Dear FAmilies,

We hope that your unexpected time off on Friday was relaxing and that you had time to play in the snow with your family. Here are some updates for the week:

Invention Convention: Student Contracts (p.8 of packet) were due last Friday. Many students have already turned them in, but please be sure to send them in tomorrow if you can. Patent Applications (p.9-10 of packet) were originally due this Wednesday, but due to the snow days, I will accept them on Thursday as well.

Students did some brainstorming in class and came up with myriad problems to solve. We talked about what would make their lives – or the lives of friends and family – easier. What would make getting ready for school easier? What would help with chores? What would help with sports you play? Hobbies? The possibilities are endless!

• How can you remember to feed your pet?
• Do you feed your pet too much or too little?
• What do you do about muddy paws?
• What can you do to organize sports gear?
• Can you keep your fingers from getting blistered and calloused when learning to play the guitar?
• Do you use too much or too little shampoo?
• Are you bored with all of your board games?

As always, I look forward to seeing the students’ ideas.

Wordly Wise: Test on Lesson 16 on Tuesday.

Book Projects: Students should be about halfway finished with their fantasy novel. If your child is having difficulty, please let his or her homeroom teacher know. The book should be completed by Friday and the first project is due next Friday, February 2.

Upcoming Events and Dates to Remember:

1/19 – Invention Convention student contract due (page 8 of packet) – Please turn in Monday, January 22
1/22 – Ned’s Mindset Mission Assembly
1/24 – Invention Convention patent application due (pages 9 and 10 of packet) – Will accept Thursday, January 25 as well
1/26 – Students should complete reading fantasy novel by this time
2/2 – Fantasy book project #1 due
2/9 – Fantasy book project #2 due, AND
2/9 – Invention Convention progress report due (page 11 of packet)
2/13 – Trifold display board due
2/19 – Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day
2/26 – 3/1 – Winter Break
3/4 – Completed inventions due to FA
3/6 – Invention Convention, MS MPR, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Your fourth grade team,
Michelle and Bill

Meet the newest Midkiff, Nola Belle. She has captured our hearts…and our socks!

Dear FAmilies,

January is in full swing here at FA, and we have several projects and activities occurring simultaneously. Here’s the latest on how to keep it all organized.

Fantasy Book Projects: In fourth grade, we expose the children to as many genres of literature as possible. We’ve read realistic fiction, mysteries, adventures, and poetry, and we are currently reading a fantasy novel, Ben and Me. By now, students should have chosen a fantasy novel to read at home (think talking animals or magic) and TWO projects to complete (students got to choose which projects to complete). Project 1 is due February 2, and Project 2 is due February 9. Project due dates are written on their book contract, which can be found in their D.S. We are looking forward to seeing the students’ creative and thoughtful projects.

Invention Convention: We’ve reached a big fourth grade milestone: Invention Convention! Invention Convention allows students to conceptualize, create, and market an original invention. This year’s Convention will be held on Wednesday, March 6, from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. in the Middle School MPR. A packet of information will go home with students next Tuesday which will give FAmilies all the information you need to help your budding inventor with his or her creation. For now, mark your calendars and start thinking about problems your child may want to solve. All due dates are listed in the packet, but we will send home reminders each week to help keep students on track.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: We hope that you enjoy your day Monday remembering the life and teachings of Dr. King. Perhaps you celebrate with your family by attending a special service, doing a service project, or simply remembering his teachings. Here are some articles that students may enjoy reading to learn more about Dr. King.

National Geographic for Kids

Kiddle.co

Time for Kids

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
Strength to Love, 1963

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

1/12 – Book Selection Due
1/15 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
1/19 – Invention Convention student contract due (page 8 of packet)
1/24 – Invention Convention patent application due (pages 9 and 10 of packet)
1/26 – Students should complete reading fantasy novel by this time
2/2 – Fantasy book project #1 due
2/9 – Fantasy book project #2 due, AND
2/9 – Invention Convention progress report due (page 11 of packet)
2/13 – Trifold display board due
2/19 – Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day
2/26 – 3/1 – Winter Break
3/4 – Completed inventions due to FA
3/6 – Invention Convention, MS MPR, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Your fourth grade team,
Michelle and Bill

Dear FAmilies,

We hope that you have had an enjoyable break with your families. We had a wonderful day back in the classroom today! We have lots of amazing plans for the new year, so here is a sneak peek.

