Week of April 28 - May 2, 2008

The weather continues to be fair and sunny. It's such a pleasure to have the students go outside and play during recess. They truly need it. April is almost over and the month of May begins Thursday. Please remind your children, as I do at school, that school is still in session for a few more weeks!! We need to continue working to get them ready for Lakeview. I can't believe I'm saying that already... Oh, and we are still in need of wet wipes. Thanks!

Coming up next week:

Spelling: Lesson 29 – Test Friday

Reading: We will be reading the novel Night of the Twisters this week. We will learn about types of questions during this unit, such as “right there,” “think & search,” and “on your own.” We will also form book clubs and discuss the book with our smaller “club.” The fifth grade has been reading this novel for years. It is one of my favorites and I hope your child will enjoy it as much as I do.

Language Arts: We continue the study of Pronouns. We will review Wednesday and Thursday and follow that with a test on Unit 6 on Friday.

Social Studies: This week we will conclude Chapter 11 entitled The Young United States, specifically the War of 1812, and have our test on Thursday. We will then begin Chapter 12 entitled Times of Change.

Science: Our weather unit will be in full swing this week. You should see a blue book coming home as I expect the students to read ahead before an experiment!

Math: (Mrs. Klacza's math students, only) Chapter 9, the study of fractions, begins! We will specifically be studying factors and GCF, multiples and LCM this week.

Important Notes:
* 5/7 Spring Concert – Cadet Band
* 5/26 Memorial Day holiday

Have a terrific week! Mrs. Klacza

Week of April 21, 2008

We're seeing some improvement in the weather, thank goodness! Lots of April showers to bring those May flowers, but warmer temperatures, also.

Thank you to all the families who visited our classroom and the book fair yesterday. It was great to see all our visitors and I hope you were all impressed with your children's work!

A flyer went home regarding all the great things your family can do in honor of Earth Week. Please consider trying a few of these suggestions at your house. Tuesday is actually Earth Day, so students should wear green, blue, or an Earth Day shirt.

Coming up next week:

Spelling: Lesson 28 – Test Friday

Reading: Our study of China comes to an end this week. The China travel brochures are due Monday. We will present those brochures on Tuesday and finish off the week with a TFK. Great things coming up!! (to be continued...)

Language Arts: We continue the study of Pronouns, specifically possessive pronouns and the correct way to use I and me.

Social Studies: This week we will continue Chapter 11 entitled The Young United States and, specifically, Lesson 2 entitled Jefferson Looks West. Jefferson realizes we need a little “elbow room” and sends Lewis and Clark out to explore the west.

Science: Our Science quiz on the teeth, skin, and respiratory system will be on Tuesday. Your children should be bringing home their You and Your Body book to study! We will then start our Weather unit.

Math: (Mrs. Klacza's math students, only) Chapter 8 will be coming to an end. Students should expect a Chapter 8 test on Wednesday. We will review with a pre-test on Tuesday.

Important Notes:

4/25 decade day (dress in the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, or 90's apparel)
4/24 Early Dismissal 11:00

Have a terrific week! Mrs. Klacza

Week of April 14, 2008

I was really under the impression that Winter was over... After a beautiful weekend (last), it seems April showers are truly here. We've been very productive in Room 208. Please mark your calendars for our annual Spring (yes, I said Spring!) Open House and Book Fair on Thursday, April 17, at 6:45. It will be a great opportunity to visit your child's classroom and buy some great books! They are all so proud of their work; please come see it.

Please make sure money for lunch tickets comes in on Mondays only!! Also, if a single ticket is needed, please make sure your child has exact change -- $2.25. Thank you!
Coming up next week:

Spelling: Lesson 26 (Review) – Test Friday

Reading: We continue our study of China. Our classroom is transforming! We will finish our travel brochures this week. They will tentatively be due on Monday, April 21.

Language Arts: After we finish up a few more adjective activities, we will begin the study of Pronouns, Unit 6 in our English textbooks.

Social Studies: This week we will start Chapter 11 entitled The Young United States and, specifically, Lesson 1 entitled Washington as President.

Science: We will finish up our study of the skin and move on to the always amazing teeth!

Math: (Mrs. Klacza's math students, only) Chapter 8 is in full swing. Checkpoint Quiz will be on Wednesday, April 16.

Important Notes:
4/17 Open House and Book Fair (6:45-8:30 p.m.)
4/18 Rock band day (shirts)
4/25 Decade day (dress in the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, or 90's apparel)
4/24 Early Dismissal 11:00

Have a terrific week! Mrs. Klacza

Week of April 7, 2008

We just completed our first week back after spring break and it sure seemed long! We had so many 4 day weeks before the break, I got kind of used to it... It is good, however, to have the extra time for all the great fifth grade learning going on in Room 208!

Thank you to all the families that sent in healthy treats for our Reading Party today. It was much appreciated and a welcome change from all the “junk” food of the Easter season.

We had a terrific assembly of Amazing Animals this week and we sure do appreciate our PTO who provides these great extras. Thank you very much.

Coming up next week:

Spelling: Lesson 25 – Test Friday

Reading: We have begun the study of China!! We kicked it off with a fascinating slide show given by Mrs. Bouton. Let's just say I'm glad to be an American! We have started our Pandas (which should be finished by the students at home this weekend.) We will continue our research for our travel brochures. We will also be making dragons and lanterns.

Language Arts: We will finish Adjectives and have our test on Thursday.

Social Studies: We will continue reading and taking notes Chapter 10 this week, specifically Lessons 3. The students will be making an “Important Book” for this lesson. Chapter 10 test will be on Friday. Does your child know the Preamble yet?? You tube has the Preamble Schoolhouse Rock on it if you want to listen to the version we listen to!

Science: The Owner's Manuals are complete and we will begin the study of the skin.

Math: (Mrs. Klacza's math students, only) Math tests will be handed back and reviewed on Monday. We will then start Chapter 8, specifically the multiplication of decimals.

Important Notes:
4/9 Family Book Club Night
4/17 Open House and Book Fair (6:45-8:30 p.m.)

4/24 Early Dismissal

Spirit Days:
4/11 Baseball day
4/18 Rock band day (shirts)
4/25 Decade day (dress in the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, or 90's apparel)

Have a terrific week! Mrs. Klacza