Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Parents,

Frogtown Exotics - Look for some pictures in Class Dojo from the cool presentation today.  Ask your child about some of the neat facts they learned about reptiles and amphibians.  For example, I learned the difference between poisonous and venomous.

Reminders: 
  • Winter party - December 21
  • Spirit Day - wear Holiday colors - December 21
  • Winter break Dec. 22 - Jan. 3
HOMEWORK:

Math:  AM Practice

Science:  none
                
Reading: none
  • There is no expectation for AR for this week, but 88% will be expected by the Friday we return (January 6).
Social Studies: none

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Friday, December 16, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update - 12-16-16

Science test.  Students completed their Science test over Plant and Animal Adaptations today.  Overall, the students did amazing job!  You can review your child's test results and answers at this link.  Any students who would like to retake the test to earn a "4" for this standard may do so any time before Christmas break.

Long division.  Students have done a terrific job learning the partial quotient method for long division.  Some students were doing so well that I used extra time today to show them how to do problems with 2 digit divisors which is something they'll actually  learn in 5th grade!  Next week we will begin learning the "standard algorithm" for long division.

Slime sales.  The last days for sales will be next week while supplies last!

Spirit days.  Monday is a Blue and white spirit day, Tuesday is ugly Christmas sweater day, and and Wednesday is a green and red spirit day.

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Team MIndcrafters Daily Update 12-14-16

Oops!  Sorry, I drafted but forgot to send this yesterday.

Science test - Students will take a Science test over animal adaptations on Friday.  The homework for tonight is to take the practice test on Moodle or in your child's google classroom.  (Log in for Moodle is un: 2025xxx  pw: aw+lunch number).  Link for the practice test is below.

Reminders: 
  • Frogtown Exotics comes to present to us December 20
  • Winter party - December 21
  • Spirit Day - wear Holiday colors - December 21
  • Winter break Dec. 22 - Jan. 3
HOMEWORK:

Math:  None

Science: Moodle Practice test to review (due Thursday)
                Test over Adaptations Friday
                

Reading: none
  • AR goal by Friday - 77%
Social Studies: none

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update - 12-13-16

Long Division - In Math, we began learning how to do the partial quotient method for long division today.  This method will probably be unfamiliar to you as this is isn't likely the way that you learned how to do it when you were in school.  Your child's homework tonight is going to review what we learned in school today in the video and then give them 6 problems to try to solve.  We will be learning the standard algorithm for long division as well after we have built some conceptual understanding using this method. I was hoping to have 2 days of explanation before students tried this as homework, so if your child is having any difficulty completing these problems after watching the video, please have them do their best effort and put a short note on the homework so that I am aware.  


​

Reminders: 
  • Frogtown Exotics comes to present to us December 20
  • Winter party - December 21
  • Spirit Day - wear Holiday colors - December 21
  • Winter break Dec. 22 - Jan. 3
HOMEWORK:

Math:  Learn Zillion video (GX6TR8V) and worksheet

Science: Test over Adaptations Friday
                Practice test to review

Reading: none
  • AR goal by Friday - 77%
Social Studies: none

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update - 12-7-16

Parents,

Math - We learned today how to do a fun (and unusual) method for multiplication called the lattice method.  Ask your child if they can show you how it works!  Here's an example for the problem 42 x 35

​

Science.  We are finishing up our unit on plant and animal adaptations.  We will test over this unit next week.  The Practice test is now available to take on Moodle.  This will be homework next week but can be completed early for practice.

Slime Shop - Mr. Pransky's homeroom on Thursday.  This can be a messy project, so students shouldn't wear their finest clothing.  We will put on art shirts as well.

Reminders: 
  • Thursday - Secret Santa shopping for Mr. Pransky's class (12:25-12:55)
  • Friday - Secret Santa shopping for Mrs. Dressel's class (12:25-12:55)
HOMEWORK:

Math:  Lattice Multiplication worksheet

Science: Test over Adaptations next week
                Practice test to review

Reading: 
  • AR goal by Friday - 66%
Social Studies: none

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update - 12-6-16

Parents,

Math - We are learning how to multiply numbers up to 4 x 1 digit and 2 x 2 digit.  The students are doing a great job on this skill so far.  We are also learning other ways to represent multiplication such as an area model and the distributive method.  See examples below.



Science.  We are finishing up our unit on plant and animal adaptations.  We will test over this unit next week.

Slime Shop - Mrs. Dressel's homeroom will be making slime on Wednesday, and Mr. Pransky's homeroom on Thursday.  This can be a messy project, so students shouldn't wear their finest clothing.  We will put on art shirts as well.

