Weekly Update 5/23

________________________________________________________________

What a wonderful year! The girls and I had a fantastic year of learning, laughing, and growing together. I hope each of you have a restful, recharging summer. 

Here is my address if you would like to reach out by letter, and I WILL WRITE YOU BACK!

Mrs. Brittingham
8338 Trabue Road
Richmond, Va 23235

________________________________________________________________

• Middle School Information 

• Check SeeSaw for updates from specials teachers

• Check out our photos link! 

• One-Pager sheet of links and information

________________________________________________________________

Weekly Update 5/17

 This week's quote was "When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful." Our class nominated Brenna Reed for helping others!

__________________________________________ 

Wordly Wise Dress-Up Day

Check out the creativity!
__________________________________________ 

Curriculum Updates 

Reading: We are learning about Greek Gods and Goddesses. The girls researched one of them and created a poster. These are in the hallway and will come home soon!

Math: For enrichment, we explored the Fibonacci Sequence and read the book Math Curse. Some of the girls created an optional "Esti-Mystery" slide set. Check them out!

Language Arts: This week's letter asked the girls to write a letter to themselves! They used their baby picture as a guide to think about what they would tell the baby for support or advice. These are in the hall and will come home soon! Take a look at these sweet babies! 

Social Studies:We assessed the midwest region by locating, naming, and labeling the states and capital cities. Next, we will learn the four states of the southwest.

            __________________________________________ 

         Important Dates and Information:

• Carpool helper next week: Bella Douglas
• Middle School Information 
• MONDAY, May 20: visit St. Chris for a business expo
• TUESDAY, May 21: fifth grade and MS performing arts visits
• THURSDAY, May 23: End of Year Party (11-2:15)
• May 30: Fourth Grade Graduation

• Check SeeSaw for updates from specials teachers

• Check out our photo link! 

• One-Pager sheet of links and information

Weekly Update 5/10

Bella Douglas had her special week last week!

 __________________________________________  

Madelyn Holloway had her special week this week!

 __________________________________________ 

This week's quote was "I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself." Our class nominated Madelyn Holloway for only competing against herself!

__________________________________________ 

Curriculum Updates        Paper folders came home today!

Reading: We enjoyed a reader's theater script about class awards! Two groups had the same script, but could make changes and props to make THEIR version really stand out. I recorded the performances, and you can enjoy them here. We learned about Greek Gods and Goddesses. Next, we will research one of them and create a poster.

Math: For enrichment, we explored the Pythagorean Theorem a bit and learned about two high school girls that recently helped prove the theorem using trigonometry. We also reviewed skills, finished our shopping spree, and completed a digital decimal escape room. The girls are also creating their own esti-mystery slide set. I will share those next week!

Language Arts: This week's letter asked the girls to write a letter of appreciation for mom. These letters are on the back of their portraits. I hope you enjoy this keepsake!  

Social Studies:We assessed the southeast region by locating, naming, and labeling the states and capital cities. Next, we will review the 12 states of the midwest.

            __________________________________________ 

         Important Dates and Information:

• Carpool helper next week: Vivienne Neal
• Middle School Information 
• May 13: Read-In Fundraiser
• May 21: fifth grade and MS performing arts visits
• May 23: End of Year Party (11-2:15)
• May 30: Fourth Grade Graduation

• Check SeeSaw for updates from specials teachers

• Check out our photo link! 

• One-Pager sheet of links and information

Weekly Update 5/3

Happy Birthday, Margot Callahan! 

We hope you enjoy today and have a great weekend!

 __________________________________________ 

This week's quote was "A surplus of effort could overcome a deficit of confidence." Our class nominated Catalina Pechin for always giving her best effort, even when the task is challenging!

__________________________________________ 

Curriculum Updates 

Reading: We completed our book project and/or Flora and Ulysses podcast. Check them out here! We are really proud and excited about how it all came together.

Math: We put decimal computation to good use in a real-world application - SHOPPING! Check out how we would spend $200 on a shopping spree! If your daughter isn't finished, they will have some time next week. We are also covering a few enrichment items. This includes dividing decimals by a whole number and converting time and measurement. As we approach the end, we will spiral review many skills and continue working on word problems. 

Language Arts: This week's letter asked the girls to consider someone who exhibits patience. They were to write about this person and how they show patience. We are still working on a poetry exploration booklet and diagramming sentences. 

