Dear Room 20 & 21 parents and students,
We hope you had a great weekend! After our staff learning day, we are excited to be back and implementing ideas that were discussed throughout the day today. We have a short, but busy, week that includes literature circles, our first social studies test, the introduction of Accelerated Reader - a new component to our reading program, and our Halloween Parade.
Just a quick reminder that our blogsite addresses are:
Room 20 (Scourkes) http://rockhopperroom20.blogspot.com
Room 21 (Roels) http://gtfroom22.blogspot.com
Volunteers Still Needed!
In Language Arts, we will still be happy to include volunteers to help with literature circles this week and next week! We have parents who've already signed up to help in this area, but if you'd like to spend 45 minutes to 1 hour two times a week for two weeks helping out in the class, we would love to add you to our group. The dates will be Tues. Oct 27, Thursday, Oct. 29, Tuesday, Nov. 3, and Thursday, November 5 from 8:15 - 9:00.
Please us know if you're interested!
Curriculum:
Language Arts
The summary format of writing remains our primary focus for this week. Rich content and sound structure in our writing is emphasized. We'll work together with our peers to edit and revise our summary rough drafts as well.
This week, we begin our first literature circles. Students will have the opportunity to discuss a book that interests them with their peers in a thoughtful, organized fashion. If you haven't signed up to volunteer and would like to participate, please let us know. Thank you to those parents who have agreed to join us this week; we know it will be a lively, informative experience for you!
Finally, our in-class activities will feature grammatical work with adverb types along with nonfiction reading using several editions of Time for Kids.
Math
In 4th grade math, we are testing our understanding of the creation and use of expressions in mathematics. Then, we follow up with a thorough unit on multiplication in all its facets.
In 5th grade math, we continue with our algebra unit. Students seem to be enjoying this unit and are showing strong logic skills. They've begun to solve equations for variables and to express their thinking in writing.
Social Studies
In social studies, we continue to review our notes for our social studies test this Thursday. Please feel free to help you child with their study techniques. They've been given ideas in class of how to study, but may need additional assistance at home. The test will include paragraph, short answer, fill in the blank, multiple choice, and map work. Coming up next, will also be learning the states and capitals of the next set of United States.
Thank you to all of the parents who helped with wampum belts! They are turning out beautifully! They will be displayed in class this next trimester before being sent home.
Science
We finish up our concentration on personal health and sound decision-making in our lives that occupied us this past week. Our class topic will be peer pressure and how to effectively deal with this in our lives. Reviewing water cycle elements and going further into our "Water Planet" curriculum will also be part of our week.
Calendar of Events:
Monday, October 26: Learning Day. No school for students.
Tuesday, October 27: First day of Literature Circles
Tuesday, October 27: 8:15 Parent/Principal Exchange
Wednesday, October 28: PSCO Meeting 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 29: Native American Social Studies test
Thursday, October 29: Second day of Literature Circles
Thursday, October 30: Halloween Parade 3:30 p.m.
Monday, November 2 and Wednesday, November 4 :
5th Grade Parents: Human Growth and Development Preview 7:00 p.m. at the Meyerholtz School GLC
MYSTERY STATE CLUES:
• The second-oldest city in the nation is located in this state.
This state is named after a British king.
The Girl Scouts were founded in this state in 1912.
Former President Jimmy Carter is a native of this state.
Which state is it?
Sincerely,
Mr. Roels and Miss Scourkes
Rooms 20 & 21
Rockhopper Village
Portal School
Monday, October 26, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Oct. 19 Weekly Reminders
Dear Room 20 & 21 parents and students,
Just a quick reminder that our blogsite addresses are:
Room 20 (Scourkes) http://rockhopperroom20.blogspot.com
Room 21 (Roels) http://gtfroom22.blogspot.com
Welcome back to school! We hope the break was invigorating for all of you. It's great to have an opportunity to enjoy the great fall weather and the company of friends and family. Now, we return to the wonderful friends we have at school, which includes your teachers, of course! There are many fantastic activities to look forward to this next week or two, so get prepared for a fun finish to the first trimester.
Volunteers Still Needed!
In Language Arts, we are still in need volunteers to help with literature circles next week. We have contacted parents who've signed up to help in this area, but if you'd like to spend 45 minutes to 1 hour two times a week for two weeks helping out in the class, we would love to have your help. The dates will be Tues. Oct 27, Thursday, Oct. 29, Tuesday, Nov. 3, and Thursday, November 5 from 8:15 - 9:00.
Please us know if you're interested!
Curriculum:
Language Arts
This week we'll be using Stone Fox to introduce the summary format of writing. Rich content and sound structure in our writing is emphasized. After we practice the format, we'll use other fiction material to independently produce a high quality summary of the literature we read.
This week, we will also be introducing our first literature circles. Students will have the opportunity to choose a book that interests them, and then participate in group discussions regarding the book they have chosen. We have contacted parents who have said they would like to volunteer for this fun activity, but if you haven't signed up to volunteer and would like to participate, please let us know!
Math
In 4th grade math, we are going into more depth in the creation and use of expressions in mathematics. Understanding the order of operations when presented with expressions is the first concept addressed. Once this is established, the ability to describe real-life situations numerically will be our key focus area.
