4th CELEBRATES Spring
Important Dates
- Friday, March 28 – 11:30 AM Early Dismissal
- Saturday, March 29 – CELEBRATE!
- Friday, April 17 – 11:30 AM Early Dismissal
- Friday, April 17 – Monday, April 21 – Spring Long Weekend
- Tuesday, April 22nd – 10:00 AM Start Time
CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WCDS EVENTS
Spring is in the air and it’s time to CELEBRATE! Speaking of Celebrate… Have you bought your Celebrate tickets for our event next Saturday, March 29? If you haven’t please go to this site https://app.betterunite.com/wcds-celebratewonderland to secure your tickets. On this same site, you can also purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a Walt Disney World trip! Your child is working hard on the 4th grade class art project, which will be up for auction at the event. We hope you can join us! CELEBRATE WCDS: Wonderland
In ELA:
- Students worked hard on comparative and superlative adjectives this week. They completed a Knowledge Check to show what they have learned! Parent signatures are encouraged on these as we want to make sure you see their hard work (and they want the bonus points that come with it!)
- We finished reading Pie this week, and the students loved the book! They finally solved the mystery of the Pie recipe! Next week, we will review their question packets and chapter summaries before we give a final assessment grade.
- WCDS Nature poems are continuing as the students bring the magic of our campus to life through their words! They will be crafting a display along with their final piece to showcase their hardwork.
In Math:
- The students are working hard on remembering and moving through the process of long division.
- This week, they moved away from the “big” boxes and worked without the prompts.
- They also worked on division problems with remainders and started division with 3 digits divided by 1 digit.
- Next week, we will move away from the prompts and begin writing the algorithm on their own. They should remember to use their “buttons”!
- We encourage them to continue practicing their multiplication and division facts. Knowing them is making a great difference while they move through the division process.
In Castle Rock:
- Students continued to work together to make deals with other countries that suited both their needs and the other countries needs.
- We discussed how its great they want to help other countries, they also have to remember to make deals that will also greatly benefit their own country. Even if that means making the tough decision.
In STEAM:
- Marble runs have been completed! Wrapping up their study of gravity, students led a thoughtful discussion on what they have learned and what questions they still have.
- Marbles became an interest of the class so they will explore their history, uses, and more starting next week!
Important Reminders:
- As the third trimester begins, our 4th graders are now close to becoming 5th graders. Please help us in pushing your student to not only be the best student they can be but leader as well. We look forward to watching them grow into campus leaders next year but we have to make sure they are well prepared first!
Working on CELEBRATE art!
I Missed You!
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- Friday, March 28th– We will have a combined class with We Two from 10:00-11:15 am at Northern.
Boy, did I miss you all this week! I hope you enjoyed your time with Miss Stephanie and the provocations that were set up for your little learner. I loved seeing the children exploring with all of the color, making it really feel like springtime!
I am looking forward to our combined class next week and playing with you all again! I want to shout out a big thank you to Miss Stephanie for covering for me to day so that I could share my love of Reggio-inspired practices with some of our parents.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Miss Claire
Almost Time to Celebrate!
Several students used every spare minute this week to work on their skateboard art projects for Celebrate. They look amazing, and we hope to see you there next weekend!
CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WCDS EVENTS
English w/ Mrs. McFadden –
- Upcoming Tests/Quizzes- None scheduled
- We finished The Parker Inheritance! Students completed packets.
- We discussed some of the themes of the book such as community service, social justice and activism. Students will be working on essays highlighting how different characters contributed to these themes and how they see them play out in our community, as well as ways they can make a difference.
Math w/ Mrs. McFadden –
- Upcoming Tests/Quizzes- Chapter 6 Progress check sometime midweek
- Completed Chapter 5 retakes.
- Began Chapter 6 with a review of factor trees, and finding greatest common factors.
Science w/ Mrs. Farris –
- Upcoming Tests/Quizzes – March 21st Vocabulary and States of Matter Quiz
- We expanded our exploration of the properties of matter by looking closer into physical and chemical changes.
- Students gained firsthand experience in grading maple syrup based on its color and taste. To explain the color change in maple syrup, we studied the Maillard reaction.
- Taking our learning into the kitchen, we demonstrated how molecules transition between solid and liquid states by adding and removing heat. As a hands-on activity, we made hard-tack candy and soft maple candy, observing these transformations in action.
Music w/ Mrs. Chelsey –
- Information about the upcoming Nailers game that 6th and 7th grade are singing the National Anthem for went out in an email last week. Please be sure to check, as it has a lot of details!! If you did not receive this email, please reach out to Carrie or Ms Chelsey!
- This week we added tambourine to “Here Comes the Sun” and should be ready to record our video next week to welcome spring!!
