Happy Holidays!  See you January 4th!
Report cards did go home today!

Ask the kids about building a roller coaster.

I was pleased at how many students were using his/her strategies for the reading case 21.  We spent time on our persuasive essays and on our Spanish presentations. We then had lunch/recess/specials for the end of our day.
Tomorrow is the Math Case 21.  Tonight, rest, read and get a good breakfast.

Today in Math we reviewed dividing with decimals (mixed review) and then took a mini quiz.  I am pleased to announce that EVERYONE passed!
In ELA we spent quality time finishing up menus and persuasive essays.
In Social Studies we spent a lot of time going over the Declaration of Independence and what it means.
I am busy grading and getting ready for report cards.  We have CASE 21 testing the next three days.  Please make sure your student gets a good night sleep and a healthy breakfast.

We continues working on Dividing decimals by whole numbers today.  We will do a mixed review of division on Monday.  I will give them a MINI assessment of NBT7 on Monday.  They are ready.
This is not the 6 question quiz, but similar.

If three friends go out to dinner, and each buy the same meal with total cost of $4.53.  How much did each person spend? $1.51
A race is 3.3 miles long with water breaks at every 1.1 miles. How many water breaks will be taken? 3
A 6 meter ribbon will be cut into .25 meter lengths.  How many lengths will there be? 24


Today we had our Forced to change field trip....ask about the water mess and the bike wheel.
We also finished covering the main topics of the revolutionary war unit.

Sorry I haven't sent home Wednesday folders...yesterday I just plain forgot, and today the bell caught me off guard.  I was still teaching!  Some of the kids grabbed his/her folder, but others did not.

Today we reviewed dividing by a decimal, and started dividing decimals by whole numbers.  The new step is remembering the place value of the grouping. EX:  .27/ 9= .03
In ela I checked in with everyone on menus.  I think we are doing a good job on time.
In social studies we answered questions pertaining to the causes of the Revolution.

Tomorrows crazy schedule:
9:30-10:20  - math like normal
10:10-11:10 - specials like normal  (last time in Spanish before presentations)
11:10-11:45 - ELA
11:45-1:00 - Field trip
1:00-1:20 - Read aloud
1:20 - 1:50 - reward lunch for track out packets
1:55-2:30 -Recess
2:30-3:00- Social studies
3:00-3:40 - Book buddies

Today we started Decimals divided by decimals!  They did great again!
We reviewed the track out packets and 17 kids get to come on Friday during lunch to my reward gathering!  

In ELA we went over the structure for the Persuasive essays and lots of Figurative Language. Students can show you the progress on his/her essay by logging into his/her wcpss google account.

In Social studies we reviewed Patrick Henry's "give me liberty or give me death" speech and talked about the "shot herd round the world" at the first Battles of Lexington and Concord.

Welcome back!

Math:
Monday we learned to divide a whole number by a decimal using base 10 grids and today we used number lines.  Even though it is not part of the 5th grade curriculum, I've been showing the standard algorithm too.
Today we did a quick check to see how they were doing.  Most did great.  I have about 6 who made a "2", but we will review on Wednesday and re-assess those kids.
Tomorrow we will start decimals divided by decimals.

ELA:
Our reading menu for these two weeks is based on the revolutionary war.  I am using our Social Studies texts for analysis during reading. We are also working on our introductory paragraphs of our Persuasive essays.  I hope to have the whole essay done by Monday.

Social  Studies:
We are in the Revolutionary War.  We have watched "Liberty's Kids" episodes one and two.  We have talked about the different acts leading up to the Boston Tea party and the British response of the "intolerable" acts.
We will continue to use Liberty's Kids, but not all 39 episodes.

Coding:
Today we had a special event called coding.   The kids got to "build" code for a game.  hourofcode.com

Track out packets went home!   I told the kids that if you are on vacation with the family, to leave the packet at home.  Just write me a note as to what you feel is acceptable to miss on the packet due to family obligations.  One section for every 3-5 days on vacation, is what I was thinking.

Supplies!   We are out of everything!
Paper Towels
Baby Wipes
Tissues
Pencils
Colored Pencils
Markers

Please help us replenish upon your return.  :)

Track out packets are ready....Ill send them home on Tuesday:

Track out Packet:

1)      Use Tracks on the three articles. Answer all Questions.  (One Article Per Week)

2)      4 Math Spiral Reviews (six questions each)(One a week)

3)      Math Quarter 2 review Multiple Choice test – 33 Questions total (2 questions per day)

4)      Hurricanes reading card.  There are 6 weeks on the card.  Complete 3-4 weeks over track-out.   We will turn them in before we go on Winter Break December 18th for Carolina Hurricane Rewards!

5)      Technology options:  ReadTheory.org, ten marks, Moby Max.

Pizza – One slice	Pizza – 2 slices	Plus drink	Plus Dessert
-3 articles -3 math spirals -20/33 Math MC attempted -Hurricanes Card	-3 articles -Tracks -4 math spirals -25/33 Math MC attempted -Hurricanes card	-3 articles –Tracks, evidence from text in all answers. -4 math spirals -33/33 Math MC attempted -Hurricanes Card Overall 80% accuracy	All complete and 90% accuracy.

Today kids reviewed Math - TEST TUESDAY - Multiplying decimals by whole numbers and multiplying decimals by decimals.

