Week 16

It's hard to believe that 2014 is almost over. I had a few issues with the blog but I'm hoping that everything is worked out now. I'm hoping to make this useful for you as a form of getting information about the class and upcoming events. I'll continue to post pictures and videos when we make them. Be sure to check out the video below. There are many pictures from Howell Nature Center camp.

We are planning on having a class party on Friday. Students have made suggestions as to what they would like to have. We have limited timing due to science, social studies, and an assembly but we will get in the fun with each other while we can!

The students are actively using their gmail accounts. They are learning to create many of their assignments in this way and share them with me. They are also learning to share documents with one another and work on a shared document.

All students have submitted their ideas for science fair. I will help out anyone who needs it. Students should always be prepared to work on this at school if they need help. It will happen during lunch recess for the most part.

Winter Survival is January 16th. This is a full day trip (9:30 - 2:30). If you are interested in  coming with us, please email me or send in a note. The role of a chaperone on this trip is to monitor the group(s) that you are assigned to. Students are encouraged to do all of the work themselves. You will get more information about this when we return from break.

In the spring, students will be taking the M-Step. This is a standardized test that is replacing the MEAP. There is a practice site that students can go to. I highly encourage you to have your child practice this test. It will be very different than what they have experienced in the past. We will have some opportunities to work on this in school but anything additional will be helpful. Here is the link to the practice site:  M-Step practice site

Fifth grade camp

Week 11

I hope everyone found out lots of details about camp. I will be posting some pictures on the class picture link. The kids all did a great job and we had a lot of fun!

Math - The students will be taking their Unit 3 math test on Wednesday. They need to be able to measure angles, name them, and find missing measurements.

Reading - We will be starting a unit on non-fiction text and biographies. The students will be learning about the different types of text structures.

Science - We will be making containers that will keep an ice cube from melting. Students will need to come up with items that they think will make good insulators.

Dates to know:
11/13/14 - Picture retakes
11/24/14 - Report letters go home
11/26/14 - 11/28/14 - No School - Thanksgiving break

Week 9

Conferences- These will continue this week. My last day of conferences is Wednesday. Please look for your reminder. If you are unable to make your time, email or send in a note.

Camp - If there is anything you need to be ready for camp, please let us know at school. We want to be sure that everyone is prepared. It has been very cold in the mornings and the evenings. The students need to be prepared to be outside in the cool mornings and nights. If you have an extra older large duffle bag or smaller suitcase that a student could use, please let me know.

Halloween - We will not be having a Halloween party on Friday. We will though, following the 5th grade tradition, have spirit day. It always falls on the Friday before UM homecoming. All students are encouraged to dress up in spirit wear to support whatever school they wish. Students are allowed to be creative as long as their gear does not interfere with being able to participate appropriately during class time. At lunch time the classes will be judged on their gear and the winning class will take the trophy to their classroom! Let's get that trophy back!!!! Check out the class pictures link for photos from last year...

Week 8

Conferences - These are beginning this week. Look out for your reminder to come home if your conference is Tuesday or Thursday of this week. Conferences are 25 minutes long. Please be one time. I will do everything I can to start and end these on time. If your child is able to come to the conference that would be great. We will be looking over and setting goals.

Math - Unit 3 is the geometry unit. In order to be secure students need to be able to measure accurately with a protractor, solve problems with unknown angles, and know the different types of angle measurements and names. The students also need to have an understanding that the interior angles of a triangle equal 180 degrees and the interior angles of a quadrilateral equal 360 degrees.

For some students this can be a tricky unit. Please reinforce these ideas at home as well as encourage your child to explain the accurate way of measuring an angle. If he or she is able to explain this, they are more likely to be able to do this accurately.

Reading - We are continuing to work on understanding the difference between character traits and emotions. We are also working with the students on the different types of conflicts that can be found in realistic fiction texts. Your child should be able to talk to you about person vs. person, self, nature, and society.

Writing - Students had an opportunity to log on to their google accounts last week. I had them work in small groups on the a document in the google drive. We had an interesting start with this and hope to continue to use this throughout the year.

Science - The energy unit is continuing. The students are working on understanding the big ideas of energy. Ask about this! Check out the pictures page to see what it looked like when we "raced" our boats.

Camp - As I'm sure you know by now, camp is on! If you need another copy of the packing list, please send me an email. I will forward it to you. Remember, camp is November 5-7. There is no school on November 4. You should make arrangements to pick your child up from school when we get back from camp on Nov. 7. If you are unable to pick up your child but have someone else who can, please send in a note letting us know. We can not release your child to someone unless we have this.

