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INSPIRED by Norman Borlaug

Wordle: Norman Borlaug

Monday, November 30, 2009

Starting Off Strong on Monday!

Great first day back after a nice relaxing break, 5B! Glad to see everyone back into the swing of things. We have about 3 weeks of school before your next relaxing and longer break. As we all know, there are major activities going on in our classrooms to be completed before that time of relaxation. (Book Clubs, Writing Piece #2, Think Fights, Writing Project and that's just in literacy!!!)

Not only will we be busy with classroom work, there will be extra events that seem to fill up some of our December days. We have a 3-hour early out again on Wednesday of this week. There will be limo rides, lunch at Pizza Hut and the Big Blast party coming up in December as well. 5th graders will also participate in a holiday party towards the end of this month. And hopefully, we can avoid the annoying weather we've dealt with the past few years. Whoa!! I'm getting overwhelmed just writing about it!!!

5B, I didn't get a chance to tell you that you did well today sitting in your new groups. Keep it up, and show me you can listen and learn no matter who you sit by. That shows true maturity!!

I'll know you checked the blog tonight if you asked me this question once the attendance and pledge are done, "So, what's up with the Christmas ornament?" Then I'll tell the class the answer... Have a good night...get that homework done (at least for literacy tonight) and we'll see you for another great day tomorrow!!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

It's finally THANKGIVING

This week we don't go to school Thursday and Friday because of Thanksgiving. Wednesday we get out of school one hour early. This week is short. I had to do this by myself, so that's all I'm going to write.

by Hanan

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Super Turn-Out with Parents!

5B, I'm so glad so many of your parents could be a part of our American Education Parent Day. I know that it will be difficult to find a day or time that works for everyone, but I thought this turn-out was fantastic! Kids, I'm glad you enjoyed having your families visit. Hopefully, you told your parents how much you appreciated them spending that time with you. I also want to tell you how impressed I was with how you took "teaching" your parents/families quite seriously. Thanks for being such a great bunch of munchkins (hehhehehe).

If you haven't noticed the large bookshelf to the right of the new posts, then check it out. Right now, I've listed a few books that I've read for my own enjoyment. What I'd like to do is offer students to suggest books they've enjoyed to classmates and me! You'll need to fill out a short sheet of paper for me before I put your suggested book up there, but I'd love to share what you're reading with your friends. It seems like that's a great way for kids to get hooked on books - seeing what their friends are reading! So, ask me about the bookshelf if you think you have a book to add to it! I'll be happy to explain it to you.

Well, the votes are in... the holiday dinners seem to be the favorite school lunch. Check back later tonight or tomorrow morning, and I'll have a new survey up!

Lastly, our schedule this week is going to be somewhat normal...except that we only have 3 days, with a 1-hour early out on Wednesday! But, keep in mind, the teachers are quite excited to have a few normal days before Thanksgiving break. So, be ready for listening, learning and a bit of homework this week!! See you in the morning!! Oh, hopefully they'll be a new slide show to the right of the posts by morning. We'll see how well my computer is working!:)

Friday, November 20, 2009

Our Hawkeye Star of the Week

Hailey is this week's star, and here's what we want to share about her....

Hailey is very nice and is a lovely friend. (Kaylie)
Hailey is awesome. (Sierra)
Hailey is a nice friend. (Amanda)
Hailey is a very awesome friend. (Kelsey)
Hailey's nice. (Colten)
Hailey is an awesome girl. (Lindsey)
Hailey is an awesome friend and a good book club member. (Adam)
Hailey is a nice person. (Hanan)
Hailey is cool. (Karley)
Hailey is a loyal friend. (Amber)
Hailey shows respect and responsibility. (Logan)
Hailey's funny. (Alex)
Hailey shows PHIL. (Zach)
Hailey is reliable and trustworthy. (Cody)
Hailey is awesomer than the awesomest. (Dylan)
Hailey is smart and intelligent and responsible and respectful girl. (Maranda)
Hailey is better than cool beans. (Aaron)
Hailey is a caring friend. (Katrina)
Hailey has an awesome smile. I love her freckles that seem to shine when she smiles big! (Mrs. Sorenson)

Hailey responds, "Thank you 5B for all the compliments. You rock, 5B!"

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

5B is Famous!!!!

Well, 5B, Mrs. Maiers (the teacher who visited our room and was amazed by your descriptions of reading and writing) contined to talk about the excitement she saw from you throughout the afternoon when she chatted with the teachers. She was thrilled to see students who showed interest in learning and having fun doing it!

I'll let you know as soon as I get the video from Mike. If we get the okay from all parents, maybe I'll attach the video to the blog so your families can see it, too! When I saw Mike later on in the afternoon, he signed "bunny - out" to me. I told him that many of you had said goodbye that was as you left.

I was impressed with your behavior in front of our guest today, 5B. I always feel so proud of you and our school when people see you and comment on how neat, funny, exciting, respectful, etc. the students are. So thank you for being YOU!

Let's have another exciting day of school tomorrow and the rest of the year!! You keep me excited because of how willing you are to learn something new! Thanks for what you do for me everyday!!

