Ms. Braden's 4th grade

2011-05-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

We had a blast on our field-trip yesterday in Dubuque. Thank-you for allowing your child the opportunity to see, touch, and learn so many things about the Mississippi River.

The rest of the week is pretty normal. We do have the Walk-A-Thon for Mrs. Gordon's cause on Friday. All money is due by May 20th. Students are to dress in Blue b/c it's Mrs. Gordon's favorite color!

It's getting hot outside which means they turned the air on. It gets very chilly in the basement so it might not hurt for your child to have a sweater just in case.

Have a great week!
Ms. Braden

2011-04-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe it's almost May!

We took the diocese Reading and Science tests this week.

Next week we will be having a guest speaker from the Putnam Museum come and give a presentation on "River through Time", about the Mississippi River. We are in the process of planning our 4th grade field-trip to the Dubuque River Museum so this will be a great presentation to prep the students.

River Bandit forms are all due back (if wanted extra tickets, etc.) by Monday, May 2nd. Their final National Park Project on the West is due next week. The states and capitals test is May 13 and the Favorite State Poster is due the 3rd week of May. We are starting our new Reading unit next week. If you have a copy of the Little House on the Prairie please send it with your child.

We are continuing to study sound with our science FOSS kit and having fun exploring different experiments.

Have a great weekend!

Happy Holy Week!

2011-04-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

This will be a shortened week with no school on Friday (Good Friday). We have a few tests this
week: tomorrow (Tuesday) the students will have a chapter 11 math test over Area, Perimeter, and Volume. We checked the "checking your progress" today in class. Wednesday they will
have an adjective test. I assigned a review from the book today so we'll check it and review more tomorrow. Then because of the shortened week we'll be having the spelling post-test on Thursday. Stations are at 2:30 on Tuesday and all school mass as normal on Wednesday.

Have a great week!

Friday, April 15

2011-04-14T08:04:00.001-07:00

Just a heads up for Friday:

-The students have a social studies test.
-Spring picture day.
-We'll leave around 12:20 for the symphony.

2011-04-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hello 4B families,

We had a great time at Assumption yesterday learning and experiencing how specials (P.E./Art/Music/Choir) are run. I realized that some of these students have NO fear when it comes to playing dodgeball against big high school students, it was quite the sight!

We have another field-trip next week to the Quad-City Symphony on Friday. We will leave around 12:20pm and return to school at the end of the day. It was a great experience last year! I am sending home permission slips today so please have your child return them as soon as possible.

I also sent home a newsletter yesterday about "G is for Gordon" events coming up. They will be raising money to help cover the costs for Mrs. Gordon's illness. Mrs. Selden also put the dates in her Principal's Post.

The book fair has arrived! We will be going to preview and make a wish-list on Monday and the students can bring money to purchase on Wednesday. Spring pictures are Friday (same day as our symphony field-trip).

Also, congrats to the Home and School representatives for next year, looks like we have a great representation from the 4th grade!

Have a great weekend,
Ms. Braden

2011-04-04T10:18:00.001-07:00

The students are taking the Earthquake and Volcano science test today and we'll be starting a new unit with a FOSS kit about Sound. Tomorrow we have Reconciliation in the morning and Station of the Cross in the afternoon. Your student should of brought home a permission slip for a field-trip we're taking on Thursday to Assumption High School. We'll leave around 8:45am and experience how specials (P.E./Band/Choir/Art) work at the high school level and be back for lunch. Please make sure your student returns the permission slip by Wednesday or they will not be able to attend. Then Friday is a Scrip NUT Day.

I have included a note from Mrs. Smith about upcoming Social Studies assignments:

We will begin our final region, the West, next week. The states included in this region are divided into three sections, Mountain, Desert, and Pacific. The states include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming. The National Park project will be due the week of May 2. This may be a poster, power point, or any other creative presentation, as long as all of the information is included. The state and capital quiz for this region will be May 13. If you have any questions please send me an e-mail.
Thank you,
Mrs. Smith

Have a great week!