Social Studies: We were able to practice learning the states and capitals for the southeast region this week. Next week, this will be assessed and we will continue our travels westward!

            __________________________________________ 

         Important Dates and Information:

• Carpool helper next week: Macy Van der Waag

• "Special Week" student next week: Madelyn Holloway
• Middle School Information 
• Book Fair: May 8, 9, 10
• May 13: Read-In Fundraiser
• May 23: End of Year Party (11-2:15)
• May 30: Fourth Grade Graduation

• Check SeeSaw for updates from specials teachers

• Check out our photo link! 

• One-Pager sheet of links and information

Weekly Update 4/26

We are excited for this weekend's Daisy Days and our turn with "Putting On the Hits"!

We hope to see you there!

__________________________________________  

This week's quote was "In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different." Our class nominated Macy Van der Waag for always being her true self!

__________________________________________ 

Curriculum Updates         Papers came home today!

Reading: After finishing the novel Flora and Ulysses, the girls were partnered up to create a podcast book talk. After previewing and gathering ideas from a few podcasts, the girls decided how to use a host, guest, and advertiser. All roles must be related to the story and its elements. Once they are done, I will share the podcasts on the blog.

Math: We practiced adding and subtracting decimals. I have seen tremendous growth, so we assessed this week. We will move on to a mixed review of various skills.

Language Arts: This week's letter asked the girls to consider causes that interest them. I want them to think about being a proponent for that cause. We are still working on a poetry exploration booklet and diagramming sentences with the pronouns who, whose, and whom.

Social Studies: This week we assessed the northeast region and moved on to the southeast region. After exploring the geography, highlights, and location of those states, the girls will work on learning those states and capitals. 

Science: Element Research Pictures from our time with Mrs. Mastin

            __________________________________________ 

         Important Dates and Information:

• Carpool helper next week: Katelyn Nguyen

• "Special Week" student next week: Bella Douglas
• Middle School Information 
• May 1: The girls will visit 5th grade. (8:00 start)
• May 23: End of Year Party (11-2:15)
• May 30: Fourth Grade Graduation

• Check SeeSaw for updates from specials teachers

• Check out our photo link! 

• One-Pager sheet of links and information

Weekly Update 4/18

This week's quote was "Spread love wherever you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." Our class nominated Annabelle Tracey for putting this quote into action!

__________________________________________ 

Vivienne Neal had a birthday on Wednesday! Happy birthday!

__________________________________________ 

Curriculum Updates 

Reading: We got back into the adventures of Flora and Ulysses. We are reading and discussing chapters. Next week, the girls will write a written response that includes a brief summary, opinion, and prediction with evidence.

Math: We have assessed comparing and identifying decimal places. Next week, we will review adding and subtracting decimals. 

Language Arts: This week's letter asked the girls to write down their favorite poem. We read these in    class on Thursday. We are discussing the tone, theme, and rhythm of the poems. We also started      diagramming and imitating sentences. The goal is to help us structure more detailed sentences in our own  writing. 

Social Studies: After using flashcards and maps to review the location of the states in the northeastern    United States, we will assess on Tuesday next week. The girls will have to identify the location of the    eleven states and write the state name and capital. 

            __________________________________________ 

Important Dates and Information:

• Carpool helper next week: Nancy Gray McDermid

• "Special Week" student next week:
• Middle School Information 
• Next Wednesday, April 24: Outdoor Adventure Day
• May 1 - The girls will visit 5th grade. Please be on time as it starts at 8:00.

• May 14: Choir Spring Concert 6:30 at Ryan Hall at St. Christopher's

• May 30: Fourth Grade Graduation

• Check SeeSaw for updates from specials teachers

• Check out our photo link! 

• One-Pager sheet of links and information

Weekly Update 4/12

What a wonderful performance of The Jungle Book! 

Great memories were made!

________________________________________

Vivienne Neal had her special week! 

________________________________________

Dress Code Reminder:
Girls' shirts should be able to cover their midriff (even if their hands are raised) 

and  skirts /"Golden Hinge" should reach the mid -thigh. 

Thank you for your help with this.

________________________________________

 Curriculum Updates 

Reading: This was paused for the play practices and performances this week.

Math: To review perimeter and area, we completed a partner challenge. The pairs had to solve 5 challenges that used area and perimeter to lead them to a hidden gem. We also practiced order of operations. We will pick back up with decimals next week.

