PS 261 Class 408

Triangle Trade Play Video!

2007-06-22T03:58:00.000-07:00

Watch class 408's Triangle Trade Play

Brain Teasers by, Andromache

2007-03-18T05:44:00.000-07:00

Brain Teaser 1
A man climbed a 100 foot tree. he jumped down. Why didn't he die?

Brain Teaser 2
Take the number of kids there are in rom 4-408 and add it to the number of states there are in the Unites States and subtract 16 and the number you get is ...

Brain Teaser 3
What fraction do both pieces put together equal?

Happy Gilmore Movie Review by, Luca

2007-03-18T04:49:00.000-07:00

In the movie Happy Gilmore, the main character Happy Gilmore is playing golf to make money to get back his grandma's house. Gilmore's grandma lost her house because she did not pay her taxes for years.

Happy Gilmore used to be a hockey player, but he was not a good skater. Then he tried a little bit of golf and he was good at it and he played golf until he was very good.

I think it is a funny movie and I think it is very entertaining for golf players.

Happy Gilmore also cannot control his anger and his coach has one fake hand because an alligator bit it off.

In one part of the movie Happy Gilmore and the coach give each other a present and the coach falls out of the window and dies.

Interview with my Dad:

Q: What did you think of the movie?
A: Very funny and silly at the same time

Q: Who is your favorite character?
A: The coach because he was helpful

Q: Who told you about the movie?
A: Luca asked me to watch it with him

Q: What is your favorite scene?
A: The fight between Gilmore and the old man

Q: How many times did you see it?
A: Once, but I want to see it again

Class 408 Comic by, Zuri

2007-03-16T13:53:00.000-07:00

Click on comic to see it enlarged

Skateboarding Comic by, Zuri

2007-03-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

Click on comic to see it enlarged

Book Talk

2007-03-16T13:11:00.000-07:00

Only 4 of use in class 4-408 are in Book Talk. They are Hannah, Raquel, Aliyah, and Malcolm. Allisyn's class is in Book Talk too, but 6 kids. They are Molly, Serina, Aly, Maya, Abe, and Mo.

We have to go to book Talk every Friday at 8:30 am on the second floor in the computer room. We are reading A Series of Unfortunate Events The Erstatz Elevator by, Lemony Snicket.

Three weeks ago we were given a vocabulary test. The next week it was Jeopardy Book Talk. We got prizes. I won juggling balls.

Ok, that's it for today, see you next time.

From the Book Talk kids,

Aliyah and Raquel

ANIMALS IN DANGER CLOSE TO BEING EXTINCT AND HOW WE CAN HELP!!!

2007-03-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

Animals are in danger. The Polar Bears are not only ones in danger, Lions are in danger too. there are people in Africa killing them. Mexico is finding a way to save them and so is Africa.
Can we save the animals in danger? I know we can save wildlife!!!!!!!

by, Stephanie Wint

N.Y.C.

2007-03-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Ziyad and I am going to tell you why I like N.Y.C.

What I like about N.Y.C. is that if you live anywhere you have everything. For example, candy stores, food markets, baber shops, great schools. and more. But I am going to talk about school because it is my favorite. I like school because of the writing, playing math games, recess, ceiebrations, and because I don't get in trouble.

Don't you like N.Y.C.?

by, Ziyad

IRAQ

2007-03-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

In IRAQ there is a war going on. The presedent of America is sending more troops every month. I know some about the war that lots of people are dying in IRAQ. I think the presedent is really bad because he is risking more people's lives. I know oil is important but saving all of these live is more important.

By, MALCOLM

Barnes and Noble by, Deonte

2007-03-15T09:34:00.000-07:00

Last month class 408 went to Barnes & Noble to pick out a book with our reading partners. Some people say that the books were lot of money. Some people say it was fun, and some kids did not get to buy books. My class enjoyed reading all the books. Parents came along with us. Some parents paid for the childen who wanted a book really bad. Most reading partners already finshed their books from Barnes & Noble.

Book Reading with Miss Aba

2007-03-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

Miss Aba said, "Good morning 408. Today I'm going to perform a book called Coy and the Kola Nut Tree. It's an African book and 408, did we have fun? And I want to know what genre is the book from. And do you now any characters from the book and who is the last character?"

by, Laron

Miss Aba (Zuri’s Mom) came to class 408 and told us a story about a boy who was being treated badly in his village. He was the son of a king who died so he took some Kola nut and ran into the woods. He met a snake and he needed some Kola nuts for his mom and so he gave him some Kola nuts. Later he met an ant who needed Kola nut for the rain god to save his family. So he gave him some Kola nuts for his family and ran off looking for another village. Much later he saw a crocodile who ate the rainforest god's dog and he needed some Kola nuts too, and he gave him some. Then he found another village who asked to do a lot of things and he succeeded in all of them. The boy was then treated well in that village and everyone respected him because he is the son of a king.

by, Jalan

THE GAME!

2007-03-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

It was us, After school v.s Non After School in a basketball game. After School was leading by 2 and then Non After School caught up. Then they took a 2 point lead so it was a very tough game, and a very exciting game. Then it went into overtime and then double over time! But Joe made a layup to win the game for After School.

by, Adrian

WE INTERRUPT THIS PROGRAM TO PRESENT

2007-03-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

This is your final chance to enter the MATH MANIA CHALLENGE (from WME - World Math Entertainment) If their are NO entries in the next 2 weeks, it will be CANCELLED!

See 408 Reporter vol. 4 for
MATH MANIA CHALLENGW
(from WME - World Math Entertainment)

FIGHT'S!!!!!!!!! by Zuri

2007-03-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

Boys and girls,
Seeing is believing
You won't be breathing if you have FIGHTS!!!!!!!

What kind of fights are kids getting into? Physical or non-physical? Children are getting into all kinds of fights.

How do fights start?
In ridiculous ways I suppose. One way a fight could start is it could start out as a game and then something goes wrong!

What is the usual punishment for having a fight?
The consequence for some fights is detention. I know this because I had a fight and I got detention. Also, suspension is a punishment. I know this because my friend had a fight and he got suspended. Sometimes you can get a call or a letter home.

What are some ways to prevent fights?
Walk away when someone threatens you or tells you to fight them.

How do some children handle a fight?
Some kids walk away and some kids fight back.
I was guilty of fighting back.

What happens when people come to watch fights and cheer?
The people fighting are encouraged and egged on to fight more.

So boys and girls who are planning to have a fight... Beware of what might happen to you!

How to Make Peace by, Damaras obi

2007-03-15T07:10:00.000-07:00

This is how peace works in my class
and at last I'm letting you know fast
and if your talking to me
you get advice for free.

Step 1
Never start fights that lead to trouble.

Step 2
Always be kind and lift a helping hand.

Step 3
Never put anyone down help put them up.

Step 4
Be yourself not anyone you would be proud to know/be.

Step 5
If you make a mistake that’s ok everyone makes mistakes just lift your self right up.

And Step 6
Always be kind and never become a bully and be a leader not a follower.

P.S.
This was advice for you to know
on the dot and in the spot!

Signed Detective D.

Why do I have to clean my room? a poem by, Jack Prelutsky

2007-03-15T07:04:00.000-07:00

Why do I have to clean my room
when I would rather play?
The crayons scattered on the floor
are hardly in the way.
I almost never trip upon
my basketball or drums,
and I don’t pay attention
to the cake and cookie crumbs.

Why do I have to clean my room?
I think my room looks nice.
There’s pizza in the corner,
but its only half a slice.
I'm not at all concerned about
the gravy on the chair,
my piles of model planes and trains,
my stacks of underwear.

I will admit some bits of clay
are sticking to the wall.
I scarcely even notice them
and do not mind at all.
Beneath my bed there’s just a wedge
of last weeks apple pie,
and yet I have to clean my room...
I simply don’t know why.

Selected by, Exavier and Veronika

“We chose this poem because it had rhyme and it was also funny. It reminds me of having a mess in my room with everything on the floor.”

Parent-Teacher Conference Appointments

2007-03-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

Hello Class 4-408 families!

Parent Teacher Conferences will be held on Tuesday March 20th from 1-3 and from 6 - 8.
I have some families signed up - but need to hear from all of you! Please check the most recent P/T Conf. Appt. Schedule and sign up for an open time slot (there are still times available Tuesday evening). If you absolutley cannot make it on the 20th, let me know and we can schedule a meeting another time.

A Great Woman of the Civil Rights Movement: ROSA PARKS by Courtney Z. Knight

2007-02-24T10:21:00.000-08:00

On February 4, 1913 Rosa Louise McCauley was born in Tuskegee, Alabama. She was named after her maternal grandmother, Rose. Instead of 'e' at the end it's Rosa with an 'a'. Her parents were James McCauley and Leona Edward McCauley. James, Rosa father went North when Rosa was a toddler. Leona, Rosa's mother was pregant with Rosa's' brother Sylvester so she stayed in the South. Rosa's mother became a teacher in a another town so she moved her children to Pine Level to live with her parents while she was teaching. The last 2 times Rosa saw her father was when she was 5 and when she was grown and married. Rosa was home schooled by her mother for a little while because schools for black kids in Pine Level only went up to sixth grade. So when Rosa completed her education in Pine Level at the age 11, her mother put her in Montgomery's Industrial School for Girls (a.k.a. Ms. White's School for Girls). This school was run by white Quaker women who believed that all people were equal.

