Summer Tutoring Camp

Just for clarification on the summer tutoring camp...

There are three options:

1. Only Reading

2. Only Math

3. Both

For the reading or math sessions (separately) cost $30.00 for each session/day.  NOT a total of $30.00, but if your child attended all five sessions it will cost $150.00.

For the reading and math (combined) cost $50.00 for each session/day.  NOT a total of $50.00, but if your child attended all five sessions it will cost $250.00.

I think there was a bit of confusion, hopefully this clears things up.  Let me know if you still want your child to participate.  

Summer is the time where children regress and gaps are created!

THIS IS IT!

In only five short days, the school year will be OVER!

:) and/ or :(

What an amazing time we had a Busch Gardens!  Memories, memories, and more memories.  Thanks to all the chaperones who hanged in there on a long day!  I couldn't have done it without you all!!!

This week will be the final week for EOY (Egg-Baby and Roller Coasters).  It will end on Thursday afternoon.  Hopefully your child's eggs will survive and they will be able to complete their 3-hilled roller coaster.

Monday afternoon will be an AR celebration for any student that met their AR goal 3 out of the 4 9-weeks.

Tuesday will be Field Day.  There are events scheduled the entire day.  

Along with Field Day, it will be Hawaiian Day!  Students may come to school dressed tropical (but of course, following the school dress-code).

Thursday and Friday will be early dismissal days at 1:00!

Friday will be our last day together.  I have a special day planned...

- Movie (The Ron Clark Story) - a story about a teacher that changes student's lives forever!

- Pizza party (students are needed to bring in $5 to cover the cost of the pizza, drinks, and dessert).

- An awards ceremony (this is a closed door event - no parents allowed - sorry).

It has been a great year, and I am actually not looking forward to saying goodbye on Friday!

TWO WEEKS!!!

Only two weeks left...are you serious?!

Tuesday will be our last SOL for the school year - science!

Tuesday morning will also be our last SOL buffet.  Listed below is the projected items to be brought in.  If you'd like to add to this list, please do!

orange juice, fruit salad, cinnamon buns, sausage links, and donuts

Tuesday afternoon, we will be celebrating the end of the SOLs with ice cream and a movie!

If you want your child to participate in the Summer Tutoring Camp, please let me know by Wednesday.  Also, book orders are due this day as well (Befriended).

Wednesday will be Westside Career Day!  It will also be Professional Day in my classroom.  I am asking for my students to come dressed professional (Sunday best).

Wednesday will also begin EOY (End-Of-Year activities) - including egg-baby and roller coasters.  For egg-baby, students will pair up with another student of their choice in the classroom and receive either one, two, or three eggs.  They will have to care for this egg for a week.  It is their responsibility to bring the egg(s) to school everyday, watch them, and take them home.  Shall an egg break, their project grade will decrease.  They will also be creating groups of four and constructing a three-hilled-rollercoaster that a foosball will successfully travel.  They will only be allowed to use certain products (paper, popsicle sticks, glue, tape, straws, etc.).  This is a time to enjoy ourselves, but challenge us at the same time!

Friday will be our LAST Friday Frenzy of the school year! :(  There will be no limit to tickets this week.  However, students who don't meet my expectations will not receive one.  It will end at 5:00!

Lastly, my final invitations for Busch Gardens (which is this Saturday) will be on Wednesday.  Information will be sent home on Thursday regarding times, locations, chaperones, etc.  Remember, only a SMALL group of students will be able to attend.

SOL WEEK!!!

The time has come!!!  

Tuesday - History SOL

Wednesday - Reading SOL

Thursday - Math (part 1) SOL

Friday - Math (part 2) SOL

Next Tuesday - Science SOL

Please make sure your child has reviewed/studied the material for the test each day.  Make sure your child is getting a good night's sleep and they are focused.  Testing begins at 9:15 each day.

Each day there will be a breakfast buffet served (more items can still be added each day).  The items have to be dropped off the previous day or brought in between 8:00 - 8:30 each morning.  Please make sure there is enough for 25 students and if you need to have a utensil to serve, it is provided.  

