Friday, December 21st

HOLIDAY HOMEWORK:

1. Relax!
2. Enjoy being with your family and friends.
3. Play a new game.
4. Watch a movie that you have not seen.
5. Go somewhere new!
6.  Read a book of your choice!!

Have a wonderful holiday season!!!  Happy New Year!

Love,
Mrs. Farrington

Tuesday, December 18th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Practice Book P. 188-190; Book Report - Due tomorrow!!
Spelling - Pretest Corrections; Packet
Math - Journal P. 133 and 135
Science - Study for test tomorrow!  Use your study guide and notes.  Study your vocabulary!!

Friday, December 14th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - December Book Report is due on Wednesday, December 19th.  The students need 10 facts along with 2-3 pictures on their poster. 

Social Studies - Research if you feel that you do not have enough information about your explorer.  Organize your information by planning out what you want to put on each slide. 

Have a fun weekend!!!

Thursday, December 13th

HOMEWORK:

Reading/Language/Spelling - Comprehension Questions due on Friday; Study for DOL, Vocabulary and Spelling tests; Book Report - due on December 19th

Math - Correct if you receive papers back

Science - 1 worksheet

Social Studies - Research if you know you are missing information

Wednesday, December 12th (12-12-12!)

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Comprehension questions for "We Were There, Too!" - Due on Friday
Language - Packet over Easily Confused Verbs - Due tomorrow
Math - Journal P. 126 and 128
Social Studies - Research for project


Enjoy 12-12-12!!!

Tuesday, December 11th

HOMEWORK:
Reading - Practice Book P. 171, 175-177; Book Report (Due Dec. 19th)
Spelling - Pretest corrections, Packet
Math - Study Links P. 93 and 95
Social Studies - Research if you need to!!!

Have a great evening !!  :)

Monday, December 10th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Practice Book P. 169-173 (expect the Prefix page)
                Book Report - Due Dec. 19th

Math - Journal P. 122 - 123

Social Studies - Research (if your details are not complete)


Enjoy your evening!!

Friday, December 7th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Read and work on your December Book Report ( Due Dec. 19th). 
Social Studies - If your research on your explorer is not complete, you may work on this.  We have 2 more times in the Computer Lab to complete our project.

Enjoy your weekend!!!

Thursday, December 6th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Practice Book P. 157 - 159; 167 - Study vocabulary!
Language - Study DOL!
Spelling - Study your words!
Math - Journal P. 120

Party money is due!!  Please send $2 in by tomorrow or Monday (at the latest)!

Wednesday, December 5th

HOMEWORK

Reading - Comprehension questions for "James Forten" 

If anyone brings money tomorrow, they can still buy things at Santa's Secret Shop.  We will pick a time that works for us.

Have a great evening!

Tuesday, December 4th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Read "James Forten" (Comprehension questions are due on Thursday); Practice Book P. 164 - 166
Spelling - Finish pretest corrections; packet due tomorrow
Math - Finish division review worksheet - Test tomorrow
Social Studies - STUDY for Vocabulary Quiz tomorrow

Monday, December 3rd

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Practice book P. 160 - 163
Math - Journal P. 116 - 117; Review worksheet
Social Studies - Finish packet; Start studying vocabulary words for Lesson 3 and 4 in Chapter 4

Friday, November 30th

HOMEWORK

Math - Journal pages 113-114
Social Studies - Review packet (due Tuesday)

Remember to get your Friday Folder signed.  Have a wonderful warm weekend!!

Thursday, November 29th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Practice Book P 153-155; Study vocabulary; Book Report is due tomorrow!!!
Language - Study DOL
Spelling - Study for test
Math - Journal P. 112

Other:  Art Institute Reflection sheet - Be sure to color your picture!!!

Wednesday, November 28th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Comprehension questions for "They Called Her Molly Pitcher" - Due on Friday
November Book Report - Due on Friday ( NO EXCUSES!!!)
Spelling - Packet
Language - Practice book  P. 152
Math - Journal P. 110, Study Links P. 83 and 85

Everyone enjoyed our field trip to the Art Institute yesterday.  We saw amazing works of art!!!  Look for a free family pass to come home on Friday in their Friday Folders!!

