Homework

Read: 30 min.; You should be reading a chapter book (at least 5th grade level) for the 3rd trimester book report.  I will hand out guidelines for the report after Spring Break.
Math:  pg. 219 (all)
Science:  Finish worksheet on metals.
Heritage Report:  Bring notes in on Thursday.
News Team #3:  Presentation on Friday.

I sent home information and permission slips for the 5th grade Family Life Education program today.  There will be a parent meeting here at Rio on April 10.  Please fill out the permission slip indicating whether or not you would like your child to participate in the sessions.  Thanks.

I also sent home the Jogging for the Arts donation forms.

Homework

Read: 30 min.
Math: Textbook pg. 516, odd #s only.
Finish vocabulary homework.
News Teams #1 & 2 will present tomorrow.

Homework

Read: 30 min.
Math: Review sheet or challenge sheet
Study for tomorrow's social studies test.
Vocabulary and News Teams on Fri.

Homework

Read: 30 min.
Math:  Review (half sheet)
Social Studies:  Test on Thursday
Vocabulary: Due on Fri.
News Teams #1 & 2: Fri.

I sent home the permission slips and information for our Elementary Law field trip which is scheduled for Thursday, April 10.  This is a terrific experience where students perform in a mock trial in an actual courtroom at the Watsonville Courthouse.  I encourage you all to attend if possible!

Looking ahead, we have our NASA Ames trip scheduled for Monday, April 28.  I will send out permission slips and information regarding this trip soon.

Homework

Read: 30 min.
Math:  pg. 213, #1-16.
Language:  Finish rough draft of the persuasive essay if necessary.
Social Studies:  Study for Thursday's test.  Use your study guide!
News Teams #1 & 2:  Prepare for Friday's presentation.

*Continue to work on interviews/notes for your Heritage Report.

We have enough drivers for tomorrow - thank you!  We will leave school at 8:30 and return at about 10:30.

Homework

Read: 30 min.
Math: Worksheet - both sides.  Do circled #s only.
Vocabulary:  Finish homework.

Please be sure to turn in your permission slip and $2.00 for Friday's trip to AJHS.  I'm short drivers, so if you are able to help, please let me know.  Thank you.

Homework

Read: 30 min.
Math:  pg. 212 (choose 3); review sheet
Vocabulary:  Friday
Heritage Report:  Continue to collect information.

I sent home the permission slip for the Aptos Junior High play which we will see this Friday.  I've asked everyone to turn this in by tomorrow if possible.  Please let me know if you can drive.  Again, I'm sorry for the last minute notice. 

Homework

Read:  30 min.
Math: pg. 211 (all)
Language: Finish the persuasive essay outline sheet.
Vocabulary: Due on Friday.  The newer books (I didn't have these last year) have different page numbers and don't line up with the older version of the book.  I will have the correct numbers tomorrow and will give you time in class to do #2.

I have to apologize - I had an incorrect date for our trip to Aptos Junior High for the play, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  We will be going this Friday, 3/21.  I'm at a district training session today and will not be able to send home the permission slips until tomorrow.  The cost of the trip is $2.00 per student.  I will also need drivers, so I hope even at this last minute notice some parents will be able to help out.  Thank you!!

Homework

Read: 30 min.
Math: pg. 209 (all)
Vocabulary: Homework due on Friday.
Heritage Report:  Continue to collect information.

Homework

Read:  30 min.
Language:  Complete Persuasive Essay Topics sheet.
Vocabulary test: Thursday
Map test: Friday

I sent home the guidelines for the heritage report today. For this report the students trace their family histories through written sources and interviews with family members, collecting information which they will use in their reports. We've already begun discussing the report and the kids are excited to learn about "where they come from."  We also composed general interview questions they can ask relatives they contact.   I would like them to do the research over the next few weeks and have most of their information ready for the report by Thursday, April 3. Thanks.
*I've included a copy of the guidelines below.

Homework

Read:  30 min.
Math: Benchmark Review worksheet.
Vocabulary test: Thursday.
Map test: Friday.

Heritage Report

Purpose of the report:

1.  You will learn more about your ancestors, gaining a greater understanding of where they originally came from and when and why they immigrated to the United States.

2.  You will learn about their experiences in this country, and as you become familiar with your family’s history, you will also learn about American history.

Task:

You will interview as many members of your family as you can.  Include grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, great aunts and uncles, cousins and other people who know your family history.

Learn:

1.  Where your ancestors originally came from

2.  What their lives were like when they lived there

2.  When they came to America

3.  Why they moved to America

4.  Why they moved across the U.S. (if they did) and what places they traveled to

5.  How they moved - modes of transportation

Find Out:

1.  What kinds of jobs they had

            -Were any of your family members famous politicians, scientists, athletes,

            inventors, explorers, educators,  outlaws, or movie stars?

2.  What interesting things your ancestors did

3.  How your family came to be

Gather Information

Write letters, send e-mails, make phone calls to your relatives who live far away.  Have a list of interview questions ready to go (we will compose these together in class).  Interview relatives who live nearby.  If any of your family members have written a timeline or a book, you may use it.

Please have your information ready by Thursday, April 3.  I will give you guidelines for the written report then.

Today marks the beginning of the third and final trimester - the final stretch is here!
I told everyone today that during this final grading period I will not be accepting late work. I will accept late projects, but I will mark these down 10% each day that they are late. I will certainly continue to take notes from parents asking for extensions if anything comes up that prevents a student from turning in work on time.  Thanks for your help.

Homework

Read:  30 min.
Social Studies: Finish "Middle States" map; map test on Friday.
My Brother Sam vocabulary test: Thursday.

Homework

Read: 30 min.
Math: Review sheet #1-10 and 18.  You don't have to do #11- 17.
Finish vocabulary homework.

I sent home corrected work today.  Please check to see if your child received a missing work notice.  I will accept this work tomorrow at the latest.  Thanks.

Homework

Read:  Try to finish any books you are reading for AR.  Tomorrow is the last day of the trimester to take a test.
Science: Study for tomorrow's test.
Vocabulary: Friday.

Homework

Read: 30 min.
Math: pg. 205 (all) and 206 (choose 3)
Survival Story: Final draft due tomorrow.
Science: Study for test on Thursday.
Vocabulary: Homework due on Friday.

The final day of the trimester is this Thursday, March 6.  It is also the final day to earn AR points.  I know I said earlier that the last day would be this Friday, but it's actually the 6th.  Sorry!  Report cards will go home the following Thursday, March 13.

Homework

Read: 30 min.
Math:  "Daily Routines" Book pg. 224.
Science Test: Thursday.  Use your study guide and your science journal.
Final draft of survival story: due on Wed.
Vocabulary: Homework due on Fri.