Good afternoon students and parents.  This week and next we will all be reading the novel entitled Sign of the Beaver, by Elizabeth George Speare.  This book also goes along with our cross curricular topic of how resources impact survival.  I think the students will enjoy the novel about a boy surviving alone in the wilderness. 

We have started working with fractions in math.  Some of the students are alarmed by this topic.  I am here to help.  Please encourage your child to see me if he/she is having difficulty.  They must learn to ask for help when needed.  I am trying to teach them to be their own advocates, especially as they move on to the junior high and beyond.  We will be having our first test next week on fractions.  As always, those who know their math facts will have an easier time.  However, please be assured that it’s never too late to learn!

In science next week we will begin studying the respiratory system, with a quiz at the end of the week.  This week we are presenting our pictures of the five items we have chosen to take with us if we were stuck in the wilderness.  So far the students’ presentations have been very interesting. 

In social studies we just finished with the War of 1812.  Many students took me up on my offer of extra credit if they memorized the Preamble to the Constitution.  We are now singing the preamble and memorizing the School House Rock version.  We would like to sign it to the school for the talent show so we can show off not only our singing talent but our knowledge of the Preamble.  Every student received a copy of the song, and you can also find it on YouTube School House Rock, Preamble.

Beginning in March, each week we will be taking one or two sessions per week of the new PARCC test that has replaced the former ISAT test.  Please encourage your child to do his/her best but not to stress out about these assessments.  All any of us can do is our individual best, and that’s all we’re asking. 

Don’t forget, this week we have half a day Thursday, and the students have no school on Friday.  It’s a perfect time to read and memorize those math facts.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.  Thank you.