Dear Parents and Portal Students,
We hope you enjoyed your long weekend. With the great weather it seems like a perfect time to relax and enjoy yourself! We are busy in school this week and continue to work hard and learn many new ideas. We’re looking forward to all that’s happening this week. Please read below to see what’s happening.
Human Growth and Development for 5th Graders:
We will continue teaching Human Growth and Development for 5th Graders only. Our classes this week will be on Wed. 5/27 at 12:30, and Thursday, 5/28 at 8:15. During this time, 4th graders will be in math classes. The curriculum and videos that we will be using are available for parent viewing at our district resource center.
Language Arts:
We continue our study of the novel, Bridge to Terabithia. We’ve been exploring values, friendship, and challenges that many children face in their lives. This book has so many great “talking points” in class; we’re definitely learning as a group how to “dig deeper” into human relationships and the subtle, and not so subtle, ways we express ourselves.
Math:
4th grade students are actively involved in the “Game Factory” this week. This multiple week unit allows students to examine probability in action, and they are quickly learning how fairness relates to probability and possible outcomes. Many games have been played and analyzed already; the goal is to prepare ourselves for the ultimate task- our own fair game design! Ask your student what fair games are really all about; I’m sure you’ll get some insightful answers....
In 5th grade math, students are continuing their Biz World Companies. Take a minute to ask your child about what they’ve learned about business and company ownership! In addition to Biz World, we are reviewing chapter 10, geometry concepts with many students, based on the results of our last test. We will continue to work with these students for the week, and then reassess their understanding of these ideas.
Social Studies:
We are wrapping up our studies of the California Gold Rush. Students will finalize their essays and bibliographies for their anthologies.
Science:
Our investigations of electricity began over the last two weeks. We started off with static electricity (charge), then we worked with lights to develop an understanding of components, circuits, and current electricity. We’ll be using motors this week to continue expanding our knowledge of open and closed circuitry, as well as what items are conductors & insulators. This is one our classes’ favorite science topics, so we’re going to fit as much experimentation in as we can during the last portion of our year!
Important Dates to Remember:
5/27 International Festival
5/27 PSCO Meeting 6:30
5/28 SSC Meeting 3:00
5/29 School Spirit Day - Backward Day!
6/2 Volunteer Appreciation Brunch - 9:50 am
6/5 Library Closes for the year. All books due.
Congratulations
Congratulations to all students in competing in the Rooms 20 and 21 HORSE basketball tournaments! What great fun we had in this friendly competition that demonstrated both skills and taught sportsmanship. In a small way, we also learned about probability and tournament organization- kind of a sneaky, but enjoyable, way to apply our math knowledge and logical thinking skills! We salute our terrific student-athletes here at Portal!!!
CALIFORNIA TRIVIA!
Q: What did California’s first endangered-species law, written in 1874, protect?
Good luck!
Mr. Roels & Miss Scourkes
Monday, May 25, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Late Reminders for May 18-21
Dear Parents and Portal Students,
Thank you for coming to Open House. We hope you enjoyed yourself and had the opportunity to learn something new! We’re very proud of our students for working so hard and doing such a wonderful job! We have several new curriculum areas beginning this week, so please read below to find out more. Thanks for your patience in waiting for the Weekly Reminders this week!
Human Growth and Development for 5th Graders:
This week we will begin teaching Human Growth and Development for 5th Graders only. Boys and girls will be separated into different rooms. We will be teaching these classes on Wed, 5/20 at 12:30, Thursday, 5/21 at 8:15, Wed. 5/27 at 12:30, and Thursday, 5/28 at 8:15. During this time, 4th graders will be in math classes. The curriculum and videos that we will be using are available for parent viewing at our district resource center.
Language Arts:
We are currently reading Bridge to Terabithia and revising prior writing activities in class this week. Don’t be surprised if your student has questions about this book; set in the 1970’s, this story has historical context and deep relationships to be examined. Spelling also resumes; we will even be using our spelling words to create some “interview questions” for our future 4th graders (they’ll be visiting us soon for Move-Up Day in Rockhopper Village!)
