Hello Everyone,

**Important Announcements:

CAASPP testing is on the horizon and with that added spiral review and practice in math and ELA. Please be sure your student is here, and if they do have to miss that homework and practice are picked up for them so that they do not fall behind.

Upcoming Dates:
Mt. School Auction: Saturday May 5 @ 5-9 p.m.
Spring Concert: Friday May 18 @ 5:30-7:30
CAASPP testing: Week of 5/21 in the morning M-F
Open House: Wednesday May 23 from 7-8
Memorial Day: Monday May 28 NO SCHOOL

Curriculum Updates:

ELA: we will be reading/analyzing our mystery book. This book should not travel back and forth to school and home; rather, the AR book is for that purpose.  In addition, we continue to honor our VIP each week and listen and respond to presentations by students and practice writing friendly letters. We also have introduced Lucy Calkin's reading lessons as part of our aligned writing program here at Mountain School.

Read Aloud Books: Which Way Freedom, Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, Harriet Tubman, Abe Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Many Thousand Gone by Virginia Hamilton, Johnny Tremain.

SC Symphony: daily musical compositions are introduced and enjoyed every morning in preparation for our SC Symphony experience on January 26th and beyond.

Mindfulness: best practices in mindfulness are being incorporated in our classroom this year.

Harmony: best practices school-wide curriculum for building a strong social-emotional community within our classrooms.

AR Reading: Accelerated Reader continues to be an important part of our reading program. Students are reading appropriate AR books found through the AR book find link and then quizzing on them within 24 hours of finishing their book.  It is critical to support your child in book selection (most books are in our school and classroom libraries) and to remind them to read, read, read whenever the opportunity arises--in the car, while waiting for an appt., to and from school, before bed time, on a Sunday in your jammies, etc.  These books should travel to and from the classroom in a daily fashion for classroom DEAR (drop everything and read) sessions as well as nightly reading homework and beyond. Students have a goal of 14 points for the second trimester.  Each book has a certain amount of points it is worth.  This information is listed with reading level and appropriateness (grade school, middle school, high school, for example).  Points per book range from 3 to 5, generally, with longer books being worth more points.  On an average this is going to mean your child is reading anywhere from 3-5 books a Trimester. That said, help your child select books that are on their reading level (their latest DRA2 level), and have high interest for them.  This will allow them to accomplish reading books from start to finish successfully.

    

Math: Decimals. Please check your child's planner for specific page numbers. POM solving and presentations (problem of the month) continue. The next MARS task will be introduced this month as well.  

Science: We will begin the Environments unit next week. 

Social Studies: History Alive curriculum and Houghton Mifflin. We will be going into the Modern era as well as studying the branches of government.

Writing and Grammar: summary writing continues throughout the year. Personal narratives, grammar and root word study.

Sick Days and Absences: When your student misses a day or more of school it is highly recommended that you come in and pick up the homework and missed classwork for the day/week. In a week, we have 7.5 hours of instruction in math alone.

Warmly,

Mrs. Young

A Friendly Reminder: Sick Days and Absences: When your student misses a day or more of school it is highly recommended that you come in and pick up the homework and missed classwork for the day/week. In a week, we have 7.5 hours of instruction in math alone.

Hats with Bills: we do not wear hats with bills in the classrooms here at Mountain. It interferes with instruction, eye contact and listening. Students are welcome to wear them at recesses. During classroom hours, students are asked to tuck their hats away in their back packs. Thank you for your understanding.

**Important Announcements:

Upcoming Dates:

Report Cards-- Monday, March 19th
Spring Break--Monday, April 2nd-6th

Curriculum Updates:

ELA: we will finish reading/analyzing our literature book: Which Way Freedom in class only. In addition, we continue to honor our VIP each week and listen and respond to presentations by students and practice writing friendly letters. We also have introduced Lucy Calkin's reading lessons as part of our aligned writing program here at Mountain School.

Read Aloud Books: Which Way Freedom, Harriet Tubman, Abe Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Many Thousand Gone by Virginia Hamilton, Johnny Tremain.

SC Symphony: daily musical compositions are introduced and enjoyed every morning in preparation for our SC Symphony experience on January 26th and beyond.

Mindfulness: best practices in mindfulness are being incorporated in our classroom this year.

Harmony: best practices school-wide curriculum for building a strong social-emotional community within our classrooms.

