WEEK 17-Last week of the year!

Dear Parents,
Did everybody enjoy the wet weekend? I wanted to fill you in on everything that is happening this last week before our break.
* A BIG THANKS goes out to Gina Wheeler for organizing the party on Friday and all of the parents who provided tasty treats for the class.
* I hope every 5th grader enjoyed their Family Heritage Reports. Many students have been coming up to me saying, "Guess what Mr. Sweet...I'm related to _____________, or, "My dad was stabbed in a peace rally!" I can't wait to hear a bunch more family stories this week.
* All of this week we will be learning about the holidays: Kwanzaa, Hannukah, Saturnalia and Christmas. The spelling words will all be about the holidays.
* This week our class will be finishing the Saxon Math Book and will be using the HM Book after our return from the break.
* On Thursday of this week I'll be sending home each student's progress report. Please check it over and return it on Friday. You may look online to see their progress in Accelerated Reader. Keep in mind that the trimester began on November 5th and it ends March 5th.
* On Friday our class will be having a "White Elephant" Gift Exchange. I do this every year and my classes love it. Make sure not to spend more than $15 and try to make the gifts something both boys and girls would like.
* If you haven't done so, please check the blog from last week because I have shared a Newspaper Book Project from last year. The link describing the project is on the blog on the lower right portion. Students will be learning how to type in columns like in a real newspaper. Also, they will be bringing home their favorite colored construction paper from class.These projects are not due until Friday, January 22nd. The reason I assigned it prior to the break is that many students get bored over the three weeks and it will give them a chance to get it done, if they wish.
* On Friday of this week the 5th graders will be turning in their Colony Museum Exhibit Projects. We have been working on these in class and they will be finishing them up at home. This creative project will take the place of a Social Studies Test. (The class was very happy about this!)
* Finally, on Monday I am sending home a Mission San Juan Bautista Field Trip form for the 4th graders along with an Ano Nuevo Field Trip for everybody. The Mission trip costs $1 and the Ano Nuevo trip costs $2. Please sign and return the form + $ and let me know if you would like to drive by signing the attached paper.

It should be a great last week. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Cheers,
Mr. Sweet

"Where kind hearts and open minds rule."

HOMEWORK MONDAY
READING-Optional
Math L116
Practice Heritage Speech
Social Studies Test on Thursday-4th Grade-Study Guide sent home Monday
Colony Museum Exhibits Due Friday-(Mostly done in class)

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-Optional
Math L118
Practice Heritage Speech
4th Grade-Study for Social Studies Test
5th Grade-Finish Colony Museum Exhibits-Due Friday.

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Finish Colony Project
Practice Speech
Get White Elephant Gift
BRING BACK PROGRESS REPORT WITH PARENT SIGNATURE

WEEK 16

NEWSPAPER PROJECT EXAMPLE
Homework Monday
Reading-4th Grade-20-4-1-A.R. Book
5th Grade-Finish Crispin and write a summary about the end of the book
CHOOSE A BOOK by Friday for our exciting Newspaper Book Project (Click on link at the lower, right portion of the blog)
It is due on Friday, January 22nd.
MATH-L104
Coordinate Plane Graphing-Create four of your own designs (At least 5 sets of ordered pairs for each graph)
Due Thursday
FAMILY HERITAGE REPORT DUE NEXT MONDAY-DECEMBER 14th
No Spelling this week!
CANNED FOOD DRIVE

Homework Tuesday
Reading-4th Grade/5th Read 20 min.
CHOOSE A BOOK by Friday for our exciting Newspaper Book Project (Click on link at the lower, right portion of the blog)
It is due on Friday, January 22nd.
MATH-L106
Coordinate Plane Graphing-Create four of your own designs (At least 5 sets of ordered pairs for each graph)
Due Thursday
PRACTICE POETRY RECITATION-Memorize by Friday's recital
FAMILY HERITAGE REPORT DUE NEXT MONDAY-DECEMBER 14th
CANNED FOOD DRIVE

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
CHECK OUT PICTURE ABOVE OF NEWSPAPER PROJECT
NO READING OR MATH
Practice Poem
Heritage Report
Bring Canned Food
BRING $2 for class party on Friday

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Practice Poem-Recitals tomorrow + Heritage Report Due Monday
Bring $2 for party (13 students still haven't brought it)

WEEK 15

Welcome back! Wasn't that wonderful to have a whole week off?! My family had a total of 5 Thanksgiving Celebrations with family and friends! Needless to say, I look forward to getting back into shape.
Here is what is afoot in Room 12 this week:
* Both grades will be continuing their books. In 4th grade we will be wrapping up James and the Giant Peach the next two weeks. 5th grades will also be finishing Crispin together.
* In Technology our class is learning to use Microsoft Powerpoint. In doing so, we are growing in our understanding of how to import images, the paraphrasing of research and creating a Bibliography. In 4th grade they are learning about the main characters of James and the Giant Peach while in 5th grade we are learning about the Middle Ages, Castles, Knights, Peasants, Weaponry etc.
* In Social Studies 4th grade will learn about the Land Grants in Alta California, which led to the ranchos. Each 4th grader will be writing their very own land grant letter along with a diseno of the land they wish to take over.
5th Graders will continue to learn about the original colonies. Each child will be designing a museum exhibit as a team. These exhibits will consist of diary entries, poems, mobiles, pictures, portraits, ceramic/clay structures and much more.
* In Math we will be finishing up our first book by the winter break.
* 5th graders should be about a half way through the Family Heritage Projects, which are due close to our break.

That's it for now!

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-4th Grade Ch. 33-37 James + Summary
5th-Ch. 30-31 + Summary
Math L94
Learn Vocab-4th Grade-#21-30
5th Grade #1-20
Winter Food Drive
Heritage Report

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-4th Grade Read A.R. Book for 20 minutes
5th-Ch. 34+35 + Summary
Math L96
Learn Vocab-4th Grade-#21-30
5th Grade #1-20
Winter Food Drive
Heritage Report

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-4th 20-4-1
5th-Ch. 40-42+Summary
Math L98
Study Vocab
News Teams-Meaty Mammoths Choose Article-Due Thursday

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Reading-4th -20 min. AR
5th-Ch. 47-49
Math L100
Study Vocab/Spelling for tests
News Teams-Meaty Mammoths Choose Article-Summaries due Monday
Practice Poem recitation

WEEK 14

Dear Parents and Students of Room 12,

A special thanks goes out to all of our drivers last week when we went to the Tech Museum for an amazing trip. The students were very well behaved and applied a lot of their learning in Science with hands-on opportunities. Enjoy the pics and thank you Mary for such great photos!

Is everybody looking forward to a week off?! Well, this week we have some fun learning in Room 12. In Science we will be taking our assessments from our units of study in Electricity/Magnetism and Elements and Compounds. In writing our class is doing a 5-paragraph essay about the three things that they are most thankful for. Our focus in this assignment is transition words, details, and a solid conclusion. In reading we will continue our books James and the Giant Peach and Crispin.

