Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
I will be enjoying my break with family and friends. We are heading to the snow for Josiah's first attempt at Snowboarding. Our band will also be recording over the break.
See you in a couple of weeks. ENJOY!
MR. SWEET

Week 18

Homework Monday
Read 20 min.
Finish Math l91/112
Spelling-Write a sentence with each challenge word. Due Friday\
Social Studies-Wkbk p. 68, 69
BRING $4 for class party on Friday
WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT

Homework Tuesday
Read 20 min.
Finish Math L92/116
Spelling-Write a sentence with each challenge word. Due Friday\
Social Studies-Wkbk p. 71 /73

WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT
FIELD TRIP TOMORROW!

Homework Wednesday
Read 20 min.
Finish Math L94/118
Spelling-Write a sentence with each challenge word. Due Friday\
Social Studies-Wkbk p. 74,75

WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT

Homework Thursday
Read 20 min.
Finish Math L95/120
Spelling-Write a sentence with each challenge word. Due Friday

WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT

WEEK 17

Homework Monday
Read Ch. 9
Math L84/104
Spelling-Study mistakes
Social Studies p. 66/67 in wkbk

Homework Tuesday
Read Ch. 11
Math L86/106
Vocabulary Due Thursday Do 10 words guess + definitions
PRACTICE SPEECH

Homework Wednesday
Finish the book
Math L87/108
Vocabulary Due Thursday Do 10 words- guess + definitions
PRACTICE SPEECH
FIELD TRIP FORM + $1

Homework Thursday
Read 20 min.
Math L90/110
Study Vocabulary
PRACTICE SPEECH
FIELD TRIP FORM + $1
PARTY TOMORROW!


What's happening?
* In Room 12 we have a flurry learning and projects converging before the break. This week students have written their speech outline for their Heritage Reports. Students signed up for Thurs/Fri/Mon/Tue/Wed for their Speech presentations. Today we began the News Teams presentations. They will need to practice at home and will have time in class too. The Speech grading rubric was also sent home.
* In reading we will be finishing The Bridge to Terabithia this week and the Giver, that I am reading aloud, will be finished next week. This means the class will be able to earn up to 11 points in Accelerated Reader.
* In Social Studies we will wrap our Unit of Study on the Colonies before the break. We will start learning about the Revolution after the new year.
* The Colony Museum Exhibits are on display in class if you would like to see them. They look great!
* Students are selecting their Science Projects w/Investigative Questions by this coming Monday, December 15th.
* Field Trip forms due asap. PLEASE BRING IN $1 to pay for the performance.
* Math Team B will be able to begin the new math book at the beginning of the new year.
* The Science Projects will not be due until Friday, February 6th. It is not required for students to work over the break on this project. However, this extended time will give some students a chance to finish it.
* A special thanks to Rachel S. and Sydney R. and Olivia Q. for designing The 2nd Grade Play Brochure. It looks great!
* Our Winter class party will be next Friday, December 19th. Each child will need to bring a small present for the annual White Elephant Gift Exchange. Please keep the presents under $10.

That's it for now!

Week 16

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read Ch. 2-Bridge to Terabithia
Finish Math L78/92
COLONIAL MUSEUM EXHIBIT DUE TOMORROW

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read Ch. 4-Bridge to Terabithia+Lit Circle
Finish Math L80/99
Study Spelling+10 Vocab words
Begin to search for Fun Science Project Ideas

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read Ch. 6-Bridge to Terabithia(Quiz Thursday)
Finish Math L81/100
Choose News Teams Story/Summary/Speech Due Monday
VOCAB/SPELLING QUIZ THURSDAY
Begin researching Science Project ideas

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Read Ch. 7-Bridge to Terabithia
Finish Math L82/102
Do News Teams Story/Summary/Speech Due Monday





WEEKLY QUOTE
"Come, come thou bleak December wind,
And blow the dry leaves from the tree!
Flash, like a Love-thought, thro'me, Death
And take a Life that wearies me."
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge, 1772-1834

WEEKLY RIDDLE
What word can be written forward, backward or upside down, and can still be read from left to right?

Dear Parents,
Wow! What an awesome break. I hope everybody enjoyed a little time off from school and homework. We certainly have A LOT to be thankful for. Speaking of which, I have posted a couple of pictures from our amazing feast last week. Thanks again for taking the time to contribute some scrumptious food.

Since we are back in school for a three week stretch, here are some updates about what is happening in Room 12.

* This coming Tuesday our Colony Exhibits are due. Each child has had a lot of time in class to research and work on these so I hope they are able to finish them up. We will only have reading homework tomorrow so our class should have enough time to finish these fun projects.

