Hello Families, I hope everyone is having a great week! I am enjoying these temps much more than what we had over the weekend. 

Calendar Dates: 

Nov. 14- Biz Town Day

Nov. 21- Spirit Day

Nov. 26-Nov. 30- No School/ Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 3 - Christmas Concert

Dec. 5- Spirit Day

Dec. 17- 5th grade mass

Reading- We are finishing up our story this week. They will test over it next Monday. They will also have their post test in spelling on Monday. On Tuesday, we will do the weekly module test.  The grammar for this story is about writing plural nouns. I gave them a "cheat sheet"  for the different rules in spelling them. Based on homework, I don't think many are taking advantage of that tool. I will tell them again to use it on the test, but will have to see if they choose to do it. 

Book Reports- I forgot what it's like to have a big class! We aren't going to get through them as quickly as I thought. I am hoping to do a few every day! 

Math- We are also wrapping up our chapter on multiplication this week and Monday. We will work on the review and test next week. 

Religion- Our next chapter will be over the Beatitudes. The 5th graders don't memorize them like they had to do with the Ten Commandments. We do go over each one and discuss ways to live them each day.  These are hard to understand, but our book does a good job of simplifying them for us. 

Permission Slip- In your child's folder is the form to fill out so we can practice for the Christmas concert at the high school. Please fill it out and return as soon as possible. 

Outdoor Classroom Fundraiser- make sure to check out the flyer in your child's folder. There are some specific rules to follow so make sure you read it carefully.  This is optional- not a requirement! 

Field Trip- I think we are all set. It would be great for the kids and drivers to be at school on Friday by 7:15. Meet in our hallway. I have name tags for the parents going with us!  The address is 6100 Grand Avenue, Des Moines. We usually end up parking in the back unless we get lucky up front!  The kids need to dress for mass day.  If they are on the Construction Crew they may wear jeans and a nice shirt. They will be on the floor working. I would also suggest for the girls- they might choose pants over a dress because of our town meetings where they have to sit on the floor.  They will need a sack lunch and drink that day. We will be back in time for the bus.  Students are allowed to take electronics for the car ride as long as they stay off any social media platform. This also means no picture taking and no texting to others or you (parents). They also need to keep the volume down so as not to bother the driver or others in the car.   I think they are ready to go! They have filled out all their work in their job folders and their bank tracker is set to go! I will post pictures on Friday after we get back.  Illnesses are starting to go around. If your child wakes that morning with a fever or not feeling well, please don't send them to school just to go to Biz Town. I don't want to have to call you from there to come and get them. 

I hope everyone has a good weekend! I am sticking around here this weekend! I am planning on going to the musical at the high school on Saturday night! 

God Bless,

Miss Surma