As I typed "May 2nd", the reality of how quickly this year is passing hit me hard. Your kids are an inspiration to me every day and it will be very hard to see this year come to an end. The good news for me . . . we still have 6 weeks together! We will work very diligently over the few weeks remaining to make sure that your child has the skills that he or she needs to move onto 6th grade or middle school.
There is no school this Friday, so enjoy another 3-day weekend!
Spelling ~ We will work with Unit 32 words this week - taking a pretest on Monday, having written assignments on Tuesday and Wednesday, and taking a final test on Thursday.
5th: Suffixes -ent, -ant, -able, -ible
6th: Greek word parts
Language ~ Both grades will work with the Latin root words miss/mitt and sect.
5th: Homophones & Homographs
6th: Latin prefixes and roots
Reading ~
Both grades will wrap up novels this week. The 5th graders have been reading Woods Runner and the 6th graders have been reading The Westing Game.
We are doing a bit of research on the Civil Rights Movement as we prepare to begin the novel, The Watson's Go To Birmingham-1963 as a class.
Math ~
5th: The kids will be working with expressions and equations, as well as the order of operations.
6th: We are finishing our study of statistics and graphing this week.
Writing ~
6th graders will complete their personal narratives.
Social Studies ~
6th grade will study the Shang Dynasty of ancient China and will work on an interactive activity in class.
Science ~
6th graders will learn about the pull of gravity and perform hands-on experiments related to mass and gravity.
There will be no Extended Studies this week due to Mrs. Watterson's testing schedule. ES will resume next week.
This week will be bittersweet ~ it is great to see Mr. Monson complete this milestone, but we will sure miss him. He will be an excellent teacher and I sure hope that SD2 sets him up in a classroom of his own next year. Best of luck to you Mr. Monson!
Have a great week!
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Monday, April 21, 2014
April 21st ~ 25th
We'll, the kids ate 60 waffles, 5 pounds of bacon, and 2 gallons of juice on Thursday. It was a great way to begin a long holiday weekend. I hope you had a blessed Easter with your family - and lots of chocolate from the Easter Bunny (except for Kaylee, who does not like chocolate). :-)
I want to say a huge "Thank you" for making sure your child was in class for the NWEA tests. I did not have to schedule any make-up exams and the kids worked very hard! We all breathe a sigh of relief when the exams are behind us.
We have two short weeks in a row . . and very few weeks left. This year is flying by and I am certainly not ready to bid farewell to this amazing group of kids.
There will be no Extended Studies this week or next due to testing schedules for Mrs. Watterson.
Wednesday is Secretary's Day and I know Miss Vicki would appreciate any well wishes if you are inclined. We are very lucky at Poly Drive!
Spelling ~ Unit 31: We will take a pretest on Tuesday, complete written assignments on Wednesday and Thursday, and take a final test on Friday.
5th - Prefixes con-, pre-, and pro-
6th - Words from other languages
Language ~
5th - Homophones (our, hour, their, there, they're) and Root Words spec, spect, and vis.
6th - Prefixes and suffixes & Root Words spec, spect, and vis.
Reading ~
5th - The kids are continuing with the novel, Woods Runner. They are writing journal entries each day as they read.
6th - Sixth graders are reading The Westing Game. They have vocabulary and comprehension questions to complete each day.
Math ~
5th - We are continuing to work with graphing and measures of central tendency (mean, median, & mode).
6th - The kids will be creating double line graphs and circle graphs this week.
Writing ~
The 6th graders will finish personal narratives this week and then both grades will begin essay research on The Civil Rights Movement. This research and subsequent essay will serve as background information as we prepare to read The Watson's Go To Birmingham - 1963. A portion of this historical fiction novel takes place in Birmingham, Alabama and includes details about the violence that occurred during that time in our nation's history.
Social Studies ~
Sixth graders will continue working on their relief maps of China and will read chapter 19 and take notes.
Science ~ Sixth graders will work with pendulums as we explore speed and acceleration.
Have a fantastic week!
I want to say a huge "Thank you" for making sure your child was in class for the NWEA tests. I did not have to schedule any make-up exams and the kids worked very hard! We all breathe a sigh of relief when the exams are behind us.
