The Week of December 16, 2013

Dear Parents,
   
     It was nice seeing many of you at the Barnes & Noble Book Fair.  The P.T.O. put together a nice event!

     SOME HELPFUL REMINDERS:
     Tuesday - Early Dismissal
     Wednesday - Bowling (students may bring money to purchase snacks)
      Thursday - Classroom reward party we are watching a holiday movie and students are allowed to bring         an extra snack or a treat to share with the class.
     Friday - TIVOLI

HERE's WHAT WE ARE UP TO UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR....2013!!!!

SPELLING:  Holiday word list

ENGLISH:  Holiday poetry and ABC Adjective book

READING:  Figurative Language in text

SOCIAL STUDIES;  Chapter 6 Jeopardy Review = Monday

TEST = Tuesday and How to Study sheet worth 2 bonus points if completely filled out and signed!

SCIENCE:  We will be continuing science when we return from break.  We will be using "science" time to do some holiday activities!

MATH:  Review Chapter 4 Lessons 1-3 = Monday

Quiz = Tuesday

No math = Wednesday

Thursday = Holiday math activities

Friday = No math

                

The Week of !!/25 and 12/2

Dear Parents,

Tuesday, 11/26
Field trip to the Robert Crown Center for Health Education.  We will be returning to school in time for lunch.
5th grade movie in the afternoon since we are the grade level that sold the most coupon books for PTO!
The children will be watching  Monster's University rated G. They will be treated to a snack.
The movie will be in the gym and the students may bring a blanket and stuffed animal.

HERE'S WHAT WE ARE UP TO IN THE CLASSROOM:

SPELLING:  No spelling the week of 11/25

Lesson 13 when we return!

ENGLISH: Unit 6 Pronouns

Test is scheduled for Wednesday, December 4th.

READING:  Jacob's Rescue  

We will be finishing the book on Monday and the students will need to only PLAN their Artisitic Adventurer activity during the holiday weekend.  I will approve their plan when we return from the holiday and they will then work on the project in class.

SCIENCE:  Chapter 12 Test Monday, 11/25

Next science unit will begin the week of 12/9

SOCIAL STUDIES:  Chapter 6 : Colonial Life

The students will be creating a colonial game with directions and play it with other students.

Directions will be given the week of 12/2 and the game will be due Monday, 12/9.

The students will also be learning about Ben Franklin's book, Poor Richard's Almanac

They will choose one of his clever sayings to interpret and illustrate.

MATH:  

Chapter 3 Lesson 10 Long Division with quotients that have zeros

Chapter 3 Lesson 12 Problem solving that requires the student's to interpret the remainder

Chapter 3 Lesson 13 Problem solving with missing or extra information

Chapter 3 Review

Chapter 3 Test the week of 12/9

The Week of November 18, 2013

Dear Parents,
    On Friday, November 15th your child will be participating in THINK ENERGY! Representatives from Nicor and ComEd come to Prarieview to present this program to our 5th grade. The goal of this program is to help students and their families learn together about energy and how to use it more wisely, save money, and help conserve natural resources!
 The children will be bringing home a TAKE ACTION KIT which involves family participation. A student guide is provided to help you get started.  If you need help with an item, there is a toll free number on the kit's box or visit:
 Learn How to Install the Devices in Your Kit | Think! Energy

1. thinkenergy.org/install-devices-in-kit/‎
   

   
   

   Install a water and energy-efficient shower head in your home and start saving now. The multi-mode adjustable spray offers selected settings for comfort.

   
   

   Lastly, in the kit there is a YELLOW "HOME ENERGY WORKSHEET" that is very easy to fill out.  

   COMPLETE AND RETURN SHEET  TO SCHOOL BY FRIDAY, 11/22

   
   

   
   

    HERE's WHAT's HAPPENING IN OUR CLASSROOM:

   
   

   SPELLING :  Lesson 12

   
   

   ENGLISH:  Unit 6 Pronouns Using subject and object Pronouns correctly, possessive pronouns, contractions, and double subjects

   
   

   READING:  continuing our literature book:  Jacob's Rescue 

   The students will be writing and answering comprehension questions, sharing interesting or meaningful parts of the story, character traits of main characters, vocabulary, and critical thinking "enrichment" activities....

   
   

   SOCIAL STUDIES:  Chapter 6 Life in the Colonies

   
   

   SCIENCE:  Oceans Chapter 12 L3 What Forces Shapes Shorelines

   Chapter 12 test will be Tuesday, November 26

   
   

   MATH:  

   Monday - Review for quiz

   Tuesday - QUIZ over Lessons 5 - 8

   Wednesday - no math due to early dismissal schedule

   Thursday and Friday - Ch 3 Lesson 9 Long division/determining place value

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

The Week of November 11, 2013

Dear Parents,

Parent/teacher conferences gave us a chance to discuss your child's academic progress, work and study habits, and their social/emotional needs.  Please know I am available at any time to discuss your child's progress.  It is important that we are all working together so your child can reach their fullest potential.

Prairieview School-Community Service Project

Animal Assisted Therapy Program-Edward Hospital

Prairieview School, in Downers Grove, (3^rd, 4^th and 5^th Graders) is proud to have an opportunity to sponsor an Edward Hospital therapy dog.  Edward Hospital is located in Naperville, Illinois and helps many people every year who have to visit the hospital.  In order to sponsor a therapy dog, we need to raise money that will go toward the program that supports the wellness of patients in the hospital.  The students are looking forward to sponsoring, Kodi.

Prairieview School will take donations until November 19^th!

