Weekly Reminders

The Weekly Reminders for Feb. 6-10

2012-02-06T17:13:00.001-08:00

Rockhopper Weekly Reminders

February 6-10

Mark Your Calendars:

Tuesday, February 7th: Math Olympiads

Tuesday, February 7th: Washington, D.C. meeting Room 20, @ 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 8th: 5th grade Fraction Test, Room 20

Thursday, February 9th: Cupertino Middle School Parent Info. Night @ 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 9th: Winter Band Performance @ 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 16th: Geography test!
Friday, February 17th: Parent Survey deadline

Portal Parent Survey:
All parents received a link to the survey in last week’s Penguin Press which is located here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/mpsurvey11-12. This survey is how we continue to provide the best possible, well-rounded experience for your child here at Portal. Please complete the survey by February 17th. It should only take 12+ minutes. Each child will receive a "penguin" pencil and get to add their name to a classroom poster upon completion. We hope to have 100% participation. Thank you!

Outdoor School:
Thank you for coming to the Outdoor School parent presentation last Wednesday.
We had a great turnout and many of you took this opportunity to ask the Assistant Director questions. On the Outdoor School’s website, you will find the contents of the presentation and a copy of the packet your child received. The permission slip and your check made out to Portal School is due to your teacher on or before March 8th. Please fill out the medical form carefully and completely. If you still have questions, email Mrs. Gokhale at gokhale_kalpana@cusdschools.org . She will serve as the liason between parents and the Outdoor School. Please be sure to let her know your child’s family room, so that she may direct her responses.

Tyler Enfield Visits Portal!
Students were ecstatic about the writing workshop held today with Tyler Enfield, the author of Wrush. He led them through an intense session on how to create characters, build new fantasy worlds, determine the author’s point of view, and how a character’s motivation and obstacles determine the plot, as well as several other components to strong fantasy writing. We will be working over the next few months to slowly turn this detailed outline into a finalized story. The students were very motivated by his talk!

If students are interested in purchasing copies of his book(s), an order form went home today, as well as with last week’s Penguin Press. Please try to submit orders by the end of the week, or as soon as possible.

Curriculum Flash
Language Arts:
We’ve finished reading Dear Mr. Henshaw, and our activities in class continue to be inspired by the content of our novel. We’ll be producing a final draft of our letters to our authors during the next two weeks. We are also making our first attempt at a formal response to literature by writing in the proper format about Dear Mr. Henshaw. In addition, we’ll be composing a personal narrative about a special day in our lives that is closely linked to Leigh’s narrative topic in our book. It should be a fun week of writing!

Math
4th grade: This week, students will be working on their Menu Math restaurant menus with their partners. We’ll be using our laptop and desktop computers to complete the construction of our project featuring algebraic equations (and answers) of our own creation. By Friday, we hope to have the opportunity to try and SOLVE each other’s menu problems!

5th grade: This week we continue with fraction word problems and models. Students often find it difficult to model and communicate their understanding of fractional operations, especially when dealing with word problems. Students can do the algorithm just fine (computation), but I want them to gain the foundational knowledge of how fractional operations fractions actually work. This will allow them to apply what they know to any situation as opposed to memorizing a set routine to find a solution. We will take this knowledge and apply it to situations where students have to determine the best strategy, multiplication or division, to determine the outcome.

Science:
In Rooms 20 & 21, we are finishing up Investigation 4 in Mixtures and Solutions: “Elements.” We’re looking for the presence of elements in consumer products, we’re researching an element of our choice, we’re reading more on our topic in class, and we’ll test our understanding of the unit by taking our I-Check on Friday.

Social Studies:
Our studies turn toward the events in Europe, specifically Spain, that led to the Great Age of Exploration and Spanish Conquistadors. Our next geography test, including the Rocky Mountain States, will be on Thursday, February 16th.

Name that State!

The only active diamond mine in the United States can be found in this state.
The state was named after a Native American tribe whose name means "south wind."
The fiddle (violin) is this state's state instrument.
"The Natural State" is one of this state's nicknames.
This state is the home state of former President Bill Clinton.

Which State Is It?

Reminders for Jan. 30- Feb. 3

2012-01-30T17:38:00.000-08:00

Rockhopper Weekly Reminders

January 30-February 3

Mark Your Calendars:

Wednesday, 2/1 6:00 p.m. Outdoor School Parent Information Night - Multi-Purpose Room

Thursday, February 2nd: Kennedy Middle School Parent Info. Night @ 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 2nd: Hyde Middle School Parent Info. Night @ 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 7th: Math Olympiads
Tuesday, February 7th: Washington, D.C. meeting Room 20, @ 6:00 p.m.

New Addition to Rockhopper Program: Respect Referrals

Dear Parents,

Respect for Authority was the theme of last week’s Rockhopper Village Meeting. Rockhopper teachers have observed most recently that many students are struggling with demonstrating basic respectful behaviors in the classroom. A few of these behaviors include: reading while a teacher is instructing, interrupting when a teacher is talking, and ignoring specific instructions such as “going ahead” of the teacher or performing directions other than those given. Often these behaviors are exhibited because a child is not listening to a lesson, considers it unimportant, and/or the student has their own agenda of what he/she wants to do at that time. The indirect message given to the teacher is that their time and expertise is not valued.

Curriculum Flash!

Language Arts:
We’ve finished reading Dear Mr. Henshaw, yet our activities in class continue to be driven by the content of our novel. We will be research in more depth an author of our choice, and we’ll be writing a letter to our author during the week. The focus is on going beyond the expected questions (“How long have you been writing books?”) to posing valid, insightful inquiries (“Was there an event in your life that prompted you to become an author?”) We will also be recalling the important narrative elements of the story in preparation for our instruction in formal responses to literature.

Math
4th grade: Our Friday math rotations were a success; please ask your child to share what he/she learned and experienced in each session. This week, students will learn how to strategically isolate and solve for the unknown variable by balancing equations. Showing each step when solving equations will be heavily emphasized and is crucial for students to demonstrate their thinking process. We will continue to work with Menu Math. By the end of the week, students will be working in pairs to create their own algebraic menus! Menu Math is our theme, and the project we are about to embark on will provide a clear relationship between variables and items in our world. Ask your student about plans after we introduce the Menu Math tech project on Thursday. On Friday, we’ll be using our laptop and desktop computers to begin the construction of our project.

5th grade: This week we continue our study of fractions with an emphasis on application and problem solving. Students will be exposed to a variety of problems in which they must determine the correct operation needed to solve each problem. Students will be using models, both virtual and concrete, and be asked to explain their reasoning and logic.

Science:
The next two weeks the focus will be on chemical reactions. As usual, there will be hands-on experiments supplemented with reading from the text, responses to questions, and vocabulary development.

In Rooms 20 & 21, we will be participating in Investigation 4 in Mixtures and Solutions: “Elements.” This segment emphasizes students’ exposure to the periodic table, the properties of particular groups of elements, and the presence of various elements in the everyday products we buy and use. We will be asking each student to bring one consumer product (food, cleaning supplies, tools, etc.) with English packaging for our investigation on Friday- please help your student remember to bring this item!

Social Studies:
We continue with our study of New World exploration. We’re currently reading about Balboa and Magellan, and will be entering the world of the great Spanish Conquistadors next! This week we will also be learning about the Rocky Mountain states. Our next geography test will be on Thursday, February 16th.

Name that State!

This state has the lowest water-to-land ratio of all 50 states.
The leaves of this state flower can be used to make sandals, rope, and baskets.
Smokey the Bear, an orphaned bear cub, was found in this state.
Carlsbad Caverns, one of the largest cave systems in the world, is located in this state.
The roadrunner is this state's state bird.

This Week's Reminders: Jan. 23-27

2012-01-23T15:09:00.000-08:00

Rockhopper Weekly Reminders

January 23-January 27

Happy Lunar New Year!

Mark Your Calendars:

Wednesday, 1/25 PSCO meeting 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, 1/26 Rooms 20/21 Science I-Check, Investigation 3
Thursday, 1/26 Dear Mr. Henshaw field trip, Sunnyvale Community Theatre
Friday, 1/27 Spirit Day- Hat Day!
Wednesday, 2/1 6:00 p.m. Outdoor School Parent Information Night - Multi-Purpose Room

Thursday, February 2nd: Kennedy Middle School Parent Info. Night @ 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 2nd: Hyde Middle School Parent Info. Night @ 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 7th: Math Olympiads

New Addition to Rockhopper Program: Respect Referrals

Dear Parents,

While respect for authority is a crucial life skill we expect is being taught and reinforced at home, these disrespectful behaviors will not be tolerated at school, and when exhibited, are now subject to a Respect Referral. This document will be reviewed and signed by teacher, student, parent, and principal.
We Rockhopper teachers ask that you will review this important topic with your child tonight and discuss the ways in which respect for authority is both disregarded or shown. Your child should be able to tell you the details of what was discussed at our village meeting.

Thank you, as always, for your support at home of our efforts at school,
The Rockhopper Teachers

Technology:
Last Friday we received our highly anticipated iPads! There are only 12 for the time being and they are being used with only the Rockhopper students for now. Students will be learning the special handling procedures and expectations this week as they begin to use them for lessons. The iPads and iTouches have increased students engagement exponentially here at Portal. Students are so excited to do their work on these devices that they hardly remember that it is work they are doing. The teachers are working together to incorporate this outstanding learning tool into the curriculum instead of creating lessons in order to use technology. It’s quite remarkable how much information they have access too all in the palm of their hand. We wish we had these when we were in school!

Outdoor School:
An information sheet will be coming home tomorrow with basic facts about this year’s Outdoor School program. We will be attending Outdoor School April 24-27, 2012 at Camp Koinonia in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Watsonville. Please read this sheet carefully since it has details about upcoming meetings for parents and students.

Curriculum Flash!

Language Arts:
We’ve been reading Dear Mr. Henshaw in anticipation of our Thursday field trip to see the theatrical version, and we’ve gotten heavily involved in the circumstances of our main character’s life. As we read this week, we’ll continue to discuss vocabulary critical to the story, we’re constantly looking for examples of sentence variety for grammar mini-lessons. As insightful readers, it is our responsibility to respond in writing to meaningful questions about our character’s motives, reactions, and feelings. Finally, we have finished initial versions of business letters and burglar alarm designs (based on situations in our novel’s story). Today, we recorded a podcast of a classroom interview. We conducted this as a complement to Leigh Botts’ questions that he posed to Mr. Henshaw the author. As you can see, we try to immerse ourselves in a story as much as possible to gain experience in the analysis of literature.

Math
4th grade: We introduced our algebra unit last week with an activity called "Red Fences and Green Gates." Students used pattern blocks to build a fence and had to identify the algebraic rule that they saw being repeated in the pattern. Please ask your child to share more details with you. Students will continue delving into algebra this week! We will be using a fun set of activities called Menu Math to provide a clear relationship between variables and items in our world. This activity, which was introduced to teachers three years ago during a district teacher training, is a stimulating method of getting our student to grasp the purpose of variables in algebraic equations. Ask your student about it as our we proceed through our week! On Friday, we’ll be using iPads and our laptop computers to gain some valuable practice with algebraic relationships as well.

