WELCOME!

For classroom policies, check your student's binder or check our classroom website: eworldclassroom.com. Parents - please sign planners!

Homework guidelines: Students in my class are to complete any unfinished assignments at home and pace themselves when working on projects. The formula used to determine homework time is to multiply the student's grade by 10 minutes. So, it is suggested a typical 5th grader work 50 minutes a night on homework.

Monday, Sept. 26

• MATH: Bits & Pieces II. Some students have worked in this chapter before, but it is a 6th grade district requirement to complete it. Students will benefit from the review, but it will be accelerated. 
• MATH ASSIGNMENT: Complete Investigation 1.1 at home, play the game with family if needed. Show your thinking as outlined in the chapter 'Mathematical Highlights'. Due tomorrrow.
• MATH ASSIGNMENT FOR THOSE WANTING MORE CHALLENGE: Some students identified themselves as wanting more 'challenge'. They were assigned the "homework" section of the CMP curriculum: ACE: 1-15, 31-33, 35. Applications 16-18, 23-25, Connections 34 and Extensions 43-47. This is due tomorrow for them. 
• LITERACY: Defined vocabulary words, went over them in class. Students turned them in today for check-off.
• SCIENCE/SOCIAL STUDIES: Discussed vocabulary & simple gene inheritance.
• LANGUAGE ARTS ASSIGNMENT: Today students were assigned an ORAL HISTORY project - due next Monday. Please read over it at home and set a time for your student to interview a Family Member.

 Tuesday, Sept. 27th

ASSIGNMENTS & STUDY TIPS: "Homework" is any assignments not finished in class and Projects.

• All math assignments are due the next day.
• Notes must be turned in after discussions and videos.
• Daily Assignments in Word Work and Science are due the next day.
• Projects are explained in handouts and the Due Date for them is posted on that handout. Students should do a little bit of the project every night, and time will be given during the day for working on it.
• Late work becomes a zero unless graded and turned in by the student. Students with late work must stay in at recess and grade it, and be sure to get the teachers attention to record it, to change the zero.
• Students can redo low math grades and complete extra credit, after all daily assignments are done.
• A weekly reading log, signed by a parent, is due every Monday.
  
• MATH: ASSIGNMENT: Complete 1.2 in Bits & Pieces II CMP book. Due tomorrow.
• SOCIAL STUDIES/SCIENCE/READING: Discussed Human Diversity - looking at selected parts of the PBS Website: Race - The Power of Illusion & discussed diversity according to geographic regions. Animals also display differences based on where they live.
• STEPS TO RESPECT
• CLASS DISCUSSION: Discussed late work policys. Showed students schoolnotes.com and eworldclassroom.com.
• MUSIC
• PICTURE DAY TOMORROW

Sept. 28th

Note: Parents - some students are getting hungry before our 12:15 pm lunch. Please be sure they eat breakfast!  Tomorrow (Thursdays) are PE days! It looked like students had a good day, today!

• MATH: Complete CMP Bits II - 2.1 - due tomorrow.
• WRITING: Oral History Project - Students interviewed themselves and wrote down the answers to questions - Reminder: students pace yourself...your final 2 page project is due on Monday.
• MUSIC
• PICTURE DAY
• STUDY HALL/ORCHESTRA/READING

READING LOGS: Due every Monday with a signature from your parent. Fill in your weekly reading logs twice a day, except Friday, and get them signed once a week! Grading: Each completed row is worth 10 points and your parents signature is work 10 points = 100 points total.

EXTRA STAR: Have your parent write their favorite food in your planner, (showing me they read this), along with their daily signature, and recieve an extra star on your planner ...and a Panther Buck, tomorrow!

Sept. 29th

• MATH: Corrected 2.1. Assigned 2.2 - due tomorrow.
• READING/SCIENCE: WA State Spiders - Took Cornell Notes - turned in today
• WRITING: Oral History Project - Final due on Monday.
• PE
• TOMORROW: MAPS Readng Test - Get your sleep tonight!
• WANT A EXTRA STAR? Answer the following question by using a word from this week's vocabulary. Write the word in your planner by where the parent signs.  Which word means moving from one region to another?

FRIDAY, Sept. 30

• All School Assembly
• READING MAPS TEST
• Library
• MATH: Problem of the Week - turned in during class.

MONDAY, Oct. 3rd

• MATH: Bits II - 2.3 (Fact Families) - complete A-D and ACE: 14-18 and 41-44 - due tomorrow.
• READING/SS: Read about Africa as a class - no assignment
• GEOGRAPHY: Color Asia & Africa MAP. Make countries different colors, can repeat colors - due tomorrow.
• WRITING: AFRICA WRITING ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS HANDED OUT - Students can begin research on their African country today, but do not have to begin tonight. There will be writing time in class all this week. The final report is due next Monday. Students will need two sources of information. A bibliography source page was handed out. One typed page or two handwriting final copies must be turned in with roughdrafts stabled beneath it.
• PANTHER PRIDE
• PE

ORAL HISTORY PROJECTS were due today. The roughdrafts were needed to be turned in with the final assignment for students to receive a full grade. Finals could be typed or handwritten.

WANT AN EXTRA STAR? Write down the capital of your African country in your planner.

Tuesday, Oct. 4th, 2011

• MATH: Complete Bits & Pieces II: ACE problems 19-25, 48 and 49 - due tomorrow. Quiz tomorow over adding and subtracting fractions.
• SS/WRITING: Started research on AFRICAN country in class. TONIGHT: Write down the source information for two sources (book, encyclopedia, website) AND take notes off those sites about the country. Bring it in tomorrow to be checked off. You will begin writing your 1st draft in class tomorrow!
• STEPS TO RESPECT
• BALLROOM DANCING
• MUSIC
• STUDY HALL (in class)
• Discussed LATE assignment, how/when to turn them in, get them graded and/or get checked off.

