Weekly News April 29th

Benson/Cave News

News from the 4th Grade

April 29, 2016

Math News

We are done with fractions!  We are now moving on to a week of review.  Next week, we will be reviewing concepts from the beginning of the year.  The Math portion of the SC Ready test will be on Thursday of next week.  After testing, we will move on to topic 15 in our math books--Step up to 5th and give everyone a preview of 5th grade math.  We will be doing a lot more ALEKS over the next few weeks also so that everyone is ready for 5th grade.

Don’t forget our new website that helps your child prepare for their standardized tests.  It is:  education galaxy.  Your child can access it through my symbaloo page.  The username for most of them is their first initial and last name.  (ex.  sbenson)  Some had to have a number added if there was another user with the same name.  The students know what their username is.  The password is:  benson  

Don’t forget that you can access your child’s text book at www.pearsonsuccessnet.com  Their username is their school number id and the password is richland2.   

Zearn username:  student number   Zearn password:  benson

Aleks username:  (ask your child)  Aleks password:  aleksmat

Science News

We candled the eggs this week and I feel pretty certain that we should have at least 6 chicks hatch.  We will candle them again next week to double check.  Everyone is very excited and check on them often.

We have had fun with electricity this week!  We created series circuits and made light bulbs glow.  We will continue to explore circuits next week and also learn a little about magnetism.  

Language Arts News

In ELA this week we are reading “Two Harriets:  Heroines of the Civil War.” This week student will also be taking the ELA portion of the SC Ready test on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Make sure that your child is rested and in class on time each day. Remind your students to do their best. Because of our testing schedule, students will be allowed to complete their reading log in class on Monday, Tuesday and a new reading log will be given to students on Wednesday.

Social Studies News

This week we will also be learning  about the beginning of the Civil War and the first key battles of the war.  Brainpop will also be used for assessment of certain topics.  Student notebooks should be kept up to date with correct information that is written correctly (capitalization, spelling, punctuation).

Fourth Grade News

Standardized testing will be starting next week.  SC Ready will be administered May 3, 4, and 5 (This is the writing, Reading, and Math tests).  SC PASS will be administered May 17-18 (This is Social Studies and Science).  ALLof these tests will be completed using chromebooks in class.  

The BHE Spring Carnival will be on Friday, May 6th from 5-7pm.  The entrance fee is only $1 OR 1 canned food/toiletry item per person.

Minis for Mom will be on Friday, May 13th from 8:00am until 8:45am.  Please make sure to send in your RSVP by May 6th.

Ending Thoughts

You may email us anytime there is a concern.  Click on our name below for a direct link to our email.  

Thanks for sharing your children with us each day!

Mrs. Shannon Benson and Mrs. Janice Cave

Sparkleberry Fair is this weekend

Yearbooks are on sale!

Yearbooks are on sale!  You can send in your money to the office or even go on Parent Portal and purchase one for your student.  They will be coming in near the end of May.  

Weekly News--April 22nd

Benson/Cave News

News from the 4th Grade

April 22, 2016

Math News

We will have a test on Topic 13 on Friday of next week.  There will be no math homework the week of May 2nd due to standardized testing.  We will be using class time to prepare for the test.

Don’t forget our new website that helps your child prepare for their standardized tests.  It is:  education galaxy.  Your child can access it through my symbaloo page.  The username for most of them is their first initial and last name.  (ex.  sbenson)  Some had to have a number added if there was another user with the same name.  The students know what their username is.  The password is:  benson  

Don’t forget that you can access your child’s text book at www.pearsonsuccessnet.com  Their username is their school number id and the password is richland2.   

Zearn username:  student number   Zearn password:  benson

Aleks username:  (ask your child)  Aleks password:  aleksmat

Science News

This week we continued our study on electricity.  We also started incubating 12 eggs.  They should be hatching the 2nd week of May.  We’ll continue to update you with pictures on the blog over the next few weeks.

Language Arts News

Many students did a great job illustrating the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder based on the booklet about her life in our reading selection this week.  The captions that described the pictures were as good as their drawings.  This week we will read a “Uncle Romie,”  a historical fiction story in Treasures.  

