Mrs. Morris's 4th Grade Class

Happy 2012!

2012-01-06T06:07:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year St. Ephrem Friends! I am so proud to hear about the exciting things you are doing! Jolie and Cheyanne and Gianna - I'm sure you are amazing at Forensics! And Tori - I can see you on Broadway one day!
My class is working on X-treme weather reports - remember when we did that? I am showing them the videos of your weather reports to show them what a great job looks like!
I pray for all of you every time I go to mass, and I think of you so often. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. I have a new iPad and am having lots of fun finding apps (like Angry Birds and Words with Friends!)
Please wish your families and teachers and the other kids a Happy New Year for me!

A New School Year

2011-09-05T09:27:00.000-04:00

Hello to my St. Ephrem Friends!
I hope you all had a wonderful summer! I just returned from a week at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in Disney World. It was amazing to see the animals of the African Savannah up close from my balcony every day. The giraffes were my favorite, but there were zebras and gazelles and lots of others to see too. I learned a lot about African culture too.
I hope you all have a wonderful year in 6th grade. This will be a very special time for you as you prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation. I will keep all of you in my prayers. Give my best to Mrs. Battson and Mrs. Scholl and be your best selves each and every day!
Love,
Mrs. Morris

The End!

2011-05-25T18:34:00.000-04:00

Wow! Can you believe the school year is almost over? Soon you'll be on to 6th grade! I'm amazed at how well you all did in First in Math, and I'm sure you amazed your teachers with your other talents as well! I plan to spend the summer reading and watching Phillies games and spending 8 magical days in Disney World. I hope you all have a wonderful summer too!

Phantastic!

2011-02-23T19:51:00.000-05:00

Wow!!!!! I am so jealous that you had a visit from the Phanatic!!! That must have been so much fun! Nativity participated this year too, and we are hoping for a visit in April. I'm looking forward to baseball season - looks like the best Phillies team ever! I will be at the May 6 Teacher Appreciation Night game - if any of you are going, let me know. I hope you're all doing well. Say hi to the teachers for me!

Happy 2011!

2011-01-20T19:03:00.000-05:00

Hi Former Room 4A Friends!
Happy New Year! This year you will make your Confirmation and move up to 6th grade - big things ahead for you! Thank you for all the nice comments. I think of all of you all the time, and if we ever have a day when Nativity is off and St. E. is open, I'll come visit. Gianna, I thought of you last night when the first episode of Idol came on - are you in an Idol pool again, and who do you have? Brendan, I KNOW! It is super cool that we got Cliff Lee! What do you think the Phils should do about Blanton? Amy - any Disney trips planned? Jolie and Maddy - I loved the Christmas cards! I'd love to hear from all my former students - we sure did have a great class!
My kids have extra homework because St. Ephrem passed Nativity in First in Math - good for you if you are one of the students moving St. Ephrem up in the rankings!
Tell your families and teachers I said hello and Happy New Year - you all are awesome!
Love,
Mrs. Morris

One Trimester Down and Ten More Days till Christmas!

2010-12-15T17:43:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to all of you who earned honors, and thank you for keeping me posted! I am very proud of you! I know you all have much to be proud of - I can see that St. Ephrem is doing very well in First in Math. Keep up the good work! I miss all of you and think of you often. I'm sure you're busy getting ready for the Christmas show. What song are you singing? We are having a Christmas play on Tuesday night, and I will be playing the piano for it. Have lots of fun in these last few days before Christmas, but don't drive your parents and teachers crazy!
Love,
Mrs. Morris p.s. I asked Santa for a Phillies shirt that says Lee on the back!

Trick or Treat!

2010-10-29T07:22:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween everyone! I hope you have lots of fun and get lots of treats! Enjoy the long weekend!

First in Math

2010-09-22T19:42:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone!
Are you playing First in Math? Right now, St. Ephrem is beating Nativity, but we just started today, so watch out!
I hope you're all having fun!

Fifth Grade

2010-09-09T19:15:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful first day of fifth grade!

Summer's End and School's Beginning

2010-08-31T21:19:00.000-04:00

Well this sure was a fast summer! My classroom is all ready, and I've been thinking about all of you as you prepare for 5th grade. I know it will be a great year for you - there are so many wonderful things to learn! Today I found a new kind of pen/pencil by Sharpie that can be erased like a pencil, but it writes like a pen and becomes permanent after a few minutes. What cool new supplies have you gotten for school?

Post Your Movie Reviews Here!

2010-07-01T21:04:00.002-04:00

I'm finally going to see Toy Story 3 on Saturday. Tomorrow I'm going to watch 1 and 2 to review. I'll post my review here after I see the latest in the saga of Andy, Woody, Buzz and friends. If you've seen any movies this summer, post your reviews = we'd love to read your thoughts!