 EXTRA STAR: Write the most current Population of your African Country (that you can find) in your planner.

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 5th

A good day!

• MATH: Quiz on Bits & Pieces II - Investigation 2 - completed in class.
• READING/WRITING/SOCIAL STUDIES: Students had a large Literacy Block to work on yesterday's homework assignment. They completed writing down the facts/notes from 2 Sources. Students were reminded to write down ALL info. about their 'source'.  A Bibligraphy Handout (given to students earlier this week) gives examples of how to write down info from many different sources. Completion of the 2 Sources & Notes were checked off in class.
• WRITING: Some students are already starting to write their 1st Draft of their African report. They are to 'cite' information taken from their source notes by using a #1 or #2 placed behind that info. corresponding to the source. Tomorrow: In class, students will finish writing the 1st draft of the report, and proofread it. Some students will begin writing their 1st draft, tonight, for their 50 minute homework block. Friday, students will begin to write the Final Report after proofreading the 1st draft. The FINAL DRAFT (with roughdrafts) are due on MONDAY.
• MUSIC
• STUDY HALL - Read and be sure to fill in the spaces for this week's Reading Log - due (signed by a parent) on Monday.

WANT AN EXTRA STAR? Write the name of the leader of your AFRICAN country in your planner.

 Thursday, Oct. 6th

• MATH: Corrected Quiz - Read the preview of Investigation 3 - Multiplying & Dividing Fractions - no assignment.
• LANGUAGE ARTS: Write 1st draft & proofread AFRICAN report. Tomorrow - Final can be handwritten in class or typed on one of the four class computers if you're name is drawn for computers. Final is due Monday.
• BALLROOM DANCING
• PE

 FRIDAY, Oct. 7th - GUEST TEACHER

• MATH: MATH MAPS Test & Problem of the Week - in class
• READING/WRITING: Complete Final of Africa Report
• ASSEMBLY for Fund Raising
• Library

MONDAY, Oct. 8th

• Reading Logs Due - Note: Four weekly reading logs have been checked off. Some students have not turned one or more in. Students can complete book reviews and comprehension projects for 'extra credit' to replace the reading log points. The next Reading Log is due next Monday.

• MATH: Bits II - Complete C&D and ACE Problems #1-3, and 36 & 37 - due tomorrow.
• WRITING: Write 'Mr. Rick', dance teacher, a Friendly Letter about 'Dancing Classrooms' - due tomorrow... these will be given to him.
• VOCABULARY: Ms. Needham went over every word (10 words) with students. Students need to turn their copies of vocab into the turn-in tray for credit today.
• WORD WORK: Short vowel sounds - in Class - Students are to keep their word work notes in their binders.
• PE

LATE WORK: Some students have late work out. They will be calling home this week if they are missing excessive assignments. Late work is accepted, though a grade may be lowered or the student may need to stay inside during recess to get the key out and grade the assignment, and be sure it is entered onto the gradesheets.

MATH ASSIGNMENTS: Intermediate Challenge met and aligned math grading procedures. Most daily CMP work will be checked off in the gradebook. Only occasionally will the daily math assignments be graded and entered onto the gradesheet. There is a weekly INVESTIGATION QUIZ. All weekly 'Investigations' quiz's' and 'handouts' will be graded and averaged for a report card grade.

Parents please feel free to communicate with me about any concerns you may have or to go over classroom procedures. You can communicate with me via your child's planner or email me. Conferences are the week of Thanksgiving. But, if you want to meet prior to that time, please schedule an appointment with me. Together we'll make this a great year for your child! Thanks!

 TUESDAY, Oct. 11

What a good day students had today!

• MATH: CMP Bits II reviewed yesterday's work in class. Today's Assignment: 3.2 ACE: 6-8, 10, 38 & 39 - due tomorrow.
• READING: Reviewed Nonfiction Reading Strategies: Began Reading 'Doctrine of Discovery/Manifest Destiny' - in class. Students placed the reading pages in their binders.
• STEPS TO RESPECT - in class
• DANCING CLASSROOMS - (Ballroom Dancing... students looked happy & having fun!)
• MUSIC

 Wednesday, Oct. 12th

• MATH: MATH: CMP Bits II reviewed yesterday's work in class. Today's Assignment: 3.3 ACE: 11-14 & 40-45 - due tomorrow.
• READING/SS - Doctrine of Discovery - read and discussed. No homework.
• READING/SS - Columbus Day - Discussion - no homework
• MUSIC

 Thursday, Oct. 13 

NO SCHOOL TOMORROW

• MATH: CMP Bits II reviewed yesterday's work in class. Today's Assignment: 3.4 ACE: 18-20 & 46&47 - due Monday. TUESDAY IS A QUIZ on Investigation 3 (multiplying fractions).
• READING/MAP SKILLS - Students took a pretest on the names of the continents & major oceans - in class. Read about Columbus, Jacques Cartier & Ponce De Leon and discussed the reasons for Exploration (to find the trade route called the NW Passage to India)
•  WORD WORK: Took notes on the 'Bossy R' sound that, when combined with a short vowel in a syllable, sounds louder than the short vowel.
• PE
• DANCING CLASROOMS

Went over late work with students. Students can access check-off sheets during any work time to see if they have turned in all of their work. Next week, Progress Reports will be sent home as conferences and report cards are around the corner, occurring the week of Thanksgiving.

