Mr. Sweet's 5th Grade

FEBRUARY 13-16th

2012-02-12T22:09:00.000-08:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read p. 127-135
Math - Finish Saxon L89 evens, HM-p.161+162
Vocab-Learn words by Thursday
STUDY FOR SOCIAL STUDIES TEST-STUDY GUIDE ON RIGHT SIDE OF BLOG
Valentine Breakfast-Bring fruit for those who signed up.
BRING LIBRARY BOOKS

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-Optional
Math-Graphing Activity "Summer Shoes"
Vocab-Learn words
STUDY FOR HISTORY TEST on THURSDAY
BRING IN $4 + Permission Slip for UCSC Lifelab
American History Wkbk p. 89-99 DUE THURSDAY

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
BRING 3 THINGS for the Video
Reading-p.146 - 154 Sam is Dead
Math-Finish Review HM CH. 17
SOCIAL STUDIES TEST TOMORROW
VOCAB
PERMISSION SLIPS/$4 for UCSC Trip

Room 12!
* This will be a short week with no school on Friday, February 17th, or Monday, February 20th.
* On Tuesday our class will celebrate Valentine's Day the 5th grade breakfast from 8-9am. Please contact Merrilee if you would like to help volunteer. Parents are invited so come enjoy some great food. A big thanks goes out to the parents who are bringing fruit to the party. Please note... that the list I sent home had one extra student, so take off Elizabeth's name. Otherwise, the list I emailed was accurate with 29 students.
* On Wednesday, February 15th our school will have our BOOK NIGHT at 6:30pm in the cafeteria. My family read "Indian in the Cupboard" over the break for the first time and I persuaded many students in our class to read it. Please come to this exciting night. I went last year to the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory night and it was engaging, interactive and fun.
* In Reading our class will continue My Brother Sam is Dead and will finish it next week. Vocab and spelling will, once again, be from this book.
* In Computers we are doing a creative writing project using the website "Wordle.net" Our class has struggled, at times, with kindness. As a result, we are printing up kind words students wrote about each other with this fun program.
* In Math we will continue to study Graphing on A Coordinate Plane. Please check out the lessons on the right side of the blog. There will be a test on Thursday.
* This week in Social Studies we will take the Chapter 9 test on the American Revolution on Thursday, as well. The study guide is posted on the blog. The class did a great job preparing last test so I'll give extra time in class and less homework too.
* We kick off our Science Unit on Weather next week.
* In Writing, we will wrap up our Historical Fiction writing from the Revolution.
* 3 Things...I will start filming these on Monday.
* Upcoming Projects-I posted the long-term projects and the due dates on the right side of the blog. We will begin talking about the Heritage Project and Science Project to get the ball rolling.
* I just got good news...The UCSC Lifelab was able to squeeze us in on March 9th for our field trip. We had to cancel previously because I reserved Friday, February 17th,last year and didn't realize that we DIDN'T HAVE SCHOOL that day! So...the permission slip will be sent home this week. This is an awesome trip that you will love with fun nutrition activities/rotations and some amazing soup we make together. Thanks in advance to those who drive us.

Sorry for the long update!
Have a great week,
Mr. Sweet

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 6-10th

2012-02-06T11:31:00.000-08:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-Finish Ch. 5 Sam is Dead + Right to Bear Arms+E.C.
Math- Finish Saxon L87 - Evens + p.137-Ch.15-3
Vocab.-Study words (on blog)
Book orders due Friday, February 10th.
Field Trip Permission Slips sent home to Weather Station.
3 Things Phrase/Performance Idea due Friday.
BRING $5 for Valentine's Breakfast...Due Friday

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-Finish Ch. 6 Sam is Dead + Lie to Parents? (2nd page of packet)
Math- Finish Saxon L88- Odds + p.139-Ch.15-4
Vocab.-Study words (on blog)
Book orders due Friday, February 10th.
Field Trip Permission Slips sent home to Weather Station.
3 Things Phrase/Performance Idea due Friday.
BRING $5 for Valentine's Breakfast...Due Friday

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-p.85-92 of Sam
Math- Finish Ch. 17-1 p.157 + Tweet Tweet Graphing Activity
Vocab.-Study words (on blog)
Book orders due Friday, February 10th.
Field Trip Permission Slips sent home to Weather Station.
3 Things Phrase/Performance Idea due Friday.
BRING $5 for Valentine's Breakfast...Due Friday

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Reading (Ch. 8) p. 99-107+Packing for a Journey Handout in Packet
Math-Finish HM Ch.17-L2 p.159+160 + Graphing Activity
Valentine's $5, 3 Things, Book Orders Due Friday

UPDATE
* This week we are continuing our exciting book, My Brother Sam is Dead. The vocab words have been posted to the blog. Please learn these by Friday.
* In Math we are doing dividing of numbers by tens. I will post some iPad lessons to help support learning at home.
* In Writing this week we are doing a fun activity about the American Revolution. I put several papers in a hat with Revolution vocabulary/people/actions such as: canons, muskets, bayonets, George Washington, Lexington and Concord, traitor, Benedict Arnold...etc... Students will write an historical fiction story incorporating these two things into their stories from the 1st person perspective.
* Our "3 Things" are due this Friday so we can begin filming next week.
* Book Orders Due Friday, February 10th.
* $5 will be due on Friday, February 10th
That's all folks!
Mr. Sweet

WEEK of JANUARY 30-FEBRUARY 3rd

2012-01-29T17:16:00.000-08:00

CLASS UPDATE
* The Cereal Box projects were outstanding!
* TUESDAY is Spirit Day so dress up with CRAZY HAIR!
* There will be little homework on Monday as we focus on our Social Studies prep. This Tuesday afternoon our class will take our test on the American Revolution. Please check the study guide on the right hand side of the blog, if you haven't already. It has been up for a week and a half now, so hopefully your child has had a chance to study.
* In Math we are dividing decimals so please check the right side again for one way I teach it in class.
* Room 12 will be finishing our final drafts of the"3 Things to Change the World" Paper.
* In Reading our 5th graders will be doing the Science World News and our HM Core Lit.
That's a wrap for now!
Mr. Sweet

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Finish Ch. 1-Sam is Dead
Math HM-Ch.14 L4
Study for Social Studies Test
Spelling/Vocab on Blog-
Write 10 sentences using the vocab words with definitions. Underline them and demonstrate you know the meaning with correct usage in your sentences.
CRAZY HAIR DAY TUESDAY!

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-Finish Ch.2 in "My Brother Sam is Dead"+ My Brother or My Father Activity.
Math-Finish L84 evens-Saxon
Vocab.-Finish 10 sentences by Friday

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-Finish Ch.3 in "My Brother Sam is Dead"+ LIT. CIRCLE JOB
Math-Finish HM CH. 14 Review/Dividing Decimals
Vocab.-Finish 10 sentences by Friday

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Reading-Finish Ch. 4 + Last LIT CIRCLE IN PACKET
Writing-Finish Final Draft of "3 Things to Change the World"
Math-Do Saxon L 86/odds + HM Review Dividing Decimals
Vocab 10 sentences due tomorrow

WEEK OF JANUARY 23-27th

2012-01-20T11:27:00.000-08:00

CLASS HAPPENINGS
* This week we will finish The Fighting Ground and have Lit. Circles at home along with new vocabulary.
* Our Cereal Box Project is due Friday, January 27th.
* In Math we are MULTIPLYING DECIMALS (HM CHAPTER 13) I will post a couple demonstrations
on the right side of the blog like last week.
* In Writing we will wrap up our 5-paragraph essay about our 3 things to change the world.
* In addition, we will begin to formulate our 3-things Video Project
* In American History we will finish Ch. 8 on Tuesday and begin prepping for our Test on Tuesday, January 31st. The study guide is posted on the blog. In the computer lab we are creating a newsletter using PAGES about an American Revolution Hero. Check out your child's flash drive to see who they are researching.
* On Wednesday we will be moving our desks into new groups.
* Our deadline to meet our A.R. Goal in the 2nd Trimester is on:
February 29th.

HOMEWORK MONDAY
READING-p.89-100+ Icon Sheet-Perspectives, Unanswered questions, language of Discipline (Military/colonial jargon)Details from reading
Math - L81 odds/HM 109 + 111 in wkbk
Vocab/Spelling Study words-On blog
CEREAL BOX PROJECT-
Finish Social Studies Pages-77-83 (Due Friday)

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
READING-p.111-121+ Lit. Circle
Math - L82 Evens/HM p.115 in wkbk Lesson 4 Ch.13
Vocab/Spelling Study words-On blog
HISTORY-Memorize: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. —" DUE FRIDAY
CEREAL BOX PROJECT-
Finish Social Studies Pages-77-83 (Due Friday)

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
READING-p.121-129
Math - L83 odds
Vocab/Spelling Study words-On blog
HISTORY-Memorize: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. —" DUE FRIDAY
CEREAL BOX PROJECT-
Finish Social Studies Pages-77-85 (Due Friday)

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
READING-optional
Math-Finish HM CH. 14 Lesson 1 + Pre-Test Saxon
Vocab/Spelling Study words-On blog
HISTORY-Memorize: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. —" DUE FRIDAY
CEREAL BOX PROJECT-
Finish Social Studies Pages-77-87 (Due Friday)

WEEK OF JANUARY 17-20

2012-01-17T10:53:00.001-08:00

SPELLING BEE CHAMPS FROM ROOM 12!

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-p.45-52 + Lit. Circles
Math p. 93+95 HM WKBK + Saxon L76 evens
NEWSTEAM SPEECH PRACTICE-
STUDY VOCAB/SPELLING

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-p.53-62 (3:05-4:01)FIGHTING GROUND + Lit. Circles
Math p. 97 + 99 HM WKBK (See blog link for reteaching of today's lesson)
NEWSTEAM SPEECH PRACTICE-
STUDY VOCAB/SPELLING

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Reading-5PM-6pm p.58-69 FIGHTING GROUND + SUMMARY
Math-Review Dividing Fractions Page
(See blog link for reteaching of this weeks lesson)
NEWSTEAM SPEECH PRACTICE-
STUDY VOCAB/SPELLING/DLR
CEREAL BOX PROJECT DUE NEXT FRIDAY

UPDATE
* This week we are continuing to read The Fighting Ground and do Lit. Circles.
* In writing we will be starting our rough drafts about "3 Dreams to Change the World"
in honor of Dr. King and the 3 Things Video project we will be doing.
* In Math we are dividing fractions by fractions and by whole numbers. I also taught cross canceling as a short cut. Please see the demonstration links on the right hand side to help clarify the methods.
* Our News Team presentations will be Friday so make sure your child practices their speech.
* Vocab and Spelling is from Social Studies, MLK and Fighting Ground.
* Cereal Box Projects are due on Friday, January 27th.
That's it for now!

WEEK OF JANUARY 11-13th

2012-01-08T11:24:00.000-08:00

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-Fighting Ground-10:45-11:30(p.11-19) + Summary
Math-Finish L72 in Saxon
Vocab-Learn words(Test on Tuesday, January 17th)
Choose News Team Article, fill out the cover sheet and bring on Friday.
SUPPLY CHECK FRIDAY-2 Pencils, 2 Red Pens, 2 Blue Pens, 1 Pencil Sharpener, 1 Spiral
Notebook
If you already have these supplies, you are all set.

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Reading-Fighting Ground-p.24-32 + Summary
Math-Finish L74 in Saxon
Vocab-Learn words(Test on Tuesday, January 17th)
Choose News Team Article, fill out the cover sheet and bring on Friday.
SUPPLY CHECK FRIDAY-2 Pencils, 2 Red Pens, 2 Blue Pens, 1 Pencil Sharpener, 1 Spiral
Notebook, 1 Expo Marker and a sock
If you already have these supplies, you are all set.
CEREAL BOX PROJECT IS DUE: FRIDAY, JANUARY 27th.

HOMEWORK FRIDAY
Finish "My 3 Things to Change the World" Graphic Organizer
Writing-Finish writing summary on News Team Article-Due Tuesday
Work on Cereal Box Project
Get Supplies, if you did not get them yet
Dear Parents,
I hope everybody had a restful break with family and friends. Our vacation was a blast! Thank you so much for your kind gift of cash and all of the other amazing and thoughtful gifts! Wow! We were able to go out to Palapas, Betty Burgers and I purchased a new tennis racquet. Finally, I spent about a week putting new pavers in my backyard. Holy cow, I am happy to be a teacher and NOT a manual laborer. Rewarding, but I am sore.

Here are some quick updates:

* Our class has begun a new unit of study in Social Studies about the American Revolution. We also began a book entitled The Fighting Ground, which is a fictional, first person account of a young man involved in the war.
* In math we are going to do some review in Saxon and then we will be learning how to divide fractions next week.
* The school talent show tryouts are next Wednesday, January 18th.
* I sent home the Cereal Box Book project prior to the break. Check out the blog for the assignment. It is a google document. It is due on Friday, January 27th. Many students worked on these during our LONG break.
* This week our class will be learning about Martin Luther King Jr. as we read his biography and we do some writing about his dreams and how we can change the world in our lives. I encourage you to discuss the Civil Rights movement. In class today we saw his "I Have a Dream" speech and wrote about it.
* There will be no Spelling/Vocab this week, but we will next week starting on Tuesday, January 17th.

Happy New Year!

Mr. Sweet

"Where kind hearts and open minds rule."

WEEK OF DECEMBER 12-16th

2011-12-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read AR-20 min.
Math-p.123+125 in HM Wkbk + L71 evens Saxon
Writing-Finish Final Draft of TWO Opinion Poems
Poetry-Practice Memorizing/Reciting Winter Poem and Free Verse Poem
Have parents read and sign/return the progress report/Check
AR Progress on it too.
Get a present for the White Elephant Gift exchange (Any toy/game/book/etc. under $15 by
Friday for the party

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read 20min
Math-p.139+141 HM Wkbk pages
Writing-Do two cinquains
Writing/Art-Finish Final Drafts of Colonial Exhibits-Due Thursday
Poetry-Practice reciting Winter Poem + Free Verse Poem
Go purchase a White Elephant Gift for the Exchange

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read 20min.
NO MATH!
Colonies-Finish 3 components-Due tomorrow
Practice Winter and Free Verse Poem for the recital Friday
Study Spelling

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Get White Elephant Gift
Math-Go over Saxon Pre-Test
Practice Poems for Recital
DRESS UP FANCY FOR RECITAL!!!
Study Spelling + Holidays(Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Saturnalia, Christmas

Room 12,
This is an exciting week, full of learning and fun.
* In reading we will be learning about an African American Hero during the Revolution: James Forten.
* Writing-We will finish our poetry final drafts and practice our TWO poems with memorization, reciting and fun style.
* Sweet's Poet Cafe-This will be on Friday from 9-10:45-Students will dress up in black/fancy clothing. Each child will be photographed and be graded on their speaking skills. PARENTS ARE INVITED!
* Math-We will be dividing with decimals in the divisor (over-->over--> UP)
* Colonies- We will finish our projects and post them on the poster board on Wednesday.
The Colony Museum Exhibit will be on Thursday at 1pm. Parents are invited to the final exhibits.
* Holiday Party-On Friday after the Poetry Recital we will do a "White Elephant Gift Exchange". Please get some kind of gift that costs less than $15.
Parents who would like to bring a treat, please let me know.
* In class we will learn about the history of the winter holidays of Saturnalia, Kwanzaa, Christmas and Chanukkah.
* Progress reports will go home on Monday. Please check online to see your AR progress
and % of goal achieved thus far. Sign and return the report to show me that you are up-to-date on your child's progress.

WEEK OF DECEMBER 5th-DECEMBER 9

2011-12-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read 25 minutes (A.R.)
Math - Finish Ch.10-2 HM / Finish Saxon Math L67 odds
Writing-Finish Final Draft of Diamante
Poetry-Begin Memorizing/Practice Reciting Winter Poem
Study Spelling words

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read 25 minutes (A.R.)
Math - Finish Ch.10-3 HM / Finish Saxon Math L68 evens
Writing-Finish Final Draft of 3 Haiku Poems on white paper (Syllables-5-7-5/about Nature, one verb in each line)
Poetry-Begin Memorizing/Practice Reciting Winter Poem
Study Spelling words

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read 25 minutes (A.R.)
Math - Finish Mult.Fractions Review HM / Finish Saxon Math L70 odds
Writing-Write a Free Verse poem of at least 10 lines (it doesn't have to rhyme)
Poetry-Begin Memorizing/Practice Reciting Winter Poem
Study Spelling words

PARTY THURSDAY! DRESS UP! BIG SPIN!

