Amana 5th grade Newsletter
Ms. Hess & Ms. Powell-Littler 3/24/17
Class News 3 - 24- 17
Our class has moved from their desks to the lockers across the cafeteria to simulate the organizational skills needed in middle school. They are adjusting well and gaining in confidence. The class also worked on developing a list of expected behaviors for traveling in the hallways as they are doing so independently. Ms. Powell-Littler is helping them create a video to teach future fifth grade students about expected hallway behavior.
In literacy this week, we explored the elements of historical fiction including dialect. We read Follow the Drinking Gourd, Sweet Clara, the Quilt Maker, and Show Way. All of these historical fiction picture books focused on the Underground Railroad. Fifth graders were asked to summarize, make connections, and infer the theme.
In addition, we started our second round of book clubs. Ask your child about their book club! Please note that students may be asked to read outside of school hours in order to be prepared for their discussion groups. A friendly reminder to pack their book club book in their bag would be very appreciated by the teachers! :)
In math, we are working with subtracting unlike mixed numbers with regrouping. Fifth graders have shown great perseverance in this complicated process.
In time traveling, we enjoyed a beautiful walk outside on Monday with our Walking Classroom lesson on slave life and rebellion in colonial America. We read and discussed the dilemma of slavery and the reasons slavery existed in colonial America.
Learning Goals:
Writing: I can write a poem, thinking about theme, about my idea of home. I can write a book review using text evidence.
Reading: I can summarize and identify theme in historical fiction.
Time Traveling: I can determine importance by finding the big ideas and details about the dilemma of slavery in colonial America.
Growing Up Talk Information
March 23, 2017
Dear Parent/Guardian,
We will offer a puberty presentation for 4th and 5th grade girls and boys on Thursday, March 30. Mr. Macumber will present to the boys and Nurse Kathy will present to the girls. The students will watch a short video that is gender specific and provides basic knowledge about the puberty experience including the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty. The film will also address the anatomy and physiology of adolescents’ bodies and provide the students with correct terminology for parts of the reproductive system. The female section will address menstruation. After the video, we will allow time for comments and questions. Each student will need written permission to participate in the presentation. Feel free to call one of us if you have questions or concerns or if you’d like more information.
Sincerely,
Kathy Campbell R.N., School Nurse
Ben Macumber, Principal
Please see your child's Friday folder for the permission slip form. It is also attached to the email in an electronic copy.
Important Dates:
- 3/24 - Science & Art Form Due
- 3/27 - Art & Science Night 6 - 7pm
- Tuesday 3/28 - Growing Up Talk Permission form Due
- 3/30 - Growing Up Talk @ 2pm
- 4/7 - Scholastic Order Due
- 4/14 & 4/17 - No School
- 4/27 - Products and Processes
- 4/28 - Field Trip Form Due
- 5/9 - Living History Farms Field Trip (8:30 - 4:30)
- 5/19 - Track and Field Day at CCA High School
- 5/25 - Fish Iowa at Lake Iowa