- Our music journal prompt this week was “ What song would you choose as a soundtrack for your life today?”
Elective
Speech and Debate/Yearbook- This week the yearbook elective welcomed the speech and debate team to practice their pieces in front of an audience. We were all super impressed with the performances! From heartfelt poetry to a hilarious reenactment of a scene from a Bluey episode, these kiddos left us quite entertained! Well done WCDS speech and debate!
7th Grade Scoop
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Good Morning 7th Grade Families! Please see Ms. Chesley’s note below about the upcoming Nailers game. I have attached a flyer in the photo gallery below with additional information. You will also receive an email from me today about an opportunity to travel to the State Capitol next week. Thank you to Delegate Flanigan for the invite!
English w/ Mr. Rouse –
- Upcoming Tests/Quizzes- none
- We wrapped up Howl’s Moving Castle and transitioned into our two last projects. The course load will be a lot lighter this week coming up because I have them managing an essay and a group project at the same time.
- Howl’s Moving Castle has what I would call a circular plot, all aspects of the book become connected at one point. Because there’s so much seeded throughout the book, I’m having the students do a plot web, a project where they will make a map of all the connected characters and events- forensic style.
- They’re also doing an essay with provided topics.
- Finally, we will be watching the movie after it’s all said and done. There’s nothing problematic in the movie. Our next book will be A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. I showed students what copy they should purchase.
Deep Dive w/ Mr. Jividen and Mr. Rouse –
- Upcoming Tests/Quizzes –
- We are excited to welcome our first deep dive guest next week, Ms. Stephanie Hockenberry
- Students finished storyboards and narrowed our focus for the upcoming drone footage
- Students prepped questions for three upcoming guests in the next two weeks
Math w/ Mrs. Boldrick –
- Upcoming Tests/Quizzes – None
- On Monday and Tuesday, the students reviewed for their test on Wednesday.
- They asked many questions and asked for assistance, which is appreciated.
- After taking the test, they had a chance to correct their answers, which they worked very hard on mastering the process.
- Next week, we’ll move into inequalities, but will also continue to work on solving multi-step equations since the skills are related.
Math w/ Mrs. Howells –
- Upcoming Tests/Quizzes – none
- This week the students worked to solve one- and two-step equations involving decimals and all four operations.
- We also reviewed the three topics from last week: dividing decimals by decimals, negative exponents, and scientific notation.
- Next week we will begin working with prime factorization, greatest common factors, and least common multiples.
Social Studies w/ Mr. Jividen –
- Upcoming Tests/Quizzes – No Tests or Quizzes Scheduled
Science w/ Mrs. Farris –
- Upcoming Tests/Quizzes – None
- We expanded our science vocabulary by learning about volume and how to calculate it for regularly shaped objects. We then explored the water displacement method to measure the volume of irregularly shaped objects.
- On Tuesday, we reviewed and highlighted key study resources in an effort to prepare for Thursday’s quiz.
- Each student made significant improvements in their study habits—way to go, 7th grade!
Music w/ Mrs. Chelsey –
- Information about the upcoming Nailers game that 6th and 7th grade are singing the National Anthem for went out in an email last week. Please be sure to check, as it has a lot of details!! If you did not receive this email, please reach out to Carrie or Ms Chelsey!
- This week we added tambourine to “Here Comes the Sun” and should be ready to record our video next week to welcome spring!!
- Our music journal prompt this week was “ What song would you choose as a soundtrack for your life today?”
A Mad Scientist at Work
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Every year for the last (at least) 10 years, we’ve lost Mr. K a week or two before Celebrate- and this year is no different. His alter ego comes out: The Mad Scientist. Only one mind can orchestrate creative the genius behind Celebrate’s art work, and the process manifests in student/teacher collaboration, a laboratory art room, and endless supply runs. However, it’s also only possible because the students apply their passion to the ideas! Please come out, socialize, and bid on a piece of art work- lots of effort goes into making the event special! Also, enjoy the only internship selfie we got this week from none other than Adrienne!
English w/ Mr. Rouse –
- Upcoming Tests/Quizzes- none.
- This week, I continued to conference with the students and workshop their Introduction to the paper.
- We spent some time working on body paragraphs. All things considered, the research papers are coming along nicely. Next week, we will be working on MLA formatting because I don’t want them to have to go back and change a bunch of their source format.
Math w/ Mrs. Boldrick –
- Upcoming Tests/Quizzes – None
- On Monday and Tuesday, the students reviewed for their test on Wednesday.
- They asked many questions and asked for assistance, which is appreciated.
- After taking the test, they had a chance to correct their answers, which they worked very hard on mastering the process.
