Spelling for the Week of December 5

Ms. Stanger                                Mrs. French
delightful                                                              bookcase
dangerous                                                             lighthouse
envious                                                                 snowman
humorous                                                             headache
successful                                                             downhill
poisonous                                                             headphones
studious                                                                headfirst
rebellious                                                              bookmark
wasteful                                                                snowflake
stressful                                                                downtown
mountainous                                                         daylight
famous                                                                  flashlight
vigorous                                                                bookworm
wonderful                                                             downpour
nervous                                                                 snowstorm
glorious                                                                 headlight
marvelous                                                             cookbook
shameful                                                               scrapbook
cheerful                                                                 sunlight
scandalous                                                            countdown
furious                                                                   snowplow
boastful                                                                 headstrong
outrageous                                                            lightweight
beautiful                                                                downstairs

Week of December 5

Well, time is flying and we are heading into the final days before winter break.  Personally I would love to see a whole bunch of snow falling!!  So just a few notes about the next couple of weeks.  Due to the long break Ms. Stanger and I are sticking to a pretty normal work schedule.  If you are taking any extra time off please let us know so we can be sure your child doesn't miss out on the lessons.  Thanks so much.

Fifth and Sixth Grade Food Drive
We are helping to restock the empty shelves at the Utah Food Bank by challenging the students to collect 150 lbs. of food.  Each class that reaches this goal will earn an extra 30 minutes of free time.  The students wanted to know if they brought more than 150 pounds could they have a longer break.  We agreed that every additional 50 pounds would earn them 10 minutes.  This is such an important cause and we look forward to helping feed Utah's hungry.

First of December

Thank you to the parent who reminded me that I hadn't updated my blog this week.  So here you go!

Spelling

Ms. Stanger - dramatic, angelic, patriotic, rhythmic, heroic, alphabetic, Islamic, poetic, magnetic, editorial, memorial, tutorial, territorial, industrial, burial, musical, global, coastal, betrayal, logical, arrival, accidental, comical, fictional

Mrs. French -theater, actor, mirror, powder, tumor, anger, banner, pillar, major, thunder, flavor, finger, mayor, polar, clover, burglar, tractor, matter, lunar, quarter       Bonus: oyster, clamor, tremor, scholar, chamber

In honor of the holiday season, I would like to encourage donations to the Utah Food Bank in lieu of student or teacher gifts.  It would be great to have a pile of canned goods to take down over the break.  Thank you for helping those in need.

Your child will be bring home various tests that are district progress monitoring tests.  I encourage you to look these over and provide a time for your child to practice/correct/complete the test.  This is one of the best ways to improve scores.

Cheers!

Week of November 14

Hi Everyone,
Just a couple of reminders and updates.
Spelling Words
Ms. Stanger - active, activity, safe, safety, festive, special, novelty, tranquil, festivity, specialty, novel, royal, casual, royalty, tranquility, humid, minor, humidity, certain, casualty, sensitive, minority, sensitivity, certainty

Mrs. French - wife, wives, sheep, foot, feet, loaf, lives, women, leaves, leaf, geese, woman, mouse, loaves, life, wolves, mice, goose, knives, knife, wolf, tooth, deer, teeth

We are continuing to work on our social skills; this includes thinking before we speak, being sure that our words and comments are uplifting, and that we are including one another in games and conversations.

Regarding next week:
We have a full day on Monday and an early-release day on Tuesday.
On Tuesday we are supporting our Road to Success program with a two-hour read-a-thon.  Please be sure to send your child with books to read and something comfortable to lay on. They will have math activities with their homeroom group.

Math Facts Tests
I am going to give math facts tests on Tuesday the 22nd.  Please try to set a goal for you child if he/she hasn't completed them all.

Please e-mail me with any cares or concerns.

November 7, 2011

Thank you so much for coming to parent conferences.  It was great to speak with everyone in person and to reflect on your awesome children.