Tuesday Buffet - mini bagels and cream cheese, mini donuts, bacon, fruit, coffee cake, mini waters

Wednesday Buffet - sausage, fruit, cinnamon buns, biscuits and jelly

Thursday Buffet - mini quiche, gogurts, mini bagels with cream cheese and nutella, muffins

Friday Buffet - chocolate chip muffins, caprisun, french toast casserole

Next Tuesday Buffet - orange juice, fruit salad, cinnamon buns, sausage links

There will be Friday Frenzy this week.  It is going to be another special event - BLAST FROM THE PAST!  Last years students will come and battle this years students.  ONLY 16 tickets will be sent home on Thursday and it will end at 5:00.  There will only be one more Friday Frenzy left. :(

T-shirts were ordered this weekend and should arrive in about a week.  I will be inviting a few more students to Busch Gardens this week.  Not everyone will be invited - only a small group of students.  The final invitations will take place next Wednesday, June 5th.

Let's make this week the best week of the school year!!!  Good luck class - you're born to rock the test!

SOL Breakfast Buffet

Listed below are the breakfast menus for each buffet.  I think we could use a few more items (it doesn't sound like a buffet, yet).  It can be simple items - anything would be greatly appreciated!

Tuesday, May 28th (History)

- Coffee Cake

- Mini Waters

Wednesday, May 29th (Reading) 

- Biscuits and Jelly

- Cinnamon Buns

Thursday, May 30th (Math, Part 1)

- Muffins

Friday, May 31st (Math, Part 2)

- French Toast Casserole

- Chocolate Chip Muffins

- Caprisun

Tuesday, June 4th (Science)

- Sausage Links

- Cinnamon Buns

Thank You!

Week of May 20th - May 24th

This is a very crucial week - as it is the last week of full day reviews in each subject.  SOL testing begins next Tuesday (after Memorial Day).

Class t-shirts orders are due no later than Wednesday!!!  Each shirt costs $25 and checks can be made out to Mr. Johnson (if you have already submitted a check, it will be deposited this week).  If your child gets invited to Busch Gardens, it is required that they must wear the class t-shirt that day.  I will be inviting students up to the weekend of June 8th.  If your child gets invited after Wednesday, and they didn't order a shirt, they will not be allowed to attend Busch Gardens.

Friday will be the final Page Turners meeting.  We will meet at 8:00.  Deck Z and The Eleventh Plague readers both must be on part/stage 3.

Penny War concludes this Friday.  Don't forget the positive or negative coins for your child's group!

There will be Friday Frenzy this week for 16 students.  It will be a special Friday Frenzy - Eagles vs. Eaglets!  Meaning, students vs. Westside administration, office staff, resource teachers, and the superintendent.  It will conclude at 5:00!

Information regarding the summer tutoring camp, will be released this week.

After reading this, writing the following code in your child's homework folder...

ISITREALLYSOLTIME?

  

  

Week of 5/13 - 5/17

24 more days left - what???

Penny War is still happening in the classroom.  This will end next Friday.  All money raised will go towards the end-of-the-school-year needs.  Thanks for all money raised thus far - keep it coming!  I wonder which table will win?

Wednesday is an early dismissal day at 1:00.

Next Wednesday (5/22) all class t-shirt money is due!

Page Turners will meet this Friday at 8:00.  Deck Z readers must be complete with Stage One of their book and The Eleventh Plague readers must be on page 99.  Next Friday, will be our last Page Turners meeting of the year!  :(

Friday will be a SOL Pep Rally at school at 2:30.  GO STUDENTS!!!

There will also be Friday Frenzy again this week for the top 16 students.  It will run until 5:00!

After reading this, please write the following code in your child's homework folder...

WHEREDIDTHETIMEGO?

Week of May 6th - 10th

We are only a few weeks away from the start of the SOLs.  Each and everyday is packed full of information to make sure everyone is prepared beyond imaginable for these exams.  Your child's attendance is vital!

Penny War for our classroom begins tomorrow and will run until Friday, May 24th.  Funds will be used for end-of-school year parties, awards, supplies, and candy.  Groups want to bring in pennies for their groups and other coins and bills for other groups.  Pennies are positive points and everything else is negative.  Whichever table has the most positive points will WIN!!!

Interim reports for the fourth nine-weeks will be sent home on Wednesday.  They will be due by Friday.

Page Turners will meet this Friday at 8:00 for the last books (The Eleventh Plague, Deck Z, and Chasing Lincoln's Killer).

There will be Friday Frenzy this week.  However, the activity will be over at 4:45, instead of 5:00.  Please be at the school to pick-up your child promptly at 4:45.  If you are later than 5:00, your child will receive an "X."  Once your child has two "X's" they can no longer attend anymore Friday Frenzy's.  

