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!

AZ Merit

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

Your child will be taking the AzMERIT English language arts and mathematics tests on April 14^th, 15^th, and 16^th. Testing will begin promptly at 8:15am and students will have until the end of each day to complete the scheduled exam(s). Upon completion of testing each day, students should engage in a quiet activity like reading a book or solving word puzzles, so please send your child to school with something to do when s/he finishes. Instruction in the classroom will continue as normal upon completion of testing each day, and neither homework nor tests will be scheduled on AzMERIT testing days. Just as we always encourage healthy habits, during testing week we especially stress the importance of a good night’s rest and eating a well-balanced breakfast. We also ask that students come to school with a water bottle and healthy snack to eat between tests.

 

Your children may naturally be curious about the test. If prompted, simply give them a few words of encouragement to try their best and to enjoy the challenge. To learn more about this test, please clickhere to be brought to the AzMERIT website. You can find the testing time table below. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our District Testing Coordinator, Lucia Pantalena at LPantalena@ArchwayArete.org.

 

Tues. 4/14 Writing (90 min.) 8:15-9:45

Wed. 4/15 ELA Part 1 (75 min) and Math Part 1 (85 min) 8:15-10:55

Thurs. 4/16 ELA Part 2 (75 min) and Math Part 2 (85 min) 8:15-10:55

 

Sincerely,

 

Lucia Pantalena

Assistant Headmaster and District Test Coordinator

Headlines, April 6

I hope everyone had a restful and relaxing three day weekend and enjoyed the holiday!

Math:  We began our new unit on measurement this week focusing on converting units of measure and looking at how to find volume of three dimensional objects.  Next week we will look at the volume of liquids and will practice using these skills in word problems.

Literature: In Across Five Aprils we have been having some excellent discussions on the Civil War and how life changed for our characters.  We are working through our literature guide and will continue to read both at home and at school next week.

Writing:  The majority of our time in writing last week was spent researching our topics.  On Friday we began the rough drafts and some students have theirs completed.  We will spend one more day working on the body of the essay and then will begin writing the introduction and conclusion. 

Science:   Most of the class did very well on the Nervous System test, showing excellent study skills!  We will begin our study of the Endocrine system this week and will find out how our glands effect our hormones and various diseases, such as diabetes.

History:  We were also very pleased with the grades on the Westward Expansion test!  Our next unit of study will be The Civil War.  We will begin the week by looking at the geography of the US at the time of the war, and the causes of the conflict.

Announcements:

• The class behavior was so much better this week!  We were able to accomplish a lot and a positive attitude was shown by all.  Thank you for encouraging this in your children :)

• As always there will be tutoring after school for on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:45-3:15.  Since we will not be doing grammar for the next couple of weeks, both days will be focused on Math.

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Wish List:

• Index Cards
• Pencil Top Erasers
• Pencils

Important Dates:

• ·         Wednesday, April 8, 6:00 pm-8:30 pm: Fine Arts Night
• ·         April 13-15: AZMerit Testing
• ·         Friday, May 8, 11:45-1:30^: 5th grade tour of the PREP School/lunch/panel with prep            mentors, BRING a lunch.
• ·         Thursday, May 21^st, 11:00 am-12:00 pm: Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony

We enjoyed reading with our first grade buddies this week!

Headlines, March 30

We had a busy week coming back from Spring Break.  I was very pleased with the change in behavior on Friday as the students came in ready to work and listen.  I so appreciate your willingness to support our learning.

Math:  We took the decimals test on Friday, and for the most part the class did well.  This was a very challenging unit with many facets to remember and understand.  We will begin our unit on measurement today and we will review decimals as we go through this. 

Literature: We continue to enjoy Across Five Aprils.  We have been doing a mix of both reading in class, reading aloud, and reading in groups.  The students are doing a very nice job of keeping their journals up to date.

 Writing:  Hopefully everyone has brought in their research material for the Westward Expansion.  We will start researching our subjects in class tomorrow and begin writing our rough drafts.

Science:   Today we will begin reviewing for the Nervous System test by making a body tracing.  We will work on these today and tomorrow and the test will be Wednesday.  Our next unit is the Endocrine System.  Hopefully everyone had a chance to read the letter on our Human Growth and Development lesson.  The letter need only be returned if you are opting OUT of the lesson.

History:  We are nearing the end of the Westward Expansion, we will begin the study guides today and our test will be on Thursday.

Announcements:

• ·         As we get closer to the end of the year we have been discussing the importance of personal responsibility.  We have a few long term projects going in class and it is my goal that the students use these as opportunities to grow and mature as learners.  Making sure they have their agendas filled out and necessary supplies is a part of this.  It is clear everyone is making progress in this area, but sometimes a gentle reminder, such as “Do you have everything you need?” is helpful!

