This month brings us closer to spring! That's something to celebrate.
My students completed the DWA (Direct Writing Assessment) on Tuesday, and I was so impressed with the serious effort they put forth. They definitely stayed in the struggle.
Five students even worked through lunch. We brought their lunches to them, so they could continue until they were happy with their final product. I was so proud of all of them. I won't know the results of the test for several months (you may even have to wait until their 6th grade teachers give you the scores), but I walked around the room reading over their shoulders, and I almost laughed out loud--with joy. I know that most of them will achieve a high score.
SEP conferences will begin Monday, March 4. I'm eager to visit with each of you again. If you didn't see an SEP schedule, please look in your child's backpack or contact me. I still haven't heard back from some of you. At SEP's we will register your child for 6th grade. Please come prepared to make a choice in band, orchestra, or arts. Arts consists of one half year of visual art and one half year of art/music appreciation. Remember, school ends at 2:30 every day that week.
The spelling bee was last week, and we are proud of Hannah and Jake, who represented our class.
Despite the difficulty of the words, they stood up with dignity and did a great job. I'm sure I couldn't have spelled many of those words.
We enjoyed a presentation on electricity from Wattsmart. This was a great kickoff to our current electricity unit. This company will give our class $50 for supplies if everyone brings back the electricity survey we sent home. Please sit down with your child and fill this out together. Thanks.
We are now learning about complete circuits, conductors, and insulators in science. I love this unit!
In social studies, we've moved past the Civil War and will be learning about
World War I and 2. Some of these students are avid history scholars already. I loved seeing all the Civil War projects come in. Outstanding work.
I hope your child has been serenading you with the harmonica:) One student told me that his bus driver outlawed harmonica playing on the bus. I laughed, thinking about that poor driver. Thanks for your patience in their learning process. We will perform in Arts Night in April, then again in our Memorial Day Program in May.
Miss Hartline is my new student teacher. She comes from Bullfrog and has spent her life around Lake Powell. I'm happy to have her in our classroom. I can see already that she will be a great asset in our class during the next five weeks.
Calendar:
March 4-8--SEP Conferences
March 11--Spring Pictures
March 13--Book orders due
March 14, 15--School musical
March 15--3rd Term Ends
March 21--Science Fair
March 27-29--Spring Break (no school)
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
February 2013
This month is filled with activities. Some you need to be aware of, and others you might just find interesting.
First, we have begun learning how to play the harmonica. I'm sure you know all about that. One of my students said she played some of the songs over and over for her family:) Students need to bring their harmonicas to school on Fridays and an occasional Wednesday so we can practice together. We will plan to perform at Arts Night in March.
Civil War Project. Your child has a list of project ideas that s/he can choose from to share with the class on Friday, February 22. S/he has two weeks to complete one of those projects. Please ask them how they are doing on this.
The Magic of Writing Contest entries were due to be handed in to me on Wednesday, 6th. This allows me a chance to read them and offer help in editing and revising, if needed. If this was not possible, I will allow an extra day. Mrs. Marriott needs them Friday morning. SUU English classes will then read them and select winning entries from each grade level. The SUU students will also give feedback on how students can improve their writing.
Worker's Holiday will be this coming Monday (11th), IF we have enough snow. You can read all the details in the newsletter that went home Wednesday.
My class will have a student teacher, beginning on the 22nd. Her name is Shannon Hartline, and she'll be with us for five weeks. I'm looking forward to having her join our class.
We will have a short Valentine Party on the 14th. Students can bring a Valentine for their classmates, and a treat, if they choose. We'll take time to play a game and share cards and treats.
Our class is scheduled to take the Direct Writing Assessment (DWA) on February 26 at 9:00 AM. We have been working hard, writing and revising, trying to raise essay scores on the Utah Write web site. I am really proud of the persistence these students have exhibited. They are staying in the struggle, and they are seeing results for their efforts. A score over 22 is a good score, and we have students who have achieved scores of 26 and above. Wow!
We are learning about Static Electricity and will begin studying Current Electricity next week.
We are not requiring our 5th graders to enter the science fair (in March), but we strongly encourage it. If they choose not to enter, they will need to write a research paper. The details of this are included with the newsletter and progress reports on Wednesday.
This is a hard-working group of students, and I enjoy teaching them. I appreciate your support. Please let me know if I can better help your child succeed in school.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Payne
First, we have begun learning how to play the harmonica. I'm sure you know all about that. One of my students said she played some of the songs over and over for her family:) Students need to bring their harmonicas to school on Fridays and an occasional Wednesday so we can practice together. We will plan to perform at Arts Night in March.
Civil War Project. Your child has a list of project ideas that s/he can choose from to share with the class on Friday, February 22. S/he has two weeks to complete one of those projects. Please ask them how they are doing on this.
The Magic of Writing Contest entries were due to be handed in to me on Wednesday, 6th. This allows me a chance to read them and offer help in editing and revising, if needed. If this was not possible, I will allow an extra day. Mrs. Marriott needs them Friday morning. SUU English classes will then read them and select winning entries from each grade level. The SUU students will also give feedback on how students can improve their writing.
Worker's Holiday will be this coming Monday (11th), IF we have enough snow. You can read all the details in the newsletter that went home Wednesday.
My class will have a student teacher, beginning on the 22nd. Her name is Shannon Hartline, and she'll be with us for five weeks. I'm looking forward to having her join our class.
We will have a short Valentine Party on the 14th. Students can bring a Valentine for their classmates, and a treat, if they choose. We'll take time to play a game and share cards and treats.