On Friday our class will be having my annual "Giving Thanks Feast." Your child will have their feast item Monday night so you have time to go to the store together and make it by Thursday night. Parents are invited to come and experience this feast along with the class. At this time of the year our class is also collecting food for a local homeless non-profit. In addition, we will be collecting donations for our adopted school in Afghanistan and any toys/school supplies. It only costs $25 per month to pay for one child's education.

Mr. Sweet signing off!

THANKSGIVING QUOTES

"The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving." ~H.U. Westermayer

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading 4th-Ch. 17+18 + Lit. Circle
5th - Ch. 9-11 + Lit. Circle
Math L86
THANKSGIVING SHOPPING FOR FOOD ITEM THAT YOU ARE BRINGING
Learn Vocabulary-Write each word in a sentence correctly-Due Friday
5th Grade-Heritage Report organizing timeline of work to complete project on time.
Food/School Supply and Donations to Afghanistan School
STUDY FOR SCIENCE TEST WEDNESDAY

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
SCIENCE TEST TOMORROW!
Reading-4th Ch. 20-22 + Lit. Circle
Math L88
FOOD Drive
Go to store for ingredients for feast

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-4th - Ch. 24-26 + Lit. Circle
5th-Ch.20-23
Math L90
Spelling/Vocab-Type sentences using each word correctly
4th Grade-#21-30 5th grade-#1-20 DUE FRIDAY
Go shopping for ingredients

WEEK 13

Dear Parents,
This week our class begins its 2nd trimester together and it's amazing that it has gone by that fast! This week our class will begin new books in 4th and 5th grades. In 4th grade we will start my favorite book as a child: James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. In 5th grade we will start a Newbery Award winning book entitled Crispin by Avi. In Science our class will be wrapping up our studies of Electricity/Magnetism and the Periodic Table and Physical/Chemical Properties and Changes. On Wednesday there will be no school in observance of Veteran's Day. On Friday our class will be going on our field trip to The Tech Museum. We will be leaving at 8:00 a.m. sharp to make it in time for our Chemical Properties Lab that starts at 9:00 a.m. I will post the drivers for this trip on Monday and send an e-mail reminder too. Our Report Cards will be going home on Friday of this week, as well. The following Friday, November 20th, will be the Big Spin and Awards for the 1st Trimester. That's it for now...
Mr. Sweet

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-4th James and the Giant Peach-Ch.2-5 + Summary
5th-Crispin-Ch. 2+3-Summary
Math L80
Science-4th-Wkbk p. 46-51-Due Friday
5th-p.36-47-Due Friday
TEST NEXT WEDNESDAY-November 18th.

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-4th James and the Giant Peach-Ch.8-12 + Summary
5th-Crispin-Ch. 4-6-Summary
Math L82
AR Contract Signed by Parent
See Blog to learn words for vocab.
Science-4th-Wkbk p. 46-51-Due Friday
5th-p.36-47-Due Friday
TEST NEXT WEDNESDAY-November 18th.
5th Grade-Heritage Report Due-Thursday, December 17th (SEE BLOG FOR DOCUMENT LINK TO DOWNLOAD)

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
FIELD TRIP TOMORROW
Read Ch. 14-16-4th grade
Read Ch. 8-5th grade
Math L84 odds
Finish Science Wkbk pages see Monday
THANKSGIVING MEAL SIGN UP

WEEK 12-Last week of 1st Trimester

Dear Parents,
I wanted to thank all of you who made our Halloween Party a smashing success. Gina Wheeler did an amazing job putting together a great team of parents to provide great snacks and fun activities. I was mummified and donuted like no other year! Enjoy the pics and video!

A huge thanks goes out to Laura and Mark Junod who donated Staples gift certificates. I was able to purchase some compasses, protractors, popcorn, colored pencils, prizes and "brain vitamins." Furthermore, I deeply appreciate the parents who have been volunteering in class. Your support helping teach, grade, organize and copy has been a big help. I was very pleased with the quality of the Pizza Book Projects. Your support and time at home each night has made a significant difference in the growth and progress of each child.

Also, my paper filers today inadvertantly forgot to include the retake picture form. If you wanted retakes they are tomorrow. I have the forms in my class and you can fill them out here. Sorry for the inconvenience.

This is the last week of the 1st trimester. Our class will be finishing A Wrinkle in Time together and this means that students may take an A.R. quiz on this book this week, or next week. A lot of students like to save it so they can start the next trimester with some points already in their bank! In class we will be sharing our book project speeches. I highly recommend that your child practices their speech at home in front of the mirror with their speech outline cards. We will practice in class, as well. In writing we are learning a couple simple forms of poetry...Diamantes and Opinion Poems. Look for some of these on our Room 12 Writer's Blog next week.

That's it for now. See you at the school where kind hearts and open minds rule.

Mr. Sweet

P.S. Our field trip to the Tech Museum is next Friday, November 13th. I'll send an e-mail w/the drivers who signed up next Monday.

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-Finish Ch.11 + Lit. Circle
Math-Finish L72
Speech-Practice at home
Rad Rifles-Get a newsteam article by Wednesday. Summaries due: Friday
Spelling-p.83,85 due Friday in cursive

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-Read 1st half of Ch.12+Lit. Circle
Math L74
Speech practice
Spelling-p.83,85 due Friday in cursive

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Math L78
Science-4th grade-p.29,37,38
5th Grade-33,37,39
Learn Vocab Words-Check spelling blog at:http://mrsweetspelling.blogspot.com
Spelling p83,85 in cursive due Friday

HALLOWEEN WEEK 11

Dear Parents,
This is an exciting week for the students at Rio Del Mar. Our school is starting our Monday morning assemblies this week and our student leaders from room 12 will be leading the school in the flag salute. Friday is certainly the craziest day of the year in class and throughout the school. Please try to make it to our annual school parade on the intermediate playground from 8:15 - 8:45 a.m. Our class will be marching around with our 1st grade reading buddies. Rumor has it that there are some outrageous costumes this year... Our class party will be from 12:40-2pm. You are invited to come by and celebrate with us. Thank you to the parents who are helping make this a special party.

Learning Update
* This week in class we are continuing our book, A Wrinkle in Time.
* In writing we are finishing up our Spooky Stories. In this story our class is learning to use dialogue and begin new paragraphs when a new speaker says something. In addition, students are using two similes in their exciting stories.
* During Spanish time we will be learning about Dia De Los Muertos
* Our 4th/5th graders will be learning to use Garage Band in the Computer Lab. Each student will be typing their spooky stories. After this, they will record their voices reading the story. Finally, they will create the musical score to go along with it and convert the file to Itunes to put on their Ipod. It should be fun!
* There are new and exciting explorations in Science this week when we learn more about electricity and magnetism and their similarities. In 5th grade we continue to learn about the Periodic Table and its uses.
* From now on we will be doing one group of News Teams each week. This week we have the "Choco Tacos" presenting their current events.
* Our class will also be writing a brief speech outline to share our Pizza Book Projects this coming Friday.
* As a reminder, next Monday, November 2nd, will be the last day to take an Accelerated Reader Quiz.

