Weekly Reminders

Weekly Reminders 6/7 - 6/11

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:58:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders
June 7th - June 11th, 2010

5th grade Recognition Ceremony:
5th grade families only: There will be a ceremony to recognize our departing 5th graders on June 17th at 8:15am in the multi-use room. Immediately following the ceremony there will be a potluck party. Please sign-up to bring a dish to share and we look forward to seeing you there.

5th grade students are required to write a speech, by themselves, about their memories at Portal and the exciting future ahead of them. The speech must be 1 minute in length and must be typed up. It is due on Wednesday.

Exploratorium Field Trip on Wednesday, 6/9 Leaving at 8:30 am and coming back at 3:30 pm
Chaperon parents: Please plan to stay with us after you drop off your child. We could be boarding the bus as early as 8:20 am.
Please make sure you bring a bag lunch with you (both parents and students) to our trip!!

Field Day Help Needed!
We are in need of parent volunteers for Field Day, which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 15th. Please sign up on the following link if you'd like to volunteer: If you are not available for the entire day, you can sign up for specific time slots: www.portalpenguins.org
Thank you in advance!

Assignments:

Language Arts -

We have begun the process of compiling the work of students for anthology.
Rough draft for Outdoor School essay due Tuesday.

5th math -

The Biz World project continues this week. We will be presenting our annual Biz World Bazaar on Thursday morning.

4th Math -

Took an end-of-the-year test and finishing up the math book. We will not have enough time for the probability chapter, so if you would like to go over that information with your child, it might help them when moving into 5th grade math next year.
My mathematical summer final draft are due on Tuesday. Students will be typing them up in class this week and adding pictures to their stories.

Science -

The students did a FABULOUS job on their science movies. If they would like to keep a copy for themselves, students can bring in a thumb drive and copy it themselves during lunch or recess time. The movies are anywhere from 1-3 Gig. and will need to be copied before Tuesday, June 16th. All student files will be deleted after this date.
I will do my best to upload outdoor school pictures. Keep in mind this is an especially busy time and not a priority. If a parent is willing to upload them and send them out to share, that might ensure that it happens.

Social Studies -

All students did a great job on their Wax Museum presentations. The essay for the state research including bibliography is due on Wednesday.
Five Pacific state test will be held this Friday.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, June 8th - Lynbrook Biology AP Class visit for science presentation: 8:15 am to 9:25 am
Wednesday, June 9th: ALL LIBRARY BOOKS DUE!
Wednesday, June 9th - Field Trip to Exploratorium: 8:25 am to 3:30 pm
Thursday, June 10th: Spring band performance
Friday, June 11th - Last day for specialist class and Running Club.
Friday, June 11th - Spirit Day - Portal T-Shirt Day
Tuesday, June 15th - Field Day
Thursday, June 17th - Last Day of School. Fifth grade promotion ceremony at 8:15 am, and dismissal at 11:20 am

Mystery State:

Clues:

This state has more "ghost towns" than any other state.
The state flag of this state has designs on both sides.
The hazelnut is this state's official state nut.
Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, is in this state.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders 5/24 - 5/28/10

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 25 May 2010 00:11:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders
May 24th - May 28th , 2010

Teacher Appreciation Week: May 24 – 27, 2010.

Show your teachers how much you appreciate their hard work. On Tuesday, bring your teacher a flower from your garden or make a flower. On Wednesday, write your teacher a note (can be a favorite memory from the school year or what you will remember about this year, or anything you want).

Pennies for Patients Campaign
A collection box was sent home on Thursday, May 13th. Kids can fill their boxes at home and put the money into the classroom box. We will be collecting all of the classroom boxes at the end of the month. Thank you for helping!

Human Growth and Development: All 5th graders will be participating in three sessions held in the morning through the week.

Help needed from art teacher Ms. Johnson:
Almost every student has at least one or two outstanding pieces for Open House. Ms. Johnson will be in the multipurpose room in the morning on Thursday, June 3, hanging the artwork, and she needs parents who can spare about an hour to help her put up the art show. Please email us if you could help. Thank you!

Staff Learning Day on Friday, May 28th: No school for students!

Assignments:

Language Arts - No spelling and home school journal this week, just the TFK.

Students need to be reading EVERY day for at least 20 minutes. They are to summarize the book to you BEFORE you sign their reading contract.

Contracts are due on June 4th and many students are nowhere near the required amount of books. Please help monitor their progress.

5th math -

The Biz World project continues this week. We will be talking about the process of manufacturing, and soon start our marketing campaign.
Due to the lessons for human growth development, we will only meet Monday and Thursday for math.
May Dynamath is due on Thursday, May 27th.

4th Math -

Starting geometric plane figures. Finishing up our Perimeter Park projects too.
Test on Chapter 25 on Thursday, as well as their chapter review homework.

Science - * To be updated later.

Science quiz needs a parent signature (Wed.).
Class time is spent researching and planning with their groups. They might require a session or two to meet outside of class in order to do some video taping. Please assist them with the use of the family video recorder if, need be.

I am also offering class time and the use of my video camera to groups if they are having a hard time trying to meet up outside of school.
Time management is KEY in order to finish the project on time. Don't put it off until the last minute. Filming should be complete BEFORE they leave for Science Camp. The earlier the better.

Social Studies -

Open house project with the state continues this week. Students are busy getting their presentation board and props ready in class.
The white panel of the hat is due Wednesday, and the paragraphs for the poster board are also due on Wednesday if they were not finished in class.
The speech for Wax Museum is due next Wednesday, but students are urged to start early this week. The speech should be based on the paragraphs they prepared for the poster board.
State test of Rocky Mountain States went home today.

Upcoming Events:

Monday - Thursday, Math 24th - 27th: Teacher Appreciation Week
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, May 24th - May 26th - 5th grade Human Growth and Development class.

Friday, May 28th - Staff Learning Day, no school for students!
Monday, May 31st - Memorial Day, no school!
Tuesday, June 1st - Volunteer Brunch at 9:50 am
Thursday, June 3rd - Open House in the evening from 6:30 - 7:45 pm

Mystery State:

Clues:

The first successful parachute jump from a moving plane occurred in this state.
The longest river in the United States flows through this state.
The ice-cream cone was invented at the 1904 World's Fair in this state.
This state's motto is the "Show Me State."
Mark Twain, the author of Tom Sawyer, was born in this state.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders 5/10 - 5/14

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 May 2010 23:13:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders
May 10th - May 14th , 2010

Outdoor School:

Thank you all for turning in the forms on time, we really appreciate your cooperation to make our process more efficient.
Cabin assignments will be announced the day before our departure.
We will review the packing list with our students this week. Please allow your child to pack his/her own luggage so items can be located quickly when needed.
Remember, no electronics permitted at outdoor school, which include cell phones. There is no cell phone reception at the campsite. Digital cameras are NOT recommended either. If my students chose to bring digital camera, they will have to guard it 24 hours a day, as we won't have time to investigate any lost items. Finding an outlet to recharge their batteries could be another problem as well.

2010-2011 Amended School Calendar:
A flyer was sent home today (and a soft copy in email) announcing the calendar adjustment for next year. There will be five fewer days in the school calendar due to the agreed upon furlough days.

Field Trip Form to Exploratorium: Due Thursday, May 13th.
Thank you for offering to volunteer. We will be emailing parents to confirm availability so if you DO NOT receive an email, we have already found our six parents.

Buy One Get One Free” Scholastic Book Fair - Help Needed!
We are looking for parent volunteers to help with the upcoming “Buy One Get One Free” Scholastic Book Fair. If you can spare an hour or two, please email PSCO@live.com to let us know your availability. We need help with set up on May 11, 2010 at 10:00 am and cleanup on May 17, 2010 at 10:00 am. We also need help from May 12, 2010 – May 14, 2010 from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm and from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm to run the Book Fair.

Assignments:

Language Arts - Spelling resumes as well as TFK and blog comment. We will also finish our study of the core literature book Stone Fox this week.

Students need to be reading EVERY day for at least 20 minutes. They are to summarize the book to you BEFORE you sign their reading contract.

Contracts are due on June 4th and many students are nowhere near the required amount of books. Please help monitor their progress.

5th math -

Dream Bedroom Project: Due this Friday, May 14th. Please remind your child not to wait until the last day to finish it. They had five weeks to work on it.

The Biz World project started last week. Students will be forming companies and learning the basic aspects of running a business.
May Dynamath is due on Thursday, May 27th.

4th Math -

Starting geometric plane figures. Finishing up our Perimeter Park projects too.

Science -

Science quiz needs a parent signature (Wed.).
Class time is spent researching and planning with their groups. They might require a session or two to meet outside of class in order to do some video taping. Please assist them with the use of the family video recorder if, need be.

I am also offering class time and the use of my video camera to groups if they are having a hard time trying to meet up outside of school.
Time management is KEY in order to finish the project on time. Don't put it off until the last minute. Filming should be complete BEFORE they leave for Science Camp. The earlier the better.

Social Studies -

Thank you all for turning in the t-shirt and $2 for our open house project. We continue to do research and prepare hat, t-shirt, and poster board in class.
State test of Rocky Mountain States will be held this Friday. Last state test of South Central States went home last Thursday, and no signature required because 99% of my students did well.