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Read 25 minutes (A.R.)
Math - Saxon Pre-Test
Poetry-Memorize/Practice Reciting Winter Poem + Free Verse
Study Spelling words/DLR

Room 12,
* Well, due to our very sad Friday when school was canceled, our party was postponed until next Thursday, December 8th. Please bring the $2 for pizza.
* The Big Spin Day was changed to 1pm on Thursday, December 8th.
However, this Monday, December 5th, we will take our assessments that we missed on Friday, so please study over the weekend so that you are prepared.
* In reading this week we will read a story called "Katie's Trunk" which is about a Redcoat attack during the Revolution.
* In writing our class continues to write poetry in its various forms. This week we choose winter poems to recite on Friday, December 16th, at our Sweet's Poet Cafe. We will have hot chocolate, be dressed up in fancy clothes. Students will recite two poems: one Winter Poem by a famous poet followed by their own free-verse poem that they will write and revise this week. The goal is to memorize both of these.
* We will be learning how to multiply fractions this week.
* In History we will finish up our rough drafts of our exhibits and finish the final drafts at home.
* Remember to bring in 2nd Harvest Food to donate, or money. This truly makes a difference in our community and all of those families struggling through unemployment.
Enjoy a 3 day weekend!
Mr. Sweet

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 28-DECEMBER 2nd

2011-11-27T20:49:00.000-08:00

Room 12 Update
Welcome back! That was a restful break.
* For the next three weeks our class will be reading stories from our HM Anthology that focus on the American Revolution. At home students will be able to read any AR book and do their summaries.
* In Writing we will be starting a an exciting Poetry Unit.
* In Math we will finish up Chapter 8 in HM, which is adding and subtracting mixed numbers with different denominators.
* In American History we are doing Museum Exhibits about one of the many original colonies. This will be mostly an in-class project, but the final drafts will be done at home.
* On Friday at 1pm our class will have the Big Spin with all of the 4th, 5th and 6th graders, which honors students that receive awards.
More to come!
Mr. Sweet

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read 20 minutes A.R. + Summary + Finish Science World p. 1-9
Math-p.75 in HM Wkbk + Saxon L61 odds
Writing-Write, or type on multiple choice question from Science World
Study Spelling-Test Friday

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read 20 minutes A.R.Finish Science World p. 10-18 (summary)
Math-p.79 in HM Wkbk + Saxon L63 evens
Colony Project-Begin researching your Exhibit Topics using the Internet
3 Parts-Art/Written/Chart
Study Spelling-Test Friday

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read 20 min. AR-Finish Science World-Write a summary about your favorite article
Math Finish L64 odds + HM p.81 (Subtracting Fractions)
Study Spelling
Continue Exhibit Project-(See exhibit contract paper for clarification)

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Reading-Finish and Review Science World News + Read AR 20 minutes (Reading Comprehension Smart quiz Friday on Science World with student-generated questions)
Math-Finish Saxon Evens L65 + HM p. 83
Spelling-Study words for the Test
Study for DLR-Test Friday
Continue Colony Projects
DRESS UP CRAZY SPORTS DAY TOMORROW
BRING $2 for pizza

THANKSGIVING WEEK

2011-11-20T18:41:00.001-08:00

TWO WONDERFUL PARENTS WHO ALSO DRESSED AS TWINS
HOMEWORK MONDAY
Make your dish together
Go over Math L60 evens (We finished it in class)
You may correct and return mistakes on papers for a better grade.

together

Dear Parents,
* Tomorrow is pajama/stuffed animal/pillow/blanket day! The class has been just fantastic in their behavior and how hard they have worked, so tomorrow will be a fun day. I will give an extended period of silent reading time and they can curl up anywhere with their friends and read away...We will learn about the true roots of the original Thanksgiving along with some fun crafts and puzzles. The only homework will be cooking their dish to share. Hooray!

* Tuesday is a School Spirit Day-It is Twin Day. You may dress up together with as many people as you want!

Thank you so much to the parents who promptly returned the 3 options for the Feast on Tuesday. For those of you that have not
replied yet, you may reply to this email and fill in any gaps. We need side dishes and vegetables and a pasta dish. Here is the list of what students signed up for. My wonderful wife, Hilary, helped me put this together. Remember, you are invited!
1. Trevor-???
2. Aaron-Lemon Bars
3. Carter-???
4. Ellia-Stuffing
5. Elizabeth-Sprite
6. Ryan-Green Beans
7. Amy-Yams(The best)
8. Cooper-Candied Sweet Potatoes
9. Seth-Cornbread
10. Logan-Cranberry Fluff
11. Rowan-Bean and Cheese Tacos
12. Johan-???
13. Jack-Chocolate Pecan Pie
14. Ava-Biscuits
15. Jordan-Sparkling Apple Cider
16. Camille-???
17. Marcel-Apple Pie
18. Coral-???
19. Haley-Salad
20. Claire-Moose Droppings
21. Chance-Cornbread
22. Abby-"World Famous Mashed Potatoes"
23. Mac-Garlic Potatoes
24. Italia-???
25. Rowen Short-Plates and Utensils (I have napkins)
26. Josiah-Salad and Cranberry Sauce
27. Kody-Pumpkin Pie
28. Brynn-Chicken Divan
29. Bella-???
30. Casey-Turkey!!! Thank you!

The feast begins at 12pm on Tuesday. If you can bring hot dishes in just prior that would be ideal, but I understand if you are busy at work.

That's it for now.
Happy Thanksgiving Short School Week!
Mr. Sweet

WEEK OF NOVEMBER 14-18th

2011-11-13T19:15:00.001-08:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-Read Ch. 37+38 (No summary)
Math-Finish Saxon L57
Vocabulary-Make a picture for your 10 favorite vocabulary words. (Learn the meanings of
all 20)
Art-Work on your Portrait of your medieval person

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-Read Ch. 40-42 (No summary)
Math-Finish Saxon L58 Evens
Vocabulary-Make a picture for your 10 favorite vocabulary words. (Learn the meanings of
all 20) (DUE FRIDAY)
Art-Work on your Portrait of your medieval person (We printed the photos up today)

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-Read Ch. 47-49 (No summary)
Math-Finish Saxon L59 odds
Vocabulary-Make a picture for your 10 favorite vocabulary words. (Learn the meanings of
all 20) (DUE FRIDAY)
Art-Work on your Portrait of your medieval person-DUE FRIDAY
IN COLOR!

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
WRITE DOWN THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE FAMILY DISHES ON FORM
Finish the Crispin Book
Math-Finish/Go Over Math Pre-Test (Saxon 9a)
Vocabulary-Study (No Spelling Test)
Finish Thankful Essay
Finish Vocab Art+Portrait

DEAR ROOM 12,
Our class is in their new groups and we are back to it for a full week of learning and fun. Report cards go home Monday so please sign and return the envelopes.

This week our class will finish reading Crispin and it will be the last week of vocabulary for three weeks. In addition, we will wrap up our Medieval Power Point Projects in the Computer Lab on Wednesday. Part of this assignment will be a portrait of their famous person. Each student will have all week to create their own portrait of their hero. We will print up a pic from the Internet and do the rough drafts in class on Monday and Tuesday. Students may use the paper I provide, or even get fancy and use a canvas. This art will be displayed on the wall in class.

In Math we will resume our work with fractions when we begin adding and subtracting mixed numbers with different denominators.

In writing we will begin our 5 paragraph essays about what we are thankful for. Finally, in American History we are learning about the original colonies and each group chose a colony to study.

Last, but not least, I have a tradition each year to have a Thanksgiving Feast. Each child signs up to bring some family dish and shares it with the class on Tuesday, November 22nd. Tomorrow I will send home the form and you can write down 3 of your favorite dishes. From this, I will e-mail the menu. Parents are all invited!

It's going to be a great week!
Mr. Sweet
"Where we use our hearts and minds well."

Week of November 7-10th

2011-11-05T19:42:00.000-07:00

Room 12!

We will only have class Monday - Thursday this week in observance of Veteran's Day.
As a result, our homework will not be the same this week. We will still be reading Crispin. In math we will continue our study of adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators. There will be no spelling this week. Hooray!
In class we are also continuing our famous person Power Point Project from the Medieval Times to extend our learning of the middle ages from Crispin. Each child will be researching using our computer lab. This also includes a portrait that will be drawn in class. One more thing, we will practice our speeches in class and at home for the presentations on Wednesday and Thursday. The speeches will be 2-5 min.
Finally, come and join the school at the Monday morning assembly when our class sings "Hey Soul Sister," reads two papers and leads the flag salute.

HOMEWORK MONDAY-
Reading-Ch.26+27+Summary(20-4-1)
Math-Finish HM Fraction Review+SAXON L54 evens
Study 10 vocab words(They wrote the definitions on the pre-test)
Practice Speech

Homework TUESDAY
Reading-Read Ch.30+31+Summary
Math-Finish/Go over fraction HM Review: Test Thursday
Vocab.-Study 10 word meanings+usage
Practice Speech-They begin Wednesday

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading -Ch. 32-34 + Summary
Finish Saxon L56 odds + Do Test Review on computer for fractions (Under Study Guides)
Study Vocab for test tomorrow
Practice Speeches

WEEK OF OCTOBER 31st-NOVEMBER 4th

2011-10-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents,
* Our week begins with a bang on Monday when we have the Halloween Parade at 8:15 a.m. Please make sure, like Ms. Dorney’s message specified, that the costumes are appropriate with no weapons, gory costumes or suggestive clothing. The class party will be from 1-2:10pm. A big "Thank You!" to all the parents who have volunteered to help and bring goodies.
* In class we will be continuing with the book Crispin. The class did a wonderful job in our Literature Circles last week and we will resume this week. To extend learning about the Middle Ages, our class is working on a Famous Person from the Middle Ages project in the Computer Lab. Ask your child who they chose to learn about.
* In Science we will be doing group projects to review The Structures of Living Things Unit to help prepare us for the test on Thursday. I decided to move the test because of Halloween.
* This week we are also creating the speech outlines of our Newspaper Projects. We will be presenting them on Thursday and Friday so make sure they practice eye contact, expression and volume to prepare well.
* In Spelling we will be doing 10 Halloween words along with 10 vocabulary words from Crispin.
* Our class finished up their impressive “Spooky Stories” which incorporated the usage of similes, dialogue and an exciting “hook” introduction. We have been showcasing each author by having students read their spooky stories from a chair in the middle of the class with the lights off.
* Our last day to take A.R. quizzes will be on Wednesday, November 2nd.

HOMEWORK MONDAY
No Reading!
No Math HW!
Science-Study for the Science Test on Thursday
Vocab-Study 10 vocab words
Speech-Practice Speech

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read Ch. 17+18 + Lit. Circle
Math-Finish L50odds+HM p.65
Study for Science Test
Practice Speech-Book Project (Speech outline in folder)
Don't eat too much candy!

Read Ch. 20+21 (No Lit.Circle)
Math Finish L51 Evens + HM Ch.7 Lesson 3 (p.71 only/not other side)
Study Science for test tomorrow
Study Vocabulary-Last 10 words from Crispin

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Read Ch. 23 + 24 Last Lit Circle in packet
Math-Finish L53 odds + p.73 HM Fractions
Study Vocabulary
Begin Practicing Speech (Speeches begin next Wednesday)

WEEK OF OCTOBER 24-28th

2011-10-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read Ch. 3+4+Lit Circle
Math Finish P.55 in HM + L46 Evens
Newspaper Project Due Friday
Learn 20 Vocab/Spelling Words(Definitions on Spelling Blog)

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read Ch. 8 + Lit Circle Job
Math Finish Distributive Property Practice in HM + L47 Odds
Finish Science Review Sheet Ch.3+4 Multiple Choice/You can use book
Newspaper Project Due Friday
Learn 20 Vocab/Spelling Words(Definitions on Spelling Blog)

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read Ch.10-12 + Lit. Circle
Math-Finish Saxon L48 evens
Study Vocab
Science Study Guide on blog link-Test next Wednesday, November 2nd
Finish Newspaper Book Project

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Math Finish/Go Over Pre-Test
Writing-Finish Spooky Stories
Study Vocab/DLR
NEWSPAPER PROJECT DUE TOMORROW!
Science Study Guide Posted (Make flash cards to study, if possible)

Parents and Students from Room 12,
I wanted to let you know about all of the exciting things happening in Room 12 this week.
* In reading we are continuing the exciting book entitled Crispin, which takes place during the Middle Ages in England. Our class is using the iPad to learn new vocabulary in class and read it using the iBook/iPad and the books I passed out.
* In spelling we are learning some Crispin words along with a couple Halloween words for the week.
* This week we are creating our speech outlines from our newspaper book projects. We will be practicing and presenting them next week... so make sure they practice eye contact, expression and volume to prepare well.
* This week in writing we are creating our “Spooky Stories,” which incorporate the usage of similes, dialogue, an exciting “hook” intro along with descriptive vocabulary.
* Finally, in technology 5th graders will begin creating a Middle Ages Project in the Computer Lab.

It's going to be a great week! The Structures of Living Science Study Guide will be posted Wednesday.

"Where kind hearts and open minds rule!"

WEEK OF OCTOBER 17-21

2011-10-17T15:21:00.001-07:00

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-20/4/1-AR Book
Math-Finish HM Wkbk Pages p.47+52+54
Writing-Finish Rough Draft of Perfect Paragraph
Work on Newspaper Project
Extra Credit-"Bay of Pigs" one Page Report
Correct in blue ink and Return Papers for a better grade

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-20/4/1 AR Book
Math-Finish Saxon L43 evens+HM p.41+42
Science Wkbk-p.56-61

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Reading-Read 30 minutes A.R. Book
Writing-Finish Final Draft of "Perfect Paragraph"
Math Finish Saxon L45 odds+ HM Review Equations/Algebra
DLR-Study for DLR test #7
Science-Finish L2+L3 Review Sheet

WEEK OF OCTOBER 10-14

2011-10-07T10:45:00.001-07:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read p.2-7 in Science World
Write one multiple choice question about an article-Due tomorrow
Math-Finish HM p.43+44
Study Spelling

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read p.8-13 in Science World
Write one multiple choice question about an article-Due tomorrow
Math-Finish HM p.45+46
Study Spelling

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read 14-18 in Science World (No multiple choice question required)
Math-Finish L41 Saxon + Daily Review p.48
Newspaper Project + Cell Project

Work on Newspaper Book Project (Due Friday, October 28th/Cell Project
(Due by Friday, October 14th)

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Finish and Review Science World-Quiz Friday
Math-Finish L42 odds + HM
Study Spelling
Book Project

Parents and Students of Room 12,
* This week we will have short days all week! I will be facilitating the conferences and we only have 20 minutes each student, so please understand if we have to end on time because other parents have other conferences after our class.
* This week we start our new unit entitled: Structures of Living Things (Plant and Animal Cells, Organ Systems, Plants)
* There will be spelling, but no vocabulary, or DLR with very little homework. This way we can focus on our two projects:
* The Edible Cell and Newspaper Book Project. I handed out construction paper to each student and posted these pics of exemplary projects. These projects were also passed around the class.
* Furthermore, In the computer lab I will teach each student how to convert Word Documents into columns for their Newspaper Project.
* Our class will be reading a story about Richie Valens and a boy in a talent show. We will also learn and sing some of his amazing songs.
* In writing our class will be working on writing effective paragraphs. Our class is struggling with remembering conclusions.
I look forward to seeing you at the conference!
Mr. Sweet

WEEK OF OCTOBER 3-7

2011-10-03T10:41:00.001-07:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-Science World-write a summary about 1 of the articles-Read whole magazine by Friday-Quiz (Student Generated Smart Responder Quiz)
Math - HM Ch.4 p.33-36 (Students really struggled with this)
Practice News Team Summary Speech (Finish summary if not done)
Study for Social Studies Test on Thursday (Study Guide link on right)
Study spelling mistakes from Pre-Test. No vocab!
Correct mistakes on papers sent home for a better grade.

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-Science World-write a summary about 1 of the articles-Read whole magazine by Friday-Quiz (Student Generated Smart Responder Quiz)
Math - HM Ch.4 p.37+38 + Saxon L36 odds (p. 177)
Practice News Team Summary Speech(Presentations Friday)
Study for Social Studies Test on Thursday (Study Guide link on right)

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-Finish Science World/no summary
Math-Finish and go over CH. 4 Review Test
Practice News Team Speech (Eye contact, expression, volume)
STUDY FOR HISTORY TEST-Test tomorrow

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Reading-Finish Science World+Quiz tomorrow
Math Finish p.39-40 in HM + Saxon L38 evens
Writing-Finish Final Draft of "Frustrations"
Study for Spelling Test
Parents-Fill out Conference Surveys/return Monday
Dear Parents,
* This week our class is reading about the famous ice skater, Michelle Kwan.
* At home each child will be reading SCIENCE WORLD NEWS and doing their summaries on their favorite articles.
* We are studying our Social Studies Ch. 3 about the explorers in preparation for the test on Thursday. The study guide, once again, has been posted since last Wednesday.
* Students are preparing their News Team Presentations with fun commercials and engaging summaries of their stories.
* Today our class shot the bow and arrows! Great job on the extra credit!

