Important News This Week:

October is busy and as we move toward the November election, even busier! The Fourth Grade Pot Luck held at the Clawson's home on October 4th was delicious and lots of fun. It was nice to get together with parents and get acquainted outside of school. Thank you to the Clawsons and all of the parents who brought the wonderful chilis and salads.

Election Day Ahead!
All of the students in 4W have completed and given an oral presentation of their Treasure Island Map projects. The finished displays are posted on the wall outside of our room, if you can stop by and try to find the buried treasures. We had lots of fun with this and many of the Treasure Boxes are filled with "gold" coins and shrunken skeleton heads! Now, we're off and running toward the November 4th election.

Each student has chosen a candidate to learn about and support: John McCain or Barack Obama. Each student has also selected two issues to research for a debate between the two sides. Our debate, which should take place the week of October 20th, will have each group arguing their candidate's point of view on the issues. I will be the moderator and give each side plenty of room to pitch their point.

I believe it is important that students learn and know the American democratic process, in fact, it is a part of our curriculum. An election year presents a special opportunity for students to learn first hand what it is all about. I know there is a lot of propaganda on each side and students should be aware of that as well. I have told them this is a respectful process and we will not be the mudslingers for either candidate. Neither will we tackle issues that are not appropriate for 4th grade or that should be discussed at home.

Reading and Dollars
We have finished up our first Unit in Reading/Open Court. The theme of the stories was Risks and Consequences. Our next Unit's theme is Dollars and Sense and contains several stories on small businesses, entrepreneurs, and kids and money. Seems pretty appropriate for our times doesn't it? If you and your child find stories about business that would fit into our unit we'd love to share them and put them on our Concept/Question Board to help broaden students' interest in business.

October Mass Date
Students in 4W will participate in the school Mass on Thursday, October 30th. If parents are able to attend we'd love to see you there. Mass begins at 8:25 am and lasts until about 9:25. Students who are willing will read the day's scripture, recite intentions, and serve in several parts of the Mass. We have an opportunity to be a part of the weekly Mass three times during the year.

Eating Lunch, Minding our Manners
It is my duty to tell you we have had lots of problems lately in the lunchroom with grades 3,4,5. These students from the Treehouse Level have been talked to by Ms. McManamon and they know the expectations of behavior. However, they're not paying attention to the rules lately. During the actual eating time we have been getting reports of food being thown at each other or on the floor, food being taken off the trays of younger students, the lunchroom being left a mess, and more.
At the end of the lunch period, the lights are turned out and students are expected to be silent and listen for directions. Apparently no one stops talking and there is a lot of noise and chaos as the students leave. To avoid the prospect of punishment and loss of recess time, please talk to your student about what is expected during lunch and remind them to set a good example for others. Thank you!

Halloween Parties
October 31st is a half-day, so the class parties will be held at about 11 am in the classrooms. My room-parent party contacts tell me several fun activities have been planned along with sweet and healthful treats. We look forward to a great day and thanks to all parents who have taken the time and given so much to our class!