12/17

We have had a great day today! Thank you so very, very much for your generosity today, from snacks at our party to goodies for the kids and for the teachers! We love each and every one of you!

First Baptist Church gave each student a black toboggan hat with a panther paw! We asked students to write their names in the tags in the top so that they will be able to keep up with them.

A few updates:
*Students who brought their biography projects and presented today earned five bonus points.
*Students who did not present today need to present on Monday 1/3/11 (no late penalty).
*We have rescheduled the movie for Wed. 1/5/11. A new permission slip will be sent home 1/3/11 to be signed and returned. The cost is $5 if not already paid.

We wish you all a very happy holiday season! Stay warm and stay safe.

Let's Say Thanks!

If you go to the web site, Let's Say Thanks, you can pick out a thank you card, and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier who is currently stationed overseas. You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services. How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!!

It is FREE and it only takes a few seconds.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these?

This takes just 10 seconds, and it's a wonderful way to say thank you. Please take the time, and please take the time to pass it on for others to do. We can never say enough thank yous.

Thanks for taking the time to support our military! Don’t forget, freedom is never FREE.

12/10

Have a safe and great weekend! Be sure to read your AR book. Also, if you are behind in AM, finish a practice or exercise.

Computer Lab 12/8

It is time to take the STAR Reading and STAR Math tests! Do your very best! On your math test, please work out your problems. Don't guess if you don't have to. Be certain you have the correct answer.

Then, you may finish up any work (Brainpop, Math Facts in a Flash, projects, etc.) that you need to do. Please choose wisely!

12/6

Sp. in agenda in ABC order
Read your AR book! December is short month for your genre project.

Make 3 sci. vocab. cards (terms on p. 175): Write the term, draw a picture, and write the definition.

*All book orders/$$ due tomorrow. Please make checks payable to UCES.

12/2

Study sp. & vocab!
Finish IRA (10 vivacious verbs).

Study for tomorrow's ch. 3 math test. Read p. 184-189!

Work on AR and/or AM.

12/1

Finish sp. & voc. WS.
*Biography (or autobiography) genre project assigned; due NO LATER THAN 12/17! (You may present yours early.)

*Ch. 3 math test moved to Friday.
AMP or AME if you are behind on meeting your goals.

*Our class party will be on 12/17. Sorry for the confusion on the letter!

Computer Lab 12/1

Please finish any of the following that you haven't already completed:
Math- Numbers and Operations- Prime Numbers
"- " - Factoring
"- " - Exponents
"- "- Order of Operations

English- Grammar- Verbs and their Objects
"- "- They're, Their, and There

11/30

Finish WOW.
Finish spelling "text."
Read AR.

Study for ch. 3 math test (Th.).

Study for ch. 3 sci. test TOMORROW!

This week's orange communication folder is chock full of papers for you! Many of them need to be completed and returned (or signed and returned like the progress report and permission slip). We really appreciate your prompt help with this. Thanks!

11/29

Sp. in ABC order in agenda
Finish genre travel brochure and be ready to test on your book (if you haven't already); due Tues.
IRA: Find 10 vivacious verbs in your book. Write the verb and the page # (due Fri.)

AMP (except for Brittany and Catherine, who finished theirs already)

Study for Wed.'s ch. 3 science test.

**Study for SS Ch. 6 test Tues.! (See previous post for more info.)

Social Studies Ch. 6 "Study Guide"

Here are the most important things to know for the ch. 6 SS test Tuesday:
*all vocabulary terms
*the lesson summaries and "why it matters" sections at the end of each lesson of the chapter
* Identify
major battles and campaigns: Fort Sumter, Gettysburg, the Atlanta Campaign, Sherman’s March to the Sea, and Appomattox Court House.

* Describe the roles of Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, Jefferson Davis, and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson.

* Describe the effects of war on the North and South.

* Describe the purpose of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.

* Explain the work of the Freedmen’s Bureau.

* Explain how slavery was replaced by sharecropping and how African-Americans were prevented from exercising their newly won rights; include a discussion of Jim Crow laws and customs.

11/22

Extra credit WOW due tomorrow

math ordered pairs WS

SS WB p. 34
*SS Ch. 6 test will be next Tuesday.
*Historical fiction genre project (travel brochure) due next Tues. also.
*Science test will be next week

11/18

Today's DARE graduation ceremony went well! Congratulations to all our DARE graduates and to our class essay winner, Jacob, and class roll model, Catherine! Thanks to everyone who attended and helped make this an extra-special event. We all enjoyed pizza, drinks, and cookies this afternoon too.

Study for spelling & vocab tests!
Finish analogies worksheet and both spelling worksheets. Be sure to do both sides of each!

Study times tables.

Work on AR & AM if you need to.

11/17

Sp. WS due Fri. (but the side we did in class will be checked tomorrow)
Vocab. sentences are due tomorrow.

Wear jeans & sneakers for tomorrow's DARE graduation, which will be held in the gym beginning at 9 AM. We hope you can join us!

*Please note: Sometimes individual students have classwork to finish as homework. It is the student's responsibility to write this in his/her agenda and remember to do it.

More Brainpop in Computer Lab

Math- Numbers and Operations- Prime Numbers
"- " - Factoring
"- " - Exponents
"- "- Order of Operations

11/15

Sp. in agenda in ABC order
*Unit 2 noun test will be next week.

Math p. 171 (1-17 ODD)
AM if you didn't get your work finished and scanned today OR if you have corrections

Finish science vocab cards (13 total)

SS time line mini poster is due tomorrow. Many have been turned in early, and they are wonderful!

11/11

First, we would like to thank all our veterans and their families!

The class has earned 50 stars for great behavior (since the beginning of the year), and they will have a PaJaMa "PaRtY" tomorrow! Students may wear pajamas but remember that we have PE. They can bring a drink and a snack.

Tonight's homework is to study for sp. & vocab. tests tomorrow.
Finish spelling worksheet and finish IRA (problem/solution chart).

