Kids in Room 107
  • February 2019
  • Dates to Remember
  • Newsletter 2018-2019
  • PTA
  • Absent Work
  • Music
  • Math
  • Language Arts
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Scholastic Book Orders
  • NWEA Map Test
  • Biography Report
  • Parent Academic Support

Week 24

2/15/2019

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News & Notes:

  • Parent Survey - We are looking for your feedback!  Please take a moment to complete the annual Bennie Parent Survey.  Click here to respond.
  • Poetry Pal Journals - Your 4th grader is bringing home their "poetry pal journal".  This pen pal program takes place all year.  As homework over the long weekend, your 4th grader is asked to share their journal with you and a worksheet to respond to.  This journal will give you an insight into your child's writing skills at this point in 4th grade.
  • Math Fact Master - Bennie will begin celebrating student math fact masters in March.  To be a 4th grade "Math Fact Master", your child needs to be able to complete 25 multiplication problems in 1 minute.  Students may need additional practice on basic multiplication facts at home to reach this goal.  Practice resources can be found on the math page on our class website and with Xtramath.com (student log ins for this program were handed out at conferences or went home on a flyer).
  • Mid Winter Break - I hope you all enjoy the long (planned this time!) weekend.  I'm looking forward to seeing all our bobcats back on Wednesday, February 20.
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Week 23

2/7/2019

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News & Notes:

  • Crazy Weather - This crazy weather sure has done a number on our plans here at Bennie.  There are a lot of things that have been rescheduled or moved around due to our unexpected days off.  Thank you and the Kids in Room 107 for your flexibility!
  • NAEP Testing - The students who were randomly selected to take the national education test took the test on Friday.  I was impressed with their positive attitude and perseverance on this test!
  • Valentine's Day/Chinese New Year - Flyers are going home today regarding our celebration next week.  We will be celebrating two holidays on Thursday, Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year.  We will be studying the Chinese holiday and comparing it to other celebrations. Students are welcome to bring in Valentine’s for their classmates … a list of names is enclosed.  
  • Parent Teacher Conferences - There are still spots available for Conferences on Wednesday.  Please use this link if you'd like to schedule a meeting.  Click here.

Upcoming Dates:

  • Fri, Feb 8 - NAEP testing for students who were randomly selected to participate in this national test.
  • Mon, Feb 11 - Book Fair buying day rescheduled
  • Tues, Feb 12 - Bennie Science Night at 6:30pm
  • Wed, Feb 13 - Parent Teacher Conferences 5:00-7:30
  • Fri, Feb 15 - 1/2 Day for students.  Dismissal at 11:30am

Wish List (for Valentine's Day Party):

  • 2 gallons vanilla ice cream
  • 29 red solo cups
  • 3 2-liters of red pop
  • napkins

Weekly Highlight:

  • Our Biography Projects were a big hit this week!  It was great to see the pride students showed in their presentations and projects.

Ask Me:

  • With our "Monday Morning Movie Clips" we talk about story elements.  Ask your child what the clip was this week ("The Lorax") and how was it connected to our theme of "being a leader"?  (Hint - the little boy showed leadership as he tried to convince the community to plant the seed.)
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Week 21

1/22/2019

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News & Notes:

  • Biography Project - Projects are due this week.  There has been class time to work on the project. Click here for more information on the project.
  • Cold Weather Gear - Weather permitting, we will be going out every day.  Be sure to send hats and gloves with your child ... nothing beats running around outside for a healthy brain break from all our hard work and studies show recess has a positive impact on student learning!
  • Bowling - Thunderbowl is offering an afterschool bowling club starting next week.  They have been a great partner for our physical education department!
  • Progress Reports - Progress Reports went home today.  Please sign and return the bottom portion.  For those students who need extra practice with factors, I sent home a game we have played in class as a resource to practice at home.  In addition, for all students, Exact Path is a great website to work on both math and reading skills at your student's level.  The link is on the homepage of our website.

