Newsletter 10/5-10/9

Here's What's Happening...

English/Language Arts: This week, we will continue to work on author's purpose, context clues, and Word Work List 2.  There will be a quiz on Word Work List 2 words at the end of the week (Thursday or Friday).  In addition, we will begin our unit focused on the theme of Challenges.  Students will be introduced to the Essential Questions of the Unit:

• How do challenges affect you and those around you?
• How do characters respond to challenges?
• How are challenges conquered in both fictional and informational text?

Finally, we start our first writing unit as well, which is all about Narrative Writing.  Students will write a baseline narrative this week so I can analyze where they are with their writing skills.

Science: Students will engage this week in activities to build evidence for their answers of Why is the sun up sometimes, but not at other times?  These activities include taking part in a kinesthetic model called "Mount Nose", reading a book entitled "Which Way is Up?",  and completing an Online Activity.  There will be several opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning this week:  They will write sentences using scientific vocabulary, they will complete an anticipation guide for the book, and we will wrap up the week with a scientific explantion of why the sun is up sometimes, but not at other times.

Social Studies: We didn't get to the "show what you know" activity last week, so we will do that this week.  In addition, students will have the opportunity to learn about and create their own Aztec masks!

Advanced Math: This next week in Math is what I call a transition week.  Students will start the week by analyzing their performance on the Topic 1 test, engaging in some reflection on what they did well, where they still need to grow, as well as whether they met their goal.  They will also be introduced to the digital portfolios that we use throughout this year in Math.  Then, they will take the Topic 2 PreTest, and again, analyze their performance on it and set a goal for Topic 2.  The remainder of the time this week will be spent on Number Corner Activities, and ending the week with a Breakout activity.  As an FYI, during these transition weeks, students may not have homework in Math each night.

Important Info:

Asynchronous Afternoon

On Wednesday, October 7th, the fifth grade team will engage in curriculum development during the afternoon remote time.  Students will be given activities to complete for Math WIN, Science, Social Studies, and Reading WIN, all of which can be done asynchronously (without the teacher present).  They are expected to complete these activities, and I will be checking their completion of the activities for attendance purposes.  With this year truly being a year like no other, we are so appreciative of the time our district is giving us to develop materials and methods to ensure we are doing all we can to meet the needs of our students.  I appreciate your support and flexibility with our schedule as well.  

Schedule of Events

• Monday, October 5th: Digital Magazine & Gift Drive begins
• Wednesday, October 7th: Chalk-tober Event Registration Due
• Thursday,  October 8th: Chalk-tober Event, 4-6pm
• Monday, October 12th: No School, Columbus Day