End of the Year Info

It's hard to believe we are at the last week of school already!  This truly has been an enjoyable class and it has been a pleasure to work with each student this year.

Here are some schedule details of this last week.

Tuesday, 5/21:
12:00 - 12:45 - Adjusted lunch time
12:45 - Students walk to Convention Center for 8th grade promotion ceremony
2:15 or so:  Return to school for project time and PE

Wednesday, 5/22:
No rotations today - classroom activities and clean up
Yearbook signing in the afternoon.

Be sure your student has his or her backpack to carry things home.

Thursday, 5/23 - Field Day at Indoor pool on Sheckler.  8:00 - 2:00, all grades
Drop off and pick up at the pool parking lot.
Dress for the weather, it may be chilly so be prepared for that.
Hot dog lunch is provided.
Bring a labeled water bottle, there will be refilling stations.
Normal clothes, covering as much as a uniform.  No tank tops or short shorts.
Label everything - towels, flip-flops, water bottles, etc.
Swimsuits also need to cover midriff, not too low in front or back.  Girls, bring a tank top to swim in if needed.

Please email me with any questions.  It's going to be a great week!

Nevada History Project

For our last project of the year, the fifth graders are working in pairs or triads, each group with a Social Studies topic.  They have been researching their topic and will begin preparing their presentation.  We will have some slide shows, some skits, some museum displays and some models.  Then the students will teach the rest of the class about their topic with their presentation.  They are pretty excited about it and they are learning a lot about Nevada History.  We will work this week and present starting Thursday, May 16 and then again on Monday, May 20.  Thank you for your willingness to round up supplies for your students!  We want to keep them working hard until the end!

State Writing Proficiency Testing

Our testing is not done!  We have the Nevada State Writing Test coming up next week.  This test will be held in 2 sessions on May 7-8.  The testing time is from 9:50 - 11:10.   For this test, the students will be given a writing task.  The students will organize their work on paper and type their drafts on the computer.  They will have time to revise and edit their work in the testing window.  Please help your child be present, well-rested, and fed on those testing days so they can concentrate on doing their best writing during the test.

First day of testing and Conferences

We had a great first day of CRT testing today.  I was really happy to see students who took their time on the test.  Thank you, parents, for sending in such healthy snacks!  Everything that came in was easy to serve and the extra food helps the students test on a full stomach.  Also, thank you to the parents who sent in extra pencils for the class.  I appreciate that!  Lastly, it was truly a delight to meet with so many of you at our student-led conferences.  I truly love this group of students.  Every one of them has grown and improved this year.  It has been a delight to work with them and I enjoyed watching and listening in as they shared their progress with you. Thank you for attending.  Oasis parents are the best!

Parent Journals

As I'm sure you have noticed, we took last week and this week off of parent journals.  We have been busy in the classroom with testing preparations.  So sorry for the change in schedule.  Be on the lookout for your child's parent journal to come home next Thursday.  Thanks  for your understanding!

CRT Testing

CRT testing will be April 22-24.  The fifth graders take three tests, each of them with two parts.  This means that they will test in the morning and afternoon of each of the three days. Their only homework assignment for the week is to get to bed earlier than usual and eat a healthy, low-sugar breakfast and come ready to work hard and do their very best.

These tests will require their full concentration.  To help with this, I am asking for parents to bring in some healthy snacks for those test days.  You can send in the food Monday morning and I'll take it from there.  Your child will volunteer you for this, if this does not work for you, please email me and I'll make arrangements, or talk to me at conferences on Friday.

Snack ideas:  (we have a peanut allergy in the classroom, so please no peanut butter)
crackers like graham crackers, saltines, or Ritz
string cheese
salami or ham slices
carrots or cucumbers and ranch dressing to dip
apple slices or orange slices
bananas or grapes
pretzels and cheese cubes
granola bars (low sugar)
dried fruit
applesauce cups with spoons
yogurt cups with spoons

There are so many options. No need to be very elaborate here, just so that we have no hunger distractions during the testing.

I also need a few people to bring in napkins and plates.

Please make sure your child has a water bottle in the classroom as well.

As always, if you have any questions, please email me.  Have a great weekend!

Student Led Conferences

Just a reminder that our conferences will be held Friday, April 19, from 9:00 am - noon or again Monday, April 22, from 4:30 - 6:00 pm.  These are student led, which means that your student will conduct the conference for you.  There may be other conferences going on in the classroom at the same time.  If you want to discuss concerns with me privately, please email  me for an appointment time.

Because these are student led, there is no need for a set conference time.  Come to the classroom with your student anytime during the conference block.  If neither of these blocks of time work for you, please email me and we'll find a time that works.

I look forward to seeing you!