Mrs. Hoops

March 12, 2010

Dear Parents and Students,

We had a very busy week wrapping up our history unit on the Gold Rush. We studied very hard as a class and I felt very prepared for the class to take the test. I will send the test home next week after I grade them. Thank you for helping them study at home.

We began a short unit in Science on Soil. We will complete this unit next week and have the test on Friday, March 19th. Ask your child these questions about lesson 1, What are the two processes that form soil? 2. What are the three layers of soil?

We also continued our study in language on Pronouns (I, he, she, we, they�). The Spelling Test will be on Thursday, March 18th on list 26 with Psalm 27:14 as our Bible memory verse for the week. We have completed lessons 71-75 in Math and will be having our next test on Tuesday, March 16th.

The students are writing an essay about the literature fiction book we finished called �Mr. Popper�s Penguins.� We went over expectations for this essay. They began by writing an Introduction paragraph which should include 1. That the book was a fiction story 2. Describe where and when the story takes place, and 3. Create excitement for the reader. The second (long) paragraph is the Plot summary. If they didn�t finish these paragraphs in class they should finish over the weekend and bring it to school on Monday. We gave many examples of an introduction and talked about the plot summary should tell what happened in the story including an important event from the beginning, the middle, and the end of the story. They are bringing this home in their backpacks. Have them read it to you. They came up with some cleaver introductions.

We will be wrapping up Bible Unit 7 on King Saul�s Reign next week. Students are bringing home the STUDY GUIDE to review over the weekend. They should review the Bible Baseball game questions for our class competition the week of 3/22. The unit test will be Thursday, 3/25.

Jump Rope for Heart will be on Wednesday, March 17th. Our 4th graders will participate at 1:00. If your family has decided to collect money to support the American Heart Association send the donations in anytime next week in the Jump Rope for Heart envelope. Remember to wear shoes for running and jumping and bring a water bottle.

The Coffee Can book reports were great! I have enjoyed listening to the students share all they have learned about their famous person. Grade sheets will come home next weeks. I am impressed with your creativity and how much they enjoyed sharing their reports. Thank you parents for your assistance with this project.

Remember to plan ahead for the 4th grade �Three Trees� musical on Friday, March 26th during School Family Chapel AND Wednesday, March 31st in the Freed Theater at 7pm. Please invite your family and friends for the night time performance. The students are working so hard and would love a large audience to share about the love of Jesus. Please make sure you know all the details from the letter that came home from Miss Sandy last Friday (what to wear, what time to be at rehearsals�).

International Day is Wednesday, March 24th. Please plan to dress in the attire of the culture of your choice. Our classroom will share an International lunch with food from your cultures. If you would like to bring in a food to share with our class please sign up on the food sign up sheet outside the classroom. Thank you!

The Taste of the World school dinner & entertainment event will be Friday, March 26th. If you are interested in cooking for this event send in a note to the office. Plan to attend if you can in the past it has been a night filled with friends, fabulous food, and great entertainment. I hope to see you there.

We will be starting our California State Notebooks in class next week. You will be receiving a Parent and Student Contract to read and sign on Monday. This project will take several weeks to complete. We will be working on it in class as well as at home. This is a special book that will be filled with all kinds of facts about our state. When it is done you will surely want to save it as a keepsake from 4th grade. The completed notebooks will be on display for Open House. Look for the note coming home Monday, March 15th. Please sign and return it by Friday. Thank you!!!

Have a blessed weekend. I am praying for each of your families and each of my students.

God bless,
Mrs. Hoops

March 5, 2010

Dear Parents and Students,

We had an awesome trip to Sacramento! THANK YOU to our fabulous moms and dads who chaperoned this fun and exciting day. Everything went very smoothly. We toured the capitol building and met with Senator Lou Correa who presented each child with a certificate, shook their hands, and took photos. We sat in on the floor of the Senate and witnessed them voting on a bill. We attended class in the one room school house and toured the Railroad Museum in Old Town. We had free time to explore and shop in Old Town Sacramento which traditionally includes a trip to Candy Heaven. Then we explored Sutter�s fort and the cherry on top was the trip to Home Town Buffet where we ate dinner. The students were courteous, kind, and very well behaved. We were complimented on their behavior and knowledge. Go CCA! Go 4th Grade! I am very proud of the way they represented our school and enjoyed the day. Thank you for allowing them to have this experience. They will be talking about it for a long time.

�Coffee Can� Biography Book Reports are due on Monday. Remember to finish the scroll in your best cursive writing. The scroll should be the final copy meaning free from errors. Have fun and be as creative as you want when you decorate the outside of your can and adding the five objects inside your can. If by chance you haven�t been able to find a coffee can, you may use or make a container the size and shape of a LARGE coffee can. Students should be ready to give a two minute oral presentation about their person some time next week. Try to have fun with this project.

The 4th Grade mini musical called �The Three Trees� will be on Friday, March 26th during School Family Chapel AND Wednesday, March 31st in the Freed Theater at 7:00 p.m. Please plan ahead for these performances. Please read all the details in the note being sent home today attached to the hard copy of this Friday Letter. They need to wear specific clothes (detailed in the note) and have to be there at specific times. Their participation is mandatory and is their drama grade. Please plan to invite all your family and friends to the evening performance. You are always welcome to come to the Friday Chapel performance as well.

We will have our Spelling Test on list 25 next Thursday, March 11th.

Science test on rocks and minerals will be on Monday, March 8th. I gave each student a study guide and science book to study for the test over the weekend.

The history test will be on Friday, March 12th on the Gold Rush. Please study the vocabulary and questions at the end of each lesson. Students will also be bringing home their history books to study over the weekend.

The Bible memory verse for the next two weeks is Psalm 27: 13-14. The memory test on Psalm 27:13 will be Thursday, 3/11. Memory test on Psalm 27:14 will be March 18th. See the verses below�

�I am still confident of this;
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.�
Psalm 27:13
�Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and take heart
And wait for the Lord.�
Psalm 27:14

Our school event for Jump Rope for Heart will be on Wednesday, March 17th from 1:10-1:55 p.m. I sent home letters explaining the event to help the American Heart Association. Every child participates and enjoys the fun physical fitness activities exercising our hearts. You are invited to collect a donation from yourself and / or family and friends if you feel led to support this cause.

