Thursday

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

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

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

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

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
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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

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

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.