From the desk of Mr. Doug Barry:All students in grades 3rd through 8th will be taking the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) during the week of April 7-11. These tests are very important for giving parents and teachers feedback on the progress students make. During the first full week of April, I will be talking to every student about why we take this test. We will take a look at their scores from last year and set goals for this year’s test.
To help us out, please make sure your child gets plenty of rest and eats a nutritious breakfast,. Help them to realize that much information given on the test can be understood if he/she tries hard and does his/her best. We want our scores to reflect how hard we have worked and how much the students have learned. These tests are very important.
Please avoid scheduling doctor and dentist appointments during the morning or early afternoon hours.
Any parent or business
interested in providing a class, grade level or all the students with a healthy snack during testing week should contact the school today. We also have a need for ‘brain-awakeners’ like
lifesaver mints (spearmint, winter fresh, etc.). J Please call or email Stephanie Ehmke (ehmkes@roschools.com) today! Thanks!
To help children prepare adequately for tests, you can do several things to provide support and create a positive test-taking experience.
1. Make sure that your child is in school during the testing sessions. Do not plan any doctor or dental appointments on test dates.
2. Make sure that you are aware of your child's performance and that you can help interpret the results when they become available.
3. Remember to keep well-informed about your child's tests. Know how test results are used, and how they will affect your child's placement in school.
4. If there are major differences between standardized test scores and school grades, find out why.
5. Encourage your child to listen carefully to all test-taking directions given by the teacher and to ask questions about any directions that are unclear.
6. Encourage your child to read the directions carefully and to go back over the test if they have time.
7. See that your child gets his/her regular amount of sleep before the tests and is well-rested.
8. Make sure that your child eats his/her usual breakfast on the day of the test. Hunger can detract from a good test performance.
9. Encourage your child to do his/her best.
During testing week, ask your child how they did on that day’s test.
Celebrate each night or at the end of the week by doing something
special as a family (read a book, play a game, make a special dinner, etc.)
These 3 students (Leatha Bennett, Donnie Torbett and Brenna Craig) are going with me April 7th to do an interview with Jerry Dietz promoting National Library Week April 13-19. On April 18, our school will be hosting a community-wide readalong party in Fountain Square Park from 11:30-12:30. Sack lunches will be served to the students and we will eat for 1/2 hour and then read a book for 1/2 hour. We are inviting the businesses, parents, community, etc. to join us for a fun-filled hour to honor the importance of reading in our lives.
April 2008 Calendar
Week of 7-11 ITBS Testing
18th 2 hours early out
Professional Development
16th Young Writer’s Conference
@ Graceland College leaving early-returning late to school be aware of time changes
21st K-5 Science Fair at Inman 3:45 PM
21st 5th grade Vocal music at ROMS
Week of 21-25th ICAM Testing
My Kind of FlowerMy kind of flower has pink and purple petals, blue leaves, and an orange stem. My kind of flower has a yellow middle. My flower says “Bubbles” on it with green splats of paint on it. That’s my flower, what’s yours?
Leatha Bennett 4th grade
Parents support the arts education in Iowa. This organization is for all covering music, art, theatre and dance for students. I’m sure they will be here to support Red Oak when our new fine arts center is open. Visit the website below...
http://www.smartz.org/
Red Oak is the only Iowa school with an exhibit in the “Feast for the Eyes” in New Orleans ! Check it out on artsonia.com
Trip to California, Mexico and Florida
When I was nine I went to California. It was so cool! After that I went to Mexico to visit my brothers and sister who live there. My mom said this summer I am going to Florida by myself with my cousin Megan. I haven’t seen her in a long time. I am so happy that I’m going to Florida. It is going to be so cool.
Corrina Budka
4th grade
The Black Pony
Once there was a little girl named Zoey. She went camping with her mom, dad, brother, sister, and her dog. She built her tent. It was a Barbie tent. She didn’t like Barbie so she traded with her big sister because she loved Barbie.
I know it was weird, but Zoey got the big tent. She set up her blow-up bed and then everyone made smores. They were good. Soon everyone fell asleep by the fire. Zoey’s mother and dad put her in her tent. Everyone was all snug in their blankets.
Later, Zoey heard something outside. She went outside and saw a bear. It was coming toward her. She screamed, “Ahahahahahah!”
