WEEK OF DECEMBER 15

Thursday Treat!
Some parents from our classroom have volunteered to organize a pizza party for us in celebration of all the hard work the students have accomplished in 2008! Parents will provide cheese pizza and drinks for the class on Thursday, December 18th. Thank you in advance to the parents who are helping to create this wonderful treat for our classroom!


Subject Update:

Science and Social Studies (Homeroom)

• Science - The students will learn about waves as we begin to explore how the ocean moves.
• Social Studies - We will be starting Chapter 7 which tells about Spain, Great Britain, and France, as well as the Native Americans, struggling for control over the continent of North America. The first lesson will focus on the Spanish expanding New Spain by establishing colonies in Florida and New Mexico.

Language Arts Block

• Spelling - We will do a variety of activities with a holiday word list - no test!
• English - The students will continue to learn about writing an expository essay. We will focus on developing an attention grabbing introductory paragraph.
• Reading - We will ask "thin" and "thick" questions as we read to help us understand non-fiction texts. Ask your child to explain the difference between thin and thick questions.

Math Classroom

• Math - The Chapter 6 Test is scheduled for Monday, December 15th! The rest of the week will be spent on enrichment activities with decimals, as well as some beginning activities of multiplication with decimals.

Mark Your Calendar:

Dec. 15 - All School Concert (1:15 p.m.)

Dec. 16 - 5th Grade Bowling (9:00 - 11:00 a.m.)

Dec. 18 - Classroom Pizza Party Lunch!

Dec. 19 - All School Movie at the Tivoli

Dec. 20 - Jan. 4 - Winter Break

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WEEK OF DECEMBER 8

Prairieview Holiday Service Project
Please remember that we are collecting for the service projet through Wednesday, December 10th! We still need donations towards our cancer patient family as well as for Family Shelter Service. Please consider sending a cash or gift card donation - I can take these and shop for specific items still needed for our family. If you have already contributed, thank you for your generosity!

Subject Update:

Science and Social Studies (Homeroom)

• Science - The students are learning about the ocean. We have read about the salinity of ocean water and how temperature and water pressure change with ocean depth. We have also learned about the different levels of the ocean floor. We will be completing an activity to help us better visualize these levels, and will find out about some changes that can happen over time to the ocean floor.
• Social Studies - We will review about everyday life in the colonies to prepare for the Chapter 6 Test on Tuesday, December 9th! Then we will move on to Chapter 7 - "The Spanish Move North."

Language Arts Block

• Spelling - Lesson 15 focuses on the suffix -ery.
• English - The students are learning about expository writing and how it is different from narrative writing. We will be color coding the parts of an example expository essay to help students understand the components and organization of a well-written paper.
• Reading - We will be reading some non-fiction texts as we work on the reading strategy of self-questioning. Students should be asking themselves questions about the texts they read before, during, and after reading.

Math Classroom

• Math - We continue our work with decimals in Chapter 6. We are learning how to round, add and subtract, and estimate with decimals. We will also determine whether we need to estimate or find an exact answer when problem solving.
  

Mark Your Calendar:

Dec. 15 - All School Concert

Dec. 16 - 5th Grade Bowling

Dec. 19 - All-School Movie at the Tivoli

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WEEK OF NOVEMBER 24 and DECEMBER 1

Prairieview Yearbook - Don't Miss Out!
Please remember that if your child wants a Prairieview Yearbook in June, you need to order by December 1st! If you cannot find the order form that went home, make a check payable to Lifetouch for $10 and put it in an envelope clearly labeled with the student's name, grade, homeroom teacher, and "Prairieview Yearbook Order."

Prairieview Holiday Service Project
Please notice the information sent home with your child (pink flyer) about our holiday service project. I have included a second hand-out (green flyer) which includes specific information about the cancer family we have been assigned and Family Shelter Service gift ideas. Thank you in advance for your generosity!


Subject Update:

Science and Social Studies (Homeroom)

• Science - Students will be starting Chapter 12 about the Earth's oceans after Thanksgiving Break. Lesson 1 will begin telling us about the salinity of ocean water and things affected by ocean depth.
• Social Studies - The students will continue to learn about life in the colonies and complete "circle books" to organize the key ideas from Lesson 3. Before the break, students will finish typing their letters to President-Elect Barack Obama in the hopes of sending them out by Tuesday, November 25. We have read in Time for Kids magazine that Mr. Obama is quite busy - I wonder if any of us will hear back from him?

Language Arts Block

• Spelling - There will be no spelling lesson the week of November 24th. After Thanksgiving Break, we will do Lesson 14 which focuses on forming words with prefixes and roots.
• English - We will begin working on expository writing. Expository writing is writing to explain.
• Reading - The students will continue working on inference activities. Ask your child about our "Guess My Character Trait" game. This was a fun way to practice identifying character traits inferred by an author's words.

Math Classroom

• Math - The students will learn about drawing conclusions as a strategy for problem solving. After Thanksgiving Break, we will spend all Monday's class reviewing how to read and write decimals, how to compare and order decimals, and how to problem solve using the "draw conclusions" strategy. The Chapter 5 Test is scheduled for Tuesday, December 2nd!

Mark Your Calendar:

Nov. 21 - End of 1st Trimester

Nov. 26 - 28 - No School (Thanksgiving Break)

Dec. 2 - 1st Trimester Report Cards

Dec. 1-5 - Conference Week

Dec. 5 - No School (Parent/Teacher Conferences)

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WEEK OF NOVEMBER 17

Prairieview Yearbook Orders
Your child brought home the order form for the Prairieview 2008-2009 Yearbook. Yearbook orders were not part of the registration materials at the beginning of the school year - if your child wants a yearbook in June, he/she must order one at this time. The cost per book is $10 (checks payable to Lifetouch). 5th graders - what a great way to remember all those friends you made at Prairieview!


Subject Update:

Science and Social Studies (Homeroom)

• Science - The Chapter 11 Test is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18th!
• Social Studies - Wow! What a great experience the trade fair was for the students! The "store front" signs were creative, the homemade goods showed off the many talents and skills of Room 207, and the bartering was quite strategic. As we continue in Chapter 6, we will read about everyday life in the colonies.

Language Arts Block

• Spelling - Lesson 13 focuses on the prefixes dis-, un-, in-, and mis-.
• English - We will learn about forming singular and possessive nouns. The Unit 2 Nouns Test is scheduled for Friday, November 21st!
• Reading - The students will make inferences about characters in stories. They will determine which traits best describe the characters by thinking about the details given (the actions done by the characters) in the text. Don't forget that your student should be reading at home to finish his/her biography and shape book project by December 1st!

Math Classroom

• Math - We will move ahead to Chapter 5 and the exciting land of decimals! Talk to your child about money and how one whole dollar can be divided into tenths (dimes) and hundredths (pennies). Students will learn how to read and write decimals as well as how to compare and order them.
  

Mark Your Calendar:

Nov. 19 - Kids on the Block Assembly

Nov. 21 - End of 1st Trimester

Nov. 26 - 28 - No School (Thanksgiving Break)

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WEEK OF NOVEMBER 10

Book Worm Angels
Please remember that our school is currently collecting gently used or new books for our "Book Worm Angels" book drive. You can check out the link on the Prairieview website for more specific details about this collection. All donations should be brought to school by Friday, November 14th!


