Rain rain, go away, come again another day! 

Calendar Dates:

Sept. 16- PTO Meeting 

Sept. 23- 5th Grade Mass

Sept. 24- Picture Day

Sept. 25- Spirit Day

Sept. 30- Rosary led by 5th Grade/ No Mass

Oct. 2- Noon Dismissal/ Homecoming

Oct. 5- No School/Professional Development

Picture Day on Thursday, September 24. Please return order forms.📸📸

Reading- We have been focusing on our story from last week. They will finish up with it by Friday. Next Monday will be the quiz over the story as well as their post test in spelling. On Tuesday, they will take their weekly test.  Grammar has been a little more challenging in keeping the 4 different kinds of sentences straight. They do have a little cheat sheet in their composition book that they can always refer to while doing homework or on the test. 

I am almost done with the FAST testing!!! 

Religion- We are wrapping up our chapter! We are going over the study guide on Thursday. The test will be Friday. Don't let them throw away the study guide. They can use that to help them correct their test if they have to. We will probably be out of the book for a bit now. We are going to practice mass parts next week as well as leading the Rosary for the 30th. October is usually spent focusing on the Rosary. 

Math- We worked on comparing decimals and then writing them from least to greatest or greatest to least. Some are struggling by looking at them. I did teach them to stack them and then look for the differences, but most didn't do it that way.   We also worked on writing decimals in word form, expanded form , and standard form. We are going to do some more work on that on Thursday. I didn't get a good feel after the lesson for understanding. I think part of the problem is that we don't quite know the order of the tenths, hundredths, and thousandths. 

Green Valley Day- Thank you to the volunteers that showed up! We had a great day! It was such beautiful weather for us! Hopefully, the K-4 group can find a day that works for them soon!! 

I hope everyone has a great weekend! I hope the balloons are able to go up! I hope everyone is able to enjoy all the festivities. I am heading to Waterloo on Friday after work. I am going to my brother's house . On Saturday we will head to Dubuque to watch his youngest daughter play soccer for Loras and then hopefully catch a little of the UNI v IOWA game. 

God Bless,

Miss Surma

 

Hello Parents! Hopefully everyone enjoyed the long weekend!

Calendar Dates:

Sept. 10- Green Valley Day Grades 5-8 

Sept. 11- Spirit Day

Sept. 16- PTO Meeting 

Sept. 23- 5th Grade Mass

Sept. 24- Picture Day

Sept. 30- Rosary led by 5th Grade/ No Mass

Reading-  They took their Week 1 test on Tuesday. Some had to make corrections. I don't know if I will get them scored before tomorrow so the scores may not show up until next week in their folders. We also took their next pretest in Spelling. They have their new list of words.  This week's list is based on long e and long a sounds.  

The 2nd story in each module usually has two short stories. On Wednesday, we read about a boy in Africa that invented a windmill outside his house using spare parts he found around the village. This helped he create electricity in his house so they could have lights! He also used it to create an irrigation system for their crops so they wouldn't have to worry about nearly starving again. 

The next story will be about a woman who helps invent a better wheelchair to play sports in...especially basketball. She also helps create a way that people in wheelchairs can go hang gliding!

In grammar we will be focusing on the 4 different kinds of sentences. 

Math- We are now working on decimals and understanding their place value. They are also learning to write decimals and turn them into fractions. An example would be  twenty-five hundredths. That can be written 0.25 or 25/100.

Religion- Last week they had to draw and color  a story about Jesus that they knew well. On Tuesday, we learned about the first American martyr named Father Rother. He grew up in the US and became a priest. He then moved to Guatemala and served the people there.  They went through a civil war.  During that time, three men came into his home and killed him.  I think we will be nearing the end of our chapter soon. I will let you know when I have the test planned. 

Spirit Day on Friday! Wear sweats and/or a hat for $1 

I know it is the big IOWA/ISU game weekend too! If your child wants to wear their team gear tomorrow to show their team spirit- they should! It is not required. I will be wearing purple! Sorry- I am allergic to those other colors. 