5th Grade: This week we continue our study of fractions with multiplication skills. We’ll be multiplying fractions with fractions, whole numbers, and mixed numbers. Along the way, we’ll reinforce the concepts with manipulatives and models. The students fraction quilts are also due this week, and we’ll use the iPads to create a class book of our quilts.

Science:
In Rooms 20 & 21, we are finishing Investigation 3 in Mixtures and Solutions: “Fizz Quiz.” This segment emphasizes students’ exposure to reactants and products in chemical reactions, introduction to atomic models and the chemical equations used to represent chemical reactions, and experience measuring the volumes of solids and liquids. We will be testing our understanding on Thursday by completing the open book/open note I-Check, Investigation #3 in class. The goal of our assessment is to give our students the opportunity to apply their hands-on experience in class to a set of questions or scenarios similar, but not identical to, their previous work. Good luck to all!

Social Studies:
We have been reading about the adventures of Christopher Columbus, and his controversial “discovery of the New World,” which has led to rich discussions. Students have also been strengthening their note-taking skills by working in groups and focusing on key information. Last week, students tested their knowledge of food originating in either the New World or Old World by sniffing a variety of ingredients in covered cups and using their knowledge of the Columbian Exchange to determine their origins. Please have your child share more details with you; we had a lot of fun!

Name that State!

The first "sit-in" to protest racial segregation occurred in this state.
Hurricane Floyd damaged this state's coast in 1999.
The first English child born in the United States, Virginia Dare, was born in this state in 1587.
Blackbeard the pirate was killed off the coast of this state.

Which state is it?

Jan. 9-13 Weekly Reminders

2012-01-09T15:31:00.001-08:00

Rockhopper Weekly Reminders

January 9-January 13

Happy New Year!

Mark Your Calendars:

Tuesday, Jan. 10: Math Olympiads
Tuesday, Jan. 10: Class pictures
Thursday, Jan 12: Rooms 20/21 Chabot Space and Science Center Field Trip
Friday, Jan. 13: 4th grade Ch. 19/20 Decimals test
Monday, Jan. 16: MLK Jr. Day (NO SCHOOL)

Welcome back to a new year! We hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable break. We enjoyed our holiday, but it’s great to return to school, work, and interact with the terrific students that make up our village!

Parent Volunteer Opportunities:
Our classes really need a Friday copy parent! We need someone who can come in each Friday and copy the materials for the following week. If you are free on Friday afternoons for an hour or so and are able to help us out with this, please contact either Mr. Roels or Miss Scourkes as soon as possible.

Miss Scourkes also needs a person to stuff Room 20’s Thursday folders on Thursdays. Parents from room 20 or 21 may volunteer! Please contact Miss Scourkes if you are interested!

Curriculum Flash!

Language Arts:
We’ve begun reading Dear Mr. Henshaw, and we’re beginning to understand the setting of the story and the circumstances of our main character’s life. As we read this week, we’ll be working on vocabulary critical to the story, we’ll use the text to find examples of sentence variety for grammar mini-lessons, and we’ll be responding in writing to meaningful questions about our character’s motives, reactions, and feelings. Finally, we are practicing the writing genre of business letters to create a fictional request letter (based on a situation in our novel’s story), and in the near future we’ll create a letter to an author (the foundation of the Dear Mr. Henshaw novel.)

Math
4th grade: Students are completing our work with decimals this week! We will practice rounding for the purpose of estimating sums and differences with decimal numbers to begin the week, and we’ll have experience using word problems to develop good mathematical reasoning for decimal computation. We have a test on Thursday to show our understanding of fraction and decimal concepts. Since the two methods of representing parts of a whole are so closely linked, students will have two days of class review time and activities to help clarify concepts prior to the test.

5th grade: We continue our fraction unit with an emphasis on understanding the relationships between fractional numbers. We are using both geoboards and pattern blocks to strengthen our understanding of equivalency. Today, students created pattern block designs containing fractions, used iPads to photograph their designs and wrote justifications as to why their designs contained the specified fraction. Later this week we will be comparing, adding and subtracting fractions in all forms.

Science:
In Rooms 20 & 21, we are working on Investigation 3 in Mixtures and Solutions: “Fizz Quiz.” This is a great hands-on segment that emphasizes students’ exposure to reactants and products in chemical reactions, introduction to atomic models and the chemical equations used to represent chemical reactions, and experience measuring the volumes of solids and liquids. Part 1- “Chemical Reactions” and Part 2- “Reaction Products” will be our principal topics this week. We will also be spending Thursday on our field trip to Chabot Space and Science Center for an early introduction to our final science unit of the year, Solid Earth.

Social Studies:
We continue to study “European Explorers”. Currently we’re learning how the invention of the printing press, the demand for eastern goods, the development of navigational tools, and the early writings of Marco Polo and King Henry the Navigator all affected how Christopher Columbus thought about the world, and in turn, influenced his decisions about exploration.

Name that State!

The first successful parachute jump from a moving plane occurred in this state.
The longest river in the United States flows through this state.
The ice-cream cone was invented at the 1904 World's Fair in this state.
This state's motto is the "Show Me State."
Mark Twain, the author of Tom Sawyer, was born in this state.
Which state is it?

December 12-16 Weekly Reminders

2011-12-12T15:28:00.000-08:00

Rockhopper Weekly Reminders

December 12-December 15

Happy holidays! Enjoy quality time with your family!

Mark Your Calendars:

Tuesday, 12/13 Rooms 20/21 4th grade Ch. 17/18 math test
Tuesday, 12/13: Rooms 20/21 literature circle session #3 @8:00am
Thursday, 12/15: Rooms 20/21 literature circle session #4 @8:00am
Thursday, 12/15: Dear Mr. Henshaw books due in class
Thursday, 12/15: Field Trip Permission and money for Chabot Space Center due
Friday, 12/16: Crazy Socks Day
Wednesday, 1/04: Geography Worksheet Due
Thursday, 1/05: Geography Test - Southeastern States
Thursday, 1/12 Rooms 20/21 Chabot Space and Science Center Field Trip

Curriculum Flash!

Language Arts:
This week, students will finish their literature circles. Also, vocabulary activities to gain greater creativity in our ability to express ourselves comes back to the forefront. There’s even a Comic Life application that pertains to vocabulary! We’ll begin reading Dear Mr. Henshaw after our holiday break, so books should be at school and ready for use by this Thursday, December 15.

Math

4th grade: Students will be moving on into decimals this week! We have a test on Tuesday to show our understanding of fractional concepts, then we apply this knowledge to the related topic of decimals- expressing parts of a whole as decimals, ordering and comparing decimals, and finding decimal and fractional equivalents. This decimal work will continue after our holiday break.

5th grade: Students have learned how algebraic equations, function tables, and linear graphs are all related. If given any one of these items, students should be able to find the other missing pieces. This week students are working on the most difficult part, which is determining the equation from the graph. We’ll put their knowledge to the test by having them create their own linear function scenarios containing all three components.

Hooda Math: We recently discovered a fabulous new online resource for math practice and more specifically integers. The “games” (I like to call them learning tools) have great graphics, specific skill practice, and the best part is that the kids LOVE them! I also like the logic games, too, since they help students work on their problem solving skills. If you haven’t heard about it yet, try ‘Sugar, Sugar’. :0)

Science:

In Rooms 20 & 21, we are working on Investigation 2 in Mixtures and Solutions: Reaching Saturation. This is a great hands-on segment that emphasizes students’ discovery of the evidence of saturation, how to accurate measure the capability of a liquid to hold a solid in solution, and what terminology is needed to explain what we can observe.

Social Studies:

On Friday, students were introduced to the Southeastern States and given their geography worksheets. The CUMULATIVE test will be on Thursday, January 5. The worksheet is due on Wendesday, January 4.
Also this week we begin our “European Explorers” unit. We begin with the Vikings, the invention of the printing press, and Christopher Columbus. During this unit, we spend time ourselves, “exploring” the events in Europe and the rest of the world, leading up to the Age of Exploration!

Name that State!

This state has 663 miles of beaches.
With a population of about 16 million people, this state has the fourth-largest population in the United States.
Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon came to this state looking for a "fountain of youth."
The space shuttles launch from this state.
Walt Disney World and Epcot Center are in this state.
Which state is it?

December's First Weekly Reminders

2011-12-05T16:06:00.000-08:00

Rockhopper Weekly Reminders
December 5-December 9

Mark Your Calendars:

Tuesday, 12/6: Rooms 20/21 literature circle session #1 @8:00am
Thursday, 12/8: Rooms 20/21 literature circle session #2 @8:00am
Friday, 12/9: Report cards go home!
Tuesday, 12/13: Rooms 20/21 literature circle session #3 @8:00am
Thursday, 12/15: Rooms 20/21 literature circle session #1 @8:00am

Second Harvest Food Bank:
We will be having a Second Harvest Food Bank Drive from Monday, December 5 through Friday, December 9. The SHFB will be delivering 3 bins to our school on Monday morning.
Here are a few facts to support SHFB:

1 in every 10 people in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties depend on the support of SHFB
SHFB serves over 240,000 people per month...that's a 4% increase from 2010
The majority of people served are seniors and low-income families with children
SHFB needs meals in a can (soups), low-sugar cereals, tuna and canned meat, 100% juices, peanut butter, canned fruit packed in juice, canned foods with pop-top lids, canned vegetables

“U.S. Presidents” Performance:
Well, our performance of “U.S. Presidents: Washington to LIncoln” is now history! Congratulations to all of the students. It was a huge success! We had a great time performing for our school audiences and our families! A great big thank you to all of the parents who helped with backdrops, costumes, videotaping and food! We couldn’t have done it without you.

Curriculum Flash!

Language Arts:
This week, students will continue to work on the craft of summary writing. Also, students are participating in our first literature circle session on Tuesday, December 6. Reading and written preparation is necessary for each session. Literature circle session #2 is Thursday for students and parent volunteers at 8:15am, so be prepared and mark your calendars!

Math

4th grade: Students will delve deeper into fractions this week. We’ll be working with improper fractions, mixed numbers, finding common denominators, and comparing and ordering fractions.
5th grade: Students are now working with integers in linear equations. They will use equations to create function tables, and use function tables to create equations. From these equations and tables, students will plots lines on coordinate planes. We will continue to reinforce our integer skills with card and logic games, and interactive web sites. The students were introduced to the hoodamath site where they played integer games. http://hoodamath.com/games/integer.php

Science:

In Rooms 20 & 21, we have begun our next unit, “Mixtures and Solutions.” Our class is working on “Investigation 1: Part 2- Separating a Salt Solution”, and we will be doing some observation and analysis on Wednesday and Thursday of this week before moving on to “Investigation 1: Part 3- Separating a Dry Mixture.” When we have enough experience with these laboratory procedures, we will check our understanding of these topics with a Response Question (Wed.) and I-Check (Fri.) As always, we will allow the use of our notes and text materials to support our responses. Knowing how to use information is a key 21st century standard for learning!