We have two short weeks in a row . . and very few weeks left. This year is flying by and I am certainly not ready to bid farewell to this amazing group of kids.
There will be no Extended Studies this week or next due to testing schedules for Mrs. Watterson.
Wednesday is Secretary's Day and I know Miss Vicki would appreciate any well wishes if you are inclined. We are very lucky at Poly Drive!
Spelling ~ Unit 31: We will take a pretest on Tuesday, complete written assignments on Wednesday and Thursday, and take a final test on Friday.
5th - Prefixes con-, pre-, and pro-
6th - Words from other languages
Language ~
5th - Homophones (our, hour, their, there, they're) and Root Words spec, spect, and vis.
6th - Prefixes and suffixes & Root Words spec, spect, and vis.
Reading ~
5th - The kids are continuing with the novel, Woods Runner. They are writing journal entries each day as they read.
6th - Sixth graders are reading The Westing Game. They have vocabulary and comprehension questions to complete each day.
Math ~
5th - We are continuing to work with graphing and measures of central tendency (mean, median, & mode).
6th - The kids will be creating double line graphs and circle graphs this week.
Writing ~
The 6th graders will finish personal narratives this week and then both grades will begin essay research on The Civil Rights Movement. This research and subsequent essay will serve as background information as we prepare to read The Watson's Go To Birmingham - 1963. A portion of this historical fiction novel takes place in Birmingham, Alabama and includes details about the violence that occurred during that time in our nation's history.
Social Studies ~
Sixth graders will continue working on their relief maps of China and will read chapter 19 and take notes.
Science ~ Sixth graders will work with pendulums as we explore speed and acceleration.
Have a fantastic week!
Sunday, April 13, 2014
April 14th ~ 18th
The kids completed the Language NWEA test last week and we have two this week to wrap them up. We will take the reading test on Monday and the Math test on Wednesday. At the beginning of May we will begin our Smarter Balanced assessments, which take the place of the MontCAS tests. The kids may chew gum during testing - or bring small mints like Tic Tacs if the have braces and cannot enjoy gum.
This week is a short one with early dismissal on Thursday and then no school on Friday or next Monday.
Speaking of the early out on Thursday . . . we are having another Pajama Day & Handheld Electronics Day. The kids may wear their comfy jammies and I will be serving waffles, bacon, and juice before the kids leave at noon on Thursday. They may bring small, handheld electronics to use toward the end of the morning while we are enjoying the waffles.
Spelling ~ No Spelling Unit due to the short week. We will resume next week.
Language ~ We will work with various Language concepts this week - in between NWEA tests. 6th graders will be working with the root words, son & tort, as well as continuing to write a personal narrative.
Reading ~ We will begin new novels this week in both 5th and 6th grade. Mr. Monson has wrapped up Unit 6 in Lead21 with the 5th graders and they will be reading Woods Runner. This historical fiction novel takes place during the Revolutionary War. 6th graders will begin The Westing Game. This novel is a murder-mystery with 20 main characters and lots of plot twists.
Math ~ We will continue working with graphing and will complete a whole-class line plot activity on Wednesday. 6th graders will review fractions to refresh their memories before the NWEA test.
Social Studies ~ The 6th graders will work in small groups to create a relief map of China as we begin our study of ancient China.
Science ~ As we continue with Forces & Motion, the 6th graders will explore gravity, force, and acceleration during pendulum activities.
Looking ahead ~
Secretary's Day: Next Wednesday - April 23rd. Miss Vicki does so much for Poly Drive and I know she'd appreciate a card or email if you are so inclined.
Mr. Monson's last day in our class will be Thursday May 1st and we will take some time in the afternoon for a small going-away party. As we get closer, I'll see if any of you would like to provide treats that day.
May 12th-16th - Bike/Walk to school week. I bring my bike every year and ride a 3-mile loop with the kids after school. These extra miles have catapulted my class into 1st place every year. I hope the kids plan to ride with me again this year!
May 14th is the 6th grade Lewis & Clark Middle School tour from 12:30-2:30. We take the kids by bus, tour the school, and hear from current students and the Principal, Mr. Pomroy. Other evening events are offered for parents and more information will follow about those.