In 5th grade math, we are beginning our algebra unit. Today students reviewed an activity that was used last year, in which they were to use blocks, make a pattern and derive a generalization (rule) to explain the pattern. They were introduced to "growing patterns" today and used variables to derive a generalization that went with the pattern they saw. They will spend the week creating patterns and generalizations written in algebraic equations.
Social Studies
In social studies, we are reviewing our notes for our social studies test on Thursday, Oct. 29. Please feel free to help you child with their study techniques. They've been given ideas in class of how to study, but may need additional assistance at home. The test will include paragraph, short answer, fill in the blank, multiple choice, and map work.
We are also weaving our wampum belts this week. This is a great craft project that is always enjoyed by the students. Thank you to the parents who dyed macaroni ( wampum beads) and the parents who will be helping in the classroom this week, beginning on Wednesday.
Science
We'll be taking a respite from our study of the "Water Planet" this week as we concentrate on personal health and sound decision-making in our lives. This mini-unit is connected to our school Red Ribbon Week program, which is a daily reminder to all of us to live productive, vigorous, drug-free lives! Our class topics will include: decision-making, peer pressure, smoking and alcohol use, and making the most of your mistakes. As our students approach their middle school years, having a positive self-image and good communication skills are vital for a fulfilling personal, school, and professional life.
Calendar of Events:
Monday, October 19 - Friday, October 23: Red Ribbon Week
Tuesday, October 20: First Project Cornerstone Lesson of the Year
Friday, October 23: Spirit Day - Wear Red!
Monday, October 26: Learning Day. No school for students.
Tuesday, October 27: First day of Literature Circles
Thursday, October 29: Native American Social Studies test
Thursday, October 29: Second day of Literature Circles
MYSTERY STATE CLUES:
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.
Which state is it?
Sincerely,
Mr. Roels and Miss Scourkes
Rooms 20 & 21
Rockhopper Village
Portal School
Just a quick reminder that our blogsite addresses are:
Room 20 (Scourkes) http://rockhopperroom20.blogspot.com
Room 21 (Roels) http://gtfroom22.blogspot.com
Welcome back to school! We hope the break was invigorating for all of you. It's great to have an opportunity to enjoy the great fall weather and the company of friends and family. Now, we return to the wonderful friends we have at school, which includes your teachers, of course! There are many fantastic activities to look forward to this next week or two, so get prepared for a fun finish to the first trimester.
Volunteers Still Needed!
In Language Arts, we are still in need volunteers to help with literature circles next week. We have contacted parents who've signed up to help in this area, but if you'd like to spend 45 minutes to 1 hour two times a week for two weeks helping out in the class, we would love to have your help. The dates will be Tues. Oct 27, Thursday, Oct. 29, Tuesday, Nov. 3, and Thursday, November 5 from 8:15 - 9:00.
Please us know if you're interested!
Curriculum:
Language Arts
This week we'll be using Stone Fox to introduce the summary format of writing. Rich content and sound structure in our writing is emphasized. After we practice the format, we'll use other fiction material to independently produce a high quality summary of the literature we read.
This week, we will also be introducing our first literature circles. Students will have the opportunity to choose a book that interests them, and then participate in group discussions regarding the book they have chosen. We have contacted parents who have said they would like to volunteer for this fun activity, but if you haven't signed up to volunteer and would like to participate, please let us know!
Math
In 4th grade math, we are going into more depth in the creation and use of expressions in mathematics. Understanding the order of operations when presented with expressions is the first concept addressed. Once this is established, the ability to describe real-life situations numerically will be our key focus area.
In 5th grade math, we are beginning our algebra unit. Today students reviewed an activity that was used last year, in which they were to use blocks, make a pattern and derive a generalization (rule) to explain the pattern. They were introduced to "growing patterns" today and used variables to derive a generalization that went with the pattern they saw. They will spend the week creating patterns and generalizations written in algebraic equations.
Social Studies
In social studies, we are reviewing our notes for our social studies test on Thursday, Oct. 29. Please feel free to help you child with their study techniques. They've been given ideas in class of how to study, but may need additional assistance at home. The test will include paragraph, short answer, fill in the blank, multiple choice, and map work.
We are also weaving our wampum belts this week. This is a great craft project that is always enjoyed by the students. Thank you to the parents who dyed macaroni ( wampum beads) and the parents who will be helping in the classroom this week, beginning on Wednesday.
Science
We'll be taking a respite from our study of the "Water Planet" this week as we concentrate on personal health and sound decision-making in our lives. This mini-unit is connected to our school Red Ribbon Week program, which is a daily reminder to all of us to live productive, vigorous, drug-free lives! Our class topics will include: decision-making, peer pressure, smoking and alcohol use, and making the most of your mistakes. As our students approach their middle school years, having a positive self-image and good communication skills are vital for a fulfilling personal, school, and professional life.
Calendar of Events:
Monday, October 19 - Friday, October 23: Red Ribbon Week
Tuesday, October 20: First Project Cornerstone Lesson of the Year
Friday, October 23: Spirit Day - Wear Red!
Monday, October 26: Learning Day. No school for students.
Tuesday, October 27: First day of Literature Circles
Thursday, October 29: Native American Social Studies test
Thursday, October 29: Second day of Literature Circles
MYSTERY STATE CLUES:
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.
Which state is it?
Sincerely,
Mr. Roels and Miss Scourkes
Rooms 20 & 21
Rockhopper Village
Portal School
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