Reminder... Reading ITBS and Vocabulary ITBS tomorrow. You also have a quiz over your science terms about rocks, and could be taking home math to practice with unit 3 for your test next Tuesday! Also, remind parents about Friday's event and if they are joining you for lunch!

See you all tomorrow!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Rock On, Dylan!

Dylan was last week's Star. We had to wait until today to announce it because Mrs. Sorenson was gone last Friday, and we didn't have all the votes in. So here's what 5B thinks of Dylan....

Dylan is the best. (Cody)
Dylan is cool beans. (Zach)
Dylan is funny and DINOmite. (Colten)
Dylan is cooler than cool beans. (Alex)
Dylan is awesome at Poke'mon battles. (Anna)
Dylan is always energetic. (Karley)
Dylan is respectful and responsible. (Logan)
Dylan is a good friend. (Adam)
Dylan is awesome. (Hanan)
Dylan is an awesome friend. (Amanda)
Dylan is nice. (Sierra)
Dylan is better than coolest. (Aaron)
Dylan is crazy in a good way. (Katrina)
Dylan is a very nice person. (Kelsey)
Dylan is always energetic and funny. (Lindsey)
Dylan is sometimes quiet in line. (Hailey)
Dylan is very talented. (Kaylie)
Dylan is unique in his own way because he likes different things. (Amber)
Dylan is weird in a good way. (Maranda)
Dylan is a cool and energetic young man. (Mrs. Schmitt)
I think Dylan is someone who doesn't care what other people think is "cool". He does what he likes and is proud of it. What a way to be an individual, Dylan!! (Mrs. Sorenson)

Dylan responds, "I like all these compliments. It's nice to have all my classmates be my friends like every single one of them. Thanks, everybody!"

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Good Report from Friday!

Hey, 5B!
I stopped in to school on Saturday to check on a few things and saw a note left from our substitute teacher, Mrs. Mahr. She wrote that the day went well. She loved the Radical Readers from all classes and felt like students worked well in writing class. That is such a wonderful way to prove your respectful and responsible selves, 5B! I'm so proud of you all! And I heard that EVERYONE was there (for at least most of the day)! Sure, the one day I'm gone, you all decide to be healthy!! Heehheeee...

Today, I had the honor of watching several 5th graders dancing and singing on stage! I thought the cast from "The Wizard of Oz" did a fantastic job. I was so impressed to see students try something new and be so confident! For any of you who tried out for the play but didn't make it this time, make sure to try again. Don't give up because when it finally does happen for you, it will be worth it!! Again, great job to the munchkins and poppies!!!

Just a reminder that ITBS continues this week. 5th grade takes the first part of the Reading test on Monday. We've been working on what reading is all year long, so I have no doubts that you'll have any problems with the ITBS tests in reading class. Don't forget that your card story for writing class is due on Monday, too! We'll share some of these in class to see how gradual the stories are.

I checked the envelope for our Star of the Week (last week), and we DO have a student's name that showed up quite a few times!! Guess you'll have to wait until Monday morning to find out if it's you!!

Also, remind your parents about our invitation to our classroom this Friday, November 20 from 10:45 - 12:00. I'll be checking with kids this week to see how many families will be joining us for our activities. Again, parents are welcome to come for lunch, but we do NEED TO KNOW ahead of time. In fact, we will even asked for parents to "prepay" so moving through the lunch line will be smooth and speedy. I believe the scheduled lunch that day is chicken patty and fries.

Have a great Sunday night, 5B! I am excited to see my little sweethearts tomorrow morning! I missed seeing you last Friday!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

It is Thursday!!!!!!

This week is Iowa basic skills.
We are learning about Christmas Columbus in social studies
This week we had think fites for Double identity , Stones in water , Tarot says Beware , The upstairs Room , The city of ember , and the Mystery of the dark old house.

People who won think fits where Stones in Water, and Double Identity. We'll find out today who will win between Tarot Says Beware and The Mystery of the Dark Old House. Aaron gave himself the nickname "Hotdog" today.

Good luck on the ITBS the rest of the week.

Signed Aaron and Logan

Monday, November 9, 2009

A Little of This, A Little of That

Tonight's post will cover quite a few topics. I'll send a note home tomorrow with similar information, but I thought I'd highlight some of the ideas....

Today was a great day, 5B! Respectful, hard-working students all day long! Keep it up. If you are one of the chatter bugs from word study today, just make sure to think about it before class tomorrow!

Thanks to students and parents for making it to conferences last week. I am extremely happy to report that EVERY single family made it for conferences! That doesn't always happen, so thank you so much for coming in, chatting about 5th grade and giving or taking suggestions to continue a good year! For any parents that asked for additional information from a particular class, I'll be getting things out to you or passing on your messages this week. Also, thanks to the students who braved it and came to their own conference! (I know some of you couldn't come because of scheduling problems, so thanks for trying.)