Picture order forms are going home in folders this week! 

FAST Testing- I plan on starting that on Monday.  The 3rd and 4th will be gone that day to Green Valley so that will give me some time! The 5th graders have been doing some practicing with one minute reads. 

I hope everyone has a great weekend! I will be working at the book store again on Saturday! 

God Bless, 

Miss  Surma

 Hello Families! How are you enjoying 2nd summer??? The kids have such red faces coming in from recess! 

Calendar Dates:

Sept. 7- Labor Day/ No School

Sept. 10- Green Valley Day Grades 5-8 

Sept. 11- Spirit Day

Sept. 16- PTO Meeting 

Sept. 23- 5th Grade Mass

Field Trip- In your child's folder is the permission slip for our field trip to Green Valley Park.  Please fill it out and return as soon as possible. They will need a sack lunch and drink that day!  Please make sure you fill out both forms!  If you're wanting to join us, make sure you see Mrs. Levine in the office. There will be paperwork for you to fill out.  The kids should wear clothes and shoes they can get dirty! They also need to pay $5 to help pay for the bus. 

Reading- They will have their posttest over the spelling words on Friday. They are supposed to have  their list in their homework folder. 

Our story is called The Inventor's Secret. It is a narrative nonfiction story about Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. They both loved inventing things, but they also had many flops along the way. This was a story about Henry figuring out Thomas' secrets with his invention. His advice to Henry was simple..."keep at it".  We talked about the author's purpose in this story- some of it was meant to entertain while it also gave them information on their invention stories. 

In grammar we have been focusing on the parts of a sentence. This is really relearning...making sure they have a subject and a predicate in their sentences.

Math- Our first lessons covered writing problems using exponents and place value. They  are writing numbers in standard, written, and expanded form. Writing the number in words is trickier as the number gets bigger. The expanded form has two possibilities.   I am making them practice both. One of those ways is using exponents.  

We also started our time tests over multiplication and division on Wednesday. You will see their tests each week in their take home folders. 

Religion- We always start out the year being able to locate Bible passages and identifying the title of them. Our first chapter focuses on Creation.  One of the composition books they brought to school is for religion.  In the spring they will take the ACRE test. We have already been busy taking notes on things they need to know for the test. One of the questions focuses on the word dignity.  We worked on writing a definition down and then understanding that we need to treat everyone with respect.  We also made a note of who the four Evangelists are: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. 

The 5th graders have been GREAT help with the kindergarten class at mass! 

Just a reminder: No school on Monday for Labor Day! Enjoy the long weekend! 

I hope everyone has a GREAT weekend! I will be working at the bookstore on Saturday! Stay cool! 

God Bless,

Miss Surma

 Hello Parents, It has been a great week so far! I hope the kids are having a great week! 

Calendar Dates:

Aug. 28- Spirit Day- $1 for hats/ sweatpants

Sept. 2- Welcome Back Picnic 5 pm-6 pm

Sept. 7- Labor Day/ No School

Sept. 10- Green Valley Day Grades 5-8 

Sept. 11- Spirit Day

Sept. 16- PTO Meeting 

Sept. 23- 5th Grade Mass

Reading- We are starting our first story today! In 5th grade, our stories are typically longer than in the past. Due to everything I need to cover with them... I don't usually get it done in a week's time.  I gave them their first spelling pretest today. I will email or write it in this blog when the post test will happen, but it won't be a Monday pretest and a Friday post test to give them time to study. I DO give them a copy of the words to study. They can take that home to practice with you or maybe practice on a car ride to their practices or on the way to school.  So if they tell you they don't have a list of words to study from...ask again! They do! 😀   

Reading tests- Last year I didn't have them do their reading tests on the computers and plan on doing that again. The kids liked it more that way. The other nice thing is that doing it on paper allows for them to correct it and get some extra points back...just like I do on a math test! 

