week. Do note that in the folder (or stack of stuff if the folder was not turned in), there is a permission slip for our Bob Bullock Museum field trip on Monday, April 22nd. The form has two sides. There is information about chaperones, if you are interested in joining us. There is also a place for your child to sign an oath regarding their conduct on the trip. Also, we are taking sack lunches. Please indicate whether or not your child will need to order a sack lunch from the cafeteria for the trip.
I hope everyone has a lovely weekend,
Gene
9/17/17
Howdy folks,
I think we have completed all the early rounds of diagnostic testing. I am also, through daily work, getting to know your children and something of their learning style, work habits, aptitudes, and behavior patterns. I shall be ready for you when we meet for our fall conference, hopefully on Columbus Day- October 10th- a full day we have devoted to knocking these meetings out. I will send out SignUp Genius invitations on the heels of this e-mail. If you will be unable to make it at any available time that day, just let me know what day and time will work for you and we will make it happen.
I am a little sad that there will be no Parent Information Night this year. It gives me the chance to tell many of you at once about myself and my teaching style. I present much better than I chit-chat, plus I have some jokes I like to mix in. Oh well.
So that you have some idea what life is like for your child, I am a more-than-average energetic 59 years old, have been married for 32 years, with, five adult children of my own. I almost said grown, but hey are all solid citizens. This is my 14th year teaching, all in fourth grade. I just like this age; nine and ten-year-olds are basically compliant, yet are discovering their reasoning powers. They can be a little needy, especially when we break out the technology, but we have enough experienced helpers to go around, plus I am working to help them accept more responsibility. I am equally comfortable in the teaching, coach (trainer), and camp counselor (the fun guy) roles. I would rather be Santa Claus than Bad Cop, although the latter is occasionally necessary. Our class motto reflects my philosophy of education. It is: "Grubbies never quit! We are here to learn. We are thinking humans, not monkey robots! We are problem-solving heroes living a life of service."
I have only had the class write one letter home, but there be more to come. I am also attaching some photos of what has transpired thus far. I also put them on the Photo Gallery page of my website.
Some of the photos show pairs of students building model as part of their introduction to the engineering design process. At different times, they attempted to build a better beanstalk, build a better pig domicile, and build a multi- function paint brush. The initial objective has been to help kids understand function, structure, and the relationship to the two. We have utilized mostly Science time in these endeavors. Otherwise, we are studying the observable properties of matter and various ways to detect and compare these traits.
In Social Studies, we have studied map skills, demonstrating their mastery by creating a thematic map of a fictitious place complete with all the features needed to successfully navigate. These maps are on the Common Area bulletin board, but will come home eventually. Many unit-culminating activities will not come home unless you request to see them as we will be putting them all in a Texas History "book" which we will proudly reveal in May on Spotlight Night. Of course, the grades for these, and every other assignment can be accessed via the district's HAC.
In Writing, the focus has been on composing a personal narrative beyond the standard beginning, middle, and end scenario. In fact, I am going for the whole enchilada by introducing the elements of a story with an eye towards making them fabulous storytellers. We are just now drafting our experiences. The objective to this point has been shooting for structuring our story for drama. We are aiming high, but as the saying goes. . . (add your own success axiom here).
Reading has been a hodgepodge to this point, trying to get our Readers' Workshop off the ground while working in a class full of reading assessments to determine reading level and challenges. Add to this a read-aloud of a book by November's visiting author.
In Math, my class, which only consists of 12 non-TAG students has spent a couple of weeks shoring up our foundational understanding of our base-10 number system, the difference between digit, place, and value, what actions the four math operations represent in symbolic language, and reviewing different problem-solving strategies. If you are going to have good number sense, you have to know what you are doing. True, the kids have a basic understanding, but I want it to be crystal clear to the point they can explain it clearly to someone else.
