Summer Reading Program

From June 1 through August 8, Fillmore Library urges families to shake, rattle or roll to the library for Read to the Rhythm, a summer of fun and prizes.  Earn prizes for every 5 hours that you read (or are read to) or do some of the challenges offered and enter into an end-of-summer grand prize drawing.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: no homework.
               Miss W:  p. 701-702
               Mrs. Thompson: p. 595-596.
               Mrs. Leone:  no homework
2. Advice to next year's fourth graders.  What do they need to know?
3.  Read for half an  hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Ten Things I Learned This Year

You learn something new every year.  What are the top ten things you learned this year in fourth grade?  Be specific.  For example, don't say "I learned math this year."  What exactly did you learn in math?

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: practice test.
               Miss W:  no homework.
               Mrs. Thompson: no homework.
               Mrs. Leone:  no homework.
2.  Describe  (don't just list) ten things you learned this year.
3.  Read for half an  hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

John James Audubon

Animals fit into their environment.  Here is a beautiful painting by the famous 19th century American artist John James Audubon showing a snowy egret in its natural habitat.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p.679-680.
               Miss W:  Practice Test
               Mrs. Thompson: 577-578
               Mrs. Leone: no homework.
2.  Finish California map.
3.  Read for half an  hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Comparing Decimals

Fourth graders are learning how to compare decimals.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 673-674.
               Miss W: 681-683.
               Mrs. Thompson: 571-572.
               Mrs. Leone: no homework.
2.  Draw a new cover for By the Great Horn Spoon.
3.  Read for half an  hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Field Trip Great Success!

We had a fantastic time on our field trip to the Satwiwa Cultural Center in the Santa Monica Mountains yesterday.  We used Native American hand drills to make abalone necklaces; we acted out a Chumash legend; we went inside a Chumash dwelling called an 'ap'; we tasted chia seeds; we learned about the native habitats; and we hiked trails for about a mile.  A great trip!


Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 667-668.
               Miss W: 667-668.
               Mrs. Thompson: no homework.
               Mrs. Leone: no homework.
2.  Last One Picked
3.  Read for half an  hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Dracula

On this day in 1897 Bram Stoker's book Dracula was first published, inspiring countless adaptations into plays and movies, an unending procession of imitators, and of course also inspiring millions of Halloween costumes.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 661-662.
               Miss W: 661-662.
               Mrs. Thompson: p.551-552.
               Mrs. Leone: no homework
2.  A Code For Cheetah (due Thursday.)
3.  Read for half an  hour.
4.  Bring a sack lunch.  Field trip tomorrow!
5.  Get parent initials.

Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center

We are going on a field trip next Wednesday, May 27, to Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa, a site in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.  We will attend a Biodiversity Program called The Chumash: A Changing People, A Changing Land, presented by the National Park Service.  We will leave at 8:30 A.M. and return by 2:00 P.M.

Students will eat lunch at the park.  They may bring a sack lunch with them, or the school can provide a sack lunch.  We need parent volunteers to chaperone, so any parents may come with us.  If there is space on the bus parents may come on the bus with us, or you may drive your own vehicle and meet us there.

Students should wear comfortable clothes and good shoes for walking.  We walk for about a mile.  Hiking boots are not required, but close-toed sturdy shoes are helpful.  Water is available, however during the hike there are no drinking fountains. Students are encouraged to bring water and, if possible, bring reusable bottles.

Please make sure to sign and return the permission slip on time.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 647-648.
               Miss W: worksheet
               Mrs. Thompson: p. 541-542.
               Mrs. Leone: worksheet.
2.  A Baseball Great (due Friday.)
3.  Read for half an  hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Types of Volcanoes

Fourth graders learn about different aspects of Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science during the school year.  They are currently finishing up a unit about fast changes to the earth's surface - volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, and floods.

As part of our study of volcanoes we learned that they can be classified in different types depending on the profile they present.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 641-642.
               Miss W: p. 647-648.
               Mrs. Thompson: p. 535-536.
               Mrs. Leone: worksheet.
2.  A Baseball Great (due Friday.)
3.  Read for half an  hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Books! Wonderful Books!

        
     

We have read some great books this year.  Fourth graders love reading.

Today's homework:
1.  No math today.
2.  What the Cheese Told.
3.  Science True False Test
4.  Read for half an  hour.
5.  Get parent initials.

Improving your Writing

Revise your writing to improve sentences.

Example: Tony was surprised to get a phone call from his sister. He was happy to hear her voice again.

Revision 1: Tony, surprised to get a phone call from his sister, was happy to hear her voice again.

Revision 2: Surprised to get a phone call from his sister, Tony was happy to hear her voice again.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 635-636.
               Miss W: p. 641-642.
               Mrs. Thompson: p. 527-528.
               Mrs. Leone: worksheet.
2.  What the Cheese Told (due Wednesday.)
3.  Read for half an  hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin

We are almost done reading By the Great Hornspoon!  Disney made a movie of it in 1967 and called it "The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin."