If you want to learn more about this Animal Assisted Therapy Program go the the following link:  httpwww.edward.org/animalassistedtherapy

NO SCHOOL:  Friday, November 8th and Monday, November, 12th

Tuesday = We will be visiting the IMC at Lakeview to give the children an opportunity to check out the Lakeview library's selection.  This will give the children exposure to books that are available at a higher reading level. 

PROJECT CHALLENGE students will be meeting with Mrs. Csorba during the school day beginning next week.  She will be providing enrichment work that will coincide with a topic we are doing in class.

HERE's WHAT WE ARE DOING IN THE CLASSROOM:

SPELLING:  Lesson 11

ENGLISH:  Unit 6 Pronouns
Subject and Object pronouns, Using I and Me CORRECTLY!!!

READING: Theme "Courage"   

Jacob's Rescue Once Jacob Gutgeld lived with his family in a beautiful house in Warsaw, Poland. He went to school and played hide-and-seek in the woods with his friends. But everything changed the day the Nazi soldiers invaded in 1939. Suddenly it wasn't safe to be Jewish anymore. One afternoon, eight-year-old Jacob slipped through a hole in the ghetto wall to meet Alex Roslan, a kind Christian man who agreed to be his new "uncle." The Roslan family, at the risk of their own lives, kept Jacob's identity as a Jew hidden. Every day of hiding meant a new danger and a threat of discovery. Jacob worried about his real family and longed to go to school and play outside like the Roslan children. The fear, the hunger, and the hardships brought Jacob closer to the Roslan family until at last they were able to begin a new chapter in their lives.

SOCIAL STUDIES:  Chapter 6 Lesson 2 Colonial Cities, Towns, and Farms

SCIENCE:  We will be doing an experiment to see compare/contrast fresh water and salt water and the temperatures and freezing points.
Lesson 2 "How Does Ocean Water Move"  We will be learning about waves and currents.

MATH:  Chapter 3
Distributive Property and Partial Quotients
Division problems with 3 and 4 digit quotients

The Week of November 4, 2013

Dear Parents,

I am sending this out earlier than usual due to having to attend a funeral tomorrow, Friday.
Many of you send emails during the day with messages to convey to your child, please note that I will be unable to do that when absent.
 Please contact the office in my absence!

Parent Teacher Conferences are this week, November 4th - November 7th. You will be sent a reminder via email.  We will review your child's academic achievements and work and study habits.  ISAT test scores (that were taken in 4th grade) will be distributed to you and fall MAPs scores.
I look forward to meeting with you.

NO SCHOOL FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8th or MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11th

HERE's WHAT's HAPPENING IN OUR CLASSROOM:

SPELLING:  Lesson 10

ENGLISH:  Noun Test = Tuesday

We will be playing some language arts games that involve our understanding and usage of nouns.

Poetry this week too!

READING:  The students will be introduced to a computer based Reading Response Journal using our Google share capability.  Students will use this journal to reply to prompts based on the book they are independently reading. This will count as part of their reading grade.  Mrs. Foellmer is helping us get started with this technology based project!

We will be starting a historical fiction novel based on the Holocaust this week.

The students will be using a variety of reading comprehension skills and vocabulary will be self-selected.

SOCIAL STUDIES:  Chapter 6 Lesson 2 Colonial towns, cities and farms

SCIENCE:  Chapter 12 Oceans  

MATH:  Multiplication/Division practice sheet due MONDAY!!!

Another one will be given this week....

Chapter 3 

Monday - Division problems with patterns and practice 2 digit division with remainders

Tuesday - QUIZ

Wednesday - Estimating quotients using compatible numbers

Thursday - Dividing greater numbers

The Week of October 28, 2013

Dear Parents,

This week:
*Monday = Weather presentation, Trade Fair slip with student and parent signatures, and Art to Remember (if ordering) are all DUE!!

*Tuesday = Coupon Book or coupon book orders are DUE.
  BULLS Spirit Day!!

*Wednesday = CLASSROOM TRADE FAIR!!!

*Thursday = HALLOWEEN:
Students may bring their costume to school on Thursday. Please do not have your child wear any part of their costume to school that will be a distraction prior to the festivities. (makeup, sprayed hair, etc) The costume might need to be simplified for school purposes since students need to be able to change in a short amount of time. Changing will take place in the classrooms. The fifth grade will have designated classrooms for girls to change in and for boys. Washrooms will not be available for costume changing. No weapons, even fake, are allowed at school.  

Thank you to the following parents for all your preparations for the classroom party:

Mr. Hoffman     Mrs. Gustafson

Mrs. Major        Mrs. Arce

Mrs. Sprandel    Mrs. Mantri

Mrs. Harmon     Mrs. Hoffman

Thank you to Mrs. Cigrand for sending in Halloween prizes for our classroom "store".

HERE'S WHAT WE ARE UP TO IN THE CLASSROOM:

SPELLING:  Lesson 9

READING: An assessment will be given that covers the reading comprehension skills we have practiced during the trimester.

We will begin non fiction text structures.

ENGLISH: Unit 2 Nouns 

The students are applying their knowledge of nouns to create a MAD LIB with a Halloween theme.

We will also review plural nouns.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Colonial jobs and trades - TRADE FAIR WEDNESDAY!

SCIENCE:  sharing Weather Presentations 

MATH:  Division!!!

This week your child will be given a homework sheet that will require them to record how they practiced multiplication/division facts at home daily with a parent signature daily.

Ch3 L3 2 digit division with remainders

Ch3 L4 Division Patterns

Ch3 L5 Estimating Quotients

*Wednesday = QUIZ over Lessons 1-4

*Thursday = Halloween (fun activities)

The Week of October 21, 2013

Dear Parents,

THURSDAY = EARLY DISMISSAL - 11:00
FRIDAY = BINGO NIGHT !!!


It was nice to see so many of you at the Book Fair.  I have many people to thank for the generous donations to our classroom library.  I have not yet had a chance to go through the stack on the side of my desk......
The kids will be excited too!! Thank you!!!

Thank you to Mrs. Sprandel and Mrs. Padavic for the fun Halloween goodies and prizes!!

Thank you Mrs. Mantri, Mrs. Gustafson, and Mrs. Copeland for sending in snacks to go along with our pizza party that we earned for the most participation in the Magazine Sale fundraiser.

The PTO is selling coupon books this year to help fund the purchase of tablets for our students.  If you wish to purchase a book, please send in $25 made payable to the Prairieview PTO.  If you do not wish to buy the book, please send it back with your student.  The deadline is October 29th.  The books have some great local coupons in them and really pay for themselves while the school gets half the money of all books sold!  The grade that sells the most books (15 books minimum) will get a movie and a treat on Tuesday, November 26th and each grade level student who sells the most books (5 book minimum) will get a $100 Target gift card!  Please contact Pam Topp (pam_topp@yahoo.com) or Maureen Gibbons (maureen.gibbons@comcast.net) if you have questions or would like more books to sell.  There are some great holiday shopping discounts available....take a look!!!!

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR CLASSROOM:

SPELLING:  Lesson 8 and word of the week

ENGLISH:  Unit 5 Capitalization & Punctuation Test

Next, Unit 2 Nouns - Enrichment activity writing a story and turning it into a Mad Lib!!

READING:  Analogies

Analogy relationships between synonyms/antonyms, objects (nouns)/actions (verbs), cause/effect

SOCIAL STUDIES:   Chapter 6 Life in the English Colonies - Lesson 1 Working and Trading

SCIENCE:  Weather Project...Monday the rough draft of the  project is due.  The students need to have 5 topics explained in detail with interesting topic sentences and main ideas.  Four of the topics are using what we learned and one is a weather topic for them to learn more about.

Monday we will be creating a slide show presentation using Google with the assistance of Mrs. Foellmer.

MATH:  Chapter  2 Test  = Monday

Chapter 3 Lesson 1 Relating multiplication and division

Chapter 3 Lesson 2 and Lesson 3 2 digit division with remainders

The Week of October 14th, 2013

Dear Parents,

I apologize that you are receiving my newsletter a bit later than usual.  I was absent 1/2 day Thursday and Friday due to a family member having surgery.  All went well and I actually had a chance to get up to Michigan on Saturday and Sunday for a much needed quick get away!

Thank you to the following families for donating Halloween prizes and treats for our classroom:  Kalal, Reynolds, Harmon, Messina, and Pinto

PIZZA PARTY WEDNESDAY!!! Our class had the most participation in the Magazine Sale!!  Thanks to Amogh, Nathan, and Jordan for bringing some extra goodies!!

BOOK FAIR Thursday, Oct. 17th 6:30- 8:00 !!!!  Taffy Apples for sale!!!

COUPON BOOKS:
The PTO is selling coupon books this year to help fund the purchase of tablets for our students.  If you wish to purchase a book, please send in $25 made payable to the Prairieview PTO.  If you do not wish to buy the book, please send it back with your student.  The deadline is October 29th.  The books have some great local coupons in them and really pay for themselves while the school gets half the money of all books sold!  The grade that sells the most books (15 books minimum) will get a movie and a treat on Tuesday, November 26th and each grade level student who sells the most books (5 book minimum) will get a $100 Target gift card!  Please contact Pam Topp (pam_topp@yahoo.com) or Maureen Gibbons (maureen.gibbons@comcast.net) if you have questions or would like more books to sell.  There are some great holiday shopping discounts available....take a look!!!!

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT: We have our  first session this Friday!

Jr. Achievement is a not-for-profit organization financed by businesses. The purpose of Jr. Achievement is to educate and inspire students to value free enterprise, business, and economics to improve the quality of their lives. Our volunteers, Ms. and Mr. Paleka, will be visiting our classroom once a week for the next 6 weeks. Both are successful in the business world and bring their expertise to the classroom. Mr. Paleka works for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and Ms. Paleka works for Harley Davidson financial services. They have been Junior Achievement volunteers in my classroom for 13 years! I'm sure your student will be sharing some of their experiences with this program during the next few weeks!

HERE'S WHAT WE ARE UP TO IN THE CLASSROOM:

Spelling: Lesson 7 and word of the week

English: Chapter 5: Quotations, Abbreviations, and capitalizing titles correctly!

Test scheduled for Tuesday, October 22nd

Reading:  focusing on ANALOGIES this week and vocabulary quiz on self - selected words from last weeks reading selections

Social Studies:  Chapter 5 Test = Friday

Science: The students will be showing what they learned by doing a weather project.  This will be their final assessment instead of a test.

Math:

multiplying by 1 digit and 2 digit numbers

Chapter 2 Test is scheduled for Monday, October 21st

The Week of October 7th, 2013

Dear Parents,

MANY THANKS to Mrs. Gustafson, Mrs. Alvarez, Mrs. Scheck, Mrs. Cullen, and Mrs. Silanskis for the generous Halloween treats/prizes!!!

THANK YOU to the many parents who dropped off donations for the Famous Fido Garage Sale to raise funds for homeless cats and dogs.  Please hope the weather cooperates and we don't have to postpone after all the preparation etc.....

CLASSROOM DONATIONS NEEDED:
  *Halloween stickers, prizes, for classroom rewards.
 *Individually wrapped packages of snacks (on the "healthier" side) with Halloween packaging.....pretzels, Rice Krispie treats, fruit snacks.....etc to fill a SPECIAL TREAT CAULDRON!!!!

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE CLASSROOM:

SPELLING:  Lesson 6 and word of the week 

ENGLISH:  Unit 5 "Capitalization and Punctuation"  COMMAS,,,,,,,We have been learning the many different correct uses for this punctuation mark.  We will be doing an enrichment project "Why commas make a BIG difference"  Following commas are ! interjections !  and  " quotations" .

READING:  COURAGE.....We will be reading both fiction and non fiction text and be focusing on making inferences about characters, vocabulary, and comprehension.

SOCIAL STUDIES:  We have been learning about the early colonization of America....New Spain, New France, New Netherland, and New England.

We will be learning more about the 13 New England colonies!

SCIENCE:  Weather....measuring weather and weather instruments,  weather masses and fronts, and weather patterns and climates.

MATH:  Chapter 2

Lesson 4 Multiplication Patterns

Lesson 5 Make a Table

Lesson 6 and 7 Distributive Property of Multiplication

Lesson 8 Estimating Products

.

The Week of September 30th, 2013

Dear Parents,
   The first BOX TOP collection will be on Tuesday, October 1st. Our class has a lot of box tops turned in but keep collecting......the class that collects the most box tops in each grade level earns a pizza party at the end of the year!!!
   Tuesday = BLACKHAWKS Spirit Day to celebrate their home opener of the season!
   Friday = Taffy Apple Preorders are due.

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE CLASSROOM:

SPELLING:  Lesson 5 and word of the week

ENGLISH:  Unit 1 Test = Tuesday.  Unit 5 "Capitalization & Punctuation" is our next chapter.

We will begin reviewing the importance of capitalizing proper nouns and adjectives and the proper use of commas.

READING:  Word Word = Prefixes/Suffixes, Homonyms/Homophones

We will use Time For Kids to read and evaluate non-fiction articles this week.

SOCIAL STUDIES:  Chapter 4 continued..... The students have learned about the struggles England had settling early colonies in America.  What did happen to the people of Roanoke? Your child had to analyze clues and draw a conclusion.  What made Jamestown a successful colony unlike Roanoke?

SCIENCE: Has your child sang the "Water Cycle" song for you?  

We will be learning about the different types of clouds and precipitation, as well as, weather instruments.

MATH:  Chapter 2

Your child will be using their understanding of multiplication as we learn about:

*Prime and Composite Numbers

*Prime Factorization

*Powers and Exponents

*Multiplication Patterns

Friday =  Math Quiz

The Week of September 23re, 2013

Dear Parents,
     The online science book is WORKING!!! Thank you, Mrs. Cullen, for bringing to my attention a glitch that has been fixed.  The instructions on how to access the online science book were included in the packet you received on curriculum night. ***WHEN YOU LOGIN WITH YOUR STUDENTS 7 DIGIT SCHOOL ID - THE SAME ID YOU USE TO ACCESS PARENT CONNECT DO NOT INCLUDE ANY PRECEDING ZEROS.**

I will be going over the directions with the students this week in class and additional direction sheets are available.  Please try connecting at home to insure you are not having difficulty.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
Thursday, 9/26 Picture Day
Friday, 9/27 Early Dismissal 11:00

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE CLASSROOM:

SPELLING:  Lesson 4 and "word of the week"

ENGLISH:  Unit 1 Sentences continued

*Subject in imperative sentences

*Conjunctions

*Run-on sentences

*Pyramid Poems

READING:  "Courage"

We are reading an excerpt from HATCHET 

*Character Traits and supporting evidence

*Word Work / independent selection of vocabulary words

*Comprehension questions

SOCIAL STUDIES:  Chapter 4 Test is Monday and "How to Study" sheet due!

Chapter 5 English Colonies

*The Lost Colony of Roanoke

*Jamestown

SCIENCE:  Weather

*Water Cycle

*Weather Instruments

MATH:

Ch1 L8 Order Whole Numbers and Decimals

Ch1 L9 4 Step Problem Solving

Chapter 1 Review Wednesday

Chapter 1 TEST - THURSDAY

The Week of September 16, 2013

Dear Parents,
 4th and 5th grade Curriculum Night is this Tuesday, September, 17th!
 6:30 - 6:45 The evening begins in the gym with Mrs. Schultz, principal of Prairieview
 6:45 - 7:00  Math Presentation in your child's math classroom
 7:00 - 7:30 Homeroom Presentation

Wednesday, September 18th  12:15 Lakeview band performs for Prairieview students.
~ Parents may attend.
 Friday, September 20th SPIRIT DAY.....CRAZZZY HAIR DAY!!! (My hair looks this way daily!)

HERE's WHAT's HAPPENING IN THE CLASSROOM:

SPELLING: Lesson 3 and "word of the week"

ENGLISH: Unit 1 Sentences....4 kinds of sentences, subjects/predicates, simple subjects/simple predicates "verbs".  This should be a review.  The students will be given enrichment work.

READING: We discussed the word BIBLIOPHILE and its meaning!  We did an activity where they gave an example of a bibliophile.....it's on a bulletin board that you can see at Curriculum Night!

This week we begin various reading activities that will encompass the theme of  COURAGE.

*vocabulary  *Character traits and supporting evidence  *Comprehension

We will be using an exert from the book Hatchet and some non fiction short news stories.

SOCIAL STUDIES:  The Spanish  conquistadors have taken over the Aztec and Incan empires and areexpanding New Spain.
On Monday, we will be making Aztec masks as an extension to what we are learning about the Aztec culture
Lesson 3 The students will be learning about life in new Spain.
The students will be getting a "How to Study Sheet on Thursday"
Thursday we will be playing a Jeopardy review game.
Chapter 4 test is scheduled for Monday, September 23rd.

SCIENCE:  What conditions affect the water cycle?

MATH: Chapter 1 Lesson 5 We will be using base 10 blocks to understand place value in decimal value.
Lesson 6  Decimal Place Value through thousandths in standard, expanded, and word form
Lesson 7 Comparing Decimals
Lesson 8 Compare Whole Numbers and Decimals

The Week of September 9, 2013

Dear Parents,
     
     A special thank you to Mrs. Arce for picking up film at Walgreens. The students used a picture on a project that is on display which you will see at 5th grade curriculum night.  Also, the students make an individual memory book of photos taken throughout the year as a keepsake of 5th grade memories!

REMINDERS:
  ~Tuesday - Magazine Drive begins
  ~Wednesday - Red, White, and Blue "Proud to be an American" Spirit Day for 9/11
  ~Tuesday, September 17th 5th Grade Curriculum Night for Parents Only

SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS:
Your child will have the opportunity each month to order books from Scholastic.  This is a great opportunity to purchase independent reading books for your child at a reasonable price.  I send home selections from a 5th grade catalog as well as a TAB order.  The TAB order has great higher level books however there are some that can contain "sensitive" material since they target a middle school audience.  Please review your child's selections carefully.  If you have any questions about a book's appropriateness, please ask!!

If your child places an order, I do not have an online account. Please send in the order form and a check made out to SCHOLASTIC or money but it has to be an exact amount!  You may write one check and combine the total from multiple order forms.

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE CLASSROOM:

SPELLING:  Lesson 2 - Pretest on Monday.  Your child will have the opportunity to learn the "Word of the Week" If they spell the word and use the definition learned in class on their final test Friday, they will earn 1 bonus point!  Spelling work is due Thursday.  Final test is on Friday.

Challenge word list and activities for anyone that misses 0 or 1 on the pretest!

ENGLISH:  Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases

READING:  We will be reading Time for Kids a nonfiction publication and reviewing some reading strategies.  Then, we begin our first theme....COURAGE

SOCIAL STUDIES:  We did not start social studies last week....so, we will be doing what I mentioned last week!  A scavenger hunt using our social studies text book.  Then, we begin Chapter 4 and learn about the voyages of Christopher Columbus and the Columbian Exchange.  The children will be writing a letter in 1st person, as if they are Christopher Columbus!

SCIENCE:  Did your child share what they learned about SEWER MAGGOTS?????

This week we will begin Weather and the water cycle.  The layers of the atmosphere and uneven heating

are the main topics.

MATH:  ......continuing place value and comparing and ordering numbers....

~Next we will see the relationship between fractions and decimals

 ~ Decimals to the thousandths\

QUIZ = Friday

 

The Week of September 3rd, 2013

Dear Parents,
     We have completed our first three days of 5th grade! The children have organized and put away all their supplies, as well as, shared many things about themselves during our classroom getting acquainted activities.
This week we will be getting more into a routine as we start each subject.  The student handbook still needs to be reviewed in our homeroom.  Your child will then bring a slip home that they and you need to sign saying that the rules in the Prairieview student handbook have been discussed and will be followed!

Thanks to all of you who have sent in a box of fruit snacks (any variety) and individual juice drinks (any variety).  If you haven't yet, they can be sent in at your convenience!!!

NEXT WEEK.......
MAPs TESTING :  Wed. Math @ 8:05 and Thurs. Reading @ 10:30

                             We will also be doing AIMS WEB bench marking which gives us a measure of your child's reading fluency, as well as, two short timed math tests will be given in our homeroom to collect data on your child's math ability.
All these assessments give us data to help meet your child's educational needs!

HERE'S WHAT WE ARE UP TO IN THE CLASSROOM:

SPELLING:  Lesson 1 - If your child passes the pretest with zero or only one incorrect word they will be 

given a Challenge list for the week as an alternate spelling list and an alternate assignment will be given.

If they are on Regular words, they will complete three workbook pages.

Spelling work is due Thursday.  Final Test is given on Friday.

(A pretest that determines which word list and spelling work your child will complete is given on the first day of each week.)

ENGLISH:  We will be writing a descriptive "Summer Memory", reviewing parts of speech by doing a "Mad Lib" style activity, and beginning prepositions.

READING:  We will be sharing our autobiographical poems and doing some oral reading activities.

SOCIAL STUDIES:  Scavenger Hunt on Tuesday using our social studies text!!!!! Then, we begin with Chapter 4 which we will learn about the voyages of Columbus and the Columbian Exchange.

SCIENCE:  We will be doing some "warm up" activities to begin our scientific thinking process....

Your scientist will have to share what we did.....I can't say more or it will give away "secrets"......

MISS TREFONAS'S MATH CLASS:  

~Place value 

~Comparing and ordering numbers

~Learning the relationship between fractions and decimals

The Week of May 27, 2013

Dear Parents,

Happy Memorial Day!!!

REMINDERS for THIS WEEK:

Monday - No School
Tuesday - The public libraries Indian Prarie and Woodridge will be visiting to solicit their summer reading program to the children.
Wednesday - Prairieview Talent Show 9:00 !! Parents are invited!
Thursday - Pizza Lunch (for winning Box Top contest) and Ice Cream Sundae SCOOPer Reading Celebration!!
**  The following students have volunteered to contribute to our Ice Cream Sundae party.
Please send the item in on or before Thursday!!!
If you can't in the item....just let me know ahead of time....
THANK YOU!!
Peter - Crushed Oreos in a "rubbermaid" containe
Lizzy - Maraschino Cheeries
Rose - M&M's (in a rubbermaid container)
Klings - mini marshmallows
Tatum - bananas (will be cut here!)
Jordan - strawberries (cut and in a rubbermaid container)
Shayan - 30 sturdy disposable bowls and spoons
James - Gummi Bears (in a rubbermaid container)
Joey - Chocolate & Caramel syrup
 Saahil - 3 cans Whip Creme
Fernanda - chocolate chips and a "surprise"
                   
Friday - LV Library visit for summer reading program!!  5th grade extra recess and "goodie"
              * Miss Trefonas will be out of the building on Friday.**

SPELLING:  DONE!!!

ENGLISH:  Persuasive writing needs to be planned on graphic organizer - due Tuesday!

READING:  Mrs. Frisby and The Rats of Nimh finished and ready for our class book club discussion on Tuesday!

SOCIAL STUDIES:  One last assignment.....no final chapter test!!!!  SUPRISE!!!!

SCIENCE:  Chapter 6 Test Tuesday!  Correctly completed study sheet with parent signature worth 2 bonus points!

We are continuing to work on our 5th grade Memory Scrap Books!!!!
A big THANKS to our helper, Mrs. Edwards!!!
If you have any scrapbook materials, paper, supplies that we can use......please send in and THANKS!!!!

MATH:  The Chapter 15 tests are graded and recorded in the grade book.
FUN MATH GAMES NEXT WEEK!
Have your child bring a board game from home with their name on it!!!!
                     

The Week of May 20, 2013

Dear Parents,

Thanks to all of you who made something for one of the special meals that we were treated to or sent me a special note or gift during Teacher Appreciation Week.  I appreciate your kindness!

This week......
Monday, 5/20 5th grade students visit Lakeview for orientation and tour and parent orientation is in the evening at 6:30 at Lakeview
Thursday, 5/23 We are watching National Treasure in the afternoon!
Friday. 5/24 Memory Books....scrapbooking!!! If you have any materials that we can borrow  please send in!!! If you can donate any scrap book paper or materials....GREAT!
 **If you would like to come in and help with this project, please email Miss Trefonas

HERE's WHAT's HAPPENING in ROOM 205:

SPELLING:  finishing Words of the Week....letters R-Z!!! ABC books due Thursday and Test Friday!

SCOOPER READING:  DUE FRIDAY!!! Only 1 Book activity can be turned in at a time!

READING:  Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh

ENGLISH: Persuasive Writing

SOCIAL STUDIES:  Chapter 11 Lesson 2Thomas Jefferson starts looking west...........

 America is growing as Lewis and Clark make their journey westward!!

SCIENCE: ...... finishing Chapter 6! Lesson 3 "How People Affect Ecosystems"

Chapter 6 Test is Tuesday, May 28th.  Unfortunately, it is the day after Memorial Day......SORRY!

MATH:  Dividing Fractions

                                               

The Week of May 13, 2014

Dear Parents,

FOR MOMS  - HAPPY MOTHER's DAY!!!

She was there at the beginning

When the world was new to you -

She was there to turn to happy times

Those when, you were hurt or blue.

She was there to listen to your thoughts

And when you asked, to give advice -

She was there to tell you, "Those don't match!"

Or, "Hon, you sure look nice."

She was there with you at nighttime

To help you say your prayers _

She was there to tell you, "It's alright."

When you had a dream that scares.

She was there at morning time

To get you up and out of bed -

She was there when you didn't feel good (or did)

To say, "You'd best stay home, instead."

She was there when you were hungry

And when you had those dirty clothes -

She was there when you needed her

(How she knew? Only heaven knows.)

She was there at the beginning

And she'll be there your whole life through -

She'll be there in your mind and heart

Just like a mother is supposed to do.

by
Del "Abe" Jones

THIS WEEK's ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Tuesday, Miss Trefonas will not be in the classroom until after lunch.

Thursday, Miss Trefonas will be at a workshop all day

Thursday 5th grade students go to Lakeview to watch the dress rehearsal for ANNIE

Friday, EARLY DISMISSAL

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE CLASSROOM

SPELLING:  Words of the Week I - Q  

ABC Booklet due Thursday and Test is on Friday!

READING:  Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh

SCOOPer READING:  Due 5/24

ENGLISH:  finishing PREPOSITIONS.....Quiz = Thursday

SOCIAL STUDIES:  Chapter 11 Lesson 1 "Washington as President"

and Lesson 2 "Jefferson Looks West"

SCIENCE:  finishing Chapter 6 Lesson 1 - learning about different symbiotic relationships

and Chapter 6 Lesson 2 "How Do Ecosystems Change Over Time"

MATH:  Chapter 15  Multiplication of Fractions

The week of May 6th, 2013

Dear Parents,
 HELP NEEDED:

 Does anyone do scrap booking?  Would you be available to come into the classroom the week of May 13th and May 20th to provide "hands on" help while the students are creating their 5th grade MEMORY BOOKS?  Please email me if you are available!!!

Do you have scrapbook supplies:  "special paper", scissors, stencils, tools, etc. that can be lent to our classroom? Please email....

FRUIT SNACKS.....If you can donate 1 box of fruit snacks we are almost out!!! THANKS!!!

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE CLASSROOM:

SPELLING:  Words of the Week A-H  The students will be creating an "ABC" book with definitions and illustrations.  A-H pages will be due Thursday and Test Friday!

SCOOPer READING:  Due May 24th

READING:  Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh   

SOCIAL STUDIES:  Preamble performances Monday and Tuesday!! The children have the opportunity to perform by singing or doing something else unique in front of the class to earn a special pencil!!! (something more than just reciting it....) This pencil has the preamble on it and can be used on the test which the students need to write the preamble.

We will be learning more about the Bill of Rights, reviewing for the test on Wednesday, and the Chapter 10 test is on Thursday.

