The long awaited holiday vacation is officially upon us. We have worked so hard since September, and this is a well-needed break. I hope that you all have a safe and happy holiday. School resumes on TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2011. This is a change of date. Please mark your calendars accordingly.
It is important for students to continue reading over the break. Please make sure that your child is reading for at least 20 minutes every day. There is also a weekend writing assignment the students should complete over break. Don’t forget exhibition work. The first exhibition milestone is due on January 12th.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
End of the Week Notes
Exhibitions – We are finished with our first trimester exhibitions! I have been truly impressed with the effort and presentations. Thank you parents for continuing to support your children.
Narratives – Narratives will go home on Thursday, December 16th.
Book Order – Book order money is due on Monday, December 6th.
Recess – Classes go outside daily, weather permitting. Please make sure that your child is dressed for the weather; this means, hats, coats, gloves, boots, etc.
Boots – Boots are not apart of uniform. Students should bring their uniform shoes with them on the days they wear their boots.
No School – There will be no school December 18th through January 2nd. School resumes on Monday, January 3rd.
Narratives – Narratives will go home on Thursday, December 16th.
Book Order – Book order money is due on Monday, December 6th.
Recess – Classes go outside daily, weather permitting. Please make sure that your child is dressed for the weather; this means, hats, coats, gloves, boots, etc.
Boots – Boots are not apart of uniform. Students should bring their uniform shoes with them on the days they wear their boots.
No School – There will be no school December 18th through January 2nd. School resumes on Monday, January 3rd.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!
Project - Our class has been reading Maze of Bones, a part of the 39 Clues series. This is a fun and exciting mystery involving the Cahill family. We have learned that Benjamin Franklin is a descendent of the Cahill Family.
Today, our class, along with Mr. Curran’s class conducted research around Benjamin Franklin. With this research, students created a Glogster. Glogster is a virtual poster. Students received a log in and password to their individual Glogster.
Exhibitions – Exhibitions begin next week. I am very excited to see each student’s presentation. This is one of my favorite times of the year. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.
Break – It is my hope that each of you enjoys your break. We will see you on Monday.
Today, our class, along with Mr. Curran’s class conducted research around Benjamin Franklin. With this research, students created a Glogster. Glogster is a virtual poster. Students received a log in and password to their individual Glogster.
Exhibitions – Exhibitions begin next week. I am very excited to see each student’s presentation. This is one of my favorite times of the year. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.
Break – It is my hope that each of you enjoys your break. We will see you on Monday.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Extra! Extra! Read All About It!
Milestone #4 – Milestone #4 is now due on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23RD. Students who have been working on their milestone are urged to turn it in early, that way changes can be made and questions can be asked prior to the due date.
No School – Thursday, November 25th and Friday, November 26th.
Parents as Partners – The Parents as Partners meeting will be held on THURSDAY this week instead of Wednesday. Thursday’s meeting will begin at 5:00.
Candy Orders – Candy Orders will arrive at school on November 24th. Please plan on picking up your orders that day.
No School – Thursday, November 25th and Friday, November 26th.
Parents as Partners – The Parents as Partners meeting will be held on THURSDAY this week instead of Wednesday. Thursday’s meeting will begin at 5:00.
Candy Orders – Candy Orders will arrive at school on November 24th. Please plan on picking up your orders that day.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
More News
Milestone #4 – Milestone #4 is due one week from today. On Thursday, November 18, students need to turn in their completed visual aids for their academic portion of their exhibition. We have spent the past week discussing possible visual aids for each subject. Possible visual aids for each subject are, but are not limited to:
Reading – draw a new cover for the book, make a comic book using the main topics as a guide, make a diorama of a scene in your book, and make a time line of the events in your book.
•Read 180 Students – Power Point presentation (this is being worked on in Mr. Curran’s class)
Writing – create an illustration to go along with your mystery, bring in the evidence from your story, dress up as a detective, and create a time line of your mystery
Math – bar graph, drawing, written problems completely worked out.
Science – poem and illustration, examples of 3 states of matter
Social Studies – Where are we? poster
Book Orders – Book Orders are due on Monday, November 15th.
No School – There will be no school on Thursday, November 25th and Friday, November 26th. School resumes on Monday, November 29th.
Exhibitions – Exhibitions begin on Monday, November 29th. Thank you for everyone who signed up for exhibitions so promptly.
Google Docs – Our class has a Google Docs account online. Google Docs is great tool for students to type their mystery stories. They are free to go onto the site to work on typing their mystery at home. To access the site go to www.google.com. Please ask me for the username and password. I do NOT want to post it to the public online.
