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
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Friday, November 1, 2013
What's ahead for November?
Here's What's Happening for November:
Thursday, November 7 --Jenny Oaks Baker Violin Concert, Heritage Center
Friday, November 8 --Reflections Contest Entries Due
--Gateway Discovery Science Visits the 5th Grade
Friday, November 15 --Interview Questions Due (about your ancestor)
Monday, November 25 --Ancestor Share Fair, 1:45-3:15, Gym
November 27-29 --Thanksgiving Holiday
Our 5th graders will walk to the Heritage Theater on Thursday, 7th, to see the concert. This is a long walk, so students need to wear good shoes and jackets. The concert begins at 11:00, so we will leave the school around 10:30 and return around 12:15, in time to eat a late lunch.
I am requiring each student to enter something in the Reflections Contest. They can enter any (or all) of the eight categories. Any of their writing pieces from school can be entered, or they can complete something at home. Entry forms are in the office. I believe that if students do their best work and stretch themselves, then they have won. They may not receive a ribbon, but the learning experience is the prize. Their entry is due anytime between now and the 8th, before 4:00 PM.
Greek and Latin Roots:
You may have noticed a roots list coming home last week. We just took the first test, and almost everyone in the class earned 100% or missed only one or two! I will send home a roots list every other week or so. The spelling list will continue to come home every week, and a test will be given every Friday, as usual.
Writing:
So far we have written a bio-poem, two autobiographical sketches, and are finishing a historical fiction (a time travel story back to the Revolutionary War). We are also learning how to write an opinion essay. These students are willing to put forth the effort to create a quality piece of writing. I'm proud of them and their enthusiasm. Remember, they can access their writing at home or anywhere there is Internet.
Science:
We walked with Mrs. Garrett's class to CHS and watched Mr. Sullivan's Halloween chemistry show. It was better than any party we could have had in the classroom!
We have begun a new unit on Chemical/Physical Changes.
Social Studies:
The Revolutionary War is over. Now we will learn about the Constitution and Branches of Government. I am teaching students how to sign the Pledge of Allegience. They will also be required to memorize the Preamble to the Constitution.
Ancestor Share Fair will be held on November 22, Monday. Next week we will send home information about this fair, along with details on how to design the display board. We will also give each student an interview sheet that s/he will use to interview someone about their ancestor. The ancestor needs to be an immigrant to America, but students can interview anyone who has any knowledge about that ancestor. (They can interview parents, uncle, grandma, etc.)
We are asking that the Interview Sheet be filled out and returned by the 15th, so that we know students are on track and not waiting until the night before to do anything. This is a major project, and will require parent help. I will return the Interview Sheet immediately so that students can begin writing the essay about their ancestor.
Math:
Students are learning how to add and subtract decimals. This has been an easy concept for most of them. When the going is tough, they are persistent in staying with it until the end. Honestly, I am amazed at how they have tackled some difficult concepts. Good work ethic!
Home Reading:
When you sign the Reading Planners, please make sure they have written a summary of their daily reading. Some of them are getting sloppy...
Please let me know if any of this doesn't make sense. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
I am loving these students! Teaching them is truly a joy.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Payne
Thursday, November 7 --Jenny Oaks Baker Violin Concert, Heritage Center
Friday, November 8 --Reflections Contest Entries Due
--Gateway Discovery Science Visits the 5th Grade
Friday, November 15 --Interview Questions Due (about your ancestor)
Monday, November 25 --Ancestor Share Fair, 1:45-3:15, Gym
November 27-29 --Thanksgiving Holiday
Our 5th graders will walk to the Heritage Theater on Thursday, 7th, to see the concert. This is a long walk, so students need to wear good shoes and jackets. The concert begins at 11:00, so we will leave the school around 10:30 and return around 12:15, in time to eat a late lunch.
I am requiring each student to enter something in the Reflections Contest. They can enter any (or all) of the eight categories. Any of their writing pieces from school can be entered, or they can complete something at home. Entry forms are in the office. I believe that if students do their best work and stretch themselves, then they have won. They may not receive a ribbon, but the learning experience is the prize. Their entry is due anytime between now and the 8th, before 4:00 PM.
