Behind the Scenes - Week of January 7

Weekly Spotlight:
*Spelling pretest on Monday.
*Reading MAP test on Wednesday, 1:00-2:00.
*TFK Quiz on Friday.
*Spelling Test/Challenge Test on Friday.
*Math MAP test on Friday, 1:00-2:00.

Coming Attractions:
*End of 2nd Quarter on Friday, January 18.
*No School on Monday, January 21.
*Bingo Night on Friday, January 25.
*Early Dismissal (11:00) on Wednesday, January 30.

Creature Feature:
I would like to thank everyone for your support with this creative project.  The children really enjoyed making, writing about, and sharing their creatures.  It was so wonderful to see so many of you here supporting your children during our "Creature Feature."

Homeroom Happenings:
Science - We will begin our study of the Human Body.  Our unit will begin with the children finding the answers to this question:  How does your body get oxygen and nutrients?  We will be exploring the digestive system, the respiratory system, and the circulatory system.

Social Studies - The children will finish their Southeast Farmer project this week.  They will be writing a story from the perspective of a cotton, peach, peanut, or orange farmer.  After this project, we will be moving into the Midwest Region.

English - We will take our next pretest this week on Wednesday.  The children will receive their contracts on Thursday.  At that time, they will choose their enrichment projects.  We will not begin this new unit until the week of Jan. 14.

Spelling - We will continue to follow our Second Quarter procedure this week and next week.  Starting the week of January 21, we will begin our 3rd Quarter procedure.  More information will be coming soon regarding this new procedure.

Reading - The children will finish a group extended response on "The Raven and the Star Fruit".  Each evening, the children will have an assignment in our COACH book.  This book will help expose children to questions that are similar to those on the ISAT test.  We will review the pages in school the following day.
We will begin a novel called Matilda this week.  Post comments, questions, and new vocabulary on Wall Wisher:  http://wallwisher.com/wall/MatildaUnit  

Mrs. Sulima's Math Spotlight:
Monday - Review all Chapter 9 lessons from before break.  HW:  Review for chapter 9, lesson 1-4 quiz tomorrow.
Tuesday - Chapter 9, lesson 1-4 Quiz.  HW:  None.
Wednesday - No math due to MAP testing.
Thursday - Dividing Decimals by Whole Numbers.  HW:  WB pg. 107 (due Monday)
Friday - No math due to MAP testing.

Behind the Scenes - Week of December 17

Weekly Spotlight:
*No spelling pretest on Monday.
*Creatures due on Monday.
*Chapter 3, lesson 2 and 3 Science Quiz on Monday.
*All-school holiday concert on Tuesday at 8:05.
*Weekly vocabulary quiz on Tuesday.
*Chapter 6 Social Studies quiz (open book) on Wednesday.
*Bowling Field Trip on Wednesday (12:00-2:00).
*Chapter 3 Science Test on Thursday.
*Creature Feature on Thursday from 1:40-2:10.
*Time For Kids Quiz on Friday.
*Tivoli Field trip on Friday (all afternoon).

Coming Attractions:
*Return to school on Monday, January 7.
*Spelling Pretest on Monday, January 7.
*DuPage Children's Museum In-School Presentation on Thursday, January 31 (Wheels, Levers, and Pulleys).

Homeroom Happenings:
Science - We will take a chapter 3, lesson 2 and 3 open-book quiz on Monday.  We will also fill out our "how to study" sheet for our chapter 3 Test.  The test will be on Thursday.  Creatures are due to school on Monday.  I am looking forward to meeting all these creatures.  In class, we will work on writing a description of our creature and preparing for our informal presentations on Thursday.  If possible, please try to join us anytime between 1:40-2:10 on Thursday, December 20 for our "Creature Feature."
Items to review for the Chapter 3 Test:
*Key vocabulary - basic needs, adaptation, natural selection, instinct, hibernation, migration, learned behavior, fossil, & extinction.
*What basic needs are shared by all living things?
*How do adaptations allow living things to meet their needs? Give examples.
*How do instinctive behaviors help animals meet their needs? Give examples.
*How do learned behaviors help animals meet their needs? Give examples.
*How do living things of long ago compare with those of today? Give examples.
*What can we learn from footprints, bones, impressions, and petrified wood? How are these formed?
*What is a living fossil? Give examples.
*Describe the causes of extinction.

Social Studies - The children will take an open-book chapter 6 quiz on Wednesday.  We will not take a "test" on this chapter.  Also this week, we will continue working on our Southeast Farmer Projects.
Items to review for the Chapter 6 (open-book) quiz:
*Key words: barrier islands, hurricane, wetlands, hurricane season, key, fall line, fossil fuel, Piedmont, Inner Coastal Plains, Outer Coastal Plains, endangered species, extinct, & pulp.
*Why are hurricanes dangerous?
*Name some crops from the Southeast. Why do these crops grow well in the Southeast.
*If you were going on a trip to the Southeast, where would you go and why? All theme parks (Disney World, Epcot Center, Universal Studios, etc.) are closed!!!!

Spelling - We will have a special spelling unit this week.

