The Adventures in Mrs. Ripp's Class

Math – We finished unit 4 and this so far this is the most laborious test with plenty of opportunities for the students to have silly mistakes.  We were thrilled to see how many kids felt more secure in division and know that we will continue to keep an eye on all the skills.  So far the test will be December 21st.   Since the trimester ends today, all students have to test out of fact tests again.  We will start these on Monday.

Science – We have started variables, however, with the extreme loss of my voice we couldn’t do more experiments this week.  So next week, we are back on it with more swinger experiments based on student predictions.

Social Studies – We debated whether Columbus was a hero or a villain to much success and excitement.  We also then started our student created project exploring particular explorers and did our very first mystery Skype.   I love hearing kids say that they love social studies! 

Reading – We started our blood dripping gruesome fairytales unit this week to discuss moral, themes, story elements and just have a great time in reading.  My favorite part is tearing the original fairytale apart and having the kids think about the lesson it teaches kids,, such as that the prince married Cinderella solely based on her looks and that mothers only have two parts in the fairytales; either they are dead or greedy and evil. 

Writing – We have been working on creating thesis statements and coming up with reasons to support them.  We have started writing our mini stories today to support our reasons and have also done our first blogging challenge, in which I asked the kids to be very honest about the first trimester.  Blogging challenges are posted every Friday and always due the following Friday at 8 PM.

Special Notes –

*  Swimming continues next week Tuesday and Thursday.

*  Thank you for box tops brought in, the contest ended this week.

*  We are almost at 50 Pride paws for our walking in the hallways, finally!

*  Snow gear is a necessity at this time of the year.  Please help your child bring in everything they need to stay warm.  If students need help acquiring gear please let mw know or contact Mrs. Simms-Mormino.

*  Our winter break celebration is scheduled for the 21^st of December so far.  We are hoping to have pizza lunch and then go sledding after recess.  It will, of course, be snow-dependent.  Mrs. Johnson will be contacting those who signed up to volunteer/donate food.

*  Winter tea is this Wednesday; do join us if you can!

*  Spelling bee is December 10th.  Graham, Buddy, Noah E, and Billy will be representing our class at 8:30 AM in the multipurpose room, parents are welcome. 

*  Report cards will be sent home the week of December 10^th.  It will be the new report cards with the new rubrics.  Please contact me with any questions.

*  We started creating our holiday cards today, can’t wait to get them in the mail.

*  Thank you for all of the scholastic book orders, they have all been submitted and should be here soon.

* I have some dates for you to put on your calendars: Swimming  December, 4 and 6^th,   Winter Tea Wednesday, December 5^th at 9:35 AM, Spelling Bee Monday, December 10^th at 8:30 AM, Sub in the morning December 11^th, Winter Party is December 21^st at 1:30 PM (we are hoping it will be a sledding party) and winter break is from December 22^nd through January 2^nd.