She fell down a ledge and landed in the water. She got up and went on shore. She saw the bear right in front of her. Right then a pony came running and scared the bear away. Zoey thanked the pony and gave it some carrots. She said, “I have to keep you somewhere safe.” She put the pony in the barn she saw down the road.
When Zoey woke up she ran to the barn. The pony was gone! She saw the pony in the forest eating grass. She got behind a bush. They were berry bushes and other kinds. It was beautiful.
The pony heard Zoey say something. The pony ran. She caught the pony, put a rope around it and tied the rope to a tree. She built a barn of her own and put the pony in it. The pony liked it and fell asleep. Zoey was happy!
Alexis Wall, 4th grade
Young Writers’ Conference
We went to Miss Chelsvig’s classroom and asked her questions about Young Writers. She gave us a lot of information.
Young Writers is a conference where third, fourth, and fifth grade students meet and share with each other stories that they’ve written. This year it will again be held at Graceland College in Lamoni on April 16. Three students from each third, fourth and fifth grade classrooms will be attending. The students will leave very early in the morning and not return until after 5 P.M. It takes over two hours to get there. While at the conference the students get to attend different sessions that have to do with writing and reading. It’s a full day and everyone always has a great time.
Miss Chelsvig is excited to go this year because she hasn’t been to Young Writers for over ten years!
Brooke Samms and Eric Roberts
Iowa Tests of Basic Skills Are Coming!
(We interviewed Mrs. Bates.)
We will be taking I.T.B.S. April 7-11. This is why we take them.
We take I.T.B.S. because they help us see how we compare with other kids in Iowa and across the United States. They are important because they guide what teachers teach us and they show us our strengths and weaknesses. Most of the questions on I.T.B.S. are multiple choice.
The tests are hard for kids who don’t pay attention, so make yourselves pay attention and learn all you can. Remember to get plenty of sleep the nights before the tests, and eat good breakfasts. We all want to do the best we can.
Shayla Duplain and Corrina Budka, 4th grade
The Missouri Tigers“Playing this year for the National Championship are the Missouri Tigers and the Kansas Jayhawks,“ said Brad. “The 13 and 0 Tigers are going to be playing the 11 and 1 Jayhawks.”
“QB Chase Daniel is going to have a great game,” said Lee.
“The #2 Jayhawks are going to have a rough game today,” said Kirt.
“We’re here in Orlando, Florida. I’m Brad Nesller here with Kirt Kirbstreat and Lee Carso.”
“The weather isn’t going to be a factor for this one as the #1 Missouri Tigers and #2 Kansas Jayhawks match up,” said Brad.
“The key player to watch today is Chase Daniel. He’s an outstanding QB. I’m looking forward for him having a great, great game!” said Kirt.
“Alright, let’s go to midfield for the coin toss,” said Brad.
Missouri, heads! Receive. Kansas, tails! Kick.
“And, it looks like we’re all set,” said Brad. “And it’s OFF!
“Jeremy Maclin gets it!” said Lee. “He could go all the way! TOUCHTOWN, TIGERS! 7 to 0! “
The Tigers built their lead to 45 to 0 by the end of the first quarter.
“In the second quarter Kansas still hasn’t scored a touchdown!” said Kirt. “58 to 0.”
“In the third quarter Missouri’s quarterback threw five touchdowns! 89 to 0! At the end of the game it was 146 to 0. Missouri was the NCAA champs!!” said Lee.
“We hope to see you guys next year,” said Brad.
Written and illustrated by Ethan Hewett, 4th grade
I.C.A.M. Tests Are Coming!!
Parker & Ethan: What does “ICAM” mean?
Ms. Chelsvig: It means Iowa Collaborative Assessment Module.
Parker & Ethan: When are we taking them?
Ms. Chelsvig: April 21-25.
Parker & Ethan: What do ICAMs cover?
Ms. Chelsvig: Math and reading.
Parker & Ethan: Why are we given them?
Ms. Chelsvig: They tell us how we’re doing in math and reading.
Parker and Ethan: How do we study for them?
Ms. Chelsvig: The teachers work on geometry and essay questions with you.
