Parents and Students,

Keeping up with the blog is proving tricky this year.  I will try to update weekly. 

This week the fifths will take a science test on Wednesday.  They have study guide, it has mostly been completed as a group in class.  They can finish the rest independently.  They may not use this during the test.  I think they are ready.  The fifths will also have a math test, most likely on Friday.  The test is on all of chapter 7 with lesson 8.8 thrown in.  Subtracting integers is proving difficult, but they are getting it.  It will be part of the curriculum again in 6th grade. 

The sixth graders are slowing down a bit on their Social Studies and Science rotations, as teachers prepare for reportcards.  I am having the sixth grade students do a differentiated project on their lessons on Mesopotamia when they are not going to SS class. 

All students are finishin their differentiated projects for reading this week and we will be sharing in class.  Also, we now have portfolios for the students (pizza boxes, thank you Mrs. Kukura).  The students will be saving work throughout the year in those.

Have a great week everyone.

Mrs. McElroy
 
Welcome Back! 09/05/2011
 
 
Welcome Back! 09/05/2011
 
Parents and Students,

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend.  I certainly did.

I really enjoyed teaching this last week.  The curriculum is moving along nicely, and the students shared their first differentiated projects.  You kids are very creative.

I have corrected all the work from last week and posted it on Jupiter Grades.  Just about everything your child does in class is counted for grade.  Looking at the grades will give you a very clear idea of how your child functions on a daily basis.  I am very dedicated this year to improving the students' study habits.  I want them organized and focused.  I want them to use their time wisely and know how adjust their work schedules to get everything turned in.  I want them to keep the quality of their work up.

Tests and larger projects are worth a great deal more than daily practice.  Also, if the assignment has a note attached that says "Graded for Completion", it means that they get full credit if they do it and turn it in.  It was probably corrected in class, so, even if they were incorrect on some or all of the work, as long as it was corrected by them and turned in they get full credit.

If your student received a zero, then I did not get the work.  Remember that all late work is reduced to 70 percent.  On one hand, since everything is scored, then the total number of points will be quite high come reportcard time and one missing assignment does not have to devestate a grade.  On the other hand, if your child has difficulty getting work turned in regularly, it will have a negative effect on the grade, come report card time.

I have several papers without names and will institute a "no name box" on Monday.  If your child is missing work, he/she may want to look there.  It will be considered late.

If your child was absent, the grade book will consider their grade a zero.  However, they can make that work up for full credit.

The students and I will discuss on Monday ways to help students who are missing assignments.  I have some ideas but I want to hear theirs.  I consider this a "Student Centered" class, and I want their input.

The differentiated projects have begun and they are fantastic!  Students have written their own objectives, planned a pathway to follow, completed the project, then they reflected on what they have done and graded it on a rubric with the scaled score they have decided on.  Awesome!  (Although, I still get final say on the grades.) The projects will be a grade in whatever subject area it was focused on.  This last project was Reading Comprehension.  The next will be math, prime and composite numbers.

This next will will have a Science Test for 5th Graders on Friday. They already have a study guide.  On Monday, I will make sure it is fully completed in class.  They do not get to use the study guide on the test, they must use it to study. 

The first 6th grade math test is currently scheduled for Tuesday the 13th of September.  Fifth grade will begin Chapter 11 in math, working with area formulas. 

I will begin posting a "tentative" homework schedule each weekend.  There is always the possibility for change, but it should give you and idea of what is coming up.

Have a great week everyone.

Mrs. McElroy





 
 
Parent and Students,

This week will begin the curriculum.  Everyone starts Math on Monday.  We will ease into the new reading program.  It is quite extensive for both grade levels, but, you will see work pages come home.  Spelling begins for both grade levels as well.  The students have been introduced to the Menu Projects (last year they were Tic-Tac-Toes, this year they are Menus), and the organization that goes with them.  I will not be posting the homework on Sunday's as I did much of last year, I will have students posting the homework for me each day.

Fifth Grade - we will be altering the order of the math book for instruction, so that material that is heavier on the STAR, will be taught nearer that time.  We will begin with Chapter 10 (Geometry) on Monday.

Have a great week everyone.

Mrs. McElroy
 
 
I've been thinking about the year to come and I am, as always, looking forward to it.  I hope you are all having a great summer.  I can't wait to see you all.

Mrs. McElroy
 
Week 31. 04/17/2011
 
Wow!  That was a busy week last week, but lots of fun.  This week will be much of the same.  Lots of school work and preparations for testing, mixed in with Physical Education Testing for fifths and auditions for fourths. 

I am hoping to do the Physical Education Testing for the fifth graders on Monday and Wednesday.  Wednesday, being the day for the mile long run, early in the morning before it gets hot. The fourth graders will help, they can keep track of laps as well as sit ups and push ups.

On Monday afternoon, the fourths will go to Mr. Iblings class, who has graciously agreed to do the first round of auditions in his room.  The parts have been passed out, they don't need to be memorized, but practicing is a good idea.  The auditions may also be held on Tuesday.  Then, the grade level auditions will be on Thursday of this week, possibly running on to Friday.

In math, the fifth graders have completed the last lesson in the book.  They will review chapter 11 on Monday and Tuesday and will take the test on Wednesday.  After that, we will reveiw for the test, but also explore the life and teachings of Pythagoras.  Fourth graders have finished Chapter 15 and will reveiw on Monday, and test on Tuesday.  Then begin chapter 16, the last chapter of the book.

Fifth graders are continuing with "matter" in science. A study guide for the test will be handed out this week.  The test is currently scheduled for next Tuesday the 26th.

We have just begun our Independent Studies in class.  The students have complete freedom on the topic they choose to study.  We have topics from Jam to Pants, from the Iphone to the History of Learning, to Electric Toothbrushed and Purple Hearts.  There are lots more, awesome.  This week, we will practice evaluating websites as a source, write questions to help define the projects, learn about writng bibliographies. 

Most of the work for the reports will be done in class, however, since we will be having our last library time this week, it is most likely that a trip to the library will be necessary on the weekend.

Have a great week everyone

 
 
Parents,

My goodness, we are getting much closer to the end of the year.  Very hard to believe.  But, before we get there, there is still some important work to do in fourth and fifth grade.  This will be a lengthy blog as I wish to give you a brief outline of what is planned for the rest of the year for both grade levels, update you on the grading, and give you some testing information.

Fourth Grade Math-
The fourth graders are about to begin Chapter 15 in the math book, decimals. I plan to have that test on Tuesday, April 19th.  Chapter 16, Probability, is the last chapter in the book.  I plan to have that finished before the testing in May.  It is rare that the curriculum can be finished so eary, a testament to the hard work of your kids. 

Fifth Grade Math - The fifth graders are about to begin chapter 11, Measurement - Perimeter, Area, and Volume.  It is the last chapter.  Awesome!  Once the book is finished I will spend the rest of the year working to extend their math skills, do some prep work for 6th grade math, and work to increase their critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Writing for both - The last few weeks of school I can align the writing standards quiet comforatably. I would like to see both grade levels work on writing fluency, writing quickly.  Getting their thoughts out on paper.  For this they will continue with MyAccess and use some short writing worksheets.  Both grades will be graded according to their grade level standards.  The MyAccess scores are fine, I tell them to think of them as video game scoring.  But, all work will be printed and handed in and I will give the final grade. 

Also, both grade levels are expected to write informational pieces.  This coming week the students will begin work on their "Independent Studies".  This is basically a research project, that will, mostly, be completed at school.  This is an individual and differentiated assignment.  Students may choose any topic that suits their intrests and abilities. They will recieve a booklet for the work to be put into and graded as the process continues.  I will send home a calendar of dates for the project for your information - but most work, as mentioned, will be done in class.  It is likely, however, that they will need a trip to the community library.  They will need three resources and our library visits for the year are nearly over.  The students will create a project of their choice, to go along with the written assignment and present it at the end of the year.  Parents will be invited and information will come.

Test Prep - For the next three weeks I will be reviewing standards with the students, using an online resource provided by the California State Department of Education.  I plan to do this in grade level groups with whiteboard and using the smartboard.  You will not see any written work come home. 

