News from Mrs. Denny’s Class
October 22, 2010
denny@lpatucson.org

CURRICULUM
Math: We have just finished unit 5 in Saxon Math. Students have been working on geometry, fractions, division and problem solving most recently. Please continue to encourage your child to practice his/her math facts at home.

Reading: Students learned about story elements. The elements were modeled through a Cinderella story, and then applied to other stories we have been reading.
We also began a unit on folklore. Students are learning the features of folktales, tall tales and fables.

Writing: Students will be applying the elements of folklore when they write their own folktale, fable or tall tale.

S.S: We are still engaged in the United States Regions. Students have learned that our nation is divided into regions and that each region is characterized by various features. Students then created their own physical feature map.
Spelling: The spelling units will focus on our 50 states for the next few weeks. Students are to learn how to spell the states and be able to locate them on a map. Each week will culminate with a test on the particular region they have studied for the week (both spelling and location of the states). Some fun web sites to practice the states are:

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/
states_experiment_drag-drop_Intermed_State15s_500.html

http://www.schoolexpress.com/
funtime/states/index.php

Science: Students used their Science Weekly newspaper to investigate the topic of matter this week. We will continue with atoms, molecules and chemical properties next week.

Mrs. Russell worked with students on summarizing the last quarter and thinking forward about the 2nd quarter.

RESPECT: Respect is the character pillar we are practicing this month. Students brainstormed ways to show respect and each student put in “a little respect” slip into a basket to draw from each day. It is definitely making the students more aware of their actions. 

Parent Notes:
Harvest Fest on Oct. 29th: We still need donations of candy for our ring toss booth. We also need volunteers, so if you’re at the Harvest Fest and want to come by to help, please let me know!

Dress Code: Now that the weather is turning cooler, please remind your child of the school dress code policy.
*Sweaters, sweatshirts and jackets must be of solid color (red, white or navy) without any emblems or writing.

*Undershirts may be worn under the polo shirt, but must adhere to the school colors and cannot be larger than the polo shirt.

* Belts are also part of the dress code. Many students are coming to school without a belt. Students will be asked to call home if they do not wear a belt.

Blog: Don’t forget to check out my teacher blog at lpatucson.org. Just click on central teachers, find Mrs. Denny, and then click on blogspot. You will be able to read classroom news and access educational links.

Newsworthy News
October:
26- Picture Re-takes

29- Harvest Fest

November:
1- Candle Sale Begins

3- Duds for Dollars Dress Down

5- Bingo Night

5- Character Lunch for respect

11-Veteran’s Day – No School

16- BMX show

16- Skate Night 6-8 pm.

17- Candle Sale Ends

23- Thanksgiving Feast

24-27 No School. Thanksgiving Break

Congratulations to Alyssa Gonzales and Mason Smith for making Honor Roll for the 1st Quarter!