Hello Parents,
I cannot believe I am typing my final blog for the school year. I am just not sure where our time went!
Reading-- They read a story this week and will test over it on Tuesday. They will have their spelling test that day too. This week's story was another play. It is funny how "into character" they were when we read the story. Hmmmm.... I think they picked up the acting bug a little bit.
Today they were to pick a city somewhere in the world and find information on it. They are creating a brochure that you might find in a travel agency. We have kids research Hawaii, Russia, India, Mexico, Australia, and Ireland plus many more. They will share their brochures with the class before our year is done next week.
Math- We are getting close to the end of our chapter. Today they are using fractions with the associative and commutative properties. The most common issues I see are remembering that you need a common denominator before you can add or subtract and that all answers need to be simplified! Even if the fraction is something like 13/7. It should be written as 1-6/7. I plan on them taking a test next Wednesday over this chapter. That will be their final test for me in math.
Religion- On Tuesday we celebrated our room's patron saint...Saint Rita of Cascia. We were given a movie on her so we watched it. It was more of a documentary with subtitles. We would stop it once in awhile to discuss her life. The kids were in shock that the laws on marriage said that boys had to be at least 14 years old and girls 12. You can be happy to know...none of yours were ready for that kind of commitment yet! They were also really impressed by her stigmata. It is legend that a thorn pierced her forehead and took over 15 year to heal. There is a lot more to that story, but they were really interested in that part.
In Guidance we are talking about families and what makes up a family. They broke up into groups on Monday and created skits to show a word and how we see it being used in families. Some of the words are respect, loyalty, commitment, and compassion. They will work on those and share with the class on Thursday.
Play- Thank you to all who were able to make it to our play last week. We hope you enjoyed it! I have been doing it for so long, but every year I enjoy how each class takes it on as their own. They did a terrific job!
Congratulations to Ava Adamson for winning the Dollars for Scholars essay contest for our room.
Next week Thursday, May 31 we will do field day in the afternoon at 1:00. You are welcome to join us! Pack your lawn chairs and maybe some sunblock! I am also having them clean out their desks on this day as well. Make sure you have an empty bookbag or another bag for all of their belongings. They definitely need tennis shoes for field day.
Friday, June 1st-- We will have mass. They do not need to dress up. Shorts are fine! We will do awards at 10:00 or around there-- it will follow mass. I believe I am getting a pie in the face. :)
They will need a sack lunch today. Milk is provided.
I am almost finished. I just want to say a final good-bye. It's always bittersweet letting them go because they have been in our wing for 3 years, so I have gotten to know them better each year. Over that time I always see the growth and changes they make. They have done that again this year. They are different kids from when they first arrived in my door. I am proud of the growth and the changes I have seen them take. Their relationship as a class has even grown. I don't hear the fighting (as much) as in the beginning of the year. I see more support and laughter for and with each other. I have seen growth in reading and math and religion! I hope they have a terrific summer. I hope they have some fun and continue to work on their math or even pick up a book now and again. I wish them well in middle school. I hope they wave when they see me in the hallways or the gym. Thank you for choosing St. Malachy. Thank you for allowing me to spend some time with your kids! ❤
Finally, enjoy your 3 day weekend. I will not be at the 8th grade graduation because I am heading to Doon. The bench we created for our parents is finished. We have a spot by our town park we are going to put it and that will be done on Saturday morning. I will post a picture on our Facebook page. It's the final item my siblings and I can do for our parents. We wanted to leave something behind for the town because of all Doon had done for them, but also each of us. We may not have a house to go to anymore,but it is and always will be home.
God Bless and have a wonderful summer!!!!!
Miss Surma
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Hi Parents,
I hope you are enjoying your week. Boy, these last weeks seems to fly by us!
