Greetings! This week we become pioneers and travel to Philip Foster Farm (http://www.philipfosterfarm.com/). Students have the opportunity to use tools, see a blacksmith working, visit the inside of a period farm house, load up a wagon, and more! This will tie into our unit of study on the Oregon Trail. Speaking of which, out class begins a new book this week entitled, “Journey West,” which documents the ups and downs of the Oregon Trail. In math, we continue decimals, fractions and combine the two by finding equivalents and ordering them on a line or finding them on a line. In writing, we will move full steam ahead in five-paragraph or more persuasive pieces. Thanks to those who responded via email or who showed up for our fourth grade fundraiser planning event! Be sure to mark Friday, May 11 on your calendar for a fun night of dancing and singing sponsored by Lewis fourth graders. The First Annual Lewis Family Dance and Singalong is a fundraiser to offset the cost of field trips we are taking this spring. Mr. Jamesbarry, Mr. Colvin, myself, and some of our musical friends will be providing the music and a fun time is guaranteed for all. Fourth graders are learning these dances in Music with Mr. J. and will help you along the way if you have two left feet! This is an event for the entire school! We go to a performance by the Oregon Children’s Theater on May 2nd to see “Storm in the Barn.” Art Night is coming up on Thursday, May 3 and I will need several students to act as docents in half hour shifts. Homework this week: Math packet or IXL, Spelling, and thirdly, I want students to bring in a sample of persuasive writing. This can be a printout, cutout, or url of an editorial, a speech transcript, or an advertisement. Since we are writing about persuasive topics, I thought the kids could share some from other sources. We will share on Friday. All Homework due Friday. “Break a leg” to all of our classmates and schoolmates who have dedicated themselves to the production of “The Elves and the Shoemaker,” over the last several weeks. If you would like to chaperone for any future field trips, please let me know. Class calendar of events is just a click away- click on calendar tab on homepage of marchyok.posterous.com.