Parent Teacher Conferences

Monday 10/10
12:45-Coral
1:05- Italia
1:25-Cooper
1:45-
2:05-Rowen S.
2:25-Jack
2:45-Johan
3:05-Seth
Tuesday 10/11
12:45-Sweet
1:05-Elizabeth
1:25-Trevor
1:45-
2:05-Casey
2:25-Abby
2:45-Claire
3:05-Ryan
Wednesday 10/12
12:45-Haley
1:05-Amy
1:25-Logan
1:45-Ellia
2:05-Jordan
2:25-MacKenzie
2:45-
3:05-Carter
Thursday-10/13
12:45-Brynn
1:05-Marcel
1:25-Aaron
1:45-
2:05-
2:25-
2:45-Bella
3:05-
Friday-10/14
12:45-Ava
1:05-Camille
1:25-Rowan

Week of September 26-30

2011-09-24T19:51:00.000-07:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-20-4-1- Ch. 17 Sign of the Beaver
Math - Finish L30 in Saxon(Evens)+ HM Wkbk p. 25-28 (Comparing Whole Numbers/Decimals)
Spelling-Study Vocab Meanings and Spelling Pre-Test for test on Friday

TUESDAY
Reading 20-4-1 Ch. 19 Sign of the Beaver
Math Finish L31 odds + HM p.29+30
Choose News Team Article + Print by Thursday
Writing Finish rough draft of "Frustrations"
Study Vocab/Spelling
NEWSPAPER BOOK PROJECT SHEET SENT HOME
Due: October 27

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read Ch. 20+21 + Summary
Math L33 odds + HM Review Sheet
Bring News Team Article (Summary due Monday)
Study Vocabulary/Spelling

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Reading Finish Book (Quiz Tomorrow)
Choose Reading Newspaper Book by tomorrow. You can choose a book
that you have read, or are reading, this trimester.
Math- SAXON PRE-TEST
Do News Team Summary of Article (Summary due Monday)
Study Vocabulary/Spelling
STUDY GUIDE POSTED FOR AMERICAN HISTORY TEST NEXT THURSDAY
EXTRA CREDIT-ARCHERY DUE MONDAY

Room 12 Update
* Our class will be finishing the Sign of the Beaver this week together with our vocabulary and spelling words all coming from the book. Also, I handed out an extra-credit assignment that will be due this coming Friday, September 30th. Each child will make a bow and arrow and bring them to share on Friday. Please make sure that they are in bags. Obviously, they can not take them out at recess.
* We will also choose new articles for our News Team Groups. Our first presentations were exceptional with really good eye contact, voice and volume. The commercials were hilarious! Their practice paid off.
* In HM Mathematics we will wrap our Chapter 3 studying Place Value, Standard Form, Expanded Form with Exponents
* In American History we are finishing up our Unit of Study about the Explorers. In the computer lab we are using the "Pages" application and each child is creating their own Explorer Brochure about one they chose last week. The study guide will be posted this Thursday, September 29th and we will take our first test next Thursday, October 6th.
* Finally, in writing our class will finish our final drafts of the "Frustrations" Essay.

That's it for now! See in the class where we use our hearts and minds well.

Mr. Sweet

Week of September 19th-23rd

2011-09-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read Ch. 5+6 of Sign of the Beaver + Summary
Math L24 odds

TUESDAY
Read Ch. 9+10 + Summary
Writing-Finish Summary of Newsteam Article and bring tomorrow
Math Finish HM Review on Fractions + Mixed Numbers+Equivalents
Study Spelling Pre-Test mistakes and meanings of #1-10 on Spelling Blog
at: http://mrsweetspelling.blogspot.com (Test Friday)
Sign and return Field Trip Forms for NASA

WEDNESDAY
Reading-Finish Ch.11+12 + Reading Activity Hand out (NO SUMMARY TONIGHT)
Math-Finish Saxon L26 odds + Review Test HM (Test tomorrow on Fractions/Equivalents/Mixed numbers /Improper Fractions
PICTURE DAY TOMORROW!
Return Field Trip Form
Correct and return papers for a better grade in blue ink
Practice News Team Speech (Eye contact, volume, expression)

THURSDAY
Reading-Finish Ch.14+15 Sign of the Beaver
Math-Finish Saxon L27 Evens + HM p.23
STUDY FOR VOCAB/DLR TESTS
HARVEST FESTIVAL TOMORROW. I'LL BE IN THE DUNK TANK!
Practice News Team Speech (Eye contact, volume, expression)

Parents and Students from Room 12,
Last Friday was a great day taking assessments with the Smart Responders and the Spelling/DLR test. This was followed by Electronics, Pajamas and Soul Surfer, a movie they chose. Thank you so much to the parents who brought in treats...they were delicious!

This week we will start with our field trip to the Tech Museum on Monday, which will culminate our Unit of Study of Chemistry and Extreme Weather. I appreciate the parents who volunteered their time to drive over to San Jose.

There will still be homework on Monday consisting of 20-4-1 and Math L24/odds, and we will get our Spelling/Vocab from Sign of the Beaver words on Tuesday. I will also hand out our first Book Project, which will not be due until the latter part of October.

Also, only about half of the class have taken A.R. quizzes. As a reminder, A.R. is 20% of the reading grade. If they meet their goal, that is an easy A for that 20%! The deadline to take quizzes the first trimester is Tuesday, November 1st. Read on!

In American History we are learning about the Explorers and the process of Cultures Meeting/Clashing.

Finally, please bring your news team article stapled to the cover sheet. If you have not finished the summary, you will have time either Monday, or Tuesday night.

See you in the class "where we use our hearts and minds well."
Mr. Sweet

2011-09-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

Parent Teacher Conferences

Monday 10/10
12:45-Coral
1:05-Marcel
1:25-Cooper
1:45-
2:05-
2:25-Jack
2:45-Johan
3:05-Seth
Tuesday 10/11
12:45-Sweet
1:05-Elizabeth
1:25-Trevor
1:45-Graham
2:05-Casey
2:25-
2:45-Claire
3:05-Ryan
Wednesday 10/12
12:45-Haley
1:05-Amy
1:25-
1:45-Ellia
2:05-Jordan
2:25-MacKenzie
2:45-
3:05-Carter
Thursday-10/13
12:45-Brynn
1:05-
1:25-
1:45-
2:05-
2:25-
2:45-
3:05-Rowen
Friday-10/14
12:45-Ava
1:05-Camille
1:25-Rowan

Week of September 12-16th

2011-09-11T19:01:00.000-07:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-20-4-1 (Finish + Summarize Ch. 1 from Sign of the Beaver)
Math-L21
Spelling-Re-write each missed spelling word 3 times in blue ink/learn vocab (to be finished tomorrow in class)
SCIENCE-Take book home and do the Study Guide/I highly recommend making cards w/question on one side and answers on
the other
NEWSTEAMS-Choose an article from a newspaper, magazine, or online news source...Cut it out and staple it to your cover sheet.
Summary is due next Monday.
Picture forms sent home

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-Ch. 3 in Sign of the Beaver + Summary
Math - Finish and go over L22
Vocabulary-Study 1-13 in vocab definitions
Study for Science Test on Thursday
Bring $2 for pizza party on Friday

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading -Ch. 4 in Sign of the Beaver (NO SUMMARY)
Math Finish Ch.2 L 4 + 2 problems on back (p. 17+18)
STUDY SCIENCE FOR TEST TOMORROW
Study Vocab from Sign of the Beaver 1-20
Bring $2 for Pajama Electric Pizza Party!

THURSDAY HOMEWORK
Read A.R. Book for 20 minutes out loud
Math-Finish and go over Pre-Test
Vocab-Study Sign of the Beaver Vocabulary for test tomorrow
Study Spelling + DLR
WEAR PAJAMAS
BRING ELECTRONICS!

Room 12!
* On Monday our class will be learning a little bit about 9/11 and its impact on our country and the world at large.
* In Reading our class will begin The Sign of the Beaver, a classic book about a boy's life without his family in the Northeast in the 1760's.
* This week, we will not have spelling workbook pages. Instead, in class, we will learn the meanings of our vocabulary words and play games to understand and use them. The vocab test will be on Friday using the Smart Responders... so study those words! The meanings will be sent home Tuesday.
* We will not have as much homework because I really want each child to study for the Science Test on Thursday. They should bring home their book every night to study.
* Our class will start doing News Teams. Each student will select an article from a newspaper, or online/magazine article to summarize and share with the class. The summary is not due until next Monday, September 19th. The brief speeches will be next week, as well.
* In HM Math we are continuing to learn equivalent fractions, reducing/simplifying, and converting mixed numbers to improper fractions and visa versa.
* Finally, in writing Room 12 is beginning our "Frustrations Essay" Be prepared to laugh at their funny supporting details, which is our focus.
* Next Monday, September 19th, our class will go on the field trip to the Tech Museum for the Chemistry Lab and IMAX Movie: Tornado Alley
There is a LOT more happening in Room 12, but that should suffice for now!
Mr. Sweet

Week of September 6-9

2011-09-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-20/4/1
Math-Finish L16
Spelling-p.46+47 in cursive- Due Friday
Finish Science Wkbk p.28+30-33

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading - 20-4-1
Math - Finish L17 + HM p. 15
Writing-Finish Name Actrostic + Art
Spelling
Science-Check over study guide for Test-We will go over this in class with review, but it is very important to STUDY at home each night.
Test next Thursday, September 15

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Read for 20 min.
Math Finish L19-Evens + Pre-Test
Study Spelling + DLR
Study Science Study Guide
COME TO BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT PARENTS!!!

Week of August 29-September 2nd

2011-08-28T20:26:00.000-07:00

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT ON METAL CONDUCTIVITY

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-20-4-1 (A.R.)
Math-Finish L11+HM Ch.1 Lesson 5
Spelling-Review Pre-Test Mistakes + p. 29-31 in Cursive Writing=DUE FRIDAY
Science-Finish Periodic Table Page 1/ It starts with Cobalt (Don't do the back side yet.)

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading 20-4-1
Math-Finish HM Factoring Review Page+Review Lesson 12 in Saxon
Spelling p29-31-In Cursive (Due Friday)
Finish Periodic Table Paper
Return Permission Slip and $10

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading 20-4-1
Math-Finish L13 odds
Spelling p29-31-In Cursive (Due Friday)
Finish Final Draft Summer
Return Permission Slip and $10

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Read for 20 min.
Math Finish L15 + Pre-Test
Study Spelling + DLR
Finish Science Wkbk p. 18 + 20-27

Room 12 Update,

* Our class is reading a story this week called "Eye of the Storm," which is about the life of a storm chaser/photographer. I am continuing to read aloud A Wrinkle in Time after lunch.

* Accelerated Reader Goal Sheets went home today for the 1st trimester. Please sign and return them asap.

* An extra credit assignment is posted on the right side of the blog. Check it out!

* In science we will be studying metals, metalloids and more of the Periodic Table with some in-class experiments.

* In writing Room 12 will be finishing our final drafts of our Summer Essay along with Bio Poems, Acrostic Name Activity and some journaling.

* In math we are wrapping up our Unit of Study about Prime Factorization. On Monday there will be a review sheet going home.
Also, to prep for the test on Wednesday, use the link on the right for Chapter 1 review. Multiplication Speed Tests will continue to be done weekly.

* Field Trip Forms for The Tech Museum go home Monday. There is a $10 charge to pay for the Chemistry Lab and IMAX Movie: "Tornado Alley" Please make the checks out to RDM Parent Alliance.

* Save Our Shores Field Trip to "Beer Can" Beach on Friday from 9-11:15 a.m. I need one more chaperone to walk with us, if possible.

* Back to School Night: Thursday, September 8th

* Book Orders are due Friday, September 9th.

More to come this week!
Mr. Sweet

Week of August 22-26th

2011-08-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents and Students from Room 12,

This week we kick off the learning with some exciting new Units of Study... In Reading we will be going over stories together about extreme weather and natural disasters in our orange HM Reading Books. In Math we will be looking into Prime Numbers in HM and Factorization. Room 12 students will begin the week by learning about how to write a creative and organized 5-paragraph essay. In this case, we will be writing about our exciting summers. Finally, our 5th Graders will begin learning about the Periodic Table of Elements and Chemical Properties through experiments and discussion in class.

We have a very focused and respectful class this year and I am confident that it is going to be an amazing year, which is FULL of learning and growth. Check back on this blog daily for updates and homework.

Off we go!

Mr. Sweet

HOMEWORK MONDAY
A.R. READING-20-4-1 (Read for 20 minutes, write a one-paragraph summary that is at least 4 sentences)
MATH-Finish L7 in Saxon Math + Lesson 1-1
SPELLING-Study missed words on pre-test + p. 8-11-Due Friday
Sign and return Volunteer Survey
Bring SOCK for Math White Boards to erase with

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
A.R. Reading 20-4-1
Math-Finish L8 + HM 1-2
Spelling-Finish p.8-11, correct mistakes from pre-test
Sign and Return Parent Survey
BRING SOCK FOR MATH!

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
A.R. Reading-20-4-1
Math Finish L9 + HM 1-3
Spelling Finish Packet + Study for Friday's Test
Science-Finish Wkbk pages 3-9
SIGN AND RETURN ORANGE FIELD TRIP FORM

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
A.R. Read for 20 minutes
Math Finish L10 in Saxon
Spelling Study for Test
DLR-Review Mistakes for test
Writing-Finish Summer 5-paragraph Rough Drafts
Finish Science Packet

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

2011-08-07T10:54:00.001-07:00

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!

I am so excited to meet my new 5th grade students on Wednesday, August 17th.
Hopefully the sun will come out for us these next couple of days before the big day. Please take the time to look over
this supply list and pick them up before school starts. I will be doing a supply check on Friday. Thanks!

SUPPLIES for the new year:
Make sure you keep these at all times through the year.

* One flash drive (at least 1Gb)Put their name on these because they get lost A LOT!
* One set of headphones, or earbuds for the Computer Lab(Bring them in a ziploc bag with their name clearly marked.
* Zippered pencil pouch for binder
* Medium Three-ring binder
* Two spiral notebooks(Single subject-wide ruled)
* Binder paper
* Black erasable pens
* 2 Red ballpoint pens
* 2 Blue ballpoint pens
* #2 pencils
* 2 Pencil Sharpeners
* Low-odor Dry Erase EXPO Markers and a sock (for math white-boards)
NO PENCIL BOXES!

Happy Learning to all!
Mr. Sweet

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Parents and students need to read the parent letter sent home
Math-Finish L2 in Saxon Math
* Parents sign and return e-mail list/permission for blog
* Sign and return after school forms with fee, for those interested
* Get supplies by Friday

Homework Thursday
Finish 3 T 1 False
Finish L4
Sign and Return Forms
SUPPLY CHECK! GET YOUR SUPPLIES

Summer 2011

2011-07-29T23:16:00.000-07:00

LAST WEEK!

2011-05-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

Parents and Students from Room 12,
Believe it or not, we have made it through together already! There are only four more days of school left and we have some fun things planned this week...
* This Tuesday our big American Revolution Play will be starting at 8:10 a.m. so please be at school early to get on your costume and get ready to sing and act your heart out!
* Also, tomorrow some AP high school students will be sharing their Environmental Science Presentations with our class at 10:25 a.m. Parents are welcome to attend this if they wish.
* I will be handing out the yearbooks Tuesday, as well.
* On Wednesday our class will do a book exchange. For each book they bring they get a ticket to buy a different shared book. Furthermore, this week we will do a couple of fun writing activities.
* On Thursday we head to the Boardwalk so I'll post the drivers on Tuesday afternoon. Make sure to have your season pass if you did not pay for the ticket.
* Friday is a short day and we will sign yearbooks, share favorite memories and watch the teachers beat, I mean play, the 6th graders in softball.

It has certainly been a memorable year!
Mr. Sweet

MAY 23 - 27th

2011-05-22T22:18:00.001-07:00

Parents and Students,
There will be very little homework this week and NONE next week! We will be finishing My Side of the Mountain along with our News Team Presentations. In the Computer Lab we will be finishing, printing and glueing our Presidential Cube Projects. This means each child will need to bring in a cube-shaped box of Kleenex. (it can be empty, or not). We will be doing some fun end-of-the-year writing projects that should be entertaining. This is also our last week to finish up our A.R. books. It is very important that each student return all of the class books this week because our class next year will want a good selection of A.R. books too.
It should be another busy, but fun weeks. Also, let me know if you would like me to e-mail the powerpoint project to you that we did in the lab.
See you at the school where kind hearts and open minds rule!
Mr. Sweet

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-Finish My Side of the Mountain
Math-Finish Spiral Review
Bring Costume for Play Dress Rehearsals
Bring Kleenex Box (Cube Shape for Presidential Cube Project)

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Finish A.R. Goal
Bring Costume + Kleenex Box
Finish Math
Practice Lines + Songs

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading - Finish A.R.
Math Finish Review Page
Finish President Cube Panels-Due Friday (See link on right side for details
Please Bring Play Costume
Please bring a kleenex box for the President Project

WEEK OF MAY 16-20

2011-05-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read p. 101-111 in Mountain
Math-Finish Spiral Review page 1
Spelling-Learn words/correct pre-test in blue pen
Challenge-Learn words plus write meanings of 15 vocab words
Play-Learn lines from the script/songs (If we can't do this, the play
will just be a class project in front of parents.)
Writing-Finish News Team Summary+ Prepare presentation(Thursday)

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading p. 116-125
Math finish Spiral Review Geometry/Area of Shapes
Writing-Wkbk p. 382+389-390-Due Thursday
Study News Team
Lines + Songs

WEEK OF MAY 9-13th

2011-05-06T15:01:00.001-07:00

Mr. Sweet’s Update:

Open House is this Thursday night at 6:30 pm. Our class will be sharing a Poetry Recital from Power Points at 7pm. Each child will be reading their kindness poem out loud so please make every effort to have your child here at 7pm If you are unable, I will have a student volunteer read their poem. Also, our amazing class Science Projects will be on display along with many projects each child has completed in their Writing Portfolios. Make sure to take a class tour to see many colorful projects around the class. Finally, check out the class book entitled, Our Persuasive Class.

