Happy Halloween!

It was a fun-filled day in 5th grade land today and a busy night tonight for most of us, huh?! Isaiah had a blast grabbing candy from people's candy dishes tonight.  He's definitely going to have to learn how to be a little less greedy in the future years!  But I have to say that the students I saw tonight (trick or treating) could teach him a wonderful lesson!  Great respect and manners to the 5th graders that stopped by my place!  Thanks for making a visit over:)

Remember, you can bring a snack tomorrow from your trick or treating adventures if you choose to.  We'll be having another WAY goofy schedule on Thursday with the early out again!  So, be ready for more out of the ordinary plans:)

Remind your families about YOU being at your conferences on Thursday, ok?  The 5B students who came to theirs on Tuesday, all survived and walked out without too many tears (just kidding!),  so I promise it won't be bad at all.  I LOVE having you at your own conference!

Ok, I'd better get going... Isaiah is screaming for "MORE CANDY!" and I'm NOT giving in!  So, I'd better get him to his bath.

Also, don't forget your Book-It Calendars for October!  I'll be happy to send you home for a 3-day weekend with a personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut!  What a tasty little treat to enjoy over the weekend...just for YOU!

I'll know you checked the blog if you come in the classroom tomorrow morning and start working off the candy you might have eaten by doing some exercises.  It could be stretches, jumping jacks, toe-touches, high kicks, etc.  But don't chat with anyone.  Just come in start right up.  If someone asks what you're doing, just act like you don't know they are talking to you:)  Can't wait to see other people's reactions to your moves:-)

Don't stay up too late eating candy!  We still have SOME learning to take place before the 3-day weekend!!!

Awesome Read and Feed Turn Out for 5B!

Wow, 5B, be sure to thank your families for making the special trip into the classroom on Friday to help celebrate the Book-It program.  It was so great to see so many moms, dads, grandmas aunts, family friends, etc.  The excitement in both the eyes of the students and the adults was fantastic!  I loved seeing the students "teach" the adults about their life in 5th grade.  So thanks again for making the special trip. I'm happy to see families again this week at conferences:)

I hope your weekends were enjoyable, 5B.  I remember people talking about the haunted house, the movie in town, "dates" to go on, visits to Pinters, hunting plans, the bowling event, state cross country meets, etc.  It sounds like a  lot of fun was planned.

Your upcoming week will be another goofy one with early out days for conferences, a Halloween dance and NO SCHOOL on FRIDAY!!!  So, Monday will be the only "normal" day this week...if we call our class "normal" at all???  HEHHEEEHEHEEE...

Heres' a quick look at the week.  Please have your parents check this out so they have an idea for the week, ok?
Monday:  Normal (as far as I know, anyway)  May get our Halloween story back from Canada
Tuesday:  1-hour early out and conferences
Wednesday:  Fall Fest dance and Halloween costume in afternoon, bring costumes, no make-up, reread note to be sure you are following the guidelines (and of course, trick or treating for many of you that night:)
Thursday:  1-hour early out and conferences
Friday:  WHATEVER YOU WANT:)  No School:)

Remember how the weather has changed, so dress warmly for the mornings you're outside and regular recess times, too:)

I'll know you checked the blog if you draw a picture of your FAVORITE piece of candy to get at Halloween time.  We'll see what the class favorites are!  We know Jerry Seinfeld loved the "name brand" kind...not the orange marshmallow shaped like a peanut:)

BRRRRRRRR.... IT TURNED COLD!!!

I knew it was cold by the looks of your faces when you came in at recess today, but OMG, when I came out to my car after school....YIKES!!!!  So, that means you really need to think about wearing warm coats, hats, gloves, etc. from this point on.  Many of you come to school with light jackets or no hats.  Times are changing, so make smart choices about recess:)

Be sure to tell your parents about the many notes that came home today:
Reminders for Conference Sign-Up, Read and Feed (remember - healthy snack/drink)
Cresco Lanes Halloween Bowling Party
Cadet Pride 1000 ticket reward - Halloween DANCE!!!  Yippee!

