December 10, 2014

Fifth Grade Newsletter:  December 10, 2014

Dear Parents,

     Time seems to move quickly at this time of year.  When we return after Christmas, we will have the final grades for 2nd term on Wednesday, January 7.

     We will continue to work hard the next week and a half and still fit in some fun Christmas activities.  We will be having school-wide Christmas singing sessions next week.   Our very own 5th grade orchestra will play several songs on Thursday, December 18 at 2:45, when the 5th grade is in charge of the singing.  (You are invited to listen to the orchestra perform).

     We will have individual class Christmas parties on Friday, December 19 in the afternoon.  Information about the parties is listed below.  

     Hopefully, students will take the opportunity to read a lot during the Christmas break.  I am really pleased with the number of books my students are reading.  Some of them are racking up stickers on the chart like I never imagined!  I'm noticing a difference in their quality of writing in their Reading Response Journals.  I'm also noticing that they are writing with more "voice".  

     *FYI:  My class is the only class that uses Response Journals.  The other two require book reports.  Thanks for supporting me in this change.  I'm so happy that students are on board and putting forth extra effort in reading.

     Thanks for encouraging your children to practice their typing skills.  Again, I am seeing improvement.  About half of the students are typing 20 wpm.  I'm thrilled about that.   Students can continue to improve as they type letters to Grandma, type stories, or whatever they want.

      I do appreciate the great support I feel from each of you.  I hope all is well with your family, and that you have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season.

                                                                    Sincerely, Mrs. Payne 

P.S.  Please look for the bright orange verification slip to sign, stating that you have read this newsletter and have looked at your child's grade on Power School.  The next newsletter will be sent home January 7th.

                                                  CHRISTMAS PARTY

         Please bring a wrapped gift ($2-$3).  Girls label your gift, "Girl".  Boys label your gift, "Boy".

We will do an activity and each student will end up with one of the gifts.   If this is a problem, please let me know.  I don't want this to be a burden on you, with everything else you are expected to do.

 I always keep a few gifts tucked away in case someone can't bring one.  

         We will watch a Family Feature Christmas movie and would like a few treats.  If you would like to furnish a treat, please let me know.  Ideas are:

                One package of cookies

                One bag of chips or pretzels

                One bag of individual candy treats (like mini Snickers bars, etc.)

                Plates

                Napkins

    

November 19, 2014

Dear Parents,

As usual, this school year is going by much too quickly!  We’re half-way through the second term.  Since we began asking you to look online to view our newsletters and students’ progress reports, we’ve heard that some of you have had problems logging on.  Please let us know if we can help you.  We are happy to print you a hard copy.  Just let us know. There is a missing assignments paper attached to the verification paper, if your child has any missing assignments. All missing work is due this Monday in order to earn Worker's  Holiday.

The next newsletter/progress report will be posted December 10, and that will be the last one before Christmas Break.

Coming up…

ANCESTOR SHARE FAIR--Friday, November 21, from 2:00-3:00.  Displays will be taken down at 3:15, so, if you want to take your child home, you may want to plan your visit accordingly.  Remember, we want all displays to be in our classrooms on THURSDAY 20th, so that students can share them with the class.  They likely won’t get the chance to view everyone’s displays in the gym, so this is their time to enjoy what their classmates have done.  

WORKER’S HOLIDAY--Tuesday, November 25 (Students may bring a game to play, and we’ll have a period of fun and relaxation for those who earned it.)

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY--Wednesday-Friday, November 26-28.

Bright Orange paper--watch for this slip to come home.  This will be the slip you will sign after you look at your child’s progress report online, and read the newsletter on our blog.  This will always be bright orange, and will come home every other Wednesday.

Thanks for your continued support.  Enjoy your Thanksgiving Break!

Mrs. Payne, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Little

A personal note from me (Mrs. Payne): 

I am so pleased with the amount of reading your children are doing--at home and at school. The writing in their Reading Response Journals is becoming more thoughtful, as well as showing an increased enthusiasm for reading. I love reading these journals and writing back each week! Mrs. Marriott is helping to lighten my load by taking a bunch of journals and writing her own letter. Although I'm not requiring students to fill out a reading log, I hope they are still reading at home every night. A reminder from you would be appreciated.

I am really enjoying these students. They are hard working, and full of positive energy. They certainly keep me on my toes.

October 22, 2014

Coming Up...