Reminders: 
  • Thursday - Secret Santa shopping for Mr. Pransky's class (12:25-12:55)
  • Friday - Secret Santa shopping for Mrs. Dressel's class (12:25-12:55)
HOMEWORK:

Math:  AM Practice

Science: none

Reading: 
  • AR goal by Friday - 66%
Social Studies: none

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Team Mindcrtafters Daily Update - 11-30-16

Parents,

Reminders: 
  • Thursday - Jo Jo's Dine-Out night
  • Return papers for Slime Shop
  • Return Directory form
HOMEWORK:

Math:  AM Practice

Science: none

Reading: none
  • AR goal by Friday - 55%
  • Spelling Test - Thursday (pretest is on Wednesday)
Social Studies: none

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 11-29-16

Parents,

Slime Shop - As a culmination to our economics unit in social studies, the 4th graders will be participating in Slime Shop.  We will apply all parts of this experience to the concepts learned in the second quarter.  Today two papers were sent home about this project.  We first want students to become "investors" in our business.  One of the papers explains this, and asks for students to EARN a dollar to use in the start up costs of our business.  The other paper is an application for students complete to become an employee of our business.  Both of these papers are due by Monday, December 5.  The best part is that all of our profits are used to help a family in need for the upcoming season!  Thanks for your support in this fun learning experience.

Directory.  The Whitehouse Parents Club sent a form home yesterday.  If you would like your information included in the directory, please return this form to school.

Reminders: 
  • Wednesday - AWAKE t-shirt day
  • Thursday - Jo Jo's Dine-Out night
HOMEWORK:

Math:  Learn Zillion video 3 & 4 (Quick code: 4WD7F7R and R6MS7FW)

Science: none

Reading: none
  • AR goal by Friday - 55%
  • Spelling Test - Thursday (pretest is on Wednesday)
Social Studies: none

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update - 11-15-16

Parents,

Reminders: 
  • Spirit Day Friday - Team Colors Day
HOMEWORK:

Math:  Learn Zillion Videos #1 (N632X7V) & #2 (8TF6CE7).  Complete packet pages.

Science: None

Reading: None
  • AR goal by Friday - 44%
Social Studies: none

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update

Parents,

Math Facts.  Attached are some practice pages to work on multiplication facts.  Any students who have not passed multiplication in Math Facts in a Flash are being asked to stay in recess until they pass one level each day.  Strong fluency with basic facts is helpful with understanding factors, multiples, prime, and composite numbers.

Reminders: 
  • Donuts with Dads  - Nov. 9-11
HOMEWORK:

Math:  AM Practice

Science: None

Reading: ELA sheet
  • AR goal by Friday - 33%
Social Studies: none

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update - 11-2,16

Parents,

Want to practice using Math Facts in a Flash at home?
Log in with Home connect.
un: lastname_firstname
pw:lunchcode

Science.  Students will have their second test this Thursday over Plant and Animal Life cycles.  Students have a paper study guide and flash cards to review.  They can also do the practice test on Moodle or play a game of Kahoot to review as well. 

Reminders:
  • Thursday, November 3 - Dine Out at Pizza Hut
  • Friday, November 4 - Mother/Son dance
  • Friday, November 4 - Scholastic book orders due - class code: GJLYC
  • Tuesday, November 8 - Teacher Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
HOMEWORK:

Math:  None

                Study for test Thursday over Plant and Animal Life Cycles.  

Reading: None
  • AR goal by Friday - 22%
Social Studies: none

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update - 11-1-16

Parents,

Math.  We have been learning multiplication concepts the past two weeks.  The 4th grade expectation is for students to be able to identify multiples of numbers 2-10 and factors of any number less than 100.  Later this week we will learn to identify prime and composite numbers.  The key to learning these skills is often fluency with basic multiplication facts.  Starting next week any students who have not mastered multiplication will be asked to stay in for part of recess to practice these facts.

Want to practice using Math Facts in a Flash at home?
Log in with Home connect.
un: lastname_firstname
pw:lunchcode

Science.  Students will have their second test this Thursday over Plant and Animal Life cycles.  Students have a paper study guide and flash cards to review.  They can also do the practice test on Moodle or play a game of Kahoot to review as well. 

Reminders:
  • Thursday, November 3 - Dine Out at Pizza Hut
  • Friday, November 4 - Mother/Son dance
  • Friday, November 4 - Scholastic book orders due - class code: GJLYC
  • Tuesday, November 8 - Teacher Professional Development Day - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
HOMEWORK:

Math:  AM Practice

Science: Study for test Thursday over Plant and Animal Life Cycles.  