We've had a great caring week with our projects!  We'll keep working on them Friday.  If anyone has any extra gift bags (like the size we have in the room), we'd love 5 more for our birthday bags.  Also, if anyone is willing to donate some ribbon for the last few bags, that would be AWESOME!  It's easy to see your Cadet Pride when you work on these projects.  I also took a peek at the acorns you filled out today.  I'm so glad you are able to catch either other doing such super tasks all day.  I know I don't see everything, so it's wonderful to have you notice the little acts of Cadet Pride that make 5B so special!  We'll be sure to share them Friday morning.

One thing to work on...... Hmm... Take a guess... Yep... the Chatter... Let's show our Cadet Pride with some extra self-control when standing, sitting, working with, waiting with, walking with, etc. our friends:)

I'll know checked the blog if you watch this silly Halloween cartoon.  Your proof will be to tell me what it is that made the witch so frustrated!  Write it down and give it to me as you come in!  You'll enjoy the reward for checking the blog!  Be sure to keep the answer to yourself, so others don't find out without doing their job of checking the blog!  :)

Worldly Wednesday in 5B!

My goodness, 5B.  I thought about all of the activities that we did today, and I am feeling exhausted!  I loved the small group ooVoo chats with our Connecticut friends.  We'll share what we learned about their school and daily activities tomorrow!  I was very proud of how you took turns, listened closely to their answers, and shared about life for Crestwood students.  I wish we would have asked how they liked the middle to our Halloween story!  I'll have to ask their teacher if they saw it.

Then, onto the Inquiry Projects!!!!!!  Please, please, please share with your families how well you worked, how serious you were about helping others, and the amount of time you spent today helping others!  I'll show some videos and pictures of what you missed from each other's experiences.  I wish I could have been at 2 places at once, but at least I'll get to see more blanket-tieing tomorrow, right?!

If you were with the shopping group, remember to see if your family has any birthday gift bags they'd like to reuse/donate for the extra items we were able to buy.  I believe we thought we needed 5 more of the same size we have in the classroom.  So, if you have those on hand, bring them on in.  Even if you were in the blanket group, you are welcome to bring them in as well.  OK?

Mrs. Sovereign was impressed with what she saw happening in the 5th grade rooms, too.  She showed me the videos she took of Isabella, Hailey, Memphis and Austin.  You guys did a great job explaining what our project was all about!  Awesome!

Reminders for this Week:
1)  HAVE PARENTS sign up or call to set up your conferences for next week!!!!  I'm still missing a few of you.  Also, remember, YOU should be a part of this meeting.  I'll send a note home reminding your families of the importance of this.
2) Read and Feed with parents on Friday, Oct. 26 from 9:30 - 10:10.  Bring a snack and drink and enjoy reading something funny, serious, scary, factual, suspenseful, strange, etc.  If you don't have a family member coming that day, we'll see if you can be "adopted" for the activity or you could choose a classmate to be your "family".  Even if your families can't make it, you are welcome to bring a healthy snack and/or drink while you read.  OK?

Alright, I'd better get to making some supper for little Isaiah!  But I'll know you checked the blog if you take one of the acorn papers from the front bulletin board that says "5B can be a little nutty!"  Bring it to the floor with you and to start our day.  I'm not sure if the projector is working yet, so we'll see how that part goes.

Also, remember to dress for the job you want to be when you grow up - one that contributes to the community and shows you have an interest in making a difference in the world.  No, a couch potato is NOT a JOB!!!  :)

A lot Accomplished Today! More for Tomorrow!

Well, 5B,
Our Halloween story was a hit!  The other teachers thought it was hilarious!  (Poor Big Bird:()  )  Be sure to tell your parents about our story writing.  It sounds like it will go to 2 different classes in Canada, and then be back to the U.S. by Monday:)  So excited to see how the ending turns out!