Language Arts: The girls wrote me letters this week in class. The letter's focus was about reflection. They could write about things they have enjoyed in class and what they would like to work on during our remaining time together. I will have these available during our conferences.

Social Studies: We are practicing the states and capitals of the northeast region. Soon, we will assess this information before heading to the southeast region. We explored a bit about the northeast region. Check out our PADLET.

            __________________________________________ 

Important Dates and Information:

• Carpool helper next week: Madelyn Holloway

• "Special Week" student next week:
• Middle School Information 
• April 24: Outdoor Adventure Day
• May 1: Middle School Student Orientation (8-12) - please arrive on time, the program starts at 8 (lunch is provided)

• May 14: Choir Spring Concert 6:30 at Ryan Hall at St. Christopher's

• May 30: Fourth Grade Graduation

• Check SeeSaw for updates from specials teachers

• Check out our photo link! 

• One-Pager sheet of links and information

Weekly Update 4/5

We had a fun Gold/White event despite the rain!

Congratulations to the GOLD team!

_______________

This week's quote was "Actions speak louder than words."

Our class nominated Genevieve Agee for being a role model by helping 

others and doing the right thing!

_______________

 Curriculum Updates       Papers came home Thursday.

Our week was busy with daily play practices, Chapel, and the Gold/White luncheon. 
Time for academics was impacted.

Reading: We were able to vote for our favorite picture book! The winner is......GASTON.

Math: This week we were able to compare and contrast decimal numbers to the tenths and hundredths places. We also are practicing the order of operations using the acronyms PEMDAS or GEMS.  

Language Arts: The girls wrote me letters this week mentioning pranks and silly tricks. We also began a poetry unit. Every day, the girls are exploring a different type of poem. We covered couplets and 5 senses poems.  

Social Studies: We continue learning about the southeast region of the United States. As a challenge, I have asked the girls to explore famous people, inventions, and locations from within the region.

            ________________ 

Important Dates and Information:

• Carpool helper next week: Hazel Schell

• "Special Week" student next week: Vivienne Neal

• April 10: Fourth Grade Musical 9:30am in Endeavor Hall
• Middle School Information :  Rising Fifth Grade Parent Meeting will be held on April 10th at 10:30 a.m. in the Kenan-Flagler Auditorium (KFA) in Washington Hall, directly following the fourth grade musical.
• April 24: Outdoor Adventure Day
• May 1: Middle School Student Orientation (8-12) - please arrive on time, the program starts at 8 (lunch is provided)

• May 14: Choir Spring Concert 6:30 at Ryan Hall at St. Christopher's

• May 30: Fourth Grade Graduation

• Check SeeSaw for updates from specials teachers

• Check out our photo link! 

• One-Pager sheet of links and information

Weekly Update 3/29

  _________________

Brenna Reed had her special week!   

            _________________

This week's quote was "Comparison is the thief of joy." 

We discussed that comparing what we have or don't have with others can take away the joy of what we DO have! Our class nominated Hazel Schell for showing us that it is ok to be unique and wise to be proud of yourself for what YOU have accomplished! 

_______________

 Curriculum Updates 

Reading: We are reading Flora and Ulysses. Every 7 chapters, the girls respond to  comprehension questions and use context clues to figure out certain vocabulary. To practice, have your daughter share a current summary of the story so far, give opinions about the story or author style, and predict what may happen next in the story with TEXTUAL evidence for that opinion. We are also evaluating our "Elite Eight" picture books and will narrow our choices to the "Final Four."

Math: We assessed fraction computation and did an amazing job! We are now working with decimals. The girls had a lesson about the Dewey decimal system to make the decimals concrete. We will add, subtract, compare, and order decimals. 

Language Arts: The girls learned about a new weekly writing assignment.  I am writing the girls a letter and having them write me back including specific vocabulary and topics. 

Social Studies: We are learning about the southeast region of the United States. To help learn the states and capitals, the girls have flash cards to help them. 

            ________________ 

Important Dates and Information:

• Carpool helper next week: Mary Linwood Antrim 

• "Special Week" student next week: 

• sign up for a spring conference

• Flowers on the cross and GOLD/WHITE Announcement and lunch - April 3

  Girls can bring flowers IF they want to add flowers to the cross on the Portico. This is completely optional. Lunch is provided.