Class t-shirts are on sale until May 22nd - $25 each - adult sizes.  All checks will be deposited on May 22nd.

Information regarding the Summer Tutoring Camp will be sent home next week.

After reading this, write the following code in your child's homework folder...

THESOLSRCMING!

2012 - 2013 Class T-Shirts

Below are the final and approved class shirts.  

All orders for these shirts are due no later than May 22nd!!!

Shirts cost $25 each and are adult sizes.

Week of 4/29 - 5/3

Only about 7 weeks left...

I extended the book orders for the final page turners till Tuesday.  Since I pushed the last day to order till this week, the new book club won't begin until next Friday, May 10th.

Students will partake in Family Life this Thursday during resource.

Friday will be our last page turners meeting for Blizzard of Glass.  Students must have the book complete in order to attend.

NO Friday Frenzy this week, due to a staff vs. student volleyball game.

Hopefully, students will finalize their class t-shirts this week so I can post them on here to show everyone.  Orders for shirts are due no later than May 22nd.

After reading this, write the following code in your child's homework folder...

RUHVNGFN?

Week of 4/22 - 4/26

Is it really the last full week of April?

This week...

~ We have our class field trip to the zoo on Wednesday.  All money and permission slips are due by Tuesday if you are planning to have your child attend.  The field trip is from 9:00 to 2:00.  Your child must bring a packed lunch and wear comfortable shoes.  I have my chaperones for the field trip that will be riding the bus, however you are more than welcome to meet us there and chaperone as well.  Students cannot be picked up from the zoo.  They must ride the bus back to school. ~

~ Tomorrow, t-shirts will be finalized and approved by the class.  Once that happens, I will be posting them online to view and orders may be submitted.  Each shirt costs $25 and all sizes are adult. ~

~ Page Turners will meet Friday morning at 8:00 for Blizzard of Glass.  Students must be on Chapter 8 (page 70) by then in order to attend.  Information about the last page turners is posted below (a letter of the same information will be sent home tomorrow).  All orders for the next page turners are due this Friday!!! ~

~ Friday will also be Twin Day.  Students may pair up with a student in the class and attempt to dress like twins for the day. ~

~ Sadly, there will not be any Friday Frenzy this week. ~

~ More information about the summer tutoring camp will be sent home in the first part of May.  Regarding questions that parents had...

- This is a private tutoring put on by myself.  There will be no transportation.  Students must be dropped off at the location and picked up promptly once the session was complete.

- Siblings are allowed to join the camp as well.  We will be reading, working on comprehension skills, and mastering basic math skills needed at all grade levels.

- This camp will most likely happen once a week, during the week, for two hours, lasting four weeks. ~

Once you have finished reading the weekly news, write the following code in your child's homework folder...

WERGNG2THEZOO

The FINAL Page Turners

We are entering our FINAL Page Turners book. :(

We will be doing something different for the last Page Turners.  I have selected THREE high-interest books.

Students will choose which book they would like to read for the month of May.  They will meet each Friday with that group and discuss the book and then share among the entire group.  

Students may join as many book clubs as they’d like.  However, they must be where they need to be by each Friday.  Students may also purchase the other books to read for pleasure on their own time.

This book club will begin on Friday, May 3rd and conclude on Friday, May 24th.

All orders must be submitted no later than this Friday, April 26th.

The three choices are...

Chasing Lincoln’s Killer (This nail-biting narrative nonfiction is a fast-paced thriller about the most famous manhunt in U.S. history.)  208 pages 7.5 book level worth 6.0 points

The Eleventh Plague (Dystopian fiction fans will be drawn into this vividly portrayed post-apocalyptic landscape and feel the weight of Stephen’s desperation grow with every chapter.)  288 pages  some mature content  5.0 book level worth 11.0 points

Deck Z - The Titanic - Unsinkable. Undead. (The unsinkable meets the undead in this fast-paced thriller that combines zombie mayhem with the historical events of the tragic Titanic voyage.)  224 pages  some mature content  6.2 book level worth 9.0 points

Please order the books through Scholastic.  The class receives free books and some students are less fortunate and they rely on and enjoy the class library.

Chasing Lincoln’s Killer is $5.99 (Bloody Times Pack is $9.99, including Bloody Times), The Eleventh Plague is $4.99, and Deck Z - The Titanic - Unsinkable. Undead. is $4.99.  You may send the check into me or order online (highly recommended).  If you are ordering online, please visit https://orders.scholastic.com/J6M3N .