Here's the story if you wanted to share it with your families:

Nightmare on Elmo Street

“Ahhhhh!” Ernie screams as Elmo jumps out of the bushes.  Ernie sprinted down Elmo Street trying to get away from a ferocious Elmo. As Elmo chased Ernie down the street they passed an old abandoned church.  Elmo’s red, fiery eyes were shooting lasers at Ernies’ back.  Ernie was so scared he quickly entered the old abandoned church.

As Ernie entered he noticed red, oozing slime coming out of the walls.  The old, slimy, cobblestone walls were nearly demolished from aging.  The windows were poorly boarded up and moonlight was shining through the cracks in the boards.  There was a green shredded couch in the middle of the church.  An old chandelier hung by a thread over the green couch. Four dim candles flickered on the chandelier.

Suddenly as Ernie was approaching the old couch he felt a hand on his shoulder. Ernie turns around and nobody was there.  He thought he was going crazy.  Then he looks at the couch and sees a hippie.  

“You like me hippie costume?” snarled Cookie Monster.  “Have you met me friend, Elmo?” Cookie Monster laughed hysterically.  Ernie watched as spiders and black, gooey, slimy blood came gushing out of Cookie Monster’s giant mouth.  Elmo crept out from behind the green, shredded couch with a handful of bloody yellow Big Bird feathers.  Right when the ferocious Elmo crawled out, he whispered, “We’ve been waiting for you....” teeeheheheheee. 

We have a BIG DAY tomorrow with all of the blanket making and shopping to do for our Inquiry Project. For those of you who are staying back and working on blankets, I may ask Mrs. Sovereign and Mr. Carver to stop in and see what amazing work 5B is capable of. Be sure to explain to them how the whole project got started, the phone scripts, the calls, the plans for cutting blankets, etc. I think they'll be SO interested and proud of your caring hearts and deep-thinking minds!

Also, remember, we get to ooVoo with some students from CT in small groups tomorrow. Be thinking of questions you'd like to know from them. I'll make a list of ideas to have on hand if you're not sure what to ask. Knowing our class, I doubt you'll be too shy:)

Reminders:
Wednesday - Rock Star Day! Early-Out, and all sorts of LEARNING!
**Note, if you are walking to Fareway, think about what you're wearing and how far we'll be walking. You'll definitely want to wear tennis shoes or comfy walking shoes, ok? Also, think about the weather. It's supposed to be like today, so dress accordingly.

See you soon!
Mrs. Sorenson

Oh! I'll know you checked the blog if you ask SOMEONE (whether you're at home or at school) to read the Halloween story and tell you what they think of it! I'm curious how our readers will respond:)

A Lot to Look Forward to This Week!

Hey, 5B Rock Stars! (neneneenenenee)

Hope you enjoyed your weekend.  Man, it was nice out, wasn't it?!  Some of you mentioned you were heading to Pinters this weekend, so I bet that was a blast, too!

Busy Week Ahead of Us with Exciting Events:  Read below to get a quick reminder!

#1: Character Counts Week!  

Monday is Hat Day (Yes, I'm sure this time:)  Also, you can bring in food or personal care items to donate for soldiers to a drop off box near the office.  I'm excited to see what hats you have to show how proud you are to be making healthy choices!  Also, check out the back of our 5B door.  Each class was encouraged to decorate it to celebrate Character Counts.  Read our door before coming in and guess why I chose this theme??:)  We'll be doing an activity with this Monday.  

#2:  Inquiry Project is Making Awesome Progress!

