We are Authors!!
The fourth grade team is happy to announce that the Studentreasures published books made by each class have come in! Our students have worked incredibly hard and have their stories show great effort. The illustrations are beautiful, and their stories do a great job of showing one well-known fairy / folk tale from two perspectives, a standard that we have been really working on this year. Here are the covers of the three books we created..
If you didn't have a chance to order a copy, but have decided you would like to, check out the following website:
https://www.studentreasures.com/ordercopies.aspx
If you didn't have a chance to order a copy, but have decided you would like to, check out the following website:
https://www.studentreasures.com/ordercopies.aspx
Field Day Pictures!
Rockies Pictures! :)
Rockies Day - Wednesday!!
Hi Everyone!
Just a quick reminder that this upcoming Wednesday, May 6th, is Rockies Day! Any students who have missed three or fewer days this year have received a permission slip to go to the Rockies game for free. Mrs. Jeffries will be chaperoning a group of fourth grade students, as well as other content tutors from our school. It is projected to be rainy weather on Wednesday so please remember to bring a poncho and a jacket to stay warm! Students are welcome to bring snacks, or money for snacks, but students may not share their money with other students or purchase food for others. Thanks! The 4th Grade Team |
Greek Mythology Projects!
End of Year Updates and Holes Dioramas!!
Wow! We can't believe how rapidly the end of the school year is approaching! We have so many exciting activities coming up, here are just a few:
Please mark these important dates in your calendar!
Thank you to parents who ordered the book that our classes created! Studentreasures Publishing requires a few weeks to make the book, but they should be here before the last day of school.
Our students created the most wonderful dioramas based on scenes from the novel Holes. Thank you to parents for your support in this at-home project. They all turned out terrific! Check them out!!
- Thursday April 23rd (THAT'S TONIGHT!!): Math and Science Night
- Monday April 27th: No School for Students
- Wednesday April 29th: Talent-show Tryouts after school..
- Friday May 1st: Last day to check out books from the library!
- Tuesday May 5th: All books are DUE to the library!!
- Wednesday May 6th: ROCKIES DAY!! (Permission slips will be going home tomorrow with students that are eligible for the game!!)
- Friday May 8th: PARCC End-of-Year Testing for 4th Grade (More information to come..)
- Monday April 12th: No School for Students
- Tuesday May 12th: PARCC End-of-Year Testing for 4th Grade (Last tests for the year, I promise!!)
- Friday May 15th: FIELD DAY!! Fourth grade activities will take place in the afternoon.
- Thursday May 21st: Last Day of School / Talent Show!!
Please mark these important dates in your calendar!
Thank you to parents who ordered the book that our classes created! Studentreasures Publishing requires a few weeks to make the book, but they should be here before the last day of school.
Our students created the most wonderful dioramas based on scenes from the novel Holes. Thank you to parents for your support in this at-home project. They all turned out terrific! Check them out!!
CMAS and Spring Picture Day!!
Next Monday, April 13th, is Spring Picture Day! Our classes are signed up for early morning times, so please do not be late for school! You do not need to be dressed in your fanciest clothing, but please do come to school looking presentable. Make sure your clothing is clean, and that your hair has been brushed children! :)
Next week our students will be completing the CMAS Social Studies tests on Tuesday and Wednesday. I have included the letter (being sent home today in Wednesday folders) that has all of the important information about testing. It is listed in both Spanish and English, scroll down to make sure you can see it in your preferred language. Please be sure to be on time on those days!! :)
Next week our students will be completing the CMAS Social Studies tests on Tuesday and Wednesday. I have included the letter (being sent home today in Wednesday folders) that has all of the important information about testing. It is listed in both Spanish and English, scroll down to make sure you can see it in your preferred language. Please be sure to be on time on those days!! :)
cmas_parent_letter.docx | |
File Size: | 13 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Happy Spring Break, PARCC is over!! (For now...)
Thank you so so much for sending your children to school well-rested and prepared for testing the last two weeks- we are officially done, for now! The PARCC tests are divided into two sections. We have completed the five sections of the Performance-Based Assessment (PBA) that is made up of more written responses. We will be taking the CMAS (Social Studies) tests in mid-April, and the second part of the PARCC tests (End-of-Year or EOY) towards the end of April / beginning of May. The second part of PARCC is supposed to be composed of more multiple choice responses. I am so so proud of the hard work our students have shown the past two weeks, everyone is so deserving of our upcoming Spring Break!