Spelling for this week
Ms. Stanger's Language Arts Class - imaginary, bravery, category, stationery, library, machinery, lavatory, stationary, mystery, inventory, military, ordinary, scenery, dormitory, victory, history, necessary, century, delivery, February, directory, secretary, January, grocery

Mrs. French's Language Arts Class - thrown, stole, clue, dew, choose, rule, boast, cruise, stroll, route, mood, loaf, growth, youth, slope, bruise, loose, rude, flow, flute

We will be working on plate tectonics in science class, which means that you will be on your own for science fair projects.  Please let me know if you have any specific questions.  We won't be talking too much about them in class.  Please be sure to:
Record everything you are thinking of and doing - words and pictures
Repeat experiments at least 3 times.
Use the metric system to measure and record your data.
Think of a catchy title.
Start now if you are growing anything.

We are going outside for all recesses so please be sure that students have a coat with them.

Volunteering
As a faculty, we have discussed great ways for parents to help out.  We came up with some ideas for you:
1. covering recess duty
2. teaching an art class other than Meet the Masters (Thursdays at 1)
3. teaching a PE lesson (Monday at 1)
4. teaching a music lesson (also Thursday at 1)
5. science activity related to the topic being studied

If any of these sound interesting, please let me know the date and what talents you would like to share with the class.  Sounds like during the mornings are a bit difficult but these afternoon times would be fabulous!!!!

Please be sure that your child is reading each night.
Please be sure that your child is ready to pass off his/her math facts by the end of this term.

Happy Snow!!!
Mrs. French

Happy Halloween Everyone

I hope that you are all having a safe, fun evening. It was a great day and the students looked amazing. A couple of notes about this week:
1. Thursday is an early dismissal day and there is no school on Friday.
2. Parent conference schedule notes went home today. We will be doing conferences on Wednesday and Thursday.
3. Report cards will go home on Wednesday. We did not give a formal grade for science this past semester as we spent most of our elective time on BizTown.  Students received full credit in social studies if they completed all of the projects. We will work together on the Goal section of the SEP when we meet.
4. I have some recent test data to share with you at conferences. This will give you an idea of where your student started the year.

Many thanks to everyone who helped with the carnival. The kids had a great time.  **** A local dentist is collecting leftover candy. Each class will have an opportunity to earn a pizza party and $100 for supplies by collecting the most leftovers.  The candy will go to a program that sends it to our soldiers serving in Afghanistan.

Big Picture Items for Semester 2
1. Science Fair
2. Persuasive Writing Test
3. Presidents Wax Museum

Math Facts
Please keep working on these and getting them passed off. Fluency is so important to mathematical success.

I look forward to meeting with all of you this week.

Mrs. French

Science Fair Project Proposals

Hi Everyone!
We went through the proposals today.  Just a couple of things to think about as you look at the changes we made today.
1. Our goal is to have the questions worded in such a way that there is a clear, measurable outcome.
For example: Which paper towel is best?  Best needs to be defined by some quantifiable measure ie. ability to absorb water, strength, or durability.  Then you need to decide what factor you are judging the paper towels on ie. cost, thickness, brand.  This question would then be reworded, What brand of paper towels absorbs the most water?  We need to avoid questions that can be answered with "yes" or "no".
2. Once you have a focus, you need to look at different sources for information related to paper towels, water absorbency, etc.  Students need to find out as much as they can then write a brief research paper explaining the science behind the project.
3. The wording of the question leads naturally into the hypothesis; I think that Brawny paper towels will absorb the most water.
4.  From this point you begin experimenting by changing only the brand of the paper towel.  Each test must be repeated several times and all tests must be documented in word and picture.

My goal is to keep this as basic as possible so that students become comfortable with the scientific method and they have a successful experience.

Some things to remember, we can't do projects that expose any living creatures (including humans) to pain, danger, or suffering!

Make sure that you are keeping a file, notebook, or folder documenting everything you do.  Pictures are a big help when you go to put your display board together.

Please email me with questions or concerns.

My Original Post Was Correct!

