I hope everyone had a great week. Here are a few dates to keep in mind as we move through the next few weeks: 

Thursday, 11/1: 11:30 Dismissal: Parent Conferences
Tuesday, 11/6: NO SCHOOL: Parent Conferences

Reading: In reader's workshop, we continued our discussion on the genre of realistic fiction. We also continued working in our guided groups. Students are doing a great job coming to group with things to talk about, and sharing their ideas with their classmates. Next week we will discuss setting and plot, how it plays a role in stories, and specifically look at ways it influences realistic fiction stories. 

Writing: In writing this week, we flash drafted our first version of our personal narrative writing. We also worked with our 2nd grade buddies and created word art poems about Halloween. Next week, we will being working on editing and adding to our drafts by thinking about how to elaborate, add dialogue, and literary devices such as figurative language. 

Math: In math, we began exploring dividing with 2 digit divisors. Students are doing a fabulous job with this! I am so proud of their hard work and perseverance! Long division can be really time consuming and requires a lot of steps. Students are working through this and doing an excellent job! We also looked at interpreting out remainders, and knowing when to keep the remainder, include it in our answer, or when to use it as a fraction. Next week, we will review the chapter and take the chapter 2 test. The chapter 2 test is long, so will likely take two days to complete. 

Social Studies: In Social Studies, we began our first section of our US History book: The First Americans. We specifically talked about other Native American nations that were present in the US before explorers began arriving in the Americas. We talked about the Maya, Inca, the Aztec, and other Native American nations in North America lie the Hopi, Cherokee, Shoshone, Shawnee, and others. 

Science: In Science this week, we continued our reading of "A Long Walk to Water". We will be finishing that next week. Everytime I stop reading the kids yell a collective "NOOO!" because they don't want me to stop reading. 

It's hard to believe we just finished our 6th week of school. It's true what they say, "Time flies when you're having fun!" 

A couple of important dates to keep in mind in the coming weeks:

PTA Book Fair: Monday 10/22-Friday 10/26
Wednesday, 10/24: 11:30 Dismissal: Parent Conferences
Friday, 10/26: LES Picture Day
Thursday, 11/1: 11:30 Dismissal: Parent Conferences
Tuesday, 11/6: NO SCHOOL: Parent Conferences
Friday: 11/9: Veterans Day Share and Celebrate at 1:15 (Save the date! Our class is hosting!)
Monday 11/12: NO SCHOOL: Veterans Day
Tuesday 11/20: Grade 5 Language Selection opens up (more information to come on that!)
Wednesday, 11/21-Friday 11/23: NO SCHOOL: Thanksgiving Recess

Reading: In reader's workshop we began working in our guided reading groups. Students are working in realistic fiction books and working on all kinds of reading strategies. They are already doing a fabulous job talking about their reading, and responding to their reading in conversation or written responses. Over the next few weeks, we will be examining specific features of realistic fiction, and will also be making connections to features that it shares with other fictional genres. 

Writing: In writing, we continued to generate ideas for narrative writing. Next week, we will flash draft on one of these ideas, and will begin looking at ways to improve and elaborate our narrative writing. Students have great ideas, and are excellent participants in writer's workshop. 

Math: In math, we began chapter 2 and our examination of division. We reviewed basic division skills, and learned a few (not as efficient) ways to divide using pictures and partial quotients. While they wouldn't be students "go-to" way of dividing, they did find it cool that it was another way to pull apart numbers and show division. Next week, we will be using the "regular old way" to divide. New from last year, we will be working with 2 digit divisors. Just a reminder as the math concepts start to pick up in complexity: mastery of math facts is essential for students to be able to solve these types of problems. Reflex math is an excellent resource to help with this. We use reflex at least twice a week in school, but students should also be logging in at home to get their practice in. If you have any questions about that, don't hesitate to contact me!