Social Studies:
Students will be taking their unit test on Native American tribes today. Everyone is doing a wonderful job on their wampum belts. Our next unit will focus on European explorers!

Name that State!

The world's first parking meter was installed in this state in 1935.
More human-made lakes can be found in this state than in any other state.
Only two states have capital cities that include the state name; this state is one of them.
This state is home to the largest Native American population in the nation.
The National Cowboy Hall of Fame can be found in this state.
Which state is it?

November 28- December 2 Reminders

2011-11-28T15:07:00.001-08:00

Rockhopper Weekly Reminders

November 28-December 2

Mark Your Calendars:

Monday, 11/28: 4th grade 1st trimester cumulative math test
Wednesday, 11/30: 5th grade Unit 11 math test
Thursday, 12/1: Parent Training for Literature Circles @3:00
Thursday, 12/1: “U.S. Presidents” fine arts performance @6:30pm
Friday, 12/2: Rooms 19/24 Final science test
Monday, 12/5: social studies Native American test
Tuesday, 12/6: Rooms 20/21 literature circle session #1 @8:00am
Thursday, 12/8: Rooms 20/21 literature circle session #2 @8:00am
Friday, 12/9: Report cards go home!
Tuesday, 12/13: Rooms 20/21 literature circle session #3 @8:00am
Thursday, 12/15: Rooms 20/21 literature circle session #1 @8:00am

Fine Arts Costume Final Notice!!!

Attention Parents! Tuesday we will be sending home a sheet containing any costume needs your son or daughter may still have for their performance. These items must be located by the student and their family for use during our dress rehearsal on Wednesday this week and the performance on Thursday night.

Curriculum Flash!

Language Arts:
This week, students will continue to practice summary writing. Also, students will pick their literature circle books and begin reading in preparation for our first literature circle session on Tuesday, December 6. Our second trimester begins this week, so our classes will also need to start reading new genres of books for their Reading Contract for the second trimester (8 books are required this time!)

Math
4th grade: Students in our classes have taken a short, cumulative (first trimester) test today in class. The rest of the week will be devoted to the study of fractions in all their glory! We’ll be modeling fractions with counters, making fraction kits to explore equivalency, and playing some games at the end of the week to incorporate our understanding of fractional values and amounts.

5th grade: We continue to strengthen our understanding of addition and subtraction of negative and positive integers. Students are using integers in equations that contain variables, and reinforcing these concepts with interactive games. We will have the test on chapters 25 and 26 this Wednesday.

Science:
In Rooms 20 & 21, we received a variety of assessment pieces back from Mr. Roels today, and we reviewed the most recent, “I-Check: Investigation 3” in detail. Ask your student to see how well he/she was able to share their understanding of this trimester’s concepts. On Wednesday, we’ll begin our next unit, “Mixtures and Solutions.” Our class will prepare our new notebooks, start “Investigation 1: Separating Mixtures”, and do some reading to clarify our understanding of what we see and experience during the investigation.

Social Studies:
This week, students finish learning about the tribes in the Eastern Woodland region. Their Native American test is on December 5th. Students should be reviewing their notes, charts, reading material, and using the study guide as a resource to help them prepare. Today, we began working on our wampum belts! It’s a tricky project and the students did a great job getting started. Thank you to all of the parents who helped.

Reminder: Remember the various websites you can visit to practice your states and capitals, including Quizlet.

To access Quizlet flashcards to study the North Central States, click here: North Central States

Name that State!

The oldest rock in the world, dated at 3.8 billion years old, was found in this state.
The blueberry muffin is the official state muffin of this state.
This state's motto is L'Etoile du Nord, which is French for "Star of the North."
Charles M. Schultz, who drew the "Peanuts" cartoons, was born in this state.
This state has 12,000 lakes.
Which state is it?

Pre-Thanksgiving Week Reminders

2011-11-15T12:50:00.000-08:00

Rockhopper Weekly Reminders

November 14-19

Mark Your Calendars:

Monday- Wednesday, 11/14-16: Rooms 20 & 21 oral presentations!
Wednesday, 11/17: Rockhopper Reading Contracts due
Friday, 11/18 Rooms 20 & 21 I-Check, Investigation 3
Friday, 11/18: Spirit Day: Black & White (Penguin) Day
Monday-Friday, 11/21-25: Thanksgiving break: No school
Monday, 11/28: 4th grade 1st trimester cumulative math test
Thursday, 12/1: “U.S. Presidents” fine arts performance @6:30pm
Monday, 12/5: Native Americans Unit Test

Fine Arts Performance News Update

Costume Notice Coming Home Today!

Attention Parents! Today we will be sending home an information sheet containing the details of each student’s costume needs for their performance. Although there are a few items that we will provide, most of the items will be located by the student and their family for use during our dress rehearsals and the performance. We will make sure your student knows what costume pieces we will be supplying for them.

Treats Sign Up GoogleDoc available for you to use!

Please watch your email for a “treats sign up” document. We would appreciate it if every family would sign up to bring something to our celebration performance night.

A BIG “Thank You” to our parent volunteers!

Thank you to the parents who have generously signed up to help us prepare for our performance! You will be contacted soon by either a parent or teacher regarding your availability and job.

Curriculum Flash!

Language Arts:

This week, students will continue to practice summary writing. Summary writing requires students to be able to write a very general “burrito” topic sentence and identify and sequence the main events of a story. Ask your child this week to tell you about the process of “Name it, Verb it, Big Picture” topic sentence that introduces a summary paragraph.

Reading Contracts/Oral Presentations:

Due this Friday, November 17th. Your child is required to give you an oral summary of the book in order to receive your signature.

Oral presentations are taking place this week. Students are aware of their presentation date and the specific requirements. Please help them manage their time so they are ready for presentation day.

Math

4th grade: Students in our classes are working with division. We will be dividing larger numbers with remainders, regrouping, and noticing patterns when we divide multiples of ten. Our project this week involves divisibility rules; we can’t reveal the details at this time! Let’s just say that it definitely has a Thanksgiving type of theme :) When we return from our break, our 4th graders will be taking a relatively short cumulative test on the 4th grade math concepts covered so far this year. Take a look at our math journals; they should have all the units we have presented in class this year!

5th grade: Students will be continuing to dive deeper into understanding negative numbers and operations. We will take this knowledge and apply it to graphing equations with negative numbers on coordinate planes.

In the near future we will start incorporating our incredible iTouches into the classroom. There are so many uses to enrich the math material. We will be taking our knowledge of negative numbers to the deep sea as we’ll turn into divers in search of an elusive pearl. Divers must know exactly where to dive for the pearl otherwise they may not find it in time. Hopefully their previous experience with number lines will come in handy!

Science:

In Rooms 20 & 21, Investigation 3 in our Living Systems unit is wrapping up before our break. We’ll have an I-Check on Investigation 3 Thursday that will allow us to demonstrate our understanding of the investigation concepts- books and notes will be available for reference during the I-Check.

Social Studies:

Students are currently learning about the tribes in the Eastern Woodland region. Our wampum belt project is scheduled for after Thanksgiving break! A study guide will be going home this Thursday for our final unit exam on all the regional tribes. Students should start reviewing their notes, charts, reading material, and use the study guide as a resource to help them prepare for the test on December 5th.

Reminder: Remember the various websites you can visit to practice your states and capitals, including Quizlet.

Name that State!

The second-oldest city in the nation is located in this state.
This state is named after a British king.
Five other states share a border with this state.
The Girl Scouts were founded in this state in 1912.
Former President Jimmy Carter is a native of this state.
Which state is it?

Nov. 7-11 Weekly Reminders

2011-11-07T20:30:00.001-08:00

Rockhopper Weekly Reminders

November 7-11

Mark Your Calendars:

Thursday, 11/10 North Central States test
Friday, 11/11: Veteran’s Day: No school
Friday, 11/11: End of first trimester!

******FINE ART PERFORMANCE HELPERS NEEDED!******

We are looking for some creative, organized parents to help with our play backdrop setup and miscellaneous costume needs. Most of our backdrop is already prepared, but the installation and completion of the backdrop will need to be done during the week of November 14-18. Our costume and prop requirements will also need to be finalized during that week. If you think are interested in this aspect of our performance, please let us know. Additionally, we will be looking for support on the night of the performance with food donations, food setup, and food cleanup. Finally, if you would like to videotape our performance for us during one of our dress rehearsals or the evening of the performance, we would love to have you join the team! Contact Miss Scourkes or Mr. Roels if you are interested in any of these volunteer opportunities.

Head Lice Alert:
Please read the previous email attachments from your classroom teacher regarding the sighting of head lice in the upper grades. Students who have been sent home due to lice are not allowed back at school until the situation has been remedied.

Library Vouchers:
Students who live outside of Cupertino can still use Cupertino libraries. The library will waive the $80 library card fee if the student shows one of the following:

a Cupertino Student ID
report card with the school and studnet name
parent Teacher Conference form with school and child name.

Please check with the library for more information.

Curriculum Flash!

Language Arts:

This week, students will continue to practice for our fine arts performance. You can help your child at home by encouraging them to practice their lines with you to add volume and expression. Movements and song lyrics can also be rehearsed. We have three weeks until our performance!

Reading Contracts/Oral Presentations:

These contracts are due for the end of the first trimester on November 17th. Your child is required to give you an oral summary of the book in order to receive your signature; your signatures should have been given at the time the book was read.

Oral presentations will be done November 14-16 in our classes. Students are aware of their date and the specific requirements. Please help them manage their time so they are ready for presentation day.

Math

4th grade: The students continue to work on writing expressions to fit a particular problem-solving situation. This week, fourth graders will also be working with division. We will be dividing larger numbers with remainders, regrouping, and noticing patterns when we divide multiples of ten.

5th grade: Students will be introduced to negative numbers and use integers in solving algebraic equations. They will also learn to graph equations on coordinate planes.

Science:

We have begun exploring the final investigation in Living Systems. This week, students are working by reading in detail about the concept of food production (photosynthesis), then observing food production in action during a class experiment conducted in their small groups.

Social Studies:

Reminder: Students will be taking their cumulative geography test, which includes the North Central states, this week. Remember to practice spelling and location of all states and capitals we have studies so far - the test is cumulative!

To access Quizlet flashcards to study the North Central States, click here:
North Central States

Name that State!

This state elects four people to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Helium was discovered at a university in this state in 1905.
This state leads the United States in cattle and wheat production.
This state's state song is "Home on the Range."
Female aviator Amelia Earhart was born in this state.
Which state is it?

Weekly Reminders- Nov. 1-4

2011-11-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

Rockhopper Weekly Reminders

November 1-4

Mark Your Calendars:

Wednesday, 11/2: Destination Imagination Parent Training at 6:30 p.m.
Wendesday, 11/2: Let Miss Scourkes know if you are able to help with our social studies project!
Thursday, 11/4: 5th grade math unit test on algebra (finding patterns, rules, graphing equations, properties, and other strands that may not be listed here)
Thursday, 11/10: Geography Test - Cumulative up through the North Cental States
Friday, 11/11: Veteran’s Day: No school
Thursday, 11/17: Rockhopper Reading Contract Due

Curriculum Flash!

