Bennett Bulletin

This week was another PACKED full of learning and tons of conversation.

Thank you for being part of a circle during conferences! I loved seeing your kiddos present and reflect on their school year! I also enjoyed being able to spend time with all of you!

Last week, Wednesday, fourth graders were displaying their hard work during math workshop for a collection of teachers from different schools in Kent County. I was VERY proud of their hard work, and I know the visiting teachers were impressed. I am confident that we shared some wonderful techniques for them to try in their classrooms.

Restorative-Practices Circle Conversations included:

- Reflections: How can we get to lunch in a safe/organized way? What is Veteran's day? What will you miss about Jack?

- Content Related Circle: Classifying Quadrilaterals - Using Plural Nouns in a sentence - Discussing News Article about parents in the army

- Triad/Small Group circles: Discussing similarities/differences in shapes.

Some reminders that were discussed with students this week:

1. Bring a coat! (Hat/gloves etc).

2. Safety Belts need to be brought to school every day!

*Please don't forget to check agendas every night. Although I do not check them every day, this conversation is important. It holds your fourth grader accountable for his/her learning.

**Please return Library Books on Monday/Tuesday mornings

THURSDAY (Nov 16) - Ms. Bennett out of the building for 3rd round of the MichMe math conference. This has been a wonderful learning opportunity for her, and this same group of teachers will meet a total of 5 times this year.

SATURDAY (Nov 17) - Movie Invite - email to come on Monday :)

As we build our stamina during Reader's workshop, fourth graders are practicing good reading habits. These skills are modeled during our read aloud and then practiced independently in their own books.

Students are working on writing summaries of stories - using SWBST.

Somebody.... Main Character

Wanted... What does the main character want to achieve?

But....The main conflict/problem of the story

So....Important Details

Then...How the conflict was solved

We will be starting our Writing Unit this week!

• Dissecting Number Stories using C.U.B.E.S (I attached this template to the Website as well) this is a tough concept we will continue to practice all year. (Click link to view)
• Naming Triangles based on their properties.
• Classifying Quadrilaterals.
• We learned a new Math Game!! "Salute"

We continued practicing our "Math Talks." They work very well with this group and push students to find as many strategies as they can rather than just one answer. This is a great way to scaffold and differentiate their learning.

Monday and Tuesday 2:40-3:30 - Social Studies with Mrs. Redmond

Wednesday and Thursday 2:40-3:30 - Science with Mrs. Wheeler

Technology - 4th graders are currently working on using Google Slides to prepare for their conferences with their grown ups!

Every night students are expected to share their agendas with their parents. Please take time to discuss what went on during the school day! I would love if you could initial or sign every night to ensure your 4th grader is being held accountable.

Students are expected to read EVERY NIGHT. (R.A.L in the agenda means "Read at least...")

**The school district policy is that students be given 10 minutes of homework per grade level each night; 40 minutes for 4th graders.

Students are expected to complete the following every night:

• Read

• Math Facts (+,-, x, /)

• Any work from class that was not finished during school

• http://www.adaelementarypto. com/uploads/2/3/5/0/23507090/ 2017-2018_ada_elementary_ directory_10172017.pdf

• ttp://bit.ly/2zffs1b

• Anyone who preordered a printed directory will receive that next week once they are back from the printer

• We only ordered a few extras, due to cost, so there will not be the opportunity to purchase any additional printed copies

• There will be printed copies in the office, for staff use, as needed

• The directory is on the PTO's website, but you cannot access it without the specific link that you are sending to parents. We make every effort to

protect the privacy of our families, but we can't guarantee how the information is used after families access it. We have again this year chosen not

to require a password to access the directory because that just causes headaches for everyone. You cannot find the directory on the website with a

Google search though, you need to have the exact link.

• We make every effort to make sure information included in the directory is correct. Any changes should be directed to Lori Ashcroft at

lashcroft@comcast.net.

• The link to the directory will not be posted on the PTO Facebook page or any other public outlet