StruthersStudents Blog

*Literacy SOAR test on Tuesday

*World’s Finest Chocolate Fundraiser

*Reading- Our reading story this week is, Don Quixote. There will be a reading test this Friday. Students need to be sure to keep up with AR, their reading log, & reading response this week.

*Writing- Students will continue drafting events and the climax of their narrative.

*Grammar: Conjunctions. Quiz Thursday.

*Word Study- Spelling Menu due this Friday- pick 3 items from the menu to complete. Spelling Test Friday.

*Math-  Perimeter and Area and relating the two. OR on Friday over Perimeter and Area worth 20 points.

*Science- Matter test Friday

*Social Studies- Take home test assigned Thursday and due next Tuesday over the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Your Child is Publishing a Book!

Dear Parents,

You may have already heard that the 5^th grade students at Williams have been working hard on publishing a narrative book. This year, each 5^th grade student is typing a 14 page book that will be published. Students will continue drafting and publishing their book over the next couple of weeks. They will also be illustrating their story with markers. Each student will receive the original copy of their published book for free. An order form is going home with your child to order ADDITIONAL copies. You are not required to order any additional books, every child gets their original copy for free. Last year we had many parents wishing they would have ordered an additional copy. You might consider ordering one as a gift for grandparents or a family member.

Here is where we need your help.

1)      We will have some markers provided for students to use at school. If you have any extra or would like to purchase your child some extra colors, now is a great time to do this.

2)      For each child we would like to attach a current portrait to the front cover. This is not mandatory, but it looks very nice. The portrait must be in wallet size and should be current. Please note that you will NOT get this photo back.

3)      If you would like to purchase additional copies of your child’s book, please return the completed order form ASAP. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. Once the books are shipped to the publisher, we will not be able to accept your order. If you do not plan to order a book, please mark that you are not interested and return the form with your child. All forms have to be sent in regardless if you choose to order a book or not. (NO CASH, PLEASE)

4)      Help your child revise and edit their narrative. Offer to read over what they have written and give them feedback. We all want the books to be something your child can be proud of.

Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns. Last year the books were a great success. This year they are going to be even better!

Thank you for all of your support,

Jennifer McManus

April Rike

Mary Anne Struthers

Matter

Study Guide- Test on Thursday, February 23

Chapters 11, Lessons 1-4 and Chapter 12, Lesson 1

Chapter 11 Terms

Element                 Atom                      proton                                    eutron                    electron

Compound                           saturated               concentrated                        dilute

Chapter 11, Lesson 1- What are the properties of matter?

• How are physical and chemical properties different?
• Elements
• Properties of Metals
• Difference between mass and weight
• Volume
• Density and Buoyancy
• Relationship between mass and density

Chapter 11, Lesson 2- How do atoms combine?

• Atoms
• Protons
• Neutrons
• Electrons
• Structure of the periodic table- significance of rows and columns
• Characteristics of SALTS

Example: CO₂            

How many atoms?

How many elements?

Chapter 11, Lesson 3- Phases of Matter

• Solids, Liquids, and Gases
• How heating and cooling change material?  How do the particles react to heating and cooling? Compare the motion and spacing of particles as a material cools from a gas to a liquid and then to a solid phase. Do particles ever stop moving?
• Expansion and Contraction

Chapter 11, Lesson 4- What are mixtures and solutions?

• What is the difference between a mixture and a solution?
• Simple mixtures
• Solution, Solute, and Solvent

Chapter 12, Lesson 1- What are chemical changes?

• Physical change
• Chemical change
• Evidence of chemical change
• Example f physical and chemical changes
• Energy change
• Combustion

Black History Month Project

You will create a foldable to present your famous person for this project. You foldable must include, at the minimum, the following items. DUE FEBRUARY 22^nd .