Play- Just a reminder that our play is on Friday at 2:15 in the gym. The first graders will be joining us. Grandparents are welcome to come if you cannot make it! The play lasts about 10 minutes. The 5th graders will come down to my room afterwards for our little celebration. They get to eat the the pink frosted cake! If you are taking them home with you instead, please just let me know. Thanks! They should have their costumes with them when they comes to school on Friday. I have discussed with them what they should wear. Please don't go out and buy brand new stuff! Hit their closet or yours first!
Math- Last week we spent the entire week subtracting mixed numbers with borrowing. This week we are working on numbers in a series. There is spot for them to figure out what the next number in the series would be. Their job is to figure out the pattern first-- are the numbers increasing or decreasing? Once they know that-- they know they have to add or subtract to get that missing number. The toughest spot right now is when they have to subtract a mixed number from a whole number. An example would be 8-3-4/6=?
Religion-They are taking a test today. After this we are getting into our guidance books. That will probably be how we end our year.
Reading- Next week they will read a story and do spelling again. I decided not to do that this week because of our crazy week with the field trip , our play, and the visit to the middle school. In your child's folder are their scores for our last unit test. I copied off the wrong sheet, but I made it work.
FAST- In their folder next week will be a score sheet to show you their scores from their FAST testing. These are the reading tests they have done to show their work in fluency. I was really excited about their scores! I was also so so so happy with the class overall with our Iowa Assessments! 100% proficient in reading! WOO HOO!!!!! 83% were proficient in math! That made me so happy too!
Permission Slips- I am still missing these from 4 kids. Please return them as soon as possible. Thanks!
Middle School Visit- Today they are visiting the 6th and 7th graders. They split our class in half. So they are getting a taste of science, math, and language arts. They are learning about block scheduling.
Train Ride--- Our field trip was great fun! I really enjoyed the trip even if I hate heights! I would love to tell you that your children were so understanding, but instead I heard things like...Miss Surma, what if we tip over? Miss Surma, what if the brakes go out? Miss Surma, we didn't die!!!!! hahahaha
Many of them need to go to confession for trying to convince me we were over the 156 ft bridge! haha It was a lot of fun and I think they enjoyed it more than they thought they would!
I hope everyone has a great weekend! The weather looks perfect!
God Bless,
Miss Surma
I hope you are enjoying your week. Boy, these last weeks seems to fly by us!
Play- Just a reminder that our play is on Friday at 2:15 in the gym. The first graders will be joining us. Grandparents are welcome to come if you cannot make it! The play lasts about 10 minutes. The 5th graders will come down to my room afterwards for our little celebration. They get to eat the the pink frosted cake! If you are taking them home with you instead, please just let me know. Thanks! They should have their costumes with them when they comes to school on Friday. I have discussed with them what they should wear. Please don't go out and buy brand new stuff! Hit their closet or yours first!
Math- Last week we spent the entire week subtracting mixed numbers with borrowing. This week we are working on numbers in a series. There is spot for them to figure out what the next number in the series would be. Their job is to figure out the pattern first-- are the numbers increasing or decreasing? Once they know that-- they know they have to add or subtract to get that missing number. The toughest spot right now is when they have to subtract a mixed number from a whole number. An example would be 8-3-4/6=?
Religion-They are taking a test today. After this we are getting into our guidance books. That will probably be how we end our year.
Reading- Next week they will read a story and do spelling again. I decided not to do that this week because of our crazy week with the field trip , our play, and the visit to the middle school. In your child's folder are their scores for our last unit test. I copied off the wrong sheet, but I made it work.
FAST- In their folder next week will be a score sheet to show you their scores from their FAST testing. These are the reading tests they have done to show their work in fluency. I was really excited about their scores! I was also so so so happy with the class overall with our Iowa Assessments! 100% proficient in reading! WOO HOO!!!!! 83% were proficient in math! That made me so happy too!
Permission Slips- I am still missing these from 4 kids. Please return them as soon as possible. Thanks!
Middle School Visit- Today they are visiting the 6th and 7th graders. They split our class in half. So they are getting a taste of science, math, and language arts. They are learning about block scheduling.
