5-2 Updates ~ 03/16

Hello 5-2 Families ~

So exciting to see those warmer temperatures heading our way, and those record-setting snow banks shrinking away!!  Hoping they'll be gone by the end of the week, and we can all enjoy some long needed time in the sun over break :)

We have run out of tissue in 5-2!  We use tissues for more than just our runny noses...the students use tissues as erasers for their laptop whiteboards.  Since we use these whiteboards almost daily, we use quite a few tissues!  If you could please send in a couple of boxes, we would really appreciate it!  Thank you so much :)

Important Dates

Thursday, March 20th & 21st ~ As you have heard, these are now student attendance days due to the number of extreme weather days we have had to take this winter.  This means we will no longer meet for parent-teacher conferences.  Many questions during the 5th grade spring conferences are about middle school transitions, including placement into classes.  I will do my best to continue to update you via this blog about the transitions, and try to answer those questions that I am frequently asked about the transition.  Several other questions are related to the end of the year 5th grade activities.  Again, I will keep you posted about all those activities via this blog.  If you have ANY questions at all, please do not hesistate to contact me.  I fully appreciate the additional anxiety families feel during this transition, and want to make it as smooth as possible :)

If I feel it is important to still meet with you about the progress of your child, I will reach out to you individually to set up a time to meet.  If I do not reach out to you, please assume your child is making progress and I have no concerns about them.  Several parents have approached me about setting up a conference time because those days have been canceled.  If you have pressing concerns, I would be happy to meet with you.  But if you have questions that can be answered via email, please feel free to contact me this way instead.  It can get challenging trying to schedule 19 parent-teacher conferences after school :)   That being said, I would be happy to meet with all 19 of you if there is a need!

Additional Note ~  Several of you have asked about math placement testing for middle school, so I wanted to update you on what I know.  In the past, students have taken 3 math placement tests the week after spring break.  We used these tests, as well as performance in class and on the MAPS test to determine middle school math placement into 3 different levels (Regular, Honors, High Honors).  The process for placement is changing this year, and we have been informed the math levels will change as well - from three levels to two levels of middle school math.  Unfortunately, we haven't been given much information about how the process will be changing.  Mrs. Fitzpatrick is working with district to get as much information as possible on this process, but has not received many details yet.  I will send out information regarding this process as soon as I have been given information.  As of now, I have NOT been given any information that the students will test after spring break.  I will keep you informed as I am informed of the changes to this process.

Spring Break ~ Monday, 3/24 - Friday, 3/28 ~ Enjoy!!

Math

We continue to work on Unit 8 concepts ~ adding and subtracting mixed numbers, then multiplying and dividing fractions.  These concepts have proven to be challenging for several students, so we have slowed down the process and worked to re-teach several of the concepts.  Since Spring Break falls in the middle of this unit, I have decided to quiz the first half of the Unit 8 concepts on Monday (adding and subtracting mixed numbers).  I want to be sure these concepts are solidified before we leave for break.  We spent Thursday and Friday reviewing and reteaching these concepts, and even had an additional review session during lunch on Friday.  I believe the students are ready for this test, but many should be reviewing the steps involved in adding and subtracting mixed numbers this weekend.  Quizing them on Monday will give me the opportunity to re-teach students who need to re-take the test before they leave for spring break.  We will begin to multiply and divide fractions for the remainder of the week, then finish up the unit after break. 

Social Studies

We finished up studying the Branches of Government in chapter 14 this week and tested on the Constitution on Thursday.  Unfortunately, all of our students have not taken this test yet.  I will send home the graded tests for a sign and return when all students have completed the test.

We begain chapter 15 - the Bill of Rights - on Friday.  Students will work on a project helping them to become familiar with the first 10 ammendments to the Constitution, then we will be testing chapter 15 on Friday.

Reading

Our final reading week in Unit 4 will focus on the elements of a fable.  Students will read several fables this week, and compare and contrast the elements in these fables.  A fable lends itself nicely to understanding the comprehension strategy of author's purpose, so we will focus on this strategy.  

At the same time, students will be working on the packets they received on Friday for the novels they are reading, Punished.  This is a short and fun novel that helps him to explore various figurative language elements found in fiction, such as onomatopoia, personification, and puns.  They have had fun reading these novels, finding the content amusing.  The novels and packets are due on Friday.  While they will be given some time in class this week to work on these packets, they should be working on them at home as well.

Writing

We began work on our persuasive essays this week with a brainstorming session on topics they are passionate about persuading parents or teachers to consider.  Students didn't struggle to come up with these topics ~ expect to hear some discussion about later bedtimes, cell phone use, less homework, and more recess.  I'll apologize ahead of time as I'll be working on developing their arguing skills and their ability to persuade...I know some of them already have quite advanced skills in this area :)  I've told them I will be expecting excellent essays convincing me to change my mind!

We will continue work on these essays throughout the week, with their final essays due on Friday, 3/21.  These essays will be written in class, so you should not see them come home until after spring break.

“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” 
― Margaret Mead

Cheers!

