January 28, 2011 Classroom News

Academics:
Reading/Writing: Students are reading their literature book, Shiloh. They are making connections and writing in their literature logs.

Book Report: The genre for the book report is mystery. The book report is due Friday, February 4th. I have loaned some public library books to students with the caution that they do not lose them because they will have to pay for them.

Spelling: The unit this week focused on words with the /sh/ sound as well as specific endings.

Giovana Almaguer did a great job representing our class in the all-school spelling bee this week.

Math:
Saxon Math concepts this week: 2 and 3-digit multiplication, long division, fractions, decimals and mathematical vocabulary.

Please encourage your child to correct math homework errors. They have the opportunity to earn a ½ point for every error corrected on math homework. This is their responsibility. I do not “nag” them to turn it back in. Students know that by correcting errors, they can significantly impact their grade.

Science: In order to practice the scientific method, students conducted a bubble gum experiment this week. They loved being able to test different brands of gum.

Science Fair: Students should have conducted their experiments at home this week. This next week they will need to analyze their data and figure out a way to present that data on their display board, perhaps with a chart or graph. They will also need to make their conclusions. The completed project and display board are due Thurs., Feb. 17th. You many pre-order the display board for $5.00 at the front office. The deadline to order is next week.

S.S.- Students learned about keeping an open-mind and the consequences of first impressions in our “fairness” lesson this week. They interviewed a partner, analyzed what they learned, and drew a portrait of their classmate.

Counseling: Mrs. Russell worked on respect and safety with students this week. Students planned and acted out skits.

Notes to Parents:
Blog: Please remember that you can always check my teacher blog to stay up to date with classroom information. Go to http://mrsdenny.blogspot.com

Fieldtrip: We will be taking a trip to the rodeo on Tuesday, Feb. 22nd. We will need 3 volunteers. Your child will bring home a permission slip in the near future.

Detention: Please remember your child will have after school detention for missing homework assignments, late classroom assignments, or long-term class or homework assignments. Your child will notify you that day if they must stay after school. Detention takes place from 3:30-4:30.

Science Fair: We are getting closer to the final science fair deadline. Your child should have conducted their experiment by now and should be collecting data. There is still time to re-test if results seem a bit skewed.

Love of Reading: Love of reading week is Feb. 7-14. If you are interested in reading a favorite book, sharing some favorite poetry, or sharing some excerpts with our class during this week, please contact me. We would love to have you!

Marble Jar Party: The class was excited to earn a marble party. They must work collectively to earn marbles for such things as attendance, behavior, good manners and character, etc. We will be in need of some donated snacks. Your child may ask you about this.

Mid-Quarter: Now is the time to encourage your child to work hard to keep up with their grades. Mid-quarter ends February 4th. Progress reports will come home Feb.7th.

Important Dates:
February:
2- Duds for Dollars-$1.00

4- Character Lunch/Movie

4- Mid Quarter ends

7-14- Love of Reading Week Begins

14-Dentist

17- Science Fair Project turned in

18- Student Council Dance

18- Science Fair Judging

23- Grandparents Day K-3
24-27- Rodeo Break. No School

**Talent Show Auditions in Feb.

Science Fair Deadlines:
1/31- Experiment Completed
2/2- Data Due
2/4- Conclusion Due
2/8-Analysis Due
2/11-Abstract Due
2/17- Final Display Board Due
2/19- LPA Science Fair Judging









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