In math, we are working on finishing up our division unit.  All students have moved into using the traditional algorithm that we call the digit-by-digit method, and that you may remember as “long division.”  Our focus this week is on word problems and really analyzing what the remainder means.  Depending on how the lessons go, the plan is to give the review test Wednesday, reteach skills on Thursday, and then give the final test on Friday.  If students continue to struggle with word problems, we will push our testing dates back , which will result in our final test being after our holiday break.  Please check their planners for any changes to testing dates.

In reading, we are finishing up informational reading.  Students are working to take notes on the most important information, and then using those notes to write summaries.  This skill will prepare them for the research we start after the holiday break.

In writing, students have been working hard to complete their first opinion essays.  Please be on the look-out over the holiday break for these essays.  They have some pretty interesting topics they’re trying to convince you to agree with.

In science, students are going to be examining the internal structures of plants as they dissect a flower.  When we return from break, we will be shifting our study from plant structure to animal structures.

Upcoming Dates

Monday, 12/17	Spirit Week: “Baby It’s Cold Outside” – Wear warm hats, beanies, and scarves
Tuesday, 12/18	Spirit Week: “Candy Cane Lane” – Dress in red and white
Wednesday, 12/19	Spirit Week: “Happy Holidays” – Wear your best flannel and fuzzy socks for a ‘family picture’ Math Review Test
Thursday, 12/20	Spirit Week: “Deck the Halls” – Wear your ugly holiday sweaters Holiday Sock Exchange in the Morning, and Holiday Party 2:35-3:40
Friday, 12/21	Spirit Week: “Long Winter’s Nap” – Wear cozy PJ’s Reading Forts and Movie Day Math Final Test
Monday, 12/24 – Friday, 1/4	Holiday Break – Enjoy Time with Family and Friends