Newsletter 12.17.10

Christmas Break
Just a reminder, Christmas break begins Tuesday, December 21 at noon.  We will resume classes on Tuesday, January 4.

Geography Bee
Evelyn and Caroline will be representing our class at the Geography Bee which will take place on December 20, at 9 AM.  Parents are welcome to attend.

Spelling and Memory
We will not have new spelling words this week and no memory until the second week in January.  I will let you know what is due in the New Year.

Newsletter 12.10.10

Congratulations!
I would like to congratulate a number of our students for various accomplishments.  The first is Savanna B. for being the first person to earn her candy bar (Hershey's Cookies and Cream) for learning all of her multiplication tables.  Also, I would like to congratulate Evelyn and Caroline for being are Geography Bee representatives from our class.  The school Geography Bee will be held on Monday, December 20, at 9 AM.  Congratulations!

Jesus' Birthday Party
The fourth graders are very excited to host a Birthday Party for Jesus on Tuesday, December 14.  We have divided our class into four committees: food, decoration, invitations and games.  Ask your fourth grader which committee on which he or she is serving.  Our honored guests are Mr. Debrick, Mrs. Adams, Mrs. Gilmore and Mrs. Steinbacher. 

Science Project and Test
We will have a Science Test that covers Chapter 7 on Monday, December 20.  The Planet Books are due Wednesday, December 15.


Conclusion of December Literature Sets
We are finishing our Lit. Sets on Monday, during that time I will explain the directions for the presentations that are to be given in class.  We will work on our presentations Tuesday-Thursday and will give the Presentations on Friday.  On Tuesday, December 14, the students will be given a quiz which covers the information in the book that they have read.

Lewis and Clark/Saint Charles Field Trip

They have been a long time coming.  I apologize for the wait.  Here are the pictures from our field trip to Historic Saint Charles.  Enjoy! 

Learning about Lewis and Clark.

Julia, Evelyn and Maddie explore the museum.

Julian takes copious notes.

Kurt and Sam discuss the finer things in life.

Hey!  Take a look at this!

Missouri's first Capital Building.

Some fresh air and fresh information.

Newsletter 12.3.10

Advent Service
Our Advent Service is fast approaching.  The third and fourth graders have been working very hard on getting their lines, lyrics and cues memorized.  We will be participation in two Advent Services both on December 7.  The first is at 10 AM and the other at 7 PM.  Please have your child meet me in church basement at 6:45 PM.  After the service the children will be free to go directly home from the church basement.  It is important that each child attend.

Stewardship Fun Event
There will be a stewardship fun event for the fourth graders on December 30, at Great Skate from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. The tickets are $5 and $1 for skate rental.    Great Skate has agreed to donate $2 per skater back to Zion for us doing this there.

Christmas Service Project
Information about our Christmas Service Project will be distributed on Monday.  

December Book Report
There is not an official book report for the month of December, instead the fourth graders will be participating in the Literature Sets.  At the end of the month students will be required to give a group presentation and take a test on the book that they have read.

Newsletter 11.19.10

Successful Field Trip
We had a very educational and interesting field trip to Historic Saint Charles on Thursday.  I would like to thank our five drivers: Mrs. Schmidt, Mrs. Dobrinic, Mrs. Prunell, Ms. Jones and Mr. Johnson.  A number of pictures were taken on the trip.  I hope to post them to the blog this weekend.

Shortened Week
I would like to remind you that Zion will be dismissing at noon on Wednesday for the Thanksgiving holiday.  We will have no school Thursday and Friday.  Enjoy your break as we thank the Lord for all of the blessings he has bestowed on us.

Tests
We will have a handful of tests next week.  Science on Monday, (study guides will be given on Friday, extra credit was assigned Wednesday) Religion and Missouri History on Tuesday, Math and Spelling on Wednesday.  

Mid-Quarter
The official mid-quarter date is Friday, November 19.  Please check on-line for grades.  Paper copies of the mid-quarters will not be distributed.

