Final Newsletter for 2017-2018

Dear Families,

This is always a bitter sweet time of year. While, like your students, I look forward to summer activities like camping and playing music into the wee hours, I will miss working with your student(s). This has been a wonderfully memorable group to serve and you have been fantastic families to work with. Thank you for all you do to raise such wonderful young people. We have also had many great volunteers that have been instrumental this year. Thank you for reading with students, chaperoning field trips, and planning our celebrations ~ I couldn't have done it without you.

As we wind down, I encourage you to reach out to Ms. Maria if you have misplaced your login instructions for progress reports. They will be accessible online soon. Your student's progress report will include a personalized letter I would appreciate you reading to them. It is my attempt to  celebrate all they have achieved during this important and hopefully memorable year.

I have also worked very hard with the third grade team and our intervention specialists to place students for next year. Our 4th grade team is very strong and I know your student will have a very successful 4th grade experience. However, I am always here for your student if they need anything. I hope they will feel comfortable seeking me out if they need support.

Your student is bringing home a folder of wonderful letters from their friends next week. I hope they will spread these out and read one every once in a while, when they have a rainy day or need a pick-me-up. There are a few misspellings here and there, but the messages are wonderful!

I have given each student a summer book to keep them sharp, Fudge-A-Mania by Judy Blume. I hope your family will enjoy this classic.

Have a wonderful summer. It has been a real pleasure serving you and your family.

Cheers,
Mr. Hudson

Important Dates & Reminders

May 2018

28 No School ~  Memorial Day

30  Last Day for Students
Classroom parties 10:15-11am (Thank you room parents and volunteers!)
Clap-out and dismissal 1pm

30 End of third trimester

Newsletter for May 4, 2018

Happy May!

Word Study
We continued to study doubling ending consonants. We are also reviewing closed, open, VCe, and r-controlled syllables with an emphasis on identifying the vowel sounds and patterns.

Reading Workshop
We got to visit with multiple authors this week. On Wednesday, we joined the School Library Journal for a live-stream with Katherine Applegate, author of the One and Only Ivan. I hope your student enjoyed this book. It is a favorite of mine.

Ms. Applegate talked about her writing process and her new book, Endling ~ The Last. It looks like a good fantasy read. We have an advance release copy which I will be sharing with the class.

Skyping with Katherine Applegate

On Thursday, we met with author Mac Barnett. He was hilarious and engaging for young and old and gave the students a prerelease reading of his newest book.

Mac Barnett

Writing Workshop
We continued to write our letters. I'm pleased with the increased production in just a few days. The content of these letters is really heart warming and will be a nice gift for the class.

Math Workshop
We are focusing on math fact fluency and complex, authentic problems for the remainder of the year. Mastery of fact fluency is the single most important skill for 4th grade. Complex problems will help students understand what a problem is asking and will support their ability to solve problems in multiple ways.

Science
We are working in our small groups with Mrs. McCormick's 5th grade class on a STEAM challenge.

3rd and 5th Graders engineering together

Important Dates & Reminders

May 2018

April 30-May 4  Scholastic Book Fair

4 KidFest, 5-8 p.m.
8  NO School for students or certified staff - Ohio Primary Elections

11 Highbanks field trip with Livingston Elementary - no more chaperones needed
Students need comfortable walking shoes and sack lunches (all disposable).
Please apply sunscreen before students come to school.

18 Field trip to the Columbus Zoo - 6 chaperones needed

Students need comfortable walking shoes and sack lunches (all disposable).
Please apply sunscreen before students come to school.

21  Field Day

Please apply sunscreen before students come to school. I suggest sending LARGE water bottles as well.

28 No School Staff:  Memorial Day

30  Last Day for Students

30 End of third trimester