Monday, May 26, 2014
May 26th ~ 30th
Two weeks to go . . . hard to believe that this wonderful year is coming to a close. I hope you enjoyed the long weekend. We even got a taste of some summer weather!
Tuesday - We have wrapped up the novel, The Watson's Go To Birmingham-1963 and we will watch the movie on Wednesday and the kids will compare and contrast the two versions.
**The movie is rated PG, so send me an email if you do not want
your child to view the movie and I will provide an alternate
activity for him or her. I have previewed the movie, but wanted
you to be aware of the rating.**
The kids will participate in the "Greek Olympics" on Wednesday afternoon as we complete our study of ancient Greece. The 5th graders are joining the 6th graders for this Olympic event.
Orchestra Concert - Thursday at 10:20 in the gym.
Friday is Field Day and the kids should have tennis shoes at school for this event. It is our normal P.E. day, so this is generally not a problem . . but I just wanted to remind the kids.
Looking Ahead - 6th Grade parents . . . mark your calendars for the 6th grade awards and slide show on Friday June 6th from 10:30 to about 11:30 in the Library. We will take the kids back to the room after the program to prepare for our final "Graduation" walk up the intermediate hall. Bring your cameras and tissues. This is our normal Health/P.E. time, so 5th graders will be with Mrs. Reas.
Spelling: Unit 35 (Our last one - and the final spelling unit EVER for 6th graders) We will take a pretest on Tuesday, have a written assignment on Thursday, and take the final test on Friday.
5th - More words from other languages
6th - Words often confused
Language: The kids will have written assignments on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
5th - Synonyms and antonyms
6th - Etymology of words derived from the Hebrew and Irish languages
Reading: Will will complete our unit work for The Watson's Go To Birmingham-1963 and watch the movie on Wednesday.
Math: Both 5th and 6th graders will work with equal expressions, isolating variables, and inequalities.
Science: 6th graders will continue with physics and an egg drop dilemma & demonstration on Monday.
Social Studies: We will conduct the Greek Olympics on Tuesday and the 6th Graders will begin learning about ancient Rome.
Have a fantastic week!
Tuesday - We have wrapped up the novel, The Watson's Go To Birmingham-1963 and we will watch the movie on Wednesday and the kids will compare and contrast the two versions.
**The movie is rated PG, so send me an email if you do not want
your child to view the movie and I will provide an alternate
activity for him or her. I have previewed the movie, but wanted
you to be aware of the rating.**
The kids will participate in the "Greek Olympics" on Wednesday afternoon as we complete our study of ancient Greece. The 5th graders are joining the 6th graders for this Olympic event.
Orchestra Concert - Thursday at 10:20 in the gym.
Friday is Field Day and the kids should have tennis shoes at school for this event. It is our normal P.E. day, so this is generally not a problem . . but I just wanted to remind the kids.
Looking Ahead - 6th Grade parents . . . mark your calendars for the 6th grade awards and slide show on Friday June 6th from 10:30 to about 11:30 in the Library. We will take the kids back to the room after the program to prepare for our final "Graduation" walk up the intermediate hall. Bring your cameras and tissues. This is our normal Health/P.E. time, so 5th graders will be with Mrs. Reas.
5th - More words from other languages
6th - Words often confused
Language: The kids will have written assignments on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
5th - Synonyms and antonyms
6th - Etymology of words derived from the Hebrew and Irish languages
Reading: Will will complete our unit work for The Watson's Go To Birmingham-1963 and watch the movie on Wednesday.
Math: Both 5th and 6th graders will work with equal expressions, isolating variables, and inequalities.
Science: 6th graders will continue with physics and an egg drop dilemma & demonstration on Monday.
Social Studies: We will conduct the Greek Olympics on Tuesday and the 6th Graders will begin learning about ancient Rome.
Have a fantastic week!
Saturday, May 17, 2014
May 19th ~ 23rd
Spring is trying to make an appearance and we had some nice weather last week. I'm glad it cooperated for our Bike to School - after school loops. It was great to ride with the kids and we had quite a group each day. One day - we had 20 kids and 2 parents riding! Way to go guys!!
