We were disappointed that the weather caused us to postpone Field Day, however we are looking forward to this special day next Friday, May 4 RAIN or SHINE! Again, please be advised that there will be very limited parking due to construction on campus. Carpooling would be an excellent option if possible. There will be some parking available in the neighborhood across the street. If you would like to join your child for lunch we would love to have you! Be sure to sign in at the office and wear your GAES visitor’s badge so that we can accurately account for all visitors. 5th grade will be enjoying lunch in the classroom from 10:55 – 11:50. Remember that your child must have filled out the lunch form in order to receive the bagged lunch from the cafeteria otherwise they should bring a lunch from home. Below is a photo of the field day schedule in case you find yourself looking for us. 
5/1 Final PE Test (5L) see additional information below (5J PE test May 3)
5/1 Southwest Study Guide Due
5/2 Social Studies Southwest Test (see additional information below)
5/3 Vocabulary and Spelling Tests (one day early due to Field Day)
5/4 Field Day – RAIN or SHINE!
5/7 Science SOL
5/14 – 5/15 Reading SOL
5/23 – 5/24 Math SOL
5/28 Memorial Day – School Closed
5/30 Book Talk presentations for even numbered students
5/31 Book Talk presentations for odd numbered students
6/13 5th grade ceremony
Final PE Testing (5L May 1; 5J May 3)
From Mrs. Lucas:
The final PE test will be the week of April 30-May 4th during 5th grade’s fitness time (5L May 1). All students were given a study guide the week of March 23. We have gone over the information the entire year in PE. We will also review information before the test. I would suggest students study a little each week. Attached is the link to study guide. Final Basic PE test review
What’s Happening in Reading?
In reading we will be working on comprehension skills that include the following: identifying the main idea and supporting details, analyzing relationships, comparing and contrasting and cause and effect. We will also be reviewing past skills and focusing on using good strategies daily.
Book Talk – Fourth Nine Week Book Report
Students will receive their final book report instruction packet on Monday. Please review the directions with your child. There will be no written component turned in for this book report, instead students will be required to act as the main character of the book that they have chosen. This can be a fictional or non-fictional character. To create authenticity students are encouraged to “dress up” as the main character and to include props. To accommodate for time needed for all presentations even numbered students will present on May 30 and odd numbered students will present on May 31.
GAR (Glen Allen Reads – incentive program): Is your child logging his/her GAR minutes on their calendar? Be sure that they pick up the May log to keep in their GAR folder. The calendars are always ready for pick up on the reading area bookshelf. The GAR program is a fun way to reward the reading that your child does each day at home.
This week will begin unit 15 of our Greek and L
atin roots (rupt – break; Greek, Latin, and Metric prefixes). Please note that our vocabulary and spelling tests will take place on Thursday this week due to Field Day on Friday. The spelling portion of the test will be composed of the 5 words from unit 15 and then five randomly selected words from units 9, 13, and 14. Spelling City is an excellent resource to assist with the meaning and spelling of these words.
Spelling City: We are so fortunate at GAES to have the Spelling City app for our students to practice vocabulary and spelling. Please have your child log onto Spelling City at least 2-3 times each week to 
practice the reading vocabulary. This is such a fun way to increase their knowledge and application of the weekly vocabulary words and to review past lists as well. Look for the link to Spelling City on the right hand sde of the blog.
Social Studies:
This week we will continue to learn about the Southwest Region. Our test on the Southwest Region will be on Wednesday, May 2. For this test students will need to complete and study the Southwest study guide as well as review of past study guides. The completed Southwest study guide is due on May 1. Be sure that your child is reviewing the states and capitals of all 4 regions on a regular basis using the portal portal sites and songs.