Week of 10/27

Dear Families~

I'm so sorry that I was unable to post last week. Hopefully it will not happen again. We have a very busy week ahead of us! I cannot believe that we are at the end of October. . . .this year is flying by!

There are a few things that our class needs this week:

• Pumpkins (medium and large) for our pumpkin project beginning on Thursday
• Adult sized clothing for our Service Learning Project. We will be helping many adults in our community that are in need of warm winter clothing items. We need blankets, jackets, coats, long-sleeved shirts, pants, warm skirts, hoodies, gloves, and hats etc. 
• Hand sanitizer-Our class is OUT.

A HUGE thank you goes to everyone who donated to our ONE and DONE fundraiser! CAA raised over $19,000!

We'll be having a fall-filled day on Friday, the 31st, while we read books about pumpkins and do some pumpkin math too! We'll be carving our pumpkins that afternoon and roasting the seeds. I would like to have a couple of parents come in around 12:15 to help us get our pumpkins primed for gutting and stay to help us roast the seeds. If you are able to help with that, please let me know.

If you have signed up to bring in a small snack on Friday, you may send it with your child that morning if it does not need to be refrigerated. If it does need to be refrigerated, please plan on bringing it in by 12:15. 

Let's take a closer look at this week:
This Week

• Mon, 10/27: Red Ribbon Week Messy Hair/Hat Day - "Don't let drugs mess you up!"
• Tues, 10/28: Picture Day; Gently used coats due for service project; Shurley English test chapter 3; Red Ribbon Week Dress for Success Day - "Dress for Success... no time for drugs!"
• Wed, 10/29: GHS Spirit Wear Day - "Stomp out drugs!"
• Thurs, 10/30: Reading Test; Spooky stories due; Red Ribbon Week Sporty Clothes Day - "I've got better things to do than drugs!"; PTA performances at 6 pm
• Fri, 10/31: Science test; math homework due; Pumpkin Day! (no costumes!)

Science
Our class will finish up their unit of study with Ms. Creel this week. They have a science test on Friday.

Math
Standards
NBT.7 Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals to hundredths, using concrete models or drawings and strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction; relate the strategy to a written method and explain the reasoning used.  

We are starting a new unit this week (it will last for three weeks). Students are still working on multiplication and division strategies they learned in the last few weeks, but we are adding a decimal place to our work. In small group, we'll be working with multiplying decimals on hundreds grids, working with the standard algorithm, and with the lattice method.
 
Activities

• Stained Glass Window (multiplying decimals)
• Halloween Match (cut out the cards; match the problems with the answers. Once you’ve matched them, glue them on black construction paper. You may use a white crayon to decorate the paper. Color in the answers with an orange crayon – lightly!
• Village Bakery Prices
• IXL – Multiplying decimals: G.3, G.4, G.8, G.9, G.5, G.6, G.7

Be sure to check out the following videos:
Learn Zillion  quick code: LZ3003

Using standard algorithm

Using the area model

Using the lattice method

Homework
The math homework is a little different this week. All of the fifth grade teachers decided to change it up a little. We like having the students work on mathematics they should have mastered in fourth grade because it keeps those skills sharp. But we also value the opinions of our parents, so on the back of the review page, you'll find between 10-15 problems on the CURRENT standard we are practicing. We hope you like the change! Please keep in mind that your child should spend some time each night at home practicing what he/she has learned. Our math homework is NOT designed as a punishment. 

Reading

Standards

• RL.5.3. Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).
• RI.5.3. Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.