With the money you've collected from your professional phone calls, I was able to get TONS of fleece fabric for the blanket project!  You'll be amazed when you see it!  And Mrs. Halverson was sooooo generous to donate some of her OWN fabric to our cause as well.  Be sure to thank her the next time you see her.  Then, I asked Community Action what kinds of food that may want.  I mentioned the birthday bag idea, and they LOVED it!  So, that's what the 2nd group will focus on buying!  You guys are really thinking with serious minds and caring hearts!  Norman Borlaug would surely be proud to say his hometown of Cresco is continuing his cause!  Wednesday will hopefully be our MAJOR INQUIRY WORK DAY.  Yippee!

#3:  Reminders:  

Tuesday, Oct. 23th - Picture Retake Day

Wednesday, Oct. 24th - Early Out Day

Friday, October 26th - Parents Read and Feed from 9:30 - 10:10 a.m.

#4:  Across the Nation Halloween Story:)

I thought you guys did a super job while using ooVoo on Friday.  I checked my emails from the other schools, but I still haven't seen what our title is. Remember, the votes were for:

*Your Mama's Coming

*Nightmare on Elmo Street

*My Homework Ate My Dog

Our next step will be to work on the story as a class.  I'm curious what Connecticut will have as the beginning of our story.  Get thinking about how you want a story to go.  

#5:  End of of Common Ground Theme in Literacy

As you know, we've finished our final story relating to this theme in our groups.   We've chosen an Inquiry Project that will be done this week.  We're kinda wrapping things up.  So, that means we'll be taking some assessment this week to see how much you've learned and what we can still work on!  OK?  Remember, READING is THINKING with Strategy...so I'd love to see what you're thinking! 

#6:  Conference Sign Up and Next Week Conferences

Just a reminder to you and your families to sign up online.  I see there are 14 of you who have signed up.  That means 7 of you still need to.  Most times on Tuesday are taken, so Thursday will be your best chance to have some options.  Also, remind your families that YOU are the most important person to be at the conference.  I'm excited to see both your parents and YOU!  

Ok.. I know this was a loooonnnngggg post.  So, I'll stop for now.  I'll know checked this blog post if you take all of the items OFF of YOUR LOCKER before you come in on Monday morning.  Replace them on the INSIDE of your locker to remind yourself to stomp out bullying and keep your Character Rainbow to say true to yourself.  Simply tell me, "My locker is clear!  I'm ready for the activity!"

The Chatty Bug is Starting to Spread... Let's Squash It!

We have some pretty cool things happening in 5B lately!  (Halloween story across the US and Canada, making phone calls to local businesses, bridge contests, backdrops for Character Counts Week video, and more!)  I can see why we're excited and have reasons to chat with each other.  My only concern is that we are letting our chatting get in the way of some of our learning.  It seems to be getting chattier as the week goes on, so as you may guess, I'm a bit worried about our Friday.  So, do what you can to help 5B show off what "they got".  OK?  Really hoping to see a change on Friday... otherwise we may have to take a break from some of the extra activities we're doing.  And let me tell you, I have another Skype activity planned that I think will be AWESOME!!

Speaking of the phone calls, I stopped by a few of the businesses today after school.  I have some money for the class project!  Yeh!  You guys really do ROCK!  We'll chat a bit more about the blanket-making project and the shopping for food trip on Friday.

A couple reminders:
Chip Shoppe Packet if it isn't in yet!
Next week (Oct. 22 - 26)  is Character Counts Week - Dress Up Days!
Next Wednesday (Oct. 24) is an early out.
Next Friday (Oct. 26) is our Read and Feed with Parents for Book-It from 9:30 - 10:10.

I'll know you checked the blog if you watch this REE-DONK-ULOUS video!  Isaiah thinks it's HILARIOUS!  He'll watch it, and when it's over, he instantly says, "Try Again!"  (which means he wants to do it again!) I'll know you watched it if you tell me what 2 fruits are in this video!

Let's see how you end the week, 5B.  Make yourselves and me proud:)

Busy Busy with Inquiry and Group Halloween Story!

