Prince of Peace School

Montessori II Newsletter

2-6-08

Updates:

            The fourth graders are working on squaring and fractions.  They are focusing on subtracting fractions from a whole number and they will be moving on to subtracting with regrouping next week.  I will be grading them on how they set up their problems, how successfully they find a common denominator, their ability to convert a whole number to a mixed number of equal value (ex. 4 = 3 3/3), and whether they come up with the correct answer.

The fifth graders are now learning operations with decimals and Advanced Squaring.  They are also learning how to convert fractions to decimals and decimals to fractions. 

The sixth graders are working on Square Roots, Volume, and Integers.  This work requires them to do many steps before formulating an answer.  I grade them on how successfully they complete all the steps in each problem and their ability to come up with the correct answer.  This work is challenging, but rewarding!

            In history the fourth graders are using the computers to research a county in Kentucky.  They are then using the information to make county banners.  They also created tour guides for Frankfort, so if you are interested in a mini road trip ask your child to bring his or her pamphlet home. 

The fifth and sixth graders are finishing up learning about the Revolutionary War.  They are now recording information about the most famous battles that took place.  The goal of this work is for the students to understand the events that lead up to the war.  They also need to understand how a minor battle started the war, influenced other countries’ views of our budding nation, and finally how these battles helped move the founding fathers toward writing our Declaration of Independence.  It is not as important for the students to memorize all the facts about this time in history, but rather to get a basic understanding of our turbulent start and to be exposed to key names, dates, and facts.

            In Reading we are moving along in Bud, Not Buddy.  The students have read chapters 1-13.  Each week they should be updating their character chart, summarizing each chapter, writing 5 questions, looking up 3 to 5 vocabulary words of their choice, and recording each of “Bud’s Rules” as we come to them.   It is very important that they do this work in a timely manner for several reasons. 1) It helps them to manage their time. 2) They need to read and do the follow up so that they are ready for discussion. 3) We only have 8 or 9 weeks to read each novel each quarter. 4) Reading is a key subject in school. 

Valentine’s Day is coming!

            Valentine’s Day is around the corner and I would like to have a party with the students.  I would like to have it in the afternoon right after recess but before gym ( 12:30 – 1:15).  The students can exchange Valentines and have some snacks.  If any parents are interested in helping out or bring in a few snacks or drinks, please let me know.  I will plan a few games for entertainment.  Please contact me if you are interested.

Field Trip:

            We will be going on a fieldtrip to the symphony next Tuesday, February 12^th.  Permission slips went home Wednesday, so please try to return them by Friday.

Congrats:

            Congratulations to Ian Brolley, he was the runner up in our in school Spelling Bee!!!  We will also be having a Geography Bee this year.  I will be sending home some information about that very soon.

Have a wonderful week! 

Mrs. Angela Fehr