Reflections:
I am requiring that each student enter a writing piece in the Reflections Contest.   Each student should have taken home the writing that was completed in class.  That writing needs to be attached to the PTA form (signed by you and filled out by the student) and returned to me by Tuesday, October 28.
If students have a piece of writing they would rather enter, they can enter that instead.  

The form can be printed from the PTA website:  www.utahpta.org/reflections 
Or, you can have your child get a form from me.

Spelling/Roots:
Our spelling words are words that are derived from Greek/Latin Roots.  There are ten words in the list, but I allow students who want an extra challenge to add more words to their list.  

Lists for the next few weeks:

October 23-31:
   *Roots:  (tri- three; quad- four;  quint- five; pent- five)  
trident   trilogy   pentagon   tricycle   triad   triangle   quadrant   quartet   quintet   triathlon

November 3-7:
   *Roots:  (dec/deca-ten;  deci-one tenth;  cent- hundred/hundredth)
decapod   decimal   decade   centipede   century   centimeter   percent   cent   centennial   decibel

November 10-14:
   *Roots:  (ped- foot/feet;  pod- foot/feet;  manu- hand)
centipede   manual   pedal   podium   manager   pedestrian   tripod   mandate   peddle   pedometer


Reading Challenge:
      I have attached a letter that will be coming home tomorrow.  I would like you to discuss this with your child and come up with a challenging goal.  I have had conversations with  teachers who expect their students to read forty books during the school year, and they have found that their students rise to the challenge, and most of them achieve this goal.  A few do not, but even those who do not reach the 40 mark, have been able to read at least 20 books.   The benefits for their students have been huge.  I believe that every student can read at least 20.  Please read the letter, sign, and return it.  
Thanks!

Literature Circles:
     I am beginning literature circles, and would love a few more parents to run a reading group.  If this interests you, please contact me.  These will be on "A" days at 10:00 -10:45.  Our first session will be these dates:
Monday, October 27th;  Friday, October 31st;  Tuesday, November 4th;  Thursday, November 6th;
Monday, November 10th;  Friday, November 14th; Tuesday, November 18th; Thursday, November 20th.  

Science:  
   We are taking the Landforms Test on Friday (24th), then beginning our unit on Electricity.  If you have extra D batteries you'd like to contribute, we could use more.

Social Studies:
    I'm planning on giving the Revolutionary War Test on Monday, (27th).

   Thanks for your support.  Please contact me with your concerns, input or questions.

                        --Sincerely, Jeanne Payne

Reading Challenge Letter (this will be going home with your students)

Dear awesome readers,

I am giving you a challenge.   I just finished reading an inspiring book about reading, and how very important reading is in helping you succeed in school and for the rest of your life.  Did you know that reading A LOT helps you get better at spelling?    And that reading A LOT increases your vocabulary?   Reading A LOT also helps you become a better writer.

And the better you can read, the better you will understand math, science, social studies, and pretty much every other subject!    Pretty amazing that one skill can make such a huge difference.   Truthfully, I already knew all this, and I believe that you can do more than you are doing!    

So, my challenge to you is:  DOUBLE YOUR READING,  DOUBLE YOUR GOAL.

If your goal is to read eight books and earn the Judicial Award, I want you to double that and go for sixteen books!   If your goal is the Congressional Award, push yourself and try for twenty-four.  Freedom Award?  Go for forty!   That sounds like a lot, but I know you can do it.  

Here’s the trade-off:  Double your reading goal, and you won’t have to fill out any more Home Reading Planners or fill out any more Book Reports.  Deal?   I still expect you to read thirty minutes each night at home, but you won’t need to fill out the planner.  You will also read more in class.  I will know that you are reading because we will meet together often and talk about your book.   I will expect you to write me a letter once a week about your book.  You will do this in your Reading Response Journal, and I will show you how.

Please have a parent read and sign this, so that I know s/he is aware of my challenge to you.  

Sincerely, Mrs. Payne

5th Grade Newsletter

Monday, October 13, 2014

Here is our first paperless newsletter.  Please go to PowerSchool and check your child’s grades.  We have sent a bright yellow half sheet of paper with all missing assignments listed on it(if your child has anything missing).  We have also sent a quarter sheet with category totals.   ALL missing work is due tomorrow, Tues., Oct. 14 in order to earn our Worker’s Holiday, which will be on this Wed. morning.  We will play bingo, play a trivia game, and have a checker’s tournament for a half an hour each.  Your child will also need to bring his/her volcano on Wed. as well to earn the activity. Students not earning the activity will work in another room to work on missing assignments.

