I Think I'm in Denial...

5B,
These days are just flying by.  All day long, in the hallways, classroom, outside, etc., you just continue to prove how "AMAZING", yes Hunter, I said "AMAZING" you were all year and are at this moment.

I need to start looking at your report cards and putting in the "Grade Next Year" box.  Maybe have that conversation with your families about trying another year in 5th grade.  Tell them that Isaiah is going to preschool for another year?  So, what's the big deal in 5th grade, right?

No, I know that all good things are supposed to come to an end.  However....  I'm not ready for our end.  Ahhhh...  I know you all joke about me crying, but you have to realize that the tears and emotions are very true and genuine about caring about you all.

The only major things to remember for tomorrow are...
1) Human Body Project - if it's not done - Most left them here! Good!
2) Small snack and drink for Monday at East Park - can bring sports equipment for games
3) Tuesday is a 3-hour early out!

I'll know you checked the blog for the last time on a Thursday night (at least officially during the school year) if you....come in the room, put your name on your "bird" on the attendance board and head right back outside for some MAP's recess minutes we still need to use!  Let's play a group game or something!  We could do kickball or tag or whatever!  Mrs. Bodermann will be gone, so please tell Barb Gosch (Mrs. B's sub) that you are supposed to be out there even though other kids/classes are lining up.    Oh, and here's the REAL way I'll know you checked it and are not just going outside because you saw other people - Comment on this TodaysMeet how AWESOME it is to START the day with RECESS!

Hot, Hot, Hot! And no Air Conditioning this Week!

Well, maybe this is just a good balance for missing so many days in the winter with our FREEZING cold weather!  

I have to give 5B a HUGE compliment - AGAIN - dealing with the power outage!  No complaints, worries, crazy behavior, etc. at all from 5B!  You guys just go with the flow, keep focused and show Cadet Pride at all times!  So, so, so proud of you!  So, so, so going to miss you...  

Your writing pieces are so great.  You really have captured what it means to be a part of 5B in your songs, your ABC books, your creativity and hard work put into your summer vacation plans or displays!  

I've got to keep it shorter tonight, but I wanted to share some news about one of our 5B Family Members.  Kassie didn't share this news in the morning on TodaysMeet because it wasn't the "BEST" part of her weekend, like I was asking you all to share.  Her dad was in a 4-wheeler accident this weekend and is injured badly enough to be staying in Rochester at the hospital for the week.  When Kassie opened up about it, she realized that it really was affecting her day.  Since we are truly the most caring, thoughtful, kind group of students out there in this world, I want tonight's blog proof to be for Kassie.  She went the whole day without anyone knowing how worried, scared and sad she has been about her dad.  She'll be with her grandma all week, not seeing her parents.  Think about how tough that would be for each of you.  

I'll know you checked the blog, if you share a comment to Kassie to see how she is doing, give her a caring comment, see if she needs anything, compliment her courage to get through the day, etc.  As a 5B Family, we have to look out for each other, and let each other know we are here for you, whenever you need us!  Click Here for the TodaysMeet!

What a WONDERFULLY WEATHERED WEEKEND?! Wouldn't You Agree?

OMG, 5B!
This weekend's weather gave me TOO much of a taste for summer weather!  It's probably a good thing we only have 5 1/2 days left before summer break.  It would be pretty tough to stay too focused!  But you all have really been amazingly on-task and working your tails off!  So, I'm sure you'd be able to handle it!

Wasn't last Friday's Camp Read S'more perfect for being outside and relaxing, reading and chillin' with families and friends?!  Wow, we couldn't have asked for a better day or nicer weather!  Here are OODLES of pictures from then.  The pics will go down quite a ways, so be sure to finish reading the rest of the blog!  OH, and I'm sorry for those of you I missed! I tried tracking down everyone, but I couldn't find everyone by the end of it!  Sorry:(  So happy you made it though and were able to read together!

I just wanted to remind you of some "biggies" that we need to be working on this week still! 

#1  Human Body End Project:

  You ALL should have your direction pages at home, searching for items that can be used for each of 5 different body systems.  There are UNLIMITED ideas, so be creative!  If you are NOT in band, you can begin sorting through your materials and working on your project in class on Tuesday. The band people, will start on Wednesday!