In class we are learning many new things and working very hard…even though testing is done, the show must go on! They’ll get a break….over the summer!

In writing we are finishing up our creative and colorful Cinquain and Opinion Poems, where we focused on Style and Voice.

In Math we are reviewing fractions, an area where many still struggle.

In Reading our class is going through our final book together about survival in the forest entitled My Side of the Mountain. There are spelling/vocabulary words for this book that we are going over together and being tested on Fridays.

Finally, *VERY IMPORTANT* Please make sure your child is memorizing their lines from their script along with the songs. If we are unable to do this, we won’t perform.

That’s a wrap for now!

See you at Open

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-p.46-58 in My Side of the Mountain
Math-Finish L28-2 in HM Wkbk
Spelling-Study words/meanings of first 15 words (We did 10 in class today on Spelling Pre-Test)
Writing Choose one of the Amendments to our constitution. Write down what it is and what it means.
Finally, write a one-paragraph response about why it is so important to you (DUE THURSDAY)
Practice Songs/Play Lines

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading - p. 58-68 (Mountain)
Math Finish Spiral Review (Fractions)
Writing-Finish Cinquain/Opinion Poem Rough Drafts
Amendment Activity

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading p. 68-78
Math Finish Pre-Test 20a
Writing-Finish Amendment

AMENDMENTS
Amendments Proposal date Enactment date Full text
1st Protects the freedom of religion, speech, and the press, as well as the right to assemble and petition the government September 25, 1789 December 15, 1791 Full text
2nd Protects the right to keep and bear arms September 25, 1789 December 15, 1791 Full text
3rd Prohibits the forced quartering of soldiers out of war time September 25, 1789 December 15, 1791 Full text
4th Prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures and sets out requirements for search warrants based on probable cause September 25, 1789 December 15, 1791 Full text
5th Sets out rules for indictment by grand jury and eminent domain, protects the right to due process, and prohibits self-incrimination and double jeopardy September 25, 1789 December 15, 1791 Full text
6th Protects the right to have a fair and speedy public trial by jury, including the rights to be notified of the accusations, to confront the accuser, to obtain witnesses and to retain counsel September 25, 1789 December 15, 1791 Full text
7th Provides for the right to trial by jury in certain civil cases, according to common law September 25, 1789 December 15, 1791 Full text
8th Prohibits excessive fines and excessive bail, as well as cruel and unusual punishment September 25, 1789 December 15, 1791 Full text
9th Asserts the existence of unenumerated rights retained by the people September 25, 1789 December 15, 1791 Full text
10th Limits the powers of the federal government to those delegated to it by the Constitution September 25, 1789 December 15, 1791 Full text
11th Immunity of states from suits from out-of-state citizens and foreigners not living within the state borders. Lays the foundation for sovereign immunity March 4, 1794 February 7, 1795 Full text
12th Revises presidential election procedures December 9, 1803 June 15, 1804 Full text
13th Abolishes slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime January 31, 1865 December 6, 1865 Full text
14th Defines citizenship, contains the Privileges or Immunities Clause, the Due Process Clause, the Equal Protection Clause, and deals with post-Civil War issues June 13, 1866 July 9, 1868 Full text
15th Prohibits the denial of suffrage based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude February 26, 1869 February 3, 1870 Full text
16th Allows the federal government to collect income tax July 12, 1909 February 3, 1913 Full text
17th Requires senators to be directly elected May 13, 1912 April 8, 1913 Full text
18th Establishes Prohibition of alcohol (Repealed by Twenty-first Amendment) December 18, 1917 January 16, 1919 Full text
19th Establishes women's suffrage June 4, 1919 August 18, 1920 Full text
20th Fixes the dates of term commencements for Congress (January 3) and the President (January 20); known as the "lame duck amendment" March 2, 1932 January 23, 1933 Full text
21st Repeals the Eighteenth Amendment February 20, 1933 December 5, 1933 Full text
22nd Limits the president to two terms, or a maximum of 10 years (i.e., if a Vice President serves not more than one half of a President's term, they can be elected to a further two terms) March 24, 1947 February 27, 1951 Full text
23rd Provides for representation of Washington, D.C. in the Electoral College June 16, 1960 March 29, 1961 Full text
24th Prohibits the revocation of voting rights due to the non-payment of poll taxes September 14, 1962 January 23, 1964 Full text
25th Codifies the Tyler Precedent; defines the process of presidential succession July 6, 1965 February 10, 1967 Full text
26th Establishes 18 as the national voting age March 23, 1971 July 1, 1971 Full text
27th Prevents laws affecting Congressional salary from taking effect until the beginning of the next session of Congress September 25, 1789 May 5 or 7, 1992[1] Full text

WEEK OF MAY 2nd-6th

2011-05-02T15:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents and Students of Room 12,
We are back for the home stretch and it is my hope that our class finishes out this last month in top form. This week we will be finishing CST testing. Tuesday and Wednesday will be devoted to Language Arts while Thursday and Friday will focus on Science.

The only homework students have is to finish up their Science Projects and prepare their speech, which are due this Wednesday. Today we assigned days that each student will be giving their project speech so make sure they practice well...do not talk to the poster board! Here is the link of the grading sheet I use: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31737054@N06/3388216382/

In writing students will be focusing on a fun project that makes their writing come alive with STYLE. You'll see the finished product next Thursday, May 12th, at Open House 6:30pm-8pm

This week our class is also learning the songs that go along with the play and practicing our lines for the play.

In reading we started a new book called, My Side of the Mountain

Finally, please make sure your child shows up well-rested, with a good breakfast each day this week!

23 more days to go!
Mr. Sweet

HAPPY SPRING BREAK!!!

2011-04-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

Room 12,
Enjoy the long 10-day break...we sure earned AND needed it!
Remember to finish up your Science Projects because they are due on Wednesday, May 4th. It was my hope that students would use this week with little homework to work on it, but I think many blew it off.
Each student needs to memorize their play lines and practice the songs from the American Revolution CD.

**ON SATURDAY, APRIL 30th will be the County Book Fair at Capitola Mall. Our class put together a fantastic book about our Persuasive Essays. Check it out!

See you on Monday, May 2nd,
Mr. Sweet

April 18-21

2011-04-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents,
Here is a schedule of what is coming soon:
Monday, April 18th-Play Tryout Finals/Practice Lines/Songs
Monday, April 18th-Progress Reports Go Home
Tuesday, April 19th-CST MATH TESTING
Tuesday, April 19th-Science Project Speech Sign-Ups
Wednesday, May 4th-Science Projects Due
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20th-CST-MATH PART II

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD GETS A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP AND A GOOD BREAKFAST. We begin testing Tuesday and Wednesday so make sure your child is in attendance. We will finish testing in Language Arts, Science and Math after the break.

There will be little homework next week...only Play Practicing of lines/songs, learning States/Spelling and Capitals on the map and THE SCIENCE PROJECT.

Please sign and return the comments portion of the progress reports by Wednesday. Our class has plenty of time to bring up the grades, but use the break to read and finish the Science Project. (For those kids that want to take a break over the Spring Break, do your Science Project this week with all of your extra time!)

ONE MORE WEEK! We are all ready ; >)

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading A.R. Optional
No Math!
Study States and Capitals with packet...due Thursday on Spelling/Map Test
Practice Songs/Lines from Play
Finish Science Project...

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading A.R. Optional
No Math!
Study States and Capitals with packet...due Thursday on Spelling/Map Test
Practice Songs/Lines from Play
SCIENCE PROJECTS

APRIL 11-15th

2011-04-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

CLASS UPDATE
This week Room 12 is learning about states and capitals. I sent home a packet with the first 25 states and capitals that we are learning this week. They will be tested on Friday with a map that will also be their spelling test.
* Tomorrow I will be checking each student's progress on their Science Project.
* This Friday we will have auditions for the play, so practice your lines, expression and Drama skills. This class should be pros because they love to talk!
* In math we are reviewing all of the CST Standards for the year with the Smart Responders to go over the areas where we struggle. Thus far, percents, decimals and adding/subtracting fractions with different denominators has been a struggle.
* In American History we will be learning more about the Constitution.

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading - Ch. 19-Pop Quiz Tomorrow
Math - Saxon Review Pre-Test #18a
Study States/Capitals + Use map
Science Projects
Script for play auditions Friday

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading - Read through Ch. 21 of Harriet Tubman
Math - Review Mistakes of Saxon Review Pre-Test #18a + 20 question paper that was passed out today/Spiral Review
Study States/Capitals + Use map-Packet Due Thursday, April 21st
Science Projects
Script for play auditions Friday

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading - Finish Harriet Tubman
Math - p.245+246 in HM WKBK
Study States/Capitals + Use map-Packet Due Thursday, April 21st
Science Projects
Script for play auditions Friday

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Reading - Study Science World for Quiz Tomorrow
Math - Geometry Review Page
Study States/Capitals + Use map-Packet Due Thursday, April 21st
Science Projects
Script for play auditions Friday

WEEK OF APRIL 4th - April 8th

2011-04-04T13:36:00.000-07:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-Ch. 12 in Harriet Tubman
Math Ch. 27 Lesson 1 in HM Wkbk p. 239-240
Science-Study for Test tomorrow
Choose Science Project-Write down Investigative
Question and bring tomorrow
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml
Study Spelling Words

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-Ch. 13+14 in Harriet Tubman
Math Ch. 28 Lesson 2 in HM Wkbk p. 241-242 + Hidden Picture Graphing paper
Science-Work on Hypothesis/Science Project Experiment Procedures
Study Spelling/Vocab Words

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-Ch. 15+16 in Harriet Tubman
Math Ch. 28 Lesson 3 in HM Book p. 591+592 + Hidden Picture Graphing paper
Science-Work on Hypothesis/Science Project Experiment Procedures
Study Spelling/Vocab Words

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Reading-20 min. A.R.
Math-Graphing/Review Paper
Science-Work on Hypothesis/Science Project Experiment Procedures
Study for vocab/spelling test
Look over script of Revolution and select two parts that you would like to try out for.
I put up an opportunity for kids to sing, play drums/instruments, followed by video games on the big screen with a sound system plus pizza. The link is: http://auctions.readysetauction.com/riodelmarschool/catalog/view/37/2

WEEK OF MARCH 28-APRIL 1st

2011-03-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
(For those absent, read Ch. 7 of Harriet Tubman)
Math-Finish p. 227+228 in HM Wkbk + Graphing Activity
Begin Revolution Game Board Jobs
Finish L3-Science in Packet
Study Spelling Words

HOMEWORK Tuesday
Finish Ch. 8 in Harriet Tubman
Math-p. 565-566 in HM Book
Finish Science Packet
Revolution Game Board Jobs
Sign and Return Auction Form
*I will be doing a Rock Band/Rock Jam
Session with Video Game on the Big
Screen in the MPR for 8 kids* It's coming
soon on the site.

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read Science News - Quiz tomorrow
Math - Finish p. 233 + 234 in HM Wkbk
Study Vocab
Revolution Activities
STUDY FOR WEATHER TEST NEXT TUESDAY

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Read Ch. 10 in Harriet Tubman
Math-Finish L 26-3 in HM BOOK
Study Vocab + Science Study Guide
Revolution Board Game Jobs
Study for Integer Test on Blog Link

Dear Parents,
A lot is happening in Room 12!
* First, we have a field trip next Monday, April 4th, to the Monterey Weather Station. We will leave at 9:30 a.m. Students may bring $ for Subway on the way back, or just bring a lunch. Here are the drivers that signed up: Stephanie, can you be my sub/chaperone?
Alisa B. (6 students)
Mary Z. (3)
Kent T.(4)
Jen S. (7)
Kathy M. (5)
Linda W. (3)
Jerry H. (4)

* Next, we have started a group project that culminates our learning about the Revolution. Each group of three has already started creating an original board game. See the directions on the right side of the blog.
* Also, each child is going to start selecting their Science Projects. Please bear in mind, students need to come up with an Investigative Question by next Monday. Here is a link with good project ideas:
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml
* HM Math Tests will be on Friday. Please check this link on the blog to study for the tests. The test this Friday is from Chapter 26 on Integers.

* Our Weather Science test will be Tuesday, April 5th. The study guide is on the Blog.

Week of March 21-March 25

2011-03-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

Homework Monday
Read 20 minutes
Math Test 17 Pre-Test
Finish Science wkbk p. 128-135
Vocab.-Write meaning and a sentence with each vocab word-Due Friday
Finish Limerick

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read 20 minutes
HM Wkbk p.227-230
Vocabulary
Check out extra credit opportunities+Math Support Link

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read Ch. 4 from Harriet Tubman
Math-Do Computer Practice-Ch. 23-25 on Blog
Science-Do Wkbk p.119-127 - DUE FRIDAY
Party On FRIDAY! Bring $3 for pizza! Electronic Day + Nacho Libre + Free Play Time

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
BRING $3 for pizza, unless you want your own lunch.
Read 20min
Math Finish p. 557 in HM Book
Finish Vocab
Finish Science Wkbkp. 118-127 in Science Wkbk + Finish class
Activity-Weather Instruments+Cloud Activity
BRING ELECTRONIC DEVICES FOR OUR PARTY!

WEEK OF MARCH 14-18

2011-03-11T12:37:00.000-08:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read 20 min.
Math L117 Saxon
Writing-Choose one part from the Declaration of Independence and write a paragraph about why this "Declaration" is important
to you. Due Wednesday
Study Spelling Words

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
STUDY FOR SOCIAL STUDIES TEST
Finish L118
Do Science Page front and back
Finish Declaration of Independence.

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read 20 min.
Finish Persuasive Rough Draft
Math Wkbk p. 217+218
Finish Declaration paragraph if not done

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Finish L120 (last lesson in Saxon)
Finish Final Drafts of Persuasive Essays
Finish Final Drafts of 3 Limericks on provided paper
Study for Social Studies Essay questions + Spelling Test
CONGRATS TO AWARD WINNERS IN CLASS

Class Update
* We will wrap up our Heritage Power Point Speeches Monday. Fantastic job!
* We kick off a new unit of study about WEATHER IN SCIENCE
* I will continue to lead a Class Meeting Weekly until these significant issues improve.
* Room 12 will be finishing our Persuasive Essay this week in class (hopefully)
* Our class will learn about limericks and how to write these fun types of poems.
* I will teach about a couple March holidays
* Wednesday we will have our field trip to the AJHS Play at 8:30 a.m. Drivers will be sent an e-mail reminder Monday.PLEASE ME KNOW ASAP IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL. This was an issue last trip.
Drivers-
Kelly M. 4 students
Megan S. 1
Stephanie C. 5
Alysa B. 5
Jenn S. 6
Gail H. 4
Jayne L 5
30 students (1 absent)
* On Thursday there will be a little St. Patrick's Party
* At the end of the day on Thursday will be the Big Spin. Parents are invited as we honor students and win cool prizes.
* Our students will be Studying Chapter 9 about the end of the American Revolution. The test is Friday and the Study Guide is on the right margin of the blog!
* Students who pass the pre-test in Spelling create their own challenge list see last week's words. Wow, those were hard and THEY chose them!

Let me know if you would like to bring a treat on Thursday!

Finally, please discuss the earthquake and tsunami. I showed footage from BBC that was intense and they had a lot to share about
earthquakes and what to do in case one hits.

That's it for now!
Mr. Sweet

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

Take Our Declaration of Independence Quiz and Test Your Knowledge of America's Great Freedom Document
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. --Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of representation in the legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the legislative powers, incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people at large for their exercise; the state remaining in the meantime exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavored to prevent the population of these states; for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither, and raising the conditions of new appropriations of lands.

He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers.

He has made judges dependent on his will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies without the consent of our legislature.

He has affected to render the military independent of and superior to civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by mock trial, from punishment for any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of these states:

For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing taxes on us without our consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury:

For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended offenses:

For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighboring province, establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging its boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule in these colonies:

For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our governments:

For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection and waging war against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow citizens taken captive on the high seas to bear arms against their country, to become the executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare, is undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the most humble terms: our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have we been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.

We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.

WEEK OF MARCH 7-11

2011-03-07T13:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Parents,
* Tomorrow report cards go home and I am proud to say our class has done really well this trimester even though it was a very challenging one.
* In class we are preparing our Powerpoint Presentation Speech of our Heritage Project. Your child chose their day already to present them.
* In class we are using the iPad to learn our Math facts together along with Geography/States and Capitals.
* We have also begun our 5-paragraph persuasive essays using at least 3 different sources from the Internet. We used a graphic organizer to help us organize this project. This essay should be finished in class. I can't wait to read these because there are some great topics.
* Next Thursday, March 17th, the school will have the Big Spin in the Cafeteria at 1pm to honor many students.
* Our field trip is next Wednesday, March 16th at 8:30 a.m. when we go to see the play, Aladdin at the Aptos Junior High School.
* There is NO vocabulary assignment this week!
* The first of two Family Life talks will be tomorrow. Students w/out a permission slip will go to another class at that time.

That's it for now!