Upcoming Dates:

  • Mon, Jan 28 - APPS School Board Meeting 7:00pm at the High School
  • Tues, Jan 29 - Bennie Family Fun Night at 6:30pm
  • Wed, Jan 30 - Sports and Fitness Club
  • Thurs, Jan 31 - Bennie PTA Meeting at 6:30, childcare provided

What we're Learning:

  • Reading - Book clubs meet each week to talk about the books they are reading.  As a whole class, we have been working on being able to identify genres.
  • Word Study - All students received word study spelling tests this week.  As a reminder, they can practice their words even after they take a test and have the option to retest if they would like.
  • Writing - Our focus is on adding details and revising our writing.  
  • Math - We will be continuing to practice division daily.  Our focus now is on fractions.  Specifically right now on identifying equivalent fractions.
  • Social Studies - We are studying geography and US regions
  • Science - We are studying how the earth has changed over time.  In addition, we have been observing an amaryllis' growth in our classroom and the bird feeder outside our window.  
  • Cooking - This week we'll enjoy Alliyah's Chocolate Banana Power Smoothie.

Wish List:

  • 24 ounces of vanilla Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup chocolate milk

Weekly Highlight:

  • The bird feeder continues to be a highlight.  This week we saw an uncommon bird of prey - a Cooper's Hawk.  Thank you to Dr. Joanne Szalai for the assistance in identification! Check out a clip of the bird we saw!!
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Ask Me:

  • Can you name three equivalent fractions to 1/2?  (Potential Answers - 2/4, 4/8, 5/10)
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Week 18

1/14/2019

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News & Notes:

  • Biography Project - Students should finish reading their biography books and complete the graphic organize by Friday.  There is class time to complete both assignments!  Click here for more information on the project.
  • Cold Weather Gear - Weather permitting, we will be going out every day.  Be sure to send hats and gloves with your child ... nothing beats running around outside for a healthy brain break from all our hard work and studies show recess has a positive impact on student learning!
  • Box Tops - Wahoo!  Room 107 won the box top collection contest.  Thank you to the PTA for the donut and juice treat.
  • Winter Testing - Midway through our year means winter testing season is upon us.  We have completed the NWEA math and reading assessments and Mrs. Ferrante and I will be reading with the kids in room 107 to reassess their reading levels.

Upcoming Dates:

Mon, Jan 14 - NWEA Math test
  • Wed, Jan 16 - Sports & Fitness Club
  • Fri, Jan 18 - High School Drama Performance at the AP Center for the Performing Arts
  • Mon, Jan 21 - No school for students

What we're Learning:

  • Reading - Using our new "Journeys" curriculum, we've been focusing on monitoring and clarifying our reading.  Good readers are able to self-correct as they read.
  • Word Study - We have had a slow start to our word study program in 2019 as we have made class time for our NWEA testing.  Each group has words, but none have yet had a spelling test.
  • Writing - Our focus is on adding details and revising our writing.  
  • Math - We will be continuing to practice double digit multiplication and division daily.  A key component to mathematics success is being able to perform basic multiplication and division easily.  
  • Social Studies - We are studying geography and US regions
  • Science - We are studying how the earth has changed over time.  In addition, we have been observing an amaryllis' growth in our classroom and the bird feeder outside our window.  
  • Cooking - Claire's tacos got postponed in the fall.  We'll try again this Thursday!

Weekly Highlight:

  • We had two highlights last week ... the picture captures both.  First, we are excited to add a new friend to Room 107.  Klejvis joins us from Greece - it has been fun to learn a few words in Greek as he learns English!  Second, we filled the bird-feeder outside our window and have begun to measure how much the birds eat on a daily basis.  We've had some interesting questions already about our feathered friends in the courtyard!
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Ask Me:

Tell me about the amaryllis in your class.  What have you noticed in the last week?
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Week 15

12/7/2018

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News & Notes:

  • Holiday Toy Box Party - We will be heading over to the High School to participate in the Holiday Toy Box Party on Wednesday, Dec 12.  The Kids in Room 107 will be making cookies to share at the party.  Students are encouraged to bring in a toy, book or $1 to donate to those in need.  This fun event is a great way to celebrate the joy of the season while helping others.
  • Room 107 Field Trip Fund - In lieu of gifts to me this holiday season, I would like you to consider donating to our class Field Trip Account.  Mrs. Magee in the office is keeping track of the money.  She will inform me of who donates to the fund, but not the amounts—so I may recognize the students with thank you notes.  We will use the money from our Field Trip fund to offset the costs of future field trips.  (This fund offset the cost of our Lansing Trip and covered the bus fees for our Thanksgiving Field Trip.)