Anyway, suffice it to say, the school year is off and running. Although there are a good number of TAG students who leave us at times, when we are all together, we are a unified bunch. You really have a good bunch of kids. I like them all without exception. I am as open and straightforward with them as I am you. Though I am not yet as patient as I want to be, overall the class as a whole likes that I don't coddle them. I do I expect a good deal out of them, but they can tell that I sincerely care about them and care about them being the best that they can be. And while I expect compliance to rules and directions, I truly value them as individuals and want them to be free to be (a responsible version of ) themselves.
I look forward to meeting with everyone next month,
Gene
8/25/2017
Yee-Haw Folks!
We survived the first week. We reviewed the PAWSitive Expectations, complete with re-enforcing get-to-know-you and team-building activities. I like your children. We have a good group, and I am excited about the possibilities.
At recess Thursday, we did have a friend (from another class) ask me when we were going to "learn something," like doing your personal best and keeping safe weren't important. I answered by raising my hand and showing him three fingers. I asked, "How many hands am I holding up." He confidently said, "Three!" I began to see why he was so eager to learn.
Your child should be coming home with a one page letter on their first week. They had 45 minutes to write it, so if they did not finish at school, they will need to finish at home. Whether they finished here or not, I asked them to have it signed and return it. Only only went over letter format, told the kids to make it interesting, and informed them that they would not have time or space to include everything from the week. We will see how they do prior to any writing instruction from me.
Do to an agreement between all the fourth grade teachers, we are not sending any homework home this year. Shocker, I know. Some will be glad; some will be sad. Third grade is doing the same thing. It reflects our principal's philosophy, which she backs up with research. It is not a policy, but we are trying it. We do want your child to read 20 minutes every night. Because of this, I will be expecting kiddos to work all the harder in class. I have be become a pretty fair judge of what to expect in a given amount of time, so depending upon your child's work pace and/or ethic, he or she might be completing some assignments at home. But I am not assigning any per se. Yo, of course, are welcome to assign them any extra work that you see fit. To that end, I will try to keep my website up-to-date as to what we are covering at any time. Go to the Academic Content page.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the wish list and grade level supplies you have donated. Yo guys really came through like champs, and I genuinely appreciate it.
One need that is still outstanding- I still need someone to step up and take the Homeroom Parent reins. You work with the PTA rep and follow their expectations. It mostly consists of coordinating appreciation efforts and class parties. I am the perfect teacher in this regard. I don't need to be fussed over, and I plan and run the parties myself. Voila. I do need someone to coordinate food for parties, and we do have two special activities in fourth grade this year. I will have kids design, budget for, and build a "gingerbread" house on Valentine's Day before the party. We will need construction materials for that, but I will coordinate that, having one mandatory item and a sign-up sheet for other donations. Secondly, there is Writing Camp after Spring Break. We will need camping supply and snack donations for that. Again, I will have a Sign-up Genius for contributions, but I will need someone to direct a few volunteers to turning the classroom into a campground. That person does not have to be the Homeroom Parent.
We are starting the school year with birthdays out the ears. We had a real birthday Wednesday and we have another one on September 2nd. But we have four kiddos who just had birthdays in August. We will celebrate Azriel's birthday on Monday next wee, followed by Aarya's on Wednesday, and Crhizann's on Friday.
I have everybody's contact info now and have entered all primary and secondary e-mail addresses into my contact group. Check with your spouse; if you gave me two addresses and only one made it through, please let me know.
Have a great weekend. Don't float away.
Gene
Howdy folks,
I think we have completed all the early rounds of diagnostic testing. I am also, through daily work, getting to know your children and something of their learning style, work habits, aptitudes, and behavior patterns. I shall be ready for you when we meet for our fall conference, hopefully on Columbus Day- October 10th- a full day we have devoted to knocking these meetings out. I will send out SignUp Genius invitations on the heels of this e-mail. If you will be unable to make it at any available time that day, just let me know what day and time will work for you and we will make it happen.
I am a little sad that there will be no Parent Information Night this year. It gives me the chance to tell many of you at once about myself and my teaching style. I present much better than I chit-chat, plus I have some jokes I like to mix in. Oh well.
