Middle Ages Test Quizlet

Here is a link to a quizlet for the history test on Friday. (Note: if you would like to change the format of the quizlet, scroll to the bottom right-hand corner and click "Choose a Study Mode.")

https://quizlet.com/163617501/match/embed

Biome Project -- clarifying instructions

Your child should have brought home a worksheet detailing a science research project on one of Arizona's biomes. (Due date: Thursday, November 16) Please read over the instructions for this project with your child and return the expectation sheet to me by Friday, November 3. 

While this activity is not intended to be completed in a single evening, it should not be regarded as a major research project. The entire project should take approximately 2-4 hours total to complete.  

Here are some additional instructions that I hope will be helpful for you and your child:

-The shoe box or cardboard box may be any size.

-For directions #3-7 on the Project Sheet, please simply follow the instructions. Descriptions and illustrations need not be elaborate, and bullet points are fine. 

- Images of plants, animals, etc. may be hand-drawn, printed from the internet and pasted to the box, or colored. Students may also use toys or figurines.

-For directive #8, simply have your child write what internet sites or books they may have used. These do not have to be cited in any specific format.

-For directive #9, this is the actual model. The majority of the artistic work will occur here.

-Some tips for research:

Limit your references. Most information for this project will be found in your child's notes. Your child is not required to research extensively.

Children should always research online under adult supervision.

Some good websites include:

http://arizonaexperience.org/land/az-habitats

http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/plants-c/bio414/

Used in class:  http://geoalliance.asu.edu/sites/default/files/LessonFiles/Davis/DESERT/DavisDesertS.pdf

Students may also reference in-class notes and readings.

This is a good precursor to the much larger research project the students will do later in the quarter.  Please contact me with any questions.

Quizlet for Life Science Test

Here's a handy online resource to study for the Life Science test on Thursday, courtesy of Mr. Naak:

https://quizlet.com/166604945/match/embed

Next week

Happy Friday! Here's a quick outline of what we'll be studying next week:

History: Students will explore the shift in power in government in the late Middle Ages and consider the role of the Magna Carta and the rule of King John in this shift. 

Science:  During week 3, students will conclude their study of Arizona biomes and the life science unit. Students should spend time nightly studying for the unit assessment. Students will then begin their study of meteorology by learning about the water cycle.

Language Arts: This week in Language Arts students will read more about the adventures of Robin Hood and his merry band of outlaws. In Grammar, the focus turns to diagramming of pronouns. Spalding will bring more words and more markings. 

Math: Students will begin working on fractions. There will be nightly homework.

Barnes & Noble Book Fair

On Saturday, October 28th from 1-5 p.m., Barnes and Noble in Dana Park will be holding a book fair for Archway Arete that will include a scavenger hunt, arts and activities, and story time with Archway teachers. Your child should have received a voucher that you can use to have part of the cost of any purchased items donated to our school. 

I will read from one of my favorite books from 3:30 p.m.- 3:45 p.m. If you can make it, it would be great to see you there!

Saturday, October 28, 1-5 pm

Barnes & Noble at Dana Park

1758 S. Val Vista Drive, Mesa

Book fair ID Number 12233599

Read-A-Thon is October 31 - Volunteers Needed!

Hello parents,

Welcome back! I hope you've enjoyed the long weekend and the (slightly) cooler weather.

On Tuesday, October 31, Archway Arete will hosting our fourth annual Read-A-Thon Celebration -- our version of Halloween! School administration and our class moms are planning a full schedule of exciting activities to encourage reading and the growth we see when characters are brought to life.

Children are invited to dress as their favorite literary character, figure from history, or scientist. Costumes need not relate directly to the curriculum, but they must be classically aligned and appropriate for school. I sent orange forms home last Friday describing our costume requirements: each child must submit a form by this Friday, October 27 in order to be permitted to wear a costume on Tuesday. (Please note that costumes are optional; choosing not to dress up will not negatively impact anyone's grade.) If you did not receive a form or you need another one, please let me know as soon as possible.

If you would like to participate by sending in items for our banquet, please sign up below -- volunteers are much appreciated!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c084eafa92aabf85-readathon1

First Week of Quarter 2 Concludes

Welcome back from fall break, and thank you for a successful Week 1 of Quarter 2. Mrs. Klopack and I are grateful for your time and insight during conferences this past week. These meetings are so helpful in assisting us in serving your children, and we're humbled by all the work we see you have been doing with them at home. To paraphrase one 4A parent: it really does take a village to raise a fourth grader!

I will be sending a short individual email to each of you this weekend to recap the conference and confirm any resolutions we may have made for your child. If you have any follow-up questions or concerns, as always, please let me know.

The next two weeks in class:

History:  Students will take a closer look at important figures in Europe this week, including William the Conqueror, Henry II, and Thomas Beckett.

Science:  During week two, students will look at how animals adapt to thrive in their environment. This will include a study of different biomes and significant environmental issues. Students will also be assigned their Arizona Biome Project, which will be due toward the end of week four.

Language Arts: This week in Literature students will discuss conflict resolution. They will read chapters 3-5 of Robin Hood. In grammar, they move into deeper classifications and diagrams. In Spalding, there are words and markings.

Math:  Students will continue working on multiplication and division. There will be nightly homework, and much work dedicated to the multiplication tables. 

Quarter 1 Concludes!

Hello, parents -- congratulations on finishing first quarter strong! I have so enjoyed getting to know your children and watching them grow over the past nine weeks. 

I hope that you and your families will find some rest and relaxation over fall break.  

Conferences

In case you missed it, here is my personalized link to sign up for 4A Quarter 1 parent/teacher conferences:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e084eacaf2ea4fd0-quarter

And here is the link if you want to speak with one or more of your child's specials teachers as well:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c4ea8a92aa7fe3-25specials1

October 2-6

This Week:

Language Arts: Students will take a monthly Spalding assessment that helps us track their growth. They were also learn new words and review phonograms as usual. In Literature, we will continue reading Ronia. Students will also being writing their second opinion assignment.

Math: We will conclude our chapters on the four operations and finish with a test covering the first two units. 

History: This week is Chivalry Week! Students have been assigned roles and are working on a project with their manor "household." The focus this week is on the role of a knight in the Middle Ages. Chapters 6-10 will be tested on Friday. 

Science: Following a quiz on classification, students will proceed to a unit on plants. Topics touched on this week will include the parts of a flower, plant reproduction, and how seeds are dispersed.