Speaking of Spring Break, it's coming up very fast! Students have school for only three days this week, and conferences are scheduled for Wednesday evening and Thursday during the day. Conference notes were sent home last week in Wednesday folders, but I will also be sending home a second reminder on Tuesday after school. I look forward to seeing all of you again! School will start back up on Monday, April 6th.
Upcoming Dates:
Wednesday March 25th and Thursday March 26th: Parent Teacher Conferences
Friday April 10th: AVID Wear Day (Represent your favorite college with college gear!!)
Monday April 13th: Spring Picture Day!
Friday April 17th: Butler Wear Day
Monday April 20th and Tuesday April 21st: Talent-Show Sign-ups
Thursday April 23rd: Math & Science Night
Friday April 24th: Rockies Day!! (If your student has fewer than three absences they get to go to a Rockies game for free!!!)
Monday April 27th: No School for Students
Tuesday April 28th: Talent Show Tryouts after school
We hope you all have a wonderful spring break!!
Speaking of Spring Break, it's coming up very fast! Students have school for only three days this week, and conferences are scheduled for Wednesday evening and Thursday during the day. Conference notes were sent home last week in Wednesday folders, but I will also be sending home a second reminder on Tuesday after school. I look forward to seeing all of you again! School will start back up on Monday, April 6th.
Upcoming Dates:
Wednesday March 25th and Thursday March 26th: Parent Teacher Conferences
Friday April 10th: AVID Wear Day (Represent your favorite college with college gear!!)
Monday April 13th: Spring Picture Day!
Friday April 17th: Butler Wear Day
Monday April 20th and Tuesday April 21st: Talent-Show Sign-ups
Thursday April 23rd: Math & Science Night
Friday April 24th: Rockies Day!! (If your student has fewer than three absences they get to go to a Rockies game for free!!!)
Monday April 27th: No School for Students
Tuesday April 28th: Talent Show Tryouts after school
We hope you all have a wonderful spring break!!
Happy Twin Day!
PARCC Schedule
TESTING SEASON IS HERE!!
Dear Parents,
Testing season is rapidly approaching, and with that in mind we’d like to inform you of some very important dates and make several requests.
This year students are transitioning from taking the TCAP (a Colorado specific test) to the PARCC and CMAS tests. PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) is a test that is being used by many states across the country. CMAS (Colorado Measure of Academic Success) is a test that is Colorado-specific and will be given to 4th grade students in the area of Social Studies.
Over the course of the next few weeks (March 9th - March 20th, 2015) fourth grade students will be taking five PARCC testing sessions- three in English Language Arts (ELA - Reading and Writing) and two in Math. These tests are a culmination of everything that students have learned during the past school year, and they are excited to show what they know!! In order for them to do their best it is crucially important that we remember a few things:
Thank You!
The Fourth Grade Team
Testing season is rapidly approaching, and with that in mind we’d like to inform you of some very important dates and make several requests.
This year students are transitioning from taking the TCAP (a Colorado specific test) to the PARCC and CMAS tests. PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) is a test that is being used by many states across the country. CMAS (Colorado Measure of Academic Success) is a test that is Colorado-specific and will be given to 4th grade students in the area of Social Studies.
Over the course of the next few weeks (March 9th - March 20th, 2015) fourth grade students will be taking five PARCC testing sessions- three in English Language Arts (ELA - Reading and Writing) and two in Math. These tests are a culmination of everything that students have learned during the past school year, and they are excited to show what they know!! In order for them to do their best it is crucially important that we remember a few things:
- Students need to be at school for the ENTIRE day EVERY day over the course of those two weeks. Unless your child is extremely ill, there is no need to take them out of school. Please schedule any appointments for after school hours. If your student misses a test, test re-take conditions are not ideal and the experience may affect their score in a negative way.
- Students need to be getting a good night sleep each night- please ensure that students are going to bed early each day, no television etc.
- It is important that students come to school with a full stomach, having eaten a healthy breakfast. If your student is rushed in the morning they will feel stressed or hungry during the test, and will not be able to focus on doing their best work!