Monday, October 17

• MATH: Learned how to use cross cancellation of fractions - ASSIGNMENT: 2-sided CMP worksheet - due tomorrow. Quiz tomorrow over multiplying fractions.
• READING/VOCABULARY: Read about Dia De Los Muertos from an overhead Powerpoint (in class), read and discussed vocabulary. ASSIGNMENT: Complete a vocabulary word search - due tomorrow.
• Social Studies: AUTUMN HOLIDAYS/CULTURAL TRADITIONS: Class discussed culture and traditions, watched video clip about European Halloween History, and a video clip about Dia De Los Muertos (a cultural traditon where Mexicans celebrate their deceased loved ones on Nov. 1 & 2nd). Students will explore fall traditions this week, with focus being on learning about Dia De Los Muertos, a holiday very different than Halloween.
• PE
• BEHAVIOR ASSEMBLY: School rules are reinforced.

Tuesday, October 18th

• MATH: Corrected yesterday's assignment. Began Math Quiz - more time will be available tomorrow to complete quiz - not homework.
• STEPS TO RESPECT
• BALLROOM DANCING
• STUDY HALL
• HEALTH: Discussed nutrition and choosing healthy foods from the food pyramid -  in class.

NO HOMEWORK ASSIGNED TODAY!

ART PROJECT COMING UP! Blue note was sent home today about the supplies we need. We will begin the art project when enough supplies are gathered for each part of it.  Students will create happy, Dia De Los Muertos skeleton dioramas (an indigenous artform in Mexico) using clay and paint. Students are encouraged to bring clay, wire and a shoe box. There is no penalty if you do not have the supplies...we'll share. Families, if you have objections to your child making a Mexican skeleton diorama, please let me know, and we'll come up with a compatible project. Thanks!

BEHAVIOR RULES BOOKLETS: have been sent home. Parents - please read over these rules with your child and sign them. Parkside Elementary takes your child's safety as its highest priority and aims to maximize the classroom learning environment.

October 19th, 2011

THANK YOU PARENTS FOR BRINGING IN ART SUPPLIES!!! WE ALL SHARED and BEGAN THE PROJECT!

• MATH: Finish Investigations 3 Quiz - in class
• HEALTH/READING/WRITING: Read the Great Body Shop. ASSIGNMENT: Take Cornell Notes on the entire Reading - due tomorrow
• SOCIAL STUDIES/ART - Completed the skeleton bodies of art projects - in class.
• MUSIC
• STUDY HALL/ORCHESTRA

DON'T FORGET THE READING LOGS - students should read twice a day and log that reading onto the weekly worksheet. Students can read additional times in a day to make up for days not read. A reading time is a minimum of 20 minutes. Please put the actual date read on the log.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

• MATH: Correct Math Quiz & Complete Problem of the Week - in class
• PE
• DANCING CLASSROOMS
• Reading/Social Studies - History of Dia De Los Muertos. Students read aloud and highlighted important information & defined words. ASSIGNMENT: Complete a Venn Diagram comparing/contrasting Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos - due tomorrow.
• CLASSROOM DISCUSSION ON SHOUT-OUTS/TALKING or SOCIALIZING - Earlier this month, students agreed on rules and consequences for an individual's poor choices and behaviors in class. However, in this classroom, after lunch, it appears as if there is an increase in group off task behaviors (talking/socializing and shout outs than before lunch). As well, there is also misbehavior occuring during PE and Music, a time when students have a different teacher. Sometimes it is caused by a couple of individuals seeking attention, but much of these times, it's the group being silly with each other, socializing and joking. It was explained to the students that this behavior slows down the entire class, it annoys students trying to focus, frustrates teachers, and causes more work at home for some individuals (homework), and as a result, there is less time to do fun activities in the school day. Students explained that this behavior is a carry over from their previous class, where it was more tolerated, but understood that to be successful in 5th Grade Challenge, it needs to be reduced. 

FRIDAY, Oct. 21

• MATH: Completed "Problem of the Week" - in class
• SCIENCE: Watched Science Movie - took notes - in class
• SS/ART: Decorated backdrop/box for diorama - in class
• NO HOMEWORK - Be sure your reading logs are turned in on Monday

PROGRESS REPORTS SENT HOME: A district requirement is that progress reports come home before conferences so parents are informed of students progress and can help students turn any problems around before November Report Cards.

MISSING READING LOGS was written on some progress reports for some students. Past reading logs cannot be made up. There will be no penalty on report cards because of these missing logs if, from here on out, student turns in all future reading logs.

NOVEMBER CONFERENCES: The times were sent home today. Another letter will be sent out closer to conference time. There will be one evening for "group" student led conferences, Tuesday, Nov. 22, from 5-7p.m.  During that time, any family that cannot make their individual conference time, can attend, but do note that other students may be there showing off their portfolios and leading their conferences for their family at the same time. Because we have a very full class of 27 students, this year, families will have 30 minute blocks of time for individual conferences. Also, the conference schedule is pretty tight as far as moving to other times available.

STUDENTS: Want an extra star/sticker for your planner? Answer this question: What is the Mexican word for chocolate sauce poured over chicken? Write it on your planner somewhere in today's space!

Monday, Oct. 24, 2011

LANGUAGE ARTS/SOCIAL STUDIES: Assignment: create a 1-page Info Sheet on an EXPLORER.

• Each student was assigned an Explorer.
• They were given a handout with basic questions to fill in for their Explorer.
• The answers to those questions need to be transferred to full sentences on a page with the EXPLORERS picture, a Heading and the Source. This is the roughdraft.
• Proofread the roughdraft and copy it onto white paper.
• Due tomorrow.

MATH: Assignment: Complete Dividing Fractions - 4.1 - due tomorrow. Extra Credit: ACE 1, 2 and 24-29.

EXPLORER VOCABULARY - Defined 10 words in class - turned in to be checked off today.

PE

ART: Bring scraps of material for clothes for your sculpture.

