What’s
Happening in Room 106
October /
1999
Happy first day of October!
These past three weeks have been spent laying the foundation of our classroom
and setting up routines. Working together to write our class rules, talking
about expectation, discussing appropriate consequences as also been the focus
for the past three weeks. As we fall into October we are ready to begin our
Reading and Writing Workshop, as well as our Washington Studies. Beginning the
third week of October we study the human body.
T hank
you for sending me the most incredible group of children! I am so encouraged
about the possibilities we will have this year. We will explore and celebrate
our many accomplishment. I look forward to working with and getting to know
more parents as we continue through the school year. Below are important issues
that I would like you to focus. Please take time to read over this letter and
ask your child. This letter will also be published on our web site
www.fwsd.wednet.edu/cam/riley
Student E-mail
Each student has been given an email address that they will use in the classroom.
They will be sending letters to their peers and myself. They will also be given
keypals from around the country and world. Some have even received emails from
my father in Florida. Please understand that your child will not include their
last name or personal information to a stranger.
Math Fact Know it All Club
Applications are being excepted for membership into the Math Fact Know it
All Club. Please read the application and discuss with your child the importance
of learning all their math facts. Students that are interested in joining should
return their application signed by a parent.
Spelling Partners
Each student will have an older spelling partner. They will meet with their
partner once a week and be given a test on their personal spelling words. Students
will record in their personal dictionary all word that they are misspelling
in their daily writing. In order to take the spelling test on Tuesday, students
must have their personal dictionary signed by an adult. Please look through
the dictionary before signing.
Student Portfolios
Each student will be maintaining a portfolio that will include pieces of their
art, writing and math skills. These portfolios are kept in the classroom, but
can go home for the evening if requested by an adult. Please let me know.
Personal Journal
Students spend the first few minutes of the day reflecting what’s on their
mind. My goals is to comment in their journal at once a week. Many students
have requested me to edit their journals and find words that they are misspelling.
This class wants to spell correctly and they want to know when they are misspelling
words. They are so AWESOME! If you would like your child to bring home their
journal for you to read, ask and they may share. Some days are personal and
if the page is folded over, their privacy will be respected and the page will
not be read by me.
Class web page
Please visit our web page to get to know us better. Our pages have not yet been
created, but you can get to know me a little better by clicking on “Mr.
Riley’s personal page”. During this week I will also include the Fourth
GradePlan and Homework Policy. Our web page will include weekly updates about
on going projects and events
www.fwsd.wednet.edu/cam/riley
Student Planner
Each day we fill record our daily activities into a student planner. Students
will check the assignments that they have completed. This planner needs to be
signed by an adult every night. It is my dream that nightly conversations will
occur about happening in the fourth grade. The student planner not only reminds
students of their responsibilities but it helps inform parents. Also included
in student planners is a list of email addresses from each student.
Author Study
Our first project of the year and one that will last all year. Please ask
your child to share their Author Study instructions. Ask when they have signed
up to present and the author they will be researching. More information will
be coming home on how their poster should be set up. Thanks for providing assistance
on this project.
Sharing Friday
Sharing will happen on Fridays. Please allow your child to bring a special
item or story to class on Friday to be shared with everyone.
Camelot Web Site
Please visit Camelot web site (www.fwsd.wednet.edu.cam) and fill out the
online survey and sign our guest book. The Learning Links are very educational....take
a look! Ask your child to mention Brain Fun!
Needed for the classroom
Wooden bar stools with the legs shortened. These will be used at the computers.
I am short three stools. Keep your eyes open at garage sales.
Again, thanks for gifting me with an incredible student. I am very excited
about this year. Your help in the classroom is always welcomed. I will be contacting
some parents in the next few days to set up some times to help.
Thanks for your continued support!
Jeffrey Riley
253-945-2519
jriley@fwsd.wednet.edu