Dear Parents,
October has flown by and we are already headed toward Thanksgiving! Our November calendar is already filled with field trips and fun activities. Here are some important upcoming dates:
November 4th: Mr. Leech will be coming to show us some props and give us an overview of The Barber of Seville at 8:10 in the cafeteria.
November 4th: Dad's Camp out
November 8th: Field Trip to see the Opera, The Barber of Seville - Students should dress to impress!
November 9th: Early Dismissal - The students will be rehearsing for Annie from 8:30 - 10:00. I will be available for parent conferences this day starting at 1:00.
November 10th: Field Trip to the MFA Sculpture Garden and Glassell 10:30 am - 2:30 pm We will eat lunch at the site, so please send a lunch with your child. If you would like to attend this field trip please let me know. I need at least 2 parents to come with us, but more are welcome!
November 14th- The Mark Twain Book Fair Begins
November 15th - We will have a school wide Story Book Character Parade. Please encourage your students to dress as their favorite story book character. They may make posters or signs as well. We will be parading around the school at 9am that day. They may want to bring a change of clothes for the rest of the day so that they will be more comfortable.
November 16th: Student Led Conferences: This is an opportunity for students to share with you their goals, their portfolios, and other work that they have completed in class. You can come at 3:00pm. 3:30pm, or 4:00pm. Conferences usually last between 20 and 30 minutes. If you cannot come on this day, or at one of these times please e-mail me or send me a note and we can work out another time for you to conference with your child.
November 19th: Twain Soccer Tournament 1-5pm
November 23rd - 25th: Thanksgiving Holiday
Please put on your calendars the 4th Grade Holiday Musical: Annie! It will be on December 8th! I am a little bit excited :)
The Square One Art Fundraiser went home today. The student's really created some beautiful artwork! The stickers are for the students to keep. You can send orders to me and I will turn them in for you.
We will be doing some longer assessments in the next few weeks. We will take a reading, math, and writing test. I will use the information from these assessments to highlight areas in which we need to focus on in order to prepare for the upcoming STAAR tests.
We are working on our matter unit in science. We are doing lots of fun experiments and using lots of scientific vocabulary. Please ask your children about the experiments and what conclusions they drew from these activities.
In math we are working on fractions. We are currently focusing on equivalent fractions and adding and subtracting fractions. This is a big concept for fourth grade, but so far the children are doing a wonderful job! We are also working on probability as it goes hand in hand with fractions.
In social studies we continue to work on map skills and are learning so much about different areas of the world. We have also started getting our Time For Kids magazines. The students are really enjoying reading about current events and learning about life in various areas of the world.
We are finishing up "Small Steps" this week. I am so excited that the students have shown so much interest in this book! They beg me to read it each day. We will be going to LDC starting next week and reading "Call it Courage". It is a wonderful adventure tale about a young boy who lives on an island, but is afraid of the sea. I anticipate the children really enjoying this novel as well. As we read our novels we continue to work on reading skills, editing, and of course our writing!
Scarlet! We have received the bearded dragon, Scarlet for the next 9 weeks! The students love her and she seems to be enjoying the classroom as well. They are eager to pet and hold her but we are moving slowly so that she has time to get used to us. There is a sign up sheet outside the door if you would like to sign up to bring Scarlet food for the week. She eats collar greens, mustard greens, blueberries, carrots, mangoes, and super worms. Other fruits are welcome as well. Someone told me bearded dragons also like zuchini! (Thanks Noah!) If you would like to send food and are unable to stop by the room please feel free to e-mail me and I will let you know what to bring and which weeks I still need help.
Thank you for all of your continued support! The students are working together very well and it is really starting to feel like home.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Zirczy
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Busy, Busy, Busy
Dear Parents,
We have had a very busy few weeks. The students are working very hard and we are beginning to get in to some more difficult objectives. Here is a run-down of what we will be doing in the next few weeks.
Math: We will start working on decimals this week. This is the year that we introduce decimals, so students will be focusing on place value, comparing and ordering, and adding and subtracting decimals to begin with.
Social Studies: We are focusing on learning the steps for research based on the IIM method that our school adopted last year. The students are researching one of their favorite authors. They are working alone or with a partner, the choice was theirs. They are then choosing a method for presenting their information to the class. They can do a power point presentation, an interview, a song, a report, or a poster board. The due date will be set based on how much class time students have this week to research.
Reading/Writing: This week students will go to LDC. We will be focusing on Writer’s Workshop. Students will be learning the steps of the writing process as well as many tools that will help them become powerful writers. In class we will continue to work on poetry for the next week or so along with hitting various reading skills.