Language Arts:

Our oral presentation dates will be the week of November 14-16. Planning ahead for this presentation will entail rereading book details for clarity, preparing costume and prop items, and rehearsing your speech several times to gain confidence and volume! We will not have literature circles until December; stay tuned for times and dates.

In writing, students have completed their first expository essay. We’ve also practiced peer revision and editing to improve our work. They will apply these skills on our future informational assignments in social studies and science.

We continue to devote the majority of our time to our fine arts performance- oral language, conveying meaning through proper expression, and body language are also critical life skills!

Reading Contracts:

The Rockhopper Reading Contract is due at the end of the trimester on November 17th. Your child is required to give you an oral summary of the book in order to receive your signature.

Math

4th grade: Last week, students learned new mathematical vocabulary related to multiplication (factors, multiples, prime, composite, square numbers), and created beautiful factor wheels as a way to visually represent their learning! This week, our concentration is on the order of operations and using this knowledge to create expressions that fit a given situation.

5th grade: We’re covering Mathematical Properties this week with a strong emphasis on understanding and using the Distributive Property in equations and functions.

Science:

We have switched back to our curriculum on Living Systems and we will working on Investigation 3: Sugar & Cells. Before the trimester ends, we will make as much progress in this unit as possible. At the end of the trimester, I will collect notebooks to review in-class work and effort.

Social Studies Volunteer Opportunity!

Dear Parents:

the time has come for our next volunteer opportunity in the classroom! We will be learning about the Native American Tribes of the Eastern Woodlands. In the coming weeks, in our classrooms, we will be working on an art project to reinforce our understanding of the cultures of these tribes. We will be making wampum belts and need extra helping hands to make this project successful. No specific art skills are required for volunteers! We need two to three parents per classroom to volunteer.

Please understand that we have had to cancel previous projects due to a lack of parent volunteers, and that we really do need help in the classroom to be able to integrate crafts into our social studies curriculum.

If you are available on Monday, November 28th from 12:30pm - 2:50p.m., please email your child's social studies teacher by Wednesday, November 2nd!

If you would like to help out "behind the scenes," we need a few parents to help dye macaroni. Please let us know by Wednesday, November 2nd!

Thank you in advance,
Your Social Studies Teachers: Athena Scourkes, Jen Lu, Rebecca Regosin

Birthday Book Donations: A note from Mrs. Lim

Students are encouraged to each make a book donation in honor of their birthday. Parents write a check for $10 to PORTAL SCHOOL, and they come into the library to choose a book from a selection of brand new hard-cover books.

Some students have already made donations this year, but there are many who would be new to this. Students get their names and birthday printed on a Penguin label. That label is affixed permanently to the inside cover of the book. They get to be first to check out the book.

Students can make the donation anytime of year (it doesn't have to be during their birthday month only).

Thanks very much!

To access Quizlet flashcards to study the North Central States, click here:
North Central States

Name that State!

Swedish immigrants to this state built the first log cabins in North America in 1683.
This state was named after an early Virginia governor.
The state bug of this state is the ladybug.
This state was the first of the original 13 states to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
It is the second-smallest state in the United States.
Which state is it?

October 24-28 Weekly Reminders

2011-10-24T15:17:00.000-07:00

Rockhopper Weekly Reminders

October 24-28

Mark Your Calendars:

Monday, 10/24: School resumes
October 1/0/24-10/28: Great Schools Week
October 10/24-10/28: Red Ribbon Week
Monday, 10/24: Horse Assembly
Tuesday, 10/25:

-Halloween Parade at 1:00 p.m.

-Lunch on the Lawn

-Expect Respect Team Meeting 8:00-11:45

Wednesday, 10/26: PSCO meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, 10/28: Wear RED day

Lunch on the Lawn & Halloween Parade:

Please come out to join us for Lunch on the Lawn this Tuesday. It just so happens to coincide with our Great Schools Week, so please check the list of participating businesses (in the flier going home today) if you’d like to pick up some food to bring! What a great way to support both Portal and the Cupertino schools. Hope you can make it!

The Halloween Parade will also take place on Tuesday at 1pm on the blacktop. There will be ice cream provided by PSCO immediately following.

Curriculum Flash!

Language Arts:

Students continue to expand their repertoire of vocabulary each week. Please visit the link below under “Tech Tidbits” to view the complete list of words given so far. There are a variety of games and activities the children can explore to use these words in context.

In the next couple of weeks, students will be giving an oral presentation on a book of their choice from their reading contract. They have been given a set of guidelines and a rubric to help them prepare.

Fine Arts Performance Practice!

Today Rooms 20 and 21 started practicing for our December performance of U.S. Presidents: Washington to Lincoln. This will be our primary language focus for the next 5 weeks!

Literature Circles:
Rooms 22 & 23
Dates and times: Mondays and Wednesdays, on Nov. 7, 9, 14, 16 from 8:15-9:00AM each day.
We are counting on parent volunteers who have already signed up to help at the beginning of the school year, to mark their calendars and confirm with us. On the first day, we will spend about 5-10 minutes to train you for your job. Please be there early, so we can train all parents at the same time. It is helpful if you sign up for all the four days so we do not have to train new parents. The groups also benefit from having one facilitator throughout the Lit. Circles.

Reading Contracts- reminder:

Parents, please help your child manage their time in regard to their reading contract. It is due at the end of the trimester on November 17th. If they wait until the last minute to read seven books, they will not be able to meet this deadline.

Also, your child is supposed to give you an oral summary of the book in order to receive your signature. This requirement was stated at the beginning of the school year.

Math
4th grade: Our work in the area of multiplication broadens this week with a concentration on arrays, factors, multiplication properties, and the use of basic multiplication facts to solve division problems with remainders.

5th grade: We continue with algebra, specifically incorporating problem solving with multi-step problems and application of skills that we have learned.

Science:
This week we shift our attention to personal health issues as part of our Red Ribbon Week activities. We make use of an excellent curriculum source called Too Good for Drugs to educate ourselves about good peer relationships, decision-making and refusal strategies, better ideas for living, and gateway drugs such as nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana.

Social Studies
In social studies, we continue our study of the Plains Indians. Students will be writing legends and creating a “Winter Count” from their legends. We will also be learning the capitals and locations of the “North Central” states.

Tech Tidbits

Quizlet.com: (website)
A great website for practicing and learning vocabulary in a fun and engaging way. I have started to create cards for students from our lessons. So far there is a science and social studies set. You can access all of my flashcards at the link located below. This website also pairs nicely with the mobile app Flashcards*, which allows you to take your flashcards with you. Please check back often for updates.

MrsDominguez’ cards

Stack the States: (Apple App)
This is an extremely fun and exciting way to practice your knowledge about the 50 states. Thank you Kelly for sharing it with me. I ended up playing it ALL weekend!

Name that State!

In the late 1700s, settlers here formed a "state" known as Franklin.
The stars on this state's flag represent the major landforms found there.
This state has five state songs, including "Rocky Top."
The Grand Ole Opry in this state is the longest continuously running live radio program in the world.
This state is the site of Graceland, singer Elvis Presley's home.
Which state is it?

Oct. 3-7 Reminders

2011-10-03T15:15:00.000-07:00

Rockhopper Weekly Reminders

October 3-7

Mark Your Calendars:

October 10/10-10/21: October break- NO SCHOOL!!!
Monday, 10/24: School resumes
October 10/24-10/28: Red Ribbon Week!
Tuesday, 10/25:

-Halloween Parade at 1:00 p.m.

-Lunch on the Lawn - 11: 45 a.m. Come eat lunch with your child and then stay for the Halloween Parade at 1:00!

Wednesday, 10/26: PSCO meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, 10/28: Wear RED day

Curriculum Flash!

Language Arts

To conclude our Stone Fox activities, we’re using our previous Little Willy personality web to create our FIRST expository essay! We’re learning how to use complex sentences like occasion/position statements and list sentences to introduce our topic, and we’re creating body paragraphs to share examples and evidence of the prominent traits Willy displays in his life. Of course, we’re also learning to conclude our essays with clear reminders of our original topic. It’s an ambitious start to our essay writing!

Math
4th grade: Multiplication is our subject, and we’re becoming accustomed to modeling multiplication on paper and with base ten blocks. This week we get used to larger number multiplication, multiplication properties, and using estimation to check accuracy.
5th grade: We continue with our algebra unit. We’re solving and creating equations in word problems and learning to clearly define our thought process when solving these type of problems.

Science:
Vascular plants, leaf classification, and an introduction to a plant’s method of making food are all parts of this week’s investigations. We’ll focus on observation skills, vocabulary, and applying our knowledge to specific questions posed about plants.

Social Studies
In social studies, we continue our study of Native Americans. We have learned about the tribes of the Dessert Southwest and Pacific Northwest, and are now focusing on the Plains Region Tribes. Be sure to ask your child what they know about each region’s Native Americans!

Name That State!

The first brick street in the world was laid in this state in 1870.
This was the first state to enact a sales tax.
Nearly 80 percent of this state is covered with forest.
The first Mother's Day was celebrated in this state in 1908.
Which state is it?

End of September Weekly Reminders

2011-09-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

Rockhopper Weekly Reminders
September 26-30

Mark Your Calendars:

Monday, 9/26: Destination Imagination Info Night at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 9/27: Math Olympiad Parent Information Meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 9/28: PSCO Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, 9/29: Math Olympiad Registration due
Friday, 9/30: Learning plans go home

Geography Test: Southeast States
Portal T-shirt Spirit Day

October 10/10-10/21: October break- NO SCHOOL!!!
Monday, 10/24: School resumes

Curriculum Flash!

Language Arts
While we’re wrapping up our reading and our literature rotations for Stone Fox, we’re also preparing to begin our fine arts performance work! This year’s play is “U.S. Presidents”; it’s the perfect compliment to our United States history studies in the afternoons.

Math
5th grade: We are continuing with our algebra unit. As we move forward, we’re looking at more complex patterns and creating generalizations or “rules” for these patterns. We are also beginning to introduce variables into our rules and patterns so we have a foundation for solving algebraic equations.

4th grade: We testing our understanding of expressions, equations, and inequalities this week, then we’ll begin our exploration of numbers and operations with fractions!

Social Studies
In social studies, we continue our study of Native American cultures. We have studied the Desert Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and will now be introducing the Plains Tribes. Our project for the Pacific Northwest has been postponed due to lack of volunteers. We will be doing an alternate project for now. Thank you to those that offered to help, we really appreciate it!

Science
Now that we know the human circulatory, respiratory, and digestives systems so well, we’re going to learn about another type of organism’s mechanisms for survival- vascular plants and their living systems!
Name That State!