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: Practice Test
               Miss W: No homework
               Mrs. Thompson: p. 521-522..
               Mrs. Leone: worksheet.
2.  A Famous Mistake.
3.  Read for half an  hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Transcontinental Railroad

After the Gold Rush and after the Civil War, plans were implemented to join California to the rest of the nation via railroad tracks.  For the first time people could ride a train all the way from the east coast to the west coast of the United States.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 619-620.
               Miss W: Practice test.
               Mrs. Thompson: p. 514-515.
               Mrs. Leone: worksheet.
2.  Compare Timothy and Phillip with Praiseworthy and Jack.  How are they the same? How are they different?  Explain.
3.  Read for half an  hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Multiplying Fractions and Whole Numbers

Multiplying fractions by whole numbers is easy!  Fourth graders are learning how.  In the example above, you simply multiply the numerator 4 by the whole number 5 to get 20.  Write that over the the denominator of 20 and voila! - you've solved the problem!  If you want to get really fancy reduce 20/5 to the whole number 4.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 617-618.
               Miss W: p. 611-612.
               Mrs. Thompson: p. 515-516.
               Mrs. Leone: worksheet.
2.  Rewrite and edit yesterday's writing assignment.  Draw a good picture to go with it.
3.  Read for half an  hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

There's Gold in Them Thar Hills!

The California Gold Rush was an exciting and important part of our state's history.  Fourth graders are learning the good and bad things associated with that dynamic period.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 611-612.
               Miss W: p. 605-606.
               Mrs. Thompson: p. 509-510.
               Mrs. Leone: no homework.
2.  What would it be like to be a miner during the Gold Rush?
3.  Read for half an  hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Maya Angelou

Our poem for today is by the great  American poet Maya Angelou.  The poem is called "Harlem Hopscotch."

One foot down, then hop! It's hot.
 Good things for the ones that's got.
Another jump, now to the left.
 Everybody for hisself.

In the air, now both feet down.
 Since you black, don't stick around.
Food is gone, the rent is due,
 Curse and cry and then jump two.

All the people out of work,
 Hold for three, then twist and jerk.
Cross the line, they count you out.
 That's what hopping's all about.

Both feet flat, the game is done.
They think I lost, I think I won.


Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 603-604.
               Miss W: p. 603-604.
               Mrs. Thompson: p. 503-504.
               Mrs. Leone: no homework.
2.  Read for half an  hour.
3.  Get parent initials.

Tests tests test!

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 597-598.
               Miss W: p. 597-598.
               Mrs. Thompson: no homework.
               Mrs. Leone: p. 497-498.
2.  Finish "Jet's Job."
3.  Read for half an  hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

State Testing

Today we started state testing.  Please make sure to get a good night's sleep!

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 581-582.
               Miss W: p. 595.
               Mrs. Thompson: no homework.
               Mrs. Leone: no homework.
2.  Jet's Job.  Due Thursday.
3.  Read for half an  hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Casey at the Bat

Fourth graders are learning some great American poems.  Today's poem is "Casey at the Bat."  Here is the first stanza:

     The outlook wasn’t brilliant for the Mudville nine that day;
      The score stood four to two with but one inning more to play.
      And then when Cooney died at first, and Barrows did the same,
      A sickly silence fell upon the patrons of the game...

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 591-592.
               Miss W: p. 591-592.
               Mrs. Thompson: p. 495-496.
               Mrs. Leone: p. 495-496.
2.  Read for half an  hour.
3.  Get parent initials.

Spring Showcase

Please come visit our school this evening for our Rio Vista Spring Open House and Science Fair.

5:00  Rio Vista Parent Club Pizza Dinner
6:00  Visit classrooms and Science Fair

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 585-586.
               Miss W: p. 583-584.
               Mrs. Thompson: no homework.
               Mrs. Leone: p. 489-490.
2.  Come to Spring Showcase
3.  Read for half an  hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Science Fair Tomorrow

You have one more day to put the finishing touches on you science fair projects.  Tomorrow we have our annual Rio Vista Science Fair in conjunction with Spring Showcase.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 583-584.
               Miss W: p. 577-578.
               Mrs. Thompson: p. 489-490.
               Mrs. Leone: p. 487-488.
2.  What is the best science fair project you have ever seen?
3.  Get parent initials.
4.  Read for half an  hour.

Fast Changes on Earth's Surface

Landslides, floods, earthquakes, volcanoes!   Some times our Earth changes quickly and we have to adapt.  Fourth graders are learning about these fast changes of the Earth in science class.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 577-578.
               Miss W: p. 571-572.
               Mrs. Thompson: practice test
               Mrs. Leone: p. 477-478.
2.  What should you do if there is a flood?
3.  Get parent initials.
4.  Read for half an  hour.

