Mr. Burnett's Class at Franklin

Thursday

2012-01-26T13:28:00.001-08:00

Bibliography

1. Forler, Mary, August 10th, 1989

2. Burnett, Wayne, May 17th, 1990

3. forler, Jim, May 23rd, 1990

A bibliography is a list of all the sources used in writin a research report. It is found at the end of that report. Usually, it is a list of articles and books used as information sources. For our Family Report, the sources are the people we interviewed, as shown in the example above.

Pajama Day followed by Movie Night! What a good way to end the week for our students. See "Sidewalk Wars" by local movie maker, Leo Bidne tonight before the showing of "Dolphin Tale."

Tuesday

2012-01-23T10:58:00.000-08:00

Family History Reports are due next week on Tuesday, January 31st. Students should be finishing up their rough drafts and thinking about designing a cover for their reports.

Bonus question: Name the vocabulary word that describes the answer to a division problem.

Let's be safe out there. The sun might be shining, but plenty of ice still clogs the streets and walkways.

Wednesday

2012-01-11T14:57:00.000-08:00

Fractions and Division....lots of practice helps! Next time you have a pizza, try talking about the pieces as fractions of the whole pizza. Eggs might not be as popular as pizza, but the cartons work great for talking about fractions, too.

The kids should finish up their interviews, rough drafts (three or more pages from the interviews), and have a good start on the family tree. Then they'll be in good shape to finish up the project by the end of the month for the due date.

Thursday

2012-01-05T10:49:00.000-08:00

Our 'Math Club With Jack' continues on Wednesdays this new year as an after school program for extra help with Math Facts and the ever-challenging effort to learn fractions. Jack Foote is a retired teacher from Port Angeles who taught Science and Chemistry at Port Angeles High School for many years.

Work continues on our Family History Reports this week as the kids learned how to turn interview notes into rough drafts on notebook paper. We decided that each family member interviewed (a minumum of three) deserved at least one hand-written page. They also received folders to keep all the report assignments and materials as that volume grows over the following weeks. Remember, the reports are due at the end of this month.

Bonus Question: 'Which is larger, 5/6 or 4/3?'

Friday

2011-12-16T12:31:00.000-08:00

And so begins the holiday break after an eventful week at Franklin School ,which will stay open at least another year. Many thanks to the well-spoken parents and Mrs. Chapman for their on-target remarks at last Monday's school board meeting.

The fourth-graders have just learned how to conduct interviews for their family history report projects. The assignment is made the week before the break to accomodate the opportunity many will have to interview relatives during the holiday time. The report itself is not due until the end of January so the kids aren't asked to do massive homework over the next two weeks by any means. If it works to get three interviews done with notes taken on cards, that's great.

Here's hoping everyone has a safe and happy holiday break!

Thursday

2011-12-08T11:24:00.001-08:00

Check out the new art project: Collage: In the Style of Matisse on our classroom bulletin board. Using cut paper, the fourth graders formed dancers over a collage background of wintry colors. Nice contrast!

Here's a bonus problem to do at home: Mother bought a bag of cookies. There were 36 cookies in it. The children found the bag after school, and when Mother interfered there were 21 cookies left. How many cookies were gone? (Try writing a number sentence before solving.)

Next week we'll learn how to conduct interviews for the Family History Report Project.

Thursday

2011-12-01T08:47:00.001-08:00

Disco Day at Franklin turned up some great and colorful costumes. Trying to explain the difference between the 'Disco Days' and the 'Hippie Days' and that they were not one and the same, proved a little difficult. The Family History Report project is on the way so stay tuned. The kids will learn how to interview relatives before the Winter Break so they are ready in case the extended family gets together. Of course, interviews can be conducted over the phone, by email, or by letter, too. The reports won't be due until the end of January so this is not an attempt to ruin the break from school by any means. Nursery rhymes are rich with word play and literary images so one of our bonus questions asked the fourth-graders to find the ending to a few that are not so easy to remember. 'What is the line after "To bed, to bed, said sleep head?" See below for the answer and a few other rhymes. This week's bonus question asked for the neame of the famous toy store in New York City. The kids are reading a selection called "Me and Uncle Romie," about a boy who travels to New York from North Carolina to stay with his aunt and uncle. Good story with lots of place names and geography and interesting food references than include grits and pepper jelly.

Nursery Rhymes:

Little Miss Muffet

Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet, eating her curds and whey. Along came a big spider who sat next beside her and frightened Miss Muffet away.

“To Bed to Bed” said Sleepy Head

“To bed to bed” said Sleepy Head. “No tarry awhile” said Slow. “Put on the pot” said Greedy Gut. “We’ll sup before we go!”

Thursday

2011-11-17T15:08:00.000-08:00

National Education Week brought Representative Kevin Van de Wege to Room 17 last Monday. He talked to the kids about the state budget and the organization of state government. Joining him were Superintendent Jane Pryne, School Board Director Cindy Kelly, and Principal Amity Butler.

Thursday

2011-11-10T09:40:00.001-08:00

"Do you remember being that little?" I asked the fourth-graders last Tuesday when we had the opportunity to work with "kindergarten buddies" down the hall here at Franklin Elementary School. More than of few of this year's fourth-graders were our 'shorties' four years ago when they were in Mrs. Carlson's kindergarten class, and yes, they remembered. One of the many good things about a neighborhood school is the opportunity for cross age activities such as kindergarten buddies as it helps teach responsibility, leadership, and respect for a diverse community.

Friday

2011-10-28T08:09:00.001-07:00

Since we are working on homophones this week in Reading, the bonus question goes like this: Write a definition for 'mourning.' That's not 'morning' but 'mourning.'

Have a safe weekend driving, walking, or whatever activity fills your time during this exciting and 'scary' time.

Thursday

2011-10-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

A little research goes a long way when it comes to bonus questions! Let's see how many fourth graders find the answer to today's bounus question: Where in the United States Mount McKinley, the highest mountain in North America?

One of our Math problems yesterday described resident ants which reminds that this is the season for resident spiders and mushrooms. Bathrooms and backyards are favored locations!

Next time we'll take a look at a good example of a current event/news item summary. Stay tuned.

Answer to the Bonus Question

2011-10-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

This was a more difficult bonus question and there were some close answers, such as "the Emeraly City." But, we were looking for the nickname for a street made famous in early Seattle. Here is the explanation:

Seattle's historic Skid Road district (now better known as Pioneer Square) centers on Yesler Way. This road is often said to have been the original "Skid Road" in the literal sense serving a saw mill owned by Henry Yesler. Yesler acquired land from Doc Maynard at a small point of land at what is today near the intersection of 1st Ave and Yesler Way. He also acquired a swath of land 450 feet wide from his property up First Hill to a box of land about 10 acres in size full of timber spanning what is today 20th to 30th Avenues. His mill was built on the point of land that looked south towards a small island (Denny's Island, part of his land purchase from Doc Maynard) that has since been filled in around and is the heart of today's Pioneer Square.

