Science Projects (Week 13 & 14)

The classes have completed presenting their social studies projects on Texas tribes. Now it is time for science projects!

Each student received a purple packet with information, including a timeline, scoring rubic, and details on what is and is not allowed at the science fair. Students are NOT required to enter the fair, but they are required to create a project.

To the right, there are a few helpful links, Under "Google Folders" there is a link to the documents I am sending home, as well as a copy of last year's science fair application. As soon as I have a pdf of this year's form, I will switch it out. If papers magically disappear, this is where you can go for new copies.

Under the "Student Links" heading, there is a link to a terrific website, Sciencebuddies.org , that they have already explored during class time. Students are not required to do a project from this website, but many of the ideas listed are eligible. It is also a great starting point.

Please email me with questions or concerns, and good luck!

CODE!! (Weeks 11 & 12)

We are exploring beginner-level coding in preparation for the international "Hour of Coding" that will take place next month. My homeroom has got a head start today, and the other two will begin next week. Once the class has registered with me, the students can choose to code at home if they wish. The links are located to the right -- but students do NOT have to re-register at home. They should be able to log in with their RRISD student emails (s######@student.roundrockisd.org, where the #s are the 6 digit ID) and their 8 digit birthday as a password.

The Code.org website should be accessible on all devices that can get online. For more info, check out the video below.

Red Ribbons (Weeks 9 & 10)

To compliment Red Ribbon Week, the classes are looking at the harm tobacco and alcohol can do to our bodies. We are using the fourth grade Health and Fitness textbook, which is not available online, and does not go home. Most of the students have a paper we began but did not finish. I do NOT expect students to complete this at home; we will finish it tomorrow in class.

The homework this week is to talk with parents about alcohol and tobacco, and there is not a paper assignment. However, the class work we did today can be an excellent way to begin this conversation. I encourage you to ask your child about today's discussion. Please feel free to email me with any questions you may have.

We have finished up the science unit on Changes to Land and Experimenting with Forces. Whew! Report cards will be going home soon, so be on the lookout for them next Thursday. As always, please email me with any questions.

A Parent's Guide to STEMscopes (Weeks 7 & 8)

Some of you have had some questions about my favorite online resource, so hopefully this helps...

1. Pre-Assessments - usually completed in class, at the very beginning of a new unit. The score shown on STEMscopes is a percentage correct, however, I count this assignment as complete/incomplete. If a student completes this on time, they will receive a 100. This counts as a "Warm-up" (homework category) grade.

2. Web Surfing - usually completed in class, toward the beginning of a unit. This is often used as research/background knowledge before we do hands-on. This mirrors the scientific method research stage expected for experiments. There is a hard copy paper turned in, graded, and sent home. This counts as a "Class work" (daily category) grade.

3. Progress Monitoring - usually completed in class, after some hands-on activities have been completed. This is not always conducted through STEMscopes; sometimes I use Plickers or Quizlet or a paper copy. This isn't always done for each unit; it depends on the length or complexity of the concept. This counts as a "Class work" (daily) grade.

4. Vocabulary - in "Picture Vocabulary" and "Vocabulary Game" forms. This is usually posted the same day the pre-assessment is given. This is not counted as a grade; this is for student support. I ask students not to click "turn in" so that they can return to this at any time during the unit.

5. STEMscopedia - a digital copy of the textbook for reference only.

6. Interactive Investigation - usually completed at home, at the end of a unit. This is not scored; it is to help review information in preparation for a unit quiz.

Thanks to all of you for your feedback. Please let me know if there is something else you think might be helpful for me to post, and please email me with questions or comments.

Weeks 5 & 6

In the past two weeks, we have kept very busy. We wrapped up our science unit, switched back to exploring Texas regions, and written a personal narrative. Coming up, we have parent/teacher conferences, a three day weekend, and fall pictures. Families should have already seen progress reports going home (and back to me with a signature, and back home again).

Hopefully, you have already received an email linked to a sign-up for parent conferences. Mrs. Pinter, Mrs. Ahn, and I are hoping to be able to attend all of the conferences together. We appreciate your understanding regarding the range of dates and times this will entail. Along the same lines, we recognize that many families have two households. If there is anyone left off of the email list that should be receiving information, please email me and I will do what I can to remedy the problem.