Upcoming Events:

Thursday, May 13th - Field Trip form for Exploratorium due
Thursday, May 13th - Intent to register for next year form

Tuesday - Friday, May 18th - May 21st - 4/5 Science Camp (Outdoor School)

Mystery State:

Clues:

The first baseball stadium was built in this state in 1909.
This state is the only one of the 13 original colonies not bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.
A town in this state is considered the Chocolate Capital of the United States.
The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia in this state in 1776.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders 5/3/10 - 5/7/10

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 03 May 2010 23:27:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders
May 3rd - May 7th , 2010

TFIN Community Day - Lunch on the Lawn - Tuesday, May 4th ONLY:
Dine, shop and play all day at participating businesses – a portion of the sales go to TFIN.
Look at the “Golden Ticket” (soft copy sent home with Portal Press last Thursday, hard copy goes home today) for information from businesses that are pitching in!
Most impressive! Bring a lunch from the participating business to school for Lunch on the Lawn tomorrow!

Online Book Order Extended to Tuesday, May 4th - I have a few students who still wish to place an order. Please submit them by tomorrow night, so we can get our order in by next Friday.

Outdoor School:

Thank you all for turning in the forms on time, we really appreciate your cooperation to make our process more efficient.
Cabin assignments will be announced on the day before our departure.
We will review the packing list with our students this week. Please allow your child to pack his/her own luggage so items can be located quickly when needed.
Remember, no electronics permitted at outdoor school, which include cell phones. There is no cell phone reception at the campsite. Digital cameras are NOT recommended either. If my students chose to bring digital camera, they will have to guard it 24 hours a day, as we won't have time to investigate any lost item. Finding an outlet to recharge their batteries could be another problem as well.

Field Trip Form to Exploratorium: Due Thursday, May 13th.
Thank you to the six parents who have signed up to come with us, your participation is deeply appreciated.

Social studies:
For our open house project, A plain, pre-washed and ironed, WHITE t-shirt & $2 in CASH by Thursday, May 6th,
You can get the shirt from either Michaels or Target. If it does not say preshrunk on the shirt, please wash it and iron it before turning it in for best result.

Buy One Get One Free” Scholastic Book Fair - Help Needed!
We are looking for parent volunteers to help with the upcoming “Buy One Get One Free” Scholastic Book Fair. If you can spare an hour or two, please email PSCO@live.com to let us know your availability. We need help with set up on May 11, 2010 at 10:00 am and cleanup on May 17, 2010 at 10:00 am. We also need help from May 12, 2010 – May 14, 2010 from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm and from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm to run the Book Fair.

Assignments:

Language Arts - Spelling resumes as well as TFK and blog comments. Another TFK quiz will be held tomorrow. Students are asked to read the non fictional articles carefully before they take the quiz. We also continue our study of the core literature book Stone Fox.
5th math -

Dream Bedroom Project: Due next Friday, May 14th. Please remind your child not to wait until the last day to finish it. They had five weeks to work on it.

Last week we made a birthday beads bracelet after learning the binary code system. Ask them how they can decode a binary code system into a base 10 system, or vise versa. Right now we are finishing a lesson on Palindrome to strengthen their number sense, and later working on the pattern of scalloped circles to analyze the pattern.
The Biz World project will start later this week. Students will be forming companies and learning the basic aspects of running a business.
April Dynamath is due on Tuesday, May 4th; and May Dynamath is due on Thursday, May 27th.

4th Math -

Continuing work on capacity, measurement and weight of customary and metric units. We will have a Measurement Extravaganza on Friday to celebrate the conclusion of this unit. Please bring in any containers (must be cleaned out) with the capacity printed on it. We are looking for containers that hold liquid.
ComicLife stories should be finished this week. They are SUPER creative!!
We will also begin a project called Perimeter Park where students design their own park while becoming more familiar with the concept of perimeter.

Science -

Science quizzes are going home this week (I-check 2). They need a parent signature by Thursday.
Class time is spent researching and planning with their groups. They might require a session or two to meet outside of class in order to do some video taping. Please assist them with the use of the family video recorder if, need be.

I am also offering class time and the use of my video camera to groups if they are having a hard time trying to meet up outside of school.
Time management is KEY in order to finish the project on time. Don't put it off until the last minute.

Social Studies - We launched our project for Open House last week, and will be busy working on it for the next few weeks. Students are to do research (mostly at school), prepare a presentation board, design a hat and a t-shirt, and make props - all of these to represent the state he/she was assigned to. We will introduce Rocky Mountain States this Friday, and state test on next Friday.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, May 4th - TFIN Community Day - Lunch on the Lawn
Thursday, May 6th - t-shirt and $2 cash due for social studies project
Thursday, May 13th - Field Trip form for Exploratorium due
Thursday, May 13th - Intent to register for next year form due
Tuesday - Friday, May 18th - May 21st - 4/5 Science Camp (Outdoor School)

Mystery State:

Clues:

This place was named after Christopher Columbus.
This place is divided into four quadrants: northwest, southwest, northeast, and southeast.
Its local government functions as a state, county, and city government.
British troops burned parts of this place in 1814.

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders 4/26 - 4/30

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:56:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders
April 26th - April 30th , 2010

Outdoor School Forms and Check:
- Check should be $295, payable to Portal School, due by May 6th.
- Please send them in ASAP. We need to review the forms to make sure they are filled out completely.
- Required forms:
1. Green Registration form, (plus physician's signature if your child requires special epi-pen or inhaler for asthma.)
- Please read the questions regarding student's health carefully. If your child has a special diet, for example, no pork or beef, please be as specific as you can.
2. White Behavior Form: signatures required for both the student and the parent.
3. Gold Authorization to Photograph Form:
Optional Form: Pink Souvenir Order Form

STAR Testing: (April 26th - April 30th)
Please help your child come to school well rested and with breakfast in their tummies. The test starts promptly each morning at 8:15 am, please arrive school on time. In addition to language arts and math, 5th grade students will also take the science test. Please review your folders from this year and last year before the test.

Assignments:

Language Arts - No spelling this week, just TFK. We will continue our study of the core literature book Stone Fox.
5th math -

Dream Bedroom Project: Due Friday, May 14th

The only purchase students have to make is the 22 in x 28 in poster board (any color). (some of my students bought 20 x 30 from Michaels, that's fine too)
We will allow some time for them to work in class, but most of the work will be done at home. The draft of design on graph paper was due last Friday, and the price sheet of all essential and optional items are due this Friday.

We finished our project of volume versus surface area last week, and will work on a project that introduces binary code this week. The Biz World will start next week.
April Dynamath is due on Tuesday, May 4th; and May Dynamath is due on Thursday, May 27th.

4th Math -

Students are back with Ms. McPheeters for math. We are working on perimeter, area, and customary and metric units. We are also creating a comic strip story to demonstrate our understanding of positive and negative integers. They students are having a really fun time with this project.
Parent signatures are due on Wednesday.

Science -

We are finishing up an activity that helped us learn more about independent, dependent, and control variables. We will have a small quiz later this week on these topics, including vocabulary.
Students who did not finish both graphs in class, are asked to complete them for class on Wednesday. They will need to be redone if they are not neat, labeled, or did not use a ruler.

Social Studies - We started our lessons in unit 4 (Life in the Colonies) last week, and will continue this week. The state test of South Central states (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas) will be held on Monday, May 3rd.

Upcoming Events:

Monday - Friday, April 26th - April 30th - STAR Test week.
Tuesday - Friday, May 18th - May 21st - 4/5 Science Camp (Outdoor School)

Mystery State:

Clues:

The first brick street in the world was laid in this state in 1870.
This was the first state to enact a sales tax.
Nearly 80 percent of this state is covered with forest.
The first Mother's Day was celebrated in this state in 1908.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders 4/19 - 4/23

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:27:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders
April 19th - April 23rd , 2010

Earthday Lunch on the Lawn: Wednesday April 21 Bring a "no waste" lunch to picnic with your child (however if it rains Lunch on the Lawn will be cancelled.)

Your Child's Education and the Budget" Info Night Wed Apr 21 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Covering PSCO Campaign and TFIN, hear about the budget issues facing our school, how we may be affected, and the difference between the “Their Future Is Now” campaign and Portals’ PSCO donation drive. Both are very important – but what is the difference? Come find out -- Childcare provided!!

Outdoor School Forms and Check:

- Check should be $295, payable to Portal School, due by May 6th.
- Please send them in ASAP. We need to review the forms to make sure they are filled out completely.
- Required forms:
1. Green Registration form, (plus physician's signature if your child requires special epi-pen or inhaler for asthma.)
- Please read the questions regarding student's health carefully. If your child has a special diet, for example, no pork or beef, please be as specific as you can.
2. White Behavior Form: signatures required for both the student and the parent.
3. Gold Authorization to Photograph Form:
Optional Form: Pink Souvenir Order Form

STAR Testing: (April 26th - April 30th)
Please help your child come to school well rested and with breakfast in their tummies. The test starts promptly each morning at 8:15 am, please arrive school on time.
In addition to language arts and math, 5th grade students will also take the science test. Please review your folders from this year and last year before the test.

