12/25

Christmas Break

Christmas Break is from December 22- January 5. The first day back is 

January 6th.

Evaluations

Evaluations should be e-mailed after January 2nd. Please take time to carefully read them. While there are no scheduled conferences this quarter, of you feel you want to have one, simply e-mail me, and we will schedule one.

SUPPLIES NEEDED

-Expo markers

-tissues

The third quarter is almost upon us. This quarter we begin many exciting studies:

History: China, Arizona, and the beginning of our American Revolution Unit

Science: Arizona science, electricity, chemistry

Language Arts: Prince Caspian, prepositions, compound sentences, three paragraph essay

Math: four operations of fractions, geometry, measurements

As we begin the third quarter, I want to thank you for all of your support during the first semester.

Archway Arete is off to a fantastic start, and it is assisted by the wonderful support we receive from parents.

Thank You.

Enjoy the remainder of your break

Mr. Posner 

12/16

Christmas Break

Christmas Break is from December 22- January 5, with the first back being January 6th.

12/7

Europe Project

Look for information coming soon, in regards to a major project on a country in Europe.

PRINCE CASPIAN

This is the book we will begin next semester. Please send it in by the end of this week.

This week’s class motto is: Finish Strong

VIRTUE OF THE MONTH: Courage

Send me e-mails on how you see your child showing courage.

Each week we will discuss a class motto. Over the remainder of the quarter, we will discuss FINISHING STRONG. This time of year sights are set on food, gifts, and a long vacation! It is important that students understand the quarter goes until the last minute of the last day.

Remainder of the quarter at a glance:

History: We continue to wind down our voyage to the Middle Ages. Students will learn about Joan of Arc, Black Death, and how the creation of government in Parliament set up the founding and creation of our government.

Science:   We complete the unit on geology. This week, students take the final geology assessment. Then, we move to conservation and resources.

Language Arts: We will complete our reading Robin Hood. The debate about whether Robin is a hero or a villain continues. We will introduce the readers to new characters this week.  There will still be numerous writing assignments and daily discussions. Stop on by to see a discussion!   

Math:  We will spend the next two weeks working with fractions. This is an exciting unit and there are many hands-on activities. 

11/28

WINTER CONCERT

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4^th

Please look for information this week

This week’s class motto is: Finish Strong

VIRTUE OF THE MONTH: Courage

Send me e-mails on how you see your child showing courage.

Each week we will discuss a class motto. Over the remainder of the quarter, we will discuss FINISHING STRONG. This time of year sights are set on food, gifts, and a long vacation! It is important that students understand the quarter goes until the last minute of the last day.

Supplies Needed:

  

Tissues

More Tissues

Even More Tissues

Dry Erase Markers

Remainder of the quarter at a glance:

History: We will complete our voyage to the Middle Ages. Students will learn about Joan of Arc, The Magna Carta, Black Death, and how the creation of government in Parliament set up the founding and creation of our government.

Science:   We complete the unit on geology. This week, and next, students will study the rock cycle. There will be more fun experiments and activities.

Language Arts: We will complete our reading Robin Hood. The debate about whether Robin is a hero or a villain continues. We will introduce the readers to new characters this week.  There will still be numerous writing assignments and daily discussions. Stop on by to see a discussion!   

Math:  We will spend the next three weeks working with fractions. This is an exciting unit and there are many hands-on activities. 

November 17th

This week’s class motto is: Think Before You Speak

VIRTUE OF THE MONTH: Courage

Send me e-mails on how you see your child showing courage.

Each week we will discuss a class motto. This week we will discuss thinking before you speak. It is not just about staying silent when expected to be silent. It is also about formulating good thoughts before you answer.

Supplies Needed:

Tissues

Next two weeks at a glance:

History: We continue our voyage to the Middle Ages. During the next two weeks, students will read about William the Conqueror and then the 100 Years War. They will learn about deceit in regards to Thomas Beckett. This portion of the study ends with a look at a very powerful woman, Eleanor of Aquitaine.  

Science:   We continue the unit on geology. This week, and next, rocks are introduced. What are rocks? Where do they come from? What do they become? Students will discuss these things and more.

Language Arts: We continue reading Robin Hood. Right now, there is a debate as to whether Robin is a hero or a villain. We will introduce the readers to new characters this week.  There will be numerous writing assignments and daily discussions. Stop on by to see a discussion!  

In grammar, students will continue diagramming as they learn about direct objects and indirect objects. 

Math:  This week, we begin fractions! This is an exciting unit and there are many hands-on activities. 

November 2nd

This week’s class motto is: Be Confident

VIRTUE OF THE MONTH: Courage

Send me e-mails on how you see your child showing courage.

Each week we will discuss a class motto. This week we will continue to cover confidence. We will discuss how the students can show confidence in their attitude, ability, and overall performance. We will temper this with humility.

