Hello Parents!!! How is everyone doing??? I hope well! It is so good to be back! I know I keep saying that but it really is the truth! I really missed being here and your kids! We are definitely working at getting back into the groove of school and the expectations Miss Surma has for them. They are really having a difficult time listening to directions and there has been a need for repeating them multiple times. I told them on Tuesday, that the repeating will soon come to an end. They are closer to being in middle school now so they need to step up their game. So, I feel like we are back at square one a little bit and needing to relearn how things are done. 

Calendar Dates: 

Jan. 16-27 FAST Testing

Jan. 18- Mass

Jan. 20- Spirit Day

Jan. 29-Feb. 3 Catholic Schools Week

Math- We are still working on our multiplication of decimals. We had quite a few papers that needed correcting when I got back, but this week we are back in the book. They are working on multiplying decimals times decimals now. The trick is knowing where to put that decimal. It no longer works to drop it straight down! 

Religion- They will have a test on Thursday over chapter 5. Last week we did take some time to watch the funeral of Pope Benedict XVI. We didn't watch the entire funeral, but the kids were able to see the big crowd and the number of priests, bishops, and cardinals there. 

Reading- They read the story called James Forten today.  He was a freed slave that joined the military during the Revolutionary War. His job was to carry gunpowder to the top deck of the boat for the canons to use. We talked a lot about the fear for the free slaves was that they could get taken and sold back into slavery. His ship had to surrender to the British so he was very fearful that that would happen to him. It didn't. After the war he worked with abolitionists and getting women the right to vote. He also had a very successful business.  In grammar they are working on commas in a series as well as using semicolons in a series when commas are already in place. They will test over spelling words on Friday as well as our story. 

Mass- The 5th graders will be helping the kindergarten class with their mass next week on January 18. Some of the 5th graders will be holding the mic for them, while others will have a short speaking part. I will be giving them their reading parts to practice. The kindergarten kids have most of the work! The 5th graders are excited to help out! 

Catholic Schools Week- In your child's folder is a sign up for our kick off mass at Holy Spirit on January 29. If you child wants to participate, fill it out and return it to me. Please look at your weekend schedule before saying yes, but I really hope to see some 5th graders there! There will be a Grandparent/Special Guest mass on Friday, February 3 at church as well. If your child gets a part in either mass, we will be sending home information on that. 

FAST Testing will begin next week in reading and math. Scores will be sent home when everything is compiled! This week I have them doing a cold read to time them. The winter goal is 149 words in 1 minute. 

I hope everyone has a great weekend! I went to the new Tom Hanks movie last weekend with Mrs. Levine. I highly recommend! 

God Bless,

Miss Surma