Greek and Latin Roots:
You may have noticed a roots list coming home last week. We just took the first test, and almost everyone in the class earned 100% or missed only one or two! I will send home a roots list every other week or so. The spelling list will continue to come home every week, and a test will be given every Friday, as usual.
Writing:
So far we have written a bio-poem, two autobiographical sketches, and are finishing a historical fiction (a time travel story back to the Revolutionary War). We are also learning how to write an opinion essay. These students are willing to put forth the effort to create a quality piece of writing. I'm proud of them and their enthusiasm. Remember, they can access their writing at home or anywhere there is Internet.
Science:
We walked with Mrs. Garrett's class to CHS and watched Mr. Sullivan's Halloween chemistry show. It was better than any party we could have had in the classroom!
We have begun a new unit on Chemical/Physical Changes.
Social Studies:
The Revolutionary War is over. Now we will learn about the Constitution and Branches of Government. I am teaching students how to sign the Pledge of Allegience. They will also be required to memorize the Preamble to the Constitution.
Ancestor Share Fair will be held on November 22, Monday. Next week we will send home information about this fair, along with details on how to design the display board. We will also give each student an interview sheet that s/he will use to interview someone about their ancestor. The ancestor needs to be an immigrant to America, but students can interview anyone who has any knowledge about that ancestor. (They can interview parents, uncle, grandma, etc.)
We are asking that the Interview Sheet be filled out and returned by the 15th, so that we know students are on track and not waiting until the night before to do anything. This is a major project, and will require parent help. I will return the Interview Sheet immediately so that students can begin writing the essay about their ancestor.
Math:
Students are learning how to add and subtract decimals. This has been an easy concept for most of them. When the going is tough, they are persistent in staying with it until the end. Honestly, I am amazed at how they have tackled some difficult concepts. Good work ethic!
Home Reading:
When you sign the Reading Planners, please make sure they have written a summary of their daily reading. Some of them are getting sloppy...
Please let me know if any of this doesn't make sense. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
I am loving these students! Teaching them is truly a joy.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Payne
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
October 8, 2013
It was so good to meet with you at SEPs and discuss the progress of your children. Please know that you can contact me any time with your concerns.
Calendar:
Wednesday, October 9th: Book Orders due
Thursday October 10th: Picture Retakes
Friday, October 11th: Volcano Explosion Day. Students can bring their volcanoes when they come to school, or you can bring it later. We will begin the eruptions at 2:00 on the playground (south of school), and you are invited to come watch. Bring your camera. After each child has set off his/her volcano, you can take him home (if you'd like).
Monday, October 14th: Newsletter & Progress Report will go home with your child.
Tuesday, October 15th: All work for first term is due!
Book Projects are due
Wednesday, October 16th: End of term & Worker's Holiday (for those who earned it).
Thursday, October 17th: Fall Recess (Have fun!)
Tuesday, October 22nd: School resumes
On November 7th, we will walk to the Heritage Center and listen to the CCMA violin concert by Jenny Oaks Baker. We will leave the school at 10:30 AM and return by 12:15. We will adjust our school lunch schedule.
Science: On November 8th (Friday), Gateway Discovery will spend the morning with our 5th grade classes and give students hands on chemistry activities for our new science unit on Physical and Chemical Changes. They won't want to miss this!
Reading: Our first Book Project is due on Tuesday (15th). This one will be a "Poster Book Report". I gave each student a yellow assignment sheet which explains the requirements. Some students are working on this project when they have extra time in class. This project can be about any book in any genre, as long as it was read this school year.
Writing: I am thrilled with the talent this class exhibits in writing. They are willing to work hard on their writing, and that is the secret to success. Ask your child to show you the site, www.utahwrite.com and how we use it to score our writing projects. Students can use that site to practice writing at home.
Math: I am so proud of these students for persevering when the math became more difficult! More is expected now, and these students are delivering. They are learning to think more deeply about the process--not just the final answer. Thank you for helping with this at home. We will finish this chapter of long division by Friday and take the chapter test before the fall recess.
Spelling: I don't post the words on this site, but I send words home each Monday. This last test was a difficult one for all of the spelling groups. Only a few students achieved a score of 80% or above. Please encourage your child to study words at home.