A  new reading log will be given to students on Wednesday.  Please encourage your students to read at least 20 minutes daily and turn in the reading log on time to avoid 5 points deducted from their grade for each day that the reading log is late.

Social Studies News

Students did a great job comparing compromises and key events that affected slavery and adding new territories to the United States in the mid 1800’s.  Next week there will be a quiz on these events based on student’s notebooks and Week 25 of Social Studies Weekly. Next week we will also begin to learn about the beginning of the Civil War.  Brainpop will also used for assessment of certain topics.  Student notebooks should be kept up to date with correct information that is written correctly(capitalization, spelling, punctuation).

Fourth Grade News

We are using many computer programs in which the students need to be able to listen to what is said on the videos.  It is critical that each student have a set of working headphones or earbuds so that the computer volume does not disrupt the class.  PLEASE, PLEASE!  We need your child to have headphones or earbuds in class everyday. They have them at the Good Dollar next to the IGA for $2.  

If you haven’t returned your Spring Pictures that were due today, please make sure to return them ASAP.  Thanks!

Friday, April 29th is an early dismissal day.  School will be dismissed at 11:30am.  Please make sure to let us know if there are any changes in transportation.

Standardized testing will be starting the first week of May.  SC Ready will be administered May 3, 4, and 5.  SC PASS will be administered May 17-18.  Both of these tests will be completed using chromebooks in class.  More information will come home soon.

The BHE Spring Carnival will be on Friday, May 6th from 5-7pm.  The entrance fee is only $1 OR 1 canned food/toiletry item per person.

Minis for Mom will be on Friday, May 13th from 8:00am until 8:45am.  Please make sure to send in your RSVP by May 6th.

Ending Thoughts

You may email us anytime there is a concern.  Click on our name below for a direct link to our email.  

Thanks for sharing your children with us each day!

Mrs. Shannon Benson and Mrs. Janice Cave

Spring Carnival

Weekly News--April 15th

Benson/Cave News

News from the 4th Grade

April 15, 2016

Math News

We have started our last topic on Fractions--Topic 13.  We will be converting fractions into decimals and ordering decimals.  We should be testing on Topic 13 the last week of April.  

We discovered another website this week that will help your child prepare for their standardized tests.  It is:  education galaxy.  Your child can access it through my symbaloo page.  The username for most of them is their first initial and last name.  (ex.  sbenson)  Some had to have a number added if there was another user with the same name.  The students know what their username is.  The password is:  benson  

Don’t forget that you can access your child’s text book at www.pearsonsuccessnet.com  Their username is their school number id and the password is richland2.   

Zearn username:  student number   Zearn password:  benson

Aleks username:  (ask your child)  Aleks password:  aleksmat

Science News

Next week we will be talking about electricity and even making a little bit of static electricity with balloons.  We took part of our light quiz today and another part will come Monday.  We also reviewed our words through a fun site called “quizlet” and everyone competed in random groups to see who knew their words the best.  We will be using this site a lot over the next few weeks as we start reviewing for the standardized tests.

Language Arts News

On Thursday, we  began reading a biography titled “Laura Ingalls Wilder:  A Pioneer’s Life”.  Students will use a sequence chart to summarize the text and they were given a choice for the type sequence chart.  They could either  create four pictures with captions or complete a nine frame sequence chart.  There will be a test on this story on Wednesday or Thursday.  Students are encouraged to use their reading story when taking a test.  They earn 1 point extra credit on each question if they write the page number by the answer (Unless the question relates to vocabulary) on the test.  Please encourage your child to take advantage of this extra credit opportunity.

Students are also writing in class about their favorite way to travel.  Writing assignments are usually completed as classwork in a writing notebook to show the steps students are taking to complete a writing assignment.

A  new reading log will be given to students on Wednesday.  Please encourage your students to read at least 20 minutes daily and turn in the reading log on time to avoid 5 points deducted from their grade for each day that the reading log is late.