Subject Update:

Science and Social Studies (Homeroom)

• Science - The students will review Lesson 3 before taking an open book assessment over the information. Ask your student to explain about the four different air masses as well as the difference between weather and climate.
• Social Studies - We are learning all about the different jobs people had in early colonial times. Many of these jobs depended on the resources of the particular region. The students also are learning about the triangular trade routes taken to transport goods between the 13 colonies, England, Africa, and the West Indies. We have talked about the demand for certain goods in England leading to the exchange of those goods for items needed in the colonies. The students will experience the ideas of supply and demand in their upcoming trade fair. Please remember that every student must bring something homemade to trade on Thursday, November 13th!!

Language Arts Block

• Spelling - Lesson 12 focuses on the use of the suffix -ous to form adjectives.
• English - The students will begin a unit on nouns. We will start by identifying nouns in sentences and distinguishing between common and proper nouns. Then we will learn the many spelling rules for forming plural nouns.
• Reading - We will be reading a story about Sequoyah to continue our practice of making inferences. The students are starting to recognize how important it is to provide specific details from the text to support their inferences. Don't forget that biography book choices are due by Wednesday, November 12th!

Math Classroom

• Math - The students will finish an enrichment activity called "Flipping Pages" which applies the "Predict and Test" problem solving strategy learned in this chapter. Then the students will complete a homework review over lessons 5-9. I have moved the Chapter 4 Test to Friday, November 14th!

Mark Your Calendar:

Nov. 11 - No School (Veteran's Day)

Nov. 14 - End of "Book Worm Angels" Collection

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WEEK OF NOVEMBER 3

New E-Book for Science
Your student received instructions for accessing the Science textbook online. I also demonstrated its use for the students to show them how easy it is to navigate and some of the neat features. Not only can the e-book be used at home when the text is needed to complete homework, but it can also be used to review vocabulary and hear the text read aloud. Be sure to check it out!

Attention Parents - Volunteer Opportunity!
The Social Studies committee is looking for two parents who have an education or history background to be involved in the adoption of new Social Studies textbooks. You would have to meet with the committee and provide input choosing our textbook for the coming years. The Social Studies committee will be meeting once every other month for the next two years. Please email mpellin@ccsd66.org if you would be interested in joining the Social Studies committee.


Subject Update:

Science and Social Studies (Homeroom)

• Science - The students will be learning about weather patterns. We will complete an investigation of local weather patterns by tracking daily temperature, precipitation, wind direction and speed, and cloud conditions in our school area.
  
• Social Studies - We will begin Chapter 6 which takes a look at life in the English colonies. We will hear about some of the goods produced by early colonists. Look for information coming home late next week about a classroom trade fair!
  

Language Arts Block

• Spelling - Lesson 11 will focus on adding the suffix -ly to adjectives ending in -al.
  
• English - The students will review capitalization and punctuation on Monday to help them prepare for the Unit 5 Test scheduled for Wednesday, November 5th!
  
• Reading - We will be learning how to make inferences while reading. Students will use information in the text along with their own knowledge to predict and infer.
  

Math Classroom

• Math - The students will be representing functions with a table and an equation. Functions are relationships between two quantities where one depends on the other. For example, in the equation m x 4 = n, the value of n depends on the value of m. We will also work to find whole number solutions to inequalities. For example, if a ≤ 4, the whole number solutions for this inequality are 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Mark Your Calendar:

Nov. 3 - Prairieview Mock Election

Nov. 4 - No School (Teacher Institute Day)

Nov. 11 - No School (Veteran's Day)

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WEEK OF OCTOBER 27

Halloween Party Reminders
Please understand that students will not have use of the washrooms for costume changes. The students will have a classroom designated for girls and another designated for boys to get ready for the costume parade. If your student needs a mirror for applying makeup, he/she should bring one from home. Also, remember that costumes must be appropriate for school. No weapons of any kind will be permitted. Students may need to alter costumes slightly for our school celebration.


Subject Update:

Science and Social Studies (Homeroom)

• Science - The students will learn about conditions that affect the water cycle.
• Social Studies - We will focus our attention on election coverage. The students will receive more information about key issues to think about and discuss next week. The students have expressed some great opinions and thoughts about the two main candidates - can't wait to see who gets the most votes in our mock election on November 3rd!
  

Language Arts Block

• Spelling - Lesson 10 will focus on the spelling rules for consonant + y words and vowel + y words. (We will skip Writing Lesson 9.)
• English - The students will review quotation marks before learning how to write abbreviations and titles correctly. There will be a Unit 5 Test over capitalization and punctuation on Wednesday, November 5th!
• Reading - We will be reading some other tall tales in order to identify the elements of a tall tale and visualize the very unique characters. We will also so some word work with prefixes and suffixes to help us build up our vocabulary.

Math Classroom

• Math - The students will apply the order of operations to solve problems, solve algebraic expressions, and apply the properties of addition and multiplication in order to solve equations more easily.

Mark Your Calendar:

Oct. 29 - Junior Achievement (Session #4)

Oct. 31 - Junior Achievement (Session #5)

Oct. 31 - Halloween Parade and Party

Nov. 3 - Prairieview Mock Election

Nov. 4 - No School (Teacher Institute Day)


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WEEK OF OCTOBER 20

Don't Forget - Sack Lunch Friday!
Please remember that on Friday, October 24th, the 5th graders have a field trip to see "The Legend of Pocahontas." Since we will be returning to school after the start of our regularly scheduled lunch, the students must bring a sack lunch to enjoy that day.

Good-Bye, Mr. Coffee!
We sadly said good-bye to Mr. Coffee, Mrs. Swaekauski's student teacher who has been teaching with us since the beginning of the school year. We celebrated with a pizza party lunch (provided by Mr. Coffee) as we gave him a booklet of personal student notes and some gifts purhased with your donations. It was a nice final farewell!


Subject Update:

Science and Social Studies (Homeroom)

• Science - The students will be learning about conditions that affect the water cycle. A cycle is something that continues to move around and around. Have your child think about how water might move around and around in a cycle.
• Social Studies - We will be reading about the 13 colonies and how the New England, Middle, and Southern colonies were different from each other. The Chapter 5 Test is scheduled for Friday, October 24th!! Please start reviewing notes and rereading the chapter early -there is a lot of information covered in this chapter. We will play a review game on Thursday as a fun review for the test.

Language Arts Block

• Spelling - Lesson 8 is a review of lessons 1-7. We will work with the words during the week, but there will be NO TEST!
• English - The students will be learning all about the use of quotation marks. We use quotation marks in our writing to show a speaker's exact words. Quotation marks can be tricky because there are many rules of punctuation and capitalization to remember.
• Reading - We will begin another vital reading skill - visualizing. The students will read texts with rich description in order to practice visualizing the information.

Math Classroom

• Math - The Chapter 3 Test over division of 1- and 2-digit numbers is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21st! Students should review the information and examples in their spiral notebooks and complete some practice problems for each lesson to help them prepare for the test.

Mark Your Calendar:

Oct. 22 - Early Dismissal (11:00 a.m.)

Oct. 22 - Junior Achievement (Session 3)

Oct. 24 - The Legend of Pocahontas Field Trip - sack lunch!!


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WEEK OF OCTOBER 13

Student Progress Information
If you have not already done so, please check your student's current progress on ParentConnect. Contact your child's teachers if you have any questions or concerns regarding grades or work habits. Also, know that any student who is working below grade level expectations will receive paper copies of progress reports via U.S. mail. There will be a cover letter accompanying the reports that will need to be signed and returned as soon as possible.

Junior Achievement
We will be starting the Junior Achievement program this week. In this program, a volunteer from a business in our community comes into the classroom to talk about how businesses work. Mr. Laviste will visit our classroom for our first session on Thursday. Welcome, Mr. Laviste!