Social Studies: American Revolution Unit will come to an exciting end this week.
Thanks for sharing your children with me this year!
I'll see you in the volcano eruption circle this Friday.
--Jeanne Payne
Calendar:
Wednesday, October 9th: Book Orders due
Thursday October 10th: Picture Retakes
Friday, October 11th: Volcano Explosion Day. Students can bring their volcanoes when they come to school, or you can bring it later. We will begin the eruptions at 2:00 on the playground (south of school), and you are invited to come watch. Bring your camera. After each child has set off his/her volcano, you can take him home (if you'd like).
Monday, October 14th: Newsletter & Progress Report will go home with your child.
Tuesday, October 15th: All work for first term is due!
Book Projects are due
Wednesday, October 16th: End of term & Worker's Holiday (for those who earned it).
Thursday, October 17th: Fall Recess (Have fun!)
Tuesday, October 22nd: School resumes
On November 7th, we will walk to the Heritage Center and listen to the CCMA violin concert by Jenny Oaks Baker. We will leave the school at 10:30 AM and return by 12:15. We will adjust our school lunch schedule.
Science: On November 8th (Friday), Gateway Discovery will spend the morning with our 5th grade classes and give students hands on chemistry activities for our new science unit on Physical and Chemical Changes. They won't want to miss this!
Reading: Our first Book Project is due on Tuesday (15th). This one will be a "Poster Book Report". I gave each student a yellow assignment sheet which explains the requirements. Some students are working on this project when they have extra time in class. This project can be about any book in any genre, as long as it was read this school year.
Writing: I am thrilled with the talent this class exhibits in writing. They are willing to work hard on their writing, and that is the secret to success. Ask your child to show you the site, www.utahwrite.com and how we use it to score our writing projects. Students can use that site to practice writing at home.
Math: I am so proud of these students for persevering when the math became more difficult! More is expected now, and these students are delivering. They are learning to think more deeply about the process--not just the final answer. Thank you for helping with this at home. We will finish this chapter of long division by Friday and take the chapter test before the fall recess.
Spelling: I don't post the words on this site, but I send words home each Monday. This last test was a difficult one for all of the spelling groups. Only a few students achieved a score of 80% or above. Please encourage your child to study words at home.
Social Studies: American Revolution Unit will come to an exciting end this week.
Thanks for sharing your children with me this year!
I'll see you in the volcano eruption circle this Friday.
--Jeanne Payne
Monday, September 2, 2013
We're off and running!
September 2013
It's so good to be back into a routine. I hope that you feel good about this school year so far. Please feel free to communicate with me about any frustrations or concerns you have. My greatest desire is that my students feel happy, eager to learn, and reach their potential this year. I also want to happy parents:)
Upcoming Activities for September:
Tuesday, 3rd, (tomorrow)--Orchestra/Arts Begins
*Don't bring stringed instruments until the 12th. Mrs. Neumann has other activities planned for orchestra tomorrow. Remember that orchestra/arts is every Tuesday & Thursday 1:30-2:15. Also, be aware that even though we call it Arts Rotation, we won't always teach an art. For instance, Mrs. Little will teach some dance, but she also teaches Healthy Lifestyle. I will teach some drama and poetry, but I will also teach some science and team building. Mrs. Garrett will do computer activities, and of course, Mrs Williams will teach music appreciation. All my students will get visual art experiences during social studies, writing, and even math to reinforce concepts they need to know.
Wednesday, 4th--Progress Report & Permission Slips sent home
Monday, 9th--Fall Pictures
Monday, 9th--Back to School Bash, 5:30 on the upper playground.
Monday, 16th--Maturation Program (a permission slip was sent home last week. This needs to be signed and returned!)
Friday, 20th--5th Grade Field Trip to Cedar Breaks and Mammoth Caves. (We'd love to
have chaperones).
I apologize for sending home the Maturation Program and Fall Picture slips last week. If I had thought ahead, I would have stapled them to the Progress Report/Newsletter going home this Wednesday, so you could have signed everything at the same time. If you haven't seen the Maturation letter, please ask your child for it.
Watch for a hardcopy Newsletter/Progress Report to come home every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays.