English - We will begin a new unit in the NEW YEAR.

Reading - We will use some of our reading time to work on our Southeast Farmer projects.  Also, the children will be reading a readers' theater of A Polar Express on Wednesday.

Mrs. Sulima's Math Spotlight:
Monday - Begin unit on Multiplying and Dividing Decimals.  Multiply and Divide with 10, 100, and 1000.  HW:  WB pgs. 101 and 106.
Tuesday - Estimate Decimal Products and Multiply a decimal by a whole number.  HW: WB pgs. 102 and 103.
Wednesday - No math due to Bowling Field Trip.
Thursday - Multiplying Decimals by Decimals.  Zeros in the Product.  HW:  WB pgs. 104 and 105.
Friday - No math due to Tivoli Field Trip.

Behind the Scenes - Week of December 10

Weekly Spotlight:
*Spelling pretest on Monday.
*Chapter 6, lesson 3 Social Studies quiz on Monday.
*High Touch, High Tech In-School Presentation on Tuesday.
*Vocabulary quiz on Tuesday.
*Unit 1 English test on Tuesday.
*Spelling test on Friday.
*Time For Kids Quiz on Friday.

Coming Attractions:
*Chapter 3, lesson 2 and 3 Science quiz on Monday, Dec. 17.
*Creatures arrive to school on Monday, Dec. 17.
*Weekly vocabulary quiz on Tuesday, Dec. 18.
*Chapter 6 Open-Book Social Studies quiz on Wednesday, Dec. 19.
*All-school concert on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 8:30.
*Chapter 3 Science test on Thursday, Dec. 20.
*Bowling Field Trip on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 12:00-2:00.
*Tivoli Field Trip on Friday, Dec. 21.  Bring a sack lunch.

Homeroom Happenings:
Science - We will explore how living things of the past compare with those of today.  Our test on Chapter 3 will be on Thursday, December 20.  The children will also receive the Creature Feature assignment this week.  They will need to creature an imaginary creature that is perfectly adapted to survive in Prairieview School.  They will use their understanding of adaptations in their planning.  Creatures should arrive to school on Monday, December 17.  Please use items around the house to build your creature. 

Social Studies - The children will take the chapter 6, lesson 3 quiz on Monday.  The rest of the week, we will focus on our Southeast Farmer Project.  The children have each chosen a crop from the Southeast.  They will research their crop and then write a story as a peanut, peach, orange, or cotton farmer.  The children will be taking an open book quiz on chapter 6 on Wednesday, December 19.  We will not take a test on this chapter.

English - We will take the Unit 1 - Sentence test on Tuesday.  Enrichment projects will be due on the day of the test.  We will not start a new English unit until after winter break.  We will be using our English time to complete writing activities in science and social studies.

Spelling - We will take a spelling pretest on Monday.  Regular and Challenge spellers will take their test on Friday.

Reading - We will continue working on reviewing how to write an Extended Response.  Students will work in groups to write an extended response using "Our Recipe."  We will also learn about point of view and author's purpose.

Mrs. Sulima's Math:
Monday - Dividing Money.  HW:  WB pg. 37 & study for chapter 3, lessons 6-10 quiz tomorrow.
Tuesday - Chapter 3, lessons 6-10 quiz.  HW:  Practice Multiplication Facts.
Wednesday - Fill out "how to study" and complete an extended response example.  HW:  Study for chapter 3 test on Friday.
Thursday - Review for chapter 3 test.  HW:  Study for chapter 3 test.
Friday - Chapter 3 Test with an extended response.  HW:  None.

MAP Practice Sites:
http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/ro/pages/studentlinks/map/reading.htm

http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/ro/pages/studentlinks/map/

http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/ro/Pages/studentlinks/math/4-5math.htm

http://www.belleplaine.k12.mn.us/se3bin/clientgenie.cgi?schoolname=school357&statusFlag=goGenie&geniesite=133&myButton=g5plugin&db=g133_b545

http://www.linnmar.k12.ia.us/schools/westfield/westweb/NWEA_Math_RIT_Sites.html

http://www.linnmar.k12.ia.us/schools/westfield/westweb/NWEA_Rdg_RIT_Sites.html

Behind the Scenes - Week of December 3

Weekly Spotlight:
*Spelling Pretest on Monday.
*Chapter 3, lesson 1 Science Quiz on Monday.
*Chapter 6, lesson 2 Social Studies Quiz on Tuesday.
*Weekly Vocabulary Quiz on Tuesday.
*A Family Apart Test on Wednesday.
*Time For Kids Quiz on Friday.
*Spelling Test on Friday.
*Movie Night on Friday, 6:30-8:45.

Coming Attractions:
*Chapter 6, lesson 3 Social Studies Quiz on Monday, Dec. 10.
*High Touch, High Tech In School Presentation on Tuesday, Dec. 11.
*Weekly Vocabulary Quiz on Tuesday, Dec. 11.
*Sentence Test on Tuesday, Dec. 11.
*Barnes and Noble Night at Promenade on Tuesday, Dec. 11.
*Bowling field trip from 12:00-2:00 on Wednesday, Dec. 19.
*Tivoli Field Trip to see Polar Express on Friday, Dec. 21.
*Winter Break begins Monday, Dec. 24.
*Classes Resume Monday, Jan. 7.

