The 2010 parent survey is now on-line! It takes about 30 minutes to complete -- and your participation is vital. Please answer the survey as honestly as you can -- your input will help us provide the best education possible for your student as well as continuously improve our school.
Look for the action item at the end of the survey so we will know that you have completed your survey! We're looking for 100% participation!
Please click on this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/portal2010
The deadline is March 5th. Please help us to meet our goal!
Thank you to those parents who have already completed the survey!
Volunteers Needed:
On Thursday, April 1, 2010, Rooms 20 and 21 will be presenting a brand new fine arts performance entitled "U.S. Presidents." It's going to be a phenomenal show, and our performers are already preparing themselves for this exciting night. Now, we need some enthusiastic parents to help us put together an eye-catching backdrop, and assist with costume and prop needs. If you're interested, please return the form that will be sent home this week and return it on or BEFORE Monday, March 1.
Language Arts
While our reading of Dear Mr. Henshaw continues, the bulk of attention this week will be devoted to the persuasive writing genre. We'll be discussing the purpose of persuasive writing, tips for constructing a persuasive piece, and how a writer can evaluate the quality of their persuasive work. Our classes will work in small groups to discuss examples of persuasion and propose arguments for & against particular positions. We'll begin writing our own persuasive essay as the week concludes.
On the spelling front, our root word study continues. These Latin and Greek roots are the basis for meaning in a huge number of English words. Some of the words we're studying are very tough to spell and understand, so we have been working on definitions and word use in class, as well as sorting these words to increase our recognition of roots. We're also completing definition worksheets on Wednesdays for additional support. We recommend keeping a good dictionary handy during the coming weeks! Please note that we have adjusted the total amount of words to 14 at this point.
Math
In 4th grade math, we've transitioned from fraction work to the related study of decimals. Since these concepts are so closely linked, we'll continue to use fractions to solidify our understanding of decimals representing parts of a whole.
In 5th grade math, we're beginning our Geometry Unit. We've begun with a review of basic vocabulary and angle measurement. We'll be using our protractors to refine our ability to measure angles and then move on to our study of triangles and quadrilaterals.
Social Studies
Students are currently working on their Explorer Keynote Projects and will begin their essays soon. These will be the culminating activities of our Explorer Unit. The graded tests went home today. Please be sure to ask your child to share their test with you. A parent signature is required for tomorrow.
Science
Our Living Systems unit is drawing to a close. We'll prepare to test our understanding of these concepts with another I-Check on Thursday this week. Review of the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration will be key to a successful I-Check. We've done a LOT of work with these concepts in class, so we simply need to apply what we already know to successfully respond to our I-Check questions. We'll also be finishing up some great posters on nutrients, food groups, and regional diets. Finally, the unit will be concluding with a technology project to be introduced on Friday (if time allows)- more details to come soon. Homework note: Kitchen Science is due NEXT week, Tuesday, March 2.
Calendar of Events: (Please note that new dates have been added!)
February:
Mon., 2/22 SSC Meeting 3:00
Mon., 2/22 PSCO Meeting 6:30
Tues., 2/23 Parent Principal Exchange 8:15 am
Wed., 2/24 Possible date for I-Check, Investigation 3 in Science
Wed. 2/24 Special School Spirt Day! Wear your spirt wear!
Wed., 2/24 Washington, D.C. Planning Meeting 6:30
Fri., 2/26 Spirit Day: Red, White, and Blue Day
March:
Mon., 3/1 Field Trip to the Sunnyvale Children's Theater for a performance of "The Cay"
Mon., 3/1 5th Grade Fitness Testing
Tues., 3/2 5th Grade District Writing Test
Tues., 3/2 5th Grade Hearing test
Thur., 3/4 Middle School Parent Information Night - Cupertino at 6:00, Miller at 7:00
Mon., 3/8 Student Outdoor School Presentation
Tues., 3/9 Class Picture Day
Wed., 3/10 Parent Outdoor School Presentation
Tues., 3/11 Field Trip: Sunnyvale Children's Theater - "The Cay"
Mon., 3/15 Learning Day - NO SCHOOL
3/18 - 3/26 Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences - 12:30 DISMISSAL EVERY DAY
Thurs., 3/25 Middle School Parent Information Night - Lawson at 6:30
Fri., 3/26 Spirit Day: Crazy Socks Day!
MYSTERY STATE CLUES:
- 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.
- The Wright brothers flew the first aircraft in this state in 1903.
- Which state is it?
