Rockhopper Reminders: January

Rockhopper Reminders
January/February News


Mark Your Calendars:
Wednesday, January 22: Geography Quiz- North Central States
Thursday, January 23rd: I-Check in Science
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 fine arts performance of “U.S. Geography”

Curriculum Flash!
Language Arts
We have some very exciting curriculum planned for the upcoming months. Students will begin reading and exploring a new book, Dear Mr. Henshaw, written by Beverly Cleary. We will continue learning a new series of root words and practice spelling. We will be reading about current events using Time for Kids, and a new website called Newsela. Several of our classes are practicing for upcoming performances. Our performances are an opportunity for students to demonstrate their oral communication skills and coordination. Putting on a performance is also a great opportunity for students to collaborate and work together as one big team. Finally, students will continue to develop their writing skills through blogging and essay writing.

Math:
4th grade:
The fourth grade students are beginning their algebra unit. We have learned about equations, inequalities and expressions. Students have had a chance to balance equations, which will help prepare them for more of our upcoming algebra unit. We are currently learning the correct order of operations, using parentheses and all four operations when solving equations. Over the next several weeks, in algebra, students will learn to recognize patterns through word problems and group projects. Students will then apply what they have learned and derive formulas from patterns they have created.

5th grade:
The fifth grade students have got in depth concepts of fractions and their equivalents, and have mastered problem solving using addition and subtraction of fractions. In order to solidify the deeper meaning of these concepts, we have used number lines to plot fractions, created models of hexagons and rectangles, and have used pattern blocks to add and subtract fractions. We will continue to teach multiplication and division of fractions and all operations using decimals in the next several weeks. There will be ongoing informal, sometimes observational assessments that will drive our instruction.

Several parents have raised questions about the upcoming placement test for fifth graders. We have given you as much information as we have, and as soon as we get an update from the district, we will inform you immediately. Until then, you can help by asking students about what they learned in math, and also encourage them to give evidence and reason for the comments they make during ordinary family conversations. We are repeating below what we had stated in the previous newsletter with regards to this topic.

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
We have been practicing discerning information from a video, taking notes in the form of short phrases or words. Every two weeks students are introduced to a new region of the United States
In the following weeks, we will take a close look at the next unit which is focused on the 13 colonies. Who were the founders of the colonies? Why were they founded? What struggles did they face during the time of new settlement? We will spend some time learning about famous individuals such as Thomas Hooker, James Oglethorpe, John Smith, Roger Williams, etc. In a group, students will focus on one colonial founder and create a poster to present to the rest of the class. We will teach each other on why these certain figures were important.
Also in Social Studies, we are continuing 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:
Science has been out of this world! We are wrapping up our first investigation on our solar system; we learned about planets (terrestrial & gas giants), gravitational attraction, the Kuiper Belt, asteroids, comets, and more using informational cards and cool apps! Students will take an I-Check on January 23rd; a study guide was sent home with your child last week! Rockhoppers are also being encouraged to read current non-fiction articles across various subjects on Newsela; there are quite a few interesting articles under the science tab! Please have your child share this resource with you; each person has created an individual account.
As we move forward with our investigation of the Water Planet, we will conduct experiments to review and reinforce the scientific method. We will make our own pendulums, set up evaporation experiments, and confirm that solar energy provides the energy to change liquid water into water vapor.

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:
The first coeducational, interracial college was founded in this state.
The first professional baseball team was established in this state.
Seven U.S. presidents were born in this state.
This state's flag is the only state flag shaped like a pennant.
The Professional Football Hall of Fame and the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame are in this state.
Which state is it?