2nd Quarter Report Cards

• Report cards will be available to parents on the Power School Parent Portal on January 10th.
• If you need a paper copy of your child's report card, please contact the school office.
• Continue to work on Study Island and read over break! :)  We will see you back at BWIS on Jan. 6 for the 3rd quarter.

December RISE Students

Congrats to Sydney, Cameron, Jacob, and Avery for being selected for RISE in December!

Social Studies Song Presentations

Groups of students presented their Maya, Aztec, and Inca songs Monday in class.  Here are a few snapshots of performances.

Look at these awesome science projects!

Science Week of December 16th

Wowwwww!! This quarter went fast in science class and the projects have turned out great. Students will finish presenting projects to their classes this week.  Check PowerSchool after December 20th to see your grade.


**When you get bored over Winter Break, be sure to login to Study Island Science!  There is a candy bar waiting for anyone who earns all the blue ribbons in the science section! (not the new standards)

Wright Language Arts December 16th

On this short week we will finish up the Treasures section that we started last week.  Be sure to re-read the selection so that you know where to locate information for the Selection Quiz on Tuesday!  The spelling quiz and skills test will be on Thursday!

Monday- Read Treasures pages 382-413, Complete Practice Book pages 136-143
Tuesday- Practice Book Homework Check, Selection Quiz
Wednesday- Library Computer Lab
Thursday- Spelling Quiz, Skills Test

Bodker- 5th Grade Math Week of Dec. 16th.

This week students will complete Unit 5. We begin the week with a graphing project using skittles.
We will spend Tuesday reviewing how to convert fractions to mixed number, improper fractions, equivalent fractions, decimals, percents, and reducing to simplest form
Students will take Unit 5 Assessment on Wednesday, Dec 18th.  

Homework

Mon- Unit 5 Review Packet
Tues- Review notes  for Unit 5 Assessment
Wed- No Homework
Thur- No Assigned Homework.

Please encourage your child to work on Study Island Math over Christmas Break! 

Bodker Language Arts Week of Dec. 16

This week we will continue to read our class novel Tuck Everlasting.  We have currently completed chapters 1-7.  This week we will continue to discuss reading vocabulary and comprehension questions through chapter 11.

Homework

Mon- Complete vocabulary for chapters 8 and 9
Tue- Complete comprehension questions for Ch. 8 and 9 and Vocabulary for Ch. 10 and 11.
Wed- Complete unfinished comprehension questions for ch. 10 and 11. Study for quiz Ch 6-11
Thur-Quiz over Chapters 6-11

Graven LA Week of Dec. 16

Students will not be working from Treasures this week.  Instead, a variety of reading and writing activities will take place to celebrate the winter season. 

Monday-ornament worksheet, winter haiku final due Wednesday, Study Island due Thursday
Tuesday-winter haiku final due Wednesday, Study Island due Thursday
Wednesday-winter haiku final due, worksheet, Study Island due Thursday
Thursday-read and work on Study Island over beak :)

SS Week of Dec. 16

This week we will finish our study of Meso and South American civilizations. 

Monday-groups present songs, finish worksheet (chart on 3 groups)
Tuesday-study
Wednesday-unit test
Thursday-read and relax over break :)

Social Studies Music Projects

Here are some students working cooperatively in groups on their social studies projects.  Students are using the Google Chromebooks and Google Docs to create songs about the Maya, Aztec, and Inca.  Performances will take place on Monday (live music performances or prerecorded by the groups).  Be sure to get Mrs. Graven the lyrics of your song through Google Docs (and one printed version per group) and appropriate music for during your presentation.  

END OF THE QUARTER DEC. 19

This is just a reminder that the 2nd quarter ends on Thursday, December 19.  This week and next week are the final days to finish strong and to get caught up on missing work for students.  Be sure to log into Power School to take a look at your student's grades!

GRAVEN LA Week of Dec. 9

This week we will read "Catch of the Day" from Treasures in Unit 3, week 1.  Key skills include theme, action verbs, analogies, and open syllable words.

Common Core State Standard: RL.5.2: Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize a text.