Thank you for sending your child to school every day. Except for one or two days, we've had 100% attendance. Students who can be in school every day, all day (no tardies or leaving early), receive a prize at the end of each term.
When it comes to good citizenship, kindness, and willingness to work hard, I believe I have the best class in the school. These are great kids! Thanks for sharing them with me this year.
-- Jeanne Payne--590-4755
It's so good to be back into a routine. I hope that you feel good about this school year so far. Please feel free to communicate with me about any frustrations or concerns you have. My greatest desire is that my students feel happy, eager to learn, and reach their potential this year. I also want to happy parents:)
Upcoming Activities for September:
Tuesday, 3rd, (tomorrow)--Orchestra/Arts Begins
*Don't bring stringed instruments until the 12th. Mrs. Neumann has other activities planned for orchestra tomorrow. Remember that orchestra/arts is every Tuesday & Thursday 1:30-2:15. Also, be aware that even though we call it Arts Rotation, we won't always teach an art. For instance, Mrs. Little will teach some dance, but she also teaches Healthy Lifestyle. I will teach some drama and poetry, but I will also teach some science and team building. Mrs. Garrett will do computer activities, and of course, Mrs Williams will teach music appreciation. All my students will get visual art experiences during social studies, writing, and even math to reinforce concepts they need to know.
Wednesday, 4th--Progress Report & Permission Slips sent home
Monday, 9th--Fall Pictures
Monday, 9th--Back to School Bash, 5:30 on the upper playground.
Monday, 16th--Maturation Program (a permission slip was sent home last week. This needs to be signed and returned!)
Friday, 20th--5th Grade Field Trip to Cedar Breaks and Mammoth Caves. (We'd love to
have chaperones).
I apologize for sending home the Maturation Program and Fall Picture slips last week. If I had thought ahead, I would have stapled them to the Progress Report/Newsletter going home this Wednesday, so you could have signed everything at the same time. If you haven't seen the Maturation letter, please ask your child for it.
Watch for a hardcopy Newsletter/Progress Report to come home every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays.
Thank you for sending your child to school every day. Except for one or two days, we've had 100% attendance. Students who can be in school every day, all day (no tardies or leaving early), receive a prize at the end of each term.
When it comes to good citizenship, kindness, and willingness to work hard, I believe I have the best class in the school. These are great kids! Thanks for sharing them with me this year.
-- Jeanne Payne--590-4755
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
May flowers...and crazy events ahead!
End of Level Testing is going well. Thank you for sending your child to school well fed and rested. It is too late now to take Language Arts and Science Utips Tests, since we have taken the LA and Science End of Level tests. Students can still take Math Utips tests until Thursday morning,
May 9. Please help them set aside the time to take these tests. Students will perform much better on the "real" thing, if they do the practice tests. Thanks!
You saw the letter we sent home last week, so you know what a crazy schedule we have in May.
Just a few reminders:
Wednesday, May 7--Orchestra Concert, 6 PM at the Cedar Middle School
Thursday, May 8 --End of Level Math Test #1, 9:00 AM
Monday, May 13 --End of Level Math Test #2, 10:00 AM
--Root Beer Float Party
Tuesday, May 14-- ZION FIELD TRIP (We love a few parents to chaperone)
Wednesday, May 15--WAX MUSEUM, 9:30-11:00 (Parents, come and tour before 10:45. Please do not take your kids home afterward, since we will be having our Reading Awards Ceremony right after lunch).
Wednesday, May 15--Reading Awards Ceremony (Reading Revolution Book Club)
Thursday, May 16 --Battle of the Books
--Judicial Award: Ice Cream Sundaes!
Friday, May 17 --Tour of Cedar Middle School (9:00 AM)
-- Congressional Award: Movie & Popcorn
Monday, May 20 --Presidential Award: Breakfast in the Park (9:00-11:00)
--Reading Celebration (sponsored by the PTA)
Tuesday, May 21 --Field Day/Soccer Game (5th graders vs. teachers)
Wednesday, May 22--Worker's Holiday, Tent Day
Thursday, May 23 --Memorial Day Program, 2:00 PM (10:00 for K-3)
We hope you can attend. This is our 5th grade Patriotic Program, and we have
learned songs we know you will enjoy.