The Skid Road was built on that 450 foot wide slice of land from the top of First Hill to the mill on the point. Since the building of the mill much of what is today's Seattle is the result of extensive terra forming by the local people to make the hilly landscape of Seattle habitable. At the time of the building of the mill it was some of the only flat land available. The Skid Road became the demarcation line between the affluent members of Seattle and the mill workers and more rowdy portion of the population.[9]

Wednesday

2011-10-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

Smile for Picture Day tomorrow! Decisions, decisions...to wear a tie or go for the plain-shirt look...

Which city is nick-named Stumptown? Now we have a bonus question for the week.

Density. Yes, we're learning about water in Science and the kids did an activity with warm and cool water today and how those conditions affect water density.

Open House

2011-09-28T13:06:00.000-07:00

Join us at Open House tomorrow night starting at 6 and going until 7 PM. Oh yes, there will be tea!

Bring your fourth grader to Room 17 and learn about some of the upcoming projects, curriculum, and ways to help your child become a good student.

See you tomorrow night!

Thursday

2011-09-22T15:39:00.001-07:00

Maybe we're not quite ready for a workshop on making cappucinos, but today was Tea Workshop #2--loose tea preparation. Tomorrow will tell how effective that was.

Learning to write essays and letters is not easy, but this year's fourth graders are showing early skill as they learn to make paragraphs, revise, proofread, draft, and spell correctly. Reasons for optimism are apparent. Today they worked on a friendly letter to me that is to explain and summarize a book they have read this year for Silent Reading. They also had their first shot at Accelerated Reader this year, a computer program that has quizzes for library books read in and out of school.

Today, after several alternative and good answers, the one I was looking for in answer to why Chum salmon are nicknamed 'Dog' salmon was given. Local Native Americans fed this species of Pacific Salmon to their dogs since they arrive in the rivers and streams well after plenty of salmon had been caught and smoked for the humans. Nice work!

Essay

2011-09-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

My Favorite Dessert

My favorite dessert is blackberry pie with vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream slides down my throat while the berries crunch beneath my teeth. If the crust is just right you can taste a hint of cinnamon at the tail end. The joy lasts a long time.

The first time I tasted blackberry pie with vanilla ice cream was at my grandmother’s house a very long time ago. It must have been my birthday or some other special occasion. Otherwise, there probably would not have been any form of dessert after dinner. Dessert is uncommon in my family.

Besides the cold of the ice cream, the crunch of the berries, and the final hint of cinnamon, the appearance of this fine dessert is a thing to behold. It looks a bit like Mount Rainier if the light and the mood are just right. With the vanilla ice cream on top of jagged pie crust and blackberries, you can imagine the majestic mountain right before devouring it.

Much more could be said in praise of blackberry pie with vanilla ice cream, but the experience of eating it should not be delayed any longer. Don’t spend too much time deciding which brand of ice cream to use. Instead get down to the business and joy of actually eating this fine dessert.

Mr. Burnett

Thursday

2011-09-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

Lunch in the classroom! It's been about twenty years since we've had lunch in the classroom here in Room 17. That's a long time, but we adapt and move forward. Lunchtime is definitely quieter here than in the gym with smoother transitions to the afternoon's lessons.

What a nice group of fourth-graders! The kids are quickly learning the study habits that will help them throughout their school years and into their working lives. Putting names on papers, turning work in on time, bringing loose notebook paper, and being on time are major lessons of great importance. Let's try to bring in some news items or current events next week that will help us find out what's going on locally, nationally and worldwide. The reading practice is valuable, too. A few minutes practicing math facts at home several times a week goes a long way toward making Math easier, too.

School Starts Tomorrow!

2011-08-31T10:56:00.001-07:00

I can't wait to meet all of you in Room 17 at Franklin tomorrow morning.

You might check the weather forecast in the newspaper (usually in section C) or on the television news (any local channel will do), and sometimes we follow the weather in Las Vegas and Portland just for fun. Feel free to take some notes on other interesting current events from newspapers, radio, or television. Then we can talk about them at school each morning.

Remember to bring a book for Silent Reading tomorrow morning (and every morning), along with some sharpened pencils and notebook paper. And, check out the "Room 17 Report" below for more information about your new classroom. See you soon!

Room 17 Report
Mr. Burnett's Class Franklin School Room 17
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

September 1, 2011

Dear Fourth Grade Student and Parents/Guardian:

I want to welcome you to the fourth grade and let you know that I am looking forward to having you in my class this year. You will have an enjoyable and productive year in our room!

You will need to have a book for silent reading at 8:10 each day. You may bring a book from home or find one in our classroom collection.

Since we believe that education is serious business, please do not bring any toys to school because they interfere with learning. Here are other rules you will be expected to follow:

1. Follow directions the first time they are given.
2. Stay in your seat unless given permission to leave
it.
3. Raise your hand and wait to be called on before
speaking.
4. Turn in all assignments on time.

HOMEWORK: Students are responsible for handing their homework in on time. Homework is due the following day and needs to be placed in the correct assignment box before the second bell when school starts. Homework generally consists of unfinished daily assignments, and I ask the students to read for at least fifteen minutes each evening. Occasionally, there will be homework projects that require more than one day to complete, and for these assignments I will give the students a due date.

WHEN ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE: Assignments are usually due the morning after they are assigned. If the assignment is not handed in, the student receives a 0 in the grade book for that assignment, so it is very important that all assignments are completed and turned in on time. Nothing lowers a report card grade faster than missing assignments. If a student is absent, he/ she will have at least two days to make up the assignments after checking with me to see which assignments to make up.

GRADING: No student will receive failing marks on their report card if their assignments are turned in on time and they are trying to do the assignments to the best of their ability. I will present more details on the new report card as they become available to me.

You will earn good grades as long as you listen well in class, follow directions the first time, and complete and turn in assignments on time.

HANDING ASSIGNMENTS BACK: Assignments and papers are returned to the student’s “mail box.” Students are responsible for getting their “mail” and taking it home to show their parents/ guardians. I encourage you to keep assignments rather than throw them away, at least through the end of the trimester. The projects, like the “Family History Report,” you will probably want to keep forever.

I hope some of your questions and concerns about this year have been answered in this letter. You can also check our Franklin website by accessing the Port Angeles School District website. Good communication will help each student succeed in fourth grade. Please contact me with any other questions and concerns.

Sincerely,
Mr. Burnett (565-1853)

Thursday

2011-06-16T12:17:00.001-07:00

That jacket is somewhat large for a fourth-grader, but it shows good taste.

The crayfish are still alive! Yesterday, after school, we transplanted a few of them to Peabody creek in an unprecedented 'release the crayfish' ceremony. This is the first year the crayfish have survived long enough for such an event. One comrade has found a home in our classroom aquarium among the hearty and long-living goldfish. The Reading assessments, both ARI and Dibbels, are nearly finished, and the fourth-graders are showing huge growth since September of 2010, I see pizza and coke in the near future!