Spelling Words Unit 3, Week 1 (open syllables)

1.  minus       11. vacant

2.  loser         12.  punish

3.  humor      13.  cavern

4.  closet       14.  shiver

5.  recent       15.  decent

6.  student     16.  linen

7.  equal        17.  legal

8.  profile      18.  panic

9.  local         19.  smoky

10.  comet     20.  tyrant

Vocabulary Words

1. wares

2.  treasurer

3.  merchandise

4.  instruct

5.  educate

6.  burdens

7.  appreciation

8.  unfortunate

Homework

Monday-turn in science fair report (2 printed copies to Mrs. Graven), read p. 252-275 in Treasures, practice book p. 91-99 due Thursday, Study Island (theme) due Friday, Reading Counts Quiz #2 due Friday

Tuesday-practice book p. 91-99 due Thursday, Study Island (theme) due Friday, Reading Counts Quiz #2 due Friday

Wednesday-practice book p. 91-99 due Thursday, Study Island (theme) due Friday, Reading Counts Quiz #2 due Friday

Thursday-selection test, practice book p. 91-99 due, Study Island (theme) due Friday, Reading Counts Quiz #2 due Friday

Friday-skills test, Study Island (theme) due, Reading Counts Quiz #2 due

SS Week of Dec. 9

This week students are learning about the Inca civilization, the last of the Meso American groups.  Time will also be spent reviewing and comparing the Maya, Aztec, and Inca groups.  Students are using class time working in groups to create songs about one these civilizations.  The focus is to review and teach key concepts about the civilization and present it in a fun and entertaining method.  Songs are due on Monday.  Songs can be performed live in class or by means of a video that groups pre-record (recess, study hall, outside of school).  All students must be involved in the presentation of the song and groups will be graded on a rubric given to them in class.  Students will only be turning in the lyrics of their song, which should be typed and shared with Mrs. Graven and the group on Google Docs.  Watch the Flocabulary video link for inspiration!  Also, a test on Meso America will take place on WEDNESDAY of next week.

Homework
Monday-none
Tuesday-work on music project
Wednesday-Empire matching worksheet, work on music project
Thursday-Comparing 3 groups worksheet, work on music project
Friday-turn in ABC sheets, work on music project
Monday-groups present songs
Tuesday-study for test
Wednesday-MESO AMERICA TEST
Thursday-Read over break! :)

Science Week of December 9th

Throughout this week and next, students will be presenting their science fair projects to their classes.  Be sure to bring in your trifold board for your presentation.  You are welcome to speak about your project from memory or use notecards or a script, it is totally up to you!  Be sure that you summarize the main points. You will have approximately 5-7 minutes to fill, so you won't be able to hit every detail from your report.  Check the schedule clipboard if you forget what day you signed up to present!

We will be covering some material as we have time.  Expect a quiz on Gravity/Friction/Magnetism this week on Wednesday.  It will be the same quiz as the Pre-Assessment.

Wright LA week of December 9th

On Monday, you will be working on a final polish of your Science Fair Report and also finishing up any Reading Counts quizzes for your independent reading book.  Tuesday and Wednesday we will be finishing up the Treasures Unit 2 Review test.  By Thursday we should be able to start in on Treasures Unit 4. The homework check, selection test, skills test, and spelling quiz will be next Monday and Tuesday!!  Only nine more days in this semester so finish strong!!

Monday- Final work session for Science Fair Project and Reading Counts Quiz
Tuesday/Wednesday- Finish up Unit 2 Review Test
Thursday- Read Treasures p.383-417, PB pages 136-143

Science Fair Projects

Even though school was closed on Friday, this is just a reminder that all science fair projects are still due on Monday.  Students were reminded in school on Thursday that this would be the case if school was closed Friday.  This also includes the written reports due for language arts classes. 

Bodker - Language Arts Week of December 2, 2013

This month our class is going to take a break from the Treasures series and begin reading a novel.  Tuck Everlasting written by Natalie Babbitt is a novel with a big secret and discusses the topic of eternal life.  We began this week discussing the topic of eternal life versus a normal life.  Students had some strong opinions and thoughts on the subject.

Students will do most reading during class.  We will not have spelling tests however, students will have an ongoing vocabulary list.  There will be daily assignments and comprehension questions to help with understanding of the story.

Homework-

Mon- No School
Tues- Anticipation writing
Wed-  Treegap and cottage picture due- Thursday
Thurs- Comprehension and vocabulary for Chapters 2 and 3
Friday-?

Win science fairs! Save the world! Get money!

This story should get you psyched up for science fair season!  Read this story to learn about some kids who took the science fair to "the next level".  Their projects sound great and their rewards sound pretty good too!

Broadcom MASTERS Science Fair

Science Week of December 3rd

Gravity, friction, and magnetism will dominate the discussion this week as we explore everyday forces.  We will be playing with toys and coming up with real world examples to help us understand these somewhat abstract concepts.  Look for a quiz next week!