Homeroom Happenings:
Spelling - We will take a pretest on Monday.  Regular and Challenge Spellers will take their tests on Friday.

English - On Tuesday, we will fill out our "how to study" sheet for our Sentence Unit.  The test will be on Tuesday, December 11.  Enrichment projects will be due on the day of the test.

Science - The children will explore instincts, hibernation, migration, and learned behaviors.  Notes will be collected for a grade.  They should be neat and colorful.

Social Studies - We will continue our study of the Southeast.  This week we will learn about the wildlife and resources of the Southeast.  The children will take a quiz on this lesson on Monday, December 10.  The quiz will be open book.

Reading - The children will take The Family Apart test on Wednesday.  We will also work on our first Extended Response in preparation for ISAT testing in March.

Mrs. Sulima's Math Spotlight:
Monday - Divisibility.  HW:  WB pg. 32.
Tuesday - Estimation with Compatible Numbers.  HW:  WB pg. 33.
Wednesday - Teens as Divisors.  HW:  WB pg. 34.
Thursday - Two-digit Divisors.  HW:  WB pg. 35.
Friday - Divide Larger Numbers.  HW:  WB pg. 36.


This past week we had a wonderful assembly.  Here is the website:  http://www.rockinscience.com/

MAP Practice Sites:
http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/ro/pages/studentlinks/map/reading.htm

http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/ro/pages/studentlinks/map/

http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/ro/Pages/studentlinks/math/4-5math.htm

http://www.belleplaine.k12.mn.us/se3bin/clientgenie.cgi?schoolname=school357&statusFlag=goGenie&geniesite=133&myButton=g5plugin&db=g133_b545

http://www.linnmar.k12.ia.us/schools/westfield/westweb/NWEA_Math_RIT_Sites.html

http://www.linnmar.k12.ia.us/schools/westfield/westweb/NWEA_Rdg_RIT_Sites.html

Behind the Scenes - Week of November 26

Weekly Spotlight:
*Spelling Pretest on Monday.
*Roller Skating Party on Monday, 3:45-6:30.
*Rockin' Science/PBIS Assembly on Wednesday. (No Art class this week)
*Southeast Map Test on Thursday.
*Time For Kids Quiz on Friday.
*Spelling Test on Friday.

Coming Attractions:
*Chapter 3, lesson 1 Science Quiz on Monday, December 3.
*Vocabulary Quiz on Tuesday, December 4.
*Chapter 6, lesson 2 Social Studies Quiz on Tuesday, December 4.
*A Family Apart Test on Wednesday, December 5.

Homeroom Happenings:
Science - This week we will begin a chapter on animal adaptations.  Students should review their notes (especially vocabulary words) each evening.  We will take an open-book quiz on Chapter 3, lesson 1 on Monday, December 3.

Social Studies - Hopefully your child has been reviewing for the Southeast Map Test which will be on Thursday.  They will need to correctly locate and identify all 12 states, the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River, and the Atlantic Ocean.  Spelling does count.  Students can earn 1/4 point bonus for each correct capital.  Also, this week we will continue our study of the Southeast.  The children will take an open-book quiz on chapter 6, lesson 2 on Tuesday, December 4.

Spelling - We are back to our normal spelling routine.  The children will take a pretest on Monday and final spelling test or challenge spelling test on Friday.

English - Our Sentence Unit will continue.  This week we will explore commands and exclamations, subjects and predicates, simple subjects, simple predicates, and correcting run-on sentences.

Reading - We will finish our historical fiction novel, A Family Apart, this week.  The children will be working on a character traits activity late in the week.  We will be taking a test on this novel on Wednesday, December 5.  This test will include comprehension, vocabulary, and a character traits activity.  The children will be allowed to use the novel as a reference during the test.  FYI:  If your child has enjoyed this book, it is the first in a series of 4 books.

Mrs. Sulima's Math Class:
Monday - Larger Quotients.  HW:  WB 29.
Tuesday - Zeros in the Quotient.  HW:  WB 30 and begin reviewing for Chapter 3, lesson 1-5 quiz on Thursday.
Wednesday - Review Day.  We will review lessons 1-5.  HW:  Study for Chapter 3, lesson 1-5 quiz tomorrow.
Thursday - Chapter 3, lesson 1-5 quiz.  HW:  None.
Friday - Short Division.  HW:  Finish WB pg. 31.

MAP Practice Sites:
http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/ro/pages/studentlinks/map/reading.htm

http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/ro/pages/studentlinks/map/

http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/ro/Pages/studentlinks/math/4-5math.htm

http://www.belleplaine.k12.mn.us/se3bin/clientgenie.cgi?schoolname=school357&statusFlag=goGenie&geniesite=133&myButton=g5plugin&db=g133_b545

http://www.linnmar.k12.ia.us/schools/westfield/westweb/NWEA_Math_RIT_Sites.html

http://www.linnmar.k12.ia.us/schools/westfield/westweb/NWEA_Rdg_RIT_Sites.html

Behind the Scenes - Week of November 19

Weekly Spotlight:
*John Lynn Appalachian Trail In-School Presentation on Monday.
*Weekly vocabulary quiz on Tuesday.
*Chapter 1 (lesson 3) and Chapter 2 (lessons 2 and 3) Science Test on Tuesday.
*No school on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.