Love That Boy: A Poem by Walter Dean Meyers

Love that boy,
like a rabbit loves to run
I said I love that boy
like a rabbit loves to run
Love to call him in the morning
love to call him
'Hey there, son!'

He walk like his Grandpa,
Grins like his Uncle Ben.
I said he walk like his Grandpa,
And grins like his Uncle Ben.
Grins when he's happy,
When he sad, he grins again.

His mama like to hold him,
Like to feed him cherry pie.
I said his mama like to hold him.
Like to feed him that cherry pie.
She can have him now,
I'll get him by and by

He got long roads to walk down
Before the setting sun.
I said he got a long, long road to walk down
Before the setting sun.
He'll be a long stride walker,
And a good man before he done.


This poem is featured in the book we are reading in fourth grade, Love That Dog, by Sharon Creech.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 571-572.
               Miss W: p. 565-566.
               Mrs. Thompson: p. 471-472.
               Mrs. Leone: practice test.
2.  How are humans different from other animals?
3.  Get parent initials.
4.  Read for half an  hour.

The California Gold Rush

In By the Great Horn Spoon!, the novel we have been reading in fourth grade, Jack and Praiseworthy have finally reached California, and they can begin looking for gold.

Today's homework:
1.  Math:  no math homework today.
2.  What is the most important thing you have learned in fourth grade?
3.  Read for half an  hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Earth Day

Happy Earth Day!

"Earth Day is an annual event, celebrated on April 22, on which day events worldwide are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970, and is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network, and celebrated in more than 192 countries each year."  (source wikipedia.org)

What can you do to protect the environment?

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: p. 565-566.
               Miss W: no homework.
               Mrs. Thompson: p. 469-470
               Mrs. Leone: no homework.
2.  What are some ways to help the earth?
3.  Get parent initials.
4.  Read for half an  hour.

Poetry: Copy Change

One technique for learning about poetry is called copy change.  In a copy change, students write a new poem based on the form and/or ideas of an established poem.  Here is an example from Vanessa.

Today's homework:

1.  Math Mr. Spaulding: no homework.

               Miss W: no homework.

               Mrs. Thompson: p. 456-457.

               Mrs. Leone: practice test.

2.  Describe your favorite movie.

3.  Get parent initials.

4.  Read for half an  hour.

Raising the Flag at Fort Tejon

Here is a picture of our students raising the flag at Fort Tejon.  We had a great trip.  A big thank you to all the parent volunteers!  You were fantastic!

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mrs. Spaulding: practice test.
               Miss W: practice test.
               Mrs. Thompson: p. 455.
               Mrs. Leone: p. 441-442.
2.  Describe what you did at Fort Tejon (or what you did in class.)
3.  Get parent initials.
4.  Read for half an  hour.

Levi Strauss

Fourth graders are learning about the many colorful characters of California history, such as Levi Strauss, who is credited with bring blue jeans to the world.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mrs. Spaulding: p. 535-536.
               Miss W:  p. 541-542.
               Mrs. Thompson: p. 449-450.
               Mrs. Leone: p. 435-436.
2.  Levi Strauss biography page.
3.  Bring back permission slips.
4.  Read for half an hour.
5.  Get parent initials.

Street Music: A Poem

“Street Music”
 by Arnold Adoff

T h i s    c i t y:
t h e
a l w a y s
           n o i s e
g  r  i  n  d  i  n  g
up     from     the
s u b w a y s
u n d e r
   g r o u n d:
slamming from bus tires
and taxi horns and engines
of cars and trucks in all

v  o  c  a  b  u  l  a  r  i  e  s
                                            of
clash
flash
screeching
hot  metal    l a n g u a g e
c  o  m  b  i  n  a  t  i  o  n  s:
as    p l a n e s
  o v e r h e a d
               r o a r
an
o r c h e s t r a
of rolling  drums
and battle blasts
assaulting
               my ears
w i t h
t h e
a l w a y s
    n o i s e   of
t h i s   c i t y:

street    music.


Today's homework:
1.  Math Mrs. Spaulding: p. 521-522.
               Miss W:  p. 525.
               Mrs. Thompson: p.
               Mrs. Leone: p. 429-430.
2.  Write a poem about sounds.
3.  John Sutter Report due.
4.  Read for half an hour.
5.  Get parent initials.

Dog: A Poem

Dog

By Valerie Worth

Under a maple tree
the dog lies down,
Lolls his limp
Tongue, yawns,
Rests his long chin
Carefully between
Front paws;
Looks up, alert;
Chops, with heavy
Jaws, at a slow fly,
Blinks, rolls
On his side,
Sighs, closes
His eyes: sleeps
All afternoon
In his loose skin.

