Hill's Herald

The Week At A Glance

Hi Parents, Students, and Guests!

  
      Summer is here! What a wonderful year this has been and what a marvelous group of students. I am happy to have the break and rest, but I sure will miss my kids. I hope this year has been a rewarding year of academics and growth for your child. I certainly think that it has!

   A few things to know for our upcoming last week of school:

***The students will be finishing their cereal box research report on Tuesday. They are researching a topic that they wanted to learn this year but we didn't get a chance to learn about in class. These will come home on Tuesday.

***Our final math extension project, The Stock Market, will conclude today with a test. Look for your student's stock portfolio to come home this afternoon. I have really enjoyed working with your math student!

***All library books/fines are now due. Please make sure your child finds that missing book so that we can clear his/her account!

***There won't be any charging of lunches this last week of school. Please make sure that there is enough money in your child's account. All charges must be cleared by Thursday!

**** If you have not already done so, please send in a paper grocery sack to hold all of your child's possessions to be brought home on Wednesday. NO backpacks or personal items should come to school on Thursday!

***We will be having a end of the year breakfast in our room Thursday morning. The room moms have contacted you on what they would like you to send. Please feel free to join us for a bit of breakfast to say goodbye to a wonderful school year.

*** Thank you to the parents in Mrs. Hill's class. I have everyone's stamps for the report card envelopes.

  

Yearbook signing/autograph books ( I"ve made them for the class) will be on Wednesday at 8:15.

We will have a Team 4B kickball tournament next week! We RULE!

I will post, on next week's blog, a bunch of GREAT websites for you to visit this summer! Keep up all those marvelous skills you have developed throughout the year!

Have a GREAT weekend!

Mindee Hill, M.Ed.

      

    

The Week At A Glance

Hi Parents, Students, and Guests!

                                    FIELD DAY!

A Great time was had by all! Thanks to the parents who came and celebrated our day with us!

Next week...please send in a empty cereal box for a research project.

Please send in two PAPER grocery bags for your child's personal belongings.
We will need these by Wednesday, May 23.

Have a great week!

Mindee Hill,M.Ed.

  

   

 

The Week At A Glance

Hi Parents, Students, and Guests!

        

     It is OVER! Our students have completed the CRCT, all five days. I am proud of their effort and hard work. Thanks to the parents who sent in snacks and hard candy to keep the kids going and their game sharp during testing and to the parents who made their child go to bed early to be well rested for the tests!

     We have many exciting events coming up at Big Shanty in the next couple of weeks. Next Thursday night, our school will hold its annual Author's Night. Our class is participating. Over the last week we have read many different Cinderella stories, variations of Cinderella stories, and fractured fairy tales featuring Cinderella. The students are making a Movie Maker presentation that highlights original stories and illustrations. Please come and enjoy the event with your child! At the same time, this week our school is having the Spring Book Fair. Our students will preview the books they can purchase on Friday, then next week they will be able to shop for some terrific books to read this summer. Please support our school by allowing your child to select and purchase some good books to enjoy.

    
   Our annual PTA Spring Carnival will take place this coming Friday evening, April 27, on the school grounds. Tickets are available for pre-sale purchase at the school today and tomorrow or you can purchase tickets at the door. Thanks to our parents, and to our room parents, for putting together and GENEROUSLY donating to, our themed basket, New Puppy. We have some great items in the basket . Please come and bid on this basket as well as many others. All money goes to the PTA which in turn comes back to our students.

    Academic Alerts are attached to the Thursday class newsletter today. If your child receives one, please review the areas of concern and come up with a plan for doing better! Please sign and return the Academic Alert to school in your child's Thursday folder. Thanks!

UNITS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 30- MAY 4, 2012

Math-Mrs. Hill's extension math class will be studying the stock market. If you or someone you know has any expertise, we would love for you to come and talk with the class. Please contact me!

     

Social Studies- The Westward Movement

 CHECK THIS OUT.......     Lewis and Clark Great Site!

Science- Weather. Study guide will come home Monday. Test will be the following Monday.

