Thank you to Karen Lucas and all of the parent and staff volunteers for putting together and running another super successful GAES Field Day! The students had a fantastic time!

“Knowledge Showcase”

The students have been working hard during review sessions in class on what I like to refer to as their “Knowledge Showcase.” This time of year, is their time to shine as they have worked so hard and are now ready to “show what they know.”  On Monday, May 7, students will take the Science SOL where they will showcase the knowledge they have gained in 4th and 5th grade science.  Students will continue to showcase their knowledge on the Reading SOLs on Monday, May 14 and Tuesday May 15 and then wrap it up with the Math SOLs on May 23 and 24. I know that each of them will do their very best and shine like stars. Please assist them in this endeavor at home prior to each testing day by ensuring that they get a good night’s rest, eat a nutritious breakfast, and come to school on time. Thank you in advance for your support.

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

6/15 Last day of school – 1/2 day dismissal begins at 11:00

What’s Happening in Reading?

In reading we will be focusing on review of comprehension skills and strategies as well as vocabulary and word knowledge skills to prepare for the Reading SOL on May 14 and May 15.

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.

Please note there will be no vocabulary or spelling tests this week due to the Science SOL on Monday and the upcoming Reading SOL.

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:We are off to our fifth and final region of the United States – the Western Region! We will begin by learning the states and capitals and then learn about the natural resources and economic activities of the West. Be sure that your child is reviewing the states and capitals of all 5 regions on a regular basis using the portal portal sites and songs.