There are many other great titles through Scholastic. 

All orders must be submitted no later than this Friday, April 26th.

"Reading - It takes you places you’ve never been before."

Week of 4/15 - 4/19

Report cards will be sent home on Monday.  Please review them and send the envelope back signed, no later than Thursday (the report card is yours to keep).

Permission Slips will be sent home Monday for our field trip next Wednesday, April 24th to the Virginia Zoo.  The cost is $13.00 and information about the trip and chaperoning is all located on the form.

Page Turners will be meeting Friday at 8:00.  Lincoln's Grave Robbers must be complete and the next book, Blizzard of Glass will be distributed.

Friday will be our AR lunch buffet for students who met their AR goal for the third nine-weeks.  Please remember to bring in your item.  You can either bring it in the morning and drop it off at the office or no later than 12:00.  The lunch buffet will take place in the cafeteria at 12:00.  If you volunteered, I will be sending an e-mail out early in the week providing more details.  

Friday will also be Salad Dressing Day.  Students may choose one or more of the salad dressings below and dress-up as them.

Italian - Gladiator

Blue Cheese - ALL Blue

French - Fashionable Clothing

Ranch - Cowboy or Cowgirl

House - School Colors

There will be Friday Frenzy again this week till 5:00!

Busch Gardens information was handed out Friday.  Please read the entire packet.  NOT ALL STUDENTS WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND!  Just because your child has a packet, doesn't mean they will attend.  They cannot fill out any part of the packet (except the class t-shirt form - which will be completed this week and posted for all to see), unless I invite them.  I will only be inviting a small group (around 12 students).  I believe all students have shown dramatic growth this school year, however I am looking for the top 12 that worked the hardest.  

After reading this, write the following code in your child's homework folder...

NOREGRETS

Welcome Back (Week of 4/8 - 4/12)

This week starts the 4th and final nine-weeks of the school year.  This will be a very busy, but fun nine-weeks.  There are only a few more weeks and the SOL testing will begin.  I have listed below the SOL dates...

5/28 - VA Studies

5/29 - Reading

5/30 - Math (part 1)

5/31 - Math (part 2)

6/4 - Science

We will be working extra hard to complete any new material in each subject and then start reviewing for the final SOLs of the year.

Page Turners will be meeting Friday morning at 8:00.  Students must be on chapter 10.

Friday will also be Shivers Me Timber day.  Students may come to school dressed-up as pirates (no swords).

Friday will also be Friday Frenzy till 5:00!  

Let's make it a great final nine-weeks! :)

After reading this, please write the following code in your child's homework folder...

ITSALMOSTOVER

Week of 3/25 - 3/29

This is the final week of the third nine-weeks.  After spring break, will be our last and final nine-weeks together as a class.

Please take a moment (if you haven't already done so) and submit an answer to the poll question to the right, about a summer reading and math camp hosted by me.

There will be a few nine-weeks (benchmark) tests this week...

Monday - History

Wednesday - Math (part 1)

Thursday - Math (part 2) and Science

Wednesday and Thursday will both be a 90-minute early dismissal days.

Page Turners will meet THURSDAY morning at 8:00, for the our next book - Lincoln's Grave Robbers!

Thursday will be a school-wide Hat Day.  In order to wear a hat on Thursday, students must pay $1.00 for a wristband.  No wristband = no hat!

There will be no school Friday and all of next week, as spring break begins!  

Use this time to relax, rest, and rejuvenate yourself for the last, most important, and most fun nine-weeks!!!

After reading this, write the following code in your child's homework folder...

LIVINZAPRTOFLFE

Week of 3/18 - 3/22

The 3rd 9-Weeks is nearing its end!  The 9-Weeks testing (benchmark testing) begins this week and ends next.

All book orders for Lincoln's Grave Robbers, Blizzard of Glass, and any other book is due Tuesday!  Please order through Scholastic (https://orders.scholastic.com/J6M3N)

Wednesday will be our first 3rd 9-Weeks test in Reading.  

Wednesday will also be an early release day at 1:00.

Next week's testing schedule looks like this:

Monday - History

Wednesday - Math (part 1)

Thursday - Math (part 2) and Science

Friday will be the final meeting for Page Turners for The One and Only Ivan.  Students must be complete with the book.

