Amana Fifth Grade Newsletter
Friday, March 30, 2018
Des Moines Capitol Field Trip Tuesday, April 3 - Pick up at 4:30 pm
News from Ms. Hess
In math, we investigated how to multiply a whole number by a fraction, a fraction by a whole number, and a fraction by a fraction. We made models to explain why a fraction multiplied by another fraction will equal a product that is smaller than both factors.
In literacy, we have focused on historical literature that supports our learning of the Underground Railroad and the time period of slavery. We identified the main idea in the social studies chapter on the Dilemma of Slavery and put ourselves in the point of view of a West African in the 1700's. Students were asked to make difficult decisions about the Middle Passage, and life as a slave in the Southern Colonies.
In writing, we are continuing our research projects. Students have been collecting information and taking notes. Ask your child about their selected topic. Many students are completed with notetaking and are organizing their work into an outline. From there, they will begin drafting their five paragraph essay.
In science, we opened our new unit Earth, Sun, and Moon with an exploration of the planets. We organized objects in our solar system by diameter, by composition, temperature, and distance from the Sun. Next week, weather permitting, we will start to explore the sun and shadows!
Iowa Capitol - Des Moines Field Trip
Dear Parents,
On Tuesday, April 3rd fourth and fifth grade students will be traveling to Des Moines to visit the Iowa Capitol and the State Historical Museum. We will be leaving for the trip at 8:30 a.m. Because of the distance we are traveling, we will not return in time for students to catch the bus. Please make arrangements to have your child picked up at 4:30 near circle drive.
Our State Historical Museum tour is scheduled for 10:30 am, after which we will eat lunch at the Museum. Our Iowa Capitol tour begins at 12:30pm.
Students will have the option to bring a sack lunch from home or they may sign up for a school sack lunch. Please discuss these options with your child. We will need to notify the food service staff of this decision by Monday, March 19.
Students may bring electronic devices for the bus ride. These will be locked in the bus while we are on our field trip. Students are expected to be responsible for these items.
Please let your child’s teacher know if you plan on joining us for the field trip. We welcome your attendance. In the past parents have carpooled and met us in Des Moines.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
We are looking forward to a fun day!
Heather Hess
Vanessa Krejci
Amana Day - Wednesday April 25
Dear Parents,
On Wednesday, April 25th fifth grade students will be traveling through Amana to learn about the rich history and culture of the Amana Colonies. We will be leaving the school in the morning to walk to Main Amana to tour the Amana Museum and to learn about how root beer is produced at the Millstream Brewery while enjoying a sack lunch. We will then walk back to Middle Amana via the Lily Pond trail.
Please remember to send your child with a labeled, self-cooled, packed lunch if he/she signed up to bring a lunch. Those who signed up for school lunch will be provided a sack lunch.
We’re so excited to provide our students a chance to learn more about the history of the area.
Please let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to a great day!
Ms. Hess
5th Grade Teacher
Growing Up Talk
Dear Parent/Guardian,
We will offer a puberty presentation for 4th and 5th grade girls and boys on Wednesday, April 11th. Mr. Macumber will present to the boys and Nurse Kathy will present to the girls. The students will watch a short video that is gender specific and provides basic knowledge about the puberty experience including the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty. The film will also address the anatomy and physiology of adolescents’ bodies and provide the students with correct terminology for parts of the reproductive system. The female section will address menstruation. After the video, we will allow time for comments and questions. Each student will need written permission to participate in the presentation. Feel free to call one of us if you have questions or concerns or if you’d like more information.
Sincerely,
Kathy Campbell R.N., School Nurse
Ben Macumber, Principal
Penny Drive
Learning Goals This Week:
Math: I can add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators.
Time Traveling: I can take jot dot notes about the three regions of the 13 colonies and create a persuasive poster.
Writing: I can take notes from multiple sources about a topic of my choice and begin prewriting my research essay.
Important Dates
Math Practice Ideas
Decimals: H1, H2, H3, H8, S1 S2
Multiplication:B6, C1 - C6, C13, C14, C16
Division: D3, D4, D11, D12, D13, D14
Place Value: A1, A2
Order of Operations: O3, O4
Fractions: L8, L10, L18, K5, K6