Weekly Updates: 5/16-5/20

       

Upcoming Dates

• 5/26 - Lochinvar Recitations
• 5/27 - Last day of school!

A Look Ahead 

ELA - 

• This week, scholars will be returning to our normal Spalding routine. Scholars will learn 10 new words on Monday-Wednesday and conclude the week with a 30 word test. As we approach the end of the year, we encourage scholars to persevere by continuing to do their best work. We ask that scholars use their neatest cursive so as to demonstrate just how hard they have worked on penmanship this year. Please ensure your scholar follows all directions on their Spalding homework. As a reminder, students should never copy the words directly from their homework sheet. 
• In Literature, scholars will finish their journey through the Land of Oz! We have already said goodbye to the Great Oz himself, and this week we will bid farewell to the rest of our beloved characters. On Thursday, scholars will complete a reflection activity that will allow them to think back on the major themes from the text. This activity will build into an essay which they will complete during class in the final week of school.
• In Writing this week, scholars will practice their writing skills by using the models of two famous parables: "The Lame Man and the Blind Man" and "The Crying Woman." At the end of the week, they will write their own parables. 
• In Poetry, scholars will finish memorizing "Lochinvar" by Sir Walter Scott. We will spend time in class practicing the poem, then scholars will recite on 5/26. 

Math -

This week in Math, we will return to our study of decimals. Scholars will learn how to multiply and divide with decimals. This will build upon their knowledge of the connection between fractions and decimals.  

History - 

This week we will explore Texas into he 20th Century and become immersed in Texas culture. We will also prepare for the final History assessment next week!

Science - 

This week, we will learn about geothermal energy! In addition, scholars will begin their final project for the year.

A Note on Uniforms:

Announcement:

We are asking that all parents review the dress code policy as we will begin a uniform reset procedure to help our students get to 100 percent uniform compliance. Our uniform policy will be sent home in scholar’s folder; it is also found on our website under the family handbook. Per our family handbook, “While students are responsible for their clothing and appearance, it is the parents who are responsible for providing the conditions required for meeting the standard, e.g. haircuts, proper shoes, shirts, skirts and pants that fit properly, are clean, etc. Parents are urged to understand the uniform requirements below, and to ensure that their children go to school each day in the right attire, from head to toe. It is an uncomfortable experience for a child to be corrected for a uniform violation, and repeated uniform issues can become an enormous distraction for students.” 

 

Uniform Reset Procedure: An email or phone call and a note/infraction will be sent home when your scholar is violating our dress code policy. The note will explain the violation. After the third violation the student will receive lunch detention with the Dean. If for any reason you are unable to purchase the proper uniform please reach out to Jennifer Cape, Jennifer.cape@greatheartswesternhill.org. 

Weekly Updates: 5/9-5/13

      

Upcoming Dates

• 5/10 - STAAR Math Test
• 5/11 - STAAR Reading Test
• 5/12 - Concert
  
• 5/26 - Lochinvar Recitations
• 5/27 - Last day of school!

A Note on STAAR

Scholars have been working so hard to learn all of the content of their fourth grade year. We are so excited to see them demonstrate their mastery of their math and reading skills this coming week! Here are a few reminders to ensure that they have the most successful and low-stress experience possible. 

1. A good night's rest can go a long way! Please help ensure your scholar gets a full night of sleep.
2. Students should have a good, filling breakfast the day of the test. (Maybe some good luck pancakes!)
3. Students should arrive on time to help ensure a smooth, seamless start to their test. 
4. Students are not permitted to talk about the content of the test to ensure the security of testing materials. Please partner with us by not asking them specific questions about the testing items!

