Friday, January 31, 2014

1-31-14

Parents,

Pizza Party.  Thank you for all of the donated items for the party today (carrots, ranch dressing, cookies, and drinks etc...).  It is appreciated!  I think the kids enjoyed the reward party for their hard work 2nd quarter.  

Mrs. Dressel and I would like all of Team Mindcrafters to meet 3rd quarter Reading and Math goals.  It is said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.  To reach long term goals takes consistent and daily effort. Make daily studying and reading a routine and your child will develop a positive habit that will carry on throughout their education. 

Grade Cards.  Grade cards went home today.  There may show a grade for 4th quarter Social Studies.  This was a mistake.  Please disregard.

Have a great night,
Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  
33% AR by Friday

Social Studies:
none

Science

none

Math:  
3rd quarter Math goal:  Master division facts

Spelling:  
Spelling - Unit 3 Review
Dressel - Thursday
Pransky - test Friday

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Team Mindcrafters Daily update 1-30-14

Parents,

Pizza Party.  This is rescheduled for tomorrow. Just a reminder that students who met 100% or more of their AR goal and mastered multiplication in Math Facts in a Flash will have a pizza reward party.  Pizza, drinks, and cookies will be provided.  Mrs. Dressel's students have been told that they may bring in a vegetable or fruit either for themselves, or to share.

Reading.  Many students were not keeping up with their reading over break.  Unfortunately, delay days do not stop the quarter from from ticking on!  As of right now, only 11 out of 47 students have the 22% they need for tomorrow.

Grade Cards.  Please look for an email from Mr. Rhodes explaining the delay with report cards.  We hope this issue will be resolved to send them home tomorrow.

Presentations.  Great presenters today!  Tomorrow's presenters need to make sure their presentation is complete, and they bring their artifacts and yellow slip to school.  Tomorrow's presenters are listed below.

Dressel: Spencer, Nathan, Caroline, Quinn, Bryce, Scarlett
Pransky: Devin, Brodie, Brendan, Brock, Noah, Isabella

Have a great night,
Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  
Storyworks article and worksheet.
22% AR by
tomorrow

Social Studies:
none

Science

none

Math:  
3rd quarter Math goal:  Master division facts

Spelling:  
Spelling - Lesson 15
Dressel - already done:)
Pransky - test Friday

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

presentation schedule update..again!

There will be no family artifact presentations tomorrow.  Due to the delay, and the fact that I'm scheduled to be out for a conference, the first group will present on Thursday.  I will update the schedule for everyone else on Thursday also.

I'm really bummed that I won't see everyone tomorrow:(  Hopefully they enjoy one more day to sleep in, but only 2 hours!  At least we all hope.

Again, those presenting Thursday:

Pransky - Jacob C., Josie, Kate, Zoe, Zack, Mikalyn
Dressel - Allison, Garrett, Eliana K., Morgan, Trina, Dalton

Have a good night,
Mary Dressel

Monday, January 27, 2014

Cold Weather Creative Challenge

Spencer is using his creativity playing Legos.


Brock and his sister are holding down their fort!


Josie dressing up her dogs. They look really happy:)


Abby is drawing a picture and making brownies.  Maybe she'll bring me one:)



 Allison's wonderful owl!


Now Allison is making cookies with her brother.  (Save one for me!)



Jeffrey's blanket fort! Hanging out with his big sis!!


Brendan is keeping his vocabulary and spelling skills strong with Bananagrams:)



Wesley and his brother playing Super Mario Checkers!


Josie playing Monopoly.


Bryce burying himself in the snow. 



Ty building a derby car and playing checkers.


 






Presentation Schedule update and CHALLENGE

Dear Parents,

Well, as we had suspected, we are now using calamity days that will be made up in the summer.  This will be a winter to remember!

In considering the schedule for Family Artifact presentations, I am making some adjustments.  Since those who were scheduled to present this week may not be prepared, and left their papers at school, the students that were prepared to present on Friday will present on whatever day we return.

So, the following students should bring their artifacts to school when we return:

Pransky - Jacob C., Josie, Kate, Zoe, Zack, Mikalyn
Dressel - Allison, Garrett, Eliana K., Morgan, Trina, Dalton 

I'm sure your kids get as antsy as mine when they are cooped up with this cold weather.  I am trying to find creative ways to keep mine busy, instead of constant video games, TV, or other electronics.  Of course, reading is always a nice 20 minute break option:)

CHALLENGE: Take a picture of your child doing something creative and send it to me.  I'll add these to our blog.  Maybe we can inspire others with some ideas.  Some ideas: Legos, puzzles, board/card games, blanket forts, etc.