Science test today

We are completing the persuasive essay fully online using Goggle Docs.  Kids can access these from any computer that has internet access. 

Today we started reviewing for our math test on Tuesday.  We will finish the review on Monday.
In ELA we went over several more articles, in order to find the text structure.  We then went to the Learning Commons and used our Google Drive (classroom) to start a fully digital Persuasive essay.  Kids can log in from home and share their creations with you!  Today we just were working on research.
In Science we completed the study guide (which I sent a completed copy home via email).  Test is MONDAY!
We then built sails for our cars, and started testing them using a fan, in the hallway.

NEW TIME for Spanish Presentations:

¡Hola padres!

The 5th graders at Brassfield will be participating in a collaborative research project in their Spanish and Explorations classes this quarter. For this project they are researching the culture of a South American country. The students will share their research in the form of a South American Culture Fair!

We would like to invite you to join us to see Mrs. Perrott’s class presentations in the Learning Commons from 9:30-10:15 on Friday, December 18^th for this presentation! The culture fair will allow you to walk through and learn about the cultures of 9 different South American countries.

If you have any questions, email me at elipetzky@wcpss.net! We are very excited for you to come and experience South America with us! J

                   - Señora Lipetzky and Ms. Harkey

In math the kids did GREAT with multiple strategies for multiplying decimals to the hundredths place.  TEST TUESDAY!
In ELA we continued to work on Main ideas, text structure and authors purpose.  We are done practicing for our persuasive essay.  We will start our "6th grade folder" essay on Friday with research.
In science we played with wind power and air resistance.  Ask about our paper airplane challenge.
SCIENCE TEST MONDAY

Today in math we started multiplying decimals to the hundredths place.
In ELA we are working on Main Idea, Text Structure and Author's Purpose using Time For Kids.  We are also writing our persuasive piece on Chocolate Milk.
In Science we watched videos on Chemical changes and Physical Changes.

CAMP FLINTLOCK IS THURSDAY!!!!  If it is raining, we will still be outside.  Plan accordingly.  All kids need a bag to carry around the crafts that they will make.

In math we began multiplying decimals by decimals.
In ELA kids took the Paul Revere quiz and worked on the persuasive Chocolate Milk essay.
In Science we spent a lot of time talking about Chemical Changes (Physical changes too), you can ask your students about all the bathroom discussions we had, and why Mrs. Perrott says we don't have to eat corn. (super gross, but all about chemical changes).

Your child is scheduled to participate in the Camp Flintlock Colonial American Field Trip on Thursday, November 5^th.

Here is a checklist to help your child have a great experience:

• Check the weather; wear appropriate clothing.
• If the day is expected to be hot then pack a water bottle.
• Have them bring a small bag or backpack to carry items they expect to make and/or purchase during the event.
• Watch the 5 minute field trip video at http://www.campflintlock.com/pages/fieldtrips/fieldtrips.html
• Discuss what is appropiate for your child to spend at the Camp Store. We have over 100 items (no candy or food). Dollar Items (Arrowheads, Writing Quills, Buffalo Teeth, Lucky Rabbit Feet), Writing Supplies (Ink $3, $5 and $8 per bottle), Silk Fans and Sandalwood Fans ($3), Silk Parasols ($8 each), Musical Instruments (Flutes $3, Tin Whistles $10, Fifes $12 and $19, Drumsticks $5 a pair), Furs (Daniel Boone Coon Hats $7, Fox Tails $6, Rabbit Furs $10), Games (Jacob’s Ladder $6, Cup and Ball $5, Graces $22), Flint and Steel Kits ($16) For a more complete listing of our merchandise and pictures use this linkhttp://www.campflintlock.com/pages/store/store.html.

Interims come home TODAY!  MONDAY.  Please sign and return.

https://docs.google.com/a/wcpss.net/forms/d/13sETwAsANDzDg-LAKdLPUoemtNJNJYHi4qWRurpzNQA/viewform

Please follow this link to indicate what types of items your student will bring for BYOD.

¡Hola padres! The 5th graders at Brassfield will be participating in a collaborative research project in their Spanish and Explorations classes this quarter. For this project they are researching the culture of a South American country. The students will share their research in the form of a South American Culture Fair! We would like to invite you to join us in the Learning Commons from 10:25- 11:10 for this presentation! The culture fair will allow you to walk through and learn about the cultures of 9 different South American countries. If you have any questions, email me at elipetzky@wcpss.net! We are very excited for you to come and experience South America with us!
  - Señora Lipetzky and Ms. Harkey ____________________________________________________________
 All presentations will take place from 10:25-11:10 in the Learning Commons on the following dates. Friday, November 20th  Mrs. Beyer’s and Mrs. Topoll’s class presentations
Tuesday, December 8 th  Mrs. Estrela’s class presentation
Wednesday, December 9 th  Ms. Kardas’ class presentation
Friday, December 18th  Mrs. Perrott’s class presentation

Today in math we reviewed number line multiplication and base 10 multiplication.  We took a quick assessment on it, and that came home today in the Wednesday Folder.
In ELA we are getting so close to finishing the Paul Revere menu.  We also had a mini lesson on the difference between Main Idea/Details and a Summary.
In Science we finished the rubber band experiment and calculated the speed of the cars.

INTERIM'S were supposed to go home today, but I need some help printing the reports.   This is a new system for me, and I haven't learned all the intricacies of it yet.  Worst case scenario, I'll hand write grades this weekend (like I did for 1st quarter), and send it home on Monday.