See you at the school where kind hearts and open minds rule!
Mr. Sweet

Weekly Quotes
"Hold on, man. We don't go anywhere with "scary," "spooky," "haunted," or "forbidden" in the title." ~From Scooby-Doo

"When witches go riding,
and black cats are seen,
the moon laughs and whispers,
‘tis near Halloween."
~Author Unknown

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY-
Write a brief history of where the holiday Halloween (DUE THURSDAY) comes from. What do the symbols mean? You may do a poster instead of a report, or a powerpoint.

HOMEWORK MONDAY
FINISH CH. 5 + Lit. Circle
Math L62
Writing-Finish final draft
of Spooky Story
PIZZA BOOK PROJECT DUE FRIDAY
Extra Credit due Friday

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
FINISH READING CH.6
Math L65-4th, L64-5th
Pizza Book Project
Extra Credit Due Friday

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Finish Ch. 7
Math L68
Spelling-p.73, 75 in cursive
Pizza Book Project Due Friday

THURSDAY
Finish Ch.8
Math L70
Pizza Projects Due
HALLOWEEN PARTY!

WEEK 10

Riddle of the Week
From wood it's made,
From string it's made,
It floats upon the wind.
It's made by one,
It's made by many,
From hands and mouths it spins.
A score without a game.
A staff not for the lame.
With seven letters tamed.
With five letters named

What is it?

Quote from our Word of the Week
“Never mistake knowledge for WISDOM. One helps you make a living; the other helps you make a life.”

Sandra Carey

Dear Parents,
It has been encouraging meeting with each of you for our conference time together. During this time I received some good feedback that helps inform my instruction. If there is anything else that you forgot to share with me in that brief 20-minute session, please feel free to e-mail me and we can follow up on these matters. For those of you who had your time canceled last Wednesday, we will be meeting this week. I believe I scheduled each of you, but let me know if you have not been given a time yet.
In class this week we are kicking off our Science Units in both 4th and 5th grade. 4th grade will be learning about Electricity and Magnetism. In 5th grade we will study Chemical Properties and learn about the Periodic Table of Elements. This week we will also begin a new book together as a whole class that is entitled A Wrinkle in Time, which is one of my favorites. Along with this book we will be starting Literature Circle Jobs that we will do Monday - Wednesdays for the next three weeks. Our Spelling words will consist of 20 words with a pattern along with 10 new vocabulary words from the book. As always, in class on Mondays and Tuesdays we will learn the meanings of the words so they can take them home and study them.

Enjoy the sunshine and I'll see you at school!
Mr. Sweet

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Finish Ch.1 + do Lit. Circle Job-Due Tuesday
Math-Finish L56
For behavior issue today, extra math homework, 4th-p.162+163
5th Grade-p.59-60 (HM Workbook)
Spelling-Missed words from pre-test-x3 in cursive


HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Finish Ch.2 + do Lit. Circle Job-Due Tuesday
Math-Finish L57
Spelling-Write a sentence with each word used correctly in the sentence


HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Finish Ch.3 + do Lit. Circle Job-Due Tuesday
Math-Finish L59
Spelling-Write a sentence with each word used correctly in the sentence-Due Wednesday
Finish Spooky Story Rough Draft...Dialogue, 2 similes.

Homework Thursday
Read the rest of Ch. 4
Math L60
4th Grade-p. 87, 88 in wkbk
5th Grade-p.63,64 in wkbk
Spelling/Vocab-Study for Tests
HAT DAY TOMORROW!

WEEK 9-Conference Week

HOMEWORK MONDAY
20-4-1
Math L51
Social Studies Review pages-4th p. 32-34
5th Grade-Hand out Ch.4 Review

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
20-4-1
Math L52
Social Studies Review pages-4th p. 32-34
5th Grade-Hand out Ch.4 Review
STUDY FOR TEST!

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Read 20 min.
Math l54
Finish Social Studies packet 5th grade
Study for spelling/dlr
PIZZA PROJECT

I look forward to seeing all of you at our scheduled conference time this week!

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Monday-10/12
12:20-Marie-Phone
12:40-Faith
1:00 – Liam
1:20-Timmy
1:40-Genevieve
2:00-Alistar
2:20-Open
2:40-Keala
3:00- Maggie

Tuesday-10/13
12:40-Tyler F.
1:00-Conference w/my children
1:20-Confrerence w/my children
1:40-Evan
2:00-Danner
2:20-Donovan
2:40-Mary C.
3:00- Open

Wednesday-10/14
12:40-Kacey
1:00-Cooper
1:20-Kassandra
1:40-Mary A.
2:00-Ella
2:20-Kira H.
2:40- Jack W.
3:00- Conner M.

Thursday-10/15
12:40-Open
1:00- Tatiana
1:20-Open
1:40-Jesse
2:00-Open
2:20-Morgan
2:40-Mary C.
3:00- Open

Friday-10/16
12:20-Isabella
12:40-Christopher
1:00-Jackson
1:20-Lucas
UNAVAILABLE-
Rio Rocker/The Exceeders
BAND REHEARSALS

WEEK 8

Parents and Students of Room 12,
Last Friday we had a wonderful learning experience at NASA Ames in Mountain View. A special thanks goes out to all of the parent chaperones and drivers who accompanied us on this trip. We will also be writing thank you notes to the docents who taught us all so many new things.
This week our class will be reviewing how to write friendly letters by writing letters to our new 5th grade pen pals at Mar Vista! On Thursday our class will be going to the Aptos Jr. High School to the Midsummer Night's Dream. Here are the drivers who have signed up thus far:
Michelle C. (5)
Laura J. (4)
Jamie (5)
Gina (5)
Ella (3)

We need a couple more drivers, if possible.

Quote on Humbleness:
“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.”
Norman Vincent Peale

WEEKLY RIDDLE
Four men were in a boat on the lake. The boat turns over, and all four men sink to the bottom of the lake, yet not a single man got wet! Why?

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read 20 minutes
Math L46 odds
Spelling Contract Due Friday
Book Orders due Friday

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read 20 minutes
Math L47
Spelling Contract Due Friday
Practice News Team Summary Speech
Begin Study Guide...Social Studies Test: Wednesday, October 14th

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
20-4-1
Math L48
Spelling Due Friday
Field Trip tomorrow
Study Guide

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
20-4-1
Math L50
Spelling Due Friday-Study for tests
Pizza Book Project-Choose book by Monday
Project is due-Friday, October 30th-Paper
sent home Thursday, October 8th.
Study Guide

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Monday-10/12
12:20-Marie-Phone
12:40-Faith
1:00 – Liam
1:20-Timmy
1:40-Genevieve
2:00-Alistar
2:20-Open
2:40-Keala
3:00- Maggie

Tuesday-10/13
12:40-Tyler F.
1:00-Conference w/my children
1:20-Confrerence w/my children
1:40-Evan
2:00-Danner
2:20-Donovan
2:40-Mary C.
3:00- Open

Wednesday-10/14
12:40-Kacey
1:00-Cooper
1:20-Kassandra
1:40-Mary A.
2:00-Open
2:20-Kira H.
2:40- Jack W.
3:00- Conner M.