Train Ride--- Our field trip was great fun! I really enjoyed the trip even if I hate heights! I would love to tell you that your children were so understanding, but instead I heard things like...Miss Surma, what if we tip over? Miss Surma, what if the brakes go out? Miss Surma, we didn't die!!!!! hahahaha
Many of them need to go to confession for trying to convince me we were over the 156 ft bridge! haha It was a lot of fun and I think they enjoyed it more than they thought they would!
I hope everyone has a great weekend! The weather looks perfect!
God Bless,
Miss Surma
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Happy Wednesday! I hope your week is going well. The weather is so nice! It is making it difficult to be in the classroom for the students and the teachers!
Reading- They are taking their unit test this week. That should be finished up on Friday. Next week we will focus on the play. I may do some grammar and spelling with them. We will see how our practices go.
They tried out for the play on today. I will give them their roles tomorrow. Their job is to start memorizing their lines after that. I know there will be some that are disappointed that they didn't get the role they wanted,but I need those extras just as much as I need the people with more lines. EVERY role is important! By Wednesday of next week, they need to have it memorized. I will be the one with the script.
As for their parts-- I have talked to them about costumes. The hardest ones will be the villagers and women. I usually tell them to dress more like an adult in town. They can also dress up as little old ladies and men. I have had kids use walkers and canes. They have taken dresses from their Grandma's closet. Some of the boys dress like farmers or they wear dress clothes and ties. They just need to be an adult!
Manuel- mass clothes
Pablo- mass clothes with a hat
Kids- wear their own clothes (shorts, etc)
Judge- Mass clothes, I will provide the black robe
The play is next Friday, the 18th at 2:15. It's only about 10 minutes. The kids will go back to the room for cake and juice afterwards. If you are taking them home instead, just let me know.
Math- This week we have spent most of our time subtracting mixed numbers. This time they have had to borrow from the whole number to be able to finish it. I showed them two ways to do it. One way is the way we were all taught-- turning them into improper fractions first. The other way is dealing only with the fraction portion first and making sure we have like denominators. I would say most of the class chose the second route. To me it is a lot easier than dealing with improper fractions and bigger numbers. Either way is correct! I gave them the option. The next step will be looking at mixed numbers and figuring out the pattern.
Religion- This week they were learning about the Vatican Councils and the Ecumenical Council-- just what it is. Next year I need to have Father in for those conversations. He was telling me some interesting history of it during lunch today.
Field Trip- I have 9 forms returned. I would really like the others by Friday so I don't have to remind them on Monday. Remember it will cost them $10. They will need a sack lunch and drink that day. We are leaving here at 8! If they are a breakfast eater at school--it will have to be a quick one! Sorry. We need to stay on schedule.
Substitute- I am gone on Friday. I am leaving after work tomorrow. I am going home to leave some flowers by my mom's grave for Mother's Day and then heading to Waterloo.I know it is a long trip for flowers, but worth it in my eyes. My niece Emily has a soccer tournament in Waverly on Saturday with her high school team. This is my chance to see her play. Mrs. Bearden will be here in my place. If you change how your child is getting home--contact Sarah in the office. She will let them know.
I hope everyone has a great weekend! Happy Mother's Day to all the moms! I hope you get spoiled a little bit !
Thank you to the PTO for our teacher gifts each day! It has been lots of fun this week! Thanks for your work with the Lap-A-Thon last week! I am soooooo excited to take that pie in the face on the last day of school!
God Bless,
Miss Surma
Reading- They are taking their unit test this week. That should be finished up on Friday. Next week we will focus on the play. I may do some grammar and spelling with them. We will see how our practices go.
They tried out for the play on today. I will give them their roles tomorrow. Their job is to start memorizing their lines after that. I know there will be some that are disappointed that they didn't get the role they wanted,but I need those extras just as much as I need the people with more lines. EVERY role is important! By Wednesday of next week, they need to have it memorized. I will be the one with the script.
