Weekly Reminders 10/19/09

Dear Room 20 & 21 parents and students,

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Just a quick reminder that our blogsite addresses are:

Room 20 (Scourkes) http://rockhopperroom20.blogspot.com
Room 21 (Roels) http://gtfroom22.blogspot.com

Welcome back to school! We hope the break was invigorating for all of you. It's great to have an opportunity to enjoy the great fall weather and the company of friends and family. Now, we return to the wonderful friends we have at school, which includes your teachers, of course! There are many fantastic activities to look forward to this next week or two, so get prepared for a fun finish to the first trimester.

Volunteers Still Needed!

In Language Arts, we are still in need volunteers to help with literature circles next week. We have contacted parents who've signed up to help in this area, but if you'd like to spend 45 minutes to 1 hour two times a week for two weeks helping out in the class, we would love to have your help. The dates will be Tues. Oct 27, Thursday, Oct. 29, Tuesday, Nov. 3, and Thursday, November 5 from 8:15 - 9:00.
Please us know if you're interested!

Curriculum:

Language Arts

This week we'll be using Stone Fox to introduce the summary format of writing. Rich content and sound structure in our writing is emphasized. After we practice the format, we'll use other fiction material to independently produce a high quality summary of the literature we read.

This week, we will also be introducing our first literature circles. Students will have the opportunity to choose a book that interests them, and then participate in group discussions regarding the book they have chosen. We have contacted parents who have said they would like to volunteer for this fun activity, but if you haven't signed up to volunteer and would like to participate, please let us know!


Math

In 4th grade math, we are going into more depth in the creation and use of expressions in mathematics. Understanding the order of operations when presented with expressions is the first concept addressed. Once this is established, the ability to describe real-life situations numerically will be our key focus area.

In 5th grade math

In 5th grade math, we are beginning our algebra unit. Today students reviewed an activity that was used last year, in which they were to use blocks, make a pattern and derive a generalization (rule) to explain the pattern. They were introduced to "growing patterns" today and used variables to derive a generalization that went with the pattern they saw. They will spend the week creating patterns and generalizations written in algebraic equations.

Social Studies

In social studies, we are reviewing our notes for our social studies test on Thursday, Oct. 29. Please feel free to help you child with their study techniques. They've been given ideas in class of how to study, but may need additional assistance at home. The test will include paragraph, short answer, fill in the blank, multiple choice, and map work.

We are also weaving our wampum belts this week. This is a great craft project that is always enjoyed by the students. Thank you to the parents who dyed macaroni ( wampum beads) and the parents who will be helping in the classroom this week, beginning on Wednesday.

Science

We'll be taking a respite from our study of the "Water Planet" this week as we concentrate on personal health and sound decision-making in our lives. This mini-unit is connected to our school Red Ribbon Week program, which is a daily reminder to all of us to live productive, vigorous, drug-free lives! Our class topics will include: decision-making, peer pressure, smoking and alcohol use, and making the most of your mistakes. As our students approach their middle school years, having a positive self-image and good communication skills are vital for a fulfilling personal, school, and professional life.

Calendar of Events:

Monday, October 19 - Friday, October 23: Red Ribbon Week
Tuesday, October 20: First Project Cornerstone Lesson of the Year
Friday, October 23: Spirit Day - Wear Red!
Monday, October 26: Learning Day. No school for students.
Tuesday, October 27: First day of Literature Circles
Thursday, October 29: Native American Social Studies test
Thursday, October 29: Second day of Literature Circles


MYSTERY STATE CLUES:

Swedish immigrants to this state built the first log cabins in North America in 1683.
This state was named after an early Virginia governor.
The state bug of this state is the ladybug.
This state was the first of the original 13 states to ratify the U.S. Constitution.

Which state is it?



Sincerely,

Mr. Roels and Miss Scourkes
Rooms 20 & 21
Rockhopper Village
Portal School