Science: This week in Science and C~cubed, we continued our examination fo water, and looked at how water moves. We were given a task that required students to come up with efficient ways to move water under different types of constraints. Some groups had access to tap water right where they were set up. Some had to use the outside water fountain, some had to actually go outside and get water from a hose. All of the groups were given limited supplies to transport the water. The goal was to fill up their bucket in the classroom to a certain point. The purpose of this exercise was to show students what it can be like for certain countries and people in this world who don't have access to running water. It was also a great lesson on working together and collaborating to solve a problem. The students were awesome, and their reflection was so powerful. They also worked to build water towers for gummy bears. Again, a focus on collaborating and the realization that in order to solve a problem, they have to work together. One student said that the reason they were able to complete the project was because "it wasn't just one person in charge, it was all of us working together and bringing different ideas that added to our finished product. If only one person was in charge of making the plan or running the project, our tower probably wouldn't have come out so good". I think all of the teacher hearst in that room left happy that day!! 

Social Studies: We took a break from Social Studies this week as we focused on Science lessons. Next week we begin our study of US history. We will be creating an informational text that will highlight some of the important events in US history. For the first few sections, we will move quickly as they have covered them a lot in 4th grade (Native Americans, Explorers, Colonial America). I hope the kids enjoy this project as much as I do!
​
​Word Study: This week in word study we focused on wods that make the long /o/ sound using vowel teams of /ou/, /oa/, /oe/. 

Even though it was a short week, it was a JAM PACKED week. I think all of us in 5V are tired, and ready for some rest and relaxation this weekend. 

Here are a few upcoming dates to keep in mind:
Wednesday, 10/24: 11:30 Dismissal for Parent/Teacher Conferences. In case you forget your time, the schedule is posted below. 

Friday, 10/26: LES PICTURE DAY
*Also, PTA Monster mash is Friday night at 6:30 pm. 
Thursday, 11/1: 11:30 Dismissal: Parent/Teacher Conferences (see schedule above)
Tuesday, 11/6: No School: Parent/Teacher Conferences

Reading: In reading, we finished up our discussions around expectations and routines of reader's workshop. On Monday we will begin meeting with guided reading groups. Students are already showing some EXCELLENT independent reading habits. Next week we will also begin book talks, so keep an eye out for those on seesaw! 

Writing: In writing, we continued look at strategies for coming up with ideas for our narrative writing pieces. We worked on writing about turning points in our lives: first times, ast times, and times we've learned something. We also made a list of people who are important to us and wrote small moment stories about times we had with those people. Next week, we will begin flash drafting on a topic we want to write about for our guided writing piece during this writing unit. 

Math: In Math, we finished up chapter 1, and took the chapter 1 test on Thursday. We reviewed the text together as a class. I was SO pleased with the scores on that test!!! Students did GREAT! 

Social Studies: we finished up our discussion on local government with our tour of the Capitol building. The kids were awesome on this trip. We had such a great day!!! Next week, we will begin out US History projects, which I know the students will really enjoy. 

Science: In science, we began examining WATER in our world. We completed an activity where we were able to create a graph comparing the amount of  fresh water, frozen fresh water, and salt water on the planet. Students were amazed at how little fresh water we had in comparison to salt water. We also began reading a new read aloud called A Walk to Water which will tie into our discussion on water and water use. We will also be completing some collaborative projects in C~Cubed, where students will be engineering ways to transport and move water efficiently.This years theme in is "Engineering with Empathy". I am so excited for all of the projects coming up! 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Another awesome week in room 504!! We got a lot of work done, and continue to do a great job adjusting to the new routines of the classroom. A couple of important dates to keep in mind in the coming weeks: 

Friday 9/28: APple Fun Run at 1:15 pm
Friday 10/5: Emergency Early Release Day: Dismissing 15 minutes early
Monday 10/8: No School
Wednesday 10/10: Field trip to NYS Capitol! Permission Slip and information below

Friday, 10/12: Share and Celebrate at 1:15 in cafeteria
Wednesday 10/24: 11:30 Dismissal for Students. Parent conferences in the afternoon (see schedule below)
Friday, 10/26: LES Picture Day
Thursday 11/1: 11:30 Dismissal for Students: Parent conferences in afternoon (see schedule below)
Tuesday, 11/6: No School: Parent Conference Day (see schedule below)

*If you have not signed up for a conference yet, please do so on the link above. You can also view the schedule and time of your conference. 