There were Jim Crow Laws segregating the South and that made Rosa's life hard. Jim Crow laws kept whites separated from blacks and were meant to make whites believe they were better than blacks. It was harder than we can imagine because black people were beaten, lynched, and burned to death by the KKK(ku klux Klan) and mistreated by most whites. Even though slavery was over most black people still did house chores and picked cotton for white people. There were signs that said "whites only" and "colored" every where. At restaurants, on buses, in movie theaters, water fountains, etc. And white sections were always nice and clean. While the blacks sections was always dirty.
While in high school Rosa met a man named Raymond Parks who was a barber. Everyone called him Parks for short. Parks would come to Rosa's house with flowers and asking for a date but Rosa was very shy. Parks kept coming back until Rosa said yes. Parks and Rosa dated for a while and later they were married.
One day Rosa's' mother saw a picture of Rosa's' High School best friend, Johnnie in the newspaper and it said she was an NAACP worker in Montgomery. The NAACP is the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Rosa Parks went to one of the meetings to surprise her friend and the members asked her to become a member and volunteer to be the secretary. She said "yes". Mr. Parks helped fight for equality too but he didn't join the NAACP.
December 1, 1955 was the night Rosa made history. After work Mrs Parks did a little shopping & went to Lee's Cut Rate Drug Store to get aspirin for her body aches; she had been at work on her feet all day. She was seamstress at a major department store, Montgomery Fair. Three stops after Mrs. Parks boarded the bus, a white man boarded the bus. All the white seats where full so he was left standing. According to Jim Crow Laws if the white section of the bus was full the blacks had to get up and move further back to make more space for the white passengers. Mrs. Parks was sitting in the first row of the black section with other black people. The other black passengers got up and moved to the back. Rosa Parks stayed seated. The bus driver told her to get up but Mrs. Parks said, "No". This was the same driver who had thrown her off of a bus 12 years before & she was tired. Tired of the oppression of black people. Mrs. Park had known and suffered this oppression her whole life. Mrs. Parks was arrested. A white couple Virginia & Clifford Durr helped get Rosa Parks out of jail. They talked to the police officers at the police station because the officers wouldn't talk to Mr. Parks because he was black. Mr. Parks came and E.D.Nixon (President of the NAACP in Montgomery) bailed Rosa out. A group of ministers including, Dr. Martin Luther King met to decide how they would fight this injustice.
They knew that the majority of the bus riders in Montgomery were blacks so they decided to have a boycott. This meant that no black people would ride the buses. The boycott started on the first day of Rosa Parks' trial. Black people walked to work, school, stores, church, EVERYWHERE. Finally on November 13, 1956 the US Supreme Court ruled that segregation on the Montgomery buses was against the US Constitution. On December 20, 1956 the Supreme Court sent papers to Montgomery ordering the buses to treat blacks and whites equal. The boycott lasted for one year and 16 days. On December 21, 1956 black people started riding the buses again and sat any where they wanted to!
Mrs. Parks continued to fight for equality in the world because she knew the JIM CROW LAWS of segregation were UNFAIR to the black community. There were only a few nice white folks she knew at all in her life time.
And that is why I have chosen Mrs. Rosa Parks as my African-American female hero.

Comment and Proof Read!

2007-02-17T12:15:00.000-08:00

Hello Class 408 students. I'm glad to see you checking in on our blog during your vacation!

While you are here be sure to read and comment on your classmate's entries, AND check you own entries for typos that you can EDIT. I am seeing many careless spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. You are experts at correcting MY typos - now correct your own :)

Happy vacation,

Maureen

4th Grade Math Test Info

2007-02-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

Stephanie Slabic our math coach has complied some websites about the NYS Math Tests for me to pass on to you!

Your child should only do a few of their vacation homework problems a day and should mark any questions they find extra tricky.

3-5 Testing Information

New York State Pre and Post March Standards – Your children will NOT be tested on everything that is supposed to be taught in their particular grade. Because the tests are given in MARCH, there are many topics that will be covered afterwards, and thus will not be addressed on the test. This website shows you what standards are Pre- and Post-March.

Third Grade :
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/3-8/gr3prepost.htm
Fourth Grade :
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/3-8/gr4prepost.htm
Fifth Grade :
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/3-8/gr5prepost.htm

2006 Exams - The following link is to the website that hosts downloads for each grade's 2006 exam. This is the actual exam that was administered last year and is a good indicator of what this year's test will be like. This is the practice test we are using in class.
http://www.nysedregents.org/testing/mathei/06exams/home.htm

2005 Sample Test - This is a SAMPLE test to look at with your child. There is also a scoring guide which tells you how your child's answers will be graded.
http://emsc32.nysed.gov/3-8/math-sample/home.htm

Archived Tests - Here are more examples of previous years' tests. If you download these tests for practice - be VERY careful. These tests were given in MAY of the schoolyear and contain many of the POST-MARCH standards that I mentioned earlier. Not every question on the archived tests will be covered on this year's test!
http://emsc32.nysed.gov/osa/arcelinmat.html

Math Games For Practice

NCTM Illuminations
http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivitySearch.aspx
This website has many terrific games for all Pre-K through 12 Grade families. Just check the grade level you would like to work with, and scroll down to find the type of game is appropriate for your child. 3-5 Families - check out the Factor and Product Games!

National Library of Visual Manipulatives
http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html
This is another website that allows you to choose grade level - then find a particular activity that addresses a standard. This is a great website Pre-K through 12th Grade!

Funbrain.com
http://www.funbrain.com
This website has a lot of fun "arcade" style games that give kids a chance to choose their grade level then complete many fun math problems.

NY Metro Parents Article on the 4th Grade Math Test
http://www.nymetroparents.com/newarticle.cfm?colid=8311

Black Histery Month By KATE MACRAE

2007-02-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

Black Histery Month is made to celerbrat black people who made imporntant contributions to are life.
Some of the people we honer are people who tought us that just because we are differnt on the outside
does not mean we can't have the same good jobs and things. Black histery month foceses on blacks
who made a differins we should all houner people who made a differins in are world like Rosa Parks
,Harett tubmen and other great people like docters and writers.

2007-02-16T09:27:00.001-08:00

Can you translate this poem?

"Warmblood born a blood born Death
Will rob your body of its breath
Mark your skin,seal your fate
The Underland becomes a plate

Turn and turn and turn again
you see the what but not the when
Remedy of wrong entwine,
And so they form a single vine.

to know the complet poem and more, read GREGOR & THE CURSE OF THE WORMBLOODS!

the Ela test

2007-02-16T09:23:00.000-08:00

Hello my name is kimani and im going to tell you what was going on the day of the test! On the day of the ela test people were nervous and they said '' I wish this was the last day of the test !'' they said that because they were nervous and people {like me} thought they were gonna fail but maureen said''if you just try your best there will be no reason to be nervous about the test!'' so people stopped being nervous because of what maureen said! [ remember try your best on the math test thats coming]!

Short Sleeve Sampson

2007-02-16T08:33:00.000-08:00

By Hannah Martin Malcomson.

Short Sleeve Sampson is a Professinal Wrestler,even though he is a dwarf of 4'2"!

Let me tell you a little about him.
Sampson's real name is Dan Dilucchio.
He has other ring names, including, Mini-Taker, Pocket Rocket, and Mini-Angle.

Sampson weighs 115 pounds.He was born in Brooklyn N.Y., and was trained by
Tiny the Terrible.

Here are some championships that he won:

*Chaotic Wrestling
*CW Midget Wrestling(1 time)
*CW Light Heavyweight Championship

Today he lives in Rhode Island, and mostly wrestles for the Micro Wrestling Federation.

When he enters the ring, he raps, "I've got the power of the hour.
All my opponents I'm going to devour."

Dear Class 408 -- 2/13/07

2007-02-13T17:24:00.000-08:00

Hi Class 408,

Greetings!

This is just a quick note to say hello and I miss you. I really appreciate the beautiful scrapbook you put together for me and the heartfelt things you said on my last day. I couldn't have asked for a nicer send off.

Thank you for delivering a copy of the 408 reporter to me on Mondays. I think you are doing a fantastic job with the paper.

Also, congratulations to everyone who particiapated in the Black History month assembly. You all are so talented!

All is well with me. The second graders are delightful and Ms. Jen Klein is a great teacher to work with. Once I've settled in to the routine on the third floor a bit better, I'll come back and spend some time with you guys.

I'm going to post some pictures from my time with you -- so keep an eye out for those.

Love,
Melanie

p.s. Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Math Mania

2007-02-11T10:17:00.000-08:00

From WME [World Math Entertainment] we bring you…
Math Mania

The following questions will test your brainpower. Please write your answers on a different piece of paper and label which question your answer belongs to. When you are finished give your paper to Elijah.
Side effects may include dizziness sleepiness & brain hurting.

1. There are 36 geese in a flock. Some got hunted and 29 remain. How many got killed?

2. Take the number of countries in North America and divide it by the number of continents on the globe. Add your answer [except the remainder] and times it to the number of states in the United States of America. Than add the remainder to your answer. What is your answer?

3. Panz famous Manhattan pizza has four main toppings. Ones string cheese, the other sausage, the next pepperoni, & the last olives. There are twelve pieces of toppings on the regular pizza. A greedy costumer came and ordered a pizza four times as large & four times the toppings. How many toppings will Panz need to put on the pizza?

4. 3,673 people clime MT. Everest every year.3, 473 don’t make it to the top. How many people make it to the top?

5. Infinity divided by 7=?

6.What is the square root of 81?

7. What always goes up and never goes down? [Balloons pop and fall down].

Spiderman vs. Sandman

2007-02-11T07:12:00.000-08:00

The comic book chapters I am going to write about is Spiderman and the Sandman.

Spiderman is a teenager who got his power from a radioactive spider. Sandman is a villain who Spiderman stopped from doing wrong.

The story started with Sandman robbing a bank. It happened in a Manhattan Bank in the middle of the city. Sandman smashed Spiderman into the taxi and they were fighting, and fighting hard!

The city was busy and a lot of people were in the street. Sandman tried to get away from Spiderman and ran into a school. They started to fight in the school and Spiderman was trying not to make him hurt anyone.

At the end of the story Spiderman saw a vacuum and vacuumed the Sandman into it. Then Spiderman got all the money that sandman stole from the bank.

by, Myles

Class 408 Names Word Search by Aliyah

2007-02-11T05:11:00.000-08:00

Word Search by Aliyah

You can make your own too at www.learningplanet.com

Click on the picture to see and print a larger version

The Bolder vs The Meteor- A Fiction Story

2007-02-09T11:46:00.000-08:00

On a cold day the Bolder felt some heat on him, it was a meteor! The scientest said “4 days and 24 minutes until the meteor comes. The Bolder prepared for the meteor. He grabbed his guns. The meteor came and the Bolder could not stop it. He rushed up to it and BAM! He was killed.

by,

Malcolm

The Wordsearch that makes your brainpop off!

2007-02-08T10:46:00.000-08:00

Click on this to print a larger version
Good Luck!

by, Kimani

Math Word Puzzle by Kate

2007-02-08T10:44:00.000-08:00

Click on this to print a larger version
Good Luck!

-Kate

More on my Tour of the Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims

2007-02-08T10:38:00.000-08:00

History: Plymouth Church was founded in 1847 by transplanted New Englanders. 21 men and women founded the church in Brooklyn Heights. One was Henry Ward Beecher. He was an abolitionist born in 1813. In his sermons he also supported women’s rights!

by, Veronika Collins

From Maureen – People who wanted to “abolish” (or do away with or end) slavery in the United States were called “Abolitionists.”

Learn more about the Plymouth Church by visiting their website at: http://www.plymouthchurch.org.

How would you like to go on a field trip there?

