January 27th 2010

Ski Trip!

I'm going to apologize in advance for any typos.... I have four minutes to do this!

The day of our annual 5th grade ski trip is finally here! It is however going to be COLD tomorrow. Refer to the previous posts and make sure your child dresses in LAYERS! Faciel and head coverings will be a must for tomorrow as well! Not sure if it is going to be sunny yet... if it is, have them pack those sunglasses. Chapstick is also a necessary item! If they don't have some they'll lick those lips until they are raw!

Papers Coming Home

In your student's mailboxes tonight are the sunset lake newsletter as well as a letter regarding next year's 6th grade camp. Please make sure that the kids show these to you!

A.R. Goal

Your student's 100% a.r. goal is due at the end of the day today. Their new goal starts Monday. Please keep them reading and set aside time each night for them to do so.

Science

In science we've been working on motion and forces. This week we explored the components of motion, balanced and unbalanced forces and speed. After report cards, we'll take a a week for each class to dissect owl pellets! This is a unit that they absolutely LOVE so be sure to ask them about it!

Conferences Next week!

Parent teacher conferences start on Monday. Please let me know if you have forgotten your time by emailing or calling me. Thanks so much!

Crazy Week Ahead!

This upcoming week is going to be chaotic! Because of the three day week, groups B and D started science this past Friday and will continue in science through Wednesday. Groups A and C had science Monday - Thursday.... and they will have social studies next Monday - Thursday. That way each group gets an even four days of each rather than 5 days for one group and 3 for another! In science we're continuing to work with motion and forces! This week we played with plastic jumping frogs and estimated the length of their jumps in different trials. Next week, we'll be making balloon rockets! fun fun fun!

Ski Trip

The ski trip is on Thursday. Please remember that if your student has their own skis that you need to transport their equipment for them or find another parent who can take their equipment up there. They will not be allowed to take skis or snowboard gear on the bus. Parents that are going WITH their students will be allowed to take their more experienced skiers with them on the bigger hills without having to be tested. I'll be stuck in the rental room helping kids get boots on and it doesn't make sense to me to have them all standing around waiting if YOU know they are competant skiers. YOU must remain with them though during this morning session while the other kids are having their lessons. I'll have kids assigned to be within your radar to check in with you during lunch and afternoon break. Just find me and let me know who has not checked in!

Records Day - No School Friday

No school Friday for students.... report card day. 100% A.R. goal is also due on Wednesday. Technically its Thursday, but as we'll be at Timber Ridge on the official 100% goal day there won't be any way for them to test. I've had a group of students staying in for recess reading to make up their goal. Several are close , but a few will need to do some serious reading over the weekend if they want to make their goal and go to the hockey game. Please encourage them to do this instead of watching T.V. or playing video games.

Conferences

Conferences start on Monday February 1st. As of today , everyone has returned their conference folder so I am expecting to see everyone ! :) If you cannot remember your conference time, please email me and I'll confirm your time.

Thanks!

Happy New Year!

We've been back a week and a half now and things are back down to business!

Ski Trip

Ski trip forms went out last week. We would like those to be returned by this Friday the 15th!

Cost for the kids is $6.00... parents are $10.00. This is a GREAT deal considering that it is usually around $50.00 for ski rentals and a lift pass on normal days. Parents... even if you have never learned to ski this is a GREAT time to learn! The instructors are awesome and start everyone one out at the same level. Usually by mid morning, most have graduated the bunny hill and are on the chair lifts. More information to follow!

Conference Forms

Conference forms also went home yesterday... the times are the SAME time slots that you had last sememster, so it should just be a matter of checking off the correct time and returning the slip. I have 28 kids now and only 24 spots... so I appreciate those parents who have agreed to do their conferences before or after school! Conferences start February 1st.

A.R. Goals

The A.R. 75% reading goal is Monday the 18th! MANY of the kids have been staying in at recess for not hitting their 50% goal before christmas break. I have 8 as of today that are still staying in... if you want to know if one of these little procrastinating cherubs is yours, zip me an email and I'll let you know where your student is in their goal.

Science

Groups A & C had science LAST week. Groups B & D have Science this week and we are turning in our "Objects in the Sky " books. Their new books are called "Forces and Motion". We'll be working on pages 1 - 4 this week. Those parents who's kids had science LAST week, please make sure they have these pages done.

Thanks!