Subject Update:

Science and Social Studies (Homeroom)

• Science - The students are learning about the causes of weather.
• Social Studies - We are learning about the many early colonies in North America. Ask your child to tell you some of the reasons why people settled in the New World and how life was difficult in those early settlements.
  

Language Arts Block

• Spelling - Lesson 7 will focus on the spelling of words containing hard and soft g sounds.
• English - The students will use commas to separate the words in a series, address a particular person, and use interjections. A review worksheet over these uses of commas is planned for Thursday, October 16th.
• Reading - The students should have received teacher approval for their mystery book choice by October 10th! Once book choices were approved, students received special bookmarks to help them divide up the reading into 2 weeks of work. This should then give students at least a week to create the puzzle project. Remember the final puzzle project must be turned in on or before October 31st!! In the classroom, students will be working with main idea and details. They will also identify information that is relevant and irrelevant to a main idea.

Math Classroom

• Math - Students will learn about dividing by 2-digit divisors. This puts into action the 5 steps of division we are already using when dividing by 1-digit divisors, but we will need to use estimation to help us figure out the digits in the quotient. Again, students must continue to work on basic fact fluency!!

Mark Your Calendar:

Oct. 13 - No School (Columbus Day)

Oct. 16 - Junior Achievement (Session #1)

Oct. 16 - Prairieview Book Fair and Social (6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)

Oct. 17 - Junior Achievement (Session #2)

Oct. 22 - Early Dismissal (11:00 a.m.)

Oct. 24 - "The Legend of Pocahontas" Field Trip

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WEEK OF OCTOBER 6

It's An Election Year!
We have had some great discussions in the classroom about the republican and democratic candidates running for U.S. President. I hope you find opportunities to talk with your 5th graders at home about this exciting election. We will continue to learn more about the two major political parties, the candidates, and the election process as we prepare for a mock election in November.

Checking Student Progress
Tuesday, October 7th marks the midpoint of the 1st Trimester. Please check your child's progress on ParentConnect. As always, contact your child's teacher(s) if you have any questions or concerns.

Field Trip - Change of Date!
I want to remind parents that there was a change in date for the 5th grade field trip to see "The Legend of Pocahontas." We will be going one week later than originally scheduled. Students will need a sack lunch on our new field trip date - Friday, October 24th!


Subject Update:

Science and Social Studies (Homeroom)

• Science - The students will be starting an Earth Science unit about "Cycles on Earth and in Space." We will begin by learning about the atmosphere.
• Social Studies - As we continue to learn about Jamestown, the first successful English colony, the students will go to the computer lab to make decisions like a settler of long ago. This experience will help the students recognize how the environment and existing people in America either helped or hindered the success of a colony. Then the students will read about the colony of Plymouth.

Language Arts Block

• Spelling - Lesson 6 will focus on words that form plurals with -es.
• English - The students will be learning about commas. We will begin our comma work with the book, "Eats, Shoots & Leaves." This book demonstrates all the ways to use commas in sentences. It also does a wonderful job illustrating how the use and misuse of commas can really change the meaning of a sentence!!
• Reading - We have introduced the October "Mystery Book Puzzle" project to the students. Hand-outs included directions for completing the project, a worksheet to use while reading the book, the grader we will use to assess the project, and a note home regarding book choices. Please review this information with your child. Book choices for this project are due Friday, October 10th! In class, we will be working on summarizing stories by thinking about the parts of a story.

Math Classroom

• Math - The students will continue to work on dividing whole numbers. Don't forget to keep reviewing those basic facts!!

Mark Your Calendar:

Oct. 7 - 1st Trimester Midpoint

Oct. 13 - No School (Columbus Day)

Oct. 16 - Book Fair/Social (PV 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.)

Oct. 22 - Early Dismissal (11:00 a.m.)

Oct. 24 - 5th Grade Field Trip (The Legend of Pocahontas)

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WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 29

Reminder of 5th Grade Expectations
Please encourage your child to always do their best. I have been reminding students about quality work and following directions. I tell them that everything counts! If there is a word on a worksheet or in the textbook used to complete an assignment, spelling should be accurate. I spoke with the students about good habits now having positive rewards in the future!


Subject Update

Science and Social Studies (Homeroom)

• Science - We will be using our science time to read and discuss several issues of Time For Kids magazine. We will also be talking about the election process and the two candidates for U.S. President. Please discuss some of your views about the election with your child.
• Social Studies - The students will be reading about the lost colony of Roanoke. Then they will create their own theories about the "lost" colony. We will also read about and discuss the Battle of the Spanish Armada.

Language Arts Block

• Spelling - Lesson 5 will focus on the prefixes re, pre, and de and root words.
• English - The Unit 1 Sentences Test is scheduled for Tuesday, September 30th! There are "Extra Practice" textbook pages for each of the lessons we have taught found near the end of the unit. This "Extra Practice" should provide a nice review for the test. Students may also want to look over previously completed workbook pages and worksheets to help them prepare. Then we will skip ahead to Unit 5 about capitalization and punctuation.
• Reading - The students will be reading a story about a Japanese man who came to America. We will complete a story map to organize the main parts of the story, and then use the map to create a more concise summary. Don't forget, students have book projects due Tuesday, September 30th!! Students should practice sharing their Memory Bag items aloud to prepare for their book project presentation. Also, be sure to have students check over their work using the Memory Bag Grader sheet.

Math Classroom

• Math - The students will be tested over the material from Chapter 2 on Tuesday, September 30th! Students should use past work, notes, and the textbook to prepare. Then we will explore the inverse operation of multiplication,... division! We will use what we know about multiplication as we divide whole numbers by 1- and 2-digit divisors.

Mark Your Calendar:

Sept. 30 - Final Magazine Turn-in Day

Oct. 3 - Movie Night

Oct. 7 - 1st Trimester Midpoint - Check Student Progress on ParentConnect

Oct. 13 - No School (Columbus Day)

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WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 22

Kernels for Compliments
The students are close to earning another reward for all of the compliments they receive as a group. I am so proud of my class when I hear from another teacher or adult in the building that my students are showing good character. Great job, class! Any student who is reading this,... remind me Monday about this compliment and I will add more kernels to the bag!


Subject Update:

Science and Social Studies (Homeroom)

• Science - The students will be applying what they know about the scientific process by developing an investigation of their own about paper airplanes. On Monday, we will talk about the rules and expectations of the project, as well as instructions for making a paper plane. Students will have Monday and Tuesday evening to complete their experiments before sharing their results with the class on Wednesday. A test over the introductory chapter in the textbook about science tools, inquiry skills, and the scientific method is scheduled for Friday, September 26th!
• Social Studies - The students will be testing on Chapter 4 on Tuesday, September 23rd! Then we will do some work with latitude and longitude before moving on to Chapter 5 which begins with a look at the lost colony of Roanoke.

Language Arts Block

• Spelling - Lesson 4 focuses on the prefixes re, de, and pre.
• English - The students are working on a class book of subject/predicate poems. This book is providing a creative way to reinforce subjects and predicates while working on the conventions of writing. As we work to finish this book, we will also learn about the implied subject of "you" in imperative sentences, conjunctions, and correcting run-on sentences.
• Reading - We will begin working on the reading strategy of summarizing. Students will learn how to organize details from a story onto a story map before using the information to create a more concise summary. Don't forget,... students should be reading their book choices and completing the worksheet for the "Memory Bag" items that will be shared on Tuesday, September 30th!!

Math Classroom

• Math - The students will be reviewing multiplication using patterns, estimating products, and multiplying by 1-digit numbers. Then we will work on multiplying larger numbers. Students should still be practicing basic facts to become more fluent!

