The children have progressed wonderfully since the beginning of the year. They continue to work hard each and every day.

On Fridays, the children have had the chance to work in centers. The centers are used for reinforcement and enrichment in Math, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, and Geography. The children have done very well working cooperatively in groups.

Please continue to check Churchwerks on a regular basis for upcoming assignments and current grades.

Below, you will find information for specific subjects. In addition, there is general information on grading and homework.

RELIGION:
Unit 3 covers the sacraments of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. They will learn about both of these sacraments in depth.

There are questions that must be answered after each class. I review the answers. This is a good study guide for the test.
Tests will be given after most chapters and after each unit.
Students will also be responsible for learning new prayers throughout the year.
Also, participation in prayer (in the classroom and cafeteria) and mass is part of Religion.

MATH:
The children have completed adding and subtracting fractions. They will learn different types of graphs and their proper use.
After the lesson for the day is presented, the children go into sections. This helps us give as much attention to each child as is needed.
In addition, every Friday is “word problem Friday”. The children are progressing very well in using different strategies to solve word problems. They are also working well together in their math groups and helping each other.
Please be aware that our math program is challenging. It is very important that students pay attention in class, complete their homework in full, and study for tests.
All math work must be done in pencil.

WRITING/GRAMMAR:
We have a new English series called Voyages. This has been chosen after much review and discussion among the staff.
We have just completed verbs. They have been introduced to many new forms of verbs.
They will be learning the proper way to write a research paper with all components: outline, note cards, rough draft, final draft, and bibliography. The students will do a mini-research paper in school. After that, they will be assigned a research paper and topic that will be completed independently.
After the lesson is presented and whole class work is done with guidance, the children then go with their partner and work together. They get a new partner each month.
The children write in some form every day. They also keep journals.
There will also be a full research paper completed at some point in the school year, sometime after Christmas.
Homework is usually given daily, especially with grammar.

READING:
We are currently working on “Voices from the Revolution”. We will be reading stories that are related to the Revolutionary War Era. There is a mix of fiction and non-fiction stories represented. In addition, they are learning about the history of the Revolutionary War.
Connected to our reading program is a specific writing skill every story. We also utilize leveled readers to help with reading skills.
Throughout the year, novels will be read as a class.
Tests are usually given every week on Thursday.

SPELLING:
Spelling incorporates a learning principle, definitions, analogies, and using words in context. A unit is completed each week.
Sentences are completed on most weeks. It is important that the students use their dictionaries to use the words correctly. With everything, capitalization and punctuation is required.
Tests are given every Wednesday.
In addition, random workbook pages will be graded. It is important that these pages are completed to the best of the student’s ability.

SOCIAL STUDIES:
This year, we focus on the 5 regions of the United States. Geography, history, places, and resources are covered. Notes are given after each lesson. Children should begin to study these notes as soon as they are given. This will help tremendously when test time comes around. Homework is usually given after each lesson. There are usually between 2-3 questions.
We are currently learning about the Southeast region. In addition to learning about the history, landforms, and resources, they will also learn and practice reading skills.


There will also be group projects (in school) and some individual projects. Sufficient time is given, however it is important that student’s do not leave anything until the last minute.

COMPUTERS:
Students will work on assigned lessons. They will also use the computers for research. The computer lab is used throughout the year, in addition to the weekly computer time.

TESTS:
There is always at least 3 days notice given for tests.
Tests grades can be viewed online.
The tests will be sent home every Tuesday. Parents are to initial and send back the next day.
You will also notice that the assignments are usually posted prior to due dates, so parents can track their student’s work. Please keep track of your child’s assignments, if needed.

GRADING:
Tests/Projects/Quizzes: 60%
Class work/Homework/Participation: 40%

Spelling:
Tests: 70%
Class work: 30%

HOMEWORK:
Homework is due the day after it is assigned.
If a valid attempt is made, it is in pen, it is in cursive, and it is completed: grade 100
For math, the work must be done in pencil.
If it is not completed at all: grade 0. They have until after playground to complete and show it to me to bring the grade up to a 70.
If it is partially done, they get partial credit based on the amount done.
No credit is given for homework turned in later.
The grades are averaged for the week. You will see the grade as “Class work/Homework W/E ___”.

You may contact me through my email:
mhoward@stjosephprek8.org


Thank you for all your help now and throughout the year.