Math:
4th grade students are now applying their understanding of outcomes to evaluations of game design in our “Game Factory” unit this week. Fairness relates to probably outcomes, and we’re playing games and analyzing outcomes and result to make decisions about the quality of these various games. Soon, we’ll use our experience with game formats, probability, and fairness on our own fair game design!
In 5th grade math, have begun our Biz World unit, which is a simulation project. Students will be creating a company and developing a plan to ensure the success of the business they have created. They will own stock and create and sell a product, hopefully for a profit! Ask your child what they learned today!
Social Studies:
We are wrapping up our studies of the California Gold Rush. We hope you enjoyed our presentations during open house and were able to see how much students have learned!
Science:
Our investigations of electricity began this past week. We worked a bit with lights to create circuits and experience current electricity. We’ll use motors next to continue to expand our understanding of electrical circuitry.
Important Dates to Remember:
5/22 Staff Learning Day - no school for students
5/25 Memorial Day - No school.
5/27 International Festival
5/27 PSCO Meeting 6:30
5/28 SSC Meeting 3:00
5/29 School Spirit Day - Backward Day!
6/2 Volunteer Appreciation Brunch - 9:50 am
6/5 Library Closes for the year. All books due.
CALIFORNIA TRIVIA!
Q: Born in the early 1960’s, what is BART (and it’s not BART Simpson)!
Good luck!
Mr. Roels & Miss Scourkes
Thank you for coming to Open House. We hope you enjoyed yourself and had the opportunity to learn something new! We’re very proud of our students for working so hard and doing such a wonderful job! We have several new curriculum areas beginning this week, so please read below to find out more. Thanks for your patience in waiting for the Weekly Reminders this week!
Human Growth and Development for 5th Graders:
This week we will begin teaching Human Growth and Development for 5th Graders only. Boys and girls will be separated into different rooms. We will be teaching these classes on Wed, 5/20 at 12:30, Thursday, 5/21 at 8:15, Wed. 5/27 at 12:30, and Thursday, 5/28 at 8:15. During this time, 4th graders will be in math classes. The curriculum and videos that we will be using are available for parent viewing at our district resource center.
Language Arts:
We are currently reading Bridge to Terabithia and revising prior writing activities in class this week. Don’t be surprised if your student has questions about this book; set in the 1970’s, this story has historical context and deep relationships to be examined. Spelling also resumes; we will even be using our spelling words to create some “interview questions” for our future 4th graders (they’ll be visiting us soon for Move-Up Day in Rockhopper Village!)
Math:
4th grade students are now applying their understanding of outcomes to evaluations of game design in our “Game Factory” unit this week. Fairness relates to probably outcomes, and we’re playing games and analyzing outcomes and result to make decisions about the quality of these various games. Soon, we’ll use our experience with game formats, probability, and fairness on our own fair game design!
In 5th grade math, have begun our Biz World unit, which is a simulation project. Students will be creating a company and developing a plan to ensure the success of the business they have created. They will own stock and create and sell a product, hopefully for a profit! Ask your child what they learned today!
Social Studies:
We are wrapping up our studies of the California Gold Rush. We hope you enjoyed our presentations during open house and were able to see how much students have learned!
Science:
Our investigations of electricity began this past week. We worked a bit with lights to create circuits and experience current electricity. We’ll use motors next to continue to expand our understanding of electrical circuitry.
Important Dates to Remember:
5/22 Staff Learning Day - no school for students
5/25 Memorial Day - No school.
5/27 International Festival
5/27 PSCO Meeting 6:30
5/28 SSC Meeting 3:00
5/29 School Spirit Day - Backward Day!
6/2 Volunteer Appreciation Brunch - 9:50 am
6/5 Library Closes for the year. All books due.
CALIFORNIA TRIVIA!
Q: Born in the early 1960’s, what is BART (and it’s not BART Simpson)!
Good luck!
Mr. Roels & Miss Scourkes
Monday, May 11, 2009
May 11-15 Weekly Reminders
Dear Parents and Portal Students,
We hope that you’ve had a good weekend! In school, we’ve almost finished our STAR testing for the year, and after Monday, we’ll be ready to move on and get back to our regular schedule! Please read below to see some of the events that will be happening.
On another note, we are in the process of creating a DVD that celebrates many of the activities that we’ve done this year and will be offering this DVD for sale if you wish to purchase it. More specific details we be coming soon!