You are all invited to come have a blast with us, as we explode our volcanoes.  This will be on Wed., Oct. 15 at 12:30  on the south playground. Please DO NOT park in the bus loading zone.

Our Fall Break is a full week this year, from Thurs., Oct. 16-Wed., Oct. 22.  Students return to school on Thurs., Oct. 23.

Reflections entries are due on Oct. 29.  Students are working on a writing piece at school that will be sent home for you to go over with you child. Your child can make corrections at school after you go over it with him/her.  They are also working on a possible photography piece in art class with Mrs. Davis. You will need to sign the entry forms for you child in order for him/her to submit entries. You make pick up rules and entry forms in the office for any other categories that your child wants to enter.

The fifth grade Maturation Programs will be on Fri., Nov. 7 in the gym.  The boys are at 1:00 and girls are at 2:00.  We hope that a parent will be able to attend with each child, however a child may attend without a parent.  We DO need a permission slip returned in order for you child to attend.

Thank you for your attendance at parent conferences. We appreciate the support that you give to us and your children.  Please feel welcome to email, call, or come in anytime with your concerns.  The next newsletter will be posted on Wed., Nov, 5

Thank you,

Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Little, & Mrs. Payne

*****Please sign the bright red verification slip that your child brought home and return it to school.*****

October 2014

Here's what's happening this month:

October:
   13th--look online at your child's progress report, using the password I gave  you at SEP Conferences.  This will be the last one for this first term, and it will be paperless.  Your child can let me know if you will need a hard copy sent home.  If your child has an 80% or higher, and if all assignments are turned in, s/he will be able to attend Worker's Holiday on October 15.

   10th--Book Orders are due, if you would like to turn in an order.
   13th--Book Projects are due.  This date is different.  I changed it because I will be gone
on Friday.  Please ask your child if s/he needs assistance with this.  The guidelines are on a purple sheet of paper, given to them a couple of weeks ago.
   14th--All work is due for this term, including the second book report.
   15th--Worker's Holiday (morning)
   15th--Volcano Day (12:25-1:30).  I hope you read the letter I gave you at SEPs.  Remember, you
             are invited to come and watch the explosions.
   15th--End of first term
   29th--Reflections Contest entries are due.  You can find the entry forms and rules at this site:
             www.utahpta.org/reflections
The categories are:  3D Art, Dance/Choreography, Literature, Visual Arts, Film Production,
Photography, Music Composition

November 7th--Maturation program  (boys @ 1:00 PM, and girls @ 2:00 PM).  You may take your child home with you afterward.

I will begin Literature Groups on A Days, after Fall Recess.  They will be on A Days, because I have two CHS students who can each help run a group.  I would love to have some of you parents help with this.  Please let me know.  The times will be 10:15-10:45.  Let me know if you are interested, and I'll contact you with the days.  

Patriot Award:  Students are working on a patriotic packet, memorizing important facts, speeches, songs, etc., about the United States of America.  If they can pass off all the requirements in this packet, they will earn a patriotic award at the end of May.  Some of them are off and running with this challenging endeavor.  Ask them about this.

We are coming close to the end of our Revolutionary War Unit, and will begin learning about the Constitution and our nation's government, after the Fall Recess.  This is such a valuable unit!  I wish every American could review this information.  Remember to ask your child what s/he learns each day.

I loved meeting with you at SEPs!  It's always fun for me to see where my students come from.  They are great kids, and you are doing a good job teaching and training them.  Please continue to help with math, and encouraging the daily reading.

And, as always, you are welcome to email me your concerns, or drop in our classroom.

Thank you!
Jeanne Payne


 

September 2014

Welcome to 5th grade!

It was good to meet you at Back to School Night.  It will take me awhile to learn which parents go with which students, so please be patient if I ask who your child is.  There are a few things I didn't have time to tell you when we met, so here they are:

Math-- Math will be relatively easy for those who know their times tables.  For those who don't, school can get pretty hard.   This is one of my biggest concerns.  Parents, please help your child at home, if s/he is still struggling with these facts.  

Students will take home the small practice book whenever they have math homework.  This is due the next morning.   Also, if your child is spending more than 30 (or so) minutes on homework, please let me know.    
Spelling--I gave a spelling assessment the first week of school to help me determine where to begin our spelling program.  For the first few months of school, I will send home word lists of basic 5th grade words (the most used words by 5th graders).    I will add our math vocabulary to them.  Later in the year student lists will include Greek/Latin roots.

