4th

Important Dates

• Monday, January 20th – MLK Day of Service 
• Tuesday, January 21st – Reimagine Middle School @ 6:00pm
• Thursday, January 23rd – 4th & 5th Grade Swap Day
• Thursday, January 23rd – 4th Grade Parent Meeting – Looking Forward to 5th
• Friday, January 24th – Early Dismissal @ 11:30am 
• Tuesday, January 28th – Ohio County Math Field Day 

CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WCDS EVENTS

The excitement of having two snow days in a row AND many inches of snow on the ground was electric as we came back to school on Wednesday. The 4th graders were flexible and full of eagerness to come back to learn, think, and explore. Although it was a short week, we still packed our days full of learning. We started our 4th/5th-grade literature circles, and the students are thrilled to share their thoughts and ideas with their classmates and their 5th-grade peers. We welcomed Ember to our 4th grade class – she’s a great addition to 4th and WCDS. We had a great afternoon of sledding on Thursday – we are all very grateful for the opportunity to be outside and enjoy the fresh snow. We ended our week with the much anticipated “Colonial Dinner” with various food items prepared by our WCDS middle schoolers. Delicious! Thanks to Renee McFadden and her students for researching and cooking such wonderful dishes from the colonial period. And congratulations to our 4th graders for turning back time and visiting with historical greats such as Aaron Burr, Martha Washington, and good ol’ King George III.

Join us on the 23rd as we discuss what makes 5th grade at WCDS a transformative and memorable year for your child. We will send out a time once the date gets closer! Please reach out with any questions or specific answers you are looking for. We are looking forward to spending time together to strengthen our parent and family partnerships!

The weekend looks like it will bring us more snow – the kids can’t get enough! We hope all of you have a fantastic (and safe) weekend!

Stella and Grace

In ELA: 

• Students were split into different literature circle groups with fifth graders. Your student should have a manilla folder that contains only their work from their literature circle along with a reading calendar. Please check in with them to make sure they are staying up to date on their tasks so they do not fall behind. 
• The Spelling Bee will be hosted next Wednesday for students! We are encouraging each of them to try their best. We are looking at their effort, study skills, and bravery to participate. 
• Students were entered in Ohio County Library’s, “Awesome Authors” writing contest. They were given creative freedom to write a fictional piece that was *** words. 

In Math: 

• Because of the “new year”, we spent some “time” reviewing time.
• We reviewed how to count the numbers on a clock, how to tell what time it is on an analog clock, and how to draw the arms of a clock to set a time.
• We also reviewed the months of the year, what happens with Earth and the Sun within a year, and what makes a day.
• They also learned/reviewed how to make a calendar for the month of January. We’ll continue reviewing all of these skills.
• Next week, we’ll review 2-digit times 2-digit multiplication and move on to 3-digit times 2 digits.

In U.S. History: 

• Students took part in a Colonial Dinner party where they immersed themselves as historical figures who helped found America. 
• The dinner party had a series of five critical thinking questions to help students create conversations with their allies and adversaries. 
• A special thanks to Mrs. McFadden’s middle school cooking elective who cooked time period appropriate food for our students to enjoy! The students tried deer stew, corn chowder, rolls, and a luxury item, apple cinnamon cake. 

In Embryology: 

• Our eggs are on their way from the hatchery, and soon we’ll begin our 21-day countdown! 
• To prepare, students designed and started building egg candlers. 
• These will be used over the next few weeks to monitor the development inside the eggs.

Important Reminders: 

• For our MLK Day of service, 4th grade will collect travel-sized toiletry items. We will then spend our day packing them and writing notes to go in them to drop off to the freeze shelter. Suggested items to send – travel-sized shampoo/conditioner, lip balm, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, tissue packs, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, body wash. We could also use quart-sized baggies to make individual kits.
• The snow and cold weather are here for a while. Thank you for helping your child with our policies on going outside. Please remember to label all articles of clothing, and hats, mittens, gloves, or scarves with your child’s name.

Important Dates

• Monday, January 20th – MLK Day of Service 
• Tuesday, January 21st – Reimagine Middle School @ 6:00pm
• Friday, January 24th – Early Dismissal @ 11:30am 
• Tuesday, January 28th – Ohio County Math Field Day 

CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WCDS EVENTS

MLK Jr. Day of Service at Wheeling Country Day School embodies the spirit of community and action, inspiring students to make a difference in the lives of others. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?'” This day reminds us that even the youngest among us can contribute meaningfully to building a better world. 