      

English- Sentence Diagramming

Vocabulary-Wordly Wise 3000 Unit 8

Health- Summer Safety

Spelling Unit 29  Week of April 30   quality   frequent   racquet   squirrel   equipment    mosquito   squirming   equator   conquer   quadrant   banquet   technique   quotation   inquire   critique   quizzes   liquid   queasy   sequence   request   sequel   qualify   pioneer   prairie   covered wagon   trail   westward   removal   chuck wagon

Have a wonderful week! Remember, YOUR child is MY child!

Mindee Hill, M.Ed.

      

The Week At A Glance

Hi Parents, Students, and Guests! 

It's here!  Ready! Let's Go!

C-R-C-T four little letters that are fine by me!

C is for concentration                       

R is for relaxation                

C is for isn't a crime             

T is for take your time! C-R-C-T four little letters

That are fine by me!

                                                              

We will begin testing next Wednesday morning, April 18 at 8:15. Please make sure your child is at school NO LATER than 8:00. Here are some helpful hints that YOU can do at home to ensure a successful week of testing:

***Students will have only one homework assignment for the testing evenings...go to bed early!  1 hour earlier than usual is the best.

***Eat a good breakfast! if you have no time in the morning before the bus for a hot nutritious breakfast, make sure that there is enough money in your account and eat with us at school before the testing.

***Parents and students....no fighting or whining before school on testing mornings! A happy child is a successful child. Conflicts should be kept at a minimum.

Alhthough fourth grade is not a "gate way year" our testing counts. Please encourage your child to do his or her very best! Our scores are compared by class, school, city, and county across the state. We have worked hard this year. Let it show!!!!!

Remember, you still have time to visit Study Island and My Skills Tutor to brush up on your skills for the test!

   I have had only one parent volunteer to provide a class snack for testing days. If you can help us out, please contact me ASAP!

 One last reminder- Our Spring Carnival is coming up soon! Our themed basket is New Puppy. So far we have received a few dog toys. Thank you to the parents who have sent those in. We really need MORE!!!!!! Some suggestions would include a dog leash, puppy food, dog combs and brushes, puppy treats and biscuits, dog bowls for water and food, a small fuzzy blanket for sleep time, dog shampoo and coat conditioner. Let's make this the best basket ever and raise alot of money for our PTA!

TESTING SCHEDULE  8:15-11:00 on the following days:

 

Wednesday, April 18 Reading      Thursday, April 19 Language Arts     Friday, April 20 Math     Monday, April 23 Science     Tuesday, April 24 Social Studies

Make up testing will be given as needed. Make up testing will not be with me in the regular classroom. Your child will be pulled from instruction to make up a missed test!

UNITS FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 16, 2012

Science- Weather  

Social Studies-  The Constitution, The preamble and the Bill of Rights ( after testing students will work to memorize the preamble!)                 

Language Arts- Special Movie Maker Project with Mrs. Hill and Mrs. Powell-Shager

Math- no compacting instead we will be reviewing for CRCT

Spelling and Vocabulary- No spelling  or vocabulary until CRCT ends!

 Have a wonderful weekend! Good luck to all during testing!Mindee Hill, M.Ed.

               

   

The Week at A Glance

Hi Parents, Students, and Guests!

        

      Here we are! The last week of school before spring break! We have many activities happening this week at school. On Tuesday, we will take spring pictures. Please dress your child appropriately on this day. Picture information will be coming home early next week.
 

     Thank you for returning your child's report card so promptly! If you have not already done so, please send two first class stamps to school with your child so that I can mail the final report card to you. If you choose not to send the stamps, report cards will be available to be picked up at the school after June 1.      

   Spring Carnival is right around the corner. Our auction basket is "New
Puppy". It would be great if everyone could contribute a special something to the basket so that we can help PTA raise money for our kids! If you can donate a new item for a canine baby, please send it with your child to school and I will add it to the basket. If you would prefer to make a cash dponation, please contact Mrsw. Ardt or Mrs. Andersen. They will be happy to put your donation towards something for the basket.

