Dear Room 20 & 21 parents and students,
We hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family. This is such a great time of year; we can reflect on all the good things in our lives, and we can share generously with those less fortunate than ourselves. This philosophy works in the classroom, at our jobs, and throughout our community. Programs like One Warm Coat that our school is participating in allows us all to make a clear demonstration of our holiday spirit. We encourage all families to join in helping those around us who need real warmth during the upcoming winter season.
Just a quick reminder that our blogsite addresses are:
Room 20 (Scourkes) http://rockhopperroom20.blogspot.com
Room 21 (Roels) http://gtfroom22.blogspot.com
Curriculum:
Language Arts
In Language Arts, we continuing to craft organized, multi-paragraph essays. Students are using their knowledge of basic paragraph structure to expand and create a longer, more detailed, multi-paragraph writing. Of course, we'll be practicing this craft on many occasions over the coming months! Students will be further introduced to the Accelerated Reader program, and we will be preparing to introduce our next segment of Literature Circles beginning next week.
*** Volunteer Opportunity! ***
Literature Circles begin next week! The dates will be Mondays and Thursdays, December 7, 10, 14, and 17th from 8:10- 9:00 am. If you were a volunteer last time and would like to join us again, we'd love to have you, and if you are someone who would like to try this for the first time, we welcome you! If you are interested in volunteering, please let us know right away!
Math
In 4th grade math, we will be wrapping up our initial study of division this week. We will be testing our understanding on Thursday, then we'll be moving into hands-on explorations of algebraic concepts- very fun and clearly enlightening!
In 5th grade math, we continue with the multiplication and division of fractions with both fractional parts and mixed numbers. Students are using area models and prime factorization as well as multiplication algorythms.
Social Studies
We continue our unit on explorers. Students are learning about events that are occurring in Europe and Asia that influenced the explorers to begin their voyages all over the world.
Science
Science is a mix of old and new this week. We will begin our first readings (and maybe even an initial investigation!) in our next unit, Living Systems. Also, this Wednesday we will have a wonderfully timed culmination to our Water Planet unit when we visit Chabot Space and Science Center. The Center offers a great mix of class time, interactive exhibits, and great history. Find out more from your student when they come home Wednesday afternoon!
Calendar of Events:
Wed., December 2: Chabot Space center field trip (leave Portal 8am, return to Portal approx. 3pm)
Thurs., December 3 4th Grade Math Test- Chapters 12/13
Fri., December 4: Report Cards go home
Mon. 12/7, Thur. 12/10, Mon. 12/14, Thur. 12/16 Literature Circles (8:10-9:00 am on each day listed)
Mon., December 7: Assembly - Ventriloquist Steve Chaney
Mon., December 14: Assembly - Rescheduled Lawrence Hall of Science
Mon., December 14: SSC 3:00
Tues., December 15: Math Olympiads 12:30
Tues., December 15: Barnes and Noble/Willow Street Pizza Night 4:00
Wed., December 16: PSCO 6:30
Fri., December 18: Spirit Day: Crazy Hair Day
Mon., December 21: Winter Recess Begins
MYSTERY STATE CLUES:
The oldest public library in the United States can be found in this state.
The oldest U.S. newspaper still being published was founded in this state in 1764.
The USS Nautilus -- the world's first nuclear-powered submarine -- was built in this state in 1954.
This state is the birthplace of American Revolutionary War patriot Nathan Hale, who is quoted as saying, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."
The "Constitution State" is this state's nickname.
Which state is it?
Sincerely,
Mr. Roels and Miss Scourkes
Rooms 20 & 21
Rockhopper Village
Portal School
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thanksgiving Week Reminders
Dear Room 20 & 21 parents and students,
There is just a couple of days in the classroom this week for us, then we'll be off to enjoy the company of our frends and family for the Thanksgiving holiday. Please take these days to reflect on how fortunate we really are to be living, working, and studying in this wonderful place! We're blessed with great weather, caring families, creative companies, and a school that's truly NUMBER ONE in so many respects. When we return from our extended holiday, we'll try to bring that "attitude of gratitude" to our activities at school- maximum effort and a positive approach to learning are the signs that we're thankful for our ability to learn and grow each day!
Just a quick reminder that our blogsite addresses are:
Room 20 (Scourkes) http://rockhopperroom20.blogspot.com
Room 21 (Roels) http://gtfroom22.blogspot.com
Curriculum:
Language Arts
In Language Arts, we are working on writing organized, multi-paragraph essays. Students will use their knowledge of basic paragraph structure to expand and create a longer, more detailed, multi-paragraph writing. Students will be further introduced to the Accelerated Reader program and we will continue to focus on the comprehension of non-fiction literature in addition to fictional stories.
