Hello Parents! Well, the newness is wearing off. LOL  They are still doing well, but there are times where we have a few not paying attention, visiting with friends or messing around that is slowing things down in class. Our afternoons seem to be the hardest. I am hoping that once we get our routine established and they know my expectations...things will run smoother. I did warn them that if I don't see them paying attention in class, I will call on them when I am going over things . They need to get ready for middle school. I feel like I need to start this right away with them. But overall, I think they are doing really well! 

Calendar Dates: 

Sept. 5- Spirit Day

Sept. 8- Green Valley Day

Sept. 10- One hour early out

Sept. 11- Picture Day 

Sept. 9-26- FAST Testing

PE Shoes- Some of the 5th graders are coming to school on PE days with shoes that are NOT made for PE. I talked to them today about it. Crocs, Uggs, Hey Dudes, slip on shoes are NOT going to work. They have to wear tennis shoes. They will start getting late slips for not  having the correct footwear. They can have a pair of tennis shoes in the closet to change into for PE if they want. I have had kids do that over the years. The other ones are just not safe for playing and running in. 

Reading- We are still in our story about Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. This week they reread the story aloud and then worked in small groups to answer some comprehension questions. In grammar we are working on what makes a complete sentence. We need a subject and predicate. We also have some who write sentence fragments, run on sentences, or comma splice sentences.  They will have a test over spelling words and this story next week some time. I don't have it mapped out yet in my plans. I will email you to let you all know. 

Math-we are working on place value and exponents. We did some more review of exponents today based on things I was seeing in homework and in class. When I ask what is 10 x 10 x 10? I still get some saying 30. They are quick to add and not multiply. We did time tests this week. You will see their papers in their take home folders We will do that once a week. 

Math interventions- some kids qualify for this service. Their papers are in their Take Home Folders.  For those who received one- please sign and return ASAP. Thanks. 

FAST Testing- We will start our Fast Testing next week. I will do the reading first and then the math. I don't plan on getting a sub to the do the testing. The kids will have to be quiet while I am working with someone. The goal this fall is to get 132 words correct in one minute.  We do use these scores in reading and math to see who needs intervention work. 

Green Valley-  Don't forget the kids need a sack lunch and drink on Monday.

I told them they have to wear tennis shoes! No sandals, Crocs, or slip on shoes.  They will get dirty! 

Religion- We worked on locating verses in the Bible. Now we are in our chapter on creation. We talked today about how we are created in His image.  We also discussed how we should treat others with dignity  and respect. When we hurt someone's feelings we are also hurting him. That seemed to register a little bit with them. 

I hope everyone has a great weekend!  I plan on being here. 

God Bless,

Miss Surma