A Sad Farewell



Our principal, Mr. Carroll.

Mr. Carroll is going back to the Middle School to be their principal.  On behalf of myself and the students of Room 14, I would like to say thank you, Mr. Carroll, for doing so much to help us and our school.  We will mis you.

Homework for today:
     1.  Magnets in Space.
     2.  No math.
     3.  Since most students have returned their library books, you are not
          required to read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Visit to Middle School

We enjoyed walking to Fillmore Middle School to see Mrs. Gosselin's sixth-graders perform Pompeii the Musical.  The sixth-graders did a great job!

Homework for today:
     1.  Electromagnetism and You.
     2.  No math today.
     3.  Study California symbols.
     4.  Read for half an hour.
     5.  Get parent initials.

Pompeii the Musical

Kelly Gosselin and Vesuvius

Our class has been invited to the Fillmore Middle School to see sixth graders perform Pompeii the Musical, a play I wrote for our Sespe GATE program.  Parents, please sign the walking permission slip form your child will bring home tonight.

Special note:  as we are winding down the school year, students need to bring back any books they have borrowed from either our classroom or the library.

Another special note:  Several students have still not brought back either their photos or their picture money. Please send back one or the other as soon as possible.

Homework for today:

     1.  From Magnets to Electromagnetism.

     2.  Math Miss  W:  Subtracting Fractions

                   Mr. Spaulding:  RW104

     3.  Read for half an hour.

     4.  Study California symbols.
     5.  Get parent initials.

Awards Ceremony Next Week

We will have our annual Sespe Awards Ceremony Wednesday next week.  Students have worked hard all year long and this gives us a chance to recognize some of our students for their outstanding work and achievements.

Homework:
     1.  Spelling p. 160-161
     2.  Math Miss W:  Subtracting Fractions
                   Mr. Spaulding:  PW103
     3.  Study California Symbols
     4.  Read for half an hour.
     5.  Get parent initials.

Animal Reports

The big project for the remainder of the school year is to finish our Animal Reports.  Here are the requirements for this assignment:
 1.  Paragraphs on:
      a.  Basic Facts
      b.  Habits and Habitat
      c.  Foods and Feeding
      d.  Breeding
      e.  Other Interesting Facts
 2.  Cover
 3.  Acrostic:  Write your animal's name vertically.  Write a sentence about your animal starting with each letter.
 4.  Color picture with five facts.
 5.  Write notes for oral report and practice what you are going to say for your presentation.

Homework for today:
     1.  Spelling 106-107.
     2.  Math Miss W:  Adding Fractions
                   Mr. Spaulding:  Multiplication Worksheet
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Making Adobe Bricks

One of the things we learned about at Fort Tejon was how to make adobe bricks.  It was fun stepping in the mud with our bare feet!

Homework for today:
     1.  Spelling p. 110-111.
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW106
                   Mr. Spaulding:  PW102
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

What a Trip!

We're back!  We had a great trip to Fort Tejon.  We not only survived the trip, but had fun and learned a lot at the same time.  Thanks to all the parents who helped.  We couldn't have done it without you.




Today's homework:
     1.  Spelling p. 152-153.
     2.  Math Miss W:  no homework today.
                   Mr. Spaulding:  Multiplication worksheet.
     3.  Read for half an hour

What to Pack

So, the big trip to Fort Tejon is tomorrow.  You should pack what you need to take tonight so you will be ready.  A pillow case makes a good bag for carrying your clothes and other personal items.

Don't forget to bring:
1.  Sleeping bag and pillow.
2.  Towel, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste.  (There are no showers.)
3.  Change of clothes and good shoes for walking in.
4.  Sleeping clothes (sweats or p.j's.)
5.  Warm jacket for night patrol.
6.  Hat and suncreen.

Bring all your gear to school tomorrow.  We will get on the bus as soon as we get organized.  Parent volunteers should go to the fort beforehand so they will be ready when the students get there.  This is going to be fun!

Homework for today:
     1.  Pack for Fort Tejon
     2.  Math Miss W:  Subtracting Fractions
                   Mr. Spaulding:  PW85
     3.  Get parent initials.

Static Electricity

Our last unit in fourth grade science this year is on physical science, in particular, electricity and magnetism.  The little girl's wild hair in the picture above is due to the effects of static electricity.