Parker Wagaman and Ethan Hewett, 4th grade
Dinosaur Kingdom
Once upon a time one million years ago there was a pterodactyl dinosaur named Phill who ruled the kingdom. The kingdom was called Dinotopyia. One day the pterodactyl and a king got into a fight at the Dinosaur Stadium. They both gave up in the ring and the winner was…both of them. They were then MORE angry with each other, so they called for a rematch. That time the winner was the king of Dinotopyia. Then they lived angrier ever after.
Joseph Shipley
4th grade
The Penguin and the Fish
Scene 1: It takes place in the Arctic. Two penguins, Penny and Madison, are
fighting over a fish named Nichole.
Penny: Madison, get out of my way!
Madison: Why?
Penny: I want that fish more than you!
Madison: No! I want that fish more than you!
Nichole: Why do you want me? What about those other fish?
Penny and Madison: They’re not good enough.
Nichole: Why?
Madison: Well, you’re the best one of all the fish.
Penny: And you’re mine!
Madison: No! Nichole is mine and forever!
Nichole: Hello? If you don’t mind I don’t want to die!
Madison and Penny: But you look so beautiful and delicious!
Nichole: Thanks. I know I’m beautiful. I try my best. If you think I’m so pretty maybe you could just keep me as a pet.
Penny: Ok, that means that you will be my pet?
Nichole: Sure, but….
Penny and Madison: But what?
Nichole: But will you ask mom if it’s ok for me to be the pet of one of you?
Penny and Madison: Yup!
Madison: And, by the way…you are my pet!!!
Penny: No way!
Madison: Yes way!
Penny: But I called her first!
Madison: Well, well, I called her second!
Nichole: Why don’t you both share me?
Madison: Fine, but I’m only doing it because the “fish of wisdom” said it.
Madison whispered to Penny: At least that’s what Nicole thinks.
Madison and Penny giggle.
Nichole: I heard that!
Penny and Madison: Ok, we’ll share you.
Narrator: They all lived happily ever after.
Maria Pendleton and Hannah Shalters, 4th grade
The Underground Tunnel
On a boring, Sunday morning Charley’s mom told him to clean the basement. Charley went down to clean it, and he did. Suddenly he saw the door underneath the stairs. It was covered with wallpaper. He went to clean it. He opened the dusty door and was amazed to see that it was a tunnel. He walked and walked and finally he came to a door, not just large, but very large. Charley thought this room must have been important. He couldn’t find the key to the door, but suddenly he felt a lump under the rug. He picked up the carpet. He found the key to the door. He put it in the door. The door opened. He went into the room and was surprised to see gold everywhere. He saw a chest. He saw a huge, red ruby and picked it up. He also picked up the gold and the chest. Suddenly, the walls began to shake and the ceiling began pressing down. He ran as fast as he could. He just made it out before the whole wall collapsed. He ran up the stairs as fast as he could.
When he told his mother his mother was so excited they opened the chest. There was a metal, engraved map that showed where more gold would be. Charley and his mom would be rich forever. His mom never made him do chores again.
Eric Roberts
4th grade
The Crime Sisters
Hi, these are the sisters in crime, Hayley and Brittney. We are looking for crime.
“What’s this?” asked Hayley. “This looks like a job for the Crime Sisters!”
“Look!” said Brittney. “My radar says there’s a robber stealing some jewelry at the jewelry store!”
Off they went. “There he is!” shouted Hayley.
“You’ll never get past me!” yelled the robber.
“Oh, really?” said Brittney.
“Then how do you explain this?” (Pow, Bang, Pow!)
“You’ll never get away with this,” said the robber.
Join us next time with the Crime Sisters!
Brittney Schwartz
Hayley Benedict
4th grade
Angry Babies
Once upon a time there was a family and one baby. It was always messing up the house. One day the mom and dad cleaned the house and put the baby in his room because they were watching a movie. The put their baby in the cradle then put the movie in. The movie was called “Invasion”. It was kind of scary. The baby was so strong it broke out of the cradle. It was full of energy. It wrecked the house. The mom and dad were furious. They called the cops and the cops came. The baby scared the cops out of the door. The baby called for help. Two babies jumped through the window, breaking it, and said, “Did anyone call for help?”
Alexis Wall
4th grade
My Friends
My friend Cara is nice and cool.
My friend Shayla is so pretty.
My friends Parker, Shane, and Ethan are so nice.