There will be NO Friday Frenzy this week due the Westside Variety Show.  We have a few acts performing in our class - good luck!

We will be doing a Wacky Trivia challenge all week in class.

Lastly, please answer the poll question on the right side of this page about a possible summer reading and math camp.  

After reading this, write the following code in your child's homework folder...

SPRNGZCMNG

Important - Page Turners

Page Turners meeting for Friday is moved to 8:10, instead of 8:00.  I have a staff photo at 8:00.  Please don't drop your child off at 8:00 or earlier.  I will be at the door as soon as the staff photo is complete.  

WRITING SOL WEEK - are you ready?

The first round of SOLs are upon us!  The Writing SOL will take place over two days. The Writing Muliple Choice (34 questions) will happen on Tuesday and The Direct Writing (paragraphs) will happen on Wednesday.  Both tests will begin promptly at 9:30.  

I have provided the students will a lot of helpful resources to guide them to success on these tests.  I hope your child takes the time and reviews these pieces of information.  I want ALL students to feel over prepared and confident.  In the end, all students WILL pass!!!

I will be providing breakfast for your child on each testing date.  This will help them stay more focused and not get hungry (since we won't be able to have a snack and lunch is later on both days).  

Friday is spring picture day!

Page Tuners will be meeting again this Friday at 8:00 - students must be on page 200!

Don't forget about the next Page Tuners.  ALL ORDERS ARE DUE BY NEXT TUESDAY, MARCH 19TH!  Please order through Scholastic.  For more information about the books, scroll down a few posts to read about them.

Friday will also be our last Friday Frenzy for the month of March!  Hope to see your child there!

Let's get ready to rock this SOL and have the best week ever!!!

Another Inspiring Video - Watch with Caution

This video was shared by a parent, and I was inspired again.

Hope you feel the same after watching!

Thanks T.D.

Page Turners - New Books

Since March is a five week month, I will be starting the next Page Turners on Thursday, March 28th (why not Friday? - unfortunately, there is no school that day).

I will be selecting two books for the next Page Turners (why? - the two books are 200 pages or less).  Your child may join both books or either one.  

Since next month is non-fiction month, I have hand-selected two high-interest, high-level non-fiction books.

Starting Thursday, March 28th will be Lincoln's Grave Robbers by Steve Sheinkin.

Packed with action and suspense, this page-turning narrative nonfiction chronicles the nearly unknown tale of the brazen attempt to steal Abraham Lincoln's body!

Then, starting on Friday, April 19th will be Blizzard of Glass: The Halifax Explosion of 1917 by Sally M. Walker.

This remarkable photo-filled book chronicles a shocking but little-known disaster that flattened two towns, killed thousands, and tested the courage of a community like nothing else before!

All orders must be submitted no later than Tuesday, March 19th for both books.

Please order the books through Scholastic.  The class receives free books and some students are less fortunate and they rely on and enjoy my class library.

Lincoln's Grave Robbers is $7.99 and Blizzard of Glass is $5.99.  You may send the check into me or order online (highly recommended).  If you are ordering online, please visit https://orders.scholastic.com/J6M3N .

A few suggestions of other books that relate to the two Page Turners books above and are highly recommended by critics and myself are...

1. Chasing Lincoln's Killer 

2. Bloody Times 

3. Dangerous Waters

There are many other great titles through Scholastic. 

"The more that you read, the more things you will know.  The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

~ Dr. Seuss ~

WARNING - MOTIVATING AND INSPIRING!

Amazing young kid allows challenged kid to beat him in a wrestling match because his dream is to win one fight in his whole life!

Week of 3/4 - 3/8

This is our last full week, before the writing SOL on March 12th and 13th.  I will be using every extra second for review to make sure my students are more than ready for these tests!

Interims will be coming home on Wednesday.  Please review your child's progress thus far, then sign and return by Friday, March 8th.

Page Turners will be meeting Friday at 8:00!  Each child who is part of the group must be on page 101 of "The One and Only Ivan."

Friday will be HIPPIE DAY in Mr. J's classroom.  Students may come dressed-up as if they were living in the 1960's.

There will be another Friday Frenzy this week until 5:00!  In order to attend, your child must have exceptional behavior (everywhere) and receive nothing less than a "C" all week on assignments and assessments.