Friday, May 24 --Harmonica Serenade (We'll walk around the school and neighborhood, and perform for everyone who will listen!)
--Last Day of School (class awards, games, clean, sign yearbooks)
Have I told you lately what an outstanding group of students I have? Thank you for sharing your most precious "possessions" with me--your children. I have watched them grow throughout the past nine months, and I have grown to love them. I feel like they are my second family. I have given all my energies to building them academically, and I hope they have grown in character, as well.
I feel I have also gained friends in you. Thank you for supporting me and making this a wonderful year. Now-- are you ready for Cedar Middle School?
Thanks again,
--Jeanne Payne
May 9. Please help them set aside the time to take these tests. Students will perform much better on the "real" thing, if they do the practice tests. Thanks!
You saw the letter we sent home last week, so you know what a crazy schedule we have in May.
Just a few reminders:
Wednesday, May 7--Orchestra Concert, 6 PM at the Cedar Middle School
Thursday, May 8 --End of Level Math Test #1, 9:00 AM
Monday, May 13 --End of Level Math Test #2, 10:00 AM
--Root Beer Float Party
Tuesday, May 14-- ZION FIELD TRIP (We love a few parents to chaperone)
Wednesday, May 15--WAX MUSEUM, 9:30-11:00 (Parents, come and tour before 10:45. Please do not take your kids home afterward, since we will be having our Reading Awards Ceremony right after lunch).
Wednesday, May 15--Reading Awards Ceremony (Reading Revolution Book Club)
Thursday, May 16 --Battle of the Books
--Judicial Award: Ice Cream Sundaes!
Friday, May 17 --Tour of Cedar Middle School (9:00 AM)
-- Congressional Award: Movie & Popcorn
Monday, May 20 --Presidential Award: Breakfast in the Park (9:00-11:00)
--Reading Celebration (sponsored by the PTA)
Tuesday, May 21 --Field Day/Soccer Game (5th graders vs. teachers)
Wednesday, May 22--Worker's Holiday, Tent Day
Thursday, May 23 --Memorial Day Program, 2:00 PM (10:00 for K-3)
We hope you can attend. This is our 5th grade Patriotic Program, and we have
learned songs we know you will enjoy.
Friday, May 24 --Harmonica Serenade (We'll walk around the school and neighborhood, and perform for everyone who will listen!)
--Last Day of School (class awards, games, clean, sign yearbooks)
Have I told you lately what an outstanding group of students I have? Thank you for sharing your most precious "possessions" with me--your children. I have watched them grow throughout the past nine months, and I have grown to love them. I feel like they are my second family. I have given all my energies to building them academically, and I hope they have grown in character, as well.
I feel I have also gained friends in you. Thank you for supporting me and making this a wonderful year. Now-- are you ready for Cedar Middle School?
Thanks again,
--Jeanne Payne
Thursday, April 4, 2013
April 2013 April showers bring May flowers...
April is filled with a lot of reviewing to prepare students for the End of Level Test. Please make sure your child is here every day, if possible. At this time of the year, one day of being absent is one day of precious learning gone. We teachers are honing in on the most important concepts students need to remember to succeed on the End of Level Tests coming up.
Speaking of End of Level Tests, this is the schedule for our class:
Monday, April 29 10:00-11:30 Language Arts Test
Thursday, May 2 9:00-1030 Language Arts Test
Friday, May 3 1:00-3:30 Science Tests
Thursday, May 9 9:00-11:00 Math Test
Monday, May 13 10-11:45 Math Test
We sent home progress reports and a newsletter Wednesday, 3rd. Notice that our class is performing our harmonicas at Arts Night. This begins at 6:30. If you can have your child there at 6:20, we will meet in our classroom and run through the songs before we go onstage. Please have your child wear a white t-shirt and blue jeans. I have a bandanna they will wear with that. I understand, if your child has another commitment and cannot attend. I am awarding extra credit points for all students who do participate (whether with our class or by themselves).
We are excited to welcome Discovery Gateway (chemistry outreach program) in our classroom on Wednesday, April 17. It will be fun to get our hands on the test tubes again. We also have a guest coming to talk to us about the Vietnam War on April 19th. By then, we will have finished learning about World War 2, and the Korean War.