AR Reading: Accelerated Reader continues to be an important part of our reading program. Students are reading appropriate AR books found through the AR book find link and then quizzing on them within 24 hours of finishing their book.  It is critical to support your child in book selection (most books are in our school and classroom libraries) and to remind them to read, read, read whenever the opportunity arises--in the car, while waiting for an appt., to and from school, before bed time, on a Sunday in your jammies, etc.  These books should travel to and from the classroom in a daily fashion for classroom DEAR (drop everything and read) sessions as well as nightly reading homework and beyond. Students have a goal of 14 points for the second trimester.  Each book has a certain amount of points it is worth.  This information is listed with reading level and appropriateness (grade school, middle school, high school, for example).  Points per book range from 3 to 5, generally, with longer books being worth more points.  On an average this is going to mean your child is reading anywhere from 3-5 books a Trimester. That said, help your child select books that are on their reading level (their latest DRA2 level), and have high interest for them.  This will allow them to accomplish reading books from start to finish successfully.

    

Math: Measures and Decimals. Please check your child's planner for specific page numbers. POM solving and presentations (problem of the month) continue. The next MARS task will be introduced this month as well.  

Science: landforms--Mt. Shasta, Mt. St. Helens

Social Studies: Civil War, Underground Railroad

Writing: summary writing continues throughout the year. Personal narratives, grammar and root word study.

 Spelling, Grammar and Cursive: Weekly lessons

Warmly,

Mrs. Young

Hello Everyone,

Thank you to all of our drivers/chaperones on last week's field trip to the Symphony. We appreciate your dedication to our classroom and the students. 

**Field Trips: Cabrillo College Friday, March 9 at 8:45-10:00. 
We need drivers and Chaperones for this event. Due to limited space, Cabrillo has asked that we have no more than 7 chaperones present with our class. If we have extra volunteers, we will need to have them drop off children and come back to pick them up at 10:00.

Mountain Science Fair- Wednesday, March 7th:

All students in grades 4-6 are required to complete science fair projects at home.  Clear guidelines and timeline are included in the information. Please follow the calendar to stay on track with deadlines.  

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/ and SC County Science Fair Link provide helpful resources for project planning.  Please contact me with any questions.

Santa Cruz County Science Fair: Saturday March 10th  (registration deadline: Fri., Feb. 9)

SC County Science Fair Link  We encourage students to enter their projects into the Santa Cruz County Science Fair. Please view the website with your child to consider whether she or he is interested in this opportunity.  The website includes helpful ideas as well as guidelines for projects. If your child is interested in participating, he/she is strongly encouraged to begin a project as soon as possible.

Upcoming Dates:

READ-A-THON-- February 18th-February 28th
Mountain Science Fair-- Wednesday, March 7th
Cabrillo College Field Trip-- Friday, March 9th 8:45-10:00

SC County Science Fair--Saturday, March 10th
Report Cards--Monday March 19th

SC Symphony: daily musical compositions are introduced and enjoyed every morning.

Mindfulness: best practices in mindfulness are incorporated in our classroom this year.

Harmony: best practices school-wide curriculum for building a strong social-emotional community within our classrooms.

AR Reading: Accelerated Reader continues to be an important part of our reading program.  Students are reading appropriate AR books found through the AR book find link and then quizzing on them within 24 hours of finishing their book.  It is critical to support your child in book selection (most books are in our school and classroom libraries) and to remind them to read, read, read whenever the opportunity arises--in the car, while waiting for an appt., to and from school, before bed time, on a Sunday in your jammies, etc.  These books should travel to and from the classroom in a daily fashion for classroom DEAR (drop everything and read) sessions as well as nightly reading homework and beyond.  Students have a goal of 14 points for the second trimester.  Each book has a certain amount of points it is worth.  This information is listed with reading level and appropriateness (grade school, middle school, high school, for example).  Points per book range from 3 to 5, generally, with longer books being worth more points.  On an average this is going to mean your child is reading anywhere from 3-5+ books a Trimester. That said, help your child select books that are on their reading level (their latest DRA2 level), and have high interest for them.  This will allow them to accomplish reading books from start to finish successfully.

Math: Measures. Please check your child's planner for specific page numbers. POM solving and presentations (problem of the month) continue. MARS tasks.

Science: Soils, Rocks and Landforms; science fair preparation. Please follow calendar timeline suggestions.

Social Studies: Civil War studies begin.

Writing and Grammar: summary writing, book reviews, science research report on extreme weather (expository), spelling, vocabulary, grammar and root word study.

