Monday -PE | Tuesday -In and About | Wednesday -ART | Thursday -ELC? | Friday -ART |
Important Upcoming Events Dec. 3rd, 1-4 PM The biology department at Pacific University is hosting an open house for students of all ages. Come by from 1-4 to see the biology labs and get your hands on all sorts of fun biology activities: make strawberry DNA, see microbes, race isopods and much more! Hosted in the Strain building (the building by the green house along Cedar St.) on the 2nd and 3rd floors. December 14th: Water Editorial Due |
Friday's ASM proved to be powerful for many reasons. First, the Merlins blew everyone away with their educational and fun skit about water quality!! What a great team building experience that turned out to be!
Then, Vanessa led Levels 3&4 through a powerful exercise to raise awareness about what it truly means to practice citizenship at our school. This is a theme we've discussed in the past and one we'll continue to discuss. I think families could continue these conversations at home too. For instance, we'll be talking about why showing Internet sensation "kid president" videos inspire caring for others while other popular internet sensations aren't appropriate for a school environment. Caring for others doesn't necessarily mean providing care to another person. In our classroom it can mean speaking positively and respectfully so that everyone feels comfortable to learn. Students at this level can sometimes struggle to remember what's appropriate to discuss at school. We often use the phrase, "time, place and manner" as a reminder for school appropriate language.
A message from Stephanie, the art teacher:
The art program has been asked by the Forest Grove Senior Center to make Holiday cards for the seniors. They said last year it really brought a smile to their faces.
- Students are creating holiday cards in art class that that will accompany the gifts that are being donated for the seniors, at Forest Grove Senior Center.
- There will be a holiday present wrapping party that the community is invited to on December 19th from 9 am to 10:30 am. They would like volunteers to come wrap the gifts they collect.
- You can donate a gift at Bi-Mart here in Forest Grove, they have a list of items they are in need of.
- If you have any questions about ways to volunteer in this project or with Seniors you can contact Joni at 503-530-1527.
- Annually they collect collect 500 gifts for seniors in need, that is a lot of wrapping!
Literacy
In literacy this week we'll be officially wrapping up "Flush" and our independent book study. Next, we'll be starting our fantasy unit. To begin, students will start by reading a fantasy literature circle book--reading and set number of pages each day. This will help them get into the right frame of mind to write their own fantasy once we finish our water editorial. Speaking of the water editorial, it's due on Dec. 14th. Kids have their thesis statement identified and a rough outline of what each paragraph will contain. Each day this week we'll plan and write a paragraph. Help your child meet the upcoming deadline.
Ask your child what his/her editorial will focus on?
Listen to your child use our retell strategy to summarize either their independent book study book or Flush.
Extend the learning by reading/analyzing other editorial pieces.
6th Grade Math
6th graders are just about ready to put their foundational fraction knowledge to the test! We'll review on Monday and part of Tuesday. The test will be assigned as homework as class time will be given to review and test. Check your child's understanding by reviewing their proficiency checks with them and going over the review that was assigned on Monday.
Ask, turn 17/9 into a mixed number. And, turn 7 4/5 into an improper fraction.
Listen to your child explain what concept is the hardest for them at this point.
Extend the learning by finding how you use fractions in your everyday life.
5th Grade Math-
Mathematicians will start the week off reviewing addition and subtraction of fractions and mixed numbers and cancellation law (reducing fractions). A key part of 5th grade common core is for kids to have fluency adding and subtraction fractions. Before we go on to multiplication and division of fractions, students will take a unit assessment on what we have done so far. The plan is to begin the test toward the end of the week. Instead of problems of the week, look for the test review packet as homework for the first part of the week. Please go over the review with your child. Watch for updates as the week progresses about homework.
ASK your child to explain how to reduce 12/36 using the cancellation law.
LISTEN to your child explain how to subtract 17 5/11 - 4 7/11.
EXTEND the learning by looking for fractions in every day life.