Week of March 7-11

What great weather we had to enjoy our week!  We ended up with a few extra treks outside to enjoy it!  Spring is almost here!

Here's a glimpse into our week...

• In math, we are half-way through unit 6.  The students worked diligently to multiply decimals. They discovered the placement of the decimal point through a reasonable estimate.  On Friday we enjoyed math game centers with 5H.  They played Prism Pile Up (volume), Power Up and Exponent Ball (powers of 10) as well as What's My Number and 24 (problem solving and order of operations).

• In literacy we have officially begun our Argument and Advocacy unit as all students chose an issue to research and debate.  In class, focus lessons involved finding actual evidence that will support claims.  Some of the issues students have chosen involve underwater exploration versus space exploration, should people be able to climb mount Everest, banning plastic bottles, having recess in 6th grade as well as not assigning children homework.

• We finished The Watsons Go to Birmingham.  We'll be voting on our next read aloud early next week.
• In social studies we have learned about the Boston Tea Party as well as the Boston Massacre. The students are focusing on the perspectives of the Loyalists and Patriots.  We'll be looking at specific groups within the Revolutionary War next week.

Some important information...

• Thursday 3/17 : Early Release, students dismissed at 12:50
• Friday 3/18:  No school for students
• April 6th: Early Release for conferences Conference Sign Up Link
• April 13th:  Early Release 
• Smarter Balanced Testing for 5th Graders: April 7-20th 
• Field Trip to Boston: Tuesday, May 24th

Memory Book

Each student will be able to create a 1/2 page for themselves in the memory book.  This year's book will be in color!  Soon students will get information about how to access the online component so they can start creating.  I plan on giving them some morning work time to do this.  

Snacks

I spoke to the class this week about bringing in protein filled, hearty snacks.  I have snacks in the classroom for students who are unable to bring in snacks.  I'm noticing students will buy snack from the cafe and then go to the cabinet and take more.  Please encourage your child to bring in enough snack each and every day.

I hope you all enjoy family time this weekend!  Don't forget to turn your clocks back.  I'll leave you with a video montage of the 5th Grade versus Faculty Basketball Game!  Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aN8rf-KVODw&feature=youtu.be

Shannon