As for their parts-- I have talked to them about costumes. The hardest ones will be the villagers and women. I usually tell them to dress more like an adult in town. They can also dress up as little old ladies and men. I have had kids use walkers and canes. They have taken dresses from their Grandma's closet. Some of the boys dress like farmers or they wear dress clothes and ties. They just need to be an adult!
Manuel- mass clothes
Pablo- mass clothes with a hat
Kids- wear their own clothes (shorts, etc)
Judge- Mass clothes, I will provide the black robe
The play is next Friday, the 18th at 2:15. It's only about 10 minutes. The kids will go back to the room for cake and juice afterwards. If you are taking them home instead, just let me know.
Math- This week we have spent most of our time subtracting mixed numbers. This time they have had to borrow from the whole number to be able to finish it. I showed them two ways to do it. One way is the way we were all taught-- turning them into improper fractions first. The other way is dealing only with the fraction portion first and making sure we have like denominators. I would say most of the class chose the second route. To me it is a lot easier than dealing with improper fractions and bigger numbers. Either way is correct! I gave them the option. The next step will be looking at mixed numbers and figuring out the pattern.
Religion- This week they were learning about the Vatican Councils and the Ecumenical Council-- just what it is. Next year I need to have Father in for those conversations. He was telling me some interesting history of it during lunch today.
Field Trip- I have 9 forms returned. I would really like the others by Friday so I don't have to remind them on Monday. Remember it will cost them $10. They will need a sack lunch and drink that day. We are leaving here at 8! If they are a breakfast eater at school--it will have to be a quick one! Sorry. We need to stay on schedule.
Substitute- I am gone on Friday. I am leaving after work tomorrow. I am going home to leave some flowers by my mom's grave for Mother's Day and then heading to Waterloo.I know it is a long trip for flowers, but worth it in my eyes. My niece Emily has a soccer tournament in Waverly on Saturday with her high school team. This is my chance to see her play. Mrs. Bearden will be here in my place. If you change how your child is getting home--contact Sarah in the office. She will let them know.
I hope everyone has a great weekend! Happy Mother's Day to all the moms! I hope you get spoiled a little bit !
Thank you to the PTO for our teacher gifts each day! It has been lots of fun this week! Thanks for your work with the Lap-A-Thon last week! I am soooooo excited to take that pie in the face on the last day of school!
God Bless,
Miss Surma
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Hello Parents,
Well, if you hadn't heard-- the flu bug has hit our room. So far I have had 5 kids come down with it. I am hoping the others will not!
Reading- They are taking their test over the story and spelling test on Thursday. I want to dedicate Friday to their book reports. That usually takes a little longer. They should have their project and their costume with them on Friday. They won't be wearing it all day. It will be something they change into and they will be back to their normal clothes when we are done.
Next week they will be doing their unit 5 testing. I believe this one is a benchmark test which means more stories, but the same number of questions. They will also be trying out for our Baker's Neighbor play. They will have a script and their part by next Friday. My plan is to show the play on Friday, May 18 at 2:15 pm. Mark your calendar. The play is only about 10 minutes.
Math- They are adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. I had to do some background work this week on changing improper fractions to a mixed number and vice versa. Then add making sure it is in simplest form to the that as well. I know the kids that were out sick on Tuesday had a difficult time understanding, but we did a small group session on Wednesday morning and they grabbed on quickly. The trick will be teaching them to have to borrow with subtraction. That one is always a little slower.
Religion- We are in our new chapter and it is one I haven't taught before, but looking it over, I felt it was needed. We are talking about the hierarchy in the church-- the pope, bishops, priests. We are reading some of the stories from the Bible when Jesus was gathering his Apostles. We watched a quick 5 minute video from the movie The Bible on when Jesus met with Peter and helped him gather his fish in the nets. Peter being the rock of the church is a very important Apostle. We also read where the Apostles had to choose someone to take Judas' spot and they chose Matthias.