Our class is scheduled to take the Direct Writing Assessment (DWA) on February 26 at 9:00 AM. We have been working hard, writing and revising, trying to raise essay scores on the Utah Write web site. I am really proud of the persistence these students have exhibited. They are staying in the struggle, and they are seeing results for their efforts. A score over 22 is a good score, and we have students who have achieved scores of 26 and above. Wow!
We are learning about Static Electricity and will begin studying Current Electricity next week.
We are not requiring our 5th graders to enter the science fair (in March), but we strongly encourage it. If they choose not to enter, they will need to write a research paper. The details of this are included with the newsletter and progress reports on Wednesday.
This is a hard-working group of students, and I enjoy teaching them. I appreciate your support. Please let me know if I can better help your child succeed in school.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Payne
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Happy New Year!
Dear Parents,
It's good to be back in school. I hope you enjoyed having your children home, and that you made some great family memories together. A few activities coming up:
Biography/Autobiography Book Project: Before we left for Christmas break, we discussed a date for students to share their book boxes with the class, and we decided that they could share on any day they come prepared--Monday 7th through Thursday 10th. Thursday will be the last day to share, since the term ends on Friday and I need to have all assignments entered in the computer.
The Magic of Writing, South Elementary's writing contest has begun! We held a contest throughout the school to come up with a good title for this annual event, and our own Hannah won with the submission of the title, "The Magic of Writing". Every student in my class is required to submit a piece of writing. Remember, it can be a narrative (tells a story), informational, or opinion (persuasive). It needs to be 200-1000 words in length. Every 3rd-5th grade student was given a purple letter that explained all the rules, along with a rubric from which the writing will be judged. I hope you had a chance to read it. The writing entries are due Friday, February 8th.
Literature Reading Groups will begin this week. We will need a few parent volunteers, if you can help us. Volunteers would need to be here from 11:10-11:40 on Mondays or Thursdays. Please let me know if you would like to sit with your child's literature group. Your job would be to monitor the oral reading and to discuss the content and vocabulary with them as they read. (I would tell you more about it, if you can volunteer).
Martin Luther King day will be January 21, Monday. There will be no school on that day.
Harmonicas! We will begin learning how to play the harmonica the first week of February. If possible, I would like each child to own his/her instrument. I can get very basic harmonicas (Blues Harp brand) for about $4.50. If you'd rather not buy one, I do have a few I can loan out. The borrowed ones would have to stay at school, so students wouldn't be able to practice at home (but maybe that's a good thing for you:) We will perform at Arts Night, the Memorial Day program, and other events in the school after we learn how to play. Many students from past years have told me that they still have their harmonicas and play at family gatherings. It's a fun instrument to keep throughout their lives. If you would like to buy a higher quality harmonica (Cedar Music Store or online) instead of buying one through me, you may. Just make sure that it is in the Key of C.
Thank you for all the thoughtful gifts and cards. I don't expect gifts, and I am humbled by all the kindness you have extended, not just in gifts, but in your show of support in the education of these wonderful children. I truly love each one of them and feel grateful that I can teach such high-caliber young people!
Let me know if you have any questions.
--Jeanne Payne jeanne.payne@ironmail.org
It's good to be back in school. I hope you enjoyed having your children home, and that you made some great family memories together. A few activities coming up:
Biography/Autobiography Book Project: Before we left for Christmas break, we discussed a date for students to share their book boxes with the class, and we decided that they could share on any day they come prepared--Monday 7th through Thursday 10th. Thursday will be the last day to share, since the term ends on Friday and I need to have all assignments entered in the computer.
The Magic of Writing, South Elementary's writing contest has begun! We held a contest throughout the school to come up with a good title for this annual event, and our own Hannah won with the submission of the title, "The Magic of Writing". Every student in my class is required to submit a piece of writing. Remember, it can be a narrative (tells a story), informational, or opinion (persuasive). It needs to be 200-1000 words in length. Every 3rd-5th grade student was given a purple letter that explained all the rules, along with a rubric from which the writing will be judged. I hope you had a chance to read it. The writing entries are due Friday, February 8th.
Literature Reading Groups will begin this week. We will need a few parent volunteers, if you can help us. Volunteers would need to be here from 11:10-11:40 on Mondays or Thursdays. Please let me know if you would like to sit with your child's literature group. Your job would be to monitor the oral reading and to discuss the content and vocabulary with them as they read. (I would tell you more about it, if you can volunteer).
Martin Luther King day will be January 21, Monday. There will be no school on that day.
Harmonicas! We will begin learning how to play the harmonica the first week of February. If possible, I would like each child to own his/her instrument. I can get very basic harmonicas (Blues Harp brand) for about $4.50. If you'd rather not buy one, I do have a few I can loan out. The borrowed ones would have to stay at school, so students wouldn't be able to practice at home (but maybe that's a good thing for you:) We will perform at Arts Night, the Memorial Day program, and other events in the school after we learn how to play. Many students from past years have told me that they still have their harmonicas and play at family gatherings. It's a fun instrument to keep throughout their lives. If you would like to buy a higher quality harmonica (Cedar Music Store or online) instead of buying one through me, you may. Just make sure that it is in the Key of C.
Thank you for all the thoughtful gifts and cards. I don't expect gifts, and I am humbled by all the kindness you have extended, not just in gifts, but in your show of support in the education of these wonderful children. I truly love each one of them and feel grateful that I can teach such high-caliber young people!
Let me know if you have any questions.
--Jeanne Payne jeanne.payne@ironmail.org
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
November 28, 2012
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
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
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
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