Class Newsletter
April / May 2015 Reminders
1. April is Poetry month. We have been writing our I AM poems. Starting Monday, April 17th, we will carry around our poems and ask people to listen to us recite them. On Thursday, April 30th we will share our poems with our Second Grade Little Buddies.
2. Friday, May 1st is Old California Days, an on site living history experience for all of our fourth grade children as they rotate through stations. Our day will be highlighted with a chili cook out thanks to our parents from 11:30 - 12:10, along with square dancing from 2:00 - 2:20 on the blacktop. We hope our parents can join in on the fun.
3. Open House is May 14th, All Science Fair Projects are due in the Multi that morning and will be picked up Friday, May 15th after school. We are anxious to see their experiments and outcomes.
February/March 2015
Mountain Lion Class Update (updated again on 2/25/15)
Friday Feb. 20th Online Schedule info sent home with students so parents can start scheduling their parent/teacher conference via the internet beginning at 12:01 on Saturday, February 21st.
Wed. Feb. 25th Lock down or Fire Drill
Thursday Feb. 26th Auburn Symphony 9:30 – 10:15
Also, please remind your young musician to remember to pack their recorder for their Thursday lesson. Side Note: While I teach recorder to Mrs. Montera’s class, she is coming in and doing Math Enrichment activities with our class.
Friday Feb. 27th Spring Pictures + ***Last Day to Preorder Yearbooks***
Purchases must occur on line by this date. There will be a limited amount of yearbooks on sale at Open House. They will be sold on a first come basis for $25.
Monday March 2nd Minimum day for report card prep. 12:20 dismissal with lunch served in the multi as usual.
Monday March 9 – 13th Parent/Student/Teacher Conference week. We will be on minimum day schedule with students leaving at 12:20. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria as usual. Note this is also our Book Fair week.
Wed. March 11th Grade 4-6 Honor Roll Assembly at 9:15
Tuesday March 17th Field trip to the Explorit Science Center in Davis, CA. This will be a regular school day. We will leave campus at 8:30 and return by 1:30. We will participate in a hands on lesson on Electricity and complete another lesson related to Art and Science.
Mon. - Fri. March 23 - 27 State Testing all week. Please make sure that all appointments are scheduled iafter school hours as the children are testing all week. Students are encouraged to get extra rest, have a healthy breakfast, and come to school with a positive attitude to do their personal best.
Please Help: We are in need of copy paper, wide ruled binder paper, pencils, glue sticks and Kleenex. Thank you for helping in any way that you can.
Mrs.Kilbourne
February/March 2015
Mountain Lion Class Update
Friday Feb. 20th Online Schedule info sent home with students so parents can start scheduling their parent/teacher conference via the internet beginning at 12:01 on Saturday, February 21st.
Wed. Feb. 25th Lock down or Fire Drill
Thursday Feb. 26th Auburn Symphony 9:30 – 10:15
Also, please remind your young musician to remember to pack their recorder for their Thursday lesson. Side Note: While I teach recorder to Mrs. Montera’s class, she is coming in and doing Math Enrichment activities with our class.
Friday Feb. 27th Spring Pictures
Monday March 2nd Minimum day for report card prep. 12:20 dismissal with lunch served in the multi as usual.
Monday March 9 – 13th Parent/Student/Teacher Conference week. We will be on minimum day schedule with students leaving at 12:20. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria as usual. Note this is also our Book Fair week.
Monday March 11th Grade 4-6 Honor Roll Assembly at 9:15
Tuesday March 17th Field trip to the Explorit Science Center in Davis, CA. This will be a regular school day. We will leave campus at 8:30 and return by 1:30. We will participate in a hands on lesson on Electricity and complete another lesson related to Art and Science.
Please Help: We are in need of copy paper, wide ruled binder paper, pencils, glue sticks and Kleenex. Thank you for helping in any way that you can.
Mrs.Kilbourne
February/March 2015
Mountain Lion Class Update
Friday Feb. 20th Online Schedule info sent home with students so parents can start scheduling their parent/teacher conference via the internet beginning at 12:01 on Saturday, February 21st.
Wed. Feb. 25th Lock down or Fire Drill
Thursday Feb. 26th Auburn Symphony 9:30 – 10:15
Also, please remind your young musician to remember to pack their recorder for their Thursday lesson. Side Note: While I teach recorder to Mrs. Montera’s class, she is coming in and doing Math Enrichment activities with our class.
Friday Feb. 27th Spring Pictures
Monday March 2nd Minimum day for report card prep. 12:20 dismissal with lunch served in the multi as usual.
Monday March 9 – 13th Parent/Student/Teacher Conference week. We will be on minimum day schedule with students leaving at 12:20. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria as usual. Note this is also our Book Fair week.
Monday March 11th Grade 4-6 Honor Roll Assembly at 9:15
Tuesday March 17th Field trip to the Explorit Science Center in Davis, CA. This will be a regular school day. We will leave campus at 8:30 and return by 1:30. We will participate in a hands on lesson on Electricity and complete another lesson related to Art and Science.
Please Help: We are in need of copy paper, wide ruled binder paper, pencils, glue sticks and Kleenex. Thank you for helping in any way that you can.
Mrs.Kilbourne
February/March 2015
Mountain Lion Class Update
Friday Feb. 20th Online Schedule info sent home with students so parents can start scheduling their parent/teacher conference via the internet beginning at 12:01 on Saturday, February 21st.
Wed. Feb. 25th Lock down or Fire Drill
Thursday Feb. 26th Auburn Symphony 9:30 – 10:15
Also, please remind your young musician to remember to pack their recorder for their Thursday lesson. Side Note: While I teach recorder to Mrs. Montera’s class, she is coming in and doing Math Enrichment activities with our class.