Week 7

Math - On Monday we took the Unit 2 test. Most of the students finished although some will need to finish on Tuesday morning. Look at an earlier post for the outcomes for Unit 2.

Reading - Students are working on learning about character traits and how characters change in a story. This is something that you can ask your child about when he or she does 30 minutes of reading every night.

Camp Update - It looks like we are a go for camp. Please be sure to check your camp packing list for the items that you need to be prepared. We will keep families updated as we receive more information.

Family Movie Night - This Friday at the Bryant Gym from 5:30 - 8pm. Students must be accompanied by a parent or other adult.

Conferences are beginning next week. I will be sending home reminders. Please bring your child with you to the conference if this is possible. It is helpful for goal setting purposes. 

Week 6
Charleston Wrap Fundraiser due October 6. 
If you forgot to send it in, please send it in on Tuesday.

The Unit 2 math test will be given by the end of the week. Last week's post has the outcomes listed. Many students are still struggling with place value and rounding numbers. There are free online resources that your child can use to practice these areas.

We are continuing to study different types of energy in science class. Ask your child to name the 8 types of energy and give an example of each.

Thank you to everyone who turned in the camp packets. If any information is missing, you will get the paper back with a note. Be sure to look over the packing list with your child. If there are any items that you are unable to get, let me know and we will figure it out! The weather is constantly changing so you should start looking at the Howell area near the end of the month. Warm gloves, a hat, and boots are almost always a must!

Looking ahead...
Family Movie Night at Bryant - October 17 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm
No school for students - Tuesday, November 4
Fifth grade camp - Wednesday, November 5 - Friday, November 7
Pattengill picture retakes - November 13
Report cards go home - Tuesday, November 25

Week 5

Count Day is Wednesday
Please be sure that your child is in school on that day unless he or she is sick.

 
Picture Day is October 2!
Order forms were sent home last week. Please be sure to return this if you are interested in ordering pictures.

Howell Nature Center Camp Forms -
These should be returned as soon as possible. Be sure to check for double sided forms, physician signatures when necessary, and scholarship forms if needed. 

Book Orders went home last week. You can click on the link on this page to order on line or send in a check made out to Scholastic Books if you would like to order.

Conferences
Please be sure to sign up for a conference if you were unable to make Curriculum Night. A note was sent home with available dates. If you did not receive this, please let me know and I will send home a new one. I will send home notes with conference reminders a few days before the date.

Howell Nature Center Camp: November 5 - 7, 2014
An information packet will be coming home soon. Please fill out ALL of the paperwork and send it back to school as soon as possible. If you are in need of a scholarship, please fill out the form and send that back in with all of the other paperwork.

 

Week 4

Math - The students finished their first math test on Friday. They will get their scores back on Monday. We will start Unit 2 in math on Tuesday. 

Unit 2 Math Outcomes:
- Identifies place value from the thousandths to the billions
- Multiplies multi-digit whole numbers
- Finds sums and differences of whole numbers and decimals
- Uses estimation to find the reasonableness of an answer

Social Studies - The students are learning about the oceans and continents. They had their first quiz and you will see that coming home this week. 

Date Change of NWEA!
Our Reading NWEA date had to be changed due to district restrictions of testing on Friday. Our new date is Thursday, September 25th in the morning.

5th Grade Camp Meeting for parents is this Wednesday, September 24th at 6pm. We will meet in the cafeteria.

Picture Day is October 2. Be sure to fill out the order form if you want pictures.

 

 

Week 3

Curriculum Night This Week!
Please join us on Tuesday, September 16 from 6:30 - 8pm. Learn about what happens in 5th grader, a bit about camp, and meet the special area teachers. 

Math
The students are now working in their Everyday Math journals. There will usually be homework every night except Fridays. Please be sure that they have time to complete this. 

Reading
Your child should be reading every night for 30 minutes. All fifth grade teachers will be working on having your child read a "just right" book. We are well under way with our reading classes.

Planner
Every day the students fill out their planners before going home. The information is written on the board and the students are expected to fill this information out. Please be sure to check this over and sign the planner each evening. I check this first thing in the morning. If you have any questions, you can write them to me in the planner. 

Pictures
Be sure to check out the blog link to our pictures page. I will be adding to this as the year goes on. This is a great way to ask your child what went on in the classroom.