* In reading our class will be starting The Bridge to Terabithia and will finish it by the last week before our break.

* We will take our assessments this week on Thursday because of the field trip on Friday.(Spelling/Math/Reading Comprehension)

* Our field trip will be on Friday, December 5th when we go to the Tech Museum first thing in the morning. We will have a Science Lab in the morning followed by an IMAX movie about Lewis Clark, which is perfect for American History. I will send a reminder e-mail on Tuesday about the drivers and details.

* The book orders are due this Friday, December 5th. (The books will arrive before the break)

* We will have a White Elephant Gift Exchange Party the last day before the break. Details will follow soon.

See you at school!

Mr. Sweet

Thanksgiving Time! ...Week 15

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Finish Heritage Report
Thanksgiving Dish
Book Orders

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
"Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action." ~W.J. Cameron
"Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day." ~Robert Caspar Lintner

THANKSGIVING MENU THUS FAR:

1. Sophia-Mashed Potatoes
2. Dante-Salad
3. Angela-Fruit Salad
4. Nick-Sweet Potatoes
5. Adam-Lasagna
6. Graham-Caeser Salad
7. Rachel-Dinner Rolls
8. Christopher-Pumpkin Pie
9. Jack
10. Thomas-muffins
11. Joe-Ham
12. Haley-Pasta
13. Jade-Pasta
14. Kate-Gravy
15. Nicole-Chocolate Truffle Pie
16. Taylor-(ABSENT)
17. Daniel-Celery Surprise
18. Jackson-Turkey
19. Olivia-Stuffing w/cranberries
20. Sydney
21. Jennah
22. Gabby-Apple Pie
23. Chas
24. Ryan-Pecan Pie
25. Rachel S.
26. Alyna(CHICKEN POX)
27. Jefferson-Cranberry Sauce
28. Jaiden
29. Kallee-Biscuits
MR. SWEET-Special Salad

Week 14

Homework Tuesday
Read 20 minutes-optional
Math L71/89
P. 36+42 in wkbk
Heritage Report-Due Tuesday, November 25th/Exhibit on Colonies-Due Tuesday, December 2nd)

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Math L73/90
Heritage Reports/Colonial Museum Projects
Social Studies Wkbk p. 54+55 in cursive

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Math L75/92
Heritage Reports/Exhibits
Writing-Finish Final Drafts of Fall Poem
THANKSGIVING FEAST FORMS RETURNED

Dear Parents and 5th graders,
This is our last full week of school prior to our Thanksgiving Break. We will be revisiting the first Thanksgiving celebrated and how it connects with what we are learning in American History. In addition, we will be writing about all that we are thankful for these days along w/an accompanying poem. There are also seven groups working as a team on their Museum Exhibit. These will not be due until after the Thanksgiving Break. Each child chose a writing component, an art project and a graph/chart of some sort to share about their specific colony. The projects will be put together and there will be a museum exhibit tour for the class and parents. The new stories that we are reading in our Literature Book come from the colony days in America.
This week there will be little homework so students can finish up their Heritage Report. Here are the directions again:
Family Heritage Report outline Due: Tuesday, November 25th

Purpose of the Report:
a. To learn more about your family (ancestors) as well as when and why they immigrated to the United States.
b. To become familiar, through your own family's history, with America's history.
Task:

To interview as many members of your family as you can. Include grandparents, great grandparents (if possible) aunts, uncles, great aunts and uncles, cousins, and other people who know your familiy's history. Learn what you can from both your mother's and your father's sides of your family.

Learn:

Where your ancestors came from originally. Find out:
*When your ancestors came to America.
*Why they moved to the United States.
*Why they moved across the United States to different states. (if they did)
*How they moved-modes of transportation.

Find Out:
*What kinds of work they did or jobs they had.
*Where any of your family members famous politicians, scientist, athletes, inventors, explorers, educators, outlaws, or movie stars?
*What kinds of interesting things have your ancestors done?
* How your family and you came to be.

Suggestions: Write letters to your relatives who live far away. (Do this ASAP) Make phone calls, or email them. Have a list of interview questions ready to go. (we will make these together) If your relative live near-by have them over and interview them one on one. Finally, if any of your family members have written a timeline or book you may use that.

Required Parts:

* Illustrated cover, make sure the title of your report, your name, the due date, and your teacher's name are neatly written on the report.
* Table of contents.
* Introduction to the report-separate page or section.
* Main body if the report.
* Conclusion-separate page or section.
* Glossary of new words. (this is required, do not say there are none)
* Bibliography with list of who was interviewed, including the whole name, the location of the interview, the date of the interview and the time. List the people in alphabetical order by last name. If there are any books about your family, list them by author, then title, publisher, city of publication and date.
* Please include the interview notes that you used. (they do not need to be in good condition.)

