Dear Parents,
Several of you have asked me questions about the Ancestor Share Fair, so I will try to dispel any confusion. I am sorry about the dates on the letter that was sent home. These are the real dates:
Friday, November 30---Ancestor Interview Questionnaire is due.
(I will look at it, check it off, and return it so your child can use the info to type his/her narrative).
Monday, December 10--Ancestor Share Fair Display board is due.
Students will share this with the class in the morning, then display it in the gym 2:30-3:15. You are invited to walk through and see all the displays. The board can be a small or large tri-fold science-fair board that you purchase, or you can fold a nice piece of cardboard yourself. Just remember that it needs to stand by itself on a table.
* On the display board, you will need:
1. A typed (or neatly written) narrative about your ancestor.
2. Picture or drawing of the county s/he came from.
3. Picture or drawing of the mode of transportation that brought him/her to America.
4. A tradition or value that has been passed down, such as hard work, religion,
wood carving, music, etc.
5. Name of the ancestor. (A photo is not necessary, but you can add one).
6. Anything else you'd like to add to make it interesting.
Please help your child gather information about your ancestor, share stories, etc. Your help is needed, and I hope this will be a good experience for your family. When it comes to the writing and typing, however, please make sure your child types this in his/her own words. This is important, because I would like to enter these narratives in the Sons of the Utah Pioneers Essay Contest, and they need to be the work of your child. For this reason, I am asking that you print two copies--one for the display, and one for the contest.
Tuesday, December 4--Talent Share in music class (with Mrs. Leavitt)
Friday, December 21--Biography/Autobiography Book Project (share in front of the class)
Your child should be reading a biography book. I am waiting until the Ancestor Share Fair is over before this new project is due. This should be a do-it-yourself project (whew!). I am assigning a Box Book Report. Any box will do--cracker box, shoe box, cereal box. The outside can be
covered with paper and the "ingredients" of the book written on the outside. More info will be coming home on this.
WRITING:
Thanks for sitting down with your child and helping with the essay about living in Cedar City. Several students told me that their scores went up after you helped them revise. Every improvement is a good reason to cheer. Thank you!
I am really trying to boost their writing skills so they can score in the twenties (30 is a perfect score). I hope you read the letter I sent home regarding this. We are working toward a class party, and we will celebrate when 75% of the class achieves a score of 24 or higher. So far, eight students have achieved a high score and others have been steadily improving. I am so proud of their diligent efforts in revising.
SCIENCE:
We have been madly mixing together chemicals and conducting science investigations. Ask your child to explain to you the evidences of a chemical reaction.
Next Friday (December 7) we will have a culminating activity for our chemistry unit.
We are asking for a 50-cent donation so we can buy ingredients to make fudge. The question of the day is: Is this a chemical or physical change?
The last day of school before Christmas vacation will be Friday 21st. School will resume again on January 7th.
We have a new student. Welcome Caleb!
Birthday Greetings to Emily and Jake!
Thanks for all the effort you put into your child's education. I am grateful for your support.
--Jeanne Payne
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
November 2012
To the parents of a great bunch of fifth graders,
I want to say thanks for encouraging your child's typing practice at home. I know we'll see a difference as they continue to practice.
Each week, I will send home a typing sheet attached to the weekly Reading Record. Students will record the time spent typing, get your signature, and return the slip on Monday, along with their Reading Record. This will be easier for me to record, and hopefully, students can remember better and keep track of each record sheet. Please look for the one sent home for this week. It is due back on Monday. (Next week it will be attached the Reading Record).
Important: Mr. Oldroyd is asking that you call the office and excuse your child whenever s/he is absent. In an effort to keep students safe, please call or email before 10:00 AM. That way, we can make sure that your child is really at home.
Here is what's happening in our classroom:
SOCIAL STUDIES--We finally won the American Revolution and are now studying the three branches of government and the Constitution. This is timely with the Presidential Election. Speaking of the election, we cast our votes in our classroom, and Romney won 95% of the votes. With the news of O'Bama's win, some of the students were worried and one of them asked, "What will happen to us now?"
This question startled me. Fifth graders shouldn't have those kinds of worries. I assured them that we will be OK. No matter who is president, we still live in the greatest country on earth. I hope that you will have a discussion about this if your child is concerned.
SCIENCE-- We are studying physical and chemical changes. This is an exciting unit where we get to be Mad Scientists mixing chemicals. We began the unit with a visit from SUU chemistry students, who performed amazing tricks in our classroom with fire and color. They even set off the fire alarm!