Random Thoughts

2010-06-16T12:30:00.001-04:00

Here you can post anything you'd like to share!

Share your summer travel experiences here!

2010-06-16T12:28:00.001-04:00

Here's a place to tell your friends where you've been this summer!

Some last day thoughts...

2010-06-16T12:23:00.002-04:00

Our work is done for this year, and I wish all of you a fun-filled summer. It was a wonderful year, and I hope you all take with you as many happy memories as I am taking with me. This blog will remain active for our class, so please keep in touch. Thank you to all my wonderful students for your enthusiasm this year and thank you to all the parents who supported our learning in so many ways. God bless all of you.

Phillies Literacy Night

2010-06-06T13:23:00.008-04:00

It was a great night at the ballpark for the Phillies celebration of reading! Dan was one of the students honored in the pregame ceremonies for being a Most Outstanding reader. He even got to dance with the Phanatic at the 7th inning stretch!
Maddie was one of the Most Improved readers honored by having their name on a banner at Citizens Bank Park. I am proud of all of my students for participating in the Phanatic Reading Program and especially proud of Dan and Maddie for their achievement. Keep reading everyone - next year you might just get a visit from the Phanatic!

Famous American Museum Day

2010-05-31T10:06:00.002-04:00

Our Famous American Museum was a great success! All of the visitors were impressed by the knowledge and creativity of the students!

Learning from Each Other

2010-05-31T09:41:00.002-04:00

Coleman and Maddy did a great job teaching the class the steps of long division by two digits.

A President from PA

2010-05-24T13:14:00.004-04:00

There has only been one president of the United States from Pennsylvania (maybe you will be the 2nd!). Go to http://www.lancasterhistory.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1257&itemid=

and read about PA's one and only president. Then write the answers to these questions in your copybook:

1. Who was the only president from PA?

2. Where was he born and where is he buried?

3. When did he become president?

4. What other jobs did he have in government?

5. What was his nickname?

Field Trip to the Aquarium

2010-05-13T07:31:00.002-04:00

We had a great time at the New Jersey State Aquarium. There were so many amazing creatures to see! We got up close and personal with some of them in our classroom lesson, and the students showed impressive knowledge of animal adaptations in their answers to the instructor's questions. Share something interesting you learned here!

Science Homework May 3, 2010

2010-05-03T08:58:00.002-04:00

Go to http://www.mbgnet.net/salt/oceans/zone.htm and read the article about zones of the ocean. Then answer the questions on your worksheet. BONUS: Comment with one other interesting thing you read or one question you still have about the ocean.

Sizing Up the Characters

2010-03-24T09:02:00.002-04:00

Post a comment here to explain how you solved the problem. Tell what strategy you used and what steps you took. Be sure to explain any calculations that were necessary and include your solution.

Schoolhouse Rock Circulation Video

2010-03-23T18:49:00.001-04:00

Here's a fun way to review what you've learned about the circulatory system.
http://www.schoolhouserock.tv/Do.html Click on "Watch this Video"

Spring Fever

2010-03-18T15:12:00.002-04:00

I think I've caught Spring Fever! Do you have it too? What are your symptoms? Can it spread to others? Is there a cure or treatment for this ailment?

Social Studies Homework due 2/12/10

2010-02-09T10:01:00.002-05:00

When we examine primary sources or read original quotations from people who lived long ago, we may have to reread a few times to understand their meaning. If the words they use are unfamiliar, we may need a dictionary for help. Study the following passage written by William Penn and think about what Penn meant. Then post a comment saying in your own words what Penn meant and whether you think he was right or wrong.

"All men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences; no man can of right be compelled to attend, erect, or support any place of worship, or to maintain any ministry against his consent; no human authority can, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience, and no preference shall ever be given by law to any religious establishment or modes of worship." - William Penn, Declaration of Rights

Meteorologists Alexis and Victoria Give us the Weather

2010-02-04T15:11:00.003-05:00

Coleman, Evan and Slavek Report on Blizzards

2010-02-04T15:02:00.002-05:00

The Ski Report from Killington, by Jolie, Cheyanne and Coralee

2010-02-04T14:07:00.002-05:00

Tornado Chasers Chris and Luke

2010-02-04T13:51:00.001-05:00

Zach and Sean, Live from Fiji!