2011-03-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

Tuesday we have Stations of the Cross at 8:45am and then conferences from 4-8 after school. Also at 1pm, Sarah Prineas, author of the Magic Thief series, will be here to speak with the students. If they own a copy of her book they are welcome to bring it to get signed. Wednesday is a normal day with school mass at 8:45. Since Thursday is the last day of the week (and a 1:30 early out), spelling packets will be due along with the post test. We'll also take the reading selection test over Salmon Summer on Thursday. Then we have conferences from 2-6 Thursday night and no school on Friday, April 1 (Not an April Fools joke).

I am handing out the science study guides today, we'll check them Wednesday, and have the test on Monday, April 4th.

Have a great week!

Welcome back!

2011-03-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

I hope you all had a very nice spring break. Tomorrow is our class mass at 8:45 and I invite you all to attend. This came as short notice to the students and they've done a great job pulling it together!

Reminder there is a states/capitals test in Social Studies on Friday and their National Park poster is also due Friday.

Today we had Stations of the Cross, which we will be doing every Tuesday throughout Lent.

Spring Break

2011-03-12T13:38:00.001-08:00

I hope you all have a very nice and relaxing spring break. Save travels to those of you who are driving/flying/etc.

The students are doing a great job, and having fun, following the Iditarod and their musher. I added a link to get to the website: www.iditarod.com.

We have our 4B class mass when we get back on March 23 and invite you to attend.

The only homework the students have is to continue reading for the Idita-read/Book Buddies, work on their National Park Projects, and the biography project if it was not turned in on Friday.

Have a great week!

March!

2011-03-04T12:05:00.000-08:00

We had a great representation from the 4th grade at the Variety Show last night. I'm so proud of all the students for going up there and showing their talents.

There is a QC Mallards Community Night that Lourdes families are invited to attend on Saturday, March 5 at 7:05pm.

Pennies for Patients is currently taking place and students are encouraged to bring in change to donate.

We are asking that each student bring in a box of kleenex and disinfectant wipes to help us get through the rest of the school year. Hopefully the sickness "season" is almost over!!

A reminder that next Friday, March 11 we have an early out at 1:30. Then Lourdes' Spring Break goes from March 14-18.

The Iditarod Dog Sled Race begins on March 5 & 6. I am handing out a packet for the students because we are following the mushers by reading, The "Iditaread". Each student has picked out a musher and will follow it through the race. It lasts 4 weeks. We are having a race to see who can read to the finish line (1,131 minutes).

The biography project will be due next Friday, March 11. Reading contracts are due Monday, March 7.

Have a great weekend!

2011-02-25T11:51:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a nice week... sick of the snow yet?!

A reminder 4B will have their science test on Monday and 4A will have theirs on Tuesday.

The variety show and art show will be Thursday, March 3 at 7pm in the gym. We have great acts coming out of 4th grade and the rest of the school, I hope to see you there.

The next NUT Day is March 4th.

In the last post I included a letter from Mrs. Smith about the upcoming national poster and states/capitals test. There is also a social studies test on Thursday, March 3.

We had a great 2nd Step yesterday, which included knowing all the facts before we make assumptions and easing our anger. The students did a great job connecting with the lesson, ask your child all about it!

Have a great weekend!

4 day week!

2011-02-23T13:48:00.000-08:00

Week 21 spelling packet will be due on Friday since we had a shortened week.

There will be a science test for 4B on Monday, Feb. 28. I passed out the study guides today and we'll go over them on Friday. We're also wrapping up our recycled plant pots so those will be coming home, too.

A note from Mrs. Smith:

Dear Parents,
The states for the midwest region include: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The students will have the opportunity to earn 10 extra points for each of the Great Lakes they can name, and or put on the map correctly.
The National Park projects will be due the week of March 21.
The state and capital quiz will be March 25.
I have extra rubrics and maps if the students need them.
Thank you,
Mrs. Smith

Have a great week!