Social Studies News

As we continue to move west in Social Studies, students will learn more about the economy of the north and south, as well as the impact of slavery on deciding whether a new state would be a slave state or free state. We will examine some key events that happened and eventually led up to the beginning of the Civil War such as the Missouri Compromise, Compromise of 1850, Kansas Nebraska Act and the Dred Scott decision using the textbook, social studies weekly and other resources.  Brainpop will also used for assessment of certain topics.

Student notebooks should be kept up to date with correct information that is written correctly(capitalization, spelling, punctuation).

Fourth Grade News

We are using many computer programs in which the students need to be able to listen to what is said on the videos.  It is critical that each student have a set of working headphones or earbuds so that the computer volume does not disrupt the class.  PLEASE, PLEASE!  We need your child to have headphones or earbuds in class everyday. They have them at the Good Dollar next to the IGA for $2.  

Spring Pictures went home last week.  Please send any unwanted pictures back to school by Friday, April 22nd.  

The next Spirit Day and Spirit Store will be on Friday, April 22nd.

Standardized testing will be starting the first week of May.  SC Ready will be administered May 3, 4, and 5.  SC PASS will be administered May 17-18.  Both of these tests will be completed using chromebooks in class.  More information will come home soon.

Ending Thoughts

You may email us anytime there is a concern.  Click on our name below for a direct link to our email.  

Thanks for sharing your children with us each day!

Mrs. Shannon Benson and Mrs. Janice Cave

More Field Day Fun

Weekly News April 8th

Benson/Cave News

News from the 4th Grade

April 8, 2016

Math News

We will continue with fractions next week.  We will be finishing up Topic 12 and most likely taking a test on Thursday.  

Don’t forget that you can access your child’s text book at www.pearsonsuccessnet.com  Their username is their school number id and the password is richland2.   

Zearn username:  student number   Zearn password:  benson

Aleks username:  (ask your child)  Aleks password:  aleksmat

Science News

We began our discussion on light this week.  We will talk a little more on light next week and take a quiz on Thursday.  This quiz will cover the material we have read in class.  Notes will be in their notebook so that they can study for the quiz.

Language Arts News

In ELA, we will be reading “The Gold Rush Game” in Treasures which goes along with our social studies unit since we are studying Westward Expansion.  The skills that we will focus on are story structure and cause/effect.

A  new reading log will be given to students on Wednesday.  Please encourage your students to read at least 20 minutes daily.

Social Studies News

In Social Studies this week we are studying Westward Expansion.  We will focus on how the United States gained “Manifest Destiny by acquiring lands to the west.  Students will also about the impact of slavery on deciding whether a new state would be a slave state or free state.

Fourth Grade News

We are using many computer programs in which the students need to be able to listen to what is said on the videos.  It is critical that each student have a set of working headphones or earbuds so that the computer volume does not disrupt the class.  PLEASE, PLEASE!  We need your child to have headphones or earbuds in class everyday. They have them at the Good Dollar next to the IGA for $2.  

Wednesday, April 13th is the day to pick up any fundraiser items.  This is the only day to pick up the items.  You may pick them up from 2-5:30pm in the gym.

Purple Up for the Military---We invite all to dress in something purple on Friday, April 15th to support our many BHE students who have parents who serve in the military.

Spring Pictures went home yesterday.  Please send any unwanted pictures back to school by Friday, April 22nd.  

The next Spirit Day and Spirit Store will be on Friday, April 22nd.

Standardized testing will be starting the first week of May.  SC Ready will be administered May 3, 4, and 5.  SC PASS will be administered May 17-18.  Both of these tests will be completed using chromebooks in class.  More information will come home soon.

Ending Thoughts

You may email us anytime there is a concern.  Click on our name below for a direct link to our email.  

Thanks for sharing your children with us each day!

Mrs. Shannon Benson and Mrs. Janice Cave

Mrs. Benson's Field Day Fun

We had a blast at Field Day today!!

Report Card Rewards

Now that report cards are out, what can you do with those grades?  How can you reward your child for their great grades?  Here are a few ideas.  (Remember to always check with the retail store to see if they offer these rewards.)

Rewards for Good Grades

Krispy Kreme

Kids get one free donut for every "A" on their report card up to 6 A's at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Program is for children up to the sixth grade.