5-2 Updates ~ 03/08

Hello 5-2 Families ~

Looking forward to breaking into the 40's to begin the great thaw this week!  Hoping it stays that way, so that maybe....just maybe...it might feel like spring for Spring Break :)

Please note:  There seems to be some confusion among a few students about policy on winter wear, particularly in the last few days as the temperatures increased slightly.  Your child is expected to put on the winter gear that they bring in from home when they go out for recess.  Some students believe the winter gear is optional, but it is not.  If you send it, the assumption is that you want them to wear it.  I did remind them if they do not want to wear the winter gear, then they are to have a conversation with you as parents, and leave the gear at home.  There is still an great deal of snow on our blacktop, and even as it melts, it will be wet and muddy mounds for quite some time.  Students also may not take gear off outside and leave it anywhere - this is a policy that is consistent year round.  Even in the warmer months, if students wear a jacket outside and decide they no longer need it, they must tie it around their waist.  Please let me know if you have any questions about our policies.  Thank you!

Important Dates
ISAT Testing ~ STUDENTS NEED CALCULATORS FOR MATH ISATS!!
Please be sure your child has a working calculator for the ISAT tests on Monday.  As these are student issued materials, I do not have any classroom calculators to share with students.

- Monday, March 10th, 1:30-2:45 - Math #1
- Tuesday, March 11th, 1:30-2:45 - Math #2
- Wednesday, March 12th, 1:30-2:45 - Math #3

Please encourage your child to get a full night's sleep prior to the test dates, and please do your best to minimize absences during these times.  It can be very challenging to schedule make-up tests since our window to do so is so small.  Students often feel overwhelmed at missing instruction in order to makeup tests later in the week, resulting in additional homework.  Thank you for your support!

Please be sure your child has several #2 pencils for the ISAT tests.  

Students will also NOT be assigned homework the night before an ISAT test to minimize demands on their time and to ensure a good night's rest :)  This does mean they do NOT have a BLB due on Monday.

Friday, March 14th ~ Progress Reports sent home

Thursday, March 20th & 21st ~ As you have heard, these are now student attendance days due to the number of extreme weather days we have had to take this winter.  This means we will no longer meet for parent-teacher conferences.  Many questions during the 5th grade spring conferences are about middle school transitions, including placement into classes.  I will do my best to continue to update you via this blog about the transitions, and try to answer those questions that I am frequently asked about the transition.  Several other questions are related to the end of the year 5th grade activities.  Again, I will keep you posted about all those activities via this blog.  If you have ANY questions at all, please do not hesistate to contact me.  I fully appreciate the additional anxiety families feel during this transition, and want to make it as smooth as possible :)

If I feel it is important to still meet with you about the progress of your child, I will reach out to you individually to set up a time to meet.  If I do not reach out to you, please assume your child is making progress and I have no concerns about them.  Several parents have approached me about setting up a conference time because those days have been canceled.  If you have pressing concerns, I would be happy to meet with you.  But if you have questions that can be answered via email, please feel free to contact me this way instead.  It can get challenging trying to schedule 19 parent-teacher conferences after school :)   That being said, I would be happy to meet with all 19 of you if there is a need!

Math

This week was spent reviewing math concepts and problem solving skills for the ISATs this week.  I sent home copies of these tests as information for both you and your child.  We started Unit 8 on Friday, and will continue this week - but there will be no math homework assigned on Monday or Tuesday evening.  In this unit on fractions, we will be adding and subtracting mixed numbers, then moving on to multiplying and dividing fractions.  This is a challenging unit - please encourage your child to own their learning and "check in" with themselves to be sure they are understanding the concepts taught.  Encourage them to practice the learned skills at home and seek support when they are struggling!

Watanuki Math
Mrs. Watanuki's math class is exploring probability and the chance of outcomes. Students have learned about random numbers, tree diagrams,the multiplication counting principal and Venn diagrams. Students have investigated how probability relates to carnival games and even created games of their own. This week we will wrap up the unit by focusing on fair and unfair games and strategies for taking multiple choice tests. We are scheduled to review for this test on Thursday and test on Friday. Next week we will complete our math ISAT testing and even hold a Probability Carnival for a very lucky second grade class. 

Social Studies

We spent this week discussing the events following the Revolutionary War, and how our government was formed.  They learned about the problems with the Articles of Confederation as we read a great story, Unite or Die!  This week they will have the chance to participate in a drama with the same title, as students become delegates from states and debate the problems our country encountered in its infancy.  Eventually, we reached a compromise at the Constitutional Convention, where our current form of government was formed.  Students learned about the Three Branches of Government, and they began work on a project detailing these branches that they will continue into next week.

Reading

Our reading unit ties in nicely with our social studies unit this week!  Students learned to make generalizations based on facts presented in information text as they read more about our government.  We also had an opportunity to discuss the dangers of making generalizations based on opinions.  The students are reading and summarizing another text about the Constitutional Convention in their small group.  They will end the week by comparing two genres of text on the same topic - the play and the non-fiction text - and evaluating the differences.

We began Unit 4 Week 3 on Thursday and Friday, but will take the majority of this week to finish it up due to the ISAT interruptions.  All packet work and spelling assignments are due on Friday, 3/14.  This is also the day we will have our weekly assessments.