For our MLK Day of service, 4th grade will collect travel-sized toiletry items. We will then spend our day packing them and writing notes to go in them to drop off to the freeze shelter. Suggested items to send – travel-sized shampoo/conditioner, lip balm, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, tissue packs, hand sanitizer, hand wipes, body wash.  We could also use quart-sized baggies to make individual kits.

As a reminder, we suggest labeling all winter gear with your child’s name in case it finds its way to the lost and found. For snow, we are asking that if your child would like to play in it they wear snow pants or a snowsuit, coat, gloves, and boots. It can be brought packed so that they may still have warm and nonwet clothes to wear for the rest of the day. If we are having a sled riding day, a message will be sent out through Talking Points the day before to let you know. We will have a designated time for 4th grade to sled so that the hill is not crowded.

Important Dates

• Thursday, January 2, 2025 – 10:00 am, Classes Resume, 7:30 – 9:00 am Before Care, Regular drop off from 9:00 – 10:00 am.

CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WCDS EVENTS

Wow! What a great holiday show. We are so proud of all the kids and their hard work. We hope your family has a warm, safe, and memorable holiday break. Find time to rest and enjoy the magic of this time of year. We wish you the best and will see you in 2025!

All the best,

Grace and Stella

In STEAM: 

• This week, students combined their knowledge of their novel study.
• The Eiffel Tower was constructed out of 100 popsicle sticks! Students had to work through frustration, learn how to plan, and work as a team. 
• Next up was the Seine River with a bridge. Students were tasked with bringing the book cover to life using paper, markers, glue sticks, and saran wrap. 
• Gargoyles and were next. Students worked independently to create their own miniature gargoyle out of clay. As an added challenge from Mr. K, they had to make sure it was fully functional by serving as a miniature rain spout just as they do for many buildings in Paris. 
• We welcomed our special guest, Madame McAteer. She shared her in-depth knowledge of Paris and the sites mentioned in our novel. She also shared her time-honored tradition of Buche de Noel, Yule Logs. The students decorated the logs with marshmallow mushrooms and wild forest animals. A very special thanks to Madame McAteer for spending time with the 4th grade.

In U.S. History:

• Students worked together to create a seating chart by giving reasons as to why or why not they should be seated next to other historical figures. 
• This dinner party will take place in the afternoon of January 3rd. Students may bring clothes to change into for their character if they wish. We are looking forward to a thought-provoking and delicious dinner party! 

Important Reminders: 

• Please check the link above for upcoming events and announcements! 

Drawing the Eiffel Tower

Building the Eiffel Tower

Recreating the Cover Page of, “Family Under the Bridge.”

Gargoyles, Buche de Noel, and Special Guest, Madame McAteer!

Important Dates

• Wednesday, December 18 – Elementary (2nd – 5th) Holiday Show, 6:00 pm
• Thursday, December 19, 11:30 am Dismissal for Holiday Winter Break, NO AFTERCARE
• December 20 – January 1 – Holiday Winter Break, No School
• Thursday, January 2, 2025 – 10:00 am, Classes Resume, 7:30 – 9:00 am Before Care, Regular drop off from 9:00 – 10:00 am.

CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WCDS EVENTS

Holiday excitement is in the air! Like Santa’s elves, the kids are preparing for the holiday show, looking forward to Winter Spirit Week next week (see Upcoming WCDS Events link above), and even preparing some extra surprises to bring home. While we are looking forward to the upcoming holiday break, we are eager to spend the next week focused on learning with some fun, hands-on, and interactive activities related to our Paris landmarks that the students have been researching. Stay tuned for a lively week!

Have a great weekend!

Grace and Stella

In ELA:

• Students have continued their novel study, “Family Under the Bridge.” Touching on themes of giving, empathy, and compassion. They are following this up in SEL and on Thursdays with Officer John! 
• Story elements such as characters, settings, and the plot are reviewed with each chapter and critical and comprehension questions. 
• The students are researching iconic landmarks in Paris which are related to our “Family Under the Bridge” book. More activities related to the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral are scheduled for next week.
• Research for their informative essays has also begun! Students are continuing to immerse themselves in researching, writing notes, and organizing their findings. They will then turn this into a five-paragraph essay. 
• Homophones are continuing! We will continue with this concept until students can navigate these rules independently in their writing! We appreciate your support at home with their homework for this skill.