A Look Ahead 

ELA - 

• This week, scholars will not be learning new words in Spalding due to their STAAR tests. We will take our additional time to review cursive letter formation and practice our poem.
• In Literature, scholars will continue their journey through the beautiful and terrible land of Oz. We will read through chapter 20 this week encountering memorable settings and characters such as Glinda the Good Witch, the fighting trees, and the Dainty China Country. After having reached the climax last week, we are in the "falling action," headed towards the resolution of the novel. We look forward to seeing both the characters and our scholars learn more about themselves this week as we head towards the end of Dorothy's journey.
• In Grammar this week, scholars will continue learning about compound sentences. 
• In Poetry, scholars have been practicing the delightful tale of “Lochinvar" by Sir Walter Scott. Recitations will begin on 5/26. 

Math -

In Math this week, scholars will spend Monday doing their final review for the STAAR test, which is on Tuesday (5/10). We will spend the rest of the week learning about three-dimensional shapes and how to calculate their volume.  

History - 

This week we will be learning about Texas's involvement in the Civil War. We encourage you to have conversations with your children about the complicated history of our great state, particularly regarding Texas's support of slavery during the Civil War.

Science - 

This week, we will review the concepts learned up to this point in our Science unit on natural resources. On Thursday, we will explore solar energy.

A Note on Uniforms:

Announcement:

We are asking that all parents review the dress code policy as we will begin a uniform reset procedure to help our students get to 100 percent uniform compliance. Our uniform policy will be sent home in scholar’s folder; it is also found on our website under the family handbook. Per our family handbook, “While students are responsible for their clothing and appearance, it is the parents who are responsible for providing the conditions required for meeting the standard, e.g. haircuts, proper shoes, shirts, skirts and pants that fit properly, are clean, etc. Parents are urged to understand the uniform requirements below, and to ensure that their children go to school each day in the right attire, from head to toe. It is an uncomfortable experience for a child to be corrected for a uniform violation, and repeated uniform issues can become an enormous distraction for students.” 

 

Uniform Reset Procedure: An email or phone call and a note/infraction will be sent home when your scholar is violating our dress code policy. The note will explain the violation. After the third violation the student will receive lunch detention with the Dean. If for any reason you are unable to purchase the proper uniform please reach out to Jennifer Cape, Jennifer.cape@greatheartswesternhill.org. 

Weekly Updates: 5/2-5/6

     

Upcoming Dates

• 5/10 - STAAR Math Test
• 5/11 - STAAR Reading Test
• 5/12 - Concert
  
• 5/26 - Lochinvar Recitations
• 5/27 - Last day of school!

A Look Ahead 

ELA - 

• This week in Spalding, scholars will, at last, return to their normal 30 word Spalding routine. We will learn 10 new words Monday through Wednesday, then have a 30 word test on Friday. Please ensure that for homework, someone is dictating the words to your scholar. They should never just copy down the words. Thank you!
• In Literature, scholars will be reading chapters 13 through 17 of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. We have reached the climax of the book--the most dramatic, exciting action of the novel. The characters will make new discoveries and see brave, daring rescues. We are so excited to see the scholars experience these events alongside Dorothy and her friends. 
• In Grammar this week, scholars will be practicing their skills of editing and revision. They will apply all they have learned about proper grammar and quality writing in order to correct mistake they find in a passage. 
• In Poetry, scholars have been practicing the delightful tale of “Lochinvar" by Sir Walter Scott. Recitations will begin on 5/26. 

Math -

In Math this week, we will be prepping the scholars for their upcoming Math STAAR test by Socratically working through problems they might see on the assessment. We will challenge our students to think critically and use creative problem solving strategies to attack these questions so that they can feel comfortable and ready on the big day (5/10). Homework will reinforce the concepts and skills we learned in Math this year. 

History - 

This week we will see Texas as an independent nation, then see how it became part of the United States!

Science - 

This week, students will explore wind and water and sources of energy, and compare the advantages and disadvantages of different energy resources. On Friday we will do a quiz to review what we have learned up to this point..