Coming Attractions:
*Southeast Map test on Thursday, November 29.

Homeroom Happenings:
Science - The children will take a test on chapter 1, lesson 3 and chapter 2, lessons 2 and 3 on Tuesday. Children should review the following concepts for the test:
*Define vertebrate and invertebrate.
*Describe characteristics of vertebrates. Which animals are vertebrates? What are the 5 classifications of vertebrates?
*Describe characteristics of invertebrates. Which animals are invertebrates? What are some of the classifications of invertebrates?
*Define photosynthesis and life cycle.
*Describe the stages of the life cycle of flowering plants. See tomato plant life cycle.
*Describe how plants reproduce using only spores. See fern life cycle.
*Define direct development and metamorphosis.
*Describe and order the stages of an animal's life cycle.
*Describe how some plants grow and develop.
*Describe the stages of the human life cycle.
*Describe the difference between simple and complete metamorphosis.

Social Studies - We will continue our study of the Southeast on Monday, November 26.  Students should be reviewing their Southeast states for this test.  They will need to know the location and spelling of all 12 states.  They will need to label (with correct spelling) the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Mississippi River.  Capitals will be worth 1/4 point bonus each.  Students should spell the capitals as best as they can.  The Southeast test will be on Thursday, November 29.

English - We will learn about declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences.  The children will make a flip book to help them learn this new terminology.  We will also write an opinion paragraph this week.  The children will take the turkey's perspective in “Eat More _____?_____ Not Turkey”.  Students will need to justify their opinions in their writing.

Spelling - We will continue spelling on Monday, November 26.

Reading - The students will continue reading the novel A Family Apart.  Hopefully by now your child knows all the vocabulary that goes along with this novel.  If not, please have them continue to review these words.  They will be on the novel test after we finish reading the book.

Mrs. Sulima's Math Class:

Monday - No math due to John Lynn Assembly.

Tuesday - Continue dividing by 1-digit division (long division).  No Homework.

Behind the Scenes - Week of November 12

Weekly Spotlight:
*No school on Monday - Veteran's Day.
*Spelling pretest on Tuesday.
*Chapter 5, lesson 1 (open-book) social studies quiz on Tuesday.
*SE Map due on Thursday.
*Chapter 2, lesson 3 (open-book) science quiz on Thursday.
*Bears Spirit Day on Friday.
*TFK quiz on Friday.
*Spelling test and challenge test on Friday.
*Bingo Night on Friday - Hope to see many of you there!!

Coming Attractions:
*John Lynn - "Life on the Appalachian Trial" In-School Presentation on Monday, November 19.
*Weekly vocabulary quiz on Tuesday, November 20.
*Chapter 1 (lesson 3) and Chapter 2 (lessons 2 and 3) Science Test on Tuesday, November 20.
*No school on Wednesday, November 21.
*No school on Thursday, November 22.  Happy Turkey Day!
*No school on Friday, November 23.
*Roller Skating Party on Monday, November 26.
*Fourth Grade Field Trip and In-School Learning Experiences money due by Wednesday, November 28.

Homeroom Happenings:
Spelling - We will take a spelling pretest on Tuesday.  On Friday, regular spellers will take the weekly test.  Challenge spellers will take their alternate tests on Friday.

English - Your child now has their English contract in their English pocket.  Our new unit is on Sentences.  We will begin with lesson 1 on Wednesday.  This lesson will review sentences vs. fragments.  We will also explore the four different kinds of sentences this week:  statements, questions, commands, and exclamations.

Reading - We will continue reading A Family Apart.  Ask your child about this historical fiction novel.  This week we will also work on our second week of vocabulary.  The children will define the words on Tuesday.  They should review the definitions and think of examples for each.  We will take a quiz on these words on Tuesday, November 20.  Finally, the children should read their weekly TFK magazine.  The children will take a quiz on this magazine on Friday.  They are allowed to use their magazine during the quiz.

Science - Our focus this week will be on metamorphosis.  The children will take an open-book quiz on chapter 2, lesson 3 on Thursday.  We will also fill out a "how to study" sheet on Thursday.  Our test will be on Tuesday, November 30.  The test will cover chapter 1, lesson 3 and chapter 2, lesson 2 and 3.

Social Studies - On Tuesday, the children will take an open-book quiz on chapter 5, lesson 1.  This will conclude our unit on the Northeast Region.  The children will receive a Southeast map assignment on Tuesday.  It will be due on Thursday.  The Southeast Map test will be on Thursday, November 29.  They will need to correctly locate and identify all the Southeast states.  They can identify the capitals for 1/4 point bonus each.  We will explore the land of the Southeast by making an elevation diagram.