In Math: 

• The students worked on learning the process of multiplication using 2-digit numbers.
• They used a color-coded “board” to learn the process, which they are working towards independence with the skill.
• Aside from the multiplication process, the students were introduced to “ordered pairs” on the x and y-axis. Plotting these points created a picture. They enjoy practicing this skill.

In U.S. History:

• Students have written their formal introductions for their dinner party. This is a five-sentence paragraph that will give each attendee a glimpse of who they are meeting before the dinner party begins. 
• Next week they will be challenged to create a seating chart based on their historical figure’s friends and foes. 

In Embryology:

• Students completed fill-in-the-blank notes and labeled a diagram of an egg. 
• On Thursday, they tested their knowledge by identifying the egg’s parts. 
• Some group eggs were scrambled before identification, so we wrapped up with a whole-class review on the document camera, ensuring everyone could see each part.

Important Reminders: 

• A note about the Holiday Show: 
• We are excited about our holiday show, and the students have been working hard at work to learn their songs!  Please have your child wear these outfits the night of the performance on 12/18 at 6:00 pm.  Children should show up at 5:30 and proceed to classrooms.
• 4th grade- All the Ghosts Are Coming- white sweater or sweatshirt,  dark pants, and a Santa hat. 
• Winter Spirit Week – Click on the Upcoming WCDS Events link for a list of daily themes or check your child’s agenda in their yellow folder.

• Please continue to remind your child to clean out their yellow folders 2-3 times a week. 
• Late homework and assignments will now impact your student’s grades. A note on their agenda and/or a pink slip attached to the specific assignment will be used to communicate this with you.

Math – Ordered Pairs on the x and y-axis

The results of graphing ordered pairs

Important Dates

• Wednesday, December 18 – Elementary (2nd – 5th) Holiday Show, 6:00 pm
• Thursday, December 19, 11:30 am Dismissal for Holiday Winter Break, NO AFTERCARE
• December 20 – January 1 – Holiday Winter Break, No School
• Thursday, January 2, 2025 – 10:00 am, Classes Resume, 7:30 – 9:00 am Before Care, Regular drop off from 9:00 – 10:00 am.

CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WCDS EVENTS

Thank you to everyone who volunteered to help with our Thanksgiving lunch last week. It is one of the many days where you can feel the magic of WCDS mixed with the warmness of tradition. During November the students learned and practiced gratitude through their journals as well as writing an email to a teacher who they were grateful for. While we walked with your students through a month of gratitude, we often thought of you, our families, who make the magic here at WCDS possible. Without your unwavering support, partnerships, and commitment to our values, we would not be able to do the day-to-day things (or the unusual) that make this place so special. So thank you for sharing your children with us daily and entrusting us with their care. We feel so honored to be a part of their journey! 

Grace and Stella 

In ELA:

• Students have started their unit on homophones starting with your vs. you’re, to, too, and two. Their homework will be practicing these skills to check for their independence. 
• Our new novel study, “The Family Under the Bridge” has captured the attention of this 4th grade class! This book takes place in Paris, France, around Christmas time and touches on many of our ELA skills, such as figurative language, comprehension, and inferencing, but is also as impactful in SEL as the students learn about homelessness and how to help others. 
• Students have been working hard to learn how to research using both their computers and printed articles. This is preparing them for their next writing assignment, an informative essay. 

In Math: 

• The students started working on learning the process of 2-digit times 2-digit multiplication.
• Special multiplication mats are being used, which have color coding and “maps” to guide the students through each step.
• The students who know their multiplication facts with quick recall and fluency catch on to this new process faster. Please encourage your child to practice multiplication facts for at least ten minutes daily.
• We are proud of the perseverance and hard work the students are putting into learning this new and important skill.

In U.S. History:

• Students have begun researching their important historical figures for our “ dinner party! During this dinner party, students will embody their historical figures while sharing what they have learned about them. 
• More information about this dinner party will be sent out as the date gets closer. 