Thursday

2011-06-09T13:18:00.001-07:00

Fourth graders learned about the Great Depression from presentations by third grade "professors" yesterday. Comparisons to the current recession were made and everyone did a fine job.

Amazingly, the crayfish are still alive! Investigations are underway to find crayfish-laden bodies of water within walking distance of Franklin Elementary School. Lake Crescent is too far to travel. Here is a simple way to construct a crayfish trap from inexpensive materials found in most households.

Wednesday

2011-05-25T08:55:00.001-07:00

The crayfish have returned. Fourth graders learn to care for and identify body structures of crayfish this year. We will not eat the classroom crayfish no matter how appetizing they appear! Instead, students make sure their habitat is kept clean, sufficient cat food is supplied for their sustenance, and that crayfish behavior is observed.

On Friday we will walk to the Vern Burton Center for the Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts Children's program. We leave from school at 8:05 AM sharp and we'll return in time for lunch, although all lunches will be sack lunches on that day to accomodate those classes attending the second show. Good walking shoes are highly recommended.

Friday

2011-05-06T08:55:00.001-07:00

The MSP continues Monday with the Reading section of the state assessment. Our students have worked hard and made lots of progress this year.

More Science investigations take place next week as we learn more about plants and seed growth. By the way, what is the name for the onset of seed growth? And, what are the three things plants need to grow? By the end of next week our students will know the answers to those questions and more. The Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts is coming up at the end of this month, and that means the possibility of a field trip, a walking field trip. So a little extra exercise each day is advised--not only to get in shape for the walk to Vern Burton Gym, but also as a means to improve personal health. Keep walking!

Friday

2011-04-29T10:39:00.001-07:00

Can you name the parts of a seed? Our fourth graders can after dissecting swollen lima beans, separating the seed coat from the cotyledons and examining the embryo with hand lenses. Next we will continue the study of the life structures of plants.

Yes, today is 'pajama day.' Somehow, the fourth graders don't believe male teachers sleep in their jeans and sweaters.
Next Tuesday we will begin the MSP (measurement of student progress) which is the big standardized test for Washington's students. Earlier bed times and good breakfasts are recommended.

Friday

2011-04-20T09:06:00.000-07:00

Sure, we learned how to brew tea in fourth grade this year, but tea alone isn't much good when it's time to make dinner. So, this week the fourth-graders are writing an essay about a situation in which they are given the responsibility to make dinner when they get home from school one day. To make it somewhat easier, one part of the meal must come from a can. We'll see what they come up with in terms of food groups and inventiveness.

We repeat-long division. Now that the fourth-graders are quite good at double digit multiplication, long division and changing fractions into decimals come next. Divide, multiply, subtract, bring down.....repeat. One is reminded of hair-washing and shampoo instructions.

Friday

2011-04-15T12:30:00.001-07:00

While we still want students reading outside of school, it just isn't quite warm for the kind of recreational reading pictured at left. Apparently, Spring has not yet sprung. Nevertheless, we've been talking about the other evidence that the season really does exist, from lawns getting mowed to the chirping frog sounds heard all over.

Halibut is not the answer to the latest bonus question: What deep water fish is used to make the famous 'filet of fish' sandwich?

Our class is considering entering a Room 17 team for the Relay for Life fundraiser in June at the Clallam County Fairgrounds. Stay tuned for more information about this event.

Thursday

2011-03-31T10:59:00.001-07:00

Along with the first rainstorm of Spring we are still reminded daily of the new season by the noisy frogs chirping away all over the Peninsula, even heard near the downtown streets of Port Angeles. The more obvious signs of Spring are just less obvious this year after a long, dark, and wet Winter that lingers on in our region.

What other signs, events, or rituals come with the start of Spring? Make a list or write a short essay about your favorite part of Spring and bring it to Room 17.

Tonight is the General Music concert starting at 6:30 PM here at Franklin. Students should arrive closer to 6 PM.

Tea and cupcakes for everyone yesterday....thanks to one of our sets of twins for having a birthday celebration with us!

Wednesday

2011-03-16T10:45:00.001-07:00

Sometimes a fourth grader finds creative ways to keep warm and dry during the fierce winters of the North Olympic Peninsula. Next year we might add ponchos, scarves, and gloves to the list of requested school materials, along with paper, pencils, and erasers. No snow is forecast for the near future, but the rains have come to stay, apparently.

We've started a new unit in Science: Magnetism and Electricity. For a challenging bonus question, let's see if anyone can draw a simple circuit before we do the Science Activity in a day or two.

Divide. Multiply. Subtract. Bring Down. Then repeat the steps in your mind a few times before falling asleep at night.

Thursday

2011-03-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

Students can log on to a great site called XtraMath at home as well as school for extra practice with Math facts. From home the easiest way to access this site is to google 'xtramath.' Then use my school email address, bburnett@portangelesschools.org, and the student's code or PIN. If they haven't memorized the PIN, they will need to write it down at school. No school for students on Friday--that's tomorrow!

Thursday

2011-02-24T15:37:00.001-08:00

Yes, there was school today! Check out a site called 'XtraMath' for a fun way to practice multiplication facts (you can also find addition and subtraction facts, too).

Let's do some research and find the answer to the bonus questions (see below). And, if finding out about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln seems too easy, try this one: If a roll of nickels is worth two dollars and fifty cents, how much is a roll of dimes worth?

Furthermore, can you guess what the fourth graders in the picture are doing? Finally, check the Port Angeles School District website for the latest about snow days or late starts during these times of wild weather in Port Angeles.

Friday

2011-02-18T10:35:00.000-08:00

So many cupcakes and cookies! Such great treats on Monday with lots of valentines exchanged.
As Presidents' Day approaches (no school Monday) the students are asked to find out what major historical events happened during the lives or presidencies of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Have a good weekend and remember to read for at least fifteen minutes each day!

Thursday

2011-02-10T09:20:00.000-08:00

The Family History Reports show a wealth of memories, organization, and respect for the people who came before us and those we live with or who play a role in our students' current lives. This week the fourth graders presented some of the anecdotes and showed pictures from their reports to the rest of the class. For most of our students, a report project, complete with interviews, rough drafts, final drafts, pictures, maps, family tree, family recipe, and bibliography, covers new ground and the organization, thought, and homework required stretches their skills. Many went beyond the minimum requirements by making intricate family trees, for example. Very nice work!
The second round of our classroom's Analytical Reading Inventory shows exceptional Reading growth in many of our students and nearly a year's growth in Reading levels in most of the other fourth graders since the first round of assessments in September. Extra practice reading at home (for at least fifteen minutes) pays off.

Thursday

2011-02-03T11:07:00.000-08:00

What do you know about the American Quarter Horse? Soon our fourth graders will know a lot more about them. As soon as they finish learning how to write a business letter, the students will mail their letters to the American Quarter Horse Association in Texas. Within a few weeks, as long as the letters are in the correct form, each student will receive an abundance of information about quarter lessons. Not only is it fun to receive mail and 'stuff,' but learning to write business letters improves writing skill and develops a practical way of formal communication that will help with job applications in the future, for example.

