4th Grade made a video to celebrate Secretary Day today! We love Mrs. Sobieski!
The 4th grade is participating in daily "walking field trips" around campus searching for real life examples of all of the geometry terms that we have been studying! (Ask your child about lines, shapes, and angles :-)
Science Extra Credit Opportunity! We have been doing lots of hands-on science the past few weeks as part of our study of electricity and magnetism. I love how the class is connecting to their learning through inquiry and asking such great questions!
As a way of continuing this inquiry based learning - I've offered the class an extra credit opportunity. The students are asked to research and build a simple generator at home. I have many of the supplies that the students will need - but they first need to do some research and then ask me for what they need (specifically!) I've encouraged them to use words like "simple" or "for kids" when conducting their research. Youtube can be a great tool - but parents should be aware of what they're children are watching online at home. Instructions went home today, the project is due NEXT Friday 5/6
We will have a science test next Wednesday 5/3. Study guides went home today and are also posted on my website under "Science" in the physical science sections. There are a few fun videos included that can also be used as a study tool.
Please be checking your child's graded work each Wednesday when it goes home and sign their folder. Also - please make checking gradelink a regular weekly habit. The last 6 weeks of school are going to fly by!! I will not be accepting ANY work that is over two weeks late. Students may not re-take any tests/quizzes from over a month ago.
Book Clubs- are in full swing! This is a predominately in-class project, but your child may have to do some additional reading/ questions at home if they do not complete their work in class.
Book Reports- I went over the directions for the next book report in class. Your child should already have checked out their Newberry Award/Honor novel and be reading it every night. That is the book I should see written on the reading log each week. Please support your child is creating good reading habits!
Dads Needed- to help with Mother's Day gifts!
Thursday 5/5 Make gifts (1:45-2:45)
Friday 5/6 Wrap gifts (10:40-11:40)
Half Day next Friday 5/6
Sign up to do writing and math camp with Miss Williams, Mrs. T and myself! It is a fun week or games and brushing up on important skills!
Writing & Math Camp ~ June 27-30 8:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. Led by Ms. Williams, Mrs. Tavassoli & Ms. Nielsen ~ Cost $225
Google Classroom- in case your child is having issues with turning in assignments on Google Classroom, I've attached the steps below. NOT TURNING IN AN ASSIGNMENT IS NOT AN OPTION. Worst case scenario, the student can screenshot their work and e-mail it to me.

google_classroom_instructions.pdf |
Fit to Lead News from Coach Bohman
Beginning in 2017, self-defense will be mandatory in Physical Education curriculum for Kindergarten through 12th grades (California Department of Education). Last year, we began specific self-defense training in PE using the "Play It Safe" curriculum. Students are learning the ABC's of self-defense, the 5 A's, the 3 major weapons we all possess and to go "Chihuahua Crazy!!" Students also learned the basic ways to respond to an attacker. The junior high students progressed to more advanced ways to respond to an attacker.
ABC's of Self-Defense ~ Awareness, Boundaries & Confidence
5 A's ~ Awareness, Avoidance, Assessment, Attitude & Action
3 Major Weapons:
Biggest Weapon = Voice
Strongest Weapon = Legs
Secret Weapon = Confidence
If you forget everything else, remember 1 thing... Go Chihuahua Crazy!!
Basic Ways to Respond to an Attacker:
- "Back off!!"
- Windmill & run yelling
- Kick shin, windmill & run yelling
- Palm strike & run yelling
- Throat strike & run yelling
- Eye gouge & run yelling
- Go Chiwawa Crazy, quickly get up & run yelling
For more information or training go to www.PlayItSafeDefense.com
If you haven't already enjoy the Conflict Resolution video https://stjamesphysicaleducation.shutterfly.com
Family Discussion Questions:
1. Discuss the importance of awareness & avoidance.
2. Discuss the importance of being confident... with your voice, body & attitude.
3. Students teach parents the self-defense techniques... since the techniques are important for all people of all ages!