WOW Form

We have found a website that allows us to upload PDF documents and creates a link so that you can download them. Click HERE to get your own copy of the WOW template. WOWs are due each Wednesday.

11/10

Finish voc. worksheet (on back of sp/voc list).
Finish all 8 voc. sentences.

*All students received a flu vaccination form today. Please read the information carefully and sign and return by Friday if you would like for your child to be vaccinated for free at school on Monday.

11/8

We had a heartfelt Veterans Day assembly this morning. We were proud to honor those who served our country!

Homework:
Sp. in ABC order in agenda
Math p. 146 (1-12)

Finish SS WB p. 31 if not finished in class
*SS Civil War Time Line Project assigned; due 11/16. (Each student received one or two events to use to make a "mini poster" to create a class time line. Please see handout.)

11/4

See you at Parent Night tonight (6:00-7:30)!

Study for tomorrow's spelling, vocabulary, and science tests!

11/3

Finish vocab. sentences.
Study sp. & voc.

Study times tables if you haven't made 100% yet!

Study for sci. test Fri.

Finish SS WB p. 29 & 30 if you did not finish in class.

*Don't forget that tomorrow is Parent Night (6:00-7:30).

Who Am I? Social Studies Civil War Interactive

Check out this cool Civil War interactive game from the Smithsonian! Click HERE.

More Brainpop in Computer Lab

Go to Brainpop.com. Take and print the quizzes (after watching the movies!) for:
*English- grammar- types of sentences
*English- grammar- nouns
*English- grammar- idioms and cliches
*English- writing- main idea (This one is difficult so you might want to watch the movie twice and/or take a practice quiz!)

11/2

Finish WOW.
Finish "right triangle" spelling words.

Finish math p. 120-121.

Please sign and return communication folders and new 2nd 9 weeks AR/AM log.

*NOTE: Parent Night is this Thursday from 6:00-7:30.

11/1

Spelling in ABC order in agenda
Work on WOW (due Wed.)
Work on "right triangle" spelling (due Wed.)
Work on voc. sent. (due Thu.)


*This month's genre is historical fiction. Read at least one and quiz on it by 11/30. Complete the genre project (travel brochure) no later than 11/30.

Math p. 120-121 (1-20) due Wednesday

10/28

Study sp. & vocab.!
Finish IRA (characterization).
Finish Candy Corn Mystery genre report.
Finish language arts nouns review (p. 156-59) if you didn't finish in class.

Study for ch. 2 math test.
Finish sci. WB p. 22-27 and CRCT review p. 28-31 if not finished in class.

10/27

Voc. sentences due tomorrow! Remember to make them fabulous!
Study sp. & voc.

Study for Ch. 5 math test Friday.

Tomorrow is PINK DAY! Wear pink!

Multiplying Decimals Vide

Some of us are still having difficulty multiplying decimals. Check out a video by CLICKING HERE!

Computer Lab: Civil War & Science

Go to Brainpop, log in (unionco/panthers) and go to Social Studies. Click on U.S. History, and then watch the following movies. Take the quizzes and print your scores. (Some of you quizzed last week on one of these.)
*Slavery
*Frederick Douglass
*Underground Railroad

Also watch and quiz on these science videos:
*Microscopes
*Scientific Method

10/26

Finish WOW.
Sp. 3x each (which is actually 6 because you need to write the singular 3x and the plural 3x)
Work on IRA & Candy Corn Mystery report.

Study math ch. 2!

10/25

Sp. in ABC order in agenda (singular on Friday; plural on the spelling lines)
Sp. WS
Work on IRA: Characterization (due Fri.)
Work on mystery genre candy corn book report (due no later than Friday)

math function WS
Study times tables

Wear your tackiest clothes because we'd rather be tacky than wacky with drugs!

Choosing to be Drug Free at UCES

October is Drug Awareness Month and Cancer Awareness Month.

Monday- Fight the War Against Drugs
Wear camouflage!

Tuesday- I'd Rather be Tacky than Wacky from Drugs
Dress in your tackiest (mix-matched) clothes!

Wednesday- Team Up Against Drugs
Dress in your favorite team attire.

Thursday- Pink Out Day for Cancer Awareness
Wear pink.

Friday- Your Character Counts. Stay Drug Free.
Dress up as your favorite book character.

10/20

Finish vocab. sentences.

Complete AM if you are not yet a math master.

Study for Ch. 5 social studies test Friday!

There will be a science test next week.

10/19

Finish WOW.
Finish sp. 3x each.
*This week's IRA is to find ten nouns in your independent reading book and categorize them as either person, place, thing, or idea. (We started this in class today.) You must have at least one noun in each of the four categories.

AM if you are not yet a "math master" or if you have an exercise or corrections.
Finish science WB L2 (p. 8-15) from before Fall Break if you didn't finish it.
Complete sci. WB L3 (p. 16-21) if you didn't finish it in class.

Complete social studies WB p. 27 & 28.

HW Monday, October 18, 2010

1. Write your spelling words in ABC order in your agenda
2. Everyone complete AMP
3. Study math facts (0-12) for speed test on Friday
4. Sign and return field trip permission form

Spelling and Vocabulary Week 9

Spelling - compound words
1. afternoon
2. background
3. overcome
4. pillowcase
5. rooftop
6. flagpole
7. footstep
8. vice president
9. cornfield
10. cornmeal
11. ice-skating
12. cardboard
13. field trip
14. ninety-one
15. eggshell
16. all right
17. cheerleader
18. armchair
19. earthworm
20. mountaintop

Vocabulary
1. decency
2. mournful
3. bulletin board
4. delivering
5. shrieks
6. injury
7. slurp
8. sympathy

Read your AR book, study your times tables, and have a great fall break! See you on Monday, October 18.

10/7

Study for review spelling & vocabulary tests!
Finish BOTH IRAs. You should have at least four cause/effect relationships and at least four summaries (SWBST).

Math p. 98 (1-21 ODD)
Study for 0-12 speed test!

10/6

Complete both IRAs for today.
Study spelling & vocab! This review test is a big one, so be sure that you're studying.