2011-02-11T14:11:00.000-08:00

Monday will be our Valentine's Day party at 2pm. The students are allowed to bring Valentines to pass out with candy (if desired) but they will be sent home to eat. I sent home a class list if you child wants to address each card, however it might be as easy to not address it so dropping them in bags is quicker. And they absolutely do not have to bring Valentines if they don't want to. We'll do an activity, craft, and have a snack on Monday.

We'll be starting a new book next week to tie in Valentine's Day. Your child will either be reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Chocolate Touch, or Chocolate Fever with activities to accompany. There will not be a spelling packet for next week.

For science: because we're studying Protecting our Ecosystem, recycling, etc. we're going to be doing a recycled craft. For that the students will each need a milk or juice jug (1/2 gallon or 1 gallon will work) and fabric scraps. 4B will be starting theirs Monday and 4A on Tuesday.

Have a warmer weekend!!

2011-02-08T10:52:00.000-08:00

Catholic Schools week(s) went great and the students had a fun filled 2 weeks. I was gone for the mass on Friday but the students said it went very well.

We're focusing on poetry this week and finishing up the reading contracts for Realistic Fiction which are due on Monday, Feb. 14.

We will have a Valentine party on Monday in the afternoon. The students can bring Valentines for the class and we will decorate bags but they will not be allowed to eat any of the candy until they get home. I can send home a class list to help with names.

2011-01-25T09:01:00.000-08:00

We're into Catholic Schools Week(s) for the next 2 weeks. It was nice to see some of you at mass on Sunday.

This week we have a few things going on for CSW. Thursday is "Red, White, and Blue Jeans" dress to celebrate "In Our Nation." We will also say the Rosary for Peace and there will be a pep rally to kick off Pack the Gym Knight for the basketball game at Assumption on Friday. Friday is normal uniform dress.

I have sent home many forms and handouts lately regarding Buddy Lunch, which is Monday, Jan. 31, a Math-a-thon handout, and information about the donations for the Quad City Animal Welfare Center. If you did not receive these let me know and I can get your child a copy.

Reminder that there is a trivia night on Saturday, "Are you smarter than and 8th grader" in the gym at 6pm.

Next week gets a little busier. Monday the students are allowed to wear Spirit Wear and we will have buddy lunch. Our schedule is games in the room from 11:30-12 and then lunch from 12-12:30. We'll go to the Putnam IMAX on Tuesday, Feb. 1 to see Bugs 3D: A Rainforest Adventure. Permission slips will be coming home for this. Thursday, Feb. 3 will be the Spelling Bee and Friday, Feb. 4 is the all school mass at Assumption High School.

I also handed out the next reading contract for the genre Realistic Fiction, that will be due on Monday, February 14.

We're doing a fun activity that I'm encouraging all students to participate in. It's called Doodle 4 Google. It gives the students an opportunity to explore their creative side (and they're doing such a great job!). I have to register the students through google and have parent consent forms, etc. so I will be sending those home. If you do not wish for you child to participate just write that on the form, no problem, they can still do the activity and I just won't send it in. For more information check out: http://www.google.com/doodle4google/

2011-01-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

We finished off the Human Body chapter in science and now we are starting Protecting Ecosystems.

There is a states and capitals test and the 2nd poster project due tomorrow (Friday) for social studies.

A reminder there is no school on Monday, Jan. 17 because of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

I passed out book order yesterday and I ask for them to be returned by Friday, Jan. 21.

The Variety Show will be Thursday, March 3 at 7pm in the gym. There will be auditions and applications are due back by Friday, Jan. 21, 2011.

Have a great day!

Happy 2011!

2011-01-04T10:12:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year!

Hard to believe we're over half done with the school year already. This week is fairly normal with a spelling list and a new reading selection. 4B will get their science study guides tomorrow in class (we'll check on Thursday so they can study from them) and will have their test on Friday and 4A will get their study guides today (we'll check Thursday) and also have their test on Friday. Also, spelling packets will be due Friday for this week.

