End of the Year

Here's our class picture for the end of the year! Thanks for letting me work with your quickly growing kids. I enjoyed watching them grow!

Have a great summer!

Cobb Library Upcoming Events

Happenings at the Cobb Public Library for Adults

Saturday, June 4

“On Another Note” Book Launch 

by local author Kathy J. Jacobson

@ 12:30pm - 2:00pm

Food and fun

Thursday, June 9

Antique Appraiser, Mark F. Maron (a licensed antique appraiser)

@ 4:00pm - 7:00pm

FREE appraisal of your antique

Call 623-2554 to set an appointment

Happenings at the Cobb Public Library for Children

Saturday, June 11

“BICYCLE SAFETY DAY”

@ 10:00am - 11:00am

~ Bicycle Safety Check by Cobb Fire Department

~ Bicycle Safety Rules by Iowa County Sheriff’s Department

~ FREE Bicycle Helmets for children ages 3 - 12

* All must bring their bike and wear covered-toe shoes

Children 6 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

This event is made possible by a grant received from United Fund of Iowa County

Notes Near the End

  Summer Activities

The summer activities sign up for Livingston and Montfort are coming home tonight. Mrs. Slack came by on Friday to drop them off, but we were at the Capitol. They are asking students to turn those forms in before the end of the school year.

 

Library Book

All library books for our room have been turned in! Thanks for getting all those in.

Registration Forms

I have almost all these forms in too. Just one or two left.

Fifth Grade Transition

Tomorrow (Wednesday) the fourth graders will have a fifth grade transition activity. Several of the current fifth graders, with the help of Mrs. Belken, will show them some of the changes coming in middle school. Some kids get quite nervous about what middle school will be like, so hopefully this will help a little.

Because of Winn-Dixie

We have finished the book Because of Winn-Dixie and will be watching the movie to go with it on Thursday. We will also have a party that mimics the book's party. George, Sawyer, Rylee, Harrison and me (Mr. V) are all bringing in treats. If you don't know what they are supposed to bring in I sent a letter home, but can let you know again.

Last Day

Just a reminder that the last day of the year is on Friday, June 3 and we dismiss at 11:20 and do not have lunch served.

Capitol Trip

Kids Run For Kristi Video

Channel 3000 was at the Kids Run yesterday and put a video up for the 10 o'clock news. Below is the link if you'd like to watch:

Channel 3000 Video

Kids for Kristi Fun Run

Farm Visit

Here is a group picture of our farm visit yesterday. The kids were excited to go. It was very informative and well planned!

Montfort Pool

 

There is a new Montfort Pool Information sheet coming home tonight. The old one had the wrong dates for swimming lessons!

The pool opens Memorial Day Weekend!

New Teacher

Congratulations to our student teacher, Kyle Riemenapp, who accepted a job at Iowa-Grant! He will be teaching in the middle school so some of the students will see him again.

Registration Forms

The registration packets for the 2016-2017 school year are coming home tonight. Please fill those out and return them as soon as you are able. The longer they are out the harder they are to find. :)

Have a great weekend!

Crazy Schedule!

The end of the year is always crazy, and this year is definitely no different. We have lots of different activities going on at the end of the year. Below is the schedule with some more details.

May 13 - Online Author - Kate DiCamillo
        - Video Conference from 9:30-11:00
        - Author of Because of Winn-Dixie which we start reading on Monday
May 14 - 12 Million Word Recess
        -The class has read over 12 million words as a class
        - We set this goal at the end of first quarter
May 15 - MAP Test - Math
        - Our class will test 12:50-2:00
        - These tests usually get done in less than an hour
May 17 - MAP Test - Language Arts
        - Our class will test 10:15-11:30
        - These tests usually get done in less than an hour 
May 18 - One Room Schoolhouse
        - We spend the afternoon going to the school room across the road
        - The students get a taste of what a one room schoolhouse was like
May 20 - Platteville Field Trip
        - The Mining Museum
        - Afternoon only
May 23 - Leix Farm Visit
        - Fourth grade will go from 1:00-2:00
May 24 - Kristi Kid Run
        - No times yet, but I'd guess we're in the afternoon
        - May 25 is the make-up day
May 27 - Capitol Tour
        - We leave around 9:00 and will be gone all day
May 30 - Memorial Day - No School!
June 1 - Kickoff to Summer Reading
        - In the Afternoon
        - More information to come
June 3 - Last Day of School!
        - Dismiss at 11:20
        - No Lunch Served

