News and Notes
News and Notes
Science Camp Registration
Many of you have already registered for Walden West using the link I sent out last week in an email. If you have completed that registration process, then you should now be in the process of gathering medical information/doctor's notes for any medicines needed for camp. If you have not started the registration process, please use this link to do so. Click on this PDF of instructions if you are having trouble. There will be a presentation on March 20 at 11am for parents and students alike regarding the Walden West experience.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
It's that time again. If you would like to sign up for a spring conference, please use this link. The main focus will be about science camp, if you have any questions please have them ready to go! For part of the conference your student will be joining us.
This Week In Class:
Language Arts
Students WILL NOT be reading Scholastics News Magazine for homework this week.
In the future, students may access the magazine and all its features via this .LINK Simply select "Login", then "I'm a student", then enter the access code "foxbook4". They will have a quiz on the magazine.
BOOK CLUBS continue this week. Just like our last Book Club, students will be rotating to different classrooms and will be reading one of four historical fiction novels centering in the time of the American Revolution. Please make sure students are keeping up with their reading and assignments. To check what your child is assigned each week, please ask them to show you their Google Classroom assignments. They have until Wednesday to read, then they have a minimum of 2 assignments in Google Classroom each week that are due Friday mornings.
Students will be using a rubric to help evaluate their own informational writing.
Also this week, students will be working on figurative language. They will learn in regular class and have assignments for book club to complete.
We have our Digital Passport presentation from the district this week. This is a time when district teachers come to talk all about social media and how it effects students' lives/how to deal with it.
Math
Students are finishing Module 4 with a test on Tuesday/Wednesday. MANY students have forgotten lots of fractions skills. Please make sure students are using IXL to review all fractions for 5th grade as we go forward. One we finish our test, we will be moving on to Module 5, which gets into volume and geometry.
Students who finish math and would like a challenge have been offered and may start at any time a collection of extension activities, including the Million Dollar Project, IXL, Khan Academy, and Math Olympiad packets. Please ask your child first, then contact me if you would like me to do a little prodding here at school to encourage that extra work.
Language Arts
Language Arts
Students WILL be reading Scholastics News Magazine for homework this week.
In the future, students may access the magazine and all its features via this .LINK Simply select "Login", then "I'm a student", then enter the access code "foxbook4". They will have a quiz on the magazine.
BOOK CLUBS continue this week. Just like our last Book Club, students will be rotating to different classrooms and will be reading one of four historical fiction novels centering in the time of the American Revolution. Please make sure students are keeping up with their reading and assignments. To check what your child is assigned each week, please ask them to show you their Google Classroom assignments. They have until Wednesday to read, then they have a minimum of 2 assignments in Google Classroom each week that are due Friday mornings.
Math
Math
Students are finishing Module 4. This week is a focus on multiplying and dividing fractions with Topic H. Feel free to access the parent newsletter for details on what they will be learning. We will have a module 4 test NEXT WEEK.
Students who finish math and would like a challenge have been offered and may start at any time a collection of extension activities, including the Million Dollar Project, IXL, Khan Academy, and Math Olympiad packets. Please ask your child first, then contact me if you would like me to do a little prodding here at school to encourage that extra work.
Social Studies
We're continuing chapter 10 this week, which discusses the reasons for the war.
Module 4 Topic A
Module 4 Topic B
Social Studies
The students will start learning about the 13 original colonies this week. They will be expected to know the major differences in government, economy, and geography among the New England, Middle, and Southern Colonies.
The chapter test will be on Friday, December 13.
Science
My class is with Ms. Hammer studying the cycles of the earth.
News and Notes
Science Camp Registration
Many of you have already registered for Walden West using the link I sent out last week in an email. If you have completed that registration process, then you should now be in the process of gathering medical information/doctor's notes for any medicines needed for camp. If you have not started the registration process, please use this link to do so. Click on this PDF of instructions if you are having trouble. There will be a presentation on March 20 at 11am for parents and students alike regarding the Walden West experience.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
It's that time again. If you would like to sign up for a spring conference, please use this link. The main focus will be about science camp, if you have any questions please have them ready to go! For part of the conference your student will be joining us.
This Week In Class:
Language Arts
Students WILL NOT be reading Scholastics News Magazine for homework this week.
In the future, students may access the magazine and all its features via this .LINK Simply select "Login", then "I'm a student", then enter the access code "foxbook4". They will have a quiz on the magazine.
BOOK CLUBS continue this week. Just like our last Book Club, students will be rotating to different classrooms and will be reading one of four historical fiction novels centering in the time of the American Revolution. Please make sure students are keeping up with their reading and assignments. To check what your child is assigned each week, please ask them to show you their Google Classroom assignments. They have until Wednesday to read, then they have a minimum of 2 assignments in Google Classroom each week that are due Friday mornings.
Students will be using a rubric to help evaluate their own informational writing.
Also this week, students will be working on figurative language. They will learn in regular class and have assignments for book club to complete.
We have our Digital Passport presentation from the district this week. This is a time when district teachers come to talk all about social media and how it effects students' lives/how to deal with it.
Math
Students are finishing Module 4 with a test on Tuesday/Wednesday. MANY students have forgotten lots of fractions skills. Please make sure students are using IXL to review all fractions for 5th grade as we go forward. One we finish our test, we will be moving on to Module 5, which gets into volume and geometry.
Students who finish math and would like a challenge have been offered and may start at any time a collection of extension activities, including the Million Dollar Project, IXL, Khan Academy, and Math Olympiad packets. Please ask your child first, then contact me if you would like me to do a little prodding here at school to encourage that extra work.
Language Arts
Language Arts
Students WILL be reading Scholastics News Magazine for homework this week.
In the future, students may access the magazine and all its features via this .LINK Simply select "Login", then "I'm a student", then enter the access code "foxbook4". They will have a quiz on the magazine.
BOOK CLUBS continue this week. Just like our last Book Club, students will be rotating to different classrooms and will be reading one of four historical fiction novels centering in the time of the American Revolution. Please make sure students are keeping up with their reading and assignments. To check what your child is assigned each week, please ask them to show you their Google Classroom assignments. They have until Wednesday to read, then they have a minimum of 2 assignments in Google Classroom each week that are due Friday mornings.
Math
Math
Students are finishing Module 4. This week is a focus on multiplying and dividing fractions with Topic H. Feel free to access the parent newsletter for details on what they will be learning. We will have a module 4 test NEXT WEEK.
Students who finish math and would like a challenge have been offered and may start at any time a collection of extension activities, including the Million Dollar Project, IXL, Khan Academy, and Math Olympiad packets. Please ask your child first, then contact me if you would like me to do a little prodding here at school to encourage that extra work.
Social Studies
We're continuing chapter 10 this week, which discusses the reasons for the war.
Module 4 Topic A
Module 4 Topic B
Social Studies
The students will start learning about the 13 original colonies this week. They will be expected to know the major differences in government, economy, and geography among the New England, Middle, and Southern Colonies.
The chapter test will be on Friday, December 13.
Science
My class is with Ms. Hammer studying the cycles of the earth.
November 18-22
News and Notes
We are back to a regular schedule this week, with 2:40 dismissals, and 1:15 on Wednesday.
There is a Module 3 math test on Friday. We also have a chapter 6 social studies quiz on Friday.
This Friday is Pajama Day.
Wednesday night is Alta Vista Family Night, so there will be no homework.
Next week, November 25-29, is Thanksgiving break so there is no school.
We have finalized our 5th grade field trip. We will be watching a performance of the Nutcracker at the San Jose Theatre for the Performing Arts. The performance is on December 6 at 10:30. We will be leaving school at 9:30 and returning around 1:45. If you are interested in chaperoning please respond to this email. Be aware we are encouraging students to get dressed up for the field trip and would like you to do the same!
Language Arts
We are on our 5th week of our fairly tale book clubs. We are focusing this week story structure. The students will be choosing one chapter from this week's reading and describe the rising action, conflict/solution, turning point, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Math
We are finishing module 3 this week. We're focusing on using benchmark fractions to assess reasonableness, and adding and subtracting fractions in multi-step word problems. The module 3 test is on Friday.
Module 3 Topic D
Social Studies
The students are studying chapter 6 this week, which describes the early English settlements of Roanoke, Jamestown, and Plymouth. There will be a short quiz on Friday.
Upcoming Events:
October 19 ~ Monster Dash Walkathon!!!
Fall Conferences
To signup or view the Fall Conference schedule, please click on this link!
Walkathon and Spirit Week
It's that time of year! Our annual school fundraiser, the Monster Dash, will be held this Saturday, October 19 at 9 a.m. This is a great opportunity to come together as a community to support all the wonderful programs Alta Vista has to offer. It is also a perfect way to raise the money needed to pay for the 5th Grade Science Camp trip in April!! To learn more and register for the Walkathon, please click here.
SPIRIT WEEK SCHEDULE
10/14 ~ Mustache Monday
10/15 ~ Twin Tuesday
10/16 ~ PJ Wednesday
10/17 ~ Crazy Hair Day (no rhymes there, sorry)
10/18 ~ Color Day
This Week In Class:
Language Arts
Students will continue with Writers' Workshop this week. Our focus will be on the revision and sharing of a personal narrative. Students will be working on including descriptive and sensory details to improve the reader's understanding of their stories. We will be having a writing celebration on Friday, so they will have finished their writing for Friday!
This week the students will finish reading Wonder and working on our Notice and Note program, looking for and explaining their signposts. They must finish the book by Wednesday. In addition to practicing our signposts, students are learning about the QAR (Question and Response) questioning technique for writing their own questions about what they've read.We will practice getting into groups for Book Club this week as well. We will have a "fishbowl" group conversation this week to get used to book club discussion norms and techniques.
The students are encouraged to bring food/drinks for a potluck for our last book club discussion on Friday!
Math
We are continuing with Module 2 this week.
Students need to make sure to study their place value charts to memorize each place value. They also need to have their basic multiplication facts from 0-12 MEMORIZED. Many students do not know them yet. Basic facts are ESSENTIAL for division.
Social Studies
We are moving forward with Ch.4, this is about European Explorers.
Science
Students will be heading to Ms. Hammer for a study of systems on the world.
PE
We have PE a minimum of twice per week (Tuesday and Friday and we run daily. Please make sure your child has appropriate shoes.
Library
Please make sure library books are returned or renewed each Thursday.
Math
We are working with Module 2 this week. We are focused on TOPIC B, and TOPIC C, which is using the standard algorithm AND an area model to show partial products in multiple digit multiplication.
Students need to make sure to study their place value charts to memorize each place value. They also need to have their basic multiplication facts from 0-12 MEMORIZED. Many students do not know them yet. We are working on multi-digit multiplication of whole numbers this week.
Social Studies
We will be reviewing Chapter 2 and moving on to Chapter 3 this week. Both chapters focus on early Americans and how the different environments of the United States affected tribes of different regions to help mold their culture. In addition, we are working on how to take notes from the textbook.
Science
We will continue our science rotation this week.
PE
We have PE twice a week (Tuesday and Friday) and run daily. Please make sure your child has appropriate shoes.
Library
Please make sure library books are returned or renewed each Thursday.