In Embryology:

• Students explored the five steps of the scientific method and practiced by forming hypotheses, setting the stage for hands-on experimentation.
• Our first experiment concluded eggs are porous! 
• To apply their skills, students investigated whether an egg could bounce after soaking in vinegar. Observations showed the eggshell dissolved, leaving a flexible membrane. While the eggs bounced, they weren’t indestructible—one group’s record-breaking 7-inch bounce ended in a messy but memorable break!

Important Reminders

• Please have your child show you how they access their email and Google Classroom. We are moving towards independence with this skill. Also, part of their responsibility is arriving each morning with a charged computer. Thank you for your help with this. 
• Please continue to remind your child to clean out their yellow folders 2-3 times a week. 
• Late homework and assignments will now impact your student’s grades. A note on their agenda and/or a pink slip attached to the specific assignment will be used to communicate this with you. 
• With cold weather upon us, we are seeing hats, mittens, gloves, and layers of clothing. Thanks for keeping your child bundled up and warm! To help your child (and us) keep track of their belongings, please clearly label everything with their name.
• A note about the Holiday Show: 
• We are excited about our holiday show, and the students have been working hard at work to learn their songs!  Please have your child wear these outfits the night of the performance on 12/18 at 6:00 pm.  Children should show up at 5:30 and proceed to classrooms.
• -2nd grade- Jingle Bell Rock- holiday pajamas, and a hat is optional.

-3rd grade- Holly Jolly Christmas- red or green sweater or sweatshirt and dark pants. Holiday hat is optional.

-4th grade- All the Ghosts Are Coming- white sweater or sweatshirt,  dark pants and a Santa hat. 

• More information to follow as the performance gets close

Research, research, research!

New Novel Study!

Double the Fun in Math!

Important Dates

• Tuesday, November 26 – 12:30 Dismissal for Thanksgiving Break – NO AFTERCARE
• November 26 – December 1 – Thanksgiving Break
• Monday, December 2 – 10:00 am, Classes Resume. 7:30 – 9:00 Before Care, Regular drop off from 9:00 – 10:00 am.
• Wednesday, December 18 – Elementary (2nd – 5th) Holiday Show, 6:00 pm
• Thursday, December 19, 11:30 am Dismissal for Holiday Winter Break, NO AFTERCARE
• December 20 – January 1 – Holiday Winter Break, No School
• Thursday, January 2, 2025 – 10:00 am, Classes Resume, 7:30 – 9:00 am Before Care, Regular drop off from 9:00 – 10:00 am.

CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WCDS EVENTS

This week, the students took their second Knowledge Check, planned a Thanksgiving meal, learned about the thirteen original colonies, studied the parts of an egg, wrote about gratitude, celebrated a birthday (Happy Birthday, Ella), dressed in cozy pajamas, celebrated the first snow, enjoyed a pepperoni roll lunch, and ended the week by dancing their hearts out at the all-school dance party. Whew! And that’s not all…please read on to see what else we did this week.

Have a great weekend,

Grace and Stella

In ELA:

• Students worked hard to complete their second Knowledge Checks and did very well! We are very proud of their hard work to retain their skills and show what they know!
• Students are practicing the drop the “e” rule. They also learned how sometimes spellings can be “outdated” of changed over time through research.
•  Memoirs are almost completed! Students will have a chance to share these as well as having them displayed in our classroom. Through this writing process, students have also been working on their typing skills. We encourage them to practice logging into their Google Classroom at home to make this a more seamless process.

In Math: 

• The students took Knowledge Check #2, which included a menu math page. Review and corrections are being made.
• Thanksgiving dinners were planned by seven different groups. Each group “shopped” for a Thanksgiving dinner from three different types of grocery stores. They also learned how to use coupons. Maybe your child can help with the planning and shopping for your Thanksgiving meal!
• We are moving towards multi-digit multiplication (2-digit by 2-digit). Multiplication fact drills were sent home as homework this week. This is a great way for your child to practice facts for at least 10 minutes per day. Knowing these facts fluently will help your child as we move into a more involved multiplication process.

In U.S. History:

• Students are continuing to learn about the original 13 colonies. 
• They were divided into three groups to research the southern, middle, and new england colonies. 
• Next week they will present their findings to the class and teach each other about their respective colonies.