Testing is complete and this week will be a bit more "back to normal". Four kids need to make up tests they missed and I will try to wrap those up this week.
Band Concert - Tuesday from 10:10-10:45 in the gym
Thursday: 5th Grade Hooked on Fishing field trip to Lake Elmo.
All Library book are due this Friday to allow Mrs. Delaney time to inventory the library.
If kids have personal e-readers, they may still check books out electronically.
Next Monday is a school holiday - I cannot believe that Memorial Day is here already!
Spelling: Unit 34 - We will take a pretest on Monday, work with our word list during the week and complete written assignments on Tuesday & Thursday, and take a final test on Friday.
5th ~ Latin Root Words
6th ~ Absorbed prefixes
Language: The kids will have written assignments on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
5th ~ Synonyms, and Root Word Extension
6th ~ Etymology of words derived from Spanish and French & Root Word Extension
Reading: We will finish reading The Watson's Go To Birmingham-1963 this week. We will discuss the reading each day and prepare to watch the movie next week. The kids will compare and contrast the book and movie versions.
Math: We are continuing with expressions and equations and the kids are working with variables, exponents, and equivalent expressions. Much of what we do this week will be with a partner as the kids solve various real-world problems using these math concepts. On Friday, the kids will use an online resource to balance mathematical expressions.
Social Studies - 6th
We will study the rise of Democracy in ancient Greece. They will work in groups to study the various forms of government, create skits to represent their research, and then perform the skits.
We will also learn about the Athenians and Spartans in preparation for our "Greek Olympics" in class.
Science - 6th
We will study Newton's 3rd Law of Physics and the kids will work with marbles to test Newton's Laws. On Friday, we will use Alka Seltzer and film canisters to explore how energy is transferred.
Have a fantastic week!
Testing is complete and this week will be a bit more "back to normal". Four kids need to make up tests they missed and I will try to wrap those up this week.
Band Concert - Tuesday from 10:10-10:45 in the gym
Thursday: 5th Grade Hooked on Fishing field trip to Lake Elmo.
All Library book are due this Friday to allow Mrs. Delaney time to inventory the library.
If kids have personal e-readers, they may still check books out electronically.
Next Monday is a school holiday - I cannot believe that Memorial Day is here already!
Spelling: Unit 34 - We will take a pretest on Monday, work with our word list during the week and complete written assignments on Tuesday & Thursday, and take a final test on Friday.
5th ~ Latin Root Words
6th ~ Absorbed prefixes
Language: The kids will have written assignments on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
5th ~ Synonyms, and Root Word Extension
6th ~ Etymology of words derived from Spanish and French & Root Word Extension
Reading: We will finish reading The Watson's Go To Birmingham-1963 this week. We will discuss the reading each day and prepare to watch the movie next week. The kids will compare and contrast the book and movie versions.
Math: We are continuing with expressions and equations and the kids are working with variables, exponents, and equivalent expressions. Much of what we do this week will be with a partner as the kids solve various real-world problems using these math concepts. On Friday, the kids will use an online resource to balance mathematical expressions.
Social Studies - 6th
We will study the rise of Democracy in ancient Greece. They will work in groups to study the various forms of government, create skits to represent their research, and then perform the skits.
We will also learn about the Athenians and Spartans in preparation for our "Greek Olympics" in class.
Science - 6th
We will study Newton's 3rd Law of Physics and the kids will work with marbles to test Newton's Laws. On Friday, we will use Alka Seltzer and film canisters to explore how energy is transferred.
Have a fantastic week!
Saturday, May 10, 2014
May 12th ~ 16th
I hope all the moms had a great Mother's Day!
Teacher Appreciation Week was certainly a humbling experience. We teach because we love kids and it is so amazing to be spoiled and pampered like we were. I want to say a special Thank You for all of the beautiful gifts you gave as a class. I was overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness. Thank you Mrs. Krueger for doing the shopping and wrapping!
In case you are not aware of all the goodies your kindness provided ~ the list is as follows:
Monday - A beautiful cylinder planter with tulip bulbs. They were not open on Monday, but we watched as they blossomed throughout the week. They are now proudly displayed on my dining room table . . . and will end up planted in my yard to enjoy next year!
