The Putney Post
West Homer Elementary--5th Grade
Dates to Remember
May 13- Public Library Field Trip
May 15- Sandwich Book Report due
May 16- PTO Meeting 6:30pm in the Library
May 17- Landmark Exhibit due
May 17- Hornaday Park Field Trip
May 21- Parent Night 4:30-6:00
May 22- Last Day of School
Classroom Happenings
Our major focus for this past week was drafting our research papers. We started the week by categorizing our notecards. Then students planned the organization of their essay. Once a thesis was drafted, students began writing their body paragraphs.
In math this week we concluded our study of multiplying and dividing fractions. This was a big milestone for many students who were excited to be able to say they could multiply divide, add and subtract both decimals and fractions. For the remaining week and a half we will be cementing these fraction and decimal concepts by completing intermixed review.
In reading we started our work with Bud, Not Buddy. With a short few weeks left of school, I am allowing students to read the book with their partners for the pure enjoyment of reading. Usually, there are specific skills that I am targeting, teaching and assessing. However, seeing as this is the last book of their fifth grade year I am giving students more freedom to read and respond in ways they choose.
What's Next?
This coming week is our last full week of school. I can hardly believe how fast these past months have gone by. We will be brining closure to our research projects, creating a reflective Photo Story of the school year, and attending several field trips.
Monday morning we will be taking a field trip to the Homer Public Library with Lisa Whip, our school librarian. The primary purpose of our field trip is to prepare students to create their summer reading goals and introduce students to the system of the public library.
Tuesday morning will be the peer editing and revising day for our research papers. Students will share their first draft of their essay with three other students in the class. Those students will provide feedback on how the writer can improve his/her paper. Once students have completed three peer edits, a teacher edit will be done and then students will print their final drafts!
On Wednesday our Sandwich Book Reports are due. Students will present their reports in front of the class as they have done each quarter. What makes this book report somewhat different is that students will also be sharing their top book choice of their fifth grade year. After presenting their report, students will share their top read of their fifth grade year. To add an element of fun and celebration we will be eating Subway sandwiches too.
On Thursday the PTO will be meeting in the West Homer library at 6:30. All are invited.
On Friday the Historical Landmark exhibits are due. Students will share their exhibits with the class and then read their research paper to a small group. Friday afternoon we will be taking a field trip to Hornaday Park. Students will participate in group games and enjoy their lunch outside in the sunshine (hopefully).
Parent Night- May 21st
On Tuesday, May 21st our class will be having a parent night from 4:30-6:00. All parents are invited to make one last visit to our classroom to view their child's end of the year projects. Students will be creating a short video of their fifth grade year using pictures, music and recordings. May 21st is the student's opportunity to share their Photo Story, gather up their end of the year projects, and take home their belongings. You are welcome to drop-in at any time between 4:30-6:00. You can stay as long as you would like, but if you are in a hurry that night you can complete all that needs to be done done/shared in about 15 to 20 minutes. Light snacks will be provided.
School Yard Habitat Project
Our Schoolyard Habitat Project is beginning this Monday, May 6th! We are developing the wooded area directly behind the school into a learning classroom. The goal of this project is to develop an interpretative trail highlighting forest succession and native habitats and to install a natural amphitheater. The Homer Soil and Water Conservation District has partnered with the US Fish & Wildlife Service to facilitate this School Yard Habitat project at WHE. The USFWS seeks to create, enhance, and protect habitats for local species on public school grounds, and provide enhanced opportunities for students, teachers, and members of the local community to observe and learn about wildlife in natural settings.
Phase one of this project is scheduled to be completed over a two week span, from May 06 – 17, 2013. Phase one is broken into seven tasks, some of which will have student involvement and some of which will require adult help. A working/flexible schedule of the next two weeks is below. If you have some time and are interested in helping with this amazing project please let one of our WHE staff members know.
Monday, May 13 – Trail Layout – Hill & ADA (Task 5)
· Digging & Gravel - *Adults only*
· Fabric, Raking & Padding
Tuesday, May 14 – Trail Layout – Hill & ADA (Task 5)
· Digging & Gravel - *Adults only*
· Fabric, Raking & Padding
Wednesday, May 15 – Landscaping & Amphitheater (Task 6 & 7)
· Planting & Transplanting Trees
· Benches
Thursday, May 16 – Landscaping & Amphitheater (Task 6 & 7)
· Planting & Transplanting Trees
· Benches
Friday, May 17 – Tasks 5 - 7 Wrap-Up
· Work on unfinished tasks
Any help that you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Contact your child’s classroom teacher or one of our Trails committee members listed below.
Thank you so much for your time and energy!!!
Lyn Maslow lmaslow@kpbsd.k12.ak.us
Robyn Walls rwalls@kpbsd.k12.ak.us
Sue Brass sbrass@kpbsd.k12.ak.us
Katherine Bynagle kbynagle@kpbsd.k12.ak.us
Parent Survey
http://westhomerelementary.blogs.kpbsd.k12.ak.us/wpmu/
Please visit the site above and complete the parent survey. This is a school wide survey conducted by our school principal. Your input is greatly appreciated.
Note: There are four surveys. Each survey is 10 questions long.
Major Projects due this Week
Sandwich Book Report- due this Wednesday, May 15th
Landmark Exhibit- due this Friday, may 17th
If you have questions about either of these projects don't hesitate to contact me.
Library News
The end of the school year is fast approaching and we are starting the process of getting all the library books back into the library. Please help your students return their books to the library.
Your children are avid readers and they have taken such good care of the library!
Have a great summer and READ, READ, READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for all the support,
Lisa Whip
Cheryl Illg
All West Homer Library books are due! Please send them to school with your child ASAP. Thank you!
Homer Summer Youth Soccer
Little Feet (ages 3-6)
Starting May 28 @ Paul Banks 11am
Recreational Soccor (ages 5-12)
Starting May 28 @ West Homer
Competitive Team Soccer (ages 10-16)
To register go to homersoccer.com
For questions meail homersoccer@gmail.com