Upcoming Art Project
The fourth graders will be making enlarged poster board ornaments as one of their December art projects.   Students will need to bring in supplies to decorate their ornament.  The poster board will be provided for them.  Examples of materials include: cotton balls for snowmen, sequins or Christmas card scene for an ornament, paints and glitter for a star, etc.  Supplies should be brought to school on Friday, December 3.

Newsletter 11.12.10

Field Trip
Our field to trip to Saint Charles First Capital and Lewis and Clark Museum is still set for Thursday, November 18.  Our drivers are: Mrs. Nea, Mrs. Prunell, Ms. Jones, Mrs. Schmidt, Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Dobrinic.  The students should plan on wearing long pants, Mrs. Glover warned that it is usually a cold day and not all of the facilities have heat.  Students should also remember to bring cold lunch to eat later that day in school.  We will not be back in time to eat hot lunch.

Multiplication Facts
We have started reviewing our multiplication facts.  Students are working through the facts from 0-12.  When they have demonstrated an understanding of all facts they earn the candy bar of their choice.  Ask your student which candy bar he or she is working toward.  Many students have already completed their 0's, 1's, and 10's.  It is a good idea to practice the "tough ones" at home.  Grab those flashcards and start quizzing!



Thanksgiving Food Drive
Zion is collecting Thanksgiving food for Seminary families on Wednesday, November 17.  As a Seminarian's wife I am always humbled by the amount of food that is collected.  We are blessed to have an opportunity to travel to Michigan and will be with family during Thanksgiving, but some families are not able to travel.  The food that is collected will go to those families.


Cup Stacking
Our class will participate in the World Sport Stacking Day to help set a Guinness World Record for "the most cup stacking in multiple locations in one day."  This event will take place on Thursday, November 18.  Our class will be stacking at 12:45.  I believe Mrs. Steinbacher is looking for parent volunteers for this endeavor.  Check the Banner for further details


Advent Rehearsals
The 3rd and 4th Grade have started rehearsing for Advent.  The parts to be memorized will be done in class and will not count for a Memory grade.  We have been discussing the importance of preparing our hearts for Advent.  It is an honor and privilege to lead worship in this way.



Cereal Box Book Report
The information for the November Book Report was distributed on Wednesday.  The templates for the sides and top of the box are available on the right hand column on the blog.  Hard copies of the template were given to the students.  The template is there for them if they need additional copies.



Religion and MO History Test
Our study of Moses is coming to a close.  I would like to show "The Prince of Egypt" to the class on Thursday and Friday of next week.  We will have a test on Unit 3 in Religion on Monday, November 22.  Mrs. Glover will have a MO History test on Tuesday, November 23. 

Newsletter 11.5.10

Marble Jar Party
The Fourth Grade class has earned a Marble Jar Party.  We will be celebrating on Tuesday, November 9, in the afternoon.  Students are invited to bring treats to share with the class.  We will be watching the movie Bridge to Terabithia.  We read the book as a class earlier in the year.  Great job fourth grade!

November Book Report
The November Book Report is a book with a main character who is an animal.  Books should be approved by Tuesday, November 16.  The report is due Tuesday, November 30.  The rubrics for the report will be handed out this upcoming week.

Advent Service
The third and fourth grade will present their Advent Service on Wednesday, December 8.  We will be in charge of the Chapel service as well as the 7 PM service.  Our class will be practicing throughout the next month. 

Field Trip to Historic Saint Charles
Mrs. Glover would like us to "dress according to the weather."  As the day nears we will clue you into the weather and what that means for our dress.  Also, students should plan on bringing cold lunch that day to school. We will be eating our lunch in our classroom after we return from the field trip.

Virtual Field Trip Day 2

Well young scientist, I hope that you enjoyed your trip to the Beaver Dam.  Today you will be able to explore the Mount Logan Middle School Nature Center.  This school is in Logan, Utah.  It teaches kids in sixth, seventh and eighth grade.  Although there are only three grades they have over 1300 students!  Those students have over 70 teachers and 2 assistant principals.  What a big school.  Enjoy exploring their Nature Center.