Activities

• Becoming Good Neighbors Read this story. Choose 3 highlighters, then reread through the entire story again. Choose PINK to highlight how Billy and Roger are the same. Choose YELLOW to show how Billy is different, and choose BLUE to show how Roger is different. Be sure you make a key at the bottom.
• Write About It After you’ve highlighted evidence in “Becoming Good Neighbors,” write 2 paragraphs – write one paragraph about how the boys are similar. Write another paragraph about how the boys are different. Use examples from the text. Write things like: {sentence stems provided}
• Following Boo Complete the activity page on the story, “Following Boo.”
• Compare & Contrast Choose one of the following to compare and contrast in a Venn diagram: Nate and his sister; how Nate acted BEFORE he found boo, and how Nate acted AFTER he found Boo; the setting at the campground and the setting where Boo walks into the water

What We're Reading

• "Following Boo"
• "Becoming Good Neighbors"
• "One Minute until Midnight"
• One for the Murphy's

What We're Writing

• Compare and contrast paragraphs

English

• Writing spooky stories!
• Final drafts due on Thursday
• Shurley English test covering chapter 3 is on Tuesday

Week of 10/13

Dear Families~

Thank you for a GREAT week last week. I hope that you have enjoyed your weekend so far. Don't forget there is NO SCHOOL for students on Monday, 10/13. Thank you to everyone who has signed up for parent conferences. I look forward to meeting with you. I will NOT be at school on Wed-Friday of this week, I will be attending a math conference south of Atlanta. Please remind your child to be on their best behavior.

This Week

• Mon, 10/13: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
• Tues, 10/14: Class Dojo reward day; One & Done letter goes home
• Thurs, 10/16: Social Studies test; One & Done fundraiser pep rally; PTA @ 6pm
• Fri, 10/17: Family Tree Projects due! Chick-Fil-A breakfast, $2.50

Upcoming Events:

• Tues, 10/21: Report Cards come home
• Wed, 10/22: One & Done money comes in this week (through Friday)
• Tues, 10/28: Fall school pictures
• Thurs, 10/30: Step & Musical performances @ 8:25 and 9:20
• Fri, 10/31: Halloween (we will not have a party, but we can eat treats while we work)

October Service Project

Our class is partnering with Mrs. Thompson's class to do a coat drive for homeless and needy adults in Gainesville. There are often many coat drives for children, but we are serving those adults who are in need since the cold season is coming upon us. Please go through your closets and send in any coats and blankets that you are no longer using but are still in good condition. *We need large boxes to collect our coats in. If you have access to any, please let me know! Thanks!

Social Studies
This is the last week of our "Changing Nation" unit. Feel free to visit our social studies website, www.5socialstudies.weebly.com and click the "Changing Nation" tab at the top. You will find the PowerPoint we'll be using in class as well as other interesting tidbits for this unit. 
Standards

• SS5H3 The student will describe how life changed in America at the turn of the century. 
  
  1. Describe the role of the cattle trails in the late 19th century; include the Black Cowboys of Texas, the Great Western Cattle Trail, and the Chisholm Trail. 
  2. Describe the impact on American life of the Wright brothers (flight), George Washington Carver (science), Alexander Graham Bell (communication), and Thomas Edison (electricity). 
  3. Explain  how  William  McKinley  and  Theodore  Roosevelt  expanded  America’s role in the world; include the Spanish-American War and the building of the Panama Canal. 
  4. Describe the reasons people emigrated to the United States, from where they emigrated, and where they settled. 
  5. Describe the impact of westward expansion on Native Americans; include the Battle of the Little Bighorn and the relocation of Native Americans to reservations. 

Topics

• Tuesday: Review/Study for test
• Wednesday: Watch History Channel: Story of Us
• Thursday: Test (Essay and multiple choice)
• Friday: Family Tree presentations

Family Tree Project
Students' family tree projects are due on Friday, 10/17. Students should conduct some informal research to find out family information to present to the class. Students should make a poster, PowerPoint, shoebox diorama, or other presentation to show the class on Friday. We are sensitive to the fact that some kids don't know a lot about their families; we just want to encourage students to learn more about themselves and the people who have shaped their lives. If you have any questions about this project, please email me. 
Assessment: Thursday, 10/16
Math
Standards

• NBT.6 Find whole-number quotients of whole numbers with up to four-digit dividencs and two-digit divisors using strategies based on place value, properties of equations, and/or the relationship between multiplication and division. Illustrate and explain by using equations, rectangular arrays, and/or area models. 

We are still working on multiplying whole-digit numbers and learning division (long division, that is) of multi-digit whole numbers. The test will be in 2 weeks. We are multiplying large numbers (403 x 267) and dividing large numbers (6,792 ÷ 53). 
 