2010-02-04T13:22:00.002-05:00

Kaela and Emily Report on a Blizzard

2010-02-04T12:48:00.001-05:00

Weather Girl Maddie Tell about Thunderstorms

2010-02-04T11:20:00.001-05:00

Meteorologists Amy and Maddy

2010-02-04T10:54:00.001-05:00

Victoria and Alexis Report on Hurricanes

2010-02-04T10:35:00.001-05:00

Brendan and Dan's Weather Report

2010-02-03T14:26:00.002-05:00

Emily and Gianna's Weather Report

2010-02-03T14:10:00.002-05:00

Making a Difference

2010-02-02T20:10:00.003-05:00

At our Mass this morning, we sang the words
"Go Make a Difference, We can make a Difference, Go Make a Difference in the World."
Our class is making a difference! When we heard that Governor Rendell's budget calls for an increase in funding for textbooks to public schools but no increase for non-public schools, we wrote letters to the Governor to urge him to pass a budget that treats non-public schools fairly. We agreed that as citizens, we not only have a right to speak out when we believe something is wrong, we have a responsibility to do so!
We pray daily for the people of Haiti. Kaela thought of a way to raise money to support the effort to send aid to those suffering in the aftermath of the earthquake. She made beaded keychains and sold them to her classmates. Everyone was eager to help by purchasing a keychain.
Making a difference begins with recognizing the places and the ways that our world could be a better place. How can you make a difference - on your bus? in your neighborhood? on your team? in your school? in the world?
Look around - you really can make a difference!

Words.....Words.....Words.....

2010-02-01T18:30:00.002-05:00

As we read George Washington's Socks, we will encounter many new words. Here is a link to a good online dictionary site. It's also under "Learning Sites" on the sidebar of our blog.
http://www.merriam-webster.com.

The Stranger - the Sequel

2010-01-29T20:33:00.000-05:00

Post your stories here......

Jamestown Online Adventure

2010-01-27T14:35:00.001-05:00

Here is the website to play the Jamestown Adventure game.
http://www.historyglobe.com/jamestown/
How did your settlers fare?

Social Studies Homework "On the Trail of Captain John Smith" 1/26/10

2010-01-26T08:44:00.002-05:00

Due Thursday 1/28
Go to http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/Games/InteractiveAdventures/John-smith and read at least two of the chapters. Then post a comment with something you learned about John Smith or Jamestown. First read your classmates' comments so that you don't repeat what someone else said. Trying the games will make your adventure more fun!

Science Homework Tuesday, 1/19/10

2010-01-19T10:09:00.003-05:00

Post a comment to answer the following two questions in complete sentences:
1. What severe weather event are you going to report on?
2. What information do you still need for your weather report?

What's the Word?

2010-01-12T14:37:00.003-05:00

A word that is now commonly used in our daily language was named "Word of the Decade" for the first decade of the 21st century. Not long ago, this word did not even exist! It has been added to the dictionary and can be used as a noun or a verb. What's the word?

Citizenship !

2010-01-07T11:32:00.002-05:00

Here's a link to a sample of the test questions from the United States Citizenship Test for you to try. How did you do?
http://www.factmonster.com/quizzes/citizenship1/1.html

Sharing our History

2010-01-03T16:17:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone! I am looking forward to hearing all about your holidays!
This week, we will read about families who come from many different countries to America. Although their languages, customs, and traditions are very different, they have something important in common - their pride in becoming United States citizens! Unless we are 100% Native American Indian, we are all American citizens because at some point in our family's history, our parents, grandparents or other ancestors came to America from another country. See what you can find out about your own family history! How did your family come to be in Bensalem, in Pennsylvania, in the United States? Who in your family was the first to come to America from another country? How did they get here and why did they come? Does your family have special traditions or recipes that originated in another country? It's fascinating to uncover and preserve our family history and there is so much we can learn about ourselves and about each other by asking the questions and sharing our stories.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-27T06:48:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!
What was your favorite Christmas gift? Enjoy the vacation!

Snow Day!

2009-12-21T05:29:00.003-05:00

Mrs. Morris and family have been in the Orlando airport since yesterday afternoon. We're hoping to get on a flight this morning. What are you doing for fun today?

What's New This Week?

2009-12-14T22:52:00.002-05:00

Well it's sunny and very warm in central Florida this week - record breaking high temperatures in the high 80's yesterday and today. I heard from Sean that the Phillies have made a deal for Roy Halliday - what does everyone think about that?
If you would like to know more about the Stetson hat that you are reading about this week, you can visit http://www.stetsonhat.com. The history of this American original is very interesting.

Science Homework December 3, 2009

2009-12-03T09:29:00.005-05:00

NOTE: The website has been updated since this morning. If you have trouble finding the info on meteorological winter, read about December Storm Tracks instead and make some notes about what you found out.

Go to http://www.accuweather.com/kidz

Click on the button "Worst Weather"

Answer the questions on the worksheet.

Look around the site some more and post a comment about something interesting you found out.

2009-12-03T08:01:00.000-05:00

A Balloon, A Stick, and Some String

2009-12-01T06:39:00.003-05:00

What can you do with a balloon, a stick and some string? You can prove that air DOES have weight! We proved that although air is invisible and colorless, it does have weight. We are learning about the relationship between air and our weather. Check out some of the weather sites. What did you find out?