In Embryology:

• Students worked in “flocks” of 3-4 classmates on a Solo Cup Challenge, with the first round with little directions resulting in negative communication like “You’re doing it wrong.” Next, a silent round encouraged non-verbal teamwork, emphasizing the importance of constructive interaction.
• Through reflection and practice, students adopted positive phrases such as “Let’s try again” and “That didn’t work, but let’s try this,” resulting in more successful and collaborative group efforts in the final round.
• We started by observing the outside of an egg, beginning with hypotheses. Students then used tools like a spring scale, graduated cylinder, and tape measure to collect accurate data and test their predictions.

Important Reminders

• Please have your child show you how they access their email and Google Classroom. We are moving towards independence with this skill. Also, part of their responsibility is arriving each morning with a charged computer. Thank you for your help with this.

Thanksgiving Meal Math Project

Embryology

Gratitude Journals, History, Silly Poses, and 4 Square!

CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WCDS EVENTS

Thank you to ALL 4th-grade families for supporting WCDS and 29 Hours of Giving. We are happy to announce that 4th grade had 100% participation! We have earned a “Pizza Pajama Dance Party”! We’ll announce the date as soon as everything is finalized. THANK YOU!

Have a great weekend,

Grace and Stella

In ELA:

• On Tuesday, November 19th, students will take Knowledge Check #2. The topics will consist of the following: contractions, doubling, nonfiction text features, nonfiction text, memoirs, gratitude, and money. 
• Spelling rules continued as the students applied new vowel suffixes to their doubling rule. 
• Students continued their “Frozen in Time: A Memoir Series” this week. We read examples of other authors’ works to identify beginning sentences (leads) that hook readers best. As a class, they found that the books that left them on a cliffhanger made them want more! 
• This week, we completed scavenger hunts, task cards, and more to solidify our text feature knowledge. 
• Our nonfiction unit also continued as we covered topics from tornados to cheetahs! The students are learning how to read this text in a way that allows them to find the information needed. 

In Math:

• The students spent the week going through menus and answered questions regarding the cost of meals and budgeting.
• Many of them said, “This is making me hungry!”
• We are emphasizing the importance of using addition, subtraction, and budgeting to order food and even some souvenirs. This is a real-world application; maybe ask your child to help plan a budget when you’re grocery shopping or going out to eat.
• Next week, the students will plan a Thanksgiving meal!

In U.S. History:

• Students started to learn about the 13 original U.S. colonies. 
• Their curiosities guided them towards the “Lost Colony” so they spent time reading and discussing different possibilities of what might have happened. 
• Next week, we will continue to explore the different colonies and what made each one unique.

In Embryology:

• This week, we launched our embryology unit by breaking down the term: ology (the study of) and embryo (offspring in development).
• To kick off the deep dive, I got to know the 4th graders with a ball toss game, then surprised the class by using a black light to reveal fake germs that I had spread!
• Students learned the importance of proper handwashing, especially when handling eggs or chickens that may carry Salmonella, and created handwashing posters to display in class.  

Important Reminders:

• Please have your child show you how they access their email and Google Classroom. We are moving towards independence with this skill. Also, part of their responsibility is arriving each morning with a charged computer. Thank you for your help with this.
• The school lost and found table is overflowing with various coats, sweaters, jackets, etc. Please stop by and claim anything that may be your child’s. Also, to help keep the lost and found under control, please clearly label your child’s clothing with their first and last name. Thank you!

CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WCDS EVENTS

A very important election happened this week and the votes are in. The winner is…Taco in a Bag! Thank you to Mrs. White and Mr. Jividen for teaching the 4th grade about the importance of elections. This week we concentrated on the students using independent thinking and working through their assignments on their own. We also talked about the difference between needing assistance and simply wanting to know if their answer is correct. We remind the students, it’s more about the process of learning, than getting something right.

Please read on to learn more about our week.

Enjoy the weekend!