Study 0-12 times tables.
Work on AM if you are not yet a "math master."

10/5

*Be sure to check out this month's newsletter in today's communication folder! (Sign the weekly log and the top sheet of signed papers, and then return no later than Thursday.)

Finish WOW.
Write 2nd cause/effect relationship in your independent reading book.
Write 2nd summary (SWBST) in your independent reading book.
Study spelling & vocab for review test Friday.

Study 0-12 times tables- test Friday!

10/4

Study REVIEW spelling & vocabulary words nightly for Friday's test!

Have you read at least 20 pages?

IRA (Independent Reading Activity): Cause/Effect (Find at least one cause/effect relationship in your book each night and write it on the cause/effect chart you've made.)

IRA: SWBST2 (Do another set of Someone-Wanted-But-So-Then summaries this week now that you really understand what to do!)

Study 0-12 times tables.

Complete AMP if you are not yet a "math master" (if you've not yet met your 9 weeks goal). Complete AME if you have one.

9/30

EVERYONE had their cereal box project ready to turn in this morning! They are adorable. Great job, boys and girls!

Study sp. & vocab. for tomorrow's tests.
Complete your 4th "SWBST" summary and be ready to turn them all in first thing in the morning.
Finish your final draft (exciting experience friendly letter) if you didn't finish it in class.

Study 0-11 times tables for speed test.

Finish science workbook p. 2-5.

Don't forget about the Literacy Walk! You must have pledges and wear tennis shoes.

9/29

Finish genre cereal box project! Be ready to turn it in first thing in the morning.
Complete your 3rd IRA summary (SWBST).
Finish vocabulary sentences.

Study for 0-11 speed test!

Please sign & return communication folders if you haven't already.

Computer Lab: The Underground Railroad

Click HERE and then click on number 1 on the path to learn more about the Underground Railroad and slavery in the United States. Complete your 3-2-1 response:
3 things you found out
2 interesting facts
1 question you still have

Next, go to Brainpop, log in (unionco/panthers) and go to Social Studies. Click on U.S. History, and then watch the following movies. Take the quizzes and print your scores.
*Civil War Causes
*Slavery
*Frederick Douglass
*Underground Railroad

9/28

Finish WOW
Finish sp. 3x each
SWBST #2

Study times tables!
If you haven't met your weekly AR or AM goal, be sure to work on them every night!

9/27

Sp. in agenda in ABC order
Work on genre project (due Thurs.)
IRA (Independent Reading Activity): SWBST (See post, below, for complete instructions.)

Study 0-11 times tables!
Finish AMP if you didn't finish in class.

IRA (Independent Reading Activity): Four Summaries

This week, each night you are going to use the S-W-B-S-T summarizing format to respond to what has happened in your independent reading book (AR book). Remember, this strategy means:
S- Someone
W- wanted
B- but
S- so
T- then

You will have at least four different summaries (Mon., Tu., Wed., and Thurs.) to turn in on Friday to summarize what you have read independently this week. You may find it easier to summarize each chapter that you read when you get to the end of the chapter.

Spelling and Vocabulary Lists #7

Words are from the story Pipiolo and the Roof Dogs
Spelling
1. clear
2. nerve
3. squirt
4. verse
5. surf
6. lurk
7. year
8. stern
9. spurts
10. lurch
11. blurt
12. thirst
13. spur
14. engineer
15. jeer
16. sneer
17. dreary
18. squirm
19. swerve
20. yearns

Vocabulary
1. cooperation
2. celebration
3. fragrance
4. variety
5. canceled
6. moistened
7. theory
8. transformed

Summarizing Strategy: SWBST

S- Someone
W- wanted
B- but
S- so
T- then

We practiced this summarizing strategy in social studies on Friday. Here is what we developed:
Abolitionists
wanted to end slavery,
but slave owners wanted slavery,
so abolitionists created the Underground Railroad, and
then many slaves escaped to freedom.

9/24

Read at least 20 pages this weekend! Don't forget that this is the last weekend before the fantasy cereal box genre project is due (9/30).

9/23

Study spelling & vocab!
Finish spelling worksheet and grammar WS.

AMP (Accel. Math practice)
Study 0-9 times tables for speed test.

Read at least 20 pages!

Spelling and Vocabulary Lists Wk 6

Spelling
1. heart
2. swear
3. aboard
4. square
5. swore
6. chart
7. scorn
8. starch
9. source
10. fare
11. barge
12. thorn
13. marsh
14. force
15. harsh
16. scarce
17. coarse
18. flare
19. course
20. sword

Vocabulary
1. function
2. adjusted
3. disasters
4. environment
5. mission
6. maze
7. zone
8. gravity

Underground Railroad Interactive Websites

As you view these websites in computer lab (or at home), think of the following questions and your responses.

*After viewing these sites, how do you feel about slavery?
*How do you think the issue of slavery changed our society?
*What about the websites stick in your mind?
*Why is it important for us to remember the hardships faced by slaves?

You will turn in your written response no later than THURS. 9/23.

Check out these three sites by clicking on their names:
*Pathways to Freedom: Maryland and the Underground Railroad
*The National Geographic Underground Railroad Site
*Melrose Plantation (This site was unavailable but will hopefully be online again soon.)

9/21

Finish WOW!
Finish 3x ea.

Study times tables.

Please sign and return progress reports, communication folders, and signed papers. Thank you!

9/20

Sp. in ABC order
Read at least 20 pages!

Study 0-9 times tables for test Friday.

*Wed. is picture day! :)

9/17

All in all, today's test scores were good. Be sure to read at least 20 pages over the weekend.

9/16

Study for ELA Unit 1 test and spelling & vocab. test. (We will not have a dictation test this week since we're taking the Unit 1 test.)

Sp WS (spelling worksheet)

Study for 0-8 speed test!

Are you reading 20 pages a day?

Congratulations to Hannah and Catherine for filling up their frog charts!

9/15

WOW (Word of the Week) was assigned today. This is an ongoing, weekly "word search" and corresponding assignment. They are due EVERY WEDNESDAY, with the first one due 9/22.