Assignments:

Language Arts - Spelling, TFK, and blog comments continue this week. We finished the story of Akiak, and will start our study of the core literature book Stone Fox.
5th math -

Dream Bedroom Project: Due Friday, May 14th

The only purchase students have to make is the 22 in x 28 in poster board (any color). (some of my students bought 20 x 30 from Michaels, that's fine too)
We will allow some time for them to work in class, but most of the work will be done at home. The draft of design on graph paper is due on Friday.

We continue with other enrichment projects including volume versus surface area, graphing problems, and other challenging word problems.
An end of the year test on Wednesday.
Dynamath due Tuesday, May 4th.

4th Math - * Will be updated next week

Also, they are still having a great time joining Ms. Lu for math each day. We will continue with this rotation until the Wednesday we return from break, which is when their test will be.

Science - * Will be updated next week
The first I-check quiz will be today, Monday, March 26th. I will post the results later this week. Students will also be receiving their folders back. 4th graders need to hang onto them for TWO YEARS and 5th graders can use them to review.

Details regarding the science technology project & research report will also be outlined before the April break. This project won't be due until the end of May. I am including a sheet to help students manage their time since they will also be working on other projects simultaneously.

Social Studies - We continue with lessons in unit 3 - The Fight for a Continent. The next region of 50 states will be introduced this week, and state test will be held the week after STAR testing. Open House project is coming up soon, and students will hear more details in class.

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, April 21st - Earth Day Lunch on the Lawn.
Wednesday, April 21st, 6:30 - 7:30 pm - "Your Child's Education and the Budget" Info Night
Monday - Friday, April 26th - April 30th - STAR Test week.

Mystery State:

Clues:

This state has the lowest water-to-land ratio of all 50 states.
The leaves of this state flower can be used to make sandals, rope, and baskets.
Smokey the Bear, an orphaned bear cub, was found in this state.
Carlsbad Caverns, one of the largest cave systems in the world, is located in this state.
The roadrunner is this state's state bird.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders 3/29 - 4/2

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 23:35:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders
March 29th - April 2nd , 2010

Conferences:

Thank you for taking time to attend Parent Teacher Conferences. We enjoyed getting a chance to talk with you and hope the meeting was productive for your child. Report cards for the second trimester will go home this Friday.

Outdoor School Forms and Check:
- The cost of Outdoor School this year is $295 per student.
- The check and registration forms are due on Thursday, May 6th, but please send them in whenever you can. We need to review the forms to make sure they are filled out completely. Your check will NOT be deposited by sending it in early.
- If your child requires special medication, please be sure to get the physician signature.

STAR Testing: (April 26th - April 30th)
This will take place the last week in April. Students will be tested on content for the entire school year, so please keep in mind that since it is only April, we still have a lot more material to cover. We DO NOT promote "cramming" or studying for this test. What will help students is to come to school well rested and with breakfast in their tummies. There is a link to review questions so students can be familiar with the structure at : http://starsamplequestions.org/. Another link with released questions from previous years can be found at our classroom blogsite.
- Also, 5th grade students are responsible for both years of science content so please make sure you hang onto your folders! They will be returned this week.

April Book Order: Due on Sunday, April 4th.

Assignments:

Language Arts - Spelling and TFK resume this week, and weekly blog comments continue. We will start our introduction to the next core literature book Stone Fox this week, along with other reading comprehension lessons.
5th math -

Dream Bedroom Project was introduced last Thursday, and is due on May 14th. Students have five weeks (not including the April break) to complete it.

Thank you to the parents who have sent in empty boxes that are bigger than 16 inches x 10 inches (height does not matter). We have collected 12 and can still use a few more, so please do save them for us.
The only purchase students have to make is the 22 in x 28 in poster board (any color).
Students are encouraged to look for materials at home (cardboard, straws, foam piece, fabric) to construct their furniture. Creativity is what we are look for, therefore they should not include any already made piece for their project. They can look at the sample pictures from the previous year at room 24 classroom blog site for a reference.
We will allow some time for them to work in class, but most of the work will be done at home.

Math placement test II on Tuesday, March 30th.
We continue with other enrichment projects including volume versus surface area, graphing problems, and other challenging word problems.
An end of the year test will be given in the week after we come back from April break. STAR test is coming up on the second week after the break.

4th Math - Students will be getting back their graphing test this week and will need a parent signature.

Also, they are still having a great time joining Ms. Lu for math each day. We will continue with this rotation until the Wednesday we return from break, which is when their test will be.

Science - The first I-check quiz will be today, Monday, March 26th. I will post the results later this week. Students will also be receiving their folders back. 4th graders need to hang onto them for TWO YEARS and 5th graders can use them to review.

Details regarding the science technology project & research report will also be outlined before the April break. This project won't be due until the end of May. I am including a sheet to help students manage their time since they will also be working on other projects simultaneously.

Social Studies - We continue with lessons in unit 3 - The Fight for a Continent.

Upcoming Events:

Monday, March 29th - Assembly of Oskar and the Big Bully Battle
Tuesday, March 30th - Dress rehearsal of R20/21 performance
Tuesday, March 30th - Second math placement test for the 5th graders
Friday, April 2nd - Report cards go home
Monday, April 5th - April 26th: Spring Recess, No School!

Mystery State:

Clues:

This state is made up of two peninsulas.
You will find three mottos on this state's flag.
More cereal is produced in this state than in any other.
The state is known as the world's "Motor Capital."
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders 3/22 - 3/26

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:05:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders
March 22nd - March 26th, 2010

Conferences:

Parent teacher conference continues through March 26th, and students are dismissed at 12:30 pm daily. Please make sure you have arrangements for pick-up. Students cannot be by themselves after 12:30 pm even though you might have a conference coming up shortly.

5th Graders Only:

5th grade elective sheets for middle schools other than Miller are due on Friday, March 26th. After that date, you will have to turn it in yourself at the office of middle school.

Outdoor School Forms and Check:
The cost of Outdoor School this year is $295 per student. The check and registration forms are due on Thursday, May 6th, but please send them in whenever you can. We need to review the forms to make sure they are filled out completely. Your check will NOT be deposited by sending it in early.

Assignments:

Language Arts - No spelling and TFK this week, but weekly blog comments continues. We will start our introduction to the next core literature of Stone Fox soon.
5th math -

We continue our math enrichment with topics including circle (definition and circumference), ratio and rate, and scale drawing.
We will introduce the Dream Bedroom project on Thursday, March 25th, and students have five weeks (not including the April break) to complete it. If you come across empty boxes that are bigger than 16 inches X 10 inches, please save them for us. You child might need one if he/she decides to do a 3D version, and extra boxes can be shared with other classmates.
Math placement test II on Tuesday, March 30th.

4th Math - We are graphing this week and even graphing function tables and two-variable equations! Sounds complicated but students seem to be enjoying it. Our test on Ch. 21 & 22 will be on Tuesday, March 23rd.

For the next section, we will be switching math teachers and students will be extremely lucky to have Ms. Lu as their math teacher. She is filled with fun and exciting strategies to make math understandable and enjoyable. She even has a SmartBoard in her classroom! This rotation will begin on March 24th, Wednesday, and continue when we get back from the April break.

Science - We have begun our final unit for science this year; Water Planet. We will have limited science during the 1/2 day conference schedule. Our next science classes will be on 3/22 and 3/24. A quiz on the first section of the astronomy unit is set for Wednesday. Students need to make sure they are doing the reading even though I am not collecting the questions.

Details regarding this science technology project will also be outlined before the April break. This project won't be due until the end of May.

Social Studies - We continue with lessons in unit 3 - The Fight for a Continent.

Upcoming Events:

Monday, March 22nd - Friday, March 26th - Parent Teacher Conference. Students are dismissed at 12:30 pm.
Thursday, March 25th - Lawson - 6th Grade Parent Information Night
Friday, March 26th - Portal Spirit Day - Crazy Socks Day!
Monday, March 29th - Assembly of Oskar and the Big Bully Battle
Monday, April 5th - April 26th: Spring Recess, No School!

Mystery State:

Clues:

A sculpture of two whale tails sticking up out of the ground can be seen in this state, which shares no borders with an ocean.
Before joining the union, this state was an independent republic from 1777 to 1791.
This state is the top producer of maple syrup in the United States.
The Green Mountains dominate the landscape in this state.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders, 3/15 - 3/19

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:07:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders
March 15th - March 19th, 2010

* This is a mini-update. 4th grade math and science will be updated next week.

Conferences:

Parent teacher conferences will be held from March 18th through March 26th, and students will be dismissed at 12:30 pm daily. Please make sure you have arrangements for pick-up. Students cannot be by themselves after 12:30 pm even though you might have a conference coming up shortly.

5th Graders Only:

5th grade elective sheets for middle school due on Friday, March 26th. After that date, you will have to turn it in yourself at the office of middle school.

Outdoor School Forms and Check:
Due on May 6th, but please send them in early. We need to review the forms to make sure they are filled out completely. Your check will NOT be deposited by sending it in early.

