Go West!

Dear Parents of Room 10,

            The last few weeks have been very hectic due, in part, to the 5^th grade production of Go West!  I had the opportunity to see the show and enjoyed the enthusiasm the children brought to this production.  I also plan to join the kids at the cast party tonight.  I am looking forward to a great time dancing, eating and signing posters.  The completion of the 5^th grade play is yet another milestone towards completing elementary school and moving on to the middle school.

            NYS testing begins next week.  The children will be tackling the English Language Arts test, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for about 90 minutes each morning.  This is followed by the Math test which is scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday the following week.  This test is also about 90 minutes each morning.  Like Mrs. Bonacquist’s letter suggested, I also believe that the best preparation for these tests is a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast.

            We initially began our persuasive writing unit by writing and recording public service announcements.  Since then we have been reading a variety of editorials to get a sense of what should be included in an effective editorial.   The next step in the process will be to select a topic and research it.  Once the children have finished their first draft, I will be looking for parents to come in and help me in the editing process.

            G-E-O-G-R-A-P-H-Y!!  We began our Geography unit in social studies this week by reading about the landforms of the United States and Canada.  Next week we will begin to study geography vocabulary.  I will introduce 21 vocabulary words that will cover both land (i.e., peninsula) and water (i.e., strait) words.  I have no doubt in my mind that the kids will want me to review the words using a Geography Bee!  For some reason, your children love a “Bee!” 

            We just received a schedule for the school’s spring picture day.  Our pictures will be taken on Tuesday, April 30^th at 10:30am.

            REMINDER:  All paperwork and the final payment for Nature's Class are due April  19th!