• ·         As it gets warmer it is very important that your child has a water bottle; please remind them to bring theirs to school.

• ·         As always there will be tutoring after school for on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:45-3:15.  Since we will not be doing grammar for the next couple of weeks, both days will be focused on Math.

·         Students are now permitted to wear navy shorts; it’s getting warm!

Wish List:

• ·         Index Cards
• ·         Pencil Top Erasers

Important Dates:

• ·         Wednesy, April 1: Nervous System Test
• ·         Thursday, April 2: Westward Expansion Test
• ·         Friday, April 3: No School (R&R!)
• ·         Wednesday, April 8: Fine Arts Night
• ·         April 13-15: AZMerit Testing
• ·         Friday, May 8, 11:45-1:30^: 5th grade tour of the PREP School/lunch/panel with prep mentors
• ·         Thursday, May 21^st, 11:00am-12:00 pm: Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony
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The Headlines

Congratulations parents, you have almost made it through fifth grade!  I hope everyone had a restful week off and was able to enjoy time with family and friends.  We are looking forward to a wonderful fourth quarter as our fifth graders end their time as elementary students.

Math:  After looking over our math review I decided that it would be best to do a little more review of operations with decimals.  We played a game in class today and began a review packet.  We will continue this tomorrow and will definitely test on Thursday.

Literature: We are about a week into Across Five Aprils.  The students have been working on a packet as they read which will be graded at the end of the unit.  It is very important that they stay up to date with their assignments so they do not fall behind.

  

 Writing:  Today we introduced our research paper based on the Westward Expansion.  Each student chose a topic to research in order to write a paper and create a presentation board.  Their homework tonight is to look over the project with you and bring back a signed slip indicating that both you and they understand the guidelines.  They will need all of their research by Monday.  If they need articles printed, please email me the link and I will take care of that.  If internet access is an issue for your family please let me know and I will provide a time for them to research in class.

Science:   Thank you to those of you who sent in candy for our neuron project; it was a great way to end the third quarter!  This week we will be focusing on parts of the brain and will begin to prepare for the test.  Our goal is to test next Tuesday.

History:  Last week we learned about how transportation and slavery impacted Westward Expansion.  This week we will be focusing on Manifest Destiny.

Announcements:

• ·         As we get closer to the end of the year we have been discussing the importance of personal responsibility.  We have a few long term projects going in class and it is my goal that the students use these as opportunities to grow and mature as learners.  Making sure they have their agendas filled out and necessary supplies is a part of this.  It is clear everyone is making progress in this area, but sometimes a gentle reminder, such as “Do you have everything you need?” is helpful!

• ·         As it gets warmer it is very important that your child has a water bottle; please remind them to bring theirs to school.

• ·         As always there will be tutoring after school for on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:45-3:15.  Since we will not be doing grammar for the next couple of weeks, both days will be focused on Math.

• ·         Students are now permitted to wear navy shorts; it’s getting warm!

  

Wish List:

• ·         Index Cards
• ·         Pencil Top Erasers

Important Dates:

• ·         Tuesday, March 31: Nervous System Test (Tentative)
• ·         Friday, April 3: No School (R&R!)
• ·         Wednesday, April 8: Fine Arts Night
• ·         April 13-15: AZMerit Testing
• ·         Friday, May 8, 11:45-1:30^: 5th grade tour of the PREP School/lunch/panel with prep mentors.
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Field Day Fun!

Our Candy Neurons!

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Headlines, 3/9

 

I can hardly believe that this is the last quarter of the third semester.  We have a busy week ahead of us in preparation for spring break!

 

Math:  Last week we learned how to multiply and divide decimals by decimals.  This week we will continue to delve deeper into this and will review and test over Unit 6.  We will take the test Thursday morning before field day and will review on Monday.

 

Literature:  We read the first chapter of Across Five Aprils last week and heard the last of our poetry recitations.  The students have been given a packet that they will be working through for this book, it includes journal entries, comprehension, and vocabulary questions.  We will also be completing a root review and will take the quarter 3 roots test on Friday.

 

 Writing:  Last week we returned to Grammar by exploring different ways to combine sentences and make our writing more interesting.  This week we will be studying how to use verb tenses.

 

Science:   We began studying the Nervous System last week by looking at the different parts of the nervous system and the difference between the Central and Peripheral systems.  This week we will begin our study of Neurons.  We are still in need of some candy for this project, please see below for what is needed.

 

History:  I was very pleased with the grades on our Exploration unit!  We began our study of the Westward Expansion by looking at the geography of the US in the 1700’-1800’s and studying the life of Daniel Boone.  We also began a group simulation of life on the Oregon Trail.  Students were put into groups representing a wagon train.  They will complete different projects and assignments which will help them move West.  The class is very excited about this!

