Happy New Year!!!  I am so thrilled about the exciting possibilities in store for 2019!

The last school day of 2018 was a blast!  Thanks so much to all of the parents who made it possible for us to have such a fantastic day!  A huge thanks for all of the great gifts!  Although thank you notes were given out on Friday, I realize they may not have made it home.  🙂  Please know that I feel super blessed to be in such a generous and supportive community as Glen Allen!

MATH

This week we will begin fraction computation (5.6).  We will begin with a review of finding least common denominator (LCD), computing with like and unlike denominators, converting improper fractions and mixed numbers when needed, borrowing from a whole number when subtracting, and simplifying sums and differences.  In this unit we will be primarily practice using word problems as this is the method that they will be assessed.  The ratio quiz will be given on Friday, January 4th.  Your student has notes in their notebook on this topic.  Please also encourage your student to use the resources on the math page of this blog to help prepare and review.

LANGUAGE ARTS

In Language, we will work on using apostrophes correctly in contractions and possessives.  The students will finish their Priceless Gift writing this week.  We will also continue to read Esperanza Rising.  Text structures, character traits, symbolism, and figurative language are our focus skills.  The biography/autobiography book report is due January 4th.

SCIENCE

We will continue exploring vertebrates and invertebrates this week.  The students will learn the characteristics of many categories within these two areas.  They will be able to classify animals based on their traits.  The students will also begin a digital project that includes all of the information we are learning in this unit.  The test for this unit is scheduled for Friday, January 11th.  Science Fair paperwork is due on Monday, January 7th.

SOCIAL STUDIES

The students will finish presenting their Holidays Around the World projects on Thursday.  Then they will complete their Southeast Region Pack Your Bags projects.  The test for this region is scheduled for Thursday, January 10th.  The students have lots of notes in their notebooks along with study cards for the states and capitals.

IMPORTANT DATES

1/4 – Ratio Quiz

1/4 – Book Report due

1/7 – Science Fair Planning Paperwork due (This is a change!)

1/10 – Southeast Region Test

1/11 – Cells and Kingdoms Test

1/15 – Math Science Innovation Center Field Trip 9:30-12:30

1/16 – Yearbook Ads due

1/17 – Hungry Creek Curriculum Fair 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

1/24 – Science Fair 6:30

1/25 – End of the Second Nine Weeks

1/29 – Reading Benchmark Test Part 1

1/30 – Reading Benchmark Test Part 2

2/4  – Math Benchmark Test Part 1

2/5 – Math Benchmark Test Part 2