This week…

Math: We will be reviewing fraction concepts missed on Fridays’ review test before taking the final Unit 6 math test on Wednesday.  We will begin Unit 7, another fraction unit, on Friday.

Reading: We are continuing with our unit on Historical Fiction.  Our whole group read aloud of “Number the Stars” will be used to model reading skills that students will apply when reading their independent historical fiction novel.  This week’s focus is on setting (where and when).  Students will be looking for clues to help them better understand what life was like during their time period, in their location.

Writing: We are continuing to work on our literary essays.  This week we will be working on finding specific details and quotations to add to our writing in order to improve the overall craft.

Science: We are studying the transfer of energy and how it is converted from one form to another.  This week students are working with circuits and determining the flow of energy.

Important Notes:

• We are in our first full week of our school-wide book drive.  With Spring right around the corner, it is a great time to clear those cluttered book shelves.  Alward Teams are competing to donate the most books to three different organizations that all help get books into the hands of children that may not have the opportunity to read those books otherwise.
• Conferences are next week.  If you have not returned the half-sheet confirming your conference time, or requesting a different time, please do so as soon as possible and the conference times are jam-packed.  I want to make sure I have the opportunity to meet with all of you.
• Remember that this Friday will be a half day and students will be released at 12:15.  The only lunches available will be a sack lunch to bring home.

Behavior and Attention – With the spring weather creeping upon us, the energy level in the classroom is already increasing.  Some students have become more social over the past couple weeks and are becoming easily distracted from their work.  As I remind them of classroom expectations, it would be great if this reminder could be reiterated at home as well.  Let’s finish off the school year strong!

As always, thank you for your continued support.