Ameritowne

Our field trip to Young Ameritowne will be March 14th, 2014.  This is a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in civic responsibility, financial literacy, and collaboration.  Kids and families absolutely love this exciting field trip and always rave about how important these skills are to their future.

Two fliers went home a few weeks ago: one was about the program itself, and the other was a volunteer opportunity form.  I am attaching that form here as well.  This field trip isn't possible without the support of families volunteering.  Please consider donating your time to our class.  There are a variety of ways to do this and a variety of time commitments.

I'm also attaching the field trip permission slip instructions.  This is a more expensive opportunity for our kids, so I like to extend the learning to the home.  Please consider collaborating with your child on a way to earn the money for this field trip.  What can they do at home or for you that will show them that money is earned through thoughtful work and time?

State Testing

As you have read from Jenny Brown's weekly Principal Updates, TCAP (formally CSAP) will be beginning shortly: March 4, 5, 6, 11, & 12.  Please make all possible efforts to have your kiddo in class these days.  It is a lot of testing in a short amount of time.  Please make sure that during this time your child is well rested and has eaten a great breakfast.  Sitting for such a long period of time and thinking that hard can really ware on a person.  Here is a brochure put out by the Colorado Department of Education for families concerning state testing.

I'm not a big believer in teaching test prep, but we will review a few things over the next two weeks just so students feel ready for these tests.  Also, we will talk about testing format.  I know these kids have made great growth this year, I just want them to be able to translate their wonderful thinking to these tests.

Social Media Use

We, as a fifth grade team, have had a few discussions lately about how our kids are using social media these days.  While we see the tremendous value in these outlets for our kiddos and their future, we are also concerned with some things that may be happening.  Below is a letter Mrs. Hawk sent out to families recently.  I'm not seeing a big problem in our class, but I wanted to share these thoughts as well.

As a side note, from a parent and teacher to other parents, I've been hearing a lot of talk amongst the kids in our class and throughout the school about Instagram accounts, texting, iMessaging, and more.  I'm sure that you have established a lot of rules and boundaries around using these types of social media with your children, but please make sure you are checking in and monitoring these accounts as many of the students are using them often, and I'm not sure they are always using them respectfully.  If you're interested, I've provided a link to a "Parents" magazine article just published which includes a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics about the impact of social media on kids.  

CCIRA

Hey all, I just wanted to let you know that I will be out this Thursday and Friday at a literacy conference.  Every year the Colorado Council International Reading Association holds a conference in the Tech Center that people from all around the country attend.  This will be my second time going and it is truly worth the time.  I will be learning the latest research, visiting with authors, and gathering great information to continue my growth in reading and writing instruction.  Here's the website if you are interested in what this conference has to offer.  Mrs. Dougan will be my substitute for both days while I am gone.  She is great and knows these kiddos.
Thanks again for your support!

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching.

We will be celebrating on Thursday, Feb. 13th, from 3:00-4:00.  Please let me know if you are interested in planning this event.  If no one is able, we will play board games, exchange cards, and enjoy some treats.  Also, if no one is able, I will send out a sign up for the treats.  Thanks so much!

As far as cards go, students are welcome to exchange valentines in class as long as they bring one for everyone, though bringing cards is not mandatory.  I've included a class list here.  Please also send in a bag or box to collect your valentines cards in.  I know that at this age some kids are over decorating a box and just want to bring in a bag, while others know this is probably the last time they will have this experience.  No pressure, just do what works for your family.

Keep in mind that next Friday is a Professional Learning Day for teachers and there will be no school for students.