News and Notes
We are back to a regular schedule this week, with 2:40 dismissals, and 1:15 on Wednesday.
There is a Module 3 math test on Friday. We also have a chapter 6 social studies quiz on Friday.
This Friday is Pajama Day.
Wednesday night is Alta Vista Family Night, so there will be no homework.
Next week, November 25-29, is Thanksgiving break so there is no school.
We have finalized our 5th grade field trip. We will be watching a performance of the Nutcracker at the San Jose Theatre for the Performing Arts. The performance is on December 6 at 10:30. We will be leaving school at 9:30 and returning around 1:45. If you are interested in chaperoning please respond to this email. Be aware we are encouraging students to get dressed up for the field trip and would like you to do the same!
Language Arts
We are on our 5th week of our fairly tale book clubs. We are focusing this week story structure. The students will be choosing one chapter from this week's reading and describe the rising action, conflict/solution, turning point, climax, falling action, and resolution.
Math
We are finishing module 3 this week. We're focusing on using benchmark fractions to assess reasonableness, and adding and subtracting fractions in multi-step word problems. The module 3 test is on Friday.
Module 3 Topic D
Social Studies
The students are studying chapter 6 this week, which describes the early English settlements of Roanoke, Jamestown, and Plymouth. There will be a short quiz on Friday.
Upcoming Events:
October 19 ~ Monster Dash Walkathon!!!
Fall Conferences
To signup or view the Fall Conference schedule, please click on this link!
Walkathon and Spirit Week
It's that time of year! Our annual school fundraiser, the Monster Dash, will be held this Saturday, October 19 at 9 a.m. This is a great opportunity to come together as a community to support all the wonderful programs Alta Vista has to offer. It is also a perfect way to raise the money needed to pay for the 5th Grade Science Camp trip in April!! To learn more and register for the Walkathon, please click here.
SPIRIT WEEK SCHEDULE
10/14 ~ Mustache Monday
10/15 ~ Twin Tuesday
10/16 ~ PJ Wednesday
10/17 ~ Crazy Hair Day (no rhymes there, sorry)
10/18 ~ Color Day
This Week In Class:
Language Arts
Students will continue with Writers' Workshop this week. Our focus will be on the revision and sharing of a personal narrative. Students will be working on including descriptive and sensory details to improve the reader's understanding of their stories. We will be having a writing celebration on Friday, so they will have finished their writing for Friday!
This week the students will finish reading Wonder and working on our Notice and Note program, looking for and explaining their signposts. They must finish the book by Wednesday. In addition to practicing our signposts, students are learning about the QAR (Question and Response) questioning technique for writing their own questions about what they've read.We will practice getting into groups for Book Club this week as well. We will have a "fishbowl" group conversation this week to get used to book club discussion norms and techniques.
The students are encouraged to bring food/drinks for a potluck for our last book club discussion on Friday!
Math
We are continuing with Module 2 this week.
Students need to make sure to study their place value charts to memorize each place value. They also need to have their basic multiplication facts from 0-12 MEMORIZED. Many students do not know them yet. Basic facts are ESSENTIAL for division.
Social Studies
We are moving forward with Ch.4, this is about European Explorers.
Science
Students will be heading to Ms. Hammer for a study of systems on the world.
PE
We have PE a minimum of twice per week (Tuesday and Friday and we run daily. Please make sure your child has appropriate shoes.
Library
Please make sure library books are returned or renewed each Thursday.
Math
We are working with Module 2 this week. We are focused on TOPIC B, and TOPIC C, which is using the standard algorithm AND an area model to show partial products in multiple digit multiplication.
Students need to make sure to study their place value charts to memorize each place value. They also need to have their basic multiplication facts from 0-12 MEMORIZED. Many students do not know them yet. We are working on multi-digit multiplication of whole numbers this week.
Social Studies
We will be reviewing Chapter 2 and moving on to Chapter 3 this week. Both chapters focus on early Americans and how the different environments of the United States affected tribes of different regions to help mold their culture. In addition, we are working on how to take notes from the textbook.
Science
We will continue our science rotation this week.
PE
We have PE twice a week (Tuesday and Friday) and run daily. Please make sure your child has appropriate shoes.
Library
Please make sure library books are returned or renewed each Thursday.
Upcoming Events:
Friday, August 30 ~ No School/Staff Development
Monday, September 2 ~ Labor Day/No School
Friday, September 6th ~ Picture Day
~Alta Vista Movie Night
Wednesday Folders:
Will be sent home this week.
This Week In Class:
Language Arts
Students will be reading Scholastics News Magazine for homework. They need to complete all 10 questions on the back to turn in by Wednesday. There will also be an open magazine quiz on Wednesday. This will be a weekly assignment.
We began our Writer's Workshop last week with our first "Fast and Furious" writing session. We will continue with Lucy Caulkins' program throughout the year.
This week the students will be reading a variety of articles. Each week, we will focus on a different reading strategy from our Notice and Note reading program. This week we will be looking at Compare and Contrast. Students will learn the reading strategy, then apply it to new passages. For many students, this will be a review of skills learned last year. Want to know more about the program? Try this LINK
Math
We are continuing with Module 1 this week.
Students need to make sure to study their place value charts to memorize each place value. We are also working on rounding, expanded notation, and other elements of place value. Please feel free to use these links for Topic A, Topic B, Topic C, and Topic D to read more about the skills required in this week.
Social Studies
We will continue working with longitude and latitude, as well as other geographic terms this week. There will be a test next Friday. The test will be open-book and open notes for the first 20 minutes. Students are welcome to take home their textbook to study, as long as they bring it back each day. Students will also have a study guide for the landforms terms and there are two links in Google Classroom to help them study their longitude and latitude.
August 19-23
News and Notes
Back to School Night is this Wednesday from 7:15-8:00 in room 21. If you have a child in grades 1-3, their Back to School Night will be 6:00-6:45.
If you have not yet completed the parent survey, please do so as soon as possible.
We are starting our regular academic curriculum this week. Homework this week will be math only, with the students doing Zearn each night.
We will be doing a unit on growth mindset this week. The focus of these lessons is to teach students perseverance and how to learn and grow from their mistakes.
There is no school for the students on Friday, August 30, due to a staff development day.
Language Arts
We will be doing our introductory lessons to Writer's Workshop this week. These lessons are mainly "quick writes", with the students working on turning an idea into a short story.
We're going to be reading some nonfiction articles this week as a class, emphasizing the close reading strategy. This is where the students read a text multiple times, focusing on key details to gain understanding.
There will be no language arts homework this week.
Math
We're beginning Module 1 this week with lessons 1-6. The focus of these opening lessons focus on understanding place value from the thousandths to the millions, using both standard form and a place value chart. The students will also be studying exponents and learning how the power of 10 connects to the metric system. Here is a link to this week's key concepts:
Module 1 Topic A
Social Studies
We're starting our social studies curriculum with geography. The students will be learning landforms, bodies of water, lines of latitude and longitude, and hemispheres. Our first test will be in a couple of weeks.
News and Notes
Back to School Night is this Wednesday from 7:15-8:00 in room 21. If you have a child in grades 1-3, their Back to School Night will be 6:00-6:45.
If you have not yet completed the parent survey, please do so as soon as possible.
We are starting our regular academic curriculum this week. Homework this week will be math only, with the students doing Zearn each night.
We will be doing a unit on growth mindset this week. The focus of these lessons is to teach students perseverance and how to learn and grow from their mistakes.
There is no school for the students on Friday, August 30, due to a staff development day.
Language Arts
We will be doing our introductory lessons to Writer's Workshop this week. These lessons are mainly "quick writes", with the students working on turning an idea into a short story.
We're going to be reading some nonfiction articles this week as a class, emphasizing the close reading strategy. This is where the students read a text multiple times, focusing on key details to gain understanding.
There will be no language arts homework this week.
Math
We're beginning Module 1 this week with lessons 1-6. The focus of these opening lessons focus on understanding place value from the thousandths to the millions, using both standard form and a place value chart. The students will also be studying exponents and learning how the power of 10 connects to the metric system. Here is a link to this week's key concepts:
Module 1 Topic A
Social Studies
We're starting our social studies curriculum with geography. The students will be learning landforms, bodies of water, lines of latitude and longitude, and hemispheres. Our first test will be in a couple of weeks.
Smart StartOur school will be participating in Smart Start during the first week of school. Smart Start is a way of welcoming the students back to school with exciting and engaging activities that get them enthusiastic to learn, as well as building a positive classroom culture. On the first 2 days of school, August 14th and 15th, I will provide the materials for the day's smart start activities. On Friday, August 16, the students will bring in their own board games to play in class.
Friday is also Family Picnic Day at Alta Vista. To welcome all the families back to school, parents are invited to join the students for lunch up on the field. Our lunch period runs from 12:00-12:30. Students and parents can bring blankets or beach towels to sit on while they have lunch. Please sign in before meeting your child up on the field.
If you'd like to learn more about Smart Start, watch this video.
Friday is also Family Picnic Day at Alta Vista. To welcome all the families back to school, parents are invited to join the students for lunch up on the field. Our lunch period runs from 12:00-12:30. Students and parents can bring blankets or beach towels to sit on while they have lunch. Please sign in before meeting your child up on the field.
If you'd like to learn more about Smart Start, watch this video.
Important Dates
May 27 ~ Memorial Day/No School
June 3 - Buddy Picnic
June 4~ 5th Grade Pool Party
June 5 ~ Olympic Day
June 7 ~ Last Day of School/Promotion
We are starting a project called Cane's Arcade the day after Open House. This project requires a lot of cardboard, so we're asking students to bring in cardboard on Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24.
Fantasy Faire
It's this Friday!! Come have some fun!!
Walk to UMS
We will be walking to UMS on May 14. Please make sure your child has turned in his/her permission slip.
America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves. Abraham Lincoln
States and Capitals
Students have been given maps for each of the four regions we will be studying and testing in the next 4 weeks (schedule is in dates above). They will need to know which capital goes with which state and where the state is on a map. They do not need to know the exact location of the capital within the state. They will be doing a Quizizz multiple choice and filling out a map for each region when they take the quiz each Friday. 80% is considered passing. Students must take the test for each region until they pass. They will simply have to retake later if they fail. The final test will be matching the capitals to their states for all 50 states.
State Report
Each week, students will have a new assignment to work on for their state report. They will get approximately 1 hour per day to work on their project, but will also need to work on it for homework. I have gone over the first part of the project (state symbols) with the class and we have started working on that. Please use the link below to access all the instructions, expectation, samples, timeline, and rubric for this report.
News and Notes
Our state testing begins the week of April 29. We will be testing language arts the first week. The students will be doing some test preparation in class these next 2 weeks by working on some practice test problems.
There will be no Zearn or paper homework for math this week. The students will be reviewing concepts on IXL or completing a review worksheet for homework.
We are beginning our state report this week. This week the students assignment is on state symbols. There will be ample time in class to complete state report assignments, but students are welcomed to work at home if they wish.
There will be a science test next Friday on Living System.
We're also starting our states and capitals this week. This week's focus is on the western states. There will be a quiz on Friday.