So that you have some idea what life is like for your child, I am a more-than-average energetic 59 years old, have been married for 32 years, with, five adult children of my own. I almost said grown, but hey are all solid citizens. This is my 14th year teaching, all in fourth grade. I just like this age; nine and ten-year-olds are basically compliant, yet are discovering their reasoning powers. They can be a little needy, especially when we break out the technology, but we have enough experienced helpers to go around, plus I am working to help them accept more responsibility. I am equally comfortable in the teaching, coach (trainer), and camp counselor (the fun guy) roles. I would rather be Santa Claus than Bad Cop, although the latter is occasionally necessary. Our class motto reflects my philosophy of education. It is: "Grubbies never quit! We are here to learn. We are thinking humans, not monkey robots! We are problem-solving heroes living a life of service."
I have only had the class write one letter home, but there be more to come. I am also attaching some photos of what has transpired thus far. I also put them on the Photo Gallery page of my website.
Some of the photos show pairs of students building model as part of their introduction to the engineering design process. At different times, they attempted to build a better beanstalk, build a better pig domicile, and build a multi- function paint brush. The initial objective has been to help kids understand function, structure, and the relationship to the two. We have utilized mostly Science time in these endeavors. Otherwise, we are studying the observable properties of matter and various ways to detect and compare these traits.
In Social Studies, we have studied map skills, demonstrating their mastery by creating a thematic map of a fictitious place complete with all the features needed to successfully navigate. These maps are on the Common Area bulletin board, but will come home eventually. Many unit-culminating activities will not come home unless you request to see them as we will be putting them all in a Texas History "book" which we will proudly reveal in May on Spotlight Night. Of course, the grades for these, and every other assignment can be accessed via the district's HAC.
In Writing, the focus has been on composing a personal narrative beyond the standard beginning, middle, and end scenario. In fact, I am going for the whole enchilada by introducing the elements of a story with an eye towards making them fabulous storytellers. We are just now drafting our experiences. The objective to this point has been shooting for structuring our story for drama. We are aiming high, but as the saying goes. . . (add your own success axiom here).
Reading has been a hodgepodge to this point, trying to get our Readers' Workshop off the ground while working in a class full of reading assessments to determine reading level and challenges. Add to this a read-aloud of a book by November's visiting author.
In Math, my class, which only consists of 12 non-TAG students has spent a couple of weeks shoring up our foundational understanding of our base-10 number system, the difference between digit, place, and value, what actions the four math operations represent in symbolic language, and reviewing different problem-solving strategies. If you are going to have good number sense, you have to know what you are doing. True, the kids have a basic understanding, but I want it to be crystal clear to the point they can explain it clearly to someone else.
Anyway, suffice it to say, the school year is off and running. Although there are a good number of TAG students who leave us at times, when we are all together, we are a unified bunch. You really have a good bunch of kids. I like them all without exception. I am as open and straightforward with them as I am you. Though I am not yet as patient as I want to be, overall the class as a whole likes that I don't coddle them. I do I expect a good deal out of them, but they can tell that I sincerely care about them and care about them being the best that they can be. And while I expect compliance to rules and directions, I truly value them as individuals and want them to be free to be (a responsible version of ) themselves.
I look forward to meeting with everyone next month,
Gene
8/25/2017
Yee-Haw Folks!
We survived the first week. We reviewed the PAWSitive Expectations, complete with re-enforcing get-to-know-you and team-building activities. I like your children. We have a good group, and I am excited about the possibilities.
At recess Thursday, we did have a friend (from another class) ask me when we were going to "learn something," like doing your personal best and keeping safe weren't important. I answered by raising my hand and showing him three fingers. I asked, "How many hands am I holding up." He confidently said, "Three!" I began to see why he was so eager to learn.
Your child should be coming home with a one page letter on their first week. They had 45 minutes to write it, so if they did not finish at school, they will need to finish at home. Whether they finished here or not, I asked them to have it signed and return it. Only only went over letter format, told the kids to make it interesting, and informed them that they would not have time or space to include everything from the week. We will see how they do prior to any writing instruction from me.