WHAT'S UP WITH OUR AFTERSCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAM

2007-02-08T10:30:00.000-08:00

WHAT'S up 408 in afterschool? There is a team that is not in after school, they are really good. But 408 I wonder if they going to play hard on defense. And I have to say that NO ONE IS GOING TO BEAT THEM IN A GAME OF BASKETBALL!

REPORTING FROM THE GYM,

Laron

How Stealing Makes a Community Feel

2007-02-08T09:50:00.000-08:00

It makes people feel like they can't trust other people.

It makes people feel sad that people wasted their money on something that someone stole.

It makes poeple think that people are greedy or liars. It makes people think not so great things about other people.

- Class 408

Time to write

2007-02-08T07:19:00.000-08:00

Hi the unit we are studing in writing is Relistic-Ficton it is great.We put bits and peaces from our life into our stories. First we think of somthing that we have went throw in our life and then BAM we put Ficton on it but wait not on all of it some of it see Relistic -Ficton has to be something in your life that can happen but it didin't our teacher is teaching us ways of learning to help ourself's by making stories so hot that you cant but help reading it over and over again.That 's my report for TIME TO WRITE.

by damaras obi

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE LATE

2007-02-08T07:14:00.003-08:00

In the school PS.261 if you are late you will get detention because many people have been coming to school late. The reason why the principal wants us to come in early is because we are missing a lot of lessons in our classes. So the next time your teacher asks you about lessons you may have missed for being late, you'll understand it.

If you take the bus it doesn't matter if you are late as it is not your fault, it is the bus driver's.

He is one tip to be early, come earlier than you usually do.

by, Ziyad

Insturment Quiz

2007-02-08T07:14:00.002-08:00

1. What kind of music do you like better,

A. Jazz
B.Classical
C.Hip-Hop

2.What musican do you like the best,

A.Duke Ellington
B.Mozart
C.50 Cent

3.Which insturment do you like better,

A.trumpet
B.harp
C.D.J.

If you picked mostly A's,you like the insturments piano,trumpet,saxphone,and clarinet.

If you picked mostly B's,you like the insturments piano,harp,violin,viola,cello,and base.

If you picked mostly C's,you like the drumset.

The Peace Project by zora

2007-02-08T07:14:00.001-08:00

IT"S PEACE TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you get into a fight you should just walk away. And if someone is bugging you tell a teacher.
Peace can even help save your life!
So get off your chair and help make PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

all kinds of books

2007-02-08T07:06:00.001-08:00

Books are very fun to read there all types of books there can be funny books, scary books, intersting books, and maybe there are some books that are just plain mysteries. There could even be story books in magazines, articles, and in news papers. Did you know that books can be real. Books are really intersting maybe you'll find yourself in a good book one day.Did you know that books can be chapter books chapter books are when there diffrent parts in one book.A picture book is a book is a book with lots of pictures.A non-fiction book is a book that is a true story.A fiction story is a story that was made up.A realistic fiction story is a story a story that can be real but isn't real.If you want to be a writer when you grow up try writing a book that everyone will love.

The Phantom of the Opera part 2

2007-02-08T07:04:00.000-08:00

A song that made her feel so weird the phantom looked right at her she came right over to him and tried to take off his mask and it came off he got so mad at her that he said some mean things about her then he said "We must return".The wrote a letter to the manngers the wrote that he wants christine Daae to take Carlotta's place but they didn't swithed the part of Christine's.Christine had to play the slient boy the phantom didn't like that not at all.

PS 261 LEGO Robotics Team NANORAMA takes home a Teamwork Award at City-Wide Tournament

2007-01-31T03:04:00.000-08:00

"3, 2, 1., LEGO!" The robots were off and running as the PS261 LEGO Robotics team Nanorama competed against 81 teams from elementary, middle, and high schools from across the 5 boroughs yesterday in the FIRST LEGO League Robotics Competition.

Nanorama was recognized early in the day when we discovered an article about the team in the NYC FIRST LEGO League newspaper (You can read the article here: http://ednotesonline.blogspot.com/2007/01/first-lego-league-robotics-at-ps-261.html). We were recognized a second time at the end of the day when we were presented with a TEAMWORK Award!

The tournament was held in the Athletic Stadium at Riverbank State Park at 145th Street and Riverside Drive in Manhattan. Over 2,000 people were in attendance. Nanorama competed in 8 robotic challenge matches throughout the day and presented research on a new product they developed called "The Lip Zipper 3000" that uses Nanotechnology to help students to not call out in class.

The research team presented their information in front of a panel of judges without their coach's support. "The judges loved us and didn't ask us questions we couldn't find an answer for," exclaimed the research team as they exited the research room full of smiles and pride. Jennifer Lindauer-Thompson should be congratulated for leading the research team.

Lip Zipper 300o Research team:
Ciprian Alvarez, Carlos Baez, Joe Fernando, Max Gertler, Darean Fortune Lee, Tatiana Montes, Osiris Murdough, Damaras Obi, and Anya Oleck.

The 8 robotics matches throughout the day were intense, exciting, and showcased our team's determination, support, and problem solving abilities.

In the first round of the day Maya Howard Watts and Andromache Petridis experienced an upset when their robot "Big Bird" was not able to accomplish the challenges they had prepared to attempt. This duo persevered throughout their 2 1/2 minute match by aborting unsuccessful missions and moving on to attempt new challenges. Their determination and grace under pressure was recognized and applauded by all who witnessed their match.

Kani Biggs and Jack Schwartz also participated in round one with their robot "Grover." This pair remained cool and calm while the fans cheered. They accomplished two successful missions and earned Nanorama's top score of the day, 83 points! (That's 13 points higher than our top score in the Brooklyn Tech competition last month).

In round 2 Androcles Petridis and Nicholas Moore earned 30 points with "Big Bird" by successfully completing the "Smell" mission (by having the robot deliver 2 "Pizza Smell" molecules to a LEGO person). Mojique Tyler and Anastaia Meredith-Goujon earned 63 points with their robot "Grover." They successfully accomplished the difficult "Buckyball" mission where the robot must release a Buckyball containing medicine into a LEGO person's arm. You would be surprised how hard it is to design and program a robot that can carry and deliver a marble (representing a Buckyball) to a precise location.

Round 3 was a nail biter (not to mention that our principal Ms. Mills came to cheer us on too)! In the first match after lunch the robot team of Max Gertler and Tasia Rosborough worked with "Big Bird" to attempt a number of challenges. First they tried the "Smell" mission and met with difficulty. Then they attempted the "Nanotube Strength" mission and met with more difficulty. At last with the clock ticking and time running out they attempted the most difficult "Buckyball" mission. With only 5 seconds remaining on the clock, "Big Bird" moved its way toward the LEGO bone. The robot slowly turned and rotated the motor that held the marble. Everyone held their breath to see if the robot would successfully deploy the "Buckyball." Just as the timer went to "1" the ball made it in and the crowd went wild! Max and Tasiya have nerves of steel! One crowd member said, "I want that kid piloting my plane!"

Also in round 3 were the team of Waleed Yahya and Maya Terhune. Throughout the day and even during the lunch Waleed and Maya were testing a new mission, "Atomic Force Microscopy" with "Grover." They developed a new attachment and program, and tested the mission on different practice tables in the arena. However, even the best-prepared engineers can face challenges. Maya and Waleed tirelessly troubleshooted with "Grover" to attempt the challenge. Their ingenuity and hard work was not in vain as their engineering and programming design were successful in the next round.

In Round 4, the last round of the day, both teams were up at two separate tables at the same time. Maya Howard Watts and Andromache Petridis came back to try again with "Big Bird" and showed us that it pays to never give up! "Grover" was operated in this round by Carlos Baez and Tatiana Montes. The "Grover" team successfully accomplished the "Atomic Force Microscopy" mission based on Maya T.'s and Waleed's design, as well as the "Smell" mission with the same attachment! "It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen," said coach Allisyn Levy. "I was so glad that Maya and Waleed's work was able to work successfully today, that another team was able to utilize their design, and on 2 missions!"

After the rounds were complete the team packed up and waited for the awards ceremony. The team gathered around the trophy table with their fingers crossed hoping to take one home (but remembering that their goal today was to work together and have fun). During this time Nanorama did the "Chicken Dance" with the referees (twice), danced in a conga line with 81 teams, did the "Cha-Cha-Slide," and "Cotton-Eyed Joe." (We were all hoping to see Joe Fernando wow us with "The Robot," but he says that dance is just for PS 261.)

After the dance break the judges appeared and began the awards ceremony. The first award was for team spirit. They announced that team spirit award was for "teams that painted their faces," (we did), "had fun," (we did)… and so Nanorama crossed their fingers… "Handed out flyers." (uh oh, we didn't). This award went to a middle school on Staten Island with a HUGE team, and they deserved it – so we cheered them on! Then the "Team Work" awards were announced…

"The Teamwork Awards go to teams that best demonstrate extraordinary effort, enthusiasm, exceptional partnership, and practice of FIRST LEGO League values. Our first of three teamwork awards of the day goes to a team that meets this description by showing extraordinary teamwork throughout today's event, team 2625 NANORAMA!"

Nanorama screamed with surprise and ran down the stands and into the pits. Were ushered to the winner's circle by roaring cheers from the crowd and hand slaps from the team of judges. We were then presented with a trophy made out of LEGO (how cool) and took a team picture with the event organizers. The families, team members and coaches were thrilled to earn this award that recognizes our commitment to TEAMWORK.

Even without the award, team Nanorama had a fun and successful day. We would like to thank the families that joined us and gave their support, and Ms. Mills for coming and cheering us on throughout the entire 2nd half. Also thanks to all at PS 261 who came to cheer us on (and participate) at the Pep Rally – your support really helped!

Cipiran Alvarez and Courtney Payton – we missed you at the competition, but we hope you both had successful middle school interviews!

Please give your congratulations when you see the team members and coaches in the halls. And here's to a wonderful end to our 2nd successful (and fun) LEGO Robotics season!

Team Nanorama
Aedan Khang Miando
Anastasia Meredith-Goujon
Androcles Petridis
Andromache Petridis
Anya Oleck
Carlos Baez
Ciprian Alvarez
Cortney Payton
Damaras Obi
Darean Fortune-Lee
Jack Schwartz
Joe Fernando
Kani Biggs
Max Gertler
Maya Howard Watts
Maya Terhune
Mojique Tyler
Nicholas Moore
Osiris Murdough
Tasiya Rosborough
Tatiana Montes
Waleed Yahya

Coaches
Allisyn Levy
Jennifer Lindauer-Thompson
Maureen Reilly

Sponsor
Brainpop.com

Team Parent
Marci Rosa and all the team parents :)

Thanks to PS261 PTA, Zip Mills, Lena Barbers, Chris Peyser, Danielle Taylor, The PS261 Cheerleaders, Michael Jasmin, The PS261 After School African Drumming Group, Karyn Fessler-West, and Donald Harnick

Photos by Gary He

The First Edition of The 408 Reporter is in!