Tuesday - A great ceramic coffee cup with lid, Kona coffee beans, and a gourmet chocolate bar. I LOVE my coffee!
Wednesday - A body-pampering bag of goodies that included lavender body oils, lotions, liquid soap, bar soap, lip balm, and some yummy minty gum.
Thursday - A really fun "salad kit". It included a lovely glass salad bowl, California olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pink sea salt, pepper corns, wooden tongs, and three packets of lettuce seeds. When the weather cooperates, I will plant the lettuce and anxiously await the harvest.
Friday - A beautiful silver jewelry set that included a multi-strand silver necklace, earrings, and a bangle bracelet. It is a lovely set and I will think about this amazing group of kids when I wear it.
You are all incredible and I thank you so much for your love and support. I am blessed!
Our Smarter Balanced assessment was postponed on Friday due to website maintenance. We will still test this upcoming Monday from 9:30-11:30 and then try to complete our final assessment on Wednesday from 8:30-10:30.
Bike/Walk to School Week ~ I have challenged the kids to ride a 3-mile loop with me after school each day this week. We leave Poly Drive and head to 17th Street, turn around and ride past Poly Drive to Rehberg Lane, turn around again and head back to Poly Drive. This 3-mile loop takes about 20 minutes from the time we leave school . . . and the class with the most miles logged for the week wins a special treat. Unless we have lightning or tornadoes, we ride!
The Poly Drive Select Choir will perform for the students on Tuesday morning and then head off for their concert tour.
Muffins for Moms ~ Thursday in the gym from 7:30-8:30. Join your child for some muffins and juice!
L&C Middle School Tour for 6th Graders ~ We will leave Poly Drive via school bus at about 12:30 on Wednesday and the kids will have an opportunity to hear from Mr. Pomroy, the Principal, and tour the building. We will return to Poly Drive at about 2:30. If you have not returned your permission slip, please do so A.S.A.P.
6th GRADE PARENTS - L&C Middle School is holding a parent Open House this Thursday evening from 7-8. You and your child may attend to receive information about next year. There will be another Open House in August if you are unable to attend this one.
Zoo Montana Field Trip for 6th Graders ~ This Friday from 9:40 - 1:00. We will travel via school bus, tour the zoo, have pizza & pop for lunch, and arrive back at Poly Drive at about 1:00 p.m. Please make sure kids have jackets and good walking shoes. Water bottles are a good idea too. Mrs. Williams and I are sharing a guest teacher and 5th graders from both classes will be combined in my classroom for the day. Mrs. Williams and I will take the 6th graders to her room from 1-3.
Mr. Croff has asked me to cover for him on Tuesday and Thursday, while he serves on a new-hire interview panel. I will be in the building, but will have a guest teacher in my room on those days.
Spelling ~ We will work with Unit 33 words this week, complete written assignments on Tuesday and Thursday, and take a final test on Friday.
5th: Greek word parts
6th: Latin root words
Language ~ The kids will have written assignments on Monday and Wednesday.
5th: Analogies and root word extension practice
6th: Greek roots and suffixes and root word extension practice
Reading ~ Both grades are continuing with the novel The Watson's Go To Birmingham-1963. There are daily comprehension questions to answer and we discuss the novel in class. At the end of the book, the kids will view the movie version and will compare and contrast the versions.
The 5th graders will complete a close read of the article, Hide & Seek on Wednesday.
Math ~ Both 5th and 6th graders are working with expressions and equations and will study the properties of operations on Monday and then work with partners to complete hands-on, real world problems in class.
Social Studies ~ 6th graders will continue to learn about ancient China - the emperors and dynasties.
Science ~ As we continue learning about Newton's laws of physics, the kids will design methods to keep a raw egg from cracking or breaking. They may wrap, harness, or cushion the egg using materials from home. I am providing tape, eggs, and the carts to hold the eggs and 6th graders should have their materials at school by Tuesday. The carts - with eggs as passengers - will speed down a ramp and crash into a stationary wall at the bottom. We will see how many eggs survive!! The "Crash Test Dummies" will meet their fate on Tuesday.
I think that about covers it - Have a fantastic week.