Your benevolent teacher,

Mrs. Matyas

Virtual Field Trip!

Hey Fourth Graders,

Today for Science you will be able to go on a virtual field trip.  Have a great time as you explore Beaver Dam Ecology!

Your benevolent teacher,

Mrs. Matyas

10.29.10 Newsletter

Fall Harvest Party and Trunk or Treat

I would like to thank all of the families who made Trunk or Treat such a success.  What a great time for Christian fellowship.  I would especially like to thank our room moms Michelle and Angela Prunell for all of their work for the Fall Harvest Party.

Field Trip Coming Soon

We will be exploring Historic Saint Charles from 9:30-12:30 on Thursday, November 18.  Drivers are needed.  I will send out forms for driving volunteers early next week.  If you know for sure that you can volunteer please email me at your earliest convenience.

Tests

There will be a Social Studies Test next Wednesday and a Math Test next Thursday.  We will have a practice test for math on Tuesday.

LHS Spelling Bee

The LHS Spelling Bee will be held on November 5.  Our class should have two representatives and one alternate.  Because of my recent illness I do not have that information.  As soon as I do, I will let you know.

Reformation and Red Ribbon Week

Your fourth graders have enjoyed learning about the Reformation of the church.  We sang "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," learned of Martin Luther's life, wore Luther's seal, and watched a movie about Luther.  For Red Ribbon Week we made posters, decorated our door with the slogan, "You can COUNT on me, to be DRUG-FREE!"  The students proudly wore their red ribbons throughout the week.

10.22.10 Newsletter

Parent Teacher Conferences

I would like to thank all of the parents for a fascinating, insightful and pleasant set of conferences.  I enjoy teaching your children and am thankful for the partnership we have in their education.

Tomato Plant Girl

On Monday, October 25, our class will enjoy a theater production about bullying.  The play is called Tomato Plant Girl and it will begin at 1:30 PM.

Social Studies Project/Science Test

The Social Studies project on People and Culture will be due on Friday, October 29.  We will have a Science test on ecosystems on Thursday, October 28.

Trunk or Treat

I look forward to seeing you and your family at the Trunk or Treat event next Friday.

October Book Report
The October book report time line based on a famous person is due Thursday, October 28. 

10.15.10 Newsletter

Religion 
We will have a Religion test that covers Unit 2 on Monday, October 18.  To enhance our learning about Joseph we will join classes with Mrs. Glover and watch a movie.  After Unit 2, we will take a short break from our regular book to take a look at Martin Luther and the Reformation.

Scholastic Book Orders
Scholastic Book Orders went home on Thursday.  They are due Wednesday, October 20.  Orders can be placed on-line.  Our activation code can be found in an earlier post.  Check the archives.


Parent Teacher Conferences
The fourth graders were given the date and times of their scheduled conference.  Please return those slips at your earliest convenience. 

October Book Report
The October book is a biography of a famous person.  Books should be approved by me before next Tuesday.  The report is a time line of the person's life.  Rubrics for the report were distributed earlier this week.  The time line is due Thursday, October 28.

BMX Assembly

In celebration of reaching our Fall Fundraiser goal, Zion was treated with a BMX assembly last Thursday.  Here are a few pictures from the event.

The bikers are getting ready.

Up and down the ramp.

Hanging ten.

Our top sellers Hannah and Julina enjoyed VIP seating.

Mr. Curt Williams (Spider Guy)

Last Wednesday, Mr. Williams came to Mrs. Glover's room and taught both fourth classes about spiders.  It was a fascinating presentation.  Ask your student about the neatest thing he or she learned.  If they can't think of anything remind them that a spider's legs are hollow and then say, "If a spiders' legs are hollow, how do they walk?"  See if your student remembers.  I certainly do.

Mr. Williams explains his personal experience with spiders.