Friday Feb. 27th Spring Pictures
Monday March 2nd Minimum day for report card prep. 12:20 dismissal with lunch served in the multi as usual.
Monday March 9 – 13th Parent/Student/Teacher Conference week. We will be on minimum day schedule with students leaving at 12:20. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria as usual. Note this is also our Book Fair week.
Monday March 11th Grade 4-6 Honor Roll Assembly at 9:15
Tuesday March 17th Field trip to the Explorit Science Center in Davis, CA. This will be a regular school day. We will leave campus at 8:30 and return by 1:30. We will participate in a hands on lesson on Electricity and complete another lesson related to Art and Science.
Please Help: We are in need of copy paper, wide ruled binder paper, pencils, glue sticks and Kleenex. Thank you for helping in any way that you can.
Mrs.Kilbourne
February/March 2015
Mountain Lion Class Update
Friday Feb. 20th Online Schedule info sent home with students so parents can start scheduling their parent/teacher conference via the internet beginning at 12:01 on Saturday, February 21st.
Wed. Feb. 25th Lock down or Fire Drill
Thursday Feb. 26th Auburn Symphony 9:30 – 10:15
Also, please remind your young musician to remember to pack their recorder for their Thursday lesson. Side Note: While I teach recorder to Mrs. Montera’s class, she is coming in and doing Math Enrichment activities with our class.
Friday Feb. 27th Spring Pictures
Monday March 2nd Minimum day for report card prep. 12:20 dismissal with lunch served in the multi as usual.
Monday March 9 – 13th Parent/Student/Teacher Conference week. We will be on minimum day schedule with students leaving at 12:20. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria as usual. Note this is also our Book Fair week.
Monday March 11th Grade 4-6 Honor Roll Assembly at 9:15
Tuesday March 17th Field trip to the Explorit Science Center in Davis, CA. This will be a regular school day. We will leave campus at 8:30 and return by 1:30. We will participate in a hands on lesson on Electricity and complete another lesson related to Art and Science.
Please Help: We are in need of copy paper, wide ruled binder paper, pencils, glue sticks and Kleenex. Thank you for helping in any way that you can.
Mrs.Kilbourne
February/March 2015
Mountain Lion Class Update
Friday Feb. 20th Online Schedule info sent home with students so parents can start scheduling their parent/teacher conference via the internet beginning at 12:01 on Saturday, February 21st.
Wed. Feb. 25th Lock down or Fire Drill
Thursday Feb. 26th Auburn Symphony 9:30 – 10:15
Also, please remind your young musician to remember to pack their recorder for their Thursday lesson. Side Note: While I teach recorder to Mrs. Montera’s class, she is coming in and doing Math Enrichment activities with our class.
Friday Feb. 27th Spring Pictures
Monday March 2nd Minimum day for report card prep. 12:20 dismissal with lunch served in the multi as usual.
Monday March 9 – 13th Parent/Student/Teacher Conference week. We will be on minimum day schedule with students leaving at 12:20. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria as usual. Note this is also our Book Fair week.
Monday March 11th Grade 4-6 Honor Roll Assembly at 9:15
Tuesday March 17th Field trip to the Explorit Science Center in Davis, CA. This will be a regular school day. We will leave campus at 8:30 and return by 1:30. We will participate in a hands on lesson on Electricity and complete another lesson related to Art and Science.
Please Help: We are in need of copy paper, wide ruled binder paper, pencils, glue sticks and Kleenex. Thank you for helping in any way that you can.
Mrs.Kilbourne
February/March 2015
Mountain Lion Class Update
Friday Feb. 20th Online Schedule info sent home with students so parents can start scheduling their parent/teacher conference via the internet beginning at 12:01 on Saturday, February 21st.
Wed. Feb. 25th Lock down or Fire Drill
Thursday Feb. 26th Auburn Symphony 9:30 – 10:15
Also, please remind your young musician to remember to pack their recorder for their Thursday lesson. Side Note: While I teach recorder to Mrs. Montera’s class, she is coming in and doing Math Enrichment activities with our class.
Friday Feb. 27th Spring Pictures
Monday March 2nd Minimum day for report card prep. 12:20 dismissal with lunch served in the multi as usual.
Monday March 9 – 13th Parent/Student/Teacher Conference week. We will be on minimum day schedule with students leaving at 12:20. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria as usual. Note this is also our Book Fair week.
Monday March 11th Grade 4-6 Honor Roll Assembly at 9:15
Tuesday March 17th Field trip to the Explorit Science Center in Davis, CA. This will be a regular school day. We will leave campus at 8:30 and return by 1:30. We will participate in a hands on lesson on Electricity and complete another lesson related to Art and Science.
Please Help: We are in need of copy paper, wide ruled binder paper, pencils, glue sticks and Kleenex. Thank you for helping in any way that you can.
Mrs.Kilbourne
January 2015 Reminders
Jan. 8th Topic 8 Math Test
Jan. 9th VAPA
Jan. 6, 7 , 9, & 12th The Actual 5 Paragraph Mission Report is to be completed at home. Research/note taking time using the Chrome Books has been designated on these dates in class to assist the students and their families. Students have been given an outline to follow for their note taking. Any additional time needs to take place at home or students need to make arrangements for after school research time with Mrs. Kilbourne the week of Jan. 12th.
Jan. 12th Science Lab Module Test (open note Testing)
Jan. 13th SS Explorers Test ( flash cards and a time line were started in class)
Jan. 14th Topic 9 Math Test
Jan. 14th Basket Making from 9:30 – 11:30 am Parents who have fingerprinting clearance/TB clearance and would like to help with this project are asked to please contact Mrs. Kilbourne
Jan. 20 Topics 5-8 Review Math Test
Jan. 22nd Chapter 3 Rocks and Minerals Test ( Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rocks) How to identify and classify.