STAR Testing
As you all are aware, the next two weeks (May 4 - 11) will be STAR testing. To help make sure your child is the best prepared for the tests:
1. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep every night - doctors
recommend NINE TO TEN hours for this age group!
2. Feed your child a balanced breakfast before school starts. Include
some protein, fruit or vegetable, and whole grains. (Cereal with milk and
bananas; eggs, pancakes, and bacon; etc.) Donuts and other sweets may boost a person’s energy for a short time, but will not sustain the brain through a long test.
3. Send your child with a healthy balanced snack and water.
4. DO have your 5th grade child study their work from last year for the Science test. Specific facts and ideas covered in the curriculum will be on the test.
5. Try not to put too much pressure on your child about these tests. They are only one measure of your child’s true abilities. Be sure to balance the evenings and weekend with relaxing activities.
Thanks for your support!
Language Arts:
We are currently reading Bridge to Terabithia and revising prior writing activities in class this week. Don’t be surprised if your student has questions about this book; set in the 1970’s, this story has historical context and deep relationships to be examined. Spelling also resumes; we will even be using our spelling words to create some “interview questions” for our future 4th graders (they’ll be visiting us soon for Move-Up Day in Rockhopper Village!)
Math:
4th grade students now turn their talents toward a better understanding of probability and fairness in game design. We’ll be introducing a fabulous Interact unit entitled “Game Factory” this week. This multiple week unit allows students to examine probability in action, and they will develop an understanding of how fairness relates to probably outcomes. Many games will be played and analyzed to prepare ourselves for the ultimate task- our own fair game design! More news on this great end of the year unit is bound to follow.....
In 5th grade math, students will be working on geometry projects and taking their Chapter 10 math test. Next week we will be starting our Biz World unit, which is a simulation project. Students will be creating a company and developing a plan to ensure the success of the business they have created. They will own stock and create and sell a product, hopefully for a profit!
Social Studies:
Students have finished their research for their Gold Rush era Open House Wax Museum project and are now hard at work on their presentation boards. Students should have their costumes and speeches ready on Friday.
Science:
Our investigations of electricity begin this week. We start off with static electricity (charge), then move on to work with lights and motors to develop an understanding of components, circuits, open and closed circuitry, and conductors & insulators. This is one of the favorite science areas for many of our students, so I’m sure you’ll hear more about these investigations at home.
Important Dates to Remember:
5/4-5/11 STAR testing
5/12 - 5/15 Book Fair
5/19 Open House
5/22 Staff Learning Day - no school for students
CALIFORNIA TRIVIA!
Q: When was the state seal of CA adopted?
Good luck!
Mr. Roels & Miss Scourkes
We hope that you’ve had a good weekend! In school, we’ve almost finished our STAR testing for the year, and after Monday, we’ll be ready to move on and get back to our regular schedule! Please read below to see some of the events that will be happening.
On another note, we are in the process of creating a DVD that celebrates many of the activities that we’ve done this year and will be offering this DVD for sale if you wish to purchase it. More specific details we be coming soon!
STAR Testing
As you all are aware, the next two weeks (May 4 - 11) will be STAR testing. To help make sure your child is the best prepared for the tests:
1. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep every night - doctors
recommend NINE TO TEN hours for this age group!
2. Feed your child a balanced breakfast before school starts. Include
some protein, fruit or vegetable, and whole grains. (Cereal with milk and
bananas; eggs, pancakes, and bacon; etc.) Donuts and other sweets may boost a person’s energy for a short time, but will not sustain the brain through a long test.
3. Send your child with a healthy balanced snack and water.
4. DO have your 5th grade child study their work from last year for the Science test. Specific facts and ideas covered in the curriculum will be on the test.
5. Try not to put too much pressure on your child about these tests. They are only one measure of your child’s true abilities. Be sure to balance the evenings and weekend with relaxing activities.
Thanks for your support!
Language Arts:
We are currently reading Bridge to Terabithia and revising prior writing activities in class this week. Don’t be surprised if your student has questions about this book; set in the 1970’s, this story has historical context and deep relationships to be examined. Spelling also resumes; we will even be using our spelling words to create some “interview questions” for our future 4th graders (they’ll be visiting us soon for Move-Up Day in Rockhopper Village!)
