January 8, 2010

Newsworthy NewsJanuary:
4-8 Science Fair Introduction

6- Dress down day

7- PTO meeting

14- Fuddruckers Fundraiser
10:30 a.m.-close

15- Movie Night

18- MLK Day: No School

22- Daddy-Daughter Dance 7-9 p.m. at Lakeside

27- 100th Day of School

Talent Show Sign-up in January

Science Fair Due Dates:
1/8- Permission slip, Project selected, Question formed

1/12- Hypothesis Due

1/15- Procedure & Materials List Due

1/29- Experiment Completed

2/5- Raw and Analyzed Data Due

2/8- Conclusion Due

2/12- Optional Written Report

2/17- Final Display Board Due

2/19- LPA Science Fair Judging

ACADEMICS
Spelling: Our spelling unit focused on compound words this week. I sent home a letter explaining a web site that students can use to practice their spelling words. I will put the weekly spelling list on http://www.spellingcity.com/. You can also access spelling city from the link located on my blog page. Students can log on and choose “Find a list.” They must then type in our class name (Denny) to access the new words for the week. The site provides opportunities for teaching, practice, and testing. It is a lot of fun.

Writing: This week students completed their writing portfolio for the 1st semester. Their writing samples will come home this Friday for you to conference with your child about. Please spend some time reading, discussing and providing feedback to your child. Please read the attached letter and return the portfolio folder and response form by next Friday, Jan. 15.

Reading: Reading of student work was a focus this week. Students did a lot of reading while creating their writing portfolios this week. They have also been integrating reading and science as they read and research about their science fair topic. Students will be introduced to an informational article on cartooning next week. We will practice sequencing important information and identifying cause and effect within this article.

Science: We have taken the plunge into the Science Fair process. I hope that you have read the packet which was sent home this week…it has lots of important information regarding student projects and science fair procedures. Students also received a calendar with due dates which will guide their work throughout this process. The science fair is mandatory for 5th graders and will be done mostly at home. However, we will be having mini-lessons on the various parts of the scientific method which should help the students stay on track. The completed project and display board is due Wed., Feb. 17th.

S.S.- We are continuing our map skills unit and will be doing some independent reading in this academic area.

NOTES FOR PARENTS:
2010- Wow, we are already into our 2nd semester of school. We will be very busy learning and having fun doing it!

I have asked the students to start off the new year with a “bang” by being on time to school and completing all assignments in a timely manner.

Music/Art: The first semester students were fortunate to have both music and art each week. For 3rd and 4th quarter, those subjects will rotate, with art being 3rd quarter and music the 4th quarter.

Science Fair: Please make sure to look at your child’s science fair folder and due date calendar this weekend. Please encourage your child to stay on track with his/her deadlines. Grading will be as follows:
Required work at deadline…
20 pts/each
Completed science fair folder…
100 pts
Completed project & board…
100 pts

Hurry, Hurry….
The Teacher Parent Connection at 7641 E. Speedway Blvd. has white science fair display boards on sale for $3.99.

Fieldtrip: We will be going to Sabino Canyon on Monday, Jan. 25th. We will depart LPA at 9:15 am and return around 1:30. Please return the signed permission slip your child brought home. Our class will need 2 volunteers to help chaperone. Remember…you need to have your fingerprint clearance in order to join us.