Wednesday, February 18, 2015

February 18, 201

Dear Parents,

     Thank you so much with the help you have given as your child has taken the SAGE writing test.  It is so helpful to have all of our students present on the day we take the test.  I feel that the students did a great job with the first section of the test.  Remember,  the second portion will be tomorrow (Thursday) at 9:00 AM.  

     I'm sending a list of Famous Americans home today.  Students need to choose a list of ten Americans that they would like to represent in our Great American Hero program in May.  We ask that students pick ten because they may not get their first or second choice (or seventh or eighth).  We will be picking these Famous Americans next Friday, February 27th.   Students will need to fill out a biography information sheet once they have been assigned their American Hero.   This bio sheet will need to be turned in by March 9th.

     SEPs (Parent Conferences) will be held the first week of March.  Look for the SEP form coming home today.  If that time does not work, pencil your child's name in an empty slot and return it.  Thanks!

     Science and Engineering Expo:  Also coming home is an information letter explaining this event.  The Science Expo will not be judged;  however, projects will be graded.  Please fill out the registration form and return it to me by Monday, March 2nd.  This expo is for 4th and 5th grades.  They can choose to do a research paper or a full-blown project.
Students will need to have their project or research paper completed by Friday, March 27th.  Parents can come view the projects in the gym, from 2:00-3:00 on this same day.

     We are finishing our Matter Unit, and we want to culminate this unit by making "fudge in a bag".  This is a costly activity, so we are asking for a donation of $1.00 per student.  If you can donate, that would be a great help.  We would like to buy the ingredients on Tuesday, February 24th.   If any of you would like to come help with this activity on February 27, we'd love to have you.  We will start at 1:45.

     Spelling Bee is Friday (20th).  Megan and McKenna are representing our class.  (Go girls!)
   
     My students did an excellent job presenting their book projects today.  Now they can think about the Civil War Project, which will be due Friday, February 27th.  This gives them a week and a half to complete.  They have already been given an assignment sheet, so please ask them about it.

                   Feel free to call or email me, if you have questions.  Thanks!

                                     Sincerely, Jeanne Payne

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

February 4, 2015 Newsletter

Hello, parents and students,

I'm always amazed at how quickly we reach this time of the year.  We're already at mid-term of third quarter.   Please note the upcoming activities and events:

Wednesday, February 4--Harmonicas.  We began today.  If you would like your student to borrow one from me, let me know.  They can also purchase one from me ($4.50), or buy one elsewhere (Key of C).   We will squeeze in 15 minute practice times here at school on Tuesdays and Fridays.  

Monday, February 9--Worker's Holiday.  This will be a read-a-thon.  Students may wear PJ's and bring a few healthy snacks to munch on while they read.  They may bring a pillow or blanket, if they wish, and a GOOD BOOK to read.   Those who have missing assignments will be catching up on them during this time.

Thursday, February 11--SAGE writing test (the real thing)
Thursday, February 19--SAGE writing tests will be administered at 9:00-12:00 during the 11th and 19th.   Please make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and eats a good breakfast.

Friday, February 13--Valentine Party.  We will take the last period of the day to open Valentines.  Each student may bring a Valentine for each of his/her classmates.  These may be home-made or store-bought.  Usually we have plenty of candy inside the Valentines, but if you wish, you may send a treat.   If students would like, they can decorate a box at home and bring it to hold their Valentines.  If not, I will provide a large envelope they can use.   I will send a list of names home tomorrow.  Sorry, I forgot to attach it to the progress report today.

Friday, February 13--Valentine Literacy Unit is due.  I hope your child has interviewed you (or Grandpa and Grandma) and written up your love story.  This needs to be written neatly or typed.  This activity will help students improve their writing skills as they think of a "power house" lead and a "home run conclusion".   I ask that you help them with this.

Wednesday, February 18--Book Project due.  This is a Cereal Box Report (or any box will do).
Students have an instruction sheet to refer to.  S/he will need to stand in front of class and share the box and all the "ingredients" listed on the outside.  The book needs to be_____

Monday, February 16-- President's Day, no school.

Friday, February 20--Spelling Bee.  A qualifying test will be given to students on the 12th.  Highest scorers will compete in the Spelling Bee.  (A list of 100 words was sent home a few weeks ago so students could study and prepare, if they wanted).

Parent Conferences (SEPs) will be the first week of March.  I will send home schedules in two weeks.  If you have any conflicts going on this week, please let me know so I can avoid those days when I schedule your appointment.

I hope you have been able to view some of the GO MATH teaching videos.  You can go directly to the link on the South Elementary home page.  There is one video for each lesson.  The after school math tutor is also available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays until 4:00.

Science Share Fair:  We won't be having a science fair this year.  Instead, we will present a SCIENCE SHARE FAIR.  Students will not be judged, but will present a research paper or a full blown project in class, and then in the gym with all the 5th graders.  They can choose to write a research paper or conduct an investigation.  More information will be sent home in two weeks.  This will be due the end of March.

Please look at the Progress Report I sent home today and sign the orange slip.  The typing sheet I attached will be the last one going home (but don't stop practicing).

I know it sounds like a lot is expected this month, but I've tried to space it out so that everything doesn't come due all at once.   I hope I haven't forgotten anything, but feel free to tell me if I did!
I value your input, and I know how necessary it is that we keep communication lines open.

                              Thank you!  Mrs. Payne