Caleb is becoming a spider.  Notice he doesn't have a neck.

Mrs. Glover's class with Mr. Williams.

Newsletter 10.8.10

Subtraction Club

The Subtraction Club has grown by leaps and bounds.  I am excited to report that almost half the class has gained membership!  Wow, way to go!

Wednesday Test Day

On Wednesday we will have a number of tests.  First quarter is coming to an end and it is important to get quality assessments.  We will have an English, Math and Social Studies test on Wednesday, October 13.

Armor of God

The fourth graders are working on their Armor of God models.  They will be displayed in the hall early next week.  Take a look.

Parent Teacher Conferences

I look forward to Parent Teacher Conferences.  If possible I would like to have all conferences on Thursday, October 21.  You have until Tuesday, October 12, to let me know of any time preferences.  We do our best as a school to honor the requests.  Parents with multiple students has first priority.  Take a look at the Banner for additional information.

Butter Making

Julia is shaking her jar full of heavy whipping cream.

Elizabeth presents her jar of butter.

Justin is excited to taste test the butter.

Emily, Kurt, Erin and Savanna approve this activity.

 

Everyone agrees, the butter is delicious.

In celebration of reading Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World, the fourth grade class made home-made butter to spread on biscuits.  We topped our biscuits off with honey and apple butter.  The honey worked perfectly with our science curriculum since we recently learned about how bees communicate to their hive where a nectar source can be found.

10.1.10 Newsletter

Singing for Our Savior
The fourth graders sing this Sunday at the 8:00 AM service.  Students should plan on meeting up in the music room in the balcony of the church around 7:45.  I look forward to introducing the fourth graders to my daughter Olivia.


Special Events
Zion is planning an all school assembly on Thursday, October 6, for our recent school fundraiser.  The fourth graders are welcoming a guest speaker to their classroom on Wednesday, October 7.  The guest speaker will be talking to us about spiders.  It will fit perfectly into our recent science studies.


Baby Food Jars and Biscuits
I would like to thank Mrs. Schmidt for her generous donation of baby food jars for our classroom.  We are making homemade butter with them on Friday and will be using them for art, literature and science projects throughout the year.  Also, I would like to thank Mrs. Prunell for volunteering to bake our biscuits and assisting in our butter churning.  Additionally, I would like to thank the Dobrinic family for the delicious apple butter.

9.24.10 Newsletter

Subtraction Club
Our Subtraction Club opened its doors to new members this week.  Usually it doesn't start until second quarter, but this year's fourth grade did such a great job being inducted into the Addition Club, enrollment started at a record pace.  We have two charter members of the Subtraction Club: Caroline and Elizabeth.

Science Test
We will have a Science test that covers Chapter 4 on Friday, October 1.  Because we are covering the same material again in Health class during the fourth quarter, I will allow students to use their book for the test.  We will have a review in class prior to the test and extra credit will be offered.  There will not be a study guide given for this chapter.

Baby Food Jars
I am asking that each student bring in a baby food jar on Friday, October 1.  This week we are reading about biscuits.  I would like to make biscuits and homemade butter on Friday.  Baby food jars are essential to the butter making process.  If a parent or two would like to join us on Friday at 1:30 to help with the biscuit project I would happily accept.  Let me know if you are interested and available.

Chapel
Looking way ahead in our calendar year, our fourth grade class will be in charge of chapel on Wednesday, April 27.  I am sure your student would love to have you there.  It will be a special Easter Chapel.  My husband, Seminarian Matyas, will be helping us.


Writing Assignments
Both the September Book Report and the Persuasive Essay are due this upcoming week.  The book report will count as both an English writing grade and a Reading grade.  The Persuasive Essay requires a parent's signature verifying that he or she has read over the essay and helped with proofreading.

Picture Retakes
Students who did not have a picture taken at registration or who desire to have their picture retaken will have their opportunity on Monday, September 27.

