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!

December 16 - 20

We've finally had our first snowstorm!  I hope that everyone was able to stay warm and safe over the weekend.  We have one more week to go until Winter Break.

Writing Assignment due Wednesday!

We have a few things that need to be completed this week.  Students have an essay, My Favorite Colony, that they have been working on for a couple of weeks.  This is due on Wednesday, December 18.  We have had a lot of time to work on this in class and the students have been encouraged to take it home if they felt necessary.  Fifth graders need to begin to make these decisions about their work at this point.  

Math

We are continuing to work on Unit 5.  Part of this is converting fractions to decimals to percentages.  This can be tricky work at times.  Luckily, many of the students have been putting in daily time on their Xtramath work.  This multiplication work will help this to go much more smoothly.  

Class Party

The class voted and decided to have a party on Friday, December 20.  We will have a short discussion in class about this.  I will be sending home a note about this.  It would be much appreciated if you could donate something.  

Over Break...

It is important that your child continue to work on Xtramath, reading, coolmath.com, and any other work that will help your child come back to school ready in January.  Have a safe and wonderful break!!

December 2 - 6

Math: We are starting Unit 5 this week.  Our focus will be on fractions, decimals, and percentages.  Remember that your child should be working on Xtramath.com at least 3 times per week.  If this can not be done at home, I will give your child time do this at school.

Reading: Our new focus in reading is going to be non-fiction text.  We will be analyzing the structure of the texts as well as identifying main ideas and details.

Writing: Our writing focus is similar to what we will be working on in reading.  Students will be writing an essay that has them choose a colony from the original 13.  The essay will state why they think that the colony would be the best.

Science: We are continuing to work on our energy unit.  This week we will be learning about conductors and insulators.  Check out the class pictures page for photos of our last temperature experiment.


Book Fair!! The book fair is coming soon.  Our class will visit the book fair next Monday afternoon (December 9).  The book fair will run from Dec. 10 - 13.  Family night will be December 11th beginning at 6:30 pm.

Click on the class pictures and check out a few from camp.  Having wi-fi trouble so I'll load them on when I can get it!!

The class is having a great time!!!

November 4 - November 8
IT'S HERE!!!  Camp Time!!
It's hard to believe that we have made it.  Time to go to camp on Wednesday.  Students will be getting their bunk and travel group assignments on Monday, November 4th.  Because there is no school on Tuesday, if you have questions about camp feel free to email me or call me.

Please be sure to check the weather for the Howell Nature Center Area.  The zip code is 48843. When I last checked, the prediction was 100% chance of rain on Wednesday.  Your child will need a hooded rain poncho that can be worn over a warm coat.  Don't forget thick socks and gloves!

I will be updating the blog with pictures from camp.  Check there to see the fun that your child is having!

New News....
Please be sure to check the link for the Class Newsletter.  The students are creating newsletters that are informational and will help you know what we are doing in class as well as any needs we may have.  Thank you to Rina, Renee, Berk, Nathaniel, Keely, and Brian for their hard work on this first one!

October 28 - November 1

Math
We have been working on recognizing and naming polygons as well as measuring angles.  The students will be taking a practice test by mid-week and a final test on Monday, November 4th.  

Science
We are underway with our Energy science unit.  Be sure to ask your child about the 8 different types of energy that we will be studying.

Coming Soon
The students are now working on a class newsletter.  This will be added to a tab on the class blog.  They will write short articles about what we have done or upcoming events.  Each student will have an opportunity to be an editor or a contributor throughout the year.

Camp!!!
It's hard to believe that it is almost here!!  Be sure to check the zip code for Howell Nature Center (48843) when you check what to pack. Please email me if you have further questions.  Students will learn their cabin and travel groups on Monday, November 4th.

NO SCHOOL ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5th

Just a reminder that we do not wear costumes to school for Halloween.

October 14 - 18

MEAP testing - Please be sure that your child gets a good night's sleep and a good breakfast in the morning.  If you want to send in a snack (for your child or the class) please be sure to remember our no nuts policy.

Math: Tuesday, October 15

Science: Wednesday, October 16

Parent Camp Meeting

Wednesday, October 23 at 7:00 pm will be the parent meeting for camp.  Come join us in the cafeteria to learn more about what to expect from camp and ask your questions.

Math

This week we will be working on measuring angles, using a compass, and a protractor.  We will not have math homework on Tuesday but should on the other days.  Please remember that your child should be working on Xtramath at least 3 days a week.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Conferences begin Monday, October 14th.  I will be sending reminders home with your conference time.  Please be sure to be on time.  Please have your child attend the conference if possible.

Movie Night at Bryant

Friday, October 18th is this year's first movie night at Bryant.  The time is 5:30 - 8:00pm.  The movie is Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked!