Bill Nye: Chemical Changes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rtcf6Pjahec

Math: P. 184 1-8

We did the Hour of Code today! The kids learned how to make an app! Check it out: http://studio.code.org/flappy/1 There are many other things they can try at home: http://code.org/learn

Remember, Spelling, Vocabulary, & Language test tomorrow!

Here is your science lesson: http://ed.ted.com/on/lIzocV5C

Here is is, Monday. Our Tweeter did a great job today!
Math test tomorrow!! Multiplication with decimals!!

Spelling: New lists, test Friday. If you're trying to keep up, here is where the groups stand:

• Red Group: Word within Words: Sort 20 Short O, Long O
• Blue Group: Word within Words: Sort 43, High frequency words
• Yellow Group: Derivationals: Sort 12, Adjective Suffixes
• Green Group: Syllables & Affixes: Sort 36, Final -Y, -EY, and -IE

Links to copies of these sorts can be found on the right.

Vocabulary: New lists sent home today, test Friday
Math: Test Remediations were DUE TODAY!! I only have about six of them, which means that there is a high probability that someone you know didn't turn theirs in!!

Thanks to Mrs. Strong for teaching Compare & Contrast today!! Pictures of her activity are on Twitter. Search #rolleyclass!

How to do reflex math - by Ben

Tonight's guest blogger is Ben, with some important information!

When you log on there will be a crab talking to you after he’s done a rabbit will start talking to you. Then you will type in the numbers shown and after typing a certain amount of numbers you do one, two or three games. When your done with that  you get an island pass. You will notice all the games are closed except for two ninja to the stars and wind rider. Click on one of the two games and a bear that has a blue jacket and a whistle. She will talk to you about fact families and the have you do a picture puzzle. It will ask you math facts and will fill in the squares. You will do two picture puzzles and they will end up as picture of the game you choose. Then the game pops up and you read the instructions then play the game . You will see it says how many math facts you get right and get tokens.  After you play the game in the top right corner you will notice a grey dot. Play the games a bunch and it will turn green. After it turns green go to the first game and you will see it says  5 days. That means you need to play for five more days till you get a new game. But only green light days count. Also when you have green light you can move your mouse over to left and a shop will appear. Every day you have to get a green light before you can go to the shop. Click on the shop and a bunch of categories pop up and keep clicking till you see what you want then you check the price on it and spend your tokens on it. That’s how you play reflex math.

Math: Test tomorrow on single and double digit division. Study by looking over the practice tests at the end of these two chapters.
Spelling and Vocabulary: New word lists, test Friday.

Really cool morning! We got to FaceTime (like Skype) with Sophie's aunt who is studying ballet in Russia! She told us all about the people, the food, her language issues and what to do if someone steps on your toes! Nyet! Eventually we lost the connection, so we practiced division in math class. There will be a math test tomorrow. After lunch, we went to the library, then practiced our spelling and vocabulary. We finished the day with building the concept map and the Question of the Week with Mingl's class. See you tomorrow!!

Math: The kids were "saved by the bell."
Spelling: None this week. It's a short week and we have the Unit 2 test.
Language: New vocabulary words, test Thursday.

News: We have received about $600 in grant funding so far for our classroom iPads, and we still have about $1000 to go. Thank you so much to all the AMAZING donors that have given so far! Please spread the word, post it on Facebook, tell your employer! Here is a link to the Donor's Choose website: http://goo.gl/K4dqYs

I had fun today, so I'm thinking that the kids probably did too. A WatchDog dad spent the morning and part of the afternoon with us. It was really good to talk to him and have him in our classroom! We learned about "Powers of Ten" today, and watched a really cool video made by IBM from the 1970s on powers of ten (watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fKBhvDjuy0). Then we practiced multiplying and dividing by powers of ten. For example: 2.785 x 100 = 278.5, or 4.5 ÷ 100 = .045. This may seem pretty straight-forward to most adults, but this is a big leap for many kids. They need practice to gain confidence with this idea of a decimal that seems to "jump" around. Of course, the bell rang seconds before I was about to assign homework. Grrr.

After lunch, we went to the library, then reviewed for the reading unit 2 test by playing a game called Kahoot! The kids loved it. That is an understatement. They were begging to play again. You never would have guessed that we were reviewing a reading comprehension passage from an old test to prepare for the unit test. It was just plain FUN!

After recess, we did a worksheet bomb at 5 minutes per station for 6 stations, then quickly went over it. This touched upon all the topics on tomorrow's unit test.

See you tomorrow!

Math: P. 100 28-28, include a picture (Singapore Math) that describes the problem.

This will be short, I have class tonight. Lots of pictures and the rundown of what we did are on Twitter, check it out! Welcome to our new student!

See you tomorrow!

Math: P. 86 -26 find the compatible numbers and estimate, THEN watch the "Stacking Method of Division" video (down on the right).
Spelling: Last week was super busy and there were too many tests on Halloween (not to mention a parade and party), so I skipped the test and we'll redo last week's spelling lists.
Vocabulary: New list this week!

