Dr. Shaw's Weekly Newsletter
February 8th - 12th
Greetings Everyone!
First, I would like to thank you for taking time in reading the newsletter. The service I use provides me with weekly statistics on the number of views and it is nice to know that you are taking time to read the newsletter. Thank you.
February is a crazy but fun month for us! We had a blast on the field trip this week! Thanks to Mrs. Ruiz and Mrs. Moeller for accompanying us. Next week we have our High Tough High Tech event. We are scheduled for Monday and will enjoy 90 minutes of hands on activities by a visiting scientist. Our programs is based on electricity, an upcoming unit for us. This program is funded by our wonderful PTA. Our PTA is hosting the Jackson Jam again next month and you can find out more information about volunteering and supporting our PTA at the Jam in the Friday Folder.
Next week, all fifth grade students will take two practice assesslets in preparation for the Milestone Test in April. The first assesslet is in language arts and will be given on Tuesday. The second test covers math and it will be given on Thursday. UGA scores these assesslets for us and returns the results to us in time to conference with the students about their results. We look for opportunities to help the students better their results for the April test.
Next Thursday night is STEAM night. There is information in today's Friday Folder (the 5th). Please let us know if you are attending buy returning the bottom part of the purple sheet. I will be there!
The February conference schedule has been launched. I sent the token for signing up on Friday the 5th. Schedule early to get your preferred time!
On Friday, February 12th, Jackson students will have an opportunity to showcase their good manners during lunch. Students might choose to dress up on this day, and during their lunch period reminders about good manners will be emphasized. We love our "fine dining day" and all of the effort our wonderful counseling team makes in decorating the cafeteria.
Mrs. Blankenship and I will be allowing the students to exchange valentines next Friday, the 12th. However, we will keep this as a homeroom activity, not exchanging between classes. There are 27 students in our class (including your child). I've posted a list of their first names only on the eClass page in case your child wants to personalize the valentines. Your child is welcome to decorate a box or bag at home and bring it in on Friday. Please don't send them in an earlier than that. Students are not required to participate, but if your child does want to participate, I ask that he or she brings in a valentine for each of the other 26 students in the class.
Please look in the Friday Folder sent home on the 5th for the recorder order form from Ms. Moody and Mrs. Gaugler. Recorders are instruments used in music specials. The cost of the recorder is just $5.00. I would recommend that you purchase a recorder for your child, however they can use a school recorder if need be.
We are in need of some regular sized Band-Aids. Donations are appreciated.
Please send in Box Tops! The second contest ends on the 12th!
Here's a look at next week...
Next week in math, we will begin our exploration of volume. The students will learn how to calculate volume of rectilinear figures (think shoe boxes and cubes). We will also learn how to calculate volume of composite rectilinear figures (think one shoe box stack on another at a right angle). There are no graded assignments next week.
In science, we will begin to learn about chemical changes and how they are different from physical changes. We will also explore the triggers that cause chemical changes. There are no graded assignments next week.
In social studies, we are wrapping up our study of the Great Depression, learning about FDR and the New Deal. There are three graded assignments in social studies next week. Monday and Tuesday, there will be a daily grade on the USA Weekly newspapers weeks 11 and 12. Students will be able to refer to the papers to answer the questions. Each student will also create a timeline of the Great Depression using multiple print and Internet resources. That timeline will be combined with a poetry writing for a second daily grade. Each student will write a poem about the Great Depression during their language arts block. Rubrics will be provided for both the timeline and poem.
Finally, the chapter seven test is scheduled for the 12th. The study guide was given out on the 5th. Students were encouraged but not required to start the study guide over the weekend.
The class will be very busy in reading next week! With our amended schedule, the students will be completing their Text Structure summative grade as well as the assesslet mentioned above. Please note that there is a standing 30 minute reading requirement Monday-Thursday. Students are to document their reading time by writing the title and pages read in their agenda. The students will also have Front Row reading/writing assignments posted next week.
In writing, the students will be completing the Informational Text-Based Writing to Two Texts summative grade. This grade will be given over two days. An emphasis on quality work that includes restating the question and citing text evidence will be part of this assessment. The students have practiced this skill as well as peer edited work in preparation for the grade.
In grammar next week, Mrs. Blankenship will introduce the requirements for the poetry writing grade for social studies that was detailed above.
Finally, the students will take their last G/L root grade covering Duc/Duct. The daily grade will be given Friday.
Important Dates
February 5th - Sign up for Conferences Begins
February 8th - High Touch High Tech
February 10th - Yogli Mogli Night - Sugarloaf location
February 11th - STEAM Night
February 12th - Fine Dining Day
February 12th - Midterm Progress Reports Sent Home
February 12th - Baby Ads are due for Yearbook
February 12th - Box Tops Contest Ends
February 15th - Student Holiday (unless we have a weather cancellation next week)
February 24th and 25th - Early Release for Conferences
Have a wonderful week!
Dr. Shaw