Science: Next week we will start our planner that focuses primarily on matter and the scientific process. There will be many exciting experiments as we study the states of matter, volume, density, buoyancy, etc.
Reading Buddies:
Each week we go to Mrs. Jackson’s first grade classroom. We read to her students, listen to them read, help them with projects, and teach them new skills. So far the students seem to really be enjoying their time with their first grade buddies.
Time for Kids:
I will be placing the order this week for Time for Kids magazine. Thank you so much for making a donation for your child’s magazine. I hope that you will find that the student’s learn a great deal and really enjoy the current events found in this magazine.
Supplies:
I cannot thank you all enough for all of the extra supplies that you have donated to the classroom. Those things really help me to plan some exciting and creative activities that the students always seem to enjoy. I know there are many demands on parents and I truly appreciate your generosity.
Progress Reports:
Progress Reports went home September 20th. Thank you to everyone that signed the progress report and returned them to me. If you still have your child’s progress report please sign it and send it back to school. I am required to turn these into the office and it helps me to know that everyone received their child’s progress report. If you would like me to send home a copy please make a note or send me and e-mail and I would be happy to do that for you. On the progress reports that handwriting grade was listed as a numerical grade. To clarify I entered all grades as letter grades. An E = 95, S=85, N=75, and U=65. On the report card the grades will be letter grades and do not affect a student having all A’s or B’s.
Student Led Conferences:
Please put November 16th on your calendar. That is the date for Student Led Conferences in which students have the opportunity to show you some of the work they have been doing in class. They will walk you through their portfolio as well as show you their Writer’s Notebooks and any other work they would like to share with you. These conferences can be scheduled at 3:00, 3:30, or 4:00.
Important Upcoming Dates:
September 26th: LDC begins 8am-9am: Students will meet in LDC in the morning
September 29th: School Holiday
October 4: PTO Meeting
October 11th: Class Party
October 12th: Early Dismissal, 12:30
October 22nd: Spooky Spaghetti 4-8pm
November 1st: PTO Meeting 6:30
November 4th: Dad’s Club Campout
November 9th: Early Dismissal, 12:30
November 10th: Tentative Date for Field Trip to Glassel/Sculpture Garden
November 16th: Student Led Conferences 3:00 – 4:30pm
November 19th: Twain Soccer Tournament 1-5pm
November 23-25: Thanksgiving Holiday
As always, thank you for your continued support!
Rebecca Zirczy
We have had a very busy few weeks. The students are working very hard and we are beginning to get in to some more difficult objectives. Here is a run-down of what we will be doing in the next few weeks.
Math: We will start working on decimals this week. This is the year that we introduce decimals, so students will be focusing on place value, comparing and ordering, and adding and subtracting decimals to begin with.
Social Studies: We are focusing on learning the steps for research based on the IIM method that our school adopted last year. The students are researching one of their favorite authors. They are working alone or with a partner, the choice was theirs. They are then choosing a method for presenting their information to the class. They can do a power point presentation, an interview, a song, a report, or a poster board. The due date will be set based on how much class time students have this week to research.
Reading/Writing: This week students will go to LDC. We will be focusing on Writer’s Workshop. Students will be learning the steps of the writing process as well as many tools that will help them become powerful writers. In class we will continue to work on poetry for the next week or so along with hitting various reading skills.
Science: Next week we will start our planner that focuses primarily on matter and the scientific process. There will be many exciting experiments as we study the states of matter, volume, density, buoyancy, etc.
Reading Buddies:
Each week we go to Mrs. Jackson’s first grade classroom. We read to her students, listen to them read, help them with projects, and teach them new skills. So far the students seem to really be enjoying their time with their first grade buddies.
Time for Kids:
I will be placing the order this week for Time for Kids magazine. Thank you so much for making a donation for your child’s magazine. I hope that you will find that the student’s learn a great deal and really enjoy the current events found in this magazine.
Supplies:
I cannot thank you all enough for all of the extra supplies that you have donated to the classroom. Those things really help me to plan some exciting and creative activities that the students always seem to enjoy. I know there are many demands on parents and I truly appreciate your generosity.
Progress Reports:
Progress Reports went home September 20th. Thank you to everyone that signed the progress report and returned them to me. If you still have your child’s progress report please sign it and send it back to school. I am required to turn these into the office and it helps me to know that everyone received their child’s progress report. If you would like me to send home a copy please make a note or send me and e-mail and I would be happy to do that for you. On the progress reports that handwriting grade was listed as a numerical grade. To clarify I entered all grades as letter grades. An E = 95, S=85, N=75, and U=65. On the report card the grades will be letter grades and do not affect a student having all A’s or B’s.