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read 25 minutes A.R.
Math Finish p. 197-200
History-p.94-95 in Wkbk
Spelling Wkbk-p.203-206 DUE FRIDAY
Bring $ + Permission Slip
Family Life Permission Slip Due

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read 25 minutes
Finish HM Wkbk p. 201+202
Social Studies-Do p. 96 in wkbk
Go over Report Cards with Parents, sign and return envelope
Talk about Family Life Discussions
Work on Heritage Powerpoint Speech Project-They start tomorrow

WEDNESDAY
Read 25 minutes
Finish HM Math p. 209-212
Practice Powerpoint Speech-Graded on Volume, Expression, Eye Contact and Quality of slides
Read, discuss, sign and return Report Card envelopes
Sign and Return NEW WHITE FIELD TRIP FORM. We will be going to Subway on the way back so students may bring money to eat, or just bring a lunch.

THURSDAY
Read 20 minutes
Math p. 203+204 in wkbk
Study/Finish Spelling
Finish Social Studies Wkbk-97-99
Return Field Trip/Report Card
Study Guide For Social Studies on Blog-Test next Friday, March 18th

Week of February 28-March 4

2011-02-28T12:25:00.000-08:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Finish Saxon Math L115
Finish Heritage Report
Begin Powerpoint Project for Heritage Speech.
(Slide detail notes were taken in class)
FAMILY LIFE PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT-tomorrow at Valencia (See flier)

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading –Finish Fighting Ground+ German Translation-
Math-Finish p.208+212 (Ditto)
Vocabulary-Study words for Smart Responder Quiz Friday
FAMILY HERITAGE PROJECT-Work on Powerpoint Speech Slides

WEEK of FEBRUARY 22-25

2011-02-18T13:48:00.000-08:00

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read p.68-75 in Fighting Ground + Perspective Handout/Art
Math-Finish p. 191+192 in HM Wkbk/L114 Odds in Saxon
Vocabulary-(#11-20 of spelling words)Copy sentences from book with each word found in Fighting Ground.
Make guess in parentheses from context of sentence + Write definition. You may use
computer for this
Family Heritage Project

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read p. 80-88
Math-Finish HM-Ch.21 L 4-p.195+196
Heritage Report

HOMEWORK THURSDAY(These should all be done in class)
Read p.94-102
Math-Finish/Go over Pre-Test #16
Heritage Report-NOW DUE TUESDAY, MARCH 1st!!!!
Finish Vocab Assignment-Due tomorrow

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 15-18th

2011-02-14T20:28:00.000-08:00

Dear Parents and Students from Room 12,
This week I have decided to move the Structures of Living Things Test to Thursday, February 17th, because of the 3-day weekend and edible cell projects. This will give everybody one more day to study, especially those who have not even looked at the study guide that has been up since last Wednesday. This week our class will begin The Fighting Ground by Avi together. This is another engaging book about a young man during the time of the American Revolution. Students will be taking the vocabulary quiz with the Smart Responders on Friday. In writing we will continue our Persuasive Writing theme. See you at the school where kind hearts and open minds rule!
Mr. Sweet

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read p. 19-28 (12:05-1:30pm)
Math L 112 Evens + Handout on Perimeter/Area (Extra homework from poor behavior during Spectra Art Cartooning
Science-p. cs77+79
Study Vocab/Spelling Words-Definitions finished in class
STUDY FOR SCIENCE TEST-Thursday

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read p. 32-41 + Detail Flower
Math finish Review
Study for Science Test
Vocab/Comprehension QUIZ-FRIDAY

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Read p. 49-58 in Fighting Ground + Finish Icon/Art
Math -L113 Saxon(Thanks to the poor behavior with the PE teacher in class)
Study for Spelling Test

February 7-11th

2011-02-07T14:01:00.000-08:00

SPELLING BEE CLASS CHAMPS!

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading 20 min. A.R.
Math L110+Pre-Test
Digestion Description Paper in packet
Cell Design

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read 20min. A.R.
Math-Finish Wkbk p.183+184 all problems
Science-p.71, 73 in packet(Lesson 5-How are Materials Transported in Vascular Plants
DO CELL PROJECT

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY

Math-Finish Wkbk p.185+186 all problems-HM Area of complex shapes
Science-Create Diagram of Photosynthesis/Color and label/explain each step in the process
Writing-Finish Persuasive Toy Advertisement

Dear Parents,
Thus far I have received only one student's $5 for the breakfast on Friday at 8am. Please send that in so we can provide food for the breakfast. Much obliged!
Also, the study guide for the Science Test next Wednesday is posted on the blog.

Here are the drivers I have for Friday morning leaving at 9:15 a.m. If you would still like to chaperone you are more than welcome to ride along with us. Please be on time so we can get there on time.

Linda (5)
Kelly (4)
Gail (4)
Kirsten (6)
Jenn (6)
Kent (5)
Stephanie (4)

Have a great day,
Martin

WEEK of January 31-February 4

2011-01-30T20:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Parents and Students,
* Last week our class had the opportunity to use the Smart Responders with our SMART Board. The class truly enjoyed pushing a button instead of writing with a pencil! This week our class will be using this wonderful technological device to reinforce reading and vocabulary.
* As a class we will be finishing My Brother Sam is Dead and then each student can take their Accelerated Reader Quiz on Friday.
* On that note, the last day to take an A.R. quiz is on Monday, February 28th. This Friday I will send home your child’s A.R. progress update.
* Please make sure that your child schedules his/her interviews for the Family Heritage Project, which is due on Monday, February 28th. This is NOT a project that can be thrown together at the last minute. As a reminder, the assignment is posted on the blog. Students may e-mail, call, snail mail, or even Skype or Facebook chat with family members. They can even choose to meet face-to-face, the “old school” way.
* In Science our class will begin a new unit about the Body Systems. We will first be learning about cells, and move on to organ systems later in the week. As a fun home project, students will be creating their own edible cell. This project is traditionally a student favorite because it will be eaten after each student shares about it! Students will choose their days to turn it in on Monday.
* Room 12 will be learning Persuasive Writing this week with some fun projects that will bring their persuasiveness and creativity out in new ways. WARNING: they’ll probably utilize these skills to try to get that new toy they’ve been eyeing!
* I am pleased to say that our class averaged an 82% on our American Revolution Test. That is amazing! Way to go Room 12 ;>)
* Finally, I wanted to remind you that ANY assignment that is graded at a C or below can be corrected and returned for half-credit. Do not be discouraged when you get a lower grade on an assignment. It is all about learning, NOT A GRADE on a paper. As your teacher, I just want you to do YOUR BEST!

That is the update and this is Mr. Sweet signing out on a Sunday night,
Thanks for all of your support… I know it is NOT easy!

Mr. Sweet

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-Ch.11 Sam
Math L108-Finish Evens+p.173+174
Do Science Page-Front + Back from Lesson 1 on pages 142-149 in book
Schedule Interviews for Heritage Report

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-1st half of Ch. 13
Math- Finish p.175+176 in wkbk
Science-Do Wkbk Page
Vocab.-Study words and definitions-Smart Responder Quiz Friday
Extra Credit-Due Monday

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Reading-20min. A.R.
Math- Finish p.177
Science-Do Wkbk Page Front/Back CS63+65
Vocab.-Study words and definitions-Smart Responder Quiz Friday
Extra Credit-Due Monday

WEEK OF JANUARY 24-28

2011-01-21T15:22:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Kourosh and Roland who won the class Spelling Bee on Thursday! They will represent our class in the school-wide spelling bee next week.
The Study Guide for Chapter 8 has been posted for our test on Thursday, January 27th.

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read Ch. 8 + Lit. Circle Job
Math - Finish L105+p.145-147 (Mean, Mode, Median)
Social Studies Test on Thursday-See Study Guide on Blog

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read Ch. 9 + Lit. Circle Job
Math - Finish L106-Odds+Ch.16 Lesson 3p.150/151 (HM Line Graphs)
Social Studies Test on FRIDAY-See Study Guide on Blog
(Day switch for test to give one more day of review)

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read Ch. 10+ Lit. Circle Job
Math - Finish L107-Odds+Ch.16 Lesson 3p.150/151 (HM Circle Graphs)
Social Studies Test on FRIDAY-See Study Guide on Blog
(Day switch for test to give one more day of review)
Study Vocab Words

WEEK of January 18-21

2011-01-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read Ch. 3 + Summary
Math finish wkbk pages 159-162+ L 103 Odds
Writing Finish Frame
Choose Top 5 American Revolution Heroes for Computer Lab Project...We will select them tomorrow randomly.
Study Spelling
Return Field Trip permission w/$5

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read Ch. 4 + Summary
Math Finish L104 Odds+p. 157+163 front and back
Study Vocab Posted on blog
Return Book orders + Field Trip Forms + $
CORRECT + Return PE Muscle Test-Due Friday

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Read Ch. 6 + Perspectives-Loyalist vs. Patriot
Math-Do Saxon Pre-Test
Study DLR For Test+Vocab Posted on blog-Test tomorrow
Return Book orders + Field Trip Forms + $
CORRECT + Return PE Muscle Test-Due Friday

Week of January 12-14

2011-01-12T13:03:00.000-08:00

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-Finish Ch. 1 of My Brother Sam is Dead + Summary
Math-Finish L101+Coordinate Plane Activity
Study Vocab/Spelling words from Notebook/Flash Drives (Test Friday)
Review Heritage Project-Due Friday, February 28th

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Reading-Finish Ch. 2 of My Brother Sam is Dead + Summary
Math-Finish L102 odds+Coordinate Plane Activity
Study Vocab/Spelling words from Notebook/Flash Drives (Test Friday)
Review Heritage Project-Due Friday, February 28th
Finish Social Studies Wkbk page 77

Dear Parents,
I hope everybody had a restful break with family and friends. Our vacation was a blast! Thank you so much for your kind gift of the credit card and all of the other thoughtful gifts. Wow, we were able to go out to dinner at BJs in San Jose followed by the Shark's game against the Canucks. I also got new basketball shoes to get back into shape. Building a storage unit in my garage and putting in Pergo flooring in our bedroom were some fun projects too. A HUGE thanks goes out to the Quinns who purchased our class a SmartBoard. I spent a lot of time preparing lessons and familiarizing myself with its functions over the break. It is good to be back and our class has hit the ground running using the Smartboard on many occasions together.

Here are some quick updates:
* Our class has begun a new unit of study in Social Studies about the American Revolution. We also began a book entitled My Brother Sam is Dead. Tomorrow I will be showing parts of John Adams, an HBO special. Today we learned about the Stamp Act and the Boston Massacre.
* In math we are learning about the Coordinate Planes and graphing.
* Tomorrow we will be taking a quiz on the ten vocab words from our book.
* Our next field trip is on Friday, February 11th to the UCSC Lifelab. I will send home the forms on Monday.
* Please check the blog for the exciting new after school classes being offered. School Newspaper, Life Lab Class, African Drumming and Ceramics.
* The school talent show tryouts are next Wednesday.
* Our next big report will be the Family Heritage Project, which will be due Friday, February 28th. That leaves a month and a half to complete this memorable project, which is always a class favorite. Check out the blog for the assignment. It is a google document.
* The class Spelling Bee will be next Thursday, January 20th so students can learn some of the words with the link on the blog.
* The last day to take an A.R. quiz is on Friday, February 28th.

That's it for now!

Mr. Sweet

"Where kind hearts and open minds rule."

Last Week of the Year!

2010-12-20T14:53:00.000-08:00

Homework Monday
Read 20min (finish those books before the winter break!)
Math-Finish L100
Study for Science Test
Get White Elephant Gift for Wednesdays Exchange ($10/under)
Return signed progress report
*Optional-work on Spelling Vocab Word Search/Crossword*
Be polite and loving to your parents.

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Get White Elephant Gift for exchange
Finish Spelling Crossword/Word Search
Return Progress Reports
Get ready to party!
Wear green and red.

WEEK of December 13th-17th

2010-12-13T13:24:00.000-08:00

Homework Monday
Read 20min.
Math L92+p.111+112in HM Wkbk
Spelling-Correct words and Study for Test
Memorize Winter Poem/and Your own poem for
Friday's Poetry Cafe'

Homework Tuesday
Read 20min.
Math L96+p.129/130 in HM Wkbk
Science review-p.114+115 in Science Wkbk
REVIEW STUDY GUIDE-Test-Tuesday, December 21st
Memorize Winter Poem/and Your own poem for
Friday's Poetry Cafe'

Homework Wednesday
Read 20min.
Math L98odds
REVIEW SCIENCE STUDY GUIDE-Test-Tuesday, December 21st
Memorize Winter Poem/and Your own poem for
Friday's Poetry Cafe'
Canned Good Drive

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Finish Science Wkbk Unit 3-Water Cycle
Dress Up
Practice Poems
Bring Canned Goods/Last day

WEEK 16

2010-12-03T13:37:00.000-08:00

This week our class will begin the Water Cycle Unit in Science and start the process of researching Science Project ideas. In writing we will be studying poetry and composing our own winter poems. In addition, students will get the opportunity to choose from a variety of famous poems to memorize and recite in class on Friday, December 17th. We will enjoy these poems together by creating a cafe' atmosphere with cider and hot chocolate in Room 12. These poems will be recorded with our fancy flip camera.
That's it for now....See you at the school where kind hearts and open minds rule.
Mr. Sweet

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-30min. A.R. Book
Math-Finish L80+p.97 in HM Wkbk (SEE BLOG FOR DIVIDING FRACTIONS DIRECTIONS)
Writing-Do Opinion Poem Activity+Create your own on the back
Check out Extra Credit on Side Bar

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading 20min.
Math-L84+p.95+96 in HM Wkbk
Write Haiku Final Draft neatly on paper in large writing...

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading 30min.
Math Finish L87 Odds
Write Diamante Final Draft Neatly in LARGE writing
Practice Memorization of Poem(s)

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Reading 30min. A.R.
Math L90+p.99 in HM
Finish Final Draft of Free Verse Poem
Memorize poems for next Friday's cafe.

Week 15

2010-11-29T13:41:00.000-08:00

Homework Monday
Read 20min.
Math Finish L72+p.89 in HM Wkbk
Study Spelling Words-Focus on learning the Latin Root meanings of:
astronomer/foretelling/distracted
donated/abyss/ambidextrous/ biologist
contradict/prescription/compel
Bring 2 pencils and 1 pencil sharpener(only for the kids who have lost theirs)
Study for Social Studies Test on Friday-Study Guide on blog
Social Studies Wkbk pages due Friday (p. 47-55)
Extra Credit posted too

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read 20 min. A.R. Book
Finish L74+p.91+92 in HM Wkbk (Multiplying Mixed numbers)
Spelling-Learn the difference between prefix, suffix, and root words and be able to identify
them with words:
astronomer/foretelling/distracted
donated/abyss/ambidextrous/ biologist
contradict/prescription/compel

STUDY FOR SOCIAL STUDIES TEST

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read 20 min. A.R. Book
Finish L78evens)
Spelling-Learn the difference between prefix, suffix, and root words and be able to identify
them with words:
astronomer/foretelling/distracted
donated/abyss/ambidextrous/ biologist
contradict/prescription/compel

STUDY FOR SOCIAL STUDIES TEST

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Read 30min.
Study for Social Studies Test
Finish SS Wkbk p 47-55
QUEEN ELIZABETH I

WEEK 14-Thanksgiving Short Week

2010-11-20T10:49:00.000-08:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
A.R. Reading Optional
Finish Math p.83+84 in wkbk.
Make dish and bring it for feast!

