Gordon-Reed Top Cats
October Newsletter
October is Here!
Responsibility is our character trait for the month of October. Please continue to read our school newsletter to see our Habits of the Week.
October Content
Math -This month we will tackle multiplying and dividing fractions as well as negative numbers. Both will be fundamental for them later on this year as we approach equations. We have already completed our first CFA and will be spiraling that content into our lessons as we continue to fill the gaps and move forward.
We look forward to facilitating even more growth and "Ah-ha!" moments this month.
Science - This month of October we will be looking at the concept of density in science. Students will collect and analyze data to calculate the density of an unknown object. Later in the month we will dive into physics and explore forces, position, direction and speed.
ELA - This month we will begin our non-fiction unit where our students will be able to analyze structural elements in an informational text to help them determine the controlling idea/thesis. They will also be able to explain the author's purpose/message of the text and analyze how the author's use of language contributes to the mood and voice of the text. Students will also write a research paper on a topic of their choice to inform their reader using informational writing techniques. They will learn how to perform research and take notes on their findings to help form their paper. We are very excited as well to formally begin our guided reading groups, where we can meet with students in smaller groups to help better meet their reading needs.
Social Studies - In World Cultures during the month of October, we will be exploring the PEGS (political, economic, geographic, and social) of North America and Canada! We will also be diving into the geography and culture of: Mexico, Central America, and the Carribean! Our scholars are really enjoying learning and engaging in activities that represent cultures from around the world!
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent Teacher Conferences are on Friday, October 6th. We sent home beginning of the year data on your child's performance on 5th Grade STAAR, Math Universal Screener, Math Fact Fluency, BAS Reading Level, Reading Fluency, and Phonics Screener. This data is beneficial for us to use to guide our instruction in meeting our students' needs. During conferences we will talk about this data and your child's performance in class. If you would like to discuss this data further, or your child's performance in class, please use the SignUp Genius links below to meet with your child's teachers. Both teachers will be present for conferences for the time you select. Please only sign up for one time slot per student so that we have time to meet with all our families.
Important Dates to Remember
10/1-10/15 - Fall PTO Auction
10/2-10/23 - Texas A&M Basketball Reading Program - 2 free tickets to a game for reading 5 books during this time!
10/6 - No School - Professional Learning and Parent/Teacher Conferences
10/6 - Report Cards Available
10/9 - No School
10/13 - Trunk or Treat 5-7pm
10/19 - 5th & 6th Grade Choir Concert
10/23 - 10/27 - Red Ribbon Week
10/24 - Spirit Night at Raising Cane's 3PM - 1AM
10/27 - Pep Rally - wear orange
10/28 - 6th Grade Choir Solo Contest
Candy Monsters
Our wonderful PTO will be roaming the halls from October 2nd-11th collecting candy for our Trunk-or-Treat event that will be held on October 13th. We would greatly appreciate any help that you can provide. Please bring in sealed bags of individually wrapped candy to feed these hungry monsters! The grade level with the most candy donated (measured in pounds) will be awarded with a pajama day and dance party. Let go 6th Grade!
Contact Information
Communication is important to us, and is very important to a successful year. If you ever need to contact us, please don’t hesitate! Email is the best way to reach us during the day.
Ms. Espinoza - Math & Science
Mrs. Sloan - ELA & Social Studies
Mr. Fulmer - Math & Science
Mrs. Medley - ELA & Social Studies