To Parents of current 4th graders

Dear Parents of a Soon-to-be 5^th-grader:

This summer will be especially lengthy in comparison to previous years. To prevent the summer “slide,” please work with your child this summer, quizzing him or her on basic math facts. Being fluent and proficient in all four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) is critical to success in fifth grade mathematics.  If that means digging out old flashcards, then by all means, please do so. But, better than flashcards is for you to take any opportunity to integrate math into your everyday conversation. I know we often use our debit cards at the store, but I urge you to give your child a small cash allowance (maybe in exchange for household chores) and allow him/her to spend and save money. Make a game of it – ask him/her questions like, “Over the next 12 weeks, if you were to earn $2.50/week, and didn’t spend any of it, how much money would you have?”

I have math materials and a packet of math worksheets (with an answer key!) for any parent who is interested. If you are, please indicate so and return the slip of paper to Mrs. Timmons by Friday, May 22nd. I’ll send the packet home with your child Wednesday, May 26^th. 

Secondly, as you are out and about this summer, you may have the opportunity to buy school supplies already for next fall.  Please note the following: 

There will be absolutely NO BINDERS in 5^th grade.  If your child brings one to school, he/she will be asked to take it back home. So, please don’t purchase a binder. J

We will have the official Mulberry lists out in stores in August. However, these are some of the items that your child will definitely need for 5^th grade:

·      Plastic Red Folder (this will serve as our homework/parent communication folder)

·      SKINNY Expo brand markers – minimum of 4 for your child – more might be needed throughout the year, and when that happens, I’ll send home a reminder for your child to bring in more. Students use EXPOS every day in math on their personal white boards.

·      Composition Notebooks – we will need a total of 4 in the math/science classroom.

·      Glue sticks – anticipate buying 4 or 5 sticks (or more) for the year. We glue a LOT of papers into our notebooks in 5^th grade!

·      Quart size ziplock baggies

·      The usual items – Kleenex, pencils, 2 red ball-point pens, colored pencils, scissors, package of loose-leaf notebook paper, 1 fine-tip Sharpie

Have a wonderful summer!  Please do all you can to create opportunities for your child to continue to learn these next few months. Explore nature, have mathematical conversations, and read with your child every day. I look forward to working with you and your child next year!

Mrs. Steele

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Please complete below, detach, and return with your child by Friday, May 22^nd, if you want a MATH packet for the summer.

o Yes, I’d like a summer packet of math materials.

Child’s Name ________________________