Monday, November 26th

HOMEWORK:

Reading/Language - Practice book P. 141-143; P. 147-151
Spelling - Correct Pretest

Tomorrow is our field trip to the Art Institute.  Be sure to bring a sack lunch and a beverage.  Your lunch must have your name on the sack.  There are no vending machines in the area that we will be eating.  Also - the students must wear their T-shirts!!  Cameras can be brought, BUT it is the child's responsibility to take care of the camera.  In the museum, flash cameras are not allowed.  We are all looking forward to seeing all the magnificent art that we have discussed and learned about.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break!! 

Friday, November 16th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Read your Realistic Fiction book and work on your book report.  Your final project is due on Friday, November 30th.
Math - Journal P. 108
Social Studies - If you want, you can continue your research on your explorer. 


I am looking forward to seeing all the parents and students of 5-2 on Monday and Tuesday.  Students are very welcome to come and sit in the conference.  I feel it is important for the students to be involved in the discussion. 

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!  Enjoy your time off! 

Wednesday, November 14th

HOMEWORK:

Reading/Language - Practice book P. 139 - 140
Math  - Journal P. 105, Study Link P. 77 and 79

Tomorrow:    Wear your favorite footwear!!!
                      DEAR Breakfast - 7:30 AM


 

Tuesday, November 13th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Practice Book P. 133 and 134  On P. 133, students need to list 3 facts and 3 opinions.

Math - Journal P. 100 and 102; Get test signed

Social Studies - STUDY for Vocabulary Quiz over Lessons 1 and 2 of Chapter 3.  There are 18 words in this list.  Our goal is for everyone to get a C or higher!!  Study please!!!


Tomorrow is SPORTS Day!!  Remember to wear your favorite sports T-shirt, sweatshirt, jersey, hat or pants. 

Also - Don't play Black Ops all night long!!!

Monday, November 12th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Read 30 minutes or more for Reading Week. Sign and bring form back!  Students need 60 minutes to earn a monkey on the Reading tree.
Spelling - Correct pretest; Practice Book P. 135- 138
Social Studies - Start studying Chapter 3 vocabulary words from Lesson 1 and 2.  Test will be on Wednesday!!!

Dress like you are going on a safari tomorrow for Reading Week!!! 

Thursday, November 8th

HOMEWORK:
Reading - Study vocabulary and finish Comprehension questions; Work on Realistic Fiction book report - READ!
Language - Study for DOL quiz, complete Subject Pronoun worksheet
Spelling - Study for test

FYI - I will not be at school on Friday due to the death of my grandmother.  I will see everyone on Monday.  Be good for the sub tomorrow!!

Have a great weekend!!

 

Wednesday, November 7th

HOMEWORK:
Reading - Comprehension Questions # 1 - 3
Spelling - Correct pretest
Math - Journal pages 97 and 98; Study for tomorrow's test - Use your Study Guide!!
Social Studies - Vocabulary # 1 -12 should be completed. 

Have a great evening!!

Monday, November 5th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Practice Book P. 124 - 127; Read Realistic Fiction book
Math - Finish Study Guide
Social Studies - Many students did not get their tests signed.  They need to be brought back by Wednesday.

Report Card envelopes are also due on Wednesday!  Enjoy your day off tomorrow!!  Parents - remember to vote!!

Happy Election Day!!

Friday, November 2nd

HOMEWORK:

Math - Complete #1-39 in the review packet

Please look in your child's Friday Folder for their papers and Report Card.  Included in the Report Card envelope are your child's ISAT testing from 4th Grade.

Have a GREAT weekend!!

Thursday, November 1st

HOMEWORK:
Reading/Language - Practice Book P. 115-119 (Quotations); Study vocabulary and DOL
Spelling - Study for test
Math - Journal P. 90 - 91

November Book Report - Realistic Fiction  Students must begin reading their book immediately.  They will be getting the form by Monday.  November is a short month due to Thanksgiving and Parent/Teacher Conferences. 

Have a wonderful evening!!

Wednesday, October 31st

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!  Thank you to our parents (Mr. and Mrs. D, Mr. and Mrs. F and Mrs. C) who helped with today's party.  The children had tons of fun at the party. 

Homework:
Reading - Finish comprehension questions (They were given 2 days to do this assignment!)