Thursday-10/15
12:40-Open
1:00- Tatiana
1:20-Open
1:40-Jesse
2:00-Open
2:20-Morgan
2:40-Mary C.
3:00- Open

Friday-10/16
12:20-Isabella
12:40-Christopher
1:00-Jackson
1:20-Lucas
UNAVAILABLE-
Rio Rocker/The Exceeders
BAND REHEARSALS

WEEK 7

WEEKLY RIDDLE
"I am always excited
I tell people where things are at
You can play a game on me
I'm very rich
I give percentages
I am always looking up
And.......
I look like a light in the sky
I keep things arranged that are to my right
I keep things arranged that are to my left
What are We?"

WEEKLY QUOTE
Word of the Week
On Empathy:
“If you just learn a single trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” Atticus Finch

Scott Adams: Empathy Quotes
Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read - 4th grade-Ch.15
5th Grade-20+21 Sign of the Beaver
Math-Finish L41-4th-p.171+172 in HM Wkbk
5th-p.61 in HM Wkbk
Spelling/Vocab-Write one sentence for each word correctly IN CURSIVE
Due THURSDAY
RETURN FIELD TRIP FORM + $1
WRITING-Finish Persuasive Essay-Due Wednesday
CHOOSE News Teams article by Thursday

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-4th-Ch.16
5th-Ch.22
Math-Spiral Review
Spelling-See Mon.
Writing-Finish Persuasive Essay-Due Wednesday
Choose News Team Article-Summary due Thursday

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
No reading
No math
Finish Spelling
STUDY VOCAB/DLR FOR TESTS
Do News Team Summary + attach article, grading sheet and summary together
*Make sure to fill out info. on scoring sheet.* If you lose it, you may
print another up from the link on the blog
I AM SICK AND WE WILL HAVE MRS. WESTON AS OUR SUB

THURSDAY
No homework

WEEK 6

COASTAL BEACH CLEANUP DAY



WEEKLY QUOTE on our Virtue of the Week: INITIATIVE
"You can't cross a sea by merely staring into the water."
— Rabindranath Tagore
1913 Nobel laureate for literature

WEEKLY RIDDLE
Censored

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-4th Grade-Ch. 9 + Summary
5th Grade-Ch. 16 + Summary
Math-Finish L36
4th Grade-p.12-14 in HM Workbook
5th-p.165-167-HM Workbook
Spelling-4th-p. 57+59 in Purple Spelling Book IN CURSIVE!
5th-Spelling Activity List CHOOSE 4-DUE FRIDAY
BRING FIELD TRIP FORM + $8 check to RDM Parent Alliance

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-4th grade-Ch.11+Summary
5th-Ch. 18 + Summary
Math 4th Grade-p.169-170 in HM Workbook
5th-p.35+36 in HM Workbook
Spelling-Due Friday in Cursive
Bring both field trip forms

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-4th grade-Ch.13
5th-Ch. 19
Math 4th Grade-p.129-130 + P.133+134 in HM Workbook
5th-p.37+38 in HM Workbook
Spelling-Due Friday in Cursive
Bring both field trip forms
WWII Interviews Due Friday-4th Grade

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Read 20 minutes
NO MATH!
Finish Spelling in Cursive
Field Trip forms
DRESS CRAZY FOR THE PARTY!

WEEK 5

Weekly Quote from our word of the week
On integrity: "Your actions speak so loudly I can not hear your words." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Weekly Riddle
The man who made it didn't want it, the man who bought it didn't use it, the man who used it didn't know it. What is it?

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-4th Grade-Ch. 5 + Summary
5th-Ch.7-9 + Summary
Math L31
Spelling-Integrity Definition, 1 Paragraph about what it means to you and an example from
your life, a cartoon and a quote about integrity. IN CURSIVE: DUE FRIDAY
Bring in signed field trip forms, gold forms, Innisbrook.

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-4th Grade-Ch. 7 + Colored Post Card Activity
5th - Ch. 11 + Reading Lesson Page
Math L 32
Spelling-See Monday
Bring in forms

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-4th Grade-Ch. 8 + Summary
5th-Ch.13+14 +Summary
MATH-Finish L34+ HM WKBK-4th-p.15+16
5th-p.8+9 in wkbk
SPELLING-DUE FRIDAY IN CURSIVE

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
READ A.R. book for 20min.
Math-Finish L35
Spelling-Finish Integrity Activities
Vocabulary-Finish guess, definitions, sentences
Bring snack, wear sunscreen and walking shoes for beach hike

WEEK 4

WEEKLY RIDDLE
"What goes up and never comes down?"

WEEKLY QUOTE
“Work while you have the light. You are responsible for the talent that has been entrusted to you.” –Henri Frederic Amiel

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-4th Grade-Ch. 1-Number the Stars+Summary
5th Grade-Ch.1-Sign of the Beaver + Summary
Math L27
4th Grade-Write a story with your 10 vocabulary words from Number the Stars
5th Grade-Write a sentence for each of your 20 vocabulary words from Sign of the Beaver
DUE FRIDAY
Choose News Team Article

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-4th Grade-Ch. 2 + Summary
5th Grade-Ch. 3 + Comprehension Activity
Math - L29
STUDY FOR SOCIAL STUDIES TEST
Choose News Team Article

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Reading-Ch.4-4th Grade
Ch. 6-5th Grade
Math L30
Study Spelling-Due Friday
News Team Summary


I hope everybody had a wonderful 3-day weekend. If you remember, please let your children know why we celebrate Labor Day. Here are some quick updates about the exciting things that are happening in Room 12.