Answer the 5 W’s

Who? (4 points)        ____

When? (4 points)       ____

Where? (4 points)     ____

What? (4 points)       ____

Why? (4 points)        ____

**Note** Put the Where? and When? on the same side of the foldable.

Grammar

Complete Sentences (2 points) ____

Correct Spelling (2 points) ___

Display

Neatness (2 points)   ____

Clear and appropriate picture (4 points) ____

Total= ______ 30 Points

Earn up 5 extra credit points in science this week!

1) Take your assigned element from the Edible Atoms project and look up how this element is used in daily life. You will not be able to find this information in your science textbook. It is advised that you use the internet or encyclopedias (in the classroom).

2)Write your findings on a 3×5 notecard. Be sure to write clearly and in complete sentences.

3) You will share your information in class on Friday.

EXAMPLE:

Boron:

Boron can be found in mineral deposits around the United States near lakes and bodies of water. It is a important element for plant growth. It can also be used to increase the hardness of steel. Boron is also known for other industrial uses. Boron is also an important part of other compounds such as boric which is used in textile fiberglass.

You can earn up to 15 points extra credit in Social Studies if you job shadow and turn in a summary.

What do you need to do?

1) Find someone you can job shadow. The person should have a job that you are interested in possibly doing in your future.

2) You will need to spend at least 30 minutes with this person on the job.

What do you need to turn in?

A summary of your experience. It should include:

1) The title of the job you shadowed,

2) A brief summary of what you did,

3) A reflection- would you consider this as a job for your future, why or why not?

****Your writing should be clear and it should be evident that you are familiar with the job you shadowed***

DUE DATE: MARCH 1, 2012

*Job Shadow extra credit extended. Due date is March 1.

*Black History Month project due February 22.

*Reading-This week our reading will come from Adventures in Law and History and the Mouse Government books. We will not have a regular reading test this Friday. Students will need to keep up with their reading log and we will have reading responses this week.

*All 3^rd Quarter AR goals have been set! Be sure to keep up with your AR goal and your reading log.  Congratulations to Lily and Asfand!!! They have already met their 3^rd quarter goal!

*Writing- This week we will be drafting the events for our published narrative.

*Grammar Focus: Pronouns. Quiz Friday

*Word Study- Words will be introduced and sorted on Tuesday. Students need to complete 3 activities from their spelling menu that will be due on Friday.

Spelling Test Friday.

*Math- In math we will do levelized Valentine’s problems for Valentine’s day. We will get started on a unit with measurement and relating perimeter and area.

*Science- We will do the edible atoms activity on Friday. Students need to be sure to keep up with their homework this week. Plan for a test over matter next week.

*Social Studies- We will finish our lesson with the Preamble and the Articles of Confederation and start discussing the Constitution and the branches of government.

*No School for Students on February 10 or 13.

*Parent Teacher Conference Day is February 10

*Job Shadow Days are February 10 & 13.

*Reading-This week our reading skill will focus on story structure. We will read, “LAFFF” from the reading textbook. Be prepared for a combined reading and vocabulary test on Wednesday.

*All 3^rd Quarter AR goals have been set! Be sure to keep up with your AR goal and your reading log.

*Writing- Our writing focus this week will be on looking at story structure. Students will begin planning and drafting their beginning.

*Grammar Focus: Prepositions. Quiz Thursday

*Word Study- Words will be introduced and sorted on Monday. Students need to complete 3 activities from their spelling menu that will be due on Thursday.

Spelling Test Thursday.

*Math- We  have a math SOAR test on Tuesday. There will be a 100 point grade for the multiple choice and a 100 point grade for the open response. We will continue to practice ratios and probability throughout the week.

*Science- We are starting a new unit on matter. It will go quick, so students need to be sure to keep up with reading and assignments.

*Social Studies- This week we will start by learning about the different branches of government. This will start our new unit on the Constitution and government.  Information will also go home this week about our black history month project.

***100^th Day of School ***

Monday, January 31, 2012, is CASUAL FOR A CAUSE DAY:  CHANGE ANGELS!!!

Students may wear casual clothes for a $1.00 or more donation in support of    Arkansas Children’s Hospital Change Angels!! 

Thank you for your support!