In Math we worked on multiplying on a number line.  The hardest component is finding out what is the interval between each mark on the number line.
0 - - - - - - - - - 1- - - - - - - - - 2  (each one is worth 0.1).
0 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -2 (each one is worth 0.05)  
In ELA we are getting closer to finishing the Paul Revere menu.  I hope to collect them on Thursday or Friday.
In Science we conducted our rubber band energy experiment (but didn't finish).

In Math we learned several ways to multiply decimals by whole numbers....repeated addition, base 10 blocks, estimation, and I introduced the standard algorithm.  The kids came up with a rectangle sections method by themselves :)  We will introduce multiplying on a number line tomorrow.
In ELA we continued working on the Paul Revere menu and meeting in small groups to go over the CASE 21.
In science we worked on a worksheet to find the speed and acceleration of objects.  Tomorrow is the day!  Rubber band energy!!!

Kids voted on a Chipolte lunch and a movie on Friday (also our snack math day).  I have to find out how much that will be....I told them maybe ....

Thursday and Friday update:

Thursday in Math we took the graphing/2-D shapes test.  The kids overall did a fantastic job.  The kids earned more 4's than I have ever given.
Friday in Math we started the basics of multiplying by decimals.  These next few days will be multiplying a whole number by a decimal.  Next Friday(ish) we will start multiplying decimals by decimals.
In ELA we continued to work on the Paul Revere Menu.  Today we continued to annotate an article over land ownership, and discussed how cultures can view the same word, Land Owner, differently.
In science on Thursday we conducted an investigation on speed with a "load", using the K-Nex cars the kids built. Today in Science we had book work on Newtons 3 laws and Kinetic/Potential energy.

Rings hit the floor!  Voting on a "celebration" will be on Monday.  Next Friday (the 30th) the kids will also have a fun snack math activity.

In math today we reviewed coordinate planes by playing "Battleship" but we called it "Attack the Aliens".  We also reviewed geometric shapes by creating a giant Hierarchy Chart.  Test is tomorrow!
ELA we continued working on our Paul Revere menus.  All kids should have finished reading the story by now, and started the questions and picture dictionary.
In Science we drew several objects from different perspectives.  This gives us the 'whole picture'.  We watched two videos of people drawing, technical drawings.  We also discussed scale.  (The globe in our room is not actual size, but is made to "scale" of the real thing.)

Today in Math we learned how to take linear data, and compile coordinates, and graph them.  For example, Sarah earned $2 for each cupcake she made.  (1,2), (2,4), (3,6), (4,8) etc...They had to label the graph and plot the points.
In ELA we continued working on the Paul Revere Menu and the CASE 21 reading results.
In Science we had three centers.  1.  Watching Study Jams on Newtons three laws, 2.  Completing book work on Speed, Velocity and Momentum.  3.  Finishing our cars and testing for speed and acceleration.
The 5th grade team decided to use  the quarter 1 CASE 21's as our pretest for the 2nd quarter objectives.  Reading informational text and two step word problems.

In Math we investigated coordinate planes.  We used landmarks (school, library etc..) and talked about how to move east/west/north/south to get to the next landmark.
In ELA we started our new menu on Paul Revere.  We watched the Paul Revere episode of Liberty's Kids , a PBS show.  Kids can watch these on You Tube or on Discovery Ed.  These will help them understand the Revolutionary war and get the background knowledge that they need.
We also started going over the CASE 21 reading test in small groups.  I was a little disappointed with how little the kids marked in the text.
In science we watched and took notes on Brain Pop videos and Study Jams videos on Force, Work, Power and Inertia.

Thursday update:
In Math we reviewed Case 21 questions.   We attended an assembly on Australia.  We went to the library to work on the Spanish project.  In Science we are talking about forces, so we watched several videos from the International Space station.
Friday:  Today is an Early Release day.  Dismissal will be at 1:15.
In Math we will continue to work on Coordinate Grids.  In ELA we will work on Text Structure and Writing Persuasive essays.   In Science we will continue to discuss forces.  I will be sending home Case 21 results today.  These results are for classroom use only.  The reading test was HARD!  The Math test was right on target.

Ooopss, sorry it is Wednesday and I haven't posted much this week.
In Math we are working on coordinate grids and maps.  The kids seem to really understand this. Remind them they have to go Right before Up!
In ELA, we have started working on Text Structure for informational text.  We have also started working on our first persuasive essay on Chocolate Milk.
In Science, the kids have built the standard vehicle and we have been working on understanding terminology for forces!
We did take the Case 21 for both Reading and Math.  I hope to send home scores Friday.

FRIDAY IS AN EARLY RELEASE DAY!  Also Track 2 is providing lunch for the staff.  If you can bring in a main dish/side dish/ dessert for the staff (preferably in a disposable container) please email our class parents.

Thanks for having your students survive two substitutes!  

Homework tonight:  I sent home the 1st quarter math binder papers today.  If students go through and decide what papers to keep (one on Multiplying, one on dividing, one on decimal place value, one on adding decimals, one on powers of 10, one on 1/10th smaller or 10x's bigger) instead of recycling the whole thing, then they do not have to do tonight's math.