The Family History Reports are in, and oral presentations will start next Monday. Each student will choose an anecdote from their report to read to the class. The presentations are short but always memorable.

Wednesday

2011-01-26T13:53:00.000-08:00

The Family History Reports are due on Monday, January 31st. A sample bibliography is shown below. Most won't need to list a book as a source, but there is the format just in case. Tomorrow we'll work on the report covers in class.

No school on Friday...for students, that is.

Bibliography

1. Brown, Joe
December 21, 2010

2. Jones, Gina
January 1, 2011

3. Ireland, Its Land and People, Jones, Bill, pages 1-9

Friday

2011-01-21T08:39:00.001-08:00

One of the traditions in Room 17, along with the Family History Report project, is making tea. This year, Wednesdays turn out to be the best time for our class to have a small cup (Mr. Coffee only makes about two liters so the portions are small but refreshing.) Several fourth graders have learned the procedures for making simple tea with tea bags, but next week they will have a chance to participate in our "loose tea workshop." They will learn the proper way to use a tea infuser with loose tea, a more economical and flavorful approach.

Next week we'll also learn how to make a bibliography for the Family History reports and the cover. Students should bring the red folders with all the report materials (cards, rough drafts of interviews, family trees, etc.) to class each day. The reports are due Monday, January 31st.

Thursday

2011-01-13T08:40:00.000-08:00

We will sing the famous spiritual, "We Shall Overcome" while Judi Lindberg presents historic and biographical information tomorrow morning over Franklin's intercom so students and staff throughout the school will learn about the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights movement.

Equal rights for all citizens continues as a struggle in today's world, and making our students aware of the past can help them improve not only their own lives but also the lives of others. Those "others" are the people they will live and work with in their future.

Four of our Room 17 students are working on optional essays for the 'Martin Luther King Essay Contest.' Here is the prompt for this project: "Explain why Dr. King was special enough to have his own recognition day."

Interviews for the Family History Report project should be finished, and now the notes from those interviews should be written in sentences and paragraphs for the rough draft. Each of the three interviews should have its own page as a mininum. Maps and family trees come next so stay tuned and have a good weekend.

Thursday

2011-01-06T10:10:00.001-08:00

Winter arrives in Port Angeles. Cold, wet, and rainy. Now here's the bonus question: What does the word "pewter" mean and what does it have to do with Winter in Port Angeles?

The students should be finishing their three interviews this week for the Family History Reports that are due at the end of the month.
They're also finishing the rough draft of another essay in which a character, either fictional or real is described using details about what the character looks like, what he or she says and does. Later this month mid-winter assessments in Reading, Math, and Writing will be given.

2010-12-15T21:19:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season, and if antlers help you finish that essay about Saturdays...well, that's just alright. Some of the fourth graders think Saturday is the best day of the week so it makes a good topic for Writing.

Report cards went home with students on Wednesday, and we learned how to conduct interviews for the Family History Report Project. Here are some of the questions parents and other relatives may find themselves answering over the Winter Break.

1. Where were you born?
2. What were some of your favorite things to do when you were my age?
3. Tell me something about the schools you attended.
4. What are some of the jobs you've had?
5. Tell me an anecdote from your life.

The report isn't due until the end of January, but the interviews sometimes work best during the winter break when there are often more opportunities to talk to relatives. In January students will learn how to make a family tree, add pictures and collect a favorite family recipe among other things.

Join us for the Sing Along tomorrow afternoon in the gym.

Friday

2010-12-10T12:05:00.001-08:00

Homework. Fifteen minutes (at least) of reading each day is required. Yes, it's that important because, like learning to play the guitar or any instrument, the skill doesn't develop without a lot of practice.

The other part of homework is finishing assignments from class to turn in the next day. Finally, there are occasional projects like the Family History report that we talked about at Back to School Night and conferences. The kids will learn how to conduct interviews next week when the project assignment is given. The holidays are often a good time to interview relatives. The project isn't due until the end of January (no need for more holiday stress!)

Bonus question: What is the capital of Iowa? Several students came in this morning with the correct answer: Des Moines. Well done!

Friday

2010-12-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

Our fourth graders learn to write essays this year. This week they completed a rough draft on the topic Saturdays. Many chose the title: Why I Love Saturdays. Learning to write a strong opening paragraph followed by a few more paragraphs of elaboration, examples, and details takes time and concentration. Today we'll learn how to write a strong concluding paragraph to finish the rough draft. Then, next week, we move on to revision, editing and the final draft.

Below is an optional assignment for an essay contest.

Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest

Fourth Grade: Explain why Martin Luther ing Jr. was special enough to have his own recognition day.

Essays are due Friday, January 28, 2011.

Snow Day 2010

2010-11-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

School is cancelled again today, but a few of us showed up with that '70's look.
Be careful out there and Happy Thanksgiving!

Thursday

2010-11-18T08:41:00.001-08:00

Proper nouns are capitalized and common nouns are not capitalized. That's just one example of what we call 'conventions' in Writing. For example, an example of proper nouns vs. common nouns would be 'Mr. Burnett' and 'teacher.' Can you tell which is the common noun and which is the proper noun?

Cold weather is predicted for this weekend, and on Wednesday we had rain during a morning fire drill. Guess who forgot his poncho after telling the class how practical they can be for such occasions?

"How would you describe the 'Library Lady?" Here is one good response among many:

The library lady is a person who you would want to be around. She is kind, asks you 'what book?' It would feel like she has everything. She is kind by like checking out(books) under her name. Most librarians don't do that.

The class brought in a few more current events/news items this week, but it would be great to have more, especially a short summary from a television or radio or internet news site piece.

The great conversations and support during the parent/teacher conferences this week and last are much appreciated!

Wednesday

2010-11-10T12:24:00.001-08:00

With parent/teacher conferences and a few days off for students coming up, here is a Math problem to keep your minds active and happy.

The Race

Five boys ran a 100 meter race. Albert came in first. Bill came in last. If Doug was ahead of Charley, and Ed was just behind him, who came in second?

Hint: Draw a picture.

Tuesday

2010-11-09T08:58:00.000-08:00

A library is a special place as 'Thomas and the Library Lady' shows so well. One of the favorite stories in our Reading book for fourth graders tells about the discovering of books for a young boy traveling with his family of migrant farmworkers. A 'library lady' takes Thomas under her wing, showing him the wonders of books about dinosaurs and the exciting world of his imagination.

The library becomes his favorite destination for a short summer before his family must return to their home in Texas. Then he takes over the role as family storyteller from his 'Papa Grande.' Libraries and librarians can be a big influence in students' lives ans shown in the story. For a lark, some of the kids thought it would be fun to dress up as librarians (see photo). So far, no one has come to class with blue or hair like some of the librarians at Suzallo Library used to wear, but it's still early in the year.

Parent/Teacher conferences are underway with more scheduled for this coming Friday and Monday as students are out after tomorrow until next Tuesday, November 16th. Thursday is Veteran's Day.