Warmly,

Mrs. Young

Hello Everyone,

Informational Books: On Monday January 22, we will be embarking on a scientific unit of study about extreme weather over the next 4-6 weeks that requires your student to have a number of informational texts on their reading level that are of high interest. That said, our Mountain class library and school library will not supply the 6 books each child will require. It is important to help your child gather reading material that may come from your home libraries or public libraries. Your child will need 2 informational books that relate to his/her science fair interests this year,  2 informational books on extreme weather (tornadoes, hurricanes, drought, earthquakes), and 2 informational books on their own area of interest to read in class and as nightly reading--these books can range on whatever topic your child is interested in learning about as long as it is informational and not fiction and is on their reading level.

**Important Announcements/Field Trips:

Mountain Science Fair- Wednesday, March 7th:
Signed Proposals are due

All students in grades 4-6 are required to complete science fair projects at home.  Clear guidelines and timeline are included in the information. Please follow the calendar to stay on track with deadlines.  

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/ and SC County Science Fair Link provide helpful resources for project planning.  Please contact me with any questions.

THE SANTA CRUZ SYMPHONY FIELD TRIP: Tuesday February 20th at 11:00, Kaiser Arena

To inspire our students’ musical talents and aspirations we will participate in this fantastic event.

Thank you to those who have volunteered to chaperone and drive!

Santa Cruz County Science Fair: Saturday March 10th  (registration deadline: Fri., Feb. 9)

SC County Science Fair Link  We encourage students to enter their projects into the Santa Cruz County Science Fair. Please view the website with your child to consider whether she or he is interested in this opportunity.  The website includes helpful ideas as well as guidelines for projects. If your child is interested in participating, he/she is strongly encouraged to begin a project as soon as possible.

Upcoming Dates:
100th Day of School--Friday, February 2
HOLIDAY/ NO SCHOOL-- Monday, February 12th

HOLIDAY/ NO SCHOOL-- Monday, February 19th
SC Symphony field trip-- Tuesday February 20th, 11:00 @ Kaiser Arena
READ-A-THON-- February 18th-February 28th
Mountain Science Fair-- Wednesday, March 7th

SC County Science Fair--Saturday, March 10th

Typing Club

Typing practice!! typingclub.com

We will be typing in class each week.  Please let me know if computer access is a problem.

Curriculum Updates: January/February

ELA: Book review on The Sign of the Beaver.  Lucy Calkin's reading lessons.

SC Symphony: daily musical compositions are introduced and enjoyed every morning in preparation for our SC Symphony experience on Tuesday February 20th and beyond.

Mindfulness: best practices in mindfulness are incorporated in our classroom this year.

Harmony: best practices school-wide curriculum for building a strong social-emotional community within our classrooms.

AR Reading: Accelerated Reader continues to be an important part of our reading program.  Students are reading appropriate AR books found through the AR book find link and then quizzing on them within 24 hours of finishing their book.  It is critical to support your child in book selection (most books are in our school and classroom libraries) and to remind them to read, read, read whenever the opportunity arises--in the car, while waiting for an appt., to and from school, before bed time, on a Sunday in your jammies, etc.  These books should travel to and from the classroom in a daily fashion for classroom DEAR (drop everything and read) sessions as well as nightly reading homework and beyond.  Students have a goal of 14 points for the second trimester.  Each book has a certain amount of points it is worth.  This information is listed with reading level and appropriateness (grade school, middle school, high school, for example).  Points per book range from 3 to 5, generally, with longer books being worth more points.  On an average this is going to mean your child is reading anywhere from 3-5+ books a Trimester. That said, help your child select books that are on their reading level (their latest DRA2 level), and have high interest for them.  This will allow them to accomplish reading books from start to finish successfully.

Math: Fractions. Please check your child's planner for specific page numbers. POM solving and presentations (problem of the month) continue. MARS tasks.

Science: Soils, Rocks and Landforms; science fair preparation. Please follow calendar timeline suggestions.

Social Studies: History report presentations.

Writing and Grammar: summary writing, book reviews, science research report on extreme weather (expository), spelling, vocabulary, grammar and root word study.

Warmly,

Mrs. Young

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to let you all know that I am feeling much better and am eager to return this coming week on Tuesday January 16th to the classroom and your children.  Thank you to all those who sent well wishes for my recovery from pneumonia. I would also like to extend the deepest gratitude to my colleague, Kim Dudley, for covering the class in my absence. It was very appreciated and good to know that the students were in such capable hands.