Math
In 4th grade math, we are continuing our work on division, focusing on division rules, estimated quotients to check problem-solving, and the relationship between multiplication and division. A fun way of representing divisibility rules is our Divisibility Turkeys- Thanksgiving meets math!
In 5th grade math, we are introducing the multiplication and division of fractions with both fractional parts and mixed numbers. Students will continue to work on explaining their thinking and strengthening their problem solving skills.
Social Studies
We continue our unit on explorers. Students are learning about events that are occurring in Europe and Asia that influenced the explorers to begin their voyages all over the world. What an exciting time in history! Last week we did an activity where students had to identify certain foods just by smelling them, and then determine if they were foods that were "old world" originally from Europe, Asia, and Africa or "new world" from the Americas!
Science
In class, we have finished our Water Cycle posters, we've taken a popular vote (results revealed today), and now it's time for the judge to make his final decisions- the suspense is building! Since we only have science once this week, we'll be wrapping up our current unit with a cool HIstory Channel video on "The Universe." We will start a new science unit after Thanksgiving break. Please feel free to reread classroom book materials at home to reinforce our students understanding of the material in our just completed unit.
Calendar of Events:
Tues., November 17: Math Olympiads 12:30
Wed., November 18: 5th Grade Unit 4 test on fractions
Mon., November 23: Lawrence Hall of Science Assembly. Rescheduled from this week.
Mon., November 23: SSC meeting. 3:00
Wed., November 25- Fri., Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Holiday. No school.
Wed., December 2: Chabot Space center field trip
Fri., December 4: Report Cards go home
MYSTERY STATE CLUES:
This state has the tallest state capital in the United States.
At different points in its history, this state was owned by France and Spain.
This state's counties are called "parishes."
Ninety-eight percent of the world's crayfish are in this state.
Which state is it?
Sincerely,
Mr. Roels and Miss Scourkes
Rooms 20 & 21
Rockhopper Village
Portal School
There is just a couple of days in the classroom this week for us, then we'll be off to enjoy the company of our frends and family for the Thanksgiving holiday. Please take these days to reflect on how fortunate we really are to be living, working, and studying in this wonderful place! We're blessed with great weather, caring families, creative companies, and a school that's truly NUMBER ONE in so many respects. When we return from our extended holiday, we'll try to bring that "attitude of gratitude" to our activities at school- maximum effort and a positive approach to learning are the signs that we're thankful for our ability to learn and grow each day!
Just a quick reminder that our blogsite addresses are:
Room 20 (Scourkes) http://rockhopperroom20.blogspot.com
Room 21 (Roels) http://gtfroom22.blogspot.com
Curriculum:
Language Arts
In Language Arts, we are working on writing organized, multi-paragraph essays. Students will use their knowledge of basic paragraph structure to expand and create a longer, more detailed, multi-paragraph writing. Students will be further introduced to the Accelerated Reader program and we will continue to focus on the comprehension of non-fiction literature in addition to fictional stories.
Math
In 4th grade math, we are continuing our work on division, focusing on division rules, estimated quotients to check problem-solving, and the relationship between multiplication and division. A fun way of representing divisibility rules is our Divisibility Turkeys- Thanksgiving meets math!
In 5th grade math, we are introducing the multiplication and division of fractions with both fractional parts and mixed numbers. Students will continue to work on explaining their thinking and strengthening their problem solving skills.
Social Studies
We continue our unit on explorers. Students are learning about events that are occurring in Europe and Asia that influenced the explorers to begin their voyages all over the world. What an exciting time in history! Last week we did an activity where students had to identify certain foods just by smelling them, and then determine if they were foods that were "old world" originally from Europe, Asia, and Africa or "new world" from the Americas!
Science
In class, we have finished our Water Cycle posters, we've taken a popular vote (results revealed today), and now it's time for the judge to make his final decisions- the suspense is building! Since we only have science once this week, we'll be wrapping up our current unit with a cool HIstory Channel video on "The Universe." We will start a new science unit after Thanksgiving break. Please feel free to reread classroom book materials at home to reinforce our students understanding of the material in our just completed unit.
Calendar of Events:
Tues., November 17: Math Olympiads 12:30
Wed., November 18: 5th Grade Unit 4 test on fractions
Mon., November 23: Lawrence Hall of Science Assembly. Rescheduled from this week.