Math- our first lesson will focus on exponents. This first chapter focuses on place value.  We will also do time tests weekly! I only cover multiplication and division.  I have already started them on Xtra Math which also focuses on math facts. It does cover addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.  A big focus in 5th grade will be long division and fractions. 

Religion- We will start the year out focusing on learning how to locate a Bible passage.  Our next chapter covers creation. In the spring the 5th graders take a standardized religion test called ACRE. Second and eighth graders also take the test. October is a big month for 5th graders in religion. We work on the rosary  knowing and understanding the Mysteries of the Rosary as well as knowing a couple more prayers.

Spirit Day- Friday, August 28 is our first one! The kids can wear sweats and/ or a hat for $1!! 

Interventions- Some of you will find a paper in your child's folder that you need to sign so we can begin our math and reading interventions. Please return ASAP. 

If you missed my email this summer I mentioned my Facebook page for our room. If you're on Facebook just look up St. Malachy Fabulous Fifth Grade and ask to join. I will let you in once you have asked for permission.  I will share this blog there and in your emails. 

Assignment Books- I will start signing them tonight! That means you have to sign them too!  My rule is if they don't get it signed 3 days in a row that will be a late slip. Those will start on Monday!!!  We also stressed to the 3-5th graders that this is THEIR responsibility as a student  to get it signed. They cannot blame you! It is not your job to find the assignment book in their bag. It is their job to give it to you. In 5th grade, I really work on them taking more responsibility for their learning and work. They need to be ready for more independence in middle school. 

Welcome Back Picnic is set for Wednesday, September 2 from 5-6 pm. Each family is supposed to bring a side dish hot or cold OR a dessert of some kind. Make sure to bring your lawn chairs or a blanket! Hope to see you there! 🌭🍪

I hope everyone has a GREAT weekend! I will be at the bookstore on Saturday with our guest author and then attending the Bishop's Dinner in Des Moines with some of the other teachers. 

God Bless,

Miss Surma

Hello Families! I really can't believe we are here! This will be my final blog of the year!  

Calendar Dates:

May 21- Biography Report  Due / Bring Costumes

May 22- Spirit Day/ 8th Grade Graduation

May 25- No School/ Memorial Day

May 29- Last Day of School / 3 hour early out/ Field Day

Reading- They will have their last spelling test on Friday. Next week they will take their final weekly module test. 

We will start book reports on Thursday. My plan is start in the morning and then continue in the afternoon. I am hoping I can get a majority of them done on Thursday.  If not, we will do more on Friday.  

Math- I was really happy with the test scores on adding and subtracting fractions. I am going to start working on multiplying fractions before the end. They won't get a lot of practice, but a quick introduction for them.  I also plan on doing time tests one more time next Tuesday. Some are soooo close to getting 100%!! 

Religion- They will take their test on Thursday over the Sacraments of Healing. We will end in our guidance book.  I would also like to take them to the chapel one more time for the Rosary. 

Spirit Day- The last one of the year is on Friday! 

Field Day- I am telling the kids to wear tennis shoes on Friday for Field Day. There are so many activities that those would be the best for them. They can take a water bottle to school that day.  Lunch will be provided before the early out! It is a 3 hour early out! 

Just to let you know that I will be leaving early on the last day.  My sister Penny's school is giving her an honorary award. Her girls are accepting it in her name. My siblings and I are invited to attend. Right now, I am the only one able to go.  I did debate going because it is the last day with the 5th graders, but ultimately I want to be there for my nieces and for Penny. I have a feeling you all understand that.  I did ask Mrs. Klejch to be in my place once I leave. She was more than willing to help out!  There will be field day events, lunch, Silly String fun from the Lap-A-Thon, and the 8th grade clapout. It will be a very busy morning! Don't forget it is a 3 hour early out! 

Lap-A-Thon- The 5th graders are getting Dilly Bars because they ran the most laps! Woot Woot!

FAST Testing- Their reading and math scores are in their Take Home Folders. 