5B,
I thought today had many new opportunities for us to learn about our real world:  writing scripts to make professional phone calls to local businesses AND coming up with Halloween titles for a NATIONALLY shared story!  I just think that is TOOOO COOOOL!  Don't you?  Be sure to tell your families about these fun activities!  (Don't forget to share with them about our ooVoo plan on Friday to meet with Canada, Connecticut, and California!)  We are definitely the Class of 2020 Learners, aren't we?

Don't forget to add a comment to the group Halloween story.  I saw some comments from other students/places after school today.  I saw you can also make a comment on someone else's idea.  I got a comment on mine!  That was fun to see:)  So, just add an idea to the Group Halloween story blog I showed you today.  Remember:
Name:  Cresco
Email:  ksorenson@howard-winn.k12.ia.us
Website:  leave it blank
Comment:  First Name - Title Idea
Submit!

Today was a better day!  Love it when I see 5B show their true Cadet Pride behaviors!  I thought the gum chewing expectations and consequences sounded fair.  So, if your family is ok with you chewing gum, you may try it for another day in our homeroom.  Remember, no gum outside of our room.  So that means you shouldn't be chewing gum AS YOU COME IN.  It should be after....right?!

I believe we have guidance tomorrow, so Mrs. McCabe can chat more about Character Counts Week (which is NEXT WEEK!!!! oops again by Mrs. Sorenson).

I'll know you checked the blog if finish working on your social studies assignment comparing the Pueblo and Navajo people.  If you're done with that, you can either Read to Self or write down more Halloween titles to add to our group story!

Oh, don't forget:
Chip Shoppe Fundraiser Packet
Parent Sign Up for Conferences
Make sure parents know about about next Friday's Read and Feed!

Well... Kind of a Roller Coaster of a Day...

We've had an amazing stretch of fantastic, on-task behaviors swarming around 5B.  Today was just a teeny tiny bit off track.  That's alright though.  We all make mistakes, hopefully learn from them and move on to make progress, right?!

Make sure to talk to your families about these topics:
#1:  Book-It Read and Feed - Oct. 26, 9:30 - 10:10 a.m.
#2:  Online Conference Sign Up - call Linda at the school if you are confused  at all.
#3:  Share the video of Nick, the amazing, brave, nice, determined, proud, funny, unstoppable, invincible man we saw today.  Talk to your families about him, and see how that changes their perspectives of the world, too:)

It's a short one today.  But here will be the MAJOR proof for those who check the blog.  Since the gum-chewing went so well with the MISIC tests over the past few days, I'm thinking we can give it a TRY in regular classes.  We will need to chat about the expectations, rules and consequences of any misuse of gum before we start though.  So, I'll know you checked the blog if you come in as usual in the morning, start making a list of expectations and consequences about gum use in 5B.

Here's a start for you...
Expectations:  
1. Only chew gum in classroom- no hallway, bathroom, recess, lunch              
2.
3.


Consequences:
1.  Any gum wrappers or gum found in classroom results in loss of privilege
2.
3.

Ready to Meet Some New Friends??

Hey, 5B, remember I told you about starting a Halloween story with classes from around the US and Canada?  Well, tomorrow we get to do a "testing" session some of them.  I'm not sure who will all be in on the ooVoo call (like Skype, I guess, it's new to me).  However, I'm so excited to see what this may be all about, meet people from California, Connecticut, and Canada!  Hey, that's 4 C names if we include "Cresco" (Iowa that is).  Start thinking up some ideas that would be fun to add to a Halloween story.  This activity will be done as a class, so we won't use every detail of everyone's story ideas, but we'll do our best to keep a fun, creative, and hopefully spooky story going with our new buddies!

Sorry again about the mix-up about Character Counts week:(  I need to double check my information, too!  Don't I?  Keep it in mind for next week though...and yes, I'm sure it IS next week.

I'd like to stop in and see all of the bridges tomorrow at some point:  either before school, at regular recess or during band time.  I'm hearing some awesome things about how these bridges are coming along!  Will one of our 5B family members be the winning bridge??  I can't wait to see!  I'll be here cheering you on, my little baby cakes!