Mon., November 23: SSC meeting. 3:00
Wed., November 25- Fri., Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Holiday. No school.
Wed., December 2: Chabot Space center field trip
Fri., December 4: Report Cards go home
MYSTERY STATE CLUES:
This state has the tallest state capital in the United States.
At different points in its history, this state was owned by France and Spain.
This state's counties are called "parishes."
Ninety-eight percent of the world's crayfish are in this state.
Which state is it?
Sincerely,
Mr. Roels and Miss Scourkes
Rooms 20 & 21
Rockhopper Village
Portal School
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Let Us Remind You- Nov. 16-20
Dear Room 20 & 21 parents and students,
Welcome back Mr. Roels! As you know, the end of the trimester was on Friday, and teachers are currently working on report cards. This is the perfect time to have a discussion with your child about the goals that were set earlier in the year. It's the opportunity for the students to become self reflective and yet have guidance and input from you. How are they doing? Has there been progress? What steps have been taken at home and at school to meet the goals? For the goals that have been met, what are some new levels of success that can be reached?
Just a quick reminder that our blogsite addresses are:
Room 20 (Scourkes) http://rockhopperroom20.blogspot.com
Room 21 (Roels) http://gtfroom22.blogspot.com
Curriculum:
Language Arts
In Language Arts, we are working on writing organized, multi-paragraph essays. Students will use their knowledge of basic paragraph structure to expand and create a longer, more detailed, multi-paragraph writing. Students will be further introduced to the Accelerated Reader program and we will continue to focus on the comprehension of non-fiction literature in addition to fictional stories.
Math
In 4th grade math, we are continuing our work on division, focusing on division rules, estimated quotients to check problem-solving, and the relationship between multiplication and division. As always, we continue to work on expressing ourselves using mathematical terminology in our Problem of the Day activity.
In 5th grade math, we will be introducing the multiplication of fractions with both fractional parts and mixed numbers. Students will continue to work on explaining their thinking and strengthening their problem solving skills.
Social Studies
Students took thier geography test of the Middle Atlantic States last Thursday. Most students did well. Please be watching for this to come home for a parent signature. Also coming home this week are the Native American tests, which will also need a parent signature. The grades consist of a points score for objective questions, and 3 separate rubric scores for paragraph format answers. We've gone over the answers in class, talked about expectations, and shared models of the different scores. Your child should clearly be able to explain their scores. Last week, we started our unit on explorers. Students are learning about events that are occurring in Europe and Asia that influenced the explorers to begin their voyages all over the world. What an exciting time in history!
Science
In class, we are working in small cooperative groups to produce posters detailing the three phases of the water cycle. We're having a friendly "competition" to see which of our groups produces the most informative, eye-catching poster about evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. Each phase of the cycle will have its own "winner", chosen by our celebrity judge- ME! Ask your student how it's going so far; they really seem to be working well together in class. Since we will start a new science unit after Thanksgiving break, please feel free to reread classroom book materials at home to reinforce our students understanding of the material in this current unit.
Calendar of Events:
Mon., November 16: Lawrence Hall of Science Assembly
Tues., November 17: Math Olympiads 12:30
Wed., November 18: 5th Grade Unit 4 test on fractions
MYSTERY STATE CLUES:
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?
Sincerely,
Mr. Roels and Miss Scourkes
Rooms 20 & 21
Rockhopper Village
Portal School
Welcome back Mr. Roels! As you know, the end of the trimester was on Friday, and teachers are currently working on report cards. This is the perfect time to have a discussion with your child about the goals that were set earlier in the year. It's the opportunity for the students to become self reflective and yet have guidance and input from you. How are they doing? Has there been progress? What steps have been taken at home and at school to meet the goals? For the goals that have been met, what are some new levels of success that can be reached?
Just a quick reminder that our blogsite addresses are:
Room 20 (Scourkes) http://rockhopperroom20.blogspot.com
Room 21 (Roels) http://gtfroom22.blogspot.com
Curriculum:
Language Arts
In Language Arts, we are working on writing organized, multi-paragraph essays. Students will use their knowledge of basic paragraph structure to expand and create a longer, more detailed, multi-paragraph writing. Students will be further introduced to the Accelerated Reader program and we will continue to focus on the comprehension of non-fiction literature in addition to fictional stories.
Math
In 4th grade math, we are continuing our work on division, focusing on division rules, estimated quotients to check problem-solving, and the relationship between multiplication and division. As always, we continue to work on expressing ourselves using mathematical terminology in our Problem of the Day activity.