Sorry for the confusion but my original post was correct.  Reflections are due on the 24th.  

IMPORTANT!

Reflections is actually due on Wednesday, October 19th!!!! Sorry for any confusion on earlier post.

Week of October 17

BizTown Was a Great Success
Thanks to all of our parent volunteers for making our trip to JA BizTown such a great day.  Despite some real-world computer glitches, all businesses made a profit!  The students had a wonderful time, learned a lot, and have a whole new perspective on life in the working world.
Science Fair Projects
The initial submissions for science fair projects are due this week.  The actual forms to turn in are located in your child's packet.  Please turn in the whole packet so that everything stays together as we work through the process.  As mentioned before, these are early deadlines so that we have an opportunity to visit during conference if you have questions.  I have encouraged students to consider projects that are both simple and interesting.  This helps them to stick with their work and be more successful.  Please contact me if you need any help getting going.
Science and Social Studies Rotations
With the completion of BizTown, we are now rotating for science and social studies every afternoon.  For the next unit, all 5th graders will go to Ms. Stanger for social studies and to me for science.  They will be working through the colonial times in social studies and earth processes/science fair in science.
Math Rotations
Ms. Stanger and I are extremely pleased with how well the students are doing in math.  Their new pacing groups have allowed us to work with students at their own levels and ensure that they are grasping the necessary concepts.
Language Arts Rotations
After Fall Recess, we will begin pacing groups for language arts.  Students will all receive the same curriculum, we will simply be adapting it to challenge them at appropriate levels.  This will include their spelling, reading comprehension, grammar, and writing.  The first report card grades will come from the work they have done with their home base teacher.
Reflections
I have seen a number of submissions already and they are fantastic!  Keep up the great work.  All entries are due by the 24th.
Recess
Due to some recent playground issues we have made some changes for this week.  We are getting fresh air and exercise by walking during our breaks.  Ms. Stanger and I, along with Mrs. Waddell, felt that it was still important for the students to be outside but that we needed the students to know that fighting, hurtful gossiping, and rough play had to stop.  We want all students to feel safe at all times while they are at school.
Fall Recess
Students will be dismissed at 1:15 on Wednesday and school will be closed Thursday and Friday.  In addition, students will be dismissed at 1:15 on Thursday, October 27th and the building will be closed on the 28th.
Parent Conferences
I look forward to visiting with you at conferences.  Please go online to set up your appointment.  If we need to make different arrangements, please email me.

Have a wonderful break!

Wednesday, October 5

Great Things are Happening in 5th Grade!
Math
On Monday we began mixing the students from Ms. Stanger's and my class to provide more appropriate pacing as we work through the multiplication unit.  This gives us, the teachers, a better opportunity to support the students at their levels.  Keep working on those math facts so that we can get everyone passed off by Christmas Break!
Language Arts
After our BizTown field trip, we will be combining the students as we have for math.  Differentiating is beneficial to all students and helps them get the appropriate level of support and instruction.

BizTown
Tuesday is the big day and we are so excited.  Once again thank you for supporting this program.  A few final notes:
1. Students should dress nicely (business casual).  They will be moving around quite a bit so comfortable shoes are very helpful.
2. All students need to bring a lunch on that day.  There are snacks at JA Restaurant but it isn't usually enough to sustain them through the day.  Please let me know if I can help with this.
3. Parent volunteers need to be there early to receive training in how to help the students run the business.  Please remember, I need a signed note if your child is leaving with you from Discovery
Gateway.

Science Fair
You should have received a parent support packet for this year's science fair.  As you will see, the deadlines for the initial pieces are all in October.  This will allow us to discuss ideas during parent conferences.  Please try to stick with the deadlines. This will help the project to flow and give you time to work through any complications that may arise.  Please email me if you have any questions.  Sciencebuddies.com is a fabulous website to get you going and help you make sure that you have done each of the sections correctly.

October 13-14
I will be at the State Board of Education working on the final draft of the new math curriculum.  Mrs, Julie White will be substituting.  She is wonderful and the students will have "normal" days.  Thank you in advance for understanding.

