Hello families!
It has been a whirlwind of a few weeks since we've been back from Winter Break. With snow days, short weeks, and preparing for our big Biztown trip, I have not updated the blog in awhile. Prepare for a lengthy, but informational, post.
Math: We are wrapping up math unit 4. We took a mid-unit check in "mini quiz" this week. Some students have received an extra decimals practice packet if they chose to pick one up. We will probably be testing on Friday of this upcoming week (2/2), so the packet would be a good resource to practice with before the test. That is also the day that Book Projects are due, but I think we will have plenty of time to review in class throughout next week. If something changes with the dates, of course I will let you all know.
Reading & Writing: We have spent a lot of time reading independently and in partners the past few weeks. I am hoping to start assigning reading assignments online for kids to complete in class via an app on their iPads called ReadWorks. Also, I am in the process of grading informational writing. There should be writing grades in the grade book by the time we meet for conferences. I would love to discuss writing progress and goals during those meetings with each family.
Science: We have finished up Earth's Systems and have moved on to Space Systems. We talked about why the Earth experiences day and night, and how the Earth rotates. Next week I hope to teach moon phases and seasons.
Other Information:
-Parent Teacher Student Conferences will be held the week of Feb. 12-15. There is information in your student's Friday folder that will come home today. Please fill out the form and send it back ASAP so I can begin scheduling those conferences.
-I will be sending a link, sharing a folder, or somehow sharing all of our Biztown pictures once the other fifth grade teachers have put in their pictures from the day. Thank you to all of the parents and volunteers that came! Also, a huge thanks to our amazing PTA that makes that field trip possible for our fifth graders.
-A safety patrol meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 13 after school until 3:45. If your student is in Safety Patrol, please do not sign up for a conference during that time. I am holding student-led conferences again this trimester.
-Our next book project is due Friday, February 2
Upcoming Dates:
-2/1: Spelling Bee at 10:10 in the gym
-2/2: Book project due, Math test
-2/5: No school, teacher workday
-2/12-2/20: Book fair
-2/12-2/15: Conferences
-2/13: Safety patrol meeting until 3:45
-2/14: Valentine's Day Party 1:45 (sign up here to donate: Valentine's Party)
-2/16: No school, conferences
-2/19: No school, President's Day
-2/20: Special Friends and Family Day during specials (10:10)
-2/23: Decade day
-2/28: Yearbook order forms due
As always, please email me with any questions, comments, or concerns. I look forward to meeting with you all in the coming weeks!
Mary Sanders