SCIENCE:  Chapter 6 Lesson 1 "How do Organisms Compete and Survive in an Ecosystem"

MATH:  Monday = Homework sheet and QUIZ that will cover adding and subtracting fractions

Chapter 14 L3 Adding and subtracting fractions with mixed numbers 

                  L4 Subtraction of fractions with renaming

                  L5 Adding and subtracting of mixed numbers in simplest form

Friday - Chapter 14 QUEST (quiz/test)

The Week of April 29, 2013

Dear Parents,

MAPs TESTING:  Please make sure your child is well rested and has eaten a nutritious breakfast.  It is also important that they are not tardy on the day of testing since we start at 8:05!

Monday, April 30th   8:05 MATH
Thursday, May 2nd   8:05 READING

There are GREAT EDUCATIONAL GAMES to help increase your child's RIT score!  You do need to know their current range.  If you need that information, please email me!
Click Here!

I will not be in the classroom on Friday.  Please know that if you email me on Friday to give your child a message, I will not be able to relay the message!!!!

HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR CLASSROOM:

SPELLING:  Lesson 30

READING:  We did not start Mrs. Frisby and The Rats of Nimh last week......We will be starting on Monday!

This week we will :

*5.1 Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text

*5.2 Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by dey details;summarize the text.

*5.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including  figurative language

*5.6 Describe how a narrator's or speaker's point of view influences how events are described.

*5.7 Analyze how visual and multimedia elements contribute to the meaning, tone, or beauty of a text.

SCOOPer READING:  May 24th is the due date for 4th quarter

ENGLISH:  Adverbs

Test = Friday

SOCIAL STUDIES:  The students should be able to tell you about the Constitutional Convention and the Great Compromise.  Ask what things are now in place in our government from the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia Plan.

Chapter 10 Lesson 3 Ratifying the Constitution

The students will be expected to memorize and perform the PREAMBLE to the Constitution! They will be given directions this week about this activity!

SCIENCE:  We are finishing Chapter 5 "Energy and Ecosystems"  

Chapter 5 Test = Thursday

MATH:  Chapter 13 Adding and Subtracting FRACTIONS

The most difficult concept in this chapter, which they have already learned in chapter 12, will be to find a common denominator!  

Fractions should be making sense....if not, please have your child ask for help!

The Week of April 22, 2013

Dear Parents,

EARTH DAY - MONDAY!  Spirit Day.....Wear your Earth Day shirts or "earthy colors"!

OPEN HOUSE.......rescheduled for TUESDAY, APRIL 22nd!  The BOOK FAIR is still on too!
Your child has a lot of hard work to show off!  Open House begins at 6:30 and ends at 8:00.
I look forward to seeing you!!!

THIS WEEK IN THE CLASSROOM:

SPELLING:  Lesson 29  Must get 100% on pretest to be on Challenge Words!

SCOOPer READING:  The deadline is May 24th!  Everyone should have a book read and activity completed.....

READING:  We will be starting a literature unit with Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh.  

This novel and  activities we are completing aligns with the Common Core Standards:

This week we will :

*5.1 Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text

*5.2 Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by dey details;summarize the text.

*5.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including  figurative language

*5.6 Describe how a narrator's or speaker's point of view influences how events are described.

*5.7 Analyze how visual and multimedia elements contribute to the meaning, tone, or beauty of a text.

ENGLISH:  Unit 7 Adverbs

SOCIAL STUDIES:  continuing Chapter 10....Lesson 2 "An Important Debate in Philadelphia"

SCIENCE:  Quiz over Photosynthesis on Monday!  Chapter 5 Lesson 2 "How Energy is Passed Through an Ecosystem"  (food chains, food webs, and the energy pyramid)

MATH:  We are finishing Chapter 12 "Fractions" and will be testing at the end of the week

The Week of April 15, 2014

Dear Parents,

It was nice to see so many parents at the Too Good For Drugs graduation.
Congratulations to: Rose for being chosen to share her essay!!!
                             Lizzy for winning 1st place in the Citizen's Bank essay contest!!!
                             Joey for winning 2nd place in the Citizen's Bank essay contest!!!
                             **This competition included other schools.....WOW!!!
                             Kate for being chosen as an IPA(Illinois Principals Association) award winner.

......and to the entire class for successfully completing the Too Good For Drugs program and promising to make good decisions in their future!!!

Phil Schwarz, weatherman from CHANNEL 7, will be talking with the fifth graders this Tuesday morning!!!

Please have your child watch the channel 7 weekend weather this Sunday to see what he looks like!

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/bio?section=resources/inside_station/newsteam&id=5771891

OPEN HOUSE......THURSDAY!!!! Come see all your child's  work on display and visit the Book Fair!!!

HERE'S WHAT WE ARE UP TO IN OUR CLASSROOM:

SPELLING:  Lesson 28 and word of the week

ENGLISH:  Unit 3 Verbs - Test Thursday

SCOOPer Reading:  Each child should try to have a book read and activity completed by the end of the week in order to not fall behind......

READING:  finishing our China unit!

SOCIAL STUDIES:  We will be learning the meaning of "Yankee Doodle" and how it became a popular rhyme/song during the Revolutionary War.  The students will then create an original version using a historical figure!

We will also be learning more about Benjamin Franklin before we begin Chapter 10.

SCIENCE:  Chapter 5 Plants

MATH:  continuing Chapter 12 Fractions.....  Simplest Form and Mixed Numbers this week!

Wednesday = Quiz Lessons 1-3

 

  

The Week of April 8th, 2013

Dear Parents,
   
 Monday, April 8 thru Thursday, April 11, 2013

Conference Week   -  Just a reminder, during Parent/Teacher Conferences students will not be allowed to        interrupt a conference to pick up homework that they may have forgotten.