TUESDAY, Oct. 25th, 2011

• MATH: CMP 4.2 and ACE: 5-8 and 30-34 - due tomorrow
• DANCE
  STEPS TO RESPECT - no assignment
• ART
• MUSIC

Wednesday, Oct. 26th

• MATH: CMP 4.3 - due tomorrow
• STUDY SKILLS: - "Town Hall' class Meeting: Discussed assignment completion, how/what is homework, study habits, effort & attitude - in class discussion & no homework.
• MUSIC
• Study Hall/Orchestra
• WORD WORK: Discussed syllable combinations and vowel sounds - took notes. Turned those notes in to be checked off.
• Discussed Halloween/Dia De Los Muertos/Harvest Party - scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 1st. rsday,

Thursday, Oct. 27th

• MATH: Complete Review Handouts - "Dividing Fractions" - due tomorrow. Quiz Tomorrow over Investigation 4 - Dividing Fractions
• PE
• READING: Discussed Story Elements (Character) - Learned how an author uses literary techniques to Show Character Traits in a story. ASSIGNMENT: In a book, find and write down the sentence where the author describes "any" of the books characters using the following techniques: Author Description (author outright describes the personality of the character), Actions of the Character (author shows the character doing an action that helps the reader know more about the character), Speech of the Character (what the character says (dialogue) reveals more about or describes the character) and Speech of Another Character (another character in the book says something that describes another character). - Due tomorrow.
• Study Hall/Art
• BALLROOM DANCING

 Friday, Oct. 28, 2011

• MATH: Reviewed Dividing Fractions (Yesterday's handouts) and Completed the Bits II Unit Test - in class
• LIBRARY
• READING/WRITING: Discussed Author's Literary Devises and Defined the different kinds of literary devices. Then wrote down an example of each them under the definition - turned the notes in during class.
• NO ASSIGNMENTS THIS WEEKEND -> EXCEPT FINISH THE READING LOGS - Turn in on Monday!!!
• DIA DE LOS MUERTOS - HARVEST PARTY - HALLOWEEN on TUESDAY!

Monday, Oct. 31

• MATH: Complete 2-sided REVIEW handout - due Tuesday.
• Reading/Writing: Learned "plot" - Took notes, completed an events list and plot diagram of Simpsons' Halloween episode - due tomorrow
• PANTHER PRIDE
• PE

Tuesday, Nov. 1

• MATH: Corrected UNIT test - in class
• HISTORY: Watched streaming video from the History Channel about Halloween for Party
• HARVEST/DIA DE LOS MUERTOS/Halloween Party - thank you all who brought food!
• MUSIC
• STEPS TO RESPECT - last lesson about friendship bullying - in class
• DANCING CLASSROOMS - Great Work today!

HAPPY DIA DE LOS MUERTOS! One more day - tomorrow - is the last day of the Mexican Holiday!

Wednesday, November 2

• MATH: Corrected Unit 1 Review hanout in class - those students who scored a '1' must redo the missed problems and turn back in. Assigned 'Problem of the Week' - students completed in class.
• READING/WRITING: Ballroom Dance Story - ASSIGNMENT: Fill in a pre-write handout with character attributes and plot. Next, students were to write a SHORT story with some aspect of "Ballroom Dancing" in it (to give Mr. Rick, the dance teacher, who originally assigned the story) - roughdraft is due tomorrow.
• MUSIC

 Thursday, Nov. 3rd

• MATH: 2-sided handout - Decimals -> Fractions & Fractions -> Decimals - due tomorrow.
• WRITING: Proofread story and Wrote or Typed Final Draft - due today/or tomorrow at the latest.
• STUDY HALL
• MUSIC
• DANCING CLASSROOMS

Friday, Nov. 4th

• MATH: Corrected Handout in class.
• HEALTH/READING: Read & discussed The Great Body Shop - took notes on THE BRAIN - turn notes in.
• LIBRARY
• STUDY HALL

MONDAY, Nov. 7th

• MATH: Reviewed Adding & Subtracting with decimals. ASSIGNMENT: Multiplying Decimals - 2-sided Handout - due tomorrow.
• READING: History - PPT & History Channel video clips on COLONIES & EXPLORERS, Jamestown & Roanoke Island. Took Cornell Notes - turned those in.
• PE
• STUDY HALL/ORCHESTRA
• HEALTH CHECKS for Vision and Hearing - in school.

 Tuesday, Nov. 8th

• SOCIAL STUDIES/Atlas - Reviewed reading charts & info. from an Atlas - in class.
• HISTORY/READING - Read about the first Settlements/Colonies in America - took notes & handed in
• MATH - Corrected Multiplying Decimals & learned Dividing Decimals - ASSIGNMENT: 2-sided Handout - due tomorrow.
• MUSIC
• NOTE: This Thursday is the "District Test" for Math - this is a brand new test the district is giving students to see if they understand the 'district curriculum' math they are currently learning. Students in Challenge 5th Grade will be taking the 6th Grade District Test which corresponds with the curriculum they are learning.

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 9th

• MATH: Corrected Dividing Decimals handout in class & took questions on any math problems.
• SOCIAL STUDIES/READING/HISTORY: Read about life in 17th Century England & took notes - turned in notes in class. ASSIGNMENT: Draw a picture of one aspect of 17th C. life.
• MUSIC

Thursday, Nov. 10th

• MATH: District Quiz postponed until Monday because of a Fire Drill.
• PE
• STUDY HALL
• READING/SOCIAL STUDIES: Discussion & Notes on Colonies.  Notes due by Monday.
• Fire Drill
• DANCING CLASSROOMS

LATE & MISSING WORK was told to students to write down on a list. Students should turn that work in for grades by next week for the grade to be averaged for report cards. Every student present was told what they have late. Daily students are told they are missing individual assignments after they are graded or checked off.