The oranges made the room smell citrusy-sweet!  I love that smell!  It's so fresh and light!  The gum flavors have also given the room a nice aroma, so don't forget that Tuesday is our last MISIC test (Language).  You are allowed to have gum again for this final test.  Let's keep up the test-taking stamina of doing your best even after a 3rd day of deep thinking!

There's a PTO meeting at 5:30 tonight at the Discovery Center.  I'll be a little late, but I'm hoping you reminded your families about the meeting!  We'd love parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to join us!


I'll know you checked the blog if you ask me, "So, when do our families get to join us for some reading and eating??"  Of course, I'll tell the class the answer in the morning:)  Have a great night!

OOPS!!!!!!!

This is the 2nd Post of the Night... Delaney just pointed out that NEXT week is Character Counts Week from what the blue note home says!!!!  Thank goodness Delaney and her mom double checked it with me!!!  Soooooo sorry!  If you see or chat with anyone else tonight or tomorrow morning, CLEAR IT UP with THEM!  NO HATS on MONDAY!  NO dress up days this week!  OOPS!!  OOPS!!  and OOPS!

There's another post before this one with more information, but this one is to correct the mistake:  NO HAT DAY on MONDAY!

Can We Keep the AWESOMENESS GOING?!!

I think so, 5B!!!

I thought I'd break down the blog into a few different areas!  Read each topic to get ready for the week.

COMPLIMENTS to YOU!
Last week, was A-MAZ-ING!!!  After school on Friday I talked to Mrs. Kriener (sub for science) and she said that 5B was her best afternoon class!!!  I wanted to hunt you all down and HUG YOU!  I was so happy to hear it!  But I guess I'm not surprised because last week was a memorable week in our school year as far as Cadet Pride!  So impressed!

Marvelous MISIC EFFORT!
You all did a fantastic job taking your time to see your skills in math with the MISIC test on Friday.  I thought everyone really showed excellent patience, effort and taking the test seriously!  I think the gum-chewing seemed to keep you awake, too!  So, please remember you are allowed to bring gum to chew for another MISIC test on Monday @ 8:45 and Tuesday @ 8:45.  These will be the Reading Tests and Language Tests!  I can't wait to see you keep the effort going - ESPECIALLY on a Monday!

HATS OFF to RESPECT and STAYING DRUG FREE!
Remember, this week is Character Counts Week.  You should have your dress up days ready for each day of the week.  Monday is HAT DAY!  Have fun with it.  You may also start bringing in any items for the Citizenship Project to donate to soldiers on Monday.  There should be a large box for collecting these items.  If you can't find it, then just bring it to our room, and we'll figure out where to put them.

CONFERENCES:)
Please remind your families to sign up for their conferences online using the direction page that was sent home LAST MONDAY.  The sooner you get signed up, the more options you have to choose from if you have a busy schedule.  Also, since this conference is all about...hmmmm....who??? OH, YOU, you are asked to be present at the conference with your family:)  It would be pretty silly to have a conference ALL ABOUT a person who isn't there, wouldn't it be???  Yeah, I thought so, too!  So, have your parents keep that in mind when they sign up by avoiding times you may have football practice, dance, gymnastics, Tae Kwan Do, piano lessons, babysitting, etc.  OK?  We can chat more about that this week, too.

HEADS UP for PARENTS READING with KIDDOS!
A note will come home either Monday or Tuesday of this week notifying your family of a date they can come visit you at school, read something enjoyable, work toward your Book-It goal (300 min.) and munch on a healthy snack.  It will be a morning time somewhere between 10:00 - 11:30 am.  So, have your parents check their work schedules to see if it will work this month.  If not, it's alright.  We'll have more opportunities to have families come in for a visit.