• April 10: Fourth Grade Musical 9:30am in Endeavor Hall

• students in K-4 should wear nice attire (something they would wear for church or a theater performance) for the Grade 4 Musical and Celebration for the Class of 2024 - April 11 at 11:30 AM

• May 14: Choir Spring Concert 6:30 at Ryan Hall at St. Christopher's

• May 30: Fourth Grade Graduation

• Check SeeSaw for updates from specials teachers

• Check our our photo link! 

• One-Pager sheet of links and information

Weekly Update 3/22

___________________________

This week's quote was "You don't need a cape to be a hero, you just need to care."  

Annabelle Tracey was nominated for showing this quality by her peers!  _________________________________

 Curriculum Updates           

Reading: We are about to start a novel study with Flora and Ulysses. As a preview, we researched about squirrels and created informational posters. The girls also read about the author, Kate DiCamillo, and created a biography poster through Canva. We are also continuing our picture book selection bracket. 

Math: We continue our practice with fraction computation. We are focusing this week on subtracting fractions from whole numbers. I love that we have discovered multiple ways to solve the same problem! We began a "March MATHness" bracket challenge. 

Language Arts: Our time this week was spent on investigating affixes for our Wordly Wise unit #14.  They spent some time on the "Unlock the Rainbow" challenges and had some "quick write" time. 

Social Studies: We began the US regions unit by seeing what we know about the states and their locations on a map.  

______________________________________________________

Important Dates and Information:

• Carpool helper next week: Brenna Reed
• "Special Week" student next week: Brenna Reed
• Musical practices begin next week during school - FYI
• There is a noon dismissal Friday and no school Monday for Easter.
• April 10: Fourth Grade Musical 9:30am in Endeavor Hall
• The music for the musical is available in our google classroom.
• May 14: Choir Spring Concert 6:30 at Ryan Hall at St. Christopher's
• May 30: Fourth Grade Graduation
• Check SeeSaw for updates from specials teachers
• Check our our photo link! 
• One-Pager sheet of links and information

Weekly Update 3/8

Curriculum Updates           Paper folders came home Thursday.

Reading: The girls enjoyed reading and performing two different reader's theater scripts.  I was amazed how quickly they prepared props and costumes!  We also read about Anne Frank in the Wordly Wise workbook.  They are really interested in this time period and part of history, so I suggested they talk to their families about how best to learn more. We ended the week learning the difference between annual and perennial flowers.

Math: We started chapter 6 which focuses on adding and subtracting fractions.  The simplifying of our answers seems to be the most challenging part, so we will practice this more after break. 

Language Arts: We learned about limericks.  The girls had a fun time trying to create limericks about themselves.  The rhyming scheme and pattern were challenging, but they succeeded!  This is part of the "Unlock the Rainbow" series of challenges the girls are completing in class. 

This week's THUNK question: Can I be accused of cheating if I don't know the rules?

Social Studies: After break, we will begin our studies on the regions of the United States.

______________________________________________________

Important Dates and Information:

• Carpool helper next week: Bella Douglas
• "Special Week" student next week: 
• Wednesday, March 20: Our field trip to the Frontier Museum
• April 10: Fourth Grade Musical 9:30am in Endeavor Hall
• The music for the musical is available in our google classroom.
• May 14: Choir Spring Concert 6:30 at Ryan Hall at St. Christopher's
• May 30: Fourth Grade Graduation
• Check SeeSaw for updates from specials teachers
• Check our our photo link! 
• One-Pager sheet of links and information

Weekly Update 3/1

                                  Genevieve Agee had a special birthday on February 19!                                           

                           ______________________________________________________

Nancy Gray had her special week!  

  ______________________________________________________

                              Last week's quote was "You never lose, you either win or you learn!."

Our class nominated Brenna Reed! She loves to learn and keep achieving goals!

______________________________________________________

Curriculum Updates           

Reading: This week, I read various first chapters of books for the girls to consider reading.  The girls did independent reading and shared book talks. We also reviewed depth and complexity icons to use for a book study after spring break.

Math: We completed our chapter 5 fraction test and now are working on fraction computation (with like denominators). We used what we know about fractions to complete various logic challenges.  We also began an enrichment packet that will use what we have learned so far this year in a creative application.