Mark Your Calendar:

Sept. 23 - Magazine Turn-in Day

Sept. 25 - Picture Day

Sept. 30 - Magazine Turn-in Day

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WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 15

Thank You For Coming!
Thanks to all of the parents who were able to attend 5th Grade Curriculum Night. Please remember that the Information Sheet and bottom section of the 5th Grade Policies needs to be returned to me as soon as possible. For those parents who were not able to attend, you should find information sent home with your child in his/her binder.

Box Tops For Education
Please continue to clip the Box Tops for Education and send them in with your child. The classroom that collects the most box tops each trimester will win a pizza party!


Subject Update:

Science and Social Studies (Homeroom)

• Science - We will do a few activities to review the inquiry skills discussed in Lesson 2. Then we will learn about the steps in the scientific method and how scientists apply them.
• Social Studies - We will be creating Aztec masks as we learn a little more about the Aztecs. Then we will read about the wealth gained by Spain from the settlement and growth of New Spain.

Language Arts Block

• Spelling - Lesson 3 will focus on the suffix -er and the singular possessive of words with that suffix.
• English - The students will work to identify simple subjects and simple predicates.
• Reading - Now that we understand how to make predictions based on details in the story and our personal knowledge, we will work with longer pieces of text to practice the skill. Students have been approved for their independent book project choices. They should now be reading these book choices in order to finish the book and project by the end of the month!

Math Class

• Math - The Chapter 1 Test is scheduled for Tuesday, September 16th! Then we will move on to Chapter 2 focusing on the multiplication of whole numbers. Don't forget that students should keep working on becoming more fluent with the basic multiplication facts!! I showed the students a fun card game called "Multiplication War" that they could play with someone. Also, a fun game called "Math Baseball" can be found online at funbrain.com. Just select "multiplication" and play ball!

Mark Your Calendar:

Sept. 15 - Magazine Kick-off

Sept. 16 - Early Dismissal (11:00 a.m.)


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WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 8

Curriculum Night Reminder
5th Grade Curriculum Night is Thursday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. The evening will begin with a short welcome from Principal Schultz, followed by meetings in each of your child's classrooms (Homeroom, Math, and Language Arts). The teachers will talk briefly about the curriculum as well as expectations and important routines. Please remember that this event is for parents only!


Subject Update:

Science and Social Studies (Homeroom)

• Science - The students will continue learning about the tools of scientists. They will also complete activities to learn about the inquiry skills used in science.
• Social Studies - We will be taking notes while watching a video about Christopher Columbus. These notes along with information discussed in the text will help students compose a letter about his journey. Then we will read about the conflicts between the Aztecs and European settlers.

Language Arts Block

• Spelling - Lesson 2 will focus on the suffix -able.
• English - The students will identify subjects and predicates in sentences. This will get us ready to write a classroom collection of subject/predicate poems.
• Reading - We will continue to work on predicting outcomes by thinking about details in the text as well as our personal knowlege. A great way to practice this skill at home with your child is to share the reading of a newspaper article or chapter book before bedtime. Stop and ask your child to make predictions every few paragraphs or pages. Remember that your child should be able to support his/her predictions with information from the text and personal knowledge! Also this week, the students will be working with synonyms and antonyms.

Math Class

• Math - The students will start off the week with a Mad Minute. This timed multiplication facts "test" will help me identify students who are already fluent with their facts and those who will need to review at home. We will take a Mad Minute each Monday to ensure that students are practicing and improving their fluency - this will help in their success in later chapters with multiplying and dividing large numbers. Also this week, students will review estimation along with addition and subtraction of large numbers.

Mark Your Calendar:

Sept. 11 - 5th Grade Curriculum Night (PV 7:00 p.m.)

Sept. 16 - Early Dismissal (11:00 a.m.)

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WELCOME TO A NEW SCHOOL YEAR!

Mrs. Strong "POPS" Up to 5th Grade!

I am excited to begin the year as part of the 5th grade team of teachers. 5th graders are in for a mind "popping" experience as they go through their final year at Prairieview. Remember that our Open House is on Monday, August 25th from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. See you soon!

CLASSROOM NEWS: WEEK OF JUNE 2

For Your Information:

Thank You, Chaperones!
We would like to thank Mrs. Calabria, Mrs. Foernssler, Mrs. Wozniak, Mrs. Schmidt, and Mrs. Brackett for joining us at the Museum of Science and Industry. We had fun viewing some of the exhibits, and we were successful at solving the mystery in the museum's crime lab.

Yearbooks Information
Yearbooks ordered by students earlier in the year will be handed out on June 5th. Any students who did not purchase a yearbook may do so on a first-come-first-serve basis on June 5th; they will go on sale after morning announcements. The cost will be $10.00 and children wishing to purchase should have this exact amount. Checks can be made out to Prairieview. Please understand that there is a limited supply!


Subject Update:

• Spelling - No spelling!
• English/Writing - We will work to finish publishing our short stories.
• Reading - The students will be doing some reader's theater of fractured fairy tales. This will be a fun way to work on fluency and expression.
• Science - We will finish up some activities in our Forensics booklet.
• Social Studies - We will see if any students are able to label all 50 states on a map. This will be a fun challenge - there is no test planned!

Mark Your Calendar:

6/3: 4th Grade Bowling

6/4: All School Picnic and Games

6/5: Last Day of School (Dismissal 9:30 a.m.)

CLASSROOM NEWS: WEEK OF MAY 27

For Your Information:

Response To Intervention (RTI)
Center Cass School District #66 is in the process of implementing an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) mandate, Response to Intervention (RTI). RTI is an array of procedures that can be used to determine if and how students respond to specific changes in instruction. RTI provides an improved process and structure for school teams in designing, implementing, and evaluating educational interventions. Please look for the additional information on RTI, which will be included with your child’s end of the year Report Card.


Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 35: Review of Lessons 28-34
• English/Writing - We will be finishing up the process of drafting, revising, and editing our stories. We hope to start publishing and illustrating our stories as well.
• Reading - The students did a wonderful job discussing the story, Doing Time Online. I was amazed at some of the thought-provoking questions and comments made by students about the characters and events of the book. We will be doing some other reading activities to reinforce and review the skills we learned during the year.
• Science - We have started to learn about forensic science. Our field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry's Crime Lab will allow us to put some of these skills to work.
• Social Studies - We will highlight some of the exciting places in the Western region of the United States. Look for the yellow hand-out in your child's binder announcing where we will be and how to dress!

Mark Your Calendar:

5/26: No School (Memorial Day)

5/28: Museum of Science and Industry Field Trip

5/30: Favorite (Appropriate) T-Shirt Day!

6/3: 4th Grade Bowling

6/4: All School Picnic and Games

6/5: Last Day of School

CLASSROOM NEWS: WEEK OF MAY 19

For Your Information:

Flat Stanley Adventures
Our Flat Stanleys were expected back by Friday, May 16th, but I know that many students have not yet received them. Please be sure to bring your Stanleys to school when they make their way back so we can all hear about his many adventures with family and friends.

Boxtop Pizza Reward Party!
Our class has once again earned the pizza reward party for the most Boxtops for Education collected in 4th Grade!! We will be having our pizza lunch on Friday, May 23.



Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 34: Words with suffixes -ment and -ness
• English/Writing - Students are working on some creative writing. We have organized our ideas on a story map and have met in small groups to get some feedback on those ideas. Now we are adding in the interesting details as we work on rough drafts of our stories.
• Reading - We are currently reading a novel entitled, "Doing Time Online." The students will be completing a "Book Discussion Sheet" once we finish reading this story. The discussion worksheet includes various skills worked on throughout the year such as summarizing, connecting, and predicting. The sheet will also help prepare students for a group discussion about the book. Students have copies of the worksheet so that they understand what will be expected and can start "jotting" down some ideas they might use on it.
• Science - The students made a model of a fuse to demonstrate how it would "break" the flow of electricity if there was a problem within the circuit. We discussed that most homes now have circuit breakers to stop the flow of electricity if there is a problem. I have encouraged students to ask parents to show them the fuse box or circuit breaker in their homes. We will finish our unit by learning how electricity is measured in kilowatts. The Electricity Test is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21!
• Social Studies - We will be working on the Southwest section of our scrapbooks to learn more about the region.
• Accelerated Math - The students will be reviewing ratios, percent, and probability. There will be a "Ratio, Percent, and Probability Review" given on Thursday, May 22.

Mark Your Calendar:

5/19: Robert Crown Field Trip

5/20: Indian Prairie Library Summer Program Information

5/23: Red, White, and Blue Spirit Day!

5/23: Mrs. Strong's Boxtop Pizza Reward Party!

5/23: Prairieview Music Concert (1:15 p.m.)

5/26: No School (Memorial Day)

5/28: Museum of Science and Industry Field Trip

CLASSROOM NEWS: WEEK OF MAY 12

For Your Information:

Thank You, Helpers!
Thanks to the Hartenberger and Kozlowski families for providing the popcorn and drinks for the reward party. The students enjoyed these treats while watching a funny video about electricity.

Don't Forget - Robert Crown Information Meeting
The informational parent meeting about the Robert Crown field trip is Monday, May 12 from 7-8:00 p.m. at Prairieview. Even if you did not respond on the permission slip that you would attend, please come if you are interested!

More Thanks
Thanks to all of the families who helped in some way to create an amazing Teacher Appreciation Week. Most of all, thank you to those students who took the time to write a quick note of thanks to me - those are the most precious thank yous to receive!!


Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 33: Words with -tion
• English/Writing - The students will review pronouns early in the week in order to prepare for the Unit 6 Pronouns Test on Wednesday, May 14!
• Reading - We will finish our unit on fantasy. The students will take the fantasy theme test on Monday, May 12. Please remember that this is not a "test" for which students can prepare. The classroom work and discussions should have prepared students for this final activity.
• Science - The students will distinguish between series and parallel circuits. Then we will create a model of a fuse.
• Social Studies - We will review about the environment of the Southwest. The Chapter 10 Test is scheduled for Thursday, May 15! The students know that the Southwest Map will be the last section of this test. The students received a practice map for review at home.
• Accelerated Math - The students have been learning how to calculate perimeter, area, and volume. Students should know how to accurately label for these measurements.

Mark Your Calendar:

5/12: Robert Crown Parent Information Meeting (7-8 p.m. at PV)

5/15: Beginning Band Concert (7:00 p.m. at LV)

5/16: Favorite Book Character Day!

5/16: Character Counts Assembly

5/19: Robert Crown Field Trip

CLASSROOM NEWS: WEEK OF MAY 5

For Your Information:

Classroom Reward Earned!
The class has earned a video/popcorn party! They filled the marble jar for all of the compliments they have received about good behavior. Nice job, class! If anyone would like to help out by contributing popcorn or juice pouches, please email or call me by the end of the day Monday.

Summer School Courses
Check out the information about summer school courses which is currently posted on the district website. Be sure to check out all the exciting opportunities for students. Registration is due in the school office by May 9th!


Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 32: Words spelled with consonant + le
• English/Writing - The students are now learning about pronouns. We will learn about the correct usage of pronouns "I" and "me," using possessive pronouns to replace possessive nouns, and contractions. We will also distinguish the difference between such homophones as "your" and "you're."
• Reading - We will continue the genre of fantasy. We will read an interesting story entitled, "The Stranger."
• Science - The students should review activities #1-8 in their Electricity booklets to prepare for a quiz on Tuesday, May 6th! Then we will assemble circuits with different kinds of battery arrangements to determine how it affects the brightness of the bulb, create a model of a switch to demonstrate how it opens and closes a circuit, and construct a circuit puzzle.
• Social Studies - We will continue to learn about the environment of the Southwest. We will read about the arid climate of the deserts in this region.
• Accelerated Math - The students will create some circle and line segment designs to enrich our understanding of geometry. Then we will learn the differences between perimeter, area, and volume.

Mark Your Calendar:

5/5 - 5/9: Teacher Appreciation Week

5/12: Robert Crown Parent Information Meeting (7-8 p.m. at PV)

5/15: Beginning Band Concert (7 p.m. at LV)

5/16: Character Counts Assembly

CLASSROOM NEWS

For Your Information:

Reminder to Check Student Progress
Tuesday, April 22 marked the midpoint of the 3rd Trimester. If you have not done so already, please check your student's progress on Parent Connect. Your child's current grades are an indication of how he/she is listening, following directions, completing work, and preparing for tests. Please contact me if you have questions or concerns regarding your child's progress.

Boxtops for Education
The last turn-in day for boxtops is April 30!! At the last count, our class was in the lead for another pizza party for having the most boxtops collected. Let's get all those boxtops in to keep the lead and win that pizza party!


Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 31: Plural possessive nouns
• English/Writing - The students will do some descriptive writing to put our knowledge of adjectives to work. Then we will move on to pronouns.
• Reading - We will send off our Flat Stanleys to have some fun adventures with family and friends. We look forward to reading our reply letters in May. Until then, we will continue to read fantasy stories to identify parts that are realistic and parts that make it fantasy.
• Science - The students will learn about the filament inside a light bulb, identify materials that are conductors and insulators, and learn symbols used to make circuit diagrams.
• Social Studies - We are working on finishing the Midwest section of our scrapbooks so that we can move on to the Southwest region of the United States.
• Accelerated Math - We will finish up the chapter learning about circles and solid figures. The Chapter 7 Test is scheduled for Friday, May 2! Students can prepare by reviewing the information in their Geometry packets and working through the "Extra Practice" sections in the textbook at the end of Chapter 7.

Mark Your Calendar:

4/30: Boxtops for Education Final Turn-in Day!

5/5 - 5/9: Teacher Appreciation Week

5/12: Robert Crown Parent Information Meeting (7 - 8:00 p.m. at PV)

5/15: Beginning Band Concert (7:00 p.m. at LV)

5/16: Character Counts Assembly

CLASSROOM NEWS

For Your Information:

Open House/Book Fair - Thanks For Visiting!
Thank you to all of the families who were able to visit the classrooms and book fair Thursday evening. It was wonderful to see so many of you and share some of the things we have been working on in the classroom. Also, thank you for your generosity towards new books for the classroom. I had fun selecting many new titles for our library!

Mrs. Strong's Big News
As you have probably heard from your students, I will be joining the 5th grade team next year. I am very excited (and a little nervous) about this change and the opportunities and challenges it will bring. I look forward to being able to see my current students in the hallways everyday, and perhaps in my classroom again!


Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 30: Singular possessive nouns
• English/Writing - The students have been busy learning about adjectives. The Unit 4 Adjectives Test is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22!
• Reading - We will be reading fantasy stories next week. In a fantasy story, there are characters, settings, and/or events that could not happen in real life.
• Science - The students are learning ways to make a bulb light using a battery, bulb, and wire. Ask your child what has to happen in order to make the bulb light.
• Social Studies - The "Just Look" books about famous Illinoisans turned out great! Next week, we will be working on finishing the Midwest section of our scrapbooks.
• Accelerated Math - The students will be completing a Chapter 7 Homework Review in class on Tuesday, April 22. This will be open book/notes, but students may want to prepare by looking over the notes we have taken so far about geometry.