Mrs. Sulima's Math Spotlight:
Monday - No school, Veteran's Day.
Tuesday - Understanding Division.  HW: WB 26.
Wednesday - Division Patterns and Review of Exponents.  HW:  WB 27.
Thursday - Order of Operations.  HW:  WB 38.
Friday - Three-digit quotients.  HW:  Finish WB 28 (if not finished in class).

MAP Practice Sites:
http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/ro/pages/studentlinks/map/reading.htm

http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/ro/pages/studentlinks/map/

http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/ro/Pages/studentlinks/math/4-5math.htm

http://www.belleplaine.k12.mn.us/se3bin/clientgenie.cgi?schoolname=school357&statusFlag=goGenie&geniesite=133&myButton=g5plugin&db=g133_b545

http://www.linnmar.k12.ia.us/schools/westfield/westweb/NWEA_Math_RIT_Sites.html

http://www.linnmar.k12.ia.us/schools/westfield/westweb/NWEA_Rdg_RIT_Sites.html

Behind the Scenes - Week of November 5

Weekly Spotlight:
*No school on Monday.
*No school on Tuesday - Teacher Institute.
*Vocabulary quiz on Wednesday.
*Chapter 2, lesson 2 science quiz on Thursday.

Coming Attractions:
*No school on Monday, Nov. 12 - Veteran's Day.
*Bingo Night on Friday, Nov. 16 - Mrs. Sulima will be there.
*No school Nov. 21 through 23 - Thanksgiving Break
*Rollerskating Party on Monday, Nov. 26, 3:45-6:30.

Homeroom Happenings:
English - The children will take the next English pretest.  We will also share our enrichment from Unit 3.

Spelling - Due to the shortened week, we will not have a spelling unit this week.

Reading - We will begin a new novel this week - A Family Apart by Joan Lowery Nixon. This (historically accurate) heroic tale follows the adventures of six children who are sent out west on the Orphan Train by their impoverished mother in hope that they will find a better life. Frances Mary, the eldest of the Kelly children, shepherds her siblings through the Orphan Train trip and struggles to find them good homes. Frances Mary and Petey are adopted by the Cummings' and find themselves involved in the Underground Railroad movement. This book, as well as the accompanying activities, will challenge your child in various ways. Be sure to ask your child about this story. Find out more about the Orphan Train and other historical events that we will encounter while reading A Family Apart. Visit these websites: 
http://www.orphantraindepot.com/OrphanTrainHistory.html
http://www.childrensaidsociety.org/about/history/orphan-trains
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/orphan/
http://www.kidskonnect.com/subjectindex/16-educational/history/274-orphan-trains.html

Science - The children will take an open book quiz on chapter 2, lesson 2 on Thursday.  We will also continue lesson 3.

Social Studies - We will learn about a Northeast Native American tribe - The Narragansett.

Mrs. Sulima's Math Spotlight:
Monday - No school.
Tuesday - No school.
Wednesday - Review for Chapter 2 test.  HW:  Study for Chapter 2 test tomorrow.
Thursday - Chapter 2 Test with Extended Response.
Friday - Pretest and "Math Square" celebration.

MAP Practice Sites:
http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/ro/pages/studentlinks/map/reading.htm

http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/ro/pages/studentlinks/map/

http://www.sowashco.k12.mn.us/ro/Pages/studentlinks/math/4-5math.htm

http://www.belleplaine.k12.mn.us/se3bin/clientgenie.cgi?schoolname=school357&statusFlag=goGenie&geniesite=133&myButton=g5plugin&db=g133_b545

http://www.linnmar.k12.ia.us/schools/westfield/westweb/NWEA_Math_RIT_Sites.html

http://www.linnmar.k12.ia.us/schools/westfield/westweb/NWEA_Rdg_RIT_Sites.html

Behind the Scenes - Week of October 29

Weekly Spotlight:
*Spelling pretest on Monday.
*Last Book Club discussion on Monday.
*Chapter 4, lesson 3 Social Studies quiz on Monday.
*Parent Teacher Conferences on Monday, after school.
*Parent Teacher Conferences on Tuesday, after school.
*Unit 3 Verb test on Wednesday.
*Halloween Parade at 1:00 on Wednesday.
*Halloween Party from 1:30-2:20 on Wednesday.
*Time For Kids Quiz on Friday.
*Spelling test for regular and challenge spellers on Friday.
*Chapter 4 Social Studies test on Friday.

Coming Attractions:
*No school on Monday, Nov. 5.
*No school on Tuesday, Nov. 6 - Teacher Institute.
*Vocabulary quiz on Wednesday, Nov. 7.
*No school on Monday, Nov. 12 - Veteran's Day.
*Bingo Night on Friday, Nov. 16 - Mrs. Sulima will be there.
*No school Nov. 21 through 23 - Thanksgiving Break
*Rollerskating Party on Monday, Nov. 26, 3:45-6:30.

Halloween News:  On Wednesday, we will have our Halloween Parade and Party.  The party volunteers have put together a "SPOOK"tacular event.  If your child would like to dress up for the parade and party, they should bring their costume in a bag.  The children will have a short time (5-10 min.) to change into their costumes.  They will not be allowed to go to the washroom to change.  Girls and boys will be changing in two separate classrooms.  I discussed with the children the need to bring simple costumes, possibly one that can go over the clothes they are wearing.  They should be able to put on the costume themselves.  There will not be a lot of time for putting on make-up either.

