We are already halfway through October, and the year feels as if it's flying by! Please read below to learn all about the exciting happenings in 5th grade! Next 

Next week I will begin meeting with students individually to set some personal literacy and math goals based on MAP data. Research shows that when students set intentional goals and are assisted in developing an action plan to meet such goals, success is improved! 

Literacy

*We are reading our second shared reading book of the year - Washed Up by Paval Kapadia. Also, we are continuing to work on our reading learning targets - finding theme, summarizing, and comparing/contrasting characters and settings (LIT.5.1-3) Today we also met in groups to share our book slide projects. We were able to get many great book recommendations from our peers! There will be a reading log check-in on Monday. Please make sure that your child has started his/her book in a bag October reading project. It has now been assigned for two weeks. The instructions for the project are in Schoology under the literacy course. All students were given an over-sized brown lunch bag for this project. 

Writing

*Students are in the process of planning and drafting their informative/expository essays. Connecting to ecosystems, students picked an environment to focus on. After utilizing graphic organizers to plan and researching information, they are writing and editing their rough drafts. Be sure to ask your student what he/she learned about while researching their chosen environment!

Math

*We are continuing to focus on fractions during our second unit in math. The students have been learning how to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators by finding common denominators and equivalent fractions (5.NF.1). Also, they've been applying and stretching their knowledge to solve fractions story problems (5.NF.2). There is a Unit 2 Post-Assessment on Monday (10/16). Please, review the learning targets at home with your child in preparation. Practicing problems that are similar to the ones that were on last night's homework review would be a great idea!

Social Studies

*We have started Social Studies this week, and our first unit includes indentured servitude and slavery. Students will be learning about the differences between the two and how indentured servitude eventually lead up to slavery during the colonial era. 

Science

*We are continuing our focus on understanding the characteristics of  various ecosystems around the world. 

Upcoming Events

Oct. 16: Math Unit 2 Post-Assessment
Oct. 16: Picture Re-Take (If your child is taking a re-take, please bring the photo package)

Oct. 24: EARLY RELEASE DAY (Dismissal @ 2PM)

Oct. 31: Halloween Parties

Friendly Reminders

** Please remember to send your child with a healthy snack.  Nothing feeds the brain like a healthy snack!  

** Please continue to have your child practice their multiplication facts up to 12.

** The weather is starting to get cooler. Please send your child to school with layers, jackets, sweaters, etc. to stay warm.