Assignments:

Language Arts - No spelling this week. TFK and weekly blog comments continue. Student continue to revise and type up the paper they started in the previous weeks.
5th math -

We have completed the last unit of math textbook, and students are getting ready for the placement 1 test.
We will spend our next two weeks covering important topics that are not included in our textbook. Some topics include circle (circumference and area), measurement conversion, and ratio.
We will introduce the Dream Bedroom project on March 26th, and students have five weeks (not including the April break) to complete it. If you come across empty boxes that are bigger than 16 inches X 10 inches, please save them for us. You child might need one if he/she decides to do a 3D version, and extra boxes can be shared with other classmates.
Math placement tests I and II for the 5th graders are coming up on March 17th and March 30th.

Social Studies - All students did an amazing job on keynote presentation of explorers. They will complete this unit with an essay based on the keynote. State test result will go home tomorrow, and parent signature due on Thursday.

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, March 17th - 5th graders only, Math Placement Test I.
Wednesday, March 17th, 12:30 pm - Cuperino High School Performance
Thursday, March 18th - Friday, March 26th - Parent Teacher Conference. Students are dismissed at 12:30 pm.
Friday, March 26th - Portal Spirit Day - Crazy Socks Day!
Monday, March 29th - Assembly of Oskar and the Big Bully Battle
Monday, April 5th - April 26th: Spring Recess, No School!

Mystery State:

Clues:

The world's first parking meter was installed in this state in 1935.
More human-made lakes can be found in this state than in any other state.
Only two states have capital cities that include the state name; this state is one of them.
This state is home to the largest Native American population in the nation.
The National Cowboy Hall of Fame can be found in this state.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Thursday)

Weekly Reminders 3/8 - 3/12

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:37:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders
March 8th - March 12th, 2010

Conferences:

Thank you for returning your conference slip on time. Parent teacher conferences will be held from March 18th through March 26th, and students will be dismissed at 12:30 pm daily. Please make sure you have arrangements for pick-up. Students cannot be by themselves after 12:30 pm even though you might have a conference coming up shortly.

Online Book Order: Due this Saturday, March 13th.

Outdoor School Meeting for Parents:

The meeting will be held on March 10th, Wednesday night from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. The flyer that went home last Thursday had a typo for the starting time. Please plan to arrive at 6:30 pm, not 7 pm.

Assignments:

Language Arts - Spelling continues this week. TFK had a break for two weeks, but it will resume this week.

Two more sessions for literature circles will be held on Tuesday and Thursday morning. Students need to have their reading and worksheet completed before they come to the meeting.

5th math - We have started unit 11 with integers, and we will work on addition and subtraction with both positive and negative integers. Math placement tests I and II for the 5th graders are coming up on March 17th and March 30th.
4th Math - The decimals test will be going home this week and requires a parent signature. Students did an excellent job with decimals! We are now moving into graphing coordinates and daily homework is due the following day, as usual.

Science - Students took the final test on Monday and the results will hopefully be sent out this week. We will be starting our next unit, Water Planet, after we review the test.
Social Studies - We continue to study the third unit on The Fight for a Continent, with supplementary reading from the second History of US book. Our next state test covering 12 states and capitials is on Friday, March 12th.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, March 9th - Classroom Picture Day
Tuesday, March 9th - Last Math Olympiads contest.
Wednesday, March 10th, 5th graders only. Middle school counselors will meet all 5th graders at 9 am.
Wednesday, March 10th, 6:30 - 7:30 pm - Parent meeting for outdoor school
Monday, March 15th - Staff Learning Day, No school!!
Thursday, March 18th - Friday, March 26th - Parent Teacher Conference. Students are dismissed at 12:30 pm.
Monday, April 5th - April 26th: Spring Recess, No School!

Mystery State:

Clues:

The country's first department store opened in this state in the late 1880s.
The world's largest natural-rock span is located in this state.
The 2002 Winter Olympic Games were held in this state.
Mormons were among the first settlers in this state and still make up a high percentage of the population.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders 3/1 - 3/5

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:52:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders
March 1st - March 5th, 2010

Conference Slip:

Parent teacher conference will be held from March 18th through March 26th. Conference slips went home last Thursday. Please return the slip ASAP to confirm your appointment. If you have any question, please contact your family room teacher.

Assignments:

Language Arts - Spelling and TFK continue this week.

Please remind your child to keep up with the reading contract which is due this Friday, March 5th.
Oral presentation continues on Wednesday and Thursday for the 4th graders.
Three more sessions for literature circles. Students need to have their reading and worksheet completed before they come to the meeting.

5th math - We have started unit 10 with percent, and we will work on the relationship between fraction, decimal, and percent. A cumulative test that covers chapter 1 through 22 is on Friday. Math placement tests I and II for the 5th graders are coming up on March 17th and March 30th.
4th Math - We had a quiz on decimals the other day so students could see what they understood and what they needed practice on. They will be having the test on Ch. 19 & 20 on Friday.

Science - Students are working on a take home test for the last section (due Wed.). Also, it is suggested they finish the last section from the book too. We will review on Wednesday and Thursday and the final test is tentatively set for Friday. Science folders will be collected sometime the following week. Please make sure students review all experiments and activities done for the entire unit of Mixtures & Solutions. Vocabulary will be emphasized on the test as well.
Social studies - We continue to study the third unit on The Fight for a Continent, with supplementary reading from the second History of US book. Next unit of state geography will be introduced on March 5th, and state test is on Friday, March 12th.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, March 2nd - Hearing Test, 5th grader only.
Tuesday, March 2nd - District writing test, 5th grader only.
Wednesday, March 3rd - Little Blue Dress Rehearsal at 9 am.
Wednesday, March 3rd, 1 pm - Assembly - African Acrobats
Thursday, March 4th, 6 pm - 6th grade Parent information night for CMS
Thursday, March 4th, 7 pm - 6th grade parent information night for Miller
Friday, March 5th - End of second trimester.
Monday, March 8th, 8:15 am - Outdoor School Presentation for students.
Tuesday, March 9th - Classroom Picture Day
Tuesday, March 9th - Last Math Olympiads contest.
Wednesday, March 10th, 6:30 - 7:30 pm - Parent meeting for outdoor school
Monday, March 15th - Staff Learning Day, No school!!
Thursday, March 18th - Friday, March 26th - Parent Teacher Conference. Students are dismissed at 12:30 pm.

Mystery State:

Clues:

Motion pictures (movies) were invented in this state.
The first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton was found in this state in 1858.
This state was the first to ratify the U.S. Bill of Rights, in 1790.
This state is the most densely populated state in the United States.
Inventor Thomas A. Edison had his lab in this state.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders 2/22- 2/26

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:05:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders
February 22nd - February 26th, 2010

Literature Circles:

An update of the sign up from the parents for room 24 can be accessed at:

https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AmVOIdyC5jTqdFY1ZXpaTWx5U0xvcjRVVHo1X0tlMmc&hl=en

This is a link from my personal gmail so it should not require a CUSD account from you.

Again, we need six parents for each session, so please consider joining us if you can.

1. Monday, March 1st from 8:15-9:00 a.m - 4 parents: Siva, Liqin, Reshma, Aliza
2. Thursday, March 4th from 8:15-9:00 a.m. 4 parents: Liqin, Reshma, Aliza, Geetha
3. Tuesday, March 9th from 8:15-9:00 a.m. 5 parents: Liqin, Reshma, Aliza, Geetha, Muling
4. Thursday, March 11th from 8:15-9:00 a.m. 4 parents: Reshma, Aliza, Geetha, Muling

Biography Oral Presentation:

The 5th graders have done wonderful presentations before the break, now it's the 4th graders turn. They will start presenting this Wednesday, and end next Thursday. Please help them practice at home to ease the anxiety. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Portal Parent Survey:
If you have not done the survey, please complete it before the end of this week. Thank you to all the parents who have completed it and sent the emails to us!
The 2010 parent survey is now on-line! It takes about 30 minutes to complete -- and your participation is vital. Please answer the survey as honestly as you can -- your input will help us provide the best education possible for your student as well as continuously improve our school. Look for the action item at the end of the survey so we will know that you have completed your survey! We're looking for 100% participation! Please click on this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/portal2010

Put on your Portal spirit wear this Wednesday - We will have visitors on campus to evaluate us for a Distinguished Schools of California honor. Let's show them our Portal Spirit!

Portal Spirit Day this Friday - Go for red, white, and Blue and wear as much of it as you can on Friday!

Assignments:

Language Arts - Spelling and TFK continue this week.

Please remind your child to keep up with the reading contract which is due next Friday, March 5th. .
We are working on persuasive writing this week.
Students will start reading and working on the first section of their literature circle book this week to get ready for our first meeting next Monday.

5th math - We have started unit 9 with area of parallelogram and triangle. Later we will move on to surface area and volume of solids. Next week we will have a cumulative test that covers chapter 1 through 22. Math placement tests I and II for the 5th graders are coming up on March 17th and March 30th.
4th Math - We are blending fractions right into decimals this chapter. Students seem to have a very strong grasp of this concept already. There are many online games posted on my website for students to continue their mastery.

Science - We are finishing up our last investigation that deals with the elements and compounds. We will be turning in our science folders at the end of the trimester as well as taking the final test. The test will cover everything from the entire unit. I would recommend that students review their experiment notes and readings for a refresher. The test and folder due date are not set yet but should be in about two weeks or so.