Feb. 3rd Our Class along with others will be performing a dance on the stage on TUESDAY, FEB.3rd. This is run through our PE program in conjunction with a local dance studio. For a costume, the students are asked to wear solid black pants/leggings and a solid black t-shirt. I will be purchasing extra BLING for our outfits from our class activities account.
Feb. 2nd Monday, California Mission Projects and Five Paragraph Research Report are due. Students should also be ready to present their Oral Presentation on their mission.
Feb. 20th AR Goals should be met with 85% accuracy
Feb, 27th End of the First Trimester
March 9-13th Spring Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences ( minimum days that week )
December 5, 2014
Newsletter Updates
Dear Families,
It was wonderful meeting with all of you during our First Trimester Parent/Teacher/Child conferences. I was so thrilled that 100% of our families participated in this time of sharing the successes of our children. With two short weeks before winter break, I wanted to share a brief overview of upcoming events.
Wishing you and your family a warm winter break and happiness in the New Year.
Fondly,
Mrs. Kilbourne
ANGEL TREE
It’s that time of year again... Our Angel Tree is up in the front office and ready for our wonderful coyote families! I am excited to announce that Sunset Ranch is partnering with The Salvation Army once again to help children within the communities of Rocklin and Roseville who are in need of help for Christmas.
The Angel Tree in the office holds tags of the names of some of these children which also includes a small wish list and coat size.Parents are able to choose a tag and purchase a gift for the child. They can return the new & unwrapped gift with tag attached to the office by December 12th and the Salvation Army will pick up and distribute the gifts before Christmas.
Thank you so much for your support as we continue helping and serving our communities!
Dec. 10th Information about the fourth grade CA Mission Project will go home in the Wednesday Folder. The actual project will not be due until the first Monday in February.
Dec. 12th The Folsom Zoo Mobile will be here with their WILD ABOUT YOU presentation for all of our Fourth graders.
Dec. 10th Mrs. Aldrich will be here for an Art Docent Lesson
Dec. 12th School Wide Lock Down Drill
Dec. 17th Roger Stock, the RUSD Superintendent of Schools will be visiting our campus
Dec. 18th Class Winter Party at 1:15 pm. Parents are welcome to join us. Remember to stop by the office for a visitors badge prior to coming to the room.
Dec, 19th Minimum Day, students are dismissed at 12:20 for Winter Break.
Jan. 5th Students return today from Winter Break
Jan. 7th Lock Down Drill
Jan. 9th PM VAPA
Fourth Grade Mountain Lion Class Update
Mrs. Kilbourne October 24, 2014
Thanks a Million!!!!A special thank you to our parents who helped with our Field Trip to Coloma on October 10th. Please look at our web page for pictures from this event.
Fri., Nov. 7 12:20 Dismissal Grade Prep Day
Mon., Nov. 10th No School Staff Development Day
Tues., Nov. 11th No School Veteran’s Day
Mon., Nov. 17 – Fri., Nov. 21st 12:20 Dismissal Conferences
Wed., Nov. 19 9:30 -10:15 Honor Roll Assembly
(Parents of Students on the Honor Roll will be notified by Mrs. K. by Thursday, Nov. 13th.)
Mon., Nov. 24 – Fri., Nov. 28th No School Thanksgiving Break
PTC Fall Carnival – thank you for those who helped in our booth. It was a fun evening and a wonderful memory maker for all our families.
Red Ribbon Week Events
Monday, Oct.27 Red Ribbon Stickers will be passed out
Tuesday, Oct. 28 Wear Sweats
Wednesday, Oct. 29 Wear RED
Thursday, Oct. 30 Wear Ties
Friday, Oct. 31 Spirit Day! Wear Crazy Socks & Neo Clothing
Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
*Please note that parents may now go to the school web page and sign up on-line for the upcoming conferencing week. If you need help with this please contact me and I will be happy to schedule a time for you. The Open Reservation time is from Oct. 24th – Nov. 7th.
Monday, Oct.27 Red Ribbon Stickers will be passed out
Tuesday, Oct. 28 Wear Sweats
Wednesday, Oct. 29 Wear RED
Thursday, Oct. 30 Wear Ties
Friday, Oct. 31 Spirit Day! Wear Crazy Socks & Neo Clothing
Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
*Please note that parents may now go to the school web page and sign up on-line for the upcoming conferencing week. If you need help with this please contact me and I will be happy to schedule a time for you. The Open Reservation time is from Oct. 24th – Nov. 7th.
Fri., Nov. 7 12:20 Dismissal Grade Prep Day
Mon., Nov. 10th No School Staff Development Day
Tues., Nov. 11th No School Veteran’s Day
Mon., Nov. 17 – Fri., Nov. 21st 12:20 Dismissal Conferences
Wed., Nov. 19 9:30 -10:15 Honor Roll Assembly
(Parents of Students on the Honor Roll will be notified by Mrs. K. by Thursday, Nov. 13th.)
Mon., Nov. 24 – Fri., Nov. 28th No School Thanksgiving Break
Please note that on Minimum Days, students are dismissed at 12:20, but lunches will still be served in the Multi. Lunch for Grade 4 will be from 11:20 – 11:50 on those days.
Technology:
Technology:
Students are now using Chrome Books within the classroom four days a week. We are presently finishing up a Science presentation using our Ecosystem Research. Students will share these with their parents at the upcoming Parent/Teacher Conference. Headphones are ordered for our Chrome Books, but students are welcome to come in with their own headphones with parent permission.
Service Learning
Service Learning
Kids Can Food Drive:
Our class has set a goal of bringing in 3 cans of food each for the Kids Can Food Drive. Thank you to those who have already generously donated cans. All cans need to be dropped off by Friday, Nov. 7th.