READING--Our new unit is on Immigration. The culminating activity will be an Ancestor Share Fair on December 10. Look for a letter and an Interview Sheet to come home next week with the details.
LANGUAGE ARTS--Our school purchased a cart of Chrome Books, and we are loving them!
So far, our class is the first to use them. We are learning how to use Google-docs as we type our latest persuasive paper. We're continually working to improve our writing skills.
MATH--This class is a hard working group. They are willing to stay in the struggle in solving math problems. I am proud of them! Thanks for your extra help at home.
*November 14--Progress Report and letter about Ancestor Share Fair comes home
*November 20-- Worker's Holiday
*November 21-23--Thanksgiving Holiday
The most important events of November are the birthdays of Ethan, Tara, Brinley, and Becca!
Thanks for your continued support in educating your children. I truly enjoy each day I spend with them. Please don't hesitate to contact me.
--Jeanne Payne 586- 2850 (school) 586-4744 (home)
jeanne.payne@ironmail.org
I want to say thanks for encouraging your child's typing practice at home. I know we'll see a difference as they continue to practice.
Each week, I will send home a typing sheet attached to the weekly Reading Record. Students will record the time spent typing, get your signature, and return the slip on Monday, along with their Reading Record. This will be easier for me to record, and hopefully, students can remember better and keep track of each record sheet. Please look for the one sent home for this week. It is due back on Monday. (Next week it will be attached the Reading Record).
Important: Mr. Oldroyd is asking that you call the office and excuse your child whenever s/he is absent. In an effort to keep students safe, please call or email before 10:00 AM. That way, we can make sure that your child is really at home.
Here is what's happening in our classroom:
SOCIAL STUDIES--We finally won the American Revolution and are now studying the three branches of government and the Constitution. This is timely with the Presidential Election. Speaking of the election, we cast our votes in our classroom, and Romney won 95% of the votes. With the news of O'Bama's win, some of the students were worried and one of them asked, "What will happen to us now?"
This question startled me. Fifth graders shouldn't have those kinds of worries. I assured them that we will be OK. No matter who is president, we still live in the greatest country on earth. I hope that you will have a discussion about this if your child is concerned.
SCIENCE-- We are studying physical and chemical changes. This is an exciting unit where we get to be Mad Scientists mixing chemicals. We began the unit with a visit from SUU chemistry students, who performed amazing tricks in our classroom with fire and color. They even set off the fire alarm!
READING--Our new unit is on Immigration. The culminating activity will be an Ancestor Share Fair on December 10. Look for a letter and an Interview Sheet to come home next week with the details.
LANGUAGE ARTS--Our school purchased a cart of Chrome Books, and we are loving them!
So far, our class is the first to use them. We are learning how to use Google-docs as we type our latest persuasive paper. We're continually working to improve our writing skills.
MATH--This class is a hard working group. They are willing to stay in the struggle in solving math problems. I am proud of them! Thanks for your extra help at home.
*November 14--Progress Report and letter about Ancestor Share Fair comes home
*November 20-- Worker's Holiday
*November 21-23--Thanksgiving Holiday
The most important events of November are the birthdays of Ethan, Tara, Brinley, and Becca!
Thanks for your continued support in educating your children. I truly enjoy each day I spend with them. Please don't hesitate to contact me.
--Jeanne Payne 586- 2850 (school) 586-4744 (home)
jeanne.payne@ironmail.org
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Fall is in the air! October 4, 2012
Dear Parents,
I have truly enjoyed meeting with you for SEP conferences. I enjoy getting to know the parents of my students and seeing where they come from. It has been heart-warming to witness the deep concern you have for the welfare and success of your children. I appreciate the concerns that were expressed during the SEP conferences. Please know that I give those concerns a lot of thought, and
I am committed to do all I can to help.
Coming up this month:
October 8: Walk to Braithwaite Art Gallery, SUU campus (1:00-3:00 PM)
October 10: Book Projects due
October 16: Next progress report comes home
October 17: 1st term ends, and all work is due.
October 18-22: Fall Recess
October 23: Worker's Holiday
October 24: Volcano Explosion Day (watch for a letter next Wednesday about this)
Remember that spelling words are sent home Mondays, and tests are Fridays. Since I have
three different spelling groups, it is hard to post each group's list on this blog, but if you ever need an extra list, I'll be happy to send that home.
Beginning Wednesday 10, the 5th grade classes will bring home a keyboarding practice sheet. We need students to practice typing at home for 10 minutes daily until they are typing 20 wpm. That is the standard for 5th grade.