Videos to Watch
I HIGHLY recommend that you watch the following videos from LearnZillion.com to help you become familiar with the methods we'll be using in class. One of the biggest concerns parents have expressed to me is that they don't know the methods we use in class. These videos will show you exactly how we're working the math in class.
Visit www.learnzillion.com and enter the following codes:

• Division - Estimate with Equations: LZ551
• Division - Area Model Strategy: LZ552
• Division - Rectangular Array: LZ553
• Division - Expanded Notation: LZ554

Reading/ELA




Standards

• RL.5.3. Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).
• RI.5.3. Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.

What We're Reading

• several articles 
• One for the Murphy's

Shurley English

• Chapter 3 (Lessons 1-3 this week)
• Prepositional phrases; single and plural nouns
• Test next week

 

Week of 10/6

Dear Families~

We had a GREAT week last week. Thank you for all of your continued support. Please know that I am here for your child. If there is anything that you have a question about, please feel free to call or e-mail me.

Thank you for your help sending in supplies for THE SANDWICH PROJECT last week. We were able to make 27 sack lunches which included 2 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, a sweet treat, and at least 1 note of encouragement. Each lunch will also come with a bottle of water. The students really enjoyed themselves serving others. 

Each month we will participate in some sort of SERVICE PROJECT. During the month of October we would like to donate gently used FALL/WINTER clothing. We will collect men's, women's, and children's winter clothing. We will also be collecting gently used blankets as well. Our donations stay right here in Gainesville, and they go to the homeless, and people in need. Thank you in advance for your help!

FALL CONFERENCES
I'd like to begin to set up CONFERENCES. During the conference I'd like to discuss how your child is progressing so far in 5th grade. Please CLICK HERE to sign up for a conference.

Scholastic Book Club
Students received a SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB order form several weeks ago in their Tuesday Red Folder. These will come home monthly. Feel free to participate as you like - you are not required to purchase! This month, students have received coupons; if they purchase $10 or more in books, they receive a free $5 book. See the coupon for details. These orders are due on October 10th. CLICK HERE to order online. Our class code is: F974D.

CLASS DOJO
We are using a behavior support system in our class called Class Dojo. It enables me to reward positive points for positive behavior and to take away points for negative behavior. At the end of each day, it calculates the percentage of positive points a student has earned for the day. The kids are responding really well to this program! I personally like this much better than a regular clip chart. On Mondays, students who have high percentages of positive points from the previous week earn lunch in the classroom and/or extra recess. Please log-in and see how your child did during the day. 
  
COMING UP this WEEK
Mon, 10/6: Social Studies Family Tree Project assigned--due 10/17;math homework assigned
Tues, 10/7: Tuesday Red Folder comes home. Please review papers with your child--sign and return.
Wed, 10/8: WALK to SCHOOL day (meet at Rock Creek Park); Tuesday folder due

Fri, 10/10: Scholastic Book Order Due; End of 1st Quarter; Reading test; Math homework due

COMING SOON
Mon, 10/13: NO SCHOOL for Students; PARENT CONFERENCE DAY
Tues, 10/14: Reading or Math Quarterly benchmark
Wed, 10/15: Reading or Math Quarterly benchmark 
Thurs, 10/16: Changing Nation Social Studies test
Fri, 10/17: Family Tree (Social Studies) Project due and Presentations 
Tues, 10/21: Report Cards go home

BOOK IT!
On October 1st your child came home with a BOOK IT letter as well as a calendar for the month. For the next six months we will be "READING OUR HEARTS OUT," because the only way to get better at reading is to READ. Our class voted to have a goal of reading for 20 minutes at least 5 days a week. Please watch your child do this on a daily basis. Once they have read their 20 minutes that day, they are able to color in the date on the calendar. At the end of the month you will need to sign the calendar and they can return it to me for a FREE Pizza Hut pizza coupon. Thank you in advance for helping your child READ their HEARTS OUT!

