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 18, 2015
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
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
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
January 21, 2015
Coming Up in the 5th Grade...
January 20--Math Tutor begins
We know some of you have been patiently waiting for this to happen. The tutor will be in the library 3:30-4:00 PM, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. This tutor will help 3rd-5th graders catch up or learn math concepts. We hope you take advantage of this if your child needs extra help. Important: students must be on their best behavior, and they must be picked up promptly at 4:00. If you want your child to take advantage of this, please let me know.
January 23, Friday--Language Arts Interim Test (Practice Test)
These tests help us see what we still need to teach before the "real" ones coming up. They also help students know how to manipulate the computer icons as well as get a feel for the SAGE tests. Thanks for sending headphones for the testing.
January 25--Students may begin recording their reading minutes for the Lion's Kite Flight for Reading. Look for the sheet coming home with the progress report. Students can bring their reading charts to the kite festival, where they will exchange their chart for a kite, book, or movie pass. Our school will get money depending on the time students read.
February 4th--Begin Harmonicas (Mrs. Payne's class)
If you would like to buy a harmonica for your child to own, s/he can bring $4.50 and buy a harmonica from me. My harmonicas are very basic, beginner instruments. If you want a higher quality one, you can purchase one at a music store (or online). If you choose to buy one from another source, make sure it is in the KEY OF C. If you do not wish to buy one, your child may borrow a harmonica from me. It will be a used one from previous years, but cleaned and sanitized.
February 12 (Thursday)--SAGE WRITING TEST--the real thing!
February 16 (Monday)--President's Day--no school
February 19 (Thursday)--SAGE WRITING TEST-the real thing!
February 20 (Friday)--School Spelling Bee, 2:30 PM for 3rd-5th grades (2:00, 1st-2nd).
A list of words was sent home with the progress reports today.
March 10 (Tuesday)--"You Be the Chemist" competition at SUU. We will send one team of six students from our 5th grades to compete. Any students interested in taking the qualifying exam may do that.
March 13 (Friday)--3rd Term Ends
April 25--Lion's Kite Flight for Reading
Thanks for encouraging your child to read at home. My students have surprised me and taken off in a big way! Our chart is getting full of stickers, and I am so proud of all of them.
Remember to sign the gold verification slip and send it back to school as soon as you can. I appreciate your support, your offers to help, and your communication over the needs of your child. We are in this together!
Sincerely, Mrs. Payne
January 20--Math Tutor begins
We know some of you have been patiently waiting for this to happen. The tutor will be in the library 3:30-4:00 PM, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. This tutor will help 3rd-5th graders catch up or learn math concepts. We hope you take advantage of this if your child needs extra help. Important: students must be on their best behavior, and they must be picked up promptly at 4:00. If you want your child to take advantage of this, please let me know.
January 23, Friday--Language Arts Interim Test (Practice Test)
These tests help us see what we still need to teach before the "real" ones coming up. They also help students know how to manipulate the computer icons as well as get a feel for the SAGE tests. Thanks for sending headphones for the testing.
January 25--Students may begin recording their reading minutes for the Lion's Kite Flight for Reading. Look for the sheet coming home with the progress report. Students can bring their reading charts to the kite festival, where they will exchange their chart for a kite, book, or movie pass. Our school will get money depending on the time students read.
February 4th--Begin Harmonicas (Mrs. Payne's class)
If you would like to buy a harmonica for your child to own, s/he can bring $4.50 and buy a harmonica from me. My harmonicas are very basic, beginner instruments. If you want a higher quality one, you can purchase one at a music store (or online). If you choose to buy one from another source, make sure it is in the KEY OF C. If you do not wish to buy one, your child may borrow a harmonica from me. It will be a used one from previous years, but cleaned and sanitized.
February 12 (Thursday)--SAGE WRITING TEST--the real thing!
February 16 (Monday)--President's Day--no school
February 19 (Thursday)--SAGE WRITING TEST-the real thing!
February 20 (Friday)--School Spelling Bee, 2:30 PM for 3rd-5th grades (2:00, 1st-2nd).
A list of words was sent home with the progress reports today.
March 10 (Tuesday)--"You Be the Chemist" competition at SUU. We will send one team of six students from our 5th grades to compete. Any students interested in taking the qualifying exam may do that.
March 13 (Friday)--3rd Term Ends
April 25--Lion's Kite Flight for Reading
Thanks for encouraging your child to read at home. My students have surprised me and taken off in a big way! Our chart is getting full of stickers, and I am so proud of all of them.
Remember to sign the gold verification slip and send it back to school as soon as you can. I appreciate your support, your offers to help, and your communication over the needs of your child. We are in this together!
Sincerely, Mrs. Payne
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
January 7, 2015
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Dear Parents,
Can you believe we are already halfway through the school year? The end of second term is already here, so all work must be turned in by Friday, January 9th, before 9:00 AM. This will give me time to enter all scores so that students will know by the end of the day if they made Worker's Holiday. I handed out progress reports today, along with a missing assignment sheet if your child has missing work. I printed hardcopies, since so many parents asked for them, but you can check it on Power School, if you'd like.