Language Arts
The students will be doing some test prep in class this week to prepare for their state test in a couple of weeks. We will do some problems whole class, some in small groups, and some individually.
In Storyworks this week, the students are going to read a play version of the story Rip Van Winkle. The skills we are focusing on this week are setting, plot, and theme.
Math
We're continuing module 5 this week with lessons 12-17. The key concepts are calculating area with fractions and mixed numbers, identifying the properties of shapes, and measuring and calculating angles. There is no Zearn or paper homework this week.
Social Studies
The main emphasis in social studies this week will be on the state report.
Postcard Competition A note will be sent home this week for more explanation. The competition runs from April 1 to May 3. All postcards must be postmarked from their respective states with that date in the postmark. The winning class gets a pizza party!!
Book Club Potluck:
The students will be participating in a potluck on Friday for their book club. The students should bring in food, drink, and plates/spoons/forks/napkins. We will be doing this from 9:30-10:30. If you need to heat up the food, please arrange that with me prior to Friday.
Postcard Competition A note will be sent home this week for more explanation. The competition runs from April 1 to May 3. All postcards must be postmarked from their respective states with that date in the postmark. The winning class gets a pizza party!!
Fitness Testing
Students will be practicing for and doing PE testing for the next few weeks. Please help by making sure your child has proper athletic shoes available to change into if they are not going to wear them to school each day.
Spring Conference Sign up!
Please pick a time that both you and your student can attend. They will be joining us for the conference.
Please pick a time that both you and your student can attend. They will be joining us for the conference.
Language Arts
Storyworks.
Students will also be reading a non-fiction article from Newsela, then writing an opinion essay for their journal. This essay will be turned into a more formal essay next week.
There WILL BE a Scholastics Magazine and quiz this week.
This week, we will also be continuing to work with Nonfiction Signposts from our Notice and Note reading strategies. These strategies will help students with non-fiction comprehension and critical thinking. Or CLICK HERE to get a more detailed description of what each signpost is. We are also working on "Big Questions" as a part of our analysis of non-fiction. CLICK HERE to get a description of how those Big Questions are broken down into 3 main categories. These are great tools to use when reading the Scholastics News each week.
Math
This week, students will have a Mid-module test on Tuesday and Wednesday. This module focuses on multiplying and dividing fractions. The Topic Newsletters for parents can help you at home when discussing the topics being covered in class. Fractions take a lot of basic computation, which means this is a time when knowing basic facts is ESSENTIAL to student success. Please help me make sure your child knows their multiplication, addition, subtraction, and division facts up to 12. Practicing daily in the car or elsewhere can help. Using online games can also be helpful. We DO NOT spend time in class practicing basic facts. This is something they have to practice to stay proficient.
Students may access their IXL accounts to practice math at their own pace and level via this LINK. We also have IXL for ELA and science. Students all know how to access these links through our Symbaloo Page.
Social Studies
We will be continue to study the development of the colonies and the lead up to the American Revolution in the next few weeks. We will also prepare for our American Revolution simulation, which takes place on February 8 at 8:30 a.m. You can use this LINK to learn more about the simulation, to get costume ideas, and to print out replacement character cards for your child to memorize his/her part. Students are working on a persuasive poster and video to convince people to come to the colony they are advertising.
Storyworks.
Students will also be reading a non-fiction article from Newsela, then writing an opinion essay for their journal. This essay will be turned into a more formal essay next week.
There WILL BE a Scholastics Magazine and quiz this week.
This week, we will also be continuing to work with Nonfiction Signposts from our Notice and Note reading strategies. These strategies will help students with non-fiction comprehension and critical thinking. Or CLICK HERE to get a more detailed description of what each signpost is. We are also working on "Big Questions" as a part of our analysis of non-fiction. CLICK HERE to get a description of how those Big Questions are broken down into 3 main categories. These are great tools to use when reading the Scholastics News each week.
Math
This week, students will have a Mid-module test on Tuesday and Wednesday. This module focuses on multiplying and dividing fractions. The Topic Newsletters for parents can help you at home when discussing the topics being covered in class. Fractions take a lot of basic computation, which means this is a time when knowing basic facts is ESSENTIAL to student success. Please help me make sure your child knows their multiplication, addition, subtraction, and division facts up to 12. Practicing daily in the car or elsewhere can help. Using online games can also be helpful. We DO NOT spend time in class practicing basic facts. This is something they have to practice to stay proficient.
Students may access their IXL accounts to practice math at their own pace and level via this LINK. We also have IXL for ELA and science. Students all know how to access these links through our Symbaloo Page.
Social Studies
We will be continue to study the development of the colonies and the lead up to the American Revolution in the next few weeks. We will also prepare for our American Revolution simulation, which takes place on February 8 at 8:30 a.m. You can use this LINK to learn more about the simulation, to get costume ideas, and to print out replacement character cards for your child to memorize his/her part. Students are working on a persuasive poster and video to convince people to come to the colony they are advertising.
Science Camp
Here is a link to the Walden West Parent/Participant Information Page.
We will discuss this at conference time. Please review the information ahead of time and come with any questions you may have. You may also want to have your registration forms ready to turn in at that time, or at a later date. Don't forget! Walden West will be visiting On December 3 at 11 a.m. in the cafeteria to give parents and students a 45 minute presentation on what to expect from the week at camp.
American Revolution Simulation
Students will be taking part in Walk through the American Revolution, a simulation that takes place here at school on February 8 at 8:30 a.m. Students will spend the next few weeks practicing their team's battle scenes at school and preparing props. They will also have their own individual parts to play, which they should memorize at home before performing their SMALL part during the simulation. For more details about the program, and for duplicate cards for your child's part, you may use this Link to California Weekly Explorer Website .
Science Camp
Here is a link to the Walden West Parent/Participant Information Page.
Music
Music will be every Wednesday from now on with Mrs. Threet!!
Every Monday ~ Minecraft Mondays.
Every Tuesday ~ Tinker Tuesdays in Maker Space at lunch. Please ask if you'd like to attend.
Friday, January 18 ~ No school. Staff development
Monday, January 21 ~ No school. MLK Jr. Holiday.
January 22 - 25 ~ Science Camp
Friday, January 25 ~ Return from Science Camp/Go Home early
Friday, February 8 @ 8:30 a.m. ~ Walk through American Revolution Simulation (parents welcome, please RSVP)
Monday, February 18-22 ~ Presidents' Break - No School
Language Arts
Book Club. We are continuing our new Book Club rotation this week. Our fairy tale theme for the next several weeks will be based on the novel from the new Fairly Tales series. Students in each class will be reading one of four novels written by Liesl Shurtliff while completing book club activities in their own classrooms on Mondays through Thursdays. They will then rotate on Fridays to other classes where they will mix with other students reading the same novels as they are.
Students should spend their homework time making sure they are caught up on their Book Club assignment for the week, especially if they are falling behind in class. Please make sure to ask your child to show you his/her online Reading Response Journal this week to help with time management. They have approximately 30 minutes each day in class to work on their Journal. If they are not making good use of time or are struggling, please make sure to have a conversation, then let me know.
This week, we will also be continuing to work with Nonfiction Signposts from our Notice and Note reading strategies. These strategies will help students with non-fiction comprehension and critical thinking.
EXTRA CREDIT: For students looking for extra practice with reading and language skills, like grammar, IXL is a great way to do it!! Students have paid accounts through the district. Anyone practicing at home just has to let me know and I will reward them. GRAMMAR and PUNCTUATION are a need for a large portion of our class. There is also lots of help with writing and reading skills.
This week, we are continuing module 3. We continue with fractions in lessons 6-8, with a Mid Module test on Friday. We do not have math on Monday due to our Science Camp meeting. Please use this LINK to TOPIC A and this LINK to TOPIC B information pages that can help you with discussing the topics being covered in class. Fractions take a lot of basic computation, which means this is a time when knowing basic facts is ESSENTIAL to student success. Please help me make sure your child knows their multiplication, addition, subtraction, and division facts up to 12. Practicing daily in the car or elsewhere can help. Using online games can also be helpful. We DO NOT spend time in class practicing basic facts. This is something they have to practice to stay proficient.
Science
Students are continuing their science rotation with Mrs. Hammer.This will be last week and they will have a test on Friday!
Math
This week, we are finishing Mid Module 2. This week, students have a Mid Module 2 review on Tuesday and a test on Wednesday. This is a time when knowing basic facts is ESSENTIAL to student success. Please help me make sure each child know their multiplication, addition, subtraction, and division facts up to 12. Practicing daily in the car or elsewhere can help. Using online games can also be helpful. We DO NOT spend time in class practicing basic facts. This is something they have to practice to stay proficient.
Important Dates
Saturday, October 13 ~ Walkathon 9am-3pm.
Monday, September 10 ~ Family Night, No Homework
~ Walkathon Assembly @ 1:30 (students only)
Friday, October 12 ~ Field Trip to Lawrence Hall of Science
Music
We have our first week of music with our new music teacher.
Upcoming Field Trip
We are heading up to Berkeley to the Lawrence Hall of Science for a day of experiential learning and viewing of science topics. We are in need of chaperones. If you are interested, please email me.
Language Arts
We'll continue reading a series of short stories, songs, and articles in that will help students to practice their Close Reading Strategies. This involves reading articles 3 and 4 times, looking for different levels of understanding at each reading. We will continue to work with textual evidence and text structures. Students will be applying their knowledge of the different forms of textual evidence to a variety of reading passages.
There is a Scholastics Magazine this week, which is sent home on Monday. The back of the magazine needs to be completed by Thursday and there will be a quiz on Thursday. If students forget to bring their magazine home, may access the magazine and all its features via this.LINK Simply select "Login", then "I'm a student", then enter the access code "foxbook4". Students may click the tab "Sign in with Clever" also.
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it. ~ Mark Twain
We will also be reading out of a magazine called Storyworks in class. Students have their own login info. They may access the stories, videos, audio versions, and other great supplements via the link above. Simply select "Login" and then "I'm a Student".
We are also continuing with learning our Notice and Note Signposts this week. We will begin reading the novel WONDER and using our Notice and Note reading skills to delve into the deeper meanings of the novel. We will be reading Wonder for the next month or so.
Math
Please return the signed math test sent home last week. I will send them back again, but I want to verify that parents are seeing the assessments. In addition to the test, a rubric paper with scores circled for how your child did on the test was sent as well. This week we finish Module 1 with multiplying decimals, as well as working with multiplying decimals in lessons 12 -16. Use these links to access a helpful parent letter for Topic E. There will be a review and a test next week.
Students now have a Prodigy math account within my classroom account. When they play, please urge them to sign into our class account.
Students may access their IXL accounts to practice math at their own pace and level via this LINK.
We also have IXL for ELA and science. I will be going over these with students as we introduce them into our daily routine at school.
America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand. ~ Harry S Truman
Saturday, October 13 ~ Walkathon 9am-3pm.
Monday, September 10 ~ Family Night, No Homework
~ Walkathon Assembly @ 1:30 (students only)
Friday, October 12 ~ Field Trip to Lawrence Hall of Science
Music
We have our first week of music with our new music teacher.