Fifth Grade Science -   The next few weeks will involve some intense science work.  We will be working on Chapters 7 and 8, Matter.  Homework will be assigned.

Fifth Grade Wordly Wise - Due to time constraints Wordly Wise stopped a couple of weeks ago in the middle of Lesson 13.  We will start fresh with Lesson 14 this week.  We will now spend only one week per chapter.  That means a test every Friday in Wordly Wise. 

For the next couple of weeks, due to the extra Wordly Wise and Science Homework there will be no Differentiated Reading Homework for fifth grade.

Fourth Grade Play - It is just about time for the play!  The auditions will be next Thursday and Friday (April 21, and 22), at 1:45 in the afternoon.  No material has been sent out yet for review. The rehearsals will be primarily held in the afternoons from 1:45 to 2:45, during what is normally their science and Social Studies time.  The performance is scheduled for Thursday, the 26th of May.

Grades - I had some time this week to update the grades and post them online.  Due to increased absences (wash your hands everybody!), field trips, open house, and a bunch of other stuff, I find, I am missing a number of assignments.  I plan to forgive most of them.  Most of the work that is missing is smaller writing and reading assignments, often the Differetiated homework.  Tests and major projects are just about complete.  Here are some notes of the gradebook - 

Fourth Grade Math Tests - four students are missing a test score, I will reveiw the work with them this week and retest.  One of these was given during the fifth grade field trip and were misplaced.  If you notice your child is missing a score, we'll take care of that this week.

Fifth Grade Math Tests - The fifth graders, as a group, struggled with Chapter 9, Percents and Fractions.  I'll reveiw that with them.  The Million Dollar Projects are partially graded and those grades are on line, they should help the overall grade.  Feel free to review chapter 9 with your child, the online resources are very helpful.

Fourth Grade Reading assignments are complete!  Awesome job fourths!

Fifth Grade Science - Grades are up for the Digestive posters and the tests we took before the break.  Good work.

Fifth grade Reading - The grades are updated.  Some work is missing, here and there.  I have decided to forgive all work preceding March 18th.   No "0's" were given before the.  The Differentiated Reading on March 18th is the first date I hold the students accountable and zeros were given if the work was missing.  I'll accept makeup work, make sure your name is on it, "Differentiated Reading", and the Date (18th) that you want the makeup work counted for.

Remember that math homework is not included for the grade in either grade level.  And, I don't mark all of it down in the grade book.  However, looking at your child's homework record, does give you an idea of their consistancy in getting their work done and turned in.

STAR Testing - The state testing will be the first two weeks of May.  Only five days of actual testing (6 - for fith graders).  There will be no homework on either of those weeks.  Try to remember that the larger the data the more useful it is.  Meaning, that for the state of California the testing is extremely useful to understand what subjects and areas show weeknesses.  For school districts it helps to identify strenghts and weaknesses from site to site.  For students, it is really a snapshot of one particular day.  We have studied hard all year, the kids are doing great. I have complete confidence in their skills and am extremely proud of them.  Any prepwork you do at home is up to you,but, most importantly, make sure they are here during the testing - dressed, fed, and foccused. 

Finally, the school will start a "Recess before Lunch" program when we return on Monday.  My fifths were out, that last Friday, stuck in traffic, and never received the notices.  During the lunch, the students will drop their lunches in a designated box, one for each class, and go play.  After a while the yard aids will line them up.  Once they are lined up, they will all go and eat their lunches, as well as line up to buy lunches.  Research shows that students need food to learn, and we have found that students will often skip lunch, to go play as soon as possible.  Also, it should help them to be more calm when they enter the class, ready for work.

Well, I believe I have set a new blogging reccord.  Hopefully it's all here.  I look forward to the week.  Mrs
 
Week 28! 03/18/2011
 
We are busy, busy, busy.  Preping and preparing for the open house next Thursday.  While doing that we are still learning about fractions in fourth and angles and lines in fifth.  Also, the fifths are continuing the study of the human body and the respiratory, circulatory, excretory, and digestive system. 

The fourth graders will take a test on Wednesday of this week on Chapter 13.  The fifths will soon have two science tests on the respiratory and the circulatory system (dates to be announced when I think they are ready) and a states test on Friday.  We are currently working on the middle and upper east coast states.