This is also our final week to work on Science Fair Projects!!  Students should be revising and editing the final copy of their reports.  You should also be completing your tri-fold display board that is due on the day that you present your project.

WORK DAY FRIDAY!!
Science Fair Reports Due Monday, December 9th.  Please share these with me through your google docs science folder!

Wright Language Arts Week of December 3rd

We will be reviewing the skills we practiced in Treasures Unit 2 this week.   We will be reading two short stories together from Treasures to review many skills including drawing conclusions, main idea and details, author's purpose, latin roots, and charts.  A unit 2 review test will take place on Thursday over all of the skills we covered in unit 2.  There will be no spelling or practice book pages this week.  Class time will also be used for revising and editing the science fair project report that is due on MONDAY DECEMBER 9. You have been working on these reports for almost 7 weeks, please make it quality work.

Tuesday and Wednesday- In Class Review
Thursday-  Unit 2 Test

Monday, December 9th-  Science Report Due (for science grade and language arts grade)
                                              Reading Counts Quiz for your independent reading book due!!!

Graven LA Week of Dec. 3

This week will be a wrap up of Treasures Unit 2.  We will be reading two short stories together from Treasures to review many skills, including draw conclusions, main idea and details, author's purpose,

latin roots, and charts.  A unit 2 review test will take place on Thursday over all of the skills we covered in unit 2.  There are no new spelling words this week.  Instead, students will be tested on their personal spelling words for unit 2, which are all of the words previously missed on unit 2 tests.  There are no practice book pages this week.  Time will also be spent in class for revising and editing the science fair writing piece that is due on MONDAY DECEMBER 9.

Homework

Tuesday-"The Hungriest Dog" worksheet, spelling sentences due Thursday, Study Island topics due Friday, science fair writing piece due on Monday

Wednesday-"Going the Distance" worksheet, spelling sentences due Thursday, Study Island topics due Friday, science fair writing piece due on Monday

Thursday-Unit 2 Test, spelling sentences due, Study Island topics due Friday, science fair writing piece due on Monday

Friday-Study Island topics due, science fair writing piece due on Monday

Monday-science fair writing piece due

SS Week of Dec. 3

Learning Target: I can compare characteristics of early Indian civilizations (governments, social structures, religions, technologies, and agricultural practices and products).

This week we will be finishing up the Aztec and digging into the Inca civilization.

Homework
Wednesday-Inca worksheet
*keep adding to your ABC sheets

Mrs. Bodker Gets SLIMED!

Mrs. Bodker was 2nd place in the competition to raise money for RISE.  As her prize, she was slimed during the RISE assembly for November.  She was such a good sport!  Mr. Germann took 1st place and was also slimed.  We have wonderful teachers and students at BWIS!  Thanks for all of you who donated money.

November RISE Students

Congrats to AJ, Heidi, and Audrey for being selected from our team to join RISE this year!

Little Caesars Pizza Kit Orders

All orders are due on Tuesday, December 3 for Little Caesars Pizza Kits.  Money raised will go in your child's account for the Mohican trip.

Can The Principal

The canned food drive begins Dec. 3 to can Mr. McLane in his office with donations.  The following is a list of suggested donations from the Big Walnut Friend Who Share website

Basic Food Items For Donation

• Cereal(box), Baby Food(jars), Peanut Butter(14/20oz  jars), Jelly(grape), Spaghetti Sauce(16oz cans), Spaghetti 7 Spaghetti Shells,
• Tuna Fish, Mac & Cheese(box), Ravioli, Spaghetti(15oz cans),
• Soups(15oz cans), Fruits(15oz cans), Vegetables(15oz can), Cake
• Mix(box), Muffin Mix(box), Hamburger Helper, Potatoes(can or box),  Boxed or Bag Meals(pasta, rice etc.), 

Non-Food Items

• Toothpaste, toothbrushes, Shampoo(16oz), Dish Soap, Diapers,
• Laundry Soap

GRAVEN LA Week of Nov. 26

This week we will be doing some Thanksgiving reading and writing activities while taking a break from Treasures.  There will not be any tests this week (no spelling or vocabulary words).

Monday-Turkey, Reading Counts letter signed, Book contract #2, Study Island topic (Subject-verb agreement)
Tuesday-Take home a good book and READ over break! :)

Next week...Unit 2 review, personal spelling test, and final copies of written report for science fair (due in LA and Sci classes)

Remember: Reading Counts Quiz #2 is due by Dec. 13.  Keep reading!

SS Week of Nov. 26

This week we will continue learning about Meso-America and South America, specifically wrapping up the Aztec and getting into the Inca.  

