The winter chill is in the air

Delicate snowflakes float to the earth.

Children are bundled in hoodies and scarves

Guarding against the wintry winds.

Yes, it is winter, or will be, on the winter solstice on December 22.   Our fifth grade students are all but hibernating.

Those of you who were fortunate to view our Roundtable play performances were surely impressed by the flexibility, cooperation, and creativity of the students. Guided by Roundtable performers and instructors Kate and Rob, the students performed four fairy tales.  It is hard to believe that everything was accomplished in six days!  The students created their own images and movements for the scenes.  Many were asked to memorize speaking parts and learn to project their voices throughout the All Purpose Room so all could hear.  We would like to congratulate all for a job well done.

We would also like to thank the PTA for providing the fifth grade with the Roundtable Performers’ Workshop as part of the Arts and Literacy Program. Their support to our educational program is gratefully appreciated.  We would also like to thank the Board of Education for providing a cast party for the students on Friday, December 14.  Al the ice cream cakes were devoured!  Appreciation is also extended to those parents who assisted in the cake cutting and clean up after the party and to Mrs. General for arranging for the cakes.

January will bring more interactive programming to the grade level.  Officer Glen Hydock will be working with the students once a week on the DARE program beginning January 11.  Officer Glen is dedicated to informing the students Ways to Say No to Drugs.  This program will conclude with a graduation ceremony held during the school day.  Parents will be invited to attend.

A class-size group of students has volunteered to participate in the fifth grade MATHFAX program this year.  Their accomplishments can be found on the MATHFAX website: www.educontest.com.

Our science classes are completing their study of the Earth’s Waters this month.  During the science fair, their marine organism power point projects will be available for viewing in the computer room. At the conclusion of the unit in each of the teams, the Earth’s Waters textbooks will be collected. A new textbook will be distributed, Environmental Science. This next unit will be on conservation.

In math, the students will be progressing into division with two-digit divisors, data and graph interpretation, fractions, and measurement.  As always, the mastery of facts is important to the accuracy in mathematical calculations.  Students also do quite a bit of writing in math.  This writing helps explain their thought processes as they apply their knowledge to more advanced comprehension, analysis, and synthesis forms of evaluation.

It’s also that time of the year to get those 13 colonies settled, fight a war with the French, and start the rebellion that changed the world forever.  Social studies class also proves a great forum for writing answers to open-ended questions.  We’re not just memorizing dates and facts; but we’re trying to make history come alive.

Speaking of writing, we will use our DARE experience to jumpstart our persuasive writing skills.  Students will compose letters of concern as part of their culminating DARE activities.

We would like to remind all parents to be certain that their children are dressed for outside recess on a daily basis.  A hat, pair of gloves, and good footwear is needed.  The fifth grade teachers all feel that students need a recess, or break from academic work, when they can get outside and enjoy the fresh air.  With our long afternoon schedule, it is a welcome break for all.

Sincerely,

The Fifth Grade Teaching Staff

Suggested Fifth Grade Classroom Supplies

NO NOTEBOOKS WILL BE REQUIRED THIS YEAR. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY TO SCHOOL.

All teachers: Mrs. Hogan/ Mrs. Birmingham/ Mrs. Chavez/ Ms. Booser

The following are to be kept in a small secure holder in a cubby:

Scissors
Colored pencils
Compass
Glue stick
Protractor-clear
Ruler

The following are to be kept in a zippered, plastic pouch which is stored in a binder.  You will need two pouches for your two binders.

2 Handheld, manual pencil sharpener
2 Hi-liters
2 Red pens
4 Pencils with erasers
4 Pens-blue or black

Two   2 inch binders (if they have an extra pocket in cover that would be a plus; we also suggest different colors)

2 sets of tabbed dividers
2 pocket folders with three holes
2 packets of lined paper (one for each binder)  A third pack can be left at home for refilling as needed.

Suggested at home supplies: calculator, colored pencils, compass/protractor, ruler metric/English, dictionary, glue stick, pencils/pens, scissors, stapler, box to store papers which are sent home.

Individual teachers may request some added items in the beginning