25 Ways To Ask "How Was School Today?"
#1.  What was the best thing that happened at school today?  (What was the worst thing that happened at school today?)
#2.  Tell me something that made you laugh today.
#3.  If you could choose who would you like to sit by in class?  (Who would you NOT want to sit by in class?  Why?)
#4.  Where is the coolest place at the school?
#5.  Tell me a weird word that you heard today.  (Or something weird that someone said.)
#6.  If I called your teacher tonight what would she tell me about you?
#7.  How did you help somebody today?
#8.  How did somebody help you today?
#9.  Tell me one thing that you learned today.
#10.  When were you the happiest today?
#11.  When were you bored today?
#12.  If an alien spaceship came to your class and beamed up someone who would you want them to take?
#13.  Who would you like to play with at recess that you’ve never played with before?
#14.  Tell me something good that happened today.
#15.  What word did your teacher say most today?
#16.  What do you think you should do/learn more of at school?
#17.  What do you think you should do/learn less of at school?
#18.  Who in your class do you think you could be nicer to?
#19.  Where do you play the most at recess?
#20.  Who is the funniest person in your class?  Why is he/she so funny?
#21.  What was your favorite part of lunch?
#22.  If you got to be the teacher tomorrow what would you do?
#23.  Is there anyone in your class that needs a time out?
#24.  If you could switch seats with anyone in the class who would you trade with?  Why?
#25.  Tell me about three different times you used your pencil today at school.
          

Week 2

We made it through the first week! Thank you to everyone for getting in all of the paperwork that last week. I know it's a lot and we really appreciate it.

Curriculum Night 
Please join us for Curriculum Night on Tuesday, September 16 from 6:30 - 8. The evening will begin in the cafeteria at 6:30 followed by a teacher presentation in the classroom from 7 - 7:30pm. While in the classroom, you will have an opportunity to sign up for a conference time.

Google Accounts
All students in Ann Arbor will be getting Google accounts. Students will use these accounts to complete assignments. You and your child will be getting more information on this soon.

Book Orders
We will be using Scholastic Book Orders this year. Orders will come home about every other month. The easiest way to order is online. There is a link on this page to Scholastic. The first time you log in you will be asked to enter the teacher code which is also listed here. If you prefer to send in an order you can make out a check to Scholastic Books.



   

May 12 - 16
NWEA Reading Test - Tuesday morning 10:30 - 11:25

Math - We are finishing up Unit 9. Students will be taking the practice test by the end of the week. They should know how to find coordinate points on a number grid, find the area of both a parallelogram and triangle, and find the volume of prisms.

Tappan Field Trip - We will be going to Tappan on Wednesday morning. This is the student orientation for middle school. They will get an opportunity to meet a few teachers, go into some classes and experience some of the work, and take a tour of the building.

Spring Fling - This Friday is the Spring Fling. There are many raffle prizes that you can enter to win. There are games to play and food available for purchase. You should receive a green flyer come home. This is an opportunity to purchase sets of tickets ahead of time.

May 5 - May 9

NWEA - Math - Friday, May 9 from 10:30 - 11:30.  Reading - May 13 from 10:30 - 11:30. Please be sure that your child is at school on time if possible. There will be make up dates for anyone who misses the class time.

Instrumental Music Concert - Monday, May 5th! The concert begins at 7pm. Please have your child at school by 6:30 or 6:45. There will also be a performance during the day beginning at 2pm.

Check us out and "like" our class on The City of Ann Arbor's facebook page! There is a picture and short paragraph about the visit we had from the city representatives! Congrats to the class for taking on the conditions of our streets. 

Compliments Day!!

We are a little late (according to some calendars) and early (according to others) but we are going to celebrate anyway! The students' homework is due one week from today. Their task is to write a compliment for each of their classmates. It can be a sentence or a paragraph, as long as it is sincere and meaningful. Here is a link to an article that discusses how to give a compliment and what it can mean to the person who receives it.

The Power of a Compliment

April 28 - May 2


Math - The Unit 8 math test (practice and actual) will be this week. Your child should also be practicing Xtramath on a daily basis. If your child is unable to do this at home, they will have time to work on it at lunch recess.

Special Visit - On Wednesday, April 28 we will have a representative from the city of Ann Arbor speak to our class in response to the letters that the students wrote. The conversation will focus on how the city prioritizes the plowing of streets in the winter time. Please feel free to join us.