 

Announcements:

 

 

·         As it gets warmer it is very important that your child has a water bottle; please remind them to bring theirs to school.

 

·         As always there will be tutoring after school for Math on Tuesday from 2:45-3:15 and Grammar on Thursdays.  If your child would like extra help with their essay that is what we will be working on Thursday.

 

·         Students are now permitted to wear navy shorts; it’s getting warm!

 

·         We will be eating in the classroom on field day, please be sure that your child has a lunch that does not need to be warmed.

 

·         Dress code for field day is athletic wear, this means students do NOT need to wear their uniform.  T-shirts, shorts, and tennis shoes are acceptable.  Please be sure they do not have pop culture references.  (Athletic logos are acceptable).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wish List:

·         Index Cards

·         Candy for neuron project:

Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups (1 per student)

Large Bag of Skittles

Package of Red Vines (the long skinny licorice)

Package of Gummy Worms

 

Important Dates:

 

·         Class Pictures: Tuesday, 8:30 am

·         Field Day, March 12^th, if you would like to volunteer click here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054dacab2fa6f85-athletic.

·         Spring Break, March 16-23

·         Roots Test: Friday, March 13^th  

·         End of Third Quarter, all make-up work due: Friday, March 13th

 

 

 

The Headlines

 

It’s hard to believe we are nearing the end of the third quarter!  As we move forward we will continue to focus our energy on becoming more independent as we finish the year.  Thank your to those have you who have sent in pencils and glue sticks!

 Math:  Last week we spent most of our time learning how to multiply and divide decimals by powers of ten.  The class is quickly catching on and we will be taking a short quiz over this today.  This week we will be learning how to multiply whole numbers by decimals and decimals by another decimal. 

 Literature:  We had a great time last week writing our own Limericks, couplets, quatrains, and cinquains. We also began our first poetry recitations, and it is clear the class has worked hard on these.  We will finish poetry this week and will begin our next literature study, Across Five Aprils at the end of the week.  Please have your student bring this book to school, or let me know if you will need to borrow a copy.

 

 Writing:  We completed our rough drafts of the poetry essay last week.  We then did peer editing and began teacher conferences.  I would like to sit down with each student to edit their essay before they complete a final copy.  I am hoping to complete this by tomorrow with the final copy due on Thursday.

 

Science:   Most of the class did very well on the Muscle Unit Test.  We will begin our next unit on The Nervous System tomorrow.  For this unit we will be creating an edible neuron.  At the bottom of the page I have included a list of what we need; any donations would be appreciated!

 

History:  Last week we studied the Dutch and French explorers and began looking at how slavery impacted colonization.  We will complete this unit today by studying William Wilberforce.  Study guides should have been completed over the weekend.  The test will be Wednesday, and we will review tomorrow.

 

Announcements:

 

·         Congratulations to Isobel Letizia, our first virtue award winner!  Isobel was awarded the virtue award for demonstrating friendship to all.  She consistently shows kindness and care for her classmates and we are very proud to have her in our class.

 

·         As it gets warmer it is very important that your child has a water bottle; please remind them to bring theirs to school.

 

·         As always there will be tutoring after school for Math on Tuesday from 2:45-3:15 and Grammar on Thursdays.  If your child would like extra help with their essay that is what we will be working on Thursday.

 

·         As of today students will be permitted to wear navy shorts; it’s getting warm!

 

·         Also, Spring Break will be here before you know it and our Quintus camp is available!

Designed for parents who want or need options for their students during school breaks,   Quintus Camp is an enrichment camp with time for play, learning, projects, and activities - all in a fun "camp" atmosphere that will appeal to your grade K-6 student. With flexible packages for parents (ranging from half-days to full and extended days), Quintus Camp is the perfect choice for school break programming.  Quintus will run Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Archway Arete March 16th-20th. 

 

If you have any questions, or need a copy of the registration brochure, please email the Quintus Camp Director, Ms. Prestipino, at Quintus.Arete@GreatHeartsAZ.org

 

 

 

 

Wish List:

·         Index Cards

·         Candy for neuron project:

Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups (1 per student)

Large Bag of Skittles

Package of Pull and Peels

Package of Twizzlers

Package of Red Vines (the long skinny licorice)

Package of Gummy Worms

 

Important Dates:

 

·         Exploration Test: Wednesday, March 4^th  

·         Final Draft Poetry Essay: Thursday, March 5^th

·         Across Five Aprils begins, bring book: Wednesday, March 4^th

·         Field Day, March 12^th, if you would like to volunteer click here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054dacab2fa6f85-athletic.

·         Spring Break, March 16-23