Week 8

We are getting deep into 5^th grade math at this point of the year! It’s challenging.  Much of what we are doing relies on concepts that should be solid from 3^rd and 4^th grade.  There are a surprisingly large number of students who still need to practice basic math facts at home. You can help your child just 5 minutes each day by reviewing basic multiplication and division math facts.  Start with the doubles (5 x 5, 6 x 6, 7 x 7, etc) and then move to the one-aparts (5 x 6, 6 x 7, 7 x 8), then the 2-aparts (5 x 7, 6 x 8, 7 x 9), and so on. Use flashcards if you have them, or just orally “quiz” your student. Encourage your student to use Moby Max “Fact Master” at home if you allow him/her to use an internet-connected computer/device. The end of the unit test will be next Wednesday. Your child should be bringing home study aids to help prepare for the test.

       Conference week is approaching quickly. I have been saving several items for you to view, including assessments. Mrs. Curry and I will try our best to meet with everyone, which means we’ll be in the same room. Thank you for being flexible and we hope this way we’ll be able to answer questions you may have for either of us.

       Picture retakes are Wednesday, October 29^th.

       Our field trip that was originally going to be at Monsanto was actually at the Ag Center earlier this week. The kids had a great time.  We had an informal “quiz” when we returned to school to check how well we listened to all our presenters. You can check that score in the Science section. It is not part of their science grade. Some of our students had a difficult time listening carefully, and their score probably reflects some of their field trip behavior. Mrs. Curry & I are working with the 5^th graders on respectful listening, and listening to understand, which includes being able to restate what another person has just said.  Feel free to reinforce listening skills at home. J

       Many of you woke up early October 8^th to see the Lunar eclipse! It was amazing, as was the Moon the same evening. We are now focusing on the Solar System and discovering what makes up our Solar System.