Fourth graders are continuing their study of poetry.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mrs. Spaulding: p. 513-514
               Miss W:  p. 521-522.
               Mrs. Thompson: p. 429-230.
               Mrs. Leone: p. 423-424.
2.  Write a poem about a pet.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Welcome Back!

I hope everyone had an enjoyable and restful break.

Today's homework:

1.  Math Mrs. Spaulding: p. 515-516.

               Miss W:  p. 515-516.

               Mrs. Thompson: p. 429.

               Mrs. Leone: p. 417-418

2.  Write about what you did during spring break.

3.  Read for half an hour.

4.  Get parent initials.

The Straits of Magellan

In our story By the Great Horn Spoon! the Lady Wilma goes through the dangerous and stormy Straits of Magellan, a shortcut to get around the tip of South America.  By taking this shortcut, they gain the lead in their race to San Francisco against the Sea Raven.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mrs. Spaulding: p. 509-510
               Miss W:  p. worksheet.
               Mrs. Thompson: p. 423-424.
               Mrs. Leone: p. 391-392.
2.  Draw a picture of the boat in the storm.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Second Trimester Awards

Congratulations to all the Second Trimester Award winners from Class D4!
Principal's Award Leilah
Outstanding Math Diego
Outstanding Reading Nubia
Outstanding Citizenship Vanessa
Most Improved Math Gabriel
Most Improved Reading David
Most Improved Fluency Eduardo

Today's homework:
1.  Will Jack and Praiseworthy find gold?  Explain.
2.  Read for half an hour.
3.  Get parent initials.

Gold Rush Songs

Fourth graders are learning Gold Rush Songs.
Today's homework:
1.  Math Mrs. Spaulding: p. 497-498.
               Miss W:  p. 509-510.
               Mrs. Thompson: p. 417-418.
               Mrs. Leone: p. 399-400.
2.  Science Matching.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Spring Fundfraiser

Please support our Spring Fundraiser.
Today's homework.
1.  No math for today.
2.  Science True or False.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4, Get parent initials.

More Poetry

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.  
His house is in the village though;  
He will not see me stopping here  
To watch his woods fill up with snow.  

My little horse must think it queer  
To stop without a farmhouse near  
Between the woods and frozen lake  
The darkest evening of the year.  

He gives his harness bells a shake  
To ask if there is some mistake.  
The only other sound’s the sweep  
Of easy wind and downy flake.  

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,  
But I have promises to keep,  
And miles to go before I sleep,  
And miles to go before I sleep.


Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 477-478.
              Miss W:  p. 493.
              Mrs. Thompson:  p. 363-364.
              Mrs. Leone:  Correct work.
2.  Write a poem about going on a trip.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

The Red Wheelbarrow

Students have been working with the wonderful William Carlos Williams poem "The Red Wheelbarrow."  We have been reading and analyzing the poem, and writing our own poems inspired by the original.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  Practice test.
              Miss W:  no homework.
              Mrs. Thompson:  357-358.
              Mrs. Leone:  worksheet.
2.  Write a poem describing your room.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

A Story Told In Poems

Fourth graders are working with a book called Love That Dog.  It is an unusual book.  The story is told entirely through poems.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 469-470.
              Miss W:  Chapter Test.
              Mrs. Thompson:  345-346.
              Mrs. Leone:  p. 363-364.
2.  Erosion and Deposition
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

What is Poetry?

As part of our third trimester Language Arts, fourth graders are learning about poetry.  What do you think makes something a poem?  Do poems have to rhyme?

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 463-464.
              Miss W:  Practice Test.
              Mrs. Thompson:  no homework.
              Mrs. Leone:  p. 345.
2.  Erosion and Deposition
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

By the Great Horn Spoon!

We have started our last novel of the year, By the Great Horn Spoon!, a story about the California Gold Rush written by Sid Fleischman. As the blurb on the back of one edition of the book puts it:

"The year is 1849 and the California Gold Rush is on. Together with his butler Praiseworthy, young Jack Flagg sets out to save his pretty Aunt Arabella's fortune. On a ship bound from Boston to the California gold fields, they stow away in potato barrels . . . and their wild, swashbuckling adventures begin."

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 455-456.
              Miss W:  p. 469-470.
              Mrs. Thompson:  two problems/flash cards.
              Mrs. Leone:  p. 317-318.
2.  What is poetry?  What does it mean to you?
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.

Rescued!

Phillip finally gets rescued off the Cay.

Today's homework:
1.  Math Mr. Spaulding:  p. 447-448
              Miss W:  p. 457.
              Mrs. Thompson: three problems.
              Mrs. Leone:  p. 339-340.
2.  National Parks.
3.  Read for half an hour.
4.  Get parent initials.