Monday, December 13, 2010

Homework -- Monday, December 13, 2010

Coti Math: Pages 90 and 93 CMJ
Find examples of decimals. Choose one and be ready to explain its meaning.

Wordly Wise: 12A

Read for 30 minutes.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Homework -- Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Wordly Wise B

Coti Math: Two-sided math handout plus finish menu if not completed in class.

Read for 30 minutes. Fill in reading log!

Return Impact Aid form. Pizza lunch if we have a 100% return!

Monday, December 6, 2010

December Newsletter plus Homework

Homework -- Monday, December 6, 2010

Wordly Wise 11A

Coti Math: CMJ pages 77 and 79

Read for 30 minutes

Origin stories must be turned in tomorrow or
they will be finished during recess.

December 6, 2010


Hello Parents,

A new season is here! It's hard to believe that winter break is only two weeks away.

The Argetina math projects have arrived, and we began presentations today. They are most impressive, and I think our students have learned a lot about the country. Our next project guidelines will go home after the break.

Penpal letters from Argentina arrived last week and we are in the process of writing back to our pals in Buenas Aires. If your child would like to add a trinket to the letter, that's fine. Coins, silly bandz, photos or pictures from magazines are some ideas. We plan to mail the letters next Monday.

Thanks to the set of computers we received this summer and our wireless configuration in the building, the students regularly use the laptops. They've made powerpoint presentations of
their social studies research on Native Americans, have written stories and will soon do some research on the Argentine Native Americans during the 17 and 1800's. They already studied symbols and painted some beautiful ones on tiles that are displayed outside the library. Come have a look! We'll move on to Unit 3 in social studies, The Age of Exploration, when we return from the break.

In math, we're studying decimals, fractions and percents. We start Unit 5 (Big Numbers, Estimation and Computation) in January.

The students have finished their second literature circle novels and will read stories in the Jr. Great Books series as well as Houghton Mifflin until the break. They made some beautiful projects to represent the books they've read and will soon complete written assessments. Please continue to encourage their nightly reading. They should still fill in their reading logs and bring them to school when completed so I can give them credit.

The New York City Ballet School is coming to Eaton in Janaury! They plan to work with fourth and fifth graders with the idea of presenting a dance at the end of one week. Stay tuned for more news!

Mr. Bergfalk is back, and the students will start regular science classes with him starting next week. We have done some science this year, but not much with this new world cultures curriculum to fit in. I'm so glad Mr. Bergfalk will teach the bulk of science. I will supplement with the environmental program I implement each early spring. The energy program will begin in January. I will choose 5 students who will gauge the school's energy use using special equipment (light meters, heat detectors, etc.) and then report the usage along with recommendations on how to conserve more energy. The groups serve for two weeks and then a new one is formed. This is happen until all the students get to serve on the energy team and learn all about the use and misuse of energy that will apply to their own lives in school and at home as well.

Ms. Roubin's last day was Friday, December 3. We will truly miss her. She promises to visit, so we look forward to seeing her again. Wish her luck as she pursues a teaching career. I know she'll be great!

That's all for now. Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Ms. Coti