In 5th grade math, we will be introducing the multiplication of fractions with both fractional parts and mixed numbers. Students will continue to work on explaining their thinking and strengthening their problem solving skills.
Social Studies
Students took thier geography test of the Middle Atlantic States last Thursday. Most students did well. Please be watching for this to come home for a parent signature. Also coming home this week are the Native American tests, which will also need a parent signature. The grades consist of a points score for objective questions, and 3 separate rubric scores for paragraph format answers. We've gone over the answers in class, talked about expectations, and shared models of the different scores. Your child should clearly be able to explain their scores. Last week, we started our unit on explorers. Students are learning about events that are occurring in Europe and Asia that influenced the explorers to begin their voyages all over the world. What an exciting time in history!
Science
In class, we are working in small cooperative groups to produce posters detailing the three phases of the water cycle. We're having a friendly "competition" to see which of our groups produces the most informative, eye-catching poster about evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. Each phase of the cycle will have its own "winner", chosen by our celebrity judge- ME! Ask your student how it's going so far; they really seem to be working well together in class. Since we will start a new science unit after Thanksgiving break, please feel free to reread classroom book materials at home to reinforce our students understanding of the material in this current unit.
Calendar of Events:
Mon., November 16: Lawrence Hall of Science Assembly
Tues., November 17: Math Olympiads 12:30
Wed., November 18: 5th Grade Unit 4 test on fractions
MYSTERY STATE CLUES:
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?
Sincerely,
Mr. Roels and Miss Scourkes
Rooms 20 & 21
Rockhopper Village
Portal School
Monday, November 9, 2009
November 9-13 Reminders & News
Dear Room 20 & 21 parents and students,
We hope you had a wonderful weekend. Mr. Roels has been very busy adjusting to his new family. His son, Soichiro, was born on Monday morning, November 2. Although his home life is exciting and new, our work here at school continues to be is business as usual. We are thinking of Mr. Roels and looking forward to hearing all about his new little boy!
Just a quick reminder that our blogsite addresses are:
Room 20 (Scourkes) http://rockhopperroom20.blogspot.com
Room 21 (Roels) http://gtfroom22.blogspot.com
Curriculum:
Language Arts
In Language Arts, this week we have our first oral presentations of the year. They will continue tomorrow and Thursday. The Rockhopper Reading Contract is due on Friday. Please make sure that you have reviewed all books with your child before you sign off on each book - ideally, the book should be discussed together as soon as it is finished. In class, we continue with prepositions and summary writing.
Math
In 4th grade math, we are starting our work on division, beginning with hands-on activities and division rules to create a good foundation for our more intense problem-solving.
In 5th grade math, we have finished our current algebra unit and are back to fractions, decimals and percentages. Students will be working with pattern blocks to show the addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators. They have learned to add and subtract both fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators and will be applying these skills in different problem solving areas. We will be having a unit test on these concepts on Wednesday, November 18.
Social Studies
Coming up next, in social studies, will be learning the states and capitals of the next set of United States and then moving on to world explorers, including the famous Spanish conquistadors! This next unit will include history and background of events occurring in the rest of the world during this time period.
Science
The concentration will beon weather continues as we wrap up our work on "The Water Planet." Our research will be based largely on book reading during this week, so please feel free to reread classroom book materials at home to reinforce our students understanding of the material.
Calendar of Events:
Wed., November 11: Veteran's Day. NO SCHOOL!
Mon., Tues., and Thur., November 9, 10, and 12: Oral Presentations in class
Thur. November 12: Geography Quiz - NOTE THE DATE CHANGE
Fri., November 13: Reading Contracts are due
Fri., November 13: Last day of the first trimester.
Fri., November 13: School Picture Day: Make-up pictures only.
Mon., November 16: Lawrence Hall of Science Assembly
Tues., November 17: Math Olympiads 12:30
Wed., November 18: 5th Grade Unit 4 test on fractions
MYSTERY STATE CLUES:
This state is the easternmost prairie state.
The Wabash & Erie Canal, which operated from 1833 to 1874, increased the population and commerce in this state.
This state hosts a famous car race.
Forty-one miles of this state's border are along Lake Michigan.
This state's name means "Land of the Indians."
Which state is it?
