12/16

Thank you to everyone who helped with our class party today!  We had a lot of fun!!!

Don't forget about the Tales project and the ch. 4 science test (both tomorrow).

12/15

Please scroll down for info on our "used book exchange" party on Thursday.

Our movie trip is tomorrow, and 3 students still need to bring their permission slips.  No slip, no trip!  Also, if you can send in the $6 we would appreciate it.

Our class party is tomorrow at 12:45 (slight time change).  Please send in goodies if you signed up.  Thanks!

HW:
Work on AM to meet 75 objective goal.
Study for ch. 4 science test Thurs.
Work on tales project due Thurs.

Used Book Exchange Party Thursday!

When I shared the idea of a gently used book swap party, most of the kids really wanted to participate.  No one is required to participate, but if you'd like to, read on...

• Choose a gently used paperback book with no missing pages, etc., that you are willing to see go to a good home.  (Please make sure the book is in good condition with no writing in it. If your name is in the book, please black it out.)  
• Wrap the book so we don't know what it is.  (If it's a "girly" book and you want to wrap it in "girly" paper, you can, but you don't have to!)
• Bring in your wrapped book tomorrow or Thursday to participate in a fun exchange Thursday.

NOTE: If you have extra books that you would like to contribute for students who forget or are unable, you would really be helping us all out!  Thank you!

12/14

Thank you to all of the parents who were able to attend today's readers theater tales performances!  We have had a 3 STAR DAY, which is pretty awesome!  Everyone earned 3 Dojo points after school because it has been such a great day.

HW:
Work on AM if you don't have 75 objectives (our semester goal; due by Friday).
Finish sci. WB p. 86-87 if you didn't finish in class.
Finish SS WB p. 35-36 " " " " " ".
Work on Tales project (due Thurs.)!
This week's/semester SRA goal is 12.  (Students may come in early and stay in at recess if they need extra time; I cannot send SRA home.)

Upcoming events:
Movie field trip Wed. ($6): NO SLIP, NO TRIP!  Get those permission slips turned in!
Class party Wed. at 12:45 (slight time change).
TALES PROJECT DUE BY THURSDAY!
Friday is our club day with hot chocolate sales ($1).
Friday is also holiday early release day, and students will be dismissed around 11:30.  Both breakfast and lunch will be served at school.

Computer Coding for Students

In our Keyboarding specials class, students got to participate in the Hour of Code where they began to learn and practice basic computer coding.  Here is a link to a blog article about coding for kids that I found interesting and that includes links for coding for kids websites.  Click HERE to read the article and access the websites!

This Week's ELA: The Spirit of Endurance

Spelling & Vocabulary “Spirit of Endurance”

SPELLING:

Monday: Write spelling words CORRECTLY in your agenda in ABC order (due Tues.).

Wednesday: Finish a spelling choice if you made less than 90% on last week’s test or this week’s pretest (due Thurs.).

Study your spelling words Monday – Thursday for your test on Friday!

1.     margin

2.     jolt

3.     surge

4.     plunge

5.     jigsaw

6.     legend

7.     ridge

8.     budge

9.     lodge

10.  agent

11.  damage

12.  ranger

13.  jumble

14.  luggage

15.  baggage

16.  dodge

17.  challenge

18.  journal

19.  judgment

20.  knowledge

Challenge: oxygen, surgeon

VOCABULARY:

Complete a vocabulary choice if you made less than 100% on last week’s test (due Thurs.).

Study vocabulary words and definitions each night Monday through Thursday for your test on Friday.

1.     frigid: very cold

2.     treacherous: full of danger

3.     triumph: to be successful or win

4.     uninhabited: not lived in

5.     expedition: a journey with a specific purpose

6.     labor: hard work or toil

7.     dismantled: taken apart piece by piece

8.     abandon: to leave and not return

TESTED SKILLS/STRATEGIES: Word parts, base & roots, words with affixes (prefixes & suffixes); problem/solution

GRAMMAR FOCUS: Adjectives & demonstrative adjectives

*Your TALES project is due no later than December 17!

You Are Invited!

We would like to cordially invite you to our "International Readers Theater" presentation on Monday, Dec. 14, at 10 AM in the band room downstairs.  Readers Theater is similar to a drama production but with extremely limited props/costumes and actors read their parts (instead of memorizing them).  Also, parents, if you can only come to one activity that week, please choose the Readers Theater production.  Our class party is really for the kids, not so much the parents.  (Of course you are welcome to both, but the Thursday event is more for parents.)