This state's largest county is 1,134 square miles.
The first tea farm in the United States started in this state in 1890.
This state produces and ships the most peaches of any state east of the Mississippi River.
A coastal plain covers two-thirds of this state.
The first battle of the Civil War took place at Fort Sumter in this state.
Which state is it?

Sept. 19-23 Reminders

2011-09-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

Rockhopper Weekly Reminders

September 19 - september 22

Mark Your Calendars:

9/19-9/22 Goal Setting Conferences!

Goal-setting conferences will continue this week! Please be punctual to take advantage of the full 20 minutes allocated to you. This conference is attended by both parents and child. As a reminder, students will be dismissed at 12:30 each day. Be sure to check out the Book Fair in the multi-use room.

Friday, 9/23 Staff Learning Day- No School!
Monday, 9/26 Science I-Check, Investigation #1 (open book/note)
Monday, 9/26 DI Info Night at 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 9/27 4th grade math- Ch. 5 Quiz
Wednesday, 9/28 PSCO Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Friday, 9/30 Learning plans go home
Friday, 9/30 Geography Test : Southeast States. A reminder: all geography tests are cumulative.

Curriculum Flash!

Writing
In our next lessons on writing technique, students will be learning different ways to write topic sentences, peer editing strategies, and personal revision and editing of work to create the best expository writing.

Science:
Students are working in groups on a poster and paragraph as part of the first investigation in the unit “Living Systems,” which addresses the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and excretory systems in the human body. After the poster is complete, we will assess our understanding of the unit with our first Investigation Check (I-Check) on Monday, Sept. 26.

Fourth Grade Math:
We are currently learning the distinctions between expressions, equations, and inequalities. Of course, we’re also learning proper technique for evaluating and simplifying expressions by themselves, or as part of an equation or inequality. We challenge our students to use the appropriate vocabulary to describe their work! There will be a quiz on this chapter on Tuesday, Sept. 27.

Fifth Grade Math:
We began this year by looking at patterns in nature and sequential number patterns, and then moved along looking for patterns in the base 10 number system, both with whole numbers and decimals. Students learned prime factorization and how to express numbers as exponents. The students were given a quiz on these topics on Friday to assess any standard that needs to be retaught.

Volunteer Opportunity in Social Studies!
Yes, we have another fun hands-on project coming up in Social Studies! On September 26th (12:30-2:40) and September 28th (1:15-2:40), we will need parent volunteers to help students make tribal masks representative of the tribes located in the Pacific Northwest. Please email your child’s social studies teacher if you’re available and have submitted your negative TB test results to the front office. Thank you in advance!

Name That State!

The first baseball stadium was built in this state in 1909.
This state is the only one of the 13 original colonies not bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.
Punxsutawney Phil, a famous groundhog who checks for his shadow every Groundhog Day, lives in this state.
A town in this state is considered the Chocolate Capital of the United States.
The Declaration of Independence was signed in this state in 1776.
Which state is it?

2011-09-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

Rockhopper Weekly Reminders

September 12 - September 16

Mark Your Calendars:

Monday, 9/12 Wildlife Associates Assembly (Ask your child about it!)
9/14-9/22 Goal Setting Conferences!

Goal-setting conferences begin this Wednesday! Please be punctual to take advantage of the full 20 minutes allocated to you. This conference is attended by both parents and child. As a reminder, students will be dismissed at 12:30 each day. Be sure to check out the Book Fair in the multi-use room.

Friday, 9/23 Staff Learning Day- No School!

Curriculum Flash!

Stone Fox
Students have begun reading Stone Fox, our core literature book for the first trimester. In order to build background knowledge for the story, students have researched Samoyeds, read about the Iditarod race, and have had some hands on fun with potatoes!

Thank you for attending Family Fun Night! What a wonderful event to build a sense of community while having fun!

Great appreciation to our Social Studies volunteers who helped last week w/our Kachina dolls!

Name That State!

This state was named after a queen of England.
The first umbrella factory in the United States opened in this state in 1928.
Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star Spangled Banner" in this state while watching an attack on Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.
The United States Naval Academy is located in this state.
Which state is it?

Labor Day Week- Reminders

2011-09-06T14:05:00.001-07:00

Rockhopper Weekly Reminders

September 6 - September 9

Mark Your Calendars:

Thursday, 9/8 Running Club starts!
Thursday, 9/8 PEP Registration goes home
Friday, 9/9 Geography States Quiz (Mid-Atlantic States)

Saturday, 9/10 Family Fun Night! 4:00-7:00 p.m.

We hope to see you at this event filled with food, games, friends, and fun!

9/14-9/22 Goal Setting Conferences!

Goal-setting conferences begin next week. Please be punctual to take advantage of the full 20 minutes allocated to you. This conference is attended by both parents and child. As a reminder, students will be dismissed at 12:30 each day. Be sure to check out the Book Fair in the multi-use room.

Friday, 9/23 Staff Learning Day- No School!

A Note From the Front Office:
If parents need to drop off a binder, backpack, or book after the start of the day, materials will be held in the office for students to pick up during recess.

Curriculum Flash!

Accelerated Reader This Week!
Students will be taking their AR reading test this week which allows them to pick books at their appropriate level. They will use this number, the ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development), to make sure that books are not too difficult for them. These book levels can be found by visiting www.arbookfind.com.

Blogging
Due to the short week, there is no official blogging this week.

Thank you to the parent volunteers who’ve volunteered to help with our Kachina Doll project this week in social studies!

Name That State!

Motion pictures (movies) were invented in this state.
The first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton was found in this state in 1858.
This state was the first to ratify the U.S. Bill of Rights, in 1790.
This state is the most densely populated state in the United States.
Inventor Thomas A. Edison had his lab in this state.
Which state is it?

Weekly Reminders #1!!!

2011-08-29T15:50:00.001-07:00

Rockhopper Weekly Reminders

August 29-September 2

Mark Your Calendars:

Washington DC Meeting Date Change!

A flyer went home last week noting the date change for the D.C meeting. The new date is scheduled for this Wednesday, 8/31 at 6:00pm in the Multi-Purpose Room. Please inform Ms. Lu or Ms. Scourkes via email if you are unable to attend the meeting. (If you are also picking up a band instrument this meeting, we will be having a short recess during our meeting so that you can do this.)

Tuesday, 8/30, 11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. New Parent Volunteer Training

We are very grateful for our parent volunteers! If you plan on helping out in the classroom this year, then you must attend the mandatory training and you will need to show evidence of a negative TB test before you help in the classroom. Thank you in advance!

* Note: Rooms 20 and 21 are still in need of the following volunteer positions. See the list below:

Rooms 20 & 21, Literature Circles

Room 21 - Library Assistant, Tuesday 9:15 each week

Rooms 20 & 21 Copy Assistant, Friday after recess

5th grade parent for Specialist art class help, Friday 10:10-11:45am every 3rd week

Room 21 - Project Cornerstone volunteer

Room 20 - Book order person, once a month

Wednesday, 8/31 Band Night

Instrument pick-up at 6:30pm at the picnic benches by the Rockhopper rooms.

Thursday, 9/1 Conference Slips

Goal-setting conference slips will be sent home in this week’s Thursday Folder. Please be sure to mark whether or not the assigned date and time will work for you and return with your child on Friday. This conference is attended by both parents and child.

Thursday, 9/1 PEP Registration Forms will be sent home

Registration begins today for our Portal’s Enrichment Program for fall break 10/10-10/24.

A Note From the Front Office:
If parents need to drop off a binder, backpack, or book after the start of the day, materials will be held in the office for students to pick up during recess.

Curriculum Flash!

Fourth Grade Math Test
Tomorrow is our first math test on Unit 1. covering Chapters 1 and 2. Today we reviewed in class the major concepts and reinforced the ways in which we MUST show our work!
Blogging Begins
Blogging begins this week on each of the Rockhopper blog sites. During Camp Commonality students were taught the blogging basics and were reminded of important cyber behavior. Rocks, remember to review the blue document in your binders before you blog this week!
Volunteers Needed for Kachina Project
Rockhopper Social Studies classes will be needing volunteers to help with our Native American Kachina Doll project in class. Stay tuned for details!

Name That State!

Artificial rain was first used in this state in 1947.
The highest ground level wind speed in the United States was recorded in this state.
The first free public library in the United States was established in this state.
Dartmouth College, founded in 1769, is in this state.
This state's motto is "Live Free or Die."

June 6-10 Reminders

2011-06-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

Weekly Reminders: Rooms 20 & 21

Dear Room 20 & 21 Parents,

We’re finally here..... the last few days of school! It has been an absolute pleasure being able to watch your child learn and grow, try new things, and realize that success comes in many forms; not always a test score. We’ve really emphasized in class that above all else, you must first be a good person. I have full confidence that these students will go on to do great things. The best part about it though is that they will be treating others with respect along the way! It just doesn’t get any better.

We want to encourage students to fully utilize the blog over the summer by sending in posts or comments. We think it will be a great platform to keep in touch with each other, especially our soon to be departed 5th graders. We hope everyone has a fun and safe summer. We can’t wait to hear all about it on the blog!!!

And of course....A Couple of Reminders!!!

• Friday is Field Day. Please have students come to school with a hat, sunscreen and a labeled bottle of water. Students will be outside most of the afternoon participating in some fun activities. Thanks again to all parents and alumni who will be out there volunteering!

• Please have students return any of OUR classroom library books they may have borrowed.

• After the promotion ceremony, around 10:15, we will have a school-wide sing-a-long in the kinder yard. This will last until 11:20 when school will then be let out for the summer!! Please make arrangements to pick up your child at 11:20 on Tuesday.

Our blogsite addresses are:

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

5th Grade Recognition Ceremony

On Tuesday, June 14th, we will be celebrating the advancement of our 5th grade students to middle school. The ceremony begins at 8:15am, and the conclusion of our ceremony, including a treats buffet, ends at 10:10am . We respectfully request that our 5th grade parents provide treats for their students to enjoy- it is truly the highlight of the event for your kids! 5th grade parents, please sign up for our potluck directly following the ceremony by using the links below!

Room 20 potluck sign up link

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AoFa38wpcQ_PdGVla1lnYjNsX2lkeUZFWGhOeFA4MkE&hl=en_US&authkey=CIap9I0C

Room 21 signup link https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AmCVmX-idGF0dEJoSDdjajV1dTBscm9OdHptRDByNUE&hl=en_US&authkey=CP2Ymv0P

Field Day Preparations

Friday, June 10th is our all-day Field Day on the Portal campus! Check the Portal Press and Portal website for information on parent and alumni volunteer opportunities.

California Academy of Sciences Trip

This Thursday, June 9th is our end of the year field trip to the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. Please bring a bag lunch, wear comfortable, layered clothing and be prepared for an awesome trip. Thank you to our parent volunteers!!

Parent Volunteer Brunch

If you've helped us out this year, either, in the classroom, grading papers, copies, laminating, or on field trips or in any other capacity, we'd love this opportunity to say, "Thank you!" Please join us outside the office, tomorrow, Tuesday, June 7, at 9:50 for our Volunteer Brunch. We hope to see you!

