WEEK 6

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

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

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

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

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