- Next week, we’ll move into inequalities, but will also continue to work on solving multi-step equations since the skills are related.
- Algebra 1/Geometry – The students worked hard at understanding how to simplify radicals in all operations. They took a test on Wednesday and have until Monday to make corrections.
Math w/ Mrs. Howells
- Upcoming Tests/Quizzes – none
- This week the students worked to solve one- and two-step equations involving decimals and all four operations.
- We also reviewed the three topics from last week: dividing decimals by decimals, negative exponents, and scientific notation.
- Next week we will begin working with prime factorization, greatest common factors, and least common multiples.
Science w/ Mrs. Farris –
- Upcoming Tests/Quizzes – No test or quiz scheduled
- “Is that popcorn for us? Wait… are those Matchbox cars?” You got it! But before enjoying our afternoon snack, we explored just how many forms of energy we could identify while popping popcorn in the microwave. This engaging start to our Monday afternoon captivated the 8th grade as we discovered that energy never stops—it only transforms, illustrating the law of conservation of energy.
- A special musical performance by Tristain made for another memorable example of how energy transforms.
- Students are also doing a great job managing their digital labs and assignments in science—keep up the great work!
Music w/ Mrs. Chelsey –
- This week we started learning the rhythm for the “Cup Song”. It’s a fun and challenging way to keep rhythm during a song!
- Our music journal prompt this week was “ What song would you choose as a soundtrack for your life today?”
First Grade “Unlocked the Box!”
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First grade got a special delivery from a pesky little Leprechaun this past week. They were tasked with addition and subtraction problems that revealed the secret location of the key that was hidden under a chair in our classroom. This key unlocked a safe to a number of St. Patrick’s Day surprises. Even though students were unsuccessful at catching the Leprechaun with the traps they set, they LOVED the challenge of unlocking the box!
We continued our studies of the rainforest by exploring the amazing animals that live there. Students researched facts about various animals discovering where they live and what they eat. We look forward wrapping up our habitat unit by visiting the ocean next week.
25, 50, 75, $1.00, all for Country Day, stand up and hollar! We are becoming masters at counting mixed change to $1.00. Students have learned how to sort change and exchange money for various amounts.
S-P-R-I-N-G…SPPPRRRIIINNNGGG was the topic for writing workshop this week. Students shared what the season brings by writing lengthy sentences enhanced with adjectives. Then they learned about poetry by completing a Spring acrostic poem. We read “Who You Were Made to Be” by Joanna Gaines and created beautiful hot air balloons in celebration of our excitement for the new season.
We are getting so excited for CELEBRATE! Don’t forget to get your tickets! Be sure to check out some photos of the art project first grade will be auctioning off.
We hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Danielle, Karen, & Brittany
Wonderland Awaits: Events, Learning & 5th Grade Fun!
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Upcoming Dates:
- March 28 – 11:30 Early Dismissal
- March 29 – CELEBRATE!
- Stay tuned for details on the auction next week, get your tickets now, and be part of the Wonderland fun! You can find more details and purchase event and raffle tickets here: https://app.betterunite.com/wcds-celebratewonderland
- April 7th – Music Field Trip During Day – In School Uniform
- April 17th – 11:30 Dismissal and Spring Long Weekend
- April 22nd – Back to School – 10:00 Start
This group of students really loves to read. If your child is interested in any new books to add to their collection or sequels to any of the novels we’ve read this year, we encourage you to buy them from our Scholastic bookshop, so our class can earn points to upgrade our 5th-grade class library! Order by April 1, 2025 🙂
Shop Our Class Page: https://orders.scholastic.com/32M7K7
For an upcoming hands-on math project, we are looking for donations of tape! If you are willing to donate any rolls of primarily masking tape or scotch tape, we would greatly appreciate it!
Weekly Recap:
Language Arts:
- Continuing our class novel and preparing our speeches for our upcoming mock “board meeting” where students will practice public speaking and plead their case to the class
- Beginning to explore various forms of poetry and ways to use it to invoke emotion
- Students are building their own poetry books – we can’t wait for you to see and hear them!
Math:
- Learned how to convert customary units of measurements
- Embarked on a real-life scavenger hunt of measuring and adding various lengths
- Beginning to explore area, perimeter, and circumference
- Looking for donations for tape! If you are willing to send in any scotch tape or masking tape, we would greatly appreciate it!
Social Studies:
We continued exploring the events leading up to the Civil War, including the Compromise of 1850, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the Dred Scott decision, Bleeding Kansas, and John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry. Students have been actively engaged in discussions, reading newspaper articles in groups, and taking turns summarizing key events to their classmates. Through these activities, they’ve been making connections between these pivotal moments and the growing tensions between the North and South. As we near the end of fifth grade and prepare for middle school, you will begin to see social studies homework start to come home in the evenings with tests and quizzes to come in the future.
