VW 4th Grade Blog 2023-2024

 Good Afternoon, Hard to believe the last full week of school has already passed. It's been quite an amazing year with so much to celebrate! I look forward to making each of these last days count, and making each 4th grader happy that they can call themselves NDLC Huskies when they finish! Hope everyone enjoys the beautiful weather this weekend! Week in Review: Leader in Me:  This week, we learned about 3rd Alternatives. A 3rd Alternative is a win-win solution that works for both parties. Combining strengths and being open to new ideas allow us to create better ideas called 3rd Alternatives. Watch the Landfill Harmonic video on Leader in Me Online and discuss these questions: Where did you see examples of synergy? Do you agree or disagree with this statement: Without synergy, there would be no Landfill Harmonic. Writing:  Writers are finishing up their 2nd graphic novels, and are working on some final revisions and edits before bringing that work home! Math: Mathematicians showed

Good Afternoon, It was so amazing to see the turnout at the 4th Graders Graphic Novel writing celebration. I can't say thank you enough for taking time out of your days to come in, and support the 4th graders as they beamed with pride putting their graphic novels on display for everyone. It was a reminder for me of how special a place NDLC is because of the families, students that us as teachers get the privilege to work alongside on this learning journey. I look forward to these last few weeks, and continuing to create more special moments for these 4th graders as they finish they elementary schooling careers here at NDLC. Lastly, I want to say Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms; I hope you all enjoy your weekends! Week in Review: Leader in Me:  This week we learned to contrast valuing and accepting differences. We also learned how to use many strengths to solve a problem. Synergize and complete five-in-a-row for Family Bingo Board on Leader in Me Online! Writing:  W

Good Afternoon, We finished up Forward testing this week, and I can't stress enough how proud I am of every single one of the 4th graders. It is time consuming, requires a lot of energy, focus, and hard work but they persevered through every test giving it their best effort every single time. As I leave them with their long term sub, Emily Gradl, I am also feeling proud knowing that they are great leaders who I know will do amazing for her when she is filling in these next 12 days. I am excited to hear about all the amazing things they accomplish, and look forward to returning to see them for the final stretch run of the school year. Week in Review: Leader in Me:  This week we learned about how unique life experiences lead us to have different viewpoints. Having empathy means showing respect for different life experiences and viewpoints. As a family, take turns responding to the prompt, “To me, the world would be a better place if more people showed empathy because...” Writing: Wri

Good Afternoon, This week the students finished up yet another round of forward testing with just the math sessions remaining next week. I have been proud of their continued efforts as testing can take a lot of time and energy, but remaining consistent with their effort is imperative. For them, finding the motivation to continue to be their best self, being kind, safe, and respectful as we head towards the end of the school year because as the weather gets better it can get harder to want to keep that energy high in the classroom as well. I'm excited for them to finish the school year strong, and be proud of all the growth they have made. Week in Review: Leader in Me:  This week we discussed how we can be upstanders, not bystanders, in bullying situations. A bystander is a person who is present at an event or incident, does not take part, and doesn’t help. An upstander is a person who speaks or acts in support of an individual or cause, particularly someone who intervenes on behalf

Good Afternoon, As we head into the final 2 months of the school year, lots of events and dates are coming up so I will continue to add to the long list below should things be added as we near any upcoming events. My goal is to make every single day we have together the best possible learning experience for the 4th Graders because I know the transition to middle school can seem scary and daunting at times. Instead of being fixated on the future, we will continue to be where our feet are, enjoy each day, and give our best effort and attitude daily. Then when that time comes, they will be ready to take on the transition to middle school with confidence knowing they are ready because of the learning and growing they have shown here at NDLC! Week in Review: Leader in Me:  This week we spent time connecting about what others in class did over their break, snow day, and reviewed concepts of test taking tips before their Social Studies Forward testing yesterday. Writing:  Writers began a new

Good Afternoon, Today we had our annual Egg Crack Off here at NDLC, and it was another memorable day where you looked at the students and could feel good because you know they just genuinely felt happy. As we head into our final two months of school my goal is to have more of those days for all kids where they are at school, and just feel, happy. I hope everyone enjoys a couple of days off here, and that you are able to spend it with people in your life that bring you some of the most happiness. The kids deserve this break, and I hope they find that time to sharpen their saw. Week in Review: Leader in Me: Leaders were on display throughout this week whether it was down in Madison, or at our whole school Egg Crack Off today. This time of year seeing the 4th graders, and the maturity and leadership that they demonstrate daily is always impressive to notice, recognizing all the growth they have made throughout the course of the year. Writing:  Writers were able to work on some independent