A Note on Uniforms:

Announcement:

We are asking that all parents review the dress code policy as we will begin a uniform reset procedure to help our students get to 100 percent uniform compliance. Our uniform policy will be sent home in scholar’s folder; it is also found on our website under the family handbook. Per our family handbook, “While students are responsible for their clothing and appearance, it is the parents who are responsible for providing the conditions required for meeting the standard, e.g. haircuts, proper shoes, shirts, skirts and pants that fit properly, are clean, etc. Parents are urged to understand the uniform requirements below, and to ensure that their children go to school each day in the right attire, from head to toe. It is an uncomfortable experience for a child to be corrected for a uniform violation, and repeated uniform issues can become an enormous distraction for students.” 

 

Uniform Reset Procedure: An email or phone call and a note/infraction will be sent home when your scholar is violating our dress code policy. The note will explain the violation. After the third violation the student will receive lunch detention with the Dean. If for any reason you are unable to purchase the proper uniform please reach out to Jennifer Cape, Jennifer.cape@greatheartswesternhill.org. 

Weekly Updates 4/25-4/29

    

Upcoming Dates

• 4/26 - Field Trip to Austin
• 5/10 - STAAR Math Test
• 5/11 - STAAR Reading Test
• 5/12 - Concert

NOTE: Click here to pay for the Field Trip: K-4 Field Trip Payment

A Look Ahead 

ELA - 

• This week in Spalding, scholars will only have 20 words due to the field trip. We will learn 10 new words Monday and Wednesday, then have a 20 word test on Friday. Please ensure that for homework, someone is dictating the words to your scholar. They should never just copy down the words. Thank you!
• In Literature, scholars will continue reading the The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Scholars have been absorbing the heart of this novel so beautifully. They have seen the characters begin to discover their strengths, which they believe to be their weaknesses.  The scholars will continue to journey to Oz with Dorothy and company in the coming week!
• In Writing this week, scholars will be practicing their skills of writing dialogue. We will be using the story of “The Brave 300” as a tool to explore rich and descriptive writing. 
• In Poetry, scholars have been practicing the delightful tale of “Lochinvar" by Sir Walter Scott. Recitations will begin on 5/26. 

Math -

In Math this week, scholars will be learning all about units of measurement. We will discuss how to convert between units, as well as how to add and subtract them. Later, we will begin a review of all the skills we have learned thus far this year. 

History - 

This week we will see what happens when American settlers began moving to Texas. We will also see the outcome of the Texas Revolution and the establishment of Texas as an independent nation.

Science - 

This week in science we are learning about nuclear energy and its uses.

A Note on Uniforms:

Announcement:

We are asking that all parents review the dress code policy as we will begin a uniform reset procedure to help our students get to 100 percent uniform compliance. Our uniform policy will be sent home in scholar’s folder; it is also found on our website under the family handbook. Per our family handbook, “While students are responsible for their clothing and appearance, it is the parents who are responsible for providing the conditions required for meeting the standard, e.g. haircuts, proper shoes, shirts, skirts and pants that fit properly, are clean, etc. Parents are urged to understand the uniform requirements below, and to ensure that their children go to school each day in the right attire, from head to toe. It is an uncomfortable experience for a child to be corrected for a uniform violation, and repeated uniform issues can become an enormous distraction for students.” 

 

Uniform Reset Procedure: An email or phone call and a note/infraction will be sent home when your scholar is violating our dress code policy. The note will explain the violation. After the third violation the student will receive lunch detention with the Dean. If for any reason you are unable to purchase the proper uniform please reach out to Jennifer Cape, Jennifer.cape@greatheartswesternhill.org. Infractions will start being sent home on Monday February 28^th.

Weekly Updates 4/11-4/14

   

Upcoming Dates

• 4/15 - No School
• 4/18 - No School
• 4/26 - Field Trip to Austin

NOTE: Click here to pay for the Field Trip: K-4 Field Trip Payment

A Look Ahead 

ELA - 

• This week in Spalding, scholars will only have 20 words since it is a short week. We will learn 10 new words Monday and Tuesday, then have a 20 word test on Thursday. Please ensure that for homework, someone is dictating the words to your scholar. They should never just copy down the words. Thank you!
• In Literature, scholars will begin reading their final Classic to Keep, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Many scholars are probably familiar with this story; however, this is no reason to believe that their reading experience will be boring! The adventures of Dorothy, Toto, the "Cowardly" Lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Woodman are exciting, heartwarming, and inspiring. We look forward to seeing the scholars learn about friendship and self-esteem through the whimsical journey through Oz.
• In Grammar this week, scholars will learn about compound sentences. In this sentence type, two simple clauses are joined using a coordinating conjunction. 
• The next poem that scholars will memorize is "Lochnivar" by Sir Walter Scott.