Our class has set a goal of bringing in 3 cans of food each for the Kids Can Food Drive. Thank you to those who have already generously donated cans. All cans need to be dropped off by Friday, Nov. 7th.
Veteran’s Day Remembrance
To honor those who serve our country, our class wrote letters and drew pictures of pumpkins and Jack-0-Lanterns for Marine Recruits at Camp Pendleton located north of San Diego.
PTC Fund Raiser
To honor those who serve our country, our class wrote letters and drew pictures of pumpkins and Jack-0-Lanterns for Marine Recruits at Camp Pendleton located north of San Diego.
PTC Fund Raiser
PTC Coyote Run is Friday, Nov. 7th. Yesterday, as marked on the weekly planner, was the first collection day for this fund raiser event. Our second collection day is Friday, Nov.7th, the day of the race. Donations can also be made on line. All of the fourth grades will run at Bolton Park at around 9:15 . We will need 6 parents to help track racers. We presently have 3 parents who have Volunteered. If you can help, please contact Mrs. Kilbourne.
Other Events
Other Events
Wed., Oct. 29 CHP Helicopter Show 1:00 on the field
Friday, Oct. 31st Halloween Party 1:15 – 2:15
Please note that students do not dress up in costumes for Halloween at Sunset Ranch. We will play BINGO for prizes and have a treat while we play. Parent are welcome to join us, please remember to sign in with the office first.
Please note that students do not dress up in costumes for Halloween at Sunset Ranch. We will play BINGO for prizes and have a treat while we play. Parent are welcome to join us, please remember to sign in with the office first.
Friday, Dec. 12th Folsom Zoo Mobile 9:30 – 10:15
On site field trip – The Folsom Zoo will bring in animals Native to CA to share with the students
Kids Can Food Drive. Thank you to those who have already generously donated cans. All cans need to be dropped off by Friday, Nov. 7th.
Veteran’s Day Remembrance
To honor those who serve our country, our class wrote letters and drew pictures of pumpkins and Jack-0-Lanterns for Marine Recruits at Camp Pendleton located north of San Diego.
On site field trip – The Folsom Zoo will bring in animals Native to CA to share with the students
Fourth Grade Mountain Lion Class Update
Kids Can Food Drive. Thank you to those who have already generously donated cans. All cans need to be dropped off by Friday, Nov. 7th.
Veteran’s Day Remembrance
To honor those who serve our country, our class wrote letters and drew pictures of pumpkins and Jack-0-Lanterns for Marine Recruits at Camp Pendleton located north of San Diego.
Fourth Grade Mountain Lion Class Update
Mrs. Kilbourne Room 18
September 9, 2014
Dear Parents,
Mrs. Kilbourne
Volunteers:
Thank you to everyone who said that they would like to Volunteer this school year. To meet District Requirements, all parents volunteering here at school, or going on Field Trips, must have Finger Printing Clearance and an updated TB test. If you are new to our school or need to check if all of your paperwork is up to date, please check in with Lei-Lani Hayes, our school clerk. She will be happy to give you all of the necessary forms.
PTC 5th Annual Fall Carnival
October 10th is our 5th Annual PTC Fall Carnival. Our class is signed up to cover a booth from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. We will need at least 2 parents per shift to help. If you can help, please sign up on the Class Sign Up Sheet sent to you in the Sept. 10th Wednesday Folder indicating your 1st, 2nd, & 3rd, choices for a time block. Again, if you are new to our school, this is a wonderful school wide event for our families, one that I hope you will not miss.
Classwork
Often the children complete work that is not given a formal grade, but they are required to complete it with just as much diligence. When papers come home you may see that they have a (check -) which means, this is not up to standard. A (check) which means, you are on target or a (check + ) which means, you went above the standard required.
Again, please remember to review your child’s planner and sign it every Monday evening and review the papers in the Wednesday folder. Know that many times the kiddoes say that their work is done, nevertheless, please double check it for accuracy. When the children know that we are working as a team it holds them to a higher standard, one I know that will help train them to be accountable for their own learning.
Thanks again, please feel free to contact me should you have any questions. Mrs. K.
Sunset Ranch Elementary School
Rocklin Unified School District
Room 18 Fourth Grade Mrs. Kilbourne
Mountain Lion Class General Information
August 19, 2014Dear Families,
I am looking forward to a great start! I hope the following answers any questions you may have until we are able to meet for the August 28th, Back to School Night.
Mrs. Kilbourne
First Day Reminders:
• The first bell rings at 7:45am. Students should line up on the #18 outside our door in a single file line. Morning supervision begins at 7:35. For your child’s safety, please do not send your child to school before 7:35. Our School day ends at 1:20 on Mondays and 2:20, Tuesday through Fridays. Please remember to designate a place for your child to meet you after school.
• The first recess is at 10:15. Students are encouraged to bring a snack and water bottle.
• Lunch Recess is at 11:30 daily with lunch following at 11:50. Class starts up again at 12:10.
• PE is scheduled on Tuesday and Thursdays at 7:50, so please remember comfortable running shoes for those days.
• Homework – Homework will begin the week of August 25th. During the first two weeks we focus on learning routines. Homework expectations will increase after I have had a chance to meet with the parents on the August 28th, Back to School Night.
• Each child will need a 1 ½ inch binder with the following labeled tabs;
DLI, Spelling, Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies, Paper Should you need tabs or a binder etc. please let me know and I will be happy to obtain those for you as they are essential to our learning. Paper should only be behind the paper tab and limited to 50 – 75 sheets of paper at any one time so that their binder doesn’t become too bulky. Extra binder paper can be kept at home/donated to the class.