In February, students will take the DWA (Direct Writing Assessment), where they will need to write a 5-paragraph persuasive essay. This is an on-the-spot assessment, which means that they will have no idea what subject they need to write about until they sit down at the computer that day and read the prompt. They will then have to write, revise, and type the entire essay in one sitting! (They are usually given around an hour's time). I have begun teaching them how to write a persuasive essay, and I know they will be prepared to write an excellent essay when the time comes. The typing is another matter. Some of our students are still chicken-pecking on the keyboard, and type painfully slow. I need your help at home in helping them get up to speed.
Congratulations to Jake, who is our #1 typist. He has exceeded the 20 wpm mark. His challenge now is to type as fast as me:)
We will walk to the SUU Braithwaite Art Gallery Monday, 8 from 1:00-3:00 PM.
A letter will come home about the Volcano project, but I will give a brief explanation: Each student needs to build a volcano, either alone or with a partner. The volcano can be made out of any material, from play dough to styrofoam. Students need to cause an explosion using this volcano. The explosion can be small (vinegar and soda), or big (using Diet Coke and Mentos). The volcanoes will be set off on the playground the afternoon of the 24th. Parents are invited to come watch. We ask that no fire or explosives be used (like fireworks or dry ice in a closed container).
Student Book Projects are due this coming Wednesday, 10th. They need to be prepared to share their project with the class and tell a little about the book. I sent home a list of ideas they could choose from, but if they lost the list, I can give them another one.
Some of the project ideas include:
Design a book cover, make a wanted poster, write an editorial, make a comic strip, video tape, make up a poem or song or rap, write a letter to the author, make up a game, write a play, panel discussion, time line of events, diorama, design a map.
I expect students to spend an hour or more on this project and make it something they can share with the class and feel proud of the job they did.
Happy birthday this month to:
MELISSA, KOLTON, BRECKEN, HANNAH (yay! hurrah! yippee!)
I love your children. You are doing an excellent job in teaching and training them at home.
They all are trying to be respectful and kind, and they are working hard to succeed in school.
Thanks for the support you give to me. Please let me know of any concerns you have that we didn't discuss at SEPs.
--Jeanne Payne (jeanne.payne@ironmail.org)
I have truly enjoyed meeting with you for SEP conferences. I enjoy getting to know the parents of my students and seeing where they come from. It has been heart-warming to witness the deep concern you have for the welfare and success of your children. I appreciate the concerns that were expressed during the SEP conferences. Please know that I give those concerns a lot of thought, and
I am committed to do all I can to help.
Coming up this month:
October 8: Walk to Braithwaite Art Gallery, SUU campus (1:00-3:00 PM)
October 10: Book Projects due
October 16: Next progress report comes home
October 17: 1st term ends, and all work is due.
October 18-22: Fall Recess
October 23: Worker's Holiday
October 24: Volcano Explosion Day (watch for a letter next Wednesday about this)
Remember that spelling words are sent home Mondays, and tests are Fridays. Since I have
three different spelling groups, it is hard to post each group's list on this blog, but if you ever need an extra list, I'll be happy to send that home.
Beginning Wednesday 10, the 5th grade classes will bring home a keyboarding practice sheet. We need students to practice typing at home for 10 minutes daily until they are typing 20 wpm. That is the standard for 5th grade.
In February, students will take the DWA (Direct Writing Assessment), where they will need to write a 5-paragraph persuasive essay. This is an on-the-spot assessment, which means that they will have no idea what subject they need to write about until they sit down at the computer that day and read the prompt. They will then have to write, revise, and type the entire essay in one sitting! (They are usually given around an hour's time). I have begun teaching them how to write a persuasive essay, and I know they will be prepared to write an excellent essay when the time comes. The typing is another matter. Some of our students are still chicken-pecking on the keyboard, and type painfully slow. I need your help at home in helping them get up to speed.
Congratulations to Jake, who is our #1 typist. He has exceeded the 20 wpm mark. His challenge now is to type as fast as me:)
We will walk to the SUU Braithwaite Art Gallery Monday, 8 from 1:00-3:00 PM.
A letter will come home about the Volcano project, but I will give a brief explanation: Each student needs to build a volcano, either alone or with a partner. The volcano can be made out of any material, from play dough to styrofoam. Students need to cause an explosion using this volcano. The explosion can be small (vinegar and soda), or big (using Diet Coke and Mentos). The volcanoes will be set off on the playground the afternoon of the 24th. Parents are invited to come watch. We ask that no fire or explosives be used (like fireworks or dry ice in a closed container).
