November 11-15

     Well, we hope this finds you all well after the windy Sunday we have had today.  This week felt like it flew by as well.  The students have been put into new groups and are working on researching about Native Americans and explorers.  They are learning a little about each group right now and will be digging deeper into one group or person soon.   With the start of each new project we go through some growing pains with the new groups.  We are trying to work with the students to learn to get along with all different types of people.  We also want them to share the work not do it all or expect someone to do it all for them.  This is a hard skill for fifth graders to learn but we are all working on this together.
     On Monday of this week we had a Veterans Day program.  We had a wonderful song by our fifth grade choir and we heard a story that really made us think.  Mr. Hunter spent some time in social studies talking about Veterans as well.
     The little lizards are becoming part of our routine.  One little one hid and we thought he had escaped but he was buried in the dirt!  They are keeping Ms. VanDerWeele hoping!  Students are learning about these animals and other animals as we study producers, decomposers and consumers.
    We took a common assessment in math on Friday over adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers.  As a group, Mrs. Dennie was very pleased with the result.  We have some students who will be taking a form B later in the week but the class really scored well on this skill!
     In language arts we have continued to work on our books in class.  Students are reading and answering comprehension questions in class.  We continue to work on our writing as well.
     The Operation Christmas Child project is underway and our team has been assigned to bring in toothbrushes and toothpaste.  If you have any extra we need these items by Wednesday, November 20.  Two of our students are organizing this project with us.  We want to support them the best we can.  The United Way Penny War begins tomorrow.  Students bring in pennies on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to score points for their class.  On Thursday and Friday they bring in silver to take away points other classes.  The students love it and it is a great way to help United Way.
     Just a heads up that there will be a community open house for the Innovation Academy at Riverside on next Sunday, November 24th from 2-5:00 pm.  Sixth grade students are serving as tour guides but you and your students are welcome to attend it you wish.  There is no requirement that you come we just wanted you to be aware!  
     Have a great week!

Pictures from this week!