Pictures are coming home today.  If you need re-takes, they are TOMORROW!!!!  Bring back the pictures.
In math we took a quick check on geometry shape attributes.  In ELA we took our Golden Lion quiz and started annotating an article on the 13 colonies.  Please talk about history with your children.  They seem to be missing the foundational knowledge about the American Revolution.  We won't officially start the American Revolution Social Studies unit until after Thanksgiving, but our reading mini lessons are based on this topic.     Liberty's Kids PBS show is a great fun way to watch/talk about the American Revolution.
In Social Studies, we took our Economy test.  We start SCIENCE Tomorrow!

Friday!   Please stay safe and dry this weekend.  I have loved the parent conferences that I have had so far.  Thank you for coming in!
In Math we started Geometry.  Triangles....by side and by angle.  (scalene, isosceles, equilateral - right, acute, obtuse).
In ELA we are still not done with Golden Lion Tamarin.  I hope to collect menus on Monday.
In Social Studies we finished our board builders and will present on Monday.

In math we finished the teacher made benchmark.  I had the students score his/her own test, and I will review them tonight to create groups for review. (By the look on the faces,  lots of review is needed).  In ELA some people have finished the "Golden Lion Tamarin" menu, and some have a long way to go (due to finishing other work).  I will give them until Friday to finish.  If they are already done, I will find a game/reward for them after checking to see if it is level 4 work.
In Social Studies we continued working on the project on economies.
REPORT CARDS CAME HOME TODAY!!!!  Please sign and return the envelope.  You can keep the papers inside.
Soooo....the students are going to want to get me.....I found out at a meeting Tuesday during planning, that the school DID purchase the Case 21 benchmark tests.   So the benchmarks that were made by the team were a great practice for the Case 21.  We have not been told a testing schedule yet.

Today we started our Math quarterly benchmark.  After about 40 minutes, I could see the smoke rising off of their heads and decided to let them resume tomorrow. They should have finished the grocery store project today (except one group that is having computer trouble).  3 groups presented today.  I hope to see the rest tomorrow after we finish the quarterly benchmark.
In ELA we continued to review the quarterly benchmark in small groups.  I am pretty impressed with their scores.  The questions they missed were usually due to not reading the answer choices carefully.  And those were the tricky ones.
In Economics students started making a Board Builder using Discovery Ed.  They will explain Market, command, traditional and global economies using videos, pictures and words.

RECORDERS!

 https://docs.google.com/document/d/13cyshWlkIJyaFmWFkTZFqjLViCefUfCKDyzPdJYXD3I/edit?usp=sharing

Mr. Colon is asking parents to purchase recorders (much more sanitary)!

In Math we worked on the presentations for the grocery store project.  I hope to present tomorrow.  In ELA, we took a staff made benchmark test.  We will review these in small groups during ELA this week.
In Economics we watched several Brain-Pop videos; Recession, Supply and Demand, Banking, Taxes, Adam Smith, and Gas and Oil.  Kids can log on to see these at home to review.

Today we got close to finishing a week's meal plan for under $200.  We should get to start putting together the presentations tomorrow.
In ELA we started learning how to annotate our reading.  ?, *, C, V, I, S.  See if they remember what each one stands for.
We continued working on our "Golden Lion Tamarin" anthology story.
In economy we talked about recessions, jobs/careers, and how being a student/volunteer is important to our economy.

In math we started the Grocery Store excursion.  The kids have to plan a weeks worth of healthy meals with a budget of $200.
In ELA most kids have now started the "Golden Lion Tamarin" story.
In Economy, we talked more about Global Trade and then played  financial game of football!

I have "quarterly benchmark" assessments.  I will give them next week.

I was very impressed by the math tests today.  Everyone in the classroom passed!  Great Job!
The Elena tests were not as great.  Students gave "true" answers, but did not back them up with quotes from the text.  We will continue to work on providing evidence for answers all year.
In Economics we had a great time with our Global Trade "string" activity.

The kids did so great with adding and subtracting decimals, that I am going to go ahead and give the assessment Tuesday.  The Elena assessment will also be Tuesday.
In Economics, we went over traditional, market, command and global economies.

Parent conferences!
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E084FA8AF29A46-parent

What a wonderful Walk-a-thon day!  Thanks to all the parents for helping.  

Tee-shirt instructions:  Just to make sure the shirt paint is set, wash it inside out, cold water.  

Today we continued working on Adding and subtracting decimals.  

After our wonderful walk-a-thon we watched a Mythbusters episode.  We took time to finish up our Elena menus and our memoirs.  If your student did not turn them in today, they can still turn them in on Monday.  We will take our Elena test Tuesday and we will start Golden Lion Tamarin on Tuesday.  

In social studies, we had just gotten started on the only "book work" lesson when I realized we needed to go to book buddies.  So we will finish the reading about command, traditional, global and market economies on Monday. 

We worked on subtracting decimals using a number line today.  We will continue adding and subtracting decimals tomorrow, and start a grocery store project on Monday.  Our Adding and subtracting decimals test will be on Wednesday or Thursday.
We continued to work on our Elena Menu's and Memoirs.  If your student is done tomorrow, I will collect them.  (Report cards are due next week to the administration, so I want to get a big chunk of grading done this weekend).  If they are not done, I will give them Monday to finish.  We will have the Elena test on Tuesday!
Needs: Please have your student bring in snacks (one or two) EVERY DAY!  The kids are starving by 1:20, our lunch time.  If anyone wants to donate to my emergency snack bucket, cereal fruit bars are a great donation.  (I got cleaned out of 32 snack bars in just 4 days.  Everyone seemed to need snacks this week.)
Also, if you are out and about, and find a great prize bucket item, feel free to donate.  