Student Book Projects are due this coming Wednesday, 10th. They need to be prepared to share their project with the class and tell a little about the book. I sent home a list of ideas they could choose from, but if they lost the list, I can give them another one.
Some of the project ideas include:
Design a book cover, make a wanted poster, write an editorial, make a comic strip, video tape, make up a poem or song or rap, write a letter to the author, make up a game, write a play, panel discussion, time line of events, diorama, design a map.
I expect students to spend an hour or more on this project and make it something they can share with the class and feel proud of the job they did.
Happy birthday this month to:
MELISSA, KOLTON, BRECKEN, HANNAH (yay! hurrah! yippee!)
I love your children. You are doing an excellent job in teaching and training them at home.
They all are trying to be respectful and kind, and they are working hard to succeed in school.
Thanks for the support you give to me. Please let me know of any concerns you have that we didn't discuss at SEPs.
--Jeanne Payne (jeanne.payne@ironmail.org)
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
September 2012
Happy September!
I hope that you all read the newsletter that was sent home on the 5th. Mrs. Williams typed that letter, but it represented all of the 5th grade classes. Attached was a permission slip for our field trip to Mammoth Caves. I am still missing several students' permission slips.
Field trip agenda:
Two buses will leave the school around 9:00 AM on Friday, September 21. We will drive up Cedar Mountain and visit an extinct volcano. Then, we will drive to some lava tubes, called Mammoth Caves. These caves are located across the highway from Navajo Lake.
The cave we will be hiking in is dark and slippery with overhanging rocks. For this reason, we require that all students wear gym type shoes (no sandals or slippery soled shoes), and we need every student to bring a flashlight. A water bottle and jacket would also be a good idea. We invite parent chaperones to come with us. If you'd like to come, just send word with your child. Parents, you will need to bring your own lunch or let us know if you want to order a school lunch. Also, bring your own flashlight. There are outdoor bathrooms at Mammoth Caves, and we will plan on eating our lunches there.
We will stop at Cedar Breaks and hike the Alpine Loop Trail while we look for signs of erosion, weathering, and deposition. This trail is about one mile long. We plan on arriving at the school around 3:00 PM. Let me know if you have any questions about this trip.
*********************************************************
Maturation programs will be held on Friday, September 28. The boys will meet at 1:00 and the girls at 2:15. The school nurse will send a letter home next week so you can read more details. We encourage you to attend with your child. Usually, the boys prefer their dads to be with them, and the girls feel more comfortable with their moms:) If you can't make it, your child can sit with a friend and his/her parent.
SEP (Parent/teacher conferences) will be held October 1-5. I would love you to let me know if one day is better that another. I would also love to hold some of the conferences in the mornings before school, 7:30 or 8:00 AM. Let me know if this works for any of you.
I have divided my students into spelling groups. They will be working with word sorts this year. Some weeks, your child may have an easy list, but the words will have spelling patterns that your child needs to become more familiar with. Other weeks his/her list may be more difficult. We have been working on these lists in class, and they will come home tomorrow so students can review them before the test on Friday.
*We are still working toward a yummy pan of brownies by every student coming prepared with math homework ten days in a row. We did make it to six days, then had to start over again. Please encourage your child to come prepared with math. If s/he is really struggling and it is taking an unreasonable amount of time to complete, then let me know. I would say that 30-45 minutes on math homework is reasonable.
Those are the important happenings this month. Of course, the most important occasion this month is Shaylee's birthday. Have a wonderful birthday, Shaylee!
Sincerely, Mrs. Jeanne Payne jeanne.payne@ironmail.org
I hope that you all read the newsletter that was sent home on the 5th. Mrs. Williams typed that letter, but it represented all of the 5th grade classes. Attached was a permission slip for our field trip to Mammoth Caves. I am still missing several students' permission slips.
Field trip agenda:
Two buses will leave the school around 9:00 AM on Friday, September 21. We will drive up Cedar Mountain and visit an extinct volcano. Then, we will drive to some lava tubes, called Mammoth Caves. These caves are located across the highway from Navajo Lake.
The cave we will be hiking in is dark and slippery with overhanging rocks. For this reason, we require that all students wear gym type shoes (no sandals or slippery soled shoes), and we need every student to bring a flashlight. A water bottle and jacket would also be a good idea. We invite parent chaperones to come with us. If you'd like to come, just send word with your child. Parents, you will need to bring your own lunch or let us know if you want to order a school lunch. Also, bring your own flashlight. There are outdoor bathrooms at Mammoth Caves, and we will plan on eating our lunches there.