SOCIAL STUDIES
This week we will be back in homeroom for the next 2 weeks.  Our "Changing Nation" test will be on Thursday, October 16th. Students will have an AT HOME project for this unit. The Family Tree project is due on Friday, October 17th. Students will be making group presentations of their project. Please be sure to ask your child about it.

Be sure to check out or 5th grade Social Studies website for any additional information. CLICK HERE for our class notes!

Standard:
SS5H3 The student will describe how life changed in America at the turn of the century.

a. Describe the role of the cattle trails in the late 19th century; include the Black Cowboys of Texas, the Great Western Cattle Trail, and the Chisholm Trail.

b. Describe the impact on American life of the Wright brothers (flight), George Washington Carver (science), Alexander Graham Bell (communication), and Thomas Edison (electricity).

c. Explain how William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt expanded America’s role in the world; include the Spanish-American War and the building of the Panama Canal.

d. Describe the reasons people emigrated to the United States, from where they emigrated, and where they settled.

e. Describe the impact of westward expansion on Native Americans; include the Battle of the Little Bighorn and the relocation of Native Americans to reservations. 

Activities:

• Take notes on our Changing Nation
• Review supply and demand
• Watch several videos including the following video about the Chisholm Trail. Warning--there are some spelling errors here, but the content is GREAT!

• Create a map of The Chisholm Trail as well as The Great Western Trail.
• Discuss The Black Cowboys of Texas and their importance.
• Watch Brain Pop videos: Westward Expansion, Industrial Revolution, Theodore Roosevelt, and Immigration
• Read about the Panama Canal and the Spanish American War

Family Tree Project
Students will be given a Family Tree project on Tuesday that will be due next Friday, 10/17. Students should conduct some informal research to find out family information to present to the class. Students should make a poster, PowerPoint, shoebox diorama, or other presentation to show the class on Friday. We are sensitive to the fact that some kids don't know a lot about their families; we just want to encourage students to learn more about themselves and the people who have shaped their lives. If you have any questions about this project, please email me. 

MATH
Standard:
NBT.5: Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.

We are starting a new unit that will last for the next 3 weeks. We are working on multiplying whole-digit numbers for a week and a half, and then in the middle of next week, we are learning division (long division, that is) of multi-digit whole numbers. The test will be in 3 weeks. We are multiplying large numbers (403 x 267) and dividing large numbers (6,792 ÷ 53).

Activities:

• Watch several videos on the process of multiplying multi-digit whole numbers. Check these out!  

• Make a flip-book using the different multiplication strategies (lattice, window and partial product)
• Take interactive notes
• Specifically work on the lattice method using practice sheets
• Math crossword problems
• Math homework assigned each night. It goes home on Monday and is due on Friday. Be sure look for it. Your child may have an additional sheet for practice (this will be on an as needed basis). 

Videos to Watch
I HIGHLY recommend that you watch the following videos from LearnZillion.com to help you become familiar with the methods we'll be using in class. One of the biggest concerns parents have expressed to me is that they don't know the methods we use in class. These videos will show you exactly how we're working the math in class. As usual, feel free to email me if you have questions or want to come in to meet about the math.

Visit www.learnzillion.com or CLICK HERE and enter the following codes:

• Multiplication - Standard Algorithm (the way you know how to do it): LZ4391
• Multiplication - Area Model Strategy: LZ4389
• Multiplication - Partial Products Strategy: LZ4390
• Division - Estimate with Equations: LZ550
• Division - Area Model Strategy: LZ552
• Division - Rectangular Array: LZ553
• Division - Expanded Notation: LZ554

Students may also visit IXL at home. Our Language Arts "free" trial has expired, however the MATH section is WONDERFUL and we will continue to use it. CLICK HERE and have your child practice sections: F.7, F.1, F.10, F.11, and F.14 

READING

Standard:

• ELACC5RI2: Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text. 
• W.5.1:  Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.

Activities:

•  Ice cream cone-main idea activity
• learning how to write a summary or a "jist" in 10 words or less
• Task cards
• table method of main idea/main idea house
• Test Friday, October 10th 

Opinion writing based on a variety of texts (final essay due on Friday; students may need to work on this at home)