Powder Valley Field Trip

The fourth graders had a fantastic time at Powder Valley today.  We went for a hike, enjoyed God's creation, viewed animals and learned about our earth.  It was a wonderful way to spend a day.  I would like to thank Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Nea, Mrs. Simon and Mrs. Schmidt for driving.

Tristan, Elizabeth, Hannah and Mrs. Simon explore the tree house.

Emily, Maddie, Justin and Mrs. Nea observe the birds.

     

Erin, Kurt and Julia record their findings.

Julian and Sam create a puppet show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.17.10 Newsletter

Addition Club
Ring the bells and sound the drums it is official: every student in my classroom is a member of the Addition Club.  I am so proud of all of the students for making it into the Addition Club.  All 15 of them were able to complete 100 addition problems with 100% accuracy in 5 minutes.  Way to go fourth grade!  I am counting down the days until it is time for the Subtraction Club to begin.


Mid-Term Report
Mid-term reports will be sent home at the end of the day on Friday.  The grade on the report should match your student's online grade.  If not, don't panic.  I may have uploaded grades to the website after the reports were sent to the printer. This was my mistake.  Next quarter mid-terms will not be sent home as a paper copy.  Report cards, however, will continue to be printed.

Field Trip to Powder Valley
We have enough drivers for the upcoming field trip on Tuesday, September 21.  Mrs. Nea, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Simon and Mrs. Schmidt have all volunteered to drive.  I am sure it will be a wonderful event.  Mrs. Glover and I would like the students and chaperones to wear their red Zion technology shirt and jeans for the field trip, make sure you bring your sack lunch as well.


Love and Logic Class 
I am excited to hear that many of you are taking the Love and Logic parenting class on Sunday mornings with Mrs. Kuhlman and Mrs. Bernhardt.  I am a strong advocate of Love and Logic both in the classroom and at home.  Please use the parents in our classroom as a community for moral support.  Together we really are better.  


Social Studies and Math Test
Mrs. Glover will be giving a Social Studies test on Wednesday, September 22.  We will also have a Math test on Friday, September 24.  A pre-test for Math will be given and reviewed in class.


Magazines
Thank you for all of the magazines that have been donated to our classroom.  If anyone else has magazines around the house that could use a new home, our classroom is available.

9.10.10 Newsletter

Launch Party

I wanted to give a quick reminder about the Tech Party tonight at the Stegton.  The committee would like to add that you must have already RSVP'd in order to attend.  I look forward to seeing you. 

Love and Logic Sunday Class

Mrs. Bernhardt and Mrs. Kulhman are starting a new Sunday morning Bible study at Zion.  It is on the topic of "Parenting with Love & Logic".  This class is geared for school age children/families.  It starts September 12.  If you are curious about Love and Logic or are interested in sharpening your skills, please take advantage of this opportunity.  I would love for your students to also take advantage of the Sunday School program.

Field Trip
We will be traveling with the other fourth grade class to Powder Valley on Friday, September 21.  So far, we have one parent volunteer: Mrs. Nea.  If you are available and are an approved driver in the office, please let me know.  Permission slips will be going home in today's Friday Folder.  It is due Monday, September 14.

Blog Comments

I have changed the settings on the blog, and you should be able to leave a comment (if you desire) without having to have a gmail account.  Let me know if you have any trouble.  You can always reach me with email: vmatyas@zionharvester.org

9.3.10 Newsletter

Addition Club

Congratulations to Justin and Elizabeth for making it into the Addition Club!  Memberships are still available.  We have four open spots to fill.  No dues required.  Students simply need to answer 100 addition problems with 100% accuracy in 5 minutes.

September Book Report

Students will need to read a mystery book for their September book report.  Books need to be approved by me.  Book choice is due Tuesday, September 14.  The report will be due Thursday, September 30.  Students are welcome to get books from home, the local library or the school library.  The information and rubric for the book report will be distributed next week.

Scholastic Book Order

Book orders were sent home on Monday.  Information about online ordering is available in a previous blog post. Book orders are due Friday, September 10.

