Success in the Savanna, 5/31

 Dear Parents:

                The class has officially been turned into Tuckahoe Town.  This week was the kick off to this culminating economics activity. The children have been quite excited to figure out what good or service they will provide, and whom they will work with.  Next week, a portion of our day will be dedicated to production of goods, creating advertising, setting prices and getting ready for the big sale day on June 14^th. 

                Our trip to the new Planetarium on Wednesday was wonderful.  The children enjoyed seeing the newly renovated space as well as viewing the new show “Tilt.”  Please remember that the Planetarium does offer shows for families throughout the year.  This may be a fun summer activity for you and your family.

                Next week we will continue our Health curriculum by discussing and learning about safety in and out of school, continuing our economics unit and we will use our math skills with some “shopping” activities, and learning about creating budgets.  The librarians from Westover Library will visit Tuckahoe to share information about the summer reading program with all the students.  On Friday, we will visit the 4^th Grade Colonial Fair.

                As we come to the last three weeks of school, I would like to once again ask for your additional help in making sure your child comes to school ready to learn.  There is a perception that once the SOL testing is over, and the pools open, that school is over.  We have three weeks remaining in our school calendar.  During this time we do have the opportunity to do a few fun special projects along with concluding our regular curriculum. The children and I have been talking about “finishing the year strong” and your help at home reinforcing this is most appreciated.

                I hope everyone has a nice weekend.

 Sincerely,

 Ms. Coffman

Dates to Remember

June 4- Book Swap and Ice Cream Social-7pm
June 11- Rising 4^th Grade Parent Orientation- 7pm
June 14^th- Tuckahoe Town/Class Picnic (Information to follow)
June 19^th- Early Release
June 21^st- Last Day of School- Early Release

SOL Testing Dates-

Tuesday, June 4- Reading- Part 1
Wednesday, June 5- Reading-Part 2

Success in Savanna, 5/24

Dear Parents:

            “Confident”, “Ready”, “Nervous but ok”, “Relaxed.”  These are some of the words that the children used to describe themselves moments before they began the Science SOL test Monday morning.  Their positive attitude helped as they followed all the testing protocol and finally got down to answering the actual questions.  All in all, everything went well on both the tests this week, and the children are to be commended for the job they did. With the first tests behind us I am confident that the children’s success will continue as they take the Math and Reading assessments during the next two weeks. 

            While we are coming to the final weeks of school, there is still much to be done.  Below are several important dates to place on your calendars.  I hope everyone enjoys the Memorial Day weekend.

Ms. Coffman J

                                               

Calendar of Events

May 27- Memorial Day- No School

May 30- Math-A-Thon Ends

June 4- Book Swap and Ice Cream Social-7pm

June 11- Rising 4^th Grade Parent Orientation- 7pm

June 16^th- Tuckahoe Town/Class Picnic (Information to follow)

SOL Testing Dates-

Thursday, May 30- Math

Tuesday, June 4- Reading- Part 1

Wednesday, June 5- Reading-Part 2

Success in Savanna, 5/17

Dear Parents:

            I would like to thank everyone again for all the lovely gifts I received last week.  The cards and letters were so sweet.  I also loved the many treats including cookies, chocolates, cake, coffee, and more.  I have such an amazing group of students and parents.  Thank you all – I could not feel more appreciated!

This week have been spent discussing geometry in Math, Government in Social Studies, Resources in Science, and making a book garden in Language Arts.  In addition we have spent time using the computers to practice SOL tests on the computers.  I can assure you that the kids are all ready to begin these assessments next week.  I have been asked what can be done this weekend to make sure the kids are ready for Monday.   Please make sure your child stays on as regular a schedule as possible.  This includes getting plenty of exercise, sleep and a good breakfast each morning.  We will begin testing at 9:15 am each testing day.  Please make sure your child is at school on time on these days.  We cannot allow a late child to enter the testing room once a test has started.  As I noted above, I am confident that all the kids are prepared and will do their best. 

            While the homework will be light next week please know that we are not done and students will be learning and working hard through the very last day of school.  I appreciate your continued support and reinforcement in encouraging them to keep up with their homework and school duties.  Certainly, there will be lots of fun coming up in the next month but we must not lose sight of our day-to-day responsibilities.   I am proud of them all and I have no doubt that we will end this year with enormous success!