Here at the Dressel house, we just dusted off the old breadmaker, and my kids are going to make some bread.  Hope it works, it been a LONG while since it's been used!

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Team Mindcrafter Music Challenge

I think we have enough for a whole band now!

Plus, we have Allison to be a dancer.  She performed to Guns N' Roses "Welcome to the Jungle" and  Billy Idol's "White Wedding" this weekend.



It looks like Vesta is ready on the bass guitar!



Devin looks like a rock star with her large hoop earrings and sunglasses!


Brock looks ready to strum to some country tunes!


Zach is a double threat on guitar and piano.  He also wear the mustache and hat well.


Haley is ready to lead us on vocals and piano.



Friday, January 24, 2014

Team Mindcrafters Snow Day Challenge!

Happy Friday Team Mindcrafters!

Mrs. Dressel and I missed seeing you all today.  We hope all of you are enjoying your day off.  Be sure to take advantage of this day in some way by catching up or better yet getting ahead on your reading, practicing your Spelling or Math facts, or working on your Social Studies project.

I was bummed that our "Dress like a Rock Star" spirit day was canceled, but that didn't stop me from rocking out all 80's rock star style in my basement today.  (See attached picture)

Since this spirit day was canceled and you know I love music, I decided to throw out a musical themed challenge to the team.  Like the last challenge, these are purely for fun when you are caught up on your other responsiblilities and should be done with parent permission where appropriate.

Here are some options:

1)  Take a picture of yourself playing a musical instrument.  I'll collect these and post them on the class website.

2)  Make your own musical instrument.  Take a picture or bring it in to school to demonstrate .You might find other ideas on other websites like Pinterest, but here are a few that I found:

3)  Write your own song lyrics in a google document and share it with me.  If you want to do more, I can help you put your lyrics to music.  

4)  Log in to your google account and answer this music related survey.  I will post survey results on Sunday, but you should be able to see them after you submit your answers.

Google account login is : 
pw: lunchcode

Have a great day and super weekend!

-Mr. Pransky


--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

A few items

Parents,

I'm sure most of you were as surprised as we were with the closing today.  I wanted to let you all know about some schedule changes:

1.  Those who were scheduled to present their artifacts today will now present on Monday.  If we do not have school Monday, they will be rescheduled the following week so that I do not need to change the schedule for all of the others.  Side note: The last group of presenters for social studies were given the date of February 1st.  Oops, that's a Saturday.  Please change to Friday, January 31st.

2.  The pizza party for those who met their goals will be rescheduled for next Friday, January 31.


Reminders:

AR Goal:  11% AR will be expected by Monday to play Battleball.


Book Order.  If anyone wishes to order some new books, I will be placing an order this weekend.  This order will be under a different account, as we are using 4th grade points to order some new novels.  If you wish to place an order, please use the following link:  https://orders.scholastic.com/F8273
* I would appreciate any orders being placed by Sunday night.

Enjoy your long weekend, and stay warm!
Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky




Thursday, January 23, 2014

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 1-23-14

Parents,

Spirit Day.  Tomorrow is a school spirit day.  The theme is dress like your favorite musical artist.

Pizza Party.  Just a reminder that students who met 100% or more of their AR goal and mastered multiplication in Math Facts in a Flash will have a pizza reward party tomorrow.  No need to pack a lunch.

Book Order.  If anyone wishes to order some new books, I will be placing an order this weekend.  This order will be under a different account, as we are using 4th grade points to order some new novels.  If you wish to place an order, please use the following link:  https://orders.scholastic.com/F8273
* I would appreciate any orders being placed by Sunday night.


Reminders:
  • Pizza Party (Friday 1-24) For those who met their AR and Multiplication goal in the 2nd quarter.
  • Grade cards go home by Friday, January 24 
  • Small Pringles can, frosting canister, Play-Doh, or similar container for timeline project.  Please try to send in by 1/27.

Have a great night,
Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  
11% AR by Friday!

Social Studies:
none

Science

Finish reading Lesson 3 if needed (p.139-145) and answer Lesson 3 Check.  (No need to do Lesson 4 on the back yet.  I'm just conserving paper.)

Math:  
3rd quarter Math goal:  Master division facts

Spelling:  
Spelling - Lesson 15
Dressel - test Thursday
Pransky - test Friday

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 1-22-14

Parents,

Family Artifact Project.  Today your child is bringing home a yellow half-slip of paper with the date for their artifact presentation.  We started typing up our information today, and will finish tomorrow.  Students can also work on this from home, if they wish, by logging into their Google accounts.