Homeroom Happenings:
Spelling - NEW PROCEDURE!!!  This week, we will begin the 2nd Quarter Spelling Procedure.  We will continue to take a spelling pretest on Monday (or the first day of the week).  If your child misses 2 or less words, they will become a challenge speller.  Challenge spellers will choose alternate words to practice throughout the week.  This list will include any words missed on the pretest.  These words should be new and challenging to your child.  They will still need to do 3 challenge activities throughout the week.  On Friday, they will take their challenge spelling test (10 words).  They will get 1/4 point added to their pretest score for each word spelled correctly.

English - We have completed our unit on verbs.  The children will take the Unit 3 test on Wednesday.  Many children received a 90% or higher on the pretest.  They have the choice of taking the test for a higher grade or keeping their pretest score.  If your child is not taking the test, they will need to work on something quietly at their desks.  All English enrichment projects are due on the day of the test.

Science - This week, we will focus on photosynthesis and the life cycles of plants.  The children should review their notes each night.  They will take a chapter 2, lesson 2 quiz on Wednesday, Nov. 7.  This quiz will be open book.

Social Studies - On Monday, the children will take a quiz on chapter 4, lesson 3.  This quiz will be open book.  We will also fill out a "how to study" sheet.  The test on chapter 4 will be on Friday.  We will play a review game on Thursday to prepare for this test.Here are items to review for the test:
*Key words: glacier, gorge, hydropower, hydroelectricity, lighthouse, peninsula, vineyard, bog, sap, mineral, quarry, bay, inlet, watermen, & crab pot.
*Identify the two Great Lakes between which Niagara Falls is located.
*Identify the two main features for which Niagara Falls is known.
*Identify the three mountain ranges in the northeastern part of the Appalachian Mountains.
*Identify the two states in the Northeast that do not border the Atlantic Ocean.
*Identify key steps in the production of maple syrup.
*Explain why grapes grow well in certain areas of the Northeast.
*Identify the largest of the Finger Lakes.
*Explain why water is essential to the production and growth of cranberries.
*Define the name of the people who fish Chesapeake Bay.
*Explain how pollution from a factory gets into Chesapeake Bay.
*Explain why Chesapeake Bay is important to the Northeast.
*Describe actions a resident of the Chesapeake Bay area could take to help preserve the bay.

Reading - Second Quarter Addition:  After analyzing our homeroom MAP data, I have noticed that vocabulary is a weakness.  We will begin weekly vocabulary lists.  On Tuesdays, we will be writing the words and definitions.  The following Tuesday, the children will take a quiz on these words.  They will need to match the definition with the word.  Also, they will be asked to use a few of the words in sentences.  They will not know ahead of time which of the words will be chosen for sentences.  Have your child come up with sentences for each word using the meaning we write down in class.
We will spend most of our reading time learning about the election process, the 2 main candidates for President, and each candidates' beliefs on issues including economy, education, and a few more.

Mrs. Sulima's Math Spotlight:
Monday:  Zeros in the Multiplier.  HW:  WB 22 & review for chapter 2, lesson 5-8 quiz tomorrow.
Tuesday:  Chapter 2, lesson 5-8 quiz.  HW:  None.
Wednesday:  No math due to Halloween Parade and Party.
Thursday:  Multiplying with Money.  HW:  WB pg. 23.
Friday:  Fill out "How to Study" sheet.  Extended Response example.  HW:  Study for Chapter 2 test on Thursday, Nov. 8.



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Behind the Scenes - Week of October 22

Weekly Spotlight:
*Spelling pretest on Monday.
*Early Dismissal on Thursday, 11:00.
*Time For Kids Quiz on Friday.
*Spelling test on Friday.

Coming Attractions:
*Parent Teacher Conferences on Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30.  I will send out reminder emails.
*Halloween Parade (1:00) and Party (1:30) on Wednesday, October 31.
*No school on Monday, November 5.
*No school on Tuesday, November 6 - Teacher Institute.
*No school on Monday, November 12 - Veteran's Day.
*Bingo Night on Friday, November 16 - Mrs. Sulima will be attending!!

* No School on Wednesday, November 21 thru Friday, November 23 - Thanksgiving Break

*All School Roller Skating Party on Monday, November 26 - 3:45 to 6:30 p.m.

*Picture Retakes on Thursday, November 29.

Homeroom Happenings:

Spelling - This week's spelling test and activity grades will be on second quarter, but we will still follow the same procedure as first quarter.  Next week, October 29, we will change our procedure.  Watch next week's blog for more information.

English - We will finish our lessons on verbs this week.  The lessons we will cover are:  The Past with Helping Verbs, Irregular Verbs, The Special Verb Be, and Contractions.  We will fill out our "how to study" sheet on Friday for our test on Wednesday, October 31.  All enrichment will be due on the day of the test.