Student Led Conferences:
Please put November 16th on your calendar. That is the date for Student Led Conferences in which students have the opportunity to show you some of the work they have been doing in class. They will walk you through their portfolio as well as show you their Writer’s Notebooks and any other work they would like to share with you. These conferences can be scheduled at 3:00, 3:30, or 4:00.
Important Upcoming Dates:
September 26th: LDC begins 8am-9am: Students will meet in LDC in the morning
September 29th: School Holiday
October 4: PTO Meeting
October 11th: Class Party
October 12th: Early Dismissal, 12:30
October 22nd: Spooky Spaghetti 4-8pm
November 1st: PTO Meeting 6:30
November 4th: Dad’s Club Campout
November 9th: Early Dismissal, 12:30
November 10th: Tentative Date for Field Trip to Glassel/Sculpture Garden
November 16th: Student Led Conferences 3:00 – 4:30pm
November 19th: Twain Soccer Tournament 1-5pm
November 23-25: Thanksgiving Holiday
As always, thank you for your continued support!
Rebecca Zirczy
Thursday, September 1, 2011
A Great Start!
Dear Parents,
What a wonderful start to the school year we have had! Your children came into the classroom energetic, enthusiastic, and excited about learning. I have really been enjoying my time with them. I just wanted to send out a few explanations of procedures and daily happenings. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to e-mail me at rzirczy@houstonisd.org.
Daily Schedule: I placed a schedule in the packet that was sent home the first day. I am also going to post our daily schedule here so you can access it at your convenience. At any time you can return to the blog and look over past posts.
Mrs. Zirczy’s Daily Schedule 2011 - 2012
8:00 – 8:15 Announcements
8:15 – 8:30 Morning Work
8:15 – 9:50 Reading/Writing/Language Arts
9:55 – 10:40 Ancillary
10:40 – 10:55 Restroom Break and Snack Time
10:55 – 12:15 Math
12:18 – 12:48 Lunch
12:48 – 1:18 Recess/ Restroom Break
1:18 – 2:50 Inquiry
2:50 – 3:00 Pack Up/Dismissal
*GT – Friday Mornings 8:30 – 9:50 and 10:55 – 11:30
Mornings: It would help me tremendously if the students were in the classroom by 8:00 each day. We try and hit the ground running as the mornings seem to be our most productive time. The students come in each day, show me their agendas and get started on their morning work.
Agendas: Every day when the students come in I have a homework reminder and sometimes an announcement written on the board that they are supposed to copy into their agendas. I ask that you look at their agendas each night, make sure they have copied what they did for homework that evening into their agendas, and sign the agenda for that day. That helps me know that you are getting information from the classroom. I hold the students accountable for their agendas. It is their responsibility to ask you to sign their agendas each day.
Homework: Students will have homework Monday-Thursday. They may occasionally have weekend homework from LDC, if they were absent, if they have unfinished work, or if we are working on a project. I send homework for the week on Monday. The daily homework assignments include spelling, reading/writing, and math. The students are not required to do homework each night, but they must have all of the #1 assignments completed and turned in by Friday. If they choose to do assignments that are labeled #2 or #3 they will receive extra tickets as a reward for doing extra work. I encourage all students to work toward doing at least a few #2s and #3s a week. I collect homework packets on Fridays. Students may turn in packets early if they are finished. Spelling words will be typed on the packet. I know this is a confusing system at first, but I like that the students have to make choices each day about what they will work on and plan for the rest of the week. I also understand that your children have lots of after school activities, so I hope this helps by alleviated homework stress on their busiest days.
Snacks: I allow students to bring a healthy snack to school each day. We have our snack following ancillary. Please do not feel obligated to send a snack for your child, but if you would like to that would be fine. I have told the students no sweets or chips to try and set a good example. Snack time usually last 5-10 minutes.
Birthdays: Please feel free to send treats on your child’s birthday or half birthday (for those who have birthdays in the summer). You may send them with your child in the morning, bring them by school and leave them in the office, or bring them around 12:45 and meet us for recess. We have to eat sweet treats after lunch, so we usually take them out to recess with us. There are 21 students in the classroom at this time.