Homework today:
     1.  Spelling workbook p. 146-147.
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW104
                   Mr. Spaulding:  RW85
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Fort Tejon Trip This Week!

This blog took a short vacation during the state testing weeks, but now we're back.  A lot has happened in the meantime.  Room 14 students did a fantastic job with the state test.  They were extremely focused and tried their best.  Parents will be sent individual results as soon as the state department of education processes all of the tests.  We will also get notice of Sespe School's API (Academic Performance Index) score.

As I am sure you all know, Sespe School is slated to be closed for renovations next year.  Most of the staff will move into the new School of Rio Vista, near the Bridges neighborhood on the other side of Highway 126. The Fillmore Unified School Board released the new boundaries last week.  Check the map to see what school your child is supposed to attend next school year.


Today's Homework:

     1.  Spelling p.148-149.
     2.  Math Miss W:  Superkids Worksheet.
                   Mr. Spaulding:  PW84
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Poor Air Quality Today

We did not get our regular P.E. today.  A combination of Santa Ana wind conditions and fires in the county led to a air quality warning for the day.  Here's hoping things clear up for tomorrow.  But as long as you are staying inside, why don't you read a book?

Homework today:
     1.  How We Know It Is Right
     2.  Math Miss W:  Review sheet
                   Mr. Spaulding:  RW134 and PW134
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

May Day

Happy May Day!

Today's homework:
     1.  Where Things Survive
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW86
                   Mr. Spaulding:  RW133 and PW133
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Landslide!

Fourth graders are learning about fast and slow changes on Earth.  Some processes, such as weathering, can take a very long time.  Other changes, like the La Conchita landslide pictured above, can happen very quickly.

Homework for today: 
     1.  A Mist Like Needles
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW83
                   Mr. Spaulding:  RW132
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Fort Tejon Training Day Coming Soon

Okay, Room 14 parents, our Fort Tejon training day is coming up this Saturday.  You, too, can learn to be a  blacksmith.  (The picture above shows the forge at Fort Tejon.)  We also need carpenters, adobe brick makers, candle makers, and cooks.  The training will be at Fort Tejon, starting at 9:00 in the morning.

Homework for today:

      1.  Eggs, Eggs, Eggs reading packet

      2.  Math Miss W:  RW81

                    Mr. Spaulding:  RW131

      3.  Read for half an hour.

      4.  Get parent initials.

Rally Tomorrow at Fillmore High School

Sespe students will walk to the high school tomorrow for a pep rally with students from the other elementary schools in town.  The rally is to get kids focused on and enthusiastic about taking our upcoming state tests.  We are very proud of our students and all the hard work they have done so far this year, and it is important that they do their very best on the state tests to show all they have learned.  Students should wear sports apparel for the rally.

Homework today:
     1.  Spelling practice test (words on p. 120)
     2.  Math Miss W:  Averages worksheet
                   Mr. Spaulding:  RW 128
     3.  Study Science Review sheet.
     4.  Read for half an hour.
     5.  Get parent initials.

AGB Visit

Today was the second formal visit of our Alternative Governance Board, or AGB.  The AGB was instituted in our district to gather data and give schools support and feedback.  They will deliver their final report later this school year.

Today's homework:
     1.  The Truth About the Ink
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW79
                   Mr. Spaulding: RW127
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Sespe's Future: Rio Vista

Sespe School is scheduled to be closed for renovations at the end of this school year.  So where are all the Sespe teachers and other staff going?  To the new school being built near the Santa Clara River: Rio Vista (see picture above.)

Homework for today:
     1.  Wyoming Facts
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW 133-134, PW 133-134.
                   Mr. Spaulding:  RW125
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Students of the Trimester Awards

Congratulations to our Students of the Trimester winners, Erasmo, Marisol, Eileene and Arturo!

Homework for today:
     1.  Spelling p. 120-121
     2.  Math Miss W: RW132
                   Mr. Spaulding: RW124 & PW124
3.  Study Science Review sheet.
4.  Read for half an hour.
5.  Get parent initials.

Spring Showcase Tonight

Dear Room 14 Parents,

Please visit our school this evening for our annual Sespe School Spring Showcase.  Before the Showcase, from 5:00 to 6:00, the ELAC Committee will sell pizza and have a photo booth set up.