HOLIDAY/ NO SCHOOL-- Monday, January 15th

Informational Books: On Monday January 22, we will be embarking on a scientific unit of study about extreme weather over the next 4-6 weeks that requires your student to have a number of informational texts on their reading level that are of high interest. That said, our Mountain class library and school library will not supply the 6 books each child will require. It is important to help your child gather reading material that may come from your home libraries or public libraries. Your child will need 2 informational books that relate to his/her science fair interests this year,  2 informational books on extreme weather (tornadoes, hurricanes, drought, earthquakes), and 2 informational books on their own area of interest to read in class and as nightly reading--these books can range on whatever topic your child is interested in learning about as long as it is informational and not fiction and is on their reading level.

**Important Announcements/Field Trips:

Mountain Science Fair- Wednesday, March 7th:

Your child will receive a Science Fair packet this Tuesday to read over with you and begin planning for a project.  All students in grades 4-6 are required to complete science fair projects at home.  Clear guidelines and timeline are included in the information.   

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/ and SC County Science Fair Link provide helpful resources for project planning.  Please contact me with any questions.

THE SANTA CRUZ SYMPHONY FIELD TRIP: Tuesday February 20th at 11:00, Kaiser Arena

To inspire our students’ musical talents and aspirations we will participate in this fantastic event.

Thank you to those who have volunteered to chaperone and drive. We only need one more driver.

Santa Cruz County Science Fair: Saturday March 10th  (registration deadline: Fri., Feb. 9)

SC County Science Fair Link  We encourage students to enter their projects into the Santa Cruz County Science Fair. Please view the website with your child to consider whether she or he is interested in this opportunity.  The website includes helpful ideas as well as guidelines for projects. If your child is interested in participating, he/she is strongly encouraged to begin a project as soon as possible.

Upcoming Dates:

HOLIDAY/ NO SCHOOL-- Monday, January 15th

SC Symphony field trip-- Tuesday February 20th, 11:00 @ Kaiser Arena
SCCOE Spelling Bee-- Saturday, January 27th at UCSC

HOLIDAY/ NO SCHOOL-- Monday, February 12th

HOLIDAY/ NO SCHOOL-- Monday, February 19th
Santa Cruz Symphony at Kaiser Arena--Monday, February 20th
READ-A-THON-- February 18th-February 28th
Mountain Science Fair-- Wednesday, March 7th

SC County Science Fair--Saturday, March 10th

Typing Club

Typing practice!! typingclub.com

We will be typing in class each week.  Please let me know if computer access is a problem.

Curriculum Updates: January

ELA: reading/analyzing our literature book: The Sign of the Beaver.  We are working on jots (note taking from the text and elaboration) and uncovering the problems that face our main characters and the life lessons taught in the text. In addition, we continue to honor our VIP each week and listen and respond to presentations by students. 

SC Symphony: daily musical compositions are introduced and enjoyed every morning in preparation for our SC Symphony experience on Tuesday February 20th and beyond.

Mindfulness: best practices in mindfulness are incorporated in our classroom this year.

Harmony: best practices school-wide curriculum for building a strong social-emotional community within our classrooms.

AR Reading: Accelerated Reader continues to be an important part of our reading program.  Students are reading appropriate AR books found through the AR book find link and then quizzing on them within 24 hours of finishing their book.  It is critical to support your child in book selection (most books are in our school and classroom libraries) and to remind them to read, read, read whenever the opportunity arises--in the car, while waiting for an appt., to and from school, before bed time, on a Sunday in your jammies, etc.  These books should travel to and from the classroom in a daily fashion for classroom DEAR (drop everything and read) sessions as well as nightly reading homework and beyond.  Students have a goal of 14 points for the second trimester.  Each book has a certain amount of points it is worth.  This information is listed with reading level and appropriateness (grade school, middle school, high school, for example).  Points per book range from 3 to 5, generally, with longer books being worth more points.  On an average this is going to mean your child is reading anywhere from 3-5+ books a Trimester. That said, help your child select books that are on their reading level (their latest DRA2 level), and have high interest for them.  This will allow them to accomplish reading books from start to finish successfully.

Math: Continuing with fractions. Please check your child's planner for specific page numbers. POM solving and presentations (problem of the month) continue. The next MARS task will be introduced this month as well. 

Science: Soils, Rocks and Landforms; science fair preparation.

Social Studies: American Revolution and beyond.