- As our daily schedule will be changing to accommodate testing, our lunch times will not be the same every day. If your student is bringing a sack lunch to school they need to have it at the start of the morning, please do not bring it any later.
- Students may bring a healthy snack each day (water, fruit, vegetables, proteins, cheese and crackers, etc.) as our lunches will be at varying times and students will get hungry!
- We encourage students to wear comfortable clothing during our testing weeks. The more comfortable students are in their attire (within reason) the more focused they will be on the task (test) at hand.
Thank You!
The Fourth Grade Team
Valentine's Day Parties <3
Since we do not have school this upcoming Friday, the fourth grade classes will be celebrating Valentine's Day with a party at the end of the day on Thursday, February 12th! Parties will begin at 2:45pm, and we will be decorating heart-shaped cookies! Teachers will be providing the cookies, we are asking that boys each bring in a tub of frosting to share, and that girls each bring in a jar of sprinkles to share for decorating!
If students would like to bring in valentine's for their classmates, they must bring in a valentine for each classmate. Each teacher is sending home an individual list of students to assist with filling out Valentines! Happy Valentine's Day- and have a wonderful 5 day weekend to all you students! Thanks, The 4th Grade Team |
The Season of Love!
Happy February to all! Here are a few of the important dates we have coming up:
We will also be having Valentine's Day parties in each classroom on Thursday the 12th, with more information to come soon both on the blog and in your child's Wednesday folder!
Thanks!
The 4th Grade Team
- Friday, February 6th: Butler Wear Day!
- Friday, February 13th: No School!
- Monday, February 16th: No School!
- Tuesday, February 17th: No School for students! (Teachers will be at school analyzing student data!)
- Thursday, February 19th: Parents and students alike are invited to attend our Valentine's Day Sock-Hop! It will be from 6:00 - 7:30 in the cafeteria, and we will have a DJ as well as root beer floats! Put on your dancing shoes, and come have fun! (More information to follow).
- Friday, February 20th: AVID Wear Day!
- Friday, February 27th: Slipper Day! Wear your warmest, fuzziest slippers to school!
We will also be having Valentine's Day parties in each classroom on Thursday the 12th, with more information to come soon both on the blog and in your child's Wednesday folder!
Thanks!
The 4th Grade Team
A Few Updates...
As we head into the spring semester, we are rapidly approaching testing season. To that end, every single day of school is vital to helping our students succeed! Please send your students well-rested and fed so they are prepared to jump right in to school in the mornings. Please do not schedule doctor's appointments during the school day- if you let doctors know school hours they are often happy to accommodate them. That being said, if your child is sick, please don't bring them to school! :P
A few important dates in the upcoming months:
A few important dates in the upcoming months:
- Friday January 16th- NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS!! (Professional Development Day for Teachers)
- Monday January 19th- NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS!!
- Friday January 23rd- AVID Wear Day (come dressed supporting your favorite college!)
- Friday January 30th- Jersey Day (rep your team!!) and Student Store (Don't forget your bee tickets!!)
Welcome Back!!
Happy New Year and welcome back to school!! The fourth grade team has been working diligently to prepare all our materials for the next few weeks and to get everything ready for the kiddos tomorrow! We can't wait to see you. Remember, it is cold out there so dress warmly and eat a good breakfast. Everyone should be prepared to jump right back into learning! See you soon.
The Fourth Grade Team |
Field Trip and Prairie Day Pictures!
Our classes had such a blast at the Colorado History Center and on Prairie Day! Check out a few of our photos!
Field Trip Reminders!
Hi Everyone!
All of our fourth grade students are very excited for the field trip tomorrow! Just a few reminders: we will be heading to the Colorado History Museum in Denver, as well as visiting the Denver Capitol building. Students will need a warm sweater and a sack lunch. Please also wear appropriate shoes (sneakers are recommended) as we will be walking for a few blocks downtown.
A few other important dates:
Friday December 12th: 4th Grade Prairie Day! (Students bring your costumes to school!)
Tuesday December 16th: Library Night - Students will watch The Polar Express and do several fun activities!
Thursday December 18th: Classroom Holiday Parties at the end of the day
Friday December 19th: No School! Happy Holidays!!
