Learn it. Live it. EVERY DAY! Mrs. Gossett’s Fifth Grade South Shades Crest Elementary
CLASS HAPPENINGS Dear Parents, The last few weeks have been very exciting, yet extremely busy in fifth grade! The memories of Camp McDowell are fresh on our minds, preparation for testing has been intense, and the anticipation of Spring Break is building! With the pedal to the medal, it’s been a while since our last newsletter, so please take the time to read through this newsletter for a look back at the past few weeks and a sneak peek into what to expect when students return from Spring Break on March 21st.
Thanks! Mrs. Gossett bgossett@hoover.k12.al.us 205-439-3000 Curriculum News Reading Students participated in Civil War literature circles with various historical fiction texts. Students assumed different roles during their discussions, including: Discussion Director, Word Finder, Illustrator, and Connector. Our class read-aloud, Behind Rebel Lines, retold the incredible stories of Civil War nurse and spy, Emma Edmonds. Ask your child about his/her favorite “character” Emma played during the war. Writing/Language Arts Students are preparing to turn in a five paragraph essay regarding his/her experience at Camp McDowell. Students were given the opportunity to share what they learned in regards to specific Science content or what they learned about themselves. This essay will count as a major Writing grade this nine weeks. We have plans to do MORE writing during our final nine weeks together.
March 9, 2011
Math As you might have noticed from recent homework assignments, we have been working very hard to cover a lot of ground in Math. We completed the first five lessons of our Measuring Polygons Geometry Unit, while also diving into our Decimals Unit. Add in some test review to the mix and our Math lessons have been eventful! We will complete both of these units when we return to school after Spring Break. For more information about these units, be sure to check out the Parent Letter and Related Activities to Try at Home posted on our wiki. Social Studies Our Civil War unit has been amazing! I hope the students have enjoyed learning about this important time in our country’s history. I have enjoyed reading the Soldier’s Letters about what life was like as a Union soldier on the battlefield. Our Civil War mural is quite a site...We’ll take pictures once it has been completed! Our culminating activity for this unit will have your kids talking! The date of this activity is TBD. Stay tuned! Science Students have been learning about Energy during their recent Science unit with Mrs. Davidson. With the building of rollercoasters and the making of a movie at the Apple store, Science has been so much fun! We will take time after Spring Break to review for the April 5th Science Assessment. Community Service Unfortunately, our communication with The Oaks Assisted Living has been limited. I have tried very hard to schedule additional visits with little luck. I will continue my attempts for the Spring. Stay tuned for more information about a school-wide Community Service Fair taking place in April. Snacks Needed for Testing I would appreciate your help by sending in snacks to share with the class before and after testing. Appropriate snacks include granola bars, crackers, pretzels, fruit, or cheese. Keep in mind we have students with peanut and egg allergies and NO junk food please! Juice boxes are also needed for after testing snacks. I will start collecting snacks on Monday, March 21st. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated!
1
Testing Schedule March 23, 2011 ARMT Reading March 24, 2011 ARMT Math March 29, 2011 SAT Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension March 30, 2011 SAT Math Procedures and Problem Solving March 31, 2011 OLSAT April 5, 2011 Alabama Science Assessment April 26, 2011 SSC 5th Grade Pilots New ARMT Reading We will celebrate the end of testing with an ice cream party in April!
Have you been to the wiki lately? Some great sites have been added to the wiki with new Math games and the Study Jams website which will have your students singing karaoke songs about triangles, quadrilaterals, and more! These are GREAT sites for test review during Spring Break! Check it out!