Book Order.  If anyone wishes to order some new books, I will be placing an order this weekend.  This order will be under a different account, as we are using 4th grade points to order some new novels.  If you wish to place an order, please use the following link:  https://orders.scholastic.com/F8273
* I would appreciate any orders being placed by Sunday night.


Reminders:
  • Pizza Party (Friday 1-24) For those who met their AR and Multiplication goal in the 2nd quarter.
  • Grade cards go home by Friday, January 24
  • Small Pringles can, frosting canister, Play-Doh, or similar container for timeline project.  Please try to send in by 1/27.

Have a great night,
Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  
Greek and Latin affixes worksheet
11% AR by Friday!

Social Studies:
none

Science

none

Math:  
3rd quarter Math goal:  Master division facts

Spelling:  
Spelling - Lesson 15
Dressel - test Thursday
Pransky - test Friday

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 1-21-14

Parents,

Thank you.  We have enough donations of 2 liters and juice boxes for the pizza party.  Thanks so much!

Pizza Party.  Students who reached 100% or more of their 2nd quarter AR goal and who mastered multiplication facts in Math Facts in a Flash will enjoy a team pizza party on Friday, January 24th.  No need to bring lunch or drinks in this day as both will be provided. 

Art shirts.  Mr. Pransky will be doing an art shirt check on Thursday.  Students need these as they will be working with clay this week.  Any old t-shirt or button up shirt of mom or dad's will usually do the trick.

Reminders:
  • Pizza Party (Friday 1-24)
  • Grade cards go home by Friday, January 24
  • Small Pringles can, frosting canister, Play-Doh, or similar container for timeline project.  Please try to send in by 1/27.

Have a great night,
Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  
Read
11% AR by Friday!

Social Studies:
Family artifact paper is due Wednesday. Note: no need to bring in actual items yet.
Lost the paper? It is attached.

Science

none

Math:  
AM Practice

3rd quarter Math goal:  Master division facts

Spelling:  
Spelling - Lesson 15
Dressel - test Thursday
Pransky - test Friday

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Science supply

Parents,

In Science we have been learning about animal and plant ecosystems.  As a class activity we are going to build and observe a worm habitat.  For the activity I need at least 6 clear 2 liter bottles.  If anyone has any that they'd like to donate, it would be really appreciated.  Thank you for your help.  

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Team Mindcrafters Daily Updates 1-16-14

Parents,

Just a reminder to have your child bring a warm hat and gloves to school each day.  We try to go outside whenever possible.  

Pizza party.  Our pizza reward party will be Friday, January 24th for those students who met their goal for Reading (100% or more on AR) and Math (Mastery of multiplication facts).  If any parents would like to donate drinks for the party such as juice boxes or Caprisun pouches that would be appreciated).

Reminders:
  • Grade cards go home by Friday, January 24
  • No School this Friday (1/17) - Teacher Work Day
  • No School Monday (1/20) - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Friday, January 24th - 2nd quarter Pizza Reward Party 
  • Small Pringles can, frosting canister, Play-Doh, or similar container for timeline project.  Please try to send in by 1/27.

Have a great night,
Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  
Some students expressed interest in reading the remaining articles in our Storyworks magazine that went home today.  Attached are two comprehension sheets that students could complete for Dojo points on Tuesday.  I would like students to complete the extended response questions for the Titanic story (#9 and 10), but they do not need to complete these for the other story.

Social Studies:
Work on finding artifacts, and writing up archive labels (written archive labels are due Wed.)

Science

Read Science Studies Weekly and complete worksheet

Math:  
Practice math facts for those who have not mastered division.

A challenge page related to algebra can be done for class dojo points.

Spelling:  
Spelling - Lesson 15
Dressel - test Thursday
Pransky - test Friday

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Team Mindcrafter Daily Update 1-15-14

Parents,

SOCIAL STUDIES:  Tonight your child will be bringing home a packet with information about our social studies project.  Please look over this with your child, and sign and return the bottom portion as their homework for tonight.  To help understand this project, students had an opportunity to learn about me today by examining several of my "historic artifacts".  They learned that by studying primary sources carefully, and asking questions, you can learn a lot about the past.  The students enjoyed this hands-on experience, and I look forward to hearing about their history, with the artifacts they will choose to share in this project. 

Check out some pictures of the students today examining the artifacts on our blog.