HOMEWORK: Monday-worksheet (both sides)

HISTORY: Learning Targets

Essential question:

How have ideas and events from the past shaped the Western Hemisphere today?

Learning targets

- I can construct a multi-tier timeline and analyze the relationships among events. (HIST1)

- I can compare characteristics of early Indian civilizations (governments, social structures, religions, technologies, and agricultural practices and products). (HIST2)

GEOGRAPHY: Learning targets

Essential question: 

How does where you live influence how you live?

-I can make generalizations about the cultural ways of life among American Indian cultural groups in North and South America. (GEO8)

Stress: Portrait of a Killer

Some of the discussion in science class this week centered around how stress can cause illness in mammals. Here is a link to a fantastic documentary on the topic....

Science Week of November 18th

Non-communicable diseases and how the immune system work will be our discussion topics this week.  Be sure to ask your student about the "Primate Stress Club" video that we watch on Wednesday.  There will be a Disease and Immune System quiz on Thursday and a Science Project work day on Friday!!


Thurs-  Disease and Immune System Quiz
Fri-  Science Project Work Day


***Be sure to use the information found in the "Science Fair Project Folder" in GoogleDocs.  We are on Week 5!  The written report is due December 9th and you will present your project to your class Dec. 9th-19th. BWIS Science Night is January 30th! 

SS Week of Nov. 18

This week we will continue learning about Meso-America and South America, specifically wrapping up the Maya and getting into the Aztec.  Homework will be light this week since there aren't enough of the purple books for each student to have one to take home.  Instead, we'll be doing a lot of in class activities.  We won't be using History Alive for this unit.

HISTORY: Learning Targets

Essential question:

How have ideas and events from the past shaped the Western Hemisphere today?

Learning targets

- I can construct a multi-tier timeline and analyze the relationships among events. (HIST1)

- I can compare characteristics of early Indian civilizations (governments, social structures, religions, technologies, and agricultural practices and products). (HIST2)

GEOGRAPHY: Learning targets

Essential question: 

How does where you live influence how you live?

-I can make generalizations about the cultural ways of life among American Indian cultural groups in North and South America. (GEO8)

LA Week of November 18

Unit 2, Week 5: Hurricanes
This week we'll be reading a nonfiction piece about hurricanes from the Treasures series.  We will analyze structures of text this week with various stories, especially description selections.

Essential Question: How can recognizing description help you understand the relationships between ideas?

CCSS: R.CCR.5: Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole.

Comprehension: Description

Fluency: Expression and Phrasing

Spelling: Closed syllables, multisyllabic words

Grammar: Plurals and possessives

Spelling Words

1. dentist

2. jogger

3. fifteen

4. flatter

5. submit

6. mustang

7. absent

8. hollow

9. empire

10. blizzard

11. culture

12. goggles

13. summon

14. champion

15. kennel

16. valley

17. fragment

18. gallop

19. vulture

20. pigment

Vocabulary Words

1. damages

2. property

3. contact

4. available

5. atmosphere

6. destruction

7. surge

Graven Homework

Monday-read p.220-239 due Tuesday, Thanksgiving piece due Tuesday, Reading Counts Quiz #1 due Wednesday, practice book p.82-90 due Thursday, Study Island "Choosing Words Precisely" due Friday

Tuesday-Thanksgiving piece due today, Reading Counts Quiz #1 due Wednesday, practice book p.82-90 due Thursday, Study Island "Choosing Words Precisely" due Friday

Wednesday-Reading Counts Quiz #1 due today to stay on pace, practice book p.82-90 due Thursday, Study Island "Choosing Words Precisely" due Friday

Thursday-selection test, practice book p.82-90 due today, Study Island "Choosing Words Precisely" due Friday

Friday-spelling test, skills test, Study Island "Choosing Words Precisely" due Friday

Extra Credit Opportunity-Write a letter to the troops and I'll send it them!  Letters/cards/pictures are due by Dec. 3.

Bodker Homework

Mon- Read Hurricanes in Treasures p. 222-235  Practice p. 83 Reading Counts quiz #1 due Friday
Tues-Practice p. 84
Wed-Practice p. 89, Grammar worksheet 47
Thurs-Practice  p. 86  Worksheet Old Man River due Friday 11/22 Reading Comp. Test
Fri- No Homework  Reading Skills Test, Spelling Test, Reading Counts Quiz # 1 due (independent reading book)

WRIGHT HOMEWORK
Mon- Read Treasures Pages 219-237, Practice Book Pages 82-89 Due Thursday!
Tues- Re-Read Treasures p. 219-237
Thur- Practice Book Pages Due, Selection Test
Fri-    Skills Test, Spelling Test
***Independent Reading Book and Reading Counts Quiz Due by December 9th!!***

Math- Week of November 11th

Students begin the week reviewing the results of their Chapter 3 Assessment.  Test corrections and a parent signature is required for anyone receiving a grade of 79% or below.