Your child’s planner should be after the tabs. I would appreciate it if you could initial your child’s planner every Monday, starting on Monday, August 25th as a listing of Homework and tests will be posted there. Weekly Homework assignments/tests will also be posted on our class web site. Your child’s tests etc. will be placed in the Wednesday Folder each week. Please set aside a time to review these papers with your child to reinforce learning.
Math: Starting in August and through September, we are covering place value into the millions, comparing and ordering numbers into the millions, estimation, rounding numbers and understanding how to build a multiplication array. Starting Monday, Aug. 25th have your child share and teach you the 9 Lines system for practicing our Multiplication Facts. This should be a nightly - 2 minute warm up prior to Math Homework. This will help prepare your child with multiplication facts needed for two and three place multiplication, division, and later for reducing fractions. Within the Common Core Framework it will be essential that students make observations, question, and draw conclusions as they look more critically into the how and why things work the way they do within the world of Math.
Language Arts: In fourth grade we complete Daily Language Instruction lessons. (DLI) This program emphasizes key grammatical elements to written language. Remember to review the class work for DLI nightly with your child, starting Tuesday, Sept. 2nd. These practice sheets are to be kept behind the DLI tab in each binder. Students will be tested on concepts covered that week and from previous weeks, every Friday. Weekly Spelling Tests will be given on Fridays and sent home in the following Wednesday Folder, as will the DLI Tests. The application of these skills will be given a conventions grade within Written Assignments. We will focus on Informational /Research Writing, Opinion Writing, and Narrative Writing which supports the fourth grade Common Core Standards for Writing.
Upon the completion of the STAR Reading Testing in the computer lab, results will be sent home along with a STAR Reading Goal for the Trimester. I will indicate the number of points each child needs to complete this Trimester with 85% accuracy. Please remember that AR is only one portion of each child’s grade. Our Houghton Mifflin Reading series and the Jr. Great Books program will be used as we address the Common Core Standards covered in Fourth Grade. Each HM Story will have a test that emphasizes vocabulary and a depth of understanding such as summarizing, making predictions, comparing and contrasting what we read, along with identifying passages/quotes that give evidence and support author’s purpose and viewpoint.
Science The children will begin the year learning about the Scientific Process. We will dive right into how Living Things Need Energy and how Living Things and Their Environment Change and Need Each Other. ( highlighting those specific to California) Later in the year we cover topics related to Rocks and Minerals, Landforms, Slow and Fast Changes on Earth, and ending with Units on Electricity and Magnetism.
Social Studies: Character Ed ( Second Step Program ) skills and the geography of CA starts our year. Your child will learn about the various landforms of CA. We incorporate geographic knowledge with Mapping Skills. Your child will become an expert of California’s regions, landforms, and the terminology necessary to describe each with precision.
*Monthly Newsletter: Please note that I will forward future newsletters through my e-mail distribution list and on our web page. Please look for a letter during the first week of each month. Hard copies will be sent home in the Wednesday Folder for those who do not have access to a computer. Always feel free to email me with any questions at dkilbourne@rocklin.k12.ca.us
First Day Reminders:
• The first bell rings at 7:45am. Students should line up on the #18 outside our door in a single file line. Morning supervision begins at 7:35. For your child’s safety, please do not send your child to school before 7:35. Our School day ends at 1:20 on Mondays and 2:20, Tuesday through Fridays. Please remember to designate a place for your child to meet you after school.
• The first recess is at 10:15. Students are encouraged to bring a snack and water bottle.
• Lunch Recess is at 11:30 daily with lunch following at 11:50. Class starts up again at 12:10.
• PE is scheduled on Tuesday and Thursdays at 7:50, so please remember comfortable running shoes for those days.
• Homework – Homework will begin the week of August 25th. During the first two weeks we focus on learning routines. Homework expectations will increase after I have had a chance to meet with the parents on the August 28th, Back to School Night.
• Each child will need a 1 ½ inch binder with the following labeled tabs;
DLI, Spelling, Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies, Paper Should you need tabs or a binder etc. please let me know and I will be happy to obtain those for you as they are essential to our learning. Paper should only be behind the paper tab and limited to 50 – 75 sheets of paper at any one time so that their binder doesn’t become too bulky. Extra binder paper can be kept at home/donated to the class.
Your child’s planner should be after the tabs. I would appreciate it if you could initial your child’s planner every Monday, starting on Monday, August 25th as a listing of Homework and tests will be posted there. Weekly Homework assignments/tests will also be posted on our class web site. Your child’s tests etc. will be placed in the Wednesday Folder each week. Please set aside a time to review these papers with your child to reinforce learning.
Math: Starting in August and through September, we are covering place value into the millions, comparing and ordering numbers into the millions, estimation, rounding numbers and understanding how to build a multiplication array. Starting Monday, Aug. 25th have your child share and teach you the 9 Lines system for practicing our Multiplication Facts. This should be a nightly - 2 minute warm up prior to Math Homework. This will help prepare your child with multiplication facts needed for two and three place multiplication, division, and later for reducing fractions. Within the Common Core Framework it will be essential that students make observations, question, and draw conclusions as they look more critically into the how and why things work the way they do within the world of Math.
Language Arts: In fourth grade we complete Daily Language Instruction lessons. (DLI) This program emphasizes key grammatical elements to written language. Remember to review the class work for DLI nightly with your child, starting Tuesday, Sept. 2nd. These practice sheets are to be kept behind the DLI tab in each binder. Students will be tested on concepts covered that week and from previous weeks, every Friday. Weekly Spelling Tests will be given on Fridays and sent home in the following Wednesday Folder, as will the DLI Tests. The application of these skills will be given a conventions grade within Written Assignments. We will focus on Informational /Research Writing, Opinion Writing, and Narrative Writing which supports the fourth grade Common Core Standards for Writing.