Grace and Stella

In ELA:

• The students continue to impress with their spelling rules knowledge. Their doubling skills are already showing in their writing! 
• Students started their “Frozen in Time: A Memoir Series” this week by bringing in a special, scary, or exciting picture to write their memoir on! The goal is that their figurative language continues to expand with the help of having a picture of the moment. 
• Nonfiction and text features will be our theme for the next couple of weeks! Students are learning to read texts that are purely informational while studying various topics of their choosings such as weather, animals, math, and sports! 
• During our nonfiction unit, we are encouraging students to seek out a topic they are interested in and find a book or reading material to continue their learning. The Ohio County Library is a great resource for this as well as articles onlines by National Geographic Kids! 

In Math:

• We spent a lot of time with the skill of counting paper bills and coins. 
• The students are using their money-counting skills and applying them to real-life situations such as making change.
• They solved some word problems involving multi-steps, first total your purchase, then subtract from the dollar bill that you paid with, and then get your change.
• Next week, we move into budgeting. The students will read a menu, order food items, and make sure they have enough money to pay.

In Government:

• The students had a busy week starting with their Lunch Food Debate on Monday. Every student took the stage to tell SK-5th grade students why they should vote for their candidate. 
• Following the debate on Tuesday, four students who stayed neutral during the election process worked the polls during their recess and lunch shifts. These students get an extra shoutout for taking their job very seriously and running an impressively smooth election day. They may want to explore this opportunity in the future! 
• To end this deep dive, we have an all school assembly to announce the winner! Even our students were kept in suspense as they opened the envelope to reveal the winner. 
• Check out our social media pages and below to see highlights from this exciting and informative deep dive! 

In Brainology:

• Almost everyone was able to present their Growth Mindset lessons to other WCDS students and the last group will finish up next week. Overall, the children did a nice job preparing lessons and activities, specifically focusing on the age of children they were teaching. 
• Next week, the children will bring home some of the work they did during Brainology class. Hopefully when they are given a difficult task or feel defeated in some way, they will remember the importance of trying again and taking on challenges. 

Important Reminders:

• The school lost and found table is overflowing with various coats, sweaters, jackets, etc. Please stop by and claim anything that may be your child’s. Also, to help keep the lost and found under control, please clearly label your child’s clothing with their first and last name. Thank you!

Prep, Debate, Vote, Oh My!

Yoga & Nonfiction Text Features!

Important Dates

• Monday, November 4th – Debate for 4th Grade’s Election 
• Tuesday, November 5th – 4th Grade Lunch Food Election 
• Friday, November 8th – First Trimester Ends
•  Wednesday, November 13 – 29 Hours of Giving and the debut of the WCDS Talent Show, 7 pm.
• Thursday, November 21 – Coffee Conversations
• Tuesday, November 26 – 12:30 Dismissal for Thanksgiving Break – NO AFTERCARE, Thanksgiving Break 11/26 to 11/29
• Monday, December 2 – 10:00 am, Classes Resume

CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WCDS EVENTS

Wow! What a week! We had a very special visit from Maestro John Devlin and Jason Sivert from the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. They demonstrated how the symphony conductor controls how the musicians play their instruments which allows expression and interpretation to lead the way. And they talked about how mistakes can sometimes turn into something beautiful and unexpected. This confirms how our partnership with the symphony aligns with the WCDS way of thinking! 

Excitement was in the air as our scary clowns, bananas, and even football superstars walked into the 4th-grade classroom. We had a great day with tricks and treats and everything in between. Thanks to all of you parents who joined us for the festivities!

Please read on to learn more about our week in 4th Grade!

Enjoy the weekend!

Grace and Stella

In ELA:

• In spelling, students are practicing using the Doubling (1+1+1) Rule. For homework assignments, they have a mini anchor chart in their yellow folder to help guide them with the rules when needed. 
• Students worked on Spooky stories this week to kick off their Halloween festivities! While going through the writing process, they are also learning how to type their final drafts on Google Classroom. 
• In reading, students spent time with their free read books to work on their stamina. Please continue to read for 20 minutes at night when no other homework is assigned in Language Arts. 
• Students also continued to work on making inferences through Halloween themed readings. 

In Math: 

• We moved into addition and subtraction using decimals (in the form of money). 
• The students were introduced to decimal place values in the tenths (dimes) and hundredths (pennies).
• We also talked about the importance of labeling money problems with the dollar sign ($) and the significance of the decimal. We talked about how the amount $23.67 would turn into $2367 without the decimal. They said they would rather pay $23.67!
• Next week, we’ll practice counting money and making change.