Finish vocab. sentences.

Finish final copy of the personal narrative of "The Day I'll Never Forget."

Study 0-8 times tables.

9/14

Finish spelling 3x each

Study for ch. 1 math test!
Study 0-8 times tables.
AMP (Accelerated Math Practice)

Finish scientific method, safety guidelines, and tools list you started in class (if you didn't finish it already).

Please sign and return communication folders.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to Hannah, Michael, and Brittany for already finishing all 50 levels of Math Facts in a Flash! Way to go!!!

Silly Bands

According to Mrs. Cook, students should not wear more than 5 silly bands at a time. Please be aware of and follow this new rule for everyone's safety and focus on academics at school. Thanks!

9/13

Spelling in agenda CORRECTLY in ABC order
Begin fabulous sentences (due Thurs.).

Study for Ch. 1 math test (Wed.).
Study 0-8 times tables for speed test Fri.
AMP (Accelerated Math Practice)

*This month's genre is fantasy.
*4-H Officer Election posters are due by 9/20.

Spelling and Vocabulary Week #5

Spelling
1. tuna
2. duty
3. lose
4. few
5. doom
6. bamboo
7. brood
8. crooks
9. hoof
10. hooks
11. booth
12. handbook
13. prove
14. mute
15. amuse
16. plume
17. hue
18. view
19. bruise
20. union

Vocabulary
1. quest
2. settings
3. reduce
4. buffet (buf ' it)
5. major

9/10

The students did really well on all their tests today! We didn't have straight As on everything, but they did well overall.

Be sure to read at least 20 pages over the weekend. Study for next week's 0-8 multiplication speed test.

9/9

Finish spelling 3x each.
Finish spelling worksheet if you didn't finish in class.
Study spelling & vocabulary.

Study for 0-7 times test!

Read at least 20 pages if you haven't already!

9/8

Finish vocab. sentences.
Read at least 20 pages in AR book.
Study multiplication facts (0-7 test Fri.).
*Ch. 1 math test next week!

Some students need to correct last night's math homework. When making corrections, do NOT erase the mistaken work. Rework the problems either at the bottom of the page or on the back. Only use a separate sheet of paper if there is no reasonable room on the original assignment. Thanks!

Study the rights and responsibilities of Americans. Know the key point(s) of each of the 10 amendments of the Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments of the Constitution). Test Thursday!!!

9/7

We hope everyone had a safe and fun Labor Day weekend! Because our week is a bit shorter, we may not be following the "usual" homework pattern (not that there really is entirely a "usual" pattern!).

Sp. in ABC order in agenda
Start on vocab sentences (due THURS.)
Please sign and return genre project sheet.

math p. 34 (1-13)
Study multiplication facts (0-7 test Friday!)

Sign and return orange communication folders/signed papers

This Month's Genre Project: Fantasy Cereal Box

Your child has a handout today explain this month's genre project, Create a Fantasy Cereal Box! Please sign and return the handout. (We will return this info sheet as soon as we know that you know all the requirements.) Thanks!

Math Practice Website

Go check out thatquiz.org to take practice tests to work on your speed with basic facts. (This website offers other quizzes, but we haven't had time to check them out yet.) Let us know what you think!

Spelling and Vocabulary Week #4

Spelling list
1. folks
2. greet
3. oak
4. theme
5. aim
6. grind
7. paid
8. bride
9. prey
10. growth
11. paste
12. tow
13. yolk
14. heap
15. plead
16. spice
17. greed
18. coach
19. shave
20. type

Vocabulary
1. advertisement
2. sauntered
3. commenced
4. original
5. wring
6. elected
7. impress
8. fireball

9/2

Finish genre project!
Study spelling & vocab.
Finish AR task.

AME (Accelerated Math exercise- MOST kids have one)
Study for 0-6 speed test!

Did you read at least 20 pages?

Bill of Rights Rap

We have been learning about the Bill of Rights, and a rap is helping us. You can listen to it HERE.

AR Task: 4 Sentence Types

Each week, students will have a required "AR Task" to complete. They will use their AR book to find whatever the week's topic/task is. These tasks are due on Friday, so they have plenty of time to find what they're looking for.

This week, they must find, copy, and label an example of each of the four types of sentences. Please include the book title in the heading and the page number for each sentence.

Here is the example that we shared on the board today:

AR Task: 4 Sentence Types
There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom

1. (p. 87) Shall we start with homework? interrogative

2. (p. 87) You said I could pick the topic. declarative

3. (p. 87) What a wonderful topic! exclamatory

4. (p. 93) Okay, hit me! imperative

Realistic Fiction Genre Project DUE FRIDAY 9/3

Don't forget! Our first genre project is due Friday! Be sure to finish the book and complete the genre report form by Friday. This project counts as two reading test grades.

P.S. In my haste to recycle, I printed the reports on used paper. Either draw your illustration at the bottom of the page OR use your own paper. Thanks! (I'll try to be more careful next time.)

9/1

Happy September! Can you feel a bit of fall in the air?

Study spelling & vocab.
Finish vocab sentences to turn in tomorrow.

If you haven't finished your AR book for your genre project, you really need to finish it tonight so that you can quiz on it tomorrow and then finish your genre project (due Friday).

Study for the 0-6 multiplication speed test if you didn't make a 100 last week (test Fri.)

Multiplication Rock: I Got Six

Maybe this Schoolhouse Rock Multiplication Rock video will help you study for Friday's speed test! Click HERE.

8/30

Sp. in ABC order in agenda
Begin vocab. sentences (due Thurs.).

*Genre project is due Friday!

Most but not all students finished LA p. 82 & 83. Finish if you didn't!

Complete AM corrections if you had any (just a few kids).

Study 0-6 times tables all week if you did not make a 100 last Friday; test again this Friday!

