Presenting at the School Board Meeting Tonight!!

Hey, 5B!
What a great, productive  and fun day today!  It's a long day for the 5 who volunteered to help present tonight!  So, be sure to ask them how things went!  You are all 5B Rock Stars to make everything happen with all of our Global Classroom activities!  So proud of everyone!

I'll keep it short since the board meeting begins in just a bit.  Be sure to share with your families the fun part of your days!  I'll be putting an Animoto video link up later tonight of all of the fun had during the Big Blast today!  So, check that out in the morning or sometime when you get a chance.  It will probably be pretty late when I post it.  There are some AWESOME photos of fabulous fifth graders funning in up!!!

Keep in mind any possible homework you have this week and assignments that could be worked on at home or on the Internet, should be taken time to do:)

I'll know you checked the blog if you ask one of these people:  Greta, Bryer, Gage, Delaney or Memphis what they thought of the presentation.  They will give you a yellow slip for asking:)  (You can only ask one of them though - not fair to ask all 5 of them and get 5 yellow slips).  As for Greta, Bryer, Gage, Delaney and Memphis, I'll know YOU checked the blog if you tell me if you would be willing to do something like this ever again:)?  Thanks!!

Keep up the great work, all of you!
See you soon,
~Mrs. Sorenson:)

CRAZY, BUSY, EXCITING WEEK AHEAD!!

Hello.. my little darlings,
It was another busy weekend for my family!  I did more Christmas shopping and found myself to be nicer, more patient and looking for good deeds to do for other people.
For example:
I held to the door for a family with a couple of kids and full bags.
I let someone go ahead of me in a line when I saw they had fewer items to buy than me.
I told the cashier to "keep the change" when I bought an item.  I wanted him to have it instead of keeping it myself.

As you can see, when someone reminds you how simple it can be to show caring, it makes you want to do it, too!

So, REMINDER!  This week we'll be making cards for random residents of Cresco.  If you have old, ready to recycle Christmas cards (that you've checked with parents), bring them in to donate them to our "reuse" pile.  Also, if you have any "crafty" items that you'd like to use to create your card (or to share with others - up to you), bring those for this week, too.

ANOTHER REMINDER!!  If you think that Santa will make time to run by 5B's classroom this week to see how things are going, (to see if you're naughty or nice) BRING a form of STOCKING to hang by your desk/table.  Tape it up right away.  Who knows?  Maybe Santa will sneak by while you are at recess or at P.E.  He's pretty sneaky and magical, ya know?

ONE MORE REMINDER!!! With our Big Blast on Tuesday, we want to do our best to show our Cadet Pride by celebrating our school's team effort in selling our fundraiser.  So, we want everyone to WEAR BLUE or CADET clothes on Tuesday!  You'll be running around like crazy, so we'd love to see BLURS of BLUE whizzing by us as we enjoy watching you show your enthusiasm!!

OH, WAIT, A REMINDER AGAIN!!!!  Don't forget to share with your families about Friday, December 21 (1-hour early out) but the READ and FEED we're doing from 1:30 - ??  When we're done celebrating reading, you are free to head home for the holiday vacation!

I'll know you checked the blog if you ask me, "What time are we Skyping with Texas today?"  I'll tell the class when we all get in the room!

Tomorrow is our LAST MONDAY of 2012 together!!!  Sniff, Sniff, tear, tear... YEEHAW!!!!

Working on Cadet Pride: Who will be our 4th Round Winning Team???

Hey, 5B, I'll just jot down some reminders and keep it short today.  We've had some definite chats about Cadet Pride, respect, and making good choices, so I'll not touch on that for now, ok?

Friday, Dec. 14 (tomorrow):  Paper Mache bowls for science due - no exceptions.

Next Week:  Oodles!!

Monday, Dec. 17 - 2 groups have reading assignments due!

Tuesday, Dec. 18 - Limo Rides, Big Blast and Board Meeting @ 7! (and wait, some LEARNING, too!)

Wednesday, Dec. 19 - Should be completing 2 pieces of writing to be due - 1 poem, 1 choice

Thursday, Dec. 20 - Social Studies Explorers project due - (for those who have that project), another "hang-out chat with our Connecticut friends to get to know them better!!

Friday, Dec. 21 - Assessments, Parents Read and Feed @ 1:30 p.m., and 2 hour early out!  

I'll know you checked the blog if you email me (if you want) or write down and show me on Friday morning 3 names of Connecticut classmates.  I can think of about 7 of them... I need to get to know the others though:)

See you soon!  TGIF!!!!!!!!!! (tomorrow!!!!!)

-Mrs. Sorenson

Perfect at times.... WAY too chatty at times...

5B, today started out with a bang with Gangnam style dance moves and fantastic Cadet Pride with writing and reading classes.  Then I really saw a change in self-control with talking.  You did a super job during our lunch in the room to watch astronauts and NASA workers share about Curiosity, the 
mars Rover.  Social studies then brought back the lack of self-control.  Let's get a handle on this, shall we?  I'm thinking the middle of December is WAY too late in the year to be showing some of those behaviors.  5th graders should be role models for younger grades.... not their equals as far as behaviors go, ok??????????  Let's make a Thurrific Thursday??  Deal??

Thanks for Tristan and Bryer's moms for volunteering to help supervise the Big Blast next Tuesday. I'm glad to have the chance to enjoy taking photos of you and being a part of the activities!  So, please thank your moms for me!!  The class thanks them, too!