On Tuesday, we will begin Unit 5 Fractions, Decimals and  Percents.  Students will review the meaning of fractions,decimals and percent notations for rational numbers.  Students will be able to make conversions between the notations.  Students will be reminded that fractions are division problems.
 Three main areas of focus in this unit include the following:
1. reviewing fraction concepts, such as exploring mixed numbers, comparing and ordering fractions        and finding equivalent fractions.
2. Practice turning fractions into decimals and percents
3. Review the properties and construction of bar and circle graphs.

Homework

Mon-Math Journal p. 120, Test corrections Due 11/12 with parent signature
Tue-MJ. 123
Wed-MJ 128
Thurs-MJ 127,128
Fri-MJ 132

Science Week of November 11th

We started the week with a quiz covering body systems. For Tuesday through Thursday, we will move into the study of disease and disease prevention.  Our three big questions for this unit are:
Why do we get sick?  Why do we get better?  How can we prevent the spread of disease?
Friday will be our Science Project work day! No more quizzes this week and your homework is to keep on plugging away at those science projects!!

***Be sure to use the information found in the "Science Fair Project Folder" in GoogleDocs.  We are on Week 4!  Throughout this week, I will be checking with you to see how your project is coming along.  The written report is due December 9th and you will present your project to your class Dec. 9th-19th. BWIS Science Night is January 30th! 

Social Studies Week of Nov. 11

This week we will begin learning about Meso-America and South America and the Native Americans in this region, including the Olmec, Maya, Aztec, and Inca.  I showed a video this week as an introduction to these cultures, and it was very well received by the students!  Upon their request, here's the link for that video so that you can watch at home.  Homework will be light this week since there aren't enough of the purple books for each student to have one to take home.  Instead, we'll be doing a lot of in class activities.  We won't be using History Alive for this unit.

HISTORY: Learning Targets

Essential question:

How have ideas and events from the past shaped the Western Hemisphere today?

Learning targets

- I can construct a multi-tier timeline and analyze the relationships among events. (HIST1)

- I can compare characteristics of early Indian civilizations (governments, social structures, religions, technologies, and agricultural practices and products). (HIST2)

GEOGRAPHY: Learning targets

Essential question: 

How does where you live influence how you live?

I can make generalizations about the cultural ways of life among American Indian cultural groups in North and South America. (GEO8)

LA Week of Nov. 11

Unit 2, Week 4: Up in the Air

This week students will read another science nonfiction piece from Treasures.  It is all about flight and the various inventions throughout history.  

Essential Question: Why is it important to verify facts and distinguish them from opinions?

Comprehension: Fact and Opinion

Vocabulary: Greek Roots

Fluency: Rate and Accuracy

Spelling: Contractions, Multisyllabic Words

Grammar: Possessive nouns, adding s or 's

Spelling Words-you've, she'd, that's, what's, doesn't, there's, you're, wasn't, we'll, we've, we're, couldn't, I've, didn't, they're, shouldn't, wouldn't, he'd, don't, isn't

Vocabulary Words-launched, particles, dense, inflate, anchored, companion, scientific, hydrogen

Graven Homework

Monday-read p.192-217, practice book p.75-83 due Thursday, Study Island Fact and Opinion due Friday

Tuesday-practice book p.75-83 due Thursday, Study Island Fact and Opinion due Friday

Wednesday-practice book p.75-83 due Thursday, Study Island Fact and Opinion due Friday

Thursday-selection test, practice book p.75-83 due, Study Island Fact and Opinion due Friday

Friday-Study Island Fact and Opinion due, spelling test, skills test

*Nov. 20-First Reading Counts quiz due on a book in your lexile level

Wright Homework

Mon-  Read Treasures pages 194-217, Practice Book p.73-80 due THUR

Tue-  Re-read Treasures pages 194-217, PB p 73-80 due THUR

Thur- Selection Test

Fri- Skills Test, Spelling Test

**You should have your Reading Counts quiz done for your independent reading book by 12/9/13!!

Bodker Homework

Mon-Read Treasures p. 196-213 Practice p. 74
Tues- Practice P. 78
Wed-Practice p. 73
Thur-Practice p. 77, Study spelling words Reading Selection Test
Fri-Spelling Test, Skills Test

**Students should have their first Reading Counts quiz completed 11/22.
**Students shold have a second Reading Counts quiz completed by 12/17.