2007-01-21T15:52:00.000-08:00

On Friday class 408 worked together to create our first (hopefully of many) class newsletters. Students worked in cooperative groups to develop a name, articles, comics, and brain teasers. Students also signed up to be reporters this coming week to develop content for the next edition of the "408 Reporter"

Download the first edition
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5

Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.

2007-01-10T18:51:00.000-08:00

Some Great Websites to find information the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr.

1. Brainpop.com
Login with the username: Bronx
and the password: Bronx
Click on the red “Social Studies” box. Click on the “Martin Luther King Jr.” box. Watch the movie and then take the quiz.

2. Enchantedlearning.com
Click on “Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 15th”. Read about Martin Luther King.

3. Scholastic News
(If this link doesn’t work, do a google search for “Martin Luther King slideshow” and click on the Scholastic link). When you get there, click on “slide show”and look at the pictures. You can explore the other links on the main page, too.

4. Martin Luther King Jr. Comic Book
http://www.ep.tc/mlk/

5. "I have a dream" Speech http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm
Watch his famous speech

So what did you learn?

Comment on the blog and list three (3) things that Martin Luther King did to help end segregation and discrimination against African Americans.

What was Martin Luther King’s Dream?

If Martin Luther King were still alive today, what would you want to say to him? What do you think about what he did to help end segregation and discrimination? Do you have a dream for what you want your world to be like? What would you like to change about our world?

Write a letter to Martin Luther King, Jr. In your letter, please include:

* One thing you are glad that he did. Look back at your research for help.

* What your dream is for the future. What kind of world do you want to live in? Do you think we should work to end homelessness? Is pollution a problem? Think about what YOUR dream is.

* You may include a drawing, poem, or photo that you think Martin Luther King would like.

* Anything else you think Martin Luther King would be interested to know.

You may write you letter on lined paper, construction paper, or nice notepaper, or post it on the blog.

Write a letter that you would actually be PROUD to show Martin Luther King.

Your letter is due Tuesday January 16th

Phantom of the Opera Field Trip

2007-01-09T11:22:00.000-08:00

We have been given the opportunity to attend this Broadway show on January 24th. The cost of tickets are $30 a piece…

We know this is a time of year when expenses may be tight for some. So please let us know of your interest in sending your child to see this show. (And if you are willing to chaperone – ALL attendees must pay the $30 ticket price). If we are going to take the kids, we need to secure our tickets ASAP.

When:
Wednesday January 24, 2007
Matinee – 2:00 pm
(the run time of the show is 2:30 minutes - so we will be back at 261 at 5:00 – 5:15 pm)

***You must arrange for a late pick up of your child***

Where:
Majestic Theatre
245 West 44th Street
New York, NY 10036

Travelling by:
Subway

Cost: $30.00

Students must bring a disposable bag lunch

Download permission slip

ELA Test - This week!

2007-01-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

The ELA Test is THIS WEEK

Tuesday January 9 - Reading Section
Reading 5-6 passages
Answering 28 Multiple Choice Questions

Wednesday January 10 - Listening Section
Listening to a story read aloud
Writing: 2 short responses
1 essay (about a character’s change in the story)

Thursday January 11 - Writing Section
Reading 2 passages (1 fiction, 1 non-fiction)
Writing: 3 short responses
1 essay (comparing both passages)

Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep, eats a healthy breakfast and is ON TIME for school!

*Children who arrive LATE will not be allowed to take the test and will have to take a make-up test.

Testing Rules
(Please go over with your children)

* No talking during the instructions and during the test

* Questions can ONLY be asked when the teacher says, “Are there any questions?” and you CANNOT call out your questions (you must give a quite “thumbs up”)

* Teachers CANNOT help students during the test – students should work on doing their best INDEPENDENTLY

* Students are NOT ALLOWED to leave the testing room until the test is over (so NO bathroom trips)

* Students cannot talk to other students during the test

Testing Strategies

Download Testing Strategies

Highlights from our South Street Seaport Trip

2007-01-07T06:36:00.000-08:00

Class 408 visited the Peking Ship in South Street Seaport in December. We were given a private tour of what life and work was like on board this "tall ship."

The Peking with all her sails unfurled

The Peking Ship sailed in the early 1900's - and was used as a cargo ship in the Nitrate trade (nitrate is a chemical that was used for fertilizer).

The four-masted Peking represents one of the last of the trading ships that are powered only by wind. The Peking was launched in Hamburg, Germany in 1911 and she was used to carry manufactured goods to South America and to return via Cape Horn with nitrate.

In 1932 (after 12 years of sailing), the Peking was retired and moored in England. There she was converted into a a boys' school under the name Arethusa. 4o years later in 1975, the Peking moved to New York City to be part of the South Street Seaport Museum.

The Peking has a steel hull as long as a football field, and masts as tall as an 18-story building, Peking is one of the largest sailing vessels ever built and the largest preserved by a museum.

Although the Peking is a modern ship as compared to what the early Explorers sailed to the Americas, we used the first-hand knowledge we gained on the Peking Ship to help up imagine what life must have been like on board sailing ships for the Explorers 400 years ago.

Captain Jen addressing Class 408's crew

The Peking crew

Class 408's crew

The Peking crew raising the sail

Class 408's crew rasising the sail

Peking Navigataor checking his Astrolabe

Class 408 entertaing NYC tourists

One of Peking's 4 masts and Yard Arms
(Imagine sitting way up on the Crow's nest!)

Aye Aye Captain!

Peking Ship Links

South Street Seaport Museum Website
http://www.southstseaport.org/street/peking.shtm

Peking Ship on WikiPedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peking_(ship)

Homework - Winter Vacation Homework

2007-01-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

Reading - 20 minutes
*Read 20 Minutes (or more) each night
*Fill out Reading Log
Reading Log

Writing

*Test Essay Packet
This essay (last 2 pages of the packet) must be 5 paragraphs
*on Page 3 of the story - the text begins with a sentence fragment that is not a continuation from the text on Page 2. - The packet was not copied correctly - we will hand out a proper copy and continue this packet in class.
The Stolen Moon

*FINISH CHARLOTTE'S WEB LITERARY ESSAY* At home
This essay must be 5 paragraphs

Paragraph 1 - Introduction
1. Mention the title, author, and genre
2. Restate your thesis (or Main question on TEST ESSAY)
3. Mention examples or parts you are going to talk about

Paragraphs 2, 3, 4 - Body Paragraphs
1. Mention specific examples from the story that support the thesis or Bullit Point Questions on TEST ESSAY
*For example
*For instance
2. Connect back to the thesis/main question in your own words
*This shows
*This matters

Paragraph 5 - Conclusion
1. Restate the thesis/question and say that you have proven it
*So
*Therefore
*In conclusion
2. Make a connection to yourself or to the lesson the thesis is teaching us
*By giving the character of the Goose an idiosyncrasy, I think E.B. White is trying to teach us...

Math - 10-15 minutes
* How Many Window's? Sheet

* Problem of the Week
POW Due January 4th

WOW – Words of the Week - 5-10 minutes
Word Study Packet - Due January 4th

Test Prep - 10-15 minutes/Passage
Multiple Choice Packet

Tips:

Before reading the passage, be sure to:
*Read the directions
*Read the title
*Look at the picture
*THINK about who is in the story and what you think happens

THEN,
*Read the question stems
*UNDERLINE key words in the questions
*Answer as many questions as you can by matching key words from the questions in the passage

THEN,
*Read the passage in chunks
*Stop and THINK about the MAIN IDEA in each paragraph
*Stop and THINK
*Who is in the story?
*What is the setting?
*What is the problem?
*How is the character facing the problem?
*What is the lesson we are learning from this story?

THEN
*Double check your answers!

Class 4-408 goes to see Charlotte's Web the Movie!

2006-12-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

"Even though the old cartoon movie had corney songs, it was more true to the book than this version"
- Kate

Homework - Week of 12/18/2006

2006-12-20T02:53:00.000-08:00

Reading - 20 minutes
*Read 20 Minutes (or more) each night
*Fill out Reading Log - DUE FRIDAY 12/18
Reading Log

Writing

*Dragon - Test Essay Packet - DUE FRIDAY
This essay (last 2 pages of the packet) must be 5 paragraphs

*FINISH CHARLOTTE'S WEB LITERARY ESSAY* At home
This essay must be 5 paragraphs

Paragraph 1 - Introduction
1. Mention the title, author, and genre
2. Restate your thesis (or Main question on TEST ESSAY)
3. Mention examples or parts you are going to talk about

Paragraphs 2, 3, 4 - Body Paragraphs
1. Mention specific examples from the story that support the thesis or Bullit Point Questions on TEST ESSAY
*For example
*For instance
2. Connect back to the thesis/main question in your own words
*This shows
*This matters

Paragraph 5 - Conclusion
1. Restate the thesis/question and say that you have proven it
*So
*Therefore
*In conclusion
2. Make a connection to yourself or to the lesson the thesis is teaching us
*By giving the character of the Goose an idiosyncrasy, I think E.B. White is trying to teach us...

Math - 10-15 minutes
Problem of the Week
POW Due January 4th

WOW – Words of the Week - 5-10 minutes
Word Study Packet - Due January 4th

Test Prep - 10-15 minutes - DUE FRIDAY
"The Wishing Flower" Poem and Questions

Tips:

Before reading the passage, be sure to:
*Read the directions
*Read the title
*Look at the picture
*THINK about who is in the story and what you think happens

THEN,
*Read the question stems
*UNDERLINE key words in the questions
*Answer as many questions as you can by matching key words from the questions in the passage

THEN,
*Read the passage in chunks
*Stop and THINK about the MAIN IDEA in each paragraph
*Stop and THINK
*Who is in the story?
*What is the setting?
*What is the problem?
*How is the character facing the problem?
*What is the lesson we are learning from this story?

THEN
*Double check your answers!