I'll know you checked the blog if you tell me what you voted for on the Halloween Poll at the top right side of the blog.  You can choose from 4 different options.  I'm curious what 5B does on Halloween.

What a Week?!!!

I am sooooooooooooooo proud of 5B's week!  It's been busy, productive and FULL of Cadet Pride!  In fact, our Ticket Counters better add up our tickets this week to see where we are at!  Also, we have our fingernail painters that will help us to be "The One" to stand up to bullying.



Be sure to tell your families what an amazing week we've had!  Also, make sure your families know about the chance you get to chew gum during your MISIC test tomorrow.  I will let you know when you can start chewing it.....do NOT have it in your mouth when getting to school, ok?  I'm excited to see how 5B can prove their responsibility and trustworthiness with such a special privilege.  So in honor of this fun activity, my words of wisdom will be "Don't Blow It":)

Also, be sure to talk to your families about the Helping Project.  We had some great brainstorms today. We'll chat more about ideas and choose one or more to focus on for our project.

I'll know you checked the blog if you ask me to see Isaiah's MONSTER goose egg from his minor accident he had earlier this week.  I'll show the class a few photos of it before we start with MISIC tests at 8:45 sharp!

Get some rest, have a good breakfast in the morning and enjoy that tomorrow is FRIDAY!

Two Days in a Row!!!! Way to GO!!!!

Two days of absolute perfection in 5B!!!  Be sure to brag to your families about how smoothly things are going in 5B this week!  I can't wait for a 3rd day on Wednesday... Ya know, it is a WOW Wednesday!

I'll keep it short tonight.  I'll know you checked the blog tonight if you come in, check out the Wacky Wednesday schedule on the white board, get out your materials, and find a comfy spot in the room to Read to Self.  It was so amazing last time that I didn't want to stop you!

Keep up the amazing work, effort and Cadet Pride, 5B!  You make me so proud!

Later Gators...

DAY OF PERFECTION!!!!!!!

O.M.G.!!!!  5B had the most unbelievable day EVER!!!  This is the kind of day that EVERY teacher dreams of, brags about and wants to see the next day:)  Please remind me to award you  4 TICKETS EACH for such a day of PERFECTION!!!!!

In honor of your AMAZING behaviors, you may bring in a snack to munch on during class time on Tuesday!  Think about healthy choices, but whatever you and your family feel is ok to bring is fine by me (of course, no peanut butter, peanuts or pop though).  You can bring enough that you can snack throughout the morning as long as you don't spoiled your appetite for lunch:)

I LOVED all the JibJabs I was sent today!  Thanks!  Try them out with your family tonight and send me a copy!  I'm sure it will be a good laugh.

Reminder that we have band tomorrow for those who have lessons and group band.  Also, if you are in a group working on the bridge contest, that might be a good time to work together on that project.

Make sure the yellow conference note gets home to your families.  The date to start signing up for conferences is next Monday, Oct. 22.  Have your families start looking at their schedules now for a time and day that may work best.

I'll know you checked the blog if you come in and tell and show me what snack you'll be enjoying Tuesday in class as you work:)  I'll bring one, too!

Continue having a super night to end your super day!  Let's make it even BETTER If that's even humanly possible) tomorrow:)

You Ready for a Goofy Week?

Hey, there 5B...

I hope you stayed warm this weekend.  My goodness it got chilly.  PLEASE make sure you and your family check the weather before leaving for school each morning.  We want you staying warm while you have recess times or even P.E.  I saw several outfits last Friday that were NOT warm enough for this time of year, so please take care of yourselves:)  I don't need any frozen kid-sicles... I hear they're aren't as tasty as popsicles:)

As I mentioned in the title, it's going to be a little goofy this week.  See below:
Monday - pretty normal
Tuesday - also pretty normal
Wednesday - 3-hour early out
Thursday - Guest Speaker from Community Action to talk about Inquiry Project for Finding Common Ground
Friday - Begin MISIC testing - Math