Open House: Open House will be on September 13th. The fourth grade portion starts at 7:00. I will be in my room at 7:00 to give you a brief overview of what the year will look like and also review daily procedures, etc. There will be ancillary and GT teachers giving presentations from 6:30 – 7:00 as well.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Labor Day – September 5th, No School
Open House – September 13th, 7:00pm
International Pot Luck – September 19th, 5:30pm
Fall Holiday – September 29th, No School
LDC – September 26th - October 7th, 8-9am each day
Early Dismissal - October 12th, 12:30
October 22nd - Spooky Spaghetti, 4-8pm
I am sure that you have many more questions that I have not answered, so again feel free to stop by the classroom or e-mail me at any time. I am available before school, after school (except Wed.), and during ancillary (except Thurs.). Please let me know if you are planning to stop by so that I make sure that I am in my room and not lost somewhere in the copy room J
Thank you for your support and for sharing your wonderful children with me each day!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Zirczy
What a wonderful start to the school year we have had! Your children came into the classroom energetic, enthusiastic, and excited about learning. I have really been enjoying my time with them. I just wanted to send out a few explanations of procedures and daily happenings. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to e-mail me at rzirczy@houstonisd.org.
Daily Schedule: I placed a schedule in the packet that was sent home the first day. I am also going to post our daily schedule here so you can access it at your convenience. At any time you can return to the blog and look over past posts.
Mrs. Zirczy’s Daily Schedule 2011 - 2012
8:00 – 8:15 Announcements
8:15 – 8:30 Morning Work
8:15 – 9:50 Reading/Writing/Language Arts
9:55 – 10:40 Ancillary
10:40 – 10:55 Restroom Break and Snack Time
10:55 – 12:15 Math
12:18 – 12:48 Lunch
12:48 – 1:18 Recess/ Restroom Break
1:18 – 2:50 Inquiry
2:50 – 3:00 Pack Up/Dismissal
*GT – Friday Mornings 8:30 – 9:50 and 10:55 – 11:30
Mornings: It would help me tremendously if the students were in the classroom by 8:00 each day. We try and hit the ground running as the mornings seem to be our most productive time. The students come in each day, show me their agendas and get started on their morning work.
Agendas: Every day when the students come in I have a homework reminder and sometimes an announcement written on the board that they are supposed to copy into their agendas. I ask that you look at their agendas each night, make sure they have copied what they did for homework that evening into their agendas, and sign the agenda for that day. That helps me know that you are getting information from the classroom. I hold the students accountable for their agendas. It is their responsibility to ask you to sign their agendas each day.
Homework: Students will have homework Monday-Thursday. They may occasionally have weekend homework from LDC, if they were absent, if they have unfinished work, or if we are working on a project. I send homework for the week on Monday. The daily homework assignments include spelling, reading/writing, and math. The students are not required to do homework each night, but they must have all of the #1 assignments completed and turned in by Friday. If they choose to do assignments that are labeled #2 or #3 they will receive extra tickets as a reward for doing extra work. I encourage all students to work toward doing at least a few #2s and #3s a week. I collect homework packets on Fridays. Students may turn in packets early if they are finished. Spelling words will be typed on the packet. I know this is a confusing system at first, but I like that the students have to make choices each day about what they will work on and plan for the rest of the week. I also understand that your children have lots of after school activities, so I hope this helps by alleviated homework stress on their busiest days.
Snacks: I allow students to bring a healthy snack to school each day. We have our snack following ancillary. Please do not feel obligated to send a snack for your child, but if you would like to that would be fine. I have told the students no sweets or chips to try and set a good example. Snack time usually last 5-10 minutes.
Birthdays: Please feel free to send treats on your child’s birthday or half birthday (for those who have birthdays in the summer). You may send them with your child in the morning, bring them by school and leave them in the office, or bring them around 12:45 and meet us for recess. We have to eat sweet treats after lunch, so we usually take them out to recess with us. There are 21 students in the classroom at this time.
Open House: Open House will be on September 13th. The fourth grade portion starts at 7:00. I will be in my room at 7:00 to give you a brief overview of what the year will look like and also review daily procedures, etc. There will be ancillary and GT teachers giving presentations from 6:30 – 7:00 as well.
Important Upcoming Dates:
Labor Day – September 5th, No School
Open House – September 13th, 7:00pm
International Pot Luck – September 19th, 5:30pm
Fall Holiday – September 29th, No School
LDC – September 26th - October 7th, 8-9am each day
Early Dismissal - October 12th, 12:30
October 22nd - Spooky Spaghetti, 4-8pm
I am sure that you have many more questions that I have not answered, so again feel free to stop by the classroom or e-mail me at any time. I am available before school, after school (except Wed.), and during ancillary (except Thurs.). Please let me know if you are planning to stop by so that I make sure that I am in my room and not lost somewhere in the copy room J
Thank you for your support and for sharing your wonderful children with me each day!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Zirczy
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Welcome to Fourth Grade!
Dear Parents,
I will be using this blog to relay information to you on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. I will have students write in their agendas "blog updated" when I update. This is a read only blog, but please feel free to e-mail me at rzirczy@houstonisd.org.