Upcoming Field Trip
We are heading up to Berkeley to the Lawrence Hall of Science for a day of experiential learning and viewing of science topics. We are in need of chaperones. If you are interested, please email me.
Language Arts
We'll continue reading a series of short stories, songs, and articles in that will help students to practice their Close Reading Strategies. This involves reading articles 3 and 4 times, looking for different levels of understanding at each reading. We will continue to work with textual evidence and text structures. Students will be applying their knowledge of the different forms of textual evidence to a variety of reading passages.
There is a Scholastics Magazine this week, which is sent home on Monday. The back of the magazine needs to be completed by Thursday and there will be a quiz on Thursday. If students forget to bring their magazine home, may access the magazine and all its features via this.LINK Simply select "Login", then "I'm a student", then enter the access code "foxbook4". Students may click the tab "Sign in with Clever" also.
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it. ~ Mark Twain
We will also be reading out of a magazine called Storyworks in class. Students have their own login info. They may access the stories, videos, audio versions, and other great supplements via the link above. Simply select "Login" and then "I'm a Student".
We are also continuing with learning our Notice and Note Signposts this week. We will begin reading the novel WONDER and using our Notice and Note reading skills to delve into the deeper meanings of the novel. We will be reading Wonder for the next month or so.
Math
Please return the signed math test sent home last week. I will send them back again, but I want to verify that parents are seeing the assessments. In addition to the test, a rubric paper with scores circled for how your child did on the test was sent as well. This week we finish Module 1 with multiplying decimals, as well as working with multiplying decimals in lessons 12 -16. Use these links to access a helpful parent letter for Topic E. There will be a review and a test next week.
Students now have a Prodigy math account within my classroom account. When they play, please urge them to sign into our class account.
Students may access their IXL accounts to practice math at their own pace and level via this LINK.
We also have IXL for ELA and science. I will be going over these with students as we introduce them into our daily routine at school.
America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand. ~ Harry S Truman
Week of September 4
If ever there is a link that is not working, or you see a mistake on this page, please let me know.
Important Dates:
Friday, September 7th ~ Picture Day
~Alta Vista Movie Night
Saturday, October 13 ~ Walkathon 9am-3pm.
Monday, September 3 ~ Labor Day/No School
Monday, September 10 ~ Family Night, No Homework
~ Walkathon Assembly @ 1:30 (students only)
Friday, October 12 ~ Field Trip to Lawrence Hall of Science
Upcoming Field Trip
We are heading up to Berkeley to the Lawrence Hall of Science for a day of experiential learning and viewing of science topics. We are in need of chaperones. If you are interested, please email me. Also, coming home in this Wednesday folder will be a pink permission slip to sign and return to class.
Wednesday Folders:
Will be sent home this week. Your child should receive a corrected math test and a corrected Scholastics Magazine Quiz, among other items. If they did not receive one, that means they did not finish yet or they did not put their name on their paper. You are welcome to ask them which one it is.
This Week In Class:
Language Arts
We'll be reading a series of short stories and articles in that will help to introduce the idea of Close Reading Strategies. This involves reading articles 3 and 4 times, looking for different levels of understanding at each reading. We will continue to work with textual evidence and text structures. We will also review author's purpose.
There is NO Scholastics Magazine this week. In the future, students may access the magazine and all its features via this .LINK Simply select "Login", then "I'm a student", then enter the access code "foxbook4". Students may click the tab "Sign in with Clever" also.
We will also be reading out of a magazine called Storyworks in class. Students have their own login info. They may access the stories, videos, audio versions, and other great supplements via the link above. Simply select "Login" and then "I'm a Student".
~ Good questions outrank easy answers. ~ Paul Samuelson
We are also continuing with learning our Notice and Note Signposts this week. Please see the previous week's update to read about our Notice and Note program.
Math
Students will receive their Mid-module test back this week in their Wednesday folders. I am also asking for a parent signature. We will go over the test in class as well.
This week we continue Module 1 with adding and subtracting decimals, as well as working with multiplying decimals in lessons 9 - 12. Use these links to access a helpful parent letter for Topics D and E.
Students now have a Prodigy math account within my classroom account. When they play, please urge them to sign into our class account.
Students may access their IXL accounts to practice math at their own pace and level via this LINK.
We also have IXL for ELA and science. I will be going over these with students as we introduce them into our daily routine at school.
~ Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored. ~ Earl Nightingale
Social Studies
We will finish working with landforms and review for a quiz on Thursday which will cover longitude/latitude and landforms. This will be an open-book quiz for Chapter One. You may access a QUIZLET to review for the quiz vis this LINK. We will then begin exploring the cultural impacts of Native Americans.
Science
We will continue our science rotation this week. Our class will be going to Mr. Luek first to learn about space.
If ever there is a link that is not working, or you see a mistake on this page, please let me know.
Important Dates:
Friday, September 7th ~ Picture Day
~Alta Vista Movie Night
Saturday, October 13 ~ Walkathon 9am-3pm.
Monday, September 3 ~ Labor Day/No School
Monday, September 10 ~ Family Night, No Homework
~ Walkathon Assembly @ 1:30 (students only)
Friday, October 12 ~ Field Trip to Lawrence Hall of Science
Upcoming Field Trip
We are heading up to Berkeley to the Lawrence Hall of Science for a day of experiential learning and viewing of science topics. We are in need of chaperones. If you are interested, please email me. Also, coming home in this Wednesday folder will be a pink permission slip to sign and return to class.
Wednesday Folders:
Will be sent home this week. Your child should receive a corrected math test and a corrected Scholastics Magazine Quiz, among other items. If they did not receive one, that means they did not finish yet or they did not put their name on their paper. You are welcome to ask them which one it is.
This Week In Class:
Language Arts
We'll be reading a series of short stories and articles in that will help to introduce the idea of Close Reading Strategies. This involves reading articles 3 and 4 times, looking for different levels of understanding at each reading. We will continue to work with textual evidence and text structures. We will also review author's purpose.
There is NO Scholastics Magazine this week. In the future, students may access the magazine and all its features via this .LINK Simply select "Login", then "I'm a student", then enter the access code "foxbook4". Students may click the tab "Sign in with Clever" also.
We will also be reading out of a magazine called Storyworks in class. Students have their own login info. They may access the stories, videos, audio versions, and other great supplements via the link above. Simply select "Login" and then "I'm a Student".
~ Good questions outrank easy answers. ~ Paul Samuelson
We are also continuing with learning our Notice and Note Signposts this week. Please see the previous week's update to read about our Notice and Note program.
Math
Students will receive their Mid-module test back this week in their Wednesday folders. I am also asking for a parent signature. We will go over the test in class as well.
This week we continue Module 1 with adding and subtracting decimals, as well as working with multiplying decimals in lessons 9 - 12. Use these links to access a helpful parent letter for Topics D and E.
Students now have a Prodigy math account within my classroom account. When they play, please urge them to sign into our class account.
Students may access their IXL accounts to practice math at their own pace and level via this LINK.
We also have IXL for ELA and science. I will be going over these with students as we introduce them into our daily routine at school.
~ Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored. ~ Earl Nightingale
Social Studies
We will finish working with landforms and review for a quiz on Thursday which will cover longitude/latitude and landforms. This will be an open-book quiz for Chapter One. You may access a QUIZLET to review for the quiz vis this LINK. We will then begin exploring the cultural impacts of Native Americans.
Science
We will continue our science rotation this week. Our class will be going to Mr. Luek first to learn about space.
August 27-31
News and Notes
There is no school this Friday, August 31st, due to a Staff Development Day, and no school Monday, September 3rd for the observance of Labor Day.
Our first math test is this Thursday on the first half of module 1. We will do a review in class on Wednesday, and Wednesday night's homework will be to study for the test.
This Wednesday is a Sport Day. Students can show their spirit by dressing in their favorite sports gear.
Friday, September 7th is Picture Day. That same evening, at 6:00 p.m., is Alta Vista Movie Night.
Language Arts
This week we will continue to focus on 2 reading strategies, Close Reading and Notice and Note. Both strategies have the students read the text multiple times to improve on understanding themes, analyzing plot and character, identifying conflicts, drawing inferences, and making predictions.
Math
We are continuing Module 1 this week in math. This week's focus is on comparing, ordering, and rounding numbers. The mid module 1 test is on Thursday. We will do an in class review on Wednesday, and students will finish it for homework. The review will be designed to closely resemble the test, so it will be great practice for the student. Below I linked the key concepts for the first half of module 1.
Module 1 Topic A
Module 1 Topic B
Module 1 Topic C
Social Studies
We are beginning our social studies curriculum by studying maps and geography. This week's lessons center on the important landforms and bodies of water in the United States. We will have our first social studies test next week.
Science
My class has begun science with Mr. Luek They are studying Space.
August 20
Back to School Night is this Wednesday
Picture Day Friday, September 7
Homework
This week we will start getting into our math content, which means nightly homework. NORMALLY, the entire Zearn lesson will be homework each night, followed by the lesson and practice the following day. Students have already done lesson one in class.
Growth Mindset
This week we will continue some activities to develop a Growth Mindset in class, and in life. This means some activities that seem "easy" to kids. This is done on purpose to help students become more comfortable in a collaborative classroom. This also means, learning expectations in a fun and active way. Don't worry, for those of you who are looking for a challenging and academically stimulating environment, we'll have that too!! You can help reinforce this growth mindset at home by encouraging your child to step out of his/her "comfort zone" on a daily basis while embracing failure as a hugely important part of success.
Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently. ~ Henry Ford
PE Please make sure your child is ready to participate in some sort of running activity every day. If he/she has a medical issue, please make sure to let me know.
May 29
Pool Party
The pool party is this Thursday. Students should come to school as normal. They may wear their bathings suits under their clothing. They MUST WEAR walking shoes to school in the morning as we will be walking to Belwood Cabana Club. Here is a LINK to the office pool party letter.
Final Weeks
As we head into the final weeks of school, it's always a challenge to keep students focused and under control. Although I am not requiring the same type of level of work in these final weeks, it would be helpful if you reminded your child that appropriate behavior and work habits are expected until the end of the year.
Promotion Ceremony
For those of you wanting to know exact times for promotion, we don't have them yet. We believe that the gate will open at 10:45 and the promotion will begin at 11:05. It will be an outdoor event, unless it rains. We will have limited shade for older viewers and those highly sensitive to the sun. Umbrellas aren't allowed in the seated areas as they block others views. Students will be creating an invitation for their families, which will be sent home the week before.
Upcoming Events:
- May 31 ~ Art Show
- May 31 ~ 5th Grade Pool Party
- June 1 ~ Variety Show @6:30
- June 6 ~ Olympic Day
- June 7 ~ 5th Grade Promotion/Last Day of School
PE Testing
ALL DONE.
Caine's Arcade
We will begin to create our arcade the week of May 28. Please bring in supplies.
News and Notes
On Tuesday we have our walk to Union Middle School. Students need to have their permission slip turned in to go. Students should wear their class shirt.
On Wednesday, there is a chapter 18 social studies test on the causes of the Civil War.
Open House is Wednesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Students should bring in their state report dish plus the recipe to place in front of it.