     We had a great time at the Chattahoochee Nature Center's Sibley Pond. The kids examined all kinds of aquatic pond life firsthand. A special THANK YOU to Mrs. Ardt, Mrs. Andersen, and Mrs. Patel for accompanying us on the trip. Below are some of the highlights of the day.

 

 Here are some websites for you to explore while you are home next week!

The Weather Channel Kids- fun weather facts for our next unit in Science!

 Visit the Chattahoochee Nature Center

NOAA Weather for Kids

Games To Challenge You and Make You Smarter!

Great Preview to Our Upcoming Governemnt Unit

 

UNITS OF THE WEEK March 26, 2012

 

Math (extension class)- Solid Geometric figures, continued review of multiplication and division of decimals, 2 and three digits by two and three digits (multiplication) and divison of two divisors into three and four digit dividends

Social Studies- Our New Nation-A study of Government and the Constitution. Congrats to Reese Mc. for making a 100 on the Revolutionary War test!

Science- We are wrapping up our Unit on Planets and Stars. A study guide is coming home on Monday. Test willl be next Friday.

Engish- Sentence Diagramming, Reading comprehension and story editing continues

Vocabualry Wordly Wise 3000- Will return after Spring Break

Spelling List # 28- Week of March 26, 2012   guard   vague   zigzag   gauge   penguin   catalog   intrique   guidance   guest   plague   dialog   strong   argue   iceberg   fatigue   guide   guilty   guitar   league   shrug   language   safety   bicycle   swimming pool   camping   first aid   prevention   rescue   lifeguard   skate park

Spelling List #29 Week of April 9, 2012  quality   frequently   racquet   squirrel   equipment   mosquito   squirming   equator   conquer   quadrant   banquet   technique   quotation   inquire   critique   quizzes   liquid   queasy   sequence   request   sequel   qualify   pioneer   prairie   covered wagon   trail   westward   removal   chuck wagon 

Have a wonderful SPring Break! Be safe and happy! See you in April!

Mindee Hill, M.Ed.

    

 

The Week at a Glance

Hi Parents, Students, and Guests!

          

     This Wednesday marks the end of the third grading period! Where does the time go? If your child still has incomplete graded assignments, please encourage him/her to finish the work and return to me no later than Wednesday. We only have 9 more weeks after this Wednesday ( excluding our Spring Break week, March 31-April 8.)

      

 The school Talent Show is tonight. I hope many of you will come and see the fabulous talent here at Big Shanty!  The spring Carnival is coming up as well. Please remember that our carnival basket theme is New Puppy. When you are at the store, would you please pick up an item to add to our basket? Our wonderful room moms Mrs. Ardt am\nd Mrs. Andersen will be contacting you soon about volunteer and donation opportunities for the carnival. Let's raise a lot of money fopr our PTA! They give back so much to our students and school.

UNITS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 12, 2012

Math-We are finishing up our study of fractions, decimals, and mena-median-mode- range. We will be taking post tests this coming week and getting ready to regroup for the next nine weeks. We will let you know which teacher your child has for the next unit at the end of next week.

Social Studies- We have fought the war and a study guide will be coming home this week for the Revolutionary War test.

Science- Our students did really well on the last unit, Sound and Light. We now are preparing to explore Space , the Stars, and the Planets. This unit will take us to Spring break and beyond!

English- our students are practicing their grammar, comprehension, and handwriting skills on teacher made worksheet reviews. The students are doing well!

Vocabulary- Unit 6 continues; test next Wednesday on the unit.

Health-We will begin a unit on Nutrition this week

Spelling words Week of March 12  niece   either   ceiling   eighteen   weird   mischief   deceive   neither   grief   shield   protein   sleigh   conceited   leisure   relieve   yield   belief   reign  beige   vein   receipt   weight   perceive   freight   travel   swimming   party   vacation   relaxation   friendship

Have a wonderful week! Remember, YOUR child is MY child!

Mindee Hill, M.Ed.

      

The Week at a Glance

Hi Parents, Students, and Guests!