Our Missions Project

2009-12-01T06:32:00.003-05:00

Our Blessings Mix was a big hit! We sold out in two days! Thank you everyone who helped by donating for the project. It shows us that when everyone does a little bit, together we can do big things!

During Advent, our little acts of kindness and generosity can make a big difference in our homes, school, and community. What can you do for someone else today?

Thankful Thoughts

2009-11-23T09:40:00.002-05:00

As we gather to give thanks this week, I am especially thankful for the gift that each of my students is in my life. I am grateful for the privilege of teaching in a Catholic school and for the support of my students' parents. May each of your families enjoy a very Happy Thanksgiving! Scroll down to read our prayers of Thanksgiving - they would make beautiful table prayers for your feast!

We Salute Those Who Serve

2009-11-15T20:35:00.002-05:00

As our country honored veterans this week, we participated in "Operation Thanks" by writing letters that will be mailed to a troop of Marines serving in Iraq. We pray daily for those serving in the military and for their families. Do you have a family member to add to our prayer list or a story from a veteran to share?

24

2009-11-15T20:00:00.002-05:00

We are having fun while building computation skills by playing 24. In this game, players are given four numbers and must add, subtract, multiply and/or divide to get 24. Each number can only be used once, and all numbers must be used. It's a challenge for all ages! Fans of 24 might want to put a deck of 24 cards on their list for Santa! There's a link in our links section to play an online version of 24. The more you play the better you get!

What We Wonder about Weather

2009-11-10T10:01:00.002-05:00

Watch a weather report on TV or read a weather report in the newspaper or on http://www.weather.com/. Write two facts and two questions about the weather. What are you wondering about the weather?

Math Extra Credit Problem

2009-11-05T11:14:00.003-05:00

Use the Guess and Test strategy to find the answer to this problem. No dividing allowed!

Mrs. Kirby and Mrs. Miller spent a total of $50.00 on dinner for their two families. Mrs. Kirby spent $7.00 more than Mrs. Miller. How much did they each spend on dinner? Bring your guesses and your solution on paper for extra credit! You may comment on how many guesses it took you to get a solution that worked. Were you able to teach your parents how to use Guess and Test?

Reading Homework 11/2

2009-11-03T13:33:00.002-05:00

We talked today about how authors use sensory details to help us visualize people, places and events in a story. Read for 15 minutes and then comment. Tell the title of the book you read and list 3 details about how someone or something looked, sounded, tasted, smelled or felt in the story. You may use the author's exact words or you may use your own words. Remember that all the important details in a book title should be capitalized!

Help Wanted - Green Team

2009-11-02T19:31:00.002-05:00

If you have ideas about going green in our school and our homes, apply to be on the Room 4A Green Team! We need team members who will take the lead in helping us all find ways to make a difference for planet earth.
Here's a great website to look around for ideas: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/index.htm

If you would like to be a Green Team member, comment on this post and tell why you would be good at the job!

Our Resident Sports Writer

2009-10-31T21:51:00.002-04:00

All of us in Room 4A are proud of our St. Ephrem's official 2009 World Series sports writer, Dan Avington. Make sure to read Dan's recaps of the games on the St. Ephrem website. http://saintephremschool.com/online%20communication/Oct%2009/World%20Series%20Game%202.pdf

If you love sports, there are many careers where you can use your talents to be a part of the game - even if you're not one of the players! Do you know someone who has a sports-related job?

Fall Festival 2009

2009-10-31T21:31:00.006-04:00

Our Fall Festival on Friday was a day of fun for everyone. Mrs. Ellis and the teachers and parents who gave their time and effort to make this day a success deserve a great big thank you!

What was your favorite event of the day?

Our New Blog

2009-10-27T20:46:00.000-04:00

I am very excited about the possibilities of our new class blog. Blogging is one of the newest ways for people to communicate. What do you think of our blog?

We're Helping Monarch Butterflies

2009-10-25T08:16:00.000-04:00

Our class is participating with other classrooms throughout North America in a symbolic butterfly migration. The project is sponsored by Journey North, an organization that provides educational programs about endangered species and promotes conservation efforts. Our butterflies are now on their way to Mexico. They will spend the winter there, just as the real monarch butterflies do. They will be cared for by a class of schoolchildren there, and in the spring we will receive butterflies in return. Our beautifully decorated butterflies carried messages of friendship to our neighbors in Mexico.

Estamos ayudando a las mariposas monarca!

Visit http://www.journeynorth.org/ to learn more.

Students: How can we help the monarchs in our yards and neighborhoods?

We're Phanatics About Reading

2009-10-25T07:57:00.000-04:00

Our Phanatics about Reading challenge has officially begun! Visit our blog often to share your opinions of the books you're reading and have some fun talking about reading.

Answer this question and earn a ticket:

Where was the most unusual place you spent time reading this week?