4-H Canned Food Drive through 12/18

4-H is sponsoring a canned food drive to help fill our local food pantry.  We have a collection box in our classroom and can accept donations through 12/18.  (Please make sure items have not expired.)  Mr. Jennings also announced that an anonymous donor will be matching a $1 donation for each item, so your item(s) will go even further.  Now is a great time to think of others!  Below are suggestions, but any nonperishable item is welcome.

As an added incentive to help others, 4-H is offering a pizza party to the class that donates the most items.  Whether we win or not, we know how good it feels to help others.  To encourage participation, students may also earn a Class Dojo "Helping Others" point for each item they bring in. 

(If you haven't signed up for Class Dojo, I will be happy to resend your log in information if you need it.)

12/7

In honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we watched a few short clips at History.com.  Students may watch one of the longer featured films for extra credit IF they turn in a written summary of what they watched (due by Friday).

Also in honor of St. Nicholas Day yesterday, I told the students the French legend of St. Nicholas and about French winter holiday traditions.  We enjoyed a sampling of a mini buche de Noel or Yule Log.  (I was a French teacher prior to teaching 5th grade, so I enjoy sharing a bit of the French language and culture when I can.)

Unfortunately, seven students got their name on the board for not returning their signed tales rubric.  Today is the second day that it is late.  Please help your child with this responsibility!

HW:
AM

Finish sci WB p. 72-77 if you didn't finish during groups.

Write spelling in ABC or ZYX order in your agenda.

NEW SCHOOL RULE!

Students are no longer allowed to bring sports balls in their hands on the bus or in car rider.  They may bring them IF they are zipped up in their book bags.  Parents are welcome to bring a ball here to school to leave in the classroom for recess.

The Fuse Box Circuit Builder & Circuit Videos

Electrical Circuits video

Electrical Circuits for Kids video

Click HERE to go to the Fuse Box online circuit builder site.

Cookie Dough Orders 12/8

Cookie Dough Pickup scheduled for next Tuesday, December 8th, in the cafeteria from 3:30 to 5:30.  Please come prepared to pick up your orders.  Your support is greatly appreciated!

December Newsletter

Mrs. Dyer’s Monthly Memo: December 2015

Study Hall

Math: finish decimal operations unit and begin fractions

Language Arts: informational writing (winter holidays around the world)

Reading genre: Read and compare/contrast at least two folk tales for this month's genre project.  Your Venn diagram is due no later than 12/17. (Because of the holiday break and end of the semester, I cannot accept any late projects.  You can certainly turn these in early!)

Social Studies: The Roaring 20s, the Great Depression, and the New Deal

Science: magnetism & electricity (ch. 4)

Thank You! 

Thank you so very much to our volunteers who helped make our craft day such a success!  We couldn’t have done it without Daysha’s mom, Isaiah’s mom, and Brady’s dad!

     

 We also appreciate the “stocking stuffers” and party items you are sending in.  We have 24 students (16 boys/8 girls).  I have a separate letter/blog post with this info.

Upcoming Events

Fifth grade will be going to see our high school drama production of "A Fairytale Christmas Carol" on Friday, 12/4, at 11:30.  (Sorry, this special showing isn't open to the public, but you can see the performance on Thursday, 12/3 or Saturday, 12/5, at 6:30 PM!) 

We need “stocking stuffers” if you can send any in for our party on 12/16.  Please see the additional letter about these.  Thanks!

      

The end of the 2^nd nine weeks/semester is 12/18. 

     

The newsletter dates are accurate at the time of printing, but things sometimes change.  Be sure to check your child's agenda daily.  I will also post information on the class blog. 

     

 Happy birthday to Jaylen on 12/3 and Cole on 12/21!

News You Can Use

We have started using Class Dojo to monitor, improve, and reward behavior.  You should have received a parent and student invitation with your private, personal code to access your child’s progress in Tuesday's folder.  We can even communicate with each other via Class Dojo! 

     

With the weather turning colder, please note that students must have proper attire (coats; NO shorts, flip flops, etc.) to go outside to play.  Our policy is to go out to play unless it is wet or below 40^o (including wind chill).  Please be sure all coats are labeled in case they get left somewhere.  Each morning in the gym and at various other appropriate times, students are reminded to take their coats with them.  Lost & found is in the gym.