Progress reports should be coming home soon for a grade of C or below. If your child has a 0 in something that means it was never turned in. They can still make up and turn in those assignments before report cards come out to bring up their grade

International Day is coming on Wednesday, March 24th. Plan ahead to wear an outfit representing your family heritage or you may dress a culture of interest to you. We will be celebrating by bringing in a cultural food to share with our class. Start planning ahead for this fun multicultural day at school. Also, the International Dinner will be Friday, March 26th. Save the date and join us for a fun filled evening that starts with a family dinner followed by some multicultural entertainment There is still time to sign up to bring your favorite cultural dish to share that night.

Have a wonderfully restful weekend. We have many sick children in our class; please keep them and all of our health in your prayers.

God�s blessings,

Mrs. Hoops

February 26, 2010

Dear Parents and Students,

Wow, another month with these beautiful children learning, growing, and developing their many talents. The students did an excellent job on our school family presentation of Honesty. They came up with all the details of the skit and song. I am very proud of all their hard work and enthusiasm each and every day. Thank you for the wonderful job you do with them at home and for joining us today. They are truly amazing individuals. I am very blessed to be their teacher. Please know that I pray for each of my students and families. You are a blessing.

Next week is a short week. No School- Tuesday, March 2nd. We have no school on Tuesday, March 2nd for the Fine Arts Festival which our school hosts on campus. There will be many other schools on campus competing in this friendly competition. Therefore, we will not be having a Spelling test next week.

Our Sacramento field trip is this Thursday, March 4, 2010. A blue note with details is coming home in the Friday folders today. I will meet you at the Long Beach airport at 5:15a.m. in front of the Jet Blue counter. Adults remember to bring your picture ID if you will be flying with us. Please read all the details in the note. Thank you and I will see you bright and early on Thursday.

Our science test has been rescheduled for Monday, March 8th. We will be doing a hands-on lab on the rock cycle during the week, study, and then take the test on Monday. Please take 10-15 minutes at a time and study vocabulary, processes, and the rock cycle. This will help prepare for the test. They had time to work on the review at the end of chapter 2 in class but if they didn�t finish please make sure they do it at home. We will go over the review and study next week in class also.

The Math pretest is coming home to study for the test on lessons 66-70 on Monday, March 1st. Please review the concepts on the test. Math books should be in backpacks to help you review and practice.

We will also be reviewing on Monday for our language test on Wednesday March 3rd. The test will cover Unit 8 � Nouns. Students should review unit 8 and have all language pages completed for this unit. Read all the yellow and blue boxes that tell you the important concepts and language rules.

History � We will take some additional time to complete the unit on the Gold Rush before taking the test Friday, March 12th. Students should practice studying at home. Take 10 � 15 minutes to review vocabulary, important dates and people, and concepts about the gold rush. Each student should be almost finished with their history packet. Studying in an important skill which we are trying to develop this year. It will be very helpful in the years to come.

February �Coffee Can� biography book report is due Monday, March 8th. I have shown the students an example and explained the coffee can report to them. If you have any questions please let me know. You should be finishing up reading your books and begin the decorating your coffee cans real soon.

In Bible we have been memorizing Psalms 27:1-3 for the month of February. I am very proud of everyone for being able to say and write these verses. Great job!
Our David and Goliath skit was also from our current Bible unit. Students all did a great job acting out the story.

God bless,
Mrs. Hoops

PS� Thank you for praying for my Dad. He is doing well after a couple stays in the hospital for fevers. They think it was related to the chemo drugs since they never could find any infection or other cause. He is home and resting getting ready to start his second round of Chemo this coming Tuesday. Thank you for caring and asking about him. My family and I are very thankful for all your prayers.

Important dates to remember:

Monday, March 1st � regular school day & Math Test on lessons 66-70

Tuesday, March 2nd � No School for the Fine Arts Festival

Wednesday, March 3rd � Language Test on Unit 8 � Nouns

Thursday, March 4th � Sacramento Field Trip

Friday, March 5th � regular school day
Monday, March 8th � Biography Coffee Can Book Report DUE
And Science Test on Rocks and Minerals

Wednesday, March 17th � Jump Rope for Heart day�sponsored by the American Heart Association

February 19, 2010

Dear Parents and Students,

We will be hosting School Family this coming Friday, February 26, 2010. Please join us for a special morning presentation on honesty. Please arrive to school before 8:15am. I will pick students up on the playground at 8:15am and walk them over to the Freed Theater. You may meet us at the theater at 8:30 with your child. If you arrive late please accompany your child to the theater. They are not allowed to walk over alone for safety reasons. We hope to see you all there! Please practice your script and song�Thank you.

Our SACRAMENTO trip is March 4, 2010. Only 13 Days away! Sacramento here we come�Please return your completed student permission slip and health forms (one per traveler) to me ASAP. I will send home a note next Friday with any last minute updates.

**If you are not going to Sacramento you are encouraged to stay home and have a day off. Please let me know if you will be staying home for the day. If you will be coming to school I will need to arrange for you to stay in another classroom for the day and leave class work to keep you busy. Please send me a note letting me know what your plans are for Thursday, 3/4/10.

We will be finishing up our Science unit on Rocks & Minerals next week with the test on Thursday, February 25th. All the students will be taking home their Science books to study. Please review the vocabulary words, review questions at the end of each lesson, and the main concepts. Review, review, review�Know the rock cycle and examples of how rocks change.

Our History unit on the Gold Rush will be completed next week and we will have the test March 3rd. I will also be sending home their history books to review and make sure the packets are complete for the first three chapters and the vocabulary page (the last page of the packet). We will do lesson 4 next week. Please study the vocabulary words, important people, the main ideas, and the �think about it� questions 1-5 at the end of each lesson.

Math- We will be working through lesson 70 next week and will take the test on Monday, March 1st. Please review the last test and new concepts to check for understanding.

