Mr. Dietiker's 5th Grade News!
Welcome!
CONSIDER VOTING!
Take care.
MAY!
I want to take a moment to thank you all for the wonderful gifts for teacher appreciation! Your support helps me tremendously!
This month we have a field trip on May 20th to Oakland University for the River Water Festival. Thank you to all of the parents that volunteered to drive.
FYI:
Our late start days this month are on the 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th.
Language Arts:
Over this next card marking we will be “Reading Non-Fiction with Power”! Not only will our reading lessons focus on non-fiction literature, but our writing will focus on this as well. We will revisiting “Informational Writing” and create a piece on an agreed upon topic.
Math:
This month we will continue to focus on units of measurement, area and volume, and geometric shapes. This is a LONG unit with a variety of material. Our last math unit with focus on using math in "real life" situations. The students will be applying skills to word problems that will have multi-step operations.
Social Studies:
This month we will focus on events that led to America declaring it's independence from England. While we will still use the text book, an additional "read-aloud" and videos will be included. Please feel free to explore this site as well! http://libertyskids.com/
Science:
This month we will continue our unit on Sun, Moon, and Stars. This will be our last science unit of the year. A great resource for further information can be found at nasa.gov/kidsclub
Reminder
All students have been scheduled at Royal Oak Middle School. While the final schedules will not be determined for a while, please feel free to direct scheduling questions to ROMS. (I have turned over all information regarding student schedules to them.)
April showers???? Snow???
M-Step
During the weeks of April 11th and April 18th our class will participate in the M-Step testing. This testing is computer based and replaced the MEAP test traditionally given in the fall. Fantastic attendance during this time would be greatly appreciated! Please feel free to call or write with any questions.
FYI:
Our late start days
this month are on the 13th,20th, and 27th.
Language Arts:
Over this next card marking we will be “Reading Non-Fiction with Power”! Not only will our reading
lessons focus on non-fiction literature, but our writing will focus on this as well. We will revisiting “Informational Writing” and create a piece on an agreed upon topic.
Math:
This month we will focus on units of measurement, area and volume, and geometric shapes. A unit letter reviewing this chapter will be sent home today. (4-10-16)
Social Studies:
This month we will focus on Slavery in the Colonies. As students learn about the Three Dilemmas faced by enslaved Africans, they will think about how each stage along the voyage took enslaved people farther and farther from their homes.
Science:
This month we will begin our unit on Sun, Moon, and Stars. Our unit kit should arrive shortly, more information will follow!
Reminder
On April 22nd our fifth graders will enroll in their elective classes at Royal Oak Middle School. Students that do not return their elective request sheet will take under-water basket weaving for the next three years! April Fools!
We will make sure that every student has their schedule entered. Next stop, Royal Oak Middle
March is Reading Month!
This year’s March is Reading Month Theme at Northwood is “A Minnion reasons to READ” Materials were sent home explaining the events and activities occurring this month. A special thanks goes out to our PTA Cultural Arts Committee for sponsoring our kick-off assembly!
FYI:
Our late start days this month are on the 2nd, 9th, and 16th. Our open house will be on March 31st.
Language Arts:
We will continue our focus on Historical Fiction this month. The book we’re investigating is titled “Number The Stars” by Lois Lowry. There is a student packet provided with this book as well that will have activities for students to complete after each chapter. Some of the directions are provided in the packet, some are teacher directed. We will also have activities throughout this month as indicated in the “March is Reading” Month calendar.
Math:
We will finish our unit on Division with Decimals the first week of March. Our next major unit in math will focus on writing and solving real world contexts and writing situation and solution equations for multistep problems representing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Social Studies:
This month we will focus on the three colonial regions that developed in what is now the United States. The students will also be responsible for collecting information on a matrix that will be due at the end of the unit.
Science:
We continue focusing on Variables! Students are asked to conduct a variety of experiments to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the scientific method, as well as the effects changing a variable can create.
School Play:
Once again, I have decided to direct a school play. This is an afterschool activity.
Students interested should attend auditions on March 15th in our gym.
Please write if you have any further questions.
Hello!
I wanted to take a moment and thank all of you for the Red Wings tickets and the Amazon gift card! My family is VERY excited, thank you for this wonderful experience!
Information regarding our Valentine’s Day party will be sent home soon.
R.O.M.S.
This month we will visit Royal Oak Middle School! During this excursion, students will tour the school, meet counselors, and learn a little more about the transition to middle school! If you haven’t done so yet, please make sure to have your child return there permission slip!
FYI:
Our late start days
this month are on the 3rd, 10th, and the 24th! We also do not have students attend on
February 15th and 16th due to Mid-Winter Break.
