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!