We will be on list 24 in spelling next week with the test on Thursday, February 25th. The following week March 1-5, we will not be doing spelling due to the field trip and no school Tuesday.

The February Bible Memory Verse is Psalm 27:1-3. Please be memorized by Friday, February 26th. We will have our last written test on Thursday, 2/25 with the spelling test on Psalm 27:3. The oral test will be on Friday the 26th on Psalm 27: 1-3. Awesome Emily and Fantastic Ryan have memorized the three verses and already written their names on the memory verse wall! Who will be next??? You will!!!

February Biography �coffee can� book reports are due Monday, March 8th. Please follow the direction sent home a couple weeks ago or see that Friday letter online with the directions. Save an extra large size coffee can and lid for this project. If you have any extra please send it in for someone who is having a hard time finding one. You may need to ask friends or family to save one for you. Start drinking�

God bless,
Mrs. Hoops

Important Dates to Remember:

Thursday, February 25th � Spelling test List 24 and Bible memory verse Psalm 27:3

& Science Test on rocks & minerals

Friday, February 26th � Mrs. Hoops Class School Family 8:30 � 9:15ish in the Freed Theater. Arrive early to get good seats in the parent section on the right side of the theater.

& **Oral Bible Memory Verse test on Psalm 27:1-3

Monday, March 1st � Math test on lessons 66-70.

Tuesday, March 2nd � No School�CSI Fine Arts Festival on campus.

Wednesday, March 3rd � History Test on the Gold Rush

Thursday, March 4th � Sacramento Field Trip!!! And no spelling test this week.

February 12, 2010

Dear Parents and Students,
Love�.is the theme this month. As we celebrate Valentine�s Day let us think of God�s unfailing and unchanging love for us. Let us rejoice in the many ways God has shown us his love in our daily lives. He loves us with an everlasting love�more than our family, friends, parents�so ask Jesus into your heart and ask him to be your eternal Valentine. That is our greatest gift to him and to ourselves.

Happy Chinese New Year to those that celebrate!

This week in Science we began a new unit on rocks and minerals. If you would like to bring any rocks or minerals into class for us to observe please do this next week. We will be doing some experiments in class this coming week.

History�We have been reading about the California Gold Rush in 1840�s. We are learning how California changed because of it and how the 49ers made the journey. Ask your child to tell you about it.

Collecting all donations�Our first Read-A-Thon was a success. Everyone enjoyed reading for the day and helping to support Yesenia. If you have filled out your sponsor sheet or would like to make a personal donation of any amount please collect the money and send it in by next Friday, February 19th. Thank you for giving to this worthy cause.

20 days until our Sacramento class trip Thursday, March 4, 2010 - Please return your completed student permission slip and health forms (one per traveler) to me ASAP. Thank you. I hope you liked the itinerary that was sent home with your permission slip. It will be a day filled with fun and excitement.

Our 4th grade class will be hosting School Family on Friday, February 26, 2010. That�s two weeks away. I hope you will be able to join us for our presentation about �honesty�. Remember to meet us in the Freed Theater. After dropping off your 4th grader you may go on over and get a good seat in the parent section on the right side of the theater.

History in the making�2010 Winter Olympics Watch�The 21st Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies will be televised tonight, Friday, February 12, 2010 at 7:30 pm. The games will go on all month through February 28th. It would be great if we all could watch at least a part of the ceremonies and follow some of the athletic events beginning over the long weekend. It is a very exciting historical event and one that these children will remember. Help us We will be watching the athletes, talking about sportsmanship, developing our God given talents, and keeping track some athletes that are from California and the USA.
***SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS*** 1. Write a one page summary about what you see this weekend on TV about the Olympic Games. 2. Help us complete our Olympic bulletin board by cutting out an article (newspaper or magazine) about an athlete, opening ceremony, or anything about the Olympic Games in Toronto. We will hang them up and discuss them. Due Tuesday, February 16th

February �Coffee Can� Biography Book Report is due Monday, March 8th. Please bring in your Biography book to me for approval by Tuesday, 2/16/10. The book is to be on a famous person living or from the past (no pop stars please). The book must be at least 90 pages. Please see all the details on the flier online or hardcopy sent home last week. The written report is to be done on the special scroll.

Love,
Mrs. Hoops

Important Dates to Remember:

Monday, February 15th � NO SCHOOL for President�s Day

Tuesday, February 16th � Bring Biography book in for approval and
Math Test on Lessons 61-65

Friday, February 19th � Spelling Test List 23 and Bible memory verse test Psalm 27:1-2

February Memory Verse Psalm 27 1-3

We will be assigned one verse each week in February and have the written test on the spelling test each week as usual. Then be able to recite it in its entirety by the end of the month. Thank you�

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation-
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life �
of whom shall I be afraid?
(memory test 2/12)
2 When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
(memory test 2/19)
3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear, though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
(memory test 2/25)
Psalm 27:1-3

Due Monday, March 8th

February Book Report

The February book report will be a Biography Coffee Can Report. This report will be a Biography on a famous person living or from the past (no pop stars please). This book must be at least 90 pages and approved by me.

Each Student will need one large coffee can for this report.
The outside of the can must be labeled and decorated with:
1. Title
2. Author
3. Drawings &/or Pictures
4. Student Name

The inside of the can will include a short report form (scroll) that is attached. Students will fill out the form in cursive and complete sentences. They should write a rough draft first, then edit any mistakes. Next, they should write the final draft on the scroll which should be in their best cursive writing and free of any mistakes. They should roll it up like a scroll and put it in the coffee can. They also need to include 5 items that represent the famous person. These go in the coffee can in addition to the scroll. Students will use the information on the scroll to give an oral report, nothing else is needed. The scroll will replace the need for note cards or formal report.

February 5, 2010

Dear Parents and Students,

Read-A-Thon & Pajama Party � Monday, February 8th. The purpose for a read-a-thon is multifold: 1. to make reading even more fun and exciting 2. to encourage children to help others 3. to empower children to feel that they could make a difference 4. and, most importantly, to raise money for Yesenia�s orphanage. Getting sponsors for any amount will be a blessing. So lets try our best and if we each do a little when we put it together it will add up to a nice amount. Thank you for your kindness and sponsorship. *Students may wear pajamas for the day. Please make sure they are appropriate for school inside and out on the playground as well as closed toed shoes. They may wear socks or slippers inside.