My friend Leatha is so smart.
My friend Brittney is so, so nice.
My friend Joseph is so cool.
My friend Bailey is so, so, so pretty and I love her hair.
My friend Jasmine is so smart.
My friend Alexis is so shy.
My friend Maria is so cool.
My friend Chelsea is so smart.
My friend Eric is so smart.
My friend Hayley is cool.
Corrina Budka 4th Grade
Brooke
B is for beautiful, that is, cute.
R is for restless, unless you’re sad.
O is for obedient, that is smart.
O is for other things too.
K is for Kit Kat that I love.
E is for Easter with candy.
S is for super perfect, that’s cool.
A is for awesome, really cool.
M is for M & Ms that are good
M is for mommy that is sweet
S is for super that is a good job.
Brooke Samms
4th grade
Clovers
Leaf clovers, leaf clovers
Everywhere you go.
Left, right, wherever people go.
Big ones, small ones,
Pretty ones, bad ones.
Many ones.
The best of all is the one with 4 clovers.
Shayla Duplain
4th grade
The RaceThis could be the race where number 9 wins, and we know it is going to be good. “So, what do you know about the race?” asked Mick.
“All I know is that there are 50 racers, “ said Shane.
“Me too,” said Mick.
“See you tomorrow,” said Shane.
The next day Mick said, “It’s here! It’s the day of the race!”
“Ok, ok, come down,” said Shane. “Here it is, 23 minutes and 42 seconds until the race. 23 minutes and 34 seconds…”
“It’s time!!!” said Mick.
“I hope number 9 wins,” said Shane.
3…2…1…and the shooting guy fired up and the race was on.
“Number 9 is in second place,” said Mick.
“Yeah, but other cars are closing in on him,” said Shane.
The race was soon over. “Here you have it. Number 15 came in first and number 9 came in second,” said Mick.
“That was great! said Shane. “See you in one year!”
Shane Cox
4th grade
The Passover is a feast occurring around Easter. It celebrates when Moses freed the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. They celebrate the Passover with a feast called Seder. They celebrate in churches called synagogues. The Seder is the feast that lasts eight days.
P.S: Passover is a Jewish holiday.
By: Aaron Jackson, Gabe Nelson, and Gilman Cooper
Webkinz, Webkinz, and More Webkinz
One day a girl named Caitlyn, was taking a walk. She saw a sign that said, “Webkinz for sale”. She walked over. She asked Bob, “How much are they?
Bob said, “$12.00.”
Caitlyn said, “That isn’t a lot.” So, she bought three. They were a bunny, Chihuahua, and a pug!
When she got home she filled out their adoption papers online. Their names were Snowball, Tiffany, and Carmel. After Caitlyn got done, she called her friend Kendra. She said, “You need to get over here right now. I just got three Webkinz. Get over here, ok?”
When Kendra arrived, she asked, “What are Webkinz?”
“They are stuffed animals that come with a secret code that you enter online at Webkinz.com.” said Caitlyn.
“Wow! That’s pretty cool!”
They played online until it was time for Kendra to go home. Caitlyn asked her mom if Kendra could spend the night. Her mom said yes. After supper they got back online, but they couldn’t stay on for that long. When it was time to go to bed they stayed up and when everyone was asleep they got back on the internet. The computer froze, but luckily it soon unfroze. Then they heard a noise but it was just her little brother, Jake. Caitlyn said, “What are you doing down here?”
Jake said he was just getting a glass of water. He asked Caitlyn, “Exactly what are you doing down here?”
“Ok, you promise you won’t tell?”
“Yeah.”
“We were on the computer.”
“Why?”
“We were on Webkinz.com. You get addicted to it. When you get Webkinz it’s a habit. I tell you, a habit.”
“What’s a habit?”
“It’s when you get addicted to something and you can’t stop.”
“Oh, said Jake, “I thought it was something that you cook with. Well, now I know, so goodnight.”
“Ok, now since he’s gone, do you want to get back on Webkinz.com?” asked Caitlyn.
“Ok. I can’t believe you got three Webkinz at a time. My mom would never let me get three at a time. You’re so lucky,…..
Caitlyn said, “Yes, that’s me.”
Kendra and Caitlyn then clicked on “Curio Shop”. “I wonder what this is,” asked Kendra.
