A Newsletter from Room 514
Hello Parents and Students,
I wanted to update you on several things that are/will be taking place in our classroom.
A new addition to our Story Quiz
I recently added a Grammar Skills section to our story quizzes. The quiz is taken directly from the homework. If a student is in class, and does the homework, I am confident that the student will have no problems taking this new portion of the quiz.
New Vocabulary Quiz
Last week the students were given a “practice” Vocabulary quiz, which they earned extra points for. It was a “practice” quiz because the format has changed a bit. They are to write the part of speech, definition, and sentence for each vocabulary word. I feel that all of my students are ready for this new format! I am certain that you will ensure that the students are studying their definitions, and will have an easy transition to the new format.
Accelerated Reader
Recently, as I printed a classroom overview of our Accelerated Reader tests, I have realized that some students have chosen to not take AR quizzes.
The Accelerated Reader program is a mandatory component of our school reading program. I highly encourage the students to take the time in class, and in computer lab, to take the quizzes. I do look at their scores when doing the report cards, and use classroom incentives to encourage the students to take the quizzes.
Accelerated Reader is used throughout the district. I feel it is a “stress-free” way of testing for a student’s comprehension, because they are able to read books that they are interested in, at their level. I would really appreciate if you took a few minutes to speak to your child, and make sure that all of this is understood.
Classroom Item Donations
There are a few items that we have started to run out of in class. We are in need of glue sticks, thin Black Sharpies, and Lysol Wipes. We would appreciate any donations of these items.
Upcoming events/projects
Million Dollar Challenge -- This is a Math project that involves “spending a million dollars”, that comes from our Everyday Math! It will take about 4 weeks to complete. Some parts of it will be done in class, but most of it will be done at home. More information, along with a parent letter, will be sent home shortly.
Market Day – So far, Market Day has been a big hit. We are very happy to see so many students eagerly participating in the day.
Mr. Bender and I have made it clear to our students that participating in Market day is an incentive for their good behavior. In other words, if a student chooses to not behave in class, they will not be able to participate on Market day. It is also an incentive for completing all of their homework. Those students who receive two or more homework progress notes, will not participate.
Our next Market day is scheduled for the end of February. Here are a few guidelines and reminders for that day….
• We encourage selling items you and a partner have made.
• If you are working with someone, make sure you split the profits evenly.
• You may sell things that you have at home that you no longer need.
• You may sell used video games you no longer want.
• You MAY NOT sell any food items.
• You MAY NOT sell anything that has to do with violence.
• EVERYTHING has to be school appropriate.
• Mr. Bender and I reserve the right to “pull” any item that is being sold, that we don’t see fit.
Solar System Project – This will be a Power Point project that will take about three weeks. It will be done, in its entirety, at school. We will be using computer lab time to complete the project in March.
Biography Report- The larger portion of this project will be done in class. It will be a report on someone famous, who has contributed to society in a positive way.
Field Trip – As you may already know, the 5th grade field trip is to Riley’s Farm. This will be taking place sometime in May.
State Reports – The State reports (which the students are VERY eager to start) will be assigned in March.
Colonial Day – More information to come!
As always, I am truly grateful to be a part of your child’s life. I am also very thankful for all of your support!!
Mrs. Aroyan