Math Week of Nov 4th

This week in 5th Grade Math students will be discussing the properties of polygons.  Students will then learn the explanation behind why all the angles of a triangle total 180 degrees. Ask your child if he or she can explain it to you.  Students will then use the triangle method to find the sum of a polygons interior angles.  Students will understand that the measure of an angle is determined by the angle not the length of it's side.
Students will have a unit review on Thursday in preparation for a unit assessment on Friday.  Students will be allowed to use their notes.  They have been advised of the notes they will need and to bring them with them to class on Friday.

Homework

Mon- Polygon review worksheet
Tues-Polygon/triangle worksheet
Wed- math journal 90 and 91
Thurs-Review for Geometry test
Fri- Unit Assessment

SS Native American Presentations

The students presented their SS Native American projects Monday and Tuesday in class.  Most kids seemed to enjoy using the smart board and sharing their research with their classmates.  I was impressed with their overall projects and enthusiasm throughout the process.  Nice job to all!~Mrs. Graven

Science Week of Nov 4th

We continue with our study of human body systems this week.  The areas we will look at include the cardiovascular, digestive, and nervous systems.  Remember, our goals for this unit are to understand the functions of each system and be able to discuss how the systems are interconnected.

SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT UPDATE!!
For week 3 and week 4 you should be running your experiment and collecting all the data that you can.  Be sure to keep track of you observations in GoogleDocs or in a paper journal. Take accurate measurements!

I won't be checking progress until next week, so be sure to stay on task.  We will have a science project work day again this Friday, November 8th.

***Body systems quiz will be next Monday 11/11/13!

RISE October

Congrats to Grace, Halley, Ana, and Jack for being recognized at last Wednesday's RISE assembly.  These students have continuously demonstrated the characteristics of RISE; Responsibility, Integrity, Scholarly, and Exploration.  Keep it up!  

Conferences Nov. 4 and Nov. 7

 

We are looking forward to meeting with those of you that scheduled conferences this week for fall parent/teacher conferences.  Mrs. Graven, Mr. Wright, and Mrs. Bodker will be present at all of the conferences.  All conferences will be held in Mr. Wright's classroom, and students are welcome to join for the 15 minutes if you wish.  The Book Fair will also take place in the library.

If you did not get to schedule a conference this time and would still like to, please send us an email and we'll do our best to update you on your child's progress via email, phone, or a scheduled conference.  Please also note that our team is always willing to meet with you at any point in the school year as needs arise.  BWIS will hold spring conferences as well.  Thanks for your continued support! 

SS Week of Nov. 4

We will wrap up the North American Native American group projects with presentations in class on Monday and Tuesday.  Ask your child to show you their group's presentation on Google Docs!  Later this week we will begin learning about Native Americans of South America.

Learning Target: I can make generalizations about the cultural ways of life among American Indian cultural groups in North and South America.

Homework

Monday-Group Presentations

Tuesday-Group Presentations, all students complete group work evaluation

LA Week of Nov. 4

Unit 2, Week 3: "These Robots Are Wild"

READING: This week students will read "These Robots Are Wild", which is an expository text about scientific discoveries in robots. Paired selections will include "The Code Breakers" (expository text) and "Preventing Polio" (expository test practice).  Look at all of the the science connections we're having this week!

This Week's Language Arts Skills and Strategies
Strategy: Monitor Comprehension
Skill: Author's Purpose
Genre: Expository
Fluency: Phrasing
Phonics/Spelling: Inflectional endings
Grammar/Mechanics: More plural nouns, plural forms, appositives
Vocabulary: Greek and Latin Roots
Study Island: Author's Purpose

Spelling Words-inflectional endings
jogging, forbidding, complicated, dripping, referred, qualified, skimmed, injured, threatening, accepted, deserved, gnarled, amusing, applied, envied, easing, relied, fascinated, regretted, renewing

Vocabulary Words
investigating, observed, inhibit, conquer, insight

GRAVEN

Always-Read 30 minutes each night. Continue Study Island practice.
Monday-read Treasures p. 180-191, practice book pages 65-74 due Thursday, Study Island Author's Purpose due Friday
Tuesday-practice book pages 65-74 due Thursday, Study Island Author's Purpose due Friday
Wednesday-practice book pages 65-74 due Thursday, Study Island Author's Purpose due Friday
Thursday-practice book pages 65-74 due, selection test, Study Island Author's Purpose due Friday
Friday-spelling test, skills test, Study Island Author's Purpose due

*Study Island for LA is back up and running!