WEEK 13

2010-11-15T14:05:00.000-08:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read Ch. 43-45 + Lit. Circle Job
Math L66
Use Middle Age Research to create and practice a 2-5 minute speech.
They begin on Thursday
Middle Age Projects due Friday (5 paragraph essay, Portrait, Timeline)

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading Ch. 46-49+Lit.Circle
Math L 68-Odds
Writing-Finish 5 paragraph essay on important person of middle ages.
Finish Timeline(Several people were wasting class time so they may
have a lot to do.) Practice Speech
Write down 3 Thanksgiving Feast options to bring to class celebration next week...
(See paper sent home)

WEDNESDAY HOMEWORK
Reading Ch.53+54
Math-Finish L70
Study 10 vocab words for test
Extra Credit Due Mondays from now on
Practice Speech

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
FINISH CRIPSIN
Math-Finish p.81+82 in HM wkbk
Study for tests
Finish Medieval Projects
Practice Speech

WEEK 12

2010-11-07T19:05:00.000-08:00

Dear Parents and Students of Room 12,
We will only have class Monday - Wednesday this week in observance of Veteran's Day.
As a result, our homework will not be the same this week. We will still be reading Crispin and doing a little math.
However, there will be no spelling or vocabulary this week. Hooray!
In class we are each going to be learning about a famous person from the Medieval Times to extend our learning
of the middle age from Crispin. Each child will be researching using our computers, including our new iMac, about one of the following:
1. William Tell
2. Richard the Lionhearted
3. Robin Hood
4. King Arthur
5. Lancelot
6. Thomas Aquinas
7. Joan of Arc
8. Robert the Bruce
9. Galileo
10. Queen Elizabeth
11. Mary, Queen of Scots
12. Saladin
13. Vlad Dracula
14. Erasmus
15. Dante
16. Geoffry Chaucer
17. King Luix IX
18. Tamerlane
19. Merlin
20. William Shakespeare
21. Leonardo da Vinci
22. William Wallace-Braveheart
23. Kublai Kan
24. King Edward Longshanks
25. Nicolaus Copernicus
26. Martin Luther
27. Nostradamus
28. Elenor of Aquitaine
29. El Cid
30. Johan Gutenberg
31. Paracelsus
32. Michalengelo
33. Donatello

It should be a fun class project which incorporates: technology, writing, art, research and CURIOSITY!
Each child will share their Middle Age Project with the class in the form of a speech. Students will video tape and edit
each speech with our flip camera. This will be an in-class project that will not be due until Friday, November 19th. Students
will practice their speeches in class and at home with cue cards.
See you at the school where kind hearts and open minds rule!
Mr. Sweet

HOMEWORK MONDAY
READ CH. 38+39 + Lit. Circle
Math L61 odds
Optional HW-Continue Middle Ages Research

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
READ CH. 40 + 41 in Crispin + Lit. Circle
Math L63
Finish rough draft of portrait

WEEK 11

2010-11-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
READ-Ch.30 in Crispin
Math L56 odds
SCIENCE TEST THURSDAY-See study guide link on blog
Science Wkbk.finish p.4-17-Due Wednesday

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read Ch. 32+33 in wkbk
Math HM WKBK-p.75 (+, - of fractions/mixed numbers)
SCIENCE-Study for Test /Prepare Lesson Presentation on Cue Card (This should have been finished in class)
Cereal Speech Prep.
Vocab/Science Test Thursday

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read Ch. 35+36
Math L58 odds
SCIENCE-Study for Test /Prepare Lesson Presentation on Cue Card (This should have been finished in class)
Cereal Speech Prep.
Vocab/Science Test Thursday

THURSDAY-NO HOMEWORK! Great job this week

WEEK 10

2010-10-25T14:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents,
I wanted to let you know about all of the exciting things happening in Room 12 this week. In reading we are continuing the exciting book entitled Cripsin, which takes place during the Middle Ages in England. Our class is using the iPad to learn new vocabulary in class and read it using the iBook. For spelling we learned some Crispin words along with a couple Halloween words for the week. This week we are creating our speech outlines about our Cereal Box Project. We will be practicing and presenting them next week so make sure they practice eye contact and volume to prepare well. In writing the class just finished typing their “Frustrations” essay. This week we are writing our “Spooky Stories” which incorporate the usage of similes, dialogue, an exciting “hook” intro and descriptive vocabulary.
Our last day to take A.R. quizzes will be on Wednesday, November 3rd. Our class is now doing our Newsteams with a Flip Camera without having to write a summary.
This Friday our class will be taking part in the Halloween Parade at 8:30 a.m. rain or shine. Please make sure, like Ms. Dorney’s message specified, that the costumes are appropriate with no weapons, or suggestive clothing.
Next Friday our class will be going to the Tech Museum to take part in the Periodic Table Lab “Elements of Innovation” and we will be seeing Lewis and Clark. Once again, the drivers are:

Berhan (up to 6 students)
Black (6)
Chamberlain (5)
Hall (4)
Jeffery (4)
Rubio (4)
Spinelli (4)
Welle (5)
Zimmer (3)

Finally, this class has been simply amazing with the donations that you provided for our classroom. I wanted to thank you SO much for your generosity and commitment to helping our class to have an enriched environment. Below are some amazing things I have been able to purchase for the class… You’re donations are truly making a difference in this class.

* Ipad (From Scholastic Book Order Bonus Points)
* Ipad apps-Ibooks for class, Periodic Table, Star and much more
* Digital Microscope for Science to be used with laptop and projector
* Science Projects-Weather, human body, conduction
* Flip Camera/Tripod- for newscasts to be posted on blog
* HP Color Printer
* A new iMac!
* Periodic Table Lab at Tech Museum
* Books for class library

AGAIN, THANK YOU!

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-Ch. 17-19
Math - Finish L51
Newsteams-No summary required...Just find an article and prepare a brief speech that summarizes the article
Finish p. 20+21 in Science Wkbk

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-Ch. 22-24 + Literature Circle Job #1
Math - Finish L52
Newsteams-No summary required...Just find an article and prepare a brief speech that summarizes the article
Work on and practice Cereal Project Speech using cue cards done in class.

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-Ch. 27 + 28+ Literature Circle Job
Math - Finish L54
Finish Spooky Rough Draft

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Writing-Finish Final Draft of Spooky Story
DRESS UP-Study for test in Vocab

WEEK 9

2010-10-18T11:32:00.000-07:00

Homework Monday
Read Ch. 8/20-4-1
Math Finish L46
Spelling-Correct Mistakes
p. 104-107 in Orange Wkbk-Due Friday
Science p. 1 of packet/front and back
CEREAL BOX PROJECT DUE FRIDAY

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read 10-12 in Crispin NO SUMMARY
Work on Cereal Book Project-Due the Friday
Math L 46-Finish odds

READ A.R. BOOK 20 Minutes
Work on Cereal Box Project

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Math Finish L50
FInish and turn in Cereal Box Project
Newsteam Article and Coversheet Due Monday for: The Silicon Stewards and The Golden Glaives
Bring Movies, games and dress up for the party!

WEEK 8

2010-10-11T11:48:00.000-07:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read 20min.
Math-Finish L41
Spelling-Correct mistakes 3 times-Due Tuesday
p. 69-72 in Orange ELA Workbook-Due Friday
Work on Cereal Box Project-Due October 22nd

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read 20min.A.R. Book
Math-Finish L42
Spelling-p. 69-72 in Orange ELA Workbook-Due Friday
Work on Cereal Box Project-Due October 22nd

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read 20min.A.R. Book
Math-Finish L43+p.55+56 in wkbk HM
Spelling-p. 69-72 in Orange ELA Workbook-Due Friday
Work on Cereal Box Project-Due October 22nd

Homework Thursday
Read Ch. 3 + 4-Crispin
HM Page 57+58 Wkbk
Study for Spelling
Finsih Wkbk Pages

WEEK 7

2010-10-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read Ch. 16 + 17 + 20/4/1
Math - Finish L37 + Wkbk pages 15-18
Spelling-Correct Mistakes 3 times-Due Tuesday
Return Survey by Friday.
Finish Social Studies Wkbk p. 35-45
Cereal Box Project Due Friday, October 22nd

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read Ch. 19+20/20-4-1
Math-Finish L 38 + Finish HM Wkbk p23-26. (EXTRA-Because class is loud and not following directions)
Study Vocab on Blog
Finish Colony Art-Due Wednesday

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read Ch. 21+22/20-4-1
Math-Finish L 39 (Odds only) + Finish HM Wkbk p29-32.
Study Vocab on Blog
BIKE TO SCHOOL TOMORROW! FIELD TRIP FRIDAY

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Read 20min A.R. Book
Math Finish L40+p. 37/38 in wkbk
Finish 5 Paragraph Rough Draft on "Frustrations"
Bring $ for In n Out
Get to school on time!

Dear Parents,
* Today I sent home a Parent/Conference Survey with each student. Please make sure to fill this out and return it by Friday. This paper will help guide our conference next week.
* I also sent home your conference schedule time. for next week...For those of you that never responded, I assigned you a time. Check here for the master schedule: http://mrsweetriodelmar.blogspot.com
* Are there any parents that would like to donate a newspaper to our class each Monday morning? As you know, we do NewsTeams, and this would help students obtain good current events to report on. USA Today, SC Sentinel, San Jose Mercury, Register Pajaronian are great papers to be used. Let me know...THANKS!
* This Thursday is "Bike to School Day" Students who participate will get a treat.
* Friday is our field trip to NASA. Please have your child bring $5 if they would like to get lunch at In n Out Burger. Otherwise, please make sure they bring a lunch. We will be leaving at 8:00 a.m. sharp. If your child is late this day they will miss the trip and go to another class for the day, so please be on time.
Here are the drivers that signed up:
NASA DRIVERS
Linda W. (6 students)
Laurie G. (4)
Amy R. (4)
Diane C. (3)
Kevin J. (5)
Kelly K. (4)
Wayne M. (4)
Alysa B. (5)

That's it for now!
Happy Monday,
Mr. Sweet

WEEK 6

2010-09-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

September 27th-October 1st

This week our class will continue reading Sign of the Beaver together while learning new vocabulary and discussing life on the frontier in the mid 1700's. In writing our class will be writing in the first person from the perspective of Matt and Attean. In Social Social Studies our class will resume our study of the early colonies in the United States, including Jamestown and Plymouth. We are still doing multiplication speed tests so please practice at home...especially now that we are getting into long division, algebra and decimals. In math we will be working with Angles, Polygons, Rounding and Estimating. In HM Math we will continue our study in fractions. At the computer lab our class is finishing our Brochures, which we will print out on our new color Laser Printer!

See you at school!
Mr. Sweet

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-Ch.11+20/4/1
Math-Finish L31
Social Studies-Finish p. 36+37+40 in Workbook
Study Spelling Words/Begin Book Project
Turn in Field Trip Forms/Return Orange Update Paper

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-Ch.12+13+Activity Paper/Extra Credit
Math-Finish L32
Vocabulary-Finish and study meanings and usage of the words (We did through number 17 in class)
Study Spelling Words/Begin Book Project
Turn in Field Trip Forms/Return Orange Update Paper
NEWSTEAMS-Rapping Revolutionists + Massive Muskets-Choose Article by Wednesday.

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-Ch.14+15/20-4-1
Math-Finish L33
Vocabulary-Finish and study meanings and usage of the words (We did through number 17 in class)
Study Spelling Words/Begin Book Project
Turn in Field Trip Forms/Return Orange Update Paper
NEWSTEAMS-Rapping Revolutionists + Massive Muskets-Choose Article + Do Cover Sheet

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Reading-READ 20 min. - AR Book(20% of reading grade)
Math-Finish L35
Vocabulary-Study for test using spelling blog
Study Spelling Words/
Begin Book Project
NEWSTEAMS-Do summary and prepare for presentations next week/Summary due Friday

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Monday 10-11
12:45pm-Hall
1:05-Quinn
1:25-Martin
1:45-Jeffery
2:05-Chamberlain
2:25-Waddle
2:45-Glynn
3:05-Hickey
Tuesday 10-12
12:45-Berhan
1:05-Rubio
1:25-Black
1:45-Zimmer
2:05-Sweet
2:25-Sweet
2:45-Lovell
3:05-Landeros
Wednesday 10-13
12:45-Carver
1:05-Katolin
1:25-Morgan
1:45-Spinelli
2:05-Pasquinelli
2:25-Welle
2:45-Thrasher
3:05-Carver
Thursday 10-14
12:45-Marks
1:05-Bloss
1:25-Coon
1:45-Ayyad
2:05
2:25
2:45-Paul
3:05-McMillian
Friday-10-15
12:45-Thomas
1:05-Safari
1:25
1:45-Lopez

WEEK 5

2010-09-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

Classroom Update

This week our class will be finishing up our Volcano Presentations together in the groups of 3. In reading we will start reading the Sign of the Beaver which is a great book about survival living on the frontier with Native Americans. We will have reading comprehension quizzes and learn new vocabulary. We will read together in class and at home. At home they will be doing 20-4-1 using this book, but they are welcome to read their A.R. books on their own. New field trip forms went home on Monday for The Tech Museum. Please fill out and return these along with the behavior update sheet.I am also sending an e-mail with details about volunteers, conferences and other important information.

MONDAY'S HOMEWORK
Reading - 20-4-1 on Ch. 3 from Sign of the Beaver
Math-L26
News Teams-Patriotic Peeps, Crazy Lincolns-Find article, Fill out cover sheet, Summarize article, DUE FRIDAY
Study Spelling
FIELD TRIP FORMS

TUESDAY'S HOMEWORK
Read Ch. 5+6/20-4-1-
Math L. 28
Work on Vocab at Home-Due Friday/Study Spelling
FIELD TRIP FORMS
CEREAL BOX BOOK PROJECT SIGN UP

WEDNESDAY'S HOMEWORK
Read Ch. 9+10/20-4-1-
Math L. 29
Work on Vocab at Home-Due Friday/Study Spelling
FIELD TRIP FORMS
CEREAL BOX BOOK PROJECT SIGN UP

THURSDAY'S HOMEWORK
Read 20min.
Finish L30
Finish Vocab./Study/Spelling for tests
CEREAL BOX BOOK CHOICE DUE FRIDAY

WEEK 4

2010-09-12T18:44:00.001-07:00

Dear Parents,
This week we have many exciting things happening in Room 12. We will begin our News Team Presentations this week on Friday. Each student will choose an article to summarize and then they will share it orally with the class on Fridays.
We will also complete our study of Natural Disasters with a story about Volcanic Eruptions. In class each group will be researching a specific volcano that has erupted at some point in recorded history. Many students are working on their extra credit assignment about natural disasters, which is due this Friday.
Also, we will be having our first test in Social Studies on the Explorers this Friday. The study guide is posted on the right side of the blog. In writing we are focusing on writing our “perfect paragraph” on our favorite hobby.
On Thursday night we will get to meet each other at Back to School Night at 7:15pm. Finally, on Friday our class will be participating with “Save our Shores” by cleaning up our local beach. I need two parents to help walk down with us so please let me know if you would like to go. This field trip connects with our project that is entitled: “I Can Make a Difference”

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

Mr. Sweet

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-20-4-1
Math L21
Writing-Finish Perfect Paragraph Final Draft in Black Pen
Spelling-Correct mistakes three times+43-46-DUE FRIDAY
Sign and Return NASA Field Trip Form
Picture Forms
Sign and Return Orange Update Form
Fundraiser Papers sent home
Social Studies Test on Friday

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-20-4-1
Math L23
News Teams Choose Articles-Due Wednesday
Spelling-Correct mistakes three times+43-46-DUE FRIDAY/Challenge Spelling Activities Due Friday(4 Students)
Sign and Return NASA Field Trip Form
Social Studies Test on Friday-Study Guide on blog--->Right Side

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-20-4-1
Math L24
Spelliing due Friday
Work on News Team Summaries
Study for Social Studies Test

HOMEWORK THURSDAY-
Read 20 min.
Finish Math L25
Finish Spelling HW-Test tomorrow
Warm-Up Review
News Team Summaries Due
Extra Credit Due
STUDY FOR SOCIAL STUDIES TEST!

WEEK 3

2010-09-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

Homework Tuesday
Reading-20-4-1 (Reading Contracts-Due)
Math-Finish L16 + p.9-p. 10=Extra Credit
Spelling-p. 29+30-Due Friday
Vocab.-Define words 21-30 + use in a sentence-Due Friday
Parents sign and return Update Folder Paper
Extra Math Help on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Library with Mrs. Mitchener
Extra Credit=Make a 1-page newspaper with articles about various Natural Disasters
Throughout history. Do at least 3 and include an illustration or two.
You may type this assignment.
BOOK ORDERS DUE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th
Return Field Trip Form

Homework Wednesday
Reading-20-4-1
Math-Finish L17
Spelling-p. 29+30-Due Friday
Vocab.-Define words 21-30 + use in a sentence-Due Friday
Parents sign and return Update Folder Paper
Extra Math Help on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Library with Mrs. Mitchener
Extra Credit=Make a 1-page newspaper with articles about various Natural Disasters
Throughout history. Do at least 3 and include an illustration or two.
You may type this assignment.
BOOK ORDERS DUE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th
Return Field Trip Form

Homework Thursday
Reading-Read 20 min.
Math-Finish L19+p.11+12 in wkbk
Spelling-p. 29+30+STUDY FOR TEST
Vocab.-Define words 21-30 + use in a sentence-Due Friday-STUDY FOR TEST
Parents sign and return Update Folder Paper
BOOK ORDERS DUE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17th

WEEK 2

2010-08-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

HOMEWORK MONDAY
READING-20-4-1 (Read for 20 minutes, write a one-paragraph summary that is at least 4 sentences)
MATH-Finish L11+p.7 in workbook
SPELLING-Study missed words on pre-test + p. 8-11-Due Friday
Sign and return PE form and Volunteer Survey, Review Values sheet

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
READING-20-4-1-Turn in Wednesday
Math - Finish L12-Study Multiplication for speed test
Finish Social Studies Wkbk p-1-3
Spelling Due Friday

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
READING-20-4-1-Turn in Thursday-Have parents sign A.R. Goals
Math - Finish L13-Study Multiplication for speed test
Spelling Due Friday

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
READING 20 minutes-Turn in Thursday-Have parents sign + return A.R. Goals
Math - Finish L15-Test Friday on lessons 1-15
Spelling Due/Test Friday
Review Warm Ups for review test

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 4 true and 1 false activity. This week we will hit the ground running in class and with homework. Be prepared to have 50 minutes of homework each night on average with no homework on the weekends.

In class we began reading a story entitled "Earthquake Terror" and we will be learning about natural disasters the next couple of weeks. We took our first spelling pre-test on Monday so each child should study the words for the test on Friday. Focus on the ones that they did not know how to spell. In math our 5th graders are learning Story Problems, finding the unknown value, Prime numbers and Factorization. Finally, we are learning about the Explorers in Social Studies.

The students are excited and ready to learn. We had a wonderful time getting to know each other while learning the rules, procedures and expectations. I look forward to meeting you at Back to School Night on Thursday, September 16th. 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.
Mr. Sweet

1st FULL Week of School

2010-08-07T19:17:00.001-07:00

Week 1-BACK TO SCHOOL
I
Here is the list of things that 5th graders will need in my class:
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
* Box of Kleenex
* Scissors
* Low-odor Dry Erase EXPO Markers and a sock (for math white-boards)
NO PENCIL BOXES!

