News from Mrs. Denny’s Class
February 5, 2010
denny@lpatucson.org

Newsworthy News
February:
5- Mid-Quarter ends
Character Lunch
Bingo Night

8-Mid-Quarter grades

15- Love of Reading Week Begins

17- Science Fair Sign-In

18- Skate Night 6-8 pm

19- Science Fair Judging

22- Dentist

25&26- Rodeo Break. No School
**Talent Show Auditions in Feb.

Science Fair Deadlines:
2/5- Raw and Analyzed Data Due

2/8- Conclusion Due

2/17- Final Display Board Due

2/19- LPA Science Fair Judging

2/24- Written Abstract (if chosen to go to Sarsef)

Academics:
Reading/Writing: Students are enjoying their historical fiction novels and learning a lot. They are making connections, learning new vocabulary, and interacting with the content each day. Students are also practicing reading fluency in both reading groups.

Book Report: The genre for the book report is science fiction or adventure. The book report is due on February 24th. I have loaned some public library books to students. They will need to be returned to me on Monday, Feb. 22nd.

Spelling: The unit this week focused on plural nouns and irregular plural nouns. We worked with base words and suffixes this week as well. Remind your child to log onto spellingcity.com to practice their words for the week. You can also access that site through my teacher blog.

Vocabulary: Our new vocabulary words come from our literature books: ally, plodding, rationed, curfew, invaded, descent, fiord, torment, discard, vague.
The test will be next Friday, Feb. 19. Students should bring home their vocabulary spiral notebook to study the words.

Math:
Saxon Math concepts this week: 2 and 3-digit multiplication and division, averaging, converting fractions to percentages, multi-step word problems and mathematical vocabulary. We have also been reviewing math concepts in preparation for the AIMS test in April.
Please encourage your child to correct math homework errors. Students 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: This week students should have all their data collected from their experiment. They were to analyze their data and figure out a way to present that data on their display board, perhaps with a chart or graph. We went over ways to display their results and they should now focus on their conclusion. The display board is due Wed., Feb. 17th. The projects will be judged on Friday, Feb. 19th.
If your child’s experiment gets selected to go on to the Southern Arizona Science Fair competition (Sarsef), he/she will need to write a 250 word abstract to accompany their display board. We will discuss this when the time comes.

Counseling: Mrs. Russell has been working with our class on life skills, particularly academic and behavioral goals. She is asking them to reflect on areas where they need to improve either in behavior or academics. She is truly an asset to our school.

Notes to Parents:
Valentine Celebration: We will have a valentine celebration on Friday, Feb. 12th. Students should decorate a valentine box and bring it to school by Wed., Feb. 10th. Students will be given a class roster so they may address their Valentine cards.
If you can send in any snacks, treats or drinks for our celebration, we would be most grateful.

Spelling Bee: We will be having a school-wide spelling bee on March 2nd. In order to qualify for the school-wide bee, students must first qualify in their own classroom. Our classroom bee will be held on Monday, Feb. 15th.
A list of practice words and a study tip sheet have been sent home with your child.

Love of Reading: Love of reading week is Feb. 15-19. We have a lot planned for that week. We will have guest readers, a pajama day, a poetry day, and other fun activities.

Mid-Quarter Grades: Mid-quarter ends February 5th. Progress reports will come home Feb. 8th. If your child has a low grade in a subject, remind him/her to turn in any missing assignments, use the assignment planner on a daily basis, and be an active participant in class. He/she can improve grades by being a conscientious student.

Bookman’s Reading Challenge:
Students should be turning in their validated reading slips when they finish a book. We are trying to help LPA earn great things for our school by participating in this 3 month reading challenge.

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.

Blog: If by chance your child does not bring home the classroom newsletter on Friday, check my teacher blog to stay up to date with classroom information. Go to the LPA website (lpatucson.org), click on teachers, then on central campus, click on Mrs. Denny and then onto blogspot.

Reminder: Please allow your child to remain in class until 3:15 each day. At the end of the day we are summarizing learning, discussing homework, writing in planners and answering questions. It is very beneficial for your child to be in class during this time.









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