We have a small group of students using ooVoo with our Middlefield, Connecticut friends with a poetry discussion.  Last week another group tried this, and we'll do another group next week, too!  This has been great to have more classmates!!

Also, thanks to the 4 students who are helping present at the board meeting next Tuesday.  I'll chat with you guys Thursday and Friday about your "parts."  You guys will do great!  All of 5B should be proud of our experiences and connections to outside our classroom!  Let's keep up the contacts.  Oh, and our new Texas friends want to Skype again next Monday to get to know you guys better! Of course, I said, YEP!!  We were hoping for that!"

I'll know you checked the blog if you ask me, "So how will we do Random Acts of Kindness like that lady did for you?"  I'll tell you the answer after we do attendance and pledge today!!

Get some sleep...think good thoughts for a Thursday full of self-control, ok?  Oh, and thanks to those of you who kept me "safe" today.  I survived the after school hours!  Hopefully, I'll make it to class tomorrow without getting hit!!  Wish me luck!

Short on Time... Have to Rhyme!

I'm writing a short limerick
because I need to be quick.
Isaiah to bed,
"Books, Mama" he said.
The clock is going tock-tick!

I'll know you checked the blog if you watch the Jib Jab link that Chase and Wyatt C. made today during band!  It's hilarious.   Click Here to see Wyatt C. showing off his dance moves:)  Tell me what you think of Wyatt's moves as you come in on Wednesday!

Go, Wyatt C.!

What Do You Know About Orange, TX?

Well, 5B, we keep learning more and more about our country and people who live in it!  We've gotten to connect with these great places!  Share our Global Classroom with your parents and family!

Our Connecticut Friends - Go ooVoo!

Canada helps with Halloween Story!

Mystery Skype #1:  Success!

San Diego:  Tried the Halloween Story but
couldn't get the Time Zone mess figured out:(

Mystery Skype #2!  Success!!

BIG REMINDERS!!
Come in RIGHT away Tuesday!  Gather anyone from 5B you see whether they checked the blog or not and come in to the classroom early.  I'll ask the recess aides to start sending in 5B students early.  We need to be ready for our "Connecticut Board Meeting" before 8:45.  I need to share with you some of the information that we'll be discussing.

Also, if you had interest in presenting at How-Winn.'s Board meeting on Tuesday, December 18 @ 7:00 p.m., be sure to get that note from your parents signed and returned for Tuesday!!

I'll know you checked the blog if you come in and tell me what you think of all of our Global Classroom activities... Like them?  Not like them?  Love them?  Want more of them?  Etc.??

See you right away!  Be ready to impress the "Big Guys"!

Another Full Week Ahead... Will the Snow Stay??

S'up, 5B!
I'm writing this post on Saturday night (thinking I may run out of time on Sunday), so I hope everyone enjoyed their weekends.  I did a little Christmas shopping in Rochester.

Never Too Old To Learn a Lesson
It was pretty busy with long lines...  I sometimes get a little frustrated with that.  So, I was being a little grumpy, waiting in line behind this lady that was taking a while.  I was wanting to get a warm apple cider in a hurry so I could get back to more items on my list.  I was getting more annoyed with this woman ahead of me because it seemed she just keep chatting with the cashier about other topics and wouldn't move on.  FINALLY, when she moved along, she looked back and smiled at me.  I was still annoyed, so I just gave her a quick grin and looked at the cashier.  She took my order.  While she was getting my apple cider with cinnamon, caramel and whipped cream (YUM!!!), I started getting out my money to pay for it.

The cashier saw me and said, "Oh, this is already paid for, ma'am."

 I was confused and said, "No, I think you're thinking of the woman who was just here.  I haven't paid you anything yet."

She laughed and said, "No, really, the woman in front of you gave me enough money for  the next person in line to get whatever they want."

It took me a while to realize what the woman had done.  She simply wanted to do a Random Act of Kindness for me in this busy, chaotic line.  I asked the cashier who she was so that I could write her a letter or send her a thank you, she told me that she wasn't allowed to share it.  It was the wish of this sweet woman that whenever she does this, she doesn't want credit for it.  She just wants to leave someone feeling happier than they were before.

Isn't that a crazy, sweet, amazing story??!!!!  It really worked!  Instead of feeling annoyed with lines, shopping and being in a hurry, all I felt was this warmth of caring and overwhelming gratitude for people like this thoughtful woman.  It changed my grumpiness immediately.  I'd love to try something like this with our class over the next few weeks.  We'll chat about it this week, ok?

Ok.. enough of my stories... I'll just do a few reminders below...
Monday -  2 groups of "Coffee Talks"
                 2nd Mystery Skype during Social Studies!!!  Game on again!  Would like to tweak our clues        
                 quickly on Monday morning:)
Tuesday - Helping Connecticut Friends present to their Board @ 8:45!  Keep getting more famous!!
Wednesday - Special Lunch Time Event -  a Surprise... You'll just have to wait and see!
Thursday -???  Nothing extra???  Pretty normal
Friday - Science Bowls due, NEW due date for Cadet Key Chains - they moved the date in case
             families wanted to buy them still!

I'll know you checked the blog this weekend if you look at the list of clues we have for IA for our 2nd Mystery Skype and think of a new clue to replace one of the old ones.  You may have to do a little research on your own, too!