Have a great week!

Tis the season!

2010-12-17T14:09:00.000-08:00

Next week will be quick with an hour early dismissal on Wednesday. We'll have mass on Wednesday morning, which you are invited to attend, and our Christmas celebration will start at 1pm.

We will not have a spelling list next week. We're going to read The Polar Express and do activities that correlate with the story. If you have a Polar Express book at home and don't mind sending it with you child that would be great. Also, if you go to Mrs. Smilth's blog and click the social studies page, she has the states up for the next poster which is due the week of January 10th.

Have a great weekend!

2010-12-10T13:56:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Program was a HUGE success! The students did such a nice job and all looked very nice. I added a few photos to the picture page when we were rehearsing in our classroom.

A few reminders from Mrs. Selden's "Principal's Post":
-The 2nd annual Spelling Bee will be o February 3. I sent home a packet this week with more information.
-Please remember (or remind them) to dress your child(ren) for the weather, we will send them out for recess unless it's very cold or raining.
-Assumption Children's Theater workshop is Saturday, December 11 @ 10:30a.m.
-The 5th graders are collecting coats for the coat drive until Thursday, Dec. 16

Next week will be fairly normal. We'll have a spelling list but will be reading the novel The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. They will also be having a Social Studies test on Tuesday.

Have a great weekend!

Happy December 1st!

2010-12-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

Hard to believe we are into December already and only 3 weeks until Winter break! Everything is pretty normal this week with a spelling test and reading selection test on Friday. The only big difference is I will be gone on Friday b/c I'm taking the Assumption Dance Team to the state competition. I will be available by e-mail for urgent things, otherwise Mr. Morford will be the sub.

There will be a test over chapter 5 in math on Monday.

Next Thursday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 is the Christmas program for grades 1-4. We will have a run-through next week to prepare.

Have a great rest of the week!

2010-11-23T09:14:00.000-08:00

As you've probably realized, there is not a spelling list or regular reading selection this week. We are reading about settlers, Native Americans, and other Thanksgiving related topics and doing activities to follow this week. Make sure to ask your child all about it. We're in the 2nd week for "Reading Contracts", which will be due next Friday, Dec. 3.

We have an early dismissal tomorrow at 2:10 and no school on Thursday or Friday.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

2010-11-12T10:47:00.000-08:00

We're all finished with ITBS, except for make-ups, which will be next week. Although, I think the students are going to miss the daily snacks.

We'll be back to a normal week next week with a new reading theme, "That's amazing" and the story "The Stranger." They'll have a spelling packet, also.

Have a nice weekend.

Dictionaries!

2010-11-04T11:59:00.000-07:00

The Bettendorf Rotary brought each 4th grader their very own dictionary! I can hardly get them to put them down now. They have been a great addition and are especially helpful with word of the day.

November

2010-11-03T08:22:00.000-07:00

Hope you're all having a nice week.

-Just a reminder that the Bean Bag Tournament is Saturday night at 6pm
-Next week we start ITBS. The testing will be done primarily in the morning
-There will be a science test for 4B on Wednesday, Nov. 10 and for 4A on Thursday, Nov. 11.

Updates...

2010-10-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

Just a few reminders:

-We're asking the students to wear a red uniform shirt tomorrow (to promote Red Ribbon Week)
-The students have a Social Studies test on Thursday
-Thursday at 1:30 is the Halloween parade and party at 2pm
-Students are allowed to wear orange & black on Thursday with jeans
-There will be no Bettendorf bus on Thursday afternoon
-No school on Friday

2010-10-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

Next week we will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week. I copied the information from the newsletter I sent home today about it. Reminder that our Halloween celebration is on Thursday, Oct. 28 and no school on Friday, Oct. 29.

Have a great weekend!

