Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Box Top Trophy

Please keep on sending in box tops!  Read below about our school's recent competition....let's go for the win!

We are ready to start the "Box Tops for Education Traveling Trophy Contest!" The classroom with the most box tops collected by May 14th gets to keep the traveling trophy in their classroom until the next competition in September! Pick up a collection box for your classroom in the teachers' lounge, and take a look at the cool trophy in the showcase right across from the office.
 
Your students can start filling up the box right away. On May 14th, we'll gather the collection boxes and count the box tops. The trophy will be awarded at the May 16th PAWS assembly.
 
This should stir up a little competition and increase the amount of $$ we raise from this program.

Orchestra Information

We have a large population of orchestra students in our class, so I thought it would be helpful if I posted the most recent orchestra newsletter.

Orchestra Newsletter #3
April 10, 2012
Mrs. Blaho/Orchestra

Dear Parents of Orchestra students:
The school year is going by very quickly!  I am very proud of how well the Orchestra students are doing!

There is much to report on! 
1.    The week before spring break, the Elgin Symphony Quartet performed for the students at each   
        Elementary school. 
2.     We have started an Orchestra Practice Challenge using the practice record in the beginning of
        the book.  Students have received information on how to earn achievement prizes for their practice.
3.     The upcoming concert dates are listed for your elementary school in this newsletter..
4.         You should also receive information about a Summer Orchestra Camp offered this summer along with this newsletter. 

In addition to the Summer Orchestra Camp, please remember that Orchestra will continue in the 5th grade! (and yes, into the Middle School the following year, and so on)  I will be teaching 5th grade and 4th grade Orchestra next year.  Students that have played in Orchestra this year can continue in the 5th grade, where they will be in the Intermediate Orchestra.  The 4th graders that start Orchestra next year (current 3rd graders) will be the Beginning Orchestra.

I would also like to remind you that students cannot be in both the Band and the Orchestra. (This is a district policy) You will need to decide if you want your student to continue in Orchestra as an Intermediate, or join Beginning Band in the 5th grade. 

Also, if you are renting from Breber I would like to remind you that the rental you are paying will turn into equity toward a full size instrument with Breber, when your student is ready for that full size.  Therefore, if you are planning on continuing next year, I hope you will strongly consider continuing to rent the instrument over the summer and think about being in the Summer Orchestra Camp.  If you plan on purchasing an instrument at some point, please consider that your student is growing through different sizes and NO ONE is physically ready to play a full size instrument at this point.  PLEASE contact me before making any purchases.  There are some really poor quality instruments on EBAY and other online sites, so refrain from any purchases until you speak to me.  Also, do not make any purchases unless you can make a return if you are not satisfied with the quality.  Thank you!!


Upcoming Concert Date
(only responsible for the date listed by your school!)

Prairiewood, Westwood, Olson:  combined concert on Thursday, May 10 at 6 pm at Olson Elementary.  Students should arrive at Olson at 5:15 for a short rehearsal at 5:30.

Dean, Greenwood, Mary Endres:  combined concert on Tuesday, May 15 at 6 pm at Mary Endres Elementary.  Students should arrive at Mary Endres at 5:15 for a short rehearsal at 5:30.

You will receive a more detailed reminder later in April.  If you have any questions, it is best to email at rblaho@d200.mchenry.k12.il.us or leave a phone message at your elementary school.  Thank you!

Mrs. Blaho/Orchestra

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Glacial Park Field Trip

Our McHenry County Conservation District field trip to Glacial Park was a success today!  The students learned loads of information about two diverse wetland ecosystems - a bog and a marsh.  We were able to test the water for oxygen levels and acidity.  The weather was just beautiful for all of the hiking we enjoyed today!  Thank you to our Mary Endres PTO for funding this wonderful trip for us!

Be sure to go to Glacial Park with your family.  It has a large variety of activities - for free - that we could all learn from and enjoy!

Be the First and recorders

The Be the First parent night is now moved to a date in May.  It will be coupled with a newly added recorder concert.  Start digging out the recorders from the basement - we need to oil them up for our concert!

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Field Trip this Tuesday

This Tuesday, our class will enjoy the “Wonders of Wetlands” field trip at the Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park (Ringwood, IL).  We will be leaving Mary Endres at 8:30am and will return at 1:30pm.  Please be sure that your child wears appropriate clothing for walking outside through the park, and in addition, be mindful of the forecast.  Rain or shine, we will be going!  I am looking forward to sharing this experience with our class.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Fraction Test - This Tuesday

We will have a fraction test on Tuesday.  I sent home a study guide yesterday.  Please take time this weekend to review it a few times with your child.  I put sample problems on the guide I sent home....see below for a review of the fraction topics.

  • Adding and subtraction fractions with like denominators
Adding and subtracting mixed numbers with like denominators
  • Converting an improper fraction into a mixed number
Converting a mixed number into an improper fraction
  • Simplifying fractions (basic – divide by 2)

  • Compare (<,>, or =) 2 fractions (with a simple proof drawing)
Finding fourths, thirds, halves, eighths on a given number line

  • Probability questions relating to a spinner (what is the chance that the spinner will land on…)

Be the First

We are jumping into our Be the First program this week.  During social studies time, we will be researching possible future careers for our class.  Students will pick a career they may possibly be interested in as a future career.  Then each student will be required to research the education needed for that career, colleges/universities that offer the needed program, salary, etc.   

Next Friday, April 13th, we will be traveling to Woodstock North High School for the Be the First program.   We will join other elementary students at the high school to celebrate the Be the First program.

I personally had a thought of walking home from the high school rather than riding the bus (weather permitting).  If all approval goes through, I will send a note home confirming this decision this week.