Upcoming Dates:

  • Tues, Dec 11 - Cooking Meriah's Cookie Monster Oreos
  • Wed, Dec 12 - Holiday Toy Box Party at the Allen Park High School
  • Wed, Dec 12 - Sports & Fitness Club
  • Fri, Dec 14 - 1/2 Day for Students

What we are Learning:

  • Reading - Using our new "Journeys" curriculum, we've been focusing on historical fiction and visualizing.
  • Word Study - Based on a new assessment, word study groups have been changed.  All groups have new words.  As a reminder, students are able to retake tests if they did not master the words the first time.
  • Writing - Our focus is on persuasive writing. 
  • Math - We will be focusing on double and triple digit multiplication for the next several weeks.
  • Social Studies - We are turning our attention to the study of US Regions.
  • Science - We will begin to study how the earth has changed over time.
  • Cooking - Meriah's cookie monster cookie recipe.

Wishlist:

  • Toys, books, $1 to donate to the HS Toy Box party
  • 8 cups white chocolate
  • 48 oreo cookies
  • blue sanding sugar
  • 1 bag mini chocolate chips
  • 96 candy eyes

Weekly Highlight:

  • Our "Simulated Congressional Hearing" last Friday was a big highlight!  They worked so hard and had fun sharing what they had learned with our guests.

Ask Me:

  • Students have individual reading strategy goals they focus on in our "Daily 5".  Ask your child what their goal is.
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Week 11

11/13/2018

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News & Notes:

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  • Lansing - Thank you to everyone who was able to join us on our Lansing Field Trip.  If you have pictures from your photo scavenger hunt, please share them with me if you are able.  You can email them here.
  • Common Good Field Trip - In this season of Thanksgiving, as we learn about our constitution and the responsibilities of citizenship, we will put our cooking skills to work and make muffins for those who serve our community.  On Monday, November 19 we will make 12 dozen muffins.  On Tuesday, November 20 we will go visit the police station, fire station and nursing home with baskets of muffins to share.  The cost of this field trip will be covered by my "room 107 field trip fund".
  • Save the Date - "Simulated Congressional Hearing" - to wrap up our studies of the U.S. government and our Constitution, Friday November 30 from 11-12:00 our class will be participating in a "Simulated Congressional Hearing".  They will act as Constitutional experts and answer questions from a "congresesional" panel consisting of Mrs. Metzger, AP School Board Member Elect Mr. Klein, Mr. Hales from Wayne County RESA and a representative from our local congressional office.  This event allows the Kids in Room 107 to showcase what they have learned.  A brief reception will follow.

Upcoming Dates:

  • Mon, Nov 19 - Cooking muffins
  • Tues, Nov 20 - Common Good Field Trip to AP Fire Station, Police Station and Nursing Home
  • Tues, Nov 20 - 1/2 Day for Students.  Dismissal at 11:30
  • Wed-Sun, Nov 21-25 - Thanksgiving Break

What we are Learning:

  • Reading - Using our new "Journeys" curriculum, we've been focusing on biographies and identifying the author's purpose.
  • Word Study - Word study groups will be changing slightly after Thanksgiving. 
  • Writing - Our focus this week was on supporting our main idea with details.
  • Math - We will be focusing on double and triple digit multiplication for the next several weeks.
  • Social Studies - We are wrapping up the history of the US Constitution and how our government is organized.
  • Science - We are investigating transfer of energy through conducting experiments.
  • Cooking - Muffins, muffins, muffins will be our next recipe.
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Weekly Highlight:

  • Such a great couple of weeks it's hard to choose ... Lansing, student-led conferences, science investigations, book fair and more ... There is a lot to be grateful for!!

Ask Me:

  • Tell me about the four Freedoms of Expression and what do they mean.  (Hint: freedom of press, speech, petition, assembly). 
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Week 9

11/1/2018

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News & Notes:

  • Lansing - Monday, Nov 5 is our trip to Lansing!  Students and Chaperones must arrive at 7:30am.  We will return to Bennie at 4:00pm.  Click here for more details.
  • Student Led Conferences - Our fall conferences are on Wednesday and Thursday.  Please use this link to sign up.  Your child will lead the meeting!