Classrooms will be open from 6:00 to 7:00 for you to visit.  Students are proud of the work they have done this year and all that they have learned.  Please come out and support your children and your school.

This will also give us a chance to get an update on our upcoming Fort Tejon trip.

See you this evening!

Homework tonight:
     1.  Come to Spring Showcase 6:00-7:00.
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW 131
                   Mr. Spaulding:  PW 123
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Just Say No to Bullying

Bullying can be a significant problem in schools.  Today we had an assembly where we learned how to stand up to deal with bullies.  Bullying is when someone:

• keeps picking on you again and again and tries to make you feel bad
• says or does lots of mean things that upset you
• makes fun of you a lot
• tries to stop you from joining in or make others not like you
• keeps hurting you such as hitting or punching you.

Bullying can also happen through a mobile phone or on the internet. This is called cyberbullying.

Bullying is not fair. It feels awful.

You have a right to feel safe.

If you don't feel safe, get help right now from your mom, dad, teacher, or an adult who will listen to you!

Today's homework:
     1.  Waist High Overall
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW 129
                   Mr. Spaulding:  123
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  get parent initials.

Spring Showcase Coming Soon

Put it on your calendar!  Spring Showcase this Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00.

Homework for today:
     1.   A Famous Riddle
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW 128
                   Mr. Spaulding:  RW 122
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Fort Tejon Parent Volunteers Training Day Coming Soon

Does this look familiar?  It should - it's downtown Fillmore!...  Okay, down to business:

The training day for Fort Tejon parent volunteers will be Saturday, May 4.  That's only three weeks away!  We'll meet in the Sespe parking lot next to the cafeteria at 7:45 A.M.  to car pool.  It takes roughly an hour to get there.  The training is from 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M.  We usually stop for lunch on the way back.

Please make sure to get your Live Scan fingerprints done as soon as possible, if you haven't already done it. You also have to fill out some paperwork with our office and make a copy of your driver's license.

The actual field trip with students will be May 23-24.

Homework for today:
     1.  Spelling p. 156-157.
     2.  Math Miss W: RW127
                   Mr. Spaulding:  RW121 and PW121
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Spring Photos Coming Soon

Spring Photos will be taken on the 22 of April.

Homework for today:
     1.  Spelling practice test (words on p. 128)
     2.  Math Miss W:  Chap. 20 Review.
                   Mr. Spaulding:  RW119
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Golfer's Day

Did you know that today is officially designated as Golfers' Day?  April 10th is also National Cinnamon Crescent Day.  Aren't you glad you visited this blog?

Homework today: 
     1.  The Bats that Walk
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW125
                   Mr. Spaulding:  PW92
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Fire in Fillmore

Well, it has been exciting around here.  Thankfully, none of our students was hurt in the big Fillmore fire yesterday. 

Homework for today:
     1.  What the Scream Did
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW124
                   Mr. Spaulding:  PW93
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Welcome Back to School

After a nice spring break students have come back rested and ready to learn!  Our Fort Tejon trip is coming up soon.  Our class goes May 23-24.  Any parents planning to go should get the Live Scan fingerprinting done as soon as possible.

Today's homework:
     1.  Spelling p. 128-129.
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW123
                   Mr. Spaulding:  RW93
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Order of Operations

Fourth graders are supposed to understand the order of operations in mathematics.  Remember to work from left to right for each step of the order.

Homework today:
     1.  Walking City
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW121 and Decimals
                   Mr. Spaulding:  RW91
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Study Social Studies Review Sheet.
     5.  Get parent initials.

A Lively Class

For Greek and Latin roots this week we have vit and viv meaning live or life.  For example, vitamins are called vitamins because they are essential for 'vita' or life.

Homework for today:
     1.  Vocabulary Sort: vit, viv
     2.  Math Miss W: RW120
                   Mr. Spaulding: RW90
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Study Social Studies Review Sheet
     5.  Get parent initials.

Fundraiser Pickup Today

Room 14 students have passed 434 AR tests so far this year.  Parents, make sure your child is reading an AR book every day for at least half an hour.  Not only does this make you a better reader, it's also fun!

Homework today:
     1.  Spelling p. 112-113.
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW119
                    Mr. Spaulding:  RW82
     3.  Study Social Studies Unit 4 Review Sheet.