WEEKLY RIDDLE
If three cats catch three mice in three minutes, how many cats would be needed to catch 100 mice in 100 minutes?

Week 13

Dear Parents,
It is my hope that everybody had a wonderful 4 days off together with family to rest and play. My family and I certainly enjoyed our time together.
This coming week we begin our new trimester together. Each student will be taking a new reading assessment to determine their reading goals in Accelerated Reader for the 2nd trimester. In American History we are still learning about the original colonies. We will begin a new museum exhibit project in class/home about a colony that their group is doing together. The handout will go home on Wednesday. We will finish Sign of the Beaver this week.

Potential Interview Questions for the Heritage Reports:
1. Why did your ancestors come to America?
2. Where did they come from?
3. How long ago?
4. How did they manage to support their family? What job/trade did they have?
5. Did they gain citizenship through Ellis Island?
6. Where in the U.S. did they first settle?
7. What was their cultural heritage?
8. What language(s) did they speak?
9. Who came with them?
10. How did they get here?

Weekly Quotes on Veterans' Day
"It is easy to take liberty for granted, when you have never had it taken from you." ~Dick Cheney

"In war, there are no unwounded soldiers." ~José Narosky

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." ~Elmer Davis

Weekly Riddle
A woman was horrified to find a fly in her tea. The waiter took her cup and went into the kitchen and returned with a fresh cup of tea. She shouted, "You brought me the same tea!" How did she know?

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read Ch. 18+19 + Lit. Circle
Math - Finish L66/83
Heritage Reports Due: Monday, November 23rd


HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Read Finish Book Lit. Circle
Math - Finish L68/85 + p. 28+38
Heritage Reports Due: Monday, November 23rd

WEEK 12

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read Chapter 2 + 3 of Sign of the Beaver+ Lit. Circle Job
Math L 62/76
Finish Social Studies Wkbk. p. 44+45 in cursive
PICTURE DAY TOMORROW

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read Chapter 6 & 7 of Sign of the Beaver+ Lit. Circle Job
Math L 63/78
Memorize and recite poems

WEDNESDAY
Read Chapter 10+11 of Sign of the Beaver+ Lit. Circle Job
Math L 64/80
Vocab Due Friday
MEMORIZE AND RECITE POEMS for Friday's Recital
CONGRATULATIONS TO SYDNEY AND KATE! Our new class leaders

THURSDAY
Read Chapter 12&13 of Sign of the Beaver
Math L 65/82 odds
Vocab Due Friday
MEMORIZE AND RECITE POEMS for Friday's Recital

Weekly Quote
“Life is like a rainbow. You need both the sun and the rain to make its colors appear.”

Weekly Riddle
What can run but never walks, has a mouth but never talks, has a head but never weeps, has a bed but never sleeps?

What's Happening in Room 12?
We had quite a party on Thursday. A special thanks goes out to Tara O'Boy and all of the moms who came by the class to help with the chaos...I mean party. Back to learning... This week our class will continue to delve into the original colonies in Social Studies. The good news is that we will not have a traditional test. Instead, they will work together on the review and get a group grade. In reading we will begin reading Sign of the Beaver and we will do Literature Circle Jobs. This week we will be learning and writing poetry. We will skip News Teams this week so we have time to share our Milk Carton Reports.
I will be sending home the permission slip this week for the upcoming field trip to the Tech Museum on Friday, December 5th.

That's it for now! Enjoy the pics.

Mr. Sweet

Week 11

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read 20 min.
Math L56/70
Writing-Finish Final Drafts
Heritage Reports
EXTRA CREDIT-Write a brief history of where the holiday Halloween comes from. What do the symbols mean? You may do a poster instead of a report, or a powerpoint.

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read 20 min.
Math L58/72 odds
Finish Social Studies
Heritage Reports
EXTRA CREDIT-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.
OR....John Smith, Pocohantus (DUE MONDAY)

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read 20 min.
Math L60all/76odds
Social Studies Wkbk p. 40
Finish Spooky Story
EXTRA CREDIT-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.
OR....John Smith, Pocohantus (DUE MONDAY)







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

Weekly Riddle
Gollum's Riddle
It cannot be seen, cannot be felt,
Cannot be heard, cannot be smelt.
It lies behind stars and under hills,
And empty holes it fills.
It comes first and follows after,
Ends life, kills laughter.

Class Update
This week our class will be sharing their Milk Carton Projects together. In Social Studies we will be learning about the early colonies. We will also be going over the Family Heritage Project directions so everybody is clear. See you at school!
Mr. Sweet

Week 10

Weekly Quote
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” Albert Einstein

Weekly Riddle
What word can be written forward, backward or upside down, and can still be read from left to right?

