September 3rd Classroom News

Hello to 5th grade families! We had a great week of learning. Please encourage your child to stay on top of his/her assignments. Once they fall behind, it takes great effort to catch up. I hope you all have a wonderful, restful 3-day weekend.

Curriculum News:
Math: Students are still working on memorizing their subtraction facts. Another subtraction test was administered on Friday. We will begin working on multiplication facts. I will mix in subtraction facts along the way for continual practice.

Spelling: Students should be practicing their spelling words at home by completing their spelling packet. I have also asked them to have someone at home quiz them on their words so they will “ace” their spelling test on Fridays. They can also use the computer to practice their words. A great web site is www.spellingcity.com. Students type in their words and then can play word games or can be quizzed on their words. (You can access spelling city through my teacher blog as well.)
There will be no spelling list next week due to a shortened week

Reading: We are really enjoying The City of Ember. We are continuing to learn reading and writing strategies using this literature book. This week we have written literature responses and discussed character traits and setting.

In Social Studies: We have an informative and current social studies newspaper we will be using this year that is aligned with the state standards. Most of our lessons will be guided by our newspaper. Students will be bringing these home as we complete them. I think you will be impressed with the format.

Mrs. Russell, our school counselor, visited us on Thursday. Her
lesson focused on self assessment…behavior, academics and moods.

Science: We will kick off science with an invention unit. We will be discussing the character traits of inventors, such as openness, skepticism, integrity and tolerance. Thank you to all who were able to make it to open house. It was so nice getting to know you better 

Notes to Parents:
Homework: As I mentioned previously, students will have math, a spelling packet (due at the end of the week) and independent reading for homework each evening. Occasionally students will need to complete something we started in class for homework as well.
We have discussed the importance of using planners to record assignments and then checking that planner each night as a reminder of what to do. Please allow your child at least an hour each evening to complete their homework in a quiet place. They know that when an assignment is late, points are taken off which results in a lower grade.


Blog: I am pleased to announce that you can read our classroom newsletter electronically. Each week I will place the newsletter on my teacher blog. You will find the blog by visiting the La Paloma Academy web site at (www.lpatucson.org). Click on “Mrs. Denny 5th Grade.” From my teacher home page, you will find a link to the blog. I will continue to send home a hard copy as well.

Detention: Due to many students not handing in homework, I am initiating a new rule. If your child comes to school without their homework, or incomplete homework, you will be notified that they will be in after school detention.

Child Information Sheet:
Thank you to those who returned the child information sheet that I sent home in the summer letter. If you have not yet filled out the informational form on your child, I would still love to have it. Please send it to school with your child in a sealed envelope.

Student Weekly Report: On Fridays, students will fill out a weekly report to let you know how their week was in school. Listed on this report will be any assignments turned in late for the week, as well as any assignments that were not turned in at all. Please discuss the report with your child, sign it and have your child return it on Monday along with their Friday Folder. There is a place for you to add any comments if you wish. Thank you for taking the time to read and discuss the Student Report you’re your child. This is an assignment that they earn homework points for when returned.

Incentives: Thank you to those of you who volunteered to send in treats for incentives. I would love for you to send in anything store bought. Packages of gummy bears, candy, or small treat bags are some ideas. We are also in need of fun little prizes to add to the prize box that students can purchase with Star Student Tickets that they have earned. Many prizes can come from the dollar store. Some ideas might be fun pens or pencils, small games or puzzles, stickers, small supplies to use in the classroom, etc.


Newsworthy Notes
September
6- No School. Labor Day

8- Entertainment Book Sale Ends

13- Mid-Quarter

20- Dentist

21- Skate Night 6-8 p.m.

24- Boston Market Fundraiser

27- Cookie Sale Begins

Congratulations to Gigi Adduci for winning the Trustworthy Character Drawing. She will attend lunch with the principal!