Homework for Week of 12/11/06

2006-12-10T05:27:00.000-08:00

NEW Homework Policy - ALL HOMEWORK is Due MONDAY
This week's Homework is due MONDAY DECEMBER 18th

Reading - 20 minutes
*Read 20 Minutes (or more) each night
*Fill out Reading Log
Reading Log

Writing – 10-15 minutes for EACH entry
*Write 3 WNB entries on topics of your choice
*FINISH CHARLOTTE'S WEB LITERARY ESSAY* At home
This essay must be 5 paragraphs

Paragraph 1 - Introduction
1. Mention the title, author, and genre
2. Restate your thesis
3. Mention examples or parts you are going to talk about

Paragraphs 2, 3, 4 - Body Paragraphs
1. Mention specific examples from the story that support the thesis
*For example
*For instance
2. Connect back to the thesis in your own words
*This shows
*This matters

Paragraph 5 - Conclusion
1. Restate the thesis and say that you have proven it
*So
*Therefore
*In conclusion
2. Make a connection to yourself or to the lesson the thesis is teaching us
*By giving the character of the Goose an idiosyncrasy, I think E.B. White is trying to teach us...

Math - 10-15 minutes
Problem of the Week

*PLEASE NOTE NEW TEMPLATE FOR POW*

WOW – Words of the Week - 5 minutes
WOW Packet
Students are self-selecting 10 words from the list of 24 WOW words to study

Science - 10-15 minutes
Science Packet - *Carmelo Preps this packet and if it is ready, it will be handed out Mid Week*

Test Prep - 10-15 minutes
"Lemonade Stand" Story and Questions

Tips:

Before reading the passage, be sure to:
*Read the directions
*Read the title
*Look at the picture
*THINK about who is in the story and what you think happens

THEN,
*Read the question stems
*UNDERLINE key words in the questions
*Answer as many questions as you can by matching key words from the questions in the passage

THEN,
*Read the passage in chunks
*Stop and THINK about the MAIN IDEA in each paragraph
*Stop and THINK
*Who is in the story?
*What is the setting?
*What is the problem?
*How is the character facing the problem?
*What is the lesson we are learning from this story?

THEN
*Double check your answers!

Helpful ELA Testing Info

2006-12-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

We've officially started preparing for our fast-approaching ELA test coming up in January. I wanted to pass along these tips. Not to make too big a deal of it, but these are simple tips that 4th graders are expected to do in ALL of their work, and can make a difference for a HIGHER SCORE on the test, believe it or not!

ELA TIPS:

*Practice writing in answers (short answers, graphic organizers)

*Practice essays and essay structure (turn question into thesis statement, 3 pieces of evidence, introduction, conclusion - restate thesis statement)

*HANDWRITING MATTERS! Practice using the lines and ALWAYS using legible handwriting

*INDENTING PARAGRAPHS matters! Students may also skip lines, in addition to indenting, for each new paragraph. 4th graders at this point are EXPECTED to organize their writing into paragraphs! We work on this at school A LOT!

*Spell words that are given in the text/questions CORRECTLY!

*Length matters -- try to write long, reminding kids that REPETITION IS BETTER THAN RAMBLING (without overdoing it!)

*Practice reading many SHORT passages, and keeping kids to a time frame. Build stamina by building up the number of short passages over weeks. Remember there are 5 passage on the 4th grade test! There were only 4 last year.

We are working on ALL of these in school, but our kids are asked to do more than they needed to on the 3rd grade test, so please help by using the tips above to reinforce these at home. Your participation really matters & helps tremendously.

Let me know if you have any questions, and remember that we don't want to overdo it and overwhelm our kids -- a little bit 3x a week should be plenty on top of what they are getting at school.

LINKS:

General info on testing, as well as practice tests you can USE AT HOME!
www.edinformatics.com/testing/ny.htm

Ed Helper: customize test prep materials to print and use
www.edhelper.com/testprep_grade4.html

4th grade skill builders - scroll down to the green section for ELA
www.internet4classrooms.com/skills_4th_original.htm

Online test maker - customize short answer, fill in the blank... Try finding an interesting article your kid would enjoy and making up a few questions to go along with it. Good resource.
http://www.easytestmaker.com/default.aspx

South Street Seaport Trip Date Change

2006-12-04T03:42:00.000-08:00

*DATE CHANGE*
Our original date of December 21st
has been CHANGED to:

THURSDAY December 14th

On our trip to the South Street Seaport we will participate in the “Taste of the Sea” program. We will board the tall ship Peking and experience the excitement of New York City during the height of the shipping era without ever leaving port.

We will discover what it's like to walk in the footsteps of sailors: haul the lines, raise a sail, and witness the past conditions that carried the Transatlantic trade of people, goods and ideas into the present day.

When: December 14, 2006 from 9:15am – 12:30pm (returning to school by lunch)

Where: South Street Seaport

Travelling by: Subway

Revised Permission Skip
*Please sign and return to school ASAP

Homework - Week of 12/4/2006

2006-11-30T16:30:00.000-08:00

NEW Homework Policy - ALL HOMEWORK is Due MONDAY
This week's Homework is due MONDAY DECEMBER 11th

Reading - 20 minutes
*Read 20 Minutes (or more) each night
*Fill out Reading Log
Reading Log

Writing – 10-15 minutes for EACH entry
*Write 3 WNB entries on topics of your choice

*Some students have not handed in personal narratives
– these are now OVERDUE*

Math - 10-15 minutes
Problem of the Week

*PLEASE NOTE NEW TEMPLATE FOR POW*

Memorize 1-6 times tables
*We will have Mad Math minute timed test this week

WOW – Words of the Week - 5 minutes
WOW Packet
Students are self-selecting 10 words from the list of 24 WOW words to study

*WOW Quiz on FRIDAY

Science - 10-15 minutes
Science Packet

Test Prep - 10-15 minutes
"Two Wheeled Triumph" Poem and Questions

Homework for Week of 11/27/06

2006-11-26T15:23:00.000-08:00

NEW Homework Policy - ALL HOMEWORK is Due MONDAY

Reading - 20 minutes
*Read 20 Minutes (or more) each night
*Fill out Reading Log
Reading Log

Writing – 10-15 minutes for EACH entry
*Write 3 WNB entries on topics of your choice

*Some students have not handed in personal narratives
– these are now OVERDUE*

Math - 10-15 minutes
Problem of the Week

*PLEASE NOTE NEW TEMPLATE FOR POW*

*Tuesday - Do page 1
*Wednesday – Do page 2
*Thursday – Do pages 3 & 4

Study Links Pages
2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.7 (use partial sums method with 2.7)

Memorize 1-6 times tables
*We will have Mad Math minute timed test this week

WOW – Words of the Week - 5 minutes
WOW Packet
Students are self-selecting 10 words from the list of 24 WOW words to study

*WOW Quiz on FRIDAY

Thanksgiving Homework

2006-11-26T15:15:00.000-08:00

All Homework is Due MONDAY November 27th

Reading - 20 minutes
*Read 20 Minutes (or more) each night
*Fill out Reading Log
Reading Log

Writing – 10-15 minutes
Finish PERSONAL NARRATIVE Story * For those students who have not handed in a Personal narrative - this is now OVERDUE!

Write 3 WNB entries on topics of your choice

Math - 10-15 minutes
5 Math Sheets (do 1 a day)

Science - 10-15 minutes
Science Packet – Food Chains

Test Prep - 10-15 minutes
Test Prep Multiple Choice Packet
*Do 1 passage and questions a day
(there are 5 passages/sets of questions)

Before reading the passage be sure to:
* Read the directions
* Read the title
* Look at the pictures
* Read the questions
* Think about what the story could be about – Who is in the story – What happens?

Then, underline key words in the questions that can help you find the answers!

Scholastic Field Trip

2006-11-12T06:10:00.000-08:00

Class 4-408 took a trip to Scholastic headquarters in Manhattan on Friday. Our student teacher Melanie used to work for their Book Club division and her old co-workers showed us how they make books and products for the Book Club catalogue.

We were invited to:

* rate our favorite books in the catalogue.
* test new products that may appear in the catalogue.
* and invent a new product for kids!

See a slide show of PICTURES from the trip here

Luca checking out two book cover choices

Myles deciding that the Suspension Bridge is his favorite item

Tara testing a Spy Cell Phone

Class 4-408's list of new product inventions

Parent-Teacher Conference Appointments

2006-11-12T05:54:00.000-08:00

Here is the list of Parent Teacher Conference appointments so far. These were made on a first-come, first-serve basis. The appointments are only ten minutes.

*IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN APPOINMENT PLEASE CONTACT MAUREEN TO SCHEDULE ONE*

Monday morning, November 13, 2006 - 8:00- 8:10 am

8:00 Hannah

Monday afternoon, November 13, 2006 - 1:00 – 3:20 pm

1:00 Jalan

1:10 Ali

1:20 Stephanie

1:30 Veronika

1:40 Malcolm

1:50 Andromache

2:00 Zuri

2:10 Zora

2:20 Destiny

2:30 Tara

2:40 Brandis

2:50 Laron

3:00 Deonte

3:10 Myles

3:20 Damaras

Monday evening, November 13, 2006 - 6:00 – 8:00 pm

6:00 Exavier

6:10 Kate

6:20 Courtney

6:30 Ziyad

6:40 Raquel

6:50 Aliyah

7:00 Darean

7:10 Adrian

7:20 Kimani

7:30 Luca

7:40

7:50

Homework - Week of 11/13/2006

2006-11-12T05:52:00.000-08:00

Reading - 20 minutes
*Read 20 Minutes (or more) each night
*Fill out Reading Log
Reading Log is due on FRIDAY

Writing – 10-15 minutes - DAILY
Work on your Personal Narrative Story - Published Piece is DUE FRIDAY

Math - 10-15 minutes - Due THURDSAY
Problem of the Week
*Tuesday - Do page 1
*Wednesday – Do page 2
*Thursday – Do pages 3 & 4

Memorize 1-5 times tables
*We will have Mad Math minute timed test this week

Social Studies - 10-15 minutes - Due FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17th
Native American Research Project

Great Lenape/Algonquin Websites
http://ryecityschools.lhric.org/webquest/milton/Indians/Algonquin%20Iroquois.htm
http://www.mce.k12tn.net/indians/reports1/algonquian.htm

WOW – Words of the Week - 5 minutes
WOW Packet

Students are self-selecting 10 words from the list of 24 WOW words to study

*WOW Quiz on FRIDAY

Homework - Week of 11/6/2006

2006-11-06T07:13:00.000-08:00

Waterloo Village - Pictures and Comments

2006-11-03T04:13:00.000-08:00

The entire 4th grade had an amazing trip to Waterloo Village. The buses were cozy, weather was perfect, the guides were knowledgeable, and we learned heaps of information about how the Lenape peoples lived. Every penny that was raised for this trip was worth it. Thanks again to all our families for making this memorable trip possible!

