The First June Reminders

Rockhopper Weekly Reminders

June 3 - June 7

Mark Your Calendars:

• Students should return overdue books to the library promptly.
• Thursday, June 6: Rooms 20 & 21 Performance of Gold Dust or Bust
• Monday, June 10- Friday, June 14: Fifth Grade Human Growth and Development
• Tuesday, June 11th:  Lunch on the Lawn
• Friday, June 14th: Math DVDs due - library
• Monday, June 17th: Parent Volunteer Brunch
• Monday, June 24th: CA Academy of Sciences End of the year trip
• Wednesday, June 26th: 5th grade Promotion Ceremony, report cards go home & last day of school

Curriculum Flash!

Language Arts

Our reading of Bridge to Terabithia takes us to the climax of the story.  We have been discussing and reflecting on the impact of fear in our lives to help prepare ourselves for the intense chapters to come. We’ve also compared the main characters’ responses to the wicked conditions they’ve faced to visit the refuge that is Terabithia. Rockhopper classes will be reading through Chapter 11 this week.  

Math:

4th grade:

We start our final math unit this week- probability.  After reviewing basic terminology, our classes will describe probability in fractional terms.  We’ll also learn how to chart possible outcomes using at least two different techniques.  Then, we’ll apply our knowledge to a terrific Interact experience called “Game Factory.”  Our students will be evaluating the fairness of a series of games as they play them with their peers.  If we have enough time before the school year ends, we’ll even create our OWN fair games to play.  Cross your fingers- I think we have a “chance!”

5th grade:

This week we wrap up our unit on graphing and data collection and begin “Biz World” -  our business model simulation game.  Students will work together to create bracelet making companies, manufacture a product, and price, market, and sell their bracelets.  The students will be working on this project until June 21.   

Social Studies:  

What a fantastic job our students did on their Wax Museum for Open House!  We hope you were able to come by and hear one of the “characters” from the Gold Rush teach their listeners all about what they’ve learned over these last several weeks. It was so great to see the students actively present the information they’ve researched and studied for the last month!  This week we’ll continue to tie together everything that we’ve learned about the Gold Rush.

Science:

Investigation 5 in the Environments unit will be the focus of our remaining science studies. Our classes will try to get a better understanding of the issues of water and salt tolerance among various plants.  Both live investigation materials and supporting book materials will be used to advance our classes’ knowledge in this area.

CA Trivia:

Who is the current governor of California, and what years did he serve previously?