The Putney Post
West Homer Elementary--5th Grade
Dates to Remember
February 14- Valentines Day Class Party 2:30-3:00
February 15- Science Fair Entry Form due
February 22- Twin Day
February 28- Postcard Book Report due
March 11-15- Spring Break
March 18- Science Fair Project due
Classroom Happenings
Last week was a short one, but a great one! We had a literature circle discussion in reading. Students discussed topics centered on Wonder By: R.J. Palacio in small groups and received feedback on their discussion by other class members. In math we practiced adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. This is a challenging shift for students who do not have their multiplication facts memorized. It is essential that students have their facts memorized by this point in the school year. Practicing multiplication facts at home 5-8 minutes each night would be very helpful. If you would like flashcards to be sent home with your child I would be happy to make them. Just let me know! In writing we started persuasive essays aruging for the best special at West Homer: library, music, or P.E. Finally, in Social Studies we began our slavery unit by taking a look at the slave trade in West Africa, the Middle Passage, and Arrival in America. This is an extremely heavy topic in our country's history. Any home discussion to further thinking and processing around this topic of slavery would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for supporting the learning that happens in our classroom.
What's Next?
This week students will finish Wonder By: R.J. Palacio while focusing on the reading skill of author's purpose. Vocabulary work will be back up and running after taking a break from our vocabulary routines during the three-day-week. In math we will close up our unit on fractions. Students will participate in review stations on Tuesday and then take their fractions test on Wednesday. Finally, in writing we will be working on including effective transitions in our writing.
Conferences
Pennies for Pets
Student Council members are beginning their "Pennies for Pets" campaign this week. Students may bring in coins to donate to Homer's Animal Shelter. Coins will be collected in the classroom, as well as at the front office.
Valentine's Day
Our Valentine's Day party will take place this Thursday. A food sign-up sheet will not be sent home for this party. However, students are welcome to bring in food items to share such as fruit, crackers & cheese, veggies, and salmon dip. The healthier the better! Bringing in Valentine's Day cards is also an option. Please be sure to include all students on our class list if your child chooses to bring in cards.
Science Fair
The primary focus of the science fair is to provide an opportunity for each student to explore areas of interest and become familiar with the scientific process. Please follow the timeline below, and contact me with any questions!
February 13--- Project Plan due
March 18--- Completed Project turned-in to Mrs. Putney
March 21 and 22--- Present Projects Orally to Class
March 25 and 26--- Science Fair Projects displayed in gym for public view
Scientific Method
1. Question
2. Hypothesis
3. Test Hypothesis (Materials, Procedure, Observation, Results)
4. Conclusion
Spring Field Trip
The fifth grade teachers are excited to announce that our spring field trip will take place on May 1, 2, and 3 this year. Students will arrive to school as usual on May 1st, will spend two nights away from home, and will be picked up at regular school pick-up time (3:15) on Friday, May 3rd. We will be covering the topics of birds, animal tracking, plants, and orienteering. Students will also work on developing leadership skills through various low ropes course activities.
In order to enhance the orienteering portion of our field trip, we would like to keep the location of our field trip a secret to students. It is our plan to cover the bus windows and arrive at our destination with compasses in hand. Students will then use the compass to determine their location. We would greatly appreciate your support in keeping the location of our field trip a secret.
Of course, all parents will be informed of our field trip whereabouts beforehand. If you were unable to make your conference time, or I forgot to tell you, please email or call so I can fill you in on our spring field trip destination. I am really excited about the learning that will be done and the memories that will be made during our field trip this May!
More information will follow as May gets closer. If you have questions about the spring trip please don't hesitate to call or stop by.
Homer Rope Tow
Connor McCarron, a senior at Homer High is offering free ski and snowboard lessons with the purchase of a lift ticket up at the Homer Rope Tow. These lessons will be offered every Sunday from Feb. 10 – March 17 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm. This is a great opportunity for kids to get outside and learn a new way to recreate in the winter.
For more information on the Homer Rope Tow please visit:
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!