The first semester has definitely flown by and I have enjoyed working with your students.  They are all such neat kiddos and we have had our share of laughs and fun while learning in my classroom. Get lots of rest this next week because come Friday they will be all yours to enjoy for two whole weeks as we bid adieu to 2014.

This is what we are studying this week:

Math:  We have been studying coordinate grids and how to find patterns to generate coordinate points to graph.  They seem to have picked up on this skill rather quickly and are working hard.  We will be continuing this in the last week before the break.  We will be taking a Module 10 assessment and algebra post-test (expressions/equations, patterns, graphing) on Monday, Dec. 16th. On Thursday, we will be taking a Module 14 quiz on ordered pairs and relationships.

Science: We have finished discussing the differences between weather and climate. We are starting the Water Cycle next week.  The homework for the week will be on StemScopes on the water cycle. They will be taking a Weather, Climate, and Water Cycle Assessment on Thursday, the 18th.

Social Studies: We are continuing our unit on Westward Expansion this week and will be discussing the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the War of 1812, Texas Annexation, and the Oregon Trail.  We will not have a quiz/assessment over this material until after the break.

ELAR: We are making inferences and drawing conclusions about the structure and elements of poetry this week.  We will also be writing our second composition of the 2nd Nine Weeks this week.

Our Christmas party will be on Friday from 10:30 - 11:30.  I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and is ready for the last school week of 2014!

We have been working hard and going full throttle in the weeks leading up to Christmas break.  The students are learning new objectives and staying focused despite how close we are to the holidays.  I am very impressed and happy with how hard they are working.  Here's what we are working on next week:

Math: In math we are finished with equations and expressions. We are now moving into graphing and patterns. There were will not be a test next Friday. We will take one on the following Monday instead.

Science: We have finished learning about alternative energy resources, fossil fuels, and fossils.  We are now moving into our weather and climate unit. The weather and climate assessment will be given on the Thursday before we get out for Christmas break.

Social Studies: We are finished discussing the Constitution and Bill of Rights.  We are now starting our unit on Manifest Destiny and Westward Expansion.  There won't be a quiz or assessment this week.  There will be a quiz on the Wednesday before Christmas break.

ELA: In reading we have finished our novel study on The Lion, the Witch and Wardrobe and will be taking a test over the novel (it is also an AR book) and will be watching the movie during the week before the break.

A couple of reminders:
***Saturday is the Fulshear "Parade of Lights" and our choir will be performing.  Come out and support our 5th grade choir members!
***Tuesday, Dec. 9th is our next Spirit Night at the Chickfila in the Bella Terra shopping center.
***Thursday is our "Coffee with the Principal" and FOH meeting
***Progress Reports will go home Thursday

Have a fantastic weekend!