Teacher Appreciation Week was certainly a humbling experience. We teach because we love kids and it is so amazing to be spoiled and pampered like we were. I want to say a special Thank You for all of the beautiful gifts you gave as a class. I was overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness. Thank you Mrs. Krueger for doing the shopping and wrapping!
In case you are not aware of all the goodies your kindness provided ~ the list is as follows:
Monday - A beautiful cylinder planter with tulip bulbs. They were not open on Monday, but we watched as they blossomed throughout the week. They are now proudly displayed on my dining room table . . . and will end up planted in my yard to enjoy next year!
Tuesday - A great ceramic coffee cup with lid, Kona coffee beans, and a gourmet chocolate bar. I LOVE my coffee!
Wednesday - A body-pampering bag of goodies that included lavender body oils, lotions, liquid soap, bar soap, lip balm, and some yummy minty gum.
Thursday - A really fun "salad kit". It included a lovely glass salad bowl, California olive oil, balsamic vinegar, pink sea salt, pepper corns, wooden tongs, and three packets of lettuce seeds. When the weather cooperates, I will plant the lettuce and anxiously await the harvest.
Friday - A beautiful silver jewelry set that included a multi-strand silver necklace, earrings, and a bangle bracelet. It is a lovely set and I will think about this amazing group of kids when I wear it.
You are all incredible and I thank you so much for your love and support. I am blessed!
Our Smarter Balanced assessment was postponed on Friday due to website maintenance. We will still test this upcoming Monday from 9:30-11:30 and then try to complete our final assessment on Wednesday from 8:30-10:30.
Bike/Walk to School Week ~ I have challenged the kids to ride a 3-mile loop with me after school each day this week. We leave Poly Drive and head to 17th Street, turn around and ride past Poly Drive to Rehberg Lane, turn around again and head back to Poly Drive. This 3-mile loop takes about 20 minutes from the time we leave school . . . and the class with the most miles logged for the week wins a special treat. Unless we have lightning or tornadoes, we ride!
The Poly Drive Select Choir will perform for the students on Tuesday morning and then head off for their concert tour.
Muffins for Moms ~ Thursday in the gym from 7:30-8:30. Join your child for some muffins and juice!
L&C Middle School Tour for 6th Graders ~ We will leave Poly Drive via school bus at about 12:30 on Wednesday and the kids will have an opportunity to hear from Mr. Pomroy, the Principal, and tour the building. We will return to Poly Drive at about 2:30. If you have not returned your permission slip, please do so A.S.A.P.
6th GRADE PARENTS - L&C Middle School is holding a parent Open House this Thursday evening from 7-8. You and your child may attend to receive information about next year. There will be another Open House in August if you are unable to attend this one.
Zoo Montana Field Trip for 6th Graders ~ This Friday from 9:40 - 1:00. We will travel via school bus, tour the zoo, have pizza & pop for lunch, and arrive back at Poly Drive at about 1:00 p.m. Please make sure kids have jackets and good walking shoes. Water bottles are a good idea too. Mrs. Williams and I are sharing a guest teacher and 5th graders from both classes will be combined in my classroom for the day. Mrs. Williams and I will take the 6th graders to her room from 1-3.
Mr. Croff has asked me to cover for him on Tuesday and Thursday, while he serves on a new-hire interview panel. I will be in the building, but will have a guest teacher in my room on those days.
Spelling ~ We will work with Unit 33 words this week, complete written assignments on Tuesday and Thursday, and take a final test on Friday.
5th: Greek word parts
6th: Latin root words
Language ~ The kids will have written assignments on Monday and Wednesday.
5th: Analogies and root word extension practice
6th: Greek roots and suffixes and root word extension practice
Reading ~ Both grades are continuing with the novel The Watson's Go To Birmingham-1963. There are daily comprehension questions to answer and we discuss the novel in class. At the end of the book, the kids will view the movie version and will compare and contrast the versions.
The 5th graders will complete a close read of the article, Hide & Seek on Wednesday.
Math ~ Both 5th and 6th graders are working with expressions and equations and will study the properties of operations on Monday and then work with partners to complete hands-on, real world problems in class.