Kind Kids For Kristi

As many of you know, Kristi Loeffelholz, a bus driver for over 20 years with Iowa-Grant, was recently diagnosed with acute chronic leukemia.  Kristi’s love for children has always shone throughout the years.  She greets each child by name as they get on and off her bus.  She has organized the Livingston Easter Egg Hunt for many years and began the program Books on the Bus, providing books for children to read while on their bus route.  We believe that it is time that we give back to Kristi.  We would like to invite the IGEMS students to participate in the “Kind Kids for Kristi” Fun Run taking place at IGEMS on Tuesday, May 24^thduring the school day (rain date – May 25^th).  Ms. Martinez and the PE department are organizing the run into three grade level sections: K-2 (1 mile course), 3-4 (1.5 mile course), & 5-8 (2 mile course).  We are asking that each child interested in running/walking donate to the Fun Run.  For K-2 children, the requested donation is $1, and children in grades 3-8, the requested donation is $2 per child.  If you would like to donate more than that, GREAT!!  All monies collected will go to Kristi to assist her family with the mounting medical bills. We are looking for 100% participation from every IGEMS student.   

A permission slip will be with kids today! Please fill out and return at your earliest convenience. Thank you!


I sent home the permission slips last week, but I have more if the students need.

Extras!

We have a couple of extra, earned rewards coming up in the next few weeks. I like to have some big goals for them to work for at the end of the year. The idea is that it gives them a common goal to work towards as the weather gets longer and their focus gets shorter. :)

Electronics Day

 The students collected their PAWs to have an electronic day. They can bring in their electronic device on Tuesday, May 10 to use at the end of the class period. We have two days out of six where we don't have a special at the end of the day. One of those days are Tuesday, so they will use their electronics at that time at the very end of the day. I asked the students to keep their electronics in their desk on that day. Mr. Riemenapp or I will be in the room the whole time or we will lock the door when we leave to ensure that the electronics stay safe!

Extra Recess

The students are also on their way to earning an extra recess for reading. When the class reached 12 million words I told the they could get an extra recess. We are currently at 11,900,000 so we should easily reach our goal next week. The extra recess is scheduled for Monday, May 16. If the weather is poor we will reschedule though.

News and Notes

Capitol Permission Slips

The Capitol Field Trip permission slips are coming home tonight. We are not able to go to the movie theater this year, so there is no money that needs to go with the permission slip. The field trip will be on Friday, May 27.

Forward Exams

We are all finished with the Forward Exams! The students finished up their last section today. They did a great job of working on those the last couple of weeks. The best news is we had ZERO absences, so nobody will need to do make-up tests.

Kindergarten Buddies

Our year with the kindergarten buddies is winding down. Fourth graders will read to their buddies for the last time on May 6. We will meet with them briefly on May 12 to give them cards, then on May 13 we will watch the kindergarten videos with them. This is fun because we get to watch the current kindergartner's video along with the fourth grader's kindergarten video.

Quick Notes

Chalk the Walk

There was a sidewalk coloring fundraiser scheduled for this weekend, but it will be cancelled due to the weather. The kids have a sheet that was in their folders earlier this week.

Social Studies Test

My class will have their Social Studies test on Friday, May 6.

Forward Exam

We have all finished the language arts and math sections of the Forward Exam. The kids did a nice job of working through those tests. We had nobody absent, which was great.

Next week we will finish up the Forward Exams with the Social Studies and Science portions. We may be able to finish each one in a day, but it may take longer. We will just have to see how it goes when we get in there. The tests are on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week though.

Library Book Checkout

The last day to checkout books will be on Wednesday, May 18. We will have library on May 17, so that will give our class one more chance to check out books at the end of the year.

No School

Just a reminder, the students will not have school on Monday, May 2. I hope you have a great day and have good weather for the day.

Reading Millionaire

Congratulations to Brady for becoming a reading millionaire today! Great work Brady!

We have a few more that will be close to a million words before that end of the year. That is an awesome accomplishment for a fourth grader. We also have many more that will get over a half million.

Calendar Updates

This is just a friendly reminder that the students do not have school on Monday, May 2! It was set up as a possible snow day make-up, but that won't be needed.

Forward Exams

The students took their first forward exam test on Monday. They took the first language arts section and did just fine. Today they will take another language arts section. Then on Wednesday and Thursday it will be the math portion. When we return next week we will finish up with Science and Social Studies.

Standardized Testing

Starting next Monday, April 25 we will begin taking the Forward Exams for fourth graders. Next week we will take one test on Monday-Thursday. On Monday and Tuesday we will be taking the English/Language Arts exam. On Wednesday and Thursday we will be taking the math portion of the text. We took a few practice exams today so the kids could see what the tests looked like. The Forward Exams are all on the computers, some of the questions are multiple choice, some are written, and some are more interactive. A couple of examples of interactive questions the kids had on the practice exam had them place a like in the appropriate spot using a protractor and putting an equal number of books on a bookshelf.

