Cup Stacking

WE is again participating in "Largest Group Cup Stacking" for The Guinness Book of World Records. 4th grade was able to relearn and practice this week- thanks to the 5th grade class.

Mailing "Chain Letters"

Group of boys mailing their letters.

 On October 28th the 4th grade classes walked to the Wellman Post Office to mail their "Chain Letters." The letters are one of the State Projects the students will work on this year to learn more about their chosen state. We've already received numerous letters, and emails, back from individuals in states other than Iowa. What a great way to learn about the United States!

4th Graders at the post office. What a good looking group!

On our way to the post office.

Group of girls mailing their letters.

Chinese Club date has been switched!

Due to the conflict with trick-or-treating, the date for Chinese Club has been changed.  It will now be held on Thursday night, Nov. 4 at Wellman Elementary from 6:30-7:30.  The theme this time around is Fairy Tales and Ribbon Dancing. A light snack will be provided.

Physics of Sound

Using a waterphone

Students have been exploring with sound- what makes sound (a vibration), pitch, tension, sound through solids, water, and air.

Using a kalimba

Using a xylophone

Using the string beam

Using a Kalimba

Using the waterphone

Using the string beam

Using the xylophone

Sound Websites

Sound Websites

Halloween Hike

Halloween Hike presented by the Washington County Conservation Board at Marr Park
Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010  6:45-8:30 PM
Refreshments will be served
Call 319-657-2400 if you have any questions

Math and Science

The 4th graders started a Science unit on "Sound."  The kids have enjoyed many activities that go along with this exciting unit.  Today they experimented with a door fiddle.
In Math, we are continuing in Unit 2 and spent some time this week reviewing place-value.  We played two math games today:  High Number Toss and 7-digit Number Top-It.

Personal Possessions

The following is an except from the Wellman Elementary Handbook that addresses cell phones and personal items from home. I would HIGHLY recommend you don't allow your child to bring items/cell phones to school. In our years of teaching, we've seen many items lost or stolen. Mrs. Gingerich, Mrs. Busch, as well as the entire staff at Wellman Elementary cannot assume responsibility for these items. Thanks for your understanding!

(Taken from the Wellman Elementary Handbook. You can access the entire handbook from the Wellman Elementary Website.)

POSSESSIONS
It is helpful when parents carefully mark their child/children's coats, caps, gym shoes, boots, etc.  We will assist your children in safeguarding their possessions, but it helps greatly if they are identified.  Children should not bring toys or objects or materials from home, other than regular school
supplies, unless they have asked and are given permission to do so by the teacher.  The school cannot assume responsibility for loss or breakage of things brought from home.

CELL PHONES
Cell phones are not to be visible or in use between the hours of 7:45 - 3:45.  Teachers and staff are expected to confiscate cell phones that are visible or in use and bring them to the office. 
 
1st Offense – cell phone will be returned at the end of the second school day.
2nd Offense – cell phone may be picked up by a parent at the school during regular school hours.

Cell phones with picture taking capabilities will not be allowed on school
grounds at any time, effective immediately.  If these phones are seen on school grounds or are reported to be on school grounds, they will be confiscated and brought to the office.  The cell phone will be returned at the school’s discretion.

 Fourth Graders used their mapping skills this week. Groups were given a city in Iowa to travel to from Wellman. They needed to choose their route by giving the name of the highways including direction to turn. They then figured the mileage using the map scale and about how long it would take to get there. They then learned to use Mapquest and compared their route, mileage, and trip time to Mapquest's.

Spirit Week-Sept. 20-24th

Monday - Pajama Day
Tuesday - Team Day (wear your favorite team shirt)
Wednesday - Wear Gold Day
Thursday - Farmer Day
Friday - Wear Black Day

Friday, Sept. 17, 2010

Lots of things going on this week - Mrs. Busch will post the spelling lists on spellingcity.com every week.  Next weeks words are from the story "Grandfather's Journey"  Click on dbusch once you have logged on to the website.  Just a reminder that Chinese Club will be on Thursday, Sept. 23 from 6:30-7:30 at Washington Township.  Come and enjoy Tai Chi and Hackey sack activities!  A light snack will be provided.  We think the kids enjoyed the ballet yesterday, ask them about it.  Next week we will be taking the Unit 1, Geometry, math test and the weekly skills test on out first story in reading, "Akiak."  Next Friday afternoon in Friendship Groups, we will be tye-dying our T-shirts.  If any adult wants to come and help we would love to have you!  Have a good weekend.  Mrs. Gingerich and Mrs. Busch

Book orders

Book orders will be sent home soon and they are due Friday, September 17th.

FIRST WEEK

We think the first week went well and we all got to know each other a little better.  The students chose books to read and are already doing a great job reading quietly to themselves!  We discussed our classroom rules, the anti-bullying rules and had our first class meeting today.  We will be having Olweus Class Meetings about once a month to help prevent or take care of any bullying issues.  We started taking a math test today and will finish it on Monday, which is DAY 5.  Just a reminder that school pictures are on Tuesday, August 31 and envelopes and money are due that day!  Have a good weekend.  Mrs. Gingerich and Mrs. Busch