Dr. Charles Drew Elementary School
Fourth Grade CPHG Dolphin Splash
Dear Center Parents,
We had a fabulous trip to Historic St. Mary’s City on April 15. Thank you to all the parents who were able to chaperone the trip! We also
appreciate the special arrangements parents made to make sure students were delivered to school early and picked-up late – we appreciate your
flexibility when our return was delayed. The field trip was experiential learning at its finest - students explored a replica of the ship that brought
the English settlers, utilized 17th century technology (hauling anchors and measuring speed in knots); dressed in 17th century American Indian
clothes; manipulated a printing press; weeded, planted, and imagined indentured servitude; noted an active
archeological exploration, and engaged in many other historical activities.
Important Dates
As part of our William and Mary autobiography unit on Change, students enjoyed creating visuallyappealing collages of their lives and began identifying themes of change within their own lives. In guided
MAP Testing – Reading @ 5/3
reading and literature circles, students are reading author’s memoirs and examining change in literature. Later 1:15 pm
students will read stories and poems by that author to identify and analyze connections between the author’s
MAP Testing – Math @ 1:15 5/4
life, as described in the memoirs, and their creative writing.
Gemstone: Is your 4th grader excitedly sharing new ideas gleaned from the TED talks we’ve been
International Night@
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watching at school? Our center students are buzzing about the ideas shared through TED (Technology,
7-8:30 pm
Education and Design). While our forum will be different (no large studio audience, circular stage, or movie4th grade PARCC Testing – 5/16;
screen backdrop) the TED presentation concept is similar to how our 4 th graders will present their Gemstone
5/17;
research. As a culminating project of center students’ 4th grade year, Gemstone allows students the opportunity E/LA @ 9:45 – 11:45 each
day
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to “pursue their passion.” While most of the research and writing for students’ Gemstone will be completed at
school, parents can help by offering support and encouragement to their children. During research, students
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may need additional resources at the library or extended opportunities for internet search. Because the
Math @ 9:45-11:15
Gemstone is an ambitious endeavor, you can discuss ideas with your child and serve as a cheerleader if he/she
4th grade PARCC Testing – 5/23;
is lagging in stamina.
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We would like to invite students and their families to participate in the Drew Annual International
Night on May 6th from 7:00-8:30. At this special event, Drew families celebrate culture by sharing food,
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traditional dress, and cultural activities. We hope to see you there!
Math @ 9:45 – 11:45
And finally, thank you for helping your child to support our SGA Pennies for Patients fundraiser as well
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as the PTA-sponsored Book Fair and Dolphin Dance.
school
We appreciate your support for all our learning endeavors,
Music Concert 7-8 pm
Kim Leichtling and Anne Doane
[email protected]
May, 2016
[email protected]
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