Kitchen science is due on Wednesday. Students must document their observations and answer questions as detailed as possible. I will not accept any late work.

Social studies - Unit test of the explorers and the state test went home today. Parent signatures are due on Wednesday. We continue to work on our keynote presentation in class with research, notes, and creating slides for the presentation. Later this week, we will start our new unit on The Fight for a Continent.

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, February 24th - Portal Spirit Wear Day - for our visitors!
Friday, February 26th - Spirit Day - Red, White & Blue Day
Monday, March 1st - Field Trip to The Cay from 10:30 to 12:30. Cold lunch only!!
Tuesday, March 2nd - Hearing Test, 5th grader only.
Tuesday, March 2nd - District writing test, 5th grader only.
Wednesday, March 3rd - Little Blue Dress Rehearsal at 9 am.
Thursday, March 4th, 6 pm - 6th grade Parent information night for CMS
Thursday, March 4th, 7 pm - 6th grade parent information night for Miller
Friday, March 5th - End of second trimester.
Monday, March 8th, 8:15 am - Outdoor School Presentation for students.
Tuesday, March 9th - Classroom Picture Day
Tuesday, March 9th - Last Math Olympiads contest.
Wednesday, March 10th, 6:30 - 7:30 pm - Parent meeting for outdoor school

Mystery State:

Clues:

The first "sit-in" to protest racial segregation occurred in this state.
Hurricane Floyd damaged this state's coast in 1999.
The first English child born in the United States, Virginia Dare, was born in this state in 1587.
Blackbeard the pirate was killed off the coast of this state.
The Wright brothers flew the first aircraft in this state in 1903.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders 2/8 - 2/12

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:54:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders
February 8st - February 12th, 2010

Literature Circles:

Literature Circles are wonderful opportunities for our students to engage in meaningful discussions with one another. The children meet in small groups after reading the same book and share ideas, ask questions, and make connections to enrich their understanding of the text. In order for these discussions to take place, we need 6 parents per classroom to help monitor and listen to discussions. It is not a difficult task and we will train you when you come. The dates for literature circle sessions are as follows:

If you would like to help out for literature circles, please sign up on the Google Doc!

http://spreadsheets.google.com/a/cusdschools.org/ccc?key=0AiHfS4RP6HwZdDIxOFcyb0hvTkZFcS02Ym8zZlRKRHc&hl=en

1. Monday, March 1st from 8:15-9:00 a.m.
2. Thursday, March 4th from 8:15-9:00 a.m.
3. Tuesday, March 9th from 8:15-9:00 a.m.
4. Thursday, March 11th from 8:15-9:00 a.m.

If possible, it would be best if volunteers can sign up for ALL 4 sessions since it will save us training time. We are also counting on those parents who signed up for literature circles on the form given in the Rockhopper packet at Back to School Night. If you had not come in to help in the classroom this year, please be aware of the requirement of TB clearance this year. You have to be cleared (it takes about three days for the result to come back from the clinic), and show proof within the past four years. Please double check with the office to make sure they have your record on file.

Online Book Order: Due on Saturday, Feb. 13.

Portal Parent Survey:
The 2010 parent survey is now on-line! It takes about 30 minutes to complete -- and your participation is vital. Please answer the survey as honestly as you can -- your input will help us provide the best education possible for your student as well as continuously improve our school. Look for the action item at the end of the survey so we will know that you have completed your survey! We're looking for 100% participation! Please click on this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/portal2010

Assignments:

Language Arts - Spelling resumes this week.

The entire finished Japan Web quest project is due on Thursday, February 11th. No late projects will be accepted. Students have had over a month to complete it.
Please remind your child to keep up with the reading contract which is due on March 5th.
We continue our rotation of oral presentation weekly. 5th graders will finish theirs this week, and 4th graders will present theirs after February Break.

5th math - Unit 7 test went home today, parent signature due tomorrow. We had a lesson on using the protractor to measure and construct angles last week.This week we continue the geometry unit on triangles, quadrilaterals, and finding area of complex figures. No math test this week.
4th Math - Working with fractions and mixed numbers in Ch. 17 & 18. Our test covering this information has been moved to Wednesday, February 10th.

Science - Students are learning about chemical reactions and need to understand how to draw chemical diagrams as well as chemical formulas. Please have students use reading strategies to understand this very complicated text. We will be having a quiz covering this section on Thursday or Friday. Reading homework and questions from today are due Wednesday.
Social studies - The state test of the Southeast region (10 states) is on Friday, Feb. 12th. We will continue to work on our keynote presentation in class with research, notes, and creating slides for the presentation.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, February 9nd - The Fourth Math Olympiads at 12:30 pm
Monday, February 15th - Friday, February 19th: Mid-Year Recess, No School!
Friday, February 26th - Spirit Day - Red, White & Blue Day

???Mystery State???

Clues:

This state has 120 counties.
Originally, this state was part of Virginia.
This state is bounded on the west, north, and east by three rivers: the Mississippi, the Ohio, and the Big Sandy.
The Mammoth-Flint Cave system, which at 300 miles long is the largest underground cave in the world, is in this state.
Both President Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate States of America, were born in this state.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders 2/1 - 2/5/10

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:11:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders
February 1st - February 5th, 2010

School Supplies: Does your child come to school well-prepared with his/her school supplies? Many do not. Some students have wasted their time borrowing pencils, red pens, scissors, and erasers; this could be disruptive to their classmates as well. Even if they have the pencils with them, the pencils might be dull and not ready for in-class work. Please remind your child to check his/her school supplies daily before bedtime.

Assignments:

Language Arts - Spelling resumes this week, and blog comment is always due by Friday. TFK worksheet is due on Tuesday, and a quiz will be given later to assess their reading comprehension.

The project of Japan Web Quest continues and is due on Feb. 10th. Drawing and description of the lucky charm is due this Friday
We will wrap up our core literature book of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes this week.
Rough draft for the speech of biography poster is due Tuesday for the 5th graders, and Wednesday for the 4th graders. We will be starting our oral presentation this week with eight 5th graders.
Please remind your child to keep up with the reading contract which is due on March 5th. They should share a brief summary with you before you initial the entries.

5th math - We started chapter 17 with graphs on a coordinate grid last week, and the unit test covering chap 16 and 17 will be on Friday.
4th Math - Working with fractions and mixed numbers in Ch. 17 & 18. We will have a test covering this information on Tuesday, Feb. 9th.

Science - Students are doing an excellent job utilizing science vocabulary when talking about solutions, saturation, and solubility. We are expanding our knowledge base and applying it to chemical reactions. Please make sure students can reiterate what they have learned so they can internalize it.
Social studies - Unit test of explorers is on Monday, Feb. 8th. We will introduce the next region of 50 states this Friday, Feb. 5th. The state test will be on Friday, Feb. 12th. In addition, we will introduce our keynote presentation on Wednesday. Students will pair up and work mostly at school for their research and slides. The keynote presentation will continue after the February break.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, February 2nd, 7 pm - Hyde - 6th Grade Parent Information Night
Thursday, February 4th - 11 am: 4/5 Band Dress Rehearsal
Thursday, February 4th -7 pm: 4/5 Winter Concert
Thursday, February 4th, 7 pm - Kennedy - 6th Grade Parent Information Night
Saturday, February 6th, E-Waste - Murdock Association
Tuesday, February 9nd - The Fourth Math Olympiads at 12:30 pm
Monday, February 15th - Friday, February 19th: Mid-Year Recess, No School!

???Mystery State???

Clues:

This state used to be an independent nation.
The state's name comes from a native word that means "homeland."
Two active volcanoes can be found in this state.
It was the last state to join the United States.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders 1/25 - 1/29

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:17:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders
January 25th - January 29th, 2010

Assembly with visiting author Jeff Savage: Thanks to the direct donation from our parents, we had an educational and entertaining assembly with Mr. Savage today. Please have your child share some fond memories of his visit with you.
Cicero's Pizza Community Event: Come join the other Portal parents at Cicero Pizza this week Monday through Wednesday. Don't forget to bring the yellow coupon for a 15% proceed to go to our school.

Assignments:

Language Arts - No spelling this week due to the visit from the author. Study of Sadako continues with word study and response questions.

Japan Web Quest continues and is due on Feb. 10th. Lucky Charm and questions for categoires 5, 6, and 8 due this Friday.
Biography poster/presentation - Poster due on Wednesday, 1/27. Speech due next Tuesday, 2/2 for 5th graders, and Wednesday, 2/3 for 4th graders.

5th math - We started chapter 15 with data and statistics, and we have reviewed different graphs for different purpose. By the end of this week, we will move on to chapter 16 to learn about graphs on a coordinate grid.
4th Math - Starting our fractions unit. Algebra test needs to be signed and brought back Tuesday.

Science - Investigating more with solutions, chemical substances, and looking at their molecular build.

Our second paperless test, I-Check 2, should be coming out this week. Keep an eye out for an email from me (Ms. McPheeters) with a link to view your child's test. They will need to enter their password in order to see their results.

Social studies - We will finish the unit on explorers by the end of this week. The study guide went home today, and the unit test will be on Monday, Feb. 8th. We will introduce the next region of 50 states next Friday, Feb. 5th. The state test will be on Friday, Feb. 12th. In addition, we will be introducing our keynote presentation next week. Students will pair up and work mostly at school for their research and slides. The keynote presentation will continue after the February break.

