Week of April 7

        I trust everyone had a restful break and is ready to come back to school raring to finish out this wonderful year we've all shared together. My family and I spent most of the break in Boone, NC where we redid the bathroom shower of our house. It was  major undertaking, but we did a great job and it looks amazing. Never again though... until the next time  :) 

 The family of two of our students at Neuse suffered a terrible tragedy during the Easter break.  We (the 4th grade team) would very much like to offer our condolences and prayers to the family of Lenny Holland. Her father died in a terrible automobile accident. Mrs. Adams was able to go to the service and offer support to the family during this terrible and sad time in their lives. Miss Vicky requested that we make sure Lenny and Krista know they are loved during this emotional and trying time. They very much are. The Holland family are asking for donations to be sent to the Raleigh Vet Center, see address below.  If you would like to contribute, please do. The obituary from Parrish Funeral Home: 

Selma – Christopher Darius “Chris” Holland, age 34, died Sunday night March 31, 2013. Born July 21, 1978 in Johnston County he was the son of Vicki Black Holland of Selma and the late Larry Elbert Holland. Chris was a member of Sharon Baptist Church and an avid guitar player.
A memorial service will be conducted at1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2013 in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home with Minister Will Roland officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
Surviving in addition to his mother are his wife, Jessica Holland of Goldsboro; son, Lane Holland; daughters, Krista Holland, and Lenny Rae Holland; sisters, Patience Maynard and husband Jonathan of Smithfield; and Beth Holland of Clayton; grandfather, Shirley Richard Black of Smithfield; Uncle, Richard Black of Raleigh; and nephews, Jordan and Jamie Maynard. Memorials may be made to the Raleigh Vet Center, General Post Fund, 1649 Old Louisburg Road, Raleigh, NC 27604.

As you all know, the 3rd quarter is coming to a close. Report cards go home on the 12th of April and awards day is April 19th. Our focus in the last quarter will be to prepare for the EOG test, consolidate everything we learned this year and tighten up some loose ends. We will begin this week with a mini-poetry unit, focusing on reading and writing poems in the Common Core for 4th grade. In addition, 4A will enjoy literature circles. Listening to a book on tape and discussing the book in small groups. I will circulate daily from group to group, facilitating discussion and working on vocabulary. 4B and 4C will engage in center activities independently. All classes will review test taking skills and strategies. The poetry unit will require about 2 weeks time. 

The next unit will focus on persuasive writing. We will listen to and read famous political speeches and documents and write some of our own. We will learn the basics of persuasive writing. This unit will also require about 2 weeks.


Vocabulary 4A
Week of April 8
Vocab test on Friday. Students must use words in a sentence that tells me they understand the word. Example: The soldiers unfurled the flag, or unrolled it and ran it up the flagpole.
unfurled-to unroll or spread out something, or be unrolled or spread out
foe-an enemy or opponent of somebody or something
embattled-under attack or subject to controversy
redeem-to make something acceptable or pleasant in spite of its negative qualities or aspects-
crimson-a deep rich  red color
forlorn-lonely and miserable, as though deserted or abandoned
perceive-to notice something using your senses, esp. something others don’t notice
earnest- intensely or excessively serious and grave in manner or attitude
mystery an event or situation that is difficult to fully understand or explain -
sage- a wise person
steadily-fixed, stable or not easy to move; staying the same;
commercial- related to the buying or selling of goods or services
logic- sensible, rational, reasonable thinking
courage- ability to face danger, difficulty, uncertainty, or pain without being overcome by fear
repetition-repeating something: saying it over again (as in poetry)
rhyme- a similarity in the sound of word endings, especially in poetry
  
Vocabulary 4B/4C
Week of April 8
Vocab test on Friday. Students must use words in a sentence that tells me they understand the word. Example: The soldiers unfurled the flag, or unrolled it and ran it up the flagpole.
unfurled-to unroll or spread out something, or be unrolled or spread out
foe-an enemy or opponent of somebody or something
conqueror-winner, or victor, over an enemy
 redemption-to make something acceptable or pleasant in spite of its negative qualities or aspects-
crimson-a deep rich  red color
forlorn-lonely and miserable, as though deserted or abandoned
perception- to notice something using your senses, esp. something others don’t notice, or an attitude or understanding based on what is observed or thought
earnest- intensely or excessively serious and grave in manner or attitude
mused-thought about something
mystery an event or situation that is difficult to fully understand or explain -
sage- a wise person
commercial- related to the buying or selling of goods or services
logical- sensible, rational, reasonable thinking
courageous-ability to face danger, difficulty, uncertainty, or pain without being overcome by fear
repetition-repeating something: saying it over again (as in poetry)
rhyme- a similarity in the sound of word endings, especially in poetry