Math -

In Math this week, scholars will be learning about Lines of Symmetry in two-dimensional objects.

History - 

This week we will learn about the first people in Texas. We will also see the first European explorers reach Texas and see what impact they had on the region.

Science - 

This week in science we will discover the pros and cons of renewable and renewable resources focusing on types of fossil fuels.

A Note on Uniforms:

Announcement:

We are asking that all parents review the dress code policy as we will begin a uniform reset procedure to help our students get to 100 percent uniform compliance. Our uniform policy will be sent home in scholar’s folder; it is also found on our website under the family handbook. Per our family handbook, “While students are responsible for their clothing and appearance, it is the parents who are responsible for providing the conditions required for meeting the standard, e.g. haircuts, proper shoes, shirts, skirts and pants that fit properly, are clean, etc. Parents are urged to understand the uniform requirements below, and to ensure that their children go to school each day in the right attire, from head to toe. It is an uncomfortable experience for a child to be corrected for a uniform violation, and repeated uniform issues can become an enormous distraction for students.” 

 

Uniform Reset Procedure: An email or phone call and a note/infraction will be sent home when your scholar is violating our dress code policy. The note will explain the violation. After the third violation the student will receive lunch detention with the Dean. If for any reason you are unable to purchase the proper uniform please reach out to Jennifer Cape, Jennifer.cape@greatheartswesternhill.org. Infractions will start being sent home on Monday February 28^th.

Weekly Updates 4/4-4/7

  

Upcoming Dates

• 4/4 - Preamble Recitations Continue; American Revolution Test
• 4/5 - Science Test
• 4/7 - Units 1-7 Math Test; Princess and the Goblin Test
• 4/8  - No School (Battle of the Flowers)
• 4/26 - Field Trip to Austin

NOTE: Click here to pay for the Field Trip: K-4 Field Trip Payment

A Look Ahead 

ELA - 

• This week in Spalding, scholars will only have 20 words since it is a short week. We will learn 10 new words Monday and Tuesday, then have a 20 word test on Thursday. Please ensure that for homework, someone is dictating the words to your scholar. They should never just copy down the words. Thank you!
• In Literature, scholars will be finishing their journey with Irene and Curdie! We cannot believe our time in King-papa's dominions are coming to an end, and that we will be concluding our fourth Classic-to-Keep. Scholars have learned so much from the characters' wisdom, courage, perseverance, and curiosity. We look forward to seeing just how much they have learned when they take their test on Thursday. Scholars have already received a study guide, which we will review together on Wednesday in preparation for our test.
• In Writing this week, scholars will learn about all about how to incorporate vivid description into their writing. We will be reading the myth "Athena and Arachne" to practice this skill.
• In Poetry, scholars have been working hard on the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence. We look forward to seeing their hard work pay off in their recitations.

Math -

This week in Math, scholars will be reviewing everything they have learned so far in preparation for their Cumulative Units 1-7 Test. We are so excited for the students to show us what they know!

History - 

This week, we will finish our unit on The American Revolution with a unit test on Monday. Scholars will begin Texas History with a review of the four Texas Regions.

Science - 

This week we will finish our unit on The Processes that Shape the Earth with a test on Tuesday. Scholars will then begin their next unit on Natural Resources with an Introduction to Cost-Benefit Analysis.