Fort Tejon Busses Paid For

Hurray!  We have received official notice that our grant to pay for the bus trip to and from Fort Tejon has been approved.

Homework today:
     1.  Practice spelling test (words on p. 124)
     2.  Math Miss W:  Chapter 15 Review Test
                    Mr. Spaulding: Adding Decimals worksheet
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Easter Bunny Coming Soon!

This Friday you can have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny for only $6.00.

Homework for today:
     1.  Prefixes
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW94
                   Mr. Spaulding:  RW111
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Parts of a Book

Fourth graders are expected to learn the parts of a book - parts like the glossary, index, and table of contents.

Today's homework:

     1.   Sounds of a Wookie

     2.  Math Miss W: PW93, 3-4, and RW93

                    Mr. Spaulding: PW110

     3.  Read for half an hour.

     4.  Get parent initials.

Koko the Gorilla

This week's story is "Koko's Kitten," by Dr. Francine Patterson.  It is part of our unit on communication.  Koko is a lowland gorilla who has been taught to understand more than a thousand words of American Sign Language.  Koko is especially fond of kittens, as you can see in the picture above.

This week's academic vocabulary words are introduce, introduction, and introductory.  Our spelling list this week is based on the suffixes -ful and -less.

Today's homework
     1.  Spelling p. 124-125.
     2.  Math Miss W: RW92
                   Mr. Spaulding:  RW110
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

New and Improved!

                   


New!  Improved!  Amazing!  Free!  Fourth graders are learning about advertising techniques.  We read a story in our reading book called "We'll Be Right Back After These Messages."  It taught us about different ways commercials try to sell products.

Homework for today:
     1.  Animal Facts and Opinions.
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW82.
                   Mr. Spaulding:  RW108.
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

More Poetry

Here is nice poem by Daniela.

Weather

In winter it’s cold and lots of snow,
You can fall in the snow real low.
In spring it’s warm and there are spring showers,
You can see plants grow like beautiful flowers.
In summer it’s hot and you feel the breeze,
You can dive in pools, have a picnic - and sometimes you sneeze. 
In fall it’s windy and a little hot,
You can harvest and pick apples in a special spot.

Homework for today:
     1.  Penguin worksheet
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW117
                   Mr. Spaulding:  PW107
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Is That a Fact?

Fourth graders are supposed to learn the difference between fact and opinion.  A fact is something that can be proven or is true. An opinion is something that someone thinks, feels, or believes.  I think Sespe Room 14 students are awesome!  Is that an opinion or a fact?

Homework for today:
     1.  Spring Showers Fact or Opinion worksheet.
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW 115-116
                   Mr. Spaulding:  RW 107
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Good News About Fort Tejon

Good news!  It looks like we have found a donor to pay for our buses to and from Fort Tejon.

Homework for today:
     1.  Last One Picked/The Real Treasure.
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW113.
                   Mr. Spaulding:  PW99.
     3.  Study science review sheet.
     4.  Read for half an hour.
     5.  Get parent initials.

Appositive Phrases

An appositive is a noun or pronoun that follows another noun or pronoun to identify or explain it.  Look at this example:

Samantha, a fourth grade student, did a great job on the state writing test.

In this sentence, the appositive phrase is "a fourth grade student."


Homework today:
     1.  Spelling 116-117
     2.  Study science review worksheet.
     3.  Math Miss W:  no homework.
                   Mr. Spaulding:  RW99.
     4.  Read for half an hour.
     5.  Get parent initials.

Minimum Day Friday

Don't forget that tomorrow, March 1, is a minimum day for the end of the trimester.

Homework today:
     1.  Famous Mistake/Sinking City
     2.  Math Miss W:  Fractions and Decimals
                    Mr. Spaulding: RW97
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Book Reviews

Students are writing book and book series reviews.  Here is a nice one from Leslie:

One of my favorite book series is called My Fathers Dragon.  It was written by Ruth Stiles Gannet.  The book is about a boy named Elmer who has to save a dragon named Boris from a very strange island.  The animals on the island have Boris tied by his neck so he doesn’t fly away.  They are very mean to him.  They twist his wings and his arms.  The dragon is only a baby and can’t defend himself.  Elmer goes into the island and gets past through the animals and saves Boris.  When Boris arrives to his house he finds out that his family had been captured.  He finds Elmer and asks if he could help.  Elmer goes with Boris and saves his family by making a lot of noise so the men will get scared and let the net go.  This book is very interesting , and I think you guys should read it.