* We have three field trips that I just scheduled that should be amazing learning experiences with lots of fun, as well. Please remember to fill out your driver form a.s.a.p. from the office. On Friday, September 18th, we will participate in Coastal Clean Up Day by cleaning our beaches nearby. I need 3 chaperones who will walk with us and supervise the children at the beach. Mr. Kitch's class is also going on this hike. On Friday, October 2nd, we will head over to NASA Ames in Mountain View followed by In n' Out Burger on the way back home. Finally, on Friday, November 13th, we will go to the Tech Museum where we will participate in a hands-on lab focusing on Chemical Properties followed by an IMAX movie about the Force of Nature. This field trip will cost $8 each student. Permission slips will be going home as we near those dates.
* Many parents are having difficulty finding the Spelling Word Blog. Go to:http://mrsweetspelling.blogspot.com
* Our first test in Social Studies will be next Wednesday, September 9th. I sent home the study guide yesterday. If they study this guide they should do very well.
* 4th Grade will be doing interviews for World War II. Please choose a grandparent that was alive at this time. However, few from this era are still alive! Consequently, if you are unable to find anybody, you may call a Veteran's Hall, or Senior Citizen Home. They would love to tell their story. You may e-mail or phone if necessary. The questions are on the blog at: http://mrsweetriodelmar.blogspot.com
* Our class is doing some exciting in-class projects. Each 5th grade pair has researched a volcano and will finish their posters Monday for an oral speech together. In 4th grade, students have been learning about specific topics for 1-page reports on WWII. Ask them about their projects and I'll bet you will learn something new.

Thanks for all of your involvement and support,
Mr. Sweet

WEEK 3

WEEKLY RIDDLE
"I am the center of gravity, hold a capital situation in Vienna, and as I am foremost in every victory, am allowed by all to be invaluable. Though I am invisible, I am clearly seen in the midst of a river. I could name three who are in love with me and have three associates in vice. It is vain that you seek me for I have long been in heaven yet even now lie embalmed in the grave. What am I?"

WEEKLY QUOTE
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." Wayne Gretzky
Week 3 Update

This week we have many exciting things happening in Room 12. We will continue our News Team Presentations. I was very impressed with the preparation and quality of the teams that shared their news stories on Friday. I have never had a class where every child had met their deadline. I am also encouraged by this class’ enthusiasm in all subjects to learn.
In 4th grade reading we will kick off our unit of study on World War II by reading Sadako and the 1,000 Paper Cranes. In 5th grade we will complete our study of Natural Disasters with a story about Volcanic Eruptions. In class each group in 5th grade will be researching a specific volcano that has erupted at some point in recorded history. Here are the directions:

1. Research your specific volcano and find out:
• The volcano’s history
• The description of the volcano and where it is located
• Classify the type of volcano
• How the volcano has affected the people that live nearby
• Is it still active?

2. Make a poster board
• With a title, key points, and history, of your volcano
• With an illustration of the various parts of a volcano
1. Crater 2. Pipe
3. Side vent 4. Lava
5. Lava flow 6. Magma
7. Magma Chamber 8. Vent

• Obtain images from the Internet, magazines and make drawings of the volcano
• Include a map that shows where this volcano is located.

4. Prepare a brief group oral presentation for the class.
5. Partners should contribute equally.
6. Volcanoes need to be selected by this Tuesday.


4th Grade - World War II Interview Questions
Directions – If possible, please interview a family member who was alive when WWII began. This may be done in an e-mail. Otherwise you may go to a neighbor, family friend, or even a local senior center with a parent. You may want to record it with a tape player and record the answers at a latter time. Please type the responses and write in complete sentences. Have fun! We will share these interviews with other 4th graders and learn from many different viewpoints.

Questions
1. Please tell me your feelings about war.
2. How old were you when World War II began?
3. Why do you think our country became involved in World War II? What was at stake?
4. Why do you think that Japan bombed us in Pearl Harbor? What provoked such an attack?
5. Please describe your memories of World War II and the impact it had on you and your family and your day-to-day lives.
6. Do you have any family members who served in World War II? Describe them and how they served.
7. Do you agree with our involvement and actions in World War II? Why? Why not? Explain.
8. Do you agree with President Harry Truman’s decision to drop the bomb? Why/Why not?
9. Do you feel there are any similarities between World War II and the current global war against terrorism? Why? Why not?
10. What do you think were the most important things we learned from this war that will help us in our future?

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-20-4-1
Finish Math L20
Vocabulary-
1.Write the definition of perseverance
2.Write a paragraph about perseverance and what it means to you.Give an example in
your own life when you have needed it.
3.Find a quote about perseverance online and write it down.
4.Draw a cartoon illustrating this word and a scenario when it is needed.
DUE FRIDAY
Explorer/Cave Art Due: Wednesday

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-20-4-1
Math L22
Spelling-See Monday
Finish Explorer Brochure/Cave Art

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-20-4-1
Math Finish L24 + HM wkbk p 1-3
Finish Spelling-Due Friday

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Reading 4th Grade-Read Ch.7&8
5th-20 minutes
Math-Finish L26 + HM Wkbk p 5-7
Spelling-Finish Perseverance HW-See Monday
Study for tests in Spelling, Language and Math
SOCIAL STUDIES TEST NEXT WEDNESDAY-4th Grade-Early Native Americans
5th Grade-Explorers

WEEK 2

THANKS MARY!
Dear Parents,
Thank you for all of your support at home these first two weeks. Our class is off to a great start and has been very responsible returning the massive amounts of paperwork at the beginning of the year, along with their homework assignments.

I started a new spelling blog at: http://mrsweetspelling.blogspot.com with all of our week's words posted on Monday afternoons. When the 5th grade is doing a story from our HM Literature Book the first 20 words will be in that book on the page specified. The last 10 vocabulary words will be posted on the blog.

Please remember that our Back to School Night will be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 27th for upper grades. Please make every effort to come to this presentation to learn all you need to know about our class and what we'll need to do, as a team, to have a successful year together.

This week our class will be reading some exciting stories in both 4th and 5th grade. In 4th grade we will read about the Titanic and in 5th we will be reading a story entitled, "The Eye of the Storm." Our class is finishing up our Bio Poems and Acrostic Poetry. In addition, the 4th graders are learning about the Native Americans in CA History and doing an art project . The 5th graders are studying the famous explorers and creating a brochure working while researching their person in pairs.

This week we are also starting News Teams. I will be sending the grading sheet home with each child on Monday. These grading sheets should be stapled to the article they will be sharing with the class.

Weekly Riddle
What gets wetter as it dries?

WEEKLY QUOTE
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."
Mahatma Gandhi
What gets wetter as it dries?

HOMEWORK MONDAY
*Reading-20-4-1
Finish Math L12
*Spelling in Cursive due Fridays-
4th p. 33 & 35 in purple spelling book
5th p. 29-31 in orange wkbk
*Writing-Patience activity due Tuesday
*News Team Summaries Due Thursday
*Sign Internet Form
*Extra Credit-Research and create a 1-page
newspaper about a famous Natural Disaster(Use computer)
Due next Monday


HOMEWORK TUESDAY
*Reading-20-4-1
Finish Math L14
*Spelling in Cursive due Fridays-
*News Team Summaries Due Thursday-Typed or neatly written
*Extra Credit-See Monday
*Finish Name Acrostic with color


HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
*Reading-20-4-1
Finish Math L16
*News Team Summaries Due Thursday-Typed, or neatly written-Practice Speech
*Extra Credit-See Monday

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Finish Math L18
Finish Spelling HW
Finish Perfect Paragraph
Rehearse News Team for Presentation
STUDY!
EXTRA CREDIT-Due Monday

Full Week #1

Dear Parents and Students,
This Monday begins our first FULL of week of school together. This last week we did a lot of getting to know each other activities along with some assessments in reading and writing. We all used the computers to do a fun 3 true and 1 false activities. Some of them may have told you some interesting stories. Remember...don't believe EVERYTHING they say about me and I won't believe everything they say about you! :>)
The students were excited and ready to learn. We had a wonderful time getting to know each other while learning the rules, procedures and expectations. I am sure a lot of you have questions about how this combination class will operate. I look forward to meeting you at Back to School Night on Thursday, August 27th at 7:30 p.m. If you have any questions, please feel free to stop by class after school, or e-mail me.