Blog Address – mrslwmartin.blogspot.com. Please visit the blog for updated information. There are also links to the class wiki, and other helpful and fun websites for the kids.
Reading – draw a new cover for the book, make a comic book using the main topics as a guide, make a diorama of a scene in your book, and make a time line of the events in your book.
•Read 180 Students – Power Point presentation (this is being worked on in Mr. Curran’s class)
Writing – create an illustration to go along with your mystery, bring in the evidence from your story, dress up as a detective, and create a time line of your mystery
Math – bar graph, drawing, written problems completely worked out.
Science – poem and illustration, examples of 3 states of matter
Social Studies – Where are we? poster
Book Orders – Book Orders are due on Monday, November 15th.
No School – There will be no school on Thursday, November 25th and Friday, November 26th. School resumes on Monday, November 29th.
Exhibitions – Exhibitions begin on Monday, November 29th. Thank you for everyone who signed up for exhibitions so promptly.
Google Docs – Our class has a Google Docs account online. Google Docs is great tool for students to type their mystery stories. They are free to go onto the site to work on typing their mystery at home. To access the site go to www.google.com. Please ask me for the username and password. I do NOT want to post it to the public online.
Blog Address – mrslwmartin.blogspot.com. Please visit the blog for updated information. There are also links to the class wiki, and other helpful and fun websites for the kids.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Just a few reminders
No School – Tomorrow, November 2, 2010. Teachers have a professional development day. Make sure you get out and vote
Turn in exhibition sign-up sheets ASAP. This assures that you get a time that works best for your schedule.
Milestone #3 – Thursday, November 4, 2010. Students need to turn in their completed visual aid for their INTEREST PROJECT ONLY!
Milestone #4 will be due on Thursday, November 18, 2010. Students will need to turn in completed visual aids for ALL of the academic portions of the exhibition.
Picture Day - Monday, November 8, 2010.
Book Orders - due on Monday, November 15th
Turn in exhibition sign-up sheets ASAP. This assures that you get a time that works best for your schedule.
Milestone #3 – Thursday, November 4, 2010. Students need to turn in their completed visual aid for their INTEREST PROJECT ONLY!
Milestone #4 will be due on Thursday, November 18, 2010. Students will need to turn in completed visual aids for ALL of the academic portions of the exhibition.
Picture Day - Monday, November 8, 2010.
Book Orders - due on Monday, November 15th
Monday, October 25, 2010
The Latest
MEAP - We have officially finished the MEAP Test! Yeah! Students worked hard and completed all of the portions of the MEAP. I am anxiously awaiting the results.
Red Ribbon Week - Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of Americans during the last week of October every year. By wearing red ribbons and participating in community anti-drug events, young people pledge to live a drug-free life. The schedule for next week’s activities is:
• Monday: Born to Be Drug Free - Students will bring in a baby picture of themselves to school to share with the class.
• Tuesday: Sock it to Drugs - Students can wear crazy socks to school with their uniform.
• Wednesday: Hats off to Saying No to Violence - Students can wear hats to school with their uniform.
• Thursday: Team Up Against Drugs - Students can wear a sports jersey or shirt over their uniform.
• Friday: Dress up in Good "Character" - Students can wear a costume to school. No goblins, witches, masks, or weapons. Violations of these rules will result in a phone call home and a change of clothing into school uniform. There will be planned activities during class as well as safe trick or treating for your child at the end of the day.
Scholastic Book Fair – The Book Fair will be on November 3rd from 4:30-6:30. We would like to invite you and everyone you know to visit our event. There will be a great selection of books and fun items at the fair. We will have literacy workshops and special book readings beginning at 5:00. Get a jump on the holidays and start your shopping here. Visit all of our literacy stations for your chance to be entered into the raffle for a free gift.
Fall Festival – The Fall Festival will be on Friday, October 29th. Students are allowed to bring in their costumes. Students may change into their costumes after lunch on Friday. We will also have a small get together. If you would like to contribute to our fun by donating food and drinks, please complete the sign-up sheet. Please bring enough for 17 students, and one teacher!
No school – Tuesday, November 2nd.
Milestone #3 – Thursday, November 4th. The requirement for passing this milestone is that the visual aid for your child’s interest project is completed. Visual aids can include, but are not limited to: poster boards, Power Point presentations, models, dioramas, etc. Be creative when thinking of your visual aid. Your visual aid should reflect your driving question and interest project topic.
Red Ribbon Week - Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of Americans during the last week of October every year. By wearing red ribbons and participating in community anti-drug events, young people pledge to live a drug-free life. The schedule for next week’s activities is:
• Monday: Born to Be Drug Free - Students will bring in a baby picture of themselves to school to share with the class.
