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:

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Updates - a bit more

Star Math.  Your child should be coming home with paper showing their last two Star Math test results.  At the bottom you'll see two scores which represent your child's PR (percentile rank) Math score.  A PR of 85 means your child performed better than 85% of other 4th graders nationally at this same point in the year.  The kids are all working to earn a PR (Personal Record) on their PR (Percentile Rank).  Those who did earned a special badge for this achievement today.  Effort plays a bit part on this test which is why I included their answer sheet along with it so you could see their included work.

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update - 9-28-16

Parents,

Learn Zillion.  In Math we will often have homework assignments which use Learn Zillion videos as a resource. Please remind your child that they are expected to watch the video along with completing the assignment.  Several students will have lost a Class Dojo point today because they completed the worksheet incorrectly because they did not do this.  Relatedly, if your child for some reason cannot watch the video to complete the assignment (ie. due to internet problems or computers not working properly, please just send in a note along with the assignment.  I can have them finish it in study hall that day.

Reminders:
HOMEWORK:

Math:  AM Practice

Science: Test is Friday of Ch. 1 Nature of Science

The link for the practice test is here:

Moodle Login information
un: 2025XXX
pw:aw+lunch code number

Reading: None.
  • AR Goal for Friday = 66% of AR goal for quarter
Social Studies: None

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update - 9-27-16

Parents,

Science.  Your child's first Science test over Ch. 1 The Nature of Science this Friday. Your child has a Science notebook which can be reviewed as well as an online practice test. Each child will take a test using Moodle, an online course management system.  The practice test linked below is self-scoring and can be taken as many times as needed to prepare for the test.  Students who earn 100% on the practice test can earn a special badge.

The link for the practice test is here:

Moodle Login information
un: 2025XXX
pw:aw+lunch code number

Reminders:
  • Basketball Jones - Family presentation Wednesday at Monclova, 6:30pm
  • AWAKE t-shirts - Wear Wednesday
  •  Parents' Club is looking for help for the Bookfair- sign up to help here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0f4fa5a62da5f85-scholastic
  • Bond issue Meeting is Thursday at 7:00pm in the Central Administration Office
HOMEWORK:

Math:  Watch Learn Zillion video #10 (Quick Code: NA2R4NS) and complete worksheet p. 2 

Science: None

Reading: None.
  • AR Goal for Friday = 66% of AR goal for quarter
Social Studies: None

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Updates - 9/21/16

Parents,

Sumdog Contest. There are two more days for the countywide contest on Sumdog that students can play to practice their Math skills at home.

Dine Out Night - Tonight is a Dine out Fundraiser Night at Cocina de Carlos in Waterville.

Reminders:
  • Book Order due Friday, Sept 23 - order online through Scholastic's website and entering our class code: GJLYC
HOMEWORK:

Math:  AM Practice

Science: None

Reading: None
  • AR Goal for Friday = 55% of AR goal for quarter
Social Studies: None

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 9-20-16

Parents,

Student Updates - These are still needed from a few students. Please review, sign, and return this with your child by tomorrow.

Sumdog Contest. There is a countywide contest on Sumdog that students can play to hone their Math skills at home. Congrats to Paxton, Jarret, and Anna who have made it up on the Lucas County leaderboard so far!


Reminders:
  • Wednesday, September 21 - Scheduled 2-hour delay
  • Book Order due Friday, Sept 23 - order online through Scholastic's website and entering our class code: GJLYC
HOMEWORK:

Math:  Learn Zillion Video #7 (Quick code XH8AU5X) and complete worksheet (p. 1). Page 2 of the worksheet is another video that will be next week's homework.  I told the students they could do it early if they wanted.

Science: None

Reading: None
  • AR Goal for Friday = 55% of AR goal for quarter
Social Studies: None

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Friday, September 16, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update - 9-16-16

Parents,

Students played a Kahoot game in Science today that they asked me to share.  See if they can beat Crue's 14/14 high score in ghost mode?

Reminders:
  • Wednesday, September 21 - Scheduled 2-hour delay
  • Wed. Sept. 21 Dine in fundraiser at Cocina de Carlos
  • Book Order due Friday, Sept 23 - order online through Scholastic's website and entering our class code: GJLYC
HOMEWORK:

Math:  a few students who have not passed addition have a packet for addition facts to complete and have signed by Friday (9/23)

Science: None

Reading: Read 15-20 minutes each night
  • AR Goal for Friday = 55% of AR goal for quarter
Social Studies: 

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update - 9-14-16

Parents,

Renaissance Home Connect.  Would you like to learn how to use Home connect to:
  • set-up your e-mail to receive reports when your child passes AR tests, AM tests, or Math Facts in a Flash levels?
  • check your child's AR percentage and goal?
  • have your child practice math facts at home?
  • reprint Accelerated Math? (such as, if your child left it at school)
If you are interested in doing this, click this Youtube video link:

Reminders:
  • Mr. Pransky still needs a Matchbox/Hotwheels car
  • Friday is Spirit Day - Hat Day
  • Correction: Wednesday, September 21 - Scheduled 2-hour delay
  • CogATs are Thurs., and Friday
HOMEWORK:

Math:  AM Practice

Science: None

Reading: Read 15-20 minutes & fill out log
  • AR Goal for Friday = 44% of AR goal for quarter
Social Studies: None

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 9-13-16

Parents,

Needed: Matchbox/Hotwheel car.  I am in need of one Matchbox or Hotwheel car for a Science experiment this week.  It needs to roll smoothly and mostly straight.  If anyone could donate one temporarily (or permanently) I would really appreciate it!  