Oh, and congrats again to the Purple Pancakes for their 2nd WIN!!!  You go, girls!!  I think the boys in 5B are ready to show you ladies that will not HIDE their CADET PRIDE anymore!  But, until then... the Magic Pencils are still in effect... as long as the Purple Pancakes have them and they are polite and respectful with them:)

Sorry it was a long one... Have a great rest of your weekend:)  Have fun in the snow!  Remember boots, hats, mittens, etc. for recess.  Also, Monday is P.E. so don't forget your shoes if wearing boots to school in the morning:)
Sorenson - Out!

Flying Into Friday...

Well, what a week?  It seemed to fly by.  With Gage joining us on Monday, Donavyn leaving for vacation Tuesday, Mrs. Sorenson gone Wednesday.... craziness happening in 5B!!


Today was a fantastic day for ALL of you!!  I am so impressed with yesterday's comments from our substitute teacher and today's on task behaviors!!  This is one top-notch class!  Keep it up.  Remember, it is extremely easy to get sidetracked or lose self-control, so be sure to stay focused, have fun and enjoy something new to learn:)

Fun with Global Classrooms
Be sure to tell your families about the Powerpoint Presentation slides you were working on today with our Connecticut friends.  Your slides looked great so far!  If you are interested in be a part of presenting to our board on December 18, please let me know, and we'll see if your parents are interested in having you help, too:)  Would love to have students explain your activities!  I know we get to help the Connecticut crew present next Tuesday, Dec. 11 right as we come in.  They are looking forward to having us sit in and share through ooVoo again:)  Yippee for our across the country sharing!!!

Christmas ornaments - Keep a-looking!  On Friday, we'll see who has found them so far!  That will give you some ideas of where I like to hide them!

Moving Day is Friday!  We'll be changing spots on Friday morning.  As SOON as you come in, please begin getting your stuff cleared out and ready to move to your new spot!  After we get situated in our new homes, you can start counting up your team's tickets!!!  Will the teams with "Color" (Purple Pancakes and Pink Fluff) keep taking over our competitions???? Or will a new team take control???  We'll have to wait and see!

I'll know you checked the blog if you write down the names of 3 - 5 people that you think you would enjoy sitting by and know can focus on your work with.  Make sure YOUR name is at the top.  Then add the names of people. Hand it to me as you come in, and start packing up:)

Safe Travels to Donavyn and Family...

***New Part of Blog*** 
This wasn't on the original post if you checked it early on Tuesday night.  Isaiah is sick again.  I'll be home with him on Wednesday.  Be sure to show your substitute teacher how amazing 5B is, leave her with a positive impression, like you did with Mr. Carver today.  OK?  There will be no switching because of the early out, so have a good morning of literacy, library and math.  Have fun afternoons.  Take care...and hopefully I can avoid getting what Isaiah has:(

We all wish Donavyn a safe trip....but most of us are quite jealous of his vacation plans!!!  Don't worry, 5B, I gave our little traveler a whopping amount of homework:) HEHEHEHEEEE!!  I'm guessing he'll still have time for some family fun though:)

Thanks for helping Gage see how respectful, caring, trustworthy and responsible 5B is.  We'll need to watch ourselves though a little bit.  As the week goes on, remember we're still modeling for him what it means to truly have "Cadet Pride."

I'll be putting up the 3rd ornament for Wednesday.  I don't think anyone found the 2nd one for today.  Keep looking:)

I'll keep it short.  Just remember a few things...
Book Orders due Wednesday
Early Out Wednesday
Library Wednesday
ooVoo and Google Docs activity with Connecticut got moved to Thursday, I think:(

I'll know you checked the blog if you find one of the Fingernail Painters right away on Wednesday morning.  They'll each have some paint to take care of your pinkies!  Oh, and please let Gage know what this is all about!

5B Family of 23!!

Gage officially joined us today!  We are happy to have him be a part of 5B, yeh!  I think his humor and respect will be a perfect fit for us!  I even saw Gage do better at some behaviors on his first day compared to some of the rest of us!!  Let's make sure we show each other and Gage what Cadet Pride looks like, sounds like, and acts like all of the time.  Okey Dokey?

One thing I forgot to mention for homeroom today was Book Orders are due on Wednesday.  Remember this.  Many of you had Christmas list ideas, so don't forget to share with your families.  I can keep them secret from you if your families don't want to spoil it for you:)  Or if you'd like the online code again, let me know and your parents can do it themselves if they prefer:) Click HERE for the online link.

As I'm sitting here writing this post, I have a minimized YouTube video of a Monster Truck Showdown in Mexico.  Isaiah thinks it's the most amazing thing ever!!  He likes anything with a motor and that's loud!  I thought of Wyatt S. and his love for cars.  I'll attach the link HERE if you feel like watching it.  I have to say that some of those jumps over the bus are quite impressive.  You'd NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS catch me in one of those things, but it's still pretty crazy to see them perform these stunts!

It's funny!  NO ONE found the ornament today!  I guess I'll hide another one to see if it gets found!  Keep your eyes peeled (oh, that's an idiom - doy!).  Remember not to tell people where they are though if you do see them.

ooVoo session went well.  I'm curious to see how Wednesday works with your partners.  I have the list of your Connecticut partners.  I want to see what you come up with.  Be sure to tell your parents that you'll be helping our Faraway Friends in Connecticut present our ideas to their whole administration of principals and superintendents.

I'll know you checked the blog tonight if you come in right away, find your attendance name on the Smartboard, get out a laptop and visit one of the Christmas Fun and Activities sites on the blog.  You choose, just be sure to do it alone, ok?

Let's Welcome Gage with Our Cadet Pride...