      

Check out www.parenttoolkit.com, a one-stop-shop for parents as a website and mobile app.  The goals of this free toolkit are to give parents a clear understanding of what is expected of their children at each step in their academic journey, and to provide a comprehensive set of tips and tools to help parents engage in and monitor their children’s academic development.       

      

Please continue to sign agenda nightly (Mon.-Fri.).

Important Dates

12/1     Tales project signed/returned

12/4     Tales must be approved; "A Fairytale Christmas Carol" @ Fine Arts Center

12/16   movie field trip ($6); last day for Brainpop extra credit; class party @ 12:30

12/17   Last day to turn in folk tale genre project (Venn diagram)! 

12/18   Last day of 2^nd 9 weeks!  Early release day/last day!  Happy holidays!

1/4/16  TEACHER WORKDAY OR MAKE UP DAY

"Stocking Stuffers"

Dear Parents,
Can you believe that we have less than three weeks until we're out for our winter break?  We need your help to make the holidays special for your child and his/her classmates.   
   
For our Holiday Party on Wednesday, December 16 at 12:30, we will NOT be exchanging gifts among the students, but rather each child has made a bag for "stocking stuffers."  Below are some suggestions for gifts that you may want to send for the bags.  (Please send in all treats by 12/16.)  Sending gifts is totally voluntary- each child will receive a gift bag and a small gift from me.  If you would prefer to send in only girls' trinkets or only boys' treats, that is okay, but please be sure to send in the correct number.  Of course we would love it if you can send in something for everyone.  Thank you!  We currently have 24 students: 8 girls and 16 boys.
   
If you can help for our party, please return the bottom portion to indicate how.  We would like to serve "finger foods" and drinks.  Thanks for helping to make this a joyous season!                

Gift Bag Suggestions: These are a few SUGGESTIONS only; if you have an idea of your own, please feel free to send it after Thanksgiving!  We have 26 students: 14 girls and 12 boys in our class.
Pencils               cap erasers
Highlighters        Puzzles            Nail files        Dental Floss
Books            Barrettes            Baseballs        Mini shampoos
Cards            Nail Polish        Erasers        Deodorant
Colored Pens        Small Cars        Candy        Diaries
Colored Pencils        Chapstick        Notepads        Mini Ornaments   
Toothbrushes        Key Chain        Bracelets        Silly Putty   
Lip Gloss        Pencils            Gum
Mini Staplers        Bouncy Balls        Bubbles

11/30

Finish math WB p. 91 (even; show your model!) and p. 92.

Write spelling in ABC order in agenda.

Begin working on IRA (Author's Craft) due NO LATER THAN FRIDAY.

Folktales: The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring

We discussed the information on this website about the history of folk tales in class today.  This week, we'll be reading an interesting Russian folk tale called "The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring."

Spelling/Vocabulary 6.1: The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring

Greek Roots: Based on your spelling list and prior knowledge, what do you think each root means?  Fill in the blanks in pencil!  We will check your predictions Tuesday.

astr/aster = ________________________     photo = ________________________

tele = ________________________              phon =________________________

mech = ________________________           myth = ________________________

Spelling choice is due Thursday.  (Categories would be a great choice.)

1.     myth

2.     telescope

3.     astronomer

4.     homophone

5.     automatic

6.     telegraph

7.     disaster

8.     autograph

9.     mechanic

10.  telephoto

11.  astronaut

12.  telephone

13.  mythical

14.  phonics

15.  television

16.  photograph

17.  automobile

18.  photography

19.  telegram

20.  mechanical

*photogenic

Vocabulary choice is due Thursday.  (One of the best ways to study for your test on Friday is to be able to use these words in sentences!  That would make a great choice this week.)

1.     dismiss: to take away the job of, fire

2.     intentions: plans to act in a certain way; purposes

3.     despair: complete loss of hope

4.     bridle: the part of a horse’s or donkey’s harness that fits over the head and is used to guide or control the animal

5.     descended: moved from a higher place to a lower one

6.     accompany: to go together with

7.     delicacies: rare or excellent food

8.     consented: gave permission or agreed to

9.     glower: to stare angrily; to glare; to scowl

10.  bellow: to yell

IRA: Author's Craft

            Look for at minimum a sentence and better yet a passage that really impresses you with how the author writes.  Was it their word choice?  How they slowed down a moment?  Their “show don't tell” technique?  NO LATER THAN Friday, be prepared to share your author's cool craft with the class.  You need to turn in a copy of this author's craft with the passage highlighted (or feel free to hand copy the passage and include the page number).  Write down what struck you about this particular part.