Mark Your Calendar:

4/22: 3rd Trimester Midpoint - Check Student Progress on ParentConnect

4/24: Early Dismissal (11:00 a.m.)

4/25: Decade Spirit Wear Day - Dress For Your Favorite Decade!

CLASSROOM NEWS

For Your Information:

Poetry Coffee House a Huge Success!
Thanks to Mrs. Foernssler and Mrs. Kozlowski who helped to provide treats and drinks for our Coffee House enjoyment. Also, thanks to all who shared a bit of rhythm and rhyme with us. It was neat to hear so many different kinds of poems with such expression and enthusiasm!

Lunch Ticket Orders
Students should be ordering lunch tickets on Mondays if they want to eat school lunches. They should not be visiting the office each morning for tickets. If for some reason a student runs out of tickets and does need to purchase a ticket in the morning, the student must have exactly $2.25. Tickets will not be given if a student does not have this exact amount! If you have questions or concerns about this school policy, please contact the Prairieview office.

Prairieview Open House and Book Fair
Please make time Thursday, April 17th between 6:45 - 8:30 p.m. to visit the Spring Open House and Book Fair at Prairieview School. The students will have their inventions on display as well as several other items to view that evening. See you there!


Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 29: Words with prefixes -mis and -dis
• English/Writing - The students are learning about adjectives. Next week we will learn how to compare things using these desciptive words.
• Reading - We will finish up our study of inventors and inventions. Don't forget that the students' inventions will be on display at the "Invention Convention" at the Open House/Book Fair on Thursday evening!
• Science - The students will be starting our next hands-on science kit about electricity. We will enjoy "Mr. Lee's Science Magic," a fantastic program about all aspects of electricity on Thursday, April 17th!
• Social Studies - We will finish our "Just Look" books about famous Illinoisans and continue to learn about the history of Illinois. We will learn more about pioneers and how they had to be self-sufficient when traveling and living in the Midwest.
• Accelerated Math - The students will be learning about different types of polygons, triangles, and quadrilaterals.

Mark Your Calendar:

4/17: Mr. Lee's Science Magic Electricity Program

4/17: Prairieview Open House/Book Fair (6:45 - 8:30 p.m.)

4/18: Rock Band Spirit Day!

CLASSROOM NEWS

For Your Information:

Poetry Corner Cafe Invitation
All families of Mrs. Strong's students received an invitation to the Poetry Corner Cafe earlier this week. I hope that many of you are able to join us for an afternoon of rhythm and rhyme on Friday, April 11th from 1:00-2:15 p.m. Remember that everyone should RSVP by Wednesday, April 9th to "reserve a table" at the cafe. Dress in black, grab your shades, and be ready for some particularly poetic fun!


Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 28: Words with prefixes un- and in-
• English/Writing - The students will review their poetry folders to make sure they are ready to turn in after the Poetry Corner Cafe on Friday, April 11th! Students should also have at least one of their own poems selected to share at the cafe. Next week in class, we will start learning about adjectives.
• Reading - We have been reading about all sorts of inventions created to solve problems or fulfill people's needs. Students will be thinking about and creating their own inventions next week.
• Science- The students will complete the Earth Science unit by learning about the rock cycle. The Earth Science Test is scheduled for Thursday, April 10th!!
• Social Studies - We will continue to focus on Illinois history in the classroom. Remember that famous Illinoisan research should be completed at home. Page 1 (paragraphs about the famous person's childhood and education) should be written, edited by a parent, and ready to type at school on Monday, April 7th! Looking ahead, students should have Page 2 ready for Wednesday, April 9th and Page 3 ready for Friday, April 11th. Please note that the typing, picture of famous Illinoisan, and booklet assembly will be completed at school.
• Accelerated Math - The students will take the Chapter 8 Test covering multiplication and division of decimals on Tuesday, April 8th! Then we will move on to the exciting world of geometry.

Mark Your Calendar:

4/11: Baseball Spirit Wear!

4/11: Poetry Corner Cafe (1:00 - 2:15 p.m.)

4/17: Mr. Lee's Science Magic (Electricity Program)

4/17: Prairieview Spring Open House/Book Fair (6:45 - 8:30 p.m.)

4/18: Rock Band Spirit Wear!

CLASSROOM NEWS

For Your Information:

Dr. Tiede 's Visit to 4th Grade
Dr. Tiede visited each grade level this past Tuesday to share his love of reading with Prairieview students. He read selected items from the Chicago Tribune to show that examples of the six pillars of character can be found everywhere.

Spring Break Reading
Since the students will not be given homework during Spring Break, please take the opportunity to share a book with your child. Try to read together for about 20 minutes each night, then have your child summarize, make connections, predict, and discuss the characters with you. If you happen to discover a great book, encourage your child to share it with the class when we return!


Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 26: Review of lessons 19-25
• English/Writing - The students will write limerick, diamante, and free verse poetry.
• Reading - We made a change in our reading plans this past week. Instead of starting fantasy, we read a story about problem solving. This story showed us that we may need to try many different ideas before we find a solution to a problem. This lesson about problem solving is a nice introduction to inventors and inventions. We will read more about inventors and inventions after Spring Break.
• Science - The students will learn how rocks break down into sediments which can form into sedimentary rocks. Then we will learn how heat and pressure deep inside the earth can make rocks change form into metamorphic rocks.
• Social Studies - As we continue our study of the Midwest, we will focus on the people and history of our own state of Illinois. Students will receive information about a famous Illinoisan research project on Monday, March 31!
• Accelerated Math - The students will review multiplication of decimals before moving on to division of decimals.
  

Mark Your Calendar:

3/21 - 3/30: No School (Spring Break!)

4/2: Amazing Animals Assembly

4/4: Prairieview School Spirit Day!

CLASSROOM NEWS

For Your Information:

ISAT Testing Update
We had to make some adjustments to our original ISAT schedule, so we have completed all of our testing!! The students were very cooperative and worked hard all week - they should be commended for their efforts!

Horton Hears A Who! Fundraiser
I hope many of you will be attending the district fundraiser this Sunday. I plan to be there from 12:00-1:00 to do face painting. Stop by to check out my "artistic" work!


Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 25: Words ending with -ture
• English/Writing - The students will continue to create their own poetry. We will be writing haiku, quatrain, and concrete poems.
• Reading - We will be starting a unit on fantasy. In this genre, there are characters, settings, and/or events that cannot happen in real life. We will be identifying parts of the story that are realistic, as well as parts of the story that make it fantasy.
• Science - The students have learned how igneous rocks form by the cooling of fire-hot magma from deep inside the earth. Next we will distinguish between the three types of volcanoes.
• Social Studies - The students have been learning about the states and water areas of the Midwest. There is a Midwest Map Test scheduled for Tuesday, March 18th! The students were given extra practice maps to help them prepare this weekend. Also, we have read about the waterways, landforms, and farms of this region. The Chapter 8 Test is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19th!
• Accelerated Math - The students will be learning how to multiply and divide decimals in Chapter 8.

Mark Your Calendar:

3/14: No School

3/20: March Madness Spirit Day - Wear your favorite team's colors or spirit wear!

3/21 - 3/30: No School - Spring Break!

CLASSROOM NEWS

For Your Information:

ISAT Testing Suggestions
Next week we will be taking ISAT tests. It is important that your children arrive at school on time! We will be conducting all tests first thing in the morning. Also, it may be helpful to talk about testing with your children. You might ask about some of the activities we have done in preparation, and encourage them to put forth their best efforts.