Fun News...
It seems like we've been waiting for our new classmate for a while!  We're all excited and anxious to meet him,  I can tell.  So who is Gage??  I'll know you checked the blog if you can come up with one question you'd like to know from him.  It could be about where he lives now, where he moved from, if he has any sisters or brothers, what his last name is, if he's in band, who might be his favorite teams, what kind of music he likes, why his family moved here, etc.  As you can see, we have a lot to learn about Gage!

We'll be playing a game on Monday morning so that Gage can get to know 5B, too!  Be ready to show him what it means to be a part of 5B, ok?!  Be sure to welcome him if you see him outside.  I'm guessing he will come straight to our room though instead of recess, but I guess we'll just wait and see.

If he is outside, could you help him find our 5B line, his locker and our room, of course?  I'll be watching for a new face!

Possible Bad News...

My son AND my husband have come down with the flu:(  NOT fun at our house.  I'm trying to help them feel better and take care of them  without getting sick myself, but I don't know if I can control that very well.  So, if for some reason I'm not at school tomorrow, that means the flu has found me as a victim, too.  I've heard it is going around a lot of classrooms, so BE SURE to WASH and SANITIZE hands whenever possible.  We don't want everyone sharing this!  I know we're trying to be "sharing" students, but this is one time you can be selfish and keep your germs to yourself:)

Classroom Change News

Whether I'm there on Monday or not, you'll notice that the classroom has some changes to it.  I didn't like that bench over on the corner, so I moved it back.  Herbie and the video chair got a new spot, too.  Hailey, your desk is off by itself (kind of like an island), and the table with Tristan, Syd, Bella, and Kelsey has been turned.   It seems we're running out of room, so I'm trying to give us a better option for space.  I did spend A LONG TIME cleaning up and getting pillows, stuffed animals, rugs, etc. in homes that can stay.  PLEASE show your respect and responsibility to take care of our 5B home.  OK?

*I'm not sure if we'll change desks on Monday or another day, so just stay put at your spots for a teeny bit longer.  We have a busy morning with Gage's activity AND an ooVoo session @10:00 with our Connecticut friends.  We'll be setting up Google Docs as partners with them and writing back and forth with them this week.

Ok.. I'll let you go.  Oh, but remember 2 things... 1)  Have a question for Gage to prove you checked the blog.  2)  Look for the first ornament of December in our classroom!  Don't share where it is though.   You can tell people if you see it, just don't tell them where, ok?

**Other reminders**
Wednesday, Dec. 5 - Early Out and Book Orders Due
Tuesday, Dec. 18 - Big Blast - Need parent volunteers!

Flying into Friday!

Wow!  It seems like I blinked, and the week is already over??! Weird!

The containers for your tickets were quite heavy this week!  Whoa, baby!  There's gonna be a lot of counting tomorrow morning.  Will the Purple Pancakes take it again??? Or will another team put them in their place??  We'll see soon, won't we!?

We had a "chuper" day today!  Remember that was chatty (in social studies) and super for the rest of the day!  Let's try to do less of the chatty and more of the super on Friday, ok?

I'll keep it short tonight, but I'll know you checked the blog if you stand by your chair when you come in.  Continue standing until I say, "Do you have something to sing to me?"  Then raise your hand and be willing to sing the first few lines of any Christmas song you like!!!  Yes, by yourself!  I'll award you well if you can be responsible to check the blog and BRAVE enough to sing for the class!!!

Examples:
1. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, had a very shiny nose!
2. We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
3.  Away in a manger no crib for a bed, the Little Lord Jesus lay down his sweet head.
4.  Up on the housetop reindeer paws, must be dear old Santa Claus
5. Any other you choose:)

Let's see who's brave enough!

Yeh Day!!

Super working today from the start of the day in writing, through literacy rounds and all the way to social studies at the end of the day!  Sweet!  Loving the Cadet Pride that Doesn't Hide!  Bring it on, 5B Rock Stars!!!

Tomorrow is the last day for collecting this week's tickets!!!  I know we've had a lot of team tickets and white tickets go out over the last week....  I'm sooooo curious to see who will be doing a victory dance and choosing the next rewards!!  Like always, put 100% effort into your thinking, listening, acting and caring, and let's see if those tickets make your team the champs!!  Good luck to each and every one of you!

I'll know you checked the blog tonight if you find the hidden message in the blog.  It is a question (hmmm).  It has 5 words in it.  If you can figure it out, come in on Thursday, stand by your desk, refuse to move or talk until Wyatt S and Rachel say they are ready.  Then raise your hand immediately to ask the question you found.  I'll answer (ahhh) it for the whole class after the pledge!!

Oh, and if you are interested in doing a little craft project, I'll have 5 spots for your name to be written on the board in the morning.  I still need more materials, so I can't take more than 5 at this point.  Hopefully, I can get more soon, ok?

**If you are Rachel, Greta, or Wyatt S., check your emails tonight if possible.  I sent you an optional assignment, but I'd like to know if you're interested in it for Thursday. OK?

Tipsy Turvy Tuesday.... :}

Hey, 5B,

You had some super ideas for our locker "nice"cicles and s"no"w"fakes".   I saw behaviors off of each of the lists today!  Yippee for the "nice"cicles...... Booh to the s"no"w"fakes!!  Let's try not to get faked out by poor choices and behaviors, ok?

I'll keep it sorta short tonight since it's a bit later than normal.... went out to eat and stopped at the library for books for Isaiah!  He LOVES to read!  I'm pretty lucky, huh?! He looks sweet, doesn't he???  Don't be fooled....he's like 5th graders... one moment an angel....the next.... AAHHAHAHAHAHAHH!!  (Just kidding...well, kinda!)