MONDAY, Nov. 14th

• MATH: District Quiz - in class
• READING/LANGUAGE ARTS - Students learned how to read and analyze MAPS test scores.
• VOCABULARY - Defined 10 words - in class. Turn in for check-off.
• WRITING: Reflection (2 Paragraphs) about your MAPS scores... Question 1) What are your feelings when taking the test or reading the scores? On a scale of 1-10, do you check your answers? What could you do better next time? Question 2) What was your best and worst scores- (Write down the date of the test and scores) and tell why you think that happened? Also, what individual skills do you need to get a better MAP score next time you take the test?  - Due tomorrow
• PE

CONFERENCE TIMES were sent home - There will be little room to move the date if you can't make it, but there will be a TUESDAY NIGHT Group Conference from 5-7p.m. (other groups will be in the classroom). Families can find a corner and students can proceed with their half hour student-led conference and show their goals and work portfolios to parents.  Please RSVP for that option.

• READING LOGS were due and the last one of the quarter was handed it. Book Reviews and projects will replace them.

TUESDAY, Nov. 15th

• MATH: Bits & Pieces III - 1.1 & ACE 1-6 and 37 & 38 - due tomorrow
• L/A - Discussed whats on a Report Card and how Report Cards grades are determined - in class
• L/A - Study Hall - Turn in Late Work - in class
• DANCING CLASSROOMS
• MUSIC

 Wednesday, Nov. 16th

• MATH: Bits & Pieces III - 1.2 and 8-18 - due tomorrow
• L/A Read about Thanksgiving - notes due today
• Music

Note handed out about LATE WORK POLICY for 2nd Quarter - parents please sign it.

CLASSROOM ART BASKET - Students voted for bringing in new supplies for creating a classroom art basket to be auctioned at the Dec. 2nd BINGO night. Please bring supplies by December 1st.

Thursday, Nov. 17th

• MATH: Bits & Pieces III - 1.3 ACE 19-21
• L/A - Organized Conference Binders, Discuss Potential Questions that may arise during conferences - in class
• L/A - Challenge Goal Setting - Each student created 3 Goals and a plan to improve their learnig this year. Will be presented to parents to sign at conferences - in class
• PE
• Increased chatty & off task behaviors - we know they're excited for break! Please remind your child to "stay focused" for one more day!  

Friday, Nov. 18

• MATH: 1.4 ACE 23-32, 45 &  46 - due Monday, Nov. 28th
• READING: Discussed Reading Logs, reasons why they're used, statistics of use in class.

NOTE: Reading logs will continue, as done by 6th Grade Parkside general education. Students can now do logs in a notebook, or on the log sheet. Reading can be 30-40 minutes once a day or split into twice a day, and parents signature is now EXTRA credit.

• ONE LOG SHOULD BE KEPT OVER BREAK - due Monday, Nov. 28th. On that date, the Log due for this week, should also be turned in.
• CONFERENCE BINDER: 5th Grade Challenge Plan - completed in class
• ASSEMBLY
• Library

MONDAY, NOV. 28TH

• MATH: Correct 1.4 and took math quiz in class
• READING/SOCIAL STUDIES: PPT on Indentured Servanst & Notes - turned in today.
• Study Hall/Orchestra
• PE
• LATE WORK: Today we began the new 'late work' policy. I checked off turned in work on a clipboard and reminded students several times today what they were missing. During last recess, I asked them write it in their planners.  Many students forgot reading logs and other work.  Remind your child we are working together on this skill and that it gets easier. They are learning an important skill necessary for success in 6th Grade Challenge and middle school.

DONT FORGET OUR CLASS IS GATHERING ITEMS FOR AN "ART BASKET" to be donated and AUCTIONED OFF this FRIDAY at BINGO NIGHT to raise funds for school! Any new art item you can donate to our classes' basket is greatly appreciated!

TUESDAY, Nov. 29th, 2011

• MATH: Corrected Decimal Quiz - Assigned Problem of the Week - due tom.
• LANGUAGE ART & SOCIAL STUDIES:  Introduction to Transatlantic Slave Trade - took notes & reflection on illustrations of the time - due tomorrow.
• DANCING - Students did great!
• MUSIC

 Wednesday, Nov. 30

• Math: 2.1 and Ace: 1-3, 34-39 - due tomorrow
• LA and SS: Studied Slavery (triangular trade) & took notes an copied Vocabulary - turned in.
• Study Hall/Orchestra
• Music
• Panther Pride

 Thursday, Dec. 1st

• HEALTH/LA - Read Great Body Shop - Took Notes and Drew a Picture of Lunch - wrote a reflection - Due Friday
• MATH: Complete 2.2 and ACE 7-10 and 12-16 - due Friday
• PE
• Dancing
• STudy Hall

FRIDAY, Dec. 2nd

• MATH: Corrected 2.2
• LA/SS/Writing - Quiz on Slavery and Indentured Servants - turned in during class.
• LIBRARY
• LEGO Demonstrations - in class... Good Luck Lego Teams!!

NOTE: BOOK REVIEW & PROJECT - due during the week of Dec. 12-16. A book review must accompany a book comprehension project.

BINGO TONIGHT! 6 p.m.

Have a great weekend!

MONDAY, Dec. 5th

• MATH: Complete 2.3 and ACE: 17-19, 22-24, 40, 44 - due tomorrow
• SCIENCE: Rock Cycle Vocabulary - turned in during class
• READING/SS - Notes and a Discussion on Slavery - turned in notes during class.
• PE
• Study Hall/Orchestra

Tuesday, Dec. 6th

• MATH: Complete 2.4 and ACE: 25, 27-31. 33. 45 - due tomorrow
• L/A: Read a selection about Colonial Life in Americas (one about Food, Clothing, Houses, etc.) and take Cornell notes - due tomorrow.

Absent students can do this with a selection taken from the Internet. Have parents approve your reading selection first.  This is the first part of a project on 'Teaching a Lesson about Colonial Life' where the student does the research, makes a lesson, and teaches it to other students. Students will have an hour a day to work on it this week...a note is coming home about the project.