Week 3 Spelling and Vocabulary Lists

Spelling: Frequently misspelled words

1. library
2. tried
3. went
4. where
5. were
6. wear
7. surprise
8. lose
9. loose
10. disappoint
11. clothes
12. until
13. principal
14. absence
15. calendar
16. signed
17. difficult
18. really
19. especially
20. receive

Vocabulary: Words from TBGB

1. grimaced
2. barged
3. potential
4. dignity
5. inspire
6. counsel
7. mentor
8. ferociously
9. appreciate
10. hesitated

Anyone Reading?

Is anyone reading our blog? We would love to hear from you to know if this is tool is worth maintaining. You can either leave us a comment, shoot us an email (hdyer@ucschools.org or tmartin@uschools.org), or even write a note in your child's agenda. THANKS!

8/27

Read at least 20 pages in your AR book over the weekend!

CONGRATULATIONS!

We are so very proud of our students! On today's spelling and vocabulary tests, everyone made an A+! No one made less than a 95! GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!

8/26

Study spelling, vocab, and times tables (0-6) for tomorrow's tests!

Complete the spelling categories sheet and the English sheet (Miss Alaineus: 4 Types of Sentences).

In social studies we are studying the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and each student has created a list of our rights and responsibilities. They have also started listing their own personal rights and responsibilities. Please look over the lists and offer any suggestions for improvement/completion.

Read at least 20 pages if you haven't already!

Correct Heading

Unfortunately there is still some confusion about what a correct heading should be for students' papers. We have it on the board each and every day, but we realize that the board doesn't go home with you.

Begin on the top line of your notebook paper, starting immediately to the right of the red margin line.

First Last Name #
Date
Subject/Assignment*

*They don't write subject/assignment but instead write the actual assignment as written on the board in class. For example, here is what a recent language arts assignment's heading would look like:

Sammy Student #25
8/24/10
LA p. 12 (1-10)

8/25

Finish vocabulary sentences. Remember that each sentence must be labeled with what type of sentence it is (declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory), and each of the four types must be used at least once.

Remember to read at least 20 pages in your AR book!

Grammar Lesson: Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences; Conjunctions

As part of today's grammar lesson, we enjoyed watching and attempting to sing "Conjunction Junction" from Schoolhouse Rock. You can find the video HERE and the lyrics below.

Conjunction Junction, what's your function?
Conjunction Junction, how's that function?
I got three favorite cars
That get most of my job done.
Conjunction Junction, what's their function?
I got "and", "but", and "or",
They'll get you pretty far.

"And":
That's an additive, like "this and that".
"But":
That's sort of the opposite,
"Not this *but* that".
And then there's "or":
O-R, when you have a choice like
"This or that".
"And", "but", and "or",
Get you pretty far.

Conjunction Junction, what's your function?
Hooking up two boxcars and making 'em run right.
Milk and honey, bread and butter, peas and rice.
Hey that's nice!
Dirty but happy, digging and scratching,
Losing your shoe and a button or two.
He's poor but honest, sad but true,
Boo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo!

Conjunction Junction, what's your function?
Hooking up two cars to one
When you say something like this choice:
"Either now or later"
Or no choice:
"Neither now nor ever"
Hey that's clever!
Eat this or that, grow thin or fat,
Never mind, I wouldn't do that,
I'm fat enough now!

Conjunction Junction, what's your function?
Hooking up phrases and clauses that balance, like:
Out of the frying pan and into the fire.
He cut loose the sandbags,
But the balloon wouldn't go any higher.
Let's go up to the mountains,
Or down to the sea.
You should always say "thank you",
Or at least say "please".

Conjunction Junction, what's your function?
Hooking up words and phrases and clauses
In complex sentences like:
"In the mornings, when I am usually wide awake,
I love to take a walk through the gardens and down by the lake,
Where I often see a duck and a drake,
And I wonder as I walk by
Just what they'd say if they could speak,
Although I know that's an absurd thought."

Conjunction Junction, what's your function?
Hooking up cars and making 'em function.
Conjunction Junction, how's that function?
I like tying up words and phrases and clauses.
Conjunction Junction, watch that function.
I'm going to get you there if you're very careful.
Conjunction Junction, what's your function?
I'm going to get you there if you're very careful.
Conjunction Junction, what's your function?
I'm going to get you there if you're very careful.

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend Open House last night! If you were not here, you will have an information sheet in your child's orange communication folder today. Please read through this sheet thoroughly and keep it for your records.

If you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!

8/24

Finish spelling 3x each.
Be sure to have read at least 20 pages in your AR book.

Finish LA (language arts) p. 12 (1-10) if you didn't finish and turn it in already. (This assignment was classwork, but any unfinished classwork automatically be comes homework.)

Sign and return the orange communication folder if you weren't able to attend Open House today at 5:30.

This Month's Genre Project

Each month, our class studies a different reading genre. Students are required to read ONE book in the required genre during the month and complete the assigned project. This assignment counts as two reading test grades.

This month's genre is realistic fiction. Because we're getting a late start reading, this month's project is due no later than 9/3/10. Yesterday, each student checked out a realistic fiction library book. We encouraged each one to get a fairly short book that they were confident they could finish in less than two weeks for this month's project. Our project this month is a book report, and the forms were passed out to everyone yesterday.

We are unable to make extra copies of the form, but if you would like for us to email you an electronic copy we'd be happy to do so. Just send either of us an email requesting the form.

Remember, we recommend that each student read around 20 pages a day. This will help them stay on track and on task. Thanks for your help!

Spelling and Vocabulary Lists ~ August 24, 2010

Our spelling and vocabulary lists come from the book Miss Alaineus that we read in class on Monday.

Spelling:
Monday - Write your spelling words in ABC order in your agenda - due Tuesday.
Tuesday - Study your spelling words and write them 3x each (print, print, cursive - just like we have practiced in class) - due Wednesday.
Wednesday - Study your spelling words for your test on Friday.
Thursday: Study your spelling words for your test on Friday.