Check out some pictures:

Pictures by Maureen
Slide Show

Pictures by Trey (Zora's Mom)

Also read some comments from class 4-408 about the trip.

Waterloo Village - What to Bring - How to Get There

2006-10-29T03:45:00.000-08:00

Waterloo Village Field Trip
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
8:30 – 4:00pm

Directions to Waterloo:
http://waterloovillage.org/contact/directions.aspx?sub=directions

*Be at school on time! We will be leaving at 8:30 am sharp! The busses will not wait for you!

*Please make arrangements to pick up your child at 4:00pm, as we will be missing dismissal. We plan to leave Waterloo no later than 2:00. You may call the school to find out if we’ll be back any earlier than 4:00 at 718.330.9275.

*Please do not come to school in a Halloween costume!

*Please bring a labeled, disposable bag (plastic or brown paper) lunch. NO glass bottles! No Tupperware. Everything should be disposable so that kids don’t have to carry anything around after lunch.

*Wear comfortable shoes – we will be doing A LOT of walking

*Wear many layers of clothes. Be prepared for any kind of weather.

*We will go rain or shine. Although the weather forcast says sunny and in the 60's

*As Ms. Mills discussed, kids may NOT bring toys on our Waterloo field trip. You don’t need to bring anything except your lunch on this field trip. That means NO BACKPACKS! No Pokemon cards. No Heelies! We will provide entertainment on the bus!

*Thank you for helping us make this a safe, successful
trip.

*The 4th Grade Team

Homework - Week of 10/30/06

2006-10-29T03:25:00.000-08:00

Reading - 20 minutes
*Read 20 Minutes (or more) each night
*Fill out Reading Log
Reading Log is due on FRIDAY

Writing – 10-15 minutes - Due DAILY
4 Small Moment entries this week - each entry should be at least 1 page

*Children should set a timer and just write for 10-15 minutes with no break (they can do more if they want – this is to build writing stamina)

Math - 10-15 minutes - Due THURDSAY
Problem of the Week
*Tuesday - Do page 1
*Wednesday – Do page 2
*Thursday – Do pages 3 & 4

Memorize 1-5 times tables
*We will have Mad Math minute timed test this week

Social Studies - 10-15 minutes - Due FRIDAY
Lenape Diary - To write after our trip to Waterloo Village

Imagine you are a Lenape child. Write about 1 day in your life, from waking up to going to sleep. Include details from what you learned on our field trip to Waterloo Village. If you didn’t attend the field trip, find out what you missed from a friend, and do some research so that you are able to complete this assignment. You may use lined paper or get more creative and make your own diary!

Great Lenape/Algonquin Websites
http://ryecityschools.lhric.org/webquest/milton/Indians/Algonquin%20Iroquois.htm
http://www.mce.k12tn.net/indians/reports1/algonquian.htm

WOW – Words of the Week - 5 minutes
WOW Packet

Content Vocabulary

1. incentive
2. Mohawk
3. Oneida - has long o sound
4. Onondaga – has a long o and a short o sound
5. Cayuga
6. Seneca

Spelling Patterns – Word Study – Short and Long “O” spelling patterns

7. knock (CVC) (Consonant, Vowel, Consonant)
8. chose (CVC e) (Consonant, Vowel, Consonant, silent e)
9. float (CVVC) (Consonant, Vowel, Vowel, Consonant)
10. love (oddball – has an “o” in the spelling but NOT a short o or a long o sound)

*WOW Quiz on FRIDAY

What is this Big Orange Thing?

2006-10-26T03:58:00.000-07:00

The Big Orange Thing landed yesterday to the student's surprise and they had MANY questions about it! So we decided to do what some writer's do when they have lots of questions or "wonder" about something. We took a new page in our Writer's Notebook and jotted down our "Fierce Wonderings" of the Big Orange Thing.

(The Big Orange Thing is also known as "Finger Land," "Magic Fingers," "Handy," and "Bridget")

Go to the comments to read some student wonderings...

Friday, October 27th – Fourth grade Harvest & Treat Bake Sale

2006-10-25T03:09:00.000-07:00

Funds from this sale will pay the final balance on bussing expenses for the Waterloo Village trip. Donations & participations are still needed. Please contact Ramona (4th Grade Rep) or Schanequa (408 Class Parent) to find out how you can help.

Waterloo Village Here we Come!

2006-10-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

A HUGE thank you to everyone who has generously donated time and money in helping us achieve our goal of having the entire 4th grade get to Waterloo Village. We did it - we have raised enough money to fund the coach buses and received an generous donation for the park entrance fee!

I want to especially thank all the parent volunteers who have been meeting and organizing our fund rasing - the direct appeals, bake sales, and fall festival. Thank you Shanequa, Ramona, Trey, Scott, and Susan!

We are organizing a meeting about our field trip to Waterloo for all 4th graders & parents this THURSDAY, October 26, at 8:30 am. Please mark your calendars and keep an eye out for more info. Check out Waterloo Village to learn more!

PS: The kids are SUPER excited!

4th Grade Parent and Student Assembly - This Thursday 10/26

2006-10-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Fourth Grade Families,

We will be holding an important meeting this Thursday Oct 26th

Who: All fourth graders and their families
When: 8:30 am Thursday, October 26
Where: In the auditorium
With: Ms. Mills, Ms. Barbera, and the fourth grade teachers
Why: To discuss the October 31st trip to Waterloo Village and to review PS 261’s behavior expectations for the fourth grade

Please make every effort to attend this meeting. We will be going over the upcoming field trip to Waterloo Village, and will have a much-needed discussion about fourth grade behavior. All fourth grade students will be in attendance, and we hope to have strong support from families as well.

If you have any questions, please contact your student’s teacher or call the school at (718) 330-9275.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

The Fourth Grade Teachers

Ballet Tech

2006-10-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

On October 4th, 3rd and 4th graders from P.S. 261 auditioned to dance with Ballet Tech. After two rounds of auditions, five 3rd graders and three fourth graders were selected by Ballet Tech to take 7 weeks of classes, beginning in December.

Two of the students from class 4-408 were called back for 2nd auditions. One of those students was selected by Ballet Tech to dance with them! Zuri Woodruff will start taking classes in Ballet Tech's Soho studio beginning in December. Veronika Collins should also be applauded for being called back for a 2nd audition. Congratulations to Zuri and Veronika! For more information about Ballet Tech, you can visit their website at http://www.ballettech.org/index.html.

Homework - Week of 10/23/06

2006-10-19T15:37:00.000-07:00

Question of the Week 10/16/06

2006-10-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

What did you learn this week about the Algonquin/Lenni Lenape Peoples? What interested or surprised you?

An Algonquin Wigwam

Babies (Papoose) in cradleboards

An Algonquin Famility inside a Wigwam

Great Algonquin Webquest:
http://ryecityschools.lhric.org/webquest/milton/Indians/Algonquin%20Iroquois.htm

Homework for Week of 10/16/06

2006-10-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

Reading - 20 minutes
*Read 20 Minutes (or more) each night
*Fill out Reading Log
Reading Log is due on FRIDAY

Writing – 10-15 minutes - Due DAILY
4 Small Moment entries this week - each entry should be at least 1 page

*Children should set a timer and just write for 10-15 minutes with no break (they can do more if they want – this is to build writing stamina)

Math - 10-15 minutes - Due THURDSAY
Problem of the Week
*Tuesday - Do page 1
*Wednesday – Do page 2
*Thursday – Do pages 3 & 4

Memorize 1-5 times tables
*First Mad Math minute timed test will be on FRIDAY
1-5 Times Tables

Social Studies - 10-15 minutes - Due FRIDAY
The Algonquins of New York
*This online handout is only the QUESTIONS. Your child is bringing home a reading packet to read and then they are to answer these questions. Your child will be asked to read 2 pages (about 4 paragraphs) a night. It is best to follow the homework schedule given and do a little each night so there is not an overwheleming amount of reading, vocabulary, and content to absorb.

Social Studies HW Schedule
*Monday - Read pages 1 and 2 - Answer questions on page 1 (5 questions)
*Tuesday - Read pages 3 and 4 - Answer questions on page 2 (5 questions)
*Wednesday - Read pages 5 and 6 - Answer questions on page 3 (5 questions)
*Thursday - Read pages 7 and 8 - Answer questions on page 4 (3 questions)

WOW – Words of the Week - 5 minutes
*Quiz on FRIDAY

Content Vocabulary
1. Algonquin
2. Lenni Lenape
3. Sachem
4. Shaman
5. environment
6. wampum
Spelling Patterns – Word Study – Long e vowel pairs: ea, ie, ee
7. seam
8. seem
9. piece
10. peace

Spelling Bonus: Can you find any other words that have the long e sound but a different spelling pattern than ea, ie, and ee? What types of words are seam, seem, piece, and peace?

*Do the Bonus on a separate piece of paper

*This week there is a packet to help students study their words
WOW Homework

*There is also a separate Word Study Packet to help reinforce word pattern study
Word Study Packet

Question of the Week - 10/10/06

2006-10-09T05:48:00.000-07:00

Class 408! Answer this question on the blog. Use complete sentences and watch your spelling and punctuation.

Why should we learn about Native Americans and the Hudson River?

Painting of the Hudson River Valley in New York in the Early 19th Century

Painting of Native Americans Fishing with Nets

Homework for Week of 10/10/06

2006-10-09T05:36:00.000-07:00

Reading - 20 minutes
*Read 20 Minutes (or more) each night
*Fill out Reading Log
Reading Log is due on FRIDAY

Writing – 10-15 minutes - Due DAILY
*Writer’s Notebook assignments will be assigned each night by Maureen
*Writing assignments will be written in the Homework Notebook

*Children should set a timer and just write for 10-15 minutes with no break (they can do more if they want – this is to build writing stamina)

Charlotte’s Web Reading Response - 5-10 minutes - AS ASSIGNED
*A written response to what we read in Charlotte’s Web in class will be given out 1-2 nights this week. The response should be written in the Reading Response Notebook - The Charlotte's Web assignments will be written in the Homework Notebook.