May 16th is the 6th grade field trip to Zoo Montana. We will be gone from about 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will have a pizza lunch at the zoo. A guest teacher will spend that time with 5th graders from our class and Mrs. Williams' class.
June 4th - All day 6th Grade field trip to the Lewis & Clark Caverns. We will leave Poly Drive at 7:30 a.m. and return about 6:00 p.m. We tour the caverns, stop in Bozeman for lunch, and have a great time on the fancy, plush bus. 5th graders will combine with Mrs. Williams' class and will share one guest teacher.
June 5th - 6th grade picnic at Rose Park. We usually walk from Poly Drive at about 11:00 a.m. and return about 2:00 p.m. 5th graders will hang out with Mrs. Williams' class again.
June 6th - This is our final day of school and we will have a 6th grade awards assembly and video show in the library. More information will follow, but we are planning for about 10:30 a.m. Parents are encouraged to attend, then they will already be there for the final "graduation" walk up the intermediate hall at about 11:50.
There are a lot of activities for the 6th graders toward the end of the year . . and although it doesn't seem quite fair for the 5th graders, it gives them something to look forward to next year!!!
Looking ahead ~
Secretary's Day: Next Wednesday - April 23rd. Miss Vicki does so much for Poly Drive and I know she'd appreciate a card or email if you are so inclined.
Mr. Monson's last day in our class will be Thursday May 1st and we will take some time in the afternoon for a small going-away party. As we get closer, I'll see if any of you would like to provide treats that day.
May 12th-16th - Bike/Walk to school week. I bring my bike every year and ride a 3-mile loop with the kids after school. These extra miles have catapulted my class into 1st place every year. I hope the kids plan to ride with me again this year!
May 14th is the 6th grade Lewis & Clark Middle School tour from 12:30-2:30. We take the kids by bus, tour the school, and hear from current students and the Principal, Mr. Pomroy. Other evening events are offered for parents and more information will follow about those.
May 16th is the 6th grade field trip to Zoo Montana. We will be gone from about 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will have a pizza lunch at the zoo. A guest teacher will spend that time with 5th graders from our class and Mrs. Williams' class.
June 4th - All day 6th Grade field trip to the Lewis & Clark Caverns. We will leave Poly Drive at 7:30 a.m. and return about 6:00 p.m. We tour the caverns, stop in Bozeman for lunch, and have a great time on the fancy, plush bus. 5th graders will combine with Mrs. Williams' class and will share one guest teacher.
June 5th - 6th grade picnic at Rose Park. We usually walk from Poly Drive at about 11:00 a.m. and return about 2:00 p.m. 5th graders will hang out with Mrs. Williams' class again.
June 6th - This is our final day of school and we will have a 6th grade awards assembly and video show in the library. More information will follow, but we are planning for about 10:30 a.m. Parents are encouraged to attend, then they will already be there for the final "graduation" walk up the intermediate hall at about 11:50.
There are a lot of activities for the 6th graders toward the end of the year . . and although it doesn't seem quite fair for the 5th graders, it gives them something to look forward to next year!!!
Have a great week, enjoy the upcoming long weekend . . . and Happy Easter!
Sunday, April 6, 2014
April 7th ~ 11th
As I glanced at the calendar for the remainder of the school year, I realized that we only have five "full" weeks until school is out. The rest of the weeks range from 3 1/2 to 4 days per week. Wow!
We begin our NWEA testing this Friday, starting with the Language test. We will take the Reading and Math tests next Monday and Wednesday.
I am sending home Scholastic Book Order forms this week. Orders should be returned by next Monday (14th). Our class code is GKDT8 if you wish to order books online. Remember that your orders help earn points to build our classroom library.
Pajama Day & Waffles ~ On Thursday April 17th, I am planning another Pajama Day with a waffle breakfast served before the kids leave for the Easter weekend. The 17th is an early out and we will have breakfast before dismissal at 12:00 noon. The kids may bring electronics to use for the last 45 minutes of the day.
Mr. Monson's last day in our room is May 1st. He has become such an integral part of our classroom and we will miss him a ton!
