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Friday, September 20, 2013

Week 3

FULL MOON THIS WEEK!









The students are learning the POWER way of writing.  This method will be used to practice formal writing in class.  The students earned a lot of scholar dollars by participating in class and showing what they know about the helpful hints.  Way to Go Class!!  We will also be working together on our first writing prompt over the next few weeks until everyone becomes familiar with the process... after all, our Writing SoL is in March!

This week we also continued to practice word study expectations.  Everyone seemed to really enjoy Calling All Artists where everyone's creativity was put to the test.  Also, our first word study test was this week!


Still setting the groundwork for a successful school year, all classes read A Penguin and the Pea by Janet Perlman.  It is a simple read with great use of vocabulary that follows a simple yet familiar plot.  We will practice all literature circle roles with this story.  It is my goal that all students know the expectations so that they will be able to complete each role independently when they are assigned.  

This week we worked on the literature circle role, Word Wizard.  Students worked in groups to define interesting or unfamiliar words and then presented the words to the class.  Words of interest included BEDRAGGLED, WHIMSY, and LAMENTED. Cool!

Please remember to check Portal for updated grades!  We are finishing up our geography vocabulary for VA Studies and there will be a quiz Wednesday!  Please be on the look out for project information next week.  

Friday, September 13, 2013

Week 2

What a busy week 2 we have had!  We started off our week getting our binders organized with tab dividers and sheet protectors so we have a successful, yet organized, school year.  On Tuesday and Wednesday we discussed and celebrated the anniversary of 9-11 by reading a Scholastic news article and book surrounding this important historical event.  We also watched a short video clip about a student who recounts her experiences and reflects on what it is like to be an American.  Students enjoyed sharing their personal interpretations of patriotism!

In Virginia Studies students we began our unit with a short book talk about map skills and relative location.  We are assembling a flip book, "Where I Live," so students become familiar with terms such as county, country, state, region, and continent.  As we complete this flipbook, please review at home!  There will be a quiz on this information next week.

Students also have their first set of Word Study words.  In class we are reviewing homework expectations so that the students have an example of each in their notebook.  This will allow students to successfully accomplish these assignments independently at home.  Our class had a great time working on menu choice #2, Extra, Extra, Read All About It!  After we brainstormed several topics that news reporters use, students used 8 words to come up with their own news report!  We have some very special and creative minds!



We completed our Best of Me projects and they look great in the hallway!  We hope to see as many parents at BTSN on September 26th!!






... Oh, and did we mention the BEST part of 5th grade?!  L O C K E R S of course! 



Friday, September 6, 2013

Week 1

What a great week we had!  It has been an adjustment for all to wake up early and get back into the routine of things, but I think everyone did a great job!  Everyone is becoming familiar with the building, learning the expectations of teachers, and- the most favorite part of 5th grade- enjoying the lockers!

Some 5th grade classes met on Tuesday to review the Student/Parent handbook and we completed fun activities to go along with it.  We are also working on our first language arts project, The Best Part of Me!  Are you coming to Back To School Night on September 26, from 6-8 pm?  Our projects will be on display!

Remember... Every Friday is Fun Freaky Friday here at PMS!  Students are encouraged to wear Orange & Black to promote Powhatan Spirit and one lucky student will win a free t-shirt from our spirit wear collection (no hats or face paint please)!


Thursday, August 29, 2013



Welcome to our learning environment!  I'm so excited to get this school year going!  Please check back with us weekly to see posts and pictures of our engaging activities at school.

Have a great summer!  See you back in August 2013 !