Writing

Students turned in their Response to Fiction Essays this weekend - I hope to have them graded and returned to them on Monday.  The Essay Rubric will come home for a sign and return at the same time as the WEX Summative Rubric.  If you remember from the first trimester, the Summative is a rubric for writing behaviors, while the Essay Rubric scores writing skill.  Both should be returned with a signature verifying you have seen their scores.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
 - Nelson Mandela

Stay Warm!

5-2 Updates ~ 03/02

Hello 5-2 Families ~

Well, since March came in "like a lion" yesterday with ANOTHER snow storm....let's just hope that means it will go out 'like a lamb!"  I don't know how much more of this crazy weather I can take!!

Important Dates
Tuesday, March 4th ~ 5th Grade Band Concert at 7pm

ISAT Testing ~ It's that time of year again!  Our ISATS are scheduled as follows:

- Monday, March 3rd, 1:30-2:45pm - Reading #1
- Tuesday, March 4th, 1:30-2:45 - Reading #2
- Wednesday, March 5th, 1:30-2:45 - Reading #3

- Monday, March 10th, 1:30-2:45 - Math #1
- Tuesday, March 11th, 1:30-2:45 - Math #2
- Wednesday, March 12th, 1:30-2:45 - Math #3

Please encourage your child to get a full night's sleep prior to the test dates, and please do your best to minimize absences during these times.  It can be very challenging to schedule make-up tests since our window to do so is so small.  Students often feel overwhelmed at missing instruction in order to makeup tests later in the week, resulting in additional homework.  Thank you for your support!

Please be sure your child has several #2 pencils for the ISAT tests.  

Students will also NOT be assigned homework the night before an ISAT test to minimize demands on their time and to ensure a good night's rest :)  This does mean they do NOT have a BLB due this week or next.

Friday, March 14th ~ Progress Reports sent home

Thursday, March 20th & 21st ~ As you have heard, these are now student attendance days due to the number of extreme weather days we have had to take this winter.  This means we will no longer meet for parent-teacher conferences.  Many questions during the 5th grade spring conferences are about middle school transitions, including placement into classes.  I will do my best to continue to update you via this blog about the transitions, and try to answer those questions that I am frequently asked about the transition.  Several other questions are related to the end of the year 5th grade activities.  Again, I will keep you posted about all those activities via this blog.  If you have ANY questions at all, please do not hesistate to contact me.  I fully appreciate the additional anxiety families feel during this transition, and want to make it as smooth as possible :)

If I feel it is important to still meet with you about the progress of your child, I will reach out to you individually to set up a time to meet.  If I do not reach out to you, please assume your child is making progress and I have no concerns about them.  Several parents have approached me about setting up a conference time because those days have been canceled.  If you have pressing concerns, I would be happy to meet with you.  But if you have questions that can be answered via email, please feel free to contact me this way instead.  It can get challenging trying to schedule 19 parent-teacher conferences after school :)   That being said, I would be happy to meet with all 19 of you if there is a need!

Math

The Unit 7 Assessment will be coming home for a sign and return on Monday.  This was a challenging test with several difficult concepts.  A number of students chose to re-take the test on Friday, so their tests will be coming home with the new scores.  It was a great lesson in the importance of taking ownership of their learning by preparing for assessments prior the test date.  Most importantly, I was pleased to see that most students significantly improved their assessment scores, demonstrating their mastery of the information.

Watanuki Math
Mrs. Watanuki's math class is exploring probability and the chance of outcomes. Students have learned about random numbers, tree diagrams,the multiplication counting principal and Venn diagrams. Students have investigated how probability relates to carnival games and even created games of their own. This week we will wrap up the unit by focusing on fair and unfair games and strategies for taking multiple choice tests. We are scheduled to review for this test on Thursday and test on Friday. Next week we will complete our math ISAT testing and even hold a Probability Carnival for a very lucky second grade class. 

Science/Social Studies

We spent the week during our content hour taking and reviewing ISAT/Common Core sample tests.  When we are finished reviewing them, I have had the students bring them home for a signature.  My intention is to give you an opportunity to review the types of questions that will appear on standardized tests going forward.  You should notice to rigor and the expectations have increased, but you will be pleased to hear that your students are rising to the challenge!  While it is difficult, I am impressed with the attentiveness they are giving to these lessons and their desire to meet the higher standard placed in front of them.

This week, we will begin our study of The US Constitution with a variety of texts - they will even be able to engage in a short drama about the Constitutional Convention.

Reading

Our ISATs will be during our reading block for the first 3 days of this week.  We will start Treasures Unit 4 Week 3 on Thursday and Friday, but will not return to it until NEXT Thursday and Friday.  So, the packets and Spelling City they will be assigned will not be due until NEXT Friday, 3/14.

Writing

We will finish up our Response to Fiction essays this week, with their final essays due on Friday.  These will primarily be completed in class, so you probably will not see these essays come home until after they have been graded.  I will score them next week and send them home with a WEX Summative grade of behaviors during writing next Monday - both of these scores are significant portions of the Communications grade and will be included in their progress reports next Friday.

“You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.”

- Clay P. Bedford

Stay Warm!