I want to let you know about a change for next year. I have accepted a curriculum position with our district and I will be leaving Poly Drive in exchange for a cubicle at Lincoln Center. I will have the opportunity to help develop curriculum materials, provide professional development seminars, and work in classrooms with teachers in our district. I must admit that I will really miss working daily with "my kids" and parents, but I am looking forward to this new adventure. Poly Drive is an incredible place, with amazing administration and staff . . . and of course, I certainly could not have asked for a more wonderful group of kids to spend this year with as I transition to my new role with our district. You are all very special to me and I have been blessed!!
Spelling ~ Unit 29: We will take a pretest on Tuesday, complete written assignments on Wednesday and Thursday, and take a final test on Friday. Because we have so many shorter weeks, it is important for the kids to take extra time to study for their spelling tests.
5th - Suffix -ion
6th - Prefixes de- and trans-
Language ~ The 6th graders will have written assignments on Tuesday and Thursday.
5th - The kids will be working in their Lead21 Practice Companion books.
6th - Sequential Order and Root Words clude/clus, herb
Reading ~
5th - The students will continue working with Unit 6 of the Lead21 resource - identifying text structures, extending vocabulary, and working with comprehension strategies.
6th - The kids will finish reading Code Talkers and Sweetgrass Basket this week.
Math ~
5th - Students will review multiplication and division of fractions, will take a quiz on Wednesday, and work with graphs and charts on Thursday
6th - We will study the different types of charts and graphs, determining which type is best for various circumstances. We will complete hands-on, real world scenarios this week.
Science ~
The 6th graders will work with speed, acceleration, and units of measure this week. Cubits and marbles galore as we study Physics.
Social Studies ~
6th graders will begin our study of ancient China by completing a Geography Challenge.
Have a great week!
We begin our NWEA testing this Friday, starting with the Language test. We will take the Reading and Math tests next Monday and Wednesday.
I am sending home Scholastic Book Order forms this week. Orders should be returned by next Monday (14th). Our class code is GKDT8 if you wish to order books online. Remember that your orders help earn points to build our classroom library.
Pajama Day & Waffles ~ On Thursday April 17th, I am planning another Pajama Day with a waffle breakfast served before the kids leave for the Easter weekend. The 17th is an early out and we will have breakfast before dismissal at 12:00 noon. The kids may bring electronics to use for the last 45 minutes of the day.
Mr. Monson's last day in our room is May 1st. He has become such an integral part of our classroom and we will miss him a ton!
I want to let you know about a change for next year. I have accepted a curriculum position with our district and I will be leaving Poly Drive in exchange for a cubicle at Lincoln Center. I will have the opportunity to help develop curriculum materials, provide professional development seminars, and work in classrooms with teachers in our district. I must admit that I will really miss working daily with "my kids" and parents, but I am looking forward to this new adventure. Poly Drive is an incredible place, with amazing administration and staff . . . and of course, I certainly could not have asked for a more wonderful group of kids to spend this year with as I transition to my new role with our district. You are all very special to me and I have been blessed!!
Spelling ~ Unit 29: We will take a pretest on Tuesday, complete written assignments on Wednesday and Thursday, and take a final test on Friday. Because we have so many shorter weeks, it is important for the kids to take extra time to study for their spelling tests.
5th - Suffix -ion
6th - Prefixes de- and trans-
Language ~ The 6th graders will have written assignments on Tuesday and Thursday.
5th - The kids will be working in their Lead21 Practice Companion books.
6th - Sequential Order and Root Words clude/clus, herb
Reading ~
5th - The students will continue working with Unit 6 of the Lead21 resource - identifying text structures, extending vocabulary, and working with comprehension strategies.
6th - The kids will finish reading Code Talkers and Sweetgrass Basket this week.
Math ~
5th - Students will review multiplication and division of fractions, will take a quiz on Wednesday, and work with graphs and charts on Thursday
6th - We will study the different types of charts and graphs, determining which type is best for various circumstances. We will complete hands-on, real world scenarios this week.
Science ~
The 6th graders will work with speed, acceleration, and units of measure this week. Cubits and marbles galore as we study Physics.
Social Studies ~
6th graders will begin our study of ancient China by completing a Geography Challenge.
Have a great week!
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