Friday is crazy hair day.
Language Arts
We began another book club last week. There are 4 novels being read in the fifth grade. Each student has been assigned one of the novels. Throughout the week, the students will read their required pages, take notes on plot and character developments, and then meet on Friday to have a discussion on the week's reading.
Math
We will spend this week previewing some of the 6th grade math standards.
On Tuesday we have our walk to Union Middle School. Students need to have their permission slip turned in to go. Students should wear their class shirt.
On Wednesday, there is a chapter 18 social studies test on the causes of the Civil War.
Open House is Wednesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Students should bring in their state report dish plus the recipe to place in front of it.
Friday is crazy hair day.
Language Arts
We began another book club last week. There are 4 novels being read in the fifth grade. Each student has been assigned one of the novels. Throughout the week, the students will read their required pages, take notes on plot and character developments, and then meet on Friday to have a discussion on the week's reading.
Math
We will spend this week previewing some of the 6th grade math standards.
Yearbook Info
All yearbook orders are due May 7th. You may click HERE to order. Click HERE if you're interested in personalizing your yearbook. Also 5th Grade BABY PICTURES are needed! Please help us to get ALL OUR CLASS's Baby Pics IN THIS YEARBOOK. Click HERE to submit your digital photos. Don't have a digital? Take a pic of the pic with your phone or another digital device, or scan it via your computer. Photos of kids between the ages of 1-3 years work best as the students will try to guess who they are. Portrait (vertical) pics only please, landscape requires cropping and may not work with the format.
Writers' Faire
We will not be taking time in class to do a book this year for the Writers' Faire. However, if your child would like to do one at home for extra credit and submit it by May 24, they will be entered. The Writers' Faire event will be held at Dartmouth Middle School in the library on May 29 from 6-7 PM.
States and Capitals
We have started studying our states and capitals. This week, students are focusing on the southern states. They have received a map with the states and caps to study. Our test will be next Friday. Then we will move on to the eastern.
State Report
Here is the link for the State Report Site. You will find all directions, due dates, and extra credit options on this site. AT THIS TIME, NONE OF THE DUE DATES ARE SET. You will notice there are due dates, but we may be pushing those dates back just a bit as some 5th grade classes have not had time to intro the project yet.
Upcoming Events:
All yearbook orders are due May 7th. You may click HERE to order. Click HERE if you're interested in personalizing your yearbook. Also 5th Grade BABY PICTURES are needed! Please help us to get ALL OUR CLASS's Baby Pics IN THIS YEARBOOK. Click HERE to submit your digital photos. Don't have a digital? Take a pic of the pic with your phone or another digital device, or scan it via your computer. Photos of kids between the ages of 1-3 years work best as the students will try to guess who they are. Portrait (vertical) pics only please, landscape requires cropping and may not work with the format.
Writers' Faire
We will not be taking time in class to do a book this year for the Writers' Faire. However, if your child would like to do one at home for extra credit and submit it by May 24, they will be entered. The Writers' Faire event will be held at Dartmouth Middle School in the library on May 29 from 6-7 PM.
States and Capitals
We have started studying our states and capitals. This week, students are focusing on the southern states. They have received a map with the states and caps to study. Our test will be next Friday. Then we will move on to the eastern.
State Report
Here is the link for the State Report Site. You will find all directions, due dates, and extra credit options on this site. AT THIS TIME, NONE OF THE DUE DATES ARE SET. You will notice there are due dates, but we may be pushing those dates back just a bit as some 5th grade classes have not had time to intro the project yet.
Upcoming Events:
- May 15 ~ Walk to UMS
- April 25 ~ Volunteer Tea
- April 27 ~ Adorable Digital Baby Pics for Yearbook are due!!!
- May 7 ~ Yearbook Orders Due
- May 11 ~ Fantasy Fair
- May 15 ~ Parent Night at UMS @6:30 p.m.
- May 16 ~ Family Night/Open House
- May 21 ~ UMS Math Placement Test (will be tested again right before school in Aug)
- May 31 ~ Art Show
- May 31 ~ 5th Grade Pool Party
- June 1 ~ Variety Show @6:30
- June 6 ~ Olympic Day
- June 7 ~ 5th Grade Promotion/Last Day of School
March 6
Conferences
I sent out an schedule for Spring Conferences a couple of weeks ago. Conferences are not required, but please feel free to sign up.
This also means we will have MINIMUM DISMISSAL DAYS this Wednesday through next week.
Yearbook Cover Contest
A flyer was sent home a couple of weeks ago announcing the Yearbook Cover Contest. The paper size is regular computer 8.5 x 11 portrait orientation. Due by March 16. Must have "Alta Vista Elementary" and "2017-2018" (without quotation marks) in the illustration somewhere. Student full name and teacher name in pencil on back of illustration. One entry per student.
American Revolution Pics and Videos
If you have pictures or videos from our simulation to share with the class, please upload them via our class shutterfly.
Library this Week
Please bring in overdue books!
Upcoming Events:
Language Arts
Students will continue reading historical fiction novels for a book club-style reading experience. This means they will also be rotating to other classrooms once a week on Fridays to have "book talks" with students from other 5th grade classes who are reading the same novels. We will be working on a variety of reading responses and questioning techniques. Feel free to check out the templates in Google Classroom under "Book Club Menu". Also, below is a quick explanation of what students should be looking for as they read their novel each week. Novel assignments are given on Friday and expected to be finished by Wednesday mornings. Students work on a variety of reading and writing strategies related to their novel, including a Reading Journal and a Notice and Notice note taking organizer. By Friday, they are expected to have their entire Reading Journal ready to share in their book club groups.
We DO have a Scholastics Magazine for this week. Students may access the past Scholastics magazines and all its features via this.LINK Simply select "Login", then "I'm a student", then enter the access code "milkchat1". Students may click the tab "Sign in with Clever" also.
Social Studies
Students will be exploring the Declaration of Independence for the next few weeks.
Math
Continue with Module 4. This week we will finish work in TOPIC E with lessons 18 - 20. Students will also have a Topic E quiz. Students will then move on to Topic F with lesson 21.
Many students have improved with their math facts. Keep practicing to keep them fresh! They are VITAL to our fractions work.
Students who are able to finish classwork early are being given options for extra math practice and projects. However, they need to be self-motivated and self-disciplined in order to be successful on independent projects.
Students may access their IXL accounts to practice math at their own pace and level via this LINK.
They may also use the Prodigy Site.
Science
We will finish up the with Earth's water and the water cycle this week. That is all, as it is a minimum dismissal week starting on Thursday.
Conferences
I sent out an schedule for Spring Conferences a couple of weeks ago. Conferences are not required, but please feel free to sign up.
This also means we will have MINIMUM DISMISSAL DAYS this Wednesday through next week.
Yearbook Cover Contest
A flyer was sent home a couple of weeks ago announcing the Yearbook Cover Contest. The paper size is regular computer 8.5 x 11 portrait orientation. Due by March 16. Must have "Alta Vista Elementary" and "2017-2018" (without quotation marks) in the illustration somewhere. Student full name and teacher name in pencil on back of illustration. One entry per student.
American Revolution Pics and Videos
If you have pictures or videos from our simulation to share with the class, please upload them via our class shutterfly.
Library this Week
Please bring in overdue books!
Upcoming Events:
- March 8 - 14 ~ Bookfair
- March 14 ~ Family Night
- March 18 - 16 ~ Conferences
- March 27 ~ STEAM Night 6 - 7:30 - Cafeteria/MAKERS SPACE
- April 5 ~ 5th Grade Music Performance 6 - 7 - Cafeteria
- May 15 ~ Walk to UMS
- April 9 - 13 ~ Spring Break
- April 20 ~ Multicultural Fair
- April 25 ~ Volunteer Tea
- May 11 ~ Fantasy Fair
- May 15 ~ Parent Night at UMS @6:30 p.m.
Language Arts
Students will continue reading historical fiction novels for a book club-style reading experience. This means they will also be rotating to other classrooms once a week on Fridays to have "book talks" with students from other 5th grade classes who are reading the same novels. We will be working on a variety of reading responses and questioning techniques. Feel free to check out the templates in Google Classroom under "Book Club Menu". Also, below is a quick explanation of what students should be looking for as they read their novel each week. Novel assignments are given on Friday and expected to be finished by Wednesday mornings. Students work on a variety of reading and writing strategies related to their novel, including a Reading Journal and a Notice and Notice note taking organizer. By Friday, they are expected to have their entire Reading Journal ready to share in their book club groups.
We DO have a Scholastics Magazine for this week. Students may access the past Scholastics magazines and all its features via this.LINK Simply select "Login", then "I'm a student", then enter the access code "milkchat1". Students may click the tab "Sign in with Clever" also.
Social Studies
Students will be exploring the Declaration of Independence for the next few weeks.
Math
Continue with Module 4. This week we will finish work in TOPIC E with lessons 18 - 20. Students will also have a Topic E quiz. Students will then move on to Topic F with lesson 21.
Many students have improved with their math facts. Keep practicing to keep them fresh! They are VITAL to our fractions work.
Students who are able to finish classwork early are being given options for extra math practice and projects. However, they need to be self-motivated and self-disciplined in order to be successful on independent projects.
Students may access their IXL accounts to practice math at their own pace and level via this LINK.
They may also use the Prodigy Site.
Science
We will finish up the with Earth's water and the water cycle this week. That is all, as it is a minimum dismissal week starting on Thursday.
Walk through American Revolution
Students have received their parts for our Walk through American Revolution Simulation. We have discussed how to prepare for their individual parts and costumes. This week, we will practice battle scenes by teams. Students may need to bring in simple props for specific scenes, which we will go over in class. Here is a LINK to use to see what the program is and how to prepare, including costume ideas and character cards for memorization. Our simulation will take place on Friday, February 9 at 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Parents are welcome to attend. No younger siblings, please.
Students have received their parts for our Walk through American Revolution Simulation. We have discussed how to prepare for their individual parts and costumes. This week, we will practice battle scenes by teams. Students may need to bring in simple props for specific scenes, which we will go over in class. Here is a LINK to use to see what the program is and how to prepare, including costume ideas and character cards for memorization. Our simulation will take place on Friday, February 9 at 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Parents are welcome to attend. No younger siblings, please.
12/18-12/21
News and Notes
Upcoming Events:
- December 23 - January 7 ~ Winter Break, No School
- January 15 ~ No School, MLK holiday
- January 16 - 19 ~ Science Camp/Walden West Camp Saratoga
Secret Gift Exchange
Each student will get a gift for the person they picked (around $20). He/she will write the name of the person the gift is for on a card or paper, and a list of 3-5 clues about who the giver of the gift is, without writing his/her own name on the paper/card. The goal is to try to guess who gave the gift on the day of our holiday party. We will do the gift giving before lunch on December 23 and have the party after lunch.
Holiday Party
The last day before winter break we celebrate with an all-5th-grade-party. The party takes place after lunch and consists of a movie, hot chocolate, and popcorn. Students are welcome to wear pajamas to school on this day.
