Ms. Ortega's Class
Eblast
FYI....
- This week will be mostly reviewing Reading and Math for next week STAAR tests.
- Math STAAR test is Monday
- Reading STAAR test is Tuesday
- The following units will start next week.
- There is no homework this week. We are doing spiral review this week and anything we don't finish here will be coming home. PLEASE MAKE SURE IT ALL COMES BACK DONE.
- Talk with the kids about keeping up classroom expectations. I know they are ready for summer but we need to make sure we are still getting all our learning done.
- Please be sure to return library books for Tuesday library time.
- Water bottles- Now that the days are warming up, please be sure to send kids with their water bottles so we don't have people leaving the classroom as often.
- We finally got our snake. Skylar is in our classroom. The students have enjoyed observing him.
Important Dates
May 2-6- Teacher Appreciation
May 9-13- School Nurse Appreciation Week
May 9- STAAR Math
May 10- STAAR Reading
May 12- All student library books are due.
May 13- STAAR Make Up; Talent Show
May 16-20- Book Fair
May 16- Spirit Night @PDQ
May 19- Artome Gallery Night
May 20---Field Day; Kona Ice
May 24-27 Parent Conferences
May 26- Ambassador 3-5; Red Nose Day Comedy Night
May 30- No School-Memorial Day
May 31- International Fair
June 01- Attendance Celebration
June 02- Class Parties 1:30-2:30 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
What are we learning these last few weeks of school....
Reading and Writing- Unit 10 - Ask, Argue, and Give Reasons: Taking a Look at Author's Persuasive Language & Position
Math- Unit 14: Enriching Connections Between the Real World and Whole Number, Fraction, and Decimal Operations
- In prior units, students are reviewing and applying addition and subtraction of fractions and decimals when working with graphs and were introduced to stem-and-leaf graphs as well as applying multiplication and division with whole numbers. Students also worked on personal financial literacy concepts and focus on calculating profit.
- In unit 13 and 14, students have more opportunities for application and becoming more fluent with multiplication and division of whole numbers and addition and subtraction of whole numbers, decimals, and fractions
Science- Unit 10: Energy and Electricity
In this unit, students will investigate energy. Students will differentiate among forms of energy, including thermal, light, sound, and electrical energy. Students have explored heat, light, and sound energy since kindergarten and were introduced to mechanical and mechaniical energy in 3rd grade. Students should relate mechanical energy to their understanding of forces from Unit 3: gravity, friction, and magnetism. This is the first time students are introduced to electrical energy, including conductors, insulators, and electromagnetic fields.
While exploring electrical energy, students should have opportunities to build a variety of electrical circuits to investigate open and closed paths and to differentiate between materials that are conductors and insulators of electrical energy. Finally, students should have opportunities to create, observe, and explore electromagnetic fields and explain the forces and forms of energy being used and demonstrated.
Social Studies
4.8 Texas Frontier- Expanding Economy During Reconstruction many states from the South had a difficult time changing their way of life but not Texas. After the U.S. Army came in and moved the American Indians to reservations, the economy of Texas boomed with the expansion of the cattle industry, the growth of the railroad, and the immigration of people from Europe, Mexico, and other parts of the United States. Cities all over Texas began to grow and the culture of Texas would begin to look different. Students will explain the growth, development, and impact of these events.
4.9 Urbanization of Texas- Moving On Up In the prior unit, the economy of Texas began to grow and began changing the way of life for Texans. In this unit, students will examine the effect of this growth which was urbanization. Students will investigate the different industries that drew people to the urban areas of Texas. The most important industry that will draw people to the urban areas of Texas will be the oil and gas industry. The oil and gas industry will not only affect the urbanization of Texas but make it a factor in important events in the United States at this time like the Great Depression and World War II.
4.10 Modern Texas- Pride and Politics Texans have always adapted and modified their environment to make life better but there are consequences to those decisions. In this unit, students will examine environmental issues and the consequences of those issues on Texas today. It is important that they understand the geography of Texas and the economic, political, and social characteristics of the state to understand the issues and their consequences.
IB Unit of Inquiry- Who We Are
Central Idea: Understanding who we are fosters intercultural connectedness.
An inquiry into the nature of self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.
Students will create a doll representing the country of their origin and research information about their country. In doing this research, the students will interview family members and online research to create a family tree.
Students will also became aware of other cultures in their classroom thus developing a respect and understanding for international mindedness.
This unit will be connected to our social studies units and help students to come to realize how their ancestors and families play a part in Texas history or current life.