Upon the completion of the STAR Reading Testing in the computer lab, results will be sent home along with a STAR Reading Goal for the Trimester. I will indicate the number of points each child needs to complete this Trimester with 85% accuracy. Please remember that AR is only one portion of each child’s grade. Our Houghton Mifflin Reading series and the Jr. Great Books program will be used as we address the Common Core Standards covered in Fourth Grade. Each HM Story will have a test that emphasizes vocabulary and a depth of understanding such as summarizing, making predictions, comparing and contrasting what we read, along with identifying passages/quotes that give evidence and support author’s purpose and viewpoint.
Science The children will begin the year learning about the Scientific Process. We will dive right into how Living Things Need Energy and how Living Things and Their Environment Change and Need Each Other. ( highlighting those specific to California) Later in the year we cover topics related to Rocks and Minerals, Landforms, Slow and Fast Changes on Earth, and ending with Units on Electricity and Magnetism.
Social Studies: Character Ed ( Second Step Program ) skills and the geography of CA starts our year. Your child will learn about the various landforms of CA. We incorporate geographic knowledge with Mapping Skills. Your child will become an expert of California’s regions, landforms, and the terminology necessary to describe each with precision.
*Monthly Newsletter: Please note that I will forward future newsletters through my e-mail distribution list and on our web page. Please look for a letter during the first week of each month. Hard copies will be sent home in the Wednesday Folder for those who do not have access to a computer. Always feel free to email me with any questions at dkilbourne@rocklin.k12.ca.us
The following outlines some activities coming our way. Please mark your Calendars :)Mrs. K.
- May 13th SBAC Testing 8:10 - 9:50 AM
- May 14th SBAC PERFORMANCE TASK Testing 8:10 - 9:50 AM
- May 15th Science Fair ( EXTRA CREDIT - Optional) Projects are due in the multi between 7:30 - 7:45 am.
- May 15th Minimum Day (Students will eat lunch at school but be dismissed by 12:20 )
- May 15th Open House and ART Show
- May 16th Math Topic 19 Test
- May 21st STAR Reading Test in the Computer Lab today
- May 22nd Math Tpic 20 Test
- May 23rd District Math Test Topics 11-20
- May 26th Memorial Day Holiday - No school
- May 27th Please send in all text books, all books will be inventoried.
- NO HOMEWORK after May 26th. Class Projects will be taking place along with Jr. Great Books and Math preparation for fifth grade.
- June 3 Mini Olympics ( water/field play activities )
- June 5th Last Day of School for students, this is a minimum day with a 12 20 dismissal.
Students will be given their report card in a sealed envelope on the last day of school. If your child is unable to attend, their report card will be mailed to your home.
Sunset Ranch Fourth Grade Parent Update: April 1, 2014
March 31 - April 3 Book Fair
April 2 Book Fair/Family Night 5-7:00 pm
April 4 Remember to bring in an egg carton for our Mancala Game making project
April 4 "Old Alkili" the oldest '49er will come and sing/tell us stories
April 9 Little Buddies
April 10 Class Spring Party 1:30 - 2:15
April 11 50% of AR goals are due/ 100% by Friday, May 9th
April 14-18 Spring Break / No School
April 21 Teacher In Service Day/ No School
April 22 School back in session/ VAPA today 7:50 - 10:45
May 1 Parent Training for Old CA days, room 18, 2:30 - 3:30
May 7 SBAC Field Testing in the Computer Lab
May 9 Old CA Days 8:00 - 1:15 Square danicng from 2:00 - 2:30 on blacktop
May 13 SBAC Field Testing in the Computer Lab
May 14 SBAC Field Testing in the Computer Lab
May 15 Open House Time to be announced/ Extra credit Science Projects due
March 7, 2014
March Update
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March 10 - 14 Minimum days all week for Parent / Teacher / Student Conferences
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March 12th Honor Roll Assembly in the Multi from 9:30 - 10:15
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March 17th Pennies for Patients Assemblies in the Multi at 9:50
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March 26th Granite Oaks Middle School Honor Band will perform at 1:15
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March 26, 27, 28, SBAC practice tests in the Computer Lab from 10:00 - 11:30
Mrs. Kilbourne - Grade 4 - Room 18
February 20, 2014
Dear Families,
Listed below are a few updates that I want to make sure you are aware of over the next few weeks.
J Mrs. K.
Feb. 28, 2014 - UPDATE Students should wear their Neon Shirts and black leggings/pants to school on Tuesday, March 4th for the school wide dress rehearsal. Due to limited space parents are not invited to the dress rehearsal, but rather the evening performances.
- March 2nd , Tuesday - School Wide Dance Performance – Students are dancing both at 6:00 and 7:00 that evening. Please have them report to our classroom by 5:40. You may pick up your child at 7:30ish after the second dance performance is completed.
- Dance Performance Costume
- – The children are asked to wear black leggings, black sweat pants, or black pants. They are also asked to wear a green, yellow, orange, or pink neon T-shirt. The girls may wear neon ribbons or hair bands. If you don’t have a neon T-shirt for your child, please let me know and I will help you with this.
- Dance Performance Tickets
- – Ticket order forms have been sent home in both last and this week’s Wednesday Folder. Tickets are also available for purchase after school. Please let me know if you need an additional form so I can send it home with your child.
- Spring Conferences
- : Conferences will be held the week of March 10th. The students will be on a minimum day schedule that week and be dismissed at 12:20. The office has emailed parents the steps to follow to access the : Conferences will be held the week of March 10. The students will be on a minimum day schedule that week and be dismissed at 12:20. The office has emailed parents the steps to follow to access the
February 7th Update - Looking Ahead
- Feb.10th Fire Drill or Lock Down Drill today
- Feb. 11th & 12th NO HOMEWORK CLUB with Mr. Beardsley this week due to 6th grade field trip.