Walden West Science Camp ~ January 16 - 19
We have a presentation this week on Tuesday, December 5 at 1 p.m. in the cafeteria by Walden West. Parents are welcome. It's a 45-minute presentation on what to expect at science camp and how to prep. Here is the link to the Parent Site where you will find all the necessary forms for science camp. Please get them in asap!! Remember, ANY medication MUST be accompanied by a doctor's note, even if it's over-the-counter.
Reminders:
- forms in asap.
- no electronics
- kids love the letters!!
- meds if needed, with doctor's note
- lunch and drink for the first day, in reusable containers ideally
- label everything
- Students come to school as usual on the 16th, with their luggage.
- 2 pairs of shoes, plus flip flops for the shower
- 2 towels are a good idea
- orders for merchandise are due by the time we leave on the 16th
- students go home at noon on Friday, the 19th
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Dear 5th-grade Families,
We will be heading to Walden West in Saratoga on January 16 for science camp. This year, packets with all necessary information will not be printed in hard copy. Instead, you may use this LINK to print out the documents that you need. We will discuss these items at conference time. Please make sure to look through the items before your conference appointment, if possible.
If you have a hardship and are not able to print out the necessary forms (generally only 1 or 2 forms need to be printed and returned to school, unless you have dietary or other special needs), please let us know so we can print them for you.
THIS form is required for ALL students. Please return to school as soon as possible.
Language Arts
We are reading a novel called Wonder. All activities for the novel will be completed in class.
Math
We will do a review on Tuesday in class, and Tuesday night's homework will also be a review for the test. The test will be Wednesday and Thursday.
Social Studies
We are on chapter 7 of our textbook, which describes the colonies.
10/16 - 10/20
News:
Here is the conference schedule for this round. Please fill your name in a slot that works for you. If you need another time please email me.
There will be a permission slip going home this Wednesday for our field trip to the Exploratorium. If you wish to chaperone please fill out this form.
Our Chapter 5 Social Studies Test on explorers is this Thursday.
The Walkathon is this Saturday, October 21.
We will be doing the Halloween parade at 8:30 on Halloween morning. For our class party, we will be combining with the other 5th grade classes and celebrating at 1:00.
Family Science Night is Thursday, November 2nd. Students who attend will be excused from that night's homework.
Language Arts
The students are finishing their creative narratives this week. They will be writing a narrative for a district assessment in a couple of weeks.
In Storyworks this week, we'll be reading a nonfiction text called "Out of the Shattered Land." It describes two brothers living in war-torn Syria. This week's reading skills will focus on cause and effect, summarizing, and inferences.
We are going to begin a novel called Wonder soon. This week we will prepare by doing some pre-reading activities.
Math
In math this week, the students will be doing Module 2, lessons 10-13, which focuses on decimal multiplication. The mid-module assessment will be next week. Here is a newsletter highlighting the week's key concepts.
Module 2 Topic C
Social Studies
The Chapter 5 Test on explorers is this Thursday.
Science
The students are working in groups on an Endangered Species Project this week.
News:
Here is the conference schedule for this round. Please fill your name in a slot that works for you. If you need another time please email me.
There will be a permission slip going home this Wednesday for our field trip to the Exploratorium. If you wish to chaperone please fill out this form.
Our Chapter 5 Social Studies Test on explorers is this Thursday.
The Walkathon is this Saturday, October 21.
We will be doing the Halloween parade at 8:30 on Halloween morning. For our class party, we will be combining with the other 5th grade classes and celebrating at 1:00.
Family Science Night is Thursday, November 2nd. Students who attend will be excused from that night's homework.
Language Arts
The students are finishing their creative narratives this week. They will be writing a narrative for a district assessment in a couple of weeks.
In Storyworks this week, we'll be reading a nonfiction text called "Out of the Shattered Land." It describes two brothers living in war-torn Syria. This week's reading skills will focus on cause and effect, summarizing, and inferences.
We are going to begin a novel called Wonder soon. This week we will prepare by doing some pre-reading activities.
Math
In math this week, the students will be doing Module 2, lessons 10-13, which focuses on decimal multiplication. The mid-module assessment will be next week. Here is a newsletter highlighting the week's key concepts.
Module 2 Topic C
Social Studies
The Chapter 5 Test on explorers is this Thursday.
Science
The students are working in groups on an Endangered Species Project this week.
10/9-10/13
News and Notes
Here is the conference schedule for this round. Please fill your name in a slot that works for you. If you need another time please email me.
Makeup Picture Day is this Friday, October 13.
There will be a permission slip going home this Wednesday for our field trip to the Exploratorium. If you wish to chaperone please fill out this form.
The Walkathon is on Saturday, October 21.
Language Arts
We are finishing up our Growth Mindset unit this week with some concluding activities.
We are also writing our first narrative this week. The students will be writing a creative narrative about an expedition to the rainforest. In their narratives, they will be writing with a clear beginning, middle, and end, establishing characters and a setting, effectively use description and transition words, and demonstrate a proficiency with grammar and written conventions.
Finally, we will be reading a play this week called "The Curse of Winter." It is a Greek myth about the story of Persephone and Demeter.
Math
In math this week we'll continue with multi-digit multiplication. The students will be using both the area model and standard algorithm methods. Here is the newsletter highlighting this week's key concepts.
Module 2 Topic B
Social Studies
The students are going to be studying explorers this week. They'll be using a website called Canva to design an infographic on an assigned explorer. They will also work in groups to create a Google slideshow on their explorer to present to their classmates. The students will be responsible for taking notes on each other's slideshows. The chapter 5 test will be later next week.
Science
The students are presenting their habitats to their classmates this week. Then they will begin working on an endangered species project.
News and Notes
Here is the conference schedule for this round. Please fill your name in a slot that works for you. If you need another time please email me.
Makeup Picture Day is this Friday, October 13.
There will be a permission slip going home this Wednesday for our field trip to the Exploratorium. If you wish to chaperone please fill out this form.
The Walkathon is on Saturday, October 21.
Language Arts
We are finishing up our Growth Mindset unit this week with some concluding activities.
We are also writing our first narrative this week. The students will be writing a creative narrative about an expedition to the rainforest. In their narratives, they will be writing with a clear beginning, middle, and end, establishing characters and a setting, effectively use description and transition words, and demonstrate a proficiency with grammar and written conventions.
Finally, we will be reading a play this week called "The Curse of Winter." It is a Greek myth about the story of Persephone and Demeter.
Math
In math this week we'll continue with multi-digit multiplication. The students will be using both the area model and standard algorithm methods. Here is the newsletter highlighting this week's key concepts.
Module 2 Topic B
Social Studies
The students are going to be studying explorers this week. They'll be using a website called Canva to design an infographic on an assigned explorer. They will also work in groups to create a Google slideshow on their explorer to present to their classmates. The students will be responsible for taking notes on each other's slideshows. The chapter 5 test will be later next week.
Science
The students are presenting their habitats to their classmates this week. Then they will begin working on an endangered species project.
News and Notes
Every Friday is SPIRIT DAY! Wear your AV gear, or wear blue and gold.
This Wednesday is National Walk to School Day.
Makeup Picture Day is Friday, October 13.
The Walkathon is on Saturday, October 21.
Language Arts
We'e going to continue with our Storyworks article "Our World Turned to Water." This week the focus will be on main idea and supporting detail, as well as inferencing. The students also now have their Wordly Wise online accounts. We will be doing activities from Lesson 2 this week and next week, and the Lesson 2 quiz will be Friday, September 29.
Math
We are beginning Module 2 this week. This week we will multiply using the distributive and associative properties, use estimating to multiply, and multiply using the standard algorithm and area model. Here are links to this week's key concepts.
Modle 2 Topic A
Module 2 Topic B
Social Studies
Our chapter 4 social studies test is next Monday. The students will be tested on European exploration of the New World.
Science
We are combining science with STEAM over the next couple of weeks. The students were given a challenge of how to design a plant that can survive in the arctic. They are using the engineering process to come up with a plan and then execute their ideas.
Every Friday is SPIRIT DAY! Wear your AV gear, or wear blue and gold.
This Wednesday is National Walk to School Day.
Makeup Picture Day is Friday, October 13.
The Walkathon is on Saturday, October 21.
Language Arts
We'e going to continue with our Storyworks article "Our World Turned to Water." This week the focus will be on main idea and supporting detail, as well as inferencing. The students also now have their Wordly Wise online accounts. We will be doing activities from Lesson 2 this week and next week, and the Lesson 2 quiz will be Friday, September 29.
Math
We are beginning Module 2 this week. This week we will multiply using the distributive and associative properties, use estimating to multiply, and multiply using the standard algorithm and area model. Here are links to this week's key concepts.
Modle 2 Topic A
Module 2 Topic B
Social Studies
Our chapter 4 social studies test is next Monday. The students will be tested on European exploration of the New World.
Science
We are combining science with STEAM over the next couple of weeks. The students were given a challenge of how to design a plant that can survive in the arctic. They are using the engineering process to come up with a plan and then execute their ideas.
9/11-9/15
News and Notes
To recognize September 11 and honor Patriot Day, students should wear red, white, and blue on Monday.
This week is our Safe Routes to School Week. Students are encouraged to walk or ride a bike or scooter to school. If you live too far away, you can carpool or park a few blocks from the school and walk from there.
I will pass back both the social studies and math tests in this Week's Wednesday envelope.
This Friday, September 15, is Alta Vista Movie Night.
Language Arts
We're going to go back to some growth mindset activities this week by analyzing a short story, some nonfiction articles, and even a song lyric. The students are practicing a reading strategy called Close Reading. Close Reading is a strategy that allows the students to analyze text in a thoughtful critical manner, while focusing on key details and evidence from the text. A major emphasis of Close Reading is having the students read the same text several times to gain a deeper understanding of the main ideas, themes, and author's purpose.
Math
We are only doing lessons 9-12 from Module 1 this week. These lessons center on adding, subtracting, and multiplying decimals. We will be using both a place value chart and the standard algorithm.
Social Studies
We're going to begin studying Chapter 2 this week which is about Native American tribes. Rather than have a chapter test on this chapter, the students are going to create a Google Slideshow about the different tribes they study.
Science
We are studying life science right now with a focus on plants and photosynthesis.
News and Notes
To recognize September 11 and honor Patriot Day, students should wear red, white, and blue on Monday.
This week is our Safe Routes to School Week. Students are encouraged to walk or ride a bike or scooter to school. If you live too far away, you can carpool or park a few blocks from the school and walk from there.
I will pass back both the social studies and math tests in this Week's Wednesday envelope.
This Friday, September 15, is Alta Vista Movie Night.
Language Arts
We're going to go back to some growth mindset activities this week by analyzing a short story, some nonfiction articles, and even a song lyric. The students are practicing a reading strategy called Close Reading. Close Reading is a strategy that allows the students to analyze text in a thoughtful critical manner, while focusing on key details and evidence from the text. A major emphasis of Close Reading is having the students read the same text several times to gain a deeper understanding of the main ideas, themes, and author's purpose.
Math
We are only doing lessons 9-12 from Module 1 this week. These lessons center on adding, subtracting, and multiplying decimals. We will be using both a place value chart and the standard algorithm.