We will be having our Valentine�s Day class party on Friday, February 12, 2010. We will have lunch in the classroom and then exchange Valentine cards and have sweet chocolate fountain treats compliments of the Diaz family. I am including a class list of our 14 students. If you want to bring Valentine cards please bring one for every student. Thank you!

The February book report will be a Biography Coffee Can Report. This report will be a Biography on a famous person living or from the past (no pop stars please). The book must be at least 90 pages and approved by me. Please see all the details on the flier below or attached to the hard copy of the Friday Letter coming home in Friday Folders this week. Please bring in your Biography chapter book by next Friday, February 12th for approval. It needs to be a book you have never read before. Have fun choosing!

SACRAMENTO Itinerary�Special Delivery�Please carefully read and fill out the Permission Slip and Personal Health and Medical Forms. We need a health form completed and turned in to me at school for each traveler (student and parent). I have also included the itinerary for our trip. Please completely fill out both sides of these two forms and return to me at school ASAP. Thank you for your prompt attention. It looks like we will be having a very exciting day� The trip is planned for Thursday, March 4, 2010.

God bless,
Mrs. Hoops

Dates to Remember�

Monday, February 08th � 4th Grade Read-A-Thon and PJ day
***Duck�s �Reading as Our Goal� Reading Logs due today�

Thursday, February 11th - Valentine�s Day Gram balloons & teddy bears delivered
** Math test on lessons 61-65

Friday, February 12th - Class Valentine�s Day party and Valentine Card exchange.

Monday, February 15th � NO SCHOOL for President�s DayMrs. Hoops

Class list

Ryan Arcilla
Evan Brandt
Dominic Diaz
Audrey Grabow
Zoie Hardigree
Kathy Lam
Caleb Lee
Justin Lomakin
Ali Miller
Sebastian Petcu
Madison Rauscher
Madisyn Scott
Rachel Tisdale
Emily Vandercook

Due Monday, March 8th
February Book Report
The February book report will be a Biography Coffee Can Report. This report will be a Biography on a famous person living or from the past (no pop stars please). This book must be at least 90 pages and approved by me.

Each Student will need one large coffee can for this report.
The outside of the can must be labeled and decorated with:
1. Title
2. Author
3. Drawings &/or Pictures
4. Student Name

January 29, 2010

Dear Parents and Students,

Farewell January. Hello February! February is going to be filled with many exciting learning experiences, fellowship, and fun. We will begin our Rocks and Minerals unit in science and study about the Gold Rush in history this month. We have a special California Notebook that we will begin soon.

The class has voted on �Game Day� as a reward for great behavior and hard work after filling our Hoops Super Scoop Jar! We will have our game day on Tuesday, February 2nd. The class may also wear FREE DRESS (please follow the guidelines in the student handbook). Students may bring their own hand held electronic games to play (appropriate for school�rated everyone�no killing, guns, or violent games please.). They may also choose to bring a board game. We will have whole class game time and will be playing �Bible Jeopardy� as a study and review for our Bible test on Thursday. We will also play a spelling and math game together.

Keep up READING and RECORDING on your �Reading is the Goal� Ducks reading log. The log is due Monday, February 8th which will end the 30 day challenge. Please record all your reading and have a parent initial the log each day. Remember this is part of your reading grade so read, read, read� You will also earn cool prizes from the Ducks.

This week�s tests will be on Thursday, February 4th. Please study for our weekly Bible memory verse test on Luke 6:31 along with Spelling List 21.

Thursday, February 4th - We are privileged to have a 4th grade assembly hosted by representatives of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. The assembly will be on good sportsmanship. Students will enjoy this entertaining and interactive presentation just for 4th grade.

Monday, February 8th - We will be having our own Read-A-Thon & Pajama Day in 4th grade. We will spend the day reading for fun and excitement as well as raising money for, Yesenia. Please see the flyer below with all the details. Please help support Yesenia at the orphanage in Mexico by getting your family and friends to sponsor you for READING. The challenge is on�

Thank you for your continued support at home and at school. I am very blessed with this group of very talented 4th graders and their families. Thank you for your prayers.

God bless,
Mrs. Hoops

Upcoming Dates to Remember�

Tuesday, February 2nd � Game Day and free dress

Thursday, February 4th � Mighty Ducks Assembly for 4th grade
***also, Bible Test Unit 6 � Samuel
****And Spelling Test List 21 and memory verse test

Monday, February 8th � Mission Project Read-A-Thon and PJ day
***Also the Ducks �Reading is the Goal� reading log is due today

Friday, February 12th � Valentine�s Day Party�look for details next week�

Monday, February 15th � No School - President�s Day

Thursday, March 4th � Sacramento Field Trip

See form below�or see hard copy sent home with Friday Letter.

4th Grade
Mission Project
Read-A-Thon

The purpose for a read-a-thon is multifold:
1) to make reading even more fun and exciting
2) to encourage children to help others
3) to empower children to feel that they could make a difference
4) and, most importantly, to raise money for YESENIA�s orphanage.

* Students may be in Free Dress (please follow free dress guidelines in the student handbook), and they may bring pillows and blankets to create a comfortable setting to read all day.

The Read-A-Thon will take place on February 8th, 2010.

Crystal Cathedral Academy
4 th Grade
Read-A-Thon Pledge Form

The Read-A-Thon will take place on February 8th, 2010.
Donations must be collected and turned in by February 16th, 2010 (along with this form).

Student Name: _________________________

Teacher: ____________________________

# Name Address Pledge per minute read Total Due =
Minutes x Pledge (or
Fixed Amount) Total Amount Collected
1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Total Collected for all pledges

Donations must be collected and turned in
February 16th, 2010.

January 22, 2010

Dear Parents and Students,

Remember that Monday, January 25th is a Non-Student Day (no school). Have a great three day weekend!