We will stop at Cedar Breaks and hike the Alpine Loop Trail while we look for signs of erosion, weathering, and deposition. This trail is about one mile long. We plan on arriving at the school around 3:00 PM. Let me know if you have any questions about this trip.
*********************************************************
Maturation programs will be held on Friday, September 28. The boys will meet at 1:00 and the girls at 2:15. The school nurse will send a letter home next week so you can read more details. We encourage you to attend with your child. Usually, the boys prefer their dads to be with them, and the girls feel more comfortable with their moms:) If you can't make it, your child can sit with a friend and his/her parent.
SEP (Parent/teacher conferences) will be held October 1-5. I would love you to let me know if one day is better that another. I would also love to hold some of the conferences in the mornings before school, 7:30 or 8:00 AM. Let me know if this works for any of you.
I have divided my students into spelling groups. They will be working with word sorts this year. Some weeks, your child may have an easy list, but the words will have spelling patterns that your child needs to become more familiar with. Other weeks his/her list may be more difficult. We have been working on these lists in class, and they will come home tomorrow so students can review them before the test on Friday.
*We are still working toward a yummy pan of brownies by every student coming prepared with math homework ten days in a row. We did make it to six days, then had to start over again. Please encourage your child to come prepared with math. If s/he is really struggling and it is taking an unreasonable amount of time to complete, then let me know. I would say that 30-45 minutes on math homework is reasonable.
Those are the important happenings this month. Of course, the most important occasion this month is Shaylee's birthday. Have a wonderful birthday, Shaylee!
Sincerely, Mrs. Jeanne Payne jeanne.payne@ironmail.org
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Welcome Back, Students of 2012
The first day of school is over, and I hope my new students had a happy day like I did.
We played games getting to know each other, and spent time learning about fifth grade. My favorite part of these days is getting to know your delightful children. I love to just walk around the playground and chat with them. The first two days are always a bit exhausting, so we did a few fun science activities to help everyone relax.
Parents, if you didn't sign the papers in the red folder (from Back to School Night), please do that as soon as you can. The papers I need are: photo permission, lunch worker permission, safe schools policy, acceptable use computer policy, and any PTA papers you are interested in. I also need the Parent Questionnaire, and the Interest Inventory, if you didn't send those back yet. I appreciate the time you take to read, fill out, sign, and return all those papers. Thank you!
If you are interested in volunteering for math or spelling, please let me know. I will need a
math helper every day from 10:30-11:00. Just let me know which day(s) you can come, and I will talk to you about it. Also, I could use two or three helpers for spelling groups, Mondays 11:15-11:45.
You can send word back with your child if that is easier, or you can email me:
jeanne.payne@ironmail.org
Thank you for attending Back to School Night. I didn't get to meet all of you, but I really wanted to.
If you have any concerns about your child that was not expressed, or if you can think of a way I can help your child, please contact me. I can tell that this group is an exceptional one in regards to respect, kindness, and hard work. I love them already.
Happy birthday this month to Sophie and Ender!
This will be a great year!
Mrs. Jeanne Payne
We played games getting to know each other, and spent time learning about fifth grade. My favorite part of these days is getting to know your delightful children. I love to just walk around the playground and chat with them. The first two days are always a bit exhausting, so we did a few fun science activities to help everyone relax.
Parents, if you didn't sign the papers in the red folder (from Back to School Night), please do that as soon as you can. The papers I need are: photo permission, lunch worker permission, safe schools policy, acceptable use computer policy, and any PTA papers you are interested in. I also need the Parent Questionnaire, and the Interest Inventory, if you didn't send those back yet. I appreciate the time you take to read, fill out, sign, and return all those papers. Thank you!
If you are interested in volunteering for math or spelling, please let me know. I will need a
math helper every day from 10:30-11:00. Just let me know which day(s) you can come, and I will talk to you about it. Also, I could use two or three helpers for spelling groups, Mondays 11:15-11:45.
You can send word back with your child if that is easier, or you can email me:
jeanne.payne@ironmail.org
Thank you for attending Back to School Night. I didn't get to meet all of you, but I really wanted to.
If you have any concerns about your child that was not expressed, or if you can think of a way I can help your child, please contact me. I can tell that this group is an exceptional one in regards to respect, kindness, and hard work. I love them already.
Happy birthday this month to Sophie and Ender!
This will be a great year!
Mrs. Jeanne Payne
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
End of School Countdown!
We're in the final weeks of school, and for these students, the final weeks of elementary!
This is always a bittersweet time for me. After spending almost nine months together, I have fallen in love with these students. It will be hard to send them off to middle school. I will worry about them, listen for news about them, and cheer for them to succeed.