Social Studies
We're going to begin studying Chapter 2 this week which is about Native American tribes. Rather than have a chapter test on this chapter, the students are going to create a Google Slideshow about the different tribes they study.
Science
We are studying life science right now with a focus on plants and photosynthesis.
9/5-9/9
News and Notes
We have 2 tests this week. Our chapter 1 social studies test is on Thursday, and for math, our mid-module assessment for module 1 is on Friday. To prepare for the math test, we will do an in class review on Thursday, and the students will finish the review for homework. The review will be very closely aligned to the actual test.
This Friday, September 8th is Picture Day, and next Friday, September 15th is Alta Vista Movie Night.
Language Arts
We're going to begin Storyworks this week, which is a monthly magazine associated with Scholastic News. This week the students will be reading a paired article on the history of dogs. Our reading strategy focus this week will be on text structure and textual evidence. Examples of text structure include cause and effect, compare and contrast, description, problem and solution, and sequence. With textual evidence, students will practice citing or referring to the text when drawing a conclusion or stating an opinion.
Math
We are only doing one new lesson in module 1 this week. We will review lesson 7 and then complete lesson 8 before preparing for Friday's mid-module assessment. Both lessons 7-8 are centered on rounding. We will do an in class review on Thursday to get ready for Friday's test. Here is a link to this week's lessons.
Topic C
Social Studies
We have our first social studies test this week. The test is on chapter 1 geography which covers latitude, longitude, hemispheres, continents, oceans, geographic terms, and key physical features of the United States. The first 20 minutes of the test will be closed book/closed notes, but the students will have access to their notes for the final 10 minutes.
Steam
Last week the students created slingshots or catapults in an activity connected to our growth mindset unit. This week we will begin preparing a new design thinking challenge.
News and Notes
We have 2 tests this week. Our chapter 1 social studies test is on Thursday, and for math, our mid-module assessment for module 1 is on Friday. To prepare for the math test, we will do an in class review on Thursday, and the students will finish the review for homework. The review will be very closely aligned to the actual test.
This Friday, September 8th is Picture Day, and next Friday, September 15th is Alta Vista Movie Night.
Language Arts
We're going to begin Storyworks this week, which is a monthly magazine associated with Scholastic News. This week the students will be reading a paired article on the history of dogs. Our reading strategy focus this week will be on text structure and textual evidence. Examples of text structure include cause and effect, compare and contrast, description, problem and solution, and sequence. With textual evidence, students will practice citing or referring to the text when drawing a conclusion or stating an opinion.
Math
We are only doing one new lesson in module 1 this week. We will review lesson 7 and then complete lesson 8 before preparing for Friday's mid-module assessment. Both lessons 7-8 are centered on rounding. We will do an in class review on Thursday to get ready for Friday's test. Here is a link to this week's lessons.
Topic C
Social Studies
We have our first social studies test this week. The test is on chapter 1 geography which covers latitude, longitude, hemispheres, continents, oceans, geographic terms, and key physical features of the United States. The first 20 minutes of the test will be closed book/closed notes, but the students will have access to their notes for the final 10 minutes.
Steam
Last week the students created slingshots or catapults in an activity connected to our growth mindset unit. This week we will begin preparing a new design thinking challenge.
August 28-31
News and Notes
If you have not yet filled out the parent survey, or still have forms that need to be signed and returned, please do so as soon as possible.
Students will write their homework in their planners each day. You can also click on the homework link to view this week's homework.
There is no school on Friday September 1st due to a Staff Development Day.
Language Arts
A big focus for fifth grade this year is teaching the students how to have a growth mindset. Over the next couple of weeks, the students will be reading non fiction articles on growth mindset, as well as fictional short stories where the theme of the story revolves around growth mindset. The goal is to teach the students the importance of perseverance, problem solving, and learning through failure.
Math
The students will be working on lessons 1 through 4 this week. The students will be using place value to relate base ten units from the thousandth's place all the way to the millions. The students will also be introduced to exponents. Click the link below view the parent newsletter for this week's topic.
Module 1 Topic A
Social Studies
We are beginning social studies this week with geography. The students will be learning about hemispheres, latitude and longitude, geographic terms, and physical features of the United States.
Steam
The students are creating a superhero badge which depicts their superpower in a collaborative group setting. The badge will eventually be hooked up to a Makey-Makey, which will play a superhero theme song the student has created.
Makey Makey
May 22-26
End of the Year Promotion Ceremony
Ms. Shmueli send out information for the 5th grade promotion on the last day of school. You will receive an invitation from your child once we make them in class. Please make sure to read the email about the ceremony for times and location.
Open House
Please join us this Wednesday for our Open House.
May 8-12
Thank you for all the nice thoughts and items last week! It all meant so much to me! :)
Testing Tuesday!!
We will start this week with Math testing, starting on Tuesday. Please make sure your child is well rested and well fed for each day.
State Report
The Parent Letter portion of the report was due this Monday.The State Art is due Friday. Please use the link below to access State Report Website, where all requirements, descriptions, and due dates are conveniently listed. If something is not finished, please work on it for homework.
PE
We will be doing some PE testing coming up during state testing time. To prepare, we will be practicing our pushups, crunches, trunk lifts, hamstring flexibility (for the sit-and-reach), and mile run. Students have always been required to run each day, but we're getting lots of excuses for not running lately. Please be sure to let me know if your child has an ongoing medical reason for not running. Otherwise, please help me in encouraging your child to jog/run as much as he/she is able. Since we've been running laps from the first week of school, all students should be able to run/jog at least on lap.
April 24-28
News!
We have a clay activity on Friday from 11:15-12:30 and we need your help, if you can help please email me, [email protected].
SBAC Testing begins the week of May 1st. We are beginning to do some test prep this week and we will continue to do more next week.
There will be an informational meeting for parents of incoming 6th graders on May 16th at Union Middle School.
Math
We're continuing with volume this week. The students will be calculating volume using dimensions that are fractions and mixed numbers. Here is a link to this week's key concepts.
Module 5 Topic C
Social Studies
We're beginning chapter 15 this week on the Bill of Rights. The students will study the first 10 amendments to the Constitution and explain what each amendment does.
Science
We are learning about the human body systems.
News and Notes
If you have not yet filled out the parent survey, or still have forms that need to be signed and returned, please do so as soon as possible.
Students will write their homework in their planners each day. You can also click on the homework link to view this week's homework.
There is no school on Friday September 1st due to a Staff Development Day.
Language Arts
A big focus for fifth grade this year is teaching the students how to have a growth mindset. Over the next couple of weeks, the students will be reading non fiction articles on growth mindset, as well as fictional short stories where the theme of the story revolves around growth mindset. The goal is to teach the students the importance of perseverance, problem solving, and learning through failure.
Math
The students will be working on lessons 1 through 4 this week. The students will be using place value to relate base ten units from the thousandth's place all the way to the millions. The students will also be introduced to exponents. Click the link below view the parent newsletter for this week's topic.
Module 1 Topic A
Social Studies
We are beginning social studies this week with geography. The students will be learning about hemispheres, latitude and longitude, geographic terms, and physical features of the United States.
Steam
The students are creating a superhero badge which depicts their superpower in a collaborative group setting. The badge will eventually be hooked up to a Makey-Makey, which will play a superhero theme song the student has created.
Makey Makey
May 22-26
End of the Year Promotion Ceremony
Ms. Shmueli send out information for the 5th grade promotion on the last day of school. You will receive an invitation from your child once we make them in class. Please make sure to read the email about the ceremony for times and location.
Open House
Please join us this Wednesday for our Open House.
May 8-12
Thank you for all the nice thoughts and items last week! It all meant so much to me! :)
Testing Tuesday!!
We will start this week with Math testing, starting on Tuesday. Please make sure your child is well rested and well fed for each day.
State Report
The Parent Letter portion of the report was due this Monday.The State Art is due Friday. Please use the link below to access State Report Website, where all requirements, descriptions, and due dates are conveniently listed. If something is not finished, please work on it for homework.
PE
We will be doing some PE testing coming up during state testing time. To prepare, we will be practicing our pushups, crunches, trunk lifts, hamstring flexibility (for the sit-and-reach), and mile run. Students have always been required to run each day, but we're getting lots of excuses for not running lately. Please be sure to let me know if your child has an ongoing medical reason for not running. Otherwise, please help me in encouraging your child to jog/run as much as he/she is able. Since we've been running laps from the first week of school, all students should be able to run/jog at least on lap.
April 24-28
News!
We have a clay activity on Friday from 11:15-12:30 and we need your help, if you can help please email me, [email protected].
SBAC Testing begins the week of May 1st. We are beginning to do some test prep this week and we will continue to do more next week.
There will be an informational meeting for parents of incoming 6th graders on May 16th at Union Middle School.
Math
We're continuing with volume this week. The students will be calculating volume using dimensions that are fractions and mixed numbers. Here is a link to this week's key concepts.
Module 5 Topic C
Social Studies
We're beginning chapter 15 this week on the Bill of Rights. The students will study the first 10 amendments to the Constitution and explain what each amendment does.
Science
We are learning about the human body systems.
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April 10-14
We will be away at science camp!!!!!
Science Camp Forms Due
Please make sure to get in the district permission slip, the blue registration form, and the green medication form (only if needed). Medication should be turned in the Monday before we leave.
Walden West Outdoor Science School
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Social Studies
We are continuing to learn about the revolution. This week we will focus on the key battles during the war, the student are creating videos from different perspectives.
MATH
We will be beginning Module 5. This is a continuation of fractions but we will begin to multiply/divide them. If you are interested in reading more here is the module letter.
Language Arts
The students will be focusing on Part of Speech and writing an opinion piece.
Novel: We will be continuing to read Wonder. The students will need to complete a number of chapters and reading response questions for the week. If they do not get these tasks completed in class they will need to complete them at home.
April 10-14
We will be away at science camp!!!!!
Science Camp Forms Due
Please make sure to get in the district permission slip, the blue registration form, and the green medication form (only if needed). Medication should be turned in the Monday before we leave.
Walden West Outdoor Science School
______________________________________________________________________________
Social Studies
We are continuing to learn about the revolution. This week we will focus on the key battles during the war, the student are creating videos from different perspectives.
MATH
We will be beginning Module 5. This is a continuation of fractions but we will begin to multiply/divide them. If you are interested in reading more here is the module letter.
Language Arts
The students will be focusing on Part of Speech and writing an opinion piece.
Novel: We will be continuing to read Wonder. The students will need to complete a number of chapters and reading response questions for the week. If they do not get these tasks completed in class they will need to complete them at home.
Walk through American Revolution Simulation
The simulation date is Thursday , December 15 at 11:30 a.m. Please visit the Official Website for general info about what to expect from the program, costume ideas, and character and vocabulary cards (in case your child has lost them).
Just like Walk through California, students have Character and Vocabulary Cards to memorize. They may have the cards with them at the time of the simulation, just in case they forget something.
All students are expected to dress as ONE of the characters they are playing. Many students are playing two characters, but there will be no opportunity for costume changes. Students may need props for their parts. If so, please help them to get those. We may be able to get many props at school. Also, students in the other 5th grade classes are doing the same simulation at a different time/day of the week. Coordinating with someone from another class that has the same part can save time and effort. DO NOT BRING WEAPONS. Toy muskets will be provided by the program facilitator.