Ms. Braden

Red Ribbon Week October 25-28 2010

Lourdes Students Will:

Show Good Character by Being Drug Free!

Monday October 25:

During morning announcements, a Student Council member will announce Red Ribbon Week. Each classroom teacher will be given a red ribbon to hang on their door. Teachers will also pass out individual red ribbon bracelets for students to wear all week. At 2:55 on Mon-Wed, special prizes will be awarded. There will be one winner per section each day. The winners must have their ribbon to win. On Wednesday, an additional prize will be awarded to a student in each section who has demonstrated Good Character in the following areas:

K-Honesty, 1^st-Respect, 2^nd-Responsibility, 3^rd-Fairness, 4^th-Caring, 5^th-Citizenship, 6^th-8^th-Empathy

Tuesday October 26:

Stay Sharp by being drug free. Students will be given pencils with a drug free message.

Wednesday October 27:

Mass Day: Students wear their red uniform shirt with uniform bottoms today to show their stand against drugs and violence. Students in 2 and 3 day, preK students and teachers are also encouraged to wear red that day.

Thursday October 28:

Say Boo to Drugs! Students in grades K-5 bring your costumes to wear to the Halloween Parade and students in grades 6-8 wear orange and black.

Happy Friday!

2010-10-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

-Reminder today was the last day to wear shorts.
-Cough drops for students K-4 need to be given to the nurse with a parents consent form signed.
-Bean bag tournament is Nov. 6
-If wanting the flu shot, consent forms are due Oct. 20
-Today was the end of the 1st quarter. Report cards can be picked up NEXT Friday, Oct. 22 between 3-4:00.

Have a great weekend!

2010-10-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

If you attend mass at Our Lady of Lourdes this weekend, don't forget to stop by the Ministry Fair after mass to check out the curriculum and educational displays from Lourdes Catholic School.

Reminder, even though Monday is Columbus Day, we DO have school.

Our class will be doing Mass on Wednesday. The students who have speaking parts should have their section to practice with this weekend. Hope to see some of you there!

School pictures will be on Friday, Oct. 15 along with a 1:30 early out.

Have a great, and sunny, weekend!

October

2010-10-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

It was great meeting with all of you for conferences. Thank-you for finding time to come and talk with me.

Don't forget we're still doing the Hunger Drive through next week. Our class is trailing a little on the amount of cans we've brought in (9), so we have next week to bring in more.

We start the Rosary next week. Every Tuesday during the month of October we'll recite the Rosary as a school. A look ahead: our class will be in charge of mass on Oct. 13.

We will be having a chapter 3 math test probably next Tuesday.

Have a great weekend!

2010-09-27T06:32:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe we'll be in October at the of the week!

I sent home conference slips on Friday. If you did not receive one you can e-mail me and I will be happy to let you know your time.

It's going to be a busy week with an early dismissal on Tuesday at 1:30. We're reading the novel Sarah, Plain, & Tall this week as a continuation of our Journey theme. We have a pep rally with students from Assumption this afternoon to promote Student Hunger Drive and Pack the Stadium for the football game on Thursday. The Hunger Drive will start today and go until October 8th. Conferences are Tuesday from 2-6 p.m. and Thursday from 4-8 p.m.

Have a good week!

Mid Week

2010-09-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

The students will be allowed to purchase books from the book fair tomorrow. So a reminder to send money with your child if they are buying anything.

A reminder that conferences are next Tuesday & Thursday. I have the schedule of your time, I'll be sending them home.

Have a good rest of the week!

Happy Friday

2010-09-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

The craziness (and fun) of Homecoming week is over.

Next week we have the book fair. We'll preview it on Tuesday and buy either Wednesday or Thursday (I'll let you know when). Don't forget about the Fall Festival this weekend at Lourdes with all kinds of fun and games.

Today we got to help Mrs. Kloft celebrate her birthday. I added a few more pictures to the picture gallery.

Have a great weekend!

Reminders

2010-09-15T14:13:00.000-07:00

A few reminders...