Spelling list - words with short vowels

1. batch
2. nick
3. rough
4. lead
5. dove
6. fling
7. shrug
8. gush
9. stuff
10. notch
11. jut
12. damp
13. tenth
14. scan
15. guess
16. cot
17. tough
18. stump
19. laugh
20. sense


Vocabulary:
*Use vocabulary words # 1 - 5 to write fabulous sentences - due Thursday! Write one of each of the 4 types of sentences, and the 5th sentence can be your choice. Label the type of sentence at the end of each sentence.
Monday - Study your vocabulary words and definitions and begin writing your fabulous sentences - due Thursday.
Tuesday - Study your voc. words and def. and work on your fabulous sentences - due Thursday.
Wednesday - Study your voc. words and def. and finish fabulous sentences - due Thursday.
Thursday - Study your voc. words and definitions for your test on Friday.

Vocabulary list

1. slumped
2. soggy
3. strands
4. capable
5. categories
6. gigantic
7. credit
8. luminous

8/23

We were able to go to the library today, so all students now have a book! We have assigned this month's genre project, a book report form to fill out about a realistic fiction novel, and given out the form. This project is due NO LATER THAN 9/3 and counts as two reading test grades.

We recommend that each student read about 20 pages each day in their independent AR book. We did not have any reading time today in class, so everyone has AR homework: read to at least page 20.

Write spelling in agenda in ABC order.
Start on vocabulary sentences.

A few students have AM homework because they either didn't finish their practice today or they have corrections. Please check to see if your child has AM HW. Thanks!

Please make plans to attend Open House tomorrow night beginning at 5:30 in the gym. See you then!

8/19

Study for your spelling and vocabulary tests!

Finish vocab sentences.

If you did not get your DARE letter signed, do so tonight! They were due today.

Some students did not get their classwork finished or have homework corrections, so be sure to check your child's agenda carefully for any additional work.

We earned our 10th star today! Ask your child what that means. :)

8/18

Finish spelling 3x each.
Continue to work on vocab. sentences (due Fri.).

8/17

Start spelling 3x each if you haven't already (due Thurs.).

Continue to work on vocabulary sentences (due Fri.).

Help Wanted

If you have any old magazines, we need some for pictures for an upcoming collage project. Just send them in at your convenience. Thanks!

8/16

We had another great day today! Be sure to sign or initial your child's agenda every week night (Mon.-Fri.)

Thank you for filling out all the paperwork and returning it. EVERYONE brought back all their forms today. Yippee!

Homework (HW):
Write spelling (Sp.) in agenda in alphabetical (ABC) order.
Start on your vocabulary (voc.) sentences (due Fri.).

Spelling and Vocabulary Lists Wk #1

Spelling (Frequently misspelled words)
1. chief
2. again
3. guess
4. already
5. different
6. always
7. awful
8. beautiful
9. listen
10. believe
11. doesn't
12. bought
13. every
14. knew
15. receive
16. finally
17. friend
18. heard
19. goes
20. answer

Vocabulary List (from TBGB read aloud)
1. befuddled
2. distorted
3. flabbergasted
4. glared
5. scoffed
6. timidly
7. bulging
8. suspiciously
9. honesty
10. tolerance

Upcoming Events

Please take note of these upcoming events:

8/24 5th Grade Open House: Report to the gym at 5:30.

9/6 Labor Day HOLIDAY

9/10 Red, White, & Blue Day (Wear these color if you'd like.)

9/21 Progress reports go home to be signed & returned.

9/22 Fall Pictures (Smile!)

10/11-15 FALL BREAK

10/22 End First Nine Weeks grading period

Great First Day!

We had a great first day of school today! The students were so well behaved and listened so attentively. What a great omen for the year!

Thanks for Stopping By!

It was so nice to meet most of you today at "Meet the Teacher!" If you were unable to attend, we look forward to meeting you soon.

Please mark your calendars now for 5th grade open house on Tuesday, 8/24, at 5:30 in the gym.

Meet the Teacher 8/12

Drop in from 1:00-3:00 to see our classroom and meet your teachers, Mrs. Dyer and Ms. Martin. See you soon!

Supply List for 2010-11

· a good attitude and willingness to try

· binder (Zippered binders tend to last longer.)

· five tabbed dividers to use for reading (red), English/language arts (orange), spelling & vocabulary (yellow), science (green), and social studies (blue)

· loose leaf notebook paper - wide ruled

· a blue spiral notebook (100 or more pages) for math

· number 2 pencils

· colored pencils

· glue stick

· a red and a blue folder with prongs (plastic folders last longer)

· another pronged folder with 25 sheets of paper and a pencil for Technology

· hand-held pencil sharpener

OPTIONAL but helpful:

· pink pearl eraser and cap erasers

· scissors

· boxes of Kleenex (class use)

· refill size hand sanitizer (class use)

· two packs of white or colored copy paper (class use)

HELPFUL HOME RESOURCES: ruler, scissors, and glue

Geometry Websites

(This is a re-post with two more websites added. You have to be QUICK for the last one!)

Here are some helpful geometry websites:

http://www.onlinemathlearning.com/basic-geometry.html

Measuring Angles using a Protractor

Types of Angles

Types of Triangles

Quadrilaterals

Polygons

Circles

Geometric Properties

The BBC Shapes

BBC Shapes Interactive Game

Fun Spelling Game

Go check out "Miss Spell's" game at dictionary.com! Click on http://dictionary.reference.com/fun/missspell. You have to be quick!

The Ruler Game

Click to go try The Ruler Game!

We recommend that you start out with the whole (inches) level, then move up to halves, then up to quarters, etc. If you don't already know how to read a ruler to the sixteenths, don't start at that level! You have to be quick!

Happy Birthday, Brianna!

Happy birthday, Brianna! We hope you're enjoying your summer!

Become a Summer Reading Warrior!

If you're a fan of the Warrior series or if you love to read, then you might want to check out the Summer Reading Warrior program. Click HERE!

Our public library's summer reading program will begin 6/1/10 also.

WEBSITES

We have quite a few cool websites linked here on our blog. You can find them easily by scrolling down to where you see "Labels" on the right. The very last link is for our posts that have websites linked to them. Click on "websites" to find all our posts about different websites. Choose one and enjoy!

