It's Spring Quarter!  Sorry we are late with the April posts…we have been busy planning and teaching that we just forgot to update the blog.  We will combine April and May's posts since we are already in the 2nd half of the month.  This Friday is the PTA-sponsored Spring Dance and it sounds like it will be a lot of fun.  There will also be a silent auction to help raise money for our PTA that does wonderful things for students and teachers! 

Have you ordered your 5th grade t-shirt yet?  These are necessary for our 5th grade track meet in June.  Every student needs one.  There are scholarships available for those who need them…please contact your homeroom teacher if you need one.  Here is the order form: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B03CiLO7DVU-N3c0aW4zZHpseGs/edit?usp=drive_web&pli=1

As always, be sure to check in periodically to view the assignment and event calendar.  It starts getting super busy around Helen Baller the last couple of months and you will want to be informed!

The Measurement of Student Progress starts next month.  We really want students to not stress out over these tests.  They are snapshots in time and they are being tested on material that they have been learning throughout their school experiences.  We of course want them to do their BEST.  Focusing during regular classwork and completing assignments are the best ways to prepare for the MSP.  Getting a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast with protein are great tips, too.  Here are the dates:

Science – May 13

Math – May 14

Reading (Holt) – May 21

Reading (Houle) – May 31

~Mrs. Houle & Mrs. Holt

Reading: Over the next six weeks, we will be working extensively with reading strategies for nonfiction text.  These skills include sequencing, determining main idea/supporting details, identifying cause/effect, comparing/contrasting, drawing conclusions, and making inferences. The Reading MSP (later in May) will be a combination of nonfiction and fiction passages–but there is usually a heavier emphasis on nonfiction.  Students should continue to read and log their minutes at home.  We will do one more book study starting sometime in May. 

Writing/Spelling: A few projects we will be working on include metaphor poems, technical writing for science, letter writing, and persuasive writing.  Sitton spellers will be working on units 15-21 (words can be studied at www.spellingcity.com. 

Social Studies: We are continuing our study of US History and will soon be examining events from 1775-1776 (events leading up the Revolutionary War and the war beginning). 

 

Math—each day we are taking a bit of time to review the many skills taught this year.  In addition, we’re working on geometric shapes…types, areas, perimeters…and the properties of each shape.

Science…We are reviewing a bit each week.  We’re currently working with isopods and beetles to learn the necessary elements of a Scientific Investigation.  The kids are having a great time with the creatures and they rush right in each day to check out their movements.

The MSP tests are fast approaching!  We hope to do as well or better than last year!

~Patty Holt