Idiom of the Week: 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush' (Can you find the meaning of this famous expression?

2010-11-02T08:47:00.000-07:00

Fourth graders in Room 17 constructed a thermometer to learn about water expansion and contraction in Science. In a later session they drew pictures of their observations.

In Math the kids are working on memorizing addition and multiplication facts (some extra practice at home is a good idea!) while learning how to multiply larger numbers with annexed zeros. Multiple step word problems add some problem-solving development--not easy but very important.

Scoring the first narrative writing assignment will take a few more days, but the first several stories show early skill strength in student Writing this year. Like always, we'll work on strong beginnings and endings while eliminating the run-on sentences and capitalization errors. This week we'll writie the final draft of the second friendly letter.

No pictures of crazy hair or costumes this year, but Room 17 sure had its share of wild hair-do's! I look forward to another 'hat day.'

Tuesday

2010-10-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

You can find good writing in the form of essays without much trouble. Take a look at this one on tea by George Orwell. He certainly had some strong opinions on the subject. Perhaps you did not know that learning to make a pot of tea was part of the fourth grade curriculum, but it is, at least it is in Room 17 at Franklin Elementary School.

It started out many years ago as a Friday reward for good work during the week and as a warm-up for the Friday Sing Along. Then it became apparent that lots of people not only like and drink tea on a regular basis, but some of them like to write and read about it. Have other famous authors written about tea? Well, hop on that computer and find out.

Invitations for the parent/teacher conferences next month go out this week. Please send them back promptly. Yes, tea will be served!

Wednesday

2010-10-15T12:05:00.001-07:00

“Do you watch NCIS?” asked the fourth grade student.
“Well, I guess so, but only once in awhile,” said the fourth grade teacher.
“You look a little like Gibbs. Once my mom pulled my hair back so I looked like Xeva.”
“Hmm...I see some resemblance to her. Actually, Gibbs is a few years older than me.”

On Monday several students brought in newspaper clippings about the Fungi Fest held last weekend in Sequim. This is the time of year to see lots of different kinds of mushrooms. Sometimes the kids bring in examples(see photo.)

Ahhh, the Fall season....spiders and mushrooms with Halloween coming up in a week or so. Several more students found the answer to the bonus question, "Who was the U.S. president during the American Civil War?" Nice work!

In Science we move forward with our study of water. Now that we've learned about water tension and how water behaves on slopes, we'll learn about the effects of heat and cold on water.

Here's one you can try: Write a compound sentence using these two Math facts: 6 + 5 = 11 and 8+4 = 12.

Wednesday

2010-10-13T12:08:00.001-07:00

Students work in teams on our new water unit for Science. As they found out, a penny will hold between ten and twenty drops of water. It's all about surface tension, domes, flows, and slopes. Stay tuned for more photos of Science activities this year.

"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth," is an expression that has meaning for people of all ages, including nine and ten year olds. The kids have been asked to find out what this old saying means. We'll see if anyone comes up with the answer to this bonus question.

Thursday

2010-10-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

Is it possible to eat spaghetti in the car after a soccer game? Apparently, it is now. The New York Times reports that spaghetti tacos are now the rage among kids, but no one in Room 17 has yet mentioned them. Take a look at the article for something fun to read.

The kids are doing a fine job with the weekly bonus questions. Yes, the capital of Washington State is Olympia, not Washington D.C. The bow is the front of a ship or boat, the stern the rear, starboard-right, and port-left. The chum salmon is nicknamed the dog salmon not only because of the pronounced canine-like teeth during spawning, but also because they spawn last of the five Pacific species. By the time the chum salmon returned to the rivers and streams native people had already caught and preserved plenty of fish for human consumption. Thus, the chum were often fed to the people's dogs and the nickname ensued.

No school for the kids on Friday this week. That means it could be a good day to find current events or news items for Monday's discussion. A little extra reading homework is a good ideat, too, along with some practice on the multiplication facts. Here's hoping you have a nice weekend.

Wednesday

2010-09-29T12:09:00.001-07:00

We hope to see you at "Back to School Night" tomorrow at 6 PM. I will speak briefly about fourth grade expectations and curriclum and then give some information on upcoming projects, including the Family History report. Your child will also show you some of the Writing and Art work completed so far this year. See you tomorrow!

Friday

2010-09-24T12:06:00.001-07:00

Remember next Thursday, September 30th,is Back to School Night here in Room 17, from 6 to 7PM. I look forward to meeting you and talking informally about the school year ahead. It's a great opportunity to support your child's progress in fourth grade this year. Most likely, there will be tea and possibly a cookie or two.

For a bonus question today I asked students to research the nicknames of the five species of salmon and bring them in on Monday. One student already has the information, and such anticipation shows great fourth grade initiative. Well done.

Tuesday

2010-09-14T14:02:00.001-07:00

Did you know there are five species of Pacific Salmon? Do some research with the key words,"Pacific Salmon," by trying out Google or some other search engine on a computer. You could write down all five species on a card or piece of paper and tell us during current events. Some of the kids have already brought in news items from the local newspaper, radio, and television.It can be a good way to practice reading while finding out what's going on near and far.

Remember that an important part of homework each day is reading for at least fifteen minutes. Pick a book that's not too easy or difficult.

The first art project, a self-portrait, is nearly finished, and it will be fun to post them on our bulletin board. Maybe a few will appear on this blog as well.

The New Year Begins Thursday

2010-08-31T13:10:00.000-07:00

School starts the day after tomorrow. I can't wait to meet all of you in Room 17 at Franklin on Thursday morning.

Today looks like perfect weather for a school day--rain. You might check the weather forecast in the newspaper (usually in section C) or on the television news(any local channel will do), and sometimes we follow the weather in Las Vegas and Portland just for fun. Feel free to take some notes on other interesting current events from newspapers, radio, or television. Then we can talk about them at school each morning.

Remember to bring a book for Silent Reading on Thursday, along with some sharpened pencils and notebook paper. And, check out the "Room 17 Report" below for more information about your new classroom. See you soon!

The countdown is here–three days until the first day of school. We will post reminders on this blog, as well as helpful sites, along with handouts for quick reference. See you soon!

Room 17 Report
Mr. Burnett's Class Franklin School Room 17
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

September 2, 2010

Dear Fourth Grade Student and Parents/Guardian:

I want to welcome you to the fourth grade and let you know that I am looking forward to having you in my class this year. You will have an enjoyable and productive year in our room!

You will need to have a book for silent reading at 8:10 each day. You may bring a book from home or find one in our classroom collection.

Since we believe that education is serious business, please do not bring any toys to school because they interfere with learning. Here are other rules you will be expected to follow:

1. Follow directions the first time they are given.
2. Stay in your seat unless given permission to leave
it.
3. Raise your hand and wait to be called on before
speaking.
4. Turn in all assignments on time.