Students here at South are trying to accumulate 1,000,000 reading minutes, so they can see Mr. Oldroyd kiss a pig. This will happen on May 20 during our Reading Celebration. Keep reading!
Please encourage your students to take Utips tests at home. These tests help load students with those concepts they need to review and remember. They need to pass fifteen of these tests so they can participate in the root beer float party in May. We are taking Utips tests at school whenever we find the time, but most of the tests will need to be done at home.
Miss Hartline will be leaving us next Wednesday, and we hate to see her go! She has taken over teaching this past week, and your students have been in good hands. We wish her the best of luck in her future teaching career. She will make a great teacher.
Dates to know about:
Monday, April 8--Arts Night, 6:30 (Meet in classroom at 6:20, so we can get prepared).
Wednesday, April 10--Miss Hartline's last day
Thursday, April 11--CMS open house, 6-8 PM (No schedules will be given out, just to help
students become familiar with the building. We are planning to take our
students there in May to tour the facility. They may have schedules then).
Friday, April 26--Practice Test (Make sure you are in school)
April 29-13--End of Level Testing (Get lots of sleep and healthy food!)
May 13--Last day to turn in Reading Revolution book reports
Tuesday, May 14--Field Trip to Zion
Friday, May 15-- Wax Museum
May 16--Battle of the Books
May 20 Reading Celebration
There are many more activities in May, but those details will be in next month's blog update.
Have I told you lately what a high caliber group of students I have this year? They are exceptional young people, and you can pat yourselves on the back for that. Thanks for sharing them with me!
Speaking of End of Level Tests, this is the schedule for our class:
Monday, April 29 10:00-11:30 Language Arts Test
Thursday, May 2 9:00-1030 Language Arts Test
Friday, May 3 1:00-3:30 Science Tests
Thursday, May 9 9:00-11:00 Math Test
Monday, May 13 10-11:45 Math Test
We sent home progress reports and a newsletter Wednesday, 3rd. Notice that our class is performing our harmonicas at Arts Night. This begins at 6:30. If you can have your child there at 6:20, we will meet in our classroom and run through the songs before we go onstage. Please have your child wear a white t-shirt and blue jeans. I have a bandanna they will wear with that. I understand, if your child has another commitment and cannot attend. I am awarding extra credit points for all students who do participate (whether with our class or by themselves).
We are excited to welcome Discovery Gateway (chemistry outreach program) in our classroom on Wednesday, April 17. It will be fun to get our hands on the test tubes again. We also have a guest coming to talk to us about the Vietnam War on April 19th. By then, we will have finished learning about World War 2, and the Korean War.
Students here at South are trying to accumulate 1,000,000 reading minutes, so they can see Mr. Oldroyd kiss a pig. This will happen on May 20 during our Reading Celebration. Keep reading!
Please encourage your students to take Utips tests at home. These tests help load students with those concepts they need to review and remember. They need to pass fifteen of these tests so they can participate in the root beer float party in May. We are taking Utips tests at school whenever we find the time, but most of the tests will need to be done at home.
Miss Hartline will be leaving us next Wednesday, and we hate to see her go! She has taken over teaching this past week, and your students have been in good hands. We wish her the best of luck in her future teaching career. She will make a great teacher.
Dates to know about:
Monday, April 8--Arts Night, 6:30 (Meet in classroom at 6:20, so we can get prepared).
Wednesday, April 10--Miss Hartline's last day
Thursday, April 11--CMS open house, 6-8 PM (No schedules will be given out, just to help
students become familiar with the building. We are planning to take our
students there in May to tour the facility. They may have schedules then).
Friday, April 26--Practice Test (Make sure you are in school)
April 29-13--End of Level Testing (Get lots of sleep and healthy food!)
May 13--Last day to turn in Reading Revolution book reports
Tuesday, May 14--Field Trip to Zion
Friday, May 15-- Wax Museum
May 16--Battle of the Books
May 20 Reading Celebration
There are many more activities in May, but those details will be in next month's blog update.
Have I told you lately what a high caliber group of students I have this year? They are exceptional young people, and you can pat yourselves on the back for that. Thanks for sharing them with me!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
March Comes in Like a Lion...
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)
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)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)