Science Test

There will be a Science Test that covers Chapter 3 on Friday, September 10.  Study guides for the test will be given to the students next week.  Study guides will not be graded.  It is up to the student to use or not use it.  Extra credit will be offered.

Memory Review

On Thursday we will have a written review of Commandments 1-5.

Fundraiser Packets
Fundraiser forms are due back to school the Tuesday after Labor Day.  Mrs. Skerston has volunteered to double check the money count for our class. Her service is appreciated.

Magazines Wanted
I will take your old household magazines and use them for art, science, spelling and literature projects throughout the year.  If you have magazines around the house that could use a new home, please send them to school.

Scholastic Book Orders

Book Orders will be distributed to both fourth grade classes tomorrow.  I have set up an online account through Scholastic where you can order.  The books still come to the school and our class receives free books each time an online order is made.  I will happily accept orders from you if you choose not to order online.  Checks should be made to Scholastic.

The online information is as follows:

Online Ordering Information
Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: GR483

• SIGN UP at www.Scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Don't have a User Name and Password?" link, then register for your own username and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This code ensures that your order is sent to me.
• SELECT the books you'd like to order from over 500 titles available online...and take advantage of online-only specials and discounts.
• SEND your order to me online by the due date. Books will be delivered directly to our classroom, as always.

The due date for orders (both online and not) is Friday, September 10.

If you run into any problems let me know.  I will do my best to remedy the situation.

8.27.10 Newsletter

The Addition Club is Growing

Congratulations to Kurt, Emily, Evelyn, Sam and Caroline for making it into the Addition Club!  Membership is up to half the class.  Way to go!

Spelling Contracts

Don't forget, Spelling Contracts must be completed on handwriting paper until you graduate to lined paper.  Any work completed on different paper will not be accepted.  This does not include illustrated work.

Upcoming Tests and Projects

Mrs. Glover will be giving a test in Social Studies Chapter 1.  The test will take place on Wednesday, September 1.  The project for Social Studies is due this Monday.  There will be a Math test that covers the first 10 lessons on Friday, September 3.  We will be doing a pre-test together as a class before Friday.

Book Orders

Scholastic Book Orders will be distributed next week.  All checks should be made out to Scholastic Books.  It is my desire to set up online ordering for parents.  More information on this will available next week.

A Quick Note of Thanks

I would like to thank all of the parents who attended tonight's Back to School event.  Your commitment to your child's education is commendable.  I look forward to our continued partnership.

Charter Members of Addition Club

I would like to congratulate Erin, Julia, Savanna and Maddie for becoming charter members of the Addition Club.  Membership requires 100 problems of addition completed with 100% accuracy in 5 minutes!  Way to go!

Welcome...to the Blog and Back to School!

Welcome Back to School!

If you made it to this blog than you have most likely already read the newsletter.  I will recap some of the information and make you aware of what the blog has to offer.

A,B,C,G Snacks and Water Bottles

Apples, bananas, carrots/cheese sticks and granola bars are allowed!  Cookies, chips and Ho-Ho's are not.  Bring me your tired, your thirsty and weary and I will allow you to bring a snack.

Memory

Our full memory list is available on this blog.  Students should be learning and reviewing their memory work daily.

Spelling

The key to the Spelling Contract is not waiting until the last minute (Tuesday night) to get it done.  Chip a little away at a time and the task will be a cinch.  A copy of the Spelling Contract is also available.

Welcome To A New School Year

Fourth Graders!

I am super excited about having you in class this year.  We will have a great time getting to know one another in class, at recess, on field trips and during lunch throughout the year.  It is my honor to be your teacher and your privileged to be in my classroom.  Let the learning begin!

The few, the proud, the 4M'ers:

Maddie B.        
Tristan B.
Savanna B.      
Justin D.
Julia H.            
Hannah H.
Sam H.            
Caroline J.
Erin M.             
Trevor N.
Julian P.           
Evelyn S.
Elizabeth S.     
Emily S.
Kurt S.