The kids can't study for this and I encourage them to do their best, but not to get stressed out. These are not a part of any grade that I will use. Please try your best to have them get a good nights rest and have a healthy breakfast.

Lumberjack Day

Pecos Bill Play

I have both videos uploaded and ready to view. I put them in the order they were presented.

Pecos Bill - Play 1

Pecos Bill - Play 2

Summer School

Summer School 

 All students were sent home with a letter inviting them to attend summer school at IGEMS this year! Reading, Math and fun activities will be provided. You are able to sign up at Parent-Teacher Conferences outside of the office or sign and return the permission slip that was sent home with your son/daughter. The dates are Monday through Thursday, July 11-August 5th.

Conferences

 Also, thanks to all the parents for coming to conferences. I always enjoy visiting with parents.

Book Swap

Does your child have a pile of books sitting in their room that they have already read? Do you wish you had the opportunity to exchange them for more exciting reading materials?  Then The Book Swap is for you!

How it Works

From April 11th to April 21st, students may bring in any “gently used” books to their classroom for donation.   Each student who brings in books will get a Book Buck to purchase a “new to them” book at the book swap.  Children are invited to bring in extra books so that children who do not have a book to swap can have a chance to choose one.  Each class will have the goal of donating as many books as students in their classroom.  Any additional books will be donated to our “Books on the Bus” program.  We will not be able to accept books after April 21st.  On April 22nd (Earth Day), your child will choose a “new to them book” from the donation table.

Book Criteria

Books will only be accepted under the following guidelines:

·         Books must appropriate for grades PreK-4

·         Books must be in gently used condition: cover on, no rips, or bent edges

·         Books with coloring or writing in them will not be accepted

·         Coloring books, activity books, and sticker books will not be accepted

Please note that the selection of books available will be based on books donated. We cannot ensure specific titles, etc.

Thanks!

Book Fair

The Spring Book Fair is this week! It is the buy one get one free event. Our class will be viewing the book fair on Tuesday from 10:10-10:30. They will create a wishlist then. 

If the students bring in money the book fair will be open on Wednesday from 10-3 or Thursday from 12-8. The Thursday time lines up with parent/teacher conferences, so you can come in and buy books yourself too.

Wednesday and Thursday are the only days to buy though as we have a short day on Thursday for conferences and no school on Friday!

Pecos Bill Play

We will be presenting our Pecos Bill play on Thursday, April 14. That is also the day of the early release and conferences. There aren't enough parts, so we will actually run two separate plays. The first one will run at 10:20 and the second play will run at 10:50. We will invite a younger class to come and watch, since they are our buddies. Also, any parents or grandparents that can come would be great! We will have the play in our classroom.

Who: Mr. Van Overmeer's Class

What: Pecos Bill Play

When: Thursday April 14 at 10:20 and 10:50

Where: IGEMS - Mr. Van Overmeer's Classroom

Why: Because Plays are Fun!

Group 1 (10:20) - Jayden A., Jayden B., Domanyc, Gavin, Charles, Sawyer, Cyle, Meagan, Lilliana, and Kaelyn

Group 2 (10:50) - George, Bentley, Timothy, Rylee, Sophie, Makaya, Brady, Alaina, Harrison, and Elyse

A paper copy of this is also coming home tonight. Hope you are able to make it!

College For Kids

 

UW-Platteville is sending home information tonight about College for Kids. The paper coming home will have information for the 2016 UW-P college for Kids & Middle University Program.  This program will be held on the UW-P Campus on July 11-14 2016 from 12:30-4:00 pm.

 

News and Notes

Science

In science, we began the EARTH'S LAND unit. Students were introduced to weathering and erosion as well as the effects water has on our ever changing landscape.

 

Social Studies

Students began their lumberjack unit in social studies and will be bringing home (next week) a paper cut-out of a lumberjack that they are to decorate to look like an actual lumberjack. On Thursday, April 21st, Mr. John Adametz will give a presentation on logging and his logging horses. In addition, students will compete in some fun-filled lumberjack activities!

 

Computers

The computer lab will be in use for the Forward Exam starting this week. Fourth graders don't have their testing yet, but the middle school does. We won't have a computer lab for the next few weeks so we will focus on a few different things. I have a couple of short videos on the history and future of technology that we will watch and discuss. Then we will go into a short unit about Digital Citizenship, where we will focus on how we are supposed to act on the Internet and social media. Along with that, we will discuss keeping safe while using the Interent. 

 

Tournament of Books

Wonder was the TOURNAMENT of BOOKS champion!! 

Oregon Trail

We read Apples to Oregon this week in language arts. Today I showed them a classic from my youth, the Oregon Trail. It is available to play online. I think it'll only work on a desktop or a laptop. I don't think it will work with a tablet, but they can give it a try.

