Week of August 25 to 28

What We Learned this Week:

Bible: We are beginning our Bible class by studying the history of the how the Bible came to be. We discussed why we should study the Bible and have taken an overview look at the history of writing. We have studied pictographs and cuneiform so far. There will be a test on this unit during the week of September 8 to 12. In order to allow sufficient study time, I am including the link to the digital copy of the Spanish study guide here. The students will receive their physical copies soon. Additionally, I am including the link to the digital copy of the English study guide here. The English study guide is meant for the parents to help guide their student's studying. I am also providing the link to Blooket online games the students can play at home if you choose to let them play. The game questions are very similar to the ones the students will see on the test.

Math: We have been studying large numbers this week. Specifically, we reviewed the names of the place values and how we use that knowledge to pronounce numbers and express them in various forms (standard, expanded, written). 

Reading: This week, the students have been learning how silent reading looks and feels. Soon, we will be putting our knowledge into practice as we dive into our very first reading lessons. 

Writing: Our writing unit deals with realistic fiction. In order to gain a better understanding of what this genre entails, we have studied two realistic fiction books. We discussed realistic characters, settings, and problems that were presented and resolved. We are looking forward to kicking off the writing process next week.

Behavior Expectations Lessons (SER): Our 4th graders have been learning about our behavior expectations in different areas of the school, including the bathroom, bus, field trips, lunch lines, and the playground.

The foundation for these expectations comes from Micah 6:8, which reminds us to 'Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.'

We believe these principles are key to creating a respectful and safe environment for everyone. Our school's rules—like being fair, showing kindness, and listening to our teachers—are all ways that students can live out this important message.

Homework: The students have received their very first homework assignments! Students complete a weekly reading log (half sheet of paper), weekly math log (half sheet of paper), and math facts (whole sheet of paper). The homework will be printed on colored paper. Students are expected to read for at least 150 minutes per week in Spanish and review basic math facts for at least 50 minutes per week. Right now, the students should be reviewing basic addition and subtraction facts. Parents must sign the weekly logs in order for the student to receive full credit. The students will be expected to turn in their homework every Monday morning. For this first time, the homework is due by Monday, September 8.

Ideas for the Reading Log:

- Students are encouraged to read Spanish books they have at home.

- The local public libraries have Spanish books.

- Audiobooks in Spanish are acceptable.

- Students will begin visiting the school library after Labor Day and will be encouraged to take out Spanish books.

- Students can read Spanish books on their Raz-Kids accounts at home. The parent letter detailing your student's account was sent home today.

Ideas for the Math Log:

- Students are allowed to log into their Reflex Math accounts at home and count those minutes towards their logs (only if parents allow it).

- traditional flashcards

- oral math drills

- writing out math facts on paper / whiteboards

- Google has LOTS of ideas to practice math facts in a "screen-free" way!

From the Office:

• If you weren’t able to attend parent night last week feel free to check out Ms. Roskamp’s presentation here!

• Caring for the Rose Park Ranch: Do you love animals? Do your kids come home talking about loving their days in the barn at school? If you and your family would be interested in caring for our ranch on the weekends would you send an e-mail to Ms. Roskamp at kroskamp@hollandchristian.org. We are going to set up training this Fall to get more families involved in our weekend barn chores!

• School pictures coming soon! School photos will happen on September 10 & 11 - please see the attached schedule for when your child's class photo will be taken!

• Carpool lane: Do us a favor and use your hazard lights to indicate that you are still waiting for your students!

• Hazard lights on: still waiting for kids

• Hazard lights off: loaded and ready to move

• Rose Park Fall Fest is coming up on September 25 from 5:30-7pm. This is an incredibly fun community event, Please sign your family up here! 

• Grandparents Day is coming up on October 2, we would love to bless our Grandparents with some treats, if you are able would you sign up to provide something HERE.

• Custodian needed: If you know anyone who is looking for custodial work, we are looking for a teammate for our Custodian Braulio Cantú  from 1:00pm-7:30pm. Have them reach out to Vince at vbrower@hollandchristian.org.

• Upcoming Dates:

• August 29 & September 1: Labor Day Weekend, no school

• September 10 & 11: School Photos

• September 24: Walkathon 

• September 25: Fall Fest 5:30-7pm

• October 2: Grandparents Day (morning)

Hispanic Heritage Month is Approaching!:

We are so excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with all of our 4th grade students! We'll be reading Juana and Lucas, a delightful book about a girl from Bogotá, Colombia, as a way to dive deeper into the culture. Following the book, the students will complete a hands-on project that allows them to practice the new Spanish vocabulary they've learned in a fun, creative way. Our Spanish Immersion students will be helping their fellow 4th grade peers with this. :)

To help us with this project, we're asking for your support! We need clean, empty cardboard boxes that are no larger than a backpack—think empty tissue boxes, Amazon boxes, or cereal boxes. If you have any of these at home, please send them to school with your child at your convenience. We will be working on the project on September 18.

Thank you so much! Muchas gracias!