Math:
4th grade students now turn their talents toward a better understanding of probability and fairness in game design. We’ll be introducing a fabulous Interact unit entitled “Game Factory” this week. This multiple week unit allows students to examine probability in action, and they will develop an understanding of how fairness relates to probably outcomes. Many games will be played and analyzed to prepare ourselves for the ultimate task- our own fair game design! More news on this great end of the year unit is bound to follow.....
In 5th grade math, students will be working on geometry projects and taking their Chapter 10 math test. Next week we will be starting our Biz World unit, which is a simulation project. Students will be creating a company and developing a plan to ensure the success of the business they have created. They will own stock and create and sell a product, hopefully for a profit!
Social Studies:
Students have finished their research for their Gold Rush era Open House Wax Museum project and are now hard at work on their presentation boards. Students should have their costumes and speeches ready on Friday.
Science:
Our investigations of electricity begin this week. We start off with static electricity (charge), then move on to work with lights and motors to develop an understanding of components, circuits, open and closed circuitry, and conductors & insulators. This is one of the favorite science areas for many of our students, so I’m sure you’ll hear more about these investigations at home.
Important Dates to Remember:
5/4-5/11 STAR testing
5/12 - 5/15 Book Fair
5/19 Open House
5/22 Staff Learning Day - no school for students
CALIFORNIA TRIVIA!
Q: When was the state seal of CA adopted?
Good luck!
Mr. Roels & Miss Scourkes
Monday, May 4, 2009
May 4-8 Reminders
Dear Parents and Portal Students,
Students have been doing a great job this week! There are many new and exciting events going on and we will continue to be busy for the rest of the year. Please remember to take the time to have fun and relax at home!
Megaskill of the Month: Common Sense
At this time of the year, it’s a pleasure to see so many students using their common sense. We’ve noticed that when students encounter problems, they work to find solutions that make sense for all involved. They think ahead and consider the consequences and look at different points of view. They are also remembering the expectations that exist at our school and are using their common sense to help meet these expectations. Keep up the good work, students, so that we can continue to have fun the rest of the year!
STAR Testing
As you all are aware, the next two weeks (May 4 - 11) will be STAR testing. To help make sure your child is the best prepared for the tests:
1. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep every night - doctors
recommend NINE TO TEN hours for this age group!
2. Feed your child a balanced breakfast before school starts. Include
some protein, fruit or vegetable, and whole grains. (Cereal with milk and
bananas; eggs, pancakes, and bacon; etc.) Donuts and other sweets may boost a person’s energy for a short time, but will not sustain the brain through a long test.
3. Send your child with a healthy balanced snack and water.
4. DO have your 5th grade child study their work from last year for the Science test. Specific facts and ideas covered in the curriculum will be on the test.
5. Try not to put too much pressure on your child about these tests. They are only one measure of your child’s true abilities. Be sure to balance the evenings and weekend with relaxing activities.
Thanks for your support!
Language Arts:
This week we will finish our literature circles and begin reading our novel, Bridge to Terabithia. Since friendship is so important to understanding the theme of this novel, the students did a “friendship podcast” as part of our pre-reading activities this week. Be sure to ask them how it went! Students will need their books no later than Wednesday of this week.
Math:
4th grade students are working on a “solid” understanding of the surface area and volume of three-dimensional shapes! These concepts require a good understanding of perimeter, measurement, and application of multiplication to specific data. We’ll be reviewing all the geometry terms and definitions this week so we can have our chapter test on Friday. We will definitely provide some of our class “flex” time for study as well, since we do not want to burden our kids with too much work outside of school this week.
5th grade students are currently working on our geometry unit. So far this year, we covered basic vocabulary terms and reviewed properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, congruence of figures, points, lines, and rays. We are now be learning about perimeter and area of complex figures, and parallelograms, finding the area of triangles and parallelograms, and the circumference of circles. We will then move on to solid figures, nets, volume and symmetry.