Our spelling test on List 20 will be on Friday due to the short week. The Bible memory verse for the week will be 1 Samuel 3:10. Start practicing your words over the weekend for a head start.

Reading Homework- Please continue to read for a minimum of 20 minutes each and every night. Record your minutes on the Ducks reading log and parent initials. This 30 day challenge to read any age appropriate chapter book 20 minutes a day for 30 consecutive days will be over the beginning of February. If you have missed a day or two please read extra on a couple days to make up for it. Remember this counts as part of your reading grade and you will earn fun rewards from the Mighty Ducks!

Language- We finished Unit 7 �The Verb� and will be taking our test on Tuesday, January 26th. Please study over the weekend. Review all the blue & yellow boxes in this workbook chapter. MEMORIZE ALL THE HELPING AND BEING VERBS. Please do the four practice sheets I�m sending home for homework due Tuesday.

Science- We have finished Unit B Chapter 1 called �Changes to Earth�s Surface� pages B2 � B31. We did our science lab last week on the layers of the Earth. We will have the Chapter 1 Test on Wednesday, January 27th. Please study the vocabulary highlighted in the three lessons and the review questions at the end of each lesson. We did the chapter 1 review 1-20 in class. I recommend that you complete the 6 Critical Thinking problems on pg. B31 #21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and Plate Boundaries. This will be good preparation for the test. We will be reviewing the test in class Tuesday.

Math- We will be taking a math test on Friday, January 29th. This past week and next week we are covering�solving two-step word problems, making equal groups to find an averages, multiplying by two digit numbers, identifying place value through hundred-millions�, naming numbers through hundred millions, and calculating the perimeter of polygons & Identifying the measures of circles. The concepts are complex and mean that the children will need to study and practice at home. Please take the time to have them teach you how to work and solve these math problems. (Lessons 56-60)�

History � Yes, another test set for Thursday, January 28th on Chapter 6 Mexican California. The vocabulary and highlighted words in the lessons are important to know for the test. We will be doing the chapter review & test prep on Tuesday. Please do the questions on page 167. Think and write a paragraph for each of these questions. Then do some timeline practice with �applying study skills�.

RED ALERT***Fourth Grade Weather Tracker Update�This time of year can become a bit unstable. All subjects get more complicated and require actual studying. Students cannot earn A�s & B�s anymore without extra study time at home. Please partner with me in teaching and modeling how to study and why it�s important. It may even take failing a test to get their attention. So be prepared for tornado like conditions coming from room 223. We have to be prepared for 5th grade.

Daily Planners aka Assignment Books � Students will be filling them out each day and should ask you to review and sign it each evening. Please help them learn how to use this organizational tool. They will earn points for getting them signed each night. Points will be taken away for not getting them signed. Thank you for helping me teach them a good habit.

I need the names and birthdates of all parents going on the Sacramento field trip. The travel agency will be booking the air tickets next week and have asked us to gather this information now required by the airline before they can purchase the tickets. Please send me this info ASAP by note or email jhoops@crystalcathedral.org. Thank you!

On a personal note my dad will be starting heavy duty Chemotherapy for his leukemia on Monday. Please keep him in your prayers. Also, please stay home if you are sick with a bad cough, fever, or vomiting. I am trying to stay healthy so I can assist my mom. But I cannot go around him with any kind of sickness. His immune system will be practically non-existent during the next five months. Thank you for your care, concern, and prayers.

We will be planning our Valentine�s Day party and I will send home a note in the next Friday letter. Also WE FILLED UP OUR HOOPS SUPER SCOOP JAR! As a reward for listening the first time, working quietly, staying focused�for good behavior�we will be voting on what to do for our reward day. I�m sure you will be filled in as soon as we vote.

Report cards will be mailed out next week. The new Semester begins and that means everyone starts new with their grades. This is a great time to set some achievement goals�such as honor roll. Keep that in mind and let�s make this quarter a very successful one.

Many blessings,
Mrs. Hoops

Tuesday, January 26th � Language Test

Wednesday, January 27th � Science Test

Thursday, January 28th - History Test

Friday, January 29th � Spelling Test, Bible memory test, and Math Test

January 15, 2010

Dear Parents and Students,

Wow! What a great surprise birthday party the students threw for me� I walked in the classroom door on Friday morning to a big confetti welcome. The students came up the idea and planned it all on their own. Thank-you parents for assisting them with their plans. They made my day very special and I will always remember their love and kindness. A thousand thank-you�s to you and your children. Special thanks to Kathy, Emily, Madisyn, Madison, Zoie, Audrey, and Dominic for their roll in the planning, baking, sign making, organizing, and decorating. Thank you Ryan, Evan, Justin, Caleb, Ali, Audrey, Sebastian, Rachel, Kim, Tricia, Melanie� I have the best 4th graders ever!!!

Remember that this Monday, January 18th, is a holiday and next Monday, January 25th is a non-students day. Have a nice three day weekend (times two)!

We had our edible science lab experiment on Wednesday. We used the ingredients peanut butter, graham crackers, jelly, chocolate chips, powdered milk, and honey to make a model of the 4 layers of the Earth. Ask your child to tell you what each ingredient was used for and which layer it represented. Thank you for sending in the ingredients. The Earth sure was yummy!

Thursday we traveled back in time through a time machine at our on campus field trip �Walk Through California�. It was an awesome day. The students all participated in this very interactive history lesson. They journeyed back in time as they reviewed information we have been learning about this year in history about California. We had an engagement, square dancing, a fiesta, built a huge CA state puzzle map, and much more. Everyone dressed up and looked great! Thank you for your help with the costumes.

Please see the latest math test coming home today. We are learning more difficult concepts that should be reviewed at home for reinforcement. Please go over the test and have your child re-do any incorrect problems and return to school on Tuesday. Also have them teach you how to do a couple math questions from the test.

Please remember to read for 20 minutes a day at home and fill out the Ducks reading log. Remember that this is not an optional assignment and it will be part of your child�s reading grade. They can earn prizes from the Ducks the more they read.