I'll know you checked the blog if you come in right away in the morning and start working on your writing piece - whether it is getting ideas down, drafting, revising, editing, having a conference or publishing.  We'll take a attendance and do pledge by 8:45, but this will give people time to get some of their writing time in since we didn't get any on Tuesday.  Lalo, Daniel, and Jaden, can you guys finish your locker tags first please?

We only have 2 days left of this week for competition points!  Many of your teams have been working together well to earn the 50 pointers!  Great work.  I'm thinking some white tickets may be affecting some of your team's chances this week.  I guess we'll see if the Purple Pancakes will remain the champions or if another team would like the honor!!

Extra:   I have a project for students that like a to do crafts.  The only problem is that I don't have enough materials for everyone at this point.  If anyone has styrofoam balls that their families are not using, we could use them for this project.  They look like the picture to the left.  The baseball size ones would work the best, but I'd try any of the sizes with this project.  I'll have a note on the board to see who is interested in trying it out at recess time.  I'll only have a certain number of spots to fill, so if you're interested.... get your name up there quickly:)

Marvelous Monday!

What a great way to start back to school after a needed break, 5B!!  I saw some fabulous Cadet Pride today!  (Unfortunately, I saw some students needing a bit of work, too...)  Remember the paper snowball fight we had this morning?  Keep in mind the behaviors you wrote down that showed Cadet Pride and the ones that didn't.  We'll be working on our "Nice"cicles and s"No"w "fakes" for our lockers when you come in Tuesday morning.  All students can benefit from a little reminder (teachers, too even!)

If you haven't gotten your midterm signed and returned yet, please remember it is a Cadet Pride expectation to be responsible:)  I'd love for you to add tickets to your container that are positive points, not negative:(  So, get them in Tuesday please.

Mrs. Vandervort will be having a short award presentation for the Bridge Contest participants in the morning right away on Tuesday.  So if you were in the contest, you are invited to watch the awards being presented!!  Way to go to all of you who participated!  Effort = Fun!!

 A few reminders:
Looking for 2-3 parent volunteers for the Big Blast on Tuesday, Dec. 18 from 1:45ish - 3:15ish.
Social Studies - if you didn't pass the continents/oceans quiz..... study for another pop quiz!
Social Studies - if you were in class with me today (not in the Discovery Center), you should be looking through the project.
Reading - 2 groups have reading assignments due this Friday already:)  Don't get behind in that.

I'd love to see what kind of snowflakes you were working on today!  I'll share the ones sent to me with the class if we have time in the morning, too!

I'll know who checked the blog if you ask me if you get a "Nice"cicle or a s"NO"w"fake" page for your locker.  We'll work on them right away as we come in:)

Much Needed Vacation:)

My Dear 5B Angels (ding..ahhhhh)...

Oh, I missed you guys!  I was lucky to be in touch with a few of you over the past few days.  I got to see Wyatt C. when picking out our Christmas tree on Saturday.  I got messages from Rachel, Delaney and Isabella over the weekend, too!  I hope EVERYONE had a super break!  I surely did...but I ate WAY TOO MUCH!!  I decided to run in a Turkey Trot race on Thanksgiving Day...good thing I did.  My belly thanked me for doing a little bit of exercise with all of the snacking!  Yikes!

It is CRAZY to believe that in a few short weeks, we'll be heading back to vacation for more holiday celebrations, so we need to make sure to make the best of our class times together, ok?   We'll have all sorts of extra activities to "squeeze" into our already busy schedules like the BIG BLAST (yes, we earned it again!), some limo rides, a special 5th grade holiday celebration, social studies projects, a new inquiry project and a new challenge offered by the Discovery Center (AWESOME bridge building by the way to all of the participants!!!).  So, as you can see, it will fly by quickly.  

One big favor I'm asking you to ask your families...  With all of the fun and excitement that happens at the Big Blast, we want to make sure we have enough supervision for safe playing, and I want to make sure I have free hands for perfect photo opportunities, soooooooo.... could you see if your parents would be interested and willing in help us celebrate this funtastic event??  We would only need about 3 volunteers.  The date is set for Tuesday, Decemeber 18 around 1:45 - 3:15 p.m.   I know it seems early to ask, but if your parents want to arrange their schedules to help us out, they'll want to know now:)  Thanks.  If you know for sure, just have your parents call, write a note, email, etc.  

Since the Bridge Contest took so long on Wednesday, we'll be sharing our Inquiry Projects in literacy Monday morning.  Be ready to wow us with your amazing expertise in these topics!  

We'll have new jobs on Monday morning. So check those out.  Also, remind yourself about "back at school" Cadet Pride.  Hopefully you show it all of the time (not just at school), but I'm just sending you a helpful hint to find your "focus".  The class competition for tickets is still on from last week, so every decision and action you choose counts.  

I heard our new classmate is supposed to be joining us next Monday, December 5!  We'll have to work on making Gage a "Welcome to 5B" booklet.  We'll also need to show him what an amazing bunch of 5B students he's joining!  Yeh, time to show off our Cadet Pride!

OK.. I know this got long... So, I'll cut it out (hey, that's an idiom - doy!).  I'll know you checked the blog if you look at the pictures below and tell me what they are as you come in on Monday a.m. I'll explain more about them to the whole class later on!