Thanks,
The 4th Grade Team
All of our fourth grade students are very excited for the field trip tomorrow! Just a few reminders: we will be heading to the Colorado History Museum in Denver, as well as visiting the Denver Capitol building. Students will need a warm sweater and a sack lunch. Please also wear appropriate shoes (sneakers are recommended) as we will be walking for a few blocks downtown.
A few other important dates:
Friday December 12th: 4th Grade Prairie Day! (Students bring your costumes to school!)
Tuesday December 16th: Library Night - Students will watch The Polar Express and do several fun activities!
Thursday December 18th: Classroom Holiday Parties at the end of the day
Friday December 19th: No School! Happy Holidays!!
Thanks,
The 4th Grade Team
Happy Thanksgiving from the Fourth Grade Team!!
Happy Halloween!!
Halloween Literacy Night!!
Thank You!!
Thank you SO MUCH to all of the parents, siblings, and students who attended Parent Teacher conferences this past week - we had an excellent turnout! The relationship between parent and teacher is extremely important to us as educators, as well as to the well-being of the student. When you show that education is important to you as a parent, students realize how important education should be to them, so THANK YOU!!
Just a reminder that if you would like to come on our upcoming field trip, you must have cleared a background check through the school as well as completed the short volunteer training online. The safety of our students is our primary concern and a background check is required as part of the volunteer process. To complete the volunteer orientation and training please go to butler.weld8.org and click on Volunteers on the left side of the screen and select it. The volunteer training and background check must be completed prior to attending the field trip or volunteering. Thank you for volunteering, we appreciate your time and effort. As our upcoming field trip will be scheduled for December, if you think you would like to come as a chaperone please consider completing the background check now. It will be free of charge to you, and will open you up to many opportunities in Butler Elementary! If you want to be a chaperone on our field trip, you MUST go through the training ASAP to be cleared by December!
Also, pajama day is this Friday so wear your best jammies to school! :)
Thanks!
The 4th Grade Team
Just a reminder that if you would like to come on our upcoming field trip, you must have cleared a background check through the school as well as completed the short volunteer training online. The safety of our students is our primary concern and a background check is required as part of the volunteer process. To complete the volunteer orientation and training please go to butler.weld8.org and click on Volunteers on the left side of the screen and select it. The volunteer training and background check must be completed prior to attending the field trip or volunteering. Thank you for volunteering, we appreciate your time and effort. As our upcoming field trip will be scheduled for December, if you think you would like to come as a chaperone please consider completing the background check now. It will be free of charge to you, and will open you up to many opportunities in Butler Elementary! If you want to be a chaperone on our field trip, you MUST go through the training ASAP to be cleared by December!
Also, pajama day is this Friday so wear your best jammies to school! :)
Thanks!
The 4th Grade Team
A Few Updates...
As many of you know, conferences are just around the corner!! Conference time request sheets went home this past week in students' Wednesday folders, and we have received most requests back! If you have not yet returned your conference sheet please do so, or we will have to randomly assign you a time. Conferences are a really important opportunity for teachers and parents to connect and share strategies to help the students, so it is very important that all parents can attend! :) Conferences will be next week after school on Wednesday October 15th from 4pm-8pm, and all day on Thursday October 16th from 8am - 8pm. Student attendance is optional and you can decide if you would like your student to attend their conference.
Also in Wednesday folders this past week was a notice informing parents that we will not be having classroom Halloween parties this year, nor will students be allowed to wear their Halloween costumes all day on the 30th. As we do not have school on the actual day of Halloween, and we do not have any full 5-day weeks in October, our district has decided as a whole that we need to focus on academics during the school day on the 30th. Please do not send any treats or costumes on that day, they will just be returned to you. That being said, we fully encourage students wearing their costumes to Health and Literacy Night, as we teachers have some spooky (and education) treats prepared!
Last but not least, we wanted to inform you that the entire 4th grade will be going to both the State Capitol and the Colorado History Center for a field trip in December! There has been a change to our policy regarding field trip chaperones. For field trips all chaperones and volunteers must complete the volunteer orientation and training to participate. The safety of our students is our primary concern and a background check is required as part of the volunteer process. To complete the volunteer orientation and training please go to butler.weld8.org and click on Volunteers on the left side of the screen and select it. The volunteer training and background check must be completed prior to attending the field trip or volunteering. Thank you for volunteering, we appreciate your time and effort. As our upcoming field trip will be scheduled for December, if you think you would like to come as a chaperone please consider completing the background check now. It will be free of charge to you, and will open you up to many opportunities in Butler Elementary!