What are we Learning:

  • Reading - Each week our book clubs are meeting with either myself, Ms. Byrne or Mrs. Ferrante.  I am excited to partner with such excellent reading teachers!  In addition to their book club goals, students have individual learning strategies that they are working on during our Daily 5.  Ask your child what their reading strategy is.
  • Word Study - Students will be reassessed on their word study level next week.  Based on their current progress, word study groups may change slightly after Thanksgiving. 
  • Writing - Our focus this week was on paragraph starters.
  • Math - We continue studying factors and multiples.
  • Social Studies - We are studying the history of the US Constitution and how our government is organized and preparing for lansing
  • Science - This week we noticed the seasonal changes in our neighborhood (on our walk on Tuesday) and used this as a focus for exploring how plants use their internal structures to support survival.
  • Cooking - This week we made two Mexican Hot Chocolates!

Weekly Highlight:

Halloween and Dia de los Muertos was the highlight of our week!
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Ask Me:

  • What are you most interested in seeing at the Michigan State Capitol?  (Hint - what was more interesting to you in the capitol video or book?)
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Week 6

10/10/2018

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News & Notes:

  • DTE Energy Kits - We had a great presentation by DTE!  Thank you for returning the Home Energy Worksheets.  Our class is eligible for a grant based on the completion of the worksheet.
  • Little Casears PIzza Party - If you eat Little Caesars pizza, save your pizza box proof of purchase and send them in to our class.  We can earn a free pizza party.
  • Halloween - Halloween will be a 1/2 day.  We have art at 9:45-10:30 and the school parade is at 10:45.  We will have a short, very short Halloween/Dia de los Muertos celebration from 11-11:30.  We'll enjoy Mexican Hot Chocolate and watch a video clip from "Coco".  Families are welcome to join us.
  • Lansing - Permission Slips have gone home for our trip to Lansing on Nov 5.  Volunteer background check forms are due as soon as possible.  These forms are needed for adults to attend.  Student permission slips and field trip money for both students and chaperones are due on November 1.
  • Food Drive - This fall Arno, Bennie & Lindemann will be participating in Mimi's Mission - a food drive for downriver children in need.
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Upcoming Dates:

  • Mon, Oct 22 - Run Club 3:30-4:00
  • Wed, Oct 24 - Sports & Fitness Club
  • Thurs, Oct 25 - Cooking Claire's "Mom's Tacos"

What we are Learning:

  • Reading - Student book clubs have weekly reading goals and assignments.  All reading and assignments can be completed in class.  Students are able to bring the work home if they would like.  We are focusing on making connections with the text, making predictions and identifying important information.
  • Word Study - All students have word study/spelling words.  You can check their planner to see what "day" they are on.  "Day 1" they get new words.  "Day 5" they will test.  
  • Writing - Our focus this week was using 'Friendly Letter Format".
  • Math - We are studying factors and multiples.
  • Social Studies - We are studying the history of the US Constitution and how our government is organized.
  • Science - We are asking questions and will begin to conduct investigations relating the speed of an object to the energy of an object. 
  • Cooking - We will be making tacos on Thursday.

Wish List:

  • 2 taco seasoning packets
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 28 hard or soft taco shells
  • 1/2 head lettuce
  • 2 large tomatoes
  • 1 package Mexican blend shredded cheese
  • small sour cream
  • 2 bags 5 minute ready white rice
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 2 lime
  • 2 cans refried beans

Weekly Highlight

  • Our Detroit Lions Assembly was a big hit this week.  Thank you to the Bennie PTA for bringing this event to our bobcats!
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Ask Me:

  • What are the factors of 12 and 24?  What factors so they have in common?  What is the greatest common factor?
(Answer:  12 - 1,2,3,4,6,12.  24 - 1,2,3,4,6,8,12,24)  
Factors in common - 2,3,4,6,12.  Greatest Common Factor - 12)
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Week 5

10/3/2018

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News & Notes:

Tutoring - The Allen Park High School National Honor Society is offering homework help/tutoring to APPS students!
Location: Allen Park Public Library
When: Every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday that school is in session
Time: 3:00-5:00 p.m.
  • ​Bring an assignment to work on, and all materials required for that assignment (calculator, writing utensil, paper, etc.)
  • Any elementary aged students should be supervised by an adult while they are in the library
  • This is a drop-in program, there is no need to sign up in advance

  • Retests - It is my practice to allow students to enhance assignments or take a retest if they want to continue to build their understanding of a concept.  I recognize not all students learn at the same pace or on the same day.  To that end, they always have the chance to keep learning and try again! All retests will take place on Fridays. If your child wants to retest, they only need to sign up for a retest by Thursday so I may prepare the materials.
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  • DTE Energy Kits - DTE sponsors our upcoming assembly and provides each 4th grader with an "energy kit".  The kits are free.  If you do not want them to have one, please return the blue sheet that came home today.