May is a wild, crazy time. We sent home a newsletter with upcoming events and deadlines.
Here they are:
May 10--Math End-of-Level Test (9:00 AM)
Root beer float party for all who earned it (15 required tests)
May 14--All book reports due for Reading Revolution
May Reading Calendar due (280 minutes required in order to attend Reading Celebration)
READING CELEBRATION
May 15--Field Trip to Zion ($2.50 for the movie at Zion Theater)
*If any of you would like to be a chaperone, we would love you to come.
Orchestra Concert, CMS, 7:00 PM
May 16--Wax Museum (9:30-11:00 in the gym). You're invited to drop in--bring a camera.
Progress Report will be sent home
Spring Open House at CMS, 6:30-8:00 PM. Find out about 6th grade
May 17--Reading Revolution Sundae Party at lunch.
After-school class (note needed)
May 18--Tour of Cedar Middle School
Congressional Award (movie & popcorn)
ALL WORK DUE
May 21--Field Day
May 22--Tent-a-thon (11:00-3:30)
May 23-Breakfast in the Park for Presidential Award Winners
May 24--Memorial Day Program (we perform our harmonicas)
May 25--Walk to Emerald Pointe (harmonicas for older folks)
Last day of school (dismiss at 2:30)
As you can see, this is a whirl-wind time of school. We will fit in some academic learning in between all the events, so these students can feel prepared for 6th grade.
This has been a wonderful year. I confess that I get teary-eyed thinking about losing all these
kids. I've laughed a lot this year. What a fun bunch of kids!
Let me know if you have any questions about what is coming up.
Thanks for sharing your children with me this year!
--Jeanne Payne
This is always a bittersweet time for me. After spending almost nine months together, I have fallen in love with these students. It will be hard to send them off to middle school. I will worry about them, listen for news about them, and cheer for them to succeed.
May is a wild, crazy time. We sent home a newsletter with upcoming events and deadlines.
Here they are:
May 10--Math End-of-Level Test (9:00 AM)
Root beer float party for all who earned it (15 required tests)
May 14--All book reports due for Reading Revolution
May Reading Calendar due (280 minutes required in order to attend Reading Celebration)
READING CELEBRATION
May 15--Field Trip to Zion ($2.50 for the movie at Zion Theater)
*If any of you would like to be a chaperone, we would love you to come.
Orchestra Concert, CMS, 7:00 PM
May 16--Wax Museum (9:30-11:00 in the gym). You're invited to drop in--bring a camera.
Progress Report will be sent home
Spring Open House at CMS, 6:30-8:00 PM. Find out about 6th grade
May 17--Reading Revolution Sundae Party at lunch.
After-school class (note needed)
May 18--Tour of Cedar Middle School
Congressional Award (movie & popcorn)
ALL WORK DUE
May 21--Field Day
May 22--Tent-a-thon (11:00-3:30)
May 23-Breakfast in the Park for Presidential Award Winners
May 24--Memorial Day Program (we perform our harmonicas)
May 25--Walk to Emerald Pointe (harmonicas for older folks)
Last day of school (dismiss at 2:30)
As you can see, this is a whirl-wind time of school. We will fit in some academic learning in between all the events, so these students can feel prepared for 6th grade.
This has been a wonderful year. I confess that I get teary-eyed thinking about losing all these
kids. I've laughed a lot this year. What a fun bunch of kids!
Let me know if you have any questions about what is coming up.
Thanks for sharing your children with me this year!
--Jeanne Payne
Monday, April 9, 2012
Your Smart Kids
Hi! I am Miss Loveless, your kids' student teacher for the past 6 weeks. Boy, has it been six fun weeks! We measured circles for Pi day, we witnessed the great talents of South Elementary School at Talent Night in March, and much more! I was a glad participant in the Harmonica number at the Talent Night, although most of your wonderful children are better harmonica players than I am. I also watched as these great fifth graders completed and graduated from the D.A.R.E. Program. This program will help them make important choices in the world ahead, and I appreciate all their enthusiasm in it.
Some other things we've done while I was here are as follows: A day without talking (girls won!), learned basic Spanish, mastered beginning Algebra, had a great Worker's Holiday at the Aquatic Center, studied the World Wars, electric Circuit Cities, and seen none other but our own Harvey in the Playmaker's production of Peter Pan! Great Job, Harvey!
I've had a fantastic time getting to know your kids and watching them as they learn and achieve! I know they'll continue to show Mrs. Payne their best work and go the distance to do great things in these last few months.
Some upcoming Events:
- April 12th (this Thursday) we are going to another Musical production at the Heritage Center.
