4th Grade Update

We are excited to share that the 4th grade classes at Silver Ranch will be taking a field trip to the North Dakota Capitol Building on Friday, January 30th. During our visit, students will participate in a guided tour where they will learn more about the three branches of government, which directly connects to our new social studies unit.

We will be leaving the school at 10:30 a.m. and returning by approximately 1:30 p.m. Because this trip takes place during our lunch time, students will need to pack a lunch. If your child is unable to bring a lunch from home, the school can provide a sack lunch. That day’s sack lunch option will be the second choice, which includes French toast bread, yogurt, craisins, and milk.

To help us and the kitchen staff prepare, we have attached a Google Form Link for you to indicate whether your child will be bringing a lunch from home or will need a lunch provided by the school. Please complete the form by Friday, January 23rd.

Thank you for your support as we look forward to this fun and educational experience for our students!

January 2006

Dear Parent or Guardian:

Silver Ranch will participate in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) on Wednesday, February 4. NAEP is the largest nationally representative and continuing assessment of what students know and can do in various subjects. NAEP is administered by the National Center for Education Statistics, within the U.S. Department of Education. NAEP is different from our state assessments because it is a common measure of achievement across the country.

Your child (will/may) take a mathematics or reading assessment. In addition to subject-area questions, students voluntarily complete NAEP survey questions. These questions provide valuable information about participating students’ educational experiences and opportunities to learn both in and outside of the classroom. More information about NAEP survey questions is available at https://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/parents under the section “Survey Questionnaires & Your Student: What You Need to Know.”

The assessment takes about 120 minutes for most students, which includes transition time, directions, and completion of survey questions.

The information collected is used for statistical purposes only.

• Your child’s grades will not be affected.

• Students may be excused for any reason, are not required to complete the assessment, and may skip any question.

• While the assessment is voluntary, NAEP depends on student participation to help policymakers improve education. If you do not want your child to participate, please notify me in writing by Friday, January 23, 2026.

There is no need to study in preparation for NAEP, but please encourage your child to do their best. We are excited that our school is participating in NAEP. We know that Silver Ranch’s students will show what our nation’s students know and can do.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Jordan

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) conducts the National Assessment of Educational Progress to evaluate federally supported education programs. All of the information you provide may only be used for the purposes of research, statistics, and evaluation under the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA; 20 U.S.C. § 9543) and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law. Every NCES employee as well as every NCES agent, such as contractors and NAEP coordinators, has taken an oath and is subject to a jail term of up to 5 years, a fine of $250,000, or both if he or she willfully discloses ANY identifiable information about you in any unauthorized manner. Electronic submission of your information will be monitored for viruses, malware, and other threats by Federal employees and contractors in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015.

Students have the opportunity to participate in this year's AMVETS poster contest. This year's topic is, "What does it mean to be an American?" This is an optional project for the kids to participate in. If they choose to create a poster, please fill out the registration form attached to the informational sheet and send it back with your child (along with their finished poster) by January 28th. I will give them the required paper when they are ready for it. Looking forward to seeing their creativity!

Math: We are starting a new math unit focused on fractions and decimals. Next week, students will work on the basics of fractions, including identifying the numerator and denominator and understanding what equivalent means, while also beginning to represent and identify decimals. This unit will help build a strong foundation for future math learning.

Wit and Wisdom: Students will continue reading Hatchet while identifying and discussing emerging themes throughout the novel. As we read, we will take a deeper look at Brian’s thoughts, choices, and actions, and how they contribute to his growth as a character. Students will also continue working on their survival narratives, focusing on improving their writing by adding vivid details, developing strong conflicts, creating meaningful character development, and crafting “exploding moments” that make their stories more engaging for the reader.

Word Study (Phonics): Students will review multisyllabic words with the consonant -le syllable pattern. To support these concepts, students will read the story Secrets of the Deep, applying their phonics skills as they decode and analyze words within the text.

Social Studies: Students will be learning more about the branches of North Dakota’s government and comparing their duties to those of our national government. We will wrap up the week with a field trip to the North Dakota Capitol, where students will see real-life examples of the branches of government in action.

Life Skill of the Week: Common Sense

January

1/26 - Dine to Donate @ Firehouse Subs

1/30 - Field Trip to Capitol

February

2/2 - PAC Meeting 6:00 pm

2/9 - Chess Club 2:20-4:00 pm

2/9 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 2:30 - 6:30

2/10 - Chess Club 2:20-4:00 pm

2/11 - Chess Club 2:20-4:00 pm

2/12 - Parent/Teacher Conferences 2:30 - 6:30

2/16 - No School - Presidents' Day

2/17 - No School - Staff Development

2/20 - End of 2nd Trimester