Reading: None
  • AR goal by Friday - 22%
Social Studies: none

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Updates - 10-26-16

Parents,

Red Ribbon Week -   Tomorrow's theme is "Sock It to Drugs".  Wear a crazy socks to show your spirit and stand up against drug abuse!
​
Book Orders - Book orders were made available to students last week.  I plan to use any bonus points earned from orders to buy additional sets of books for our "Book Buddy" library.  Scholastic's website offers a wide selection of books that can be ordered, and they are searchable in many ways, including by AR level.  I also have coupons availble for a free $5 or less book with an order of $10 or more.  Please let me know if you'd like one.  To order online use our class code: GJLYC

Reminders:
  • Wednesday, October 26 - grades available in Powerschool
  • Monday, October 31 - Fall Parties
HOMEWORK:

Math:  AM Practice

Science: none

Reading: none
  • AR goal by Friday - 11%
Social Studies: none

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Updates - 10-25-16

Parents,

Red Ribbon Week -   Tomorrow's theme is "Put a Cap on Drugs".  Wear a hat to show your spirit and stand up against drug abuse!

Pizza party.  Tomorrow is the pizza party for students who doubled (earned 200% of) their AR goal for the quarter.  These students don't need to pack.
​
Book Orders - Book orders were made available to students last week.  I plan to use any bonus points earned from orders to buy additional sets of books for our "Book Buddy" library.  Scholastic's website offers a wide selection of books that can be ordered, and they are searchable in many ways, including by AR level.  I also have coupons availble for a free $5 or less book with an order of $10 or more.  Please let me know if you'd like one.  To order online use our class code: GJLYC

Reminders:
  • Wednesday, October 26 - grades available in Powerschool
  • Monday, October 31 - Fall Parties
HOMEWORK:

Math:  Learn Zillion video 3 and 4 and complete pages (LZ782 and LZ783).  These are linked in google classroom for easy access.

Science: none

Reading: none
  • AR goal by Friday - 11%
Social Studies: none

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update - 10-19-16

Conferences - It is time to sign up for parent teacher conferences which will be held on Mon. Nov. 21 and Tues. Nov. 22.  Unfortunately, Mrs. Dressel and I do not have enough time slots to accommodate meeting with each family in both homerooms individually.  Consequently, we are dividing up the students that we feel would most benefit from hearing from each of us.  In some cases this means you will conference with your child's homeroom teacher, and in other cases not.  Please know that Mrs. Dressel and I will be exchanging information prior to conferences so that you will receive information about your child's performance in all subjects.  (In some cases, parents may be getting conference requests from both of us.)  In addition, whenever possible, we will also try to involve Mrs. Gutierrez and Mrs. Pokrzywa in these conference times.  (Mrs. Dammeier will schedule her conferences separately.)   Look for a conference sign-up e-mail from either Mr. Pransky or Mrs. Dressel to follow this e-mail.  Please feel free contact us if you have any questions about this.    
 
Leaf Study.  We are learning about plant classification and will be classifying trees and leaves for the next couple Science lessons.  I have asked the students to bring in a leaf small enough that it can fit in a sandwich baggie by Friday. Students may bring in more than one as long as the leaves are from different trees and they fit in the bag.

​
Reminders:
  • Thursday, October 20 - music program
  • Friday, October 21 - Spirit Day - Wear AW Blue & White
  • Wednesday, October 26 - grades available in Powerschool
  • Monday, October 31 - Fall Parties  Mr. Pransky sign-up Mrs. Dressel's sign-up
HOMEWORK:

Math:  Accelerated Math

Science: Bring in a leaf for Friday

Reading: none
  • AR Goal for Friday = 100% of AR goal for quarter
Social Studies: none
--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Team Mindacrafters Daily Update - 10-18-16

Fall Party - DATE CORRECTION - Our Fall Party will be on Monday, October 31, NOT on Friday the 28th.  So sorry for the confusion!

STAR Reading Tests - Students took a STAR reading test today so that new goals can be set for the second quarter.  Please look for a report that was sent home.

Ohio Trip Projects - We have been working on a project to end our Geography unit.  We are presenting these tomorrow and Thursday.  However, several students are far behind.  They have been asked to work on these at home tonight.