Lastly, please make sure your child is reading on a daily basis.  This nine-weeks AR goal prize is a lunch buffet.  If your child makes their AR goal this nine-weeks, they will be able to participate in a lunch buffet after spring break.  If all students make their AR goals, there will be an added special dessert to the buffet.  As we approach this buffet, I will be asking parents/guardians to help create an amazing lunch buffet.  More information and sign-up details coming.

Have a great week!  

Week of 2/25 - 3/1

I cannot fathom that it is going to be March this Friday...only a few more months left!

I will be distributing student G-Mail accounts this week.  I will be using G-Mail for a variety of extra resources and activities.  There are still a handful of students that have not returned the acknowledgement and consent letter.  If your child didn't return this form, they will not be receiving their account.  I will be sending home another form this week.

Friday will be our first meeting for Page Turners book, The One and Only Ivan.  Book club begins at 8:00!

There will be Friday Frenzy this week until 5:00!

Friday will also be Read Across America.  Students are asked to dress-up as their favorite book character and attempt to beat the AR record of tests taken last year of 3,581,992.    

In only 11 days, your child will taking their first SOL test of the year in Writing.  The test dates are scheduled for March 12th and 13th.

Your child will be challenged in their music knowledge this week, with Name That Tune challenge all week.

Mid-Week News

ALL BOOK ORDERS FOR THE PAGE TURNERS OF MARCH ARE DUE NOW!!!  I will be submitting the order no later than 8:00 tonight.  The March book is The One and Only Ivan.

Friday we will be celebrating at 3:00 our Club 50 Party (What's club 50?  Have your child explain this whole class reward system).  It will be a game/electronic day.  Students may bring in board games or their electronics to play with (no cellphones).  It will be your child's responsibility to not lose their electronic and shall they do, the school nor myself will be held accountable.  Along with playing games, students are allowed to bring in treats and drinks.

Week of 2/18 - 2/22

I hope everyone had a wonderful three-day weekend.

This week students will be receive a treat from the school for making Principal's List and BUG Club (Bringing Up Grades).  Congrats!!!

Wednesday will be an early dismissal day at 1:00!

All book orders are due no later than Wednesday.  If you'd like to have your child participate in the March Page Turners, The One and Only Ivan will need to be purchased by Wednesday.

Page Turners will have their final meeting for Ungifted on Friday at 8:00.  Please make sure your child has finished the book prior to our last meeting.

Friday's classroom challenge is Support Island Spirit.  Students will support another group, by wearing their groups color (blue, yellow, red, purple, green, or orange).

Friday Frenzy is back!!!  We will be playing until 5:15 this week!!!  Students who had a great day last Friday, while I was out, and those who maintain my expectations this week will receive a ticket.  It has been a while since we were able to have Friday Frenzy - I am pumped!

Have a great week! :)

FRIDAY

As I stated earlier, Friday will be a very unique and important day for your child.

  Sadly, I will not be able to be at school Friday (I wish I was though).  Since the schools are on a tight budget, they will not be getting a substitute for my students.  Instead, students will be broken up into groups of two or three and split up among the other nine fifth grade teachers.  

Each student will be given a folder with a packet of activities to complete Friday (whatever they don't complete should be finished at home) and a schedule.  The schedule lets them know where they have to report Friday and all pertinent information relating to that class.  

If you need to pick your child up early or in case of an emergency, the office will be aware of which room your child is located in on Friday.

Your child will be expected to follow my rules in their new classroom for the day.  There will be consequences for ones that misbehaved and rewards (lots of them) for students who did what they were told.

I very much dislike missing any days of work.  Out of the eight years I have been teaching, I can count on two hands the amount of days I have missed.  

Remember, there is no school on Monday - I will see everyone on Tuesday!

Have a great weekend!

Week of 2/11 - 2/15

It is that time again to start discussing the book club, Page Turners, for March.  On Monday, I will be sending home information about the book for March and the ordering process.  I hope your child takes advantage of this opportunity!

The book we will be reading for March is...

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate (2013 Newbery Medal).

The ordering process is the same as always, either send in a check paid to Scholastic for the amount of $15.99 or go to https://orders.scholastic.com/J6M3N and order online.

Tuesday, Westside will be celebrating Mardi Gras with Fat Tuesday.  Students may come dressed-up in purple, green, and gold.

Page Turners has been moved from Friday morning to Thursday morning at 8:00 a.m.  Please try to be at the school promptly at 8:00.  I will be down at the front office letting students in by 7:55 and will leave to go back to my classroom at 8:05.  