(wear good walking shoes!
- Rootbeer float UTIPS party: Keep working on those tests! I added a new link for even more tests!
- End of Level Testing begins on April 23 and ends on May 10th.
- Reading Celebration is on May 14. Make sure you earn your ticket! (30 mins, 5 days a week)
- The Kite Flight event will be April 28th at CMS.
Loo for the next Progress Report on Wednesday, April 18th!
Thanks again for the chance to work with your kids. Mrs. Payne and I are very proud of them
-Miss Loveless
Some other things we've done while I was here are as follows: A day without talking (girls won!), learned basic Spanish, mastered beginning Algebra, had a great Worker's Holiday at the Aquatic Center, studied the World Wars, electric Circuit Cities, and seen none other but our own Harvey in the Playmaker's production of Peter Pan! Great Job, Harvey!
I've had a fantastic time getting to know your kids and watching them as they learn and achieve! I know they'll continue to show Mrs. Payne their best work and go the distance to do great things in these last few months.
Some upcoming Events:
- April 12th (this Thursday) we are going to another Musical production at the Heritage Center.
(wear good walking shoes!
- Rootbeer float UTIPS party: Keep working on those tests! I added a new link for even more tests!
- End of Level Testing begins on April 23 and ends on May 10th.
- Reading Celebration is on May 14. Make sure you earn your ticket! (30 mins, 5 days a week)
- The Kite Flight event will be April 28th at CMS.
Loo for the next Progress Report on Wednesday, April 18th!
Thanks again for the chance to work with your kids. Mrs. Payne and I are very proud of them
-Miss Loveless
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
March 2012
We have cause to celebrate: the Direct Writing Assessment was a huge success for every student in our class! I won't have the results for months, but I know that my students did well because I peeked over their shoulders as they took the test. I was impressed with their arguments. The organization of their papers was expertly written, and their choice of words brought a big smile to my face. They definitely wrote with "voice", and I was thrilled! All our hard work was worth it. Even those students who have struggled with writing did better than I ever expected.
Language Arts:
Now that we can relax a little, we are going to write a twisted fairy tale, and just have fun with developing main characters, setting, and plot.
Science:
We are wrapping up our unit on Current Electricity. Thanks to you parents who came in and helped with our circuit cities. They turned out to be works of art. Next week we will begin studying Inherited Traits. This is a fun unit where we will explore living creatures and their traits. Why do people look like they do? What causes certain behaviors? What is learned and what is inherited?
Social Studies:
Students just presented their Civil War Projects-- poems, videos, art, games, dioramas, and reports.
Beautiful display! We will move on to World War 1, The Great Depression, and
World War 2.
I'd love you to come and share with us, if you have an interest or knowledge in one of these areas.
Math:
We just finished learning about perimeter, surface area, and volume.
Reading:
Most of the class is plowing ahead, trying to reach their Reading Revolution goal, and read their assigned "Battle of the Books" books. Keep reading!
Arts Night is coming up on March 19 (Monday) at 5:30 PM. Our class would like to perform their harmonicas. I know that not everyone will be able to come, and that's OK. I'll let everyone know when to meet. I am also giving extra credit points to every student who performs on his/her own or in a group. They can do a dance, karate, jokes, art, magic show, poem, sing, piano, violin, etc.
-Science Fair is Thursday, March 22.
-School Musical is Friday, March 22, 23 (6:30 PM)
-DARE Graduation is Monday, April 2 at 1:00 PM.
-Peter Pan production is Tuesday, April 3, 10:00.
*Our class is going so we can watch Harvey perform!
Thank you for helping your children at home with their essays. I'm convinced that your one on one help gave them the leg up they needed on the assessment. I am so lucky to have enthusiastic students and supportive parents.
Thanks for your teaching and training at home. These are amazing kids!
--Jeanne Payne
Language Arts:
Now that we can relax a little, we are going to write a twisted fairy tale, and just have fun with developing main characters, setting, and plot.
Science:
We are wrapping up our unit on Current Electricity. Thanks to you parents who came in and helped with our circuit cities. They turned out to be works of art. Next week we will begin studying Inherited Traits. This is a fun unit where we will explore living creatures and their traits. Why do people look like they do? What causes certain behaviors? What is learned and what is inherited?
Social Studies:
Students just presented their Civil War Projects-- poems, videos, art, games, dioramas, and reports.
Beautiful display! We will move on to World War 1, The Great Depression, and
World War 2.
I'd love you to come and share with us, if you have an interest or knowledge in one of these areas.