As I was watching the news tonight, they mentioned a cougar sighting in Illinois.  Our story this week is about cougars so I thought it was quite a coincidence.  I have linked the article from the Chicago Tribune so you can see the picture and read the article.

 Click below to read and see more!!

Cougar sighting   

Tuesday, October 30th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Practice workbook p. 111-114; Comprehension questions (Due Thursday)
Language - October Prompts - Due November 1st
Spelling - Pretest corrections
Math - Journal P. 84
Science - 3 students have not returned their signed tests.  A letter will be cut tomorrow if it is not returned.
Other:  Nicor surveys are due!!!!

Tomorrow:  The Halloween parade is at 9 AM, and the party is from 9:30-10:30 AM.  Tomorrow is also a START Day.  Dismissal is at 12:35 PM. 

Have a "spooky" evening!!

Friday, October 26th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Book Reports due on Tuesday
Language - October Prompts
Spelling - We forgot to take our test today!  Test on Monday!
Math - Practice Set 12 worksheet; Study Link p. 61
Social Studies - Finish packet; Study for vocabulary test!
Science - Get test signed

Other - Nicor survey - due Monday; Get Friday folder signed

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!

Thursday, Oct. 25th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Practice Book P. 105-107; Study vocabulary words; Book Report - Due on Tuesday
Language - October Prompts; Study DOL
Spelling - Study for Spelling test
Math - Journal P. 77 and 79
Social Studies - First 4 pages of packet; Start studying vocabulary words for test on Monday

Other: Nicor survey due on Monday!!

Wednesday, October 24th

Homework:

Reading - Practice workbook P. 99, 103-104; Book Report (Due on Tuesday, Oct. 30th); Comprehension questions from the story "Storm Warriors". 
Language - October Prompts

Other:  Today we had a presentation from Nicor.  Enjoy all the free "stuff" in the box.  Please complete the survey in the box and return it by Monday, October 29th. 

Tomorrow is the Pumpkin Chase/Ghost Buster Races.  Wear your T-shirt or wear your clothes backwards tomorrow for the Red Ribbon activities.  

Enjoy the beautiful weather!!

Tuesday, October 23rd

Homework:

Reading - Read story, comprehension questions are due on Thursday
Spelling - packet - due tomorrow
Math - Study Link P. 59
Science - Test tomorrow!  We did not have enough time to take our test today due to the Performing Arts performance.  Study your study guide, vocabulary and questions!!

Other - American Gothic parody due tomorrow!!

Wear a hat or dress in red or orange tomorrow!!

Monday, October 22nd

HOMEWORK:

Reading/Spelling - Practice Book P. 100-102; Pretest corrections, Handwriting worksheet; Book Report - Due Oct. 30th
Language - October Prompts
Math - Journal page 74
Science - Study for Investigation 3 test!  Use study guide, vocabulary definitions, and questions from your spiral

Other - American Gothic parody is due on Wednesday!!

Art Heist news

On Tuesday, October 16th,  an art heist occurred at the Kunsthal Museum in the Netherlands.  Among the stolen works of art were 2 Monet's, a Matisse, a Gaugain and a Picasso.  Check out the link which will take you to an article and an interesting video from CBS News about the art heist. 

Click on the CBS News link below:

CBS News


Kate - I did my homework!!!

Friday, October 19th

HOMEWORK
Reading - Finish reading your mystery book; Work on Book Report (Due, Oct. 30th)
Math - Practice Set worksheet
Social Studies - Vocabulary #14-19 (You should have had enough time in class to finish this!)

Next week is Red Ribbon Week.  Wear crazy socks or green on Monday!!

Enjoy your weekend!!

Thursday, October 18th

Homework:
Reading - Practice book P. 91-95, Book Report, study vocabulary words
Language - October Prompts, DOL quiz (study!)
Spelling - Study for test
Math - Journal P. 71, angle worksheet
Social Studies - vocabulary for Lesson 4 (#8-13)

All students need to be studying for their Friday tests!!! Tomorrow we should bring in dollars for our contest.  If everyone could bring in $1, that would be terrific!!  We need to beat the primary students!!

Wednesday, October 17th

HOMEWORK:
Reading - Read mystery book-Turn in 1/2 sheet to tell the name of book, the author and chosen project.
Math - Journal page 69 and angle worksheet

Start American Gothic parody!!!  Have fun being creative!!