Science field trip-- We will travel to an extinct volcano on Cedar Mountain, explore Mammoth Caves (by Navajo Lake), and hike the Alpine Loop Trail at Cedar Breaks.  I've had a couple of parents contact me and offer to chaperone.  I'd love to have more.  This will be September 22.  We will leave at 9:00 and return by 3:15.

Orchestra--So far I have three students signed up for orchestra (about 20 from all the 5th grades).  We are hoping that more will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.   Although Mrs. Neumann has begun orchestra, she will still accept students.  Your child can pick up a form from me and return it to me.

School Messages-- If you didn't already sign up for Smiths (online), so our school can receive money each time you purchase items, please do that.   Also, we encourage you to sign up to receive PTA messages on your phone or email.  To receive messages via text, enter this number:  435-238-4868 and text this message:  @southel.   This will allow you to receive reminders on important issues or events at our school.   You should find these instructions in your PTA orange folder that was sent home.

School pictures and our Back to School Bash are both on Monday, Sept 8.

If you need to get hold of me (before or after school, or during lunch time), you can call my cell phone:  590-4755.  If you need me during school, please call the office.  I carry my phone with me on all field trips and outings, so that I can get hold of you, if necessary.

I have a great bunch of students who are willing and eager to learn.   We are all on the same team in helping your students succeed, so I hope you feel you can call or email me.  Thanks for sharing your children with me.  I love teaching, and I know this will be a great year!

                                         --Jeanne Payne  (jeanne.payne@ironmail.org)

May 2014

Only 15 days left of school this year, and so many activities coming up!
We sent home a calendar of events for May (along with a permission slip), but I'll post them here, along with my own class activities.
*Note that there are a few changes from the newsletter.

Tuesday 6  --Math End of Level Test
Wed. 7       --CMS Open House, 6-8 PM.  You can pick up schedule, find out child's teacher.
Thursday 8--Math End of Level Test
Friday 9     --"Move it!" Day.  The PTA has extended the deadline until Friday morning, in hopes that more students will participate.  A pledge of $25 or more gets a  T-shirt, and any pledge at all is a        ticket to participate in a class activity.  
                   --ALL Book reports are due for the Reading Revolution!
                   --Math Review packets are due.  Many students are already done and have turned these
                        in, but this later date allows students to go back and correct errors.
Monday 12--Field Trip to Zion ($3.00 for the IMax Theater movie, Treasure of the Gods)
                                   Please return the paper sent home regarding lunches for all upcoming events.
Tuesday 13--Tour of CMS.  (Bus there, walk back).
Wed.  14    --Reading Revolution Awards will be presented (certificates/medals)
Thursday 15-Battle of the Books (5th Grades)
                   --Judicial Reading Reward (ice cream sundaes!)
Friday 16   --Congressional Reading Reward (movie & popcorn)
                  --Battle of the Books (winners compete against Enoch Elem)
Monday 19--Presidential Reading Reward (breakfast in the park)
Tuesday 20--Great American Heroes Program (our 5th grade program)
                         (K-2 at 10:00 AM, 3-5 at 2:00 PM.  You can take your child home afterward.)
                 --Patriot Awards presented  (for Mrs. Payne's and Mrs. Garrett's classes)
Wed. 21    --Tent Day (Worker's Holiday)
Thursday 22-Track and Field Day for 4th and 5th graders at CHS. We need more volunteers.

Friday 23   --Last Day of School.  Our class will serenade the school with our harmonicas.  Dismissed at 2:30.

        My students have begun creating a state report.  This will be an art/research/writing project.  This will be done in class, but students can work on them at home, if they want.  Since the computers are in high demand right now, it is hard to find a time to schedule them, so students may need to finish the typing portion of this report at home.  They will present their reports throughout the week of the 12th-16th.

      Several of you have asked about math during the summer.  There are pages in our small math book that students can take home and complete.  These will help them get ready for 6th grade.  In addition, the IXL practice tests can be taken, as well.  However, students would have to take them as a guest and are limited to 20 questions a day.    (www.ixl.com).

     Parents, I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching your children!  I have loved watching their personalities emerge, and getting to know them on a more personal level.  I have grown to love them, and I feel a strong desire for them to succeed in middle school and beyond.  

    I will always be watching and keeping track of their activities through the years, and I will be cheering them on.   I will always remember these students.  Thanks for sharing them with me!
                                            Sincerely, Jeanne Payne



                                            

March 2014

Here's what's coming up...