- Feb. 11th AM VAPA - Library moved from Thursday to Tuesday this week
- Feb. 12th Class Valentine Party 1:00 - 2:15
- Feb. 13th Math, Topic 11 Test
- Feb. 13th STAR Reading Test in the computer lab
- Feb. 13th Rocklin Police Department, Keeping Kids Safe Presentation, week 3
- Feb. 14th & 17th No School - Presidents' Holiday
- Feb. 19th AR Goals due
- Feb. 20th STAR Math Test in the computer lab
- Feb. 20th Rocklin Police Department, Keeping Kids Safe Presentation, week 4
- Feb. 21st District Math Test for Topics 6-11 ( have your child start reviewing these units)
- Feb. 24 - 18th Dr. Seuss Birthday Week / Spirit Day activities
- Feb. 24th Dr. Seuss Sock Day & Door decorating day
- Feb. 25th Dr. Seuss PJ Day
- Feb. 25th Mrs. Kilbourne to District Math committee meeting after school.
- Feb. 26th Dr. Seuss Wacky Day
- Feb. 27th Dr. Seuss Neon Day
- Feb. 28th Dr. Seuss Red and white Hat Day
- Feb. 28th End of the Second Trimester
- Mar. 4th VAPA in the afternoon & Class Dance Performances in the evening. Students should return to the classroom at 5:30 pm that evening. Check the Wed. Folder for more information.
- March 10 - 14th Minimum Days - Parent/Teacher Conferences
January 10, 2014 ( updated Jan. 16th)
Sunset Ranch Fourth Grade Parent Update
REMINDER:
Your child’s Progress Report was sent home with your child on Friday, January 10th
Wednesday Jan. 8 50% of your child’s AR goal should have been met. Your child’s percent toward their goal and accuracy level are posted on the Progress Report. They should be at 100% of their goal by Feb. 19th.
Friday Jan. 10 Progress Reports went home
Tuesday Jan. 14 VAPA in the afternoon
Tuesday Jan. 14 Math Topic 7 make-up test & Topic 8 test
*Monday Jan. 20 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observance
Tuesday Jan. 21 School Wide Dance Practices start, One Evening Performance the week of March 4th, specific information to follow.
Thursday Jan. 30 100th Day of School
Thursday Jan. 30 Sutter’s Fort Field Trip We will be going with Mrs. Shirhall’s class. We leave at 9:40 and return by 1:20. Permission slips were sent home in the Jan. 15th Wednesday Folder
Monday Jan. 27 Science Test Week 2 (Open Note Test)Wed. Jan. 19 Math Topic 9 Test
Thursday Jan 31 PTC Daddy/Daughter Dance
Thursday Feb. 6 Mission Projects and
5 Paragraph Research paper are dueJ Fri. – Mon. Feb. 14-17 No School - Presidents’ Day Holiday
Friday Feb. 28 End of 2nd Trimester
(Conferences March 10-14)
December 3, 2013
Sunset Ranch Fourth Grade Parent Newsletter
Dear Families,
Here is a listing of upcoming events for your calendar.
Thank you for your continual support! :)Mrs. K.
Thursday Dec. 5 Author Visit 8:00 in the Multi
Friday Dec. 6 Basket Making 12:10 – 2:20
Friday Dec. 13 Lockdown Drill
Thursday Dec. 19 Class Winter Party 1:15 – 2:15 We will play Bingo for prizes and have a treat. We will also have a Book Exchange. The children are asked to bring in a wrapped book and a sticker that says, FOR A BOY from_____, or FOR A GIRL from_____, or FOR A BOY OR GIRL FROM _____. Books need to be less than $ 8 and sent in by Monday, Dec. 16th . If you are unable to send in a book, please let me know so I can purchase a sufficient number of extras so everyone has a book to open. :)MRS.K
PS Parents, we’d love to have you come and join us for our Winter get together.
Friday Dec. 20 Winter Break – Min. day with 12:20 dismissal.
Monday , Dec. 23 through Friday, Jan. 3, 2014 WINTER BREAK
Monday Jan. 6 School resumes
Wednesday Jan. 8 Lockdown Drill
Wednesday Jan. 8 50% of your child’s AR goal should be met
Friday Jan. 10 Progress Reports go home
Monday Jan. 13 School Wide Dance Practices start, One Evening Performance the week of Feb. 25th, specific information to follow.
bourne
November 2013 Newsletter
Dear Families,
I am looking forward to meeting with all of you during our Parent Teacher Conferences the week of November 18th
. Your child is asked to attend this conference so we can celebrate their accomplishments and make goals together for the upcoming Trimester. Here some important dates for your calendar. J Mrs. Kilbourne
Wednesday, Nov. 6th
Lunch Bunch – students who chose to save and use their COYOTE CASH could pay $100 to eat lunch with Mrs. K in the classroom. Mrs. Kilbourne supplies the dessert and the kiddoes supply their own lunch.
Wednesday, Nov. 13th
Picture Retake Day
Friday, Nov. 15th
Recess Time Fire Drill ( Please remind your child of the importance of any fire drill. They need to walk, not run, to their designated area without talking. These safety practices help keep everyone safe.)
Mon., Nov.18th – Fri., Nov. 22
Parent/Teacher Conference Week - 12:20 Minimum day dismissal schedule. Lunch is still served in the cafeteria on these days. Please email or call me should you need a change in your conference time.
Mon., Nov. 25 – Fri., Nov. 29th
No School: Thanksgiving Break
Week of Dec. 2nd
Honor Roll; Perfect Attendance Assembly – more information to come
Thursday, Dec. 5th
Author Assemblies: David Schwartz 8 – 8:45 for Gr. 4-6
Fri., Dec. 13th
Lock Down Drill in the afternoon. Please remind your student again of the importance of any drill.