Class Update
It was wonderful getting a chance to meet with each of you last week at conferences. This class is amazing and we are all progressing significantly both socially and academically. I sent home the Science Study Guide today. If your child completes this and studies for the test, they should do very well. Extra-Credit this week will be on Michelle Kwan, the ice skater. Students may write a one-page paper, design a portrait, write a newspaper article, editorial, make a power point, or anything else that extends the learning from class.

Homework Monday
Read 20 min.
Math L 51/62
Spelling-Correct mistakes
Science-Do pages 41 and 49 in the science packet.
Study Guide sent home(TEST FRIDAY)
NEWS TEAMS-Practice Speech on summary of article
Extra Credit-Due Next Monday. Michelle Kwan

Homework Tuesday
Math L 53/64
Science--Study Guide sent home(TEST FRIDAY)
NEWS TEAMS-Practice Speech on summary of article
Extra Credit-Due Next Monday. Michelle Kwan/Experiment using a Chemical Reaction
Leadership Speeches due Friday

Homework Wednesday
Math L54/66
Writing-Finish rough drafts
Science-Finish study guide
Book Report due on Monday

Homework Thursday
Math L55/68 + Multiplication w/100s page
Study for test-Remember to look over the vocabulary words too!
Book Report due on Monday

Week 9

CLASS UPDATE
This week, as you know, students will be dismissed at 12:15 p.m. Conferences start promptly at 12:40 p.m. Please make sure that you arrive on time. Otherwise, your time will be reduced to accommodate all of the other conferences. If we need more time together, we can meet in the upcoming weeks. There will be minimal math and reading this week for homework so students can focus on their new Family Heritage Project and their Milk Carton Book Reports. See you at the conferences!
Mr. Sweet

TOP 10 Signs that your parent/teacher conference is not going well:

10. The teacher asks if your child barks like a dog at home, too.

9. As you arrive, the teacher asks if you can spare a Valium.

8. On behalf of the entire class, the teacher expresses sympathy for your marital problems.

7. The teacher says that you seem very intelligent and asks if your child is adopted.

6. The teacher asks how the snake is doing, and you don't know what she's talking about.

5. The teacher shows you $75 worth of dimes and quarters she found in your son's desk, and you notice how thin the other children are.

4. The teacher encourages your family to take a week-long vacation the week of standardized testing.

3. You spot your missing Weight Watchers records on the bulletin board as a part of the Examples of Graphs display.

2. The teacher has a can of pepper mace stored in a shoulder holster.

1. The teacher tells you that she had hoped your son could be a tree in the school play, but he lacked the necessary acting ability.

WEEKLY RIDDLE
What is greater than God, More evil than the devil, The poor have it,
The rich don't need it, And if you eat it, you'll die?

Homework Monday
Read 20 minutes
Math L45/54
Spelling-Study words for test on Friday
* Remind parents of your conference time
* Work on Milk Carton Book Report
* Begin Family Heritage Project

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read 20 min.
Math L46/56
Science-p.25-30 in packet (4 pages)
* Remind parents of your conference time
* Work on Milk Carton Book Report
* Begin Family Heritage Project


HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read 20 min.
Math L48/58
Science-p.33, 37 & 38
* Extra Credit-Write a news article on the Presidential Debate
* Extra Credit-Write a brief one-page paper on Richie Valens
Choose News Team Article: Sentinel, msn.com, cnn.com, ksbw.com, etc.
DUE MONDAY


HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Read 20 min.
Math L50/60
Science Test next Friday, October 24th
* Extra Credit-Write a news article on the Presidential Debate
* Extra Credit-Write a brief one-page paper on Richie Valens
Choose News Team Article: Sentinel, msn.com, cnn.com, ksbw.com, etc.
DUE MONDAY
News Team Summaries Due Monday

WEEK 8

Class Update
Here is a brief list of what is happening in Room 12:
* Our class set a record for the earliest party earned! On Monday we will decide what we want to do for our party.
* I have posted our conference times for next week. Please let me know if there are any conflicts or changes that need to be made.
* This week we will be finishing up Crispin and taking our reading quizzes to get A.R. points. Regarding, Accelerated Reader, we have about one more month to take reading quizzes to bring up our grade. I have posted the updated A.R. point chart in class.
* Reports that are due on Monday, October 27th. On Monday and Tuesday our News Groups will present their current events to the class.
* In Science we have begun a new study on the Periodical Table of Elements and Matter.
See you at school!