In Government:

• Students are putting the final touches on their upcoming Lunch Election! Signs, flyers, and ballots are being prepped for each candidate.
• Ask your student which candidate they are representing (Taco in a Bag, Mac and Cheese, Spaghetti, or Grilled Cheese) and what their specific job is! We have everything from field directors, campaign managers, communications directors, and even poll workers! 
• As the election nears we are excited to watch their learning come to life in this real life simulation. We appreciate their dedication and hardwork to this process!

In Brainology:

• The children have been practicing their teaching skills and prepping their materials. Many of the groups are scheduled to teach their growth mindset lessons next week.

Important Reminders:

• Homework Reminder – Please remember that your child should work on homework assignments for a maximum of 40 minutes. If your child is struggling with a particular homework assignment, please write us a note about any difficulty he/she may be having. We want to make sure we work with your child with relearning and reteaching these skills.
• Your child is responsible for bringing a fully charged computer to class each day. We suggest plugging in their computer at home as part of their daily tasks. 

Moving to the Beat!

How to conduct a symphony!

Halloween!

Halloween Treats

Important Dates

• Monday, October 28 – 6th Grade Face Your Face Exhibition, 5:00 – 6:00 pm, 4th Grade is invited!
• Tuesday, October 29 – Maestro John Devlin with Wheeling Symphony Orchestra visits 4th Grade
• Wednesday, November 13 – 29 Hours of Giving and the debut of the WCDS Talent Show, 7 pm.
• Thursday, October 31st – 9:15 Whole School Halloween Parade
• Monday, November 4th – Debate for 4th Grade’s Election 
• Tuesday, November 5th – 4th Grade Lunch Food Election 
• Friday, November 8th – First Trimester Ends

CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WCDS EVENTS

Fourth Grade took advantage of the beautiful warm weather this week. They were outside solving subtraction problems and reading their books in the warm fall air. We are so lucky to learn in our beautiful outdoor classroom spaces.

Please read on to learn more about what we did this week.

As always, thank you for all of the support you provide at home! Have a great weekend!

Stella and Grace

In ELA:

• Students worked hard to finish their first memoirs! They are being displayed in the classroom but will be sent home in the weeks to come. 
• Contractions were the focus of our spelling rule this week. Students reviewed them with ease and we will be moving on to the ‘Doubling Rule’ next week! 
• Students continued listening to the Mysterious Benedict Society. Listening to this book has grown their comprehension skills while also continuing to develop new skills such as character traits and inferring. 

In Math: 

• Students learned the process of “subtracting across zeros.” 
• We encourage students to talk through their “subtracting story” as they move through borrowing from zeros. Talking themselves through each step helps the students perform each step with a better understanding of the process.
• Students also practiced how to check their subtraction work by using addition. Checking their work gives them more confidence in their work and improves their accuracy.
• Hocus Pocus – The students were taught a math magic trick. Have them demonstrate the power of their “mind reading”!
• Next week, we will introduce using money (decimals) in addition and subtraction. 

In Government:

• Students are working hard on preparing their lessons on voting and their upcoming election for SK-5th grade. 
• Students discussed different activities that would keep their audience engaged like having the younger students vote with their bodies. 
• Our school-wide election will take place on November 5th, with a debate with the final candidates on November 4th.

In Brainology:

• Students discussed the effect different emotions have on their brains.

Important Reminders:

• All 4th/5th-grade students are invited to our 6th-grade Face Your Face Exhibition at the Ohio County Public Library on Monday, October 28th, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
• Thursday, October 31st – 9:15 Whole School Halloween Parade. Students should come to school dressed in costume and bring a change of casual clothes to change into afterward. We will have treats and a snack in the classroom after lunch.
• Homework Reminder – Please remember that your child should work on homework assignments for a maximum of 40 minutes. If your child is struggling with a particular homework assignment, please write us a note about any difficulty he/she may be having. We want to make sure we work with your child with relearning and reteaching these skills.
• Your child is responsible for bringing a fully charged computer to class each day. We suggest plugging in their computer at home as part of their daily tasks. 

Typing Memoirs on Google Docs

Outdoor Math Class

Reading by the Creek

Pink Celebration!

Hidden!

Mind Reading