I am very confident that this will be a memorable year for everybody, and I look forward to meeting you soon. Let me know if you would like to volunteer in class. I can use help when I am teaching math. I already have parents on Monday and Wednesday. I would love help on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays too.

Weekly Quote
" Praise does wonders for our sense of hearing."
Arnold Glasgow

Weekly Riddle
What can you put inside a barrel to make it lighter?

Homework
Our homework will be posted daily for both the 4th and 5th grades. This will help students who are sick or out of town. This year I started a Spelling Blog for you to study online. This way we can save a lot of paper together and those students who are sick, will get their words on Monday nights.

Homework MONDAY
Reading-Read 20 minutes and write a four-sentence paragraph summary
Math - Finish L4
Writing-Preparation Vocab. Activity-Due Friday
Spelling-GO TO NEW SPELLING BLOG at: http://mrsweetspelling.blogspot.com
4th Grade-Do p. 9, 11 in purple book on Binder Paper in CURSIVE
5th Grade-Do p. 9-11 in Orange Wkbk in Cursive
DUE FRIDAY

Homework TUESDAY
Reading-Read 20 minutes and write a four-sentence paragraph summary (20-4-1)
Math - Finish L6
Writing-Preparation Vocab. Activity-Due Friday
Spelling-GO TO NEW SPELLING BLOG at: http://mrsweetspelling.blogspot.com
4th Grade-Do p. 9, 11 in purple book on Binder Paper in CURSIVE
5th Grade-Do p. 9-11 in Orange Wkbk in Cursive
DUE FRIDAY
Complete Coat of Arms Shield for those not finished yet
4th Grade-Bring brown grocery paper bag for art activity

Homework WEDNESDAY
Reading-Read 20 minutes and write a four-sentence paragraph summary (20-4-1)
Math - Finish L8
Writing-Preparation Vocab. Activity-Due Friday
Spelling-GO TO NEW SPELLING BLOG at: http://mrsweetspelling.blogspot.com
4th Grade-Do p. 9, 11 in purple book on Binder Paper in CURSIVE
5th Grade-Do p. 9-11 in Orange Wkbk in Cursive
DUE FRIDAY
4th Grade-Bring brown grocery paper bag for art activity
* Bring back signed A.R. Goal Sheet

Homework THURSDAY
Reading-Read 20 minutes
Math - Finish L10
Writing-Preparation Vocab. Activity-Due Friday
Spelling-GO TO NEW SPELLING BLOG at: http://mrsweetspelling.blogspot.com
DUE FRIDAY
4th Grade-Bring brown grocery paper bag for art activity
* Bring back signed A.R. Goal Sheet
* Choose Article for Newsgroups-Cnn.com, ksbw.com, santacruzsentinel.com, msnbc.com
etc. OR get a newspaper.


See you at school!

Our First Week Together!

It was a great first day of school and I feel that this class will have an amazing year together. Please check out all of the papers that went home and return them a.s.a.p.
Thanks!
Mr. Sweet

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY-
* Parents and students need to read the parent letter sent home
4th Grade Math L1/5th Grade L1
* Parents sign and return e-mail list/permission for blog
* Sign and return after school forms, for those interested
* Get supplies by Friday

HOMEWORK THURSDAY-
* Parents and students need to read the parent letter sent home
4th Grade Math L2/5th Grade L2
* Parents sign and return e-mail list/permission for blog
* Sign and return after school forms, for those interested
* Get supplies by Friday-SUPPLY CHECK TOMORROW

My School Promise by unknown

Each day I'll do my best
And I won't do any less.
My work will always please me,
And I won't accept a mess.
I'll color very carefully,
My writing will be neat.
And I will not be happy,
Till my papers are complete.
I'll always do my homework,
And try my best on every test.
I won't forget my promise,
I'll do my BEST!!!

BACK TO SCHOOL!

SCHOOL SUPPLIES
* One flash drive (at least 1Gb)
* Zippered pencil pouch for binder
* Three-ring binder
* Two spiral notebooks(Single subject-wide ruled)
* Binder paper
* Black erasable pens
* #2 pencils
* Eraser
* 2 Pencil Sharpeners
* Emergency Lunch sealed in plastic bag
* Box of Kleenex
* Scissors
* Low-odor Dry Erase EXPO Markers and a sock (for math white-boards)

Supply Check will be on Friday, August 14th


OUR THRIVING LIFE LAB GARDEN

Please bring these supplies to class the first week of school:

What a great year!

It has been quite a memorable year! Hopefully, we'll see you at the beach party fundraiser on Sunday, June 14th at Platform Beach in Aptos at 3:00 p.m.
If not, enjoy your summer in the best place in the world...Santa Cruz County!

WEEK 38

Dear Parents,
As the end draws near A LOT is happening in Room 12!
* This week we are finishing Thief Lord and this book will give each student 13 A.R. points. Next Wednesday, June 3rd, will be our last day to take quizzes. A.R. makes up 20% of the reading grade.
* Olympic Day will be this Friday. Dress appropriately.
* The Rio Rockers will be opening for Mr. Sweet's band, The Wild Rovers, on Friday at Don Quixote's at 8pm. Come by because all children are welcome with a parent.
* Book Projects are due next Monday, June 1st.
* Tuesday, June 2nd will be the 13 Colony Musical Play performances from 8:15 am-10:00am.
* Thursday, June 4th we will go to the Boardwalk.
Let me know if you have any questions,
Mr. Sweet

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-Finish Thief Lord by Friday
Study Spelling
Finish 13 Colony State project for play
Book Projects due next Monday

WEEK 37

CIVIL WAR LIVING HISTORY AT ROARING CAMP











Dear Parents,
There are only 13 days of school left! Here is a quick list of important info. for these last couple weeks:

* This Wednesday, May 20th, is Open House. It will be from 6:30-8:00p.m. I will be showing our class DVD at 7:15 p.m. You will love it.

* The last round of Family Life will be tomorrow discussing Puberty.