Caitlyn said, “I don’t know, let’s check it out. Wow, that’s cool. You can find gems and when you get thirty gems you get a Webkinz Crown of Wonder. That would be really cool.
“Hey, Kendra, do you want to see what the “Employment Office” is?” asked Caitlyn.
“Sure. Wow, you can perform jobs here and earn Kinzcash, but it says you can only do one every eight hours,” said Kendra.
“That’s too bad. Oh, well, I think I will do “Hamburger Cook”, replied Caitlyn.
“Ok, that sounds really fun,” said Kendra.
“Oh, this is really easy,” shouted Caitlyn.
“Well, that’s over with, Caitlyn,” said Kendra.
Caitlyn said, “I think we should get off, ok? Let’s go to bed now.
“Ok. Goodnight, Caitlyn!” yawned Kendra.
“Goodnight, Kendra. See you in the morning,” said Caitlyn.
Jasmine Forward and Bailey Bruce, 4th grade
The New Girl
Brittney and Ashley were BF (best friends). They wanted to know who the new girl was. The next day the new girl was at school. Ashley and Brittney asked, “What is your name?” She said her name was Zoey.
During math time Zoey didn’t know her math facts, so she cheated on Ashley’s paper. Brittney saw it and told Ashley. Ashley looked at Zoey, but she was doing her own work. Ashley then began to work. Ashley quickly looked and saw Zoey looking on her paper. Ashley didn’t want to tell on the new girl, so at recess she asked Zoey, “Why were you looking at my math test?
Zoey said that she wasn’t looking at Ashley’s paper.
Ashley said, “I saw you.”
During social studies Zoey didn’t know her capitals and states. They had a test and she looked at Ashley’s paper again. Later during social studies Mrs. Bruce passed back the math tests and said that Zoey knew her math facts.
At recess Ashley said to Mrs. Bruce, “Zoey cheated off my test.” Mrs. Bruce said that she’ll change desks.
Ashley said, “That will be great!”
The next day Mrs. Bruce changed the desks around, and Zoey sat in another girl’s desk. Brittney said, “That’s not where you’re sitting anymore, Zoey.”
Zoey said, “Whatever!”
Brittney said, “Look at the name tag.”
Zoey said, “This is where I always sit.”
Brittney said, “Don’t look at me! Mrs. Bruce changed the desks because you were cheating on Ashley’s test.”
Zoey went to the teacher’s desk and said, “Why did you change my desk?”
Mrs. Bruce said, “Because Ashley came in at recess and told me that you were cheating off of her test.”
So, at recess Zoey went to Ashley and said, “Why did you say that I cheated on your test? I didn’t cheat. You’re a liar. Do you always lie?”
Ashley said, “No. I don’t lie at all.”
“Yes, you do!” said Zoey.
“No, I saw you. Why are you saying mean things to me?” asked Ashley.
“Okay, I won’t cheat only if you change desks and you two help me with multiplication facts, capitals and states,” said Zoey.
Ashley and Brittney found out that Zoey cheated because she didn’t know her math facts, states and capitals, and she was afraid to ask the teacher for help.
Chelsea Green, 4th
Famous Birthdays in April
By: Kate Walker and Ana Ham
1. Eddie Murphy (actor)
2. Picabo Street (athlete)
3. Russel Crowe (actor)
4. Beverly Cleary (children’s author)
5. Jackie Chan (actor)
6. Mark Russel (writer)
7. Janis Ian (musical artist)
8. Tiny Tim (performer)
9. Thomas Jefferson (politician/U.S. president)
10. America Ferrera (actress)
11. Peter Frampton (singer)
12. James Monroe (politician/U.S. president)
13. Sir Alec Guinness (actor)
14. Jay Leno (performer)
15. Jessica Alba (actress)
16. Ralph Earnheart (race car driver)
17. Kirsten Dunst (actress)
18. Betty Ford (first lady of the U.S.)
19. Carmen Electra (model)
20. Queen Elizabeth 2 (queen of England)
21. Elizabeth Montgomery (actress)
22. Anne Sulivan (taught Helen Keller)
23. Leonardo DaVinci (artist, sculptor, and inventor)
24. Wilbur Wright (pioneer aviator)
25. Kate Hudson (actress)
26. Kelly Clarkson (first “American idol” winner)
27. George Lopez (actor)
28. Dale Earnheart (auto racer)
29. William Shakespeare (playwright, and poet)
30. Alfred Butts (invented the board game “scrabble”)
31. Saddam Hussein (Iraqi president)
32. Michelle Pfeiffer (actor)
33. Andre Agassi (tennis champion)
34. Coretta Scott King (wife of Martin Luther King Jr./ civil rights leader)
35. Michael .J. Smith (astronaut)
Fourth Grade Travel to Anderson Conservation CenterMs. Karwal and students place signs to show phases of the sun along the trail.