Here is the link: The Oregon Trail

Report Cards and Calendars

Our schedule is going to get CRAZY at the end of the year. We have lots of activities coming up, most of which the students will be excited about (the Forward Exam may not be as exciting).

March 30 - Report Cards Home 

Please Return the envelope for the last quarter

April 4 - AG in the Classroom Presentation

A presentation by UW-Platteville FFA members

April 8 - Benchmark Assessments

They will read to me one-on-one. I assess their accuracy and fluency.

April 14 - Early Release & Conferences (1-8)

Thanks to those who have signed-up already

April 15 - No School!

April 21 - Lumberjack Day

Afternoon activity at the school to go along with Social Studies

April 22 - Earth Day

The official day. My son always tells me everyday is Earth Day

April 25-May 6 - Forward Testing

This is the new standardized test for the state of Wisconsin. We will do one test each day over a two week span. Fourth graders take tests on language arts, math, science, and social studies.

May 2 - No School!

May 8 - Mother's Day

May 20 - Platteville Mining Museum Field Trip

This is just just an afternoon field trip. We will eat at the school then go to the Mining Museum.
May 23 - Leix Farm Visit

This is also an afternoon field trip just down the road. It goes along with the social studies as well.

May 27 - Capitol Tour

This is an all day field trip to the Fitchburg Theater and the State Capitol. This trip is all day.

May 30 - Memorial Day - No School!

June 3 - Last Day of School!

Conferences and Report Cards

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Conferences are schedule for Thursday, April 14 from 1-8 p.m. Each classroom teacher is setting up their own schedule. I am sending home the sign-up for my homeroom tonight. Please return them as soon as you are able to get the time you'd like. I will send home updates of the scheduled conferences. If the times from our classroom and your other children don't like up just let me know and we can make adjustments.

Report Cards

The third quarter report cards will be sent home or e-mailed on Wednesday, March 30. We will discuss those during conferences, but if you have questions just let me know.

Student Teacher

When we get back from Spring Break we will have a student teacher for the fourth quarter. Kyle Riemenapp, a former Iowa-Grant student, will be a student teacher in our room. During his first quarter of student teaching he was in Fennimore working with kindergartners. 

He has been in the building a few times already, and several students already know him from swimming lessons and other activities around town.

I actually taught Kyle when he was a student at IG. I was a computer teacher then and had him starting in elementary through middle school. I'm not sure how he got through college that fast, because I can't have been teaching that long already!

Have a great break!

Science and Social Studies Tests

This is just a reminder that students have tests in Science and Social Studies coming up this week.

The science test is on Monday, March 14 with Ms. Hrubes.

The social studies test is on Wednesday, March 16 with Ms. Lynch. It is open book/notes.

We will be back to our normal spelling test routine this week.

Spring Break at Cobb Public Library

MOVIE MATINEE

Where: Cobb Public Library

When: Friday, March 18 at 1:30pm – 3:00pm

Showing:

Rated: G

~ Children 6 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

LEGO Morning

 
Where: Cobb Public Library

When: Thursday, March 24

Who: All ages are welcome

~ LEGOs provided

~ FREE
~ Children 6 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

@ 10:00am – 11:00am

Blog Note

This is For This Weekend 

 

Come to the Montfort Community Building on Saturday March 12th from 10am-noon!

We will have real bunnies, a 4-H bake sale, take & make crafts, and the Easter Bunny!

Hope to see you there! This is a FREE event!!

Xtra Math

Congratulations to Brady for passing the subtraction portion of xtra math!

Tests / Homework / Spelling

It lined up that we had a lot of tests this week. We did the Unit 6 math test (fractions) on Tuesday. We started the language arts test on Wednesday and will finish it on Thursday. When we have big test like that we usually don't have homework. This means that they won't have much homework the rest of the week.

Also, because of the language arts test we don't have a set of spelling words this week. We will again next week. 

Letter Coming Home Tonight

March 7, 2016

Dear families,

On March 31, 2016, The Playground Committee is planning a pasta supper and movie night to raise money for the playground!  In addition to the pasta and movie, they will be having a Basket Raffle.  They are requesting that each homeroom or grade level create a basket to raffle off during the evening.  We have decided to work together as a grade level and are asking all families to donate any dollar amount they are willing/able to donate for this great cause. We will then use the donated money to buy items for a “4^thGrade Basket”.  Basket tickets will then be sold that night and the winners’ names will be drawn at the end of the movie.

Please send in your donation by Friday, March 18^th, so we can prepare our basket over spring break. Thank you so much in advance! We will be sure to take a picture and let you see how great it turns out with your help!

Thanks Again,

4^th Grade Team