1. Classroom News Mrs. Whitley’s Wondrous 4th Grade Class
October Newsletter
Dates to Remember
October 2-6: Kindness Week
October 4: Walk to School Day
October 5: PTA General 9:30 a.m.
October 6: Wear Blue/Free Dress Day
October 10: Two Lunch Tuesday
October 13: Fall Festival from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
October 20: Free Dress Day
October 26: Field Trip to Natural Heritage Museum
*Coffee Talk I MP Room 8-9 a.m.
October 27: Nevada Day-no school
October 31: Halloween Party
***KEEP TRACK of your physical activities and fruit/veggie intake for our UNLV Coaches’ Challenge Tracker project.
Classroom News
Reading: In the past month, the students have been reading fiction and nonfiction texts from the Storyworks magazine. They have been working collaboratively with their reading groups. We finished reading the books, Wonder, by RJ Palacio, as well as How to Beat the Bully Without Really Trying. I am also encouraging all students to take AR quizzes online at home and at school.
Math: We are trudging along in I-Ready Math. Remember that your child is required to do online instruction at least 50 minutes per week. It is important that you plan about 15 minutes for this homework on a nightly basis. Additionally, please make sure your child practices his or her math facts on a daily basis. Students are assessed every Friday on their multiplication fact fluency. It is a common 4th grade goal to have all students recall facts (0-144) with automaticity.
Social Studies: We are learning about our wonderful state of Nevada this year. The students are also required to take the Great Nevada Challenge tests as part of their 4th grade curriculum. The first challenge test, Nevada Preamble, has just finished, so we are moving along with the next challenge. Students are required to recite or sing the Nevada song, “Home Means Nevada.” I am giving Nevada Challenge tests on Fridays.
Science: We are currently focusing on Earth and Physical sciences. The students just finished learning about the layers of the Earth and even got to do a science experiment by making their own layers of the earth play dough! We also learned about the Water Cycle and the oceans/waterways of Earth.
Writing: We are currently writing our mystery narratives, using illustrations Chris Van Allsburg’s book, Mysteries of Harris Burdick. We are focusing on using sensory details in our writing and editing our work.
Language: The students will continue to do weekly spelling and vocabulary activities, as well as learn various grammar skills such as: conjunctions ad subjects/predicates (complete sentences).
August/September Student of the Month
Congratulations to Cindy W. for being chosen as the September Student of the Month! Cindy has displayed all seven habits all month!
August/September Students of the Week:
Sincere, Ivy, Aaron, Addy, Saul, Kate, and Nash
Mrs. Whitley address:
Neil C Twitchell Elementary School Website: mrsvwhitley.weebly.com Track 4, Room 63 School Phone Number: (702)

2. A NOTE FROM THE 4TH GRADE TEACHERS
CHECK OUT these Websites!
AR Website:
2. spellingcity.com/vwhitley
3. ONLINE INTERACTIVE ACTIVIITIES
WHITLEY’S WONDERS
Our class has been working on our Seven Habits Skills and tying it in with our novel, Wonder. Students wrote about their character traits and came up with a precept! Check them out on the wall outside my classroom!
Let’s SYNERGIZE—TEAMWORK ROCKS!
A NOTE FROM THE 4TH GRADE TEACHERS
The beginning weeks of fourth grade are spent assessing student’s current working levels in all subjects and building a strong classroom community.
For this reason, the initial progress report has beginning grades that reflect where a student is currently performing with the fourth grade standards. Keep in mind that a few grades cannot provide a detailed/accurate picture of a student’s proficiency. Teachers use research-based data to assess students and grades are one piece of that information. The goal is for students to meet the fourth grade standard by the end of the school year.
Students who are working at or above grade level (earning an A, B or C) will be given the benefit of time to work toward the grade level standards, learn the strategies needed to be successful and adjust to fourth grade expectations.
Parents are to be assured that if a child is working below the grade level expectations; your child’s teacher will contact you to discuss any concerns.
Parent/teacher/student conferences are scheduled for November 6th and we look forward to discussing your child’s strengths and progress at that time.
Students are expected to share all graded work and teacher feedback with their parents/guardians and parents can utilize Infinite Campus to monitor student grades. Students are encouraged to discuss their grade and/or progress with their teacher at any time.
Thank you for continuing to work so diligently with your child to ensure their success. As a team, we are committed to providing the best education we can offer and we are proud to be your child’s teacher!