I forgot to send home Wednesday Folders.  I will send them home tomorrow.

We started adding decimals with the number line.  Tomorrow we will subtract decimals with a number line.  In ELA, we continue to talk about character growth (Gru from Despicable Me) and comparing and contrasting characters in Wonder.
In Social studies we had a great lesson on assembly lines today.  Ask your kids about the crayons!

Don't forget!!!!! PICTURE DAY IS TOMORROW!!!!!  Bring money and dress nice.

Wear Purple on Thursday!  It is Mr. Chappell's last week, and we will celebrate him with our ECU Purple and an applause parade.

If the Presidential budget was not finished in class, then it became homework tonight!  

In math we started adding and subtracting decimals.

We had a long rotation of writing our Memoirs!

We took our Math benchmark today on Decimal Place value and rounding.
We continued working on our Elena menus and our Presidential Budget project.
Picture day is Wednesday.  We will have our pictures taken at 11:30.
Look closely at the homework, it is different starting this week.

Moving math test to Monday

It took longer to create our Decimal Benchmark  posters and our Decimal of the Day posters than I thought it would.  I will give the Day 30 math assessment on Monday.
We are hard at work on our Elena Menus.  The kids should have completed 4-5 things on the menu by now.  Ask them where they are.
In Social Studies we have dug deep into the economy.  We have gone over many vocabulary words: basic needs, consumer, goods, income, producer, service, trade-off, savings, wants, economy and budget.  
We are going to start the President's budget today!  Lots of fun arguments to be had!

Welcome back,
Today in the Wednesday Folder there is A LOT of info.
Field trip permission form - sign and return asap
Field Trip money info - $ asap
Walk - a -thon envelopes - due Sept 18th but can be turned in whenever you are ready.
Picture day information too!

Yesterday and today we reviewed the first 27 days of math.  We started our ELENA menu, focusing on comparing characters and text structure.  We also started our economy unit.

Field Trips

Hi all,
Welcome back from Track-out.

Field trip info:
November 5, 2015 - Camp Flintlock - all day at school - we will need chaperones!
December 11, 2015 - Science made fun - Force to change - at school part of the day
February 1, 2016 - I-Max at Marbles - Lewis and Clark - part of the day
April 15, 2016 - Science made fun - Meteorology Madness -at school part of the day.
The total cost is $52.00.
Payment options -pay in full or in two equal payments of $26.00 each.
1.  Check - make it out to "Brassfield Road Elementary School.
2.  Exact Cash (I cannot make change)
3.  pay online at http://osp.osmsinc.com/wakeNC

Walk a thon is coming up fast!  September 18th!   Volunteers wanted!
Make sure you have registered to be a Wake Co. Volunteer by signing up at any public school.  Make sure to check Brassfield as a school at which you want to volunteer.  You must do this EVERY YEAR!

Subject: Running Club reminder

Hi 3rd-5th grade teachers,

This is just a reminder that we will be closing sign ups for running club on Monday, August 31. The link below is to the sign up form in case any parents missed the first email. All t-shirt money ($10) should be turned into Mrs. Lipetzky or Ms. Harkey by Tuesday, Sept. 1 in an envelope with the runner's name on it. 

Link for sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bWeBOEaH1s2fyCmSh0f9gDHdt7dYSTARmdRKTItdlJA/viewform?usp=send_form

Thank you!

Libby Lipetzky -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Congratulations to our students!

Good morning everyone,

I just received an email from the American Heart Association, which provided me with Wake County's results for the 2014-2015 Jump Rope for Heart event. Brassfield Raised the 6th most in the entire county with $15,545.40 in donations. If you can, please take a moment to congratulate our students for doing such an outstanding job....I hope I never see a toy duck again :)

Have a great day!

Dustin Flahive

Physical Education Teacher

Brassfield Road Elementary

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: Journalism Club - Grades 4 - 5 ONLY

Hi All:  Ms. Hawley and I are starting a Journalism Club for students in grades 4 and 5.  We intended to do it by track, but we have decided to offer it school wide.  Please add the following information to your blog/website.  Thank you!

Attention students in grades 4 and 5:  Ms. Hawley and Ms. Kardas invite you to participate in this year's Journalism Club.  Members of the Journalism Club will produce a school newspaper through gathering and reporting on news.  Students will be responsible for writing, photography, and artwork.  The Journalism Club's first meeting will be on Thursday, August 27th.  We will meet Thursdays from 3:45 - 4:45.  A parent must be available to pick you up from school.  Applications are available outside of Room 314 (Ms. Kardas' room) or from Ms. Hawley.  Thank you!

Cristine Kardas

Track 3 / Grade 5 

http://track35thkardaskids.blogspot.com/

ckardas@wcpss.net

Happy Track out!  See you on September 8th!

Thank you so much for the flowers, balloons, gift card and cards.  I felt very special today (and it truly was a surprise since my birthday isn't for another 2 weeks.)

If the track-out packet is complete, students will be invited to a pizza party when we track back in :)

Students should have their pig from art in his/her book bag.  I graded and sent home the Slow menu and quiz.  Also, a math quick check on NBT.1 and NBT.2 (both will be assessed again when we track back in).