Here are some important dates coming up:
Thanks!!
The 4th Grade Team
Also in Wednesday folders this past week was a notice informing parents that we will not be having classroom Halloween parties this year, nor will students be allowed to wear their Halloween costumes all day on the 30th. As we do not have school on the actual day of Halloween, and we do not have any full 5-day weeks in October, our district has decided as a whole that we need to focus on academics during the school day on the 30th. Please do not send any treats or costumes on that day, they will just be returned to you. That being said, we fully encourage students wearing their costumes to Health and Literacy Night, as we teachers have some spooky (and education) treats prepared!
Last but not least, we wanted to inform you that the entire 4th grade will be going to both the State Capitol and the Colorado History Center for a field trip in December! There has been a change to our policy regarding field trip chaperones. For field trips all chaperones and volunteers must complete the volunteer orientation and training to participate. The safety of our students is our primary concern and a background check is required as part of the volunteer process. To complete the volunteer orientation and training please go to butler.weld8.org and click on Volunteers on the left side of the screen and select it. The volunteer training and background check must be completed prior to attending the field trip or volunteering. Thank you for volunteering, we appreciate your time and effort. As our upcoming field trip will be scheduled for December, if you think you would like to come as a chaperone please consider completing the background check now. It will be free of charge to you, and will open you up to many opportunities in Butler Elementary!
Here are some important dates coming up:
- Wednesday October 15th 4pm - 8pm: Conferences
- Thursday October 16th 8am - 8pm: Conferences
- Friday October 17th: No School for Staff or Students
- Monday October 20th: No School for Students
- Thursday October 23rd: Picture Day Retakes (forms will be sent home in Wed folders)
- Friday October 24th: Pajama Day!!
- Thursday October 30th 5:30pm - 7:30pm: Health and Literacy Night :) :) :)
- Friday October 31st: No School on Halloween!
Thanks!!
The 4th Grade Team
Hurray for Autumn!!
Autumn is just around the corner, and we could not be more glad for the cool weather! Here are just a few reminders for the upcoming week:
As a team we are also in the process of planning a 4th grade field trip to the state Capitol building, as well as the History Colorado Center in Denver. As more information becomes available we will keep you posted!
Thanks!
The 4th Grade Team
- Tomorrow, Wednesday September 10th, is a LATE START Wednesday!! Please do not bring students to school on those days before 8:50am as all teachers and staff will be in meetings and unable to supervise students.
- This Friday, September 12th is AVID Wear Day and we encourage students to wear college shirts representing places they'd like to go!
- Monday, September 15th is NO SCHOOL for students! It is strictly a teacher professional development day.
- Fall Fundraiser Orders are due to the school by Wednesday, September 17th!! Please help your student to fundraise as those fundraisers pay for the majority of our field trips and extra activities.
- Thursday, September 18th is our Family Library Night.
As a team we are also in the process of planning a 4th grade field trip to the state Capitol building, as well as the History Colorado Center in Denver. As more information becomes available we will keep you posted!
Thanks!
The 4th Grade Team
Late Start Reminder
Today was our first Late-Start-Wednesday! Thank you so much to all of the parents who were flexible with their schedules to allow for us teachers to have time to improve our school! During that time we work on analyzing student data and brainstorming strategies to help our students be successful. Just a reminder, school on late-start Wednesdays does not start until 9:05. On those days students CANNOT be dropped off any earlier than 8:50 for Gentle Start / Breakfast, as no one will be available to supervise them. Thank you so much for your cooperation in this matter.
A few date reminders:
Thank You!
Sincerely,
The 4th Grade Team
A few date reminders:
- This Friday, September 5th, is Butler Wear Day! Show your Eagle spirit!!
Next Friday, September 12th, is AVID Wear Day and we encourage students to wear college shirts representing places they'd like to go! - Monday, September 15th is NO SCHOOL for students! It is strictly a teacher professional development day
Thank You!