Upcoming Events:

Monday - Wednesday, January 25th - 27th: Cicero Pizza Community Event
Wednesday, January 27st - Dress Rehearsal of Gentoo Village, Aesop's Fable
Wednesday, January 27th, 6:30 pm: Washington D.C. Meeting
Friday, January 29th - Spirit Day, Career Day!
Tuesday, February 2nd - Hyde - 6th Grade Parent Information Night
Thursday, February 4th - Kennedy - 6th Grade Parent Information Night

???Mystery State???

Clues:

The first coeducational, interracial college was founded in this state.
The first professional baseball team was established in this state.
Seven U.S. presidents were born in this state.
This state's flag is the only state flag shaped like a pennant.
The Professional Football Hall of Fame and the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame are in this state.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders 1/19 - 1/22

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:18:00 +0000

There is no formal Weekly Reminders this week due to the holiday on Monday.

* Please make sure you come to school with cold lunch on Thursday for the play Robinson Crusoe.

For language arts:
1. One piece of origami, for Japan Web Quest, due this Friday.
2. Start working on the poster for Biography report.
3. Optional letter to the author Jeff Savage due Thursday if your child would like to have lunch with him at school.
4. No spelling this week and next week due to the holiday and author's visit.

Mystery State Clue:

The world's largest elephant fossil is in this state.
This state's legislature has only one house.
Corn and beef are two of this state's top products.
Former president Gerald R. Ford was born in this state.
This state is nicknamed the "Cornhusker State."
Which state is it?

Answer will be shared in class on Thursday.

Weekly Reminders 1/11 - 1/15/2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 04:59:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders
January 11th - January 15th, 2010

Biography Poster: Read the chosen book this week, and start filling out the poster
Scholastic Book Order: Hard copy due Friday, online order due Saturday. Last chance to get free $5 book for order over $10 for each catalog.
Room 24 Board Game Club: We will meet every Wednesday in our classroom. Please consider donating your unused board game to us, you are welcome to take it back when your child leaves Portal.
Folding Paper Cranes: Our goal is to fold 1,000 cranes by the end of the unit. So far we have already collected over 50 cranes. To have a variety of paper in addition to the origami paper I bought before, you can also send in your clean and fancy candy wrappers to school.

Assignments:

Language Arts - TFK, grammar, and spelling continue weekly.Starting this week, students will receive a spelling worksheet which is due on every Thursday.
We start our new core literature book of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes this week.

Students received instructions for the Japan Web Quest project. Please help your child set small due dates along the way to help with their time management. The entire project is due on Wednesday, Feb. 10th. Please check our classroom blogsite for the link to the project. The cherry blossom painting is due on Friday, 1/15.

5th math - We are starting chapter 15 with long division. Chapter 15 test is on next Tuesday. Chapter 14 test will go home on Wednesday for parent signature.
4th Math - Recognizing patterns and converting them into to two variable algebraic rules and function tables. Still working on Red Fences, Green Gates.

Science - Created an experiment to find out how much salt we can add to a solution until it doesn't dissolve anymore. Students really liked to "shake it" up.

Last week's science quiz was completely paperless!! Keep an eye out for an email from me (Ms. McPheeters) with a link to view your child's test. They will need to enter their password in order to see their results. (Hopefully this works!) ;0)

Social studies - We continue to learn about other explorers from both History of US and our textbook. Students reinforce their learning through classroom discussion, short films, taking notes, and working through reviewing worksheets.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, January 12th: The Mobile Cow Assembly
Tuesday, January 12th: Math Olympiads, 12:30 pm
Monday, January 18th: Martin Luther King Day - No school.
Thursday, January 21st: Robinson Crusoe Play Performance

???Mystery State???

Clues:

Three countries -- France, England, and Spain -- flew their flags over this state at separate times.
Nearly 60 percent of this state is covered by forest.
Coca-Cola was first bottled in this state in 1894.
Cotton is the most important crop in this state.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders 1/4 - 1/8/2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:59:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders
January 4th - January 8th, 2009

Happy New Year!

Assignments:

Language Arts - TFK, grammar, and spelling continue weekly. We will start our new core literature book of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes this week. Also starting this week, all home school journals are to be written in cursive. Students will continue to receive cursive worksheets to polish their cursive writing skills.
Biography Poster and Oral Presentation: Students have received the large poster today, and have four weeks to work on this project that combines a poster and a speech.

By next Monday, 1/11: Pick a famous person for the project. It must base on a book that will be recorded in their reading contract.
By Tuesday, 1/19: Finish reading, start writing notes for the speech, and fill out the poster.
By third Monday, 1/25: Finish most of the poster and prepare the rough draft for the speech. The speech should be two minutes or less.
By Monday, 2/1: Finalize the poster and the speech. We will have eight students presenting the poster and the speech each week. 5th graders will start, follow by the 4th graders.

5th math - We are starting chapter 14 with division of decimals. Some of the students will be receiving enrichment worksheets instead of regular practice pages for homework.
4th Math - Completing our menus and starting function tables this week. We will be doing a short project called Red Fences, Green Gates, where students use algebra and variables to recognize the patterns they see.

Science - A reading assignment and questions due Wednesday (pg.8-11, #'s 1-4). Also, students can conduct an experiment at home to see what the crystals of table salt look like in comparison to the Epsom salt crystals we observed today.
Social studies - We continue to learn about other explorers who have made significant changes to our history, and how their expeditions have affected the Native Americans. Students will be having some homework with reading and writing notes.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, January 12th: The Mobile Cow Assembly
Tuesday, January 12th: Math Olympiads, 12:30 pm
Monday, January 18th: Martin Luther King Day - No school.
Thursday, January 21st: Robinson Crusoe Play Performance

???Mystery State???

Clues:

The oldest rock in the world, dated at 3.8 billion years old, was found in this state.
The blueberry muffin is the official state muffin of this state.
This state's motto is L'Etoile du Nord, which is French for "Star of the North."
Charles M. Schultz, who drew the "Peanuts" cartoons, was born in this state.
This state has 12,000 lakes.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders 12/14 - 12/18

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:47:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders
December 14th - December 18th, 2009

Barnes & Noble/Willow Street Pizza event TOMORROW, December 15th @4:30!!!!
- Bring the flyer from Thursday Folders to Willow Street in order to get $$$$ for our school.
- Rockhopper Teachers will be next door at Barnes & Noble between 7-7:30 pm to read stories. Please come join us!
ALL SCHOOL LIBRARY books are due this Friday. Please turn them in no later than Friday to avoid a fine. We have library tomorrow so students can bring them tomorrow if they'd like.
All classroom library books also need to be returned by this Friday.
We had a number of students being picked up LATE for last month's Math Olympiads. This is a terrible inconvenience, not to mention a huge disruption, for our secretaries to allow all students to call for their rides. All students will need to wait outside in front of the office, rain or shine, so please come to pick up your child on time. Thank you for your help.
We will need $5 CASH ONLY by Tuesday if you ordered a play DVD. Thank you to Mrs. Chiu for recording the copies for us! Please send in exact change for the DVD or the field trip, I do not provide change to my students.
Book order due this Friday on December 18. When you place any order over $10 online (from any catalog), you get to pick a book up to $5 free!
One Warm Coat - Donations END TOMORROW!!!! Please help people who do not have warm outer clothing for the winter by donating one new and/or cleaned, gently used coat/jacket/sweater. What an excellent way to show giving during the holiday season.
Together we have raised $91.70 toward the purchase of coat/jacket. A big thank you to Mrs. Chiu, who is not only willing to do the shopping for us, but a very smart shopper to maximize the number of jackets we could buy. She has bought six beautiful coats/sweatshirts for us, and I will take a picture with some volunteer models tomorrow to share with you.

We will be seeing the Nutcracker Ballet this Thursday. Thank you to parents who turned in the permission slips on time. Students need to bring a lunch that day as there will be NO HOT LUNCH available.

Assignments:

Language Arts - TFK, grammar, and spelling continue weekly. We will continue with writing a summary this week, and a multi-paragraph about our play performance. We are also going over some blog comments in class to peer edit as a whole group. It's very important to proofread before your child submit his/her blog, and now they have one more reason to do it.
5th math - Chapter 13 test covering multiplication of decimal will be given at the end of this week. When we return in January, we will continue the unit with division of decimal and long division. We will be working on a project to create snow flakes to illustrate fractals. Students are encouraged to research and learn more about the geometric shapes of fractals online.
4th Math - Focusing on algebra and those tricky variables. Remember these key ideas:

Isolate the variable.
Use the inverse operation.
What you do to one side, you do to the other.
Replace the variable to check your work.

We are designing restaurant menus this week and creating algebraic take-out orders.

Science - Exploring the differences between mixtures and solutions. All work is to be kept inside their red folder.
Social studies - We continue to learn about other explorers who have made significant changes to our history, and how their expeditions have affected the Native Americans. The sketch of Tenochtitlan (the capital city of Aztecs) is due on Wednesday along with a short rough draft explaining what are in the city.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, December 15th, 12:30 pm: #2 Math Olympiads
Tuesday, December 15th: Barnes & Noble/Willow Street Pizza event @4:30

Rockhopper Teachers will be there between 7 - 7:30 pm. Please come join us!