-The students need to bring their dough for their social studies project
-Please send back the conference sheets with your child so I can schedule a conference time
-If wanting to order books from the book order, they are due back by Friday
-We will be having a math test over Chapter 2 on Friday, we'll review tomorrow
-Tomorrow is Spirit Day (just like they would on a Friday) with Assumption and Lourdes wear (This week has been fun dressing the themes. The kids have looked so cute!) I put up some pictures under the "photo gallery" tab

Have a great day!

Happy Friday!

2010-09-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

A busy 4 day week! Just a reminder to send back the parent letters from Mrs. Grenier so she can set up volunteers, etc. I sent an email out today with 2 attachments. One was the dress code policy and the other is regarding next week, which is Assumption's homecoming. The days of the week are:

Monday: Hat day (regular uniform wear with a hat to top it off)

Tuesday: 80's day

Wednesday: Uniform is required because it's mass day, however students are encouraged to wear a red polo to stay in the spirit.

Thursday: Spirit Day (football game day). Assumption wear (red & black) or Lourdes wear

Friday: Favorite sports team day (students may wear their favorite team's clothing)

Our classroom representative this year is Emma VanSeveren and our alternate is Brennan Harrington. They will go to student council meetings and bring back information for our class. I also sent home a book order from Scholastic. If you decide to order book(s) please make sure that is returned with payment by Friday, Sept. 17.

Have a great weekend! Go Knights & Cyclones!

Hello September!

2010-09-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

We made it through our first week of spelling and adding library and computers classes, too! So far so good.

A reminder there is no school on Monday. The Wellness Policy starts on Tuesday (check out the "important updates" page). I almost have everyone's email address, so I'll put together a class e-mailing list so to send out newsletters and other important things throughout the week.

Have a great 3 day weekend!
Ms. Braden

3rd week

2010-08-30T13:48:00.000-07:00

Hello all! We're finally getting full gear into all subjects. We started spelling today. Your child has a spelling folder with a packet of activities to accompany their spelling words along with handwriting practice. Spellingcity.com is a fun website for students to play games with their spelling words. You can find the list of words by searching my name "Jennifer Braden" and then week 1, otherwise the list is updated under the spelling tab.

I added an "Important updates" page that includes the wellness policy that has been updated. Also, we're in a "silly band craze" right now (I wish I would've invented them)! I haven't seen them as a huge distraction in my classroom but I would like to limit them to no more than 5. As long as they're not disturbing their learning I don't mind them having a few.

Have a great week!

2nd week!

2010-08-25T10:58:00.000-07:00

Time is flying already! The students are starting fall into the 4th grade routine, which I hear is quite a bit more homework than in the past but we're working on staying organized so the homework gets done. The students are doing a WONDERFUL job being "bucket fillers." Make sure to ask your child what it's all about. We'll also started science and social studies.

Next week we'll start computers, library, and spelling. We'll have finish our first novel together and start the 1st theme in our reading books: Journeys. I'll keep doing my best to keep the subject tabs (on the right) updated with the current homework.

Have a great day!

Off to a great start!

2010-08-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

Hello 4B families! We have had a great 2 days. I want to welcome the 4 new families in our class, we are so fortunate to have you at Lourdes. The students are doing a great job adjusting to the new ways of 4th grade. We're starting the year being very organized and I even heard a student say yesterday, "this is the most organized I've EVER been." We have such a wonderful class I look forward to working with these students all year long.

We did start the "Word of the Day" today. I added the word under the tab to the right. We've also started reading Stone Fox. They will have assignments occasionally to read a chapter at home and possibly answer some comprehension questions.

Have a great day!

Welcome to 4B!

2010-08-03T20:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome 4th grade families. I am excited about the upcoming year and can't wait to get started! Come back and visit our class site to check for announcements, fun photos, and other events.

Don't forget "Unpack the Backpack" on August 15 from 11:30-1pm.