The Adventures in Mrs. Ripp's Class

Math – We are almost halfway through unit 8 and it has been fun to have a big group of students working together.  I particularly enjoy when they have different answers and the ensuing discussion trying to prove their answers.  Missing homework is becoming less of a problem; it is wonderful to see the students use their time wisely. Test is scheduled for March 7^th.  Then only 4 units left after that.     

Social Studies – I love the initiative I am seeing with this self-chosen colony research project.  We have discussed what it means to research, how to take notes, how to organize them and then how to turn that into a presentation.  We will be presenting our Prezi’s today, I cannot wait to see what the students uncovered and how they have grown as presenters.  It will be videotaped and students will evaluate their own work as well. 

Science – We handed in our science research papers today and will start landforms today as well.  This unit will take us past spring break.

Reading – Students are busy reading their genre study books and the unit will culminate next Friday.  We are also busy discussing all of the great books we are reading.  I have heard more incredibly excited students discuss their books than ever before, it is a beautiful thing indeed.

Writing –We are busy writing about our reading and the students are having deeper discussions about their reading as well.  I am really excited to see them expand their thoughts as they start to analyze the text.  Students were also given back their fiction stories this week, I do hope they shared them with you.

Special Notes –

*  We had a busy week in 5^th grade but I love how hard they work. 

*  Don’t forget to send back the guidance slips as you get them filled out and signed.

*  All middle school forms were passed on to Glacier Creek yesterday and we are busy scheduling our visit there in May.

*  Track meet will be May 2^nd with a rain date of May 9^th.  This is definitely on e of the highlights of our 5^th grade year and West Middleton always does well.

*  I will be in Chicago on the 28^th presenting at a conference so Mrs. Johnston will be subbing.  I will therefore not be at the choral performance that night but was lucky enough to see the students rehearse yesterday.  We have quite a group of singers!

* Literacy week is coming the first full week of March and with it comes a book swap.  On Thursday March 7^th at 2 PM our 5^th grade students will partake in a book swap, more info will be coming soon.

*  The students did a phenomenal job presenting to the group of teachers in Oklahoma and the teachers agreed.  See our website for their principal’s reaction!

* I have some dates for you to put on your calendars: Sub all day February 28^th, PAC Choral Performance Thursday, February 28^th at 6:30 PM,   Pi day and Mrs. Ripp’s birthday March 14^th, Spring Break starts after Friday March 22nd and goes to March 31^st.