Science - The children will finish their Vertebrate and Invertebrate Slide Shows this week.  They have been having a blast creating these presentations.  We will share them throughout the week.

Social Studies - Our focus this week will be on Chesapeake Bay.  The children should review the vocabulary from all 3 lessons.  We will have an open book quiz on lesson 3 on Monday, October 29.  Our test on Chapter 4, lessons 1-3 will be on Thursday, November 1. 

Reading - Our 3rd book club is on Monday.  Please make sure your child come prepared with their novel and Book Discussion packet.  Our final book club discussion will be on Monday, October 29.  

Last week we reviewed many examples of figurative language and focused on "alliteration."  The children will be writing a fall poem this week that will need to include alliteration, onomatopoeia, and imagery.  A grading sheet will be in your child's binder on Tuesday.  We will be writing and word processing these poems at school.

Mrs. Sulima's Math Spotlight:

Monday - Review Friday's lesson and Estimating Products.  HW:  WB pg. 18 and review for chapter 2, lesson 1-4 quiz tomorrow.

Tuesday - Chapter 4, lesson 1-4 quiz.  Multiplying with Zeros in the Multiplicand.  HW:  WB pg. 19.

Wednesday - Multiplying by 2-digit numbers.  HW:  WB pg. 20 due Friday.

Thursday - No math due to early dismissal.

Friday - Multiplying by 3-digits.  HW:  Review for chapter 2, lesson 5-8 quiz on Tuesday, Oct. 30.

Behind the Scenes - Week of October 15

Weekly Spotlight:
*Spelling pretest on Monday.
*Chapter 1, lesson 3 Science quiz (open book) on Tuesday.
*Second book club on Tuesday.  Bring book and discussion sheet.
*Northeast Map test on Tuesday.
*PIZZA party on Thursday (during lunch) from the P.T.O. for the Magazine Drive.
*Chapter 4, lesson 2 Social Studies quiz (open book) on Thursday.
*Book Fair on Thursday evening, 6:30-8:00.
*Time for Kids quiz on Friday.
*Spelling test on Friday.
*Mario Kart Assembly on Friday.

Coming Attractions:
*Third Book club on Monday, October 22.
*Early Dismissal, 11:00 on Thursday, October 25.
*Center Cass District 66 - Buona Benefit Day on Thursday, October 25. 
*Parent Teacher Conferences on October 29 and October 30.
*Halloween Parade and Classroom Parties 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31.

Homeroom Happenings:
Spelling - We will take a spelling pretest on Monday and a final test on Friday.  Students will become challenge spellers if they have 90% or higher on the pretest.  This will be the routine for the rest of 1st quarter.

English - In English this week, we will cover Present, Past, and Future Tense; Subject-Verb Agreement; Spelling the Present Tense, and Spelling the Past Tense.  Students who passed out of any of these lessons will continue working on their enrichment projects.

Science - TECHNOLOGY PROJECT - We are working on a Vertebrate and Invertebrate PowerPoint Slide Show.  We will be in the lab each day working on this project.  A description of this project is in your child's science pocket.

Social Studies - This week we will learn about the many resources of the Northeast.  Don't forget that on Tuesday the children will take the Northeast test.  They will need to correctly, locate, identify, and spell all the Northeast states, the 2 Great Lakes, and the ocean.  Your child can earn bonus points by also identifying the capitals - 1/4 per capital (spelled as best as they can).  The children will have an open-book quiz on chapter 4, lesson 2 on Thursday.

Reading - Students should have already started their next reading assignment and role sheet for the second book club discussion which will be on Tuesday.  We will also learn about imagery, alliteration, and onomatopoeia this week.  The children will begin writing a fall poem using these 3 concepts.  We will finish these poems during the week of October 22.

Mrs. Sulima's Math Class:
Monday - "Dynamath" Tournament to review for the chapter 8 test.  HW:  Study for test tomorrow.
Tuesday - Chapter 8 Test with Extended Response (see example done in class).  HW:  Prepare for Multiplication Timed Test on Thursday.
Wednesday - Chapter 2 Pretest.  Factors and Products.  HW:  Prepare for Multiplication Timed Test on Thursday.
Thursday - Multiplication Timed Test.  Properties of Multiplication.  HW:  WB pg. 15.
Friday - Special Factors and Patterns in Multiplication.  HW:  Finish WB pgs. 16 & 17. 
A LOOK AHEAD - We will have an open-book/notes quiz on chapter 2, lessons 1-4 on Tuesday, October 23.

Behind the Scenes - Week of October 8

Race Results:
Congratulations to all our worms!  The children did a wonderful job designing their race tracks and choosing variables to help their worms win the race. 
1st Place:  Megan
2nd Place:  Patrikas
3rd Place Matthew
I hope you enjoy some of the pictures included with this Blog.

Weekly Spotlight:
*No school on Monday, Columbus Day.
*Choir after school on Tuesday.
*4th Grade Cheer Clinic from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
*TFK Quiz on Friday.
*Spelling Test on Friday.
*Text Organization Quiz on Friday.
*Movie Night: Journey 2 - The Mysterious Island from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. on Friday.

