Week of Aug. 31, 2018

Welcome to a new school year!  I hope everyone had a fun and relaxing summer.  Our class has had a great start to the school year.  This week we have been getting acquainted with our schedule and routines.  Our specials schedule follows:

          Monday –   Art

          Tuesday –  Technology and P.E.

          Wednesday – Music

          Thursday –  Library and Guidance

          Friday -  P.E.

Please remind your child to wear appropriate footwear and clothing on our P.E. days.  On days with good weather, P.E. class may be held outside. 

For those fifth grade students that are planning to be in band this year, the band days will be Thursday and Friday.  Please help your child remember to bring their instruments on that day.

Our class will be participating in team-building activities throughout the year.  These activities will help students develop the ability to collaborate and contribute within a team, practice positive attitudes and actions for learning in a team environment, and learn to foster mutual respect and trust, creating a successful team experience.  This week we completed a "Cup Pyramid" activity.

  

In Science we will be focusing on the scientific method process during the next few weeks. Students began this week with an activity that worked on observation and recording skills.  We discussed that both sets of skills are needed when conducting any type of science experiment.  Each child was given a marble to observe and record information (in words and in pictures).  We then placed all of the marbles in the center of the circle and attempted to select marbles based on students’ recorded data.  On Friday, we practiced these skills while exploring bubbles. Our class will be participating in a variety of bubble investigations during the next few weeks.

In writing, students brainstormed ideas for personal narratives.  On Thursday and Friday, we created our first personal narrative.  I am excited to read these pieces over the long weekend!

Students were introduced to the first watercolor technique that we will use this year – sponging.  Throughout the year, we will create watercolors to use as inspiration for writing poetry, as well as narratives.  This approach is part of Picture Writing, a progression of art, literature, and writing experiences.

Fourth grade students will have Mrs. Gannon for math this year.  She has asked me to let you know that she plans to write a short newsletter about their activities every couple of weeks.  Fifth graders will have me for math each day.  This week we have been learning a few math games, as well as completing a variety of skill activities to help me learn about each child. 

Thanks to all of you who have sent back the forms for our front office.  If you have not done so, please send them back as soon as possible.

I will be posting a copy of this letter on my class blog.  Throughout the year, I will be keeping you informed with what is happening in the classroom via the classroom blog with newsletters, photos and student work.  If you prefer to receive a copy of my communication in your child’s Friday folder, please send me an email or note.

Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions or comments.  My number at school is 223-7936 (ext. 317) or my email is eshedd@u32.org.  Have a great weekend.  I look forward to an exciting year together!

August 13, 2018

August 13, 2018

Dear Fourth/Fifth Grade Families,

I can’t believe that the first day for students is just two weeks away!   I hope that everyone had a wonderful summer.  I have spent time with my family, read many books including several of this year’s DCF books, and have spent time preparing for this year’s class.  During the past few weeks I have worked with Mrs. Gannon and we are both excited for the upcoming year.

Some parents have asked for a list of supplies that students need to bring.  We will supply everything needed with one exception.  Students should plan to bring in some type of notebook (such as a three ring binder) to hold their assignment book and any homework assignments.  We will supply the assignment book.

I have also been asked which days we will have PE.  Our specials this year are as follows:

            Monday – Art                                      Tuesday – PE and Technology

            Wednesday – Music                           Thursday – Library                  Friday – PE

Please be sure to have your child bring appropriate footwear on our PE days.  Fifth graders that are in band will have it on Thursday and Friday mornings.  Students that are interested in Chorus will have it on Friday mornings from 9:00 – 9:30.

            This year we will be integrating Social Studies and Science with the Literacy block.  Social Studies topics will include Map skills/geography, Early Explorers, Colonial America, Revolutionary War and Westward Expansion.  Our Science topics will be Earth Systems (land, water, human impact), and Space Systems.  We will also be participating in nature journaling opportunities.  Through these sessions students will record observations, perceptions, and feelings about the natural world.  Be sure to look for more information on this in my blog during September.

 Arlyn has notified us that she is interested in adding photos of kids reading to her new webpage.  If you want to send a photo, her email is abruccoli@u32.org.

 

Sometimes kids feel less nervous if they know what to do on the first day of school. Your child should come off the bus or arrive by car at 8:45.  If they arrive earlier than that, then they should go to the gym. They should get breakfast as needed at the cafeteria.  They should put their backpack in the cubby outside the classroom. Their cubby will have a label on it. They will be designing and decorating their own name tag for their cubby later. I will post further instructions on the board in our classroom.

Have a great rest of the summer. I look forward to seeing you on Monday August 27th. If you have any questions or concerns, you can email me at eshedd@u32.org.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Shedd