Social Studies:
Students have started their research of their gold rush era topic. They are free to research at home, and due to limited time, home research will be helpful to keep students on track for their timeline. Students need to remember the rules about note taking and plagiarism as they do their research, and should use their Writer’s Express book as an aide to help them correctly site the sources they use. Students must have at least three sources, including, but not limited to one book.
Science:
Research on magnetic properties continues. We have two more magnetic inquiries to take part in, then electricity beckons! This week is also a good week for 5th grade students to review notes and concepts from previous science units; students will be surprised how much they really remember with a little time spent revisiting these science concepts.
Important Dates to Remember:
5/4-5/11 STAR testing
5/4 Literature Circles at 12:30 p.m.
5/12 - 5/15 Book Fair
5/19 Open House
5/22 Staff Learning Day - no school for students
CALIFORNIA TRIVIA!
Q: The Bay Bridge, built in 1936, links what two cities?
Good luck!
Mr. Roels & Miss Scourkes
Students have been doing a great job this week! There are many new and exciting events going on and we will continue to be busy for the rest of the year. Please remember to take the time to have fun and relax at home!
Megaskill of the Month: Common Sense
At this time of the year, it’s a pleasure to see so many students using their common sense. We’ve noticed that when students encounter problems, they work to find solutions that make sense for all involved. They think ahead and consider the consequences and look at different points of view. They are also remembering the expectations that exist at our school and are using their common sense to help meet these expectations. Keep up the good work, students, so that we can continue to have fun the rest of the year!
STAR Testing
As you all are aware, the next two weeks (May 4 - 11) will be STAR testing. To help make sure your child is the best prepared for the tests:
1. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep every night - doctors
recommend NINE TO TEN hours for this age group!
2. Feed your child a balanced breakfast before school starts. Include
some protein, fruit or vegetable, and whole grains. (Cereal with milk and
bananas; eggs, pancakes, and bacon; etc.) Donuts and other sweets may boost a person’s energy for a short time, but will not sustain the brain through a long test.
3. Send your child with a healthy balanced snack and water.
4. DO have your 5th grade child study their work from last year for the Science test. Specific facts and ideas covered in the curriculum will be on the test.
5. Try not to put too much pressure on your child about these tests. They are only one measure of your child’s true abilities. Be sure to balance the evenings and weekend with relaxing activities.
Thanks for your support!
Language Arts:
This week we will finish our literature circles and begin reading our novel, Bridge to Terabithia. Since friendship is so important to understanding the theme of this novel, the students did a “friendship podcast” as part of our pre-reading activities this week. Be sure to ask them how it went! Students will need their books no later than Wednesday of this week.
Math:
4th grade students are working on a “solid” understanding of the surface area and volume of three-dimensional shapes! These concepts require a good understanding of perimeter, measurement, and application of multiplication to specific data. We’ll be reviewing all the geometry terms and definitions this week so we can have our chapter test on Friday. We will definitely provide some of our class “flex” time for study as well, since we do not want to burden our kids with too much work outside of school this week.
5th grade students are currently working on our geometry unit. So far this year, we covered basic vocabulary terms and reviewed properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, congruence of figures, points, lines, and rays. We are now be learning about perimeter and area of complex figures, and parallelograms, finding the area of triangles and parallelograms, and the circumference of circles. We will then move on to solid figures, nets, volume and symmetry.
Social Studies:
Students have started their research of their gold rush era topic. They are free to research at home, and due to limited time, home research will be helpful to keep students on track for their timeline. Students need to remember the rules about note taking and plagiarism as they do their research, and should use their Writer’s Express book as an aide to help them correctly site the sources they use. Students must have at least three sources, including, but not limited to one book.
Science:
Research on magnetic properties continues. We have two more magnetic inquiries to take part in, then electricity beckons! This week is also a good week for 5th grade students to review notes and concepts from previous science units; students will be surprised how much they really remember with a little time spent revisiting these science concepts.
Important Dates to Remember:
5/4-5/11 STAR testing
5/4 Literature Circles at 12:30 p.m.
5/12 - 5/15 Book Fair
5/19 Open House
5/22 Staff Learning Day - no school for students
CALIFORNIA TRIVIA!
Q: The Bay Bridge, built in 1936, links what two cities?
Good luck!
Mr. Roels & Miss Scourkes
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