5/12

Finish your genre project! (Each student took notes about the requirements for this project.)
Study spelling & vocab.

Work on AR or AM if you have not yet met your goals. Friday is the last day to meet goals!!!

All polio money is due Thurs.

Review Sp. & Voc. Tests Friday

Your final 5th grade spelling & vocabulary tests will be this Friday, 5/14. Please study AT LEAST the following words!

Spelling:

1. gnarled

2. dough

3. knuckle

4. knowledge

5. lightning

6. sign

7. campaign

8. disapprove

9. dishonest

10. inexpensive

11. preview

12. replaced

13. unable

14. unknown

15. accessible

16. precede

17. proceed

18. recede

19. instructor

20. successor

21. infrastructure

22. exceed

23. misconstrue

24. disagreement

25. approach

26. hoard

27. receive

28. reign

29. breath

30. pronounce

31. thoughtless

32. toying

33. canal

34. allow

35. applause

36. doubting

37. participate/participation

38. discuss/discussion

VOCAB

1. credulous

2. credible

3. accreditation

4. conjoined

5. disjointed

6. jugular

7. accessible

8. concede

9. intercede

10. precede

11. proceed

12. recede

13. misconstrue

14. infrastructure

15. obstruction

16. stanza

17. refrain

18. meter

19. imagery

20. alliteration

21. assonance

22. irony

23. oxymoron

24. hunch

25. throb

26. quench

27. rile

28. extricate

29. avert

30. fastidious

31. ambiguous

5/10

Study your list of review spelling & vocab for Friday's big review test!!!

Complete AM and read if you need to. Read in your AR book!

Brag Night Tonight!

Drop in to our classroom tonight between 5:00 & 6:00 for an opportunity you do not want to miss! It is our annual "Brag Night," AKA student-led conferences. Come hear about this year from your child's perspective. You can also schedule end-of-year parent/teacher conferences if you do not already have one and would like one. Best of all, your child will receive extra credit in the subject of his/her choice!

See you tonight between 5:00-6:00.

*Please note: We will have to leave at 6:00 due to family commitments.

May's Genre Project

May's genre project is a fun one! It is due no later than Thurs. 5/13.

For this month's project, you are going to promote your favorite genre! Your goal is to persuade other students to try your favorite genre. You can create a poster, a magazine or newspaper ad, a mobile, a commercial, a puppet show, and so much more.

Please include all of the following in your project:
*Describe your genre (its characteristics).
*Be persuasive and very descriptive.
*Include some well-known books from the genre.
*Include your favorite book from this genre. (You don't have to have the actual book; the title is okay.)

This project counts as a reading test grade!!!

4/29

Finish your poetry project if you haven't already!

AM if you didn't scan today; corrections if you have them.

Finish science p. 320 (1-8) if you didn't already.

Study for your Ch. 10 SS test Friday!

4/28

We had a terrific day today on our field trip! (I will post pictures here once I get them downloaded off my camera.)

Please read our final newsletter. (Sorry it didn't make it home yesterday in folders.) There is a ton of info in their for our final weeks of school.

When we got back, each student wrote a "memoir" of the day. If it is not finished, they are to finish it for homework. Also, they need to share their essay with someone, and that reader (you perhaps?) needs to sign their work.

Finish vocab. sentences also tonight.

Finally, work on AM, especially if you have any corrections!

Happy Birthday, Katie!

Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday, dear Katie!
Happy birthday to you!

4/21

Today's math CRCT went well. According to Mrs. Turlington, many students used all the time available and worked hard working out their problems.

Because tomorrow is the science CRCT, please skim through your science book to refresh your memory.

Also, read social studies p. 376-395 to prepare for Friday's final CRCT.

AM HW for any students who did not meet goal

*Please return pictures and/or picture $$ by Friday.

4/20

Today's ELA CRCT went well!

Please study math tonight for tomorrow's math CRCT.

If you did not finish in class, read social studies p. 362-367 and p. 370-375.

Please sign and return communication folders and progress reports.

*If something is highlighted in the weekly log in the center of the communication folder, then your child needs to work EVERY NIGHT in that area to help him or her get caught up! Thanks so much for your help in this matter.

4/19

Today's CRCT (reading) seemed to go well. Mrs. Turlington is testing our class, and she gave us a good report. Students were working hard, staying on task, and using their time wisely.

Please study your language arts book! Remember there are eight parts of speech. (Think about what you watched on "Schoolhouse Rock" today!)

Everyone has AM homework. Some only had practices, some had both practices and exercises, and some also had corrections.

Get a good night's sleep and eat a good breakfast in the morning!

CRCT WEEK

As you know, this week is our CRCT week. We will be assigning homework to review for each upcoming test, plus AR and AM all week if this week's goals are not yet met.

Each day's test is:
Mon.- reading*
Tues.- ELA (English/language arts)
Wed.- math*
Thurs.- science
Fri.- social studies

*These two tests must be passed for promotion per state law.

We are still in need of one more day of snacks and three days of drinks for CRCT week. Thank you to everyone who has helped or can help with snacks and drinks.

Be sure your child is going to bed on time each night and eating a good breakfast each morning. It really does help!

Happy Birthday, Joanna!

Hope you had a great day and are enjoying your week off. See you soon!

Happy Birthday, Frankie!

Hope you had a great day today on your week off!

Happy Birthday, Canyon!

Hope you had a great day today!

Happy Birthday, Logan!

Hope you had a great day today!

4/1

LA WB p. 74-76 if not finished and turned in already
Finish sp. 3x each
Study for spelling & vocab tests!
Copy vocab definitions.

AMP and/or corrections if assigned

Sci WB p. 140, 142, and 144-149

SS p. 339 (1-7) and p. 343 (1-4)

April Fool's! The real homework is:
LA WB p. 74-76 if not finished and turned in already
Finish sp. 3x each
Study for spelling & vocab tests!
AMP and/or corrections if assigned

You should have seen the kids' faces when we pulled this homework trick on them! :)

3/31

Sp. 3x each due Fri.
Study spelling & vocab!