Following us on Twitter yet? More division practice today. We looked at using "compatible numbers" to help us estimate the reasonableness of our answers. We also discussed the parts of a division problem. Ask your child what the Quotient, Dividend, and Divisor is. The quotient is the answer to a division problem. The super-secret code word is Twitter. The dividend is the number being divided, and the divisor is the number doing the dividing. We met with Mingl's class for the Question of the Week, then made a concept map for this week's story.

After lunch, we went to the library, then came back and worked on writing, while discussing Author's Purpose. Finally we met back up with Mingle to do vocabulary rotations.

Help Spread the Word...

I wrote a grant on Donor's Choose (www.donorschoose.com) to get two iPads in the classroom for iMovie projects.

Check it out here: http://goo.gl/K4dqYs

For the next week, the grant will be matched, dollar-for-dollar (up to $100). Use the code: SPARK on the payment page.

Thanks,

Doug Rolley

Oooooh. Bellyache! Too much candy. Yuck! I'm good until next year!

We had a great time at the Halloween parade and party! We played kickball to burn off the sugar, then went to lunch. After lunch we took the math re-test, then we finished the day with the weekly Reading Street test.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!!Don't forget to bring half your candy to your teacher!!

We are having lots of fun with Twitter! Check us out at #RolleyClass! Lots of pictures!

Math: Makeup test tomorrow!
Spelling: Test tomorrow
Vocab: Test tomorrow

Yikes! That's three tests in one day, not to mention the Halloween Parade & Party! It'll be okay, a little sugar makes the medicine go down!!

See you tomorrow!

No homework tonight, other than finish up math test remediations from yesterday. They are due Friday!

Are you on Twitter? Follow us @dprolley or #rolleyclass If you've never done Twitter before, this is an easy and fun way to check it out. Just remember this rule: No eggs!! (You'll know what I mean soon, if you don't already)

See you tomorrow!!

We are on Twitter! Follow us at #RolleyClass
I'm trying something new. I'm going to have students tweeting the class happenings, during class. If you're a twitter user, you can get live updates from our classroom. So cool!

Language: Show parents the paragraph parts
Math: Remediation due FRIDAY (with parent signature)!! Retest FRIDAY!!

More division today. Read our story today with Mingl's class. We learned about writing a paragraph and author's purpose. Sorry about the brevity of this post, but I have a class tonight and I'm leaving now!

Math: We had a test today.
Spelling: New words, test Friday.
Vocabulary: New word list (and it's super easy!)

We did a practice MCOMP today. Kids are starting to see their scores increase. The multiplication test was today. I haven't had a chance to look it over yet, but the kids said it was easy (they always do)! We started the next topic, division. We introduced the new Question of the Week and discussed our vocabulary words with Mingl's class. After lunch, we went to the library, then worked in our spelling groups. Finally, after recess we got back together with Mingl's class and practiced our vocabulary words in stations. I'm not kidding when I say the words this week are easy. Look them over, they were in your child's mailbox.

The class Halloween party is October 31st, right after the parade. Be sure to fill out the district's volunteer application or you won't be allowed to volunteer. They do a background check when you apply. This is mandatory. Follow the link on this page for the application.

We are asking for a $1 donation to fund the party. Throwing a party for almost 80 kids can get quite expensive and the burden falls on a few volunteers. They can easily spend a hundred of their own dollars on this. please help offset this cost. Leftover money, if any, will be rolled into the Valentine's day party.

Math: P. 78 - 79  Practice Test. THE REAL TEST IS MONDAY!!

See you Monday!

Math: P.70 7 - 11

In a class tonight. We had a good day today. Your kids are superheros! Some are villains, sorry. Ask them about it.

Math: P.68 1-4
Spelling: New words, test Friday
Language: New vocabulary lists, test Friday

I hope everybody had a great weekend. Today, we practiced our math facts, then took another practice MCOMP test. Then, we reviewed the multiplication unit taught so far. We started double-digit multiplication and homework was assigned. After math class, we met up with Mingl's class to introduce this week's story and the question of the week, "What are the rewards in helping others?"

After lunch, we went to the library. We met in our spelling groups, then attended the PTA's Reflections assembly. We ended the day back with Mingl's class practicing our vocabulary words in our stations and rotations. See you all tomorrow!!

Spelling: None this short week.
Vocabulary: Test Wednesday.
Math: Finish exponent worksheet.
No school Thursday & Friday!! UEA weekend!!

Sorry about the delay in posting. It gets really busy around here right before parent teacher conferences. I enjoyed meeting all of you!

This is a busy week as we stuff a normal five day week into three days. We started the day with a quick write on Edmodo, then a MCOMP practice test. We are going to practice the MCOMP until we can do it in our sleep. We started a new but related multiplication topic, exponents! Remember how I said that place value was the hardest easy thing I teach? Well, exponents are so easy, they're hard! Here's an example: 2⁵ = 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2, which equals 32. The kids want to turn  2⁵ into 2 x 5, which it is NOT. They just need practice. We read our story for the week, "Hold the Flag High." After recess, (this week's word is bouquet) we went to the library, then practiced in our reading group stations. This week we are working on compare & contrast, sequencing the events in a story, and drawing conclusions from what we read. We are also practicing our vocabulary words, which are available on www.quizlet.com, just search for "dprolley" and click on my avatar to get into my account. The words are in the folder labeled "Reading Street Unit 2." We are on Unit 2 Week 2. Thanks for hanging in there while I wasn't posting! See you tomorrow!!

I am collecting egg cartons to make a sound barrier between my room and Mr. Bettinson's. I need as many as I can get.

Don't forget to make a reservation for Parent - Teacher Conferences! Click the link from yesterday's post and sign up!

No school tomorrow!!

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent Teacher Conferences are next week!

October 7th and 8th, from 3:30 - 7:30. I schedule conferences in 10 minute increments. With 27 kids, this is an extremely tight schedule.

Please sign up with this link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4ca8ae28a1f49-parent2 This schedule is NOT open to the public. To view it you must enter this access code: "Midvalley".

Please be on time to your scheduled time slot. If you miss your appointment, we will have to reschedule. I look forward to meeting with all of you!

Sorry, I have class tonight! There is a math test tomorrow. I assigned the practice test at the end of chapter 2 as homework.

Math: P.47 4 & 5. Remember, it's not about the destination, it's about the journey. In other words, I want you to draw a picture (look at the examples in your book) and show your work!
Spelling & Vocabulary: None this week (Unit test)

Wow! Blogger (this website) just completely locked me out using the FireFox browser. This must be Google's way of forcing people to use Chrome. I thought "don't be evil" was their corporate motto!

Anyway, we are making progress on addition and subtraction of decimals and whole numbers. There WILL be a test soon, probably Wednesday.

We finished our 17th keyboarding lesson today, only three more to go! After lunch, we went to the library. Then, we completed our DARE surveys. Don't forget to bring in your signed permission slips to attend DARE class! We practiced identifying the four different kinds of sentences: Declarative (a statement - ends with a period), Interrogative (a question), Exclamatory (shows excitement - ends with a !), and Imperative (may have an implied subject "you", a command - ends with either a . or !). See if your child can tell you the difference. We started science!! I will be teaching a unit on matter. After we cover the basics, we will start having fun with physical and chemical changes!

Math: P.42 9-12
Oktoberfest update: Friday is a SHORT DAY! School is out at 1:15 (and check out Fridays on the calendar below!)

Today, we began the day with a quick math assessment. Nothing formal, just checking in with the kids to see who gets it and who is lost in the woods. Looks like we're about halfway there in terms of estimating sums and differences. In math class we looked at using pictures to model math problems. Specifically, we used a method that is widely used in Singapore with children at a very young age. Why Singapore? Singapore scores first or second every year in a worldwide assessment of mathematics. There are lots of reason why they do this well, but it's worth looking at their methodologies. If you are curious, Google "Singapore Math." We also started adding and subtracting whole numbers and decimals. The topic was just introduced today and homework was assigned.

After math, we met with Mingl's class and re-read our story, Ten Mile Day, and asked the kids lots of in-depth questions. Typically, they share their thoughts with a partner, then we call on kids for their answers. After lunch, we talked about common and proper nouns. Ballet West got the kids sweaty with push-ups and fun movement activities. After that, more common and proper nouns. Recess, then MORE common and proper nouns (I thought this would be a home run, but the kids were struggling a bit with this). We ended the day with keyboarding practice. We made it interesting by doing it to music. Eye of the Tiger was fun, but I think keyboarding to the Rocky theme some was the best. See you tomorrow!

So sorry everybody! I had a sub yesterday and class tonight. I'll post a real post tomorrow!

No homework. Have a great weekend!

In case you were wondering, this morning we started the day with keyboarding practice, then worked on our spelling sorts. I checked the math homework with the class, and we reviewed rounding numbers. I've never had a class quite like this, but most kids seem to understand rounding numbers! After a quick assessment, we explored estimation in terms of adding and subtracting whole numbers and decimals. I'm feeling pretty good about this too, but I will see what a long weekend does to their understanding. Next we went over spelling and sorting their word lists.

After lunch, we had a spelling test. Keep in mind this is a practice test. I am teaching the kids how to sort their words (see yesterday's post if you want to know why this matters). We spent the rest of the afternoon reviewing "shades of meaning," then we took the language test. You can log into your child's Language Arts and Math account using the math book link to the right. I updated the username information after a few parents told me they had trouble logging in. Once in, you should be able to see test results. This site isn't exactly what I'd call user-friendly, but click around and you will find them. If you have questions, email me and I will do my best to help.

Don't forget there's NO SCHOOL TOMORROW!!

In fact, I'm calling this Oktoberfest!! For the next month, there's no school or early-out days every Friday!

Spelling Lists

I have had a couple requests from parents wanting to know how to find their child's spelling list. The spelling lists are derived from three books from the Words Their Way series. The books follow a progression of spelling patterns. Because of this, there isn't just one simple link to the spelling lists. To the right ----> are the spelling list links. Why are there six links instead of three? The first three are PowerPoints. If you have Microsoft PowerPoint, these are a great way for kids to practice sorting their words. The bottom three are simply PDFs of the spelling lists. Most computers can open a PDF, so that is where most people should be looking.

Here is where the groups stand this week. Next week their list will be the next one (they go in numerical order).

• Red Group: Word Within Word, Sort 14 Short -O and Long -O (CVCe and CVVC)
• Blue Group: Word Within Word, Sort 37 Triple R-Blends scr, str, spr
• Green Group: Syllables and Affixes, Sort 30 Unaccented Final Syllable (le, el, il, al)
• Yellow Group: Derivational, Sort 6 Comparative Suffixes (-er, -est, -ier, -iest)

Why sorts? I am trying to teach them how to spell, not just memorize words on a list. If they can recognize spelling patterns in words, then they can apply that learning to other words with the same spelling pattern.

Eventually, students will be practicing their spelling sorts every day here at school. It is not uncommon to see kids that normally do very poorly in spelling, scoring 90% or better. Practice at home is at the parent's discretion and not required. Tests are on Friday, and Thursday on short weeks.

Math: P. 29 13-20 Rounding practice. I'm in a meeting right now, but I'll post more later (hopefully).
Spelling: BTW, we are still learning how to do spelling. This week's spelling test is a practice test.

Math: P.25 18-20, 25, 28 I'm in a class tonight, and I'm trying to remember the specific problems. I hope I got it right! Please check your child's planner. They wrote in it. I saw them do it!

Please be aware: No School Friday! This is a teacher work day. Lots of meetings, teacher dance party, etc. Fun stuff.
Math: P. 25 (lesson 2-1) 12 - 17 Circle the compatible numbers.
Spelling: New list, test Thursday!

This morning, we rearranged and cleaned out desks. When I asked the class to use mental math and "compatible numbers" to solve simple addition problems (Friday's lesson), it was as if I was standing alone in a big, empty stadium. So, we reviewed that, and I assigned a little work to finish at home. Most kids finished in class. Class was interrupted by the CBM (reading) test, administered by the district. I'll be passing that information along at Parent-Teacher Conferences (October 8th & 9th). We mixed up Whole Group Reading with Mingl's class and introduced this week's new story.

After lunch, we did a synonym/cinnamon roll activity (ask them about it). I passed out their new spelling lists. If you would like a copy of their spelling list, shoot me an email and I will explain how to find it on the homework blog. The secret code word is: hardships. Then, we finished lesson 11 in keyboarding, which is one beyond the half-way point. The we finished the day by introducing the vocabulary for this unit. I placed copies of the tested vocabulary in their mailboxes.

PS: Don't forget to check your safety patrol schedules! We had several kids not show up this morning!!

Today, we took the first of three IOWA tests, then because of time, had to bag math. I really don't like to do that, but it happened. Sometimes the first IOWA test takes longer because of set up and preparations. The next test will go quicker. We had a fun lesson on sensory details and how they are used to make reading and writing more engaging. We looked at, smelled, touched, tasted, and listened to the sound of (while we chewed it) a Sour Patch kid and a Pepperidge Farm Goldfish cracker. After lunch, we completed the 8th keyboarding lesson, then studied theme. We ended the day with Mingl's class practicing our vocabulary.

Tomorrow is PE class with Ballet West's I CAN DO program. Bring appropriate footwear! Ladies, you might want to wear some shorts under that dress. This program is active and highly engaging. Your kids are going to love it!

This week, starting tomorrow, we will be taking the IOWA Test of Basic Skills. Tomorrow will be the Reading portion, Wednesday is the Language portion, and Thursday is the Math. Today we started with the IOWA practice test so students know what to expect on the actual IOWA test.

I passed back their math tests from Friday, and went over the results. Test remediations were assigned. We began working on those in class.

What are remediations? After completing a unit in math, I give a test. This test is meticulously gone over by me, making comments when I can, in the hope that the student reads what I have written and learns from their mistakes. This is very time-consuming. Taken seriously, this is a powerful learning tool. No grade is given. Test remediation is then assigned, where the student must:

• Explain their thinking (why did you put the answer you gave).
• Do the problem correctly.
• Explain why this is the correct answer.

They must do this for EVERY problem that they got wrong. Then they must get a parent signature and turn it in to me. I usually allow 2 to 3 days to collect these, then a retest is assigned. The retest is usually given on the computer and parents can see this grade when their child logs into the math book website.

These are due Thursday, with a parent signature. Again, the purpose of this activity is student learning.

Also today, we went to the library, then completed our 7th keyboarding lesson. Tomorrow's secret codeword is: bananas. After recess, we met up with Mingl's class and discussed the "Question of the Week" and went over the lesson vocabulary.

Today we continued our work on comparing and ordering decimals and started looking at patterns in numbers. After math, we read Dr. Seuss's Because a Little Bug Went Ka-Choo! and talked about cause and effect. Then we started composing our own Cause & Effect story, that began with Mr. Nalwalker interrupting our class. We finished the story after lunch, then got together with Mingl's class and read our story for the week, a tall tale called "Thunder Rose." Ask your child what hyperbole means. We are on lesson 4 of 20 in our keyboarding program, which we finished after recess. We ended the day with a birthday celebration of glazed doughnuts, yum! See you all tomorrow!

BTW: a math test is imminent. Look for it on Friday. Also, expect our weekly Reading Street test. Spelling begins next week!

Today, we worked on comparing and ordering decimals. The kids lucked out when I told them they would have homework, but I forgot to actually assign it. We got together with Mingl's class and went over the vocabulary words for this week's unit. After recess, we started practicing typing. We learned the correct fingering to use when pressing the tab key, space bar, enter key, and shift key.

Then we talked about Cause and Effect then read the story, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Students really enjoyed coming up with 'then...' statements to the 'If...' statements. We also came together with Ms. Mingl's class and talked about the question of the week, 'How can nature challenge us?' and built a concept map around the question.
 
Students ended the day with Mr. Nalwalker talking about Safety Patrol.
 
See you tomorrow!

We had a morning of math this am, focusing on the hardest easy thing I teach all year, place value. Our number system is beautifully simple, but that's also why it's confusing. Ask your kids about the period names (million, billion, etc) and see if they can say them in order, starting at the decimal. Then, check out their decimal place value knowledge. Here's a reminder for parents:

After lunch, we had PE with Ms. Mingle's class and came back for keyboarding practice on the Chromebooks. The end of our day was interrupted by a fire drill.

For those looking for the secret word, it's numerator. See you tomorrow!

We are finally starting to get down to business. We have started looking at place value, and today we began decimal place value. Getting into decimals is a little more confusing, but we will get there. We also started Rocket Math today. Finally, we had another lesson on bullying. For PE, we mixed it up with Mingl's class and played kickball. Kids, especially while the weather is nice, plan on getting outside from time to time, so wear footwear that you can run, jump, and kick in!

Thursday, I had one student with the correct secret password, today we had five. I wonder how many students on Monday will know that "flubber" is the next secret code word?

We had another great day! I'm enjoying getting to know your kids. Today we started the day with the Rocket Math 4 minute timing for multiplication facts. I wanted to see who could get 100% of 100 math facts. So far no one, but I know it's going to happen soon. We will officially begin Rocket Math tomorrow. Then, we took a field trip around the school and talked about procedures and the leadership responsibilities of a fifth grader. To sum up, fifth graders are cool, so be cool. After that we started our first math lesson on place value. This concept may seem easy, but it is actually quite abstract and challenging. I told the kids that this is the hardest easy thing I teach. After lunch, we practiced a little more math before starting our pipe cleaner and foil art project. I will post pictures of that once I figure out who has signed the media release and who has not. We ended the day with our first of many bullying lessons. Remember, for it to be bullying, three conditions need to be met: First, bullying is aggressive behavior that involves unwanted negative actions. Second, bullying involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time. Third, bullying involves an imbalance of power or strength. We will talk more about bullying tomorrow.

I had only one student return with the secret code word today. Tomorrow's secret code word is: phooey.

1st Day of School!

We had a great first day of school! We started the day getting to know each other with a game of "Two truths and a Lie" and a scavenger hunt activity. We had a class meeting to explain the way we do fifth grade and the expectations. After lunch, we got together with Ms. Mingl's class and learned and practiced some "Brain Breaks." We ended the day with watermelon art. If your kids are sticky when they get home, it's because they ate a 20 lb watermelon in about five minutes. See you tomorrow!

Oh yeah, I'm just curious to see who's reading this, so tomorrow the secret code word is "pineapple." Shhh! Don't tell anyone!

Parents,

Welcome to our classroom homework blog. Please use this site to access assignments, deadlines, math textbook and important messages for this classroom. I update this site frequently, so be sure to check it daily. It is a pretty good resource to keep us on the same page.

Please take moment to fill out the parent survey below. Thanks!

Back to School Night!

I can't wait to meet you all at Back to School Night, tomorrow from 6:00 to 7:30!

Hang in there, kids! Only a few days left! Monday, you will have your last test EVER here at Midvalley. We are still asking for donations of $3 each for the pizza at our end of school party. Every kid will be served, regardless of contribution.

This is an OPTIONAL assignment for students that received a "NYM" (Not Yet Mastered) grade on their report card in the first term for the Matter Unit. This is an opportunity to replace that NYM with an "M" (Mastered). It is not a guarantee. Using Google Docs, complete the following assignment:

"Write a five paragraph essay on Matter, as discussed in science class. The essay must include an introduction, a conclusion, and a three-paragraph body. Please explain physical changes and how you can distinguish them. Also, explain chemical changes and evidence that a chemical change may have occurred. Finally, explain how matter cannot be created or destroyed, just changed from one form to another. You may use all the materials from science class. Here is a link to the main handout: http://www.uen.org/core/science/sciber/TRB5/downloads/01literacy.pdf

This is due on Monday.

We will be finishing the SAGE Math test tomorrow, which completes our SAGE testing this year. The kids have been working hard and we are almost through! Just a quick look at the upcoming schedule:

• May 26, Monday: No School, Memorial Day
• May 27, Tuesday: Safety Patrol Bowling Field Trip
• May 28, Wednesday, 2:15 pm - 3:30 pm: DARE Graduation
• June 3, Tuesday, 9:00 am - 10:00 am: Awards assembly
•                            1:30 pm - 3:15 pm: Water Party!
• June 4, Wednesday, Last day of School!! Talent Show!! No cafeteria service today! We are collecting donations of $3 per person to order pizza. Everyone will be served, regardless of donation. School is dismissed at 1:00 pm.

Oh yeah, we had a little accident today. Have a look:

Math:
Tomorrow is the SAGE Math test. Be prepared! Your homework for tonight is to take a look at the practice test at www.sageportal.org  Click on "Students and Families", then "Training Tests", then you'll be directed to the student log-in page. Click the "Sign In" button, then select your grade (5), the click "Yes". Finally, select "Math Grades 5-6".

Be sure to play around with the site and see what the questions are like. We will spend some time doing this tomorrow morning as well.

Culture Fair!!
Fifth grade students are to meet at 7:45 pm at the 4th grade doors dressed all in black. You will be getting your war-paint on, in time for your performance at 8:20 pm. Can't wait to see you there!!

Math: Solve this secret message: (-4,6)(3,-7)(4,6)(8,3)  (-9,-5)(-7,-8)(-8,-1)(8,8)(-4,6)(7,-5)(-3,-4)  (8,3)(-7,-8)(3,-7)(-4,6)  (-9,-5)(-9,3)(2,-2)(3,9)! Then write a secret message to the person who sits across from you! (minimum of 10 characters)

To access your Google Docs account and work on your DARE essay, follow these directions: http://prolearning.canyonsdistrict.org/uploads/8/7/1/9/8719529/accessing_csddocs.pdf or check out this page:
http://prolearning.canyonsdistrict.org/csd-docs.html

Math: P.415 1-4
Science: The science SAGE test is tomorrow! Tonight's homework: I assigned one of four regions (mountains, swampy, forest, desert) to each table. You are to come up with an imaginary creature that lives here. You must specify what traits this creature has that give it a survival advantage and allows it to thrive in that environment. Please include a picture. Be creative!!
Language: No spelling, but vocabulary words were assigned, test Friday.

SAGE Language: We had part 1 of the SAGE Language test today. I this the kids did well, although I won't know for sure until I see the results and I'm not sure when that will be. At any rate, the kids seemed confident and there were no tears, so I can't complain! Part 2 will be on Thursday.
Math: My notes from Mr. Reese, our sub, indicated that he taught and reviewed volume, but he wasn't confident that everyone was "getting it." Today, I reviewed volume with the class and will be moving on soon.
Teacher Appreciation Week: Thank you for all the wonderful gifts and notes. I really appreciate you all! My class is really fantastic and I wouldn't trade these kids for anyone!

Hello parents! We have had a busy week so far. Today, we had a guest teacher, Mr Nalwalker! He introduced our science unit on Heredity. We also had our first lesson on the Maori Haka dance that the fifth grade will be presenting at this year's Culture Fair. I will be in Pennsylvania until Monday for my nephew's wedding. Our favorite substitute teacher, Mr. Reese will be taking over the classroom for the next few days. He has been in our room several times. He knows the kids and the routines. He's great!

The CRT test has been replaced this year by the SAGE test. The language arts test is on Tuesday and Thursday of next week. See you Tuesday!

Excellent job today, kids! We are taking the tests and we are taking them apart! One more day of writing to go! You worked hard for this, let's show them what we are capable of doing! Come to school well rested and have a good breakfast. See you tomorrow!

Tomorrow is part 1 of the writing portion of the SAGE test. This test replaces the CRT and the DWA. Please get a good might of sleep and and be sure to have breakfast. Part 2 of the test will be Thursday. We have been practicing and working hard. Hopefully, this will pay off!
For Homework: Please finish the four-square we started in class.

Welcome Back! I hope you all had a great Spring Break!!
Language: Please finish your 4-square writing assignment that we started in class.

It feels good to be back! As many of you know, I have missed several days this week, due to a required district training, last week due to the UCET technology conference, and a day here and there due do a sick child. I don't plan on being out again for a long time, so here's to hitting the ground running!
Math: We took the multiplying and dividing fractions re-test test today. Assigned: multiplying fractions worksheet. It's not hard, but it is a visual representation that you need to be familiar with.

Math: Test on chapter 11 tomorrow. To study, do the practice test on p. 290-291.
BALLET WEST: Tomorrow, the buses are leaving at 3:15 and will be returning at approximately 9:00 PM. Please do NOT ask to check your child out at West HS. Let them ride the bus back to school and pick them up there. The logistics of who left with who is daunting. We want everyone to make it back safely. We appreciate your help and understanding with this.