OHHH... I almost forgot to remind some of you... I am still waiting for several (11 out of 22 students) MIDTERM reports signed and returned from families.  I'll be expecting those on Monday...or you may be spending some indoor time with me at recess.  They were handed out LAST Monday...and due by LAST Wednesday.  Please be sure to bring them with you.  

Remember:  Caring, Respectful, Responsible, Trustworthy = Cadet Pride...Don't Hide It!

One Last Day!

Hey, sorry I'm late again, 5B!  I've had some Thanksgiving Day activities and goodies I've been busy making.  Isaiah was making turkeys from his hand outline.  I made caramel puff corn to bring to relatives.  It's taking a lot of willpower NOT to eat it as I make it!!!!

Then I started these turkey pops to put at each plate for the Thanksgiving Day meal!  I'm a little turkey crazy!!  Here's the one I'm working on right now!  We'll see how far I get with making them tonight!

Ok.. I'll keep it short!

Amazing, busy weeks we've had... Here's a recap!
1. Super work on Inquiry projects!  Can't wait to see the presentations on Wednesday!
2.  Excellent researching and problem solving with our Mystery Skype today!  So much fun!  Tell your parents about it.
3.  Hard work and determination on the Bridge Contest!  Wednesday the day for judging and weighing!  The whole 5th grade gets to watch it go down!!  (or hopefully stay up, I mean:)
4. Amazing teamwork I'm seeing with the class competition!  I'm seeing many purple slips be signed lately!  Great job looking out for each other.  I'm gonna get a little nasty with white slips when we have students forgetting Cadet Pride though.  So, help each other make good choices at all times:)

I'll know you checked the blog if you tell me what you think of the "turkey pop" in the picture above!  See you for a 1/2 day tomorrow and then relaxing, eating and resting for a 4 day weekend!

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble (that was, "Have a good night in turkey language)

Tuesday....Mystery Skype!!!

Sorry it's late.
At least it's before eight.
You see I had a date,
with my family, and so I ate.

I emptied my plate.
But I'm sorry you had to wait.
I hope you're not irate.

Tomorrow we'll cooperate
To research the mystery state
and hopefully celebrate
with all of our 5B classmates!

A short little rhyme
to prove you took the time
to check out the post.
Who checks it the most?

Proof of checking will be to ask, "So, what's my Skype job today?!" when you come in this morning.  I'll tell you as you come in:)

Rachel and Bryer, I'm counting on you to prioritize our lists, ok?  Share it back with me tonight if possible:-)  See you all Tuesday!

Thankful... for a Short Week:)

Hey, congrats to the Purple Pancakes Team for the first round of 5B Team Competitions!!  Way to go! I know other teams were close, so I'm thinking this next round will be another close competition!  I know some of the members realized how easily those white slips add up, and they are planning to work on NOT getting any of them this time!  I've enjoyed the creative hallway walks we've had with the Purple Pancake suggestions.  Let's keep the excitement WITH the self-control I saw on Friday!  Yippee!

Remind your families of the 3 hour early out and Wednesday and of course, of NO SCHOOL on Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving break!  Isn't that crazy?!  I can't believe in a few short weeks that it will be Christmas, which means our year will be 1/2 over!!!!!  Whoa!  Time surely flies when...  you've got a bunch of goofballs together (heheheheahahhahaeheahh...just kidding... that's including me, ya know?!)

Tuesday is our Mystery Skype!  It's planned for 11:00 - 11:30.  We have great clues.  I was wondering if anyone was willing to prioritize the clues for us before then?  Just email me, and I'll send you a Google Docs to put them from 1st clue to 10th clue.  You can do the same for the city clues, too!  The first one to respond to my in an email,  (Mrs. Sorenson's Email) will get the honor!  OK? Click on the red linked words to get my email quickly!

I hope everyone had a super weekend!   I saw MANY of you at Friday night's showing of Breaking Dawn Part 2! I LOVED IT SOOOO MUCH!  I'll know you checked the blog if you calculate these numbers to find out how many times I watched it!  Be careful with your math skills!

21 / 3  +  4 - 6 x 4 /10 = ___  (the number of times I watched Breaking Dawn Part 2!) Write it down and show it to me on Monday as you come in!  (or just a whisper is fine:)

Reminder... you should be studying for continents and oceans quiz... when might it be???  We'll have to wait and see:)

Happy to see you on Monday!

Oh, Wyatt S., Bryer, Donavyn, Rachel and Greta, don't forget that tomorrow is your last group discussion over Double Identity!  I'm curious to hear all of your thoughts how the story came together and then ended!  Donavyn...don't forget a coffee cup and your thought page:) Right:?!

Who Will Be This Week's Winning Team????

Well.... just one night away from seeing which team is claiming the victory this week!  One lucky group of students will get to choose from the reward list!  I'm always curious to see which prizes get chosen first!!!  I'm proud of everyone's effort this week.  I can tell you are taking time to think about your team when you make great choices and realize your "oops" when maybe a poor choice sneaks by.  You should be proud of your team no matter who wins Friday.  Strong Cadet Pride will be seen by a team's response if they win or lose, right?!

Be SURE to share with your families the fact that you got to watch the astronauts aboard the International Space Station today from the Discovery Center!  How cool is that?!!!!  What an amazing world we now live in that allows us to have such experiences like that!  I'm sure we'll have more opportunities as the year progresses!

The Bridge Challenge is coming to its end this week!  Next Wednesday, all of the 5th graders will get to participate in the weighing contest!  We'll make time to share our inquiry projects that day, too!  Since next Wednesday is an early out, I'm sure it will fly by quickly!  Then off to our homes for a relaxing Thanksgiving break!