Reading: In reading this week, we continued to set up the expectations and guidelines of reader's workshop. We talked about choosing a just right book, and why readers abandon books. We also began our poetry workshop on Friday. We immersed ourselves in Poetry, and began to create out Poetry Anthologies, which we will use throughout the year. Students choose a poem that they felt represented them in some way, and added it to their poetry anthologies. 
Writing: In writing, we completed an on-demand writing prompt. We will come back to this prompt at the end of our first writing unit. We will use it as a way to see how we have grown as writers. When we put it up against the narrative we write in class, students are AMAZED at how much they have grown as writers in just a short few weeks. 
Math: In math, we continued our examination of place value and operations. We talked about the properties of addition and multiplication, and wrote numbers in three different ways: standard form, expanded form, and word form. This year, we will be working with numbers up to the one hundred millions place. 
Social Studies: In Social Studies, we reviewed some of our geography of the United States by labeling a big floor map of the US. We also completed puzzles and began using an atlas. We will be working on basic map skill sover the next few weeks, specifically latitude and longitude, cardinal directions, and map scales. 
Word Study: Our word study principal this week looked at the use and definition of proper nouns, and that proper nouns need to be capitalized. 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me. 

Have a great weekend!! 

We have a very busy four days in room 504! We did a lot of prepare for Open House, and the students did a great job making the classroom look beautiful for your arrival. Thank you to all who were able to attend. If you weren't able to make it, no worries!!! You can access our open house presentation, parent conferences sign up sheet, and Parent Contact form all below. 

Here are a few upcoming dates to keep in mind:

• Wednesday, 9/19: No School
• Friday, 9/28: APple Fun Run at 1:15 pm 
• Friday, October 5th: Emergency Early Release Day: Dismissing 15 minutes early
• Monday, October 8th: No School
• Thursday, October 26: LES Picture Day & PTA Monster Mash at 6:30 pm

​

I am so excited for what this year will bring. We had such a great first two days of the school years. Students were excited, energized, and ready to get the ball rolling!! I left both days so excited. We have a GREAT group of kids this year. 

We spent the first two days doing a lot of "housekeeping" in room 504. We went over routines and expectations, and got a lot of what we will need for the year set up. We did a few read alouds, and began getting to know each other. The students made AMAZING google slides to help tell us a little but about themselves. I could not believe the creativity and thought that went into them. It is already clear to me that we have some really deep thinkers in this classroom. Students were having fabulous conversation, and were building off of each other's ideas already.  Like I said, I AM SO EXCITED. 
 
​Open house is on Thursday, 9/13 at 6:00 pm. We will go over some important dates and 5th grade routines and events, and will also spend time during open house to show the Maturity Video that your child will be viewing in April.

Much more information to follow next week. If you can't make open house, let me know, and I will be sure to get you whatever forms and paperwork you need. 

It is already such a pleasure working with your children. 

​Have a great weekend! See everyone next week!

Hello 5V Families, 

Another awesome week by our fabulous 5th graders. Things are really beginning to wind down, and we have some AWESOME 5th grade events coming up. 

Please mark down the following dates:

• Friday, June 1, first round of Marketplace
• Also, on the morning of Friday June 1, we are going to the highschool to watch a Science Show put on the by some of the Seniors from Guilderland High.  There is no permission slip for this trip, as we are going to another building within the district. However, I like to make sure parents knows where we are going, and what time frames are, in case you needed to pick up your child for any reason. We will be traveling to the highschool, watching the show, and traveling back to Lynnwood during the times of 8:30 am to about 10:30 am. If you need to pick up your child for an appointment, or anything else, please let me know as soon as possible so that we can make those arrangements. :-) 
• Wednesday, June 6: 2nd Round of Marketplace
• Thursday, June 7th: BRONX ZOO FIELD TRIP: Arrive at Lynnwood at 7:00 am, we will be returning to Lynnwood around 7:00 pm. **Please see attached itinerary. 

Friday, June 15: Flag Day Assembly at 9:00 am
Monday, June 18: 5th Grade Friendship games at GHS from 12:00-1:30. More info to come. 
Tuesday, June 19: LES Field Day 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Thursday, June 21: 5th Grade Moving Up Day Ceremony at 8:30 am 
Friday June 22: 11:30 Dismissal, 10:00 End of Year Share and Celebrate, Last day of School. 