HOMEWORK: Students are responsible for handing their homework in on time. Homework is due the following day and needs to be placed in the correct assignment box before the second bell when school starts. Homework generally consists of unfinished daily assignments, and I ask the students to read for at least fifteen minutes each evening. Occasionally, there will be homework projects that require more than one day to complete, and for these assignments I will give the students a due date.

WHEN ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE: Assignments are usually due the morning after they are assigned. If the assignment is not handed in, the student receives a 0 in the grade book for that assignment, so it is very important that all assignments are completed and turned in on time. Nothing lowers a report card grade faster than missing assignments. If a student is absent, he/ she will have at least two days to make up the assignments after checking with me to see which assignments to make up.

GRADING: No student will receive failing marks on their report card if their assignments are turned in on time and they are trying to do the assignments to the best of their ability. I will present more details on the new report card as they become available to me.

You will earn good grades as long as you listen well in class, follow directions the first time, and complete and turn in assignments on time.

HANDING ASSIGNMENTS BACK: Assignments and papers are returned to the student’s “mail box.” Students are responsible for getting their “mail” and taking it home to show their parents/ guardians. I encourage you to keep assignments rather than throw them away, at least through the end of the trimester. The projects, like the “Family History Report,” you will probably want to keep forever.

I hope some of your questions and concerns about this year have been answered in this letter. You can also check our Franklin website by accessing the Port Angeles School District website. Good communication will help each student succeed in fourth grade. Please contact me with any other questions and concerns.

Sincerely,
Mr. Burnett (565-1853)

PARENTS/GUARDIANS: Please see me if you are interested in volunteering in the classroom this year.

June 18th

2010-06-18T13:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks for a terrific year to all my students and their parents. I'm very proud of this group and no matter what else is happening in the school district or out in the world, our "fouth grade world" here in Room 17 has been a wonderful place for teaching and learning. Have a great summer!
Mr. Burnett

Wednesday

2010-04-14T10:51:00.001-07:00

Bonus question: "What is the current common name for influenza? We're reading a story in class called "Marven of the Great North Woods," and the main character is very worried about his family's exposure during the influenza epidemic of 1918. The disease was worse in the cities, and Marven's parents decide to send him far away to a logging camp in Minnesota to protect his health.

Monday

2010-03-25T10:55:00.001-07:00

March

Now that Spring has officially "sprung," you could make a long list of some things you associate with what many call the best season of the year. Is it the 'chirping' of frogs, the warmth of the sun(yes, that is the title of a terrific Beach Boys'song!), or maybe absence of numbing cold air in the morning when you go outside to retrieve the local newspaper, which, despite the plastic wrapping, opens at least partially wet from the night's spring rain.

Some people of a certain age find themselves drawn back to the Olympic Peninsula and other locations in the Pacific Northwest at this time of year. Discarding the warm but dusty places in the South or Southwest for the green trees and lawns around here, they are tanned and ready for months of fishing, hiking,or the simple joy of lawn-mowing and all the various forms of yardwork. After a few weeks they likely wonder why they left in the first place.

And what about those 'chirping' frogs and the other soothing sounds from this area during the Spring months? Sure, birds sing in other parts of the country at this time of year, but they don't sound as thrilled and happy with the new season as do the Robins and Sparrows in our town. But pleasing sound of Spring are not limited to the natural world. There are very small, motorized vehicles blaring tinny instrumental children's songs through neighborhoods on the occasional sunny days.

A day is a only day after all, but a Spring day is longer lasting and not only because of Daylight Savings Time. Playing hours, unlike library hours, are extended. That means time for neighborhood fun after dinner and homework are finished such as walking dogs, gardening, riding bikes or horses, or even a few extra jumps on a trampoline.

Did someone just mention food? Of course they did, and if barbecues and springtime don't go together then the world has changed way too fast. Watermelon, corn, Brussel sprouts,lettuce, onions take on new meaning this time of year and the expanded opportunities for exercise as noted above allow us to eat possibly just a bit more without cause for worry. (now write a 'strong ending' for this essay)

Friday and Almost Spring

2010-03-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

The list of "Arithmetic Raccoons" from Room 17 continues to grow. Thats good news for our fourth graders since fluency with Math facts is essential a good understanding for all the Math they will need in the years to come. A little extra practice at home is strongly advised.
Yesterday we worked on developing strong beginnings in stories and essays, and the kids became very excited about writing when we worked on a story involving a snowball fight between two sisters. Now everyone wants to know how it ends. We'll work on strong endings next week!

Tuesday

2010-03-09T13:18:00.000-08:00

We just started a new read-aloud titled, Frindle, and the kids are liking it so far. Today we read the chapter called Mrs. Granger. Mrs. Granger is a white-haired teacher who wears her hair in a bun, nevers comes to school in pants, and loves the dictionary. Wouldn't it be great if we could get one of the women teachers here at Franklin to dress up as Mrs. Granger for Halloween or one of the spirit days?

Family Reading Night

2010-02-26T08:55:00.000-08:00

Family Reading Night at Franklin turned out a lot of students and their parents. Author Mike Graf signed his books about Olympic and other National Parks. Lots of books, cookies, and hot chocolate made for a fine evening.

Family Reading Night

2010-02-25T08:05:00.000-08:00

Come to Franklin tonight at 6:00 PM for our Family Reading Night. Have some hot chocolate and a cookie and hear author, Mike Graf talk about the importance of reading to children.

Tuesday

2010-02-23T10:12:00.000-08:00

Most days here in Room 17 include a weather report and forecast for the next several days as part of our current events discussion. While we haven't had much snow in our "neck of the woods" other parts of the country are still digging their ways out of the white stuff. Snow makes a good topic for stories and essays and gives a chance to work on good endings for our writing. We've worked on strong beginnings and middles with lots of detail and examples, and now it's time to learn how to make stronger endings for essays and stories. We'll look at some good examples of good endings as we finish the oral presentations of the Family History Reports, some of which contain excellent finishes. Nice work!

2010-02-12T12:52:00.000-08:00

Yes, Valentine's Day rules at Franklin Elementary School--at least for this Friday when the classroom nearly bursts at the seams with cupcakes (homemade!) and cookies. Such treats! Yesterday's field trip to the Marine Lab in Port Townsend informed the kids about Orca whales and ways to reduce toxins in our oceans and waterways. Most liked the food web game best,even if their part was to play the herring gobbled up by salmon. The Family History Report presentations are moving along very well and the kids are speaking proudly about their relatives and ancestors. A busier school day than yesterday seems unlikely with the field trip and then the MSP Night with pizza and salad and then cookies after the presentation on Writing and Math assessment from Hester Hill. Thanks to all who participated and Happy Valentine's Day!

Friday

2010-02-05T13:53:00.001-08:00

Wow! The Family History Reports show tremendous effort and pride this year--certainly among the very best of the last three decades. This project allows the kids go beyond the minimum requirements and go into as much depth as they like (and parents are willing to go there with them). On Monday we should finish our Grammar/Art pen and ink project on Possessives. The kids are having fun with this one, too.