Homework Monday
Read Ch. 49-51 + Summary
Math L41
L46-Advanced
Everybody: p. 155-157 in wkbk w/protractors
Spelling-Study missed words (no Spelling hw this week!)
Milk Carton Book Report-Due Monday, October 27th. Work on this project during your
extra time this week. THE REPORT IS POSTED ON THE BLOG LAST WEEK.


Homework Wednesday
Read Finish Crispin
Math L43+50
wkbk p. 14+15
Vocab-Finish at home
Friday-Opposite Day/Party/Movie/Bring secret dish to share
NO HOMEWORK THURSDAY!

THURSDAY
Finish Math L44/52
Dress Up for "CRAZY DAY "class party, secret dish
Work on Book Report

Weekly Quotes
"Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. Because it’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential."
Illinois Senator Barrack Obama — US Presidential Candidate.

“Glory is not a conceit. It is not a decoration for valor. Glory belongs to the act of being constant to something greater than yourself, to a cause, to your principles, to the people on whom you rely and who rely on you in rerun.”
John McCain

Weekly Riddle
I am large as a castle, yet lighter than air. 100 men and their horses cannot move me. What am I?

Parent Conference Schedule

Dear Parents,
Here is the schedule for the upcoming parent/teacher conferences for the week of October 13 - 17th.

Monday-10/13
12:40 -Jeffery, K.
1:00 - Lee, T.
1:20 - Sambrillo, C
1:40 - Cruse, N
2:00 - Gaekle, C
2:20 - Fischer, R
2:40 - Feldbrugge,G

Tuesday - 10/14
12:40 -O'Boy, J
1:00 - Russo, G
1:20 - Zuniga, J
1:40 - Jordan N.
2:00 - Quinn O.


Wednesday - 10/15
1:00 - Surgalski, R
1:20 - Calcagno, J
1:40 - Bruce, S
2:00 - Spencer, R
2:20 - Rastatter, S
2:40 - Dorney, A

Thursday 10/16
12:40 -Hurley, J
1:00 - Hayes, T
1:20 - Hopkins, J
1:40 - Hildebrand
2:00 - Tunink, A
2:20 - Mitchener, J
2:40-Sambrailo M.


Fri - 10/17
12:40 -Hougardy, H
1:00 - Chmelicek
1:20 - Harris, J

MILK CARTON BOOK REPORT
Due: Monday, October 27th

This fun book report will combine your artistic skills, creativity and understanding of the book you read. You will be graded on neatness, C.U.P.S. and completing ALL of the components correctly. Please use the computer to type all the parts of the carton. Have fun with this project and make your carton a standout, eye-catching work of art!

Bottom of carton-Name, # and Date

Front panel-Write the title, author, publisher and the illustrator. In addition, make a colorful illustration from a key part of the book.

Back panel-Write a concise summary of the book in your own words. Create a word search, or a crossword puzzle, with key words and any small objects and symbols from the story.

Side Panel – Describe each main character briefly. Also, write your favorite quote by them. If there is enough room, you may draw some pictures of them.

Side Panel 2 – Describe the most important lesson you learned from the story. What do you think the moral of the story is and what did the author intend you to understand?

Top Section #1 - Write and define five key vocabulary words from the story.

Top Section #2 – Describe the setting and time that the story takes place. Once again, you may draw a small picture if there is enough room.

WEEK 7

Weekly Quote
October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came -
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.
~George Cooper, "October's Party"

Weekly Riddle
Brad stared through the dirty soot-smeared window on the 22nd floor of the office tower. Overcome with depression he slid the window open and jumped through it. It was a sheer drop outside the building to the ground. Miraculously after he landed he was completely unhurt. Since there was nothing to cushion his fall or slow his descent, how could he have survived the fall?

Homework Monday
Read Ch. 37+38 + Summary
Math L36 + p. 189, 190 in orange workbook
Advanced Math L38
Spelling - Study missed words. Use each word in a sentence correctly. You may use more
than one word in a sentence. DUE FRIDAY IN CURSIVE
News Teams-Choose article
Extra Credit-You may write a one page report on King Arthur, Merlin, Lancelot, or the Knights of the Round Table. Due Friday.


Homework Tuesday
Read Ch. 39-40 + Summary
Math L38
Advanced Math L40
Spelling - Due Friday
Finish Vocab. Due Friday
News Teams Summary Due Thursday (Presentations on Monday)
Extra Credit Due Friday


Homework Wednesday
Read Ch. 41-43 + Summary
Math L39
Advanced Math L42
Spelling - Due Friday
Finish Vocab. Due Friday
News Teams Summary Due tomorrow (Presentations on Monday)
Extra Credit Due Friday


Homework Thursday
Read Ch. 44+45
Math L40 odds
Advanced Math L44
Spelling - Due Friday
Finish Vocab. Due Friday
News Teams(Presentations on Monday)
Extra Credit Due Monday

WEEK 6

NASA FIELD TRIP









WEEKLY QUOTE


WEEKLY RIDDLE
For some I go fast
for others I'm slow.
To most people, I'm an obsession
relying on me is a well practiced lesson.
What am I?