Reading: In reading, we met with our book clubs to discuss the fantasy books we are reading. I love this time of the year and listening to the students talk about their reading. They have grown so much as readers, and have become so independent. I spend book time club as a facilitator, rather than the leader of the discussion. It is so amazing to sit back and listen to the students reflect on what they have read. Their thinking has grown so much! Ask them about the fantasy book they are reading-all of the books for the book clubs are AWESOME. 

Writing: In writing, we worked on writing powerful conclusions and introductions to our argument essays. Next week, we will talk about why arguments writer's address counterclaims in their writing, and wil wrap up this writing unit. We finish the year writing Literary nonfiction books, which is SO fun and ties into our visit at the Bronx Zoo. 

Math: In math, we continued to look at graphing and interpreting data. We worked with line plots and line graphs. We will continue this work next week. This is our last math chapter, so we will spend the rest of the year reviewing important concepts, and beginning to look at some 6th grade concepts!

Science: In science, students are working on (and loving!) their Nervous System projects. They ask me all day long if they can go back and work on these projects. Some students are writing and ABCs of the Nervous System book, some students are making calendars with trivia questions, and others are making a travel brochure of the brain. All of these projects highlight what we have learned about the nervous system. 

S.S.: In SS we discussed why people use banks to store their money, how banks work, and talked about the difference between a debit card, credit card, and check. We also learned how to write a check and pay bills. Students have some bills they need to pay over the next couple of days. They can pay them "online" (they got an email with the link to do so) or by check. This is great practice for them in balancing a checking account. 

As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Have a great weekend, and enjoy this beautiful weather!

A few dates to keep in mind during the upcoming weeks:

• Thursday 4/26: Grade 5 Band Celebration at GHS at 6:45 pm
• Monday & Tuesday 5/7-5/8: 5th Grade NYS Math Test (Computer Based test for 5th grade this year. Grades 3 and 4 will be taking NYS Math test the week before)
• Friday 5/11: COMPLIMENT PARTY (All You Can Eat Buffet Party) at 11:00 am. Please see sign up below if you want to make a donation to our party!
• On Friday 5/11 we also have ACES day Starting at 1:15 (to burn off what we just ate during our buffet party :-)
• Tuesday or Wednesday 5/15 or 5/16: Circus during PE time** more specific time information to come as we get closer.
• Thursday 5/18: Visit to FMS, dismissing around 3:20 pm
• Friday 5/25: Share and Celebrate at 1:15 (more info on that to come as well!)

Here is a look at what we covered this week:
Reading: In reading, we have started writing our own poetry after examining several elements of poetry (figurative language, personification, rhyming, rhythm, etc.) We began by writing Haiku poems, and List Poems. Students will be getting a document with all of their classmates poems, and will add that to their Poetry Anthologies. We also examined the life and works of two well known children's poets, Douglas Florian and Bryan P. Cleary. 

Writing: In Writing, we continued our examination of chocolate milk, researching to make a decision about if we think chocolate milk should be served in schools or not. We are using what we learned about researching and evaluating sources for credibility. We talked about bias, and how bias can impact how a writer reports information on their topic. We also talked about knowing when certain information is being somewhat "twisted", and exaggerated, and when to use our judgement on if that is information we want to include in our argument or not. This project is NOT to leave students feeling that milk is bad for you. We know that there are some really good things about milk, and some things that might not be ideal for milk drinkers, but I have been clear that we need not go home and dump out the milk cartons in our refrigerator, or worry if we are big milk drinkers, that we are going to get sick. I have reminded the class I still serve milk to both of my own children throughout the day! There is no right or wrong answer to this question.  What makes it "right" or "wrong" is if you can back it up with substantial and relevant information and clearly explain your argument. It's great to hear the student debate on this topic, and how the defend their position. We might have some future lawyers in this group!
Math: In math, we are covering two chapters at the same time. We began our Geometry unit, which requires us to classify polygons, triangles, quadrilateral and polyhedrons. Students are doing a great job getting used to this vocabulary, and what it all means. We also began talking about measurement by learning how to convert standard units of length and capacity. We will continue to practice this next week, as it is a tricky subject!
Science: In Science, we began talking about the Nervous System and the parts of the nervous system, specifically the brain, brainstem, spinal cord, and nerves. We watched a few videos on the brain, and learned how nerves send messages throughout our body. We will begin reading and researching the parts of the brain next week to think about what we want to do for our in class project on The Brain. 
​