The Mangus Messenger
3/3/18
Dear Parents,
We have officially made it to #downhillslide, #sprintforhomeplate, and #everythingturnsintoablur moment of the school year that is known as March. March Madness is the best term because not only do we compete with brackets of the college basketball games, but we begin the madness that comes with students being "done" but not officially done.
We only have TWO MONTHS LEFT of school!!! This is when teachers panic, students want to check out, and parents...well, I think you are somewhere in between. HA!
As we rapidly "march" toward a well-deserved Spring Break, we hold on to our hats, keep the kids excited, and hold them accountable more than ever. This is where they retain their learning for next year, so here's to our success!
We only have TWO MONTHS LEFT of school!!! This is when teachers panic, students want to check out, and parents...well, I think you are somewhere in between. HA!
As we rapidly "march" toward a well-deserved Spring Break, we hold on to our hats, keep the kids excited, and hold them accountable more than ever. This is where they retain their learning for next year, so here's to our success!
Evacuation Drill
We had an evacuation drill this week that was for the record books of SOAR behavior. Not only was our class in line and silent (Safety and Academic Attitude), they were OUTSTANDING role models of Ownership, Respect, and Responsibility for the younger grades next to us. It is a testament to how much our students have truly grown. Be proud of them because I truly am!!!
Economic Highlights
The two words that I absolutely love hearing in our classroom (okay, there are a million) are register and balance. Why? Well, it means that our economic system has been successful.
We balanced our registers this week. Turns out we had quite a few more "in balance" than I would have predicted. This attention to detail is not just limited to their money. It is a name on their paper, turning their papers into the correct bin, etc. It is all tied together, so thank you for your support as we have journeyed through what is deemed to be "old-school" to most of our younger online bankers.
We balanced our registers this week. Turns out we had quite a few more "in balance" than I would have predicted. This attention to detail is not just limited to their money. It is a name on their paper, turning their papers into the correct bin, etc. It is all tied together, so thank you for your support as we have journeyed through what is deemed to be "old-school" to most of our younger online bankers.
Visitors
Remember those Candy Grams we made for the Erie Police Officers? Well, they stopped by for a personal visit this week. They wanted to thank us all in-person and tell us how much it meant to them to receive our notes and love on Valentine's Day. The kids were touched and we could see they truly loved the gift. So, THANK YOU to Mrs. Jellis, and all of you who helped drop them off, for making that happen!
Classroom Rearranging
We are trying something new. After two trimesters of large pods, we have split into groups of four. As I try to get used to the new traffic patterns, I think the kids are happy with the changes. It's definitely a bonus when you have more people responsible for their pod's floor space. You should have seen the clean floor on Friday! Woohoo!
Read-a-thon
We got to record reading minutes in three different slots today. Non-fiction TFK's during reading, our read-aloud book during Read-a-thon "fort" prep, and our hour of silent reading for the event. It was an excellent day for our readers, but we will have to get an extra recess next week for our sports enthusiasts who made it through by the skin of their chinny chin chins.
"Unwelcome" Reading Guests
I forgot to tell you that the room was infested with unicorns...hung as many as I could get away with! That pink and blue one was just too wiggly.
Chemical Magic
How do you get 24 students excited about Chemistry? You watch a potions clip from Harry Potter and discuss Alchemists. PRICELESS!
So, if you hear that we are brewing potions (practicing Alchemy) you will understand that we are doing Chemistry! Oh, and one more thing, in case you hear that we are going to do explosions in class...I did indeed promise that we would blow something up (think Mentos and Coke in the dirt field). Ah, making school fun is SO easy sometimes. HA!
So, if you hear that we are brewing potions (practicing Alchemy) you will understand that we are doing Chemistry! Oh, and one more thing, in case you hear that we are going to do explosions in class...I did indeed promise that we would blow something up (think Mentos and Coke in the dirt field). Ah, making school fun is SO easy sometimes. HA!
What's Next?
So, you know what's happening Science, but what about our other subjects.
CKLA: We will be continuing our opinion writing with an essay connected to our new reading unit, Don Quixote. We will also be starting a research project that will take the place of our next PBL.
Math: We will be wrapping up our adding/subtracting fractions and mixed numbers and moving on to multiplying and dividing.
Technology: We are continuing our Website creation, integrating Google Classroom more, and we will be working to create a podcast. The best part is that all of this tech work connects directly to our reading and writing standards.
CKLA: We will be continuing our opinion writing with an essay connected to our new reading unit, Don Quixote. We will also be starting a research project that will take the place of our next PBL.
Math: We will be wrapping up our adding/subtracting fractions and mixed numbers and moving on to multiplying and dividing.
Technology: We are continuing our Website creation, integrating Google Classroom more, and we will be working to create a podcast. The best part is that all of this tech work connects directly to our reading and writing standards.
Lunchroom Line Contests
Have you heard about our contests at the end of lunch? First, 5th grade has been deemed the favorite lunch group because of our respect and responsibility. Then, in an effort to help Ms. Celine quiet down the whole group, our two classes have started competing for the quietest line. Our bank is going to be broke soon with all the winning and/or ties. HA! Go team!
Ask Your Student
- What is an Alchemist?
- Show me how to add two fractions with unlike denominators.
- Share an article that you read in one of your TFK's with me.
- In A Midsummer Night's Dream, why did Hermia and Helena fight?
- Explain the importance of keeping a detailed and accurate register of your bank account.
Calendar Reminders
- Mon, 3/5: Parent Workshop with Mrs. Mayo-Cody (Positive Discipline)
- Wed, 3/7: Early Release at 12:15 pm
- Thurs, 3/8: Coffee/Cocoa House at 6:00 pm
- Fri, 3/9: Spirit Day - Dress Down
- Thurs, 3/15: Chili's Fundraiser Night
- Sat, 3/17: ARPS Family Movie Night at 5:30 pm
- Wed, 3/21: Board Meeting at 4:30 pm
- Fri, 3/23: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
- 3/26 - 3/30: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
Coming Soon
Spirit Week is coming up...right before Spring Break...so mark your calendars and get ready for some fun!
- Mon, 3/19: Hat Day
- Tues, 3/20: Twin Day
- Wed, 3/21: Wacky Wednesday
- Thurs, 3/22: Crazy Sock Day