Sincerely,
The 4th Grade Team
Salt Maps
As part of our curriculum in studying our state of Colorado, all of the 4th grade classes have been making salt topographical maps. They will be sent home Monday when all the paint has dried, but here's a few pictures of them as they are now. They look great!
A Quick Check In...
Thank you so much to all of the parents who attended AVID Night with your student last night! A.V.I.D. stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, and although it's important to teach students to be self motivated, they learn the importance of education through observing their parents. Your dedication to their education helps them to realize its' importance so thank you!! I hope that the meeting was informational, and that you will be checking in with your students about their AVID binders, as well as signing and noting their planners.
A few reminders:
I posted some of our class' paragraphs about how to brush your teeth under the "Student Publications" tab..ch ch check it out!!
A few reminders:
- Tomorrow (Thursday, August 28th) is PICTURE DAY!! Don't forget to send in your students' order form if they would like prints.
- Tomorrow we are also making SALT MAPS! Most students have already brought in their materials, but if you haven't yet, don't forget to bring in your flour and salt. You may also want to send in a change of clothes if your student is dressing up fancy for their photos.
- Friday is HAT DAY! Don't forget to wear a silly hat! :P
- There is NO SCHOOL ON MONDAY! Happy Labor Day!
- Late Start begins next Wednesday! Breakfast will and Gentle Start will still be available starting at a later time.
I posted some of our class' paragraphs about how to brush your teeth under the "Student Publications" tab..ch ch check it out!!
Great First Week!
Thank you so much to all of the parents and students who made our first week of school such a success!! So far we are seeing a lot of signed planners and completed homework, which makes us happy teachers! Here are a few reminders:
We are looking forward to a great rest of the year.
Sincerely,
The Fourth Grade Team
- Friday August 22nd is AVID wear day! If your student has any college gear to wear, please send them to school in college t-shirts!
- Tuesday August 26th is AVID night from 5:30-6:30 in the Library! Come get some information about what AVID means to your students and how you can support their learning. Students who attend with their parents will receive a free homework pass! :)
- Thursday August 28th is picture day! Order forms will be coming home in the mail soon so keep your eyes peeled.
We are looking forward to a great rest of the year.
Sincerely,
The Fourth Grade Team
First Day of Fourth Grade!
Tomorrow is the first day of school at Butler Elementary!! Remember, school starts at 8:05 this year and there is no tardy bell so it is important to be on-time. The fourth grade classes will be meeting in the courtyard nearest to our classrooms. The concrete there is all new, but all the dirt etc should be cleared by tomorrow morning! Just in case...wear closed toe shoes!
We can't wait to meet all our bright thinkers for this year. Come fully rested with a fully belly, ready to learn!
The 4th Grade Team
We can't wait to meet all our bright thinkers for this year. Come fully rested with a fully belly, ready to learn!
The 4th Grade Team
Welcome!
Welcome to 4th grade at Butler Elementary!! The purpose of this website is to help open lines of communication between parents, students and teachers. Fourth grade will definitely be challenging, but if we work together as a community, anything is possible. As the summer comes to a close, we are very excited to be welcoming our new students! While the building still looks as though construction is underway, everything should be finished by the time students start school on August 12th! In the meantime, feel free to explore our website and remember to check back frequently!
Here are some helpful tidbits you will find on our blog:
In bittersweet news, two of our 4th grade teachers have moved to different grade levels! Kari Sims has returned to teaching 5th grade, and Molly Pevler has joined the Kindergarten team! We are so excited to be welcoming Rebekah Martinez, a former Butler 5th grade teacher, and Toni Sword to our team!
Back to school night is Thursday, August 7th! Hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
The 4th Grade Team
Here are some helpful tidbits you will find on our blog:
- printable flashcards
- spelling word lists
- teacher mini-biographies
- printable homework (depending on your teacher)
- important dates
- examples of student publications (it's always nice to see what your students are creating!)
In bittersweet news, two of our 4th grade teachers have moved to different grade levels! Kari Sims has returned to teaching 5th grade, and Molly Pevler has joined the Kindergarten team! We are so excited to be welcoming Rebekah Martinez, a former Butler 5th grade teacher, and Toni Sword to our team!
Back to school night is Thursday, August 7th! Hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
The 4th Grade Team