Welcome!

August 2013
Dear fourth grade parents/guardians:

I can hardly believe that it is already time to start getting ready for another year at Cologne Academy.  The first few years have been a great success, and I am so excited to continue that success with this year’s incoming fourth graders!

A little bit about me…
This year will be my sixth year of teaching at Cologne Academy.  I graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2006 and did my student teaching in St. Paul.  I was lucky enough to be hired at Cologne Academy the first year it opened and have been part of the growing process, which has been amazing.  I am so proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to continued success in the future. 

I live in Plymouth with my husband Brian, our daughter Ayla, and our dog Cali. When I am not teaching, I love to travel to warm tropical destinations, spend time at the cabin in the summer months, and I love to read.  I am a big Minnesota sports fan and especially love to watch the Twins and the Wild.  

There is so much to learn in fourth grade!  Here are some of the highlights:

In reading we will be using the Junior Great Books curriculum which is so much fun for the kids to experience. This curriculum teaches students to employ a method of interpretive reading and discussion known as Shared Inquiry. Along with Junior Great Books we will work with the Fountas and Pinnell Literacy Program, and vocabulary building with Wordly Wise. Students will also work in guided reading groups throughout the year.   

In writing we will be working on descriptive, narrative, informative, and persuasive writing along with learning how to properly write friendly letters, thank you notes, and poetry. We will use a combination of the 6 + 1 Traits and a new program called Excellence in Writing.   

In math we will review key concepts from third grade, and also explore new areas such as fractions, decimals, tables and graphs, multi-digit multiplication and long division, perimeter and area, and geometry.

In history we will learn about the World Mountains, Europe in the Middle Ages, The Spread of Islam, African Kingdoms, Dynasties of China, The American Revolution, The Unites States Constitution, Early Presidents, and American Reformers.

In science we will learn about meteorology, electricity, geology, the human body (heart and the lungs), and chemistry. 

Along with the core subject areas listed above, students will have specials each week that include music, physical education, Spanish, art, and media. We also spend a lot of time learning and practicing several Core Virtues throughout the school year in order to create well-rounded students who are people of character. 

Enjoy the last weeks of summer!  I can’t wait to meet everyone and get the 20013-2014 school year rolling! 
Robyn Roth
rroth@cologneacademy.org         
952-466-4020

How to Order Scholastic Books Online

 Welcome to a new school year!

Every year I make the Scholastic orders available to parents online. It is a great tool to use and parents tell me every year how easy it is. Plus, we get bonus points to use for our classroom library every time a parent orders online. See the letter below for more information!

______________________________________________________________________________

Shop Online: scholastic.com/readingclub

One-Time Class Activation Code: GX4ML

Dear Families,

Encouraging reading is one of the most important things we can do to help your child succeed. It can be tough finding the right books to keep them interested, which is why I am so excited that our class will be participating in Scholastic Reading Club this school year.

With Scholastic Reading Club:

•    Every book you buy earns FREE Books for our classroom library

•    You can choose from handpicked, grade- and reading-level-specific books for your child

•    You'll find the best values on a variety of formats, including eBooks

Each month, your child will bring home Reading Club flyers. Together you can choose from books hand-selected by teachers and experts, and then order online or by returning your order form and payment to me.

I'd also love some help growing our classroom Reading Club. If you'd like to help out, please let me know! I'm excited to get our class reading!

Thank you for your support,

If This Is Your First Time Ordering Online:

•     REGISTER at scholastic.com/readingclub

•     ENTER the Class Activation Code at the top of this letter

•     CHOOSE from thousands of print titles, value packs, and Storia eBooks

•     SUBMIT the order to me by the due date listed on the website

 EARN FREE Books for our classroom too!