In science, we finished our study of classifying matter and soil. We have begun looking at forces and changes to land. In addition, due to a family sending them in, we have been able to observe a pair of caterpillars. They are currently in their chrysalises, but I'm sure you will hear about the next stage in their metamorphosis.

Now that we have completed the "Texas Bus Tour" of the regions, the class will be looking deeper at the natural resources each region has to offer. We will examine the native tribes that settled throughout Texas, and the influence the resources had on their lifestyles.

Students are really increasing endurance in writing. They have finished their first major composition. The scoring rubric for these is based on the end of year expectation, much like what you remember from the primary grades. This can feel awkward at first, but it is helpful for goal setting and fine-tuning students' achievements.

I look forward to meeting with families over the next few weeks. Please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns you may have.

Weeks 3 & 4

I am in awe of the amazingly kind children you have raised. They are just terrific.

We have covered a lot of ground in the last two weeks, particularly with technology. We have also had two drills - fire and lock-down - our regularly scheduled visit from the school counselor, a couple of days with substitutes, and the first round of tests.

Regarding the technology, I am really excited to get started with things so quickly. Many of you have emailed me with responses or questions. Thank you! One thing worth noting is that Round Rock ISD is really growing more involved with Google based programs. If you are willing to use Chrome, it can be helpful. It appears that most programs are compatible with the iOS based Safari, but Internet Explorer is likely to be incompatible.

On STEMScopes, anything with "vocabulary" in the assignment title is posted for reference/review only. This is the same with "STEMScopedia" - it is a virtual supplement to the textbook. The "Interactive Investigation" is an overview of the unit, and is an excellent study guide. The assignment due Monday is the "Progress Monitoring Assessment" and this is the ONLY required task.

In social studies, the class has focused on Celebrate Freedom Week curriculum, which is required by Texas state law. For fourth grade, we emphasize the Declaration of Independence. This is a little confusing, since this week was chosen because of Constitution Day on Thursday, September 17.

Writing lessons have examined figurative language, including similes, metaphors, onomatopoeia and hyperbole. The class has increased endurance in writing journal entries, and bit by bit they are becoming more relaxed. I am still getting a lot of, "Is this right, Mrs. Kirby?" and, "Like this, Mrs. Kirby?" during writing time. I want them worrying less about spelling (in their journals), and more about ideas.

Don't forget: early release next Wednesday! Enjoy Kona Ice!

Weeks 1 & 2

We had a great start to this year! Thank you to all of the parents who were able to make it to Back to School night. We will be posting the PowerPoint presentation if you couldn't make it or would like to review it.

In the first couple of weeks of school, we have spent time getting to know each other, and we met our first grade "buddies" from Mrs. Heinzen's class. We (re)visited classroom and school-wide expectations and the students are adjusting to the greater responsibilities of a fourth grader. Now that our agendas are finally here, hopefully that will become a little easier.

In writing, we have discussed and used our writer's notebooks. The class wrote a couple entries about everyday life and being a mentor to a first grader. They also wrote their opinions on whether or not kids should go to P.E. everyday, and if they should have assigned seats (and if so, where they "should" sit).

For social studies, we have discussed an overview of what they might expect this year, and we reviewed map skills. They really seemed to enjoy looking at the "old-fashioned" folded paper street and road maps. Back in my day, there was no GPS! We didn't have cell phones! And we had to walk to school in the snow, uphill both ways!

During science lessons, we reviewed safety expectations and covered a big vocabulary list of tools. Only a few were new, and they had fun playing with exploring the use of triple-beam balances. As soon as I know everyone's FERPA permissions, I will post some photos.

Have a great three-day weekend!

First Day of School

Today was a fantastic day! Our newest students seemed to flow right into our class routines, and all of our returning students seem to remember all of the school-wide expectations.

Homework will be distributed on a weekly basis, but for tonight I sent home just a few pieces of paper and one notebook. The two white sheets are for parent information: one is a general info letter, and the other is info from the nurse about food allergies in our class. The green half sheet is a science safety contract, and needs to be signed and returned to school.