Social Studies ~ 6th graders will continue to learn about ancient China - the emperors and dynasties.
Science ~ As we continue learning about Newton's laws of physics, the kids will design methods to keep a raw egg from cracking or breaking. They may wrap, harness, or cushion the egg using materials from home. I am providing tape, eggs, and the carts to hold the eggs and 6th graders should have their materials at school by Tuesday. The carts - with eggs as passengers - will speed down a ramp and crash into a stationary wall at the bottom. We will see how many eggs survive!! The "Crash Test Dummies" will meet their fate on Tuesday.
I think that about covers it - Have a fantastic week.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
May 5th ~ 9th
We only have five weeks left of this school year and they will be very busy!
Thank you to everyone who sent goodies for our farewell party for Mr. Monson. We had a feast and Mr. Monson was very touched by the outpouring of support. He has been a great addition to our classroom and we will sure miss him!
Box tops are due on Wednesday, so if you have any saved up at home, send them to school and I will get them to the office.
We will be taking three Smarter Balanced tests this week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) and your child will need headphones at school. Most of the kids have headphones in the classroom, but double check with your child and remind him or her to bring them to school Monday.
6th Graders will register for 7th grade on Wednesday afternoon. The counselors visit Poly Drive and we walk the kids through the process using laptop computers. I will make sure that appropriate registration for enriched classes take place.
The Poly Drive BBQ is this Wednesday from 5-7 and I hope to see you all there for some burgers, hot dogs, and fellowship.
Looking Ahead:
May 12th-16th is Bike/Walk to school week. I bring my bike to school for the week and ride a 3-mile loop with the kids after school. It is fun and a great way to rack up the miles for our classroom! Encourage your child to ride with us after school - rain or shine!
Tuesday May 13th is the Select Choir concert and tour date. If you have additional questions, check with Mrs. Carroll.
Wednesday May 14th is the 6th grade tour of L&C Middle School from 12:30-2:30. We will take a bus to L&C and hear from current students and Mr. Pomroy. Thursday the 15th - from 7:00-8:00 p.m. is the evening open house for parents and students.
Thursday May 15th is Muffins for Moms from 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Friday May 16th is the 6th grade field trip to Zoo Montana. If you would like to chaperon, send a quick email to let me know. It is a fun and relaxed day and we will order pizza delivered to the Zoo for lunch. We will leave Poly Drive at about 10:00 a.m. and return around 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 20th is the Band Concert from 10:10-11:00 in the gym.
Thursday May 22nd is the 5th grade field trip to Lake Elmo. This is the culmination of Hooked on Fishing that the kids have participated in throughout the year. Information will be provided by Mrs. Saur and Mrs. Schaff.
Thursday May 29th is the Orchestra Concert from 10:20-11:00
Mrs. Reas has planned Field Day for Friday May 30th. Please make sure your child has tennis shoes for that day.
Wednesday June 4th is the 6th Grade field trip to Lewis & Clark Caverns. We leave Poly Drive at about 7:30 a.m. and return at about 6:00 p.m. If you are interested in joining us that day, send me a quick email. Parents usually carpool to the Caverns, as we do not have extra seats on the bus. We'd love to have you come along if you can make it.
6th Grade Parents ~ Tentatively plan on the 6th grade awards and slide show at 10:30 on the last day of school - June 6th. I will let you know for sure as we get closer. The final graduation walk up the intermediate hall takes place at about 11:50 a.m. on the last day of school. Have your cameras and tissues ready.
Spelling: We will not work with a spelling unit this week due to our Smarter Balanced testing schedule.
Language: We will have written assignments on Tues., Wed., and Thurs. this week.
5th - Root word and Heteronyms worksheets.
6th - Root word, Greek prefixes, and Greek roots worksheets.
Reading: We are beginning a new novel this week for both 5th and 6th graders. The Watson's Go To Birmingham-1963, is an historical fiction novel that takes place during the Civil Rights era. We have done some in-class research on the Civil Rights Movement in preparation for this novel.
Math: 5th and 6th graders will review order of operations and exponents as we prepare to work more extensively with expressions and equations.