If you signed up for a conference, you will get an electronic reminder from "Sign Up Genius"

 

Tuesday, April 9, 2013
No School/Teacher Institute

Thursday, April 11, 2013
5th Grade Too Good For Drugs Graduation - Gym - 8:15 a.m.

 Parents are encouraged to attend!  See you there!

Friday, April 12, 2013
No School/Parent Teacher Conferences

Panda Express Fundraiser - 12:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m

HERE'S WHAT WE ARE UP TO IN THE CLASSROOM:

SPELLING:  Lesson 27 and "word of the week"  - work due Thursday and test this Thursday!

READING:  CHINA research - BROCHURE final copy is due Wednesday.  The students have had a considerable amount of time to work on their brochure in class.  There will be class time given on Monday.

Your child may have to make time to work on this during the weekend and/or on Tuesday.  If they have used their independent work time in class wisely, there should not be too much to do for homework!

The students have the rubric to check that they have included everything required before turning in this project.

The students original PANDA  for "Panda's on Parade" is due Wednesday.

We created Chinese lanterns and will be making Chinese dragons this week!

The students will also be completing some additional work to learn more about China's culture and traditions.

SCOOPer READING:  Your child has set their 4th quarter goal!  I hope they are reading a good book and look forward to having book activities turned in soon!

SOCIAL STUDIES:  We are finishing Chapter 9 this week.

The Chapter 9 test is scheduled for Monday, April 15th.

SCIENCE:  We will be starting our next unit the week of April 15th.

MATH:  FRACTIONS!!  We only have 2 days of math this week.

An introduction to fractions and equivalent fractions!

The Week of March 18, 2013

Dear Parents,

   The 3rd Quarter ends Friday, March 22nd!  Parent - teacher conferences are taking place the week of  April 8th.  Conferences are scheduled with math students first in the spring.  I will send out my conference schedule with my availability next week.  Remember, if at any time you feel there is something we need to discuss or meet in person, please send an email or call.

 SAVE THE DATE.....Too Good For Drugs Graduation = Thursday  April 11th - PV gym - 8:15 am  
   We encourage parents and other family members to attend this important 5th grade event.

SCOOPer Reading CELEBRATION is THURSDAY!!!
We are watching  BEDTIME STORIES  rated PG and having a "Slumber Party" theme!
Students may bring a blankie, wear or change into P.J. "comfy" bottoms, bring slippers, a stuffed animal, and /or pillow to snuggle with while enjoying our movie and treats!

Here are the students whose turn it is to bring a "goodie" to a SCOOPer Reading Party and what they volunteered:  (Please have your child confirm with me that this is ok with you to bring or you can send me an email....if you need to substitute something, that is fine!)

 Nick - granola bars or cookies
 Lizzy - popcorn
 Sean - needs to discuss with Mom
 Michael - plates and napkins
 Emily & Johnathon - strawberries or fruit
 Jordan - Cool Whip for fruit
Miss Trefonas - Bottled water and Crystal Lite packets

HERE IS WHAT WE ARE LEARNING THIS WEEK:

SPELLING: Lesson 25 and word of the week

SCOOPer READING:  We will be setting our new goals and 4th quarter activities !

READING:  CHINA!!  The students have begun researching using non fiction books and various Internet websites.  They are using note-cards as they find interesting information about places to visit, holidays, festivals, animals, plants, things to do, and helpful travel information.  This information will be compiled in a travel brochure.

All research / note cards are to be completed by Tuesday, 4/2. 

Your child should be able to complete their research in class if they use their time wisely!

ENGLISH: Unit 3 Verbs....This week we will be discussing subject/verb agreement and reviewing contractions.

SOCIAL STUDIES:  Chapter 9 Lesson 2 "Patriots at War" Along with reading and taking notes,  we will be writing a letter from the point of view of a Continental soldier during the historic event of George Washington crossing the Delaware River.

SCIENCE: Chapter 15 test =  Thursday

MATH: Chapter 11 Lesson 3 Factors and Greatest Common Factor (GCF0

              Chapter  11 Lesson 4 Prime and Composite Numbers

              End of the week = Homework sheet and quiz covering Lessons 1-4

The week of March 11, 2013

Dear Parents,

We begin our week with our field trip to Naper Settlement on Monday!  Please make sure your child has a sack lunch and a disposable drink.  It is important that they dress appropriately for the weather.
We participate in both indoor and outdoor activities.  With the "looks" of the weather, boots might be a good idea!  Don't forget we will be back in time for P.E. - so don't leave gym shoes at home!


The Prairieview PBIS team is extending a wonderful opportunity to begin the new year with a community service project.  We will be holding a Food Pantry Drive at school for the West Suburban Community Pantry in Woodridge from March 11-15.  Boxes will be provided in each classroom to collect the non-perishable food items.  Girl Scout Troop 50251, comprised of third and fourth grade students from Prairieview, has graciously volunteered to pack up and deliver the donated food on March 16th.  Thank you in advance for your generosity of spirit and deed!

ONE LAST DAY OF ISAT TESTING in 5th grade = Tuesday!
We will take our last ISAT test in reading.
*Unless you have been absent

THIS WEEK IN OUR CLASSROOM:

SPELLING:  Lesson 24 and word of the week

ENGLISH: Unit 3 Verbs - Using correct verb tenses 

SCOOPER READING:  DUE WEDNESDAY!

READING:  We will be researching CHINA!!!

SOCIAL STUDIES: Chapter 9 Winning the American Revolution

SCIENCE: Chapter 15 Lesson 3 Thermal Energy Transfer and Lesson 4 How do People Use Energy Resources?

Chapter 15 Test = Thursday, March 21st

MATH:  Chapter 11 Multiples, least common multiple(LCM), divisibility rules, factors, and greatest common factor(GCF)