Sincerely,
Mr. Roels and Miss Scourkes
Rooms 20 & 21
Rockhopper Village
Portal School
We hope you had a wonderful weekend. Mr. Roels has been very busy adjusting to his new family. His son, Soichiro, was born on Monday morning, November 2. Although his home life is exciting and new, our work here at school continues to be is business as usual. We are thinking of Mr. Roels and looking forward to hearing all about his new little boy!
Just a quick reminder that our blogsite addresses are:
Room 20 (Scourkes) http://rockhopperroom20.blogspot.com
Room 21 (Roels) http://gtfroom22.blogspot.com
Curriculum:
Language Arts
In Language Arts, this week we have our first oral presentations of the year. They will continue tomorrow and Thursday. The Rockhopper Reading Contract is due on Friday. Please make sure that you have reviewed all books with your child before you sign off on each book - ideally, the book should be discussed together as soon as it is finished. In class, we continue with prepositions and summary writing.
Math
In 4th grade math, we are starting our work on division, beginning with hands-on activities and division rules to create a good foundation for our more intense problem-solving.
In 5th grade math, we have finished our current algebra unit and are back to fractions, decimals and percentages. Students will be working with pattern blocks to show the addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators. They have learned to add and subtract both fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators and will be applying these skills in different problem solving areas. We will be having a unit test on these concepts on Wednesday, November 18.
Social Studies
Coming up next, in social studies, will be learning the states and capitals of the next set of United States and then moving on to world explorers, including the famous Spanish conquistadors! This next unit will include history and background of events occurring in the rest of the world during this time period.
Science
The concentration will beon weather continues as we wrap up our work on "The Water Planet." Our research will be based largely on book reading during this week, so please feel free to reread classroom book materials at home to reinforce our students understanding of the material.
Calendar of Events:
Wed., November 11: Veteran's Day. NO SCHOOL!
Mon., Tues., and Thur., November 9, 10, and 12: Oral Presentations in class
Thur. November 12: Geography Quiz - NOTE THE DATE CHANGE
Fri., November 13: Reading Contracts are due
Fri., November 13: Last day of the first trimester.
Fri., November 13: School Picture Day: Make-up pictures only.
Mon., November 16: Lawrence Hall of Science Assembly
Tues., November 17: Math Olympiads 12:30
Wed., November 18: 5th Grade Unit 4 test on fractions
MYSTERY STATE CLUES:
This state is the easternmost prairie state.
The Wabash & Erie Canal, which operated from 1833 to 1874, increased the population and commerce in this state.
This state hosts a famous car race.
Forty-one miles of this state's border are along Lake Michigan.
This state's name means "Land of the Indians."
Which state is it?
Sincerely,
Mr. Roels and Miss Scourkes
Rooms 20 & 21
Rockhopper Village
Portal School
Sunday, November 1, 2009
First Week of November Reminders
Dear Room 20 & 21 parents and students,
After a VERY busy week that included our Halloween Parade and Ice Cream Social, a big social studies test, and our first literature circles, we move to a more calm and quiet week. All of us that is, except Mr. Roels, whose first baby is due to be born any day now! Mr. Roels will be out of his classroom this week to attend to his wife and new baby (when he arrives.) We are thinking of you, Mr. Roels, and wish you the BEST of luck and happiness!
Just a quick reminder that our blogsite addresses are:
Room 20 (Scourkes) http://rockhopperroom20.blogspot.com
Room 21 (Roels) http://gtfroom22.blogspot.com
Curriculum:
Language Arts
In Language Arts, this week we are completing our first trimester literature circles. A great big thank you to those parents who volunteered to help out! We've received very positive feedback about how interesting and fun monitoring a group can be. Just a quick reminder, that if you have committed to help, but are unable to do so, we really appreciate it when you let us know that you're not able to come. We really do count on you! In addition to literature circles, this week we'll be working on summary writing, comprehension of non-fiction materials, and prepositions. We will also continue to work on our peer editing skills. Finally, students were assigned (or will be assigned) their oral presentation dates - either November 9, 10 or 12. We discuss the expectations in class, and your child will be given a copy of the stated expectations.
Math
In 4th grade math, we are immersed in a thorough unit on multiplication in all its facets. We'll test our understanding of this operation this Friday in class.
In 5th grade math, we are finishing our algebra unit. Students have been working on their definitions of the different properties of multiplication and addition so that they may be applied to their algebraic equations. We also continue our Problem of the Week and move on to some new fraction concepts.
Social Studies
Coming up next, in social studies, will be learning the states and capitals of the next set of United States and then moving on to world explorers, including the famous Spanish conquistadors! This next unit will include history and background of events occurring in the rest of the world during this time period.