 

One thing is for sure...I am going to sleep good tonight!   I loved the presentations today, and thank you so much for coming out to support our class!  They loved seeing you.
We did take two quick checks today.  I hope to get them graded and sent home tomorrow.
Friday Schedule:
We will start with math and rounding decimals.
Move straight into ELA writing memoirs.
We eat lunch in the room from 11-11:30
Recess is from 12-12:30
Dismissal is at 1:15!
I am going to let the kids do their Wax Museum presentations for the class (no dress up necessary), during all of our "Free Moments".

We took the ecosystem test today.
18 of the 26 students turned in menus today (they can turn them in tomorrow).
We worked hard on our Ecosystem Wax Museum today!

Tomorrow!
They will take a math quick check.
1.  How is the 2 different in 2.14 and 1.24?
2.  Powers of 10 - 2.34 x 10^3 or division- 2.34 divided by 10^3.

If they had a 2 on the previous decimal place value, they will have a re-test tomorrow.
2.34 = (2x1) + (3 x 1/10) + (4x 1/100)
and word form, two and thirty-four hundredths

Slow vocab quiz and Theme.  Words:  custom, determination, extended, inherited, raid, reputation, respect, triumph, courage
Theme - there are several to choose from, but they have to use quotes from the text to back up his/her answer.
example themes for Slow-  When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade....Don't judge a book by the cover.... Try, Try again...etc...

Come Join us at 2:45 for the Wax Museum.

In math we continued working with powers of 10, but dividing this time.
In ELA some people have finished the menu and have turned it in.
Memoirs will be due Friday (don't panic, I just want them in my possession ready to edit- we will edit when we track back in)
Science - I think most groups finished their backgrounds, and started the posters.  Some have even started scripts.  Im getting very excited about these!

Wednesday - Science Ecosystem test - they are ready!
Thursday - A boy called Slow assessment - Theme!
Thursday - Math Powers of 10 assessment (are re-assessing expanded notation if needed)
Friday - Memoirs

Violet on Thursday

Our School Nurse, Violet Manson is leaving us because she has been assigned to another school.  In celebration of her new job, we are going to wear Violet on Thursday and give her an applause parade.

I still can't believe how fast our day flies by.  I also can't believe that track out is upon us.
In Math - we talked about powers of 10 and how that effects decimal placement.  3.44x10^5 = 344,000.
In ELA we worked hard on our Slow menus.  I hope to be done and giving a quiz by Wednesday.  The quiz will be on the Theme from Slow and what from the story supports their theme, and vocabulary.
In science we got busy on the backgrounds for our Wax Museum project and also played a review game.  We did not have the ecosystems quiz.  We will take that tomorrow if the game goes well.

PS - we did not finish the game, so we will finish it tomorrow....test Wednesday on Ecosystems

Well, your student might have homework this weekend....We will not spend any more time in class on the Biome Flip Book or on the Narrative.  If your student did not finish today, they will need to finish by next Thursday at home.
In math I passed back the decimal place value assessment.  If your student got  a 2 or lower, they were to bring it home, work on corrections with you and have a parent sign it. Re-test will be Thursday with the Decimal powers of 10 assessment.
ELA - some students started to finish the menu today, so I passed out the prompt for the Memoir.  The Memoir will go with them to 6th grade.
In Science we worked on the flip book again, and then went to Book Buddies with Mrs. Varner's and Mrs. Gibson's first grade classes.

Another 9 in specials!  Great job everyone!
In math we took the decimal place value assessment.
In ELA - we continued working on our menus and watched another example of a memoir.
In science we got close to finishing the biome flip books, they will get one more day.
We will play a review game tomorrow for science.
The kids earned Popsicles - they will get them after recess!!!!!

In Spanish today, the kids wrote a paragraph about themselves.  They need to read it to you and get it signed  But...I forgot to remind them, to take home their Spanish folders.  It needs to be signed by Next Thursday.

We have had a much better day today with a 9 in specials and great behavior in class.
In Math we worked on comparing decimals - ><=  4.56 or 4.056
In reading we continued to work on our Boy called Slow menu and started talking about how a Memoir is like a narrative, but it focuses on just one moment in time.
In Science we worked feverishly on our Biome flip books, but I still don't think they will be ready tomorrow as I had hoped.
INTERIMS ARE IN THE WEDNESDAY FOLDERS!!!!!!  Power schools is still not ready for the elementary schools to use, so I just hand wrote grades for you.
Internet policy forms are in the Wednesday folders.  If you do not give permission for internet use, your child cannot watch videos with the whole class, and they cannot do research on the computer.
A permission form for a shutterfly site is also in the Wednesday folder.  If you do not give permission, we will not add your student to this site.

Unfortunately today we got a 7 in music.  Please reinforce with your child the importance of proper behavior so they can learn.  Today in class, for the first time, it seemed as if the kids had "ants in their pants".  I had to get on them about behavior several times.
In Math we went over expanded notation.  21.23 = 2(10) +1(1) + 2(.1) + 3(.01)
In ELA we continued working on our menus, focusing  on character development using quotes from the text.
In Science we spent a big chunk of time working on the Flip Books.  We also watched a video on human impact on environments.
I would like Flip books to be turned in on Thursday.