• Tuesday: Sock it to Drugs - Students can wear crazy socks to school with their uniform.
• Wednesday: Hats off to Saying No to Violence - Students can wear hats to school with their uniform.
• Thursday: Team Up Against Drugs - Students can wear a sports jersey or shirt over their uniform.
• Friday: Dress up in Good "Character" - Students can wear a costume to school. No goblins, witches, masks, or weapons. Violations of these rules will result in a phone call home and a change of clothing into school uniform. There will be planned activities during class as well as safe trick or treating for your child at the end of the day.
Scholastic Book Fair – The Book Fair will be on November 3rd from 4:30-6:30. We would like to invite you and everyone you know to visit our event. There will be a great selection of books and fun items at the fair. We will have literacy workshops and special book readings beginning at 5:00. Get a jump on the holidays and start your shopping here. Visit all of our literacy stations for your chance to be entered into the raffle for a free gift.
Fall Festival – The Fall Festival will be on Friday, October 29th. Students are allowed to bring in their costumes. Students may change into their costumes after lunch on Friday. We will also have a small get together. If you would like to contribute to our fun by donating food and drinks, please complete the sign-up sheet. Please bring enough for 17 students, and one teacher!
No school – Tuesday, November 2nd.
Milestone #3 – Thursday, November 4th. The requirement for passing this milestone is that the visual aid for your child’s interest project is completed. Visual aids can include, but are not limited to: poster boards, Power Point presentations, models, dioramas, etc. Be creative when thinking of your visual aid. Your visual aid should reflect your driving question and interest project topic.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Notes from Mrs. Martin
MEAP begins tomorrow! Please discuss with your child the importance of taking their time and doing well on this test. Here is the testing schedule:
Tuesday 10/12 – Reading
Wednesday 10/13 – Reading
Thursday 10/14 – Writing
Tuesday 10/19 – Math
Wednesday 10/20 – Writing
Testing begins promptly at 9:00 each day. Please make sure that your child arrives to school on time each and every day. Students who are not in the classroom when the test begins will have to make up the test at a different date and time.
Path to success starts with a good night’s rest. Make sure that your child is going to bed on time, if not early to assure a good night’s rest. It is important that your child has a good breakfast the day of the test. Sugary cereals or Pop-tarts will not keep your child full and focused throughout the entire test.
Mystery Writing
We will begin our mystery writing genre this week. Students will be thrown into the detective role, and try to solve a mystery. As the weeks go by, students will begin to write their own mystery story. This is a fun unit! I look forward to seeing the students’ mysteries.
Tuesday 10/12 – Reading
Wednesday 10/13 – Reading
Thursday 10/14 – Writing
Tuesday 10/19 – Math
Wednesday 10/20 – Writing
Testing begins promptly at 9:00 each day. Please make sure that your child arrives to school on time each and every day. Students who are not in the classroom when the test begins will have to make up the test at a different date and time.
Path to success starts with a good night’s rest. Make sure that your child is going to bed on time, if not early to assure a good night’s rest. It is important that your child has a good breakfast the day of the test. Sugary cereals or Pop-tarts will not keep your child full and focused throughout the entire test.
Mystery Writing
We will begin our mystery writing genre this week. Students will be thrown into the detective role, and try to solve a mystery. As the weeks go by, students will begin to write their own mystery story. This is a fun unit! I look forward to seeing the students’ mysteries.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Uhhh...
I have been trying to find time to update the blog for a few days, but it has been hard to find time between the Learning Team Meetings.
Learning Team Meetings
I would like to thank everyone for showing up to their Learning Team Meeting. I am very excited to see the first exhibitions of fourth grade. There are some exciting ideas out there!
Exhibitions / Milestones
The first Milestone is due on Thursday, October 7th. ALL RESOURCES for the interest project are due at this time. You should have all received the First Milestone Form at your Learning Team Meeting. It is important that you remember to have a parent signature at the bottom.
Upcoming Field Trip
The fourth and fifth graders are going to Ford Field for a Blue Cross/Blue Shield event on Wednesday, October 6th. This even will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. There is no cost for the field trip. The only requirement is that every student wears his/her RED polo shirts.
If you are interested in being a chaperone for this event, please contact me.
No School
There is no school on Friday, October 8th for teacher's Professional Development.
Book Order
Book Order money is due on Monday, October 4th.
Learning Team Meetings
I would like to thank everyone for showing up to their Learning Team Meeting. I am very excited to see the first exhibitions of fourth grade. There are some exciting ideas out there!