This week is the start of ITBS. See the schedule below when tests are and what subject areas...
Wednesday, Nov. 11 Math - Prob. Solving
Thursday, Nov, 12 Science
Friday, Nov. 13 Trial Test (taken in science)
Monday, Nov. 16 Reading (part 1)
Tuesday, Nov. 17 Math Concepts/Estimation
Wednesday, Nov. 18 any make-up tests
Thursday, Nov. 19 Reading (part 2) and Vocab

Along with ITBS the next 2 weeks, we have a Veteran's Day assembly on Wednesday from 10:15 to 10:45. Then the FOLLOWING Wednesday, Nov. 18, is a 3-hour early out.

The Germ Bug hit 5B today. One student was out sick, and 3 others went home with fevers today. Remember to keep hands washed/sanitized. Cover your mouth/nose with coughs and sneezes. Try NOT to share/borrow too many items from each other to limit the passing of germs. Hopefully, we can stay somewhat healthy. Cross your fingers.

Responsibility was and will be tested more and more this week in literacy class. Students had a writing flipbook and pages to read for today (Monday). I was disappointed to find a handful of students NOT done with these 2 assignments. After all, there was a 3 day weekend. Students heard of my disappointment and know that it is a sign of disrespect. A habit of not getting homework done will result in spending time at recess and/or Mr. Wiley's classroom. Parents, could you double check with your 5B student to make sure work is done. 5th graders are old enough to be repsonsible for their own work, but a helpful reminder once in a while isn't so bad. Thanks! I'd like to think students will be more responsible from now on.

Finally, I just wanted 5B to have a heads up that I will be gone for a bit at the end of the week. I'll be gone Thursday morning for a school meeting, but I'll be back at lunch time. Then Friday, I'll be gone the whole day. I'll be spending time with some family. So, I just wanted my babycakes to know I don't get as many days with them this week.

I'll know you checked the blog tonight by letting me know what little angels you'll be when I'm gone on Thursday and Friday!!! Don't forget to check the poll. It closes tomorrow, and I think there's only 10 votes at this point!! Have a good night!! Stay healthy!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Our Cyclone Star of the Week

Here are our thoughts about this week's star!!!!

Amber is nice and an awesome friend. (Kaylie)
Amber is my best friend. (Hailey)
Amber is awesome. (Lindsey)
Amber is my wacky friend. (Katrina)
Amber is nice and likes the Cyclones. (Colten)
Amber is intelligent, respectful and responsible. (Maranda)
Amber is the best. (Cody)
Amber is nice. (Zach)
Amber is smart. (Alex)
Amber is a die hard Cyclone fan and my buddy. (Karley)
Amber is a crazy and awesome friend. (Kelsey)
Amber is respectful and responsible. (Logan)
Amber's cool beans. (Adam)
Amber is a nice person. (Hanan)
Amber is awesome. (Amanda)
Amber is better than cool beans. (Aaron)
Amber is a c00-coo in a good way cousin. (Dylan)
Giggle, giggle. Amber is an awesome friend. (Sierra)
Amber is a very sweet girl. (Mrs. Schmitt)
I enjoy Amber's smile, sense of humor and her willingness to have fun! Thanks for being you! (Mrs. Sorenson)

Amber responds, "I don't know. Thank you? Um, uahhhahaa, ahhhhhhhhh to all of the compliments. Thanks 5B! 5B is da BOMB!"

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

OUR SMASHING WEEK


Don't forget conferences this Tuesday and Thursday and also don't forget to vote for star by Wednesday. Friday we have no school.Lets have a good week 5b.Keep on working on flip book in writing and also study for science quiz.BOOK CLUBS ARE AWESOME!

Written by Lindsey and Amanda

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Crazy from Candy?

Hey, my 5Ber's! I'm hoping you had a day to come down from your sugar rush after trick-or-treating. I got to see a few of you, but my street wasn't too busy with trick-or-treaters this year. I did have one student say this to me though, "You hit the bag, we hit the road, that's the way it works!" Jerry Seinfeld would be proud to know his line was being used! Anyway, I hope everyone had fun over the Halloween weekend.

If you look below Kelsey's wordle, you should see a short video clip. It's titled, "Isaiah and his Cousins." I thought this was a funny to show you. You can do the same thing with your own digital photos if you visit the JibJab site.

Well, here's a heads-up for this week. Monday is normal. There is a 1-hour early out on Tuesday for conferences. Remember those of you who have conferences on Tuesday to come and be a part of your conference. There will be NO GROUP BAND on Tuesday due to the early out. However, individual lessons will still take place. Then Wednesday should be pretty normal. Thursday is another 1-hour early out (with a schedule change that day) for conferences. I'll expect to see my Thursday conference kids that night, too. Finally, there is NO SCHOOL on Friday!! An extra day for you to sleep in!

Then, here's a little preview for some events in November:
1) Conferences (duh!)
2) ITBS tests...but remember, only the reading, math and science ones!
3) American Education Week...an invitation will be sent to families later about this.
4) Of course, Thanksgiving break!

Try to get used to the new time change tonight, and I'll see you bright and early in the morning! Oh, if you haven't voted for the poll yet, please do! I'll be changing it tomorrow.