The performance is at 7:30. The kids have been working really hard. We hope to see you there!

Writing: I know I don't usually assign things over the weekend, but if you don't have your poetry rap, Yo Rap!, finished, then you should get it done ASAP! Thanks, and have a great weekend!

Math: Finish the problem I printed for you from our lesson today! One whole problem! You can do it!!

Math: P. 287 21-24; P. 288 #5.

Math: P. 286 1, 2, 3. Division with fractions.
The Symphony trip was great, and our class looked sharp! Good job, kids!

Language: New spelling and vocabulary words this week.
Symphony Field Trip! The field trip to Abravenal Hall is tomorrow! Please dress for the occasion! Nice clothing, nothing with holes, no skulls, etc. You get the idea.

Math: P. 284-285 12, 13. 23; Get those test remediations turned in! If they are not done, they will become a recess activity. The Topic 10 (adding and subtracting fractions) make-up test is tomorrow!

Math: Test remediation WITH parent signature is due Wednesday. Retest Wednesday. I am having the kids do these here at school. Expect to see them home soon. Tonight's homework is P. 278-279 35-38, and 40.
Language: New spelling and vocabulary lists today, test Friday.

Well, another busy week and I feel like I wasn't even here. Wait, I wasn't. At least I wasn't here on Wednesday and Thursday. Wednesday, I was at a district training and Thursday, I stayed home with my little boy, who kept me up all night with an earache. The kids rocked the DWA test on Tuesday and finished their =?- fractions math test today. They also scored a record high class average on the weekly Reading Street test! Nice work!! I'm looking forward to BEING HERE for a busy and fun next week.

Math: Please finish today's two starter problems for homework.

YOU ROCK!!
Our class worked so hard to complete the DWA today! I looked over their pre-writing. If they followed their plan, then I know our class did well. Great Job kids! We will probably get results in a month or two. When I know, you'll know.

I see you have been working hard and finishing your writing. If you are up for the challenge, I've added two more essays to the www.utahwrite.com website. Pick one, see how you do!

Writing: The kids have been amazing! They are working so hard and I am extremely impressed with what they have been able to do so far. Today, we had our first perfect score of 30 (out of 30) and a few in the high twenties! The test is Tuesday morning, so we have only one more shot at practicing on Monday. Today's writing prompt is:

Student of the Week: Think about our class as a whole and decide out of our class who you believe should be Student of the Week and why. Persuade me to agree with you on that person being the student of the week. It cannot be you (the author).

If anyone would like more practice, I will be unlocking a few more topics later tonight on www.utahwrite.com.

Writing: We are working hard to get everyone up to speed and ready for the state-wide writing assessment, next Tuesday! Students will need to be able to walk in with a pencil and a blank sheet of paper, and leave with a well-thought out and well-written essay. Finish today's writing prompt on www.utahwrite.com:

Playground versus Track: The town is going to put in a new park. They are seeking input from the public as to which people prefer, a playground or a track.

Have your parents proof-read your essay and listen to what they say! Your parents know a lot more than you think they do.

Film Festival: The Canyons Film Festival is coming up on April 10, but submissions are due on March 13! Follow this link to read about the rules and other important details: http://prolearning.canyonsdistrict.org/annual-canyons-district-film-festival.html
 
Conferences: Tomorrow night is the last night! I have three spaces open and three parents that need to sign up! Follow this link to reserve the spot you want: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4CA8AE28A1F49-parent1

Don't forget to sing up for a report card appointment!! Sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4CA8AE28A1F49-parent1

Language: Finish your writing assignment on www.utahwrite.com

Parent Teacher Conferences

Hello Parents,

Parent Teacher Conferences are Tuesday, March 4, from 4:30 - 8:00 and Thursday, March 6, from 4:00 - 7:30. I have created an online sign up form to schedule all appointments. The slots fill up quickly, please sign up as soon as possible. Here is the link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4CA8AE28A1F49-parent1

See you there!

Doug Rolley

Math: Test remediations WITH parent signature, due 3/4
            P.262 7-10, You must show your work, and you must simplify. If you have questions, check out the video from yesterday's assignment or check out the videos I've made (look below, to the left).
Language: Unit test tomorrow! You kids have been working so hard! You're going to knock this one out of the park!

Math: Kids seemed to like the Khan Academy video from yesterday. Here is the homework: Do these problems: https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/fractions/fractions-unlike-denom/e/adding_fractions If you have problems, watch the video ABOVE the tab (on the left) that you are currently using. See picture below. Be sure to have you parents sign off on your planner that you have done it!

Math: Follow this link: https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/fractions/Adding_and_subtracting_fractions/v/adding-fractions-with-like-denominators and do the first four links on the left (see photo). Watch the video, answer the questions, watch the next video, answer the questions. There's something like 10 EASY questions, don't worry about logging in or doing the next level stuff they are talking about on the website. After you've answered the questions, move on to the next link until you've done all four (2 videos and 2 sets of problems).

