Rockhopper Reminders 12/9/13

Rockhopper Reminders
December/January News


Mark Your Calendars:
Wednesday, December 18th: I-Check 3 in Science
Thursday, December 19th: Social Studies - Geography test on 22 states
December 23rd-January 3rd: Winter Break!
Monday, January 6th: School resumes
Friday, January 10th: Spirit Day- Twin Day!
Wednesday, January 15th: Rooms 20 and 24 field trip to Chabot Space and Science Center
Monday, January 27th @ 6:30 p.m.- Outdoor School Parent Information Meeting in the multi-use room
Thursday, January 30th: Rooms 22 and 23’s Performing Arts of “US Geography

Curriculum Flash!
Language Arts
Students are currently finishing the writing and publishing of their Stone Fox Newsletters. This project incorporated several different styles of writing and gave students the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the book in multiple ways. Students’ creativity and the depth of their understanding of the story and characters have been a pleasure to witness! In addition to finishing their newsletters, for the next two weeks, students will continue to increase their understanding of root words, read about current events, blog and learn about the six traits of writing.

Math:
4th grade:
The fourth grade students have been doing a great job of showing their understanding of the Base Ten concepts this trimester. Students have been assessed, but will continue to use these concepts throughout the year. Our current focus is on factors, prime and composite numbers, and divisibility rules. Knowing how large numbers relate to one another to help us to have a better understanding of which operations to use when solving more complex problems.

5th grade:
The fifth grade students are finishing up algebra, and would have taken a final test in graphing coordinates, interpreting the values of the coordinates, writing an equation by finding the values from a given linear graph today. We are now planning the Fractions unit. We are aware that many students already know the mechanics of mathematical operations using fractions, however, in class they will be asked to use the mathematical practices to show their understanding of those operations. We will use number lines, pattern blocks, and other manipulatives to learn the concepts, connect the abstract with the tangible and verbalize our reasoning.

In this newsletter, we would like to briefly address the Placement Test that is given to all fifth graders sometime in March. Many of you may have read the letter that was sent to parents by the District Office, or may have watched the Superintendent’s video that addressed the placement test. If fifth grade parents missed this for any reason, here is part of the text:

In the Cupertino Union School District, we believe that we should address the needs of all students and will, therefore, continue to offer accelerated options for our students. This spring all fifth grade students will be given a Common Core aligned math assessment. Those students who demonstrate readiness for acceleration will be placed in an accelerated sixth grade math course and all other students will be placed in a sixth grade math course. The students placed in the sixth grade accelerated course will be on a path to complete Geometry in eighth grade and will take Algebra II in the ninth grade. ..

In the past, two levels of placement tests were administered by the District Office, but they were not Common Core based. We are happy to see a change that is aligned with Common Core. It is important that students not stress over this test since this is a placement test, and will be used only to place students in the appropriate math classes. Their placement is determined and communicated to you by the middle schools. Students will learn about their placement in August when the sixth grade students receive their middle school schedules. Per the District rules, there will be no challenge test for incoming sixth grade students. The middle school counselors and teachers will work with students and parents concerning all placement issues in the fall. Parents often wonder how they can prepare their children for this test and look to us for answers. We do not think nor know of a way for you to help your child accelerate to the higher math class. If your child has good number sense, and they are able to explain the reason for a mathematical operation in a given problem, we feel they are in good shape. What really matters is that you do not create stress over this test, for you or your child.


Social Studies
Our Explorer Brochures are so enticing!! Students were incredibly creative as they designed brochures to persuade travelers to board exploring ships bound for the “New World.” We learned a great deal about the motives, experiences, and accomplishments of many European explorers. We are proudly displaying our work in the classrooms if you happen to have the chance to peek in ( :
In the next two weeks, we will be assessing what we have learned about the age of exploration, evaluate the quality of the relationships that formed between settlers and the Native Americans already inhabiting this “New World,” and understand the conflict over the land both parties sought to control.
Also in Social Studies, we have begun to study the locations (and spelling) of our 50 states, plus Washington D.C., their capitals, and postal abbreviations. Students receive a full point for all three pieces written accurately (ex: Sacramento, California CA), and one point for the correct spelling of all three. Therefore, each location is worth two points. Considering the fact that this aspect of our learning is based on rote memorization and does not reflect critical thinking, quizzes are simply graded in this quantitative format.

Science:
In the past several weeks we have been learning about the vascular system in plants. Students were fascinated by our celery investigation. We placed stalks in colored water and then observed as the fluid was drawn up through the xylem tubes. We also spent several days learning about why scientists categorize specimens and why this is so important to science. We had a “hands on” experience categorizing leaves by their shapes, vein patterns, and margins. We are continuing to focus on living systems as we learn about and explore the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. We will be creating models with “linker cubes” to represent these two processes. After the holiday break, we will begin learning about the Earth and our solar system.

Outdoor Science School:
This spring the Rockhoppers will be attending Outdoor Science School at Camp Koinonia in the Santa Cruz Mountains from Tuesday, April 22nd through Friday, April 25. This exciting and educational trip is an opportunity for students to learn and study science in an outdoor setting. It’s also a chance for students to develop their communication and cooperation skills as they work and live together throughout the week. A representative from Camp Koinonia will be coming to Portal on January 27 at 6:30 p.m. to talk about the program and answer any questions you may have. Please be sure to mark your calendars! This evening is for parents only. Students will have their own special presentation during school hours. We look forward to seeing you on January 27th!


Mystery State Clues:
A sculpture of two whale tails sticking up out of the ground can be seen in this state, which shares no borders with an ocean.
Before joining the union, this state was an independent republic from 1777 to 1791.
This state is the top producer of maple syrup in the United States.
The Green Mountains dominate the landscape in this state.
The capital of this state, Montpelier, has the smallest population of any state capital.
Which state is it?