* Our field trip is this Thursday and we will leave immediately at 7:55 a.m. We will not be back to school until 3:30 p.m. because of the train ride. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD IS ON TIME. Otherwise, they will not be able to come. Drivers, please be here at 7:40 a.m. to go over the details of the trip. They need to bring a lunch and put on sunscreen too.
Students had to pay $28 each and luckily they only charge $11 for 5 parent drivers. Consequently, I have only 5 drivers. Thank you SO much for all of the parent volunteer drivers. I chose the parents with the largest vehicles. Any parents that would like to come are invited, but they will need to pay. If you are driving, please bring a check for $11 written to Parent Alliance. Otherwise, non-drivers will pay there. This is truly a memorable trip with:
Military Drilling, Weapons and Uniforms, Artillery, Candlemaking, Spinning/Weaving, Gold Panning, Civil War Games a train ride and so much more.

Here are the drivers:
Kelly Gaeckle (5 students with seatbelts)
Tara O'Boy (6)
Colleen Rastatter (6)
Linda Feldbrugge (5)
Jennifer Ursino (5)
Emergency Subs: Diane Hildebrand, Deb Dorney, Nikki Harris
Please let me know if your plans change and you are unable to drive.

* 13 COLONY MUSICAL PLAY PERFORMANCE-Tuesday, June 2nd(Cast #2)8:30am for K-3rd(Cast#1)4th-6th Grades. PARENTS ARE INVITED. Check with your child to see which cast they are in. Please make sure your child has a costume by this Friday.

That's it for now! See you all at Open House and remember to bring your child. They will show off their beautiful writing portfolios with some memorable works.

We were a great team this year! I am sure going to miss your children.
Mr. Sweet

WEEK 35

Homework Monday
Read Chapter 26
Math Daily Routines Workbook-p.5,6 & 10
Practice Songs, Get costume
Book Project
Practice your lines/songs for the play
Put together a costume for the play

Dear Parents,
Here is a quick overview of what is happening in Room 12:
* We are resuming math review and reading Thief Lord.
* Students chose their book projects + books so they should be working on these.
* We are learning about the Bill of Rights and the Civil War right now in Social Studies.
* Our class is rehearsing the play and their acting and singing skills are amazing!
* In writing our class is doing animal poems along with art. I think you will love these ;>)

TESTS WEEK #2

CLASS ART PROJECT

Dear Parents,
This is a quick e-mail to remind you of a couple things:

As many of you know, I decided to do an end-of-the year Beach Party for the Online Auction. The $20 for each child that comes will go to the Parent Alliance. On Sunday, June 13th at 3-6pmish, we will play sports, a tug-of-war, parachute games, water balloons, pizza/ s'mores and we will go in the water, (with parent supervision along with Scott and Denise Russo, who just so happen to be professional swimmers), If you are unable to make it to the Golf Tournament to get your slot at the party, you can let Denise know before Sunday, June 13th and we'll plug you in. Parents, of course, are invited too along with other 5th graders.

On Thursday, May 21st we are short drivers for the Roaring Camp trip. This is probably the best field trip of the year so hopefully we can get enough drivers.

Tomorrow will be our first day of Family Life/Sex Ed. I will ask her for a copy of her materials and will have them on hand for parents that are curious. I need them because it looks like 5th teachers will be doing this next year because of budget cuts with nurses.

This Friday we will have our Science Test of Structures of Living Things. I sent home the study guide last Friday. I will post to the blog for the 5th graders who mysteriously lose things.

Thank you to the parents who will help me with the play. Thursdays-Linda F. at 1:00-2pm, Friday - 11:15 - 12:15pm (Kelly Gackle w/child), Mondays 1:00-Denise Russo?, Tuesdays starting next week: Linda F.?
I'll have one group while the other parent will work with the other cast of characters.

That's it for now...let me know if you have any questions.

See you at school!
Mr. Sweet

UNIT 2 STUDY GUIDE-The Structure of Living Things
Test: Friday, May 8th.

Vocabulary
transpiration vascular tissues lungs cells tissues
photosynthesis kidneys cellular respiration organs

Systems
Circulatory Respiratory Excretory Digestive

What does the small intestine do?
What is the most important organ of the Excretory System? Why?
What is the purpose/product of cellular respiration?
Why do cells work together as tissues and organs?
What is the difference between vascular/nonvascular plants?
How is the heart involved in the respiratory system?
What organelles make up a plant/animal cell? How are they different?
What is the difference between a dependent/independent variable in an experiment?

ESSAY
Understand and be able to explain the parts and processes of each human organ system

How are photosynthesis and cellular respiration alike and different? How do they work together to keep plants and animals alive?

TESTING WEEK #1

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-Ch. 12-THIEF LORD
Math-p.83, 195, 213 HW WKBK
Choose book for final book project
Testing starts Thursday

TUESDAY
READING-Ch.13
Math-p.127,167+239 in HWBK
Science-L5 of packet
Practice Songs/lines for play

WEEK 33

THE NEW 3-D Glasses
Dear Parents,
Wow! What a wonderful spring break! I hope you and your loved ones enjoyed time off and time together. My family went to San Francisco to celebrate Hilary's birthday by going to a fancy restaurant. We saw Monsters vs. Aliens while she went shopping. Next, we went to the CA Science Academy, which was busy, but amazing. Finally, Josiah and I just got back from a father-son fishing trip w/a couple buddies. He caught 9 Bass while I caught 17. It was a wonderful vacation and I am excited to be back.

As we transition back to school, many exciting things are happening in our class.
* Over the break I found a great play about American History entitled: 13 Colonies by BadWolf Press. It involves a lot of characters, humor and singing, which is right up this class's alley. We will be practicing this week and giving out roles. The class will perform the play at Open House.
* This Friday, April 24th, our class will be going to the Santa Cruz County Courthouse for a mock trial about stolen cookies. This field trip gives us a wonderful opportunity to learn about our legal system in action. I NEED DRIVERS ON THIS TRIP. PLEASE REPLY TO THIS E-MAIL if you can drive. We will leave at 11am and return at 1:30pm. I will send home the permission slips on Monday.
* As many of you know, it is the magical time of testing coming soon. Therefore, our class will be reviewing the next two weeks. Specifically, we will focus on Science, Math and Language Arts.

More to come!






Mr. Sweet

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read Ch. 2 of The Thief Lord
Math=p.186, 191 HW Wkbk
13 Colonies Play-Review script and choose your top 3 roles
Sign and return Courthouse Field Trip Permission Slip


HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read Ch. 6 of The Thief Lord
Math=p.192-194 HW Wkbk
VOCAB Due Friday-Word, read sentence, guess in (), write definition #1-10


HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read Ch. 9-11 of The Thief Lord
VOCAB Due Friday-Word, read sentence, guess in (), write definition #1-10
BRING LUNCH AND STUDY COURT SCRIPT!