Class Update
A special thank you goes out to Hugh Voris for coming to our class on Friday to share about his experiences working at NASA. This was a great prelude to our exciting field trip to NASA Ames Aerospace in Mountain View on Monday.
We have begun our first unit of study in Science about the Scientific Method and experiments. Overall, on the Social Studies test, the class did well. As always is the case, if students struggled on an assessment, they may correct and return the test for 1/2 credit. This also goes with any Math Test/Homework assignment.

Picture Day is Tuesday so make sure they dress their best.

See you at school!

HOMEWORK MONDAY
PICTURE DAY TOMORROW!
Read Ch. 25-27 + Summary
Math-L31
News Teams Presentations tomorrow

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read Ch. 28+29 + Summary
Math-L32
News Teams Presentations tomorrow
Spelling/Vocabulary-Make a word search or crossword puzzle
w/the 20 words. Also, write each word that you missed twice in cursive.
Due: Friday
*You may use puzzlemaker.com

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read Ch. 30+31 + Summary
Math-L34
More News Teams Presentations tomorrow
Spelling/Vocabulary-Make a word search or crossword puzzle
w/the 20 words. Also, write each word that you missed twice in cursive.
Due: Friday
*You may use puzzlemaker.com
FINISH PERSUASIVE ESSAY FINAL DRAFTS

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Read Ch. 34+35
Math-L35 odds
Adv Math-L36 odds + p. 189-190 in orange wkbk
Spelling/Vocabulary-Due tomorrow
Milk Carton Book Choice due tomorrow

WEEK 5

Weekly Quote
“While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet her behind the veil.”
John Taylor

Dear Parents,
As you probably already know, our school lost a beautiful little girl, Sofia last week. Sofia succumbed to LCH after a long hard battle and died on Thursday afternoon. We discussed our feelings, cried and shared together. Sofia has been in my son's class twice and they sat in the same group this year. My son said to me that kids aren't supposed to die. Another little one in another class said, "I bet you Sofia is having lunch right now with Abraham Lincoln!" It was touching to hear children share of their loss of loved ones. Our class also had a powerful discussion about September 11th too. These are heavy issues that I hope will continue to be explored at home. At school there will be grief counselors available for any child who needs a quiet place to mourn and remember Sofia.
In other news, our class is enthralled with the new book Crispin about a boy from the middle ages. Last Friday we began a Powerpoint project about the middle ages that the kids enjoyed. A special thank you goes out to Kean Hurley who came in and shared about computers and helped support students needing help with the online activity and project. Our 5th graders also began writing their 5-paragraph persuasive essays. Please ask them what they are writing about and see if they can persuade you!
On Tuesday we will have our first test in Social Studies. I sent home the study guide last Wednesday. If your child studies with this guide, they should do very well because it covers the main things we went over this unit on Explorers.
That's it for now! See you at school ;>)

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 Chapter 15 + 16 + Summary
Math L26
Spelling/Vocab-In cursive write the words and definitions-DUE FRIDAY
SOCIAL STUDIES TEST WEDNESDAY-DO STUDY GUIDE
A.R. Contract needs to be signed by parents-DUE ASAP

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read Chapter 17+18+19 NO SUMMARY
Math L28
Spelling/Vocab-In cursive write the words and definitions-DUE FRIDAY
STUDY FOR SOCIAL STUDIES TEST TOMORROW
FINISH S.S. WKBK pages 1-3, 6, 25-33
A.R. Contract needs to be signed by parents-DUE ASAP

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read Ch. 20-22 + Summary
Quiz on Friday
Math L29
Spelling/Vocab Due Friday Study meanings

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Read Ch. 23+24
Quiz on Friday
Math L30
Spelling/Vocab Due Friday Study meanings
Do News Teams Summary

WEEK 4

Weekly Quote
"Out of clutter, find simplicity, from discord, find harmony, in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." Albert Einstein
Weekly Riddle
Here on earth it is true, yesterday is always before today; but there is a place where yesterday always follows today. Where?

