Headlines, 4/13

Happy Monday to you all!  We are working hard in fifth grade, as the end of the year draws near.  

Math: Last week we took a bit of a break from our current math unit to prepare for the AZMerit test.  We discussed percentages and how to covert both decimals and fractions, reviewed volume, and looked at using positive and negative integers.  Today we will spend time learning how to graph on an axis.  Our math testing will be Wednesday and Thursday, and Friday will be a review day.

Literature: We have almost completed Across Five Aprils.  This is a great book that beautifully coincides with our study of the Civil War.  We will finish this week, so please bring A Secret Garden to school by Monday.  This will go hand in hand with our study of plants in Science.

Writing:  The students have completed the final rough drafts of their essay and have done peer editing in class.  The final draft should be typed at home and is due Friday.  Students may either email me the final draft in a Word document or print at home.  We will also begin the presentation phase of this project on Monday.  We will be discussing how these presentations should look a bit more today and they will receive written instructions.  On Friday we will practice the presentations.

Science:   We are right in the middle of our study of the Endocrine System.  We will continue this unit by looking at adrenaline and diabetes this week.  Our Human Growth and Development unit will be next Monday and Tuesday, and our test over this unit will be next Wednesday.  

History:  We have had some great class discussions about freedom and slavery during our study of the Civil War.  This week week we will be studying the Anti-Slavery movement and the Underground Railroad.

Announcements

• AZMerit testing will begin tomorrow.  We will be doing the Writing portion tomorrow, ELA and Math on Wednesday and Thursday.  Please be sure that your child eats a healthy breakfast (no donuts or pop-tarts!), and that they bring in a healthy snack.  
• Because of testing there will be no homework Monday-Thursday, and there will NOT be tutoring.
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Wish List:

• Index Cards
• Pencil Top Erasers
• Pencils

Important Dates:

• ·         April 13-15: AZMerit Testing
• ·         Friday, May 8, 11:45-1:30^: 5th grade tour of the PREP School and lunch/panel with           prep mentors. BRING a lunch.
• ·         Thursday, May 21^st, 11:00 am-12:00 pm: Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony

The class enjoyed learning new French vocabulary!