Homework will be minimal this week, to give kids time to make up missing work and complete long term projects. 

The fifth graders are going to the Regan Library on Friday, April 1.  I will be allowed to invite a parent or two I will find out the particulars and put all your names into a basket and call to see if you are available.  If you're not available, I'll pull another name.
 
 
Happenings for this week include the toastmaster's speeches for fourth graders.  They will give their speeches on Monday and then one of them will give their speech on Thursday of that week.  I will announce the winner of the class competition on Monday. 

The fourths will begin chapter 13 in math which is all about fractions.  Fractions are hugely important in fifth grade mathematics.  Let's make sure they are very clear with their fractions in fourth to prepare them for fifth.  Also, in fifth, division facts are key.  A strong understanding of fractions will help to prepare them for next year, this is a chapter to pay attention to.

The fourth graders are continuing their "Zoo" projects.  And, the fifth graders are continuing with their "Dream Vacations". 

I am beginning to add Social Studies Reading to both grade levels to be used during reading instruction.  This gives them more access to Social Studies currlculum as well as good non
 fiction reading practice. 

The fifth graders will take their test on Chapter 9 on Tuesday the 15th.  The next chapter, 10, involves Geometry, Angles, and Polygons.  I am short on protractors, if you are able to donate I would certainly appreciate it.

It's a pretty basic week coming up, lots of curriculum to work through and a nice full week to do it in. 

The students and I have been learning a great deal on how to disagree with others.  They are learning, and practicing, how to respond respectfully to others, and yet state their differing opinion.  We are also focusing on what we can do, instead of what we can't do.  When disagreements occur, focusing on the positive gives you a lot more control over the situation and can help solve the problem.
 
 
Parents,

I very much enjoyed the conferences.  The students are doing great and I love talking about it, quite frankly.  Thank you.  This is a big week coming up.  Lots of important stuff going on.

It's field trip week.  The fourth graders will go on a field trip on Tuesday, and I will go with them.  The fifth's come to school as usual.  I will pick them up, take them to class and then send them to various fifth grade classrooms with work that I expect to get completed.  I have some work for them on every subject, except science.  This is graded work, I want them to come to school focused and ready to go. 

On Friday, the fifth graders will go on the field trip.  The fourth grade students will spend their day in a fourth grade classroom.  In the morning they will line up at their fourth grade teachers line.  I'll tell them exactly where to line up on Thursday.  It will most likely be their Monday science or social studies teacher.  Those teachers will pass out the packets I have prepared for them.  Again this is graded work that I expect to be completed.  There is a math test in this work, Chapter 12.  They will be there for the entire day.  Fouths, be ready to turn in you homework for the week, I will have someone collect the work.

Fifth graders - remember that you must be in the classroom at 7:30. The bus leaves the school at 7:45 promptly.  The Griffith Observatory is very strict, if we are late, we won't get in.

Speeches - The fifth grade speeches are due on Monday morning.  We will be giving the speeches at that time.  I will tell the students who will be competing in the toastmasters competition later that day.  I only get to pick one, I'm sure it won't be easy.  The assembly for the toastmasters is on Thursday morning.

 The fourth grade speeches will be given on Monday the 14th.  The competitor will be chosen that day and that assembly will be that Thursday, the 17th, in the morning.

Homework is back to normal next week - Wordly Wise, spelling, science, math and reading journals (all our old friends) are back. Be sure to check the homework site for updates.  The fourth grade list is up on Spelling City "The Last Dragon", we won't be reading the story until the end of the week, but we can start on the spelling

We will begin using MyAccess again for writing.  Both groups haven't done it for a while.  Also, the fifth graders will begin their much anticipated "Human Body" unit.  The fourth are working on coordinate grids in math while the fifths work on percentages.  Both groups are working on math projects (Zoo projects for fourths, and Dream Vacations projects for fifths).  I plan to add social studies material to the reading instruction in both groups.  And will be doing whole class differentiation with a new piece of literature, working specifically with something called an Anticipation Guide.  A way to develop higher order thinking througout the reading process.

Have a great week everyone.

Mrs. McElroy