Curriculum Notes:
Language Arts- Students are revising the last of their writing so that it may be included in their Writing Anthologies.

Math- 4th graders are working on measurement in customary and metric forms in our last two math sessions.

Math - 5th graders The "Biz World Bazaar is finally here! Today our students presented their commercials to the fourth graders and held their bracelet Bazaar. What a sales extravaganza! Tomorrow we will calculate all of our expenses and determine the profit for each company!
Science- Students are organizing their notebooks to turn in to Mr. Roels on Wednesday, and we'll be doing a bit of reading from our texts now that our kits have been returned to the school district offices.

Social Studies- As we wrap up our California History studies this year, it's fun to take a minute and reflect back on all that we have learned this year. The great thing about California History is that we live it everyday. There are always opportunities to travel and learn about our state's history - so never stop learning about the totally cool state in which we live!

Calendar of Events:

Tues. 6/7 Volunteer Brunch 9:50am - 10:30am - Parent Volunteers please join us!
Wed. 6/8 Last Day of Physical Education- stay fit over the summer :)
Thurs. 6/9: Academy of Sciences Field Trip
Fri. 6/10: Field Day- all day event
Tues. 6/14: Recognition Ceremony @8:15am/Last Day of School!!!
Tues. 6/14: Last Day of School! Dismissal is 11:20am

California Trivia Clue (student responses are REQUIRED):

Why was 1958 considered “the year of baseball” for the state of CA?

Sincerely,

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

5/31-6/3 Weekly Reminders

2011-05-31T15:16:00.000-07:00

Weekly Reminders: Rooms 20 & 21

Dear Room 20 & 21 Parents,

Two weeks to go! For some of you, this marks the end of your elementary school life. Middle school and all its mysteries await you. For others, the summer brings some rest from the very busy life of a Rockhopper student. Next year, you'll return with greater knowledge, comfort, and maturity as a 5th grade classroom leader! Either way, the last two weeks will be filled with fun events, last minute work to complete, and preparations for the coming year. Fasten your seatbelts; it's going to be an exciting ride!

Our blogsite addresses are:

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

5th Grade Recognition Ceremony

Room 20 potluck sign up link

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AoFa38wpcQ_PdGVla1lnYjNsX2lkeUZFWGhOeFA4MkE&hl=en_US&authkey=CIap9I0C

Room 21 signup link https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AmCVmX-idGF0dEJoSDdjajV1dTBscm9OdHptRDByNUE&hl=en_US&authkey=CP2Ymv0P

Field Day Preparations

Friday, June 10th is our all-day Field Day on the Portal campus! Check the Portal Press and Portal website for information on parent and alumni volunteer opportunities.

California Academy of Sciences Trip

Next Thursday, June 9th is our end of the year field trip to the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. This week, our chaperones will be confirmed by each family room teacher, and we'll establish our student groups for the event.

Parent Volunteer Brunch

If you've helped us out this year, either, in the classroom, grading papers, copies, laminating, or on field trips or in any other capacity, we'd love this opportunity to say, "Thank you!" Please join us outside the office on Tuesday, June 7, at 9:50 for our Volunteer Brunch. We hope to see you!

Curriculum Notes:

Language Arts- Students are participating in their last two literature circle sessions this week.

Math- 4th graders are spending their last two weeks with some statistical work (mean, medium, mode, range, and outliers) and measurement in customary and metric forms.

Math - 5th graders and their Biz World simulation continues. This week we have begun production and will start our marketing strategies.
Science- Investigation 4 of our Solid Earth unit is almost done. We'll be reading and getting some final hands-on experience in this subject area during the next week.

Social Studies- We're revising our final essays and preparing work for our anthologies.

** 5th graders: If you'd like to bring in last year's Anthology of your writing as an example to show others, please do so as soon as you can!

Calendar of Events:

Thurs. 6/2 4th Literature Circle @8:15am
Mon. 6/6: Last day of P.E
Mon. 6/6 Science Fair Project Board due
Tues. 6/7 Volunteer Brunch 9:50am - 10:30am - Parent Volunteers please join us!
Thurs. 6/9: Academy of Sciences Field Trip
Fri. 6/10: Field Day- all day event
Tues. 6/14: Recognition Ceremony @8:15am/Last Day of School!!!
Tues. 6/14: Last Day of School! Dismissal is 11:20am

California Trivia Clue (student responses are REQUIRED):

How old was William Randolph Hearst when he was given control of the San Francisco Examiner?

Sincerely,

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

Open House Weekly Reminders

2011-05-23T11:12:00.001-07:00

Weekly Reminders: Rooms 20 & 21

Dear Room 20 & 21 Parents,

Open House is this Wednesday, and before you know it, the school year will be over. Enjoy the evening of student success with your child this week; they've put in a huge amount of effort to be ready for this event! Check our calendar for other upcoming dates like our Lunch on the Lawn Thursday for Mrs. Ales, our Learning Day this Friday (no school for kids), Memorial Day holiday on Monday, and much more! For students and parents, this is a great time of year to take pleasure in all aspects of life- exercise, good food, rest and relaxation, and of course, a job well done!

Our blogsite addresses are:

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

Lunch
on the
Lawn

Thursday, May 26, 2011
11:30am-12:30pm K-1
11:45am-12:30pm 2-3 & 4-5

Come and enjoy lunch on the lawn with Mrs. Ales on her last day at Portal!

Curriculum Notes:

Language Arts- We've reached the conclusion of our novel Bridge to Terabithia. We will have a comprehension test on the subject matter in our book tomorrow- this riveting story should be easy to recall! Students are also participating in literature circles this week and next.

Math- 4th graders are continuing to work on plotting data on a coordinate plane. We're learning how functions and equations can be represented using this same plotting technique for ordered pairs.

Math - Biz World continues. Students have learned some of the basic tenants of running a good company, have formed their own companies and will now incorporate and become "public", selling shares of their stock to investors.
Science- Investigation 4 of our Solid Earth unit is being finished up this week. We will have examples of our work from Investigations 1-4 available to check out and discuss at Open House after our Social Studies Wax Museum is completed.

Social Studies- We putting the final touches on our presentation boards and practicing our speeches in anticipation of Open House on Wednesday!

Literature Circles -Volunteers Still Accepted!

We will be having our last literature circle groups of the year on the following dates, all times from 8:15 - 9:10am:

Monday, May 23

Wednesday, May 25

Tuesday, May 31

Thursday, June 2

Would you be willing to come in and listen to a small group or two on any of these dates? Ask any parent who has volunteered for this job before - it's lots of fun, easy to do, and a tremendous help to ensure success for our groups! If you can attend any of the four sessions, please let us know the dates you're available, and we will work with your schedule as best as we can.

Calendar of Events:

Mon. 5/23: Wax Museum Boards Due

Scientific Method- Part Two Due
1st Literature Circle @8:15am

Tues. 5/24 Bridge to Terabithia test

Wed. 5/25: Open House (Rockhopper time 7-7:45pm)

2nd Literature Circle @8:15am

Fri. 5/27: Learning Day
Mon. 5/30: No SCHOOL
Tues. 5/31 3rd Literature Circle @8:15am
Thurs. 6/2 4th Literature Circle @8:15am
Mon. 6/6: Last day of P.E.

Science Fair Project Board due

Tues. 6/7 Volunteer Brunch
Thurs. 6/9: Academy of Sciences Field Trip
Fri. 6/10: Field Day
Tues. 6/14: Recognition Ceremony/Last Day of School!!!

California Trivia Clue (student responses are REQUIRED):

Who discovered the first gold at Sutter’s Mill in January 1848?

Sincerely,

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

Reminders for May 16-20

2011-05-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

Weekly Reminders: Rooms 20 & 21

Dear Room 20 & 21 Parents,

It's hard to believe we're nearing the end of our school year- our 5th graders our preparing for their transition to middle school while our 4th graders brace themselves for the responsibility of being classroom mentors and leaders. Teachers and students are definitely putting in extra time to make sure that all projects, classwork, and activities represent our best work. Speaking of demonstrations of great work, Open House is also looming- it's now less than two weeks away! I know the evening of May 25th will be an eye-opening experience for one and all. In the meantime, let's all keep our attention on what needs to be done, let's conduct ourselves with dignity, courtesy, and respect for others, and let's keep a smile and a positive attitude with us at all times; it's bound to be a spectacular finish with that approach!

Our blogsite addresses are:

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

**** A PARENTS ONLY Special Event! ****

Penguins, mark your calendars!

Would you like more ideas on how to help your child in positive ways regarding schoolwork, homework and life? Come to our Portal Parent Education Evening:

"An Evening with Rick Morris"
Tuesday, May 17th

6:30 - 8:00 PM

Portal Multi-Purpose Room

Parents-Only

Mr. Morris, a dynamic, entertaining and informative speaker on classroom management and parenting, brings over 31 years of teaching experience to Murdock-Portal! (Mr. Morris is also an “experienced parent” – with two grown daughters and a son in high school.) The starting point of the evening will be "Discipline is Teaching, Not Punishment." Then you will take a look at the big picture of parent-child interactions covering the basics of what works and what doesn't! Mr. Morris talks about “the Parent Trap--being permissive or punitive--and how to avoid it.” He will also present ideas and suggestions from Robert MacKenzie's book, Setting Limits. You will find the evening lots of fun and enlightening!

If both parents cannot attend, I suggest the parent who works most with your student and homework attend.

I hope to see you there! - Julie Ales

Curriculum Notes:

Language Arts- We've reached the pivotal section in our novel Bridge to Terabithia. Understanding the emotions that accompany the climax of a story for the characters will be a key element of our learning. Developing a vocabulary that allows us to express these ideas clearly will be emphasized as well. Spelling continues until the end of the year; our root words are thought-provoking and advanced- perfect for the conclusion of our year in Rockhopper Village!

Math- 4th graders are working on graphing, including data analysis and plotting data on a coordinate plane. We'll also learn how functions and equations can be represented using this same plotting technique for ordered pairs.

Math - Biz World Begins this week! Biz World is an interactive math unit, where students form companies, create, market and sell a product. After all sales are complete, students discover their margin of profit to see how successful their companies were.
Science- Investigation 3 of our Solid Earth unit is wrapping up this week. We are using observational techniques and methods like evaporation to determine if common rocks contain calcite. We are also taking time to read several articles related to our investigation in order to reinforce the concepts we've been practicing in class. We'll have an open book/note abbreviated I-Check for Investigations 2 & 3 later in the week.

Social Studies- We are finishing our essays and getting ready for our Waxed Museum oral presentations.

Literature Circles -Volunteers Still Needed!

We will be having our last literature circle groups of the year on the following dates, all times from 8:15 - 9:10am:

Monday, May 23

Wednesday, May 25

Tuesday, May 31

Thursday, June 2

Would you be willing to come in and listen to a small group or two? Ask any parent who has volunteered for this job before - it's lots of fun, easy to do, and a tremendous help to ensure success for our groups! It's best if you can attend all 4 sessions so there is consistency, but if that's not possible, please let us know the dates you're available, and we will work with your schedule as best as we can. Please email your family room teacher as soon as possible if you're able to help- we are definitely STILL in need of parent support!