Reminders:
  • Friday is Spirit Day - Hat Day
  • Tuesday, September 21 - Scheduled 2-hour delay
  • CogATs are Wed., Thurs., and Friday
HOMEWORK:

Math:  Learn Zillion video #4 - Complete pages 7 & 8 in packet
           Code= LZ527 or E7ABU28

Science: None

Reading: Read 15-20 minutes & fill out log
  • AR Goal for Friday = 44% of AR goal for quarter
Social Studies: None

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Friday, September 9, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Updates - 9-9-16

Parents,

It's been a fun-filled week of learning!  The kids are really getting into the groove now.  Thanks so much parents for all of your support so far this year!  We appreciate all of the donations for the carnival as well as all of the ways you help by supporting your child's learning at home.  We hope you can make it tonight to the school carnival.  It is always a lot of fun!

I meant to send this a couple weeks ago, but it was still in my drafts when I looked today.  I think it is still pertinent...

Mrs. Dressel and I wanted to send an e-mail with some general guidelines to help make communication a little easier this year for everyone.
    1. If you have a question or concern pertaining to Math or Science be sure to send the e-mail to Mr. Pransky.  If you have a question about Reading, Language, Spelling, or Social Studies, please send it to Mrs. Dressel.  If your child has Mrs. Dammeier for Math be sure to e-mail her for Math questions.  If you have something you need to share that we all would benefit from knowing (for example, an emotional  or physical concern), be sure to include us everyone who teaches your child (including possibly specialists) so everyone is in the loop.
    2. Mrs. Dressel and I often do not have a break in our schedule to check our e-mail until the very end of the day.  So, if you have any time sensitive concerns, it's best to call the office.
    3. Relatedly, please avoid using e-mail for scheduling - for example, "Johnny will be  need to be picked up at 2:00 today for a dentist appointment."  The office needs a written note for absences, or if you forget to send it, you will need to call the office.
    4. We hope you never do, but if there is ever something that is upsetting you or your child, we want to know - please don't let problems or frustrations fester and grow.  In our experience in situations when a parent is upset about something at school it almost always involves a miscommunication or misunderstanding.   Unfortunately, e-mail is often a poor way to resolve this kind of miscommunication.  A better method is to e-mail us with a time you are available to speak on the phone us and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. This usually saves a lot of back and forth writing on everyone's part. Importantly, please remember, that like you, Mrs. Dressel and I always want to do what is best to help your child learn and grow. 

Have an awesome weekend!

-Shane Pransky
 

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Updates 9-7-16

Parents,

In Science students are currently learning about the nature of science. We are learning what a scientist is and does. We are learning about tools that scientists use and the methods used in testing an idea. Student will take an online test over each unit using Moodle, an online course management tool. I will usually let your child (and you) know far in advance of the test so your child can be prepared for it.

Permission to video. Miss Ryan, your child's student teacher, sent home a permission slip today to allow them to be videoed as part of her evaluation process. Please sign and return this form as soon as possible.

Reminders:
  • Back to school bash. Dressel/Pransky basket theme is "crafty" (paint, markers, crayons, paper, tape, stickers, ribbon, etc...)
  • Back to school bash is this Friday!
  • Permission to video form for Miss Ryan
  • Bring in an art shirt
  • Student Council speeches are tomorrow for Pransky
HOMEWORK:

Math: Accelerated Math Practice

Science: None

Reading: None
AR Goal for Friday = 33% of AR goal for quarter

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Team Mindcrafters Daily Update 9-6-16

Parents,

We hope you had an awesome Labor Day weekend. I heard a lot of stories of time spent at the lake, campouts, cookouts, Cedar Point visits, and other fun.  We are excited to get back to learning this week.

Tonight's math homework tonight will again have an online component. Students will watch a Learn Zillion video on rounding and complete 2 pages from a packet that go with the video. Sorry to be repetitive, but I thought I'd include the directions again on how to log in below in case anyone forgot.

There are a couple ways to watch the video. This is the way I would recommend is for your child to log in:
  1. First go to your child's google classroom account using their aw e-mail address and password. (Students have a label with this username and password on their blue folder and we have practiced numerous times at school on how to do this.)
  2. Click on Mr. Pransky's class and then click on Learn Zillion video #2. (Do not watch the other videos listed there as they are for another time, so be sure to click the right one!)
Another way to watch the video:
  1. Go LearnZillion.com
  2. Type in the Quick code listed on the paper: LZ524
  3. Sometimes after doing this, it will ask you to create and account or login.  If it does, your child can click to login with Google + and then use their aw e-mail and password mentioned above to log in.
Yet another option:
  • If you have a mobile device, both learn zillion and google classroom have free apps that make it even easier to watch these videos.
Reminders:
  • Back to school bash. Dressel/Pransky basket theme is "crafty" (paint, markers, crayons, paper, tape, stickers, ribbon, etc...)
  • Bring in an art shirt
  • Student Council forms due 9/7 (if interested)
HOMEWORK:

Math: Watch Learn Zillion rounding video #3 - complete p. 5 &6  (Learnzillion.com and enter either code 3SV35RG or LZ525)

Science: None

Reading: None
AR Goal for Friday = 33% of AR goal for quarter

--
Shane Pransky
Whitehouse Primary
4th Grade

On the web:
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