Book Projects: Our first book projects of the year are upon us. Students will choose a fantasy novel (to be approved by the teacher) and complete TWO choice projects. Look for more information in Friday folders.

The Mighty Falcon (4th grade literary magazine): We will be accepting submissions for our literary magazine through next Friday, January 12. Students can submit up to two original pieces to be included. These can be prose, poetry, or artwork, written at home or school.

Weather: The students prepared a weather forecast at the end of our weather unit. Watch their work here:

Midkiff Homeroom

Evans Homeroom

A few reminders for the new year:

1. It’s COLD. Please send your child to school dressed for the weather – we go outside every day. Please write your child’s name in coats, jackets, hats, sweatshirts, etc.
2. School supply check. Many students have lost pencils, colored pencils, scissors, Expo markers, and notecards since the beginning of the year. Please check with your child to see if they need any supplies. They checked today and made notes in their agendas.
3. Pack snacks. Each year when we return from holiday break, we are thrilled to see how much the children have grown – but this includes their appetites. They usually need a slightly larger snack than in the past, so keep that in mind over the next weeks.
4. Homework is back. Please check your child’s agenda each night to be sure he or she is completing homework assignments.

Wishing you a wonderful 2024, we remain,
Your fourth grade team,
Michelle and Bill

…it was Holiday Break.

All dressed up and ready for the Holiday Concert!

Dear FAmilies,

After all the excitement between Thanksgiving and Holiday Break, it’s always a little sad to sit in a quiet classroom after everyone is gone. It’s a great time to reflect on how far we’ve come this year, though, so here are a few highlights from the past weeks.

Colonial Day was a great success and students enjoyed learning Colonial games and how children lived during Colonial times. Many thanks to all who contributed to make the day fantastic for the kids.

Holiday Concert: What a wonderful concert! The kids worked hard, and although we know you enjoyed it from the audience, here are a few backstage photos that show what it’s like getting ready for this big event.

A BIG Thank You for all of the lovely cards and Christmas gifts. We are so very grateful.

Happy everything from your fourth grade team,
Michelle and Bill

Our lettuce is ready to be harvested. We’ll be sending some home soon!

Dear FAmilies,

We had an amazing virtual field trip with Tim from the UCAR Canter for Science Education. He worked with students to help them track a hurricane and prepare residents of a fictional town in south Louisiana for its impact.

Colonial Day: Colonial Day will be on Thursday, December 14. Students will participate in activities that will help them learn how students played and attended school during Colonial times. We will sip mulled cider and decorate cookies, too!

Holiday Concert: We hope to see many of you at the concert on December 19 at 10:00 a.m. in the theater. Mr. Santulli has put together an amazing show, and it is a wonderful way to start your holiday break. Students should wear their holiday best clothing and may be dismissed from the classroom after the concert. Please let us know if your child will not be here or will be leaving early with you. Many thanks.

Santa Lucia: We had a visit from our first grade friends who were celebrating the feast of Santa Lucia. Many of our students remembered when they got to participate in this lovely tradition!

Upcoming Events:

12/19 – Holiday Concert, early dismissal (11:55 a.m.)
12/20 – 1/2 – Holiday Break
1/3 – Return to school for a fabulous new year!

Your fourth grade team,
Michelle and Bill

Our hydroponic lettuce is rapidly growing!

Dear FAmilies,

Well, it happened again. DECEMBER! Wasn’t it just September last week? All joking aside, we are looking forward to a wonderful three week December filled with concerts, guest visitors, and yes, learning. We know that schedules can be crazy this time of year, but remember how important it is to take care of yourself so that you can take care of these amazing kids. So get as much sleep as you can, drink lots of water, pack a Lunchables for your child if you need to (hey, no judgement here), and treat yourself with grace and kindness.