WRITING: Congrats to KATIE!!!!!!! She is the Graven winner for the monster of the week contest. She created "Fuzzy Bottom Bang Bang" to win the votes of her classmates. Second place went to Cameron with "The Boogie Man". Third place was Mykaela with "Mrs. Mommy Hero".   All of the monsters were fun to hear in class before Halloween last week.  Congrats to the winners!

LEXILE: Students will select a book within their Lexile level for silent reading.  They will 
need to take a Reading Counts quiz on this book this quarter.  Two book quizzes are required for the 2nd quarter. 

WRIGHT
Read Treasures pages 190-189, Complete Practice Book pages 64-71
*Comprehension Questions from pages 187 and 189 DUE THURSDAY for HW Check
*Final Revise/Edit of Perfect Classroom DUE FRIDAY

BODKER
Read 30 minutes Daily (First Reading Counts Test due Nov22)
Practice spelling words nightly.  Test -Friday
Final writing Draft for Searching for Cures due-Thurs
Mon- Read The Robots are Wild p.184-187, practice p. 65, Practice Spelling Words
Tues-Practice Page 66
Wed-Practice p.64
Thurs-Practice p. 68 Reading Comp. Test
Fri-Reading Skills Test, Spelling Test, Searching for Cures  writing assignment due.

Here's my pumpkin...

Give me another 20 years and I will be as good as Ray Villafane...

Science Week of Oct 28

This week we will spend Monday and Tuesday covering the Respiratory and Circulatory systems.  Wednesday will be our Science Fair Project work day so come to class prepared to research or draft your work.  Please use GoogleDocs to do your work so that it is easier to stay organized.  Don't forget to consult the documents in the "Science Fair Project" folder!  Remember, you are allowed to do a little each week or you can work ahead.  Whatever you do, don't wait to do it all the night before it is due!!


BWI Science Night has been changed to January 30th, 2013!!

LA Week of Oct. 28

This week all classes will take a short break from Treasures in LA.  Each class will be working on various needs for the students' reading and writing.

Graven Homework
Monday-book contract #1 is due, finish reading literature circle book, final copy of monster writing is due Wed.
Tuesday-final copy of monster writing is due Wed.
Wednesday-final copy of monster writing is due....Which monster/student will win the contest????
Thursday and Friday-no school, but keep up the reading!

Wright Homework
Wednesday- Book Contract Due (YOU check to make sure the lexile level is appropriate and that there is a Reading Counts quiz available!!)

SS Week of Oct. 28

Classes will be tested on History Alive Ch. 3 this week and continue working on their Native American group projects.  All kids should keep working on the Native American group projects through Google Docs!!!!

Learning Target: I can make generalizations about the cultural ways of life among American Indian cultural groups in North and South America.

Homework

Monday-letter, Ch. 3 tutorial for extra credit is due Wed.

Tuesday-study, Ch. 3 tutorial for extra credit is due Wed.

Wednesday-Ch. 3 test, turn in Ch. 3 notes packets for a homework grade, turn in tutorial for extra credit

Thursday and Friday-no school

Monday-Group Presentations

Tuesday-Group Presentations

Veterans Day Observance

ASSEMBLY

Students are asked to invite veterans they know to our school assembly on Nov. 11.  Breakfast for the veterans and the students that invited them will be at 9:30am.  Shortly afterward, a BWIS assembly will honor our veterans.  Please return the red invitation form by Oct. 30 if your child has a vet to bring.

WRITING CONTEST

BWIS is holding a writing contest in conjunction with Veterans Day.  Two students from each grade level will get to read their writing during the assembly.  

Think about the sacrifice made by the women and men of our Armed Services in order for us to be free and safe.

Describe the sacrifice they have made and what it means to you.

Your well-written response (prose or poetry) should address the prompt above, be free of spelling and grammatical errors, and appropriate for reading aloud at the BWIS Veterans Day Observance.

Please submit your response to Mr. Firchau in room 132 by Wednesday, October 30.

Native American Group Project

Currently in SS class, students are working in groups on their tribe of choice to dig further into our studies of all of the North American cultural groups that we've discussed.  The kids are using Google Docs Presentations to demonstrate their learning.  Groups have been given guiding questions for their research as well as the rubric that Mrs. Graven will use to assess the final project.  All students should be working at home on this project also to help their group's progress.  Presentations will take place in class the week of Nov. 4.  Here's a few pictures of their work in the library this week.  Ask your child to show you their presentation!  They're doing a fantastic job so far!