Social Studies - 6th Grade
We are studying 3 philosophies of ancient China this week.
Science - 6th Grade
We will learn about Newton's 1st law of motion, including force, friction, velocity, inertia, and speed. We will work with an online resource to build background knowledge before designing protective gear and harnesses for raw eggs. We will run tests with our egg "Crash Test Dummies" next Tuesday.
Have a fantastic week!!
Thank you to everyone who sent goodies for our farewell party for Mr. Monson. We had a feast and Mr. Monson was very touched by the outpouring of support. He has been a great addition to our classroom and we will sure miss him!
Box tops are due on Wednesday, so if you have any saved up at home, send them to school and I will get them to the office.
We will be taking three Smarter Balanced tests this week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) and your child will need headphones at school. Most of the kids have headphones in the classroom, but double check with your child and remind him or her to bring them to school Monday.
6th Graders will register for 7th grade on Wednesday afternoon. The counselors visit Poly Drive and we walk the kids through the process using laptop computers. I will make sure that appropriate registration for enriched classes take place.
The Poly Drive BBQ is this Wednesday from 5-7 and I hope to see you all there for some burgers, hot dogs, and fellowship.
Looking Ahead:
May 12th-16th is Bike/Walk to school week. I bring my bike to school for the week and ride a 3-mile loop with the kids after school. It is fun and a great way to rack up the miles for our classroom! Encourage your child to ride with us after school - rain or shine!
Tuesday May 13th is the Select Choir concert and tour date. If you have additional questions, check with Mrs. Carroll.
Wednesday May 14th is the 6th grade tour of L&C Middle School from 12:30-2:30. We will take a bus to L&C and hear from current students and Mr. Pomroy. Thursday the 15th - from 7:00-8:00 p.m. is the evening open house for parents and students.
Thursday May 15th is Muffins for Moms from 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Friday May 16th is the 6th grade field trip to Zoo Montana. If you would like to chaperon, send a quick email to let me know. It is a fun and relaxed day and we will order pizza delivered to the Zoo for lunch. We will leave Poly Drive at about 10:00 a.m. and return around 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 20th is the Band Concert from 10:10-11:00 in the gym.
Thursday May 22nd is the 5th grade field trip to Lake Elmo. This is the culmination of Hooked on Fishing that the kids have participated in throughout the year. Information will be provided by Mrs. Saur and Mrs. Schaff.
Thursday May 29th is the Orchestra Concert from 10:20-11:00
Mrs. Reas has planned Field Day for Friday May 30th. Please make sure your child has tennis shoes for that day.
Wednesday June 4th is the 6th Grade field trip to Lewis & Clark Caverns. We leave Poly Drive at about 7:30 a.m. and return at about 6:00 p.m. If you are interested in joining us that day, send me a quick email. Parents usually carpool to the Caverns, as we do not have extra seats on the bus. We'd love to have you come along if you can make it.
6th Grade Parents ~ Tentatively plan on the 6th grade awards and slide show at 10:30 on the last day of school - June 6th. I will let you know for sure as we get closer. The final graduation walk up the intermediate hall takes place at about 11:50 a.m. on the last day of school. Have your cameras and tissues ready.
Spelling: We will not work with a spelling unit this week due to our Smarter Balanced testing schedule.
Language: We will have written assignments on Tues., Wed., and Thurs. this week.
5th - Root word and Heteronyms worksheets.
6th - Root word, Greek prefixes, and Greek roots worksheets.
Reading: We are beginning a new novel this week for both 5th and 6th graders. The Watson's Go To Birmingham-1963, is an historical fiction novel that takes place during the Civil Rights era. We have done some in-class research on the Civil Rights Movement in preparation for this novel.
Math: 5th and 6th graders will review order of operations and exponents as we prepare to work more extensively with expressions and equations.
Social Studies - 6th Grade
We are studying 3 philosophies of ancient China this week.
Science - 6th Grade
We will learn about Newton's 1st law of motion, including force, friction, velocity, inertia, and speed. We will work with an online resource to build background knowledge before designing protective gear and harnesses for raw eggs. We will run tests with our egg "Crash Test Dummies" next Tuesday.
Have a fantastic week!!
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