Hey, did anyone search that "testosterone" fact about the fingers?
If you find it out, PLEASE share it with us.  

The next "biggie" is for WRITING!

#2 Think Tac Toe Writing Projects:  We are sharing these Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday will be set aside for any "paper" projects since our technology devices will be limited as the week goes on.  Be sure you are ready and completing each and all of your Think Tac Toe pieces.  If they are on Google Docs, be sure to Share them to me!

Let's see here! That's all I have for now!  We are definitely getting closer to "the end".  I've been reading your writing pieces and songs, and I started tearing up after seeing the sweet reflections from this year...  Ahh... you better bring extra Kleenexes.  I'm going to be a blubbering mess!!!!  Ahh.. 

I'll know you checked the blog tonight if... hmm....if you look at the picture below of Isaiah.  He had $5 from his birthday a few weeks ago and just HAD to buy this new item.  If you can identify WHAT kind of farm machinery is in his hands, I'll know you checked the blog!  Whisper to me in the morning:)  Remember... tomorrow is TUESDAY, so we have P.E.  

Too Nice to Be Inside!

It's going to be short tonight!  It's gorgeous out, there's a baseball game I've been invited to see, and Isaiah said, "No more blogging, Mama.  It's time to play in the dirt with me."

So.. I guess that means you should be outside, enjoying a spring day/evening!

I'll know you checked the blog if you tell me what you did OUTSIDE tonight (Thursday night).  I'll check with you in the morning.

Thanks for a TRULY FANTASTIC working day today!  Soooooooooo impressed.  I know Mrs. Gosch was impressed with what she saw from 5th grade.  Mrs. Bodermann would have been so happy, too!

Have super nights!

Sorenson - out!

Lots of Fun Today!

Fun way to start our day.... Mrs. Branum shared the "5B Dream" shoes that were earned, designed piece by piece by our very own 5B Babies! 

Then more fun to show how competitive our classmates can be with koosh balls, a Smartboard and POPCORN!  And oh, wait, LEARNING was involved, too!  I can't believe I didn't take pictures during this!  Wait, maybe that's because I was ducking for my life!  Hailey and Anthony made need some lessons in aiming:)

Then in science we were very interested in Morgan's mom's story of skin graphing when she was younger.  The kids had lots of questions, and 5B got to meet Fiona, my special friend!  Thanks to Brenda for sharing her story!

It was great to enjoy the sunny weather to use up more of our recess MAP's minutes.  I think 5B is down to 1 hour and 15 minutes left!  Wow, time flies when you're having recess, huh?!

I'll know you checked the blog tonight if you check out the new addition to "5B Talents" on the right-hand side of the blog.  It is Ashton and Sawyer's farewell song to 5B.  Your proof will be to go up to Ashton AND Sawyer and tell them a compliment about their song.  They'll report to ME who checked the blog!  Oh, be kind of quiet about your compliment.  Don't just blurt it out.  Go up to them quietly and share it with them just between you and them:) 

Ashton and Sawyer, it would be great if you guys came in right away and stood together so the blog checkers can share it with you both at the same time:)

I am truly feeling like our good times are disappearing before our eyes... Sniffling now...

Homework:

Lung Model

Lung Worksheet

Think Tac Toe #1 to Share!

Monday Fly By!

Whoa, 5B,
I thought today just was gone in a blink!  Ahh...that's how the rest of our year will continue to sneak away from us!  It was a great day with hard working, deep focus and CADET PRIDE!  So impressed! Remind me that I would like to do a little "Mama Money" for ya'll since Monday was so magnificent!

Let's just make Tuesday just as totally tubular!

I checked the Keystone website to see if 5B's video had won anything and..........
Would you like to know?

Are you sure?

Should I keep asking you?

Is it a good idea for me to share the results?

Could I string this along any further to hold the suspense?

Are you beginning to get annoyed?

How should I share it?

Should I just say yes or no?

Would you rather wait until tomorrow in class?

Hmmm...

Well, I guess I'll....

































Send you to the Keystone website to find out for yourself:)  Heeheheeee...
I'll know you checked the blog if you share your reaction on this TodaysMeet Link! (Click Here)

Ok, I'm done begin nasty:)

Remember, there is band tomorrow.
If you have your lung model done already, bring it it to show us!
Camp Read S'more note for Friday!