Oh, and remember our Mystery Skype is planned for next Tuesday!  We need to prioritize our list of clues, decide who has what jobs, and get our game faces on for this challenge!  I can wait to see if we can figure out the state and city of our Mystery Skype friends!  They could be a neighboring state, far away like our Connecticut friends or even a nearby country like Canada or Mexico!  Wow, we have a lot going on, don't we, 5B?!

There's one more MAJOR thing I am excited about... and Memphis!!!  gets to do it before me!!!! I'm soooooo crazy, excited, pumped, nervous, giddy, and thrilled to see the final part of the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn Part 2!!!!!!!  I'll know you checked the blog if you ask me, "So, Mrs. Sorenson, HOW excited are you about the movie?"  I'll be sure to tell you my answer!!!!!!!

"Muaah" Day!

I can definitely say that the effort you're putting into your teams has been wonderful!  I think it's helping  out the whole class, too! (most of the time:)  Remember, Thursday is the last day to earn points for this week's competition!!!!  I'm thinking we've got some close team points!!  Check out the list below as a reminder of what your team could earn from their win this week!!!

Early Lunch/Recess 

Choose how class walks in hall

Bring a snack to class

Bring a drink to class

Have own special table for lunch

Choose the line order for hall

Can stop class for exercise breaks

Can choose who they sit by

Can hand out tickets to class

Decides who gets the blobs

Magic Pencils - As You Wish Helpers

(1 activity only)

Mrs. Sorenson does your work 

Discovery Center instead of class

Take on Mrs. S for an activity of choice

I'd love to share the turkey-hunter game with the whole class in the morning.  So, let's see if we can get everybody in, attendance and lunch, pledge and meet on the floor by 8:40!  That will be your way of proving you checked the blog!  Get everyone in the class to quickly, quietly, and carefully be ready by 8:40.  If the whole class can do this by that time, I'll give EVERYONE a blue ticket!  That will definitely add some points to your score, huh?!! Let's see if Team 5B can also work together to meet a goal!

Have a super night!  Practice your "gobble, gobble, gobble" for the turkey-hunter game!

~Adios,

Mrs. Sorenson

A Pleasant Day in 5B...

Yep... that was the word we chose for our day... we know that "good" is a dead word, so I couldn't use that one, right?  Please be sure to share our Animoto video with your families and your thoughts about our guest speakers today.  I think we definitely succeeded in thanking the veterans for their service by our respectful behaviors and making the video.  As a few of you saw, some of the vets even had to wipe their eyes as they watched it.  Thanks for being so thoughtful, 5B (and other 5th grade classes!).

Hopefully, those of you who had Chip Shoppe deliveries got all of your orders to your houses.  I got some yummy treats delivered to my house after school today:)

I'll keep it short since Isaiah is in need of a bath.  I am impressed with your attention to how your classmates are doing when working on your teams for Cadet Pride.  I've noticed an improvement in transitions a bit better today (and even Friday a bit).  Keep it up.  I will tell you, one team earned a 50 pointer today for doing an activity together and helping each other out!  Way to go!  I won't tell you which team though, hahahaha!  Just be thinking about how each action you do, affects not only yourself but your team as well.  Here's a quick reminder of our class pledge you made last week:

This is 5B's Class Pledge.

I pledge to be RESPONSIBLE for everything I do and say!

I pledge to put EFFORT into my work! 

I pledge to SUPPORT each and every member of our class. 

I pledge to have PATIENCE in line!

I pledge to ENCOURAGE everybody to be caring! 

I pledge to always CONCENTRATE in class! 

I pledge to be a TRUSTWORTHY 5B classmate!

Practice your pledge.  On Wednesday of this week I'll start the testing of your memorized pledge!  I'll give everyone a pledge paper to take home or keep with them so it's right at your hands to practice.  I'm thinking the competition will be a close one!  Keep up the great work. 

I'll know you checked the blog if you check your Google Docs and see a message from me!  I'll know you checked it if you can tell me what the message is!  Good luck!  Let's make our Terrible Tuesday from last week eat the dust and turn it into a TERRIFIC Tuesday again!  Ready.....Go!

Happy Veteran's Day, 5B!

I hope you've taken at least 1 minute out of your busy day to think about our veterans.  You've been sharing serious photos, videos and symbols with me the past few days in social studies to make a touching video for our guest speakers on Monday.  I just finished putting it together.  Here's the link to the Animoto video, "5th Grade Veteran's Day Tribute.  I also pasted it below if it's easier to just view it from here.

I'll know you checked the blog if you watch the video, and tell me that you saw your photo, or your patriotic symbol or your video.  Your hearts are so caring, 5B (and the rest of 5th grade).  I can't wait to see what you'll do with yourselves as you get older and continue to make a difference in this world!

I hope you had a great weekend, with crazy amazing weather!  I don't think we'll be see anymore of that this week though.  Sad:(

Be sure to pump yourselves up for more team competitions between these fabulous groups of students:
Team:  Pink Fluff!
Team:  Lego Brains!
Team:  The Fighting Chickens!
Team:  The Old Four Nerds!
Team:  The Three Stooges!
Team:  The Go-Getters!
Team:  Purple Pancakes!

I see each team collection box has a good start to its tickets!  I can't wait to see each team "bring it on"! Remember, don't HIDE that Cadet PRIDE!

