Class Update 3/23/15

Important Reminders:

The deadline to submit service hours is coming up on April 1. If your child is trying to obtain the Presidential Service Award or Triple Crown Award, please make sure they have turned in their service hours log by that date.

Spring pictures will take place this Friday, March 27th.

5th Grade Party permission slips were sent home with students before break. Please make sure to fill out the form and return it along with the fee by the April 1 deadline. Any questions regarding the party can be directed to Mrs. Kramer, a parent volunteer helping to organize the party.

There will be no school on Friday, April 3 for the holiday.

Class Updates:

In math, we are resuming our study of fractions. Students will be learning to multiply and divide fractions this week. Next week, we will review both chapters 9 and 10 and have a combined test on those chapters. Please check the classroom calendar tab for a test date to be posted soon. Next week, we will also begin our geometry unit, beginning with a review of types of polygons.

In reading, students are working hard on chapter books in their reading groups. We will also be covering point of view. In writing, we have started our new unit on argumentative writing. In the first part of the unit, students have been researching the topic of whether or not it is good to serve chocolate or other flavored milks in school cafeterias. The children are looking at both sides of the issue and forming an opinion based on their research. They will ultimately be writing persuasive letters to Dr. Parker to argue their side. Students have done rough drafts of their letters and are now in the process of making revisions. This week we will also learn how to acknowledge counterclaims.

In social studies, we are beginning Chapter 6, which takes a more in-depth look at the middle and southern regions of the original 13 colonies. This will include a closer look at the important historical figures who founded the colonies, as well as some famous residents like Benjamin Franklin. Students will also compare and contrast the reasons for starting each of the colonies.

Before break, we were lucky to have author, Jennifer Holland speak to 3rd-5th grade students. Ms. Holland has published several books about animals, including Unlikely Heroes and Unlikely Friendships.  She is also a contributing writer for National Geographic Magazine. You can see more about her work by checking out her website.