Wednesday

2010-01-27T12:42:00.001-08:00

High school looms in the not-so-distant future, in case anyone needs a reminder, or in my case, a memory jog. About ten years ago one of my guitar students stated that she didn't see the point of high school. So many "points" come to mind, and most of them involve life after school and the development of productive, responsible citizens--take a look at "A Very Important Day" in the Reading book. The story fits so well with our report project on Family Histories. And, since Friday is a teacher workday and the kids won't be here, we will make Monday, February 1st, the official due date for the report project. I'm looking forward to reading anecdotes about relatives and ancestors. Have a good (and productive) weekend!

Friday

2010-01-22T10:10:00.000-08:00

The kids have been working hard on their Family History Reports, and rough drafts of the interviews are nearly done for most. Next week we'll work on the final drafts and do the remaining components, including a bibliography and pictures/drawings before the project is due a week from today. I have report covers but students are welcome to make their own if a fancier design is desired.

Lots of current events came in this week, and bonus questions challenged several students. Did you know soap and water beats hand sanitizer for killing germs? We're reading a story about immigrants in New York City becoming United States citizens and one family has the name Dionetti which led to another bonus question: From what country did this immigrant come from? Several students correctly found the answer-Italy. Way to go!

Monday

2010-01-11T11:40:00.001-08:00

January is dark. We've been talking in class about how late the sun rises in the morning and how early it sets. During current events our "weather reporters" tell the exact time of sunrises and sunsets along with forecasts for rain and cold weather. But January is also filled with activity, including our Family History Report Project. Students should be finishing their three interviews this week and taking care of their notes on cards so we can start working on rough drafts next week. The reports are due Friday, January 29th. Below is a list of the report components.

FAMILY HISTORY REPORT

1. Interview family members (at least three). Take notes on cards. 10 pts.

2. Notes can include jobs, traditions, interests, and place of birth. Ask for an anecdote(personal story from a person’s life) because that is always the most interesting part of report. 20 pts.

3. Rough draft: convert the notes from the interviews to paragraphs so there is at least one page for each of the three people interviews. Add and introduction and a conclusion to your report. 20 pts.

4. Final copy: Revise and edit your rough draft. Rewrite for the final copy. 40 pts.

5. Indicate on maps (U.S. and world) where your family and ancestors have come from and lived. 20 pts.

6. Include a family tree. Use diagram provided or make your own. 15 pts.

7. Include a self-portrait and;/or family pictures. 20 pts.

8. Copy a family recipe or favorite recipe and include it in the report.15 pts.

9. Make an attractive cover for your report. 10 pts.

10. Give a three minute presentation of your report to the class. 30 pts.

Out of 200 possible points, I received_____________total points.

Thursday

2009-12-17T15:23:00.000-08:00

After finishing the second essay project, "How I Spend My Free Time," the kids are showing marked improvement in the organization of their Writing. They really stepped up to the plate when told the second essay needed to be "ten times" better than the first (which itself was pretty good for a start.) Most of the kids have become the "boss" of double-digit multiplication after weeks of practice, and they learned how to do an interview for their Familiy History Report project which isn't due until the end of January. I give the assignment before the break so some can choose to interview relatives they might see over the holidays. Some might want to take digital pictures for use in the project, and you might want to take a look at Voicethread.com on your home computer because the kids are learning to use it as a possible component of their Familiy History. I hope all of you have a terrific holiday season. Carry on!

Wednesday

2009-12-02T13:46:00.000-08:00

No, those aren't former students doing their fifteen minutes of silent reading homework, but it sure looks like a great way to spend some free time even if the current weather forbids the swimsuits.

Speaking of "free time," that is exactly the topic for our latest Writing assignment. The kids are writing an essay on how they prefer to spend their free time. Today we finished up the prewrite part of the process where the focus is narrowed, a strong opening paragraph is started, and supporting paragraphs are outlined, and tomorrow we'll write the rough draft of the essay. We will work on adding details and examples that support their main idea.

For example, if my main idea is that I like to spend my free time reading at the beach, then I need a paragraph supporting that idea that includes what kinds or books or magazines I take with me to the beach. Maybe a second paragraph talks about or describes a particular beach that is well-suited to reading a favorite book.

Give a listen to "Grammar Girl" over in the right margin. She has an entertaining way of explaining writing tips with a new offering each week.

Wednesday Before Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T14:08:00.000-08:00

Today the kids finished up their Thanksgiving cards and craft projects with their kindergarten buddies. They are pretty good at distinguishing proper from common nouns so you might ask them for some examples of each.
Have a happy Thanksgiving! See you on Monday.

Tuesday

2009-11-17T10:57:00.000-08:00

Over five inches of rain has fallen already this month, and it's only half over! The kids checked our weather station in the library. Julia regularly brings the weather section of the Peninsula Daily News for the weekly forecasts, and we often check the weather in Las Vegas for some perspective.
This week we'll finish up the friendly letter project with the proper way to fold the letter and address the envelope. Later this year we'll learn how to write a business letter for another project in which the kids will receive some free materials from the American Quarterhorse Association.

Wednesday

2009-11-04T11:28:00.001-08:00

Tea is a delightful afternoon beverage and one of the ways we wrap a week of hard work in Room 17. The fourth graders nearly filled one of my cupboards with all the tea boxes they've brought to school this year, and we may have to have more shelves installed if this keeps up! Did you know that tea comes in a peach flavor? Nice.
Parent/teacher conferences are next Monday and Tuesday and Veteran's Day is Wednesday. This Friday we will perform a song at the Vet's Day assembly and you are all welcome to attend. We might even save some tea! Now it's time to return to our lesson on common nouns.

Wednesday

2009-10-21T12:28:00.001-07:00

Our class just finished up the final draft of the first essay: My Favorite Dessert, and we will have some of them displayed on the bulletin board soon. They did pretty well for the first major writing project.

Please return the blue slips confirming the parent/teacher conference for next month. It's only about two weeks out, and I'm looking forward to talking with you.

If you'd like to give your child a little extra Reading/Writing practice, ask them to identify the compound sentences in the blog post. That's one of the things we've worked on in the last few days.

Tuesday

2009-10-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

The weather is cooling down, the rain has arrived, but it's nice and warm in Room 17 here at Franklin School. Take a look at this short video of Tracy Blume's band performing a Disney song and teaching the intermediate classes about jazz. Very nice!

We'll work on keyboarding this week and finish up the first essay titled "My Favorite Dessert." It looks we have some fine writers in Room 17 again this year, and some of the students have started to write their own summaries of news items for current events.

Thursday

2009-10-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

One of "my" parents remarked yesterday that today (Thursday) is the kids' "Friday." Well, that's true in a way since tomorrow is a "Learning Improvement Day" for teachers. We'll be at the high school attending a presentation on motivating all students. It's the second in a series that began days before the start of school this year.

The kids did a great job with Picture Day, and everyone is looking forward to the "results." Without a doubt it was the smoothest photo session in recent memory. And, thank goodness for my observant colleagues. Having left the collar buttons undone, there was nearly a fashion error on my part.