             

       March is here. We have a month jammed packed with events and work! Here are some of the events happening at Big Shanty this month:

    March 2 Read Across America Day. Your child may dress up as his/her favorite storybook character. In honor of Dr. Seuss's birthday, our cafeteria will be serving birthday cake for dessert.

   March 9 Author Carmen Deedy will visit the media center to read her books and autograph books for sale. Please see the order form in your child's Thursday folder!    

              

   March 11 Daylight Savings Time begins!

       

   March 12 School Speaker "Stranger Danger"

   March 14  Sock Hop after school- benefits Relay for Life from 2:30-4:00 school gym

   March 20- Class field trip to the Chattahoochee Nature center for a pond study. Please let me know if you would like to join us on this field trip. All students must have a signed permission form to be able to attend. Let me also know if your child is bringing a sack lunch or purchasing a school lunch that day..

   March 27 Spring Pictures: look your best!

   March 31-April 8 Spring Holiday! Have fun and be safe.

UNITS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 5, 2012

Math- Mean Median Mode Range and Customary Weight conversion

Social Studies- The Revolutionary War is Fought!

    
Science- Light and Sound Test on Friday, March 9!

Vocabulary- Unit 5 Wordly Wise 3000

English- Diagramming Sentences and Review of Punctuation, especially commas!

Health- Nutrition

Spelling Words Unit 25 week of March 5   cheerful   searching   kernel   merely   earnest   thermos   adhere   yearning   hermit   serpent   rehearse   sincere   dreary   appear   pearly   sermon   learner   earthquake   teardrop   spearmint   yearbook   nutrition   food pyramid   carbohydrates   protein   serving   energy   label   vitamin   ingredients

Have a wonderful week. Remember, YOUR child is MY child!

Mindee Hill, M.Ed.

             

The Week At A Glance

Hi Parents, Students, and Guests!

         

        Writing Fair entries are due tomorrow! I have received two wonderful entries, but I have to say,I am disappointed I have not received more. There is still time! Why not sit down tonight with your child and encourage him to become an author?

     It was nice having Monday off. It's hard to believe that there is only 6 weeks left until spring break. Report cards will come out the second week of March. After Spring break, we will be taking the CRCT. It is important that your child come to school every day between now and then, healthy and eager to be here. We still have a lot of ground to cover before the test ( and after it too!)

       Coming home this week in your child's Thursday folder is a field trip permission form for the Chattahoochee Nature Center. We will be going on Tuesday, March 20 from 9:15-2:00. I would love to have some of our parents go with us! Please contact me if you are interested in attending. The cost of the field trip is $3.50 per child.

       Interesting and Fun WEBSITES to visit that correlate with our studies:

                        Fun Activities to Test Your Knowledge!

                             Road to Revolution Game and MORE! 

                             The Shot Heard 'ROUND the World! Video

                              Games about the American Revolutionary War

UNITS FOR THE WEEKS OF FEBRUARY 20 and FEBRUARY 27, 2012

Math-(extension)We are multiplying and dividing decimals this week, as well as reviewing changing decimals to fractions and fractions to decimals. We won't leave our percentage either! In the next weeks we will discuss mean, median, range, and mode as well as customary weight. We will finish off the unit with an extension activity or two which might involve cooking! Please remind me if your math student has an allergy I need to be aware of.

Social Studies- The Revolutionary War is well underway in our room. In the last week we had Taxation Without Representation Day. we have discussed the Boston Tea Party and the Intolerable Acts and the war has started. Who knows the outcome? Our 13 colonies re-test will be incorporated into the American Revolution test later on in March. Keep studying.

Science- We are wrapping up our unit on Light and Sound. We'll have a small quiz on this late next week. Watch for a study guide to come home early next week.

English- Diagramming Sentences. We'll also talk about conjunctions.

Vocabulary-Wordly Wise 3000 Unit 4 test is this Friday. Unit 5 all next week.

