Dear Families,
Here we are into October – one of the happiest months for kids! In class we are now up to full speed in all subjects. Students are showing confidence with procedures, our schedule and assignments. Thank you for keeping me informed when questions about homework or other matters arise.

The beginning of the year is busy with assessments of many kinds. Results give teachers a current snapshot of where each student is working in academic subjects. In fall students take the DRP (Degrees of Reading Power) test. DRP looks at “surface comprehension” which is one type of comprehension that readers need to use. Students also complete the DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment). This looks at fluency, and comprehension skills like predicting, summarizing, and interpreting. Fall Math benchmark quizzes look at math fact fluency and problem solving skills. The data collected from these tests helps teachers plan out appropriate reading, writing and math instruction for each student.

In Social Studies we are beginning our study of Native American peoples who lived three to five hundred years ago. Students always enjoy this unit because of the many opportunities to work in a hands-on way with materials. October will be filled with research, interesting projects, a field trip and aligned projects in Music and Art classes. An invitation for you to join us in November at school to see the many products of this unit will come along later in the month.

Our fall Science topic is a geology unit entitled Earth Materials. Fourth Grade science topics are matched to the Connecticut State Science standards. Lessons are “inquiry based” which means that students will experiment, observe, analyze and discover in active ways. To develop analytical skills we will first take apart a simulated rock called a Mock Rock. We will observe the rocks, break them apart, dissolve them in water and evaporate the liquid to discover the ingredients from which our rocks are made. We will then move on to real rocks and minerals using scratch tools and acid (vinegar) to test for specific minerals. Finally, we will look at granite, the base rock from which continents are made, and analyze it to discover the minerals it contains. Watch for Home/School Connection sheets I will send home from time to time. These pages will describe ways the whole family can look more closely at rocks and minerals around your home.

Thanks to all who were able to attend our recent Back-to-School Night! I appreciated the opportunity to familiarize you with our fourth grade program and to answer your questions. I will continue to phone you personally about your child’s progress.

Wishing you an enjoyable October,

Mrs. Otis