Writing and Grammar: summary writing continues throughout the year. Social Studies written report (expository), spelling, vocabulary, grammar and root word study.

Warmly,

Mrs. Young

Hello Everyone,

    Happy New Year! I hope you all had a marvelous vacation filled with rest, relaxation, adventure, and memory-making experiences.  Thank you for your kind sentiments and generous gifts.  I feel honored and appreciated! 🎉

**Important Announcements/Field Trips:

Mountain Science Fair- Wednesday, March 7th:

Your child will receive a Science Fair packet to read over with you and begin planning for a project next Monday.  All students in grades 4-6 are required to complete science fair projects at home.  Clear guidelines and timeline are included in the information.   

http://www.sciencebuddies.org/ and SC County Science Fair Link provide helpful resources for project planning.  Please contact me with any questions.

THE SANTA CRUZ SYMPHONY FIELD TRIP: Tuesday February 20th at 11:00, Kaiser Arena

To inspire our students’ musical talents and aspirations we will participate in this fantastic event.

**A field trip form is in your child’s Monday folder.**

Santa Cruz County Science Fair: Saturday March 10th  (registration deadline: Fri., Feb. 9)

SC County Science Fair Link  We encourage students to enter their projects into the Santa Cruz County Science Fair. Please view the website with your child to consider whether she or he is interested in this opportunity.  The website includes helpful ideas as well as guidelines for projects. If your child is interested in participating, he/she is strongly encouraged to begin a project as soon as possible.

Upcoming Dates:

HOLIDAY/ NO SCHOOL-- Monday, January 15th

SC Symphony field trip-- Tuesday February 20th, 11:00 @ Kaiser Arena
SCCOE Spelling Bee-- Saturday, January 27th at UCSC

HOLIDAY/ NO SCHOOL-- Monday, February 12th

HOLIDAY/ NO SCHOOL-- Monday, February 19th
Santa Cruz Symphony at Kaiser Arena--Monday, February 20th
READ-A-THON-- February 18th-February 28th
Mountain Science Fair-- Wednesday, March 7th

SC County Science Fair--Saturday, March 10th

Typing Club

Typing practice!! typingclub.com

We will be typing in class each week.  Please let me know if computer access is a problem.

Curriculum Updates: January

ELA: reading/analyzing our literature book: The Sign of the Beaver.  We are working on jots (note taking from the text and elaboration) and uncovering the problems that face our main characters and the life lessons taught in the text. In addition, we continue to honor our VIP each week and listen and respond to presentations by students. 

SC Symphony: daily musical compositions are introduced and enjoyed every morning in preparation for our SC Symphony experience on Tuesday February 20th and beyond.

Mindfulness: best practices in mindfulness are incorporated in our classroom this year.

Harmony: best practices school-wide curriculum for building a strong social-emotional community within our classrooms.

AR Reading: Accelerated Reader continues to be an important part of our reading program.  Students are reading appropriate AR books found through the AR book find link and then quizzing on them within 24 hours of finishing their book.  It is critical to support your child in book selection (most books are in our school and classroom libraries) and to remind them to read, read, read whenever the opportunity arises--in the car, while waiting for an appt., to and from school, before bed time, on a Sunday in your jammies, etc.  These books should travel to and from the classroom in a daily fashion for classroom DEAR (drop everything and read) sessions as well as nightly reading homework and beyond.  Students have a goal of 14 points for the second trimester.  Each book has a certain amount of points it is worth.  This information is listed with reading level and appropriateness (grade school, middle school, high school, for example).  Points per book range from 3 to 5, generally, with longer books being worth more points.  On an average this is going to mean your child is reading anywhere from 3-5 books a Trimester. That said, help your child select books that are on their reading level (their latest DRA2 level), and have high interest for them.  This will allow them to accomplish reading books from start to finish successfully.

Math: Review of comparing fractions and lessons on adding and subtracting fractions. Please check your child's planner for specific page numbers. POM solving and presentations (problem of the month) continue. The next MARS task will be introduced this month as well. 

Science: Soils, Rocks and Landforms; science fair preparation.

Social Studies: American Revolution and beyond.

Writing and Grammar: summary writing continues throughout the year. Social Studies written report (expository), spelling, vocabulary, grammar and root word study.

Warmly,

Mrs. Young

Hello Everyone,

As the Holidays rapidly approach,  spend this time spreading compassion to yourself and others.  It is an exciting yet busy time.  With that, things can become somewhat stressful.  A good time to remember to breath and enjoy all the gifts we have in our lives. 