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Parents and students need to read the parent letter sent home
Math-Finish L1
Writing-Fill out "Getting to Know You" answers
* Parents sign and return e-mail list/permission for blog
* Sign and return after school forms, for those interested
* Get supplies by Friday

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Parents and students need to read the parent letter sent home
Math-Finish L4 + page 1 & 2 of Orange Math Workbook
Sign and return emergency forms
* Parents sign and return e-mail list/permission for blog
* Sign and return after school forms, for those interested
* Get supplies by Friday

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Math-Finish L6 + page 5&6 of HM Orange Math Workbook
Sign and return emergency forms
* Sign and return after school/tech forms
* Get supplies by Friday

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Writing-Finish Self-Letter
Math-Finish L8
Supply Check Tomorrow
Turn in paperwork

August 23, 2010
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to Mr. Sweet’s 5th grade class! I am pleased to be your child’s teacher this year and I look forward to meeting each of you at Back to School Night, if not sooner. I believe all children are full of remarkable possibilities and I look forward to helping each student reach his or her potential. My two most important rules are:
#1 Always put forth your best effort
#2 Be kind to everyone.
I believe that each student is responsible for his or her own learning. Therefore, I expect my students to do their best regarding both schoolwork and behavior. With the guidance and direction of both teacher and parents, this can be accomplished.

Goals
My highest goal is to cultivate a passion in my students for learning and growth. Learning is one of the most important things in life and I hope to make this process fun, engaging, and accessible for all students.

Expectations
I will be putting forth my best effort and I will expect the same from all of my students. Even though each student brings different strengths and weaknesses in various subject areas, I expect the work turned in to be their best quality. Assignments need to be handed in when they are due. All students are given a Homework Planner where all assignments, due dates, tests, and other reminders are to be written. We will go over this planner each day in class and this should be done at home as well. A list of necessary classroom supplies will be sent home. I will be doing a supply check this coming Friday. It is imperative that your child has the supplies requested. Students are expected to come to class on time, prepared and ready to learn every day, having the appropriate materials and a positive attitude. Encouragement from home is very important in this regard.
Our class will have a blog again this year to keep parents and students informed of homework, procedures, announcements, upcoming events, and much more. You can find the website at: http://mrsweetriodelmar.blogspot.com. This website will help support learning in the classroom and keep students accountable for what is due. If you forget the web address, just go to the school’s website for the link. Furthermore, this will help guide students who are absent due to illnesses.
As your child’s teacher I expect each student to be: understanding, caring, and respectful to other students and adults. These characteristics are of the utmost importance. I want the classroom to be a positive, encouraging place where students can learn and present their views in a safe, non-threatening atmosphere. Put-downs and negative behavior will not be tolerated. Every month I will facilitate a class meeting to discuss problems students want to talk about and solve together. This process encourages initiative, discussion, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.

Grading/Homework
Each subject has various components that contribute to a student’s grade (tests, projects, homework assignments, participation, extra credit etc.). One important area is the effective use of time on each task in the classroom. There are numerous things we will work on in class and, provided students use this class time constructively, longer homework assignments should be averted. It is also vital that assignments be turned in on time. Each missing daily homework assignment will be recorded as an incomplete in the grade book, unless it is due to illness or emergency. One incomplete assignment will certainly affect your grade in that given subject. In addition, each project that is turned in late will be graded down one grade each day. There will be little, or no homework when a big project is due. The homework time per night will typically be 50 minutes each night, excluding Fridays. On Thursdays we will have a smaller amount to study for tests.
Each night your child will have math homework. It is critical that students learn from their mistakes and build a foundation of growth and understanding. Student’s corrected work will be sent home regularly on Mondays and it is very helpful if parents spend a few minutes reviewing their child’s work and progress. Students may correct and return their papers/tests in blue ink for half-credit. Also, each week I will send home a gold sheet of paper in a folder to update parents on their child’s behavior and work completion from the previous week. Please sign and return this folder each Monday night.
The first trimester each student will need to read for 20 minutes and write a one-paragraph summary about what they read (20-4-1). Students will do this reading summary log Mondays through Wednesdays and I will collect them on Thursdays. Once again, please check the daily planner your child receives, because all homework, tests, and reminders will be on this homework planner along with the blog. Finally, please remember to give your child adequate time and a quiet place after school or in the early evening to do their homework without distractions. As mentioned earlier, the class blog should be checked daily for assignments. I will not typically send home letters but use the blog and infrequent e-mails home. *I highly recommend the After School and Enrichment Program at Rio Del Mar for assisting students with their homework.* For more information, review the accompanying paperwork from the After School Program.

Parent Volunteers
I truly value parent assistance and hope for any help you can provide. The involvement of parents, relatives, and friends deeply enriches the classroom experience. Let me know if you have any additional methods or ideas for involvement. If you would like to come in prior to this and sign up, please let me know. I understand how precious your time is and appreciate any time you can offer in this regard. Last year I had parents who taught art lessons, health/nutrition, computer lessons, a police officer and a local pizza business owner came by and even grandparents came in to share their lives too. If you would like to volunteer in class, please e-mail me with convenient time(s) as soon as possible. I will also provide a sign-up sheet for parents to sign up during Back to School Night.

Personal Background
I was born and raised locally and attended California State University of Monterey Bay where I was in the first graduating class in 1997. I graduated from the CSUMB Liberal Studies program with an emphasis in Human Development. At this time I knew I wanted to be a teacher so I moved on to the CSU Monterey Bay Credential Program. My first teaching experience was as a 6th grade counselor at a camp in 1994. I have taught grades ranging from 3rd – 6th grades. This is my 12th year teaching at Rio Del Mar Elementary School. I have worked with children for the last seventeen years.
The last eight summers I have been a principal at summer schools in the district. I graduated from San Jose State University’s Educational Administration Program and received my Masters Degree in 2003. I am married to Hilary Sweet and we have an active 9 year-old son named Josiah Michael Sweet and a beautiful 7 year-old daughter named Juliet Marie Sweet who both attend Rio del Mar. So I am a Rio parent and teacher!
I look forward to an excellent year filled with learning, growth and fun. Remember…”85% of life is just showing up.” (Woody Allen) Please make EVERY effort to get your child to class. Vacations should be taken during the other half of the year school is not in session. Otherwise, each child gets behind AND the school loses money. If you should have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call me at 688-2053, or you can e-mail me at: martin_sweet@pvusd.net. I am available any day after school to go over your child’s progress, or to answer questions you may have. Please remember to just call/e-mail ahead of time so that I may plan accordingly. Thank you and let the learning begin!

J Martin Sweet

5th Grade Teacher
After School Coordinator

2010-06-01T19:13:00.000-07:00

WEEK 36

2010-05-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

Class Update...
It's hard to believe that we only have 8.5 days of school left and two of those we will be going on a field trip. Amazing! Hold on, it's not over yet. I wanted to remind you of some things that are happening in Room 12 this week:
Monday-Kevin Jeffery, a parent and lawyer, will be prepping the class for our field trip to the SC Courthouse. In addition, this week we will be doing dress rehearsal for our play. Students will need to bring their costumes and props that accompany their character(s). Also, props, posters and things for the set will be put together for the big play Tuesday, June 1st. Together our class will be learning about states and capitals this week with some fun activities.
Tuesday-Our class will be finishing our Presidential Cubes in the Computer Lab in 5th Grade-They are due Wednesday. In 4th grade we are finishing up our CA Projects and they are due this Friday.
Wednesday-We will be taking our last Social Studies Test of the year! Hooray! We will be heading to the courthouse at about 10:45am for the Cookie Caper Court Trial.
Thursday-Musical Presentation in Mr. McMillan's Class/Last day with our buddies
Friday-Last Day to take an A.R. Quiz.Rio Rock Band Assembly
No School next Monday, May 31st (Memorial Day)
Tuesday (Not a restructured Day)-13 Colonies Play-(Be at school at 7:30 a.m. for costumes/set prep.)Yearbooks go home
Thursday, June3rd-KOA Field Trip-4th
Thursday, June 3rd-5th Grade Boardwalk Trip
Friday, June 5th-Last Day of School! Final Report Cards go home

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Finish A.R. Goal
Finish Math p. 191 + 251 4th Grade
5th-p.221+235
BRING COSTUME
STUDY FOR SOCIAL STUDIES
FINISH PRESIDENTIAL CUBE
STUDY LINES FOR COOKIE COURT

WEEK 35

2010-05-17T14:03:00.000-07:00

Homework Monday
Reading-20-4-1
5th Grade-Ch.38-40
Math 4th-p.195-196
Begin Putting Together Props
and Costumes

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-Read 20min
5th Grade-Ch. 44+45
Math-Ch. 26-2-4th Grade
5th-p.233
Practice Lines from 13 Colonies + Cookie Court
Get Costumes/Props

WEEK 34

2010-05-10T11:28:00.000-07:00

Homework Monday
Reading-4th-20-4-1-AR Book
5th ch. 31+32

Math Wkbk-4th-p.199+200
5th-p.225+226

Spelling-Write each word in cursive-Due Friday

Bring Tissue Box for Presidential Cube

Class Party on Friday!!

Homework Tuesday
Reading-4th-20-4-1 AR
5th - Ch. 33-35
Math-4th-Finish p.201-204
5th-227-230
Bring Cube 5th Grade
Create 3 Things Skit

WEEK 33-TESTING WEEK

2010-05-03T12:47:00.001-07:00

Dear Parents,
It would be wonderful if a couple parents could help me with the 13 Colony Musical. We practice in the afternoons from 1-2pm and it is simple to facilitate. Please reply if you are interested. Also, please make sure your child practices their lines, songs and acting motions/delivery.
This week each child will be sharing their Science Project with a speech that is 2-5 minutes. All they need to do is go through the process of investigative question, hypothesis etc. They should all share their favorite things about the project and what they would do differently next time. Finally, they will come up with two questions to ask the class. Practicing in front of a mirror is very effective. We wrote our speech in class and each child selected the day to share their speeches.
Progress Reports will go home this Friday.
We will be finishing testing this Friday so please make sure your child comes every day this week.
This Friday we will have a fun Book Fair Exchange. If your child would like to participate please have them bring in any books they do not read anymore to share. For each book they will receive a ticket to purchase another book.
Raffle Tickets were due today, but if you turn them in tomorrow I'll forward them to the coordinator.
Boardwalk Permission/Driver/ + Money is due this Wednesday. If your child has a pass please let me know on the permission slip.
4th grade KOA Field Trip forms were sent home today.
Finally, please have your 5th grader bring in a tissue box for the Presidential Cube Project.
That's it for now. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Cheers,
Mr. Sweet

WEEK 32

2010-04-26T11:27:00.000-07:00

Update-
A lot is happening in Room 12 right now. We are finishing up our Science Projects at home, Practicing our play performance, Reviewing standards for THE CST test, beginning personal poems, working on our Writing Portfolios and much, much more!

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading -4th -A.R. 20 min.
5th-Ch. 27+28
Math-4th Finish in class math, if necessary p. 187-190
5th - p. 207-210
FINISH SCIENCE PROJECT-Due FRIDAY
Study lines for play and practice acting them out with hand motions and movements
Study Vocab using flash drive

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading -4th -A.R. 20 min.
5th-Ch. 29+30
Math-4th Finish in class math, if necessary p. 193+194
5th - p. 211-214
FINISH SCIENCE PROJECT-Due FRIDAY
Study lines for play and practice acting them out with hand motions and movements
Study Vocab using flash drive(We did the assignment in class)

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Do Science Project!
Nothing else ;>)

Week 31

2010-04-19T09:30:00.000-07:00

Monday's Homework
Reading-4th Grade-Finish Ch.9+Lit.Circle
5th-Ch.19+20+Lit.Circle
MATH-4th-Ch.20 lesson 3 in wkbk
5th-Ch.22 Lesson 3 wkbk
Vocabulary/Spelling-Study Words-Use flash drive
Practice Lines from parts that you want to try out for in the 13 Colony Play-
Tryouts begin Friday
Study For Social Studies Test w/guide-Test on Friday

Tuesday's Homework
Reading-4th Grade- Ch.10
5th-Ch.21+22
MATH-4th-20-4 in wkbk
5th-p.490-493
Vocabulary/Spelling-Study Words-Use flash drive
Practice Lines from parts that you want to try out for in the 13 Colony Play-
Tryouts begin Friday
Study For Social Studies Test w/guide-Test on Friday-See Study Guide on blog
Science Project Continue-Due next Friday, April 29th

Wednesday's Homework
Reading-4th Grade- Finish Book
5th-Ch.23+24
MATH-Math Minute 59+60
Vocabulary/Spelling-Study Words-Use flash drive
Practice Lines from parts that you want to try out for in the 13 Colony Play-
Tryouts begin Friday
Study For Social Studies Test w/guide-Test on Friday-See Study Guide on blog
Science Project Continue-Due next Friday, April 29th
Prepare for News Team Presentation if you are in a group presenting

Thursday's Homework
Reading-4th Grade- Finish Book
5th-Ch.25+26
MATH-Math Minute 61+62
Vocabulary/Spelling-Study Words-Use flash drive
Practice Lines from parts that you want to try out for in the 13 Colony Play-
Tryouts begin Friday
Study For Social Studies Test w/guide-Test on Friday-See Study Guide on blog
Science Project Continue-Due next Friday, April 29th
Prepare for News Team Presentation if you are in a group presenting

WEEK 30

2010-04-09T23:06:00.001-07:00

COME SEE THE ROCK BANDS AT BRITANNIA ARMS THIS COMING SATURDAY

Weekly Quote:
"A good vacation is over when you begin to yearn for your work." ~Morris Fishbein

Welcome back to our cool school where kind hearts and open minds rule! Wow, vacations are soothing for the soul, aren't they?!
This vacation gave me a taste of summer because THIS coming summer I will not be working for the first time since I was 12. Our family enjoyed sleeping in, playing hockey, reading. My wife and I went to see Clash of the Titans and an intense Sharks game. The time off was perfect and I feel rejuvenated and excited to get back to teaching and learning in Room 12.
* Our class is in the midst of our Science Project. This week we will be finishing our Hypotheses and planning our next steps.
* In reading 4th graders will continue The Incredible Journey while our 5th graders continue Thief Lord.
* In speech we will go back to doing News Teams for the next month.
* I will be sending home CDs for our Musical Play entitled 13 Colonies. Please have your child read the script and sing along with each song to learn the words. We will begin trying out for parts next week.
* It should be a great week of learning!
See you at school!

Check out our new Rio del Mar Newspaper at:
http://seahawksentinel.blogspot.com/

HOMEWORK MONDAY-
Reading-4th-Finish Ch.5-Incredible Journey
5th-Read Ch. 7-9
Math-4th-p.247-248
5th-p.183-184
Science-Hypothesis and Experiment Procedures due this Wednesday, April 14th
13 Colonies-Begin listening to the CD and following the script. Choose your top 3 parts to try out for in the coming weeks.
Learn Vocab/Spelling words(We are doing definitions in class)
News Teams-Squiggling Squirrel Team + Ugly Oompa Loompas- Due Summary + Article + Cover Sheet Due-Friday

HOMEWORK TUESDAY-
Reading-4th-Finish Ch.6-Incredible Journey
5th-Read Ch.13
Math-4th-Next Page-Areas/Perimeter of Complex S
5th-Next Wkbk page-Area of Triangles
Science-Hypothesis and Experiment Procedures due this Wednesday, April 14th
13 Colonies-Begin listening to the CD and following the script. Choose your top 3 parts to try out for in the coming weeks.
Learn Vocab/Spelling words(We are doing definitions in class)
News Teams-Squiggling Squirrel Team + Ugly Oompa Loompas- Due Summary + Article + Cover Sheet Due-Friday

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY-
Reading-4th-Finish Ch.7-Incredible Journey
5th-Read Ch.14+15
Math-Math Minute 55+56
13 Colonies-Begin listening to the CD and following the script. Choose your top 3 parts to try out for in the coming weeks.
Learn Vocab/Spelling words(We are doing definitions in class)
News Teams-Squiggling Squirrel Team + Ugly Oompa Loompas- Due Summary + Article + Cover Sheet Due-Friday

Thursday
Read-4th-p. 103-113+Lit. CIrcle
5th-Lit. Circle
Math Minute 57+58
Study Vocab Words/DLR
Social Studies Test next Friday

WEEK 29

2010-03-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

Class Update
This is our last week before Spring Break and, as a reminder, there is no school this Friday. Here is a quick bulleted list of what we are doing this week in Room 12:
* In Science we are doing a class project on paper airplanes to review the Scientific Method. On Thursday our Investigative Question for our project is due.
* In Social Studies-4th grade is learning more about the Gold Rush. 5th Grade-American Revolution
* In computers we are finishing up our Cause and Effect Paragraphs/printing them. Also, with the laptops we are researching the origins of Passover, Easter and the Spring Equinox/ Eostre.
* Reading-5th grade is starting a new book entitled: Thief Lord
In class 4th grade is reading The Boss of the Plains about John Stetson and in 5th Grade we are reading "A Boy Called SLow" about the Plains Indians

HOMEWORK MONDAY-
READING-4th Grade-Incredible Journey+20/4/1
5th Grade-Thief Lord-Ch. 1+Summary
Math-4th-p.229-232
5th-p.185-188 in wkbk
Science-Choose project-Investigative Question due on Thursday

HOMEWORK TUESDAY-
READING-4th Grade-Incredible Journey Ch.2 +20/4/1
5th Grade-Thief Lord-Ch. 2+3+Summary
Math-4th-p.233-236
5th-p.1189-192 in wkbk
Science-Choose project-Investigative Question due on Thursday

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY-
READING-4th Grade-Incredible Journey Ch.4 +20/4/1
5th Grade-Thief Lord-Ch. 4+5+Summary
Math-4th-next page Ch.26-3
5th-next page-Ch.20-3
Science-Choose project-Investigative Question due on Thursday

WEEK 28

2010-03-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

Update
* Thank you so much to the parents who brought in treats for our class-earned party last week...especially Gina for picking up our Subway sandwiches and organizing everything. The class had a great day of sports along with the movie Rudy.
* Our class is focusing on our Science Review in preparation for our test this Wednesday. Once again, the study guide is posted on the right hand side of the blog.
* In math 4th grade is learning about comparing fractions and adding/subtracting them w/different denominators. 5th grade is reviewing graphing on a coordinate plane.
* In Social Studies we will be learning more about the Gold Rush of 1849 in 4th grade while the 5th Grade dives deeper into the Revolution and the formation of our constitution.
* In writing our class is learning to use Depth and Complexity Icons to delve deeper into learning and thinking skills. Furthermore, we are working on Cause and Effect Paragraphs from the stories that we are reading.
* Next week we will be handing out the Science Project Assignment. You are welcome to begin thinking of potential projects.

