Weekly Reminders 5/11/09

Dear Parents and Portal Students,

We hope that you’ve had a good weekend! In school, we’ve almost finished our STAR testing for the year, and after Monday, we’ll be ready to move on and get back to our regular schedule! Please read below to see some of the events that will be happening.
On another note, we are in the process of creating a DVD that celebrates many of the activities that we’ve done this year and will be offering this DVD for sale if you wish to purchase it. More specific details we be coming soon!

STAR Testing

As you all are aware, the next two weeks (May 4 - 11) will be STAR testing. To help make sure your child is the best prepared for the tests:

1. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep every night - doctors
recommend NINE TO TEN hours for this age group!
2. Feed your child a balanced breakfast before school starts. Include
some protein, fruit or vegetable, and whole grains. (Cereal with milk and
bananas; eggs, pancakes, and bacon; etc.) Donuts and other sweets may boost a person’s energy for a short time, but will not sustain the brain through a long test.
3. Send your child with a healthy balanced snack and water.
4. DO have your 5th grade child study their work from last year for the Science test. Specific facts and ideas covered in the curriculum will be on the test.
5. Try not to put too much pressure on your child about these tests. They are only one measure of your child’s true abilities. Be sure to balance the evenings and weekend with relaxing activities.

Thanks for your support!

Language Arts:

We are currently reading Bridge to Terabithia and revising prior writing activities in class this week. Don’t be surprised if your student has questions about this book; set in the 1970’s, this story has historical context and deep relationships to be examined. Spelling also resumes; we will even be using our spelling words to create some “interview questions” for our future 4th graders (they’ll be visiting us soon for Move-Up Day in Rockhopper Village!)

Math:

4th grade students now turn their talents toward a better understanding of probability and fairness in game design. We’ll be introducing a fabulous Interact unit entitled “Game Factory” this week. This multiple week unit allows students to examine probability in action, and they will develop an understanding of how fairness relates to probably outcomes. Many games will be played and analyzed to prepare ourselves for the ultimate task- our own fair game design! More news on this great end of the year unit is bound to follow.....

In 5th grade math, students will be working on geometry projects and taking their Chapter 10 math test. Next week we will be starting our Biz World unit, which is a simulation project. Students will be creating a company and developing a plan to ensure the success of the business they have created. They will own stock and create and sell a product, hopefully for a profit!

Social Studies:

Students have finished their research for their Gold Rush era Open House Wax Museum project and are now hard at work on their presentation boards. Students should have their costumes and speeches ready on Friday.

Science:

Our investigations of electricity begin this week. We start off with static electricity (charge), then move on to work with lights and motors to develop an understanding of components, circuits, open and closed circuitry, and conductors & insulators. This is one of the favorite science areas for many of our students, so I’m sure you’ll hear more about these investigations at home.

Important Dates to Remember:

5/4-5/11 STAR testing
5/12 - 5/15 Book Fair
5/19 Open House
5/22 Staff Learning Day - no school for students


CALIFORNIA TRIVIA!

Q: When was the state seal of CA adopted?

Good luck!

Mr. Roels & Miss Scourkes