Dear Parents,
Our class book orders will be due this Friday. In other news, this week our class will start our first book together entitled CrispinThis book by award-winning author Avi, is a historical fiction story of a young boy in medieval England and his struggles to find his identity. It is also a book of universal themes. For those of you who are able to, it is beneficial to read the story and ask questions about the themes and events in the story. It is a wonderful book and I look forward to the deep class discussions that will arise.
In Social Studies we will finish our chapter study of the Explorers and clash of cultures. The first test will be next Tuesday, September 16th. I will send home a study guide this coming Tuesday.
In Spelling we have begun to do challenge words for those students who pass their pre-test with a 90% or above. During our reading of Cripsin we will be learning new vocabulary and challenging words.
This week in math I will be forming an advanced math group, as well, for those students who receive a 95% on their math pre-tests. This will all be explained more thoroughly at our conference time in a month.
That is it for now!
See you at school,
Mr. Sweet

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Read chapter 2 & 3 in Crispin and write a summary
Math - Finish L.
Spelling p. 103-108 in cursive (DUE FRIDAY)
Social Studies-Finish Exp. Brochure (DUE WEDNESDAY)
BOOK ORDERS DUE FRIDAY


HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Read chapter 5-7 + Summary in Crispin
Math - Finish L22
Spelling p. 103-108 in cursive (DUE FRIDAY)
Social Studies-Finish Exp. Brochure (DUE WEDNESDAY)
BOOK ORDERS DUE FRIDAY


HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read Chapters 9-12 in Crispin and write a summary (QUIZ TOMORROW ON CHAPTERS 1-12)
Math - Finish L24
Spelling p. 103-108 in cursive (DUE FRIDAY)
Social Studies-Test next Tuesday. Study guide was sent home today
BOOK ORDERS DUE FRIDAY

Extra Credit Due Friday-Martin Luther/Reformation 1-page report
(Social Studies)

Homework Thursday
Reading 20 min. A.R. Book Optional
Math L25 odds + p.4 in wkbk (Factors)
Spelling-p. 103-108 in cursive (DUE FRIDAY)
Vocabulary-Draw pictures for 10 vocab. words
Extra Credit Due Monday

Week 3

Weekly Quote
"Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop." ~Ovid

Weekly Riddle
Tom and his younger sister were fighting. Their mother was tired of the fighting, and decided to punish them by making them stand on the same piece of newspaper in such a way that they couldn't touch each other.

How did she accomplish this?

Homework Tuesday
Reading - 20/4/1
Math-Finish L16
Spelling-p.43-46 in cursive
For those who passed the pre-test, do spelling contract
DUE FRIDAY
Extra Credit-Write a news article about a volcano that has erupted in the past.
Make sure to answer the who, what, why, when, where etc. These may be typed in column form like a newspaper.
BOOK ORDERS DUE-Friday, September 12th


Homework Wednesday
Reading - 20/4/1
Math-Finish L17
Spelling-p.43-46 in cursive
For those who passed the pre-test, do spelling contract
DUE FRIDAY
Extra Credit-Write a news article about a volcano that has erupted in the past.
Make sure to answer the who, what, why, when, where etc. These may be typed in column form like a newspaper.
BOOK ORDERS DUE-Friday, September 12th

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Homework Thursday
Reading - 20 min.
Math-Finish L19 odds + Pre-Test
Spelling-p.43-46 in cursive
For those who passed the pre-test, do spelling contract
DUE FRIDAY+Test Friday in DLR/SPELLING
Extra Credit-Write a news article about a volcano that has erupted in the past.
Make sure to answer the who, what, why, when, where etc. These may be typed in column form like a newspaper.
BOOK ORDERS DUE-Friday, September 12th

WEEK 2

Class News
Room 12 is off and running...literally. Last Friday our class participated in the 2008 5th Grade Rio del Mar Olympics. There were three events, just like the original games in Greece. First, we had the chariot(bike) races followed by the javelin throw and the footrace. The students had a blast and 28 countries showed up for the games. Each student has selected a country to learn about. These countries range from Australia, Cook Island(This island was in Survivor so Taylor wanted to learn about it ;>)... to Madagascar and Mongolia.
In Social Studies we are learning about when cultures met/clashed during the time of influx of the European Explorers. In Math we are reviewing many concepts from last year to lay the groundwork for this year. Our reading book is focusing on the Fury of Nature. This week will read a story that is entitled Eye of the Storm.

See you at Back to School Night on Wednesday!