The writers’ notebooks may have made their way home as well. The cover needs to be decorated before next Monday. Students should decorate it in a way that represent their interests, family, or other things that represent themselves. Students can use stickers, clip art, photos, drawings or anything else creative that can be designed.

Thank you for sharing your kids with me…I think it’s going to be a great year!

Supply Drop Off

It was terrific to meet so many students and families this afternoon. I would like to thank all of you for being patient as I talked with everyone. I am excited to see old friends as well as new faces; it looks to be a great year ahead!

Here is some important information for the first week...

Students should arrive between 7:15 and 7:30, and they will line up outside our classroom each morning. They will see me, Mrs. Pinter, and Mrs. Ahn each day. Our classrooms can vary in temperature, so it is a good idea for students to have a sweater or hoodie if they have a tendency to get cold in strong air conditioning. A water bottle and a snack will be a good idea as well. Please ensure that students know how they will be getting home on the first day of school and (if it is different) the remainder of the week.

I expect us to have a busy first couple of weeks. Our class is slated to have PE on the first day of school, so be sure that students either have or bring the appropriate running shoes. Coach Keilers will be in charge of our class, and on Wednesday we will have music with Mrs. McDaniel. Our class will alternate music and PE during the first week, and then art (with Mrs. Arnold) and PE during the second week.

If families haven't already updated the registration information for each child, please go to https://roundrockisd.org/enroll/ and verify the info for the new school year. In addition, funds can be added to lunch accounts at https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ by credit card, or families may send in checks or cash. Back to School night will be Thursday, September 3rd at 6:00. Additional information will be given that evening.

I can be reached via email at meaghan_kirby@roundrockisd.org or by phone at 512-464-5389. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Summer!

We made it! This year has been fantastic, but I know that everyone is ready for the break. Don't forget to get online and practice math and reading with iStation and Think Through Math. I would love to hear about any great books you might read! Enjoy the summer and have fun! Mrs. Kirby

The Chicks are Hatching!

The first grade chicks are hatching in Ms.Lapeyre's room. Click the link for a live shot! (There's a 20-30 second advertisement video first, and then a few will pop up periodically if you decide to watch for a while.)

http://ustre.am/1dZr6

Parent Conferences, Round 2

I have set up an electronic sign-up for any remaining parents who wish to conference during the next few weeks. For those of you who submitted a paper copy: if I received the form, you have already received a confirmation email from me. I have already blocked out those time slots from the options.

If you did not already set up a time, please do! The link to the sign-up is:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0a4bada92c7-spring1

Parent Conferences

Mrs. Ahn, Mrs. Pinter, and I would like to give parents an opportunity to meet with us regarding your child's progress this year. We sent home sign-up sheets today for spring conferences. Please make your first, second, and third choices of times to meet. If none of the times work within your schedule, please let us know and we will try to work something out.

After the first round of time requests have been set up, we will send out an electronic sign-up in order to continue to schedule times with those families who have not already done so.

Weeks 30 & 31

Students had a fantastic time on Science Day last Friday. They explored the Grand Canyon, milked a cow, and learned plenty of other cool things. If you see Mrs. Jezisek around campus, tell her how much your kiddos enjoyed the day. She coordinated all of the volunteers and guest speakers, and we wouldn't have had such a great day without her.

Hopefully now that STAAR is over, any anxiety your child might have felt over the tests have faded. With that hurdle cleared, it is important to remember that there are still six more weeks of school and the year isn't over yet!

After the science quiz on Tuesday, we will shift into Adaptations, which is a pretty quick unit. The quiz on the material is probably going to be the middle of next week. For social studies, the class will have a very special guest present at an assembly this Friday. In writing, we are continuing to study sentence structure as we wind down poetry styles and explore fairy tales.

Weeks 28 & 29

Hopefully all of our fourth graders have recovered from the two days of testing. It's hard to be still and quiet and focused for four hours, but our kiddos survived it. There will be one final round of testing on April 21 & 22, and then students will be finished with testing for this year.