Here's BONUS Blog Checking Proof.... We'll be doing a little viewing of some Civil War reenactments tomorrow in literacy, so if you'd like to bring a single serving snack for yourself to munch on while watching these, feel free:)  Also, pass it along to others if you know they can't check the blog from home tonight.  If they check in the morning, it won't do them any good.

See you in the morning for another day of amazing 5B students and learning!  (Sniff, sniff...only 9 1/2 days before our family goes its separate ways....)

I'll be one sad puppy...that's for sure....

Fun-Filled FRIDAY!

What an awesome day Friday was!  My only disappointment was that I didn't get to see everyone much during the day.  I seemed to keep running into Lawson's group, Carter's group, Anthony's group and Ashton's group  but not the other's much at all.  I hope everyone had a blast exploring, learning, laughing, watching, reading, eating, and just having a great day!  I'll share pics on Monday with everyone, ok?!

This week should be pretty mellow... except for a few "extras", but before I go ANY further, I need you to VOTE for our eBook Video on this link.  I think you can vote as many times as possible.  I voted from all of my devices, and have voted a few different times.  We are against 3 other schools.  I'm a bit biased, of course, but I think ours is the most filled with effort and planning!

Click Here and VOTE as many time as you can.  Voting closes tonight at midnight and they announce the WINNER tomorrow, Monday, May 19!  Let's see if 5B really has a chance!  Help us!! Ask your families, friends, etc.!  But soon, soon, soon.  Tomorrow will be TOO LATE!

Ok, a few of our "extras"or reminders this week include:
Monday? 
Make up - Barcode Tattoo, City of Ember and Mississippi Coffee Talks - 8:30
Civil War Bingo - Maps and Packet Pages (North and South Venn Diagram) and Mr. Nussbaum's Battle website and worksheet

Tuesday? 
Last Biggest Klutz Coffee Talk

Wednesday?
Last Ook and Gluk Coffee Talk

Thursday?
Last Found Coffee Talk
Last Guidance Class

Friday?
Last Barcode Tattoo, City of Ember, and Mississippi Bridge Coffee Talks
Last Puberty Class! (TEST!)
Cadet STORE!  Might be last time for this year - but can hold money for NEXT FALL!!
Camp Read S'more with parents! 2:30 - 3:00
**DANCE** 5th graders are invited to 6 - 8 dance!  See the email I sent you from Mr. Wiley!  You can buy a $3 ticket with some Cadet Dollars on Friday (I think they cost more though with Cadet Dollars).

See!  Just a FEW extras!  Oh, and we are pretty low on juice for our last week of Coffee Talks.  If we could get 1 - 2 more bottles, that would be great.  However, if your family has already donated, just THANK THEM AGAIN for their generous help!

Ok, I'll know you checked the blog if you go to this TodaysMeet  (Click Here) and share your FAVORITE part of Friday's field trip to St. Paul's Science Museum!

What Time Tomorrow Morning?

If you haven't notice, it's important to be at the school parking lot at the time mentioned above:)

I'm SOOOOO looking forward to an awesome day with everyone.  The only thing I forgot to mention is it would be AWESOME if we were wearing our CadetNation shirts!  Ahh!  I meant to bring it up all week long and kept forgetting! So, if you can get ahold of people who you KNOW aren't able to check the blog or don't usually check it, I would LOVE it if you could try to get this message to as many people as we can:)

It's going to be a great day.  The only downfall I have, is that I don't get to be with all of 5B... :(  Our time is dwindling so I'm feeling like I'm trying to soak up every minute with you guys!  

Remember for tomorrow:

LUNCH in a cooler

Extra Drink

Any medications if you get sick or need something for headaches - in a baggie, labeled with your name

Optional:

$, DVD for bus ride, travel games, etc. in a bag  

See you at.... Well, you know what time:)

5B Knows the HEART like the... Back of their Hand? Does that make sense?

5B, you've done an excellent job "walking" your way through the heart.  I'm attaching a link here (CLICK HERE) to see a more realistic heart as it is doing its job and practice a few more times before your QUIZ tomorrow!  The link is pretty cool.  

