News from Room 305
March 20, 2015
Reading & Writing
The great chocolate milk debate has come to Liberty Oaks. Dr. Slaughter wrote to the fifth graders asking for their help to research if chocolate milk should be served in our cafeteria. Thus far, students have read four articles to gather evidence both for and against serving chocolate milk. They collected cartons from all three kinds of milk (chocolate, strawberry, and white) to serve as a reference point. On Wednesday, students were shocked to see what 22 grams of sugar (the amount of sugar in our chocolate and strawberry milk) looks like when it's measured out.
Through this process, students have been learning to read articles more critically - looking closely at the author and looking for evidence of the credentials of individuals quoted in the article. One of the first articles we read, strongly supported chocolate milk being served in school cafeterias; however, it was based on an infomercial by the Midwest Dairy Association, though a nutritionist was sharing the information. Today, we began analyzing authors' word choice and how they can subtly influence the readers' thinking. For example, the article we read today was titled "School Chocolate Milk Debate Goes On." The class thought of alternative words that the author could have used besides "debate." They brainstormed words like: fight, battle, conversation, discussion, controversy, etc; and then they decided whether they had more of a positive or negative connotation associated with them. As we continue to research next week, we'll be examining word choice carefully as the authors are trying to sway our thinking about chocolate milk's place in school cafeterias.
Math
We also started and have almost completed the dividing fractions chapter. Students' solid understanding of multiplying fractions and reflecting on the problem they're trying to solve, has led them to speed through this chapter. Next Thursday, students will take their assessment over multiplying and dividing fractions.
Science/Social Studies
In social studies, students learned about the rise of big businesses - steel and oil. Students learned about monopolies and reviewed the economics terms human and capital resources. They read about immigrants being process through Ellis and Angel Islands and how immigrants became a huge part of the work force.
Jump Rope for the Heart
Ladies and Gentleman,
This month marks the start of our Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser. Each packet you will receive has a permission slip that needs to be filled out, signed, and brought back to me. We already went over who we cannot talk to in regards to donations (strangers and door to door), but I would feel better if it also came from you. If you could help them record all of their donations on the back of their packets that would be great. Be sure to fill out their name and whose class they are in at the top of their packets. All of the checks can be made out to American Heart Association. Everything will be due the last week of March (24th-28th), which will give the kids a little under a month to try and get donations. We will do our jump rope competition that last week of March for all the grades in their regular PE class. Last year we raised a little over $3,000!!! Thank you so much for all of your help and support. If you have any questions please feel free to call me at 736-2549 or email me at nthomas@liberty.k12.mo.us
Thanks,
Coach Thomas
Loves Comes On a Leash Author Visit
Her visit was a great jumping-off point for our Researched-Based Argumentative Essay, as students recognized that she wrote the book to inform and persuade others of the benefits of therapy dogs.
If you're interested in learning more or purchasing the book, please visit her website below.
Camp Invention
Camp Invention is where BIG ideas become the next BIG thing! Join us as we celebrate our 25th year of reinventing summer fun!
In partnership with the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Liberty School District 53 is pleased to offer the nationally-acclaimed Camp Invention program to children entering grades one through six. It’s an exciting, weeklong summer adventure with lessons that explore connections between science, technology, engineering and innovation. Children will work together to seek solutions to real-world problems, turn ordinary into extraordinary and sharpen critical 21st century learning skills while rotating through several fascinating modules.
This unforgettable week begins on July 13, 2015, when Matthew Krohne will direct the Camp Invention Illuminate™ program at Liberty Oaks Elementary School.
In the KartWheel™ module, children let their engineering skills glide them across the finish line as they build, enhance and upgrade their very own freestyle racing cart. Boys and girls will explore what it means to prototype a product from scratch as they become an entrepreneur during the Design Studio: Illuminate™ module. In the I Can Invent: Next Level Gamers™ module, participants will take apart broken or unused appliances using real tools to create a physical video game model in the 3rd dimension! Finally, in theInducted™ module, personalized video challenges from National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees are introduced along with hands-on activities like constructing super-structure mega-towers, assembling out-of-this-world space rockets and so much more!
Local educators will facilitate program modules and enthusiastic high school and college students will serve as Leadership Interns ensuring that one staff member is in place for every eight children.
Every registration includes a complimentary Camp Invention t-shirt. Availability is limited, so visit www.campinvention.org or call 800.968.4332 to secure your child’s spot today!
Next Week's Specials' Calendar:
Tuesday, March 24 - Day 3: Art
Wednesday, March 25 - Day 4: Library
Thursday, March 26 - Day 1: Music
Friday, March 27 - Day 2: PE
Fine Arts Week Spirit Days - Next Week!
Tuesday - Expressionist Day - celebrating individual creativity - Wear colors, patterns, and textures that express who you are.
Wednesday - Showcase artists/musicians who inspire us - Dress as your favorite artist/artwork or musician.
Thursday - Celebrating American Artists - Wear red, white and blue.
Friday - School Spirit Day - Wear your favorite school spirit clothes.
Upcoming Events:
March
3/20 - Family Fun Spring Dance 6:30-8:30 pm in Gym
3/20 - Report Cards sent home
3/23-27 - Fine Arts Week
3/25 - Spring Picture Day
3/30-4/3 - Spring Break
April
4/8- CiCi’s Pizza Night, 4:30-8:00 pm
4/9- All Pro Dads 7:00 am (library)
4/9- Moms & Muffins 7:15-7:45 (Last name A-L)
4/10-Moms &-Muffins 7:15-7:45 (Last name M-Z)
4/14 - PTA Exec. Board Meeting, 7:00 pm
4/15-Chipotle night (4-8)
4/15- Opera at school
4/7-4/17- Boosterthon on Campus
4/16- Boosterthon Fun Run
4/21-Radical Challenge FT-5th Grade
4/22- Science Night 5:30-7:00pm (Science Club Presenting Projects)
4/23- Culver’s Night (Teachers work) 5-8
4/24- Movie on the Playground
May
5/4-5/8 - State of Missouri Assessment (formerly MAP) Because the test is now online, each grade level will be assessed a different week. 5th Grade is tentatively scheduled during the first week of May. Fifth graders and Eighth graders have the largest assessments to complete, so attendance is extremely important.
5/4-5/8- Staff Appreciation Week
5/6- Bike- to- school Day
5/6- CiCi’s Pizza Night, 4:30-8:00 pm
5/7- Open House & Art Show, 5:30 pm
5/12- PTA General Meeting, 7:00 pm
5/12- Baskin & Robbins 4-8pm
5/14- All Pro Dads 7:00 am
5/14- 10/15- Chipotle night (4-8)
5/14- 5th Grade Picnic 11:30-12:30
5/15- Field Day
5/18- 5th Grade Recognition Breakfast, 8:00 am – 9:00 am
5/20 Early Release & Last Day of School, Fifth grade walk right before dismissal, 11:50 am
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Contact Information:
(816)736-5600 x.2637