Week of January 27 -31

It is hard to believe that we are in the last week of January and that we have started our third quarter of fifth grade.  I love winter, but I must say that I am not all that sad to see January come to an end.  It was a cold, icy month.  I am hoping for a warmer snow-filled February.  Don't forget to look for your child's report card on Friday.  

It is the much anticipated time of year for our 5th graders....WAX MUSEUM!  Students have all chosen a person to research and they will receive a DETAILED explanation outlining the guidelines and timeline for our unit.  Please take time to read through the unit expectation with your child.  There are very important dates to remember.  The presentation of our Wax Museum will be on February 12th.  Our museum will run from 12:45 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 6 - 7 p.m.  This is a BIG project and it will be very important for students to work on this at home as well.  There just isn't enough time during the school day to fit it all in.  

In Math, we are starting our unit on fractions.  We have done a bit with fractions, but we are just getting started.  We took our NWEA winter math test last week.  We will use this data to adjust lessons and grouping to meet each student's individual needs.  I have some very exciting news!  I will be having students demonstrate certain lessons each week.  I video the lessons and post on this blog.  If you child needs help with their homework, they can click on the video link and watch their peers teach the lesson.  I will also video lesson to support students learning at home or refresh their memories before an assessment.  I am also going to try to add some websites links on a resource page that students can go to for extra practice as well.   I think this will be a fun addition to our weekly learning.  Please let me know how it is working once it gets up and running. 

I am pleased to announce that each and every student read a book from beginning to end.  They are doing a wonderful job with their Poster Book Reports as well.  We are working on developing and organizing summaries and writing Book Blurbs.  Students will share the work this week.  I will add some photos, so check back later this week.

In Science, we are finishing up our Solar System Unit.  We will move on to our Plant and Animal Cell unit soon.  Don't forget that all January Moon Calendars are due February 3rd.  If they missed a day, they can look on the internet and record it from there.  

Upcoming dates for your calendar:
1/27 - Grade 4/5 Basketball Game @ WES
1/27 - Grade 4/5 Cross Country Skiing
1/28 - Mahoosuc Arts Performance @ 10AM
1/28 - Grade 4/5 Basketball Practice
1/28 - Grade 4/5 Basketball Practice
1/28 - Grade 4/5 Cross Country Skiing
1/30 - Grade 5 Rugrats (AM)
1/30 - Grade 5 2/3 Cross Country Skiing 
1/31 - Report Card go home
2/12 - 5th grade Wax Museum presentations


CPS PTA is holding its first fundraiser.  It is a valentine raffle.  The drawing will be held on 2/10/14 and tickets can be purchased through Meg $1.00 each or 6 tickets for $5.00.
1st Prize: $50 gift certificate Black Diamond
2nd Prize $25 gift certificate Sudbury Inn
3rd Prize $10 gift certificate Crossroads Diner

Here's to a wonderful third quarter!  Don't forget to check in this week!  Hopefully we will be able to successfully upload our new student lead video for homework support.