Dear Parents, Happy Thursday! I hope you are having a great week! The heat is back! This will be great weather for Balloon Days! 


Reading- This week they read a story about two kids who are running for class president. They each have to give a speech to their classmates to persuade them to vote for them. Miata is all about doing things that are good for the school: cleaning up the graffiti, getting computers, etc. Rudy wants to get ice cream served every day at lunch and more recess time. The 5th graders caught on pretty fast to who was taking it more seriously. We did talk about the kind of language they used in their speeches as well. Miata used more formal language, while Rudy used more informal. His was more idioms and slang terms. We also read a short excerpt on two other kids running for office and using posters to persuade the votes their way. On Wednesday, I used that thought and combined it with our book Wonder . Auggie in our book is teaching us about being kind to kids who don't look like everyone else. He has some facial deformities. So they worked in pairs to persuade all the students in STM to be kind to everyone. 

I am really trying to open their eyes and ears to the things they do and say to each other that are so negative. They tell me they fight like brothers and sisters, which is true, but at the same time that doesn't make it right. We are having a lot of little talks in the classroom about what is acceptable and what isn't acceptable. I just want them to be aware. We need to make sure we are following our social contract. We are making small strides. 

They will test over this story on Friday. It is also week 3, which means that there will be an extra story for them to read and 10 more questions to answer. I am slowly getting grades on our grade book that is online. We had some glitches because of the new upgrade, but I think those are worked out now. 

Facebook-- I hope you are checking out the pictures or posts I put on for our classroom. If you aren't connected-- ask to join St. Malachy Fabulous Fifth Grade! 

Math- This week we have been getting involved with Algebra. They are working on the different properties-- Commutative, Associative, Identity, and Distributive. We are also learning about using exponents with the base of 10. I told them this is good practice for middle school. We are about half way through our chapter. 

Religion- They took their first test on Wednesday. We are taking a short break and working on a project. I am friends with a woman from my hometown who sends care packages to any service men and women who are overseas. This summer she gave me a tour of her work room. It is quite the production.  The 3-5 graders are writing short positive sayings or messages on mailing labels. Those labels will be put on baggies that are filled with shaving equipment, snacks, stationary, candy, toothbrush and toothpaste. Next month we will be making Christmas cards. They will be sending out boxes in early November so we need to get those done. IF you know of a service man or woman who is stationed overseas and want them to receive a package, please let me know their address. Tracy will gladly send them one too! 

Reminder: NO school on Monday, September 18. 

Mass- The 5th graders have mass next Wednesday. I had to divide the class up. I don't have enough jobs for 18 people. Please know you are welcome to join us!!! They will have their parts on Thursday or Friday sp so they can practice this weekend if they need to. 

Have a great weekend! Enjoy your activities or if you are around for Balloon Days! 

God Bless, 
Miss Surma