Weekly Reminders 3/21/11

Weekly Reminders: Rooms 20 & 21

Dear Room 20 & 21 Parents,

Conferences have begun, and we're happy to report that our students have done a nice job so far of reviewing their goals, setting new goals when appropriate, and participating in the conferences as expected. Parents have also been great about sharing information, concerns, and achievements pertaining to their child with us. Thank you to all for making these meetings so productive! Once again, please be sure to check your conference schedule time and plan on arriving promptly for this 20 minute meeting with us; the majority of our conference times have another conference immediately before or after your scheduled time. Spring conferences are a unique and valuable experience that are only available at Portal!

Our blogsite addresses are:

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

Disaster Relief in Japan- A letter from Mrs. Ales

Dear Murdock-Portal Penguins,

Portal School will begin, starting tomorrow, a coin drive to donate to the disaster relief fund for the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan. We will donate all of our proceeds through the American Red Cross who have offices in Japan where funds can be directly applied. Each classroom -- as well as the office -- will have a coin-jar -- so please consider donating to this cause! We are accepting coins and bills (not checks). The fundraiser will be held from March 22nd to April 8th.

Additionally, from tomorrow until April 1st, at lunchtime, the Multipurpose Room will be open for 2-5th graders to make origami cranes and other art projects. (There will be parent supervision at this time.) Kinders and first graders may also participate by coloring posters that show our support. These also will be sent to Japan!

Finally, on April 6th during our Lunch on the Lawn, we will display our posters and sell handicrafts made by the students and also donate the proceeds to the disaster relief fund.

Thank you kindly for your support of this important relief fund effort for Japan!

my best,

Julie Ales


Announcing Family Science Night: Let’s Go Green!

When: Wednesday, March 30th 6:30-8:00 pm
Where: Murdock-Portal Multi-Use Room
Who: All Penguins and Families!

All students and families are invited to join us for "Let's Go Green" Family Science Night. Children and parents will enjoy ten interactive science activities promoting hands-on experiences focusing on the theme "Let's Go Green." The activities will be led by Murdock-Portal teachers, in conjunction with the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose. This event is optional and free-of-charge, open to all Murdock-Portal families, and pre-registration is not required. Children must attend with a parent. We look forward to seeing you on March 30th in the Multi-Use Room!

Geology Rocks Helpers:

It was great to meet with all our stage, prop, and costume parent helpers; it sure is fantastic to have such capable support! If you still have an urge to contribute to our play preparations, food needs, or setup/cleanup for the evening, just add your name to the sign up sheet link below:

Parent Sign Up

Curriculum Notes:

Language Arts- As we prepare to begin our next core literature book, Bridge to Terabithia, we'll be reviewing the aspects of the realistic fiction genre. We'll also revisit our ability to summarize reading passages effectively so that we can apply what we've learned during previous writing work earlier in the year. Spelling will resume after our conference schedule ends, and writing and grammar work will occupy our remaining language arts time.
Math- As 4th graders, we are involved in gaining a firm understanding of 2-dimensional geometry concepts. This unit is heavy with vocabulary, so don't hesitate to ask your student about the appropriate terminology presented; the students can use the review. We are also making excellent progress on their restaurant menus during our extended Friday math time to learn effective use of algebraic expressions!
Math - 5th grade continues to work on integers and the properties/axioms that guide algebraic thinking.
Science- Electromagnetism investigations are ongoing during our short conference days. We're squeezing in investigations pertaining to electromagnetic strength and practical uses for electromagnetic components. Hands-on work and reading are combined to give everyone the greatest opportunity to understand this essential piece of our contemporary technological life.
Social Studies- This week we begin learning about the Post-Mission Era, a time period commonly called "Mexican California".

Calendar of Events:

Mon. 3/21 Parent Teacher Conferences continue until the end of the week. 12:30 Dismissal.
Fri. 3/25 Parent Teacher Conferences end (last day of early dismissal @12:30 schedule)
Wed. 3/30 Family Science Night
Fri. 4/1 Report Cards go home
Wed. 4/6 5th Grade Math Placement Test - Level 1
Thur. 4/7 Geology Rocks! Performance 6:30 Multi-Use Room
Mon. 4/11- Fri. 4/22 Spring Recess - No school.
Tues. 4/26 STAR Testing Begins
Thur. 5/5 Sacramento Field Trip
Thur. 5/12 5th Grade Math Placement Test - Level 2

California Trivia Clue (student responses are REQUIRED):

Where was the state’s first newspaper published?



Sincerely,

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