I am attaching the letter that will go home with the student's on the first day just in case you need to refer back to it at any time. I am extremely excited about the new school year and hope that my excitement will rub off on the kids.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Zirczy
Parent Letter:
August 22, 2011
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to a new school year! I am very excited about working with your children and know that we will have fun learning together each day!
There are a few items that may help students with organization that were not on the school supply list. These are only suggestions and not required. The first is a three ring binder that has a soft cover that zips closed. In the fourth grade we work on teaching organizational skills and this binder is a great tool for that. Students will put their agenda, informational sheets, homework, etc. in this binder. Any binder will do, but the zipper binders are much more durable and have space for students to put their folders, etc.
Another item I recommend is a flash drive of any kind. We do a great deal of power points, research projects, etc. where this will come in handy. We will not be using them for a few more weeks, but if you have one on hand you might want to set it aside for classroom use. It is not necessary that they bring one to class at this time. I will let students know when they need to bring the flash drives to class. Again, this is only a recommendation.
There will be several forms coming home on the first day. I know this is a very busy week, so if you could return them by Friday that would be wonderful. There is a parent survey and information sheet coming home specifically from me as well as the regular first day packet.
We will not have spelling words the first week of school but will have light homework assignments. These assignments will be written in the student's agendas each day. Please sign the agenda nightly so I will know that you have received the day’s homework and announcements.
I use a blog to post announcements, general info, upcoming items students may need, and upcoming events. Please check posts weekly or bi-weekly at www.zirczysclass@blogpot.com. You can also e-mail me any time at rzirczy@houstonisd.org with any questions or concerns.
I cannot tell you how blessed I feel to be beginning my fourth year at Mark Twain. The families and faculty at Mark Twain make my job a joy. I truly appreciate the support and kindness I feel every day.
I look forward to the 2010-2011 school year and working with you and your children!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Zirczy
I will be using this blog to relay information to you on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. I will have students write in their agendas "blog updated" when I update. This is a read only blog, but please feel free to e-mail me at rzirczy@houstonisd.org.
I am attaching the letter that will go home with the student's on the first day just in case you need to refer back to it at any time. I am extremely excited about the new school year and hope that my excitement will rub off on the kids.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Zirczy
Parent Letter:
August 22, 2011
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to a new school year! I am very excited about working with your children and know that we will have fun learning together each day!
There are a few items that may help students with organization that were not on the school supply list. These are only suggestions and not required. The first is a three ring binder that has a soft cover that zips closed. In the fourth grade we work on teaching organizational skills and this binder is a great tool for that. Students will put their agenda, informational sheets, homework, etc. in this binder. Any binder will do, but the zipper binders are much more durable and have space for students to put their folders, etc.
Another item I recommend is a flash drive of any kind. We do a great deal of power points, research projects, etc. where this will come in handy. We will not be using them for a few more weeks, but if you have one on hand you might want to set it aside for classroom use. It is not necessary that they bring one to class at this time. I will let students know when they need to bring the flash drives to class. Again, this is only a recommendation.
There will be several forms coming home on the first day. I know this is a very busy week, so if you could return them by Friday that would be wonderful. There is a parent survey and information sheet coming home specifically from me as well as the regular first day packet.
We will not have spelling words the first week of school but will have light homework assignments. These assignments will be written in the student's agendas each day. Please sign the agenda nightly so I will know that you have received the day’s homework and announcements.
I use a blog to post announcements, general info, upcoming items students may need, and upcoming events. Please check posts weekly or bi-weekly at www.zirczysclass@blogpot.com. You can also e-mail me any time at rzirczy@houstonisd.org with any questions or concerns.
I cannot tell you how blessed I feel to be beginning my fourth year at Mark Twain. The families and faculty at Mark Twain make my job a joy. I truly appreciate the support and kindness I feel every day.
I look forward to the 2010-2011 school year and working with you and your children!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Zirczy
Thursday, March 3, 2011
One down, two to go!! :)
Dear Parents,
I want to thank you all for your kind words and thoughts while I was sick last week. I tried to come back to work on Thursday and made it through the day, but just wasn’t ready yet. However, I am feeling much better now and am very excited to be back in the classroom.
The students worked very hard on Tuesday and now we have one TAKS test behind us!! I hope that the week free from tutorials and homework did not throw you for a loop. I felt that the students needed a break after the intense preparation for the Writing TAKS test. We will now be focusing on preparing for the reading and math tests which are on April 26th and 27th.