One HUGE reminder is that if you sold items for our Chip Shoppe fundraiser, share with your families that the pick-up for your items is tomorrow, MONDAY, November 12 from 3 - 6 p.m. here at the school in the cafeteria.  There will be a note coming home on Monday, but I thought your parents would appreciate knowing tonight:)  It's also on the November calendar, but I thought I'd just give you a heads-up!  So, be sure to tell your families or have them read this part of the blog, ok?:)  Thanks!

Baby Steps to Improvement... But Still Better...

Hey, there 5B Rock Stars...
You definitely had some "rock star" moments today, and then there were some "not so rock star" moments.  For those students who continually show up everyday with 100% effort, positive attitude, respect and responsibility, THANKS A MILLION!!!  I appreciate your role model behaviors.  Your classmates do see it, and so do I.  It's just a matter others following your lead:)  Keep it up.

Our 5B Class Pledge is quite well-written.  I'm impressed with the sentences you came up with.  I am including it in this post, so you can read through it yourself before class on Thursday.  Your proof of checking the blog will be to memorize ONE of the lines for Thursday:) Yep... already!

This is 5B's Class Pledge

I pledge to be RESPONSIBLE for everything I do and say!

I pledge to put EFFORT into my work!

I pledge to SUPPORT each and every member of our class!

I pledge to have PATIENCE in line!

I pledge to ENCOURAGE everybody to be caring!

I pledge to always CONCENTRATE in class!

I pledge to be a TRUSTWORTHY 5B classmate!

I found the MOST AWESOME app to use in literacy to help you "Seek the Unknown".  I tried it out and am SOOOOO stuck.  It will really work on your problem solving skills and your determination to be challenged or give up!  I can't wait to see who sticks with the challenge!!!!

I hope you had a good time with your 3 extra hours of freedom.  While you were off enjoying life, I  found some new ideas for our class to try out.  I also found out more about our Mystery Skype activity. You'll have to start brushing up on your facts about Iowa and Cresco in order to be a part of the activity.  I'll explain more on Thursday before we start with our schedule!

I already mentioned how to prove you checked the blog.  So, I guess I'll bid you good night...and wish you sweet dreams while snoozing.  See ya'll in the a.m.!

Chattiness is Contagious... We Have an Outbreak in 5B:(

After yesterday's "darn-tootin' good day", today was quite a change for us.  We have some fabulous models of behavior, but not everyone is watching them.  Today was WAY TOO CHATTY, WAY TOO SLOW with SELF-CONTROL and WAY TOO UNACCEPTABLE for 5B.  I know 5B can show soooo much more respect, trustworthiness, caring and responsibility than I saw today.  So, let's turn it around for Wednesday's half day, okey dokey, artichokeys?

Well, I'm a bit late with the blog tonight since I made a stop at the fire station for the pancake supper.  DE-licious!!  Then, of course, I had to exercise my right to vote in the 2012 Election, just as you did today!  Did you share with your parents the 3rd-5th grade results in our mock election??  If you forgot the numbers, here they are:
Romeny/Ryan:  43 votes
Obama/Biden:  135 votes

I guess we'll see if the rest of the voting population agrees with the results of Crestwood's 3rd- 5th graders in the morning:)  Remember, watch TV, check the news, etc.  before coming to school tomorrow!  You should know the name of the new president before coming into our classroom on Wednesday!!  That will be your proof for checking the blog!

Remember, Wednesday is 3-hour early out. We also have library in case you need to remember your books, too!

Let's get our day started out well on Wednesday - in a proper (proper) way, not like cavemen (ooga, booga), ok? You can click on it to watch the video again! But I do not want caveman behaviors in the classroom again... I saw too much of that with the lack of self-control today....got it???

Later Gators...

It Was a Darn-Tootin' Good Day Today!

Those are in the words of my grandma!  She also used phrases like "oh, just give me a nickel's worth" and "I'll trade you off for a little yellow dog".  It's funny the kinds of things you remember about people, huh?!

Well, it was a pretty mellow day in 5th grade land.  The extra day on the weekend and the extra hour of sleep/freedom must have been just what we all needed to start the week off on the right foot!  Now, should be have that every weekend???  I'm game!  Oh, no, that wouldn't give us enough time to pump your brains full of amazing new knowledge, right?!

We had a great discussion in social studies today about WHY voting in elections is so important.  So if you get a chance, share the video with your families that I shared in class with you about how voting rights have changed over the years (click here).  Also, be sure to tell your parents about your chance to vote in school tomorrow.  The voting booths are set up, the ballot boxes are ready and the ballots are waiting for your opinion!!!  But wait, we'll have a bit more discussion in social studies class before you are too quick to make that decision.  Chat with your families, watch some last minute commercials, but always remember to go with your own opinion about what YOU believe in.  Let's see what the upper elementary students believe in tomorrow:)

This is WAY short notice, but I forgot to mention to the class today that there is a "Purple Out" Day going in the district for tomorrow (yes, TUESDAY, Nov. 6).  It is in support of a high school student's mom who is battling pancreatic cancer.  If you check the blog tonight, be sure to try and wear purple on Tuesday.  Maybe even bring an extra shirt for someone who forgets or doesn't check the blog until the morning at school:)  I'd love to see what kind of support you can offer one of our Crestwood students and her family!  I'll wear my purple tomorrow, too!

I'll know you checked the blog if you ask me for a "purple ribbon" to help support families who are battling pancreatic cancer or who have lost someone in their lives to this serious illness.

Thanks for a great day!