Missing work and Extra credit�Remember that any missing work should be turned in the morning of Wednesday, January 20th. I am sending them home with their math, language, and spelling books as well as science. I am including some extra credit work in a variety of subjects. This must also be turned in by Wednesday morning.
Here is a list of math and spelling extra credit.

Extra credit math January 2010

Math - Do any of the following Supplemental Math Lessons in the back of the Math book. Each lesson will be worth 15 points.

Lessons, 17,18,22,24,26,29,30,34,35,41,47,53

Spelling � Do any of the following spelling Lists in your workbook.

Vocabulary review list�9 or 18
Or Write 20 sentences using the spelling words from list 19. Sentences should be complete and show that you understand the meaning of the word.

Next weeks Spelling and Memory verse Test will be on List 19. The Bible memory verse will be from our new Bible Unit is 1 Samuel 3:9. The test will be on Friday, January 22nd since we have Monday off.

Remember to keep selling Otis Spunkmeyer cookie dough for the fundraiser until Friday, January 22nd.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

Tuesday, January 26th � unit 7 Language Test on verbs.

Thursday, January 28th � Chapter 6 History Test

God bless,
Mrs. Hoops

January 8, 2010

Dear Parents and Students,

Happy New Year! We have begun new units in many subjects this week. We are studying the layers of the Earth in science and will be doing a hands-on experiment next Wednesday, January 13th. We will be making models of the Earth�s layers out of food. Please see the little note attached to the hard copy of this letter with a request for some of the ingredients. If you are able to send in one of the items please send me a note on Monday. Please check the ingredients to be sure your child isn�t allergic to anything on the list. Thank you.

Bible- This week we read the book of Ruth and finished unit 5. The book of Ruth is a picture of God�s love for us. I am sending home a study guide for review. The test will be on Tuesday, January 12, 2010. Please be sure your child has turned in all the workbook pages we did in class this week ( pgs. 65, 66, 67, 69, 71, 73, 75). We will review in class on Monday and take the test Tuesday.

The Bible memory verse for the week will be Ruth 1:17.

Science � We studied chapter 1, lessons 1 & 2 (pages B4-11, & B 12-19) in class. The students took notes and wrote definitions for the vocabulary words. They should have done the five review questions at the end of lesson 1. The five questions at the end of lesson 2 pg. B19 are homework for the weekend. Please review these two lessons over the weekend. It is important that they know the vocabulary and understand the review questions for the next test.

Math � We will have a math test on lessons 51-55 next Wednesday. Please check for understanding of old and new concepts. Lessons 51-53 should have been done in class, corrected and turned in. They may need to do the corrections for lesson 54 at home and turn in on Monday.

Spelling � Test will be on Friday, January 15th next week. We will be studying List 17.

Walk Through California � We will have our on campus field trip this week on Thursday, January 14th. Please be at school on time. We will be walking over to the Arboretum at about 8:45a.m. Remember to prepare a costume and come to school dressed to wear it for the day. Here are some ideas of what to dress up like�early CA settlers, Mexican Vaquero/a, Native American Indian, CA state symbol� Your child will be wearing their outfit for the day. If you would like to come as a parent support for the activity please sign up on PIP. Thank you. Remember your child must have his/her Expert Word Card/s memorized by Monday and they must have the cards with them at school each day. Points will be taken away if they are not prepared or don�t have their cards with them on Thursday. We will be having a friendly team competition. The team that has the most points at the end of the day wins. Please help your child prepare for the day. This will help them get the most out of their exciting hands-on history day. Thank you!
ASAP***Please be sure to make your last payment to Travel Teens for the Sacramento Field Trip.

January 22 will be the last day of the 2nd quarter. All missing work must be turned in by Wednesday, the 20th. I will let you know if your child is missing work. Please ask them, they should know if they have unfinished work. I ask them and remind them in class daily. Thank you.

I sent every student home with an Otis Spunkmeyer cookie dough fundraiser envelope on Wednesday this week. Please read it and help raise money for our school if you can. Thank you in advance. We receive 40% from every order.

Our fourth grade classes are participating in the Ducks Hockey Reading is the Goal program. The challenge is to read for 20 minutes a day for 30 days in a row. Please fill out the reading log with the date, title of book, minutes spent reading, and parent initials for each of the 30 days. Students will receive a Ducks three ring binder and pencil pouch of goodies. They can also earn prizes for the amount of time spent reading. Please see details on the reading log. The 20 minutes of reading is required and it will be part of their reading grade. This is an exciting program and our fourth graders will have a special assembly later in the year with the Ducks mascot, Wild Wing!

God bless,
Mrs. Hoops

December 18, 2009

Dear Parents and Students,

This is the last letter of 2009 and I can�t wait for all the interesting challenges we have in store for 2010. I can hardly wait to see all that God has in store for us here at school and at home. I pray that you have a safe, healthy, and joyous Christmas season and vacation. I will miss my students but look forward to coming back to school in January 2010 rested and ready to tackle the 2nd half of 4th grade.

Thank you all for sending in food items�for our class Christmas breakfast on Thursday morning. Thank you to the mom�s and dad that came in the classroom to help serve the food. We had a very nice buffet and the highlight was the �Secret Santa� gift exchange. The students were very happy with giving and receiving gifts from each other. Thank you for letting them participate.

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the nice gift of pampering at Burke Williams Spa. I can�t wait to go and relax. I am determined to go over the break. Thank you for your love and kindness! I also received many gifts from individual students that are so thoughtful and wonderful. You have all been so kind and generous. I am truly blessed.

�Walk Through California� is our on-campus field trip scheduled for Thursday, January 14th. Each student has been assigned one or two fact cards to memorize for the experience. They will fully participate in the field trip and need to know their Expert Word Card questions, definitions, and examples. Please help your child memorize their card or cards over the Christmas break. The children MUST keep their cards safe and MUST bring them with them the day of the field trip. Also, start planning to put together a costume for that day. Everyone is asked to dress up. Please see the flier for details. Thank you!

I am sending home a �Mission Model� guidelines information sheet. Some parents wanted to start early on their models. Mostly pay attention to the size. You can be as creative as you wish. These are basic guidelines. Many of you already have wonderful ideas brewing� Have fun and start planning. The model is not due until May 5th.