Lunch Orders: Just a reminder that with our new lunch program, lunch orders are due each Wednesday for the following week. Questions? Email Nora Wilson in the Falcon’s Nest.

Virtual Field Trip: We are excited to announce a virtual field trip next Tuesday afternoon. Experts from NCAR, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, will be visiting with us via Zoom to discuss hurricane tracking. You can learn more about UCAR here.

Colonial Day: Colonial Day will be December 14. More information to follow.

Students created circuits in science class this week:

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

12/2 – Holiday Breakfast (9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Upper School)
12/5 – Virtual UCAR field trip
12/7 – Wordly Wise assessment, Lesson 15
12/14 – Colonial Day
12/19 – Winter concert, 10:00 a.m.; early dismissal, 11:55 a.m.
12/20 – 1/3 – Holiday break, no school

Your fourth grade team,
Michelle and Bill

Dear FAmilies,

Yesterday, I decided to treat my coworkers to Chick-fil-A for breakfast. As I arrived at the window to pick up my order, the cheery employee informed me that my breakfast had been paid for by the man in front of me.  A total stranger paid for my breakfast, and in doing so, also paid for breakfast for Mr. Evans, Mr. Santulli, Mrs. Porcelli, and Mrs. Atkins. Too late to thank the driver of the white truck ahead of me, I felt a little sad. But then I realized: isn’t that what the driver wanted, to perform an act of kindness that needed no reason and no thank you? I hope that this Chick-fil-A champion knows what a wonderful treat he gave me. Not just breakfast, but the realization that there are selfless people who are willing to give without reason or recognition, just to spread joy to others. I hope that you are the recipient (or sender) of such blessings this season. I am truly thankful for the kindness of others.

Speaking of blessings, we are so very grateful to Mrs. Thrasher who stopped by yesterday to speak with us about Native American contributions to our nation. What a gift to our class!

A big thank you to our parents who coordinated, donated to, and volunteered to make our Thanksgiving craft and snack so special. Students have a beautiful centerpiece to add to their Thanksgiving feasts, and we love that wherever you celebrate, you will take a little piece of FAmily with you.

Thanks for being a blessing to your children and their grateful teachers!

We’ll see you Tuesday, November 28th.

Your fourth grade team,
Michelle and Bill

It’s nearly time to transplant the seedlings into our hydroponics system!

Dear FAmilies,

November is a great time of year to reflect on gratitude, and students are doing just that in our weekly writing. We love hearing how grateful students are for families, teachers, and of course, pets. We remain grateful for your support and all that you do for FA.

A Note from Mrs. Estes about Yay! Lunch: I hope you have read the email from Karen Moschetto regarding YAY Lunch! Please be reminded that Nov. 17 will be the last day for YAY Lunch and that ALL students need to bring lunch on November 20 and 21. There will be no changes to the Friday, PFA pizza lunch orders. Please read Karen’s email dated November 8 for more details.

Special Guest Speaker: On Tuesday, November 21, we have a special guest speaker coming to speak with our students about Native American contributions to American history. We are very fortunate to be welcoming Mrs. Tanya Thrasher, who works at the National Museum of the American Indian and is mom to Chase. We are looking forward to an informative afternoon!

Wordly Wise: Our Lesson 14 assessment will be Wednesday, November 15. Here is a Quizlet link to help your child study.

History Mystery: In history, students are analyzing research about the Lost Colony of Roanoke to formulate their own theories on its mysterious disappearance. Be sure to ask your child what facts we know, and what they think may have happened.

Scholastic Book Orders: If you would like to place a Scholastic Books order, go to Scholastic Books and enter code RRJWG. Place orders by Thursday, November 16.

Literary Magazine: We are pleased to announce that as part of our passion for writing, fourth grade will be publishing its first ever literary magazine. The students have named it The Mighty Falcon. Students can enter up to two original pieces for publication. These can be prose, poetry, non-fiction writing (such as science research), or an original drawing. All submissions are due by Friday, January 5. Mrs. Midkiff will gladly accept submissions early so she can begin typing and formatting!