Language Arts: The girls completed typing a biography and creating an illustration through the site Canva about a famous African American woman.  Here is the link to our work!  We spent quality time researching, editing, revising, and fine-tuning our illustrations. 

Social Studies: Our time was used to complete the biographies and illustration page.

______________________________________________________

Important Dates and Information:

• Carpool helper next week: Macy Van der Waag
• "Special Week" student next week: 
• April 10: Fourth Grade Musical 9:30am in Endeavor Hall
• May 14: Choir Spring Concert 6:30 at Ryan Hall at St. Christopher's
• May 30: Fourth Grade Graduation
• Check SeeSaw for updates from specials teachers
• Check our our photo link! 
• One-Pager sheet of links and information

Weekly Update 2/23

                                       Genevieve Agee had a special birthday on February 19! 

                                                      We celebrated her on Wednesday! 

                                                 Her picture will be aded in next week. :-)                                                                                  ______________________________________________________

 Bella Douglas had a half-birthday on Thursday!      

  ______________________________________________________

                              Last week's quote was "Be the change you want to see in the world."

Our class nominated Katelyn Nguyen for her helpfulness and kindness!

______________________________________________________

Curriculum Updates           

Reading: We are wrapping up a "body biography" poster where we analyze a character and make inferences about their habits, choices and inner thoughts. These will be on display in the hallway below their watercolor paintings of the Danish village houses. 

Math: We are continuing to review fraction concepts before moving on to fraction computation.  Our regular homework routine will start again next week.

Language Arts: The girls are typing a biography and creating an illustration through the site Canva about a famous African American woman.  A link will come home soon so you can view our digital class book! 

Social Studies: Our time was used to continue the biographies and illustration page.

______________________________________________________

Important Dates and Information:

• Carpool helper next week: Katelyn Nguyen
• "Special Week" student next week: Nancy Gray McDermid
• February 27 and 29  (Gold/White Cheer practice 7:40-7:55am)
• March 1: Gold/White Cheer Rally
• April 10: Fourth Grade Musical 9:30am in Endeavor Hall
• May 14: Choir Spring Concert 6:30 at Ryan Hall at St. Christopher's
• May 30: Fourth Grade Graduation
• Check SeeSaw for updates from specials teachers
• Check our our photo link! 
• One-Pager sheet of links and information

Weekly Update 2/16

                                         Katelyn Nguyen had a special birthday on Monday! 

      ______________________________________________________

                                                                   Last week's quote was 

                                    "Today has no idea it's about to meet your awesome face!"

Our class nominated Nancy Gray McDermid for her awesome attitude! 

______________________________________________________

This week's quote was "Be the change you want to see in the world."

Our class nominated Katelyn Nguyen for her helpfulness and kindness!

I will take her picture Wednesday once everyone who was out today has signed her poster. 

______________________________________________________

Alexandra Quilez had her special week last week!  

____________________________________________________

Genevieve Agee had her special week THIS week! 

___________________________________________________

Curriculum Updates           

Reading: We have completed the novel Number the Stars. The girls are working on an essay response about their thoughts and opinions about the story. Next, they work on a "body biography" poster where they analyze a character and make inferences about their habits, choices and inner thoughts. These will be on display in the room for a while before they come home.

Math: The upcoming fraction assessment will check understanding of mixed/improper numbers, simplifying, and fractions on a number line.  As we are reviewing, I am noticing we need a little more time, so we will continue to review next week and then assess. We will then move to fraction computation.

Language Arts: We have researched a famous African American woman.  Now the girls are typing an essay and creating an illustration through the site Canva.  A link will come home soon so you can view our digital class book! 

Social Studies: Our time this week was used to complete research and begin the essays. 

______________________________________________________

Important Dates and Information:

• Carpool helper next week: Nancy Gray McDermid
• "Special Week" student next week: 

• February 19: No School (Presidents' Day)

• February 22, 27, and 29  (Gold/White Cheer practice 7:40-7:55am)
• February 20: No School (Saints-Take-a-Break Day)
• March 1: Gold/White Cheer Rally
• April 10: Fourth Grade Musical 9:30am in Endeavor Hall
• May 14: Choir Spring Concert 6:30 at Ryan Hall at St. Christopher's
• May 30: Fourth Grade Graduation
• Check SeeSaw for updates from specials teachers
• Check our our photo link! 
• One-Pager sheet of links and information