September 9, 2018
Dear parents of the best group of students in South Elementary,
I love these kids already, and I’m eager to get to know them better as the year
moves forward. I know you received a newsletter on Wednesday concerning the
activities that are common to all the 5th grades, but I want to let you know what
we’re doing in our own classroom.
moves forward. I know you received a newsletter on Wednesday concerning the
activities that are common to all the 5th grades, but I want to let you know what
we’re doing in our own classroom.
PATRIOT AWARD:
This year I am offering this award to all 5th graders--not just my own class, as I have done
in year’s past. In order to make this work, I am giving a Patriot Award Packet to all 120
students and will teach it during Rotations/Orchestra. The drawback is that the orchestra
students will need to do much of the memorizing on their own, at home or during spare
minutes in class. Students can take the packet home, but they need to bring it back
each day (keep it in their backpacks) so we can work on it at school. They can pass
requirements off to you and you can sign it (any adult can sign). I hope you will
support and encourage them in their efforts. Many students are running with this and
have passed off several requirements already!
in year’s past. In order to make this work, I am giving a Patriot Award Packet to all 120
students and will teach it during Rotations/Orchestra. The drawback is that the orchestra
students will need to do much of the memorizing on their own, at home or during spare
minutes in class. Students can take the packet home, but they need to bring it back
each day (keep it in their backpacks) so we can work on it at school. They can pass
requirements off to you and you can sign it (any adult can sign). I hope you will
support and encourage them in their efforts. Many students are running with this and
have passed off several requirements already!
REVOLUTIONARY WAR BATTLE CAMPS:
Our class is organized into battle camps. Ask your child about this. The Revolutionary War is one
of my favorite units. If you have a special interest/knowledge about aspects of this war, let me know.
I’d love you to visit our classroom and share with us. Right now we are learning about the major
battles. We are also practicing a Readers Theater about this time period.
of my favorite units. If you have a special interest/knowledge about aspects of this war, let me know.
I’d love you to visit our classroom and share with us. Right now we are learning about the major
battles. We are also practicing a Readers Theater about this time period.
SCIENCE:
We are studying tectonic plates and their effects on earthquakes and volcanoes. I hope you’ve had time
to look at the paper on home safety that your child brought home. This is for your information only,
and is intended to start a discussion at home.
to look at the paper on home safety that your child brought home. This is for your information only,
and is intended to start a discussion at home.
Our science field trip is Thursday, September 27. Make sure your child brings a flashlight
(for Mammoth Caves), walking shoes, long pants, and water. If s/he is bringing a home lunch,
don’t forget that. The bus will pull out promptly at 9:00 AM.
(for Mammoth Caves), walking shoes, long pants, and water. If s/he is bringing a home lunch,
don’t forget that. The bus will pull out promptly at 9:00 AM.
GENIUS HOUR:
Our first Genius Hour segment was a huge success! Students reported on earth science topics, and
they all learned valuable information before our unit even began. I was impressed with their slideshows
(with video clips imbedded). The posters were well done and are hanging on our wall. Our next
Genius Hour will be in another month as an introduction to our Chemistry unit. Information will
come home later.
they all learned valuable information before our unit even began. I was impressed with their slideshows
(with video clips imbedded). The posters were well done and are hanging on our wall. Our next
Genius Hour will be in another month as an introduction to our Chemistry unit. Information will
come home later.
MATH:
I am impressed with the “grit” and perseverance these students are showing as they stick with some
difficult math concepts. Most of these students are coming prepared with their homework, but a few
have had to give up some of their break in order to complete it. I hate to see that happen; I know
how important breaks are. Please let me know if you see that your child is not understanding a math
concept (and you aren’t able to help at home).
difficult math concepts. Most of these students are coming prepared with their homework, but a few
have had to give up some of their break in order to complete it. I hate to see that happen; I know
how important breaks are. Please let me know if you see that your child is not understanding a math
concept (and you aren’t able to help at home).
WRITING:
Our Scar Stories are almost ready to display. These students have been willing to work hard to
improve their writing, and I’m impressed with their efforts. I hope you have the chance to read
their work.
improve their writing, and I’m impressed with their efforts. I hope you have the chance to read
their work.
Please feel free to email me with any concerns. I’ve found that correct information doesn’t
always make it home :)
always make it home :)
I want every one of my students to succeed in school this year. I want them to feel safe in my
classroom, and eager to learn and grow. I want this to be a great year for them!
classroom, and eager to learn and grow. I want this to be a great year for them!
Thanks for sharing your children with me!
Jeanne Payne
435-590-4755
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