Tuesday, October 16th

HOMEWORK:
Reading - Comprehension questions for "Everglades Forever", Practice book P. 87-90
Language - October prompts - I am checking up to October 16th tomorrow!
Spelling - Pretest corrections, Packet-1st 2 pages are due on Wednesday; 3rd page extra credit (due on Friday)
Math - Journal P. 67, Study Link P. 51

Many people have not sent in Halloween Party money.  Please send in the $2 for the party by Friday.  Thanks!!

Tomorrow is "Dime Day".  Please send in your dimes.  The primary kids are beating us!!!

Monday, October 15th

HOMEWORK:
Reading - Read mystery book; turn in Project sheet
Language - October Prompts
Math - Journal P. 64-65
Spelling - Packet - 1st 2 pages are due on Wednesday; 3rd page is extra credit

Have a wonderful evening!!

Friday, October 12th

Homework:

Reading - Read mystery book
Spelling - Extra credit worksheet (Unscrambling sentences)
Math - Practice Set 11 worksheet
Social Studies - Vocabulary definitions for "The Plains" section

Other:  Picasso Art puzzle

Next week we will be donating coins to be used for the Library.  On Monday we will be bringing in pennies, Tuesday bring in nickels, Wednesday dimes, Thursday quarters and Friday dollars.  

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Thursday, October 11th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Practice book P. 80-82
Language - Direct Object WS (You do not have to do the Indirect Object worksheet.  We will do this together in class.  The directions are quite confusing!!)
Math - Journal P. 61

Study for your Friday tests:
Vocabulary test
DOL quiz
DOG quiz
Reading tests
Spelling test

Wednesday, October 10th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Comprehension questions for "Old Yeller"
Spelling - 2 worksheets (Which Word and ABC order), correct pretest
Social Studies - Study for Vocabulary Quiz - Lessons 1 - 2 (14 words)

Pointillism - Our works of art need to be completed by Friday!!

Tuesday, October 9th

Homework:

Reading - Practice Book p. 73, 74, 75. 76, 78, 79; Read your mystery book
Language - October prompts
Math - Study Links page 33 and 43; Go over study guide - test tomorrow!!
Social Studies - Finish your Native American story; We were suppose to have our vocabulary quiz tomorrow, but we did not have enough time in class to review.  The quiz will be on Thursday!!

Work on your pointillism project.  This is due on Thursday!!!

Hope you enjoyed the day off yesterday!!  I did!! :)

Friday, October 5th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Read your mystery book
Language - Work on your October prompts
Math - Study Guide
Social Studies - Do vocabulary #9-14, work on Native American story

Happy Columbus Day!  Have a wonderful day off!!

Thursday, October 4th

HOMEWORK:
Reading - Cause and Effect WS, Study vocabulary
Language - Study for DOL
Spelling - word search, study for test
Math - Journal pages 58-59, lattice worksheet
Social Studies - Vocabulary definitions #6-8; Study for DOG test


The students should be studying for all their Friday tests!!!

Wednesday, October 3rd

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Practice Book P. 69-70
Language - Writing Prompt
Math - 2 worksheets
Social Studies - definitions #1 - 5

4 people owe $5 for Art T-shirt.  This must be in a check made out to Helen Keller School.

Pumpkin Chase T-shirts - $6 in either check or cash.

Tuesday, October 2nd

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Practice book P. 66, 68
                 Comprehension questions - Due on Thursday!
Language - October 1st and 2nd prompt
Spelling - Correct pretest; Cursive words 3 times each
Math - Journal P. 56, Lattice worksheet

Monday, October 1st

HOMEWORK:
Reading/Language - Practice book P. 61, 63, 64, 67
Math - Journal P. 52 - 53
Music - Worksheet - Due on Friday!!!

If anyone needs help, I will be staying after school tomorrow!  I will be here until 3 PM for additional help.  Please let me know if you are staying with a note.  Thanks!!!

Have a great day!!  ☺

Friday, September 28th

HOMEWORK:
Reading - Finish final copies of your haikus.  Color them!!
Math - Journal page 49
Social Studies - Packet

All students received their Progress Reports for the 1st Quarter.  Please discuss and send the 1/2 sheet back to school on Monday with their Friday Folder.  There still is A LOT of time left in the Quarter to make our grades even better.