Math - Problem of the Week - Due FRIDAY
*Tuesday - Do Page 1
*Wednesday – Do page 2
*Thursday – Do pages 3 & 4

Social Studies - Due FRIDAY
How am I Doing?
*This handout asks students to continue to reflect on how they are doing to help our classroom community. It also asks them to track the time it takes for them to do each piece of homework. The questions this week are DIFFERENT from last week

WOW – Words of the Week
*Quiz on FRIDAY

1. Christopher Columbus
2. Taino
3. capture
4. conqueror
5. integrity
6. there
7. their
8. they’re
9. whole
10. hole

Spelling Bonus: Can you find any other words that sound the same but have different meanings? They are called homonyms

*Do the Bonus on a separate piece of paper

*This week there is a packet to help students study their words
10 WORDS this week

WOW Homework

Homework for Week of 10/3/06

2006-10-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

Reading - 20 minutes
*Read 20 Minutes (or more) each night
*Fill out Reading Log
Reading Log is due on FRIDAY

Writing – 10-15 minutes - Due DAILY
*Writer’s Notebook assignments will be assigned each night by Maureen
*Writing assignments will be written in the Homework Notebook

*Children should set a timer and just write for 10-15 minutes with no break (they can do more if they want – this is to build writing stamina)

Charlotte’s Web Reading Response - 5-10 minutes - Due DAILY
*A written response to what we read in Charlotte’s Web in class will be given each night Monday – Thursday. The response should be written in the Reading Response Notebook - The Charlotte's Web assignments will be written in the Homework Notebook.

Math - Due FRIDAY
Problem of the Week for Oct 3rd
*Tuesday - Do Page 1
*Wednesday – Do page 2
*Thursday – Do pages 3 & 4

Special Math Homework for Tuesday 10/3 - Due TUESDAY 10/5
*This homework reviews geometry vocabulary and measurement

Social Studies - Due FRIDAY
How am I Doing?
*This handout asks students to reflect on how they are doing to help our classroom community. It also asks them to track the time it takes for them to do each piece of homework.

WOW – Words of the Week
*Quiz on FRIDAY

1. triangle - Did you know that the ROOT “tri” means “3”
2. quadrilateral - Did you know that the ROOT “quad” means “4”
3. pentagon - Did you know that the ROOT “pent” means “5”
4. hexagon - Did you know that the ROOT “hex” means “6”
5. octagon - Did you know that the ROOT “oct” means “8”
6. polygon - Did you know that the ROOT “poly” means “many”
7. circle
8. parallel
9. rhombus
10. trapezoid

*This week there is a packet to help students study their words
10 WORDS this week – all related to Math

WOW Homework

Homework Survey Feedback

2006-09-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

smart ugh wow challenging easy sometimes hard get it in on time! medium neat handwriting effort thinking dumb great

These are words your children used to describe homework from the homework survey that was sent home last week. For our range of learners, there are ranges of responses! Some students have a positive attitude towards homework, some negative, and others, indifferent.

Have a “grown up” conversation about how homework is going for your 4th grader. Take the time to firm up the following so that you can help your child get into an INDEPENDENT homework routine:

*Does he/she have a quiet place to do homework, with easy access to supplies (writing utensils, paper, ruler, dictionary, etc.)
*How long do they usually take to complete their homework? Is it a reasonable amount of time? If not, WHY?
*What could you both do to make homework go smoother? Make a list and write it out if you need to!

About Homework:
4th grade is an important year for children to become more independent students. One way the 4th grade teachers are working with students to practice and learn independence is through homework. Your children are in a time of transition with homework, moving away from receiving a packet that they complete over a week, and moving towards working on weekly assignments that they turn in once a week, and nightly assignments that they need to turn in the following school day.

I purposefully create certain assignments, which are open-ended, allowing for every student to demonstrate what their best effort looks like, even though it might not look the same as another students. Please emphasize that no matter what academic level your child is performing at, his/her best effort is expected on every assignment, whether it is a one-page homework assignment or a 3-page research project! My “Best Effort Expectations” have been made very clear in class, and include:

o Evidence of time management (doesn’t look rushed – you can tell that a reasonable amount of time was put into it)
o Legible handwriting
o Correct spelling of any words you have access to (title, author, word wall words)
o Correct punctuation
o Treat materials (notebooks, paper, etc...) properly and TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR WORK!

One hour to an hour and a half is what we deem to be a reasonable amount of time for 9 – 10 year olds in 4th grade to spend on school homework.

When you factor in after school activities, parent schedules, dinner, and hopefully the occasional shower or bath (!), we feel that one hour, give or take a bit, will help your child develop the strong study, organization, and time management skills they need to succeed as they progress through school, while allowing for time to play and just be a kid! Three hours of homework in 4th grade seems absurd – that might be the case in high school, but certainly not now! If students ever get stuck on a problem or assignment, and have put in their best effort, they know to circle the problem and move on, and to be sure to bring it in the following day to go over with me. We don’t want students doing that on tests, so let’s help them develop the habit of “moving on and coming back to it.”

We'll be talking about time management A LOT in class this week, and I've broken down some approximate times allotted for each subject area each night. Every kid is different and has different needs -- this is just a basic guide for what we feel is reasonable, taking into account after school activities, etc. The hour (give or take) can be broken up in whatever way works best for your family/4th grader.

Reading: 20 min./night, 7x/week

Writing: 10 min./night, 4 – 5x/week

Math: 10 – 15 min./night, 4-5x/week

Social Studies: 10 min./night as assigned

Words of the Week: 5 min./night, 4x/week

Business: 2-3 minutes as needed.
*PLEASE review and sign papers that need to be returned by the deadlines.

Tips:
*Start off the homework routine by checking in with your child to find out exactly what their homework is. They record their homework in a black & white composition book each day in class. If needed, ask them what a reasonable amount of time is to complete each task, and have them jot it down. For students who need extra time management support, break the assignments down into one thing at a time, and check in with them after 20 minutes of reading, and remind them to take 5 minutes to complete their reading log. Setting a timer is another way to foster independence.

*There’s nothing wrong with taking breaks! If a solid hour feels overwhelming to your child, then help them make a plan to work for 15 minutes on math, take a dinner break, and

*Incorporate some homework into transitional times, like going to school. This is a great time to check in with your child’s automaticity of math facts or Words of the Week. Turn it into a game!

*Talk with other families and ask how the homework routine works in their home. Share ideas!

*If your child is breezing through homework assignments, encourage him/her to go above and beyond.
Suggest they take it to a higher level, which demonstrates a deep understanding of the assignment and above and beyond effort.

*If your child struggles with handwriting, let homework be a place that they concentrate on improving legibility. Homework that is handed in illegibly will not be graded or posted.

Making a promising homework plan with your child will be the foundation of your child’s homework routine for the rest of the year, lets hope for a successful year of homework for your child!

**Maureen

Homework for Week of 9/25/06

2006-09-25T13:36:00.000-07:00

Reading
*Read 20 Minutes (or more) each night
*Fill out Reading Log
*Reading LOG is due on FRIDAY

Writing – 10-15 minutes
*Writer’s Notebook assignments will be assigned each night – Monday - Thursday
*Children should set a timer and just write for 10-15 minutes with no break (they can do more if they want – this is to build writing stamina)

*Writer’s Notebook Choice Assignments – Choose 1 each night
1. Write a new entry about a small moment you spent…
- with someone important to you
- at an important place
- or with an important object (like your collection)
2. Look through your entries and add on to one
3. Look through your entries, box an important part, re-write that part on a new page and write some more

Math
Problem of the week
*Monday - Do Page 1
*Tuesday – Do page 2
*Wednesday – Do pages 3 & 4

Social Studies
Nightly Handout
* All handouts focus on community building in the classroom – learning about “Attentive Listening,” how not to waste time, rules, logical consequences, and logical rewards.

WOW – Words of the Week
*Quiz on Friday

1. Charlotte
2. Wilbur
3. perspiration
4. commotion
5. mentioned

Bonus: Hullabaloo (what does this mean? And how many words can you make with Hullaballoo?)

What sound and spelling pattern do you notice with 3 of the WOW words?

408 Class News - Week of 9/25/06

2006-09-23T06:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Families:

Just wanted to give you an update on what has been happening in class 408 the first few weeks of school and what our goals will be for the upcoming week of September 25th, our 4th week of 4th grade.

Many of you will be receiving this letter by e-mail and by a “snail mail” note home. If you did not receive an e-mail from me, it may be for a few reasons:
1. I may have mis-copied your e-mail address from the Student Information form
2. My e-mail may be going into your junk mail filter (Maureen@maureenreilly.com)
3. I don’t have your e-mail
4. You don’t have e-mail – which is just fine! (I can always send “snail mail”)

Class Contact List
Trey Moynihan, our class parent will be assembling a class contact list for all of us. Please let us know if you do NOT wish to be listed.

Field Trip
Our first field trip to the National Museum of the American Indian was wonderful. Be sure to ask your child to describe the Hoop Dance performance we saw to you!

Our next trip is Wednesday 9/27 to 826 NYC to learn some storytelling techniques. I need chaperones for the 826 NYC Trip.

About Homework
I received lots of great feedback from the 4th grade homework survey from parents and students. I will be sending a separate letter specifically about homework.

Building a Peaceful and Respectful Classroom Community
We have a wonderful class of caring students who are enjoying playing and socializing with one another. Unfortunately the playing, socializing, and chatting is seriously interrupting our class meetings, lessons, partner work, and independent work times. There has also been teasing and name calling happening, and it has been distracting us from our work and from having a peaceful and trustworthy classroom community.

To help build a Peaceful and Respectful Classroom Community we will be focusing this week on:

* Practicing active listening & using personal strategies to be a more respectful listener when it is time for a classmate, teacher, or guest speaker to speak in meetings and during lessons
* Practicing active independent working
* Practicing how to take a quiet, non-distracting break
* Practicing how to transition quickly, quietly, and respectfully between meetings, independent work, partner work, and when we enter and leave the classroom
* Practicing how to give a classmate a “put-up” rather than a “put down,” and how to problem solve with a classmate when your feelings are hurt

We will also finalize classroom rules the children brainstormed and make a list of logical consequences for not following the rules, and a list of rewards for doing great work.

We will work on these goals through whole group and partner activities that encourage team building. There will also be nightly independent homework assignments for each student to reflect on what they can do as individuals to help our class be a peaceful and successful community.

I am looking forward to parental support on this. We have a lot of content to cover this year, and we can’t do it successfully unless each student takes his or her role in how to be the best student they can be seriously.