• SCIENCE: Took notes on the rock Cycle movie and drew a diagram of the rock cycle

Absent students draw a diagram of the rock cycle (found on the Internet).

• MUSIC
• DANCING
• Study Hall

Wednesday, Dec. 7th

• MATH: Corrected 2.4 - Completed Problem of the Week - in class - Tomorrow Quiz on Multiplying Fractions
• L/A: Worked on Colonial Project - 90 minutes - took group notes and created either an 1) Activity 2) PowerPoint 3) Information to lecture students - Roughdraft due tomorrow.
• SCIENCE: Took notes on Igneous Rocks (Difference between Granite and Basalt) - turned in class.
• MUSIC

 Thursday, Dec. 8th

• MATH: Took Multiplying Decimals Quiz - in class.
• L/A: Worked on Colonial Project - 90 minutes - in class. All final activities were checked off.
• SCIENCE: Took notes on Igneous Rocks, Erosion and Weathering - turn in class.
• PE
• HONOR ROLL ASSEMBLY

Friday, Dec. 9th

• MATH: Corrected Math Quiz - Students who scored a 1 must complete Lesson 39 in the Yellow Saxon book, that score will replace the low quiz grade. Students with a 2 are encouraged to do the same lesson to increase their score.

• L/A: Four student teacher groups presented Colonial History Lessons. They were awesome! I can't wait to see more next week. We are discussiong having a Colonial Christmaas reinactment w/music and food for the last day of school before Winter Break. More news forthcoming.  Students took notes and turned them in today and completed activities that the student groups passed out.
• LIBRARY

BOOK REPORT AND PROJECT - due any day Monday through Friday next week.CHALLENGE

HOLIDAY BAZAAR - Next Thursday!

BALLROOM DANCING ASSEMBLY on Friday at 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Family and Friends are Invited to attend!

 Monday, Dec. 12

• STUDENT/TEACHER HISTORY LESSONS - Take Notes and turn those in. Complete the activitys and turn into the teachers (though they will not be entered into the grade book, the student teachers will grade them).
• MATH: 3.1 and ACE 1-4 and 28 & 29 - due tomorrow.
• ART - Tiffany Stained Glass Project - in class.
• Orchestra/Study Hall
• PE

Book Reviews & Projects due by the end of this week!

Tuesday, Dec. 13

• STUDENT/TEACHER HISTORY LESSONS - Take Notes and turn those in. Complete the activitys and turn into the teachers (though they will not be entered into the grade book, the student teachers will grade them).
• SCIENCE Rock Cycle Assignment: 2-sided handout - due tomorrow.
• MATH: 3.2 and ACE 5-14 - due tomorrow
• Ballroom Dancing
• Study Hall
• MUSIC

Town Meeting: Discussed Lates, No Names, and Behavioral Expectations while at school. We had a really good day today.

 WEDNESDAY, Dec. 14 (Ms. Needham went home early because she was feeling sick from a cold).

• MATH: 3.2 ACE: 15-19 and 22-24 - due Thursday
• L/A: Student Teacher History lessons - Took Notes - turned in
• MUSIC
• Study Hall/Orchestra

Thursday, Dec. 15th

• MATH: Problem of the Week - due tomorrow
• PE
  L/A: Student Teacher Lessons - take notes & turn in
• Challenge Bazaar
• DANCING CLASSROOMS lesson

BOOK REVIEW & PROJECT -  DUE TOMORROW!
DANCING EXHIBITION - Tomorrow from 9:45 am to 10:45 am. Students should be dressed as formally as possible.

FRIDAY, Dec. 16th

• MATH: 2-Sided Math Sheet - Dividing Decimals - due Monday
• DANCE EXPO - ALL STUDENTS performed superbly... I was SO proud of them!
• SCIENCE: Corrected rock science handout and watched Movie - in class
• STUDY HALL

Monday, Dec. 19th

• MATH: Quiz on Bits III - Investigation 3 - Completed in class.
• LA: Colonial Christmas Reading: Assignment:  Answer comprehension questions using complete sentences and proofread - due tomorrow.
• PE
• Assembly

COLONIAL HOLIDAY PARTY TOMORROW: Students can bring any kind of buffet food to the party that is NOT a sweet or sugary food.  Sugar free drinks are allowed. In the colonies, people danced, feasted, and sang Christmas carols during Christmas, but the lavish tree, presents, and sugary sweets were not there. . We will recreate the festivities in class as a launch to Winter Break and the NEW YEAR!

 Tuesday, Dec. 20 - HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

What a GREAT ARTISTIC & HAPPY DAY!

• MATH: Graded Quiz - if students scored low, they brought home a yellow Saxon math book and will complete Dividing Decinmals Practice and Problem Set for extra credit.
• L/A: COLONIAL PARTY - THANK YOU parents for the GREAT Buffet Dishes & other foods! We had enough food for students to feel full...but still they ate lunch! The food was tasty and healthy!
• HISTORY: Watched history of St. Nick - in class
• ASSEMBLY: Holiday Sing Along
• MUSIC: Students were AMAZING! playing an instrumental song - everyone participated using violins, recorders, bell, etc... WOW!

Some students have to complete a Language Arts Venn Diagram about Christmas - it is late; due today.

EXTRA CREDIT in Reading - complete reading logs for the break and they will replace missing or low scores on previous logs.

 HAVE A SUPER WINTER BREAK! No "assigned" homework...just complete late work, extra credit, or relax!

Wednesday, January 4th

• MATH: CMP Red book, Bits & Pieces 3 - Assignment: Investigation 4.1 and ACE 1-3 and 13 - due tomorrow.
• READING/HEALTH: Read about Muscular System from Overhead. Assignment: take notes & define the vocabulary words, complete the anatomy page - staple all together and turn in tomorrow.
• MUSIC
• STUDY HALL/ORCHESTRA

We had a good day back!