Grammar Focus: Adverbs

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and all our little turkeys!  I hope that you have a safe and blessed holiday.  Thank you for entrusting your precious children to my care.  They are a blessing!

11/23

Thank you very much to Mrs. Pandolph, Mrs. Ortiz, and Mr. Hussion for helping with our craft day today!  I think it was a huge success, and I literally could not have done it without our volunteers.

Tomorrow is a regular (full) day.  Some have asked about it being a half day, but we are scheduled to go the entire day.  Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving break Wed.-Sun.

HW:
Math WB p. 90
Finish Turkey writing if you haven't already.

*Thanksgiving fun sheets/extra credit
 

11/18

Finish spelling choices if required.  (No vocab choices were required this week!!!)
Also, finish SS WB p. 32-33.

Don't forget tomorrow's CHAMPS graduation @ 9:30 in the Fine Arts Center.  Our students will be sitting on the sides of the theater.  Parents and guests are invited to sit in the center section.  Thanks!  We are asking students to wear jeans and sneakers.  They will put on their camouflage CHAMPS shirts at school in the morning.

Here's an announcement from the Middle School that you and your family might enjoy.
The UCMS Theatre Arts department will be presenting Channel Surfin' on Friday, November 20 at 6:30pm at the Fine Arts Center.  Channel Surfin' is a live action performance that will take the audience through an evening of watching television; flipping channels between commercials, talk shows, and TV programs. Faculty, staff, and students will be FREE.  

11/17

If you forgot to send in your cookie dough orders, please send them tomorrow.  We cannot accept them after 8:30 AM Wednesday.

MILESTONES SCORES from last year's 4th grade EOG are going home today.  (They are yours to keep.)  Attending the parent meeting @ UCMS tonight @ 6 PM will help you interpret your child's results.  I would also be happy to sit down with you to discuss your child's scores and their progress so far.

Speaking of progress, PROGRESS REPORTS go home today.  Please sign and return!

CHAMPS GRADUATION is Thursday at 9:30 AM @ the Fine Arts Center (@ UCHS).

We went over all of the questions on the Mod 7 math quiz.  I will be offering a retest on Friday to anyone who wants to retake.

HW:
*If you didn't turn in your SS p. 31 paragraph (last night's homework), then be sure to finish it and turn in tomorrow.  The 0 will go away when it is turned in and is accurate!
Continue to work on AM as needed.
If you haven't turned in "A Day I'll Never Forget," finish your neat and clean final copy.
Study spelling and vocabulary.

11/16

Mark your calendars!  UCMS is hosting a parent information meeting tomorrow night about the Milestones test results at 6 PM for parents of students in grades 4-9 (who took the Milestones last year in grades 3-8).  Our CHAMPS graduation is Thursday at 9:30 in the Fine Arts Center.

Finish writing about why the U.S. entered WWI (see SS WB p. 31).

Write spelling words in ABC order.

Do you need to work on AM?  This week's goal is 58 objectives.  Progress reports go home tomorrow.  (The AM objective goal for progress reports is 50, so if you have 47 now, your grade would be 94.)

This Week's ELA: Rascal Week 4

As always: 

Spelling ABC order Monday night.

Spelling and/or vocabulary choices due by Thurs. if you made less than 90% on last week's test.

 

Spelling Suffixes –ant, -able                                    

1.     defendant

2.     immigrant

3.     irritant

4.     assistant

5.     brilliant 

6.     compliant

7.     extravagant

8.     ignorant

9.     desirable

10. excitable

11. breakable

12. notable

13. tolerable

14. adaptable

15. allowable 

16. comfortable

17. distinguishable

18. preferable

19. your

20. you’re

Rascal Vocabulary Week 4

1.  glower                        2.  vengeance                   3.  reprieve                    4.  oblivious

5.  contemplative            6.  radiance                      7.  serenade                   8.  inflict

This Week’s IRA:  Figurative Language Hunt

            Find, copy, and label examples of at least 3 different types of figurative language: simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, idiomatic expression, onomatopoeia, and/or alliteration.  Please include the book title and page number of the quotation!

11/12

Please be aware that you may order your child's yearbook online using the link from our school website.

Check out this quick physical and chemical reactions video.  You might also enjoy this fun "elephant toothpaste" chemical reaction!