Mrs. Bourassa emailed me today after school to remind ALL 5th graders of their 52 point vocabulary assignment she assigned LAST Thursday that is due tomorrow.  This goes on your science grade.  I know 5B can prove their Cadet Pride 100%.  I've seen you do it so many times before, and that's why you saw me tearing up today during the iMovie I made for you to start thinking about memories from this year.  There are so many ways you show how fabulous you are.  It seems we are just forgetting it a bit these last few weeks.  

I'll know you checked the blog, if when you come in Thursday morning, go into your camera roll, and watch the video you made to yourself with the song, "You Are Amazing Just the Way You Are" to remind yourself of how many great qualities you have.  If yours has been deleted or something accidentally this year, begin a new one, by writing out the compliments you can give yourself.  If you are struggling with it, I'll be happy to brag about how wonderful you are!  

Short and Sweet...

Can't be beat!

It was a great day dealing with a TWISTED TUESDAY schedule!  Excellent job showing me that you can handle these crazy days!

I've got an extra meeting tonight, a band concert to try to catch and dinner plans, soooo I'm keeping it simple!

Homework:
Puberty Packet - due Thursday
Math - for some
Science - Busy Pump Worksheet
Literacy - Flag Pictures

I'll know you checked the blog if you come in Wednesday morning and start KidBlogging about ANY topic you choose.  Here are some topics if you can think of any:
*Last weekend's plans
*Upcoming field trip to St. Paul on Friday
*The Poetry Slam last Friday
*Events going on with your family
*Current sports you are in now (track, baseball, softball)
*The band concert (if you were in it or went to it)

OK!  Have a great night...

Watch Out for a TWISTED TUESDAY!!

Hey, 5B,
I TOTALLY thought Tuesday was going to be "normal", but hey, that never seems to be the case!  Ahh!!  There is a major twist to our schedule tomorrow that the teachers did not remember!

Here's what tomorrow will look like... WAY messed up!

8:30 - 9:00 Cadet Time and Coffee Talks
9:15 - 10:15 Math (yep, in the morning... weird, huh?!)
10:20 - 10:50 Literacy/Science!?  Huh??
10:50 - 11:35 PE
11:40 - 12:10 Literacy Continued (Civil War Bingo)
12:15 - 12:40 Lunch
12:45 - 1:15 Recess and Band
1:20 - 1:40 Extra MAP's Recess Time
1:45 - 2:30 Special Program in Discovery Center with Mrs. Shekleton and Guest Speaker for Camp Read S'more!!
2:35 - 3:00  Science


Crazy, huh?!  So!  As you see, there isn't much literacy time for working, so if you have your Civil War  Flag page home with you, I'd work on it tonight!

I'll know you checked the blog if you share one comment (not just... "cool"  "awesome" "I like it" "I don't like it"... something more detailed to show you have some opinion about the Twisted Tuesday schedule!

Here's the TodaysMeet Link to share your thoughts!  I can't wait to chat with the Biggest Klutz tomorrow!

POETRY SLAM SUCCESS!

 Families seem to have a great time creating poetry with their kids!  Art inspires Kassie and her dad to add to the Padlet!

EVERY SINGLE 5B student shared 1 OR MORE of their memorized poems (and even offered to do more!)  Lawson shows us that you can have fun with poetry by expressing your feelings about Chevy vs Ford!  The judges liked this one!

Great job!  Great limerick-writing!














Paeytn and her dad (with the help of Jasmine) came up with quite an insightful poem.  The girls said they did most of the creating, but her dad add the two words "sleep in."  See, we write what we feel, right!?!!






Thanks to all of the families who were able to take time away from work, home, and other busy schedules.  As you can see, our 5B students really do SHINE!  I'm so proud of each and everyone of my 5B Babies... They are growing up so fast:(

My own "baby" is growing up too fast as well! We celebrated Isaiah's 5th birthday this weekend!  Ahh!!  How do we slow down time?

Quick Reminders for this Week: 

Monday - Bring a beach towel if you have one for our 1st grade buddies' ABC Countdown reading!

Tuesday - Band, Coffee Talks

Wednesday- Coffee Talks

Thursday - Puberty Class - BIG ASSIGNMENT due!  Coffee Talks

Friday - St. Paul Field Trip!  Be at school at 6:30 A.M.!  FUN-FILLED DAY, BABY!

