WEEK 2

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

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

WEEK 36

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

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

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

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

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

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

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