The Cloud Connection
Sept. 23, 2013
Math: We'll review rounding this week along with addition and subtraction of larger numbers, especially subtraction across zero. We're also learning ways in which drawing a diagram or model of a problem might be beneficial. If students are ready we'll take the test for Chapter 2 on Fri., if not we'll take it next week after a bit more review. Homework: Mon. wkst., Tues. no homework, Wed. pg. 117-118, Thurs. pg. 119-120 even problems.
Reading: We are reading a lot of books by Patricia Polacco, and students are learning about plot and theme as we do.
Language: I'll be going over Organization with students this week. They are working on two pieces of writing they'll take to a final draft; their insect mini-investigation and a narrative piece from their notebook. We'll be working on rewriting leads and conclusions this week. I'll need to review the vocab. words with the class as they were a bit confused about the greek/latin word format and assessment. The class' spelling words are on spelling city so they can go to the 2nd list of homophones and study online. We'll also be working on them in class. The words are:
pause paws allowed aloud chews choose root route bear bare
hair hare bored board course coarse hoarse horse fur fir
Science: We're continuing our study of insects this week. Students will be working on their insect mini investigation this week. This work will be done in class so unless students aren't using their time wisely they shouldn't have homework associated with this project. We'll also be going to the Wynn Nature Center to learn a bit more about our local insects.
Social Studies: We'll learn a bit more about longitude and latitude this week.
Other items: I hope students are busy reading for their first book report. See the note below about requirements. It is due Oct. 10th. Students need to read a book at their reading level that's approx. 100 pages. The first report is going to be a poster. For this report I'm allowing students to choose any genre they'd like.
I still have a few families that need to pay the craft/magazine fee. If you haven't done so please try to get that turned in soon. The magazines are already starting to arrive. Thank you.
Posters for students running for student council have to be signed by me before they get posted and all students running will need to prepare a short speech. We'll hold campaign speeches/elections the morning of Oct. 1st.
We'll be headed to the Wynn Nature Center Sept. 25th for a special field trip to further our knowledge base about insects. Thank you to Monica, Stephanie and Melody for helping transport and chaperone on this trip. Your help is greatly appreciated. Please make sure students dress warm on the 25th. Rubber boots are also a good idea!
The Parent Teacher Organization is in the middle of their fall fundraiser. There are many ways you can participate. Orders need to be returned Sept. 27th. Thank you for your support.
I have a meeting I need to attend in Kenai on Tues. so Ms. Porter will be our guest teacher. Please let the office know if you have notes or messages that day as I won't be checking my email to relay messages to students. Students also know that I expect their absolute best behavior in my absence, and I'm sure they'll do their very best!
Book Report Assignment
Your poster book report is due Oct. 10. Your book needs to be 100 pages or more written at your reading level. The poster needs to include the title, and author of your book as well as your name. In addition to the artistic quality of your poster you will need to include a written summary of your book. This does not have to be typed and it doesn’t have to be attached to your poster but you will need to turn it in. You will use it to share your book with the class so it needs to include the characters, setting, and main plot of the book. Do not include the ending of the book; your job is to encourage others to read the book. If you didn’t like the book you might suggest what type of reader might like the book. Remember to use your writing rubric so your written summary is filled with language that helps us understand your thoughts about your book.
Constitution Day
Monday, Sep 23, 2013, 02:15 PM
West Homer Elementary School, Soundview Avenue, Homer, AK
Wynn Nature Field Trip
Field Trip to learn about Fungi, Bacteria and Insects. Students need to wear rubber boots and dress in warm layers. Rain coats would be terrific top layers!
Wednesday, Sep 25, 2013, 12:00 PM
Carl E Wynn Nature Center, Skyline Drive, Homer, AK
PTO Fundraiser
Please remember to return all orders for the fall PTO fundraiser this Friday. Money earned from this fundraiser goes to support school field trips and other worthwhile programs that benefit all students at our school.
Monday, Sep 16, 2013, 08:45 AM
West Homer Elementary School, Soundview Avenue, Homer, AK
Moustache Day
Student Council Sponsored Spirit Day: Please send students to school with their "moustache" as we won't be letting them draw them on once they are here. Thank you :)
In addition our class has earned a party based on positive points on their class behavior chart. They voted to have a PJ party complete with video. I'll be letting them spend Fri. afternoon in their PJ's watching a movie and snacking. If they would like to wear PJs all day that is up to you, but they need to be focused in the a.m. as it will be a regular school morning. Students are welcome to bring blankies, pillows and stuffed animals if they'd like for the afternoon.
Friday, Sep 27, 2013, 08:30 AM
West Homer Elementary School, Soundview Avenue, Homer, AK
Student Council Elections and Speeches
Candidates running for WHE student council will be delivering their speeches in the morning with voting to follow during students' lunch hour. We have a classroom of hopeful candidates and all would make great student council members. I'm proud of them wanting to be a part of this process even though we'll only end up with one representative. We appreciate all of your support throughout this process.