Friday, December 18th: Crazy Hair Day!
Monday, December 21st - January 1st: Winter Break!!!! See you back to school on January 4th!!

???Mystery State???

Clues:

A city in this state has the longest main street in the United States, 33 miles.
You can find this state at 45 degrees north latitude.
The Snake River flows through this state.
The logging industry is important to this state. As a matter of fact, some people note that the state is shaped like a logger's boot!
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders 12/7 - 12/11

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:44:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders

December 7th - December 11th, 2009

Vacation To Mars: Play performance at 6:30 pm on Thursday, December 10th.
All students need to arrive no later than 6:10 pm.
Please be a supportive audience by turning off your cell phone and refraining from any conversations during the show!
Good news! One of our fabulous parents will be creating a DVD copy of one of our performances. Copies will be $5 for families who would rather enjoy a non-interrupted performance. Please let us know if you are interested by this Friday so we can make you a copy. We will need $5 CASH ONLY by next Tuesday.
Thank you to all of the parents who have helped us set up the props, and will help us remove the props this Friday.
Thank you for signing up for the food/treats after the performance. Our students will appreciate the treats for their hard work!
One Warm Coat - Donations are accepted between November 16, 2009 - December 15, 2009. Please help people who do not have warm outer clothing for the winter by donating one new and/or cleaned, gently used coat/jacket/sweater. More details from last week's Portal Press.
Our class is having our own fund drive for One Warm Coat, and we have collected $56.75 as of today. We will go purchase coats at the end of this Friday and donate them next week. Thank you to all of the students who have contributed!!
Book Order for December: Online order is due on December 19th. Hard copies will go home tomorrow and due on the 18th.
Report Cards - Sent home last Friday. Please return the envelope with signature and include a note if you have any concerns.
Field Trip Form for Plays Next Year
There is an error on the form that requests parent chaperons. We do not need any parents to come with us to a short field trip like a play. Please consider joining us next year for the trip to the San Francisco Exploratorium in June.
Barnes & Noble/Willow Street Pizza event @4:30 on Tuesday, December 15th
- Rockhopper Teachers will be there between 7 - 7:30 pm. Please come join us!

Assignments:

Language Arts - TFK and spelling continue weekly. We are busy getting our students ready for play performance, and they are learning how to be expressive not just with their voice, but with their body language as well. Play practice is always one of the most memorable experiences for our students.
5th math - Unit 5 test covering multiplication and division of fraction was given today. Tomorrow we will start our new unit with operations of decimals.
4th Math - Extremely impressed with the division podcasts! You can check them out at: https://sites.google.com/a/cusdschools.org/mcpheeters-yu/podcasts

We are staring our Algebra unit this week and will be focusing on those tricky variables. We'll be doing a little Menu Math to make them not only a little easier, but fun too!
Students will be expected to use the strategy of "what you do to one side, you do to the other" in order to isolate the variable.

Science - Starting mixtures and solutions. We will be focusing on the difference between a mixture and a solution. Please be sure to keep all content inside your RED folder.

Kitchen science is due on Wednesday. Please make sue you have answered your questions clearly and with elaboration on a separate piece of paper. DO NOT bring in your experiment. Typing it up and providing extensive documentation will help you on your way to achieving a score "5". You must go above and beyond what is asked of you.

Social studies - We continue to learn about other explorers who have made significant changes to our history, and how their expeditions have affected the Native Americans. Here is a quote I would like to share with the parents from page 98 of History of Us: And here we are, at one of the most important reasons for studying history: to learn from the mistakes of others.

Upcoming Events:

Thursday, December 10th, 6:30 pm: R19/24 Play Performance of Vacation To Mars
Monday, December 14th, 12:30 pm, Assembly from Lawrence Hall of Science - Human Body
Tuesday, December 15th, 12:30 pm: #2 Math Olympiads
Tuesday, December 15th: Barnes & Noble/Willow Street Pizza event @4:30

Rockhopper Teachers will be there between 7 - 7:30 pm. Please come join us!

Friday, December 18th: Crazy Hair Day!
Monday, December 21st - January 1st: Winter Break!!!! See you back to school on January 4th!!

???Mystery State???

Clues:

This state elects four people to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Helium was discovered at a university in this state in 1905.
This state leads the United States in cattle and wheat production.
This state's state song is "Home on the Range."
Female aviator Amelia Earhart was born in this state.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders 11/30 - 12/4

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:46:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders

November 30th - December 4th, 2009

Vacation On Mars: Play performance at 6:30 pm on Thursday, December 10th.
Help needed:

1. Set up back drop and props: Friday, December 4th, 8:15 am to 10 am. Depends on the number of parents, we might be done sooner.
2. Take down back drop: Friday, December 11th, 8:15 am to 9:30 am. It should take less time than setting up.

* Parents: We have all the backdrops, props, and costumes ready, we just need your help to set them up on stage. Please email us if you would be available
on either Friday (or both) to help us.
3. Please respond to the invitation we sent out earlier for signing up treats for the after performance celebration.

One Warm Coat - Donations are accepted between November 16, 2009 - December 15, 2009. Please help people who do not have warm outer clothing for the winter by donating one new and/or cleaned, gently used coat/jacket/sweater. More details from last week's Portal Press.

Assignments:

Language Arts - TFK and spelling continue weekly. Spelling resumes this week. We are currently working on writing summaries.
5th math - We are on chapter 11 now working on division of fraction. Reciprocal is an important concept in mastering division, and we also explore division with different strategies learned previously.
4th Math - Our division podcasts came out great! Take a listen to the ones that have finished! https://sites.google.com/a/cusdschools.org/mcpheeters-yu/podcasts

Chapter 12 & 13 test on Wednesday.
Turkey division rules rough draft due Wednesday. Must create example rules for 3,4,6,8,9.

Science - We are doing a program by the Dairy Council called Camp Eatawella. It is a fun and interactive curriculum that helps students make smart choices about food, friends, and free time.
Social studies - We continue with other explorers that changed our history, and what happened in America as well as in Europe.

Upcoming Events:

Friday, December 4th: Report cards go home
Thursday, December 10th, 6:30 pm: R19/24 Play Performance of Vacation on Mars
Monday, December 14th, 12:30 pm, Assembly from Lawrence Hall of Science - Human Body (new date!)
Tuesday, December 15th: Barnes & Noble/Willow Street Pizza event @4:00
Friday, December 18th: Crazy Hair Day!

???Mystery State???

Clues:

The oldest public library in the United States can be found in this state.
The oldest U.S. newspaper still being published was founded in this state in 1764.
The USS Nautilus -- the world's first nuclear-powered submarine -- was built in this state in 1954.
This state is the birthplace of American Revolutionary War patriot Nathan Hale, who is quoted as saying, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."
The "Constitution State" is this state's nickname.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders 11/23 - 11/27

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:56:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders

November 23th - November 27th, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving! No school on Wednesday - Friday.
One Warm Coat - Donations are accepted between November 16, 2009 - December 15, 2009. Please help people who do not have warm outer clothing for the winter by donating one new and/or cleaned, gently used coat/jacket/sweater. More details from last week's Portal Press.

Vacation On Mars: Play performance at 6:30 pm on Thursday, December 10th.
Help needed:

* Parents: We have all the backdrops, props, and costumes ready, we just need your help to set them up on stage. Please email us if you would be available on either Friday (or both) to help us.
3. You will be receiving an invitation soon to sign up for treats for the after performance celebration. Please look forward to it and join us in sharing yummy treats for our great performers!

Assignments:

Language Arts - TFK and spelling continue weekly. No spelling this week. We are currently working on writing summaries.
5th math - We continue the multiplication of fraction in chapter 10. Several links have been added to help students visualize the multiplication. Please encourage your child to try them.
4th Math - Divisibility rules is the focus for the next few weeks. We will be working on a few fun projects called Divisibility turkeys (just in time for the Thanksgiving break!) and we'll be making some entertaining podcasts about division.
Science - We are doing a program by the Dairy Council called Camp Eatawella. It is a fun and interactive curriculum that helps students make smart choices about food, friends, and free time.
Social studies - Students are to read and take notes of chapter 20 from History of US, due next Monday on 11/30.

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday - Friday, 11/25 - 11/27: Thanksgiving Recess.
Friday, December 4th: Report cards go home
Thursday, December 10th, 6:30 pm: R19/24 Play Performance of Vacation on Mars
Monday, December 14th, 12:30 pm, Assembly from Lawrence Hall of Science - Human Body (new date!)
Tuesday, December 15th: Barnes & Noble/Willow Street Pizza event @4:00
Friday, December 18th: Crazy Hair Day!

???Mystery State???

