May 2015

May 2015

This month began with a bang and is moving along at a rapid pace.

Important Dates
Friday, May 1, 2015: NWEA Math assessment, 9-10 AM
Tuesday, May 5, 2015: 1st Region states and capital test
    New England, Mid-Atlantic, and South Atlantic (17)
Tuesday, May 5, 2015: NWEA Reading assessment, 1-2 PM
Tuesday, May 12, 2015: 2nd week, Region and states and capital test
    Midwest and Central (10 states)
Wednesday, May 13, 2015: Instrumental Music Concert Day performance
Friday, May 15, 2015: NWEA Reading assessment, 9-10 AM (rescheduled)
Tuesday, May 19, 2015: 3rd week, Region- states and capital test
     South Central and Southwest states (11)
Tuesday, May 26, 2015: 4th week, Region-states and capital test
     Rocky Mountain, Pacific States and our country's capital (12)
Monday, May 18- Jun. 12, 2015: Health and Reproductive Unit Window begins
Friday, May 22, 2015: Unit 10, Using Data; Algebra Concepts and Skills

Dates to Know
Monday, May 11, 2015: Instrumental Music Concert, 6:30- 8 PM
Wednesday, May 13, 2015: 9:30- 11:30 AM, Tappan Visitation Field Trip, via bus
Monday, May 25, 2015: Memorial Day, No School

Metaphor Portrait Poems

This week the class reviewed metaphors while learning how to write portrait poems of living things.  I shared an original poem with the class as a way to inspire the class to write a portrait poem of a loved one or a living thing. Please share your reactions to your child's poem.  I cannot wait to hear your reactions to such thought-provoking poets. Please give him or her permission to post the poem on the blog.

Remembering a Creation of Beauty

By Avery Hubbard

A creation of a symbol of beauty

To see and remember

My symbol is my mother

Her eyes were roasted hazel nuts

Sending encouraging messages to my soul

Her freckles were sprinkles of bronze dust

Barely there with an extraordinary presence

My mother’s skin was the sun setting in the west on a summer’s night

Giving a warm presence, layered with a melancholy feeling of a brief moment

The smile of my mother was as bright as the midday sun

It warmed everyone in her presence and reassured your fears

Her heart was a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow

Pouring showers of love and encouragement to people standing in the

Crossfire of the arrays of its light

The portrait of my mother,

A creation of a symbol of beauty

Yearbooks For Sale

A few extra yearbook are for sale in the office: the price is $15.

Health and Reproductive Education

This unit will cover:

1. Conflict Management
2. The Human Body
3. Human Sexuality
4. Substance Use and Abuse
5. Personal Health and Safety

You have a right to view all materials and handouts. You also have a right to excuse your child, without penalty, from participation in the human sexuality health unit.  If you choose to exercise this right please send the principal a written request by May 15, 2015.  Your child will be given alternative assignments.  You will always be notified prior to any instruction in human sexuality in future years as well, when your child goes on to middle and high school.  You may choose at any time to excuse your student.  If you choose to excuse your child from all future sexuality education classes at all levels at this time notification of this must be sent to the principal and to Rose Marie Callahan, Elementary Curriculum Coordinator of the Ann Arbor Public Schools by May 15, 2015.

Thank You

I cannot begin to say how wonderful it feels to be appreciated by some many of my students. I love the art of teaching and inspiring students to become better people. Your positive presence and support is the best gift ever for any teacher.