Ms. Coffman

Calendar of Events

May 18 House and Garden Tour

May 20- Math-A-Thon Registration Ends

May 27- Memorial Day- No School

May 30- Math-A-Thon Ends

June 4- Book Swap and Ice Cream Social-7pm

June 11- Rising 4^th Grade Parent Orientation- 7pm

SOL Testing Dates-

Monday May 20- Science

Thursday May 23- Social Studies

Thursday May 30- Math

Tuesday June 4- Reading- Part 1

Wednesday June 5- Reading-Part 2

Geometry Vocabulary List

Geometry Vocabulary

Please review the spelling and meaning of all of these words.  They will be included in the geometry unit test on/about May 24^th.

Plane figure:  A figure that exists in one plane or is two-dimensional or flat.  A triangle and square are examples.

Quadrilateral:  A figure with four sides and four corners.

Line:  A collection of points along a straight path that goes on and on in opposite directions.  A line has NO endpoints.

Line segment:  A part of a line between two endpoints.

Ray:  A part of a line that has one endpoint and goes on and on in one direction.

Angle:  The intersection of two rays.

Right Angle:  The intersection of two rays, or angle, which forms a square corner or 90 degrees.

Congruent:  Figures that have the same shape and size.

Similar: Figures that have the same shape but differ in size.

Line of symmetry:  A line that divides any figure into matching parts.

Perimeter:  The distance around a figure.

Area:  The number of square units needed to cover a figure.

Volume:  The number of cubic units needed to fill a space figure.

Space figure:  A figure that exists in more than one plane or is three-dimensional.  A cube and sphere are examples.

Face:  The flat surfaces of shape figures.

Edge:  Line segments where 2 faces meet.

Corner:  The intersection of two line segments (for plane figures) or the intersection of three or more edges (for shape figures).

Interactive Math Review Site - FUN!

http://www.allenteachers.com/interactive/

Appreciation, May 8, 2013

Friday, May 10, 2013

Dear Parents and Students:

I want to thank all of you for making “Teacher Appreciation Week” such a special one.  I honestly feel that each day is a celebratory day so it’s a little silly to take extra days to honor our role as teachers.  However, I certainly won’t complain about all the treats and sweet notes that have been received this week.  You have made me feel like a million bucks (or priceless).  There has not been a day this year in which I have not wanted to come to work to share the day with each of you.  You make being a teacher a most rewarding career and one that I cherish.

Thank you again for all that you did this week and do every day.  Happy Mother’s day to all the beautiful moms in our community.  Even though I don’t officially qualify as a mother, I too like to feel the love and warmth that is passed along on this special weekend. 

Best wishes to all for a happy and healthy weekend!

Theresa Coffman

Tuckahoe ES

List of events:

TONIGHT - Basketball Game Tuckahoe vs Glebe
TOMORROW - Family Fitness Day
May 15- Volunteer Breakfast
May 18 House and Garden Tour
May 27- Memorial Day- No School

SOL Testing Dates-

Monday May 20- Science
Thursday May 23- Social Studies
Thursday May 30- Math
Tuesday June 4- Reading- Part 1
Wednesday June 5- Reading-Part 2

Va. Dept. of Education - Test Practice

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/practice_items/index.shtml

Success in the Savana, May 3

Dear Parents:

            We have had a good week.  Academically we concluded our unit on exploration and started learning new measurements in math (volume and weight).  We shared some science fun with Mrs. Strickland as the students learned about matter and the various changes that it can undergo.  In reading, we have selected literature circle books and are eagerly beginning those clubs in the classroom.  In writing, we are busy writers and editors finishing the second product of the last quarter – a piece related to our visit to the Imagination Stage last week.  Overall, it was another busy week with many successes.

As you know our SOL testing will begin in a couple of weeks.  The children have been working on review packets in class and computer practice will be provided as well.  So far the children have told me they are enjoying the practice and are pleased with their results.  If you have any further questions about these tests, please let me know.  Most review will be done in the classroom but some review will be sent home.  Thank you for your support in this effort. 

The coming weeks are full of various events.  Below are just a few to put on your calendar.

 May 10- Basketball Game Tuckahoe vs Glebe
May 11- Family Fitness Day
May 15- Volunteer Breakfast
May 18 House and Garden Tour
May 27- Memorial Day- No School

SOL Testing Dates-

Monday May 20- Science
Thursday May 23- Social Studies
Thursday May 30- Math
Tuesday June 4- Reading- Part 1
Wednesday June 5- Reading-Part 2

Thank you and have a great weekend!

Ms. Coffman