News from Mrs. Denny’s Class
April 23, 2010
denny@lpatucson.org

Academics:

Mystery book reports are due May 12.

Book order money was due Friday, 4/23. I will still accept money on Monday.

Science- We will be learning about the solar system. We begin with the sun, moon and Earth. Students learned about the relationship between the Earth, sun and moon. They will be required to keep a moon journal to record the different phases of the moon for 14 days. We will begin this at the end of next week so they can actually observe some major changes.

Students have also been assigned a planet to research. They will create a power point presentation in the library along with a model to represent their planet.

Social studies- Students learned about the first Americans this week. They are also involved in a mini-research project about a particular Indian culture. They are learning about the following Indian groups: Creek, Mississippian, Matah, Aztec and Iroquois.

Math: The main concept this week is dividing 3-digit numbers by 2 and 3- digit divisors.

Spelling: Students had their own independent spelling list for practice and review this week. Spelling buddies administered the spelling test this week.

Reading: We have been reading a lot of informational text in social studies and science. We are still continuing with mysteries, as well.

Writing: The mixed up animal stories are almost completed!
Students have also been doing a lot of content writing to express what they have learned about particular lessons.
The poetry books are almost ready to be sent out for publishing!

Counseling: Mrs. Russell is opening the students’ minds to careers and life choices.

Notes to Parents:

Reminder: Although the end of the year is near, please remind your students that there is still much work to be done. It is easy for even a dedicated student to lose focus and concentration this time of year. Please encourage your child to stay focused, work hard and complete assignments on time. Finish “the race” strong!

Progress Reports: Progress reports will go home next week. The report will show only core academic areas. Students have 4 more weeks to produce quality work. Please sign and return the report by Friday, April 30th.

Independent Reading: “The more you read, the more you know AND…the more you know, the more you’ll read.”
Independent reading is part of students’ nightly homework. Many students are not completing this part of their homework. Reading is crucial to your child’s success. The more they practice reading, the better they will become at word solving, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency and writing. Please make sure you are helping your child in this endeavor by signing their calendar each evening once they have read.

Puberty Class: This class will occur during the week of April 26th for our 5th graders. You must turn in the permission slip that was sent home last week in order for your child to participate.

Picture Packets: Some students still need to return their spring picture packet. These are overdue! If you’d like to purchase the pictures, send your check in the envelope provided along with the picture packet as soon as possible.

Field Trip: On Monday, May 24th, our class will celebrate the end of the year with a bowling party at Lucky Strike Bowling Alley. We will bowl in the morning and enjoy a pizza lunch afterwards. The cost for each student will be $5.50. Please watch for the future permission slip to come home.

Thank you to all who sponsored students for the Jump for Heart/Walk-a-thon.

Important Dates
April:
19-23- Penny War Week
23- Mother/Son Dance
-Classroom Book Order $ Due
26- Dentist

May:
3-7 Book Fair.
3-7 Teacher Appreciation Week
7- Pancake Breakfast w/ Principal
12 Field Day
26 Yearbook Signing
28 Last Day of School