Homework Monday-
Reading-20-4-1(4th grade Ch. 24+25)
5th Grade-A.R. Book 20/4/1
Math-4th Grade-p.159-162
5th-p.157-160
STUDY FOR SCIENCE-
They will be graded on the curve in 5th (TOUGH TEST)

Homework Tuesday-
Reading-4th-finish book
5th Grade-Read 20 min.
Math-4th Grade-p.163-166
5th-p.161-164
STUDY FOR SCIENCE-
They will be graded on the curve in 5th (TOUGH TEST)

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Read 20min
Math-4th-221-224
5th-p.177-180
Finish Perfect Cause/Effect Paragraph
Go over Science Project Guide-Due April 29th

WEEK 27

2010-03-15T14:50:00.000-07:00

Class Update
* Our class has worked really hard and has earned a party this Friday! Details coming soon.
* This week we are wrapping up our Science Units(4th Grade-Energy for Life and Growth/5th-The Structure of Living Things) to prepare for our test next Wednesday, March 25th.
* The Plant/Animal Cell Project is due this Friday for 5th graders
* Big Spin this Friday!

Homework Monday
Reading-4th Grade-Ch.17+18
5th - Read A.R. book for 20minutes
Math-4th-p.147+148 in wkbk
5th- Ch. 16 L2
Science Test-Wednesay, Wednesday, March 25th

Tuesday
Reading 4th-Ch.20
5th 20 min.
Math-4th-Ch. 17-Lesson4
5th-Ch.16-4
Work on cell project

Wednesday
Reading-Ch.21 -4th
5th-20 minutes
Cell Project Due Friday
Study Guide has been posted

WEEK 26

2010-03-09T13:29:00.000-08:00

Homework Tuesday
4th-Read Ch.10+ Summary
5th-Read p. 96-106+ Summary
Math-4th finish p. Ch.23Lesson 3 in workbook
5th-Finish p. 129-130 in wkbk
Science-5th Grade-Animal Plant Cell Project due
Friday, March 19th....See right side of the blog for the
project description

Homework Wednesday
4th-Read Ch.11+12+ Summary
5th-Read p. 113-123+ Summary
Math-NO MATH!
Science-5th Grade-Animal Plant Cell Project due
Friday, March 19th....See right side of the blog for the
project description
4th Grade-Finish Food chain, food web

Homework Thursday
4th-Read Ch. 15+16
5th-ReadFinish Book
Math-Pre-Test 23
Science-5th Grade-Animal Plant Cell Project due
Friday, March 19th....See right side of the blog for the
project description
Vocab Test Friday

WEEK 25

2010-03-01T14:38:00.000-08:00

Homework Monday
Reading - A.R.(Last day to take quiz is on Wednesday, March 3rd)
Math-4th-p.141+142
5th-p. 117+118
Write 3 Limericks-Rhyming Pattern: AABBA-Syllables need to be equal to each other to:
Example:
There once was a boy named Taluu
Who liked to sleep in a canoe
He sank to the bottom
And drank a whole gallon
The story is really quite true
Extra Credit Weather Instruments due Wednesday

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
READ-20min
5th Grade-p.40-49 Fighting Ground
Math-4th grade-Ch. 16-3,
5th-Ch. 14-2
Study Vocab

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
4th-Read Ch. 3+4 in Dolphin
5th-p. 58-69 Fighting
Math-Finish Wkbk page
Study Vocab
Finish Limerick Drawing Design

NO HOMEWORK!

WEEK 24

2010-02-22T15:00:00.001-08:00

Homework Monday
Reading-4th Grade read 20 min.
5th-Read ch. 1 (entry 1) in Fighting Ground
Math-p.133, 134-4th Grade
5th Grade-p. 99+100
SCIENCE-STUDY FOR TEST
Spelling-Write mistakes 3 times in cursive-Due Friday

Homework Tuesday
Reading-4th Grade read 20 min.
5th-Read to 12:05 pm entry in Fighting Ground
Math-p.135, 136-4th Grade
5th Grade-p. 111+112
SCIENCE-STUDY FOR TEST
Spelling-Write mistakes 3 times in cursive-Due Friday

Homework Wednesday
Reading-4th Grade read 20 min.
5th-Read to 12:05 pm - 1:05pm in Fighting Ground
Math-p.137, 138-4th Grade
5th Grade-p. 115+116
SCIENCE-5th Grade-Illustrate in color a plant or animal cell with labels of organelles. Describe each one and its function
Spelling-Write mistakes 3 times in cursive-Due Friday

Homework Thursday
Reading-4th Grade read 20 min.
5th-Read to 1:05-2:30 in Fighting Ground
Math-Pre-Tests
SCIENCE-4th Grade-Illustrate producers(photosynthesis, herbivores, carnivores, death, decomposition, producers again.)label each step
FIELD TRIP-Wear pants, bring umbrella and jacket.

WEEK 23

2010-02-17T12:45:00.000-08:00

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read 20 min.
Math p. 95+96-4th Grade
5th Grade-p.91+92
Finish Pen Pal Letters (Typed or written)
Gold Form signed
Field Trip Form + Drivers

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
READ 20 min
MATH do Pre-Test
Study Spelling Words
Science test next Wednesday(see study guide on blog)

WEEK 22

2010-02-05T08:02:00.001-08:00

HOMEWORK TUESDAY-
Reading-4th-Finish Ch.13
5th-Finish Ch.11
5th-VALENTINE'S BREAKFAST TOMORROW
Writing-Adjective Activity due tomorrow

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY-
Reading-4th-Ch.15
5th-Finish Ch.12
Math p. 79-82-4th Grade
5th Grade-81-84
EXTRA CREDIT DUE FRIDAY-
Inconvenient Truth 1-page response
Johnny Cake/Dirt Cake Recipe
STUDY VOCAB

HOMEWORK THURSDAY-
Reading-FINISH BOOK
Math p. p.83+84-4th Grade
5th Grade-85+86
EXTRA CREDIT DUE FRIDAY-
Inconvenient Truth 1-page response
Johnny Cake/Dirt Cake Recipe
STUDY VOCAB

WEEK 21

2010-02-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

Monday's Homework
Reading-4th-Ch.8
5th-Ch.7
Math 4th-p.69+70
5th-p.73+74
Vocab-Learn words
#21-30-4th Graders
#1-20-5th Graders
ANO NUEVO TRIP THURSDAY, 2/4
Social Studies Test Wednesday-SEE LINK ON RIGHT FOR STUDY GUIDE

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read Ch. 9
Math p.71+72-4th Grade
p.75+76-5th Grade
STUDY FOR TEST TOMORROW
5th Grade-Bring $5 for Valentine's Breakfast(See paper sent home for details)

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY
Read Ch. 11-Due Friday(Long CHapter)-4th
Read Ch. 10-Due Friday(Long Chapter)-5th
Math-4th-p73-76
5th-p.77-80
Vocab.-Learn words/We wrote definitions in class
NEWS TEAMS 4th Grade Due
WRITING-Write a "tell sentence"
and some "picture sentences"
5th Grade-Bring Valentine's $5
Rock Field Trip Form Due

What's Happening in Room 12?!
Where to start? Well, in reading we are continuing our fantastic books: By the Great Horn Spoon and My Brother Sam is Dead.
We are doing a fun journal going along with the Gold Rush in 4th and the Revolution in 5th grade. We will be taking b/w photos and making a genuine-looking, historical journal. These journals incorporate many of the new things that we have learned in these history units. In HM Math we are working from Chapter 8 and we are focusing on Evaluating Algabraic Expressions in 4th grade and in 5th we are reviewing adding/subtracting mixed numbers with different denominators. In Social Studies we are reviewing CA becoming a state in 4th and the Revolution in 5th to get ready for the tests on Wednesday. The Study Guide is posted on this blog on the top right hand side.
During our time in the Computer Lab we are putting together our American Hero Projects using Power Point. In addition, in Art we are finishing our portraits of the Heroes. Finally, the Tunes we created last week will be converted to a song with their recorded voice using Garage Band and then converted to an Itunes file.
Our final day to take a quiz in Accelerated Reader is on MONDAY MARCH 1st.

See you at school!
Mr. Sweet

Room 12 Parents,
Hopefully you all received my phone message last night. Here are the drivers for the Ano Nuevo Field Trip this Thursday morning when we leave at 8:15 a.m. I tried to choose parents who have not driven yet. If you are not on the list and wanted to come along as a chaperone, feel free to show up on Thursday morning.

As I stated in the message, please wear very warm clothes...no shorts. Prepare for rain and heavy winds and if you have raincoats, make sure your child wears them because we can not bring umbrellas.
It is a very long walk so make sure to pack a big lunch w/water/juice.

Drivers
Caryn A. (4 students)
Kelly M. (4)
Lindsey H.(3)
Melinda L. (5)
Jamie M. (4)
Tawnie P.(3)
Ian W. (4)
Gina W. (5)

WEEK 20

2010-01-24T17:52:00.000-08:00

WEEKLY QUOTE
“I must study politics and war, that my sons may have the liberty to study mathematics and philosophy, natural history and naval architecture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, tapestry, and porcelain.”
ekmckinn
John Adams quotes (American 2nd US President (1797-1801), 1735-1826)

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read-4th-Read Chapter 2 of Great Horn Spoon
5th-Finish Ch. 1 of My Brother Sam is Dead
Math-p.51+52-4th Grade
p. 65+66-5th grade
Spelling/Vocab-Make Word Search w/15 words
Make Crossword for 10 vocabulary words + 5 other spelling words
Go to: puzzlemaker.com----DUE FRIDAY

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read-4th-Ch.3+ Sea Routes Handout-Use Google
5th-Finish Ch.2-I am Sam+My Brother or My Father Handout
Work on Vocab and Spelling

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading-4th Grade-Ch.4 Spoon
5th - Ch.5-Sam
Math-4th-p.138+139 in BOOK
5th-p.163 in BOOK
Turn in Yearbook Forms
Finish Vocab Crosswords/Word Search
Social Studies Study Guide at:4th grade-http://docs.google.com/View?id=dd4k696h_13gt2gk4gk
5th grade-http://docs.google.com/View?id=dd4k696h_12fp3frkgr

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Read Ch. 6
5th Grade-Copy Preamble in cursive and memorize "We hold these truths...."
Study for tests

WEEK 19

2010-01-18T12:44:00.000-08:00

Quote of the Week:
"We must all learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools." Martin Luther King Jr.

Weekly Update-
* In reading our class will be finishing up the story Bridge to Terabithia
* Both grades will be finishing chapter 5 in the HM Book in math
* Using the computers, we are finishing up our 5 paragraph essays about our dreams in response to MLK and his "I Have a Dream" speech.
* Social Studies-We are learning about how California became a state in 4th grade. 5th grade is learning about the Boston Tea * Party along with the Boston Massacre. In addition, we are learning about, "Taxation with out representation," and how this led to the American Revolution.
* REMINDER-The Newspaper Book Project is due on Friday.Once again, there will not be as much homework this week so we can wrap up our Projects
* The 4th Grade Mission field trip is on Thursday
* Our class will have a Spelling Bee on Friday. Check this link if you would like to practice: http://mcoeweb.marin.k12.ca.us/es/spellingbee/Elem0910/ElementarySpellingList.pdf
The two top winners will on to compete against students from other 4-6th grades. In class we will learn words from Bridge to Terabithia along with the Civil Rights movement. We will learn the meaning and usage of 10 of these words in class on Wednesday.
* In computers we will be working on typing and beginning our Important People of the American Revolution Power Point Projects. 4th Grade will be doing their projects on California History during CA becoming a state. This is an in-class project.

I hope you all enjoyed your 3-day weekend. See you at school! Mr. Sweet

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read Ch. 7 in Bridge....
Math p. 45-46-4th grade in wkbk
5th-p. 49+50
Newspaper Project
THURSDAY FIELD TRIP DRIVERS-4th Grade
Stephanie Chamberlain(4)
Kira H.(4)
LEARN SPELLING WORDS+Usage-See spelling blog

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read Ch. 10 (Perfect Day)
Math Next page in wkbk
Study spelling/vocabulary + Spelling Bee Friday

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Finish Bridge to Terabithia
Math-Do Math Pre-Test 19a
Finish Newspaper Project
Study for Vocab/Spelling
BOOK ORDERS Due

WEEK 18-HAPPY NEW YEAR/DECADE

2010-01-10T19:31:00.000-08:00

Dear Parents,
Did you receive my fancy robo-phone message? Pretty cool, huh? Don't worry....I won't do those that much at all. This blog will be used mostly to convey all of the information you need.

Wow, what a vacation. My family had a memorable time together over a blissful 3-week break.
I can't thank you enough for your amazing generosity. We enjoyed toffee, ornaments, a gift basket, a gift certificate to Kaleidoscope, Sharks tickets/shirt, a lot of candy, and much more. You are all amazing! Initially, our break had a fantastic start when I had the rare opportunity to have my son's band, The Exceeders, along with the Rio Rockers, open up for my band at Don Quixote's. It was quite a proud moment to see Josiah truly rocking out. We went to some wonderful celebrations with amazing food, friends and fun. The Christmas craziness was a blast because Santa got us an air hockey table. ;>) Hilary and I enjoyed an amazing Sharks game. It was one of the best live games I have seen because the Sharks scored a record-setting two penalty shots and beat a really good team...The Capitals (who have the best player in hockey). We also went to a memorial for my wife's grandmother who passed away recently. It was great to hear stories, laugh, pray, cry together and sing songs. Josiah and I even caught a fish together. Our vacation ended with a spectacular trip to Disneyland for 5 days. My kids went on all of the big rides, which made it a lot of fun for me.

Enough about me....I look forward to hearing all about each of the students' vacations this week.

What is happening in Room 12?

* In writing we will be responding to MLK's Dream and writing about our own dreams in class and at the computer lab.
* In reading our class will all be reading "A Bridge to Terabithia"
* In Social Studies the 4th graders will begin learning about California's Road to Statehood. 5th Graders will be starting our new Unit on the American Revolution.
* Students can, if they haven't already done so, start their Newspaper Book Project, which is due on Friday, January 22nd. We will not have much homework the next couple of weeks to have time to complete this fun project.
* We will start using the HM Math Book together. In class we will use the book and we'll have homework from our workbooks.

See you at the school "where kind hearts and open minds rule."

Quote of the Week-
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Martin Luther King Jr.

TUESDAY'S HOMEWORK
Read Ch. 1 of Bridge to Terabithia
Math-4th p. 37-40 in wkbk
5th-p.41-44 in wkbk
NEWSPAPER BOOK PROJECT-
FIELD TRIP FORMS/DRIVERS/$

WEDNESDAY'S HOMEWORK
READ ch. 2 of Bridge to Terabithia
MATH-4th p. 41+42
5th-p.45+46 in wkbk
SPELLING BEE NEXT FRIDAY, JANUARY 22nd. See the link on this blog
BOOK/SOFTWARE ORDERS DUE NEXT FRIDAY, JANUARY 22nd
NEWSPAPER BOOK PROJECT

THURSDAY'S HOMEWORK
READ p. 29-38 of Ch. 4 + Reassess Your Value Structure Page
MATH-4th-p.43+44
5th-p. 47+48
PELLING BEE NEXT FRIDAY, JANUARY 22nd. See the link on this blog on the top-right side
BOOK/SOFTWARE ORDERS DUE NEXT FRIDAY, JANUARY 22nd
NEWSPAPER BOOK PROJECT

WEEK 17-Last week of the year!

2009-12-13T17:16:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-07T19:30:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-29T17:46:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-16T10:31:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-08T16:42:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-01T20:26:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-25T20:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-17T23:06:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-27T20:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-19T10:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-07T16:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

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