 

 Spelling & Vocabulary: None this week! Unit test on Friday.

Math: Test tomorrow. If you get 100%, you won't have to remediate or take the retest.
Language: Spelling test tomorrow, last week's words.

Math: We are dangerously close to a test, probably Friday. Do page 248-249, the topic 9 practice test.

Math: I passed out a practice sheet on putting fractions on the number line. The answers are on the back. Hopefully, the kids will challenge themselves by doing it first, then checking the answer.
Spelling: Last week was too busy and we never got to the test, so this week (a short week) we will practice the same spelling list as last week, test Friday.
Vocabulary: New words this week, test Friday.

Math: Complete the handout on simplifying fractions.
Parents: You probably know that our class has been working together with Ms. Mingl's class for our Language Arts ("Reading Street" is the name of the program) instruction. As a teacher, I couldn't be happier with what we are able to accomplish together. The lessons are dynamic, effective, and fun. Hopefully, your child has expressed this to you. Below are some pictures of our classes working on vocabulary practice stations.

Math: P.231 7-10 I will post an example video tonight.

Math: One worksheet/night. I know, I know, normally there's no homework over the weekend, but I'm making an exception for a very good reason. We are very competitive with Mingl's class and on the last CFA test, she trounced us. We need to redouble our efforts. Our goal is to CRUSH Mingl in everything we do. This is a friendly competition.

Math: no homework.
Language: Spelling and vocabulary test tomorrow.
The trip to Union was a great success! They really made us feel welcome and gave us a preview of the Thoroughly Modern Millie play that starts tomorrow night. The play is fantastic and is a great thing to do with your family. Tickets are only $2. Check out the poster below for show times:

Math: Complete fractions worksheet.
Reminder: This is a short week, so practice your spelling and vocabulary words at home!
News: Tomorrow we are visiting Union Middle School. We will be leaving promptly at 9:10 and will return at 11:30, just in time for lunch. Because of the short week (no school on Friday), Ballet West will be combining Wednesday and Thursday's classes tomorrow.

Math: Worksheet, 1-10. We are still working on fractions and one of the biggest concepts that your child needs to fully grasp is the relationship between what the top and bottom of a fraction mean. The top, the numerator, tells us how many pieces we have. The bottom number, the denominator, tells us how many pieces are needed to make a whole. This understanding is the foundation of all we do in fractions. When kids don't understand this, they have trouble converting improper fractions into mixed numbers and vice versa. They also have difficulty adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions.
Language: New spelling and vocabulary words today. Test Thursday.

This is a short week, due to a teacher professional development day on Friday! No school Friday, so Thursday is a short day!!

Math: Geometry Makeup test tomorrow. Fractions worksheet due.
Language: Spelling test and vocabulary test.

Math: Test Remediations, due Friday with parent signatures. Also, complete the worksheet I passed out on fractions.
Oh yeah, they're heeeeeerrrrreeeeee!!!!

 1, 2, 3, 4... 33!

 

 Uh huh, check!

 ...and something to put them in!

 The Chromebooks are here! It will be a few days before they can get them all set up, but we'll have them soon!

Math: P.225 11-18 & 21
We celebrated 1000 days of school today!!

Math: Geometry test was today. Started Fractions!! P. 221 6-10 and 15-17
Language: New spelling and vocabulary lists today. Test Friday.
Check out the links on the left. I am including links to the spelling lists that your children are doing so you can practice at home. Here are the groups and the sorts they are doing:\
Red: Sort 17 (Word Within Word book)
Blue: Sort 40 (Word Within Word book)
Pink: Sort 33 (Syllables and Affixes book)
Yellow: Sort 8 (Derivational book)

Math: Geometry, no homework tonight.
Writing: If you're not finished, finish your science paper on www.utahwrite.com.
Spelling and Vocabulary: New words for both, test Friday.

Math: Yes, you have homework. You must teach your parents how to solve an isosceles triangle when you know one angle and and you need the find the other two.

Math: P. 209 8-12
Language: Unit 3 test tomorrow. We have been reviewing all week. Spelling test too. No Vocabulary this week.

Math: Geometry worksheet:

Math: P. 206 1-12 We are studying geometry!! Ask your child to show you the geometry dance. (You will need to queue up Huey Lewis's "Hip to be Square" and play it really loud!)
Spelling: Test Friday, no vocabulary this week...unit test instead!

Math: Retest tomorrow and remediations are due.

In case you forgot, remediations look like this:

• Explain your thinking. Why did you put the answer you put?
• Do it correctly.
• Explain why this is the correct answer.

The purpose of remediations is to learn from our mistakes. How many times did you get a test back and think "Oh, now I get it!" Well, let's use that experience to grow. There will be a retest this week, probably Thursday. I am working with kids in small groups and focusing on areas where I think they need the most help, based on this last test.

Welcome back, everybody! I hope you had a great break. We got right back to business today.
Math: Test remediations (from before break) due Thursday 1/9.
Language: New spelling and vocabulary words. Test Friday.