Students are brining in lots of news items for our current events program and all the parent help with these items is greatly appreciated. Practicing reading the articles before presenting them in class is helping our kids learn to read as well as understand some of the events going on in the world. Thanks for your involvement. Now if we could get some of those mushroom and spider pics....

Open House

2009-10-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

Tonight's Open House for Franklin's fourth and fifth grades starts at 6:00 PM. We'll meet in the gym for a few minutes and then meet in Room 17. I hope to meet all of you tonight. There will be tea!

Friday

2009-09-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

Walking into the classroom from lunch recess, I found the fourth graders singing Taylor Swift’s “Love Story”. The next day it was “Whitehorse,” also by TW. Who says the record industry is in trouble? It's going to be an interesting year!

The kids are doing well and have started their Photostory projects. Several have recorded their voices to go with their self-portraits. We'll have a look at some of them next Thursday at Back to School Night. Hope to see you there.

Today's barbecue was the best we've had here at Franklin and the burgers were very tasty.

Tuesday

2009-09-15T10:39:00.001-07:00

Tuesday in Room 17. Yes, that is a sentence fragment, but we'll work on that later this month along with run-on sentences and paragraphing.

The kids just started work on an exciting tech project that's new this year. To go along with their self-portraits (great job on these, by the way) they are writing a short biography. We'll make some digital photos of the portraits and then "put" them in the computer on a program named "Photostory." We hope to have some projects to show on "Back to School Night," which happens for fourth and fifth grade classes on Thursday, October 1st.

Today's bonus question: What are the nicknames for the five Pacific Salmon species?

Current Read Aloud: Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl. It's all about the harrowing and humorous experiences of a Fox family apparently at the mercy of three very mean farmers.

Recommended book for parents and other adults: Inherent Vice by Thomas Pynchon. Dense but accessible crime drama set c. 1970.

2009-09-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

I'll see you tomorrow in Room 17 at Franklin Elementary School. If you don't have one, you can pick out a silent reading book from our classroom library. We'll get started reading right at 8:05 AM. Below is the newsletter I'll send home with the students tomorrow afternoon. See you tomorrow!

Room 17 Report
Mr. Burnett's Class Franklin School Room 17
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

September 3, 2009

Dear Fourth Grade Student and Parents/Guardian:

I want to welcome you to the fourth grade and let you know that I am looking forward to having you in my class this year. You will have an enjoyable and productive year in our room!

You will need to have a book for silent reading at 8:10 each day. You may bring a book from home or find one in our classroom collection.

Since we believe that education is serious business, please do not bring any toys to school because they interfere with learning. Here are other rules you will be expected to follow:

1. Follow directions the first time they are given.
2. Stay in your seat unless given permission to leave
it.
3. Raise your hand and wait to be called on before
speaking.
4. Turn in all assignments on time.

HOMEWORK: Students are responsible for handing their homework in on time. Homework is due the following day and needs to be placed in the correct assignment box before the second bell when school starts. Homework generally consists of unfinished daily assignments, and I ask the students to read for at least fifteen minutes each evening. Occasionally, there will be homework projects that require more than one day to complete, and for these assignments I will give the students a due date.

WHEN ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE: Assignments are usually due the morning after they are assigned. If the assignment is not handed in, the student receives a 0 in the grade book for that assignment, so it is very important that all assignments are completed and turned in on time. Nothing lowers a report card grade faster than missing assignments. If a student is absent, he/ she will have at least two days to make up the assignments after checking with me to see which assignments to make up.

GRADING: No student will receive failing marks on their report card if their assignments are turned in on time and they are trying to do the assignments to the best of their ability. I will present more details on the new report card as they become available to me.

You will earn good grades as long as you listen well in class, follow directions the first time, and complete and turn in assignments on time.

HANDING ASSIGNMENTS BACK: Assignments and papers are returned to the student’s “mail box.” Students are responsible for getting their “mail” and taking it home to show their parents/ guardians. I encourage you to keep assignments rather than throw them away, at least through the end of the trimester. The projects, like the “Family History Report,” you will probably want to keep forever.

I hope some of your questions and concerns about this year have been answered in this letter. You can also check our Franklin website by accessing the Port Angeles School District website. Good communication will help each student succeed in fourth grade. Please contact me with any other questions and concerns.

Sincerely,
Mr. Burnett (565-1853)

PARENTS/GUARDIANS: Please see me if you are interested in volunteering in the classroom this year.

2009-08-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

School starts on September 3, 2009, and that is a Thursday. See you in Room 17 at Franklin School.

The Phone Message

2009-04-24T11:45:00.001-07:00

WASL Over

2009-04-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

After two weeks the WASL is finished. The kids worked very hard on all parts of this major fourth grade assessment, and attendance was excellent. Now we can move forward to group projects with a multi-media computer program called Photostory which allows kids to make a slide show with narration, pictures and music. That's one of our students in the photo above demonstrating the proper way to take a phone message. The picture will become part of her slide show project.

Technology Day 1

2009-04-11T22:36:00.000-07:00

Science Night at Franklin

2009-04-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we had a "Science Night" here at Franklin Elementary School and it was a big success. You can get an idea about what it was like from the video courtesy of Peninsula Daily News.Just go to the Peninsula Daily News website, find "video" in the tool bar, and scroll down to "Franklin Science Night."

2009-04-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome back after what I hope has been a great Spring Break. Even the weather feels springlike today as we dive into finishing essays about life at Franklin Elementary School and learning more about long division and probablity. We had a terrific field trip to Port Townsend to see the Marinie Lab and participate in lessons about sound underwater and orcas (Killer Whales.) Both were very good, and the kids handled a long bus ride with ease and a demonstrated sense of joy...how many times did we sing the "Chicken Song?" On a more serious note: The WASL begins next week!

Young Writer's Conference

2009-03-25T21:03:00.001-07:00

Franklin students and parent helpers walked to Peninsula College yesterday and participated in sharing sessions, writing workshops, and a book-making project. It was an exciting event, and more than a few students and adults remarked that the day went by very fast. It was a thrill to hear our students read some of their creative writings, and students from across the peninsula learned to listen and comment on the various stories and essays written by their peers. Many thanks to our parent helpers for supporting our efforts to build a student writing community.

Next Week is a Busy One!

2009-03-16T21:59:00.001-07:00

Report cards go home next week and our field trip is Wednesday, March 25th (also next week.)

Friday

2009-03-13T11:23:00.001-07:00

Last night's "Science Night" was a big success with community scientists and teachers exhibiting amazing activities and displays. Among the exhibits was a large display under glass of various large and colorful bugs. High school teacher Coke Smith must have one of the largest collections in the world, and that's a lot of bugs! Another exhibit also had "bugs" but you had to look through a microscope to see them; they were really small! For me, Mr. Burnett, the best part was seeing so many Franklin students and parents having a fun and educational evening at our school. Have a good weekend!