Coming soon....NWEA!
The students will be taking the math test on May 9th and reading on May 13th.

April 21 - 25

Day of service - Reminder that this is Tuesday, April 22. Our class time is 10:30 - 11:25. We will be cleaning out the area around the Pattengill sign, picking up sticks, twigs, and tree limbs and sweeping up litter in the front of the building.  Please feel free to join us during that time. It is supposed to be nice on Tuesday but cooler than Monday. Encourage your child to dress in layers.

Talent Show Tryouts - Thursday, April 24th. If your child wants to try out, forms must be returned by Tuesday, April 22.

Math - We are wrapping up Unit 8 soon. The practice test will be either Thursday or Friday. Your child will need to be able to add and subtract mixed numbers with like and unlike denominators, multiply fractions with a numerator of 1, and solve problems that have fractions and decimals.

Looking ahead...
Spring pictures are Thursday, May 1
Fifth grade instrumental concert is Monday, May 5 at 7pm (1pm during school hours)

April 14 - 18

Reminder! This is a short week. No school on Friday!

Math - We are continuing work on Unit 8. The students will be taking an end of unit test at the beginning of next week.

Earth Day 4/22/14 - We are still in need of volunteers for Earth Day. If you can donate time or gardening tools that would be great.  This is what our class is scheduled to do from 10:30 - 11:25: Deadhead Perennials and Weed Around Pattengill Sign; Pick Up Litter/Tree Branches from Crestland to Circular Drive; Sweep Parking Lot Curb Across From A Wing

Spring Pictures and Yearbook pictures - This will be done on Thursday throughout the day. The new date is Thursday, May 1st.

International Night is Thursday, April 17 from 6:30 - 8. Please consider joining us for a tour through the building to see the work that classrooms have done to represent a country. We are representing Japan and have been working on making many paper cranes. There will be a fashion show, talent show, and food to enjoy in the cafeteria.

Talent Show Tryouts - Looking ahead, the tryouts are next Thursday throughout the day. Please be aware that everyone may not be chosen to be in the talent show. If your child wants to participate, please be sure that he or she is well prepared for the audition!

Spring Break!!

Almost here...

Spring break is April 7 - 11!   Be safe and enjoy!!

March 24 - 28

Math - Unit 7 math tests were sent home on Monday.
We are starting Unit 8. By the end of this unit students will be able to add and subtract mixed numbers with common (1 1/4 + 3 2/4) and unlike denominators (1 1/4 + 2 3/8), solve story problems using fractions and decimals, and multiply unit fractions (fractions with a numerator of one).

Reading - We are continuing to work on fantasy in reading. Please be sure your child is reading for at least 30 minutes each evening.

Science - Students are studying The Human Body in Motion. They are learning about all different systems that help our body function well.

School Assembly - The Performance Network will be here for a school wide assembly at 2pm on Wednesday, March 26th.

Upcoming Field Trip - The fifth graders will be taking a field trip to the Michigan Theatre on Tuesday, April 1 from 9:30 - 11:30.

Think spring!!!  It really is here!!

Winter Survival Slideshow

March 17 - 21

Math - We are wrapping up Unit 7 in math.  If all goes well we will be taking the practice test by the end of the week.  Students need to understand how to add and subtract negative numbers as well as understand how to use parentheses in order of operation.  Click on the link below for a review video.
subtracting a negative number

Read - a - thon - Thank you for encouraging and supporting your child during the read-a-thon. Many students in our class earned medals for their efforts. Congratulations!!

Tappan Visit - The Tappan counselor, Ms. Graham, will be visiting us at Pattengill on Thursday, March 20th.  Your child will be bringing home a sheet with information about next year's classes and choices. It's hard to believe it is time for this!!

Ann Arbor Symphony Field Trip - All fifth graders will be going on this field trip Wednesday, March 19 from 9:30 - 11:45.

Report Cards come home Monday, March 17th! Please be sure to sign and return the envelope.

Watch our video!

March 3 - 7
Math - We are continuing to work on Unit 7.  The students will need to have a clear understanding of how to add and subtract positive and negative numbers by the end of this Unit.

Reading - Students will begin to study the genre of fantasy.  They should continue to read at least 30 minutes per evening.

No School on Monday, March 10. Report writing day for teachers...

Read - a - thon has begun!!  Please encourage your child to read more than 30 minutes per night.  Each grade level has a competition to have the highest number of hours read.

Winter Survival is almost here.

