Weekly Reminders 10/26/09

Dear Room 20 & 21 parents and students,

We hope you had a great weekend! After our staff learning day, we are excited to be back and implementing ideas that were discussed throughout the day today. We have a short, but busy, week that includes literature circles, our first social studies test, the introduction of Accelerated Reader - a new component to our reading program, and our Halloween Parade.

Just a quick reminder that our blogsite addresses are:

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

Volunteers Still Needed!

In Language Arts, we will still be happy to include volunteers to help with literature circles this week and next week! We have parents who've already 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 add you to our group. 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

The summary format of writing remains our primary focus for this week. Rich content and sound structure in our writing is emphasized. We'll work together with our peers to edit and revise our summary rough drafts as well.

This week, we begin our first literature circles. Students will have the opportunity to discuss a book that interests them with their peers in a thoughtful, organized fashion. If you haven't signed up to volunteer and would like to participate, please let us know. Thank you to those parents who have agreed to join us this week; we know it will be a lively, informative experience for you!

Finally, our in-class activities will feature grammatical work with adverb types along with nonfiction reading using several editions of Time for Kids.


Math

In 4th grade math, we are testing our understanding of the creation and use of expressions in mathematics. Then, we follow up with a thorough unit on multiplication in all its facets.

In 5th grade math, we continue with our algebra unit. Students seem to be enjoying this unit and are showing strong logic skills. They've begun to solve equations for variables and to express their thinking in writing.

Social Studies

In social studies, we continue to review our notes for our social studies test this Thursday. 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. Coming up next, will also be learning the states and capitals of the next set of United States.

Thank you to all of the parents who helped with wampum belts! They are turning out beautifully! They will be displayed in class this next trimester before being sent home.

Science

We finish up our concentration on personal health and sound decision-making in our lives that occupied us this past week. Our class topic will be peer pressure and how to effectively deal with this in our lives. Reviewing water cycle elements and going further into our "Water Planet" curriculum will also be part of our week.

Calendar of Events:

Monday, October 26: Learning Day. No school for students.
Tuesday, October 27: First day of Literature Circles
Tuesday, October 27: 8:15 Parent/Principal Exchange
Wednesday, October 28: PSCO Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 29: Native American Social Studies test
Thursday, October 29: Second day of Literature Circles
Thursday, October 30: Halloween Parade 3:30 p.m.
Monday, November 2 and Wednesday, November 4 :
5th Grade Parents: Human Growth and Development Preview 7:00 p.m. at the Meyerholtz School GLC


MYSTERY STATE CLUES:

• The second-oldest city in the nation is located in this state.
• This state is named after a British king.
• The Girl Scouts were founded in this state in 1912.
• Former President Jimmy Carter is a native of this state.
Which state is it?



Sincerely,

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