Spelling Units Week of February 20, 2012-forearm   nonskid   extra   incorrect   indoor   inhuman   expand   explore   nonprofit   nonfat   foreshadow   foresee   extend   nonfiction   nonstop   forehead   explode   express   exclude   indecent   foremost   insight   income   because   their   there   they're   Indian   February   Science

                     Week of February 21, 2012- physics   elephant    cough   naughty   taught   tough   phantom   nephew   dolphin   photocopy   rough   laughter   homophone   photograph   phonics   telephone   fought   caught   trophy   paragraph   height   reflect   refract   transparent   opaque   translucent   optical   light   bend   curve

Have a wonderful week! Remember, YOUR child is MY child!

MIndee Hil, M.Ed.

                    

 

The Week at a Glance

Hi Parents, Students, and Guests!

  

    Happy Valentine's Day Week! I have sent home a class list for Valentine's Day in the Thursday folders today. Please feel free to allow have your child decorate a box or bag to bring to school on Tuesday with their Valentines. We will have a small snack and exchange Valentines in the morning. If you would like to contribute something special to that snack, please let me know by Monday.

    Tomorrow will be the work catch up day for this nine week grading period. Your child will have all day to catch up on assignments that have been left to be completed and graded. If all is finished, I am allowing the students to bring PJs and a game to share with the class. If your child chooses to bring electronics, they must be appropriate and they must take full responsibility if lost or stolen. I'm hoping everyone will get caught up tomorrow!

    Keep working on those writing fair entries! I am looking forward to seeing them. The deadline is February 23 to be turned into the school. I would like to have them no later than Tuesday, February 21 so that I have time to read them!

  
      School-wide, cafeteria manners have deteriorated. Students are having many inappropriate conversations and manners at the table. Please review YOUR table manner and lunchroom conversation expectations with your child.

UNITS FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 13-17, 2012

Math- (extension class) We are studying decimals!

Social Studies-The problems and Conflicts leading up to the Revolutionary War. Colonial America test on Monday, February 13!

Science- Light and Sound

Vocabulary-Unit 4 Wordly Wise 3000

English- The Parts of Speech and Diagramming sentences

Spelling Unit List # 22   secure   senior   nature   rancher   torture   mixture   obscure   danger   culture   stretcher   future   leisure   pressure   marcher   treasure   capture   teacher   pitcher   pleasure   failure   posture   pasture   compromise   representation   federal   republic   democracy   cabinet   political party   veto

Have a wonderful week! YOUR child is MY child!

Mindee Hill, M.Ed.  

        

The week At A Glance

Hi Parents, Students, and Guests!

    

      It's the week before Valentines Day. The groundhog did not see his shadow, so love and spring will soon be among us! IN our class, we are beginning the events that led us to become an independent nation. We will be studying the causes and the actual Revolutionary War in much detail. If you or someone close to you is a war buff and you have something to share with us, we'd love to have you visit!

  
   What?????? We are also beginning a unit on Sound, to be followed by studies of light and heat. I intend to have alot of fun with this unit. If you play a musical instrument that is portable, please consider coming to our room to share your knowledge with us. It could be fun!

    This month's events at Big Shanty: Teacher Appreciation Week (Feb 13-18) , Hoops for Hearts (Feb.15-22) and all Writing Fair entries are due on February 23. I sent home information in your child's Thursday folder last week regarding the writing fair. I hope you will encourage your student to enter!

UNITS for the WEEK of FEBRUARY 6-10, 2012

Math- Subtracting Fractions with like and unlike denominators. Some borrowing will be involved.

Social Studies- The American Revolutionary War

Science -Heat,Light, and Sound

English- The Parts of Speech and early sentence diagramming

Vocabulary-Wordly Wise 3000 Unit 3 test on Tuesday then Unit 4.

Literacy- Novel Study and book reporting

Spelling Word Week of February 6, 2012 Unit #21    rainbow   sustain   captain   peasant   sailor   trainer   heading   jealous   refrain   beauty   terrain   greatness   retreat   succeed   steady   bleachers   feather   canteen   reason   needle   measure   pleasure   freezer   disease   constitution   federal   ratify   amendment   inauguration   citizen

Have a wonderful week! YOUR child is MY child.

Mindee Hill, M. Ed.