Food Pantry- I am switching our dates with Mrs. Sickels' class because of our play. The 5th graders will go to the Food Pantry on May 11, next Friday, instead of the 18th.
Lap-A-Thon- I know this is tomorrow. I am praying they will be outside. They should have an extra pair of shoes and socks to change into AFTER they are done running. They should also have a water bottle with their name on it to use during the run. I think they will run outside as long as it isn't pouring rain.
Yearbook Cover Contest- Anyone interested in drawing/coloring the possible cover for this year's yearbook is asked to submit it by May 9 to Mrs. Simmons. If they want to do something digital on a Google document, they can do that as well.
Field Trip-In your child's folder is the permission form and letter about our trip on Tuesday, May 15. Please fill it out and return by Friday, May 11. Make sure you also pay for the trip as well at the same time. I am excited and a little nervous to go. I don't do heights very well so I may not look out the windows very much! I am excited because I used to read a story in our old series about Kate Shelley. I am going to read that to the 5th graders before we go so they have some background knowledge of this famous Iowan.
I hope everyone has a great weekend! I know First Communion is Saturday night.
God Bless,
Miss Surma
Well, if you hadn't heard-- the flu bug has hit our room. So far I have had 5 kids come down with it. I am hoping the others will not!
Reading- They are taking their test over the story and spelling test on Thursday. I want to dedicate Friday to their book reports. That usually takes a little longer. They should have their project and their costume with them on Friday. They won't be wearing it all day. It will be something they change into and they will be back to their normal clothes when we are done.
Next week they will be doing their unit 5 testing. I believe this one is a benchmark test which means more stories, but the same number of questions. They will also be trying out for our Baker's Neighbor play. They will have a script and their part by next Friday. My plan is to show the play on Friday, May 18 at 2:15 pm. Mark your calendar. The play is only about 10 minutes.
Math- They are adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. I had to do some background work this week on changing improper fractions to a mixed number and vice versa. Then add making sure it is in simplest form to the that as well. I know the kids that were out sick on Tuesday had a difficult time understanding, but we did a small group session on Wednesday morning and they grabbed on quickly. The trick will be teaching them to have to borrow with subtraction. That one is always a little slower.
Religion- We are in our new chapter and it is one I haven't taught before, but looking it over, I felt it was needed. We are talking about the hierarchy in the church-- the pope, bishops, priests. We are reading some of the stories from the Bible when Jesus was gathering his Apostles. We watched a quick 5 minute video from the movie The Bible on when Jesus met with Peter and helped him gather his fish in the nets. Peter being the rock of the church is a very important Apostle. We also read where the Apostles had to choose someone to take Judas' spot and they chose Matthias.
Food Pantry- I am switching our dates with Mrs. Sickels' class because of our play. The 5th graders will go to the Food Pantry on May 11, next Friday, instead of the 18th.
Lap-A-Thon- I know this is tomorrow. I am praying they will be outside. They should have an extra pair of shoes and socks to change into AFTER they are done running. They should also have a water bottle with their name on it to use during the run. I think they will run outside as long as it isn't pouring rain.
Yearbook Cover Contest- Anyone interested in drawing/coloring the possible cover for this year's yearbook is asked to submit it by May 9 to Mrs. Simmons. If they want to do something digital on a Google document, they can do that as well.
Field Trip-In your child's folder is the permission form and letter about our trip on Tuesday, May 15. Please fill it out and return by Friday, May 11. Make sure you also pay for the trip as well at the same time. I am excited and a little nervous to go. I don't do heights very well so I may not look out the windows very much! I am excited because I used to read a story in our old series about Kate Shelley. I am going to read that to the 5th graders before we go so they have some background knowledge of this famous Iowan.
I hope everyone has a great weekend! I know First Communion is Saturday night.
God Bless,
Miss Surma
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