Reminders and updates...

Just a reminder, we are still collecting for Old Salem and our Science is fun trip. There was a scheduling conflict with battle of the books and the science in house field trip, so we rescheduled.

Frogapalooza is right around the corner. I sent out am email last week about possible ideas for our theme of " a night out on the town"

They have extended the collection dates because of all the snow days we missed.

Frogaoalooza will be taking place on March 8 from 4-7:30.

New dates and updated info:

March 7 is still our track out day, but no longer early release. It will be a full day.

March 31 we track back in

April 14 rescheduled science is fun

April 16 Old Salem

April 18 no school 

Important dates and monies

......there are lots of upcoming trips and dates and forms, so here is everything in one place:

Inclement weather forms back ASAP! Just in case....

2/14 early release and valentines day

2/15 Saturday school 

2/18 class pictures (individual or class pictures if you want to purchase)

2/19 club pictures

3/7 science is fun in house field trip $8.50

      And track out day

3/31 track back in

4/16 old Salem trip $33.50 

February 3-10

This was the first long week of several to come. This week we were very busy playing catch up from our "winter break." We wrapped up Soft Rain and did a project to summarize what we learned though the book. We began our poetry unit by reading and dissecting a poem about geese migrating. There was even a song in you tube that we listened to. It was a great way to show how poetry can be turned into sings.

 We finished the animal research reports and began a new research PROBE. Students chose what animals they wanted to research and began gathering resources. Students will have 2 full weeks to work on this project before we begin a persuasive writing piece that integrates the economy into writing.

I math we continue working with equivalent fractions. On Saturday we measured out sugar and flour to practice looking for equivalent measures. This week we dig into comparing and ordering fractions.

In science we wrap up our animals unit this week. Students got to design their own experiment and go through the scientific process.  This week we will tie up all the loose ends, complete our study guide, and take our test. Next up, .... Th economy....

Valentines day...

With Valentines day at the end of the week, I wanted to let you all know what I have planned.  I try to keep it simple as the kids don't all participate in handing out Valentines or treats.  If you and your child want to bring in Valentines or a treat for the class, that's fine. If you choose to do nothing, that's great too.

Friday morning I will give each child a paper bag to decorate. Then at lunch they will have some time to pass out whatever they choose to bring in. I try not to make a big deal out of it so if some don't participate, they don't feel left out.

Here is a list of our class:
Tayyab
Dominick
Kelsey
Samuel
Casey D
Sydney
Izzy
Jakiyah
Peyton
Avery
Sarah
Maddie
Kevin
Adam
Annika
Alex
Kasey P
Gowtham
Whitney
Lucas

NC Symphony

We had a great trip to the symphony yesterday. The kids enjoyed the bus ride and the experience of being at the symphony. When we talked about their favorite part, most of them said it was hearing "flight of the bumblebee."

We were lucky and got some VIP treatment and box seats right above the orchestra. I have a few pictures so you can see what great seats we have.  I also took a clip of them warming up, hopefully it will work...

Mrs. schmedding's class sat in the box seats next to us, here is a view from across the hall.

At the end, the students all sang along with the symphony.

jump rope for heart

In February, Turner Creek Elementary will be participating in Jump Rope For Heart to help raise funds for the American Heart Association.  The donations that you receive will be used by the American Heart Association for research and educational programs to save lives from heart disease and stroke!  Raising contributions is voluntary.  All students will participate in a special jump rope day during a regular PE class time. 

Family and friends are welcome to support your child’s participation by making contributions.  Please convert all cash to a check(s) payable to the American Heart Association. You can also build a website and email family and friends for donations.  The information to do this is on the paper attached to the contribution envelope. Don’t forget to ask donors if they if their employers have matching gift programs.  This is an easy way to increase the contributions your child collects. 

Contribution envelopes must be returned to Mr. Whilden by Friday, February 28 for all tracks.

Quick reminders...

Tomorrow, February 4th, we will be attending the symphony. Please have your children dress nicely.  They do not have to get dressed up as if they were going to a wedding, but just a nice outfit. No chaperones are needed since we are just getting off the bus, going to the concert hall, and getting back on the bus.  We will be back to school for our normal lunch time.

Last week I sent home two important forms: inclement weather and Old Salem.
The inclement weather is in case we were to close school early, so we know if there are changes in transportation. We have closed early in the past, so we like to be prepared ahead of time if something were to happen.
Our Old Salem trip is coming up this spring.  It is more costly-this covers admission into Old Salem and our chartered bus.  We will be riding in style with tvs and a bathroom. The nice part is that the kids can watch a movie on the way there and back.  We will need chaperones.  The more, the merrier!  We will split everyone into about 4 groups.  I will keep you with your children and their friends so they can all enjoy the trip together.  It is a highlight for everyone in fourth grade and there is so much to see.  After 4 years going, there are still parts I haven't seen.

**Saturday school will be taking place the next two Saturdays.  I understand that people have plans that may or may not be able to be changed.  If you know you will not be attending, please let me know so I can plan my lessons accordingly.  There will be instruction going on, and if your child misses school, there will be work to be made up.  If I know ahead of time though, I can send the work home.

I hope you all were able to enjoy the snow, Have a great week!!

Make up days

Here is the most recent schedule for making up our snow days, I have highlighted our days:

2013-14 MAKE-UP DAYS

Saturday make-up days

For make-up days scheduled on Saturdays, bus pick-up times will follow the regular weekday schedule. The instructional day will be 3.5 hours. Breakfast and lunch will not be served, but students may bring snacks to school. There will be no recess or clubs. All time will be used on core instruction.

Make-up days for school closure on Jan. 28, 2014

Calendar	Make Up Day
Traditional	Monday, February 17
Modified	Monday, February 17
Leadership Academies/ Early Colleges	Thursday, May 29
Single Track Year-Round	New date: Sat., February 8
Multi-Track Year-Round ((Tracks 1, 2, and 4)	New date: Sat., February 8
There will be no make-up day for Track 3 students, who were not in session on January 28.

Make-up days for school closure on Jan. 29, 2014

Calendar	Make Up Day
Traditional	Monday, April 21
Modified	Monday, March 10
Leadership Academies/ Early Colleges	Friday, May 30
Single Track Year-Round	New date: Sat., February 15
Multi-Track Year-Round (Tracks 1, 2, and 4)	New date: Sat., February 15
There will be no make-up day for Track 3 students, who were not in session on January 29.

Make-up days for school closure on Jan. 30, 2014

Calendar	Make Up Day
Traditional	Friday, March 28
Modified	Tuesday, March 11
Leadership Academies/ Early Colleges	Monday, February 17
Single Track Year-Round	Sat., April 26
Multi-Track Year-Round	Sat., April 26
There will be no make-up day for Track 3 students, who were not in session on January 30

Make-up days for school closure on Jan. 31, 2014

Calendar	Make Up Day
Traditional	Wed., June 11
Modified	Mon., April 21
Leadership Academies/ Early Colleges	Mon., April 21
Single Track Year-Round	Sat., May 3
Multi-Track Year-Round	Sat., May 3
There will be no make-up day for Track 3 students, who were not in session on January 31

Snow days...

Saturday school has also been cancelled. There are still some outlying back roads that are in rough shape. 

I look forward to seeing all our kids back to school on Monday.

And yes, I am breaking my words, the research reports are not due Friday. I guess 5 snow days would be an acceptable reason to give the kids a few more days.

I hope you are enjoying what is left of the snow!