Another important upcoming date in March 11th! Field Day! The fourth grade is responsible for running the events for the younger students as well as organizing overall procedures for the day. We will be in charge of the snack valet in the cafeteria. This is just an area where parents can drop off any drinks or snacks until the students are ready to enjoy them. To raise some money for the winning classes to donate to a charity of their choice we will be holding a healthy bake sale. Ms. Clayton’s class is in charge of selling the goods but I would like for my class to pass out some healthy recipe ideas next week. If you have a favorite recipe or healthy baking tips please share these with your children. For the next two weeks we will be focused on getting ready for our field day responsibilities.
When we return from Spring Break we will be going to LDC for two weeks. Mrs. Gee and I will be reading about and studying the Dust Bowl with the students using Cobblestone magazine. This will give us a jump start into our next planner which focuses on processes that create soil, natural and human forces that alter soil, and the consequences of human activity on our environment. This planner will also give us a lot of wonderful opportunities to work in the garden! We already have plans to work with Mrs. Rawson’s class to help plant a butterfly garden in a special place in Huckleberry Park.
Unfortunately it is almost time for Scarlet to return to Mr. Bonn’s class for the remainder of the year. However, I am looking for a babysitter for Spring Break. If you are not going out of town, would be willing to take on a very well behaved bearded dragon, and have a vehicle large enough to transport her palace please let me know! I will be traveling during part of Spring Break and Scarlet really needs daily care. Her daily care just includes fresh water and fresh veggies. She gets about 24 crickets a week or 15 -20 super worms per week. The most challenging thing is transporting her dwelling.
I apologize that I have fallen behind on the conduct charts. You will get updated charts this Tuesday. Two Tuesdays ago I was home sick, the next Tuesday was the writing test and it really just slipped my mind! I promise to be more diligent! Thank you for your understanding.
Here are some important upcoming dates:
Field Day: March 11th
Spring Break: March 14th – March 18th
April 22nd: Spring Holiday – No School
April 26th: Math TAKS
April 27th: Reading TAKS
May 9th – May 13th: Stanford Testing
May 17th or 18th: Field Trip to Galveston
May 23rd: Field Trip to San Jacinto Monument
May 30th: Memorial Day -School Holiday
May 31st: Awards Ceremony
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. As always, I greatly appreciate all of your support!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Zirczy
I want to thank you all for your kind words and thoughts while I was sick last week. I tried to come back to work on Thursday and made it through the day, but just wasn’t ready yet. However, I am feeling much better now and am very excited to be back in the classroom.
The students worked very hard on Tuesday and now we have one TAKS test behind us!! I hope that the week free from tutorials and homework did not throw you for a loop. I felt that the students needed a break after the intense preparation for the Writing TAKS test. We will now be focusing on preparing for the reading and math tests which are on April 26th and 27th.
Another important upcoming date in March 11th! Field Day! The fourth grade is responsible for running the events for the younger students as well as organizing overall procedures for the day. We will be in charge of the snack valet in the cafeteria. This is just an area where parents can drop off any drinks or snacks until the students are ready to enjoy them. To raise some money for the winning classes to donate to a charity of their choice we will be holding a healthy bake sale. Ms. Clayton’s class is in charge of selling the goods but I would like for my class to pass out some healthy recipe ideas next week. If you have a favorite recipe or healthy baking tips please share these with your children. For the next two weeks we will be focused on getting ready for our field day responsibilities.
When we return from Spring Break we will be going to LDC for two weeks. Mrs. Gee and I will be reading about and studying the Dust Bowl with the students using Cobblestone magazine. This will give us a jump start into our next planner which focuses on processes that create soil, natural and human forces that alter soil, and the consequences of human activity on our environment. This planner will also give us a lot of wonderful opportunities to work in the garden! We already have plans to work with Mrs. Rawson’s class to help plant a butterfly garden in a special place in Huckleberry Park.
Unfortunately it is almost time for Scarlet to return to Mr. Bonn’s class for the remainder of the year. However, I am looking for a babysitter for Spring Break. If you are not going out of town, would be willing to take on a very well behaved bearded dragon, and have a vehicle large enough to transport her palace please let me know! I will be traveling during part of Spring Break and Scarlet really needs daily care. Her daily care just includes fresh water and fresh veggies. She gets about 24 crickets a week or 15 -20 super worms per week. The most challenging thing is transporting her dwelling.
I apologize that I have fallen behind on the conduct charts. You will get updated charts this Tuesday. Two Tuesdays ago I was home sick, the next Tuesday was the writing test and it really just slipped my mind! I promise to be more diligent! Thank you for your understanding.
Here are some important upcoming dates:
Field Day: March 11th
Spring Break: March 14th – March 18th
April 22nd: Spring Holiday – No School
April 26th: Math TAKS
April 27th: Reading TAKS
May 9th – May 13th: Stanford Testing
May 17th or 18th: Field Trip to Galveston
May 23rd: Field Trip to San Jacinto Monument
May 30th: Memorial Day -School Holiday
May 31st: Awards Ceremony
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. As always, I greatly appreciate all of your support!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Zirczy
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Happy New Year!