Thursday, January 5th

• MATH: 4.2 and Ace #4 - due tomorrow.
• PE
• READING: Read about Joints and Muscles System - took notes stapled to Anatormy sheet.
• HEALTH: Anatomy of Joints & Muscles - due tomorrow
• Study Hall

Friday, January 6th

• MATH: Complete 4.3 - due Mon.
• Science/Health: Anatomy Sheet of the Respiratory Track - due Monday stapled to notes.
• Reading: Read about Respiratory Track & watched movie - took notes.
• Library
• Study Hall
• Note: Very chatty & social class this week - unusual amount of names on board...Strive for improved focus next week!

Monday, January 9th

• MATH: Corrected 4.3 and Math Quiz - in class
• Reading: Read and took notes on Respiratory and Nervous Systems - stapled to Anatomy worksheet.
• SCIENCE/HEALTH: Anatomy of the Brain worksheet - turned in at class.
• Orchestra/Study Hall
• PE

Don't Forget: Reading logs are due every Monday! A book review and project will be due the LAST WEEK of January.

MLK  ASSEMBLY ACTIVITY: Discussed discrimination. Asked students to brainstorm a Martin Luther King Activity to present at Friday's Assembly. A group will meet tomorrow to discuss what and how they want to deliver info from our class during the assembly. This is optional and not an assignment.

Tuesday, January 10th

• MATH: Corrected Math Quiz
• READING: Read about Nervous System
• TOOK MAPS READING TEST
• SCIENCE/HEALTH: Completed Nervous System Anatomy page - turned in during class.
• STUDY HALL: Students were conferenced about missing assignments & given time in class to make them up. Some students worked on MLK Assembly Activity.
• Music

 Wednesday, January 11th

• MATH: Worksheet on taxes and discounts - due tomorrow.
• READING: Took notes on Digestive System - staple to anatomy worksheet
• SCIENCE/HEALTH: Completed anatomy worksheet - staple to notes & turn in
• WORD WORK: Complete NOUNS worksheet - due tomorrow
• STUDY HALL/Orchestra

 Thursday, January 12th

• READING: Read about circulatory system - took notes
• SCIENCE/HEALTH: Label and color the heart anatomy worksheets. On heart sheet, students need to show the route of blood traveling in and out of the heart as well las label it - staple to notes and turn in tomorrow.
• STUDY HALL: A lot of time was devoted to allowing students to see what they have missing and catch up.
• WORD WORK: Completed a handout on Adjectives and Verbs. Corrected Nouns worksheet. A lot of students are struggling with Proper Nouns. We'll continue to work on the concept.
• MATH: Another day was allowed to work on the math worksheet from yesterday. We'll correct it tomorrow.
• MLK Assembly tomorrow at 9:30 p.m. Students from my class volunteered to present a Powerpoint they created about discrimination from the past and today and Martin Luther Kings life. They'll present it tomorrow.
• REMEMBER: Reading log will be due next Monday. Book Review and Project due the last week of January.
• PE

Friday, January 13

• MATH: Math MAPS test - in class
• WORD WORK: Studied subject/predicate & graded verb/adj worksheet - in class
• MLK ASSEMBLY - Our students did great!
• LIBRARY
• ORGAN TRAIL ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS AND GRADING CRITERIA  - sent home. This project will be due on FRIDAY next week. I do plan to give students 60-90 minutes a day (T- W -Th) to work on the project in class, but depending on the student, more research/work can be done at home. The project includes a report and Wanted Poster - see project packet.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

Tuesday, January 17th

• MATH: Corrected handout on finding percent and tax - reviewed for Unit Test this week.
• SCIENCE: Played Body Systems Jeopardy - in class
• L/A: Organ Trail Project - work time - for today, please get three sources and facts researched.
• MUSIC

 Monday, January 23

• MATH: 5.1 & ACE 1-6, 17 - due tomorrow
• LA/HEALTH: Work on Organ Trail - Final due at the end of the day tomorrow.
• WORD WORK: Noun Classifications - Notes & Handout - Graded in Class
• STUDY HALL/Orchestra
• PE

BOOK REVIEWS & PROJECTS due Next Week!

Tuesday, January 24

• MATH: 5.2 & ACE: 7 and 19 - due tomorrow
• LA/HISTORY - Read the AGE OF ENGLIGHTENMENT Ppt - Took Notes - turned in today
• STUDY HALL: Time to work on Organ Trail and Book Projects - Organ Trail due today
• MATH: Problem of the Week - in class
• MUSIC

* Students were told what work they have out today.

* From now on, students should redo any MATH assignments with a score of '1'.

 Wednesday, January 25

• MATH: Complete 5.3 & ACE 15 - due tomrrow
• L/A: Create "Philosopher Trading Cards" - completed in class.
• MUSIC
• STudy Hall/Orchestra

 Thursday, January 26, 2012

• MATH: Complete review worksheet for Bits III - Unit Test tomorrow
• L/A: Read Lesson One in "We the People" book - assignment is to complete questions 1-5 in the Review the Lesson on Page 12. Support your answer & rewrite the question in your answer - due tomorrow.
• PE
• Jump Rope for Heart Assembly
• Study Hall

 Monday, January 30th

• MATH: Correct UNIT TEST - in class
• ART! Cartoons & Picasso - in class
• STUDY HALL/Orchestra
• L/A & SOCIAL STUDIES: Read Chapter 2 in "We the People" - Answer the Questions in Review # 1, 4 & 5 and Activities # 1 - due tomorrow.

Book Reviews & Projects due this week!

Tuesday, January 31

• MATH: Ratio Packet - Day 1 - due tomorrow
• READING: Read & discussed differences between Democrats and Republicans - students were given a handout. XTRA CREDIT: Students have a discussion about the differences between Dems & Rep, (going over the handout with your parent), and have them sign a paper that they discussed it with you! Turn the note in tomorrow!
• SOCIAL STUDIES: Atlas work packet - due tomorrow.
• MUSIC

* Smencils go on sale tomorrow...students must bring dollar bills...no more that $3 in one day.

