Vocabulary LINCs- April 4-8

1. Misdemeanor
2. Nonconformity
3. Ostracize
4. Paradox

Foresight Testing Math Results-Test 2 Mrs. Downey-Homeroom (no level 1's)

Foresight Testing Reading Results-Test 2 Mrs. Downey-Homeroom

New Homework and Classwork Policy

Parents,

I am very concerned about some of the students not turning in the work in a timely manner. Mrs. Reedy and I have been very generous in accepting late work and giving full credit even for late assignments.

Starting the 4th nine weeks, I am changing my policy for late or missing classwork and homework.

If the student does not have an excused absence, he/she will have until the end of the week that the work was due to get the work in. All work is due on Friday unless I have made an exception because of unforseen events where the students did not have time to do the work in a timely manner. The child may need to miss out on recess because of missing work or need to take it home to finish it.



If the child has an excused absence, they will have the number of days they missed to make up the work without penalty.

Part of your child's responsibility is to budget their time wisely and to be responsible for taking work home to finish if they do not complete it in class.

Thank you for your help in this ongoing process.
Mrs. Downey

In reading and writing we are learning to take notes using a Frame, a Content Enhancement Routine. This week we have learned about using context clues and author's purpose.

FCAT Practice Test This Week

Dear Parents,
 
We will be taking both Reading Comprehension and Math tests this coming week on Wed. and Thursday. These are FCAT Practice Tests and our very similiar to FCAT tests that will be given the week of April 11th.
 
It is important that the children get plenty of sleep, and have nutritious breakfasts. Also, please talk with them about the importance of taking their time and using the strategies they have been taught including using understanding author's purpose, cause and effect, and selective underlining.
 
 
http://fcit.usf.edu/fcat/strategies/default.htm lists a complete list of teaching strategies and has student practice opportunities that you may want to visit.
 
A couple more helpful sites that we recommend are:
 
http://fcit.usf.edu/fcat/references/print.htm which include practice tests and student worksheets for reading comprehension.
 
 
http://www.fcatexplorer.com/ (You will need to sign in using First initial + last name, Password: 8 digit birthdate no slashes.
 
http://easycbm.com/ (both Reading and Math)
 
Thank you for your continued help and support.



Paula Downey M.S.
Cornerstone Academy Charter School
4th Grade (check out our new class website)
http://paula-downey.blogspot.com/

________________________________________

Vocabulary LINCS March 21-24

Ingratiate- whenever a person tries very hard to please someone, or tries to bring himself into favor with that person

Juxtapose- to place side by side

Kleptomaniac- whenever a person has an uncontrollable urge to steal, especially to steal things that he can afford to buy

Laxity- when people are careless and forgetful

http://fcat.fldoe.org/pdf/specifications/ReadingGrades3-5.pdf


Please see Appendix E in the following document. Students MUST know the words in the glossary in order to be successful on the FCAT. The words are being used in the classroom and you can support us by practicing the words at home.

Thank you!
Mrs. Downey

Prefixes and Suffixes on the FCAT

Dear Parents,

The following is a list of prefixes and suffixes that will be used on the FCAT.

re, un, pre, dis, mis, in, non

er, est, ful, less, able, ly, or ness


Please help your child at home learn the prefixes and suffixes. http://teacher.scholastic.com/reading/bestpractices/vocabulary/pdf/prefixes_suffixes.pdf

Thank you!
Mrs. Downey

March 14-18 High Level Vocabulary

Expedient- When a person takes the easy way out, or does the practical or convenient thing.

Felicity- Whenever a person has great happiness.

Geriatrics-The branch of medicine that involves the care of elderly people.

Heresy-Whenever you want to describe the beliefs of someone who has gone against the religion of her people.

*Note* our new words are coming from a great book called The Weighty Word Book. Last week the kids were so excited about the new words that most students finished LINCs in two days. Be sure to ask your child about the funny stories that go with the new words. Thank you to the Gopaul family for helping me make the new word wall.

Our Classroom

Our new word wall is coming together!

                                                                 Dr. Seuss Thinking Maps

                                                  We set high learning objectives in our class.

March 7-11 High-Level Vocabulary

Abasement-whenever a person has been lowered in position or rank or office
Bifurcate-whenever something or someone divides or separates into two parts
Coruscate- to glitter or gleam, to sparkle or flash
Dogmatic-when people will not change their opinions because they are stubborn

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

We celebrated Dr. Seuss this week by reading a few of his books and doing several Thinking Maps! Daisy-Head Mayzie is one of my favorites!

Surprise! The whole elementary school cheered us on as we proudly walked the halls. We love our school and thank them for the support on FCAT Writes! We WILL make you proud.