Language Arts:
Our focus in reading will change this month to Historical Fiction. The book we’ve selected to investigate is titled “Number The Stars” by Lois Lowry. There will be a student packet provided with this book as well that will have activities for students to complete after each chapter. Some of the directions are provided in the packet, some are teacher directed. During this time, students will complete a review of their silent reading (IDR) and find one word that was difficult (Word-a-Day: W.A.D.) They will look up this word in the dictionary and write the definition. In addition, students will demonstrate connections with what they have read. These will be either Text to Text or Text to Self
comparisons!
Math:
The Unit 5 Lessons focus on dividing whole numbers and decimals to solve real world problems, to use patterns as an aid in calculating, and interpreting the remainders.
Social Studies:
This month we study six focus colonies in the "New World". A "notes" packet will be provided during this unit. Please encourage your child to study for the test!
Science:
We continue focusing on variables! All of the teams are working VERY hard on lab experiments focusing on how changing one variable will impact the results.
Please visit the flyers below for activities your child will enjoy!
January 4th, 2016!!!!
End of
Semester 1
This month we will complete our first semester! Please be aware that all work and extension activities need to be in by January 28th, 2016. Report cards will be sent home with students the following week.
FYI:
No "Late-Start" days this month! There is no school for students on January 18th (MLK) and January 29th (Records Day).
Language Arts:
Our focus will continue to be Informational Reading and Informational writing. Students will complete a biography on a famous historical person they selected in December. While we have collected some material on their historical figure, additional research should be completed at home.
Math:
We will focus on the multiplication of decimals and have an assessment toward the end of the month. Our next Unit (5) will focus on enhancing skills in dividing whole numbers and decimals.
Social Studies:
We will now focus on Roanoke, Jamestown, and Plymouth settlements.
In addition, we have an extension activity where students can research Roanoke and write a hypothesis about why/how the disappearance occurred.
Science:
We will finish our unit on Systems by the end of next week. More information will be provided on the next science unit soon!
I would like to take a moment and thank everyone for the wonderful cards. Your generosity and kind words are greatly appreciated. Thank you!
December 1st, 2015
Ouch!
I wanted to take a moment and let everyone know that I will be out on medical leave from December 14-18 for surgery on my shoulder! My last day will be on Friday December 11th and I am scheduled to return to work right after our break on January 4th. I'm hoping to be out of my sling by then, we'll see!
FYI:
Our last Parent/Teacher conferences will be on December 1st and December 3rd from 4-7pm. If you have not signed up for a time, please contact me.
If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact me at any time and I’ll be happy to meet either in person or over the phone.
Our late start days this month are on the 2nd, 9th and the 16th! In addition our break begins on December 19th and we return on Monday January 4th!
Language Arts:
This month students will focus on Non-Fiction Reading. In addition, I will be sending home a checklist that your child can use to make sure they have the required components for the biography they are working on. Students will continue to analyze assigned guided reading selections as well as books chosen by each student.
Math:
We will begin this month focusing on Multiplying and Dividing Fractions! Special attention to solving real world problems, understanding patterns, and understanding why we use specific strategies.
Social Studies:
This month we will be focusing on Chapter 5, Routes of Exploration to the “New World”. This chapter will emphasize 8 explorers. Students will create a matrix to organize their data collected throughout the chapter.
Science:
We will continue to work on our unit "Exploring Living Systems". We have quite a few projects underway, from growing wheat grass in different environments, to creating a composting jar, to hatching butterflies!
November 2nd, 2015
True Colors
Our class will continue to learn more about appreciating themselves and others. Consider checking out the book “Showing Our True Colors” by Mary Miscisin. This book focuses on gaining insights into why people behave as they do. Ask your child about THEIR primary “color”.
FYI:
Our late start days
this month are on the 11th and the 18th! We also do not have students attend on November 3rd (Election Day) and Wednesday the 25th begins our Thanksgiving Break.
Language Arts:
Students will continue to analyze assigned guided reading selections as well as books chosen by each student. During this time, students will also complete a session related to the read-aloud "Wonder" which will focus on comprehension skills. They will also demonstrate connections with what they have read. These will be either Text to Text or Text to Self
comparisons.
Math:
We will begin this month focusing on the process of multiplying and dividing of fractions. This leads us to the next chapter which focuses on multiplying and dividing decimals.
Social Studies:
We will finish our unit on Native American Regions with a chapter test on Friday Nov. 6th. While I had them take their own notes, I will send home clearly written notes on Wednesday for them to use if they wish.
The extra-credit assignment where students can submit an authentic replica of a Native American Artifact is due Friday November 6th. Ask your child for more details.
