WEEK OF APRIL 2

Naper Settlement Notes
Thank you to Mrs. Scehovic, Mrs. Salvino, Mrs. Crandell, Mrs. Young, and Mr. Huang for chaperoning our field trip. The students learned a lot about life in the 1800's, and I think most of them prefer living with today's modern conveniences! Ask them about their souvenirs and experiences at the school, blacksmith shop, and other exhibits.

Subject Update:

• Spelling - The Lesson 26 pretest will be on Monday. Homework will be assigned during the week to practice their words. Both regular and challenge word tests are on Friday.
• English - Students will finish up their Me Front Page writing work, and then begin a grammar unit on verbs.
  
• Reading - We will continue learning about China as we use trade books, the Internet, and other resources to gather information. Students will begin work on a China travel brochure that will display their research findings. READING TIC-TAC-TOE PROGRAM: Students were reminded that the first Tic-Tac-Toe sheet is due April 4th!
  
• Science - Students will learn about different types of clouds and factors that affect the water cycle.
  
• Social Studies - We will begin Chapter 10 about forming a new government in America. The first lesson will focus on the Articles of Confederation and why this was a weak form of government.
  
• Mrs. Strong's Math Class - We will finish the chapter by learning how to solve algebraic equations involving addition and subtraction of fractions. The Chapter 5 Test is scheduled for Wednesday, April 4th!
  

Important Dates:

March 24 - April 1 - SPRING BREAK!

April 5 - Weather Man Bill Bellis Visits PV 5th Grade

April 6 - No School

April 10 - T.G.F.D. Graduation (8:15 a.m.)

April 12 - Spring Open House

WEEK OF MARCH 19

Naper Settlement Field Trip Notes
Our field trip to Naper Settlement is Friday, March 23. Please make sure your child packs a sack lunch and dresses appropriately for the weather on that day!

Subject Update:

• Spelling - The Lesson 25 pretest will be on Tuesday. Homework will be assigned during the week to practice their words. Both regular and challenge word tests are on Friday.
• English - Students will continue working on the writing and "publishing" of their Me Front Pages. The next "article" will be a major achievement story.
  
• Reading - Ni Hao! Hello from China! 5th graders will be learning about this interesting country in the weeks ahead as we use trade books, the Internet, and other resources to gather information. READING TIC-TAC-TOE PROGRAM: Students were given their Reading Tic-Tac-Toe sheets with my expectations along with the new Tic-Tac-Toe board. I reviewed my expectations and noted some changes from last trimester. Please ask your student to share this information with you!
  
• Science - Lesson 2 will us help understand the water cycle and some factors that affect it.
  
• Social Studies - The students have read about France and Spain coming to the aid of the Continental Army. The Chapter 9 Test is scheduled for Thursday, March 22!
  
• Mrs. Strong's Math Class - We will continue in Chapter 5 as we review how to divide fractions and learn how to solve addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division algebraic equations involving fractions.
  

Important Dates:

March 20 - No School (Teacher Institute)

March 23 - Naper Settlement Field Trip

March 24 - April 1 - SPRING BREAK!

April 5 - Weather Man Bill Bellis Visits PV 5th Grade

April 6 - No School

April 10 - T.G.F.D. Graduation (8:15 a.m.)

WEEK OF MARCH 12

ISAT Reminders
Please remember that students have one more test on Monday morning. It is important that students get enough sleep, a nutritious breakfast, and attend school on time. Thanks for following these guidelines to ensure your child's best performance. Also, thank you to the many parents who sent in healthy snacks and drinks to help us keep up our energy. The students have really appreciated it!

Too Good For Drugs Program
Please make sure you mark your calendar for Tuesday, April 10th - our Too Good For Drugs Graduation will be at 8:15 a.m. in our gym. Parents are invited to attend!
*Students have been given information about a final assignment for T.G.F.D.- a promise letter. Letters are due by Friday, March 16th!

Subject Update:

• Spelling - The Lesson 24 pretest will be on Tuesday. Based on the pretest, students will be given either the regular or challenge word lists. Homework will be assigned during the week to practice their words. Both regular and challenge word tests are on Friday.
• English - Students will continue their work with expository writing. We will also start another "article" for our Me Front Page project.
  
• Reading - The students will complete the reading of their assigned historical fiction novels. It is important that the daily assigned reading and role sheets are completed on time so they are prepared for their daily discussion group meetings! READING TIC-TAC-TOE PROGRAM: I will explain/distribute the forms for 3rd Trimester next week!
  
• Science - We will learn about the uneven heating of the Earth and how this contributes to the movement of local and prevailing winds.
  
• Social Studies - The students will read about the turning point of the Revolutionary War, the contributions of African Americans and women, and the hard winter for Washington and his men at Valley Forge.
  
• Mrs. Strong's Math Class - We will start Chapter 5 about multiplying and dividing fractions, as well as solving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division algebraic equations involving fractions.
  

Important Dates:

March 8 - No School

March 12 - Finish ISAT Testing

March 20 - No School (Teacher Institute)

March 23 - Naper Settlement Field Trip

WEEK OF MARCH 5

ISAT Reminders
Please remember that students begin ISAT testing bright and early Tuesday morning. It is important that students get enough sleep, a nutritious breakfast, and attend school on time. Thanks in advance for following these guidelines to ensure your child's best performance!

Too Good For Drugs Program
During our last sessions of T.G.F.D., Deputy Seward talked about the dangers of inhalants and played a game to review all of the information learned over the many weeks of the program. Students received a fact sheet about inhalants that should be shared and discussed with a parent.
*SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, April 10th is our Too Good For Drugs Graduation at 8:15 a.m. in our gym. Parents are invited to attend!
*Students will be given information about a final assignment for T.G.F.D.- a promise letter. Please look for this information next week!

3rd Trimester Tidbits
As we move into the final trimester of our year together, I wanted to remind students and parents about the importance of setting goals and keeping the homework routine in place. Many students tend to "lose steam" as we head into spring and nicer weather. Please keep in mind that our expectations increase during 3rd trimester as we prepare our students for Lakeview!
*3rd Trimester Late Homework Procedure:
1 day late = 25% grade deduction
2 or more days late (until unit is complete) = 50% grade deduction
Turned in after unit is completed = 0% earned

Subject Update:

• Spelling - Due to the short week, there will not be a spelling lesson.
  
• English - Students will continue their work with expository writing. Ask your child about the scrambled essays they had to organize with their small group. Were they successful?
  
• Reading - The students are now reading their assigned historical fiction novels. It is important that the daily assigned reading and role sheets are completed on time so they are prepared for their daily discussion group meetings!
  
• Science - We will learn more about weather as we understand the different layers of the Earth's atmosphere.
  
• Social Studies - The contributions of a wide variety of people helped the Continental Army win important battles in the Revolutionary War. Lesson 2 will tell us about these brave Patriots.
  
• Mrs. Strong's Math Class - Students will be taking the math portion of the ISAT tests in their math classrooms. We will begin Chapter 5 the week of March 12. It will teach about multiplying and dividing fractions, as well as solving addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division algebraic equations involving fractions.
  

Important Dates:

March 2 - End of 2nd Trimester - Grades Posted on GradeQuick

March 5 - No School (C. Pulaski Day)

March 5 - 8 - ISAT Testing and Spring Conferences

March 9 - No School