Sacramento Field Trip � Thursday, March 4, 2010 - Thank you for contacting Travel Teens about payment arrangements. The last payment of $147.00 (one traveler) or $294.00 (two travelers) is scheduled for December 19th. Please mail your payment directly to them. Call Travel Teens if you need to extend your payment arrangements. They have been very flexible in the past years. Travel Teens address, 1580 W. Cerritos Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802, and phone 714/772-3121. Thank you!

Enjoy your Christmas vacation from December 18th (half day with noon dismissal) � January 3rd. We return to school on Monday, January 4, 2010.

I will have the grade sheets for your mission reports ready for you the week we get back, as well as the tests we took this week.

Christmas joy,
Mrs. Hoops

Important Dates�

Friday, December 18 (12:00 noon) � Sunday, January 3, 2010 Christmas Vacation

Monday, January 4th � School resumesThursday, January 7th �

Spelling Test List 16
Bible Memory Verse test
But Ruth replied, �Don�t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.� Ruth 1:16

December 4, 2009

Dear Parents and Students,

We have had a busy week of learning�
We have been studying the book of Judges in Bible. Ask your child to tell you about one of the Judges we have been reading about and the cycle we have seen the Israelites repeat all through this book. We will be finishing up this Unit in Bible and have a test on Wednesday, 12/16/09. I will send home a study guide next week.

We will also have our last Books of the Bible test on Monday, December 7th. The written test will be on all 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. Students will write the names of the books in order. They will not be marked wrong for spelling as long as I can make out the name.

New concepts in math are becoming more difficult. You can help your child by having them do the �practice� section in each lesson with you at home as a review. We do this in class each day but will work as a review and extra practice at home.

We have finished our unit in science this week on Ecosystems. We will be having a test next week. They should review vocabulary words as well as the questions at the end of each lesson. Chapter 5 in on pages A128-158 in their science book which I am sending home over the weekend. We did the review in class on Friday.

We will be studying the California missions in history the next two weeks. We will have a test on Chapter 5 �Spanish California� on Wednesday, 12/16/09.

The All School �Christmas program� will be on Monday, December 14th at 7:00pm. I will be taking roll at 6:45pm before the program so please check in with me at the back of the Cathedral. Please mark your calendars for this special night. The class has been working on a special song that they will perform together and the closing number. Please remember that attendance is mandatory and is a large part of their music grade. You must stay for the entire program since all students sing the closing number together on stage. Thank you.

Our class Christmas Party will be on Thursday, 12/17/09. Please see the flier attached with all the details. The class came up with ideas and voted on what they wanted to do for our party. I would love for you to volunteer to help.

Mission Report final copies are due Friday, December 11, 2009. Remember to return the rough draft with the final copy. Place it behind the final copy in your report cover (clear front cover). Thank you for all of your hard work on this project. The rough drafts were very nicely done. I am looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Please see the dates below for the upcoming test schedule. Please let me know if you are planning to be gone the last week or days of school in December so I can plan accordingly. Please be aware that we will be rehearsing for the Christmas during music class so please be at school. Thank you.

Christmas blessings,
Mrs. Hoops
Important Dates:
Monday, 12/7 � Books of the Bible test on Old and New Testament
Rehearsal for Christmas program

Wednesday, 12/9 � Rehearsal for Christmas program

Thursday, 12/10 � 2nd quarter Progress Reports mailed out
Spelling test List 14
Friday, 12/11 � Final copy due � Mission Report
Science test Ecosystems

Monday, 12/14 � Academy Christmas Program 6:45pm in the Cathedral. All family and friends are invited. Mandatory attendance.
Rehearsal for Christmas program from 1-3

Tuesday, 12/15 � Language test 4 on Capitalization

Wednesday, 12/16 � Bible Unit 4 test
History test Chapter 5 Spanish CA

Thursday, 12/17 � Spelling test List 15
Math test on lessons 46-50
Friday, 12/18 � Minimum Day dismissal at 12noon. No daycare provided.

Monday, 1/4/10 � First day back to school after Christmas vacation.

November 25, 2009

Dear Parents and Students,

Happy Thanksgiving! I pray you have a long weekend filled with joy, peace, love, and gratefulness. I am thankful for each one of you. You are a blessing in my life.

I will see you next Monday, November 30th.

Tuesday, December 1st, our school will attend the 10:00am presentation of the Glory of Christmas in the cathedral. It is a �child�s day� and students only are invited. Each child is asked to bring a canned good to donate to the less fortunate. Please wear full Friday uniform. Please arrive to school on time. We will be walking over to the cathedral at 9:10am to be seated and ready for the 10:00 show.

Please join the Academy Choir for their annual Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday, November 29th in the Arboretum from 4:30 � 6:30pm. Presale $5.00 or $7.00 at the door. There is a �Joy Drive� concert in the Cathedral at 7:00pm following the dinner and all are invited.

Please mark your calendar for the night of Monday, December 14th for CCA Christmas Program. It is a night filled with the love of Jesus and beautiful children. All students must attend. Their music grade is based on their mandatory attendance. Please be there by 6:45 and check in with me inside the cathedral so I can take roll. Don�t forget to dress in your �Sunday best�. Please refer to the note Miss DeLeon send home last Friday. It has our class songs they should be practicing and memorizing for the performance. Thank you.

Mission Report final drafts are due on Friday, December 11th. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mrs. Hoops� class Glory Tables are Friday, December 18th and Sunday, December 20th. Please sign up to help work it with me! I would love to have you there to help and visit. If you can�t work it please sign up to bring in treats to sell. Thank you!!!

Abundant blessings,
Mrs. Hoops

Next Week:

Monday, 11/30 � Books of the Bible test 3 on the entire New Testament.

Tuesday, 12/1 � we will attend Glory of Christmas at 9:10am
***CCA Choir will be going off campus to Operation Christmas Child performance

November 20, 2009

Dear Parents and Students,

Thanksgiving week is upon us. We are filled with anticipation of another Thanksgiving with loved ones, the excitement of Christmas on its way, and remembrance of baby Jesus being born in a manger. This is a truly magical time of year. As the hustle and bustle of the season get under way let us all remember to keep Jesus at the forefront of all we do. He truly is the reason for the season.

