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.