Conferences
Although conferences have only been scheduled by parent or teacher request this trimester, please remember that you may contact me at any time to discuss the progress of your child.


Subject Update:

• Spelling - No lesson next week - ISAT Testing!
• English/Writing - The students will be creating their own poetry as we learn about many special kinds of poetry. We will start with acrostic, couplet, and cinquain poems.
• Reading - We will be catching up on some current events by reading and discussing some articles in "Time For Kids" magazine.
• Science - The students have learned a lot about minerals. Since all rocks are composed of 2 or more minerals, we will now learn about the 3 different types of rocks . We will start by looking at igneous rocks. These rocks are created by the cooling of magma.
• Social Studies - We will be learning about the Badlands of South Dakota and how they have changed over time.
• Accelerated Math - The students will be completing the 3 math sections of ISATs in their math classrooms, but no lessons will be taught during the week.

Mark Your Calendar:

3/10 - 3/13: Parent/Teacher Conferences

3/10 - 3/18: ISAT Testing

3/13: Spirit Day - Wear Green for St. Patrick's Day!

3/14: No School

CLASSROOM NEWS

For Your Information:

Field Trip Thanks
Thank you to Mrs. Calabria for joining us on our field trip to the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art. The students enjoyed learning more about rocks and minerals, and were fascinated by the hand-carved art of cut and polished stone. Also, many students found some neat souvenirs at the gift shop.

Reminder about Conferences
2nd trimester conferences will be held the week of March 10th. These conferences are only scheduled if a parent or teacher makes a request for one. If you would like to arrange a meeting with any of your child's teachers, please contact the teacher(s) directly. I will be contacting parents from my homeroom and math class in the next week if I feel there is a need for a conference.

Family Book Club Night
You don't want to miss out on this wonderful opportunity to read and discuss a book with your child and others. Registration information went home Thursday about the date, time, and book choices.


Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 24: Forming plurals with -es
• English/Writing - The students will be working on writing responses to a variety of reading passages. The work we did earlier in the year with expository writing should help students understand how to form a topic sentence to answer the response question, find facts in the text to use in support of their answer, and then elaborate or explain further about those facts.
• Reading - We will be completing more reading activities in ISAT format. We will do some more functional reading (newspapers, recipes, advertisements, directions, etc.) as well.
• Science - The students will conduct the streak, vinegar, magnet, specific gravity, and cleavage tests for the 13 minerals. These test results will help us identify the names of the minerals.
• Social Studies - We will be traveling to our own region of the United States - the Midwest! The students will complete a map to become familiar with the land and water areas of the region.
• Accelerated Math - The students will be working on problem solving in ISAT format. We will practice writing short and long responses.

Mark Your Calendar:

2/29: End of 3rd Trimester

3/3: No School (Casmir Pulaski Day)

3/10 - 3/13: Parent-Teacher Conferences Week

3/10 - 3/18: ISAT Testing

CLASSROOM NEWS

For Your Information:

Field Trip Reminder!!
We are going to the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art on Wednesday, February 27th. Since we are leaving for the museum during our regularly scheduled lunch time, we will be eating lunch in the classroom. Please make sure your student has a sack lunch on that day!

2nd Trimester Conference Requests
2nd Trimester Conferences will be held the week of March 10th. These conferences are only scheduled if a teacher or parent makes a request for one. If you would like to arrange a meeting with any of your child's teachers for a 2nd trimester conference, please contact the teacher(s) directly to schedule a date and time. I will be contacting parents from my homeroom and math class in the next 2 weeks if I feel there is the need for a conference.


Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 23: Words spelled with -tch and -ch
• English/Writing - The students will learn about two more literary techniques: alliteration and hyperbole. There is a quiz covering all of the language skills (yellow section of the poetry folder) on Friday, February 29!
• Reading - We will be doing various activities to begin preparing for the ISAT tests in March. It is helpful for students to practice responding to their reading in the same format that is expected on the tests.
• Science - The students are learning all about minerals. We are testing 13 different minerals for such things as color, texture, luster, and hardness.
• Social Studies - The Chapter 7 Test is scheduled for Tuesday, February 26!! Then we will complete the last page of our Southeast scrapbook section.
• Accelerated Math - The students have learned how to add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers. Ask your child about the short-cut strategy I showed them - just another way we can add or subtract fractions. Next we will learn how to multiply and divide fractions and mixed numbers.

Mark Your Calendar:

2/27: Lizzadro Museum Field Trip (SACK LUNCH!!)

2/28: Spring Pictures

2/29: Backwards Shirt Day!

2/29: End of 2nd Trimester

3/3: No School (Casmir Pulaski Day)

CLASSROOM NEWS

For Your Information:

Thank You Valentine's Day Helpers
Thanks to all of the parents who helped to create a fun-filled Valentine's Day Party for our classroom. Mrs. Calabria, Mrs. Schmidt, Mrs. Burr, and Mrs. Foernssler planned some neat games, and Mrs. Garza and Mrs. Foernssler provided tasty treats and drinks. Mrs. Mateja and Miss Luszcak joined the festivities as well.


Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 22: Words ending in -dge or -ge
• English/Writing - The students will be learning about different literary techniques such as simile, imagery, and onomatopoeia.
• Reading - We will be finishing the book, "Sarah, Plain and Tall." The students will be completing a "concertina" booklet in class which will include a book summary, information about the main characters, connection to the text, and a prediction about what would happen if the story were to continue.
• Science - We are starting our next hands-on science kit about Earth Science. Each student has received a booklet entitled, "Crystal and the Geologist," which will serve as the text for this unit of study.
• Social Studies - The students have learned a lot of information about the early Southeast. We have had some wonderful discussions about slavery, the Civil War, segregation, and the Civil Rights Movement. Next, we will learn how the cities of the Southeast have grown and changed over time.
• Accelerated Math - The students have been adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers with common denominators. They have also learned how to add and subtract fractions when the denominators are not the same. Next week, we will take it one step further to add and subtract mixed numbers with unlike denominators.

Mark Your Calendar:

2/18: No School (President's Day)

2/22: Six Flags Six Hour Reading Club sheets due!

2/22: Clash Day!

2/27: Lizzadro Museum Field Trip

2/28: Spring Pictures

2/29: End of 2nd Trimester

CLASSROOM NEWS

For Your Information:

IOWA Testing Week
Please remember that IOWA testing will be held next week. Please make sure students get plenty of sleep and nutritious meals so that they can put forth their best efforts.


Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 21: 1+1+1 words and silent -e words with endings *There will be no spelling pretest or final test over the words in order to alleviate some of the work during IOWA testing week. The students will simply practice the spellings of the words through the homework assignments given.
• English/Writing - The students will perform their chosen poems on Tuesday, February 12! Please use the Poetry Performance Grader (back side of the pink hand-out given to students) to provide feedback to your child when he/she practices at home. It is also helpful for students to practice in front of a mirror.
• Reading - We are reading "Sarah, Plain and Tall" and learning quite a bit about life in the 1800's. Ask your child to tell you a few differences between life long ago and life today.
• Science - The class will review all of the simple machines and the important ideas from the different activities completed. The Machines and Motion Unit Test is scheduled on Wednesday, February 13!
• Social Studies - We will continue to read about the explorers and settlements of the Southeast.
• Accelerated Math - The students will learn about adding and subtracting fractions in Chapter 10. *Kevin's group had the highest score for the problem solving contest - nice teamwork! We will discuss those results in more detail on Monday.