Weather Balloon:
We kicked off the Weather Balloon project this week! This special 5th-grade tradition holds great significance for our school, as we honor Josiah, a beloved WCDS 5th grader who tragically passed away 11 years ago. In his memory, “JoJo XI” will be launched.
Students eagerly submitted paragraphs explaining their team preferences, and with over 80% applying for the same team, selecting final placements was a challenge. After careful consideration, teams were announced for Launch, Recovery, Research & Design, Weather, Public Relations, and Safety. We look forward to an exciting and meaningful journey ahead!
Music & Drama:
Our fifth graders have been hard at work writing their own original song and are now in the process of filming their very own music video! They also created homemade musical instruments and had the opportunity to showcase their ideas to the fourth graders. It’s amazing to see their passion for music and creativity shine!
Spring-A-Ding-Ding!
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ELA: In Language Arts, we explored the suffix -ed and unpacked all the spelling rules that followed it. For Writing, students crafted three chapters based on their research topics, penning their ideas into something special.
Math: In Math, we tackled the 11s and 12s times tables, multiplying our skills and adding confidence. We are now at the end of our multiplication journey and will be starting fact families next week. Don’t forget to put those flash cards to good use!
Deep Dive:
Deep Dive, we mapped out 8 different tribes, exploring new cultures and finding their locations on the globe. It was a week full of growth and discovery – we’re definitely on the up and up!
**Please contact us BOTH if you have any questions or concerns this school year:
hwillliams@wcdsedu.com & pbuck@wcdsedu.com
Or Talking Points (send to both if you can)
Don’t forget to sign up for Celebrate! Hope to see you all there!
Hanna and Paula
I Missed You!
CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WCDS EVENTS
- Friday, March 28th– We will have a combined class with We Two from 10:00-11:15 am at Northern.
Boy, did I miss you all this week! I hope you enjoyed your time with Miss Stephanie and the provocations that were set up for your little learner. I loved seeing the children exploring with all of the color, making it really feel like springtime!
I am looking forward to our combined class next week and playing with you all again! I want to shout out a big thank you to Miss Stephanie for covering for me to day so that I could share my love of Reggio-inspired practices with some of our parents.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Miss Claire
Fly, Fly Butterfly! 🦋
CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING WCDS EVENTS
⭐️Your kids have been working hard on their class art piece and hope you will be at Celebrate to see it and bid-there are still event tickets left! Please turn all raffle tickets into the office by Monday. Thank you for always supporting WCDS- https://app.betterunite.com/wcds-celebratewonderland
- Friday, March 28th– 11:30 am dismissal, Aftercare is available until 3 pm
Dear JK Families,
Spread your wings and fly! Color upon color upon color filled the room this week as we continued to work on our CELEBRATE art piece. After drawing unique butterflies previously, the students tried a new way of painting to create a base for their large-scale creature. Using clear poster or vellum, the students squeezed multiple colors of acrylic paint in lines, swirls, and zig zags. They then squeegeed across the plastic, marveling at how their colors spread and mixed. Layers and layers of paint were added, resulting in a beautiful stained glass effect. Our next step is to transform them into massive butterflies. We cannot wait for you to see the final masterpiece!
When we weren’t exploring with color, our two student teachers taught lessons to reinforce our learning in the classroom. Miss Trista played a fun fishing game with the students, focusing on upper case and lowercase letters. The students were very careful not to get their hands chomped as they fed the large shark. Miss Heather read us The Bakery Dragon by Devin Kurtz and encouraged the students to draw something that they would protect in their hoard. We had everything from gold to donuts to flowers.
With butterflies on the brain, we introduced the students to the wonderful world of symmetry. We read Seeing Symmetry by Loreen Leedy, showing us that there are symmetrical things all around us. The students then tried their hand at making symmetrical images on our whiteboard table using markers and loose parts. We also created some interesting designs using the classic smoosh painting technique. After folding a piece of paper in half, the students squirted paint on one side. They then folded it again, rubbed and rubbed their hands on top, then carefully opened for a splendid reveal. We hope to add to these unique pictures next week.
We can’t forget about the tricky leprechaun that came to visit our room on St. Patrick’s Day. What a mess he left with chairs toppled over, cards and other materials thrown on the floor, toilets not flushed, and even snotty tissues! He did leave us some fun treasures, including chocolate coins and bags of Lucky Charms.
We hope you all have a great weekend and see you on Monday!
Miss Claire and Miss Liz
Butterflies
Student Teachers at Work
Symmetry
Let’s Play!