Calendar of Events:

Wed. 5/18 Costume, prop and speech due for waxed museum
Fri. 5/20: 5th Bedroom Project Due
Mon. 5/23: Wax Museum Boards Due

Scientific Method- Part Two Due
1st Literature Circle @8:15am

Tues. 5/24 Bridge to Terabithia test

Wed. 5/25: Open House (Rockhopper time 7-7:45pm)

2nd Literature Circle @8:15am

Fri. 5/27: Learning Day
Mon. 5/30: No SCHOOL
Tues. 5/31 3rd Literature Circle @8:15am
Thurs. 6/2 4th Literature Circle @8:15am
Mon. 6/6: Last day of P.E.

Science Fair Project Board due

Tues. 6/7 Volunteer Brunch
Thurs. 6/9: Academy of Sciences Field Trip
Fri. 6/10: Field Day
Tues. 6/14: Recognition Ceremony/Last Day of School!!!

California Trivia Clue (student responses are REQUIRED):

The Sierra Nevada, the state’s primary geological feature, is composed mostly of what rock?

Sincerely,

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

May 9-13 Reminders

2011-05-09T13:41:00.001-07:00

Weekly Reminders: Rooms 20 & 21

Dear Room 20 & 21 Parents,

Last week was truly an EXPERIENCE! Sacramento and its many museums and historical sights was really a great way to spend a school day; we were immersed in the history of California in a way that we cannot replicate in the classroom. Now, we are definitely in the "home stretch" of our school year- there's much to learn, but also much to complete and prepare for our anthologies, end of the year projects, and Open House later in the month. Let's all come to school each day with energy, enthusiasm, and a desire to demonstrate our best in our work and attitude- we can DO it!

Our blogsite addresses are:

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

**** A PARENTS ONLY Special Event! ****

Penguins, mark your calendars!

Would you like more ideas on how to help your child in positive ways regarding schoolwork, homework and life? Come to our Portal Parent Education Evening:

"An Evening with Rick Morris"
Tuesday, May 17th

6:30 - 8:00 PM

Portal Multi-Purpose Room

Parents-Only

If both parents cannot attend, I suggest the parent who works most with your student and homework attend.

I hope to see you there! - Julie Ales

Curriculum Notes:

Language Arts- Bridge to Terabithia and its characters have taken hold of us, and we are now fully absorbed in their lives. We continue to contemplate the circumstances that surround our central character's actions as we draw closer to the climax of the story next week. Spelling resumes this week as well; we will continue to build a greater vocabulary of word families through our spelling lists until the end of the year.

Math- 4th graders are finishing our study of solid figures, including descriptive terminology,the use of nets to build figures, and the calculation methods for surface area and volume. We will have a short quiz on Wednesday to check our understanding of Chapters 27 & 28.

Math - 5th graders are wrapping up our geometry unit along with extra practice at interpreting data and graphs.
Science- We continue with our Solid Earth unit, and we are concentrating our efforts on scientific observation of minerals. This means that we try to describe our minerals in great detail, supporting our words with realistic drawings where possible. We also will be using techniques to analyze mineral properties such as hardness and streak, and we will compare our data with established guidelines for mineral identification.

Social Studies- This week our focus turns to writing our gold rush essays based on the research we've completed. I've reviewed timelines and expectations with the students to help keep them on track.

Literature Circles -Volunteers Needed!

We will be having our last literature circle groups of the year on the following dates, all times from 8:15 - 9:10am:

Monday, May 23

Wednesday, May 25

Tuesday, May 31

Thursday, June 2

Calendar of Events:

Wed. 5/11 4th grade math quiz; Ch. 27 & 28
Thur. 5/12 5th Grade Math Placement Test - Level 2

Fri. 5/20: 5th Bedroom Project Due
Mon. 5/23: Wax Museum Boards Due

Scientific Method- Part Two Due
1st Literature Circle @8:15am

Tues. 5/24 Bridge to Terabithia test

Wed. 5/25: Open House (Rockhopper time 7-7:45pm)

2nd Literature Circle @8:15am

Fri. 5/27: Learning Day
Mon. 5/30: No SCHOOL
Tues. 5/31 3rd Literature Circle @8:15am
Thurs. 6/2 4th Literature Circle @8:15am
Mon. 6/6: Last day of P.E.

Science Fair Project Board due

Tues. 6/7 Volunteer Brunch
Thurs. 6/9: Academy of Sciences Field Trip
Fri. 6/10: Field Day
Tues. 6/14: Recognition Ceremony/Last Day of School!!!

California Trivia Clue (student responses are REQUIRED):

The largest of CA’s carnivorous plants is known as what?

Sincerely,

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

May's First Weekly Reminders

2011-05-02T15:29:00.000-07:00

Weekly Reminders: Rooms 20 & 21

Dear Room 20 & 21 Parents,

It's good to be able to communicate with you all again! STAR testing is done as of today, except for makeup tests, which will take place tomorrow for students at our grade level. On Thursday, we go on our incredible all day trip to Sacramento, which will be a fantastic historical and contemporary experience for our kids! Please remember that all students and chaperones must be at school by 7:00am on Thursday, May 5th. We will be loading onto the buses as soon as possible for our 7:30am departure, and we must leave on time to be able to arrive in Sacramento promptly for our first itinerary items. Students will meet their teachers and classmates in the front of the school that morning; look for your class cone/marker to line up and wait for our buses!

Note: T-shirts and lanyards will be passed out to students and chaperone parents on Wednesday afternoon. Chaperones and students should come to school on Thursday morning dressed in their T-shirts and wearing their lanyards. Itineraries for the day went home in the Thursday folders last week.

Our blogsite addresses are:

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

Curriculum Notes:

Language Arts- Bridge to Terabithia remains our primary focus in class. We are using the in-depth discussion questions to develop our ability to analyse character traits with a greater degree of accuracy. We're also gaining exposure to vocabulary that allows one to make subtle distinctions between feelings and actions that might provide insight to a character's thoughts and motivations.

Math- 4th graders are working on solid figures, including descriptive terminology and the use of nets to build figures. Volume will be a key measurement concept that will be taught later in the week. Our design project called "Perimeter Park" will be finished up at home after several hours of concerted work on the project at school over the last week and a half.

Math - 5th graders are finishing our geometry unit. We have assigned the Bedroom Project as an optional item this year, due later this month for participants.
Science- We are now into our Solid Earth unit, and we are presently learning to distinguish between rocks and the minerals that rocks contain. We will proceed to learn more about the analytical techniques used by geologists to identify rocks over the next two weeks as well.

Social Studies- This week students are finishing their diseno projects and beginning to research for their Gold Rush Essay in preparation for our Open House Waxed Museum. Students received a timeline and expectation sheet last week.

Literature Circles -Volunteers Needed!

We will be having our last literature circle groups of the year on the following dates, all times from 8:15 - 9:10am:

Monday, May 23

Wednesday, May 25

Tuesday, May 31

Thursday, June 2

Calendar of Events:

Thur. 5/5 Sacramento Field Trip- be at Portal @7am
Thur. 5/12 5th Grade Math Placement Test - Level 2

Fri. 5/20: 5th Bedroom Project Due
Mon. 5/23: Wax Museum Boards Due

Scientific Method- Part Two Due
1st Literature Circle @8:15am

Tues. 5/24 Bridge to Terabithia test

Wed. 5/25: Open House (Rockhopper time 7-7:45pm)

2nd Literature Circle @8:15am

Fri. 5/27: Learning Day
Mon. 5/30: No SCHOOL
Tues. 5/31 3rd Literature Circle @8:15am
Thurs. 6/2 4th Literature Circle @8:15am
Mon. 6/6: Last day of P.E.

Science Fair Project Board due

Tues. 6/7 Volunteer Brunch
Thurs. 6/9: Academy of Sciences Field Trip
Fri. 6/10: Field Day
Tues. 6/14: Recognition Ceremony/Last Day of School!!!

California Trivia Clue (student responses are REQUIRED):

“Spanish pear” and “green gold” are among the nicknames for what Southern CA fruit?

Sincerely,

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

Performance Week Reminders

2011-04-04T16:07:00.000-07:00

Weekly Reminders: Rooms 20 & 21

Dear Room 20 & 21 Parents,

Thursday night is the BIG night! Yes, our performance of "Geology Rocks!" is just around the corner, and we hope you are as excited as we are here at school about this event. Our performers terrific, our soundtrack is incredibly catchy, and our stage backdrop is explosive! We're looking forward to seeing our students here promptly at 6pm on Thursday to change into their costumes; our show will begin promptly for our audience at 6:30pm. Refreshments will follow our show, so suit up, show up, and have fun with us on Thursday night!

Our blogsite addresses are:

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

Great Schools Week and Grocery Days
Great Schools Week, organized by the Cupertino Educational Endowment Foundation (CEEF), has raised over $30,000 to-date! There are still over 1/3 of the donation checks yet to arrive. You can add to the number by buying groceries for your family next week at Whole Foods Cupertino. Last year, the power of our community raised over $12,000 for CUSD schools at this event. ALL SALES will be used to offset pending budget cuts. Join us in supporting our CUSD schools!

* Tuesday, April 5, 2011
* Whole Foods, 20955 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino - 5% of ALL SALES
* You DO NOT need to bring in a flyer

Whole Foods is located at 20955 Stevens Creek Blvd in Cupertino. Store hours are 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Disaster Relief for Japan - Update

On April 6th during our Lunch on the Lawn, we will display our posters and sell handicrafts made by the students these last two weeks. We will donate the proceeds from these sales to the disaster relief fund.
Thank you kindly for your support of this important relief fund effort for Japan!

Dear Parents,

Please sign up for the food item for our play. We still need more people to do. Please go to the Parent Sign Up and press Food sign in Tab and sign in your name.

Please bring your item by 6:15 pm on our performance day(this Thursday).

Thank you,

Usha (ushamvs@hotmail.com)

Curriculum Notes:

Language Arts- We continue to read and discuss with our Bridge to Terabithia novel. Students are using context clues to help develop vocabulary, and learning about the literary devices of characterization and setting.

Math- 4th graders continue to delve into the details of geometry this week. Perimeter and area is the focus, and we'll learn how to describe each term accurately in addition to learning the appropriate formulas for finding perimeter and area. There is a fun design project called "Perimeter Park" that we'll be working on when we get back from break to put our knowledge to use in the field of landscape design.

Math - 5th grade continues to work on integers and the properties/axioms that guide algebraic thinking.
Science- Electromagnetism investigations are concluding on Wednesday, and we'll begin to get "down and dirty" by exploring our unit called "Solid Earth." This section of our science curriculum gives our classes real hands-on experience with geology- identification of rocks and minerals through comparative analysis of certain key geologic features is one of the scientific techniques we will first encounter.