We have had some stop-and-go in science lessons due to the testing, but we should finish the lessons on Life Cycles this upcoming week. On the days of STAAR week that I will see all of my students, we will review the concepts. Students should expect the unit quiz on Monday or Tuesday the 27th or 28th.

Our class has earned a reward day with all of the "HOWLers" they have earned. Students voted on a Movie Day, and with Science Day this Friday the 17th, and then the STAAR math and reading tests, we will probably have it on Friday, April 24. Look for an email with more details soon.

Week 27

Campers have had a productive week here at "Camp Write Along" in Cabin 514. Nearly every student completed two full drafts along with several revising and editing opportunities. We also sang songs, of course. If you haven't heard a wondrous rendition of "Camp Write Along is Lots of Fun," you should ask your camper to perform it for you. It will be stuck in your head for days.

Our class is certainly more prepared for the two days of writing STAAR testing next week. Please remember to send your child with water and plenty of snacks, along with comfy clothes in layers. Parents are asked not to visit campus on testing days, and if your child has a cell phone and brings it to school, it will be collected for the duration of the test.

We are heading into the final quarter of the year, and I am very proud of all the hard work and effort I have seen!

Week 25

Our science classes tried out an app called Plickers. Students held up papers with random shape that are similar to a QR code, and rotated the papers to show their answers. The app used the camera on my iPad to scan which code was held in what rotation. This was recorded, and I received instant feedback. In this instance, we used Plickers in our unit review. It required a little getting used to, but the students said that it made for a fun review.

Parent Surveys

If you haven't had the opportunity to fill our the Parent Survey (once for each child), please take a moment to do so. Here is the link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2015parentclimate
Thank you!

School Closed Today, but Field Trip Still On!

I hope everyone stays warm and safe in this icy weather today. Forecast for tomorrow expects cold temperatures, but mostly dry roads, so we are planning for school to be open tomorrow.

Please remember to send your child with a disposable lunch tomorrow, unless you pre-ordered a sack lunch from the cafeteria. It would be great if they could wear a Forest Creek shirt, or our school colors (green and purple).

If you are volunteering to join us, plan to drive (maybe car pool?). We could use help with coolers for lunches, too.

I will update you all if anything changes. Please email me with any questions or concerns.

Week 24

We were busy with STAAR ready district tests this week, but we managed to sneak in some great science time. Classes explored our "Google Classroom," which is a great home base for online assignments, but still fairly new to me. We also reviewed circuit information with the Mimio interactive whiteboard.

We will have our energy and electricity quiz next Thursday. Families should be able to find this on the calendar on the "Trio" webpage. There are a few review games to help study, and more study materials will be added shortly.

In writing, we are analyzing our strengths and weaknesses, and determining the major differences between narratives and expository writing

In social studies, we are looking at heroes of the Texas Revolution. Our field trip on March 6 to the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum will hopefully be inspiring. It will be a busy morning, so if you are joining us, it is a good idea to register in advance with the front office. The younger grades are having their annual hoedown, so the campus will have more visitors than usual.

Welcome to the new site!

When Mrs. Han, Mrs. Pinter, and I decided to start a new site for our trio of classes, I decided that my own website needed an overhaul. If you are still bookmarking the old SharpSchool website, switch it to this one! I will be loading some photos of cool things the classes have been doing in science and other subjects this year. This is a work in progress, and I am hoping to take advantage of all of the new options. Please let me know what is helpful, or what you would like to see added.

Who Knew Salt Water Was So Exciting?

During our science lab time, students compared homogeneous mixtures (aka solutions) to heterogeneous mixtures. I could tell that the kids missed our labs while we focused on the science projects. I would never have thought they would be so thrilled to be dissolving salt into water!

Walk to Read

While the rest of the school was out for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day, our Service Club was hard at work collecting books to send to Africa. Our own Jessica narrated the slideshow of information, and she even wrote the song to go with it -- way to go, Jessica!

The Service Club surpassed their original goal of 150 books. Forest Creek sent over 200 books to establish or replenish libraries in Uganda. Thank you to everyone who took part in this great cause.