Monday:
In Math we talked about how 0.1 is the same as 0.10, which is the same as 0.100.  We are starting to add decimals.
In ELA we started menu #2 A boy Called Slow.  We are still focusing on RL1 and RL2 - Using specific details from the story to draw inferences (1) and find a theme or summarize the text (2).  We started RL3 - Comparing and contrasting characters using specific details from the text.
Narrative Final copies are due by Friday.
In Science we went over how pollution effects the environment.  We also continued working on the Biome Flip book. (I hope to have these finished by Thursday).

It is interim time but Power Schools is not up and running yet to put in grades.  So....I will work on a "grade list" this weekend, so you can see all the grades I've collected.  I will try to send it home on Monday.
We started decimal place value up to thousandths today in math.  Just being able to recognize it, and draw it.  (You can ask your child how much Mrs. Perrott spit today trying to say "ths".)
 In reading we took the grizzly bear quiz and worked on science research reading.  We also spent some time peer reviewing narratives using the rubric.  Drafts are due tomorrow.
In science we went over the 3 aquatic biomes.  We should start the flip book project tomorrow.  We will also start Book Buddies with 1st grade.     Homework is due tomorrow.

Wednesday:
The math test took FOREVER!!!! But they did awesome.  Everyone passed the multiplication section!
We did not get to the Grizzly Bear quiz today.  We will do that tomorrow.
WORDS: abundant, aggressive, carcass, dominance, subservience, territory, tundra, wariness, caribou, wilderness.
Several lessons in time management happened today.  Ask if your child had to finish his/her menu during lunch or recess.....
Science we took a brain break and watched Jeff Corwin and the Amazon river.  He is funny and does a great job of bringing ecosystems to "life" for the kids.

Tuesday for real...

Today we took a practice test for the UNIT test tomorrow in Math.  Your child has brought the practice test home to study.  They can cross out one night of the Daily math homework so they can study tonight.
Menu's will be due tomorrow!  This will be a great shock to those who have chosen to read to self every day, for multiple rotations - A little lesson in time management.   We will take our inferencing assessment based on the Grizzly bear story. In Science we researched Deciduous Forests (Temperate) and Deserts.
I would like a nice rough draft of the narrative by Friday.

Tuesday rewind

So, It looks like I've neglected my posts...
On Monday we continued to practice with division in math, and threw in a few multiplication problems too.We will have our first big math UNIT  TEST on Wednesday (tomorrow).  We have been working hard on our menu's for our daily 5.  I hope to collect these on Wednesday as well.  We will have our Grizzly Bear Family quiz on Wednesday which consists of vocabulary and inference questions.  In science we have started our Biome Flip book research.  We have researched Rain Forest, Tiaga, and Tundra.

Happy Thursday.  In Math we continued to practice division.
We talked about remainders....

• when you would round up (how many buses do you need? Can't leave a kid behind), 
• when you would round down (ribbon for wrapping a present -leftovers can't be used), 
• when you would use a decimal (money and measurement), 
• when you would make the remainder a fraction (pizza), 
• and when the answer is just the remainder (how much is left over?)

We will spend an extra day on division tomorrow.  The math test will be pushed back to Wednesday.
In ELA I meet with half of the class in small groups and we started working in the guided reading books.  I will meet with the other half of the class tomorrow. Kids continued working on their Bears Menu.
In science we took notes on convection, conduction and radiation.  We also started our Biomes research project by watching some videos about the rain forest.

Today we took a math "quick" check on division.  This was done for my benefit, so I can see what I need to re-teach, or modify.  In reading we used the first rotation to finish the quick check in math, but got two rotations in.  Everyone should have read the Grizzly Bear Family story by now.  We worked on inferring/generalizing again.  Infer = background knowledge + text.   In science we took a vocabulary (fill in the blank) quiz.
Wednesday folders did go home -amazingly on a Wednesday :)  Homework grades could be a plus, check-plus or a check.

Today in Math we continued working on two digit divisor division..  In reading we got one more internet presentation finished (one more to go), and really got to work on those reading menus.  Ask your student if they have read the Grizzly Bear Family Book yet.  If not, I will have a read aloud group tomorrow.
In science we reviewed vocabulary for a Science QUIZ tomorrow!

Happy Monday!
New homework is posted under the homework tab.
In math we modeled two digit division using base ten blocks (whew!).  We also showed the rectangle sections method of division.  We will continue our work with division all week.
In Reading we did two more of our internet presentations, and then accomplished our first two rotations using our "Bears" menu.  It will take us about two weeks to finish everything on the menu.
We continued to read Wonder, and August has agreed to go to public school.
In science we talked in detail about our animals in the eco-column. (Mosquito fish, snails, crickets and isopods).  We also watched two video's about symbiosis.

Friday :)
Today in math we introduced two digit divisors.  We only estimated the answers.  Monday we will do that for real!  1234/23!  In reading I let the kids have circulation time in the library and we presented two of our internet projects. In science we worked on observing our eco-column and drawing food webs and food chains.

Thursday's Wednesday folders.

I forgot to send home Wednesday Folders yesterday, so they are coming home today.  There are two math assessments and MClass testing results in the folder.  If you child made a 1 or 2, please review the information and correct the test.  Sign it, and return it tomorrow.  If they made a 3 or 4, keep it at home.
On the MClass results, the top number is the number your student scored, the bottom number is where they should be at the beginning of 5th grade.
Please return the blue folder, emptied, tomorrow.
DON'T FORGET TO TURN IN HOMEWORK FRIDAY!!!!!!!! Both the math page and the article (what in the world).