WORKER'S HOLIDAY 
      Friday (tomorrow), swimming at the Aquatic Center.  We'll catch a bus ride there at 8:50, swim for a couple of hours, then walk back.  Students need to dress warmly, because they will likely have wet hair.
      A few concerns:  I have several students who don't turn their work in on time, so they accumulate a long list of missing assignments.  When they try to turn them all in on the day of the deadline, most of those assignments are not worth many points.  Some are so late, they are worth almost nothing.  Today I had some very disappointed students who turned in all their late work, thinking they could go swimming, only to discover that their percentages were too low.   As badly as I feel about this, I have to be fair.

    Our next (and last) Worker's Holiday is in May.  It will be our annual Tent Day.  To encourage students to get their work in on time, assignments will be worth only one point if they are more than two weeks late.  I have given this a lot of thought, and I think it is more than fair. 

ARTS NIGHT 
     Next Monday, March 17,  we will meet in my classroom at 7:30 PM to prepare to perform our harmonicas.  I understand that some students will not be able to attend this.
I don't require that they be here, but I will give 30 points to all students who do.   In fact, any student who performs at all (with our class or by themselves) will receive extra credit points.   The PTA has some really fun activities planned, so I hope you will put this on your
 calendar.

SCIENCE FAIR
     Friday, 21st students will present all their projects.  Those students (from all 5th grades) who are writing research papers will meet in my classroom and share their research, while the others meet in the gym.   The research paper can be on any topic, including animals, plants, rocks, electricity, space, etc. 

A few other things...

Brandon Mull will visit our school on Monday.  Exciting!
Kamree and Ashlyn will represent our class at the SUU Chemistry Competition on March 18th.  We'll let you know how that goes.  

     Parents, I truly love your children!  I want the best for them--all of them.  I think about their struggles and how I can help them.   I am thrilled over their successes.
     Thanks for sharing them with me this year.

     --Jeanne Payne

February 2014

Dear Parents,

              We have an exciting and busy schedule ahead.  I'd like to give you a heads up on some important information:

*Harmonicas--We have officially begun learning how to play this fun little instrument.  If you'd still like to buy one, I have more for $4.00 (Jawbone brand, Key of C).  If you'd like to buy one for yourself, just send the $$ with your child.  You can learn together:).  

*Book Review--This term's Book Project will be a book review, and is due Friday,
 February 14.  I have a few samples I will send home with them.  It can be written about any novel of any genre they have read this third term.  It needs to be type written, to give them added typing practice for the Direct Writing Assessment coming up.

*Essays--Students have been writing daily, gaining expertise in writing their essays.  We've had three students score a perfect 30 on the last writing assignment ("Should Parents Pull the Plug on Electronic Devices?").  In addition, 15 students have scored 25 or higher.   I am so pleased with their progress!   (Their writing is scored on www.utahwrite.com).
         Students must score 24 or above to be considered proficient in writing.  To give them a boost, I am asking that a parent or older interested person sit down with them and give them suggestions on how they can improve their essay.    I hope that you will be available to help when they approach you.

*Direct Writing Assessment--
         Our assessment is scheduled for February 25, Tuesday, 9:00-12:00.   This is a challenging test.  Students are given a prompt and two articles of opposing viewpoints.  Then they must take a stand.  They need to organize their thoughts and type a 5-paragraph opinion essay that is good enough to score at least 24.  No dictionary or spell-check.  No help of any kind.  And all within one sitting.  (Whew!)   Practicing at home will give them a definite edge.
        PLEASE make sure your child is in school that day.  If you know you will be gone, let me know in advance so I can make arrangements for him/her to take the test at an earlier time.  Our class is at the end of the cut-off window for taking the test, so this is important.  Thanks!

School Spelling Bee--is on February 28, and the spelling words are on the South Elementary Blog.  If you can't find it, let me know.  You can also pick up a copy in the office.  Students can begin right now studying for the class test, given on February 14.  The top two students will be selected to compete.  This is an optional activity, but if your child excels in spelling, I hope s/he gives it a try. 

Book Orders--due February 14. 
      Thank you for your support in and out of the classroom.   As always, you are welcome to come spend time in our classroom.  If your schedule allows you to volunteer, I could use help in math on Thursdays (9:30-10:10) and Fridays (10:30-11:10).   I look forward to visiting with you at SEPs the first week of March.  
                        
                                 Thank you for sharing your child with me this year!
                                                           --Jeanne Payne