Homework for today:
     1.  Baseball Great/Vertical Race
     2.  Math:  No homework. (We had a test today.)
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Fundraising Assembly

We had a fundraising assembly today. Students will be selling cookies, cheesecakes, and other goodies.  Look for information coming home with your child.

The state writing test is next week.  Fourth graders are reviewing how to write summaries, responses to literature, and narratives.

Today's homework:
     1.  Jet's Job and Fire Investigator.
     2.  Math Miss W: Page 1 of math packet.
                   Mr. Spaulding: RW95 & PW95.
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today we started with oral reports.  Leslie and Alex started us off with two very nice presentations.  Leslie talked about one of her favorite books, My Father's Dragon, and Alex discussed an interesting book about horses called Thoroughbreds.  Good job!

Don't forget the Walkathon tomorrow!  Wear appropriate shoes.

Homework today:
    1.  Physical Properties worksheet.
    2.  Math Miss W:  RW108 and PW108
                  Mr. Spaulding:  No homework (Happy Valentine's Day!)
    3.  Read for half an hour.
    4.  Get parent initials.

Smencils Are Here

Those wonderful smelly pencils - Smencils - have arrived.  Only one dollar a piece.  Profits go towards our Fort Tejon field trip.

Hello Poem by Isabella

Homework for today:
     1.  Practice Oral Presentation of your favorite book.
     2.  Math Miss:  RW107 and PW107 1-12
                   Mr. Spaulding:  RW148 and PW148
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Valentine's Day is Coming Soon!

Many students enjoy exchanging Valentine's Day cards.  We will have a brief opportunity for students to share cards this Thursday.  Here is a list of all the students in our class:

David, Andrea, Alex, Jose A., Leslie, Natalie C., Kaeleigh, Michael F., Cristian, Michael G., Gavin, Jose H., Amani, Marisol, Jorge, Christine, Samantha, Isabella, Elmer, Julian, Angel, Eileene, Arturo, Mariana, Natalie R., Daniela, Erasmo, Abby, Marina, Dylan, Kevin, Luis, Gilbert.

Homework for today:
     1.  Practice your oral presentation about your favorite book.
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW100
                   Mr. Spaulding:  RW147
     3.   Read for half an hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Oral Reports

Red Ribbon Day Sespe School 2013

Planning, organizing, and giving oral presentations, with appropriate use of voice, eye, and body movements for the topic, audience, and occasion - this is an important fourth grade standard in langauge arts.

This week students have to prepare and deliver an oral presentation on a favorite book.  They are also working on writing original narratives.

Today's homework:

     1.  Minerals

     2.  Math Miss W:  RW99

                    Mr. Spaulding:  RW145

     3.  Read for half an hour.

     4.  Get parent initials.

More Bloom's Questions

In Previous posts, we discussed the importance of asking students higher level questions - higher on Bloom's Taxonomy of Learning, that is.  This week students read an excerpt from Anne Frank's Diary.  Today they worked on answering analysis, synthesis and evaluation questions related to the text.  Here are the questions:

1.  Analysis:  If you had to go into hiding like Anne and her family, what 3 items would you take with you and why?

2.  Synthesis:  Create a short diary/journal entry as if you are living in hiding.  Include information about how you feel and what you do to keep busy.

3.  Evaluation:  Was it right for Anne's father to publish Anne's Diary after her death?  Why or why not?

Today's homework:

     1.  Spelling practice test.

     2.  Math Miss W:  RW98, PW98 1-8.

                  Mr. Spaulding:  PW75

     3.  Read for half an hour.

     4.  Study Social Studies Review sheet
     5.  Get parent initials.

How to Write a Narrative

Learning to write narratives is an important fourth grade standard.  Good stories usually contain settings, characters and conflicts.  An interesting title can catch your reader's attention right away.

Our students are working at creating their own stories, which we will share.  Look forward to further information in future blog posts.

Today's homework:
    1.  Minerals
    2.  Math Miss W:  PW97
                  Mr. Spaulding:  RW75
    3.  Read for half an hour.
    4.  Study Social Studies Review sheet 
    5.  Get parent initials.