Worker's Holiday will be a sledding activity on Cal-Ranch hill. That will take place on Monday, January 12, IF WE STILL HAVE SNOW. If not, we will reschedule it for Friday 16th. If snow doesn't come by the 23rd, we'll do an alternate activity.
For this sledding activity, students will need:
*Garbage Bag (large) to slide down hill (no sleds or tubes allowed)
*Snow gloves and snow boots
*Packet of hot chocolate or cider (we will furnish the hot water and cups)
*Warm coat (or wear layers, so they can remove one as needed)
Every year students show up for this activity with only thin gloves and tennis shoes. They get wet and cold. We teachers have given up our own gloves to students who have been ill prepared. For their own safety, students will stay at the school if they have insufficient clothing. However, if gloves and boots are an issue, please contact me. Other students often have extra pairs that they are willing to share.
SAGE WRITING TEST: Coming up in February--and we are working hard to be prepared!
We jumped into writing an opinion essay as soon as we came back from Christmas break. In this paper, students are learning how to cite quotes from a variety of texts and accurately use them to influence their audience. That's a tall order for 5th graders, but after only three days of practice, their writing is becoming impressive!
TYPING SPEED: Students should be getting pretty good at their typing skills by now, but I still have a few students who aren't up to 20 wpm yet. Our top typist is Sam, who continues to clock in at speeds over 50 wpm. (Hard to believe for an 11 year old). I sent home another typing sheet for this week. This is due next Wednesday.
READING--40 BOOK CHALLENGE: Since I gave this challenge, six students have reached the Presidential Award (16 books), and many others are closing in on it. Three students have read over 20 books already. Honestly, I have been blown away by the excitement students have shown toward reading. They are reading more, and (because of their reading response journals), their writing has improved. Thanks for your support in this great "experiment".
Remember that Martin Luther King day is Monday, January 19th (no school). During that week students will watch a video about Martin Luther King, read his "dream" speech, and write a paper about their own dream. Martin Luther King is one of my all time heroes, right beside George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. I want my students to have a great respect for this courageous man.
Please ask your child for the bright orange verification slip stating that you have read this newsletter and have looked at the progress report.
Thank you so much for the help and support you give me. I appreciate the communication through email, phone, or personal visits. You have great kids!
Sincerely, Jeanne Payne
PS. I'm trying to decide whether or not to teach harmonicas this year. I've been going back and forth. If you have an opinion, let me know. Harmonicas would cost approximately $5.00.
Dear Parents,
Can you believe we are already halfway through the school year? The end of second term is already here, so all work must be turned in by Friday, January 9th, before 9:00 AM. This will give me time to enter all scores so that students will know by the end of the day if they made Worker's Holiday. I handed out progress reports today, along with a missing assignment sheet if your child has missing work. I printed hardcopies, since so many parents asked for them, but you can check it on Power School, if you'd like.
Worker's Holiday will be a sledding activity on Cal-Ranch hill. That will take place on Monday, January 12, IF WE STILL HAVE SNOW. If not, we will reschedule it for Friday 16th. If snow doesn't come by the 23rd, we'll do an alternate activity.
For this sledding activity, students will need:
*Garbage Bag (large) to slide down hill (no sleds or tubes allowed)
*Snow gloves and snow boots
*Packet of hot chocolate or cider (we will furnish the hot water and cups)
*Warm coat (or wear layers, so they can remove one as needed)
Every year students show up for this activity with only thin gloves and tennis shoes. They get wet and cold. We teachers have given up our own gloves to students who have been ill prepared. For their own safety, students will stay at the school if they have insufficient clothing. However, if gloves and boots are an issue, please contact me. Other students often have extra pairs that they are willing to share.
SAGE WRITING TEST: Coming up in February--and we are working hard to be prepared!
We jumped into writing an opinion essay as soon as we came back from Christmas break. In this paper, students are learning how to cite quotes from a variety of texts and accurately use them to influence their audience. That's a tall order for 5th graders, but after only three days of practice, their writing is becoming impressive!
TYPING SPEED: Students should be getting pretty good at their typing skills by now, but I still have a few students who aren't up to 20 wpm yet. Our top typist is Sam, who continues to clock in at speeds over 50 wpm. (Hard to believe for an 11 year old). I sent home another typing sheet for this week. This is due next Wednesday.
READING--40 BOOK CHALLENGE: Since I gave this challenge, six students have reached the Presidential Award (16 books), and many others are closing in on it. Three students have read over 20 books already. Honestly, I have been blown away by the excitement students have shown toward reading. They are reading more, and (because of their reading response journals), their writing has improved. Thanks for your support in this great "experiment".
Remember that Martin Luther King day is Monday, January 19th (no school). During that week students will watch a video about Martin Luther King, read his "dream" speech, and write a paper about their own dream. Martin Luther King is one of my all time heroes, right beside George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. I want my students to have a great respect for this courageous man.
Please ask your child for the bright orange verification slip stating that you have read this newsletter and have looked at the progress report.
Thank you so much for the help and support you give me. I appreciate the communication through email, phone, or personal visits. You have great kids!
Sincerely, Jeanne Payne
PS. I'm trying to decide whether or not to teach harmonicas this year. I've been going back and forth. If you have an opinion, let me know. Harmonicas would cost approximately $5.00.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
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
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
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.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
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)
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
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