Fourth Grade Fun

I hope your kids came home as excited as I did after our field trip to The Detroit Science Center. I had not been there since my daughter was in 3rd grade and I was amazed at the changes they have made. There is plenty of hands-on activities to do that cover many facets of science. I think the favorite was the music room that allowed the kids to sing and play guitar and drums. (Who would have thought that science and music are related? lol) Another favorite was the 4-D Engineering Theater. What a wild ride that was (and wet, too!). Thanks to all who chaperoned - you did a great job and the kids certainly did a great job representing St. Pius X School!

Halloween

Our Halloween Party was a ton of fun! The kids had some very creative (and appropriate) costumes. We had everything from a football player to Harpo Marx. A big "thank you" to Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Smith (Tyler), and Mrs. Assenmacher for all of the preparation and help during the party. The kids played Halloween Bingo, watched "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" and made a craft. The weather turned out to be perfect for our school parade! I hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween. Enjoy your trick or treating tonight!! (By the way, Mrs. Piechocki loves gobstoppers - hint hint)

STATE REPORT INFORMATION

The students received the instructions for the State Report and we played "stick the state" to pick the state to do the report on. The rubric that I will use to grade the report is on the back side of the instruction sheet. If you have any questions, please email me. I have included some website links to help you with research. I do expect the students to use books and not just internet websites for information. The report is due October 16.

Thank You, Jabro's!!!

I just wanted to let you all know that Jabro's on Northline in Southgate donated an 8 x 8 rug to our classroom. If you need new carpet you may want to check them out. The owners are St. Pius parishioners, as well. The kids sent a "thank you" card to them with this picture of the class on the new rug.

Buenos Dias Amigos!!

It is very exciting to hear the children speaking Spanish! Please be sure to practice the words that Senorita Magda is working on each week. She involves the children in many fun activities and they seem to be learning!! This week they are working on the alphabet and numbers up to 20.

On Thursday, September 17, we celebrated Constitution Day. We first watched a video based on the book, "Shhh!! We're Writing the Constitution". The children then worked in groups to develop our own classroom constitution. I was amazed at how insightful your children are!! They came up with 10 rights that they felt every student should have. Wonderful!!!

It looks like our special schedule is set for the year: Monday - Art 1:30-2:15, Tuesday-Gym 8:10-8:55 and Computers 10:25-11:10, Wednesday-Spanish 8:50-9:20 and Music 1:30-2:15, Thursday-Library 2:15-3:00.

Next week we look forward to reading at Mass on Thursday at 8:30 and to the Jog-A-Thon on Friday. Our time will be from 10:30-11:15. Lunch will follow at 11:30-12:15. This year the monies raised will go to technology. Come on out and "jog" with us!!!

Have a great week!!

Adios amigos!!!
Mrs. Piechocki

We had quite a busy week with the onset of all of our specials. We were especially excited for our first Spanish class on Wednesday. The kids each got to pick a Spanish equivalent for his/her name and, if there wasn't one, picked a special name to be called in Spanish class.
We also spent some time in the Science Lab investigating matter and mass.

Our new lunch times and eating arrangements began this week, as well. We have all seemed to adjust to our new lunch schedule and love visiting the snack bar!!

All of the kids seem to be adjusting to fourth grade quite nicely!! We're off to a great start!!

Another Great Week!!

Well, we got the first tests out of the way! Now we know what to expect in reading, spelling and religion!

Next week we will be able to get into our daily routines with the introduction of our specials. The kids are really excited about going to gym, art, computers, music and Spanish! I will send home a schedule as soon as the times are finalized. We will also be trying out our new lunch time and eating in the Social Hall.

We went to the science lab on Tuesday for the first time to investigate properties of matter, specifically gas (air)! The kids did a really good job following directions and working with their groups. They were asked to evaluate how they did in the group and how their group did overall. I was pleased to see that their evaluations were realistic - that tells me that they will do even better next time!

This First Week Went by So Fast !!

It was certainly a pleasure reconnecting with parents that I have met in the past and meeting new parents at Meet the Teacher Night! I am happy to report that Mrs. Smith (Tyler) and Mrs. Hughes have agreed to be my room mom's (a big Thank You to you both).

Our God Bless America display looks wonderful! Thank you for sending in all of the pictures of places you have visited in the good 'ole U.S. of A. It was a great kickoff to our study of the five regions of the United States.

We wrapped up our first week of school by going to the gym to release some of the pent up energy we had from a week without specials. This morning Father Bob paid us another visit (twice this week). He keeps coming to us for advice!!!! Tuesday it was advice for the GR kids and today it was for the Seminarians at Sacred Heart Seminary. We were both very impressed with the insight that your children have into school and into their faith!! (You all must be doing something right - lol). Have a great weekend!!!

Mrs. Piechocki

WE'RE OFF TO A GREAT START!!

I have really enjoyed getting to know your wonderful children these last two half days! They are all bringing something special to our classroom community! The children worked in groups today, brainstorming a list of classroom rules. The kids did a wonderful job coming up with rules that are important to our learning and safety. Bravo!! It's going to be a wonderful year!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! (SCHOOL YEAR, THAT IS!)

Ready or not, here it comes!!!!

I hope you are all as excited as I am to get the 2009-2010 school year underway!! I am looking forward to seeing all of my new 4th Graders on August 24!! Come with a smile, your school supplies, and your favorite summer story to share. I know we are going to all get along wonderfully and this year will be a fantastic experience for all of us!

See you next week!



Mrs. Piechocki