Minerals: The Building Blocks of Rocks

Did you know that the most common mineral in the Earth's crust is feldspar?  Our students are learning about the fascinating world of rocks and minerals.


Poetry Corner

            Dozens of Muffins
                 
                            by Leslie

I woke up in the morning and saw a strange thing,
Dozens of muffins started to sing;
They danced all around,
And came in my house;
And not to my surprise I had a muffin in my mouth!

Homework for today:
     1.  Vocabulary sort: mal, male
     2.  Math Miss W:  Equivalent Fractions
                   Mr. Spaulding:  PW68
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Study Social Studies Review sheet.
     5.  Get parent initials.

Fun With Figurative Language

  Hit the hay!


Fourth graders are supposed to be able to define figurative language and identify its use in literary works.  Here are some good definitions of various types of figurative language.  (From Thinkquest "Figurative Language," http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0210124/figlandef.html)

Figurative Language

Definitions

Alliteration
Alliteration is the repetition of a single letter in the alphabet (as in "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickle peppers.") or a combination of letters (as in "She sells seashells by the seashore."). It's just about the easiest form of repetition a poet can use.


Metaphor
A metaphor compares two unlike things. "My baby sister's a doll," you might say, compares your sister's size and sweetness to that of the perfection of a doll. At another time you might say, "My brother is a rat." This compares your brother to the nastiest little creature you can think of. In both cases you would be making a metaphor - a form of comparison that directly compares two unlike things. A metaphor wastes no time in getting to the point.

Simile
If you said, "My sister is like a doll," or maybe, "My brother's good as gold," you would be making a simile - a form of comparison in which one thing is compared to another unlike thing by using specific words of comparison like like, as, and resembles. Poets try to find unusual metaphors and similes.

Onomatopoeia
In its simplest form, onomatopoeia is produced by a single word that sounds like the thing it refers to: "Six burgers were sizzling on the grill." "A snake slithered through the grass."

Personification
One of the most familiar kinds of comparison is personification---that is, speaking of something that is not human as if it had human abilities and human reactions.

Hyperbole
A great exaggeration used to emphasize a point, and is used for expressive or comic effect. A hyperbole is not to be taken literally. Example: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." We know that eating an apple every day will not keep you from ever getting sick and having to go to the doctor.


Idiom
Idioms are groups of words whose meaning is different from the ordinary meaning of the words. The context can help you understand what an idiom means. For example: "Put a lid on it." Our teacher tells us to put a lid on it. She's not really telling us to put a lid on something but to be quiet and pay attention.

Today's Homework:
     1.  Spelling 104-105.
     2.  Study Social Studies Review page.
     3.  Math Miss W: RW95
                  Mr. Spaulding:  RW68 (Prime Numbers)
     4.  Read for half an hour.
     5.  Get parent initials.

Fort Tejon Meeting Tonight at Six

There are many things we need to do to prepare for our upcoming trip to Fort Tejon.  The trip is planned for May 23-24.  The bus will leave Sespe Thursday morning, May 23rd.  It takes about an hour to get to the Fort, near Lebec on Highway 5.  We spend all day there involved in many exciting activities:  constructing wooden tool boxes in the carpenter's shop, making adobe bricks, cooking over hot coals, dipping candles, and even working with a forge to make small objects out of iron.  We spend the night at the Fort and return the next morning.  An exciting and educational trip!

Your can learn more about the Living History Progam at Fort Tejon at this website:   http://www.forttejon.org/student_history.html



Today's homework:
     1.  Bernarda Ruiz
     2.  Math Miss W:  More Probability
                    Mr. Spaulding:  RW65
     3.  Read half hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Important Fort Tejon Meeting Tomorrow

Don't forget!  We have an important meeting to discuss our upcoming overnight fieldtrip to Fort Tejon.  Please plan to attend, starting at 6:00 P.M.

This week's story is an excerpt from Pearl S. Buck's The Big Wave.  Set in Japan, it is the story of a young boy whose family is washed away by tsunami, or tidal wave.