Finish math WB p. 81 & 82.
Finish CHAMPS essay!
Study for ch. 3 science, spelling, & vocabulary tests.

11/11

Happy Veterans Day to all of our veterans!

Finish spelling and/or vocabulary choices if you're required to do them this week.

Study for Friday's ch. 3 science test!

Snow Cones for STEM tomorrow ($1)

Due Fri.: Math WB p. 81 (2 in each row) & p. 82.
CHAMPS essays (required for graduation)

Don't forget that CHAMPS Graduation is Thurs. 11/19 @ 9:30 at the Fine Arts Center.  Go through the guard gate at the high school, and then follow the signs to the FAC.

11/10

Today was our Veterans program in the stadium involving grades 2-12.  Our boys and girls were very respectful and well behaved during this moving ceremony honoring those who served.  Here's a quick video about Veterans Day from PBS.

Finish science WB p. 50-55 if you haven't already.

Please try to get caught up in AM if you don't have at least 50 objectives (goal is 55 this week).

Sign & return signed papers.

Work on CHAMPS essay (due Fri.) and spelling/vocabulary choices if you have them (less than 90% on respective test last week). 

Study for the Ch. 3 science test Fri.

Snow cones for STEM are Thurs. ($1).

We need brown paper grocery bags (one per student) for an upcoming in-class project on 11/23 (our craft morning).  Please ask for paper instead of plastic the next time you're at the store and send in a bag or two.  Thank you!

Paper Grocery Bags

We need brown paper grocery bags (one per student) for an upcoming in-class project on 11/23 (our craft morning).  Please ask for paper instead of plastic the next time you're at the store and send in a bag or two.  Thank you!

This Week's ELA: Pre & Homophones

Spelling and Vocabulary Lists: Prefix “pre” and Common Homophones

Spelling – Words with the prefix “pre” (1-10) and frequently misspelled words (11-20).

*Monday – Write spelling words in your agenda in ABC order – due Tuesday

*Complete a vocabulary choice (due Thurs.) if you made less than 90% on last week’s test.

1.    preapprove                    11. where+

2.    precaution                     12. wear

3.    preview                         13. two

4.    prevent                          14. to

5.    precede                         15. too

6.    prefix                            16. their

7.    prejudge                        17. there

8.    prepay                           18. they’re (they are)

9.    we’re+                          19. its

10. were+                          20. it’s (it is)

+These three are NOT homophones but often get confused.

Vocabulary List

*Write a fabulous 5^th grade sentence with the even OR the odd numbered vocabulary words (due Wednesday).

*Complete a vocabulary choice (due Thurs.) if you made less than 90% on last week’s vocabulary test.

*Study your vocabulary words and definitions nightly – Tuesday – Thursday!

1.    preapprove – to authorize or give permission in advance

2.    precaution – a measure taken in advance to prevent harm

3.    preview – to look at or see something before something or someone else

4.    prevent – to stop something from happening before it occurs

5.    precede – to come before something else in time, order, or rank

6.    prefix – a syllable or word that comes before a root word to change its meaning

7.    prejudge – to make a decision before you have all the facts

8.    prepay – to pay for something before it needs to be paid in full

9.    pretest – a test before the real test, usually given to see what is already known

10.predict – to say what will happen before it occurs.

CHAMPS essays are due no later than Friday!  You must complete the essay to be eligible for graduation.  Write a five-paragraph essay about what you have learned in CHAMPS.  Include your promise to follow the CHAMPS purpose and motto to make healthy choices.

11/5

T-shirt orders are due tomorrow.

CHAMPS essays are due by 11/13, and are required for CHAMPS Graduation.  (Graduation will be 11/19 @ 9:30 in the Fine Arts Center.  All family and friends are invited to attend!)

Finish IRA (Character & Me Venn diagram and comparison essay).

Study SS Ch. 6, spelling, and vocabulary for tomorrow's tests.

Panama Canal Links

Today we watched the first video about the Panama Canal, and you might be interested in the other videos that Andrew Y. found to share.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTIndhU8-DA

http://www.klru.org/episode/american-experience/the-panama-canal/

http://www.thirteen.org/programs/the-roosevelts-an-intimate-history/education-clip-theodore-roosevelt-and-the-panama-canal/

http://www.c-span.org/video/?320794-1/panama-canal-construction

Science Brainpop

1.  States of Matter

2.  Matter Changing States