In addition to their character parts, students will be acting out battle scenes. These will be practiced and discussed entirely at school. These reenactments are separate from the character performances. Students may need to gather or create props at home for these scenes, depending on what their groups decide.
Winter Gift Exchange and Holiday Party
As a holiday tradition, we have a gift exchange on the last day of school before winter break. This is an optional activity. Students will pick names this week and have a list of ideas from the person they drew. Please keep the amount spent at a reasonable amount, perhaps $20. If there is a financial, religious, or political hardship, please feel free to communicate that with me directly and we will address a solution together. I am happy to cover the cost of gifts.
The WRAPPED gift should have a card or piece of paper with at least 3 clues as to who the giver is. The RECEIVER'S NAME should be the only name on the package. We will try to guess who gave each package. I will keep a master list of who chose which child.
The holiday party will also be on the last day before winter break. This is done with the ENTIRE 5th grade. Students may wear pajamas to school that day. We will have our gift exchange as just a class before lunch. After lunch, we will watch holiday movies and have hot chocolate with candy canes. Parents are needed for this second part of the day. If you would like to help please contact Diane Roche.
Tradition Project
The winter season has many traditions from all around the world that people particpate in. From now until break starts, the students will being doing research to determine where and how their family traditions started. If they do no have any traditions that they woul like to share, they need to to do research about a winter tradition from around the world. The students can bring in food or items that represent their chosen winter tradition. If they do not want to particpate in bringing food or other items into the class, that is OK, but they do need to present the rest of their project to the class. The students will not be graded based on what they bring, but rather the quality and depth of information shared with the class during their presentation. If you have any questions about this project please email me!
Math:
This week, we continue with ALL students doing Zearn online for homework. We are continueing to work on fractions this week. If you are havung This Topic A Parent Newsletter can be very helpful for an overview of what to expect. We will have a test next Thursday (Mid Module) after Lesson 7.
Social Studies:
We are going to finish editing our Colony Commercials and sharing them in class. When we have completed them there will be a link to view so please keep an eye out for that. All of our social studies time for the next two weeks will be spent preparing for our Walk through American Revolution simulation.
Science:
We are studying weather with Mrs. Hammer. We have two more weeks of our current science rotation, with a FINAL TEST on Friday, December 9. Here is FOSS WEB LINK to some resources put out by our publisher, FOSS.
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Field Trip:
Our Field Trip is Friday to the exploratorium. Please make sure that your students wears their orange class shirt. The students will need to have a sack lunch with them for the day. We will be getting back to school at regular time so please be ready to pick your student up regularly. If you are chaperoning, we do not have any room on the bus for parents, so you will need to carpool with each other to the Exploratorium.
Tina Anderson
Robert Wong
James Maze
Heddi Shariat
Victoria Posternak
Heather O'Leary
If you have any questions please feel free to email me!
Social Studies:
We are going to finish editing our Colony Commercials and sharing them in class. When we have completed them there will be a link to view so please keep an eye out for that.
Science:
We are studying weather with Mrs. Hammer.
Math:
This week there will be an end of module test on Thursday. The main focus of this test is the students understanding of long divisions.
STEAM:
The students are in the process of building a catapult as a group. They brought supplies from home and are also using supplies from school. The student had to design their own simple machine using Google Drawing. There will be pictures up soon of their creations!
Current Events:
This week:Caroline
Next week: TBD
V.I.P:
Ana
October 3-7
News
- I have signed up for more virtual field trips but have not heard back if our class is picked!
- We're doing our Lesson 4 Wordly Wise all in one week, so the vocabulary quiz will be this Friday.
- The Art Vista program will be taking place on Wednesday from 9:30-10, if you would like to help please email me!
- Please complete the form about your student’s t-shirt size.
- We need SPARK volunteers please email with your availability.
- We started a program called Global Read Aloud. Check out their website to see what is all about!
Important Dates:
Oct. 4: Sports Day (class spirit day)
Oct. 7: Wordly Wise Test
Oct. 15: Walk A Thon
Math:
We will be continuing Module 2 this week. They will have a quiz on Tuesday. This week the focus is on multiplying multi-digit numbers. The students will solve by using an area model, partial products, and the standard algorithm. We will have a quiz Tuesday on lessons 1-5 from Module 2. Here is the parent newsletter for this week's math topic.The students need to continue to practice their math facts at home.
ELA:
We will continue to focus on the skill of identifying Main Idea in a story or poem. We will also continue to examine the difference between Theme and Main Idea. This is a difficult distinction to make in literature, so we will be spending much of the year working with various types of text to develop these skills. The students are continuing to work on their Narratives, check them out on their personal websites.
We're working on a grammar unit this week on compound and run-on sentences.
Students will continue to read from our novel, Rules.
Social Studies
We are beginning chapter 5 this week. This chapter continues with the Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries. The students will be studying specific explorers. They will need to know the name of each explorer, the country that sponsored their voyage, their motives for exploring, the route that they took, and other significant details. We will have a chapter 5 test next week. There will not be a test on the chapter 4 material.
Science
The students will be having a science test on Friday. They will be moving on to Mrs. Hammer's room next week to begin their unit on weather.
Library
Our library time is every Monday from 10-10:30.
Current Events:
Eliot is presenting this week. You can either get your own poster board or we can provide one. Of course, any questions, please feel free to email me.
V.I.P
Camryn
_________________________________________________________________
September 26-30
News
- The Art Vista program will be taking place on Wednesdays from 9:30-10, if you would like to help please email me!
- Please complete the form about your student’s t-shirt size.
- We need SPARK volunteers please email with your availability.
- We are going to be starting a program next week called Global Read Aloud. Check out their website to see what is all about! The students will be meeting our buddy class over skype later this week!
Important Dates:
September 28 Virtual Field Trip
September 28 Spirit Day (Wacky Wednesday)
Sept. 29 (pm) – Parent Education: Eureka Math
Sept. 30 Wordly Wise Test
Sept. 30 – Picture Day
Math:
We will be starting Module 2 this week. The focus is multiplying using a place holder. The students need to continue to practice their math facts at home.
ELA:
We will continue to focus on the skill of identifying Main Idea in a story or poem. We will also continue to examine the difference between Theme and Main Idea. This is a difficult distinction to make in literature, so we will be spending much of the year working with various types of text to develop these skills. The students are continuing to work on their Narratives, check them out on their personal websites.
We're working on a grammar unit this week on compound and run-on sentences.
Students will continue to read from our novel, Rules.
Social Studies
This week we begin our focus on Europeans coming to the Americas.
Science
We will be doing a science rotation this year. My class will be with Mr. Lueck for the first 7 weeks studying space.
Wednesday Folders
Please look for the social studies test.
Library
Our library time is every Monday from 10-10:30.
Current Events:
Eoin is presenting this week. You can either get your own poster board or we can provide one. Of course, any questions, please feel free to email me.
V.I.P
Ziarra
________________________________________________________
News
- We need Art Vista and SPARK volunteers. If you are interested please email me with times that will work for you.
- Cornerstone Survey: I sent home a hard copy of the survey permission slip last week. Please make sure to get it in before Wednesday. Thank you!
- Character Day: This Thursday, the entire school will celebrate Character Day. This is an international movement that is intended to foster character development in children.
Important Dates:
- Sept. 20 (am/pm), 29 (pm) – Parent Education: Eureka Math
- Sept. 22 Character Day
- Sept. 23 Math Test
- Sept. 30 – Picture Day
Math:
Students finished their Topic E quiz this week and did very well. We will be having a Module 1 test on Friday 9/23 which will cover all of Module 1. There will be a review that will be sent home. If your student does not know their math facts it will make it more difficult for them to do the work.
We have been experimenting with having students work only in Zearn for homework, previewing the next day's lesson while reviewing previous lessons' skills. This allows students to work at their own pace and for those who struggle to get a little extra help in class. This seems to be more effective so far. Please feel free to offer your insight on how it's going at home.
ELA:
We will continue to focus on the skill of identifying Main Idea in a story or poem. We will also continue to examine the difference between Theme and Main Idea. This is a difficult distinction to make in literature, so we will be spending much of the year working with various types of text to develop these skills.
We're beginning a grammar unit this week on compound and run-on sentences.
Students will continue to read from our novel, Rules.
New this week, we will begin to read Scholastic Magazine and Read Works articles. Students will have access to accounts for both. We will go over these in class, at which time I will ask students to write their access classroom codes in their planners. Please make sure to ask them about it if you're not sure.
Social Studies
This week we continue our focus will be on Native Americans and their beginnings as people who roamed North America as the first indigenous peoples. We will finish up the chapter this week with a quiz on Thursday.
Science
We will be doing a science rotation this year. My class will be with Mr. Lueck for the first 7 weeks studying space.
Wednesday Folders
Please look for the social studies test, the math Mid-Module Test and the Wordly Wise Lesson 2 quiz.
Picture Day photo order form is coming home, this may be done online also.
Library Starts this Week
Our library time is every Monday from 10-10:30.
Current Events:
Ethan is presenting this week. You can either get your own poster board or we can provide one. Of course, any questions, please feel free to email me.
Class V.I.P.
Arthur!!
August 22-26
What a great week we had! I enjoyed meeting and learning about your children!
Now it's time to start working! This week we will be starting Wordly Wise, which is our vocabulary program, social studies, math, and language arts. We're going to begin the language arts curriculum this week by discussing theme. We will be analyzing poems, songs, and short stories as a class, in small groups, and as individuals. The key for these lessons is for the students to understand that theme is not the main idea of a story; it's the message, lesson, or author's purpose, and often an inference needs to be made to be able to state the theme. This year the students will keep an interactive language arts journal, and we'll use those this week for theme.
We are also beginning vocabulary this week. The students will be responsible for knowing the meanings to the words in lesson 1 of their Wordly Wise books. We will spend 2 weeks on most lessons, so the test will not be until next week.
Math
We are starting Module 1 this week in our Eureka Math curriculum. This week we'll covering lessons 1, 2, 3, 4. In these lessons the students will be working with numbers in a place value chart. They need to know place value from the million's place all the way down to the thousandth's place. The students will be multiplying and dividing numbers by powers of 10. An example problem would be 6.35 X 100 = 635. There will be no quizzes this week. Click the link below to see the parent newsletter for Module 1, Topic A. Also, the link in my main menu titled "Module 1 Homework Resources" should be a helpful one.
http://drive.google.com/viewerng/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=dnBzYi5uZXR8cGFyZW50X21hdGhfcmVzb3VyY2VzfGd4OjQ0MGM4MDljMzAzYzUxNWY
Social Studies
We will begin our social studies curriculum by studying map skills. This week the focus is on latitude and longitude. The students will be using latitude and longitude coordinates to find an exact location on a map.
We will continue to go over classroom producers and expectations. There will be homework this week, however it will be very light.
Here are some videos to help with the math this week. This teacher has made videos for every module that we will learn this year for math. If anybody needs a refresher here it is!