WEEK 32

SPORTS DAY
Passover Quote
“Passover affirms the great truth that liberty is the inalienable right of every human being” Morris Joseph

Easter Quote
Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there. ~Clarence W. Hall

Dear Parents,
It's hard to believe that it is already Spring Break starting this Good Friday! Spring has certainly sprung and the teacher, I mean the class, is definitely ready for Easter
Break! ;>)

* Last Friday our class had a wonderful "Sports Day" Party w pizza, ice cream and soda. The trifecta of health!
* Our class is almost finished with recording our 3 Things project. Thus far, they are very touching and creative.
* As you know, in Science we are studying cells and the basic structures of living things right now. This coming Thursday each student will present their 3-D/Edible Cell to the class.
* In Geography we will be starting to learn all of the states and capitals together. I'll be sending home a packet they can work on at home.
* We will continue to study graphing on a coordinate plane this week which, in this new curriculum, is basically algebra w/out the slope.
* Our class wrote these amazing 5-paragraph essays to their future grandchildren. I will laminate them and hand them out at Open House in May.
* In other news, I was able to purchase a new document projector for our classroom. Check it out the next time you come by!

See you at school!
Mr. Sweet

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read 20 min.
Math-p. 253+254
Spelling-Right a sentence with each vocab word (p21-30 on pre-test)
3-d/Edible Cell due Thursday

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
READ 20 min.
Math-p.622-623
Spelling-Sentences due Thursday
Plant/Animal Cell Due Thursday

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
READ 20 minutes
PLANT/ANIMAL CELL

WEEK 31

Homework Monday
Read 20 Minutes
Write a paragraph about a virtue and why it is important to you.
Create a story/skit to explain the virtue

Homework Tuesday
Read 20 minutes
Math Wkbk-Daily Routines p. 273-275
Begin 3-D cell project

Homework Wednesday
Read 20 minutes
Math finish p. 607-609
Science Packet first page, L1
3 Things Prep.
Begin 3-D cell project

Homework Thursday
Read 20 minutes
Math finish p.611, 612
Begin 3-D cell project
WEAR SPORTS STUFF
BRING SECRET SNACK

WEEK 29

HOMEWORK MONDAY
READ 20 MINUTES
COME UP WITH THREE THINGS + CREATIVE IDEAS FOR VIDEO DEPICTION
FINISH CHARACTER VIRTUE SENTENCES
MATH-P.250-251 IN DAILY ROUTINE WKBK + NCAA PROBABILITY OF 2 TEAMS MEETING

Homework Wednesday
Read 20 minutes
Math finish page in book and do wkbk page that goes with Ch. 26 lesson 2
NEWS TEAM SUMMARY

Homework Thursday
Read 20 minutes
Math p.569-570
Study for test on Integers
Practice News Team Speech
Bring items, if necessary, for 3 Things Video
DLR/Spelling/Vocab Test Friday




MONTEREY WEATHER STATION
Weekly Quotes: Spring
“Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again.”

“Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'"--Robin Williams

Dear Parents,
* We had quite a fun learning experience on our field trip to the Monterey Bay Weather Station on Friday. This trip was a perfect end to our unit of study about weather.

* This week our class will be sharing our President Cubes that we worked so hard on the last month in computers.

* Room 12 will also resume News Teams this week. Because of the budget crunch, local businesses have stopped donating the newspapers to our school. Consequently, we will use the computers in the lab to look up current news and print the stories for our teams to present next Monday.

* After recently purchasing a digital video camera for our class and the after school program, I have planned a new project entitled, "My Three Words." Ask your child about the powerful video we saw together to understand the project a little more. To go along with this project, we will learn 15 virtues/values this week. For instance, integrity, perseverance, honesty, etc.

* In math we will be studying Statistics/Probability this week, so we will talk about the odds and potential pairings for the NCAA Finals. We're down to the Sweet 16!

* I will be researching 5th grade American History Plays this week for a drama performance at the end of the year. Please let me know if you know of any good plays.

* In writing we will be doing a 5-paragraph narrative essay.

That's it for now. See you at school!
Mr. Sweet

Week 28

Homework Monday
Read 20 minutes
Math-Team A Daily Routines Wkbk p. 170-172, Team B-p.171-173
WEAR GREEN
BRING CUBE

Homework Tuesday
Finish writing final draft of Limerick + Color Pic
Write an Irish Fairy Tale

Homework Wednesday
Read 20min.
Social Studies Take Home Test
Ch. 9 use book
St. Patrick's Day Quotes

Oh, the music in the air!
An' the joy that's ivrywhere -
Shure, the whole blue vault of heaven is wan grand triumphal arch,
An' the earth below is gay
Wid its tender green th'-day,
Fur the whole world is Irish on the Seventeenth o' March!
~Thomas Augustin Daly

When Irish eyes are smiling,
'Tis like a morn in spring.
With a lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing.
~Author Unknown

May your blessings outnumber
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.
~Irish Blessing
Dear Parents,
I am very proud of each child's progress this last trimester and if you have any questions, or would like to schedule a time to meet, please let me know. This week we will be setting our goals for the last trimester for Accelerated Reader. The goals are set based on their reading level and previous point totals. This Tuesday in the computer lab we will hopefully finish and print our President Cube project. Next week we will share them with the class. Please make sure your child brings a box of tissue for the assignment if they have not already done so. This coming week our class will continue our creative writing assignment. We are all writing our own American Revolution lyrics to our favorite songs. Some of these songs are: Ring of Fire, In Bloom, Breakaway, Hey Jude and many more. It is quite a fun project and the students will perform them for extra-credit. This project will take the place of the Chapter 9 test. (I know we are sad about this).

This Friday we will be going to the Monterey Bay Weather Station. We will need to be back for the big spin at 1pm. We are short one driver (4 students) at this point so if you can drive please let me know. Here are the drivers that have signed up: Kean (3), Linda (4), Kristin (4), Tara (5), Diane (6), Lisa (3). It would be great to get two more drivers because Kristin was a last resort driver who has gone on almost every trip and probably needs a break.

Our next field trip will be on Friday, April 24th when we go to the county courthouse for "Cookie Court." Keep an eye out for the permission slip.

Here is a list of the students that HAVE (less than half) paid the $28 for the Roaring Camp Field Trip. If your child is not on the list, please send it in by Friday. It is on my credit card. I know money is tight for all of us, so if you need a scholarship, please let me know. Also, here is the link to this amazing field trip. http://www.roaringcamp.com/schlgrps.html
Dante, Graham, Rachel F., Christopher, Jack H., Haley, Jade, Kate, Daniel, Jack O., Olivia, Rachel S., Alyna

That's it for now!
Mr. Sweet

P.S. Happy St. Patrick's Day! Our band is playing at the Crow's Nest on Tuesday for those parents who can get away on a date.

WEEK 27

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading 20 min. A.R.
Math-Finish p.305+p.129in HWWKB
Science-Do study guide-Test Thursday on Weather Unit of study
Social Studies-finish p. 92,93
BRING CUBE TO CLASS FOR PROJECT-We'll work on it at the lab.

Thursday Homework
Read 20min.
Study for tests