March 5-9th

UPDATE TIME
A big thank you goes out to the parents who drove on our field trip to the Monterey Weather Station who dealt with my lame Google directions!

Science: This week our class will share their Weather Instruments with the class. We will review the Weather Unit and take our test this Wednesday to show off our learning. We will also begin learning about the significance of water on our planet as we kick off the new unit in Science. Finally, we will go over well-written Investigative Questions for Science Projects as we delve into original Science Project ideas.

In Writing our class will be writing our final drafts of our Pen Pal letters to Elizabeth B.'s new school in Pennsylvania. In addition, our 5th graders will learn how to write Limericks.

In Reading we will continue to focus on the HM Core Lit. Book and the accompanying workbook pages. Also, each student will receive their A.R. Goal for the 3rd trimester.

Math: Ch. 20+21-Geometric Figures and Area of Irregular Shapes.

On Friday our class will go on a field trip to the UCSC Life Lab to learn about nutrition, horticulture and the human body. In addition, we will make soup together and get to eat it! I will post the drivers on Monday afternoon.

MATH CONTEST-Our class had 13 students that signed up for the Math Contest. However, only 3 have turned in the permission slips so please sign and return those forms.

Finally, our class had an amazing class meeting and I intend to continue this once a week. It was honestly the most deep, heartfelt meeting I have had in my 14 years of teaching. You have amazing children with a deep sense of justice and what REALLY matters!

That's it for now!
Mr. Sweet

UCSC FIELD TRIP-Friday, March 9th-Depart at 9:20 a.m.
Lindsey-(3 students)
Katie-(4)
Tawni (4-6)
Sarah T.(4)
Hilary (4)
Evan (4)
Linda (5)
Heather B. (4)
Chaperones/Emergency Sub
Jamie M.

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-A.R. 20 minutes
Math p.185+186 HM + Saxon L95 odds
ELA Wkbk Pages Due Friday-p. 293-306
Field Trip Friday
Weather Test-Wednesday

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading Optional
Math - Finish L96 evens + Perimeter Area
ELA WKbk
Study For Science Test
Field Trip Drivers
FINISH PEN PAL ROUGH DRAFT

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Reading - 20min
Math-Take Pre-Test Chapter 20 on Blog
ELA Wkbk Pages

Homework Thursday
Reading-20min.
Math-Finish Saxon Pre-Test 15a
Finish ELA WKBK Pages-Due tomorrow
Begin Scheduling Interviews for Heritage Project
Bring Lunch for field trip tomorrow

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 27-March 2nd

Room 12 Update
This week we will resume our study of weather when we discuss Weather Predictions and Extreme Weather. The Study Guide for the Weather Test is posted on the blog and will be next Wednesday, March 7th. We will culminate this unit of study with our Weather Station field trip this Friday. Here are the drivers that signed up:
Scott F. (4 - 5 students with seat-belts)
Shaw D. (4)
Linsey H. (3)
Heather B. (4)
Jamie M. (4)
Linda H. (5)
Kim B. (5)

Chaperones
Merrillee T.
Katie H.
Please bring money if your child would like to buy lunch at Subway. Otherwise, make sure to pack a lunch.

HOMEWORK MONDAY
Reading-Science News p. 1-7(We did this in class)
A.R. Thursday, March 1st is the last day for an AR quiz
Math-HM Ch. 19-2...p. 173+174
NO SPELLING!
Language Arts-p. 276 - 287 HM WKBK pages.(DUE FRIDAY)
SCIENCE TEST NEXT Wednesday, March 7th.
Weather Instrument Due-Monday
Google search "How to Make Weather Instruments" there are many ideas on these sites.

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Reading-20min. AR
Math-p. 175+176 HM Quadrilaterals
ELA-Wkbk pages 276-287 (DUE FRIDAY)
Weather Instrument
Study for Weather Test next Wednesday

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Finish Science World
Math p. 177 + 178 + L93 odds
ELA Wkbk
Weather Instrument
Study for Weather Test

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Read 20min. A.R.
Math-Finish L94evens
Study for Triangle/Quadrilateral/Congruence Test
Bring $ Warm Clothes
Weather Instrument
Study for Science Test

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 21-24th

HOMEWORK TUESDAY
Finished Reading Chapter 12 - My Brother Sam is Dead + Finish Song written to "Yankee
Doodle"
Math - Finish L91-odds + Ch. 18 Lesson 1 front and back
Science- Finish 95 in packet
NO SPELLING/VOCAB!

HOMEWORK WEDNESDAY
Read Ch. 13-p. 182-190 in Sam
Math-L92 Evens + HM 18-2
Science - Do Pages 97 and 98 in Packet
Science - Weather Instrument Project-Due Monday March 5th.

HOMEWORK THURSDAY
Finish My Brother Sam is Dead
Math-Finish Pre-Test + p.169-Ch. 18-L3 (Front only)
Writing-Finish Rough Drafts of Revolution Story
Science-Finish p.101+102
Bring 3 Things

FEBRUARY 13-16th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.