Reminders:
  • Tomorrow is the end of the 2nd quarter
  • Grade cards go home by Friday, January 24
  • No School this Friday (1/17) - Teacher Work Day
  • No School Monday (1/20) - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Small Pringles can, frosting canister, Play-Doh, or similar container for timeline project.  Please try to send in by 1/27.

Have a great night,
Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  
Read
100% AR by TOMORROW!

Social Studies:
Get project slip signed.

Science

none

Math:  
None
Practice math facts for those who have not mastered multiplication.

Spelling:  
Spelling - Lesson 14
Dressel - test Thursday
Pransky - test Thursday

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

Learning about Mrs Dressel through her "Historic Artifacts"

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Team Mindcrafter Daily Update 1-14-14

Parents,

A letter went home today in an envelope regarding the Personal Safety program.  This program helps children to be alert to potentially dangerous or uncomfortable situations - specifically many forms of child abuse including sexual abuse.  Please plan to attend a meeting on January 21st from 7:00-8:30 at Waterville Primary that is hosted by the Anthony Wayne elementary counselors if you would like for more information about this.

Reminders:
  • Thursday is the end of the 2nd quarter
  • Grade cards go home by Friday, January 24
  • No School this Friday (1/17) - Teacher Work Day
  • No School Monday (1/20) - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Small Pringles can, frosting canister, Play-Doh, or similar container for timeline project.  Please try to send in by 1/27.

Have a great night,
Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  
Read
100% AR by Thursday

Social Studies:
None.

Science

none

Math:  
AM Practice

Practice math facts for those who have not mastered multiplication.

Spelling:  
Spelling - Lesson 14
Dressel - test Thursday
Pransky - test Thursday

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

Monday, January 13, 2014

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 1-13-14

Parents,

I'm sure that it was a rude awakening (literally) for many of the students this morning, but they came in ready to get back to normal, and it was a very productive day!

Reminders:
  • Thursday is the end of the 2nd quarter
  • Grade cards go home by Friday, January 24
  • No School this Friday (1/17) - Teacher Work Day
  • No School Monday (1/20) - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Small Pringles can, frosting canister, Play-Doh, or similar container for timeline project.  Please try to send in by 1/27.

Have a great night,
Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  
Read
100% AR by Thursday

Social Studies:
Secondary Source story (see Friday's email for detailed info) - due tomorrow

Science

none

Math:  
Practice math facts for those who have not mastered multiplication.

Spelling:  
Spelling - Lesson 14
Dressel - test Thursday
Pransky - test Thursday

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.


Friday, January 10, 2014

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 1-10-14

Parents,

Well, we did it, got back to school.  The students did great today, and were happy to be back, as were we!

Social Studies:  We will be beginning our history unit.  This begins with learning about historical thinking, and evaluating primary and secondary sources of information.  Today, I showed the students a paragraph I wrote about "My Hectic Christmas Eve."  They learned that it is a primary source, because it was told by me (a person who witnessed the event).  They have been given a paper to rewrite my story, which will be a secondary source.  This is actually Monday night's homework, but I gave it to students today if they wish to complete it while their memory is "fresh" but it isn't due until Tuesday.

Soon we will be starting to create a timeline that will be added to throughout our history unit.  It would be great if you could send in a container to keep your child's timeline protected.  We will be using adding machine tape, so a small cardboard Pringles can, regular sized Play-Doh canister, or frosting container should work well.  We'd also appreciate any extras you could donate for others that may need them.

2nd Quarter Goals:  We again will be treating students to a pizza lunch for meeting their math and reading goals for the second quarter.  Please check your child's assignment notebook today with information about how many points he/she needs by Thursday to meet the AR goal.  Those who are below the 90% expected by today also have a printout of their AR record report for the quarter.  MOST students have met the multiplication goal.  You child knows if he/she still needs to work towards this goal.  They can practice Math Facts in a Flash through Home Connect from home.

Reminders:
  • Thursday is the end of the 2nd quarter
  • Grade cards go home by Friday, January 24
  • No School next Friday - Teacher Work Day
  • No School Monday, January 20 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)

Have a great weekend,
Mrs. Dressel and Mr. Pransky

Reading/Language:  
Read
100% AR by Thursday

Social Studies:
Secondary Source story (see above) - Due Tuesday

Science

none

Math:  
Practice math facts for those who have not mastered multiplication.

Spelling:  
Spelling - Lesson 14
Dressel - test Thursday
Pransky - test Thursday

Class Blog- frequently used links and daily updates.