Science
This week we return to our study of the "Water Planet" curriculum; the concentration will be on weather! Our research will be based strictly on book reading during this week, so please feel free to reread classroom book materials at home to reinforce our students' understanding of the material. At the end of the week, we'll take a bit of time to look carefully at our OWN weather conditions and make predictions about future conditions.
Calendar of Events:
Mon., November 2 and Wed., November 4 :
5th Grade Parents: Human Growth and Development Preview 7:00 p.m. at the Meyerholtz School GLC
Wed. November 4: 5th grade Algebra Math Test - Unit 3
Fri., November 6: 4th grade Math Test - Chapters 10 and 11
Wed., November 11: Veteran's Day. NO SCHOOL!
Mon., Tues., and Thur., November 9, 10, and 12: Oral Presentations in class
Fri., November 13: Reading Contracts are due
Fri., November 13: Last day of the first trimester.
Fri., November 13: School Picture Day: Make-up pictures only.
MYSTERY STATE CLUES:
This state became a state on Valentine's Day.
This state is the top producer of copper in the United States.
Telephone numbers that begin with the area code 623 can be found in this state.
The palo verde, which is Spanish for "green stick," is this state's official state tree.
Which state is it?
Sincerely,
Mr. Roels and Miss Scourkes
Rooms 20 & 21
Rockhopper Village
Portal School
After a VERY busy week that included our Halloween Parade and Ice Cream Social, a big social studies test, and our first literature circles, we move to a more calm and quiet week. All of us that is, except Mr. Roels, whose first baby is due to be born any day now! Mr. Roels will be out of his classroom this week to attend to his wife and new baby (when he arrives.) We are thinking of you, Mr. Roels, and wish you the BEST of luck and happiness!
Just a quick reminder that our blogsite addresses are:
Room 20 (Scourkes) http://rockhopperroom20.blogspot.com
Room 21 (Roels) http://gtfroom22.blogspot.com
Curriculum:
Language Arts
In Language Arts, this week we are completing our first trimester literature circles. A great big thank you to those parents who volunteered to help out! We've received very positive feedback about how interesting and fun monitoring a group can be. Just a quick reminder, that if you have committed to help, but are unable to do so, we really appreciate it when you let us know that you're not able to come. We really do count on you! In addition to literature circles, this week we'll be working on summary writing, comprehension of non-fiction materials, and prepositions. We will also continue to work on our peer editing skills. Finally, students were assigned (or will be assigned) their oral presentation dates - either November 9, 10 or 12. We discuss the expectations in class, and your child will be given a copy of the stated expectations.
Math
In 4th grade math, we are immersed in a thorough unit on multiplication in all its facets. We'll test our understanding of this operation this Friday in class.
In 5th grade math, we are finishing our algebra unit. Students have been working on their definitions of the different properties of multiplication and addition so that they may be applied to their algebraic equations. We also continue our Problem of the Week and move on to some new fraction concepts.
Social Studies
Coming up next, in social studies, will be learning the states and capitals of the next set of United States and then moving on to world explorers, including the famous Spanish conquistadors! This next unit will include history and background of events occurring in the rest of the world during this time period.
Science
This week we return to our study of the "Water Planet" curriculum; the concentration will be on weather! Our research will be based strictly on book reading during this week, so please feel free to reread classroom book materials at home to reinforce our students' understanding of the material. At the end of the week, we'll take a bit of time to look carefully at our OWN weather conditions and make predictions about future conditions.
Calendar of Events:
Mon., November 2 and Wed., November 4 :
5th Grade Parents: Human Growth and Development Preview 7:00 p.m. at the Meyerholtz School GLC
Wed. November 4: 5th grade Algebra Math Test - Unit 3
Fri., November 6: 4th grade Math Test - Chapters 10 and 11
Wed., November 11: Veteran's Day. NO SCHOOL!
Mon., Tues., and Thur., November 9, 10, and 12: Oral Presentations in class
Fri., November 13: Reading Contracts are due
Fri., November 13: Last day of the first trimester.
Fri., November 13: School Picture Day: Make-up pictures only.
MYSTERY STATE CLUES:
This state became a state on Valentine's Day.
This state is the top producer of copper in the United States.
Telephone numbers that begin with the area code 623 can be found in this state.
The palo verde, which is Spanish for "green stick," is this state's official state tree.
Which state is it?
Sincerely,
Mr. Roels and Miss Scourkes
Rooms 20 & 21
Rockhopper Village
Portal School
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