Thursday, February 7, 2013

What We're Learning This Week!

Reading-
We are learning about animal habitats and understanding the difference between fact and opinion

Math-
Our students are learning about 2-dimentional geometric shapes. We are also learning all about angles (90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 360 degrees)

Science-
This week we are observing matter and the states of solids, liquids, a gases

Language Arts-
Please see our Word Work tab for an updates list of vocabulary words. The assessment will be on Monday, February 11th.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Vocabulary/Word Work

Dear Parents, 

Each week our students are given 12 words to study to enhance their vocabulary. We have chosen to test the students each Monday (unless we tell them otherwise). We do this to allow more time for our kids to study. 

Learning vocabulary is very important to understand higher level texts. Please encourage your child to study a few words each night so they are ready for their assessment. 

On the FCAT there is a section called Words and Phrases which assesses the students on their knowledge of synonyms, antonyms, homophones, and words with multiple meanings. 

Our students have to learn good habits to be prepared for success. Please continue to motivate your child to complete their homework and study. If they are taking too long to complete their assignments, please let us know. At this point in the year, students should be aware of time management and our expectations for completing certain tasks. 

We would be happy to conference with you to help explain how we can work together to help your child. On Friday, January 18th, we have a Planning Day. If you would like to schedule a time to meet with us, please let us know. 

Thank you for your support!!!


Tuesday, January 1, 2013


"WHY CAN'T I SKIP MY 20 MINUTES OF READING TONIGHT?"



LET'S FIGURE IT OUT --- MATHEMATICALLY!

Student A reads 20 minutes five nights of every week;
Student B reads only 4 minutes a night...or not at all!

Step 1: Multiply minutes a night x 5 times each week.
Student A reads 20 min. x 5 times a week = 100 mins./week
Student B reads 4 minutes x 5 times a week = 20 minutes

Step 2: Multiply minutes a week x 4 weeks each month.
Student A reads 400 minutes a month.
Student B reads 80 minutes a month.

Step 3: Multiply minutes a month x 9 months/school year
Student A reads 3600 min. in a school year.
Student B reads 720 min. in a school year.

Student A practices reading the equivalent of ten whole school days a year.
Student B gets the equivalent of only two school days of reading practice.


 By the end of 6th grade if Student A and Student B maintain
these same reading habits,
Student A will have read the equivalent of 60 whole school days
Student B will have read the equivalent of only 12 school days.
One would expect the gap of information retained will have widened considerably and so, undoubtedly, will school performance. How do you think Student B will feel about him/herself as a student?

Some questions to ponder:

Which student would you expect to read better?

Which student would you expect to know more?

Which student would you expect to write better?

Which student would you expect to have a better vocabulary?

Which student would you expect to be more successful in school....and in
 life?

(Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, America Reads Challenge. (1999) "Start Early, Finish Strong: How to Help Every Child Become a Reader." Washington, D.C.


Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Sunday, December 2, 2012

"Tree Hill" field trip on Tuesday!

Don't forget to pack your child's lunch, unless you opted for your child to receive a bagged lunch from school.

Stay tuned for pictures!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Tuesday Folder Update!

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Tuesday folders will go home on Thursday this week. Inside the folder you will find your child's progress report. Please return the folder and the signed progress report on Friday.

Also, please remember that we allow students to make corrections on their work to earn extra points. This is a great way for them to learn from their mistakes. Although we have met with most of you, please don't hesitate to schedule a conference. We are always available to discuss your child's progress.

Thank you for your support!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

Students have a lot to talk about on Thanksgiving Day. Please ask your child to discuss the meaning of Thanksgiving and what it was like to sail on the Mayflower back in 1620. We're sure you might learn some interesting facts, which are referenced in our November Book of the Month,
...If you Sailed the Mayflower in 1620.

Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving with your families!