Clues:

This state has the tallest state capital in the United States.
At different points in its history, this state was owned by France and Spain.
This state's counties are called "parishes."
Ninety-eight percent of the world's crayfish are in this state.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class next Wednesday)

Weekly Reminders 11/16 - 11/20

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:29:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders

November 16th - November 20th, 2009

Emergency food packs:
Please do your best to send your child's emergency food package back to school ASAP. A clear ziplock bag went home in the Thursday envelope, which needs to be returned with a bottle of water and some non-perishable snacks. It never hurts to be prepared for emergencies!
Math Olympiads: Our first Math Olympiads contest is being held at 12:30 pm right after dismissal on Tuesday, 11/17. Room 24 students will be staying in their room, and room 19 students will go to room 24 for the contest. Please make sure you have pick up arranged between 1 to 1:10 pm, some students might be out sooner if they do not take the entire allocated time to finish the contest.
Parent Volunteers: As a gentle reminder, please be sure to stop by the office to sign in and get your name tag/volunteer tag when you plan on helping out in our classrooms. The school office requires all parent volunteers to follow these procedures for safety on our campus. You will also be required to show evidence of a negative TB test. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
One Warm Coat - Donations begin November 16, 2009 - December 15, 2009. Please help people who do not have warm outer clothing for the winter by donating one new and/or cleaned, gently used coat/jacket/sweater. More details from last week's Portal Press.
Book Order - Due on Tuesday, November 24.
Vacation On Mars, is available on Ms. McPheeters' blog. Please become familiar with the songs and practice. Starting this week, your child should be able to sing and act without looking at the script. We will soon send out invitation to ask for help of setting up the props. Our final performance for the parents is on 6:30 pm, Thursday, December 10th.

Assignments:

Language Arts - TFK and spelling continue weekly. New reading contract will be handed out this week and due at the end of second trimester.
5th math - Unit 4 test of chapter 7, 8, and 9 is on Wednesday, Nov. 18. We will start our new unit of multiplication and division of fraction on Thursday. Dynamath has been postponed and is due this Friday.
4th Math - Divisibility rules is the focus for the next few weeks. We will be working on a few fun projects called Divisibility turkeys (just in time for the Thanksgiving break!) and we'll be making some entertaining podcasts about division.
Science - Science folders are due on Wednesday, in order, with the table of contents on top. The vascular poster is to be folder and put in the side pocket or included in the binding. We went over the science test today in class and cleared up any confusion. I am trying to find a way to give them their scores without printing out all of the tests. The whole purpose of the online test was to go paperless, so I'm still working on this dilemma.
Social studies - We have finished chapters 13 through 17 in History of US about Viking and Christopher Columbus. Students had a great time identifying the content of mystery cups and making connection to Columbus Exchange on Friday. We will continue our study of other European explorers in the following weeks.

Upcoming Events:

Tuesday, November 17th: First Math Olympiads at 12:30
Friday, November 20th: Portal Spirit Day - Sports Day!
Wednesday - Friday, 11/25 - 11/27: Thanksgiving Recess.
Monday, December 14th, 12:30 pm, Assembly from Lawrence Hall of Science - Human Body (new date!)

???Mystery State???

Clues:

This state has 663 miles of beaches.
With a population of about 16 million people, this state has the fourth-largest population in the United States.
Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon came to this state looking for a "fountain of youth."
The space shuttles launch from this state.
Walt Disney World and Epcot Center are in this state.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Thursday)

Weekly Reminders 11/9 - 11/13

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:15:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders

November 9th - November 13th, 2009

eMathbook DVD - In last week's Thursday envelope, you should have received a goldenrod form that is a contract for the new math DVD's that complement our new math curriculum. Taking home a DVD is completely optional, but if you wish to check one out, then you will need to read, sign, and return the form to school. Please understand that by signing and returning the form, you are accepting full responsibility of the DVD and will need to pay the replacement cost if the DVD is lost or damaged upon its return. Keep in mind, this is a replica of the current text book.
Emergency food packs:
Please do your best to send your child's emergency food package back to school as soon as possible. A clear ziplock bag went home in the Thursday envelope, which needs to be returned with a bottle of water and some non-perishable snacks. It never hurts to be prepared for emergencies!
November Book Order: Available now online, and the hard copies were passed out today. It is due on Tuesday, Nov. 24, right before Thanksgiving Break.
Parent Volunteers: As a gentle reminder, please be sure to stop by the office to sign in and get your name tag/volunteer tag when you plan on helping out in our classrooms. The school office requires all parent volunteers to follow these procedures for safety on our campus. You will also be required to show evidence of a negative TB test. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
Picture Make-ups:
If your child plans on re-taking his or her photo, then please bring the original photo package back to school on Friday for re-takes. Thanks!

Music for the play, Vacation On Mars, is available on Ms. McPheeters' blog. Please become familiar with the songs and practice. Please help your child practice at home to bring out his/her acting talent!!

Assignments:

Language Arts - TFK and spelling continue weekly. Reading contract is due this Friday on Nov. 13. Writing lessons are taught and done in class.
5th math - We have finished chapter 7 on adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators. Chapter 8 and 9 of adding and subtracting mixed fractions will be introduced/reviewed this week and completed by next Tuesday. Unit 4 test of chapter 7, 8, and 9 is on Wednesday, Nov. 18. In addition, POW is due this Thursday, and Dynamath is due on Friday.
4th Math - Divisibility rules is the focus for the next few weeks. We will be working on a fun project called Divisibility turkeys just in time for the Thanksgiving break!
Science - We tested cereals to see which ones had the most sugar by measuring CO2 levels. Please ask your child how this experiment worked. The final test for the entire unit will be on Friday, November 13th. Students will also turn in their green science folders on this day. They need to have all materials from the unit bound together in the correct order. Table of Contents should go home in a day or two.
Social studies - State test of Middle Atlantic States on Thursday, 11/12. Students are expected to memorize the names, spelling, and locations of five states, their capitals, plus Washington D.C. We have moved on to the next unit in social studies, which focuses on European Explorers and their journeys to the New World. On Friday, the students will participate in a "sense-sational" activity using their sense of smell to guess foods they smell. Students will also be using the knowledge they gain to determine whether the foods they smell are from the Old World or New World!

Upcoming Events:

Wednesday, November 11th: Veteran's Day (No School)
Friday, November 13th: End of the first trimester!
Friday, November 13th: Reading contract due!
Friday, November 13th: Picture Make-up day!
Monday, November 16: Assembly from Lawrence Hall of Science - Human Body
Tuesday, November 17th: First Math Olympiads at 12:30

???Mystery State???

Clues:

This state is the easternmost prairie state.
The Wabash & Erie Canal, which operated from 1833 to 1874, increased the population and commerce in this state.
This state hosts a famous car race.
Forty-one miles of this state's border are along Lake Michigan.
This state's name means "Land of the Indians."
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Thursday)

Weekly Reminders 11/02/09 - 11/06/09

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:14:00 +0000

Weekly Reminders

November 2nd - November 6th, 2009

5th Graders Only: Human Growth & Development - Monday and Wednesday, November 2nd and 4th: 5th grade parent preview of the program at Meyerholtz GLC 7-9 p.m.
5th Graders Only: New Practice Math Book for Homework - Starting on Monday, we will be using a new math practice book (Homework and Problems Solving, HPS) for homework. The first math book (Daily Routines and Practice, DRP) will be sent home. Please use it only if you think your child can benefit from additional practice - most of my students don't!! Asking students to repeat math problems they are already proficient with will only turn off their interest in math. Some problems from DRP will be used in class for discussion, but I will not be going over the answers from that book with my students. Please email Mrs. Yu if you have any questions.

Music for the play, Vacation On Mars, is available on Ms. McPheeters' blog. Please become familiar with the songs and practice. Please help your child practice at home to bring out his/her acting talent!!

Assignments:

Language Arts - TFK Tuesday continues and the worksheet is due weekly. Spelling resumes this week. Reading contract is due next Friday on Nov. 13. Type to Learn has started at school, students are encouraged to apply their typing skills whenever they are on computer.
5th math - Unit test on Tuesday covering chapter 5 and 6 for algebra. We will start our next unit on addition and subtraction of fraction this week. Many of the lessons are review of 4th grade content, and we will be merging some lessons together to finish chapter 7 to 9 in two weeks.
4th Math - Working on Chapters 10 & 11 with the test on Friday. Students should be finishing factor wheels on their own time.
Science - We will be finishing up the last investigation for Living Systems over the next few weeks. The final test for the entire unit will be the week of Nov. 9th. This is when a completed green science folder is due as well.

Kitchen Science is due November 4th. Proficient and advanced scores will include details and elaboration in their observations. Students will not be comparing theirs to one they observed in class. Instead, be as specific as possible in describing your own crystal structure.

Social studies - Native American Indian test went home today, signature is due on Wednesday. We have started studying of Middle Atlantic States today. State test on this region will be given next week, students are required to memorize the capitals and states. We are also starting the new unit on Age of Exploration.

Upcoming Events:

Monday, November 2: 5th graders only, Healthy Kids Survey
Wednesday, November 11: Veterans Day - No School
Monday, November 16: Assembly from Lawrence Hall of Science - Human Body
Tuesday, November 17: First Math Olympiads Contest at 12:30 pm

???Mystery State???

Clues:

This state became a state on Valentine's Day.
This state is the top producer of copper in the United States.
Telephone numbers that begin with the area code 623 can be found in this state.
The palo verde, which is Spanish for "green stick," is this state's official state tree.
Which state is it?

(Answer given in class on Wednesday)