"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth," is a famous expression and proverb instructing us to avoid finding fault or making a complaint about a gift or present. As horses develop they grow more teeth and their existing teeth begin to change shape and project further forward. Determining a horse's age from its teeth is a specialist task, but it can be done. This incidentally is also the source of another teeth/age related phrase - "long in the tooth."

The advice given in the 'don't look...' proverb is: when receiving a gift be grateful for what it is; don't imply you wished for more by assessing its value.

As with most proverbs the origin is ancient and unknown. We have some clues with this one however. The phrase appears in print in English in 1546.

During our Math problems practice in Room 17 each morning, students copy down between twenty to twenty-five arithmetic problems from the screen in the front of our room. Occasionally, I will present one that is already answered, telling the class to not "look a gift horse in the mouth." Looks of puzzlement follow as, apparently, this expression is seldom heard these days.

Rain seems likely this Friday when we walk to Peninsula College for the Storytelling event. Rain appropriate boots and jackets are advised.

Every Kid in a Park


Every US 4th grader is invited. By participating in the Every Kid in a Park program, you can visit and learn about your federal lands and waters right now. Ignite a passion for history and culture and spark a lifelong commitment to saving places that matter. Beginning September 1, 2015, any fourth grader can download their own voucher to gain unlimited, free access to any federal lands or waters for a year. This works really well for our class since our school is practically inside the Olympic National Park here in Port Angeles. See the link below:


http://www.nationalparks.org/ook/every-kid-in-a-park

Monday, September 19th, is Picture Day at Franklin. Bring your smile!

This Thursday is Open House here at Franklin. You are invited to come to Room 17 between 6 and 7 PM to see our classroom, student materials and artwork.

Your fourth-grader can show you his or her desk, self-portrait, textbooks, and a tour of our classroom.

We can also talk informally about events and projects coming up later this year. I hope you can make it!











Study Habits

Help your fourth graders succeed in school by doing the following things each day. Send them to school with some notebook paper and a few sharpened pencils. Ask them if they have turned in their assignments or have them ready to turn in before 8:10 AM. Spend a few minutes several times a week practicing subtraction facts (11-6, for example) and remind your student to read at home each day for at least fifteen minutes. These simple study habits along with good attendance are essential for your child's future in and out of school. I hope to see you on September 15th, for Open House here at Franklin. 

Room 17 Report

Mr. Burnett's Class       Franklin School                      Room 17

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

September 1st, 2016

 

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.

 

ASSIGNMENTS AND HOMEWORK:  Students are responsible for handing in their assignments on time. Assignments are due the following day and need to be placed in the correct assignment box before the second bell at 8:10 AM when school starts.

 

Homework generally consists of unfinished daily assignments, and I ask the students to read for at least fifteen minutes each evening. As an optional homework opportunity, students are encouraged to bring a current event/news item from a newspaper, TV or radio, magazines, or the internet. There will be a few assignments, including the Family History Report Project,  that require more than one day to complete and some parent/guardian involvement, and for these assignments I will give the students a due date later in the year.

 

WHEN ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE:  Assignments are due the morning after they are assigned. 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)                                   

Please note that our field trip is tomorrow, Tuesday, April 12th. There was an error on the permission slip sent before Spring Break. I will send the corrected version home today. Thanks, and since the weather does not look promising, boots, a hat, and a poncho/rain slicker are advised!