February 8, 2019
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| Doing homework sure pays off! Yum! |
Happy Friday Families,
With the chilly temperatures and the rain and ice, it seems as if spring can't come soon enough. Trimester 2 is quickly wrapping up, and Trimester 3 is quickly on its way.
Here is what we’ve been working on in each of our content areas:
Literacy
*We are continuing to read through Angel Island, which discusses the journey and challenges of Chinese immigrants as they entered the United States. To dig deeper into the topic of Angel Island, students also began reading about Li Keng Wong's personal story as a Chinese immigrant. By exposing students to first and second hand resources, we are continuing to explore more about perspective and point of view. As students are reading about Angel Island, many of them made connections to Ellis Island, which they learned about in 4th grade.
Writing
*Recently, the students have completed their superheroes informational essays, and they've been working hard to polish their writing through peer and self editing. To edit, they utilize a student-friendly rubric to familiarize themselves with grading criteria and targets. Along with editing their essays, the students have begun drawing a portrait and creating a Keynote that highlights the accomplishments and legacy of their real-life superhero. Be on the look out for these wonderful projects during spring conferences!
Math
*Within Unit 5, we are continuing to work on multiplying fractions. This week, we've practiced multiplying fractions by fractions. The students are working on creating diagrams using the area model and geoboards to represent dimensions and the area of rectangles. As we head into the next week, students will be practicing their skills with fraction multiplication story problems.
Social Studies
*We are beginning to learn about patriotism. Previously, we've learn about liberty and the Pledge of Allegiance. Connecting those two topics, students will explore the meaning and importance of patriotism. They will also discuss how people in the United States can show patriotism to their nation.
Science
*We have started our unit about the Earth, the Moon, and the Stars. This week, we dove into an investigation helps us visualize the apparent brightness of stars based on their distance from earth using flashlights and rulers. We also further explored stars by learning about famous constellations in the sky such as Leo, Orion, and the Big Dipper. We also learned that the Greek created interesting and elaborative myths as an attempt to explain the constellations. In addition, we explored the movement of the stars in the night sky and discovered that the stars appear to be moving because the earth is constantly rotating.
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, February 12 -- 5th Grade Band Concert (Twin Groves) @ 6:30 pm
Thursday, February 14 -- Valentine's Day Parties @ 1:45 pm
Monday, February 18 -- President's Day // No School
Tuesday, February 19 -- PTO Book Fair @ 6:00-8:00 pm
Tuesday, February 19 -- Ivy Hall Celebrates Diversity @ 6:30-8:00 pm
Friday, February 22 -- Half Day Dismissal @ 11:45 pm // End of Trimester 2
Tuesday, February 26 -- PTO Special Lunch
Friday, March 1 -- Teacher Institute Day // No School
Thursday, February 14 -- Valentine's Day Parties @ 1:45 pm
Monday, February 18 -- President's Day // No School
Tuesday, February 19 -- PTO Book Fair @ 6:00-8:00 pm
Tuesday, February 19 -- Ivy Hall Celebrates Diversity @ 6:30-8:00 pm
Friday, February 22 -- Half Day Dismissal @ 11:45 pm // End of Trimester 2
Tuesday, February 26 -- PTO Special Lunch
Friday, March 1 -- Teacher Institute Day // No School
Friendly Reminders
** Please keep in mind that on MOST days students will be going outside for recess. Please make sure that your child brings appropriate outdoor clothing, including gloves, to school each day.
**Band and orchestra students should remember to be prepared with their instruments and music books on the days that lessons take place. Students are not able to call home once the school day begins.
**Please remember to send your child with a healthy snack. Nothing feeds the brain better than something healthy!
**Please continue to have your child practice his or her multiplication facts up to 12.
** Please keep in mind that on MOST days students will be going outside for recess. Please make sure that your child brings appropriate outdoor clothing, including gloves, to school each day.
**Band and orchestra students should remember to be prepared with their instruments and music books on the days that lessons take place. Students are not able to call home once the school day begins.