Have a wonderful weekend!  Enjoy the beautiful weather!!

Thursday, September 27th

Homework:

Reading/Language - Study for Vocabulary and DOL/DOG tests
Spelling - Study for test, Unscramble and Which Word worksheets
Math - Journal pages 46-47

Band people - Remember your instrument and book

T-shirt money - Please send the $5 by Monday at the latest!! (Thanks!!)

Wednesday, September 26th

Homework:
Reading - Comprehension questions for the story "Elisa's Diary"
Language - Practice Book P. 55-56
Math - Journal P. 42, Study Link P. 37

$5 check for Art T-shirt is due as soon as you can!!! 

Tuesday, September 25th

Homework:
Reading - Practice Book P. 50 - 54
Spelling - Do Pretest corrections
Math - Some people still have corrections to do!!

Performing Arts kids - Do the Mad Lib page!

Everyone - Tomorrow you will receive a 1/2 sheet explaining an art project.  The students will be painting a T-shirt that will be worn to a field trip to the Art Institute in November.  In order to cover the cost of the T-shirt, paints and bus fee, we are asking for $5.  Please send in a check for the $5 made out to Helen Keller School.  Also - Make sure to include the size of the T-shirt that your child would wear.  Thanks!!

Monday, September 24th

Sorry that I forgot to put Friday's homework on the Blog!!!  I must have been thinking about the weekend!!!

Monday's homework:
Reading - Practice book P. 49
Spelling - Cursive worksheet - Write each spelling word in cursive - 3 times each!
Math - Journal P. 40-41
Science - Get tests signed (if you did not on Friday)

Many students received graded tests from Friday that needed to be correct &/or signed.  DOL tests can not be corrected because the answers are on the test when I grade them.  All other tests can be corrected for a higher grade.

Remember to bring your library books for tomorrow.  It is Library Tuesday!!

Thursday, September 20th

Homework:
Reading - Practice Book pages 44, 45, 46
Spelling - Worksheet, Study for test
Language - Study for DOL/DOG
Math -Do Corrections

Wednesday, September 19th

HOMEWORK:
Reading - Practice workbook pages 38, 39, and 42 (They should have all the work done up to page 42 for Lesson 4).
Math - Journal pages 38-39

Tomorrow the Fire Prevention Posters are due!!

Tomorrow is a START Day!  12:35 dismissal!!

Ask your child about Claude Monet!!  Have a great evening!!

Tuesday, September 18th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - Practice WB pages 37, 40, 43
Spelling - Finish Spelling Pretest corrections
Math - Journal pages 35-36
Science - Investigation test 2 tomorrow.  Study using your Study Guide notes, questions and vocabulary.
Social Studies - Finish worksheets pages 1, 2 and 3 from yesterday

Friday, September 14th

Homework:
Math - Study Link P. 27 (just the 4 computation problems at the bottom)
Music - Rhythm Rap worksheet

Other - Work on Fire Prevention Poster - Due on Wednesday!

Thursday, September 13th

Homework:
Reading - Study vocabulary words for test
Language - Study for DOL/DOG test
Spelling - Study for Spelling test
Math - Journal pages 28 and 31; Get Unit 1 test signed - If they scored below a 70%, the students are suppose to correct the test for a higher grade.

Students who are running for Student Council officers must have their speeches ready by tomorrow!!

Wednesday, September 12th

Homework:
Reading: Comprehension questions for "Off and Running" - Questions should be written in complete sentences using part of the question in the answer!
Language:  Complete Predicate worksheet
Spelling:  Practice Book Page 27 and 30

Some of us are not following directions well.  I will be taking points off on homework if the directions are not followed correctly. 

Tuesday, September 11th

HOMEWORK:

Reading - WB P. 31-33

Math - Study for test

Social Studies - Finish map packet P. 13-16

Monday, September 10th

HOMEWORK:
Reading: Workbook pages 25, 26 and 28
Spelling: Correct pretest
Math:  Do Review packet

Friday, September 7th

Homework:
Math - Study Link 1-9 on exponents
Social Studies - Page 9, 10, 11 and 12 in the Road Map packet

We had a lot of work time today due to testing.  Most of the students should have finished most of this work in class! 

