Hello Parents, 
I hope you are having a nice week! Hopefully those warm temperatures will make a return!  

Math- I was pretty pleased with the test scores overall. I promised them at the beginning of chapter 3 that by the time we were done, they would all know how to divide! I think they proved that. Some areas are still tricky, but I think part of that is making sure we are really paying attention to our work and knowing our facts. During their free time, some are using a deck of cards and playing Multiplication War--just like the War card game, but they have to multiply the two cards correctly before getting to keep them. We also started our fractions chapter with a bag of Skittles on Tuesday. They were writing fractions based on the number in their bag and the colors. I think the first thing is to remember the difference between your numerator and denominator. 

Language Arts- They are taking their unit test this week. I did assign their next book report. Some are still looking for books to read. They don't seem to like what the library has to offer, so they will need to look elsewhere. They NEED a book by next Wednesday. I just want to make sure they have plenty of time to read the book and take notes before they create their project. I gave them a handout with their 3 choices. These are due May 9, 2014. 

Religion- We are focusing on the sacrament of reconciliation right now. This is actually perfect timing because next week they will get the chance to go to reconciliation with Fr. Halbur. 

Iowa Assessments starts on Monday. Some suggestions to make it easier on your child...get a good night's sleep, eat a good breakfast, and breathe! :) They will take some breaks throughout the morning. They won't miss their specials. We will only test in the mornings. Our afternoon schedules will be mixed up, so they will have to be flexible. I am still going to try and get some math and religion in. We will also do some switching so they can still get in science and social studies too, but it won't be every day. 

Young Writer's Conference- Wednesday, April 9, 2014. We won't be testing at all on Wednesday. It is also an early out. Those 3 students attending the conference will need to get their homework on Tuesday. They will need a sack lunch and drink on Wednesday as well. Mrs. Sickels will be sending a letter and permission slip.