Today in math we took a day to review division and the Area model.  Regular long division is NOT a part of 5th grade, but I am encouraging those who know it, to use it.  The Area model is long division but it does it via place value.
In reading we are almost done with our internet projects.  I hope to start presenting Friday.  We did a mini lesson for writing, and character development.  We started drafting memoirs!  So exciting!
In science we focused on Food Web's and Food chains - the decomposers, producers and consumers in both, and what happens if the chain is disrupted.   We had a great discussion on renewable energies and saving the ozone layer (it was a complete tangent, but it was great!)

If you are interested in being our class parent, please let me know.  cperrott@wcpss.net

Well, I forgot to update yesterday.
So...Tuesday in Math we practiced the Standard way to Multiply multi-digit numbers.  Today we introduced dividing large numbers using the Array model.
Yesterday and today, during reading block, we focused on completing our internet research and creating our posters.  We had mini-lessons on pre-writing for our narratives and having creative "hooks" to capture our readers attention.  We had mini lessons on inferring yesterday and today.
In science we are still working on our eco-columns.  I hope to add the "critters" today.

test email

I have sent out a test email.  If you got it, please respond so I know I typed everything right.  If not, please email me at cperrott@wcpss.net
Thanks!

Fast day

This day just flies by....it seems we get going, then it is time to go.  In math we practiced using the standard algorithm for multiplication.  In writing we continued to talk about writing about a moment in our lives, and how to add sensory details to our writing.  We started our internet research web quest, which will teach about online etiquette and safety.  In science we continued our study of ecosystems.  Vocabulary we covered: producer, consumer, food web, biome, biotic, abiotic.
In specials we got another 9, and we got two compliments in the hallway!
 

No Fuss fundraising

Bring in those Box Tops!
First Spirit day/night is July 24th...Wacky Tacky!  Then eat at the WF PDQ or the Falls of Neuse PDQ.

Sign up for the PTA newsletter: brassfieldptanews@gmail.com

I'm finally getting to Friday's post....Today we watched a video of the book Enemy Pie.  Again we are focusing on how word choices increases our "visualization" of the book.  We had a Rotation of Read to Self, and a rotation of choice - word work or work on writing.  All the while, I worked on Mclass testing.
In Math we started connecting how the standard algorithm and the rectangle sections methods are alike.
In science we watched a video the worlds Biomes (rain forest, desert, taiga, tundra, temperate forest, grasslands, ocean, fresh water).  We got into a "tangent" discussion on how our earth gets seasons?  And How the poles can have 24 hours of light or darkness?  It was a great discussion with many ideas and questions.  I need to remember to reinforce hand-raising for speaking aloud in class, because 24 questions at the same time was a bit much.
We got a 9 in specials again.  Let's shoot for strait 10's this week.

Can this week be almost over???? I am having too much for for it to end.
In math we worked with rectangle sections for multiplying and briefly talked about expanded notation for multiplying.  Don't worry parents...standard algorithm is coming next week (that is multiplying like you and I learned so long ago.....)   We also took a quick "check" on the math lessons from day 2 and 3.  That will come home in next week's Wednesday folder.
I started the MClass testing for fluency today.  I thought  I was going to get to 8 students, but only had time for 4.  So it will be 2 weeks before I can send home those results.  Today the kids watched another Patricia Polacco book called My Rotten Red Headed older Brother focusing on the word choices in the book.
We also had a writing mini lesson.  We filled out a chart for our narrative essay.  And we also added to our genre chart with Scientific Fiction and Realistic Fiction.
In science we build the terrarium for our eco-column.  Whew...too much fun for one day.

I can't believe that I get to teach such an awesome class. Wednesday, we earned a 9 in PE and everyone earned a "clip up" for great behavior in lunch.   We started learning about different types of literature genres.   We discussed Traditional Literature (folk tales), Fantasy, and Poetry.  We talked about interesting words and phrases and how they enhance our "vision" when we read.  We read Thank you, Mr. Falker; you can see that video on Youtube if you like.  In math we talked about the power of a 10, and how that makes 600x50 easier (just do 5x6 =60 then add the 3 zeros for 60,000).  In science we started our investigation of ecosystems.
Don't forget Thursday night is open house!  See you at 5:30.

We had a great first day!  We earned a 10 in specials :)!  We got a great compliment at lunch and almost everyone got to "clip up".
We learned about the CAFE board reading strategies.  We learned about the 8 standards of learning in Mathematics.  We also learned a lot of Ecosystem Vocabulary!
I am so impressed by these young minds.  I can't wait to see what the year has in store for us!

Parents, two forms came home today to sign.  More about those under the Homework tab.  Also parents, make sure to look under the Homework tab, because YOU have a homework assignment.

Open House

I look forward to seeing everyone on 
July 9th:  5:30-6:00 in the multi-purpose room
6:00-7:00 - Floating to meet all the teachers

The best way to contact me is email;
cperrott@wcpss.net
The School phone number is 919-870-4080

Welcome to 5th grade.  This year our main focus will be on student development and achievement.  We will grow socially, emotionally and academically.  We will develop independent and self-motivated learners.  We will Create, Collaborate, think Critically and Communicate positively.