Dear Parents, 

     Last week in math we reviewed the concepts from Unit 8 and the students took the Unit 8 Test.  On Wednesday, we started Unit 9 “Measurement.”  We discussed using “nonstandard” and “standard” units of measure.  We measured objects using yards, meters, inches, feet, centimeters and decimeters.  This week we will start an “equivalent measures” chart in our room, with the metric (meters, decimeters, and centimeters) and US systems (yards, feet, and inches.)  We will also discuss accuracy when measuring.  We will discuss using the fractions 1/16, 1/8, ¼ and ½ when measuring with inches and 1/10 when measuring with centimeters.  We will begin to explore the idea of perimeter, the distance around a shape. We will discuss measuring longer distances with miles and kilometers and we will solve problems involving road maps. 

     Last week during writing workshop we discussed how to use partners when revising.  We also discussed that the students can revise their stories by changing its genre; turning a story into a poem, turning a letter into a song.  Finally, we discussed how to use authors and the books in our classroom library to help us when revising.  This week the students will see how much writing they can get done in one day.  We will also start preparing for our Revision Writing Celebration, which will be right after spring break.

     In science, the students will use their Equal Arm Balances to compare the weight of different objects.  We will compare the objects using &gt; (heavier than), &lt; (lighter than), and = (equal to.)

<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Passport Check:</span></strong>
<ul>
	<li>We are looking forward to a Passport Presentations from Mrs. Wolcott, focusing on the state of Washington.</li>
	<li>There will be no map check this week.</li>
	<li>A sign up sheet for April will be coming home at the end of the week.  Thank you to everyone who has presented so far.  The students have learned so much!</li>
</ul>
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Notes and Reminders: </span></strong>
<ul>
	<li>I’m sure I don’t have to remind you, but next week is spring break!!! J</li>
	<li>Ray School Festival will be on Thursday, April 8<sup>th</sup>.</li>
	<li>There will be no school on Friday, April 9<sup>th</sup>.</li>
</ul>
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Questions to ask at home:</span></strong>
<ul>
	<li>Practice measuring things around the house using inches and centimeters.</li>
	<li>Ask questions like- how many inches in a foot?  Centimeters in a meter?</li>
	<li>When would we use miles or kilometers to measure a distance instead of inches and centimeters?</li>
	<li>Make comparisons about the weight of objects you find in your house.  Which is lighter?  Which is heavier?</li>
</ul>
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Homework:</span></strong>
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<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Monday</strong></p>
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<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Tuesday</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="110">
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Wednesday</strong></p>
</td>
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<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Thursday</strong></p>
</td>
<td width="110">
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Friday</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
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<td width="74"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Math</span></strong></td>
<td width="110">
<p style="text-align: center">(Field Trip)</p>
</td>
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<p style="text-align: center">Home Link 9.3</p>
</td>
<td width="110">
<p style="text-align: center">Home Link 9.4</p>
</td>
<td width="110">
<p style="text-align: center">Home Link 9.5</p>
</td>
<td width="110">
<p style="text-align: center"> </p>
</td>
</tr>
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<td width="74"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Reading</span></strong><strong></strong></td>
<td width="110">
<p style="text-align: center">Read at least15 minutes</p>
</td>
<td width="110">
<p style="text-align: center">Read at least 15 minutes</p>
</td>
<td width="110">
<p style="text-align: center">Read at least 15 minutes</p>
</td>
<td width="110">
<p style="text-align: center">Read at least 15 minutes</p>
</td>
<td width="110">
<p style="text-align: center">Read at least 15 minutes</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<span><span><span> </span></span></span>