Exhibitions / Milestones
The first Milestone is due on Thursday, October 7th. ALL RESOURCES for the interest project are due at this time. You should have all received the First Milestone Form at your Learning Team Meeting. It is important that you remember to have a parent signature at the bottom.
Upcoming Field Trip
The fourth and fifth graders are going to Ford Field for a Blue Cross/Blue Shield event on Wednesday, October 6th. This even will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. There is no cost for the field trip. The only requirement is that every student wears his/her RED polo shirts.
If you are interested in being a chaperone for this event, please contact me.
No School
There is no school on Friday, October 8th for teacher's Professional Development.
Book Order
Book Order money is due on Monday, October 4th.
Friday, September 17, 2010
First Full Week
We have completed our first full week together. It is amazing how quickly time is flying already.
THANK YOU!
I want to say a big "THANK YOU!" to everyone who attended Back to School Night. It was a great seeing everyone.
MATH HOMEWORK
I have noticed quite a few students copying answers from the Family Letter this week. Please make sure that the Family Letter is being used to assist the child, not give them the answer. The homework that is given out is correlated with the lesson taught.
NEEDED
Our class is in need of Gallon Size Zip Lock bags. These bags are needed for our Book in a Bag assignments.
ILLNESSES
We have had some students out this past week, not feeling well. It is important for your child to be in school, however not if they are sick. Please remind your child to cough and sneeze into their elbow as well as washing their hands frequently.
Here's to another great week! Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Martin
THANK YOU!
I want to say a big "THANK YOU!" to everyone who attended Back to School Night. It was a great seeing everyone.
MATH HOMEWORK
I have noticed quite a few students copying answers from the Family Letter this week. Please make sure that the Family Letter is being used to assist the child, not give them the answer. The homework that is given out is correlated with the lesson taught.
NEEDED
Our class is in need of Gallon Size Zip Lock bags. These bags are needed for our Book in a Bag assignments.
ILLNESSES
We have had some students out this past week, not feeling well. It is important for your child to be in school, however not if they are sick. Please remind your child to cough and sneeze into their elbow as well as washing their hands frequently.
Here's to another great week! Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Martin
Monday, September 13, 2010
Letter Home
Welcome Back to School!
Dear Parents,
I am very excited to start this school year with your child. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and provide information about the class. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
A little about me
My name is Liana Martin. I was born and raised in Holland, Michigan. I attended Michigan State University where I received my undergraduate degree in Supply Chain Management. After graduating from college I got married and moved to the Metro-Detroit area, and worked for a logistics company.
While working in the business field, I felt that I was not making as big of an impact on the world as I would have liked. It was then that I realized that I wanted to be a teacher. I enrolled in The University of Michigan, and received my Master’s Degree in Education.
I am a highly qualified teacher in elementary education, and have been teaching for six years, all of which have been at UPA. I am truly blessed to have found a great school to work in. I enjoy coming to work every day.
I am married and have two small children; Skyler who is 3 ½ years old and Owen who is 15 months. We have a dog, a Shepherd mix, named Niky that we rescued from the shelter. Together, we live in Troy.
In my spare time, I love to travel and go different places. I also love to read, scrapbook, and do crafts. I love sports, especially MSU football and basketball, Tiger baseball, and Detroit Red Wing hockey.
Our class
We will work very hard in our class, and have a lot of fun too. I expect students to come to school on time and ready to learn each day. Students are expected to contribute to class discussions and in class work.
You can expect your child to have homework every evening, including weekends. Homework is a chance for your student to formulate a better understanding of the concepts discussed in class that day. I do not give homework just to keep your child busy. It is important for your student to try each and every assignment. It is not beneficial for him/her, or me, to simply write a note saying that they did not understand. It is important for us to work together as a team on homework. Unless otherwise stated, homework is due the following day. Late homework is accepted; however it will be graded at a later time. If you have a question about an assignment, please feel free to contact me.
Classroom Rules & Discipline
During class this week, we made our classroom rules. Together, we signed these rules showing our understanding of them and our commitment to following them. The rules that we came up with for our classroom are:
1. Treat others how we would want to be treated
2. Have a positive attitude
3. Be safe
4. Participate
5. Pay attention
Issues that arise in class, and can be settled in class, will be handled in such a way. Calls will be made to parents regarding the issues. Other problems or issues that may arise will be handled according to the school’s discipline policy.
Our class schedule
8:30 – 9:00 Morning Meeting
9:00 – 9:55 AMPT (Art, Music, Physical Education, Technology)
9:55 – 11:30 Reading Workshop / Word Study
11:30 – 12:15 Writing Workshop
12:15 – 12:30 Recess
12:30 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 1:15 Cool Down
1:15 – 2:30 Math
2:30 – 3:20 Science / Social Studies
Please feel free to contact me during AMPT time or lunch time. I will return any phone call or email as soon as possible.