Do to an agreement between all the fourth grade teachers, we are not sending any homework home this year. Shocker, I know. Some will be glad; some will be sad. Third grade is doing the same thing. It reflects our principal's philosophy, which she backs up with research. It is not a policy, but we are trying it. We do want your child to read 20 minutes every night. Because of this, I will be expecting kiddos to work all the harder in class. I have be become a pretty fair judge of what to expect in a given amount of time, so depending upon your child's work pace and/or ethic, he or she might be completing some assignments at home. But I am not assigning any per se. Yo, of course, are welcome to assign them any extra work that you see fit. To that end, I will try to keep my website up-to-date as to what we are covering at any time. Go to the Academic Content page.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the wish list and grade level supplies you have donated. Yo guys really came through like champs, and I genuinely appreciate it.
One need that is still outstanding- I still need someone to step up and take the Homeroom Parent reins. You work with the PTA rep and follow their expectations. It mostly consists of coordinating appreciation efforts and class parties. I am the perfect teacher in this regard. I don't need to be fussed over, and I plan and run the parties myself. Voila. I do need someone to coordinate food for parties, and we do have two special activities in fourth grade this year. I will have kids design, budget for, and build a "gingerbread" house on Valentine's Day before the party. We will need construction materials for that, but I will coordinate that, having one mandatory item and a sign-up sheet for other donations. Secondly, there is Writing Camp after Spring Break. We will need camping supply and snack donations for that. Again, I will have a Sign-up Genius for contributions, but I will need someone to direct a few volunteers to turning the classroom into a campground. That person does not have to be the Homeroom Parent.
We are starting the school year with birthdays out the ears. We had a real birthday Wednesday and we have another one on September 2nd. But we have four kiddos who just had birthdays in August. We will celebrate Azriel's birthday on Monday next wee, followed by Aarya's on Wednesday, and Crhizann's on Friday.
I have everybody's contact info now and have entered all primary and secondary e-mail addresses into my contact group. Check with your spouse; if you gave me two addresses and only one made it through, please let me know.
Have a great weekend. Don't float away.
Gene
8/23/2017
Good morning parents,
I hope your child enjoyed the first day in Mr Grubb's class and maybe even settled a few butterflies. I probably gained a few butterflies. We always seem to try and pack too much into the first day. The whole thing seemed like a big fire drill to me. Hopefully, I did not pass on that illusion. The rest of the week should be calmer. Anyway, we are endeavoring to establish a good work environment where everybody is relaxed, valued, free to be themselves themselves within the PAWSitive Expectations, and dedicated to doing their best.
Thank you so much to the generous souls who already brought in Wish list items and also items from the fourth grade Science supply list.
I will tell you more about myself at Parent Info Night. For now, suffice it to say that I like your kid; they are a good bunch. They are finding out that I really want them to do what I say, but I'll give them the grace to work the vestige of summer out of their system.
I purpose to have the class write you a letter about this first week, which should be coming home Friday. We will not have learned about strong paragraph construction yet, but the formatting should be exact.
Thank you for filling out and turning in the myriad of forms. Sorry that there is some duplicate effort.
Have a great day!
Gene
Good morning parents,
I hope your child enjoyed the first day in Mr Grubb's class and maybe even settled a few butterflies. I probably gained a few butterflies. We always seem to try and pack too much into the first day. The whole thing seemed like a big fire drill to me. Hopefully, I did not pass on that illusion. The rest of the week should be calmer. Anyway, we are endeavoring to establish a good work environment where everybody is relaxed, valued, free to be themselves themselves within the PAWSitive Expectations, and dedicated to doing their best.
Thank you so much to the generous souls who already brought in Wish list items and also items from the fourth grade Science supply list.
I will tell you more about myself at Parent Info Night. For now, suffice it to say that I like your kid; they are a good bunch. They are finding out that I really want them to do what I say, but I'll give them the grace to work the vestige of summer out of their system.
I purpose to have the class write you a letter about this first week, which should be coming home Friday. We will not have learned about strong paragraph construction yet, but the formatting should be exact.
Thank you for filling out and turning in the myriad of forms. Sorry that there is some duplicate effort.
Have a great day!
Gene