Fall Party: We all had a fun time at our Halloween Party! It included fun games, requiring teamwork and strategy, a fun light up craft and finally a spooky, yet yummy treat! The class did a wonderful job! Special thanks to Mrs. Tator, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Brillhart, Mrs. Olson, Mrs. Dujardin, Mrs. Helmholdt and Mrs. Tomaszewski for all their help! I appreciate each of you and hope you also enjoyed your time at the party. 
Below is a video of our party memories:
Outstanding!!: Our class is just that!! Each day, we work together, discuss our thoughts and feelings, and most of all encourage one another to be the best that we can be. We know that our actions affect others, and our hope is that we are aware and try to do what is right. Our actions are sometimes noticed by others and as a result, we have earned as a class family “Outstanding” certificates. We hang these with great pride in our classroom, and they are reminders of how our choices are making a positive difference at school.
Recently, Allison’s individual actions of helpfulness and encouragement to others helped our class receive another “Outstanding.” Allison, thank you for representing our class through your good example. Congratulations and thank you!
Here’s what we’ve been studying in Fourth Grade!
Math: Unit 2 is has provided us with fun lessons and exciting challenges. We have been learning new methods in multiplication. We have practiced the Place Values Sections Method, Expanded Notation Method, Algebraic Method, and the Short Cut Method. These have helped us to multiply 2-digit and 3-digit numbers, and it is quite fun!!
Social Studies: As we continue through our Government unit, we are learning and understanding many vocabulary terms. We are in the process of applying our knowledge into the creation and development of our own government. The class has been working in small groups and putting their collective brain power to work to create a map, flag and constitution specific to their island. I look forward to their presentations!
Writing Workshop: We are nearing the conclusion of our Realistic Fiction writing unit. We learned tips for how to create a strong ending. As we enter the editing process, the class is finding it helpful to read their stories aloud to their partners. I enjoy listening to the thoughtful suggestions they are providing one another. Our final drafts are in sight.
Reading Workshop: The class is enjoying the book, “The Tiger Rising,” by Kate DiCamillo. We have been paying attention to the ways other characters interact and treat the main character, as well as looking for patterns to push our thinking about characters.
Important Reminders:
*Daylight Savings Time: Remember to turn your clocks BACK for an extra hour this weekend.
*Parent-Teacher Conferences: This week, Nov. 6 and 8. I look forward to meeting with you soon!
*Report Cards: These will be sent home with our child on Monday. Please look for these in their blue home folders prior to scheduled conference time.
*Scholastic Book Fair: Begins in our library this week. Our class will preview on Tuesday and have the opportunity to purchase on Thursday. For your convenience it will also be open during our Parent Teacher Conferences from 4:00-8:00pm both Monday and Wednesday.
*Library: Due to the book fair, we will not visit the library this Wednesday. Your child may enjoy their books for an additional week.
*Western Theme: This Friday, November 10, dress in your Western style clothing. 
*Jet’s Pizza: This week’s fundraiser will take place Thurs., Nov. 9. When ordering, please remember to let them know your child’s teacher name.
*PE CARES (Collecting And Receiving Essential Supplies): Thank you for a great start in your help to collect food. This drive will continue through Nov. 16. The class that has the most donations will receive a PE CARES t-shirt and a trip to Hudsonville Lanes!
*Backpack Snack: Thank you for packing a healthy daily snack for your child.
*Thanksgiving Break: There will be no school for students beginning Wed., November 22 through Fri., November 24. Students will return to school on Monday, November 27.
*Holiday Music Program: Mark your calendars! Our music program will take place on Thurs., December 14. More information to come!
Enjoy your extra hour this weekend!
: ) Mrs. Estefan