Teacher Sweet

WEEKLY QUOTES
“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.”
Pierre de Coubertin(French Educator)

“So you wish to conquer in the Olympic games, my friend? And I too, by the Gods, and a fine thing it would be! But first mark the conditions and the consequences, and then set to work. You will have to put yourself under discipline; to eat by rule, to avoid cakes and sweetmeats; to take exercise at the appointed hour whether you like it or no, in cold and heat; to abstain from cold drinks and from wine at your will; in a word, to give yourself over to the trainer as to a physician. Then in the conflict itself you are likely enough to dislocate your wrist or twist your ankle, to swallow a great deal of dust, or to be severely thrashed, and, after all these things, to be defeated.” Epictetus

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading - 20/4/1 on binder paper
Math - L11
Spelling - p. 28-32...due Friday


HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading - 20/4/1 on binder paper
Math - L12
Spelling - p. 28-32...due Friday
Explorer Brochure-Use Internet/Book/CD Rom to learn about the explorer you chose. Wikipedia works very well. This is due on Thursday

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT TOMORROW AT 6:30-7:10 pm


HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading - 20/4/1 on same piece binder paper
Math - L13
Spelling - p. 28-32 in CURSIVE...due Friday
Explorer Brochure-Use Internet/Book/CD Rom to learn about the explorer you chose.
DUE TOMORROW

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT TONIGHT AT 6:30 p.m.


HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Reading - Read 20 min.
Math - L15 odds + Pre-Test
Other - Finish the Perfect Paragraph final draft
Spelling - p. 28-32 in CURSIVE...due Friday

Week 1

Weekly Quote
"Trying to educate the young without the help and support from the home is akin to trying to rake leaves in a high wind."
P. Gough

Weekly Riddle
At night they come without being fetched,
and by day they are lost without being stolen.
What are they?

Wow! We had quite a wonderful first short week of school together. We had the opportunity to get to know each other through interviews, coat of arms and bio-poems. We also did many fun projects and learned about important rules, procedures and details needed to be successful in 5th grade. On Friday we used the computers to find out about the Olympics through fun online scavenger hunts. Furthermore, each child selected a country to learn about and track their participation in these Olympic games in China.

This week we dive into our reading, writing, math and social studies curriculum. We will also continue to learn about the Olympics, graph our country's medal count and even have our own mini-Olympics this coming Friday. Strap on your seat belts and hold on tight!

See you at school,

Martin Sweet

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading - 20/4/1
Math - Finish Pre-Test (no parent help)
Spelling - Study words test Friday
p. 9-12 in yellow workbook DUE FRIDAY (Always do spelling assignments in cursive)

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading - 20/4/1
Math - Finish L4
Spelling - Study words test Friday
p. 9-12 in yellow workbook DUE FRIDAY (Always do spelling assignments in cursive)
*Optional* Finish Friendly Letter

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading - 20/4/1
Math - Finish L6
Spelling - Study words + Finish p.9-12 in cursive... test Friday
Writing- Finish Friendly Letter

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Reading - Read 20min.
Math - Finish L10+Pre-Test
Spelling - Study for Spelling Test + DLR TEST
OLYMPICS TOMORROW!

1st Parent Letter

Weekly Quote
"When schools flourish, all flourishes." Martin Luther

Weekly Riddle
If a rooster laid a brown egg and a white egg, what color of chicks would most likely hatch?

Homework Wednesday
Reading-Read letter from Mr. Sweet w/parent(s)
Math-Finish L1
Other-Bring back E-mail/Permission Paper + After School Paper

Homework Thursday
Bio Poem
Finish Math L2
Supply Check tomorrow
Return Parent Forms that need to be signed

August 13, 2008
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 on Wednesday, August 27th, 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 Assignment Sheet 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 per 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. Also, each week I will send home a 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.
The first trimester my 5th grade students need to read for 20 minutes and write a one-paragraph summary about what they read (20-4-1). Students will do this assignment on the back of the homework sheet and they will be collected on Fridays. Once again, please check the daily planner your child receives, because all homework, tests, and reminders will be on this homework planner. 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 free 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 3rd grade for four years, 6th grade for one year and 4th/5th for one year. I taught 4th grade for 5 years and this is my first year teaching a straight 5th grade. This is my 10th year teaching at Rio Del Mar Elementary School. I have worked with children for the last fifteen years.
The last seven 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 a Rio parent and teacher!
I look forward to an excellent year filled with learning, growth and fun. 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 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

Back to School!

My School Promise by unknown

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


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

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

* Three-ring binder
* Two spiral notebooks
* Binder paper
* Two pencils
* Two red pens
* Two blue pens
* Eraser
* Pencil Sharpeners
* Emergency Lunch
* Box of Kleenex
* Scissors
* Low-odor Dry Erase EXPO Markers and a sock (for math white-boards)

Supply Check will be on Friday, August 15th

2007-2008 CLASS PICTURE

Welcome to my newest class blog! I will be updating this each day during the school year, so check back often. School begins on Wednesday, August 13th. I'll be posting a supply list on this site and on my door at school at the beginning of August.
I hope you are having a blast this summer!
Mr. Sweet

Summer Fun

HAPPY SUMMER!