Supplies
Thank you for all the generous supplies! I could use some more. Here’s a wish list:

*12 – 1 1/2“ 3 ring binders (not every child has one)
*Washable Magic Markers (both thin and thick) – 10 boxes of each
*Napkins
*Pencil cases – Each child should have his/her own – I am running out of pens and pencils and if each child has his/her own supply that they pull from as individuals this helps enormously (they can re-fill their supply from our classroom supply)

A note about supplies:
All supplies are part of a class pool of supplies. My student teacher Melanie and I had 100’s of notebooks, folders, ect., to sort through and organize to make sure that every student had the supplies they needed to get started. It was an overwhelming task. If your child had any “special supplies” that were overlooked, I am sorry. Hopefully this won’t occur again with any “special” supplies moving forward. Thanks for understanding.

Here's to a successful week ahead!

-Maureen

Field Trip Thanks!

2006-09-23T04:25:00.001-07:00

Hi 408,

Just wanted to thank you all for visiting NMAI yesterday. I hope you had fun and learned a lot that you didn't know about Native American life and culture.

The local cable news channel, New York 1 News, did a really fun piece on the museum, featuring the Hoop Dancers you saw and you all look terrific!!!

Check it out at this link.
http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=8&aid=62810

(If you click on the blue/yellow logo next to the article you can watch the piece with Real Player. Real Player can be downloaded for free at www.real.com)

Thanks again for coming down to visit and be sure to tell all the other 4 graders at PS 261 that we're looking forward to seeing them in December.

Trey
Zora's Mom

Also Thank you Trey (Zora's Mom), Aba (Zuri's Mom), and Natasha (Darean's Mom) for joining us!

First Field Trip - Thursday September 21st

2006-09-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

Trips are a way to excite students, enhance learning and approach learning in a hands-on way. Trips are vital to the curriculum - especially social studies. The days of boring textbooks are over and learning about our world is vital to the creation of active citizens.

Each month we will go on at least one trip. We will try to keep costs minimal but be prepared; there will be a slight charge. If you ever meet with financial difficulties, we understand and have had hard times too - just let me know.

Please send in the trip slips and payment in as quickly as possible so the morning of the trip runs smoothly. It is important to leave the building relaxed, prepared and ready to learn.

Our trips are learning experiences; please don’t use them as a form of discipline. Students who do not attend trips are at a disadvantage; the trip is the schoolwork for the day and cannot be duplicated. We have planned trips as carefully as we have planned our daily schedule.

Please try to join us on trips this year!

Our first trip is an exciting one. We have been invited to be the first class to view a brand new exhibit at the National Museum of the American Indian in downtown Manhattan. This will be a press event, so we may be interviewed by reporters as well.

The exhibit is called, “Beauty Surrounds Us.” Native peoples of the past and present have always surrounded themselves with things of beauty, and this exhibit showcases everyday objects - clothing, tools, musical instruments, and games - that were not only functional, but pleasing to look at. As part of the opening event, we will see a Native Hoop Dance performance, tour the exhibit with our eyes and ears, and be able to touch some artifacts. This trip will serve as an introduction to our Social Studies unit on Native Americans.

When: Thursday September 21st
Leaving PS261 at 8:45 am
****MAKE SURE YOU ARE AT SCHOOL ON TIME! *****

Where: National Museum of The American Indian
- One Bowling Green – Lower Manhattan

Travelling by: Subway (4 Train from Borough Hall to Bowling Green)

Cost: FREE!

Please return the permission slip ASAP!

Permission Slip

Snack Schedule

2006-09-12T10:34:00.000-07:00

We have a late lunch this year – 1:20 pm! So it’s important to keep our brains fed during the day.

We are asking each family to take the responsibility of providing snack and beverages for the entire class (28 students) for one week (to start- we may have to cycle through again).

Some ideas for healthy snacks: pretzels, applesauce, fruit cups, granola bars, jello, crackers, graham crackers, string cheese, go gurts, fruit roll-ups, fresh fruit or veggies (no prep. required). PLEASE AVOID FOODS WITH NUTS.

You may also be asked to provide paper goods (cups, plates, napkins, paper towels, etc) when it is your week for snack. We will send out individual reminders the week before it is your turn.

SNACK SCHEDULE (until Thanksgiving)

SEPT. 18-22 Adrian
SEPT. 25-29 Ali
OCT. 3-6 Aliyah (4 days)
OCT. 10-13 Andromache (4 days)
OCT. 16-20 Brandis
OCT. 23-27 Courtney
OCT. 30-Nov.3 Damaras
NOV. 6-10 Darean (4 days)
NOV. 13-17 Destiny
NOV. 20-22 Deonte (3 days)

Thank you so much! :)

Homework for Week of September 11th

2006-09-09T06:06:00.000-07:00

Monday is the first day of our new homework routine. Since I will be out on Monday I sent the homework home on Friday to help you as a family review the homework in advance. I know there will be lots of questions and adjustments to homework this week. So if you or your child is confused about homework, please bring your questions in. We will spend some time each day this week talking about the homework.

This week’s Homework:
Homework Sheet

Reading: Each night your child is expected to read for 20 minutes (this can be silent reading or have your child read aloud to someone). They are also expected to fill out a nightly reading log. The reading log will be handed in each day this week to help develop this routine. Once this routine is established, reading logs will be due on Fridays.

Reading Log

Writing: Monday night students will decorate their Writer’s Notebook and bring it into school on Tuesday. Other writing homework this week will be making jots in their Writer’s Notebook. Writing Notebooks travel to and from school each night there is writing homework.

Math: This is our first Math Challenge of the Week – your child will have a couple of problems to choose from and do at home. They must do the problem, show and write how they did it with words and a drawing (or graph, etc.), and write a reflection. This is due on Thursday. I attached a Grading Rubric with the homework. This Rubric is to show how the math homework will be graded. Maureen will fill this out.

Math Challenge Homework
Grading Rubric

To help your child get used to a weekly Math assignment, he or she can follow a weekly Math Challenge Schedule:

Monday: Review the problems. Pick one problem you would like to do, think about what supplies you will need, and bring any questions you have about the problem to share with Maureen and the class on Tuesday.

Tuesday: Start working on the problem

Wednesday: Continue working and revise your work

Thursday: Hand in your work

Math Facts: Your child should practice math facts every night. They should know their times tables up to 10 as well as they know how to spell their names! If you child already knows their tables up to 10 – then move them up to the 12’s – or see me for other math supplemental homework ideas. If you need help with establishing a way to review math facts at home come see me.

Social Studies: We have our first Social Studies project homework this week. It is to generate excitement about the topics we will study this year, and to get an assessment on what the children already know and wish to learn about. It is designed to be an open-ended and fun project. There are many choices here for your child to choose from. If there is any confusion about the assignment bring your questions in. I also have construction paper, books on our topics and other supplies if you need them.

Social Studies Choice Assignment

To help your child get used to a weekly assignment, he or she can follow this weekly Social Studies Project Schedule:

Monday: Review the project. Pick one topic, question, and project you would like to do. Think about what supplies you will need, and bring any questions you have about the project to share with Maureen and the class on Tuesday.

Tuesday: Start working on your project

Wednesday: Continue working on your project

Thursday: Revise and Edit your work

Friday: Hand in your work

Word Work: Each week I will send home a few words to learn. These will be a mix of high frequency spelling words, vocabulary words, and spelling patterns we are studying. We will have a short spelling quiz each Friday. Your child should study these words for a few minutes each night.

Business: Class business this week is returning forms I have handed out and a permission slip for our first field trip to the National Museum of the American Indian (COMING SOON). I will ask your child to write a personal reminder to bring back forms that are missing.

Any questions? I am just an e-mail away – maureen@maureenreilly.com

How was your first week of 4th Grade?

2006-09-08T14:04:00.000-07:00

Some quotes from 408 about their first week of 4th grade:

The first week of school was cool because it was full. – Zuri

The first week of school was fun because I met new people. - Ali

The first week of school was fun and I met new friends. – Andromache

My first week was awesome! – Courtney

My first week of school was wild. – Damaras

This first week of school was really fun. - Hannah

This first week of school was about making new friends, almost knowing everybody’s name, and seeing new faces. – Stephanie

I liked this first week of school because it had easy homework, lots of laughs, and a read aloud. – Elijah

I had a lot of fun and I was very happy. – Ziyad

This week was kind of fun. – Malcolm

It was a good week. – Jalan

I like the first week of school because I got to learn new names and new friends. – Aliyah

My first day of the week was exciting. – Laron

My favorite part of the week was the gym teacher, Mr. Don. – Exavier

My first week of school was fun. – Luca

Fun and I loved it and it was great to make new friends. – Destiny

I liked it and it was a really good week. – Tara

It was fun and challenging. – Adrian

My first week of school was great. – Fetima

I made a friend on the fist day and I love it. – Myles

It was a crazy week. – Zuri

I loved this week. It was great. – Kate

I liked all the fun I had. – Brandis

My first week of fourth grade was a challenge. – Raquel

408 Class Schedule

2006-09-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

So you remember when to wear your sneakers for gym - here is our schedule of special classes:

Monday – Science w/Carmello – 9:25

Tuesday – Dance with Karyn – 10:20

Wednesday – Gym w/Donald – 10:20 – WEAR SNEAKERS

Thursday – Art w/Stephanie – 11:15

Friday – Computers w/Chris – 9:25

And just a reminder - school is from 8:30am - 2:50pm
Pick up in the Big Yard

Extended day is from 2:50 - 3:27 Monday - Thursday

Each period is 50 minutes
Lunch is from 1:05-2:00

-Maureen

Welcome to Class 408!

2006-09-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Students and Families of Class 408:

I am very excited about working with all of you. I hope you all had a wonderful summer and are looking forward to starting the fourth grade! We have a student teacher from Bank Street joining us this fall, Melanie Okadigwe. She previously worked at Scholastic in the children's book club division as an editor before coming to join us at PS261. Welcome Melanie!

Our class will be using this blog to help communicate school news, class happenings, publish class work, and distribute documents. Your children will become bloggers this year.

Here are few important beginning of school year documents. Just click on the link and they should download to your desktop:

Class Supply List
Summer Homework
Welcome Letter from Maureen
Student Information Form
Class Procedures

Stay tuned for more news from class 408, it's going to be a great year!

-Maureen

Twenty Minutes a Day by, Richard Peck

2006-09-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

Read to your children
Twenty minutes a day;
You have the time,
And so do they.
Read while the laundry is in the machine;
Read while the dinner cooks;
Tuck a child in the crook of your arm
And reach for the library books.
Hide the remote,
Let the computer games cool,
For one day your children will be off to school:
Remedial? Gifted? You have the choice;
Let them hear the first tales
In the sound of your voice.
Read in the morning;
Read over noon;
Read by the light of
Goodnight Moon.
Turn the pages together,
Sitting close as you'll fit,
Till a small voice beside you says,
Hey, don't quit.