Week of May 8th

Hi families! Here is what's happening in Room 34 this week....

Reading
We are reviewing skills and strategies using fiction literature.  There will not be a spelling list this week but there will be new vocabulary words given on Monday.  On Friday a test will be given on the vocabulary, so make sure to study  your words nightly.

Math
We are working on symmetry and equivalent periods of time.  Continue to study your multiplication facts.

Writing
Students are publishing and creating failed solution stories.

Here is a link for more information on the CAT SOL test.  It is located on the Virginia Department of Education website.

*http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/practice_items/testnav8.shtml

Additional resources:  http://www.guest.portaportal.com/nnpsresources

Other
May 17 reading SOL part 1
May 18 reading SOL part 2
May 19 Citizenship Reception
May 24 math SOL
May 29 no school Memorial Day

**Reminder....please return the note cards by Friday, May 12th.  These cards came home in the blue folder last week.

Week of February 13

Math
   In math this week we will continue working on fractions.  This week we will look at fractions of a group, set, and mixed fractions.  Make sure to ask your child about our fraction discussions and how fractions are present in their world.

Reading
     This week in reading we are learning about context clues to help us figure out what words mean in a text by using several different strategies.  We are going to work with homophones also.  These are words that sound alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings.

Writing
    We are creating an all about research book.  Students have chosen a non-fiction topic to write about.  Students did a great job with their other books and I am really excited to see what they create with this new book.

Spelling
   A new list of words will come home on Monday.  The words will be listed in their agenda and their homework will be completed in their word work IN.  Homework  this week will look like this:
-Monday they will sort words into the correct category,
-Tuesday students will pick 5 words and write 5 sentences, underlining the spelling word.
-Wednesday students will put all words into ABC order.
-Thursday study for the test on Friday.
-Friday will be the test.

Vocabulary
    A new vocabulary unit will begin on Monday.  Students will create flash cards with the vocabulary word on one side and its definition on the other side.  Have your student study these words and their meaning nightly.  A test will be given the following week and the exact date will be written in their agenda.

Upcoming Events
Feb 14 Valentine exchange....a list of classmates and information came home in weekly folder
       16  100th Day of School....information came home in the weekly folder
       20 no school  President's Day
       23 awards ceremony...invitation will come home with your student
       24  club day
       27  Read Across America week....a list of activities came home in the weekly folder

Wee6k of February

This week we will be taking our benchmark tests.  These tests are not graded but used to guide instruction on areas of need.  Monday we will take the math test.  We have been reviewing in class all last week.  Reading test will be given on Tuesday afternoon.  Make sure students are here both days to take their tests with classmates.

This week...

Reading
   We are learning about text features and working with non-fiction texts.  Remember to read 30 minutes each night.

Writing
     Students will begin a research All About book.  They have decided on their topic and will begin the process on Monday.

Spelling
    We are beginning spelling sorts this week.  You child will have homework every night in spelling.  A list of words is written in the agenda.  There will be a test on Friday.
Homework for this week is:
Mon - cut/sort words in word work notebook according to their feature
Tues - pick 5 write 5...students will pick 5 of their words to write 5 good sentences on notebook
          paper because they will be collected.  We are working on capitalization and punctuation
          and writing meaningful senetence, so I will be looking for really good sentences.
Wed - students will put their words in ABC order in their word work notebook
Thurs - study
Fri - test

Math 
   We are continuing our study of fractions.

Other
Feb 17 Family Fun and Fitness 6:30-7:30...more information to follow
       20  no school
       24  club day
       27-March 3  Read Across America Week...more information to follow

Week of January 30

Hi families!  A few quick reminders:
*Dr. Seuss t-shirt money is due Feb 1.  If your child needs another form let me know.  We will be wearing them during the Read Across America week coming at the end of February.
*If you child is out please send in a note.
*Make sure to sign and return the weekly folder on Friday.

Reading
     This week we will be working on dictionary skills and guide words.  Please have your child share how they use guide words to look up words.

Math
   We will begin a unit on fractions.  Have your child explore their home and see how fractions fit into their life.  The focus this week is parts of a whole.

History
   We are starting a unit on resources.  Ask to see your child's interactive notebook to see what resources we are studying.

Writing
   Students will begin to work on an all about research book.  They have decided on a topic to research and are excited to get to work.

Week of December 19

Dear Parents,

   Thank you so much for sending in your donations for our winter breakfast Wednesday, December 21st.  You can send in the item with your child that morning or leave in the office and we will get it from there.  Here is what we have coming: 

Henry – plates/napkins

Robert – toaster strudel

John – mini donuts

Brady – pre-fruit/4 small glue bottles

Dorian – pre-fruit

Cassius – muffins

Alyssa – muffins

Haiden – juice boxes/breakfast casserole

Tyler – juice boxes

   I emailed all parents of those students who turned in a donation slip. There were some overlapping items and I emailed parents about that also.   If you don’t see your child’s name on the above list and would still like to donate an item not on the list above, please email me at kimberly.stubbs@nn.k12.va.us.  Some of you had asked if volunteers are needed, we are good and don’t need extra help that day.   This is an early dismissal day (12:15pm).  Students may wear appropriate pajamas that day, no body parts showing if they want to.  I would encourage them not to wear their slippers, but tennis shoes that day.  We will also be viewing the Polar Express.  If students would like to bring a small blanket to school that day, they may. 

Thank you so much,

Mrs. Stubbs

Have a wonderful break!

Week of December 12

Hi families!  Thank you so much for sending in the winter breakfast note on Friday.  Here is what I have so far:
apple juice
muffins
1 breakfast casserole
plates/napkins
fresh fruit
*If you would like to send in another item not listed on the list, please email me.  (suggestions:  sausage balls, cheese bites or sticks, etc....) Reminder, we have nut allergies in the classroom and there are 20 students.

Reading
This week we will be comparing and contrasting biographies and autobiographies.  We will also be using text features to convey meaning while reading non-fiction texts.

Science
We will begin a new unit on habitats.  Make sure to review IN notes nightly and the unit vocabulary.

Math
We will start rounding up to thousands place value and rounding to the underlined digit.  Students will use various strategies to help them round.

Other
Dec 15 10:50am - awards ceremony for students receiving honor roll and recognition of perfect attendance
Dec 21  1/2 day dismissal for students 12:15pm

Week of December 5

Reading
strategy:  determine importance in a passage/text
skill:  reference sources

Writing
Drafting our All About book

Math
subtraction:  2-4 digit and across zeros

Science
We will have a unit assessment on adaptations and begin a new unit on food chains.  Make sure to study your IN notes nightly and review the vocabulary from adaptations.

Other
*Dec  7th    5pm-7:30pm Riverside Night at Barnes and Noble!  There will be music, stories, cupcake decorating, gift wrapping and plenty of time to shop.  I hope to see everyone!  I will be there at 5pm to wrap any special packages you may have!

*Dec 15th award ceremony at RES...more information to come

*Dec 16th Good Citizen Reception...more information to come

*Dec 20th  club day

*Dec 21st    1/2 day and winter celebration...more information to come.  If any of our parents would like to help plan this celebration, send me a note or email.