The End of March

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 writing projects during writing this week. They are able to choose which genre they want to write in, and come up with any ideas they would like to write about during this project. It's always awesome to see the creativity that comes out during these writing projects. 

Math: This week we did a whole class share and compare of solutions and strategies for some of the money story problems they solved, and then we reinforced the idea of using smaller combinations to help solve larger ones. We reviewed the use of the ratio table to model and solve larger multiplication problems. Then towards the end of the week we started having students use an over strategy for multiplication problems. The students then modeled and solved multiplication and division problems using ratio tables and open arrays.

Reading: This week we reinforced the idea of tracking our thinking while reading through the use of sticky notes and jotting. In our test prep unit, we were really pushing for stamina, and strategies of reading passages, and analyzing questions where we maybe didn't have on the forefront some of the great thinking work we do while independently reading. Jotting (thinking) throughout our books when reading is something we will want to continue to push, and put as one of our goals as we head towards the end of the school year.

Content: We wrapped up our Wisconsin government unit, and put a bow on it with our trip down to the state capital. It was a great learning experience for them all, and was awesome to their interest in all things government and history while we were at the capital.

VW Paternity Leave - I decided back in August that when my wife and I welcomed our first child that I wouldn't take my paternity leave right away at the beginning of the year. She had been in education for 9 years, and understood my reasoning behind not wanting to miss the beginning of the school year with the students to get them started on their learning journey for this school year with me there with them. With that being said, I will be taking my paternity leave from April 19th - May 7th. That will put me out 12 school days, but I am confident in the 4th graders abilities to help lead and guide during this time I am gone with their substitute teacher. If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know.

A Look Ahead:

  • Forwards Testing Dates & Times
    • If you could try and avoid appointments, have students here during these times it would be greatly appreciated.
  • March 29th & April 1st - No School
  • April 19th - No School
  • April 19th - Summer School Registration Opens at Noon
  • April 19th - May 7th - VW Paternity Leave
  • April 24th - Culver's Order Due
  • Skate City Field Trip - Friday, April 26th
    • Permission slip due by: Friday, April 12th
  • May 3rd - Field Trip to PAC for Dog Man The Musical
  • May 17th - Family Night & Community Clothes Closet
  • May 22nd - 4th Grade Concert
  • May 23rd- 4th Grade Walk To Library & Picnic at Horseshoe Park at 12:30
    • This is for 4th Grade students and their Parents/Guardians/Grandparents for an End of Year/NDLC picnic 
    • Head Count for Picnic so we can plan accordingly for Lunch
  • May 29th - Last Day of School


That's all for this week!

Have a great weekend!


Mr. VW




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