Finally... I'll know you checked the blog if you... Share this poem with your mom...or do something special for your mom, grandma, aunt's, etc. today.  I know how much I care about my 5B Babies...and I only get you for a year!  I know your mom's grandma's, aunts, etc. would do anything for you!  

Share with me in the morning what special thing YOU did to help celebrate your mom!

Wow! Lots of Proof of Learning at Our Nature Center Day!

And the learning continues....

Check out any of these links to extend the learning we took in today at our Natural Resource Day!

(from Sawyer and Lawson)  Bird Cam
(from Hunter)  All Sorts of Live Web Cams
(from Paetyn)  Live Web Cam of Honey Bee Hive
(from Jasmine) Why is Decorah so full of hills and Cresco is not?  
(from Haylee) Picture of Queen Termite - YUCK!
(from Justin) Web Cam of 2 Different Bee Hives
(from Trystin)  Video of Termites - Ewww...
(from Carter)  Another Bird Cam - and many other Web Cams
(from Ashton) Do termites ONLY eat wood?  Could they be considered good?
(from Kassie)  How do we get rid of Japanese beetles?
(from Hailey)  Video of Honey Bees Pollinating Flowers
(from Nicole)  Watch a Video of Birds Fighting for Survival - on a town street!
(from Morgan)  Here's a printable guide for timing a garden vegetables!

Wacky But Hard-Working Wednesday!

Hey, my 5B Babies... (mama, mama)...
I surely do hope that you got OUTSIDE this afternoon or evening!  I heard it was wonderful...not that I'd know being stuck indoors all afternoon.  However, I am happy to share with you that your IA Assessment scores came back and I have your goal sheets at your spots (I think I put them in the right spot...I can't remember where everyone moved to..sorry).  You guys made goals for yourselves on this set of tests just like for MAPs testing, but it was to meet a certain Grade Equivalent.  I'm excited for you to see how you did, if improved from last year, met your goal or even SURPASSED (means went above!) your goal!  And I know for a fact that some of you DID!  Yippee!  We have all sorts of celebration of growth, don't we!

Remember tomorrow's field trip to the Nature Center - long pants, close-toed shoes and a water bottle if you wish.  Be sure to think about wearing layers of clothes for too warm or too cold, ok?!  Also, I'll go over with you the different stations we'll be learning about for our visit!  Paetyn and Rodney, remember you plan to bring your own lunches:)  Everyone else, we'll take school sack lunches.




I was quite impressed at looking through your character faces from art class.  Since we don't have class time for art on Thursday due to our field trip, Mrs. Branum has offered for anyone who is "free" during Cadet Time, to go to the art room and continue adding details, color, finishing touches on their character's faces.  Painting seems to be much like writing.... you never are "done"... there's always room for change, improvement, etc. (Sorry Coffee Talk people...not an option for you:(

***Your character will be SHOWCASED and SHARED at our Poetry Slam on Friday with our families.  Share something you are truly PROUD of!

So... proof for checking the blog will be to give advice to 3 people for their paintings.  The pictures below are numbered #1, #2, and #3.  Go the TodaysMeet link to give respectful and helpful advice for these people on what they could do to add or change anything to their character's face.  Address the picture (or pictures) as #1 or #2 or #3.

See my examples on this TodaysMeet Link!  (Sorry the pics are sideways...just crank your head a bit!)

#1:  What suggestions do you have?

#2:  What suggestions do you have?

#3:  What suggestions to you have?

Work, Work, Work...

Hey, 5B!

Awesome working day, today!  We have 4 days until our Poetry Slam! I'd love to know how many parents or family members we'll be expecting on Friday!  I'll be asking tomorrow who is planning on coming.  That way I can get an estimate for the activities and time we'll need to space out for the FABULOUS POETS!

It will be awesome to hear your own original poems, hear classmates singing and really showcase how "cool" 5B really is!  And Anthony, if you want to Be-Box... you go for it, Dude!

If your family wants to bring in a small snack/drink to munch on for part of the poetry activities, they are welcome to do so.  Just be sure that you follow the policy of healthy snacks and of course, no peanut products.

I'll keep it short tonight, but remember you have "Coffee Talks" this week again.  You have a Puberty packet due Friday, and of course, you have the....

