Our first week of February flew by!

Thanks so much to Mr. Marshall for chaperoning our YMCA field trip.  Although we had to return a bit early due to the weather, great fun was had by all!  Thanks so much Mrs. Lucas for planning such an amazing field trip for us!

This Friday is Valentine’s Day. Although we are not having a party or special snacks that day, we would love to provide time for the students to exchange Valentines.  If anyone needs a list of the class, please email me!  We ask that if Valentines are brought in that they include one for every student in the class.   Thank you for helping ensure all our students feel safe and included!

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, the Glen Allen Elementary PTA would like to invite you to RSVP at https://forms.gle/YvVYbRVq74H79ATWA for the Valentine’s Day Breakfast that will be held February 10-13, 2020. The event will be held at school daily from 7:20 a.m. to 7:40 a.m. Donuts and water will be served for all attendees. Coffee will be provided for adults. This event is free of charge and sponsored by the Glen Allen Elementary School PTA. However, donations will be accepted.

The 5th Grade Chorus performance, “Gotta Be Jazz,” is right around the corner on February 25. Mr. Mills has supplied the music for students to practice at home: Gotta Be Jazz. Here also is all the details for performance night: Gotta Be Jazz Info Letter

Report cards come home on Monday, February 10th.

MATH

We will continue with variables this week.  The students are translating word problems into number sentences and vice versa.  They are also solving linear equations, balancing equations, and simplifying expressions with given values.  The test for this content will be given on Thursday, February 13th.  Your student has a study guide and lots of notes in their notebooks to help prepare for this assessment.  Weekly Math is due on Wednesday, February 12th.  We will begin buying stocks this week!  Such an exciting time!

LANGUAGE ARTS

Later this week we will begin our new novel study, The Phantom Tollbooth.  This classic is a humorous fantasy that has an abundance of figurative language throughout.  It is always a big hit with the kiddos.  In stations, we will continue working on reading and summarizing nonfiction books highlighting famous African Americans.  We will also work with point of view and perspective as well as cause and effect.  The students have been researching their mythology topic and are ready to put their research into a final project.  There are a wide variety of projects going on, from comic strips to posters to Facebook pages to dioramas.  I am super excited to see the completed products!  In Language, we will  also work on using a color coding method to revise our writing.  Book reports are due on February 25th.

SCIENCE

Lessons in science this week will focus on molecules and using the periodic table.  The students will do several activities with these concepts in small groups.  The quiz on matter and atoms has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 12th.  This quiz will cover states of matter, traits of each state, and parts of an atom.  Your student has lots of notes, a study guide, and study cards to help them prepare for this quiz.

SOCIAL STUDIES

There is a quiz on Chapter 4 and 5 vocabulary on Tuesday, February 11th.  You student was reminded to take their Social Studies notebook home with them each day this week to prepare for this quiz.  We will explore the natural and economic resources of the Northeast Region this week.  The students will use the information they have learned about the Northeast Region to create a personalized license plate for their chosen state this week.  These are super cute!

IMPORTANT DATES

2/10 – Report Cards go home

2/11 – Chapters 4 and 5 Vocabulary Quiz

2/12 – Matter and Atoms Quiz

2/13 – Variables Test

2/25 – Fantasy Book Report due

2/25 – Fifth Grade Performance

2/25 – Jump Rope for Heart

2/26 – Spring Pictures