McDonald’s

Kids in K to 5th grade who have straight A's can receive a free happy meal. Kids in 6th to 12th grade who have straight A's will receive a value meal.  This may vary by location so call ahead first!

Pizza Hut

Any child who has 3 A's or the equivalent will receive one Personal Pan Pizza plus a small soft drink or carton of milk. Children need to present their report card to the manager and offer is good for Elementary and Middle School students only. Original report card must be presented, dine-in only, available at participating locations and good each marking period.

Wendy’s

Students who received A's and B's on their report card and bring it into Wendy's will receive a delicious reward.  Check with your local store.

Baskin Robbins

Free scoop of ice cream for A's and B's.

Chick-fil-A

Bring in your all A’s and B’s report card and receive a FREE 8 pack nuggets! Call ahead to your location to see if they are participating, as some locations only offer the program to schools and teachers.

Chuck E. Cheese

Chuck E. Cheese believes in the value of a good education. Have your child bring in their most recent report card and they will receive FREE tokens for good grades.

Cold Stone Creamery

Kids can earn free ice cream for good grades. Students must earn a straight-A report card. Kindergarten students up to fifth graders can participate.

Red Robin

Feast on a free kids' meal (ages 10 and under) or Monster Milkshake (11 and up) for academic achievement, acts of kindness or perfect attendance.

Justice Stores

Tween girl retail store Justice will give you $5 off your purchase. Bring in a good report card that's been issued within the past 30 days.

Melting Pot

Elementary and middle school age students can get a FREE Kid’s Fondue By You Entree when they bring in their report card showing off all A’s! Be sure to call first to make sure your local restaurant is participating!

Weekly News April 4th

Benson/Cave News

News from the 4th Grade

April 4, 2016

Math News

We are continuing with our Fraction unit with adding and subtracting fractions.  We will add and subtract fractions with like denominators and unlike denominators.  We will also work with mixed numbers.  Students are expected to have at least 5 topics mastered in ALEKS this week.  They are using their RTI time this week to work on ALEKS.  That is 30 minutes Monday through Friday.  Please encourage your child to get at least 10 topics so they can start the new nine weeks out with 5 extra points.

Don’t forget that you can access your child’s text book at www.pearsonsuccessnet.com  Their username is their school number id and the password is richland2.   

Zearn username:  student number   Zearn password:  benson

Aleks username:  (ask your child)  Aleks password:  aleksmat

Science News

We are beginning our last unit of study in science on light, electricity, and magnetism.  This will be a unit with a lot of hands on activities.  

Language Arts News

In ELA, we are creating a poetry booklet that students will use from time to time to identify different types of poetry and figurative language.  Since April is the beginning of Spring and baseball season, this week we will read a short story about the baseball.  Student will have the opportunity to reflect about the story in their online writing journal prior to a short quiz on Thursday.  A  new reading log will be given to students on Wednesday.  Please encourage your students to read at least 20 minutes daily.

Social Studies News

In Social Studies this week we are completing a unit of study on the beginning of the United States.  Students were given a study guide prior to Spring Break and notebooks for this unit were also checked and graded.  There will be a test on this unit based on the study guide, the notebook and class discussion on Wednesday.  Study guide will also be collected on Wednesday.

Fourth Grade News

We hope everyone had a great Spring Break!  Report cards will be coming home this Thursday, April 7th.

We are using many computer programs in which the students need to be able to listen to what is said on the videos.  It is critical that each student have a set of working headphones or earbuds so that the computer volume does not disrupt the class.  PLEASE, PLEASE!  We need your child to have headphones or earbuds in class everyday. They have them at the Good Dollar next to the IGA for $2.  

Field Day is going to be this Friday, April 8th.  If  you would like to volunteer, you may click on the link below to fill out a volunteer form.  They are looking for volunteers for the morning and afternoon.

Volunteer Form

Ending Thoughts

You may email us anytime there is a concern.  Click on our name below for a direct link to our email.  

Thanks for sharing your children with us each day!

Mrs. Shannon Benson and Mrs. Janice Cave