Ok... Here's your blog checking proof.  It's kinda weird.  However, don't tell ANYONE...or even talk to them about it.  I want to see who is REALLY taking time to check:)  It's down below in the light blue colored font.  Drag and highlight over it to see it better.  Remember... say nothing....  keep it "on the down-low".... (That's an idiom - doy!)

Instead of meeting in our classroom as usual, meet in the computer lab.  Bring your backpacks and everything.  Don't stop at your lockers or chat with anyone, just go straight there.  I'll be there waiting to see who shows up.  Thanks for being secretive:)

Happy Sunny Weekend...FINALLY!!!

Wow, what a gorgeous weekend for us, 5B!  It would be great if we could have more days like that this week....but...I'm seeing the forecast does not seem to follow that plan, but who knows? We will surely be positive no matter what the weather, right?!

I hope everyone enjoyed the fresh spring air!  I was busy "spring" cleaning and doing some homework! We have only about 20 days left of school...so I'm starting to FREAK OUT a bit with how little time we have, how much we have for "extra activities" and how much we have to complete!  Ahhh!

Monday, will be a new unit for math, so we will be switching to new teachers (most likely) for the last rotation of the year.

We will also be busy this week getting ready for our Poetry Slam!  Do me a favor, please?!  Could you let me know how many of your families members will be joining us that day?  (like just dad or just mom or grandma or even both parents or maybe your little brother and mom)!  I'm SOOO excited for this! And remember, if you are nervous, 70% of Americans have the same feeling...so...just go with it!  We'll love it no matter what:) But...PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE...

Here's how I'll know you checked the blog.  Check out this website.  We will be doing something like this during our Poetry Slam with our families on Friday.  Let's give you guys a heads start though!  Visit the site, create a poem of your own style and share it to me:)  There's a SHARE button on the bottom left corner the the site!  It took me a while to find the words I liked best, but it was fun!

Compliments to EVERYONE for dealing with a fabulous first day of PUBERTY class!  Yep, you all survived...well, I guess Tristen hasn't yet...  but I'm sure he'll be just fine!

I submitted our eBook Video to AEA 1 Keystone, so we'll just wait and see!  Here's the link if you want to share it with your families:)  Click Here!  Great job, everyone!

Have a super rest of your weekend!  Don't forget to keep up on your Coffee Talk Book Club reading... Oh, and please be sure to tell your family.... for all of their juice donations!

AND to you as well for helping each other out on Friday when 16 of the 18 students wore their CadetNation shirts and doubled up by lending their sweatshirts so 18 of the 18 students who were present showed CADET PRIDE!!  

 

Better Day in 5B:) Yippee!

Yep, we figured it out and had a regular day in school today.  Thanks for your reflections and efforts to improve what you are capable of!

Also, Friday, May 2nd is the FIRST Friday of the month... and it's the "last" first Friday of the school year?!!!  Whoa!   So that means...

This is our LAST official chance to prove how responsible and

full of PRIDE 5B is!!  Let's do this!!

Before I forget, we have OODLES of special activities tomorrow... WOW!!  
*Coffee Talks - Mississippi Bridge, City of Ember, Barcode Tattoo - Coffee cups
*Cadet Store - 9:30 a.m. - Review the items on the link on the side of the blog!
*Special 30-Minute Physical Activity for Iowa!
*MAP's Tasty Rewards!
*Last Day of Math in Current Group!  Will switch to new groups next week!
*Last but not least..... ending the day with PUBERTY!

Also...
Remember, Band People, you have science homework!  Git'er Done!
Mrs. Sorenson's Math Class - fix any mistakes if you want it re-graded:)
Share with families the field trip for Thursday, May 8 (to the Nature Center)

Finally... I'll know you checked the blog if you try to memorize this 5B Cheer to celebrate our last month together as a 5B Family:(  Tear drop....  I'll teach you the rhythm in class, but the better you know the words, the easier it will be to learn the cheer!

5B! 5B!

Let's show'em, who are we?

Count 1

Get jiggy wit' it.

Count 2

Come on now.

Count 3

Break it down.

Respect is how we do it,

And put our minds to it!

With a little bit of work and time to be ME!

That's what makes us....

5B!