Weather
As we enter into the cool season, please be sure you child comes prepared to be outside.  We will go out for all recesses unless it is pouring rain.

The Week of September 19th

Well, it is already Wednesday and I am just getting this updated.


Math

• On Friday we will have a math facts tests.  Students who have not passed off all four operations, need to pick one to focus on and take that test on Friday.
• On Tuesday of next week we will take our Topic 2 test.  This covers addition and subtraction of whole numbers and decimals.

Reading

• We are finishing up with Fountas and Pinnell testing as well as SRI.  These will give us a picture of both fluency and comprehension.
• Our current writing project is an autobiography.

Explorer Unit

• We are finishing up our boxes and our trading cards.  
• We will celebrate on October 10th with Explorer Day.  We will be making different kinds of maps, working with GPS, making boats, and having fun.

BizTown

• We are in the final process of job selection.  From there students will be working with their coworkers to establish a business plan and make final preparations for running their business.
• I am sending home notes regarding volunteering.  Please send these back as soon as possible so that we can organize our staff.
• Students will need to bring a lunch that day.  They should dress in nice but also comfortable clothes.  We will be partnering with another school to run the city.

Monday, September 26th

• No School - Teacher Professional Development

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Listen to your child read each night.  Ask questions about what they are reading.
• Practice math facts.
• Come help with reading or math in the mornings.
• Volunteer for BizTown
• Share a special talent with the class.
• Start practicing states and capitals.
• Continue work on presidential information.
• Discuss current events.

Enjoy these beautiful fall days.  Life is Good.  :)

• 
  

What is Happening This Week - September 12

Welcome everyone!
I am very excited for this new method of communication.  I hope that it will be a quick and effective way for you to keep updated on the latest events in our class.  Feedback will definitely be important so that I can make this blog of value to you.

Math
What We Are Doing
This week we will be working with addition and subtraction of whole numbers and decimals.
What You Can Be Doing
1. Please continue to practice math facts.  We would like to have each student pass their tests with 95% accuracy by Christmas Break.
2. Check over nightly homework assignments.
Reading 
What We Are Doing
1. We are building fluency to ensure that all students can read aloud at 120 wpm with 95% accuracy.
2. We are developing strategies for retaining information from our science and social studies textbooks.
3. We are learning about the qualities of good fiction through our reading group stories.
What You Can Be Doing
1. Check to be sure your child is reading a minimum of 20 minutes each day and writing one sentence about each day's reading.  This is turned in each Friday along with their Road to Success folder.
2. Talk with your child about what he or she is reading.
Explorer Project
What We Are Doing
1. We are starting to get the parts for our boxes put together.
2. We are creating our Explorer Trading cards in computer lab
What You Can Be Doing
1. If possible, help your child find more information about his or her explorer.  This can be done on-line or at the public library.
Special Projects/Events
IOWA Test of Basic Skill
We will be doing our annual testing this week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  Students benefit from sleep and a good breakfast.  Other than that, they just need to do their very best.
Constitution Day
On Friday, we will be honoring Constitution Day, along with the other schools in the district.  This gives us a great opportunity to learn about our freedoms and how they came to be.
Science Fair
We will be sending formal information home soon.  Right now you can be thinking of projects that might be interesting.  Students are typically more motivated when the project involves a personal interest ie. sports, the environment, pets, etc.  The library and internet have many great ideas.
Presidents Wax Museum
Students should be gathering information about their president and getting to know him.  Please remember that girls may choose to be the president's wife.
State Fair
Students should be gathering information about their state.  The goal is to make their state as interesting as possible.

Have a great week and keep checking the blog for updates.
Mrs. French

Welcome to Fifth Grade!

Dear Students,


Welcome to fifth grade!  I am excited to be your teacher this year.  Be sure to check our blog for information about homework, activities, field trips, and other special events. 


You can contact me via email at patricia.stephensfrench@canyonsdistrict.org.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Stephens-French