Fri., Dec. 20th
Winter Break – 12:20 Dismissal
Mon., Dec. 23 – Friday, Jan. 3rd
– Winter Break , School begins again on Mon. Jan. 6th
.
Dear Families - the following is an updated message from our PTC regarding our upcoming Jog - a - thon. Thanks for your continual support! :)Mrs. Kilbourne
Dear Families,
We are so excited to support your child's efforts to raise money for the upcoming Jog-A-Thon. This year's Monster Dash will be held on Halloween. All materials were distributed Friday morning, however there is one more tool for success that we wanted to send your way. Should your child wish to email friends and family to request support for their fundraising, here is an email script to cut/paste:
Email donation request
:
Dear_______________,
I'm writing today because I'm excited to tell you about my school's Jog-A-Thon. It's called the Monster Dash, and I will be running/walking to raise money for my school this month. We are one of three schools in California with a full Science Lab, and this event is a fundraiser to benefit our science program. It also helps support many other programs at our school that help make it one of the best. Would you be willing to contribute some money to help me help my school? I'm working very hard to reach my goal, and every little bit helps a lot!
My school accepts cash, checks (made out to Sunset Ranch PTC), or you visit the link below to donate online at sunsetranchptc.org. You can make a Paypal donation there, but please don't forget to list my name, my teacher's name (Mrs. Kilbourne), and in the comments section at checkout, please state this is a Jog-A-Thon donation, so I will get credit!
Thank you so much!
(insert child's name)
October Newsletter 2013
Oct. 2nd School Pictures
Oct. 11th Field Trip to Coloma
Oct. 11th PTC Harvest Festival
Oct. 31st Jog a thon
Nov. 1st Folsom Zoo Field Trip
Below outlines the attachment to your child’s Progress report sent home Friday, Sept. 27th. Please contact me if you have any questions.
J Mrs. Kilbourne
Fourth Grade is a transition and the pace if picking up. As you review the progress report with your child, please remind them that the trimester does not end until Nov. 8th. The following may answer questions you may have.
Reading: Your student should be at 50% of their AR goal by today, Sept. 27th with 85% accuracy. The students have until Nov. 1st to reach their goal at which time they will be given two grades, one for achievement of % toward their goal and another for accuracy.
As of September 27th, your child’s present AR scores are:
ZPD Zone____Accuracy Level ______ Goal _____ Percent toward goal _____
Writing: Spelling and DLI will each count as 20% of your child’s writing score. Paragraph/summary writing will count at 60% of their writing grade. We have completed Flow Maps using sequencing words, highlighted our story summaries ( behind the reading tabs in their binders) to model writing frameworks. This next week I will give a writing frame for our next story, By the Shores of Silver Lake. The students will write more and more independently over the next weeks using a check off list of summary components they need to include. Please review their Story Summaries and have them explain what an "OS or TS or CS " mean, and why things are highlighted in green or yellow on the summary pages. As they write, they will need to label the OS or Opening Sentence and the CS or Closing/Clincher Sentence. They also need to know that TS stands for Topic Sentence and sometimes writers refer to OS and TS to mean the same thing. They will also highlight sequencing words so they can make sure that they vary them in their writing. I will explain this more in depth at our November Parent/Teacher/Student Report Card Conference.Math:Please review your child’s work nightly to make sure they are being accurate. Please review topics with them prior to tests. The hardback books are available for students to bring home for additional concept practice.
SS and Science: Projects and tests and Science Lab Grades will make up their final grades. Studying for these tests takes daily review, flashcards and reviewing study notes. Please refer to the Weekly Planner that outlines upcoming tests/projects. EXTRA CREDIT:
Extra credit projects are offered in different areas, it is important that students take advantage of these. PLANNERS: Please check these EVERY MONDAY evening so your child knows that we are working as a team for their success. J Mrs. Kilbourne
Dear Families,
The children are hard at work, here are some highlights I want to share with you:
- Math: We are focusing on place value, rounding numbers to the ten thousands place and developing strategies used in word problems.
- Reading: We are reading from our HM Anthology while incorporating Common Core Strategies that develop our depth of understanding. To support reading expository texts, which is so important in the upper grades, we have started a series of mini lessons highlighting how to attack this type of text and extract the main ideas / details of each.
- Writing: We have been using our Flow Maps to help us organize our thoughts and use sequencing words as a precursor to our writing. We are also using group summaries of our HM Stories and color coding those to show the Topic Sentence, Details, Closing/Clincher sentence. These should be in your child's Reading Folder as they help us also review our stories prior to testing. The students will write more and more ask the weeks progress. Have your child read and explain to you what they have done on these pages.
- Spelling/DLI: Please look for these lists being sent home weekly. Both are tested on every Friday.
- Social Studies: This month we are spending a significant amount of time covering geographical terms along with recognizing the various landforms within and around CA. Later in the month we will bridge the children's understanding of how urban, suburban and rural areas are influenced by the resources withing these areas.
- Science: Our Science Lab is up and running. We are fortunate to have three parents help out duirng our lab time. A portion of your child's report card grade is dependent on their testing in the lab. We will begin our Life Science Units starting the week of September 16th. We will learn about how Living Things need Energy while also recognizing the living and non living components of Ecosystems.
- HOMEWORK: REMINDER - In addition to posting the HW on our web page, the students are giving a copy for their planners. Please sign this Monday evening.
- LOOKING AHEAD:
- OCT.11th Field Trip to COLOMA
- OCT. 11th PTC Fall Festival
- OCT. 31st PTC JOG A THON
- NOV. 1st Field trip to Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary to see endangered animals of CA - small group docent tours