Reading:  You'll see a few Common Core assessments in the folder today.  These are from our novel study and a "cold read" nonfiction story we did last week.  As we transition to Common Core the assessments will involve more and more writing. Let me know if you have any questions about the grades.  We are using a rubric to score these and I know it will take some time to fully understand the expectations.
Math:  We are working on multiplication and division concepts as well as subtraction with regrouping.  Unfortunately, both of the computers we use in the classroom for xtra math are "out of commission" and we can no longer do it in the classroom until/if the situation is resolved.  Please make an effort to do xtra math or flashcards at home.  Next week, your child can cross off the math homework if they go on xtra math 2 times instead.
Writing:  We are researching climates/habitats right now and getting ready to write a report based on our research. 
Science:  Ask your child if size is a factor that influences whether or not an object sinks or floats.  What about bubbles in the water?

VOTE FOR IRVING GREEN TEAM!!  Irving's Green Team has created a recycled art project and entered it into a contest through the village.  It is displayed at Oak Park Visitor's center, (Reports are that it is currently mislabeled.) I'm still waiting to hear how the actual voting process works, but the winning team will receive a pizza party, and announcement in the paper and be announced at the Earth Day celebration in the village. 

Dates:
I will update this list each week as more dates become available.  Start marking those calendars for our busy end of the year!
Tuesday, April 16th:  Academic Fair and Egg Drop
Friday, May 3:  Irving Sleepover
Monday, May 13th:  Field Trip to Lincoln Park Zoo-Lot's of chaperones needed!
Thursday, May 16th:  Art Fest/Poetry Slam!
Friday, May 24th:  Parent/Teacher Softball game and GET RID OF THE ASPHALT PARTY!!!!!