Today's homework:
     1.   Vocabulary Sort ben, bene, bon.
     2.  Math Miss W: Lollipop Lane
                   Mr. Spaulding: RW64
     3.  Read for half hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Breakfast Program Starts Today

Well, it's official.  Sespe's Breakfast in the Classroom program is finally underway.  Our five person class Breakfast Team is comprised of two Breakfast Monitors, who pick up the food from the cafeteria and set it up in the classroom; two Breakfast Cleanups to remove trash and return food to the cafeteria; and one Breakfast Sheriff to make sure food is removed ant the desks are clean.

This week's Academic Language words are:  structure and support.  Our Greek or Latin root for the week is ben, bene, bon meaning good or well in words such as benediction, benefactor, bonafide, and bonus.

Don't forget our Fort Tejon meeting for parents this Wednesday at 6:00 P.M.

Today's homework:
     1.  Spelling p. 100-101
     2.  Math Miss W:  RW145
                    Mr. Spaulding:  RW63
     3.  Read for half hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Sespe Band Concert Great Success

Our Sespe Elementary School Band performed last night to great effect.  Parents enjoyed seeing and hearing how much our students have learned about playing music.  Congratulations!

Multiple studies have shown benefits for students when they receive instruction in instrumental music.  Students improve in cognitive skills and functioning when they study and practice music.  And it's fun!

Today's homework:
     1.  Spelling p. 126-127, Similes.
     2.  Math:  J No math today.
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Sign and return Acceptable Use Form.
     5.  Get parent signature. 

Band Concert Tonight

Many room 14 students are in the Sespe Band.  There will be a concert this evening for parents at 6:00.

Homework tonight:
     1.  The Gold Rush
     2.  Math Miss W: Multiplication worksheet
                    Mr. Spaulding:  Division worksheet
     3.  Read half hour.
     4.  Sign and return the Acceptable Use Policy
     5.  Get parent initials.

CST Mirrors

Students are working hard this week on CST mirror exams.  The CST mirror exams are designed to be very similar in content and format to the California Standards Tests students will take later this year.  Giving the mirror exam gives us some idea of how our students are progressing, and what skills they are still weak on.

Homework today:
     1.  Westward Ho!
     2.  Math Miss W: PW68
                   Mr. Spaulding:  Division worksheet
     3.  Read half hour.
     4.  Get parent initials.

Wagons West

In the 1840s thousands of people traveled the hard overland route to Califonia, to start new lives in a new land.  Today's homework is about this historical migration.


Homework today:
     1.  Wagons West
     2.  Math Miss W: RW66
                   Mr. Spaulding:  Division worksheet
     3.  Study Science Review sheet
     4.  Read half an hour.
     5.  Get parent initials.

Exciting Ending to a Great Spelling Bee!

Well, it is officially over and in the books.  The Sespe School 2013 Spelling Bee featured six fantastic fourth and fifth grade students.  Two of Room 14's students participated.  Daniela made it all the way to the tenth round, and Leslie came in second place overall and is the official alternate.  Way to go, girls!  We are all very proud of you.

Homework for today:
     1.  Vocabulary Sort: jur-jus-jud
     2.  Math Miss W:  Dividing Money
                   Mr. Spaulding: RW60
     3.  Study Science Review sheet 
     4.  Read for half hour.
     5.  Get parent initials.

Breakfast in the Classroom Coming Soon

Breakfast in the classroom starts Monday, January 28th.  Breakfast will be free for all students.

Today's homework:
     1.  Spelling p. 88-89
     2.  Math Miss W: RW63
                   Mr. Spaulding: Division worksheet
     3.  Read for half an hour.
     4.  Study Science Review page.
     5.  Get parent initials.

Personification

Homework for today:
     1.  Practice spelling test (p. 96)
     2.  Math Miss W:  Division worksheet
                   Mr. Spaulding: RW58
     3.  Read for half hour.
     4.  Get parent signature.
6

Adaptations

"An adaptation is a special feature or behavior that helps an organism survive in its environment."   

from California Science

Macmillan/McGraw-Hill



Fourth graders know that animals and plants are adapted to their environments.  This week we are learning about specialized adaptations, such as mimicry or camouflage.

Can you see the Indian Leaf Butterfly in this picture?  Mimicry helps it hide in plain sight.

Homework for today:
     1.  Vocabulary Sort: cred.
     2.  Math Miss W:  PW62.
                   Mr. Spaulding: PW56.
     3.  Read for half hour.
     4.  Get parent signature.