Fifth Grade Update February 27, 2016
Teacher Thoughts
Your children have all been given beautiful names by you. Please encourage them to use their names when turning in work. It makes it much easier for us to give credit to the appropriate student. Unidentified work cannot be posted to Power School which leads to empty spaces. With the third trimester starting next week, let’s make this a small goal. Please encourage your child to make a larger academic goal(s) also so that they finish the year strong. Suggestions may include turning all work in on time, improving a grade in a specific subject, and/or making the merit or honor role. In order to reach these goals, it is also encouraged to make a plan that outlines good habits that will help your child be successful in reaching his/her a goal(s).
Subject News
ReligionOur discussions this week have centered on the Communion of Saints, which includes the Saints in Heaven, the Souls in Purgatory, and the Believers on Earth. Students showed great concern about purgatory. This may be a subject that you may want to continue discussing at home. We also continued discussions on how making good choices helps us to shine our light on the world like Jesus asked of the disciples. / Reading
Our novel study of Hatchet is wrapping up. We will have the last Novel Notes Assignment and quiz covering vocabulary and reading skills that have been addressed next week. We will then be spending more time becoming familiar with what the new Aspire test will look like by continuing to examine quizlets, reading strategies and the importance of answering open response questions thoroughly.
Math
Students are getting the hang of how to find the least common denominator when adding and subtracting fractions with unlike fractions with small denominators. Using prime factorization to find least common denominators will be introduced next week. / Language Arts
We have completed our unit on capitalization and punctuation and will begin a unit on pronouns. The Stations of the Cross are our focus for writing prompts throughout Lent.
Science
Our study of matter will continue by examining mixtures and solutions and comparing them to elements, molecules and compounds. / Social Studies
Students have focused on the Declaration of Independence and the risks involved for those who created the document. Students were paired with a partner, given famous quotations centering on the Declaration, and instructed to create a visual representation of the quote. Their work and explanations were wonderful.
The Coming Week at a Glance
Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday / FridayReading Logs due / Social Studies Quiz
Religion Test / TFK and Hatchet Quiz / Spelling Test
Final Thoughts…
As was mentioned in a previous email, bringing water bottles to school is encouraged. Yet, the problem with empty disposable bottles has continued. Therefore, bottled water should now be brought in reusable containers only. Doing so will help students be more responsible for the more identifiable container, and our Earth will be happier (teachers, too). Thank you.
We use a lot of school supplies during the year. Please ask your student if they need to replenish any supplies like ERASABLE pens, scissors, or notebooks.
Sister Faustina happened to be in the library today while Room 204 was there. She asked if she could have a few minutes of our time to present an opportunity to the students – The Living Stations of the Cross. Typically this beautiful presentation is open for 6th, 7th and 8th graders to participate, however, due to Good Friday being during Spring Break there is a need for more students. If your child would like to participate, practices will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:40 – 4:30. Participants will also be treated to a Pizza Party at a time to be determined.