Weekly News--February 3rd

Benson/Cave News

News from the 4th Grade

February 3, 2017

Math News

We started our fraction unit this week.  We discusses equivalent fractions and how to make an equivalent fraction.  We also talked about fractions on a number line.  If students did not complete their classwork for the week, they are encouraged to work on it over the weekend and turn it in on Monday.  After Monday, zeros will be recorded for incomplete classwork.

We had a lot of fun celebrating the 100th day of school on Wednesday.  We rotated to four different stations during our math time.  We had a photo booth, build a 100 cup tower, put together a 100 piece puzzle, and completed a 100 day packet.  These packets can be turned in no later than Monday for an extra 100 in the gradebook for math.  To see some of our fun pictures, click here.

Students are still required to complete 5 topics in ALEKS each week, however if they complete up to 10, they will receive up to 5 bonus points.  So for example, if they complete 8 topics, they will have 3 extra credit points.  If they complete 10 topics they will have 5 extra credit points.  No more than 5 extra credit points will be awarded in a week.  

Science News

We started learning about plants this week.  We discussed the differences in flowering and nonflowering plants.  Ask your child some types of flowering and nonflowering plants.  They should be able to name a dogwood, magnolia, iris, rose, ferns, pine tree, and spruce trees.  They should also be able to tell you what type of plant each of these examples are and why.  Next week we will talk about the life cycle of a plant.

The moon calendars are due on Monday.  Please make sure to observe the moon these last few days.  If you miss a night or it is cloudy, go to:  http://www.moonconnection.com/moon_phases_calendar.phtml

to see what the moon should look like.  

Don’t forget that last Friday students were given a packet from the South Carolina Academy of Science.  It is a group of questions that students can answer by researching.  They are to be completed without the help of a parent or other adult.  It was given to students as an extra opportunity to make a 100 in the gradebook.  It is optional.  Students will need to have it completed by Friday, February 17th.  If your child would like me to mail it off to the SCAS and enter it into their competition, they will need to get a permission form from me and pay the $5 registration fee.  There are always winners from each school selected.  Last year we had 2 fourth graders win and were recognized at our end of the year awards ceremony.  For more information you can go to:  http://artsandsciences.sc.edu/cse

Language Arts News.  

Be on the lookout for signed papers next week.  These will need to be signed and returned.  Please always encourage your child to read at least 20 minutes every day.

Social Studies News

Continue to encourage your child to review Social Studies material in their textbook.

Fourth Grade News

With it being cold season, we have had a lot of absences.  If your child is absent from school, it is their responsibility to complete any missing work.  They will be given an extra day or two, but after that the work will be considered late.  Too many times lately, we have had students that are absent and they are making no effort to complete the work they missed while being absent.  Our daily classwork is important and is graded for completion.  Please encourage your child to get missing assignments and to complete them in a timely manner.  

Literacy Night at BHE will be Thursday, February 9th.  Please click here for information on this wonderful event.

The next Early Dismissal day will be Friday, February 17th.  School will be dismissed at 11:30am.  Make sure we know if your child has a different form of transportation.

Do you ever wonder what it is that your child is learning at school each year?  Click here for the family friendly standards that will help you know what students are learning each year.

Ending Thoughts

We are very excited for this school year and to be able to teach your child.  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