TEAMS WORKING

AS WE CONCLUDE our fourth week in fifth grade, I am so pleased with the progress we are making as learners and the efficient teamwork of this class.  Although not every aspect of all daily procedures are in place, we are well on our way to understanding the routines of each week. 

INTERACTION in the classroom is essential to learning.  Students often consult with members of their team and work together to solve problems.  During our word studies, students tutor each other from a developmentally appropriate spelling list.  In math class, student partners often collaborate to formulate equations and solve problems.  "None of us is as smart as all of us."

Seth and Jordyn work together on locating objects based on latitude and longitude.

OUR SOCIAL CONTRACT has been under construction for a few weeks.  Today we identified and agreed upon the basic elements of our classroom contract:  respect, selflessness, encouragement, kindness, safety, listening, safety, inclusion, responsibility, time management, and fun.

THE CLASSROOM COUNCIL is a response to the quality of leadership in this class.  The council will not only assist in planning special events, but they will be an integral part in helping with general classroom operations.  The following students met with me for our first Classroom Council meeting this week:  Lauren Streng, Owen Becklin, Gabby Scott, Colin Yetzke, Brooke Babbitt, Jordyn Nichols, Micah Simmons, Justine Wolffis.  Lauren and Owen also represent our class on the school Student Council.

Our fifth and sixth grade Student Council recently met before school in the Media Center.

PARENT CONNECT allows parents and teachers to dialogue about current academic and social topics at White Pines.  Open to all parents, the group met for their second meeting this past week as they discussed fifth and sixth grade mathematics.  Their next meeting will focus on the topic of reading and will be held on Thursday, October 10.  All Parent Connect evenings begin at 5:30 and conclude at 6:45.  Child care is provided.

Owen and Owen use calculators to help determine a common denominator while adding and subtracting fractions.

THE STUDENT HANDBOOK for White Pines is online.  Although we have looked at a few sections of the 23-page document in class, please be sure you and your child have reviewed the contents of the handbook.  I will be sending home an agreement the school has requested for a parent signature regarding your review.  Click HERE to go to the online student handbook.

SCHOLASTIC SCOPE is a new language arts magazine that we will be sharing with Ms. Westerman's class this year.  SCOPE offers a wide range of genres including informational and narrative nonfiction, short fiction, infographics, debates, speeches, and dramas based on myths, classic literature, and history. Click HERE for the online version and a variety of activities for the October 2013 issue.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION for our team of is scheduled for October 30-31 at YMCA Camp Pendalouan.  Thank you for returning all the requested forms and for volunteering to help with these two days outside of the classroom.  Click HERE for a camper checklist of items students should and should not bring.