January 2016

January 2016

Important Dates

Thursday, January 21, 2016: EDM Unit 4 test
Tuesday, January 19, 2016: Chapter 7, test
Friday, January 22, 2016: Best or Worst colony persuasive (letter) essay is due

Dates to Remember

Monday, Jan. 18, 2016: No school, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Holiday
Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016: NWEA Math test @9:00 AM
Friday, Jan. 22, 2016: NWEA reading test @12:30 PM
Friday, Jan. 29, 2016: Winter Survival, 9:00 - 2:00 PM (Limited volunteers may attend)

Subjects at a Glance

Math: Students will be studying decimals and ordered number pairs.
Reading: Students are studying the genres of myth and legend, Traditional literature. Students are learning how to compare and contrast the two genres and understand the characteristics of both.  There is also an instructional focus on solving unknown/ new  words with the text. There are multiple strategies.
Writing: Students are have learned how to outline an persuasive letter (essay). Students have selected their favorite colony and our trying to persuade an old England citizen to move to a colony of their choice. 
Social Studies: Student are learning the 13 colonies and the three regions. 

Outdoor Recess

In Ann Arbor Public Schools, students are expected to dress for lunch recess daily. The only exceptions for a cancelled lunch or afternoon recess are temperatures below zero, negative wind chill temperatures, and rainy days. Please dress your child appropriately.

NWEA testing

This month, Students will be taking the NWEA test in math and reading for the mid-year progress. The progress is used to improve instruction. Students will be given gum and mints for each segment of the test. Be sure your child gets adequate rest prior to the test and avoid scheduling appointments during the scheduled test. In the event that your child must miss the scheduled assessment, notify myself in writing via email or a note.

Nightly Reading

I have noticed that student are either not reading or documenting their nightly reading of 30 or more minutes. Reading daily is a to improve and retain reading skills.

Winter Survival

Winter Survival is an outdoor all day field trip experiencing the pioneer experience and observing heat exchanges. Prior to the field trip, students are assigned groups and plan the entire meal. On the day of the trip students bring all necessary items.  Students learn how to build a fire from all natural environment materials. Believe it or not, the hardest part is not building the fire but staying warm. Students were assigned groups yesterday and today they designated group members to bring items.

Science Fair 

Science Fair is required. Students may have partners within the classroom or building. I am also permitting groups of 3 with close supervision.  A post will be made regarding the time of submission of the parts of science fair.