The Putney Post
West Homer Elementary--5th Grade
Dates to Remember
May 13- Public Library Field Trip
May 15- Sandwich Book Report due
May 16- PTO Meeting 6:30pm in the Library
May 17- Landmark Exhibit due
May 17- Hornaday Park Field Trip
May 21- Parent Night 4:30-6:00
May 22- Last Day of School
Classroom Happenings
Oh my what a week! We had a fabulous time at Ageya's Wilderness Education Center. The kids were engaged in hands-on learning experiences for three solid days. Students treated one another with respect and had an all-around great time! We made bird feeders, plant salves, and animal track casts as a closure to our plant, animal tracking, and bird units. Everyone participated in the food preparation and clean-up. We roughed the deep snow and damp conditions. I could go on and on about the many incredible moments we had this week. Instead, I have tried to capture some of our trip in pictures and would highly encourage you to sit down with your fifth grader and debrief the experience with them.
What's Next?
Next week students will be planning their research papers. Students will categorize their notecards and then plan the introduction, body and conclusion of their research paper. After completing an outline, students will begin drafting their body paragraphs. By the end of the week all three body paragraphs should be written and peer edited.
In reading students will begin reading Bud, Not Buddy By: Christopher Paul Curtis. The reading skills of visualizing and sequencing of events will be taught in the context of the partner reading experiences. Students will also continue their weekly vocabulary routine of defining the words, finding antonyms and synonyms, writing sentences, and categorizing the words based upon their meaning.
In math we will conclude our unit on multiplying and dividing fractions. Students will participate in review stations and then take the Unit 5 Test. On Tuesday students will have the privilege of participating in a Spontaneous Problem with the school's Quest teacher: Suzanne Haines. The learning opportunity provided by Ms. Haines encourages creative problem solving and teamwork skills.
In social studies students will continue their exploration of the American Revolution. Students will learn about six prominent Loyalists and Patriots and record these leaders' viewpoints on whether the American colonies should declare independence. The unit will end with a panel debate between the Loyalists and Patriots. Students will hold a lively discussion on whether or not to declare independence.
Parent Survey
http://westhomerelementary.blogs.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/wpmu/
Please visit the site above and complete the parent survey. This is a school wide survey conducted by our school principal. Your input is greatly appreciated.
Note: There are four surveys. Each survey is 10 questions long.
Quarter 4 Research Project: Historical Landmarks
How is the landmark exhibit coming along? I am willing to support your child's at-home work in any way that is helpful. Please let me know if questions arise.
Author Visit: Phillip Hoose
Date: Saturday, May 11th
Time: 11:00am
Location: Homer Public Library
Phillip Hoose will stop by the library with his guitar for a free family program of song and story. The author of many books, includeing the picture book Hey, Little Ant, Hoose will be the keynote speaker at this years Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival.
All West Homer Library books are due! Please send them to school with your child ASAP. Thank you!
Sandwich Book Report
On May 15 we will be having a book celebration! While eating Subway sandwiches, students will share their completed Sandwich Book Reports. After everyone has presented their book report to the class, students will share their top reads during their fifth grade year. Students will be asked to bring in 1-3 books they read during 5th grade that they absolutely loved. During the party each student will develop a summer reading list. It is my hope that students will find new books they want to read over the summer while listening to their peers share a book that they read and loved. In order to cover the cost of the Subway sandwiches I am asking each child to bring in $3.00.
Volunteer Finger Food Buffet
An invitation to all WHE Volunteers
Friday, May 10th 8:30-3:30
In order to show our gratitude, WHE teachers will be providing a buffet of finger foods to enjoy throughout the day this coming Friday. All volunteers are invited to come and enjoy! We thank you for the ways you support the learning and success of our school.
Homer Summer Youth Soccer
Little Feet (ages 3-6)
Starting May 28 @ Paul Banks 11am
Recreational Soccor (ages 5-12)
Starting May 28 @ West Homer
Competitive Team Soccer (ages 10-16)
To register go to homersoccer.com
For questions meail homersoccer@gmail.com
IXL Math Practice
Spelling and Vocabulary Practice
http://www.spellingcity.com/eputney/
Play games and get extra practice with our weekly spelling and vocabulary words on SpellingCity.com. If you need your child's password please let me know!