Wednesday, February 1

• MATH: Ratio Packet - Day 2 - due tomorrow.
• READING: Lesson 3 in We the People. Complete the questions on Page 27 - due tomorrow.
• Study Hall/Orchestra
• MUSIC
• Fundraiser Assembly

Thursday, February 2

• MATH: Handout on Ratios - day 4 - due tomorrow,
• LA/Social Studies: Watched a PBS Movie "Liberty" - took notes & turned in during class.
• STUDY HALL - Time given to complete Book Review & Project - due tomorrow!
• PE

TONIGHT! Literacy Night from 6-7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 3rd

• MATH: Corrected Assignments from Day 1-4 - in class.
• L/A: Corrected Adjectives worksheet - in class
• LIBRARY
• SOCIAL STUDIES: Watch PBS MOVIE: "Liberty" discussed & took notes - in class.
• HEALTH: Next week's health unit is Puberty. Students wrote down any questions they may have, and turned them in "anonymously" to be answered in the curriculumn next week.

Have a great weekend!

Monday, Feb 6th

• MATH: Ratios day 5 - due tomorrow
• HEALTH: Defined Vocab - in class
• PE
• Study Hall/Orchestra

NOTE: MISSING ASSIGNMENTS are a problem for some students in this class. And, at this time of year, with half a year to go, it's not uncommon for students to begin to lag in getting their work done or in its quality.

To support students, they're given a lot of time in class to complete assignments and a lot of feedback. Those who are using it wisely are turning in their work in and upholding a high degree of quality. Great job! However, some students are not using their time wisely, and are quietly chatting, drawing, or reading instead,or appearing like they have all of their work finished. 

I have noticed an increase in assignments being turned in late, without names, improperly labelled, sentences not proofread, or incomplete. To help students, they're told of their missing assignments daily, some are conferenced during planner time, and feedback is written on their corrected work. Check-off clipboards are available to view, and recesses are available for more work time. I encourage students who have late work to call home or make a note of it in their planner. Extra credit is always available and students can redo math assignments. You can help your child stay on track by asking them about the days assignments, checking their backpacks for incomplete work, or work without a stamp of "Assignment Recieved" on it, and asking them if they turned in their work. If you have any questions about your student, shoot me an email, and I'll let you know if its a concern. Take care! 

Tuesday, Feb. 7

• MATH: Ratio Pizza - completed in class
• HEALTH: Emotions Discussion and Notes from Great Body Shop - in class
• STUDY HALL
• MUSIC

 Wednesday, Feb. 8th

• MATH: 2-sided Ratio handout & problem of the week - due tomorrow
• L/A & SOCIAL STUDIES: We the People - Lesson 4: Complete all REVIEW questions and Activity #1 - due tomorrow.
• MUSIC
• Study Hall/Orchestra

Thursday, Feb. 9th

• MATH: RATIO Unit Test - in class
• LA & Health: Discussed Emotions - took notes in class & turned in
• LA & SS: Read beginning of Lesson 5 and watched "Liberty" movie about Revolution - in class
• PE
• STUDY HALL

 Friday, Feb. 10th

• MATH: Variables and Patterns - PreAssessment - in class
• LA - HEALTH: Discussed Coping with Emotions and Loss and Grief - took notes in class & turned in.
• LA - SS: Took notes on the movie "Liberty" & completed a worksheet on the Battle in Lexington and Concord - due Monday.
• Library

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT: A packet with information was handed to students. Please complete the experiment proposal sheet with students and return next week. The final project is due on March 6th. This is an EXPERIMENT where a variable is tested, and NOT a PROJECT where something is built. Students are responsible for:

• 1) Complete an EXPERIMENT.
• 2) Keep of JOURNAL of it w/observations.
• 3) A REPORT is due of the experiment, with a large section dedicated to research about it (research part should be five paragraph essay style w/three sources) and then the other steps of the scientific method nicely written or typed out.
• 4) A TRIBOARD visually representing the experiment.

MONDAY, Feb. 13th

• HEALTH: Discussed Healthy Boundaries: Assignment: Review the Emotions Unit with your family and have a parent sign the worksheet and also respond to two questions about child abuse - due tomorrow.
• SCIENCE: Discussed the Scienitific Method: Assignment: Answer questions on a worksheet about Variables & Fair test - due tomorrow.
• MATH: Corrected UNIT TEST and VARIABLES and PATTERNS Pretest. District test is later this week. We'll review for it this week.
• PE: Pacer test
• ORCHESTRA/STUDY HALL

VALENTINES DAY: Students can bring cards if one is given to EVERYONE. Students will have an opportunity to exchange them at the end of the day. There will not be a party because students voted to have their second 'sugar party' on the last day of school.

 Tuesday, Feb. 14th

• MATH: Reviewed Order of Operations and multiplying and dividing decimals - 2 worksheets due tomorrow.
• READING/HEALTH: Discussed Puberty - Day 1 - took notes & turned in during class.
• MUSIC
• Valentines Day - Students who had cards passed them out. Plz no more cards after today.
• LATE WORK: Students told of late or missing work today.

Wednesday, Feb. 15th

• MATH: Handouts on Order of Operation & Review - due tomorrow.
• HEALTH: Puberty Day 2 & Movie - turned in notes.
• MUSIC

Book Report and SCIENCE Experiment due February 27 - March 2nd.

Thursday, Feb. 16th

• MATH: Correct handouts - in class
• PE
• SCIENCE: Create Science Question & name the variable - due today
• SS: Discussed ways to answer comprehension questions & graded assignments - in class.

Please no more rubrik cubes or other toys in class - they are getting disruptive.