From the Mrs. Collins' Desk

We have been busily reviewing for the chapter six social studies test which was today.  All students have a study sheet, and with a little extra effort, all students will do well.  Today, a new science chapter, entitled "Earth's Features and Its Materials," was introduced with an experiment on how running water shapes the land.  Ask your child to explain what happened in this experiment and what was learned.  Here's a little trivia for you.  Did you know that the Mississippi River is the 2nd longest river in the United States?  Do you know which is the longest?


In math, a new chapter began this week. The 8th chapter is on fractions and decimals. The students will be learning about equivalent fractions, tenths and hundredths as decimals, and renaming fractions as decimals. Have you gone to the GO MATH website lately? It is called "Think Central". Please don't forget this valuable tool. The Mega Math games and iTools can help to reinforce the skills being taught. Please continue to look over nightly homework and encourage your child in their efforts. They are doing great! 

From the Desk of Mrs. Collins'

Today was the talent show and we were so proud of Corynne and Marlee.  They did a tremendous job playing "Rocky Top" on their violins and clogging too!  Way to go girls!

There are two upcoming events in February that I wanted to make you aware of so that you can mark your calendar.  On February 10th, the fourth grade will be attending a performance at the Opry House that is entitled "The Freedom Train."  We will be traveling by car, and each class can have up to six adults (who will also be our drivers) to go with us.  Also, on February 14th, the fourth grade will be presenting a program at 1:00 p.m, our Valentine's Day program titled "Friends".  The students are busy practicing for our program. I hope you and other special loved ones will plan on joining us.  Mrs. Matherly always does a wonderful job with these musical productions.  More information will be coming home about both events in the near future.


The fourth grade hallways are full of colorful artwork and wonderful writings completed by our students.  If you have an opportunity, come and look at your child's work.  It's impressive!

Happy New Year and Welcome Back!

Students have chosen their Book Talk books and are eagerly reading them.  They were given about 30 minutes in class today to read and will be given time tomorrow to read, as well.  Earlier this week, the Book Talk calendar was given to students to show when each student would give their Book Talk.  They are scheduled for the end of January and beginning of February.  The students did such a great job last time that I am looking forward to hearing their talks!  Next week, the students will be assessed on Word Wall on Wednesday.   Students will be learning about fact/nonfact, comparing/contrasting, and identifying root words. Also, we will be reading Gluskabe and the Snow Bird and the story quiz will be on Friday.  

Social Studies/Science News from Mrs. Baugh:  Today, in social studies, we devoted the entire class period to honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Dr. King made such a powerful impact on American history, and I want fourth graders to be aware of the contribution that Dr. King made.  We watched a short film clip of one of his speeches, read a biography of Dr. King, did some role playing and creative writing, and also discussed how fourth graders can make a difference in making this country a better place.

Math News from Mrs. Drake:  The students are working diligently as we end the chapter on division. A quiz was given on Wednesday and will be in this week's signed papers. Most students did very well. I encourage you to take a couple of minutes over the weekend to check on their progress with dividing two and three digit numbers by a 1- digit number.  A test will be given on Tuesday.

Here are a few of the pictures from our winter celebration day when we returned back to school from the holidays.