Enjoy the weekend!!

Thursday, September 6th

Homework:
Reading - Prefix packet, WB pages 20-21
Math - Journal pages 26 - 27
Spelling - Study for Posttest
Language - Study for DOL / DOG test

On Fridays we complete the testing for the Journeys series.  Be aware that a lot of testing occurs on Fridays!!  Have a wonderful evening!!

Wednesday, September 5th

Homework:
Reading - Comprehension questions for the story "Blasting Off to the Space Academy"
(Be sure to answer in complete sentences and put the page number where the information is located)

Math - Study Link, Journal page 24

Tuesday, September 4th

Homework:
Reading - Practice Book P. 16, 18 and 19
Spelling - Correct Pretest - Each misspelled word 10 times each
Math - Workbook P. 19 and 22

Hot Lunch forms and money is due tomorrow!!  

Hope you had a wonderful Labor Day weekend! 

Friday, August 31st

HOMEWORK:

MATH - Journal pages 15 and 16

Friday Folder - Bring back folder with signed sheet!

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!!

Thursday, August 30th

Today's homework:
Reading - Study the vocabulary words; make corrections on comprehension questions (if it was poorly done!)
Language - Study the DOL and DOG - Quiz tomorrow!; Do the Simple Subject worksheet.
Spelling - Posttest tomorrow - Study!
Math - Journal pages 12 - 15
Science - Look over vocabulary
Social Studies - Last 2 pages in their map packet

Some of the students received work back today that was not done well.  They were asked to correct their work for a higher grade.  Any time work is returned to them, they will have 1 day to correct it.  We are working toward quality work and following directions better!!  

Wednesday, August 29th

Happy Wednesday!!  The students had a lot of time in class to work on assignments.  The list may look long, but they should have accomplished most of it this afternoon.  If they have a lot of work, they may not have used their time wisely.  Check with your child!

Homework:
Reading - Comprehension questions for "A Package for Mrs. Jewls"  Answers must be written in complete sentences!
Language - 2 worksheets - Simple Subjects and Complete Subjects
Spelling - Practice Book Page 6
Math - Study Link 1-4
Social Studies - 1st four pages of the map packet
Science - NONE

Tuesday, August 28th

Homework:

Reading/Language/Spelling - Practice Book P. 2-5, 7-8

Math - workbook pages 10 - 11

Spelling words:
breath              gravity              Challenge words:
wobble            frantic               instruct
blister              swift                 distress
crush               feather              summit
direct               comic               massive
promise           bundle              physical
grasp               solid
numb              weather
hymn              energy
shovel             stingy

Friday, August 24th

There is no homework, but some students may still owe some forms from the start of the year. Please ask your child if they owe anything. 
The Media Center is asking that all students bring their own headphones for usage in the Computer Lab.  Headphones are $6 if you would like to purchase them. 
The students acquired background information about their Learning Style by taking a survey.  I have included 4 websites that allow you to take some surveys.  These surveys can be taken by the students or the parents for more in-depth background.  Have fun learning about yourself!
Next week we will begin our regular schedule. The students will have homework, and I expect them to do their best! 
Have a GREAT weekend!!

Thursday, August 23rd

We survived the 1st full day of 5th Grade!!  I am so impressed with all the students.  They have been kind, respectful and a delight to get to know. 

The following are items that need to be brought back to school:
* Goal sheet
* Interest Survey
* Disclaimer form - from the Parent/Student Handbook
* Parent Contact information sheet
* Lunch and popcorn money
* Patrol permission slip - if the students are interested in becoming a patrol person

Welcome Back!

I am so excited to start the new school year!  I am looking forward to meeting all my 5th Grade students and getting to know each and every one!!
Our classroom will be based on my 3 R's - RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY and RISK.  All students will be expected to treat others in a fair and kind way.  They will need to show responsibility in their actions by completing their work and following through with class expectations.  They will also be asked to take positive risks in their learning by pushing themselves to learn all that they can.  Students will be able to join our "GO BEYOND" Club by completing extra activities.  This in-class club will be explained to the students this week.
We will also be investigating the student's learning styles.  In order to maximize our learning, the students will need to know how they learn.  We will be doing surveys to determine everyone's learning style and analyzing this data to guide us in our learning. 
I hope you are ready for an exciting school year!!  Be sure to complete the survey further down on this page about your favorite summer activity!!