Coming Attractions:
*Choir after school on Monday, October 15.
*Art Adventures - 4th and 5th Grade - 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17
*Project Challenge - 2:35 to 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17
*Book Fair - 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 18
*Choir - 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 23
*Chess Club - 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
*Art Adventures - 4th and 5th Grade - 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, October 24
*Early Dismissal - 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 25
*Center Cass District 66 - Buona Benefit Day on Thursday, October 25
*Parent Teacher Conferences Week on Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30
*Choir - 2:30 to 3:30 on Tuesday, October 30
*Halloween Parade and Classroom Parties 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31

Homeroom Happenings:
English - We will begin a new unit this week on VERBS.  Our lessons will include:  Action Verbs; Main Verbs and Helping Verbs; Present, Past, and Future Verbs; and Subject-Verb Agreement.

Spelling - The students will be doing a special unit this week.  We will not take a pretest on Tuesday.  Each child will be completing a packet throughout the week.  The packet is due Friday.  We will take a spelling test on Friday using these special words.

Science - We will begin a lesson on how animals are classified.  The children will be taking notes in class. They should review these notes each evening.  A quiz on this lesson will be on Monday, October 15.  The quiz will be open book, but not open notes.

Social Studies - Our study of the Northeast will officially begin.  The students will have new vocabulary in their S.S. spiral this week.  They should review these words each night.  We will have an open book (not notes) quiz on Thursday.  This quiz will cover chapter 4, lesson 1.

Reading - The children have been assigned a book club book and role for the first book club meeting.  Our first book club discussion will be on Wednesday.  On that day, they should have the first reading assignment done and their role sheet complete.  Please make sure they bring their book to school each day.  Some time will be given in class to work on their reading assignments.  They will complete only one role sheet for each book club meeting.  Please do not have your child read ahead.  It is very frustrating to other members of the group when someone talks about something that happened in a part of the book that was not assigned.
This week, we will also discuss "text organization."  The children will have a quiz on Friday.  They will need to identify the parts of a non-fiction article.

Mrs. Sulima's Math:
Monday - No school.
Tuesday - Finish lesson on Subtracting Decimals.  HW:  WB pg. 96 #1-21 (odds) and WB pg. 98 #6-26 (evens).
Wednesday - Estimating Decimal Differences.  HW:  WB pg. 98 and Quiz tomorrow on lessons 4-6.
Thursday - Quiz on lessons 4-6.  Decimals and Expanded Form.  HW:  Finish blue sheet due tomorrow and BONUS "Swish" sheet (4 pts.) due Monday.
Friday - Fill out "how to study" for Chapter 8 test on Tuesday, October 16.  Extended Response samples.  HW:  Review for Chapter 8 Test on Tuesday and BONUS "Swish" sheet (4 pts.) due Monday.

Tech Time:
During "Tech Time" this week, Mrs. Csorba shared with us a website to make word clouds.  The link is:  http://www.tagxedo.com/.  This would be a great activity to practice challenge spelling words. 

Behind the Scenes - Week of October 1st

Weekly Spotlight:
*Spelling pretest on Monday.
*Worm Races on Tuesday.
*Time for Kids weekly quiz on Friday.
*Spelling test on Friday.

Coming Attractions:
*No School on Monday, October 8 - Columbus Day
*Movie Night on Friday, October 12, 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.
*Book Fair on Thursday, October 18, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
*Early Dismissal on Thursday, October 25, 11:00 a.m.
*Parent-Teacher Conferences on Monday, October 29 and Tuesday, October 30
*Halloween Parade and Classroom Parties on Wednesday, October 31, 1:00 to 2:25 p.m.

Homeroom Happenings:
Spelling - Our spelling pretest will be on Monday.  The children will take the test on Friday.  Challenge spellers can keep their pretest score or retake the weekly test for a higher grade.

English - We will be taking our next English pretest this week.  Look for your child's contract in their English pocket on Thursday.

Science - Worm Races will be held on Tuesday.  Students need to bring their worms, race track, blue variables sheet, and tan grading checklist on Tuesday.  We will work on finishing our bubble experiments this week too.

Social Studies - This week we will begin our study of the Northeast region.  The children will be filling out a map on Tuesday that will be due on Thursday.  We will take our Northeast region test on Tuesday, October 16.  The children will find out all about this on Thursday.

Reading - We will continue reading pages from our Time For Kids magazine each night.  The TFK quiz will be on Friday.  The children will be reading other informational text pieces this week, too.  On Thursday, the children will receive their first "Book Club" assignments.  

Mrs. Sulima's Math Class:
Monday - Decimal Sense.  HW:  WB pg. 91.
Here is a link to a game we played in class:
http://www.mesc.gov.ws/ssn1/Decimal_Detective/Decimal_Detective.htm
Tuesday - Decimals and Place Value.  HW:  WB pg. 92.
Wednesday - Adding Decimals.  Add More Decimals.  HW:  WB pg. 93 and 95.
Thursday - Estimate Decimal Sums.  HW:  WB pg. 94.
Friday - Quiz on Lessons 1-3.  Begin Subtracting Decimals.