Science:
We will start our new unit called "Life Systems" next week. More to come!
Parent/Teacher Conferences are held on 11/23, 12/1, and 12/3. If you have not signed up for a time, please visit ...
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b49a5ab22a0fe3-conference1
and see what times are still available. If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact me at any time.
October 20th, 2015
Here are some useful links!
Teacher Edition of the Math Book!
I hope this helps with understanding each math process we work on in class!
If a student gets behind due to absence, I will indicate in the planner what they need to complete. Students may print and complete pages (or parts of pages) at home and attach them to their book when they return.
October 5th, 2015
NWEA
Wow!
Well all of our testing is completed for this card marking. We’ve completed three sections of the NWEA, DRA2, the math unit pre-test, and the Words Their Way practice test.
FYI:
Please consider helping our class with the Northwood “Fun Run” Fundraiser! If you need the link for more information, please let me know and I’ll send you the link!
Language Arts:
Students will continue to analyze the text “Edward’s Eyes”. Each section has a related “Session” that we work on in class. On days that we do not complete a session, students will complete a review of their silent reading (IDR) and find one word that was difficult (Word-a-Day: W.A.D.) They will look up this word in the dictionary and write the definition.
Math:
We will begin this month with a test on Adding and Subtracting Fractions. Our next focus will be on using these same skills with decimals. During our math session students will not only have math assignments, but math journals and notes to complete.
Social Studies:
This month we will be reading Chapter 2. Each student has a copy of the chapter that they can take home to reference and study from.
Science:
We have been exploring motion and design this month. The students are running the cars they have designed through many tests. Please ask your child how their car is performing!
Halloween!
Information regarding appropriate school costumes will be sent home approximately one week before our Halloween Party. Please let me know if you have any further questions once you have received this.
September 28th, 2015
Just a reminder, in two weeks we will be having our annual fund raiser called "The Fun Run"! Here's a link that explains more!
https://secure.eventsonline.us/reg/getmovincrew/pub/school/72
Also, during this week the students will run their cars through a series of tests. Please ask your child about how their car team handled the challenges!
September 21, 2015
Hello,
Some parents have asked for additional assistance with our math program.
I think I may have a solution that would work! If you send an email to dietikerr@royaloakschools.org with Math Book in the subject line, I'm going to try to email two PDF files. One will have the student book. This can be printed at home and completed if a student gets behind. The other is the same book with the answers. While the second file doesn't show the work, it's still important to keep this away from the students. :)
Please let me know if you have any trouble with these PDFs!
Take care.
September 18th, 2015
Here's a great way to check your child's math homework!!!
Just click on the link, and you'll see the answers! (Obviously this isn't for students.)
http://www.erschools.org/files/1273217/Homework_Remembering_TE_Grade_5.pdf
Also, I'm send home a permission slip today, so please be on the look out for it!
Have a wonderful weekend!
September 8th, 2015
Dear Fifth Grade Families:
Welcome to fifth grade at Northwood Elementary!
My name is Robert Dietiker (pronounced Dee-tick-er) and this is my sixth year at Northwood. As for my teaching experience, I’ve worked for Royal Oak Schools since 1996 and have spent most of my time at Whittier Elementary and Royal Oak High School.
As parents, you are extremely important in your child’s educational success. I value teamwork and encourage your participation and support this school year. Your support may take many forms, including assisting your son or daughter with assignments, helping with room materials and projects, and chaperoning. I also encourage your communication with me pertaining to any ideas or concerns. I will be happy to discuss any situation with you and work together to arrive at a solution. Most importantly, your support with classroom rules and routines illustrates a parent-teacher partnership for your child.
Please take time daily to go through your child’s daily planner. (a.k.a. Assignment Book) This planner will be transported to and from school each day. Please send the planner to school every day. Students are also encouraged to bring a healthy snack to school each day for the morning part of our day. (NUT FREE please) Thank you in advance for providing classroom supplies for your child. If you need the supply list again, please don’t hesitate to email me!
I am eager to meet you at Curriculum Night (9-17 @ 7:30pm) where you will receive more information regarding content, classroom rules and routines, discipline, etc. Please feel free to write or call, my email and school phone number is listed below. I am looking forward to a successful and enjoyable year!
Sincerely,
Mr. Robert Dietiker
School E-mail: dietikerr@royaloakschools.org
School Phone: (248) 541-0229 x1142
Contact Information
Email: dietikerr@royaloakschools.org
Website: www.royaloakschools.org
Location: 926 W. 12 Mile Road. Royal Oak, Michigan 48073
Phone: (248)541-0229 1142