Challenger Learning Center Field Trip/End of the Year

Congratulations to all 5th Grade GATE students on achieving great success at their Challenger field trips!  Both groups worked hard, had great team work, followed directions well, listened well and made great choices in their decisions.  They certainly overcame obstacles and applied what they learned about comets.  I know that the students enjoyed their mission by the smiles on their faces!

I made movies of each group and have attached them to this post.  I hope you enjoy seeing yourself and reliving your experience at the Challenger Learning Center.  Comet Ban-Way 2012 is the Bannes and Fernway students.  Comet KMM 2012 is the Keller, McAuliffe and Millennium students.  Enjoy the shows!!

Best wishes to all the 5th Grade GATE students as they enter middle school.  It has been a joy to teach all of you and get to know all of this year's GATE students.  You made me smile, laugh, and kept me on my toes throughout the year.  I learned so much with you this year.  I am looking forward to hearing about all your accomplishments during 6th, 7th, and 8th Grades. 

Have a wonderful summer!  Keep in touch!

Comet Ban-Way 2012 ~ Bannes & Fernway

  

Comet KMM 2012 ~ Keller, McAuliffe & Millennium

Roy Lichtenstein at The Art Institute

The Art Institute has a new show highlighting the work of the pop artist, Roy Lichtenstein.  I thought some of you might find this interesting.  Click on the link to see a video of how a show is displayed and how long it takes to put a show like this together. 

Roy Lichtenstein at the Art Institute

Space Shuttle to the Smithsonian

The space shuttle Discovery was transferred to the Smithsonian to be displayed.  Read and check out the video of the space shuttle's flight from Florida to Washington D.C. 

Space Shuttle's flight

Famous artist, Thomas Kinkade, dies

Thomas Kinkade, a famous artist of our time, has died.  Kinkade was known as the "Painter of Light".  Kinkade's popularity was due to his paintings of cottages, small city views, landscapes and his Disney  paintings. 
His paintings and reproductions have been selling like hotcakes.  Read the article about Kinkade's artwork and success.

Kinkade news

Meteor Streaks across Sky

People reported seeing a meteor streaking across the sky in the Chicago.  View the video and read the story.  Remember meteors are a part of the tail of a comet. 


www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-meteor-or-not-20120411,0,2507666.story

Challenger Unit - Rendez Vous With a Comet

 The GATE students will now be preparing to become astronauts for our next unit.  The students will be visiting the Challenger Learning Center in Hammond, Indiana in May to participate in the mission “Rendez-Vous With a Comet”.  Our training will include the understanding of their Learning Style and their learning strengths and weaknesses. It will also be necessary for the students to learn detailed background information about comets and key vocabulary words. We will concentrate and develop written and oral communications skills through activities based on listening and following direction skills. Permission slips and additional information regarding this “out of this world” field trip will be sent home in April.

Blue Balliett's Newest Novel - "The Danger Box"

If the GATE students liked Chasing Vermeer, then they should continue reading the series.  The students should have read the 2nd book of the series, The Wright 3, last year .  They can now read the 3rd book which is The Calder Game.  This novel takes the main characters out of Hyde Park to England.  Read to find out what Calder and Petra get involved in!

The newest Balliett novel is entitled The Danger Box.  The main character, Zoomy, is a curious character.  Read the book review from the Chicago Sun Times for a good idea of the plot of the novel!

http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/books/2805388,blue-balliett-danger-box-101710.article

Happy Winter!!

I am hoping that you are all enjoying this mild winter!  Even though the weather is suppose to be cold at the end of this week, I can't believe that we are 1/2 through January without major cold or snow.  This is a very unusual Chicago winter, but I am enjoying it!!!  Hope you are, too!

In the 3rd Quarter, we will be doing a new unit in response to the administrative directive that you were informed about in the December GATE letter.  We will not be able to do the Chocolate Unit, as you were told at the GATE Open House.  Instead, our new topic will be centered around the American Revolution.  We will be researching and studying about the "Spies of the American Revolution".  I am very sure that the GATE students will enjoy this new unit!

If you have any questions regarding this change in curriculum, please contact your building principal.