A Note on Uniforms:

Announcement:

We are asking that all parents review the dress code policy as we will begin a uniform reset procedure to help our students get to 100 percent uniform compliance. Our uniform policy will be sent home in scholar’s folder; it is also found on our website under the family handbook. Per our family handbook, “While students are responsible for their clothing and appearance, it is the parents who are responsible for providing the conditions required for meeting the standard, e.g. haircuts, proper shoes, shirts, skirts and pants that fit properly, are clean, etc. Parents are urged to understand the uniform requirements below, and to ensure that their children go to school each day in the right attire, from head to toe. It is an uncomfortable experience for a child to be corrected for a uniform violation, and repeated uniform issues can become an enormous distraction for students.” 

 

Uniform Reset Procedure: An email or phone call and a note/infraction will be sent home when your scholar is violating our dress code policy. The note will explain the violation. After the third violation the student will receive lunch detention with the Dean. If for any reason you are unable to purchase the proper uniform please reach out to Jennifer Cape, Jennifer.cape@greatheartswesternhill.org. Infractions will start being sent home on Monday February 28^th.

Weekly Updates 3/21-3/25

 

Upcoming Dates

• 3/25 - Quarter 3 Ends
• 3/29 - Quarter 4 Begins
• 4/1 - Recite "Preamble to the Declaration of Independence"; Unit 7 Ch 1 Math Quiz (Decimals)
• 4/26 - Field Trip to Austin

NOTE: Click here to pay for the Field Trip: K-4 Field Trip Payment

A Look Ahead 

ELA - 

• This week in Spalding, scholars will continue their normal Spalding routine. We will learn 10 new words Monday-Wednesday, then have a 30 word test on Friday. Please ensure that for homework, someone is dictating the words to your scholar. They should never just copy down the words. Thank you!
• In Literature, scholars will continue on their journey with Irene, Lootie, Curdie, and the goblins. The students have been making creative and astute predictions about what the goblins are up to. They have been appreciating the rich literary devices MacDonald uses in the books, his humorous language, and his deep, inspiring themes. We are excited to watch Irene grow alongside the scholars!
• In Grammar this week, scholars will learn about object pronouns! They will use their existing knowledge of sentence structure to investigate how pronouns can act as objects. We know they will do great!
• In Poetry, scholars have been working on the first three sentences of the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence. As we continue learning about the beginnings of the American Revolution in  history, we hope that scholars feel inspired to grow in citizenship and justice as they practice their poem.

Math -

This week in Math, we will learn about adding and subtracting decimals. This practice will include decimals with tenths and hundredths. Scholars will use concrete methods to practice regrouping, and we will lead them to a solid understanding of the standard addition and subtraction algorithms (stacking). Students will see that adding numbers with decimals is no different from adding whole numbers! Next week we will have a quiz over this content.

History - 

This week, scholars will see the events that led up to the American Revolution, including the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party.

Science - 

This week we will scholars will learn all about erosion! Later in the week our class will try an experiment to see erosion in action.

A Note on Uniforms:

Announcement:

We are asking that all parents review the dress code policy as we will begin a uniform reset procedure to help our students get to 100 percent uniform compliance. Our uniform policy will be sent home in scholar’s folder; it is also found on our website under the family handbook. Per our family handbook, “While students are responsible for their clothing and appearance, it is the parents who are responsible for providing the conditions required for meeting the standard, e.g. haircuts, proper shoes, shirts, skirts and pants that fit properly, are clean, etc. Parents are urged to understand the uniform requirements below, and to ensure that their children go to school each day in the right attire, from head to toe. It is an uncomfortable experience for a child to be corrected for a uniform violation, and repeated uniform issues can become an enormous distraction for students.” 

 

Uniform Reset Procedure: An email or phone call and a note/infraction will be sent home when your scholar is violating our dress code policy. The note will explain the violation. After the third violation the student will receive lunch detention with the Dean. If for any reason you are unable to purchase the proper uniform please reach out to Jennifer Cape, Jennifer.cape@greatheartswesternhill.org. Infractions will start being sent home on Monday February 28^th.