Social Studies- This week students apply their knowledge by creating a classroom diseno project that includes all the aspects of life on an early 1800's Rancho! Ask your child about this fun project!

Calendar of Events:

Wed. 4/6 5th Grade Math Placement Test - Level 1
Wed. 4/6 Earth Day Lunch on the Lawn @11:45am

Fri. 4/8 5th Grade math Unit 12 test
Thur. 4/7 Geology Rocks! Performance @6:30pm in the Multi-Use Room
Mon. 4/11- Fri. 4/22 Spring Recess - No school.
Tues. 4/26 STAR Testing Begins
Thur. 5/5 Sacramento Field Trip

Thur. 5/12 5th Grade Math Placement Test - Level 2

California Trivia Clue (student responses are REQUIRED):

Campers and hikers might encounter which kind of bear in the wild regions of CA?

Sincerely,

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

March 28th- The Weekly Reminders

2011-03-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

Weekly Reminders: Rooms 20 & 21

Dear Room 20 & 21 Parents,

Can you believe it? There is only two weeks until our spring break! These next two weeks are filled with preparations for our upcoming fine arts performance on the evening of April 7th, Family Science Night this Wednesday, and a huge assortment of curricular activities, including some in depth reading from our latest core literature book, Bridge to Terabithia. This is a great time for all of us to strive to do our personal best in each area; this is the most likely way to get the results that all of us want in our work! Let's start putting those end of the year goals into action right away, and we'll all enjoy the next two weeks to their fullest.

Our blogsite addresses are:

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

Disaster Relief in Japan- A letter from Mrs. Ales

Dear Murdock-Portal Penguins,

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

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

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

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

my best,

Julie Ales

Announcing Family Science Night: Let’s Go Green!

When: This Wednesday, March 30^th 6:30-8:00 pm

Where: Murdock-Portal Multi-Use Room

Who: All Penguins and Families!

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

Geology Rocks Helpers: Urgent

Dear Parents,

We need more help with food donations, clean up and set up help for the evening of our play! Would you please be so kind as to sign up on the document, as soon possible using the link listed below?

Thank you!

Parent Sign Up

Sacramento Trip:

As you may recall, the tour company provides T-shirts for the students to wear on the Sacramento trip. Tomorrow we will be "sizing" t-shirts for our students in room 20 (room 21 is finished.) In an effort to speed this process along, I've asked them to double check the size of t-shirt that they wear. I have samples in the room, and will be using those as a guide. The sizes run large - I will be wearing a "youth large"! They have youth medium, youth large, adult medium as choices. I imagine many students will be in youth medium and youth large.

Curriculum Notes:

Language Arts- We began reading our next core literature book, Bridge to Terabithia, and we'll be fitting some lively discussion and reading in between our fine arts practices over the next two weeks. We'll also revisit our ability to summarize reading passages effectively so that we can apply what we've learned during previous writing work earlier in the year. Spelling resumes this week, and writing and grammar work will figure prominently in the remaining language arts time.

Math- As 4th graders, we are getting exposure this week to circles, symmetry, congruence, and maybe the basic points of perimeter and area. This unit has very specific vocabulary, so don't hesitate to ask your student about the appropriate terminology presented; the students can use the review. Our restaurant menus, which feature algebraic expressions as food orders, will be completed during our extended Friday math time this week- I'm getting hungry already!

Math - 5th grade continues to work on integers and the properties/axioms that guide algebraic thinking.
Science- Electromagnetism investigations are wrapping up this week; we are now using electromagnetism to create and use an old-fashioned communications device- the telegraph! It's amazing how much Twitter and texting have in common with this "short and sweet" message style of old, isn't it? Hands-on work and reading will both be used to summarize the concepts presented throughout this unit.

Social Studies- We continue to learn about the Post-Mission Era, a time period commonly called "Mexican California".

Calendar of Events:

Tues. 3/29 Student/Chaperone food & t-shirt orders due for Sacramento trip
Wed. 3/30 Family Science Night @6:30pm in the Multi-Use Room

Fri. 4/1 Report Cards go home

Wed. 4/6 5th Grade Math Placement Test - Level 1
Wed. 4/6 Earth Day Lunch on the Lawn @11:45am
Thur. 4/7 Geology Rocks! Performance @6:30pm in the Multi-Use Room
Mon. 4/11- Fri. 4/22 Spring Recess - No school.
Tues. 4/26 STAR Testing Begins
Thur. 5/5 Sacramento Field Trip

Thur. 5/12 5th Grade Math Placement Test - Level 2

California Trivia Clue (student responses are REQUIRED):

What California site hosted the Winter Olympics in 1960?

Sincerely,

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

3/21-3/25 Weekly Reminders

2011-03-21T16:06:00.001-07:00

Weekly Reminders: Rooms 20 & 21

Dear Room 20 & 21 Parents,

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

Our blogsite addresses are:

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

Disaster Relief in Japan- A letter from Mrs. Ales

Dear Murdock-Portal Penguins,

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

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

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

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

my best,

Julie Ales

Announcing Family Science Night: Let’s Go Green!

When: Wednesday, March 30^th 6:30-8:00 pm

Where: Murdock-Portal Multi-Use Room

Who: All Penguins and Families!

Geology Rocks Helpers:

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

Parent Sign Up

Curriculum Notes:

Language Arts- As we prepare to begin our next core literature book, Bridge to Terabithia, we'll be reviewing the aspects of the realistic fiction genre. We'll also revisit our ability to summarize reading passages effectively so that we can apply what we've learned during previous writing work earlier in the year. Spelling will resume after our conference schedule ends, and writing and grammar work will occupy our remaining language arts time.

Math- As 4th graders, we are involved in gaining a firm understanding of 2-dimensional geometry concepts. This unit is heavy with vocabulary, so don't hesitate to ask your student about the appropriate terminology presented; the students can use the review. We are also making excellent progress on their restaurant menus during our extended Friday math time to learn effective use of algebraic expressions!

Math - 5th grade continues to work on integers and the properties/axioms that guide algebraic thinking.
Science- Electromagnetism investigations are ongoing during our short conference days. We're squeezing in investigations pertaining to electromagnetic strength and practical uses for electromagnetic components. Hands-on work and reading are combined to give everyone the greatest opportunity to understand this essential piece of our contemporary technological life.

Social Studies- This week we begin learning about the Post-Mission Era, a time period commonly called "Mexican California".

Calendar of Events:

Mon. 3/21 Parent Teacher Conferences continue until the end of the week. 12:30 Dismissal.

Fri. 3/25 Parent Teacher Conferences end (last day of early dismissal @12:30 schedule)

Wed. 3/30 Family Science Night

Fri. 4/1 Report Cards go home

Wed. 4/6 5th Grade Math Placement Test - Level 1
Thur. 4/7 Geology Rocks! Performance 6:30 Multi-Use Room
Mon. 4/11- Fri. 4/22 Spring Recess - No school.
Tues. 4/26 STAR Testing Begins
Thur. 5/5 Sacramento Field Trip

Thur. 5/12 5th Grade Math Placement Test - Level 2

California Trivia Clue (student responses are REQUIRED):

Where was the state’s first newspaper published?

Sincerely,

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

Conference Week #1: Reminders

2011-03-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

Weekly Reminders: Rooms 20 & 21

Dear Room 20 & 21 Parents,

Conferences begin on Thursday, and we're excited to sit down with all our students to review their goals, set new goals if appropriate, and compliment them on the good work they're doing here at Portal! It is also a great time for parents to share information, concerns, and achievements pertaining to their child with their teacher. Please be sure to check your conference schedule time and plan on arriving promptly for this 20 minute meeting with us; the majority of our conference times have another conference immediately before or after your scheduled time. We know that these spring conferences are a valuable experience for all of us!

Our blogsite addresses are:

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

Interested in helping out?

Yes, it is now roughly a month until Rooms 20 and 21 will perform the incredible play entitled "Geology Rocks!" If you've ever wondered if learning about rocks, minerals, fossil fuels, geologic time, and tectonic plates could be funny, then you won't want to miss our upcoming fine arts performance on Thursday, April 7th at 6:30pm in our multipurpose room at Portal.

We are looking for additional interested parents to help support us with the following jobs:

Painting Art Coordinator – Organize the installation and repair of backdrops.

Painting Art Assistants – Help the coordinator repair and repaint backdrops.

Prop Art Coordinator – Organize and inventory of props.

Prop Art Assistants – Help the coordinator with props.

Costume Designers – Help to design and make costume pieces.

Food Coordinator – Organize snack donations for potluck on the night of the show.

Organize parents to help with set up and clean up on the night of the show.

Food Donators – Donate food for the potluck.

Performance Crew – Help transport, set up, and take down sets.

I’m flexible - Let me know what I can do to help.

THANK YOU to all who has already signed up! If you are interested in ANY of these volunteer opportunities related to our play and haven't already notified us, please sign up below on the Google Doc we've created for this purpose called "Parent Sign Up". Click on the link below and then list your name in the column under the job with which you would like to help. We will be meeting this Wednesday, March 16 at 11:45am in Room 20 with those interested parents who can attend.

Parent Sign Up

Curriculum Notes:

Language Arts- In the Year of the Boar core literature book is now completely read, and we plan on testing our comprehension of the text on Wednesday of this week. Our writing practice in the persuasive and response to literature genres is well under way; we're now polishing up drafts of several assignments for insertion into our writing anthologies. "Geology Rocks" has already begun to showcase our oral language abilities in a scientific context- we've got a talented group of performers this year!

Math- 4th grade is using restaurant menus during our extended Friday math time to learn effective use of algebraic expressions, and we are moving into our huge unit on geometry beginning tomorrow!

Math - 5th grade has developed and strengthened our algebra skills over the last couple of weeks. We created generalizations for patterns and learned to graph basic equations on coordinate planes. Our quiz on generalizations, patterns, and coordinate graphing will be tomorrow. We'll be working on integers beginning Wednesday..
Science- Currently, we are doing the first electromagnetism investigations to reinforce the connection between electricity and magnetism.

Social Studies- We're currently working on our Missions Activities Menu, reinforcing concepts we have learned and will test our knowledge of this unit on this Thursday, March 17.

Calendar of Events:

Wed. 3/16 Year of the Boar Comprehension Test

Wed. 3/16 PSCO Meeting 6:30
Wed. 3/16 Parent Volunteer Meeting @11:45 in Rm. 20 for "Geology Rocks"
Thur. 3/17 Social Studies Missions Test
Thur.3/17 Parent Teacher Conferences begin (early dismissal @12:30 schedule)
Fri. 3/25 Parent Teacher Conferences end (last day of early dismissal @12:30 schedule)

Wed. 3/30 Family Science Night

Fri. 4/1 Report Cards go home

Wed. 4/6 5th Grade Math Placement Test - Level 1 (notice the date change)

Thur. 5/12 5th Grade Math Placement Test - Level 2 (notice the date change)

California Trivia Clue (student responses are REQUIRED):

What U.S. city led the country in gold production until the Gold Rush in CA?

Sincerely,

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