Thanksgiving

I just wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!  Be safe and eat lots of turkey! Mmmm! 

Long time, no see

I know that it's been some time since my last post, but things have been extremely busy!  Just a heads up that there will be 3 tests this coming week: reading, vocab, and math.  This is due to the fact that Thanksgiving break is quickly approaching.  Reading and vocab will be on Friday and math will be on Thursday. 

I also wanted to make sure parents know that there needs to be 17 entries for the Nightly Reading sheet for the month of November.  Students need to be writing specific times and pages on these.  On this same subject, I am looking in to having the students do a report of some sort on the book they are currently reading.  This is tentatively scheduled to be due before Christmas break.  More information will follow.

 
Source

End of the 9 Weeks

We have just about made it to the end of the 9 weeks.  Whew!  We just finished presenting our animal PowerPoints and overall, students did a good job.  I shared with the students that if they wanted a copy of their presentation, I can share it via e-mail or flash drive.  We have chosen 3 of the best to share with Mrs. Hofe's class and Mrs. Cheshire's class. 

Next week, October 22-26 is Red Ribbon week in which we will be celebrating with dress up days.  The following week is the book fair.  Our class will be visiting on Monday and Wednesday to purchase books.  Parent night is November 1st from 3:30-6:30. 

Just a heads up, October's Nightly Reading is due November 1st.

The Rest of the Landform Projects

Landforms Projects 2 out of 5 (More to come later...my computer isn't liking uploading these)

Future Events

1. I apologize for not sending Friday Folders home. This happens from time to time because we get extremely busy!
2. I am really hoping to get pictures of the Social Studies projects up soon!
3. My hope is that this week we will start campaigning for Class President.  It's always amazing to see 10/11 year olds stand up and give a speech about their own character.  This is a great opportunity for self-reflection.  I encourage parents to encourage students to support their friends, but be open-minded about others who are running.  We have discussed this in class. 
4. Beginning at the end of this week, we will be starting more research on animals.  Your student will be choosing an animal unfamiliar to them, researching, and creating a presentation for the class.  I will only post a few of the projects on-line (without names), but if you would like a copy of your child's presentation, I can e-mail it to you.
5. As always, if you have any concerns, please e-mail me.  I will try to respond as quickly as I can.  Thank you for being a part of your child's education!

                   

Busy Week Ahead

We have such a busy week ahead! There will be several tests this week so be sure you are putting in the time to study.  You 30 minutes of reading can be studying for a test.  Remember, EFFORT is the key!

Science Test

I had to move the science test to Thursday.  We got so caught up in our landforms project today that I forgot to review for the test.  The test will cover the general information that we have been going over in class.  Life cycle, predators/parasites, and migration. 

Landforms projects are due on Thursday!  I will be posting pictures of the finished products. They're looking good!

Our butterflies are growing! We are still unsure as to whether or not all of them will make it.  We are up to 10 chrysalises (maybe 12 by tomorrow) and 10 caterpillars.  The students have been working really hard on their story books to read to the 1st grade class.  Tomorrow is the big day! I hope the little ones will like it!  We have also started our group projects with the US landforms.  I heard a lot of great ideas out of the students today.  

Last State Test

The last state test will be Tuesday, September 11.  Be sure you're studying!  We will be working on creating our Monarch books next week! Get excited!

Changes

I have made a few changes in our state test schedule.  The Southern states test will be Thursday, Sept 6.  Another change that has been made is to this site.  If you scroll down all the way to the bottom, you can enter your e-mail address so that you are notified when this site is updated.  I hope these changes are helpful!

Monarchs

Below is a presentation on Monarchs.  We viewed this in class, enjoy!

http://prezi.com/ixcyeliznhkc/monarch-caterpillars-and-butterflies/

Midwest State Test

The next state test is Friday!  Students, be sure to share the "tricks" we learned with your parents. Parents,  be sure your child shows you the "tricks" we learned with the map.  On a different note, we learned today what Milkweed and Monarch caterpillars look like.  I did tell them that if they found one I would like for them to bring it in for our butterfly house.  If you do find one, be sure you send it with a leaf so it doesn't starve! (They eat like CRAZY!)

                                                                       Milkweed

                                                                 Monarch Caterpillar

State Tests

Good evening!

US maps and abbreviation sheets went home today.  The students are responsible for learning the correct abbreviation and placement on the map for the Northeastern states.  The first test is Wednesday!

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to e-mail!

kariffle@access.k12.wv.us

First Week

We all survived the first week! I hope we have many more weeks just like this one. Next week we will finish up our "Wanted" posters, continue talking about Michael Jordan, and hopefully be inviting some new mysterious, little guests to our classroom. See you Monday!

Friday, August 24

Be sure you are studying for your Information Sheet test! Remember, spelling counts!

I must say, in these past two days, I have been quite impressed with this group of fifth graders! Yesterday and today have been wonderful.  I'm hoping that their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn continues throughout this year! Thanks kiddos!

WELCOME

Hello and welcome to the 2012-2013 school year! This will be a year full of new and exciting discoveries for all of us.  This is the first year I am going to try to keep a blog.  I am not promising how often I will update, but I will do my best.  I plan on using this blog as a source of communication.  You'll also find links to helpful and interesting websites.  Be sure to check back every now and then!