Great Plains Moccasin Game

After learning about the Great Plains group this week in SS class, students were able to participate in a traditional game of the culture group.  It was a team hid and seek/guessing game of sorts that went back and forth.  Drums and shakers were also used in class just like the Great Plains groups did.  

Treat for Troops

• Big Walnut Education Association is collecting unwanted Halloween candy to send to troops. There will be a collection box at each school for students to bring in their unwanted Halloween candy. Candy can be brought in October 29-November 4. We will then collect all candy donations and send to troops.

Math Week of Oct 21st.

This week we will begin to explore Angles.  Students will review some past  vocabulary and learn some new vocabulary.  Students should review and keep their notes in their folders.  We identified  different types of angles, which most students retained  from last year.  We are learning to measure with a protractor Students are working hard to identify which numbers should be used for the angle they are creating or measuring.  This is one of my favorite units.  The students are catching on quickly.

Homework

Monday- Math Journal p. 66
Tuesday- Math worksheet 80
Wednesday-Math journal p. 65, 71
Thursday- Math journal p. 59, 61
Friday- Vocabulary Quiz

Science Week of Oct 21

We will wrap up our discussion of natural succession and how ecosystems are changed by natural and man-made occurrences.  The quiz will be Tuesday!!  For the rest of the week, we will be delving into Body Systems!  Our goals for this week will be to determine the major functions of each body system and how the systems are interconnected.

Additionally, this week marks the official start of our 2nd Quarter Science Project!!  Each student will complete a written report, a trifold presentation board, present to the class, and participate in the BWI Science Night on February 6th.  I am allowing three different types of science projects this year: Classic Science Fair Project, Design Challenge, or Concept Demonstration.  The written report is due Monday, December 9th.  Students will sign up for a day between December 9th and December 20th to present to the class.  

If students decide to take their project to the Big Walnut Science Fair on February 13th, they will earn bonus points that count towards their final science grade!  I have shared a folder of information about this project entitled "Science Fair Project" through your student GoogleDocs account.  This folder contains an informational sheet about the project, a pacing guide, report guides for each project type, a works cited info sheet, and a page with 200 science fair ideas!  Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have.

You will have one day each week to work on your project in class.  The homework this quarter is to work on your Science Project!!  Use the Pacing Guide to help you focus on what to do each week.

Mon- Review for Succession Quiz
Tues- Succession Quiz
Fri- Science Project Work Day/ Library and Computers Reserved for research!!

LA Week of Oct. 21

This week's story is "Rattlers" and focuses on main idea and details.  It is a high interest nonfiction story about various snakes.  Read to find out how rattlesnakes catch their prey.

Essential Question: What do all of the important details in this selection have in common?

Strategy: Summarize

Skill: Main Idea and Details

Genre: Expository and Folktale

Fluency: Expression and Phrasing

Phonics/Spelling: Plurals

Grammar/Mechanics: Singular and Plural
Nouns, Capitalization and Abbreviations in
Letters

Literary Elements: Hero and Personification

Spelling Words-plurals

rattlers, fangs, countries, liberties, potatoes, rodeos, taxes, reptiles, surroundings, beliefs, difficulties, batches, abilities, lashes, identities, losses, possibilities, notches, zeroes, eddies

Vocabulary Words

species, survive, alert, vibrates,
surroundings, prey, predators, lunging

Graven

Monday-Read p.158-179, practice book p. 55-63 due Thursday

Tuesday-practice book p. 55-63 due Thursday

Wednesday-practice book p. 55-63 due Thursday

Thursday-selection test, practice book p. 55-63 due

Friday-spelling test, skills test

*Study Island for LA is currently unavailable until further notice.

LEXILE: Students will select a book within their Lexile level for silent reading.  They will 
need to take a Reading Counts quiz on this book this quarter.  Two book quizzes are required for the 2nd quarter. 

WRIGHT

Monday-Read p.158-179, practice book p. 55-63 due Thursday

Tuesday-practice book p. 55-63 due Thursday

Wednesday-practice book p. 55-63 due Thursday

Thursday-selection test, practice book p. 55-63 due

Friday-spelling test, skills test

BODKER
Mon- Read Treasures p. 162-175  Practice p. 56
Tues-Practice Book p. 55,58
Wed-Practice Book p. 57, Rough draft letter to parents or guardian.
Thurs-Reading Comprehension test Practice p. 59 , review Rattlers Story, study Spelling words
           Parent letter due Friday
Friday-Spelling Test, Skills test, Parent letter due