Friday will be a very important day for your child.  Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend school.  I very much dislike having to take any time away from my students, but I have to this Friday.  They will be working on a Black History project with their groups.  I am expecting all of my students to follow my same expectations with the substitute as they do when I am present.  If they cannot adhere to what I expect, there will be severe consequences when I return next week.  If they truly do respect and appreciate this year, they will do what they are told.  There will be many rewards for students next week that exceed my expectations - including a 5:30 Friday Frenzy next week!!!  

Let's shine!!!

Week of 2/4 - 2/8

Report Cards will be distributed on Tuesday, February 5th.  Please review your child's grades and set goals with them for this nine-weeks.  I am very proud of the growth from so many students.  In the first nine-weeks we had 17 make the honor roll or principals list out of 26.  This nine-weeks we had 21 make the honor roll or principals list out of 26.  I won't be satisfied until ALL 26 make the honor roll or principals list.  If you have any questions or concerns about the report card, please contact me.  The report card envelope will be due back to me no later than Friday, February 8th.

Wednesday and Thursday will wrap-up the SOL Benchmark Tests.  Wednesday will be the Math (calculator part) and Science.  On Thursday will be Math (non-calculator part).  Please make sure your child is reviewing the material each night, as I will be making sure they are prepared in class.

Page Turners will meet again on Friday at 8:00.  Please try your best to be at school promptly at 8:00.  We have a lot to get through, and I need all students there on time.  Remember, your child must be reading and comprehending the story in order to participate.  They can't just come for the donuts and juice.  Each child will take a short five question comprehension quiz based on what we had to read (up to page 92).  If your child misses more than one, they did not read or did not comprehend the story.  They will be dismissed from this month's book club.  They may rejoin next month.  Last month's book club there were a couple students that I don't think were reading or fully comprehending the story.  During discussions they were confused, didn't respond, or answered incorrectly multiple times.  I want The Page Turners to be something exciting and extra.  I hate to assess students, but this accountability will hopefully make students read or comprehend more when they are reading.  

Friday will be TIE DAY!  Students may come to school with a tie on.  They do not have to be dressed-up, just a tie around their necks.

There will be NO FRIDAY FRENZY again this week, due to the Staff vs. 6th Grade Students Basketball Game at Westside at 6:00.  Everyone is more than welcome to come cheer and support Westside this Friday night.  Friday Frenzies will begin back up next Friday.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

3rd Nine-Weeks Starts Now

The second nine-weeks is behind us, with the third nine-weeks here.  It's time to reflect on last nine-weeks and create goals for the new nine-weeks.

Remaining Benchmark Testing Schedule:

Thursday, January 31st - Writing

Wednesday, February 6th - Math (non-calculator portion) and Science

Thursday, February 7th - Math (calculator portion)

Page Turners first meeting will occur this Friday at 8:00 A.M.  The book, Ungifted, will be distributed along with a letter entailing the requirements and guidelines for the book club - please read!

Friday will also be FAN DAY!!!  Come to school supporting your favorite team (jersey, shirt, hat, etc.).

There will be NO FRIDAY FRENZY this week due to the 6th grade science fair.

Let's embark into the new nine-weeks with high self-expectations!!!

August Pullman (Wonder)

They say I must be one of the Wonders

of god's own creation

~ Natalie Merchant ~

Everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their life, because we all overcometh the world.

~ Auggie ~

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the last meeting for The Page Turners for the book Wonder!  The book was amazing and  I can't wait to share it with others.  I am so looking forward to reading Ungifted next month!

Helping Hands draws to a close tomorrow.  Thank you to everyone who donated needed classroom supplies!

We will be dismissing at 1:00 tomorrow!

There will be a HUGE history benchmark test tomorrow.  Please review the material with your child, get a good night sleep, a big breakfast, and a morning review.

AR for the second nine-weeks ends tomorrow.  We only need six more students to make their goal and the class will be able to throw pies at the administration or myself.  Some students should make their goals, since they will be finishing Wonder tonight!  It's gonna be close...

Last Week of 2nd 9-Weeks

The 2nd 9-Weeks is coming to a close...

Our 9-weeks tests will be spread out among a few weeks (called SOL Benchmark Tests now).  This week we will have two, and the rest will happen in the 3rd 9-weeks and be part of the 3rd 9-weeks grade.

