Grade 4 – Ms. Miceli’s Blog

Picture Day tomorrow!

Dear Students,

        Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer are quickly coming to an end and it’s time to think about school.  I hope you are enjoying a fun-filled vacation that includes reading and writing to keep in shape.  I have been reading many books, especially on the rainy days and at the beach.  What about you? I can’t wait to see your summer reading log when you return this fall. It will help me find books that interest you this year.  As the former writing teacher, I am especially fond of reading student writing.  Although the standard requires that we will read and write daily, fourth graders do it because they enjoy it.   If you would like to write to me before school starts and tell me what interests you have, I would love to hear from you.

Fourth grade is an exciting time!  Science is always a favorite. We will begin with land and water. You will discover that geology really rocks! Fourth graders study the 50 states and capitals with an emphasis on their own state.  To prepare you for the Middle School routine, fourth graders will change classes for reading and math.  We will also focus on the 3 `R’s: RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY and RIGOR.  They will help us be the best we can be.

        School shopping is an exciting and important tradition to psyche you up for the new school year. If you are going school shopping, I included a list of supplies you will need. Backpacks are the standard requirement to carry supplies. A binder with two 3-hole pocket folders organizes and transports your homework, corrected work and notices.  Although pocket folders with pictures are cool, most are flimsy and can’t take the abuse of being carted back and forth to school each day for long.  The plastic (poly) pocket folders, which are inexpensive and sturdy enough to last the whole year, are a better choice.  PLEASE, NO TRAPPER KEEPERS! They don’t fit in the desk. You will need two book covers that will last the year.  Stretchable fabric covers fared so well last year, students can reuse them at the Middle School.  The suggested items will be provided for you but 4th graders go through pencils, erasers and glue sticks quickly so you may want to bring some of your own. Antibacterial waterless soap in the sample size helps prevent the spread of germs and frequent sick days. A zip up pencil case to keep all this handy is also a worthwhile purchase.  I will supply folders for each subject, spiral notebooks and an assignment planner to keep track of homework, in addition to other materials available in the classroom. Don’t forget the NO Electronics/Toys Rule from last year is still in effect.

        If you get butterflies on the first day of school, you are not alone.  The anticipation melts away when you are back in the classroom with friends.  Still, I advise that you get plenty of sleep and a good breakfast.   We are about to go FORTH on a great adventure.  Are you ready? I am looking forward to seeing you and having a super year! 

                                Your Fourth Grade Teacher,

                       Ms Miceli

 Recommended Back To School Supplies

•  One inch 3 ring binder – No Trapper Keepers
•  2 Three hole pocket folders (plastic not paper)
•  2 large book covers (cloth are great and reusable)

SUGGESTED, NOT REQUIRED

• pencils & erasers in a zip pouch or Ziplock® bag
• glue sticks
• black Sharpie®  ultra fine line marker
• if prefer your own markers, colored pencils or scissors 
• Sample sized bottles of hand sanitizer