On Wednesday, March 26, the 4th graders visited Anderson Conservation and had another fantastic lesson presented by Deb Karwal. Her lesson stressed the smallness of Earth compared to the rest of our Solar System. The students and teachers took a hike pacing off the distances between the planets. Comparing the sizes of the planets, and the distances between them, the Earth was just the size of a dot on a piece of paper. Mrs. Karwal is extremely knowledgeable and we appreciate her willingness to teach us.
Summer
Hi WIS! This is Chasity Green, Shelby Musland, and Jerrica Tarbox from Mr.Fehring’s 5th grade class! We read a book called The Martian Tales. It’s about a quirky, red haired, eleven year old boy named Sanders. His parents separted while he had plans with his best friend Joey. But Sanders had to go to Shady Point, Maine, for the summer with grandpa. The following is what we are doing over the summer.
Chasity Green: I might go to Disneyland. I’m moving to Council Bluffs. I can’t wait! I’m going to my cousins 5th b-day party. And I’m going to stay there for 6 days . What fun!
Shelby Musland: I’m going to babysit my little nephew. When I’m not babysitting I’m going to a friend’s. I’m going to Okoboji. And I’m going to Washington State with my step sis.
Jerrica Tarbox: I’m going to Fun Plex for my dad’s work. I might go to the zoo, and play with my friends. I’m going to babysitting school.
By: Chasity Green, Shelby Musland, Jerrica Tarbox!
Spring Break
Mackenzee : Over spring break I went to the mall and Plato’s Closet. It was really cool! I bought a lot of stuff. Also went to The Amazing Pizza Machine I won a lot of prizes and got on a lot of games.
Adam: I played games with my dogs and I hung out with my friends, rode my bike and ate pigs in a blanket.
Yessica: I jumped on my trampoline and hung out with my friends. I also went shopping. I got a lot of stuff and rode my bike and did a lot of other stuff.
Kickball
Kickball is fun. Donnie Torbett (that’s me) has kicked 22 home runs. Logan LeRette (That’s Me) has kicked 15 homerun. I've kicked 30 homeruns (Zach Thomas). I’m a better catcher. I rule at catching. I have caught a lot. Different classes play kickball every day.
BY: Donnie Torbett,
Logan LeRette
Zach Thomas.
What’s Bugging You
People see bugs as pests ,because they bite, sting, carry diseases ,and damage trees and plants but other people see them from another point of view . Bees give us honey and bees-wax which is used for candles and ingredients from lipstick to lotion.
Did you know that the Chinese and Japanese people like listening to the soothing sound of crickets and other insects .
Steven Kutcher is a bug director. He was the bug director of : Jurassic Park, Arachnophobia, and James and the Giant Peach. It is hard because he has to figure out what the bugs and insects can do and teach them the things to do .He taught an ant to walk to the end of a stick “wave” to a movie camera .He also taught a cockroach to run across the floor and flip over on its back and bees to swarm around a beekeeper for a fried chicken commercial.
Bugs might be ugly and dreadful but they can make and do things that we use everyday.
By: Caleb Orme , Courtney Leming, Anthony Rhone, Shania Wilkinson
Do you know the meaning of these vocabulary words?
Match them to meaning:
1. oxymoron a. story, report
2. image b. colored dots
3. pixel c. meeting, workshop, classes, session
4. succession d. binary math code of 0 & 1’s
5. digital used in computer/electronics
6. conference e. figure of speech; word that when
7. Jayhawks used is the opposite of itself;
example pretty ugly
8. essay f. made up sport’s mascot
g. photo, picture
h. repeat one after another
1– e 2-g 3-b 4-h 5-d 6-c 7-f 8-a
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