AME (if not finished in class)

SS WB p. 54

3/30

Finish WOW

Finish genre project (See award-winning book project handout.)- DUE TOMORROW!

Study math vocab. for test Fri.
AM if you did not finish in class

3/29

Sp. in agenda in ABC order
LA WB p. 69-72

Study math vocab!
Complete AM homework (including corrections) if you did not finish in class today.

SS WB p. 53

Happy Birthday, Mrs. Dyer!!!

Happy Birthday, Karigan!

3/23

Finish WOW and spelling worksheet.
Copy vocab. definitions.

Math p. 471 (1-15)
*Chapter 8A test next week (adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers)

SS WB p. 52

*Please sign and return progress reports and communication folder.

*This month's genre project on an award-winning book is due no later than Wed. 3/31.

Vocabulary List Wk 29/2

junct, join, jug: to join,meet, or link

1. conjoined
2. conjugate
3. conjunction
4. disjointed
5. join
6. joint
7. joint committee
8. jugular
9. junction
10. rejoin

Spelling List Week 29/2

1. preschool
2. invisible
3. discomfort
4. unable
5. revisit
6. replaced
7. preview
8. incorrect
9. dishonest
10. unaware
11. unknown
12. regain
13. precook
14. inexpensive
15. disapprove
16. disobey
17. unseen
18. recall
19. prearrange
20. incredible

Kung Fu Panda

If you read a lot and earn lots of AR points, you could have purchased this cool stuffed Kung Fu Panda (from the movie by the same name). Lucas beat you to it, though! We are proud of our super reader!

3/17

THURSDAY IS PICTURE DAY! We will be taking individual and class pictures, so wear something nice and smile.

Copy voc. definitions before Friday.
AR adjectives test is due Friday.
*Unit 4 (adjectives) test will be next Tuesday.
Read AR if you didn't read at least 20 pages today.

A few students have AME, AMP, or AMC.

SS Ch. 9 test will be next week.

Week 28 / Vocabulary

Words with cred (believe)

1. accreditation
2. credential
3. credible
4. credit
5. creditor
6. credulous
7. creed
8. discredit
9. incredible
10. incredulous

Week 28 / 1 Spelling

Words with silent letters
1. autumn
2. bough
3. sign
4. solemn
5. wrench
6. wrist
7. wring
8. naughty
9. lightning
10. brighten
11. campaign
12. column
13. dough
14. knit
15. knowledge
16. knuckle
17. gnarled
18. gnaw
19. handwriting
20. gnat

3/16

Finish WOW
Finish sp. WS

Work on AR Adjectives Task (*Each student started a sheet today with the information they need to complete this assignment.)

AMP if you didn't scan today already.

SS WB p. 49

3/8

Study 3rd 9 wks. review spelling & vocab for Friday's review test!

Study math ch. 7 for test Wed.

Study SS ch. 8 for test Thurs.
SS WB p. 45 (if not finished in class)

Finish sci. WB p. 94-101 if not finished in class.

Read AR!
AM corrections, exercise, or practice (if assigned)

Vocabulary 3rd 9 Week's Cumulative Test

Our 3rd 9 week's cumulative vocabulary test will be given on Friday. Please study the words and definitions of ones we marked in your binder today. A list of the vocabulary that will most likely be on the test are listed below. If you do not have your sheet with the definition listed, then you will need to check out one of our pink classroom dictionaries and write down the definition so you can study for Friday's test.

Jan. 4
vanquish
abscond
curtail
admonish
indulge

Jan. 22
malfunction
retrospective
irresponsible
irrational
abstain
abduct

Jan 25
variable
novice
hazardous
veto
quiver

Feb. 4
treacherous
valid
ceaseless
daunting

Feb 8
criticism
fatigue
prohibit
compliment
unique

Feb. 18
accusation
optimism
turbulent
succulent

Feb 23
manacles
manicure
manuscript
mandate

Mar 1
perspective
spectacle
spectator
speculate

3rd 9 weeks' Cumulative Spelling Test

This Friday we will be taking our 3rd 9 week's cumulative review spelling test. Today we marked the words that would most likely be on the test. However, we have the option to pull any spelling word we have had this 9 weeks, so you may want to look over all the words.

January 4
cheerleader
homemade
salesperson
whoever
wildlife

Jan. 18
amusing
awaiting
borrowed
collapsed
offered
providing

Jan. 30
covered
gathering
neighbor
rehearsing
suffering
sugar

Feb. 1
increase
regard
revenge
unaware
unknown

Feb. 8
breathless
closeness
contentment
delightful
government
seriousness

Feb. 15
abilities
busier
dirtier
emptiness
rivalries
strategies

Feb. 22
animate
animation
fascinate
fascination
population
regulation

Mar 2
astonish
canary
deposit
majestic
obvious
potato
reverence

3/4 *Important Info*

Not that we don't think that every day's info is important, but with our two snow days we have several changes and corrections.

**THE 5th GRADE STATE WRITING TEST will be administered tomorrow, FRIDAY, 3/5. Please be at school on time and for the entire day, as this important assessment will take up most of our day.

Finish sp. worksheet. The spelling & vocab. tests have been postponed until Monday, so please continue to study!

Finish lang. arts WB p. 51, 52, 53, & 54.

Get March genre project sheet signed and return it tomorrow.

Finish AM exercise or corrections if you have them.

Please sign & return the conference letter for our half day on 3/12. Thank you!

4-H CPA Congratulations!

We would like to congratulate all our students who participated in the 4-H County Project Achievement presentations today. The winners are...

3rd place: Karigan (Starfish), Ashley (Orion), and Fletcher (Mountain Biking)
2nd place: Joanna (How to Make Peanut Butter Balls) and Nathanael (Apollo 11)
1st place: Kinzie (Sacajawea) and Noah (Bald Eagles)

Wonderful WOWs

Last week's Wonderful WOWs belonged to Kaitlyn and Frankie. Since you did such good work, you are exempt from this week's WOW.