Dear Parents,
Happy New Year! Thank you for all of your generous gifts and kind words during the holiday season! I feel blessed to work with such wonderful children and their families!
We are starting our systems planner. This is the planner in which the fourth grade gets to plan field day! We will be starting early this year with preparations. However, to start off the planner we are looking at the many systems in our lives: government, electricity and many more. Students will be starting a research project about a system of their choice in the coming weeks. This should prove fun and informative for all.
Writing is definitely a focus for the next two months as the writing TAKS test quickly approaches. The TAKS test has a revising and editing multiple choice section and the students are required to write a two page narrative. You may hear moans and groans about the amount of writing we are doing in class, but with writing it takes a lot of practice, and it is a long process. The fourth grade teachers pull out all of the stops to keep it fun and exciting as writing should be. We will continue to focus on writing in LDC from January 18th - 28th. You may also see revising and editing homework, and may be asked to read pieces that your child has written (rough drafts) and give them compliments and suggestions to take back to class.
In math we are finishing up our Unit on decimals with a test on Friday. We will be discussing measurement briefly and then jumping right into more difficult multiplication followed by fractions. I hope that you received the copy of the Math Benchmark from your child. Once you have had a chance to look over this with them please sign the front page and return it to me.
We continue to work on a variety of reading skills and will most likely start another novel following our time in LDC. Please encourage your child to read a minimum of 20 minutes a night. The reading TAKS test is very long and they need to be working on their fluency and stamina, as well as developing a love of reading!
Tutorials will begin again next week. I will be holding math tutorials on Tuesdays and writing/reading tutorials on Thursdays. Some students will also be attending writing tutorials with Mrs. Gee. If I feel that your child is in need of tutorials at this time you should have received a permission slip in the Tuesday folder yesterday. As the year continues if you or I feel that other students are in need of tutorials at any time I can add students as needed.
I am available for parent conferences from 1:30 - 3:30 this Friday (Jan.7th). If you would like to meet with me please sign up on the sign-up sheet outside my door, stop by and talk to me, or send me an e-mail. I would be more than willing to schedule a conference at another time if you are not available this Friday.
We are in need of a few items for the classroom:
Happy New Year! Thank you for all of your generous gifts and kind words during the holiday season! I feel blessed to work with such wonderful children and their families!
We are starting our systems planner. This is the planner in which the fourth grade gets to plan field day! We will be starting early this year with preparations. However, to start off the planner we are looking at the many systems in our lives: government, electricity and many more. Students will be starting a research project about a system of their choice in the coming weeks. This should prove fun and informative for all.
Writing is definitely a focus for the next two months as the writing TAKS test quickly approaches. The TAKS test has a revising and editing multiple choice section and the students are required to write a two page narrative. You may hear moans and groans about the amount of writing we are doing in class, but with writing it takes a lot of practice, and it is a long process. The fourth grade teachers pull out all of the stops to keep it fun and exciting as writing should be. We will continue to focus on writing in LDC from January 18th - 28th. You may also see revising and editing homework, and may be asked to read pieces that your child has written (rough drafts) and give them compliments and suggestions to take back to class.
In math we are finishing up our Unit on decimals with a test on Friday. We will be discussing measurement briefly and then jumping right into more difficult multiplication followed by fractions. I hope that you received the copy of the Math Benchmark from your child. Once you have had a chance to look over this with them please sign the front page and return it to me.
We continue to work on a variety of reading skills and will most likely start another novel following our time in LDC. Please encourage your child to read a minimum of 20 minutes a night. The reading TAKS test is very long and they need to be working on their fluency and stamina, as well as developing a love of reading!
Tutorials will begin again next week. I will be holding math tutorials on Tuesdays and writing/reading tutorials on Thursdays. Some students will also be attending writing tutorials with Mrs. Gee. If I feel that your child is in need of tutorials at this time you should have received a permission slip in the Tuesday folder yesterday. As the year continues if you or I feel that other students are in need of tutorials at any time I can add students as needed.
I am available for parent conferences from 1:30 - 3:30 this Friday (Jan.7th). If you would like to meet with me please sign up on the sign-up sheet outside my door, stop by and talk to me, or send me an e-mail. I would be more than willing to schedule a conference at another time if you are not available this Friday.
We are in need of a few items for the classroom:
1) Kleenex, any size or kind
2) skinny sharpie markers, ours are drying up one after another :)
3) standard size post-its, any size, shape, or color
4) a stapler, we only have one left and it is hanging on by a thread!!