Reminders:
  • Wednesday, October 19 - end of the quarter
  • Thursday, October 20 - music program
  • Friday, October 21 - Spirit Day - Wear AW Blue & White
  • Wednesday, October 26 - grades available in Powerschool
  • Monday, October 31 - Fall Parties  Mr. Pransky sign-up Mrs. Dressel's sign-up
HOMEWORK:

Math:  Learn Zillion Video #1  &  #2 (enter codes:FJ5GH5B & ZC646ED)

Science: none

Reading: none
  • AR Goal for Friday = 100% of AR goal for quarter
Social Studies: none
--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 10-12-16

Parents,

Homework.   Lasts night's Math homework took longer and was a little more difficult for students than I anticipated. My goal is usually to assign homework that should be able to be completed in about 20 minutes. I worked on putting the assignment together over the weekend and based on my working through it and the lesson length estimation given by Learn Zillion, I didn't expect it to take as long as it did with some students.  I'm sorry about that. I told the students who worked it through to completion that I was proud of their excellent extra effort and gave everyone who did it an extra class dojo point for "persistence."  Thank you to the parents who communicated with me (very nicely I might add) about having difficulty with the assignment and for those who helped your child last night get through the assignment.  I'll try to improve this assignment for next year's class. Again, sorry about any frustration or difficulty it might have caused.

Social Studies test - Review Social Studies test score here:



HOMEWORK:

Math:  AM Practice

Science: none

Reading: Read Ch. 6 of Lemonade War (This can count as your child's independent reading tonight.
  • AR Goal for Friday = 88% of AR goal for quarter
Social Studies: None.

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 10-11-16

Parents,

Science - We are starting a new unit on plant and animal life cycles.  When will be studying the life cycles of pea plants and fruit flies among other living things..

Social Studies test - Students completed a Social Studies test over Geography today.  Students and parents can view the results here:


Students who earned a standard score of "2" or less will need to retake the test at school.  These students should retake the practice test at home to prepare.

HOMEWORK:

Math:  http://learnzillion.com  video #3 and enter Quick Code: EE4KV9Z

Science: none

Reading: None
  • AR Goal for Friday = 88% of AR goal for quarter
Social Studies: Take a Moodle practice test - link above.

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Updates - 10-5-16

Parents,

Social Studies.  Students are learning about ancestral heritage in Social Studies right now.  Students can earn an extra Class Dojo point if they bring in a list of countries in their family heritage.

Science.  We are starting a new unit in Science about Life Cycles of Plants and Animals.  The last day for anyone who wants to retest over the Nature of Science unit is Friday.

Book fair.  Students who bring money to school tomorrow can buy books at the book fair during school.  (It will also be open to families after school as well).

Reminders:
  • Literacy Night - Thursday 6-8
  • October 6 - JoJo's Dine out Night
HOMEWORK:

Math:  AM Practice

Science: none

Reading: None.
  • AR Goal for Friday = 77% of AR goal for quarter
Social Studies: None

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Team MIndcrafters Daily Update 10-4-16

Parents,

Spelling.  Students take a practice Spelling every Wednesday.  They should be practicing these word throughout the week so they are ready for the test.

Reminders:
  • Book fair - purchase
  • Literacy Night - Thursday 6-8 (see attached document)
  • October 6 - JoJo's Dine out Night
HOMEWORK:

Math:  Learn Zillion Video # 14 (Quick code: J4KD6GN) - complete worksheet (both sides)

Science: none

Reading: None.
  • AR Goal for Friday = 77% of AR goal for quarter
Social Studies: None

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Friday, September 30, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Updates - 9-30-16

Hi parents,

TGIF!  

A couple quick things to share.  Students took the Science test today and did really well overall. If you go to the link below you can see their results.


I allow students to retake the test twice to try to raise their grade.  Students may also want to challenge themselves to earn a "Test Ace" badge by trying to earn 100%.  Retakes cannot be done at home - they must be done at school.  Students who earn less than a "3" will be expected to retake the test.

Birthday treats.  We have had a ton of birthdays in the past couple weeks.  Just a couple reminders about these.  Mrs. Dressel and I really appreciate it when birthday treats are kept as simple as possible.  We try to celebrate birthdays during a block of time for set aside for silent reading so we want to have it be the smallest distraction possible.  Prepackaged treats are recommended since we have a student that has a peanut allergy, and it just makes for the easiest and fastest distribution and least mess.  We also do not have kitchen type items in our classrooms like napkins, plates, spatulas, etc... so be sure you send anything like that along with the treat.  Drinks that need to be poured are another thing we would highly discourage.  (Juice boxes or bags are fine.)  Keep in mind that we have carpets, wobbly desks, and 25 accident prone children - the likelihood for spills is about 50-50.  Cleaning spills involves making a call to Mr. Norm to get his mini carpet steamer.  And of course, watching the carpet steamer is way more exciting that silent reading. :)

Have a great weekend!

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)