Mark Your Calendar:

2/11 - 2/15: IOWA Testing

2/14: Wear Red for Valentine's Day Week

2/14: Valentine's Day Party

CLASSROOM NEWS

For Your Information:

Snow Day
I hope everyone enjoyed the very snowy Friday off from school! It was nice to stay safe at home and have fun in the winter wonderland outdoors!

Request From the Office
Please remember to send information, permission forms, lunch ticket orders, etc. to school in an envelope clearly labeled with the student's name, teacher's name, and brief description of contents. Thank you in advance for your help!


Subject Update:

• Spelling - No lesson this week!
• English/Writing - The students have received directions for a "poetry performance" on Tuesday, February 12! Once students have chosen their poems, it may be helpful for them to perform for a parent and receive feedback. Please refer to the Poetry Grader on the backside of the directions given to students.
• Reading - We will be reading "Sarah, Plain and Tall" by Patricia MacLachlan. This historical fiction novel will help us practice summarizing and making connections. It will also help us develop book discussion skills for Book Clubs we do later in the year.
• Science - The students will learn about wheels, gears, and fixed pulleys.
• Social Studies - We will be reading about the early explorers and settlements of the Southeast. We will also work on some of the "travel stops" in our scrapbooks.
• Accelerated Math - The students reviewed prime and composite numbers, GCF, LCM, relating fractions and decimals, equivalent fractions, lowest terms, comparing and ordering fractions, and working with improper fractions and mixed numbers. The Chapter 9 Test is scheduled for Wednesday, February 6!

Mark Your Calendar:

2/5: No School (Teacher Institute Day)

2/6: Character Counts Assembly

2/7: Early Dismissal (11:00 a.m.)

2/8: Prairieview School Spirit Wear Day!

2/8: District Spelling Bee (1:15 p.m.)

2/11 - 2/15: IOWA Testing

CLASSROOM NEWS

For Your Information:

Reminder to Check Student Progress
Be sure to check on your student's 2nd trimester progress. If you have any problems reviewing your child's grades through "ParentConnect," please contact me for a paper progress report.

Classroom Spelling Bee Winners
Congratulations to the winner Conner and Anthony as the runner-up in our Classroom Spelling Bee!! These two students will represent our classroom in the 4th Grade Spelling Bee on Friday, February 1.

Winter Party Reminder
Don't forget to bring skates, sleds, and anything else to make a day of outdoor fun on Saturday! I know we will all have a wonderful time - see you there!


Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 20: 1+1+1 words and endings that begin with consonants
• English/Writing - The students will review all about verbs. The Unit 3 Verbs Test is scheduled for Wednesday, January 30! Then we will work on our public speaking skills as we "perform" some poetry.
• Reading - We will continue reading poetry to find poems that tell stories, send messages, share feelings, and start us wondering.
• Science - The students are learning about levers, inclined planes, screws, and wedges. Machines Quiz #2 (over activities #8A-10B) is scheduled for Friday, February 1! Students can prepare by reviewing the highlighted information or ideas in their blue Machines and Motion booklet.
• Social Studies - We will continue our "travels" of the Southeast as we learn about the people and history of the region in Chapter 7.
• Accelerated Math - The students will complete a homework review worksheet in class on Monday. Then we will learn about finding prime factors, equivalent fractions, and lowest terms (or simplest form).
  

Mark Your Calendar:

1/26: Mrs. Strong's Winter Party (1:00-3:00 p.m.)

2/1: Favorite Pro-Football Team Spirit Day!

2/1: 4th Grade Spelling Bee (9:15 a.m.)

2/5: No School (Teacher Institute Day)

2/6: Character Counts Assembly

2/7: Early Dismissal (11:00 a.m.)

2/8: District Spelling Bee (1:15 p.m.)

CLASSROOM NEWS

For Your Information:

Thank You, Parent Volunteers!!
Thanks to Mrs. Calabria, Mrs. Mateja, Mrs. Murphy, and Mrs. Wozniak for helping during our Wheels, Levers, and Pulleys program. Thank you also to Mrs. Thiel, Mrs. Ivanova, and Mrs. Brackett for providing popcorn and drinks for our classroom reward party.

Time to Check Student Grades
It is now half-way through the 2nd trimester and time to check on the progress of your student. Remember, if you are unable to access this information through the district website's "ParentConnect," please contact me.

Spelling Bee Timeline
Our classroom will hold two spelling bees - a practice and an official bee. The practice classroom spelling bee will be held on Wednesday, January 23rd. The official classroom bee will be held on Friday, January 25th. The top 2 spellers in our official classroom spelling bee will go on to represent our class in the 4th Grade Spelling Bee on Friday, February 1st. Good luck, spellers!

Winter Party Invitation!
Please notice the invitation to a Winter Party at Mrs. Strong's home scheduled for Saturday, January 26th! You need to RSVP by Thursday, January 24th - I hope everyone is able to come and enjoy the day with me.


Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 19: 1+1+1 words and endings -ed and -ing (We will skip Lesson 18.)
• English/Writing - The students are learning about irregular verb forms. Next week, we will learn about using being verbs in the present and past tense, form contractions with verbs, and recognize when we need to keep verbs in the same tense in our writing.
• Reading - We will have a Vocabulary Quiz over the 20 words from our realistic fiction unit on Wednesday, January 23rd! We will also start a poetry unit. We will begin by reading many different poems to discover, "What do poems do?"
• Science - The students will experiment with inclined planes and screws to find out how these simple machines can be used to make work easier or faster.
• Social Studies - We will review about the Southeast environment. The Chapter 6 Test is scheduled for Thursday, January 24th!
• Accelerated Math - The students have started Chapter 9 about fractions.

Mark Your Calendar:

1/21: No School (M. L. King, Jr. Day)

1/22: Midpoint 2nd Trimester - Check student grades!

1/23: Practice Classroom Spelling Bee

1/23: "Life on the Plains" Program

1/25: Official Classroom Spelling Bee

1/26: Mrs. Strong's Winter Party

CLASSROOM NEWS

For Your Information:

Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a healthy, restful Winter Break. We should be ready to work hard in 2008 as we continue to prepare for 5th grade in the fall!!!

Classroom Reward Party
The students have earned a reward party for showing good character. They will enjoy a short video and popcorn Thursday, January 17. Are there any parents willing to send in a few large bags of popcorn and/or juice pouches for us? Please email or send a note by Tuesday.


Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 17: Review of lessons 10-16
• English/Writing - The students are busy learning about verbs. We have learned that verbs can be in the past, present, or future tense. Next week, we will be reviewing some of our spelling rules in order to use verbs in the present and past tenses.
• Reading - We will be finishing our unit with realistic fiction stories. The students will take the Realistic Fiction Theme Test on Tuesday. Please remember that the activities we have completed in class should have prepared students - they do not study for this type of test.
• Science - The students have learned about forces, work, and energy. There is a Machines and Motion Quiz scheduled for Tuesday, January 15th! The students should review the highlighted material in their blue "Machines and Motion" booklets to prepare for the quiz.
• Social Studies - We will be reading about the resources found in the Southeast region of the United States. The Southeast Map Test is scheduled for Thursday, January 17th! The students have been taking practice tests in the classroom, but they should practice at home as well. Please remember that spelling and capitalization count!
• Accelerated Math - The students have been working on division of greater numbers by 2-digit divisors. There are many students who have found this to be difficult, so extra practice at home may be a good idea. The Chapter 6 Test is scheduled for Tuesday, January 15th!

Mark Your Calendar:

1/16: "Wheels, Levers, and Pulleys" DuPage Children's Museum Program (at PV)

1/18: Prairieview School Spirit Wear Day!

1/21: No School (M. L. King, Jr. Day)