Math:
We just finished learning about perimeter, surface area, and volume.
Reading:
Most of the class is plowing ahead, trying to reach their Reading Revolution goal, and read their assigned "Battle of the Books" books. Keep reading!
Arts Night is coming up on March 19 (Monday) at 5:30 PM. Our class would like to perform their harmonicas. I know that not everyone will be able to come, and that's OK. I'll let everyone know when to meet. I am also giving extra credit points to every student who performs on his/her own or in a group. They can do a dance, karate, jokes, art, magic show, poem, sing, piano, violin, etc.
-Science Fair is Thursday, March 22.
-School Musical is Friday, March 22, 23 (6:30 PM)
-DARE Graduation is Monday, April 2 at 1:00 PM.
-Peter Pan production is Tuesday, April 3, 10:00.
*Our class is going so we can watch Harvey perform!
Thank you for helping your children at home with their essays. I'm convinced that your one on one help gave them the leg up they needed on the assessment. I am so lucky to have enthusiastic students and supportive parents.
Thanks for your teaching and training at home. These are amazing kids!
--Jeanne Payne
Thursday, January 5, 2012
January 2012
Happy New Year!
It's good to be back into a routine. I hope you had a relaxing vacation.
Parents, I have a few concerns that I need your help with.
First, our fifth graders will take the Direct Writing Assessment (statewide writing test) the last week of February. Although they are making great strides in their writing, most of them need an extra push at home. I sent home a letter today asking if you could sit down with your child and read the essay s/he has written, then help with revision and editing. There is a checklist that you can use to help you. I hope that you will be able to find the time to do this.
I need the essay to be returned to school by Monday, so that we can go to the computer lab and try to type them within an hour time. I say "try" because many of the students in the class type slowly, and can't finish the essay in an hour...
This brings me to my other concern. Please encourage your child to practice typing everyday, using proper fingering, so they can be more prepared to take the big test. I believe daily practice is needed.
I would like to begin teaching the harmonica on January 18 (Wednesday). I understand that about half of the class received harmonicas for Christmas (excellent!). The rest can purchase one from me for $4.50, or you can buy one at Cedar Music Store. If you choose not to purchase one, I have a few I can loan. It's nice if students have their own, so they can take it home each night and practice, but whatever you decide.
Science: We are studying magnets now, a fascinating unit for students (and me!)
Social Studies: We are beginning our unit on the Underground Railroad and the Civil War. If you have a special interest in either of these subjects (magnets or Civil War) and would like to share with us, I would love you to come and spend some time with us.
Math: Fractions
End of second term ends January 13. All work must be turned in then.
Thank you for your help with the writing. We do a lot of writing in class, but I believe that the fine tuning of writing composition must be taught one-on-one. I know it's another thing for you to do, but I believe your help will provide the boost that your child needs to succeed in this.
Thanks again for your support!
--Jeanne Payne
It's good to be back into a routine. I hope you had a relaxing vacation.
Parents, I have a few concerns that I need your help with.
First, our fifth graders will take the Direct Writing Assessment (statewide writing test) the last week of February. Although they are making great strides in their writing, most of them need an extra push at home. I sent home a letter today asking if you could sit down with your child and read the essay s/he has written, then help with revision and editing. There is a checklist that you can use to help you. I hope that you will be able to find the time to do this.
I need the essay to be returned to school by Monday, so that we can go to the computer lab and try to type them within an hour time. I say "try" because many of the students in the class type slowly, and can't finish the essay in an hour...
This brings me to my other concern. Please encourage your child to practice typing everyday, using proper fingering, so they can be more prepared to take the big test. I believe daily practice is needed.
I would like to begin teaching the harmonica on January 18 (Wednesday). I understand that about half of the class received harmonicas for Christmas (excellent!). The rest can purchase one from me for $4.50, or you can buy one at Cedar Music Store. If you choose not to purchase one, I have a few I can loan. It's nice if students have their own, so they can take it home each night and practice, but whatever you decide.
Science: We are studying magnets now, a fascinating unit for students (and me!)
Social Studies: We are beginning our unit on the Underground Railroad and the Civil War. If you have a special interest in either of these subjects (magnets or Civil War) and would like to share with us, I would love you to come and spend some time with us.
Math: Fractions
End of second term ends January 13. All work must be turned in then.
Thank you for your help with the writing. We do a lot of writing in class, but I believe that the fine tuning of writing composition must be taught one-on-one. I know it's another thing for you to do, but I believe your help will provide the boost that your child needs to succeed in this.
Thanks again for your support!
--Jeanne Payne
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