5) clip magnets, the kind that can hold a piece of paper and are also magnetic
Thank you!!
Here are some important upcoming dates:
Parent Teacher Conferences: January 7th 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Bingo Night: January 7th 6 – 7:30 PM
Spelling Bee: January 11th 1:30 PM
MLK Day, No School: January 17th
February 11th: Huckleberry Bash
February 26th: International Festival 1-4 PM
Writing TAKS test: March 1st
Spring Holiday: April 22nd
Math TAKS test: April 26th
Reading TAKS test: April 27th
Field Day: March 11th
Spring Break: March 14th – 18th
Memorial Day, No School: May 30th
Stanford Testing: May 9-16
As always, thank you for your continued support. Please feel free to e-mail or stop by with any questions or concerns. It is truly a privilege to work with your children!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Zirczy
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Upcoming Events, Academics, and a Thank you!
Dear Parents,
Here are some important upcoming dates:
October 22nd: Early Dismissal, I will be available for parent conferences from 1:30 - 3:30 on Friday. Please e-mail me if you would like to set up a conference on that day. Of course, if you are not able to come by on Friday, I would be more than willing to meet with you on another day.
October 22nd: Please look for report cards on Friday. Return signed report cards as soon as possible and I will provide a copy for you. Please e-mail me with any questions or concerns.
October 23rd: Spooky Spaghetti 4 - 8pm
October 29th: The students filled their cotton ball jar!! They voted to have a P.J. day and watch an educational video. We will be doing this on October 29th.
November 9th: We will be going on a field trip to Wortham Theater to see a matinee of Madame Butterfly. You will be receiving a permission slip in Tuesday folders closer to the field trip date. From what I have heard there will be no charge for this field trip.
What we are working on in the classroom:
Here are some important upcoming dates:
October 22nd: Early Dismissal, I will be available for parent conferences from 1:30 - 3:30 on Friday. Please e-mail me if you would like to set up a conference on that day. Of course, if you are not able to come by on Friday, I would be more than willing to meet with you on another day.
October 22nd: Please look for report cards on Friday. Return signed report cards as soon as possible and I will provide a copy for you. Please e-mail me with any questions or concerns.
October 23rd: Spooky Spaghetti 4 - 8pm
October 29th: The students filled their cotton ball jar!! They voted to have a P.J. day and watch an educational video. We will be doing this on October 29th.
November 9th: We will be going on a field trip to Wortham Theater to see a matinee of Madame Butterfly. You will be receiving a permission slip in Tuesday folders closer to the field trip date. From what I have heard there will be no charge for this field trip.
What we are working on in the classroom:
- Math: We will start learning about multiplication very soon. In class, we have already started taking 3 minute multiplication quizzes and graphing the student's progress in class. These quizzes are not graded, but are designed to encourage students to memorize their multiplication facts. It would be wonderful if students could practice multiplication facts (1-12) for 5 to 10 minutes a day. If students memorize their multiplication facts more complex multiplication (2 and 3 digit) and division will be so much simpler.
- LDC will end this week. We have been working on writing tools and the students have been doing a wonderful job of trying new "tools" in their writing. Starting next week we will begin a novel and continue working on writing, revising and editing, and reading skills. Students should be reading 20 minutes or more each evening. Reading log assignments may change next week to incorporate our novel.
- Planner: Our current planner is a study of resources and how adaptations and environment produce a communities’ culture. We will be starting a research project this week in which students will work in groups of 2 or 3. They will be studying a region of Texas, Central America, Peru, or Mexico and a Native group that lived/lives in that region. The final product will be a PPT and a map. I will be giving students at least two weeks to work on this project in class, not counting this week. I want students working on this project primarily at school. If the due date is approaching and students are behind I may then allow them to work on their project at home. If students have a flash drive they should start bringing it to class next week.
- Please check students agendas daily. They should be writing their homework in their agenda each day and asking you to sign it.
- If you could send Tuesday folder graded papers and conduct charts back on Wednesday that would be wonderful. If you would like me to make a copy of any assignment for you for further review please write me a quick note and I will be more than happy to make those copies for you.
- Picture day was Monday, I believe there will be an opportunity for you to buy photos upon their return. I will keep you updated on that.
THANK YOU!
I would like to say a big Thank You to all of my students and their parents for a wonderful birthday!! I had every intention of writing individual thank you notes, but the weeks have slipped by and the stationary is still riding around in my purse blank :(. I truly had a special day thanks to all of the sweet notes, cards, sweets, gifts, and songs! I am pretty sure the students sang Happy Birthday to me at least 25 times :) Thank you for making my day so special!
I appreciate all of your support!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Zirczy
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