Supplies Needed:

Black dry erase markers

Magnetic dry erase board erasers

Tissues

THANK YOU TO ALL THAT SENT IN SUPPLIES FOR THE READ-A-THON!

WE RAISED MANY BOOKS FOR THE LIBRARY!!!!

THANK YOU!!!

Next two weeks at a glance:

History: We continue our voyage to the Middle Ages. This week, students will learn about life in a castle. Was it comfortable? Was it safe? Was it luxurious? Then, they learn about knights and chivalry. Next week is Chivalry Week. This is an awesome week as students are paired up as knights and ladies and the code of chivalry plays out in our classroom. Chivalry week ends with a medieval discussion and ice cream party.

Science:   We continue the unit on geology. Students will discuss faults, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Students will create their own volcanoes! There will be a test next week.

Language Arts: We continue reading Robin Hood. Courage, valor, thievery, love, and death are all discussed as we enter the world of Nottingham and Sherwood Forest. There will be numerous writing assignments and daily discussions. Stop on by to see a discussion!   In grammar, students will continue diagramming as they learn adjectives and article adjectives. 

Math:  Students will move through multiplication and then…FRACTIONS!! This is an exciting unit and there are many hands-on activities. 

This week’s class motto is: Be Confident

VIRTUE OF THE MONTH: Perseverance 

Send me e-mails on how you see your child showing perseverance.

Each week we will discuss a class motto. This week we will cover confidence. We will discuss how the students can show confidence in their attitude, ability, and overall performance. We will temper this with humility.

Supplies Needed:

Black dry erase markers

Magnetic dry erase board erasers

Tissues

Next two weeks at a glance:

History: we finish our study on Islam and the Franks. There will be a test on Friday. Next week we move to a study of Charlemagne, followed by life of serfs living on a manor.

Science:   we begin a unit on geology. “Geo”, from Greek, meaning earth and logos, from the Greek, meaning “the study of” .Students will read about rock formation, volcanoes, and learn how scientists theorize different ways the continents were formed.

Language Arts: We completed our reading of The Princess and the Goblin. We will hold final discussions this week. Our next book is one of my favorites, Robin Hood! In grammar, students will continue diagramming as they learn adjectives and article adjectives.

Math:  Students will finish the unit on order of operations and move into negative numbers. Of course, I mean a study of negative numbers. There will be a test next Friday.

FALL BREAK- 10-4 through 10-13

HALF DAYS- 10-14 through 10-17

CONFERENCES- 10-14 through 10-17

Sign Up for Art Conferences

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0C4FA4A823A5FE3-quarter

Sign Up for  French Conferences

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0C4FABA629A4FA7-quarter 

Sign Up for Music Conferences

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0C4EA8A92AA7FE3-quarter

Sign Up for P.E. Conferences

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0C4DAFAD29A6F49-quarter

9/29

FALL BREAK- 10-4 through 10-13

HALF DAYS- 10-14 through 10-17

CONFERENCES- 10-14 through 10-17

QUINTUS CAMP

Have you been wondering what fun, enriching options are available for your child during Archway school breaks? If so, we have the answer: Great Hearts is pleased to announce our new Quintus Camp, taking place this fall break! 

Designed for parents who want or need options for their students during school breaks, Quintus Camp is an enrichment camp with time for play, learning, projects, and activities - all in a fun "camp" atmosphere that will appeal to your grade K-6 student. With flexible packages for parents (ranging from half-days to full and extended days), Quintus Camp is the perfect choice for school break programming.

Quintus will run Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Archway Arete October 6-10. Great Hearts students may register for Quintus on any campus.

If you have any questions, or need a copy of the registration brochure, please email the Quintus Camp Director, Ms. Prestipino, at Quintus.Arete@GreatHeartsAZ.org

This week’s class motto is: Organization is the Key

VIRTUE OF THE WEEK: Integrity 

Send me e-mails on how you see your child showing integrity.

Each week we will discuss a class motto. This week we will conclude our discussions on organization. I am already seeing improvement in this area!

This week in Class:

History: Students will work together to create their own codes of Justinian. They will write their laws and explain, to the class, the reasoning behind the laws. They will also write about the Hagia Sophia.

Science: Students will continue the unit on meteorology! This week they will learn about weather maps and weather predicting. How does rain fall from the sky? How heavy are clouds?

Language Arts: We will continue our reading of The Princess and the Goblin. In grammar, students will continue diagramming.

Math: This week, students will learn about multiples.

9-22

FALL BREAK- 10-4 through 10-13

HALF DAYS- 10-14 through 10-17

CONFERENCES- 10-14 and 10-15

This week’s class motto is: Organization is the Key

VIRTUE OF THE WEEK: Integrity 

Send me e-mails on how you see your child showing integrity.

Each week we will discuss a class motto. This week we will conclude our discussions on organization. I am already seeing improvement in this area!