Upcoming Dates:

  • Mon, Oct 8 - Run Club 3:30-4:00
  • Tues, Oct 9 - DTE Assembly
  • Wed, Oct 10 - Sports and Fitness Club
  • Thurs, Oct 11 - Cooking Jewel's Guacamole

What are we Learning:

  • Reading - We finished our first whole class book "Love, Ruby Lavender".  By the end of the week, all students will have had individual reading conferences with me and "book clubs" will officially be launched!  We have a lot going on in reading!
  • Word Study - All students have word study/spelling words.  You can check their planner to see what "day" they are on.  "Day 1" they get new words.  "Day 5" they will test.  
  • Writing - Our focus this week was using vivid words in our writing.
  • Math - We are studying factors and multiples.
  • Social Studies - We are studying the history of the US Constitution and how our government is organized.
  • Science - We are asking questions and will begin to conduct investigations relating the speed of an object to the energy of an object. 
  • Cooking - We will be making guacamole on Thursday.

Wish List:

  • Paper Plates
  • Bandaids

Weekly Highlight:

  • Even though it's been wet - we've had a chance to get out every day for our "brain breaks".
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Ask Me:

  • Tell me about the "Great Compromise" that the Framers reached when writing the constitution.  (Hint - it is about how both small and large states are represented in the legislative branch.  The Senate has two representatives from each state which made the small states happy and the House of Representatives has representation based on population with made the large states happy.)
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Week 4

9/17/2018

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News & Notes:

  • Box Tops for Education - As a fundraiser, our PTA collects box tops from food/household products.  Our first class incentive will be doughnuts and juice for the class who has collected the most Box Tops from 9/4/18-1/7/19. The second class incentive will be an ice cream sundae bar for the class who has collected the most Box Tops from 1/8/19-5/31/19. Last but not least the teacher whose class has collected the most Box Tops throughout the 18-19 school year will win a gift card to use on activities, books or games for his/her classroom.  So, send in those Box Tops!
  • PTA Membership - PTA memberships help support our Bennie family in many ways.  For example our great author visit this week was paid for by the Bennie PTA.  Please consider joining them!  Click here for information.
  • Lansing Save the Date - Our Field Trip to Lansing is on Monday, November 5th.  A "Save the Date" flyer went home on Friday.  If you are interested in chaperoning, please let me know!
  • Sports and Fitness - Sports and Fitness After School Club starts next Wednesday.  Click here to sign up.
  • Progress Reports - September progress reports are coming home.  This is a snapshot of your child's learning at this point.  Please sign and return.
  • What are they Learning in 4th Grade? - Join me on Thursday, Oct 4 from 5:30-6:30 and learn some tips and tricks to support your 4th graders reading at home.  

Upcoming Dates:

  • Mon, Oct 1 - Run Club 3:30-4:00
  • Wed, Oct 3 - National Walk and Bike to School Day
  • Thurs, Oct 4 - "What are they learning in 4th Grade?" with Mrs. Klein 5:30-6:30
  • Thurs, Oct 4 - Bennie PTA Meeting at 6:30, childcare provided
  • Thurs, Oct 4 - Cooking Daniel's quesadillas
  • Fri, Oct 5 - 1/2 day for students.  Dismissal is at 11:30am.

What we are Learning:

  • Reading - We have been focusing on choosing "good fit books", checking for understanding and making predictions.  We are listening to the book "Love, Ruby Lavender" as a whole class.
  • Writing - We are building writing stamina and using correct capitalization.
  • Math - We start our year working on place value.  We will begin to work on estimation next week.
  • Social Studies - We are studying the history of the US Constitution and how our government is organized.
  • Science - We are asking questions and will begin to conduct investigations relating the speed of an object to the energy of an object. 
  • Cooking - We will be making quesadillas on Thursday.

Wish List:

  • ​Paper plates

Weekly Highlight:

  • Our Very Merry Unbirthday Party was a big hit last week - as well as cooking our first two recipes!

Ask Me:

  • We are the three natural rights that Founders believe government should protect? (Answer: Life, Liberty and Property).
  • What would happen if there was no government - no rules or laws?
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