Just a reminder that Winter Survival is Thursday, March 6th from 9:30 - 2:30.  Please help your child and his or her group by sending in the necessary items.  If you are unable to do this, please email or call me ahead of time.

February 24 - 28

Science Fair is almost here!! Please look for a check in sheet coming home today.  If your child needs help with his or her science fair report, please let me know.  Science fair projects are due Thursday, February 27.  They can be dropped off in the gymnasium at the beginning of school.

Math - Unit 7 math is underway.  The class is working on scientific notation, order of operation, and using positive and negative numbers, along with other concepts.  By the end of the unit the students should be able to:  add and subtract positive and negative numbers, order positive and negative numbers, multiply by powers of 10, and use parentheses in number sentences to specify the order of operations

Science - In science class, students are studying the human body, bones, muscles, etc.

Reading - We are continuing to work on historical fiction in reading class.  Your child should be reading 30 minutes per day.  Coming soon: Read - a - thon!!!

Social Studies - Students will be taking a test on Tuesday.  It will cover what we studied in Colonial Williamburg.  Coming next: The Boston Massacre.

REMINDER  - Winter Survival has been rescheduled to Thursday, March 6th.  You will receive the same field trip form with the new date written on it.  We only need you to initial approval of the new date.  

February 10 - 14

Monday is NAAPID! We will be having an assembly from 1:30 - 2:30.  Be sure to ask your child about this group that entertains and teaches.

Math - Unit 6 math test will be Tuesday, February 11.  Your child needs to be secure in adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators, finding common denominators, and finding landmarks of a set a numbers.  A practice test will go home on Monday that your child can review.

Science - Please remember that science fair is fast approaching.  If possible, use our mid-winter break to finish up and data collection.  The boards will need to be brought into school the morning of February 27.

Reading - We are continuing to study historical fiction in reading classes.  Your child should be reading at least 30 minutes a day.  This does not have to be historical fiction unless is has been assigned by your child's reading teacher.

Social Studies - We are beginning to study colonial Williamsburg and events that will be leading up the Revolutionary War.  At the end of the chapters, your child will be taking online tests that go along with what is studied.  Please be sure that they are bringing home notes to study for this.

Valentine's Day is Friday!! We will have a small celebration and opportunity to pass out cards.  If your child is bringing things to share there should be enough for everyone in the class.

Wacky Week!

Parent Night at Tappan

Tuesday, March 4th is incoming 6th graders parent night at Tappan.  It will be from 6-7pm.  More information will be coming.

February 3 - 7

New Winter Survival Date: Thursday, March 6!  More updates as the day gets closer.  Groups will stay the same.

Science Fair: Coming soon!  Thursday, February 27.  All students should be well under way with science fair experiments.  Everyone should have their presentation boards.  If any assistance is needed for the science experiments, please let me know.

Math: We are finishing up Unit 6 in math.  The students have done a lot of graphing and will be working on adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators.  Here is a link to a Khan Academy video explaining how to add fractions with unlike denominators.

Adding fractions with unlike denominators

Reading: The fifth graders are focusing on Historical Fiction in reading for the month of February.  They will be learning about different aspects of this genre in guided reading groups and read aloud.

NAAPID: Monday, February 10 is NAAPID.  Visit Bryant in the morning and Pattengill in the afternoon.  Have lunch with your child (11:45 - 12:11).  There will be a guest speaker at Pattengill at 1:30.  Please join us in the cafeteria.

January 13 - 17

Winter is definitely here.  Winter Survival is right around the corner!  We will be going on our Winter Survival trip on January 24th.  We will leave school at about 9:30 and return around 2:30.  We will need 5 adult chaperones.  Please consider this fun outdoor trip and send me a note or an email letting me know if you will be able to join us.

Math - This week we are finishing up Unit 5 in math.  Students should be able to convert fractions to decimals and percents.  An example would be 3/4 = .75 = 75%  They should also be able to write equivalent fractions.  An example of this would be 3/9 = 9/27.  If your child is having difficulty with this or any other math topics I am always available at lunch to go over any of this math.

Reading - The fifth graders will be working on myths and legends in reading for the month of January.  They will be working on identifying the themes and understanding the differences between these.  Your child should continue to read at least 30 minutes every night.

Science - We are wrapping up our unit on Energy this month.  Also, all fifth graders are required to do a science fair project.  If your child needs help with his or her project, please let me know.  I will be available at lunch time to work with students.

NO SCHOOL ON JANUARY 20TH - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!