This week in Class:

 History: Students will learn about Justinian, the Just Emperor and his wife Theodora. Who was the real leader? Why was a woman making choices in government? There will be discussions and debates about what it means to be a good leader.

Science: Students will continue the unit on meteorology! This week they will learn about temperature gradients and air the effect of barometric pressure on the weather. We will look at our weather station and track data for weather around the area

Language Arts: DIAGRAMMING BEGINS!!! This is an exciting time. Students will also go deeper in to The Princess and the Goblin.

Math: This is our final week of multiplication and division review. Then we get back to Singapore!

9/16

This week’s class motto is: Organization is the Key

Each week we will discuss a class motto. This is the fourth weekly motto and we will discuss it again this week. I am a huge proponent of organization! I truly believe that success or failure can be traced to how organized and well-planned an individual is. This week we begin a two week focus on organization. Desks, books, folders, backpacks must all be neat and orderly. The room must be neat and orderly. From this order, we can build the foundation of success. This week will focus on desk cleanliness, backpack organization, and classroom order.  

This week's class virtue is: Integrity

 

This week in Class:

History: Students will continue their study of the middle ages. This week, students will learn about the spread of Christianity. A new religion hits the United Kingdom. We will have discussions about the dark ages. No written words, no information. As Rome falls, so does the culture it possessed. Students will read about monks and the busy lives they led. The week ends with a quiz.

Science: Students will continue the unit on meteorology! This week they will go deeper into the study of the atmosphere, and move into global winds and barometric pressure. Students will tabulate air pressure and Mr. Posner will even play with fire in class!!  

WEEK OF 9/8

HALF DAY ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th!!

DISMISSAL AT 11:45 FOR ALL STUDENTS

This week’s class motto is: Organization is the Key

Each week we will discuss a class motto. This is the fourth weekly motto. I am a huge proponent of organization! I truly believe that success or failure can be traced to how organized and well-planned an individual is. This week we begin a two week focus on organization. Desks, books, folders, backpacks must all be neat and orderly. The room must be neat and orderly. From this order, we can build the foundation of success. This week will focus on desk cleanliness, backpack organization, and classroom order.  

This week's class virtue is: Perseverance

Athletic Events This Week:

JV Volleyball- 4:00 Tuesday Arete Gym

Varsity Volleyball- 5:00 Tuesday Arete Gym

JV Volleyball- 4:00 Friday Arete Gym

Varsity Volleyball- 5:00 Friday Arete Gym

MS Volleyball 9:00-1:00 Saturday Arete Gym

 

This week in Class:

History: Students will begin the study of the middle ages. From the fall of Rome through the Black Plague, this period is rich with a history of violence, excitement, love, nobility, and intelligence. Languages are born, great kings and queens reign, and 1/3 of a population is wiped out. This is the first history unit of the year and promises to most exciting.

This week, students will learn about the fall of Rome. Why did it happen? What made it happen? What can we see in our country today that mirrors Rome? From there, they move to the spread of Christianity. The church gains power, people are converted, seeds of potential future struggle are planted. The week ends with a look at barbarians and barbarian culture, complete with barbarian punishment activities! There will even be a reading of a portion of Beowulf in Olde English. 

Science: Students will continue the unit on meteorology! This week they will go deeper into the study of the atmosphere. What are the layer like? How do they support life here on earth? There will be activities and labs as well. We will take our first class trip to the science lab! 

Language Arts:   Spalding continues and we continue our movement into more complex words and spellings. You should all have a set of Spalding cards at home. This week, challenge your child by giving them a pop quiz on he phonograms. They should now know all 70 phonograms. 

In Literature, students will continue reading The Princess and the Goblin. We have had some very deep discussions and this week we will focus on the virtue of the characters. How can we tie in our school virtues to the characters in the book? Also, don't be surprised if your child is checking behind doors or under their bed, as we get to the chapters that detail the goblins and where they like to hide!

Math:  This week we will take a detour from the Singapore material and focus on multiplication and division. For some students this will be a bit of a review but they are sure to be challenged. For others this will be a foundational week. We will return to the regular material next week. Tutoring begins this week!

WEEK OF 9/2

This week’s class motto is: Silent, Facing Forward, Close Together

Each week we will discuss a class motto. This is the third weekly motto. We will talk about how it is very important to move silently in the hallway. Facing forward, close together. As fourth graders they need to set the tone and the example for the younger students.  

This week in Class:

History: Students will complete the unit on mountains. They will learn about mountain passes and mountain animals. There will be a short quiz on Friday.

Science: Students will continue the unit on meteorology! This week they will learn about the layers of the atmosphere and cloud types. There will be a quiz on Friday.

Language Arts: Spalding continues and we move away from basic words and handwriting practice into deeper words. In grammar students will deepen their understanding of proper nouns and pronouns. We will also continue reading The Princess and the Goblin.

Math: Singapore Math continues with factors and multiples. Tutoring begin next week!

Onward and Upward!!!