Science: In science, students created and tested tools for measuring wind speed. They recorded wind gusts up to 12 miles per hour.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

11/10 – Trimester 1 ends
11/16 – Scholastic book orders due
11/21 – Guest speaker
11/22 – Early dismissal for Thanksgiving
11/23 – 11/27 – Thanksgiving holidays
11/28 – School resumes

Your fourth grade team,
Michelle and Bill

The fourth grade created and tested wind vanes
as part of our study of the weather.

Dear FAmilies,

We hope you had a safe and fun Halloween. We know the students enjoyed the parade and our Spooky Story Extravaganza! Many thanks to all who sent in snacks, plates, napkins, and treats for the class. We appreciate all that you do to make our days special. With only three weeks until Thanksgiving, we will be very busy Falcons. Here are some of the things going on:

Scholastic Book Orders: If you would like to order books from Scholastic Books, flyers will be going home in Friday folders. We ask that you go to Scholastic Books and enter code RRJWG to link up with our class (regardless of your child’s homeroom teacher). If you have any difficulty, search for Fredericksburg Academy, Mrs. Midkiff’s class. Books will be sent to school and will go home with students, so if the books are a gift, please let us know so that we can put them in a bag for you. We don’t want to ruin any surprises! Place orders by Thursday, November 16.

Book Clubs: Students are busy reading a mystery novel which will be completed by Thanksgiving break.

History: Students have been researching a specific Native American Tribe in Virginia and will be presenting their expertise to the class this Friday. Ask your child about what they’ve researched! Next week we will transition into the conflicts that arose from the European colonization of the areas in which we live.

Science: Students are busy creating and testing weather instruments. So far, they have created barometers, wind vanes, and instruments to measure wind speed. If you can, watch a weather forecast with your child, since our culminating project will be to give a weather forecast for our class!

Halloween Fun

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

11/3 – Students present Native American research
11/10 – Trimester 1 ends
11/16 – Scholastic book orders due
11/22 – Early dismissal for Thanksgiving
11/23 – 11/27 – Thanksgiving holidays
11/28 – School resumes

Your fourth grade team,
Michelle and Bill

Field Trip Fun

Dear FAmilies,

Fall is such a beautiful time of year, and we have enjoyed being outdoors in the cooler temperatures. As a reminder, please write your child’s name in sweaters, sweatshirts, and jackets – it makes it much easier for the article of clothing to be reunited with its owner. If you have lost something over the last few weeks, remind your student to check the lost and found near the front desk. It is full of water bottles, sweatshirts, and even hair accessories. Thank you!

Wordly Wise: There will be a Lesson 13 Wordly Wise assessment on Friday, October 27.

Fort Friday: This Friday after recess we will celebrate the joy of reading by bringing lots of our favorite books to school, creating a cozy fort, and reading until the end of the day. What students should bring: books, 1 stuffed animal or pillow, a blanket or sheet with which to make a fort, flashlight or book light (optional). Students can kick off their shoes and wear slippers or socks if they’d like.

Halloween: Everyone’s favorite school day is coming soon! On Tuesday, October 31, send your child to school in their (school appropriate) Halloween costume. After our school-wide parade in the gym, we will share a special snack in the classroom. Students will change into their regular clothes at this time and our academic day will continue as usual. Thanks to our room parents for coordinating our special snack!

November 1 – No School: There will be no school on Wednesday, November 1. It is a teacher work day. If you need childcare, please contact Mrs. Schwartz at Falcon Club.

Hydroponics: Exciting news! In addition to our regular science curriculum, this year we are lucky to have received a large indoor hydroponics system. We will be growing herbs and lettuce soon. We will send updated pictures as our garden grows.

Our system can hold up to 212 plants and has a 25 gallon water reservoir.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

10/27 – Wordly Wise assessment; Fort Friday (afternoon)
10/31 – Halloween parade – Wear costume to school and bring a change of clothes.
11/1 – Student holiday/Teacher work day

Some days are just so beautiful, you need to hug a tree during recess!

Your fourth grade team,
Michelle and Bill