A Warm Thank You: to parents who have helped chaperone and drive on our most recent field trip: Sarah, Emkay, Amanda, and Sasha 

Congratulations to Arielle who is the proud winner of the Mountain Spelling Bee.  Way to go Arielle, we're so proud of you!!

Ear Buds:! We need 'em!  If you can send your child with some for his or her desk that would be ideal. If you are able to donate a pair or two we would appreciate that, too.

Popcorn and Hot Cocoa Celebration: on the last day, Thursday, before break. If you can contribute, please let Beth and/or Krissy know.

Behavior/student posture incentive plan: we will continue our plan this trimester with popsicle sticks in order to earn individual points as well as points for the class for popcorn and a movie.  Each student is given 2 popsicle sticks at the start of every day.  Students who keep their popsicle sticks throughout the day receive points as does the class.  The loss of a popsicle stick or sticks results when a student is disrespectful, talks during instruction, blurts out, doesn't follow directions, disrupts, passes notes, or uses the bathroom unnecessarily to avoid class, for example.  Students who lose 2 sticks in a day are given an "uh oh" sheet filled out by the teacher to inform home of what happened and why. Your parent initial is respectfully requested on these, and they are to be returned the next day by the student.  The hope is to encourage high student posture and to keep communications with home open.  If you are not seeing "uh oh" sheets, your student is on target.  If you have received such a sheet talk to your child to set expectations.  And, please, feel free to contact me as well if you need further explanation. 

ELA: we are reading/analyzing our literature book: Sign of the Beaver.  We are working on responses to literature and jots (note taking from the text and elaboration).  In addition, we continue to honor our VIP each week and listen and respond to presentations by students. 

Lucy Calkin's Reading Homework: please look for reading homework over the month. We will be researching events prior to The American Revolution which is the theme/topic of this unit of study. More of our online links: 

Give me liberty or give me death speech:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHo-3LEcgQE

Sam Adam’s speech:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ-FWHN3ljI

No more king!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-9pDZMRCpQ

Revere and Dawes Warn of British Attack

Paul Revere Engraving

Boston Massacre:
Captain Preston Testimony

SC Symphony: daily musical compositions are introduced and enjoyed every morning.

Mindfulness: best practices in mindfulness are being incorporated in our classroom this year.

Harmony: best practices school-wide curriculum for building a strong social-emotional community within our classrooms.

AR Reading: Accelerated Reader continues to be an important part of our reading program.  Students are reading appropriate AR books found through the AR book find link and then quizzing on them within 24 hours of finishing their book.  It is critical to support your child in book selection (most books are in our school and classroom libraries) and to remind them to read, read, read whenever the opportunity arises--in the car, while waiting for an appt., to and from school, before bed time, on a Sunday in your jammies, etc.  These books should travel to and from the classroom in a daily fashion for classroom DEAR (drop everything and read) sessions as well as nightly reading homework and beyond.  Students have a goal of 14 points for the second trimester.  Each book has a certain amount of points it is worth.  This information is listed with reading level and appropriateness (grade school, middle school, high school, for example).  Points per book range from 3 to 5, generally, with longer books being worth more points.  On an average this is going to mean your child is reading anywhere from 3-5 books a Trimester. That said, help your child select books that are on their reading level (their latest DRA2 level), and have high interest for them.  This will allow them to accomplish reading books from start to finish successfully.
    
Math: we are working on fractions in both 4th and 5th grade. Please check your child's planner for specific page numbers. We will continue to review these concepts.  POM solving and presentations (problem of the month) continue. Silicon Valley Math Initiative (SVMI) MARS tasks continue all year.

**Keep Practicing: students are expected to have their times tables memorized. 

Science: wrap up of electromagnets with assessments in the month of December. New unit of study--Solid Earth will begin in January.

Social Studies: Dovetail with Lucy Calkin's reading program on special research projects (individual and group) on the events prior to The American Revolution.

Writing: summary writing continues throughout the year and persuasive essays and debates center around the events prior to The American Revolution. 

Grammar: Study of various grammar: prepositions, nouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives. Figurative language: simile, personification, hyperbole, alliteration, onomatopoeia.

Upcoming Announcements/Events:  
Dec. 20--11:00 Holiday Sing
Dec. 22 - Jan. 5 Winter Break

Thank you for supporting me and the growth of your child in every way.


Warmly,

Mrs.  Y.