Testing Schedule (subject to change):

Tuesday, January 22nd - READING

Friday, January 25th - HISTORY

Wednesday, January 31st - WRITING

Wednesday, February 6th - MATH (non-calculator portion) and SCIENCE

Thursday, February 7th - MATH (calculator portion)

Please make sure your child is prepared for these assessments!

Book orders (Scholastic) are due no later than this Wednesday!  If you want your child to participate in The Page Turners for February, the Ungifted book must be ordered by Wednesday.

Thursday is an early release day at 2:20 and Friday is an early release day at 1:00.

Due to the early release day on Friday, there will be no Friday Frenzy this week.

Helping Hands is going on this week as well.  This is the final week to donate the listed classroom supplies.  Thanks to everyone who has already donated supplies - keep them coming!

The Page Turners will meet for their final meeting for January on the book Wonder, Friday at 8:00!

AR goals are to be met by Friday!  Less than 10 to go...can we do it?

Let's have a great week!

Today

Page Turners will still be meeting at 10:00!

The day will go on as normal, however there will be no breakfast served and lunch will be shortened.

There will also still be Friday Frenzy - over at 4:45 - don't be late!

Have a great day everyone.

Week of January 14th - 18th

Wow - January is moving fast!

This week and next, we are having a challenge called, "Helping Hands."  Classroom supplies are running low and it's time to stock them back up.  Listed below are the items that are desperately needed:

- Bagged Candy (small, medium, and large pieces)

- Boxed Candy / Large Individual Candy

- White Board Markers

- Hand Sanitizer

- Kleenexes

The last day to donate a supply is January 25th.  The group with the most items donated...WINs!

There are only two more weeks for students to make their AR goals.  Right now we have 16 students out of 26 make theirs - 10 more to go.  If ALL make their goals, they will be throwing pies at the administrators and me.  Please help your child make their goal and not hold the class down!

Page Turners third meeting is Friday at 8:00 a.m. - don't be late!  It is already time to order the February book.  The book choice is Ungifted by Gordon Korman.  If your child wasn't part of The Page Turners for January, they may join for February.  You can either write a check to Scholastic for $9.99 and bring the check to me or you can order from the classroom's Scholastic page (https://orders.scholastic.com/J6M3N). There are incentives for ordering online!

There will be Friday Frenzy this week till 4:45!  Luckily, no one received an "X" last week.  Again, only 16 students will receive a ticket this week.  Some students last week had one of their best weeks, while others who are not receiving tickets are doing to the same things that are inhibiting them from receiving a ticket (grades, behavior, choices, etc.) or I am just running out of tickets.  Students must EARN their ticket all week, not just Thursday or Friday!

Let's have a great week!

After reading this, write the following code in your child's homework folder...

ILVRDNG

Friday

Friday Frenzy ends at 4:45 this week!  Please make sure that your child is picked up at 4:45 - if I am waiting and it's past 5:00, your child will receive an "X."  Two "X's" mean no more Friday Frenzy for your child.  Four students have an "X!"  Will this be there last?

Page Turners meeting is Friday at 8:00 AM.  Drop your child off at the front of the building.  Also, sign-up for a date to bring in donuts and juice for the club (click on tab at top of this page)!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

January 7th - 11th

The Page Turners book club first meeting was awesome!  We enjoyed donuts, juice, and book distribution with some reading of Wonder.  Your child was given a letter on Friday to be given to all parents/guardians.  There is important information on this letter regarding meetings, pages needed to be read, and other pertinent information.  If you didn't see this letter yet, please locate and read.

Wonder Donuts!

There will be Friday Frenzy this week.  I must keep the ticket count to 16!!!  It is very difficult for me some weeks to only pick 16, but too many students is hard for me to supervise.  Since I have so many students deserving to attend, I am raising my expectations on how to get a ticket.  Any minor behavior problem will automatically eliminate your child for that week.  As always grades are vital (nothing less than a C on anything all week) - there will be quite a few assessments this week in math, history, reading, and writing.  I will be monitoring your child's AR goal.  I must see an increase or an attempt of reaching their goal in order to receive a ticket.  

Friday Frenzy will end at 4:45 this week!  If your child is not picked up by 5:00, they will receive an "X."  Two "X's" means your child can longer be invited.  Last week, we had two students receive their first "X."  Don't let your child receive two "X's" and lose this motivating reward.

Name the Year will be this week's classroom challenge.

After reading this, write the following code in your child's homework folder!

BSM1UWLDBPRD2KNW