Sunday, May 2, 2021

Newsletter 5/3-5/7

Here's What's Happening...

English/Language Arts: We didn't get to the baseline argument essay last week, so we will kick off the week by working on that.  Students will also complete Word Work List 10 Sort and Definitions.  Moving forward in our Unit 3 plans, we will now focus on events that happened after the American Revolution and up through the idea of westward expansion.  To do this, students will begin a jigsaw activity, where they will be assigned a particular event that occurred during this time period, and will become an expert on that event!

Science: We are wrapping up our unit on Ecosystem Restoration this week!  We will review through the use of a Kahoot game, as well as a practice activity that is similar to what they will be expected to do on their Ecosystem Restoration test.  Students will complete the test on Wednesday.

Social Studies: The students did a great job on their Ch. 8 Social Studies test.  I was especially impressed with the responses they wrote for the RACES question of "In your opinion, which protest was the most successful?"  We will get started this week on Ch. 9, which begins with the events that lead to the writing and passing of the Declaration of Independence.

Advanced Math: I am going to try something different with our next topic, Topic 10, which focuses on ratios.  Students will receive their pretest back and use the pretest to make a personal plan of what they will accomplish in this unit and how they will accomplish it.  This week, we will focus on the skills of defining ratios and writing them, finding equivalent ratios, and converting ratios between fractions, decimals, and percent.  Some students have already demonstrated a high level of mastery in some of these concepts, so they may plan to do enrichment work on a topic of their choice.  Others may find that they need some instruction and opportunity to practice.  My hope is that allowing students to design their own learning path will help keep their engagement levels high, especially as the end of the school year approaches.  Students will work on a Breakout activity that focuses on this week's skills on Friday during the asynchronous afternoon.

Important Info:

ISA Testing This Week!
Our testing season continues this week, as students will be taking the Illinois Science Assessment.  These tests will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week.  They have as much time as they need each day, but usually it takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete.  As always, I just want the kiddos to try their best and give their best effort.  I appreciate your help in making sure they rest well and have a good breakfast!

Lakeview Tour!
The Lakeview Junior High Student Council has planned for our fifth graders to visit Lakeview in order to begin the transition process.  Our class will be touring Lakeview on Tuesday, May 4th, from 1:20PM - 2:00PM.  Student council representatives will meet our students, and walk them to Lakeview, where they will show them around and answer any questions students may have about moving on to junior high.  This will be done at a time when students are not in class at Lakeview, and proper social distancing will be maintained at all times.  We are looking forward to a positive first experience at Lakeview Junior High!

Recess on the Playground!
With the updated guidance from the CDC, students are now able to enjoy using the playground equipment again,  Our fifth grade team is rotating through the opportunity to use the playground equipment during recess.  Our class had the chance to enjoy it this week!  Here are some pictures of their fun!


 
Schedule of Events
  • Tuesday, May 4th: ISA Testing, 8:50-9:50 AM
  • Tuesday, May 4th: Lakeview Tour, 1:20PM - 2:00 PM
  • Wednesday. May 5th: ISA Testing, 8:50-9:50 AM
  • Thursday, May 6th: ISA Testing, 8:50-9:50 AM
  • Friday, May 7th: 12:05 Dismissal, Asynchronous Afternoon Work

No comments:

Newsletter 5/29-6/2

Important Info: Last Day of School! Well, here we are...the last day of the 2022-2023 school year is Tuesday, May 30th.  This year ...