FRESH START

THE PARENT ORIENTATION last week was well-attended and I enjoyed getting to meet many of you.  It is my pleasure to be working with your children as their fifth grade teacher.  Thank you for your willingness to be a part of our journey this year.  This blog will serve as an electronic newsletter of events that are scheduled and ones we have shared together.  Please note the calendar of many classroom/school events on the right side bar.

This is our fifth grade class of 24 students.  Click on any blog photo to view a larger image.

ARTWALK 2011 will showcase artistic efforts from the local area and beyond.  There will be outdoor sculpture along the Grand River waterfront, in Central Park, and other locations around town.  Paintings, mixed media, indoor sculpture and photographs will be on view throughout Grand Haven.  The fifth graders will participate in a field trip to ArtWalk on Tuesday, September 27.  Transportation will leave Lake Hills at 9:40 am and lunch will be provided by the DeeLite.

Isabel and Kaitlynn view the beautiful display at the Holland Rock and Mineral Show during our recent field trip.

SOCIAL STUDIES instruction in fifth grade focuses mainly on American history before 1805.  However, our first unit of study is in the area of geography as we learn how to better read maps and understand the physical features of our planet.  Students complete each unit of study with a paperless assessment using remote key pads to record their answers to questions.

Paige, Sam, Kaitlynn, and Jesse participate in a team activity as we focus on recognizing Constitution Day.

STUDENTS AND PARENTS are invited to the Chittenden Home on Saturday evening, October 1, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm for an outdoor movie and bonfire.  Please bring a lawn chair along and dress for the weather.  Popcorn and beverages will be provided and we might even roast marshmallows.

Mason helps Anna distribute her windmill cookie to Macy as students share an artifact that represents a "culture" of which they are part.

THE SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR begins next week.  Students in our class will preview and/or purchase books on Wednesday.  This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to build their home library and to select books for their independent reading this year.