Our Thanksgiving feast turned out great. The students prepared the fixings for our Vegetable Soup by cutting up the
Potatoes, celery, and carrots. They put their muscles to work by shaking up the heavy whipping cream until it turned into butter. We prepared lettuce for a salad and mixed and stirred the pumpkin spice muffins. Thank you Shirley, Ryan�s Mom, Doris, Justin�s Mom, April, Sebastian�s Mom, and Kim, Dominic�s Mom for helping in the classroom. And a big giant thank you to all the parents for sending in the ingredients. We couldn�t have done it without you.

Next weeks schedule...
Monday, November 23rd NO SCHOOL �non student day
I will be attending the spiritual retreat being held on our campus. Over 300 teachers will be attending from our school and other Christian schools.

Tuesday, November 24th Regular school day! 

Wednesday November 25th is MINIMUM DAY! School is dismissed at 12:00 NOON on the playground as usual!!! No daycare available.

I am returning your Mission Report rough drafts. I met with each student to discuss the changes or additions that need to be made for the final copy. Please see the notes I wrote on the rough drafts. Some students need to add additional information and details. I gave each of these students some information about their mission to use. The bibliography must have three types of sources. For example, you can use a book, an internet site, and an encyclopedia. That counts as three different sources. If you use three internet sites that counts as only one type of source. The �classroom handout� may be used as one source. Please be sure the report is in your child�s own words. Please be sure they do not plagiarize or use a parents words. Please help them write so that their report reflects their own voice. Please place your final copy in a �report cover� with a see through front cover. Final copies must be typed. Parents may help with the typing but please don�t fix it for them. The final drafts are due on Friday, December 11th. That gives you three weeks to complete the report. Please let me know if you have any questions.

We will be having a language test on Tuesday, November 24th covering Unit 5 Punctuation and Capitalization. Please study with your child. They are bringing their workbooks home over the weekend. The test covers apostrophes, punctuation (commas, quotation marks, underlining), possessives, capitalization, end marks, and direct quotations.

Monday, November 30th, we will be having our next books of the Bible test. It will be on the New Testament books from 1 Timothy-Revelation. Please study over the holiday weekend. The last books of the Bible test will be on Monday, December 7th. on all 66 books of the Bible from Genesis through Revelation. Keep singing the Bible song and practice writing them down. If your child has already written all 66 books then they are done. They have already passed this Bible test.

The Glory of Christmas children�s day is Tuesday, December 1st. We will walk over to see Glory of Christmas at 10:00am. Please don�t be late. This performance is for the students only. Sorry parents! Please make sure your child is wearing their full Friday uniform including sweater for girls and vest for boys.

Progress reports will be mailed on Thursday, December 10th for this grading period. Only students receiving a C or below will receive a progress report. Please make sure all class work or make up work is turned in by Friday, December 4th.

Wishing you a peace filled Thanksgiving weekend!

God bless,
Mrs. Hoops

November 13, 2009

Dear Parents and Students,

In Bible we have been reading from Genesis and Exodus about creation, Abraham, and Moses� We all loved playing a friendly game of Bible Jeopardy as we reviewed our Bible facts. We have finished our pictograph stories called �Rock Art� in history. We will be starting the next unit on early explorers next week.

We will be celebrating Thanksgiving next week in class by having the students fully prepare their own meal. On the menu will be Vegetable Soup, Pumpkin Spice Muffins, and homemade butter. Thursday, November 19th �preparation day�the students should bring their assigned ingredients to class with them in the morning. We will cut the fresh vegetables, mix up the muffins, and make butter.
Friday, November 20th - we will heat up the Vegetable Soup, rice, and share our meal.
Thank you parents for sending in your blue note letting me know when you can help. I will see a couple of you on Thursday or Friday morning. We will also be working on a couple Native American crafts. Thank you in advance for your ingredient donations.

Ingredient List:
Ryan: 1 large can or carton of Vegetable soup broth & 16 heavy duty soup bowls (paper or plastic)
Evan: 1 large bag baby carrots & 1 large bottle Ranch dressing
Dominic: 1 head of lettuce & 1 large bottle Italian dressing
Audrey: 1 large potato peeled & washed (do not cut up) & 16 paper plates to cut up the veggies on
Zoie:1 large bundle of celery (washed but not cut)&1 roll paper towels
Kathy: 1large potato peeled & washed (do not cut) & 20 heavy duty plastic spoons (to eat soup)
Caleb: 7 whole carrots peeled & washed (do not cut)
Justin: 7 whole carrots peeled & washed (do not cut)
Ali: 1 quart carton heavy whipping cream (found in the milk section at grocery store, to make butter)
Sebastian: 1 large potato peeled & washed (but not cut) & 1 small can pumpkin (for making pies usually by the cake mixes)
Madison R: 1 gallon lemonade or orange juice
Madisyn S: 2 boxes �spice� cake mix (any brand)
Rachel: Thanksgiving Plates, napkins, and cups (16)
Emily: 1 home grown potato peeled & washed but not cut�& 1 small can of pumpkin (for making pies usually by the cake mixes)
Thank you!!!

Thanksgiving week schedule:
Monday, 11/23 No School
Tuesday, 11/24 regular school day
Wednesday, 11/25 half day

Next week 11/16 � 19, is a regular full week of school.

God bless,
Mrs. Hoops

Next Week:

Monday, 11/16 � Books of the Bible test on Matthew through 2 Thessalonians

Wednesday, 11/18 � Math test on lessons 36-40

Thursday, 11/19 � Spelling Test List 12
Preparation day�8:30-12:00**Bring your assigned meal ingredients to school�

Friday, 11/20 � Thanksgiving Meal in class�11:00am

Tuesday, 12/1 � Glory of Christmas, for students only 10:00am

Monday, 12/13 � All School Christmas Program � mandatory attendance 6:45pm