Carrington's Chronicles

Wow!  This first week has gone by quickly.  I am very excited about the 2010-2011 school year.  A very special thanks to all the parents for sending the students prepared for the new school year.

As the week comes to a close, I want to remind parents that our lunch time is 12:15-12:45 if you would like to enjoy a meal with your student.  Also, if parents would like to take their child to the High School Pep Rally, a note was sent home that needs to be returned to me by Friday morning.  Each child attending will be sent to the cafeteria at 2:45 for parent pick up.

Thanks again for a great beginning to the school year!

Welcome Back! I hope each of you had a super summer and that you are ready for a wonderful year in fourth grade at White Oak Intermediate. So that everyone will start the year off on the right foot, I want to share several things with both the students and parents. The planners are the best form of communication that we have, and homework and other information will be recorded daily. Parents, please check and sign these Monday- Thursday. On most Tuesdays I will send notebooks home so that parents can review student progress. There will be a signature sheet for them to sign each week. Please make sure to go over the student handbook carefully, especially the sections pertaining to the dress code, birthday invitations, and bus changes. The students may want to bring water bottles to class, especially during the hot weather. The bottles need to be nonbreakable and have sealable lids.

Meet the teacher will be on Thursday, August 19th from 4:30 to 5:30.  Be sure to bring your supplies and supply fees!  I am looking forward to a great year.  Thanks so much for your support!

The White Oak Baseball team is on their way to state again!!! Go NECKS!  Come on out to the fieldhouse Tuesday Morning, June 8, at 8:45am  to send our boys off.  Then head on down to Austin to cheer the team on against Rogers on Wednesday at 10am.  Way to go ROUGHNECKS!  We are so proud of you!

As we close the books on another great school year, our thoughts go out to the White Oak Roughneck Baseball Team.  Good Luck this Thursday and Saturday as you get one step closer to the State Championship series!  GO NECKS!!!

The last six weeks of school will prove to be a busy one for the fourth graders here at White Oak Intermediate School.  Be sure to mark your calenders with these important dates.

April 15 : Report Cards go home

April 27 and 28: Fourth grade Math and Reading TAKS tests

May 5:  Field Day

May 6: Field Trip to Jefferson, Texas

May 7: Field Trip to White Oak Water Treatment plant and lunch at the White Oak City Park

Other events will be posted  soon regarding of the year exam schedules.

On Wednesday, March 3, the fourth grade students across the great state of Texas will take the writing portion of the TAKS test.  This test includes two sections: Revision and Editing and Written Composition.  I am proud to say that all of our students are ready to show their skills as a writer.  As a brief reminder, all students will need to get to bed early on Tuesday night and eat a healthy breakfast on Wednesday morning to help them be ready.  Just like an Olympic athlete, the students must be in the best condition for this test of endurance to compete for the GOLD!

Here is a list of things to do to help you be prepared for Wednesday:

1. Get plenty of rest on Tuesday night.
2. Eat a healthy, protein filled breakfast before school.
3. Wear your Roughneck shirt to support our team!
4. Bring a room temperature bottle of water.
5. Take your time when reading the test and questions, and show your strategies to prove your answers.
6. ALWAYS do YOUR BEST!
   

I believe in you all!  You are the best!

Yes, folks, we have snow in East Texas.  The kids are thrilled!  Be aware of the starting time for Friday.  Classes will begin at 10 a.m.  Hope each of you enjoy getting to sleep a little later in the morning.  I know I will!  See you tomorrow for our Valentine’s Day celebration.

*Monday will be a holiday for all students and staff in observance of President’s Day.

February proves to be a busy month at White Oak Intermediate.  Here are a few things that our students and parents need to know.

1.  The students will be attending the Longview Symphony on February 11th.  The cost for students will be around $3.00.  A note should come home in the student planners this week with more information.

2.  Progress reports for the fourth six weeks will go home this Tuesday.  Parents be sure to look over your child’s papers and sign and return the notice.

3.  The Valentine’s Day celebration will be held on Friday, February 12th.  We will have a full day of Valentine’s Day activities related to math, reading, writing and much more.  This is a teacher/student celebration, however, if any parents would like to send candy, cupcakes, or cookies, it would be much appreciated!  Let me know if you are able to provide any of the items listed.  Also, a class list will come home soon so that your child can start addressing his/her cards.  Students will also need to make a Valentine’s Card holder box to bring to school by Wednesday, February 10th.

As I close this post, I am amazed at how quickly the year is flying by.  I am truly enjoying working with your children this year and am looking forward to many great successes!  I believe in these kids and the future leaders that they will become.  Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to be a small part of their lives.

Are you ready for an adventure?  Over the past few weeks, our fourth grade students have been learning about some of the amazing attractions that our great state, Texas, has to offer.  Be sure to go to the Bright Spots Blog and read about our perfect picnics and where they were held.