Jeffrey/Mead Team Blog
January 3 - 13
Math
Number Talks and Computation groups have continued. Students are focusing on strategies that will build their flexibility and number sense. Ms. Jeffrey's class is currently focused on comparing fractions using benchmarks, common numerators or common denominators. Mrs. Mead's class is continuing to work on subtraction strategies.
During our WIN (What I Need) Block we are working with students in small groups on concepts from Unit 1 as well as computation skills. Now that we have finished Unit 1 we have created groups based on what students need. The areas of focus are multiplication, division and volume. If students were proficient with all concepts on Unit 1 they will be getting some enrichment during this time.
January Calendar Grid focuses ordered pairs and algebraic equations. Students are working on fractions with money and time in Calendar Collector.
Math Stars
Writing
Ms. Jeffrey's class has finalized all their research on an extended opinion writing piece on year round schools. They chose their stance and have begun working on a rough draft. The finished product will be a 4-5 paragraph essay.
Reading
We wrapped up our work on themes and messages. Students have completed a few common formative assessments and new groupings for WIN Block have been created using those student work samples. Those new groupings will start next week. We have moved onto our next essential standard, which focuses on summarizing fiction text. Students are learning about setting, problem/solution/resolution, and plot.
Ms. Jeffrey's students started new book groups with a focus on summarizing. They are reading graphic novels such as Awkward, Cub, Snapdragon and Roller Girl. They have choice board assignments due every Wednesday and Friday. They also have group work they are doing together when they meet on those same days.
Students in Mrs. Mead's students started new book groups with a focus on summarizing and theme. They are reading Holes, Capture the Flag, The Lemonade War and The One and Only Ivan. Students are identifying important information that is connected to the main problem of the story as part of their assignments which are due on Wednesdays and Fridays. They meet to discuss the book on those days as well.
"What I Need" Blocks
Word Study
Read Aloud
Mrs. Mead's class is reading Loser. This story follows a boy named Donald Zinkoff. Zinkoff is a lively boy with a unique personality. This story starts when Zinkoff has just started school. When he is little students don't notice the ways that Zinkoff is different from him but as he grows kids start to notice and make fun of him for it. We will continue to follow Zinkoff's journey through school as he grows up and reacts to the way he is being treated. There are themes of kindness, being yourself, acceptance and bravery throughout this story.
Social Studies
Mrs. Mead's class has started our unit on the Western Hemisphere. This unit has merged with our informational writing unit at this point. Students learned about Canada through watching multiple videos and took notes to determine topics they would be interested in learning more about.
Family Photo and Flag Wall
Progress Reports
Schoolwide SEL
Unified Arts Schedule
Mrs. Mead's Schedule
Monday- Art
Tuesday- PE & Music
Wednesday- Library
Thursday- PE
Friday- Music
Ms. Jeffrey's Schedule
Monday- Music
Tuesday- PE & Library
Wednesday- Music
Thursday- PE
Friday- Art
Please be sure to send your child in with sneakers on PE days. If this is something you need support with, please let us know!
FMS Newsletter
You can read the Bobcat Bulletin here.
Fifth Grade Ski Passport
Wish List
- Kleenex
- Dry erase/whiteboard markers
- Sharpies (black and colored)
- colored copy paper
- Post It notes
Student Technology Tools
The following is a list of online programs students may use this year. Others could be added as the year progresses. Individual student password documents will be shared with students. Please let us know if you have any questions about any of these tools.
Social Studies/ Science
Safari Montage
Time for Kids
Literacy
Spelling City
Book Creator
Typing Club
Math
IXL
Khan Academy
Prodigy
Freckle
Important Dates
January 16 MLK Day - no school for students
February 24- Comfy Cozy Day
February 27-March 7 Winter Break
Contact Us
Karen Jeffrey: kjeffrey@ewsd.org
Kelsey Mead: kmead@ewsd.org
Website: https://www.ewsd.org/Domain/379
Location: Founders Memorial School, Founders Road, Essex Junction, VT, USA
Phone: 802-879-6326