Music Program- Wasn't that just the best??? So much talent in the school and I see some budding actors in 5th grade! 

Finally, I just wanted to say thank you for letting me be your child's teacher this year. I think they have grown! Thank you for your understanding and grace this year as I taught and grieved at the same time. Thank you for your constant support when I emailed or texted you! This is a GREAT group of kids! I know some may be nervous about leaving our wing to go to the middle school, but I think they will adapt and love it! I hope everyone has a terrific summer! I will be working at the book store so stop in and say hi! I will be going to Ohio in July for my nephew's wedding. I think Mrs. Sickels and I are going to take a short little vacation together and do some major reading! 

God Bless,

Miss Surma

 I hope all you Moms had a wonderful day on Sunday! I hope you were spoiled by your family ! The countdown is on! I know I say this every year,but this year really did fly by! 

Calendar Dates:

May 20- Spring Concert

May 21- Biography Report  Due / Bring Costumes

May 22- Spirit Day/ 8th Grade Graduation

May 25- No School/ Memorial Day

May 29- Last Day of School / 3 hour early out/ Field Day

Book Report- The day is approaching! They should bring their costumes on May 21. The costumes will stay at school until their report has been given. I am not sure how many I will get through on that first day!  IF they need their costume for a sport- they can take it home ,but will have to bring it back. 

Math- We are ending our chapter with a practice test this week. I am trying to break it down for them because it is mostly word problems. We made a list this week of possible clue words that would help you realize if you needed to add or subtract. They will start the math test on Monday. We will see how long it takes to get done. 

Reading- They took their weekly module test on Monday. I hope to get their scores in the mailboxes before the folders go home. We are starting our next story which is about creating a garden, but also hits topics on recycling and reusing materials. In grammar we will be focusing on commas and semicolons.  Their spelling words all end in -ed or -ing. We even talked about how one syllable words that end in a consonant usually double that letter.  Hop- hopped, hopping is an example. 

Religion- We are going to finish up this chapter . They will have one more test and then we will be going through our Guidance book! 

I hope everyone has a great weekend! I see storms are being predicted for the weekend. I hope those stay away with all the sport activities and graduation parties happening! 

God Bless, 

Miss Surma

 Hello Parents, Thank you once again for the wonderful Teacher Appreciation gifts this week! It was a fun week with those little surprises from you and the PTO. 

Calendar Dates:

May 8- Spirit Day 

May 13- 5th Grade plays hand chimes at mass

May 20- Spring Concert

May 21- Biography Report  Due / Bring Costumes

May 22- Spirit Day/ 8th Grade Graduation

May 25- No School/ Memorial Day

May 29- Last Day of School / 3 hour early out/ Field Day

Reading-  We are finishing up our story this week. They will take their weekly module test on Monday.  The spelling test will be on Friday.  Make sure you are getting the book report costumes ready! 

Mass- On Wednesday, May 13, the 5th graders will be playing their hand chimes during the 1st grade mass. Please feel free to join us if you want a sneak preview! I believe they will play again at the Spring Concert on May 20. 

Some of the 5th graders will also be helping the kindergartners during their mass on May 20. 

Math- We are wrapping up our chapter on adding and subtracting fractions. It looks like next week we will begin the process of doing a practice test before the real thing. Our next chapter will be on multiplying fractions! 

Religion- We have started our new chapter on the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation.  Starting on Friday we will begin working on our Guidance books during our Friday religion times. This is just an extension of our religion class with more of a focus on relationships with friends and family. 

Substitute- I am gone on Monday. I am heading home to Doon on Sunday to leave flowers for my parents at the cemetery. I am also planning on going to Sioux Falls to see my sister Mary and her husband. Mr. Cooley will be my sub. I know the kids love when he is in the building! 

Spirit Day on Friday! 

I hope you have a great weekend! I know it is Market on Maple weekend. I will be working at the book store if you're downtown checking things out! Hope to see you! 

God Bless,

Miss Surma