Thank you so much to all the families that contributed school supplies to the class this year. They are greatly appreciated and will be well used. Thank you again!
Back to School Night
Back to School Night is on Wednesday, September 15th, beginning at 5:00. This is a great time to ask questions about the classroom, and the school. I hope to see everyone there.
MAP Testing
We will be starting our MAP testing on Monday. It is important that students take this assessment seriously. The MAP test is a great tool for teachers to use in your child’s education.
Learning Team Meetings
Learning Team Meetings will begin the week of the 20th. This is our chance to discuss personal learning style of students as well as prepare for the first trimester exhibition. There will be a sign up at Back to School Night.
Dear Parents,
I am very excited to start this school year with your child. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and provide information about the class. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
A little about me
My name is Liana Martin. I was born and raised in Holland, Michigan. I attended Michigan State University where I received my undergraduate degree in Supply Chain Management. After graduating from college I got married and moved to the Metro-Detroit area, and worked for a logistics company.
While working in the business field, I felt that I was not making as big of an impact on the world as I would have liked. It was then that I realized that I wanted to be a teacher. I enrolled in The University of Michigan, and received my Master’s Degree in Education.
I am a highly qualified teacher in elementary education, and have been teaching for six years, all of which have been at UPA. I am truly blessed to have found a great school to work in. I enjoy coming to work every day.
I am married and have two small children; Skyler who is 3 ½ years old and Owen who is 15 months. We have a dog, a Shepherd mix, named Niky that we rescued from the shelter. Together, we live in Troy.
In my spare time, I love to travel and go different places. I also love to read, scrapbook, and do crafts. I love sports, especially MSU football and basketball, Tiger baseball, and Detroit Red Wing hockey.
Our class
We will work very hard in our class, and have a lot of fun too. I expect students to come to school on time and ready to learn each day. Students are expected to contribute to class discussions and in class work.
You can expect your child to have homework every evening, including weekends. Homework is a chance for your student to formulate a better understanding of the concepts discussed in class that day. I do not give homework just to keep your child busy. It is important for your student to try each and every assignment. It is not beneficial for him/her, or me, to simply write a note saying that they did not understand. It is important for us to work together as a team on homework. Unless otherwise stated, homework is due the following day. Late homework is accepted; however it will be graded at a later time. If you have a question about an assignment, please feel free to contact me.
Classroom Rules & Discipline
During class this week, we made our classroom rules. Together, we signed these rules showing our understanding of them and our commitment to following them. The rules that we came up with for our classroom are:
1. Treat others how we would want to be treated
2. Have a positive attitude
3. Be safe
4. Participate
5. Pay attention
Issues that arise in class, and can be settled in class, will be handled in such a way. Calls will be made to parents regarding the issues. Other problems or issues that may arise will be handled according to the school’s discipline policy.
Our class schedule
8:30 – 9:00 Morning Meeting
9:00 – 9:55 AMPT (Art, Music, Physical Education, Technology)
9:55 – 11:30 Reading Workshop / Word Study
11:30 – 12:15 Writing Workshop
12:15 – 12:30 Recess
12:30 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 1:15 Cool Down
1:15 – 2:30 Math
2:30 – 3:20 Science / Social Studies
Please feel free to contact me during AMPT time or lunch time. I will return any phone call or email as soon as possible.
Thank you so much to all the families that contributed school supplies to the class this year. They are greatly appreciated and will be well used. Thank you again!
Back to School Night
Back to School Night is on Wednesday, September 15th, beginning at 5:00. This is a great time to ask questions about the classroom, and the school. I hope to see everyone there.
MAP Testing
We will be starting our MAP testing on Monday. It is important that students take this assessment seriously. The MAP test is a great tool for teachers to use in your child’s education.
Learning Team Meetings
Learning Team Meetings will begin the week of the 20th. This is our chance to discuss personal learning style of students as well as prepare for the first trimester exhibition. There will be a sign up at Back to School Night.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Welcome Back!
Welcome to the fourth grade! This year promises to be a challenging, but fun year. I am very excited to be teaching fourth grade again.
It is my hope that the classroom Blog will be a place for you to visit daily and catch up on what is happening in the classroom.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments that you might have.
I am excited to get started, I hope you are too.
~Mrs. Martin
It is my hope that the classroom Blog will be a place for you to visit daily and catch up on what is happening in the classroom.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments that you might have.
I am excited to get started, I hope you are too.
~Mrs. Martin
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