The Adventures in Mrs. Ripp's Class

Math – Unit 10 wraps up next week with the test scheduled for Tuesday.  Unit 11 goes into more detail with volume which will be somewhat of a familiar territory.  I have been excited to see great gain in math facts as well as good note taking skills being developed for vocabulary definitions.

Social Studies – We finished the simulation this week and have been referring back to it as we discuss this chapter in our social studies curriculum.  I do love having all of the students for social studies as it lends itself well to deeper in-class discussions as well as more flexibility.  I checked in with all students regarding their biography project and most are still reading and taking notes, while some have started their first drafts.  Drafts and papers can be typed here at school but projects can be worked on at home, particularly if it requires a lot of materials.  Next week we will discuss a more definite timeline for completion but I am leaning toward the middle of May.

Reading – The students are busy reading their biography books and we have been using our compare and contrast skills in social studies.  We have also been working on our skimming to search for information.

Writing – Another great round of blogging challenges being posted this week concerning school rules.  Thanks Keller for the great challenge!  So far most students would change recess to be longer, I am not surprised.  Final writing project will be script writing to focus on a specific audience, working on fluency, as well as word choice.  More details to come next week.

Science – We planted terrariums this week and the students have been very observant as to the welfare of their plants, monitoring variables and changing conditions as much as needed.  Some are definitely having more success than others.  The super tube challenge takes place today; I am so excited to see what the students will create and will definitely film their process and final product.  Who can beat 6 social studies books on top of a toilet paper tube?

Special Notes –

* Schedules get really wonky in April and May for 5^th grade so I have posted a handy list of upcoming events on our website.  The calendar is also continually updated with information, deadlines as well as other events so do check it out.

*  If your child signed up for the talent show audition please make sure they are ready to perform.  They should be well-rehearsed and ready to shine.  Also, if your child is singing they need to have a karaoke version of the song.  Auditions take place this coming Monday and Tuesday.

*  The Egg Drop is coming!  But not until May… The students are thrilled they get to partake in this 5^th grade tradition.  We are looking for people to donate a box of ziplock sandwich bags, as well as 4 eggs.  If you would like to donate one of those items (such as one dozen eggs) please let me know as it will be used for the gg drop.  Eggs will not be due until May 12^th.

*  Yes, it’s true; there will be another lock out this year.  This year’s event will take place June 6^th and more information will come in May.

*  A parent letter with information about the talent show will be coming home soon, please take a moment to read it.

*    Final (I think) book orders for the year go home today, they are due back to me next Friday.

* Innovation day planning slips are due next Friday with parent signature.  All materials needed for the day needs to be brought to school by May 2^nd.

* I have some dates for you to put on your calendars: I have some dates for you to put on your calendars: Talent show auditions April 23^rd and 24^th 3 PM in the music room, Map testing Wednesday, April 25^th 1:30 – 2:30 PM and Friday, May 4^th 1:10 – 2:10 PM, Morning sub Wednesday, May 2^nd, Glacier Creek Visit 12:40 PM – 2:40 PM Wednesday, May 2^nd, 5^th grade track meet Thursday, May 3rd, Innovation Day Monday, May 7^th all day, Talent Show Friday, May 11^th 12:30 PM.

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