Hopefully you got your Book-It note and calendar home on Friday.  Please remind your families that we'll be inviting them to join us towards the end of October for a little reading and snacking together.  Remember you have a goal of 300 minutes for the month of October.  If you read about 15 - 20 minutes each day, this should be NO problem at all.  It's even ok if you read to your little brother or sister, or if your family reads a book together!  All we would love to hear from you is that you got a chance to Read to Self or Read with Someone!  Reading can feed your brain AND your stomach with a personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut:)


Make sure to be checking your Class Dojo accounts.  You and your parents said you'd be checking it at least once a week to have good communication on your Cadet Pride at school.  Just wanted to remind you:)

I know those of you who checked the blog last Thursday night were happy with your reward!  Keep up the great work!  I'm thinking all 5B students saw what a benefit it can be to check the blog, right?!  I wonder if magic pencils will reappear??  You'll just have to wait and see!  I wouldn't want to miss them the next time they come around.

So, I'll know you checked the blog if you solve this jigsaw puzzle.  Click Here.  You'll have to scroll down on the page a little to see the puzzle.  Put the pieces together and sketch a drawing of what the finished puzzle looks like.  That's how I'll know you checked the blog.

We Are On a ROLL!!!!!

Another day full of Cadet Pride...  A few reminders here and there while waiting for your teachers to start class (thank you for the leaders who help try to simmer the class down - you are VERY appreciated...)

Let's end the week the same way, OK, Bunny, Bunnies??

Tomorrow we have a lot of topics to address.  I'd like to review the Stomp Out Bullying message we've been discussing this week.  We have the Chip Shoppe Fundraiser Kick-Off.  There will be a yellow note coming home about an upcoming event for you and your families.  Finally, it's one of our 5B Baby's birthdays!  So, it will be all sorts of extra fun tomorrow.

I'll keep it short.  I'll know you checked the blog if you come in the room, find a comfy spot and show how to Read to Self:)  I'll for sure know which students checked the blog.  I'll be giving out an extra special reward for those who constantly check the blog as a way of being responsible!  Keep it up, 5B MODELS!

Have a Tokey, Tokey Good Night...

Kumcha, Kumcha, Kumcha...

Hey, Bunny, Bunnies!
I have the tune stuck in my head.  I'll catch myself going, "Kumcha, Kumcha" as I walk down the hallway, as I picked up Isaiah from daycare, as I am raking leaves!!!!  It's so fun but sooooo stuck in my brain!!!

I wanted to thank the 3 young ladies who made the Shutterfly book for our 5B class today.  That was toooooo  sweet.  We really are a family, huh?!  If you haven't signed it yet, please do!

Also, I was excited to see how motivated some of you were to enter the Bridge Building Contest!  People even came in before school and at recess to work on their designs!  Awesome.  Remember though, if you chat with your parents about the design or any ideas for your bridge, you need to pay them the $10,000 for their consultation.  Be honest about how you get your ideas, ok?  We saw that honesty is always the best way to go about things today, didn't we?!

I'll keep it short again tonight.  Isaiah is begging me for "More leaves, Mama!"  So, I guess I'll be raking some leaves again:)  I'll always take more help if you're in the neighborhood??!!  Just kidding...

Please chat with your families about our visits over the past week with Mr. Sickles on how he will be meeting with groups of 5th grade this year to encourage successful habits, reminders about Cadet Pride, being strong leaders and of course, standing up to bullying (like we all worked on Monday!!)

Remember, you ALL can CHANGE THE WORLD!  (Just like Norman Borlaug...and Henry Wallace...and George Washington Carver... and Moses Carver....  and the list goes on...

I'll know you checked the blog if practice "Kumcha tonight with YOUR FAMILY!!!"  Teach it to them and have them sign a note saying you did so:)  I'm curious what they have to say about it!  Show me the note in the morning, and be prepared to try it again in class!

TEEEEEERIFIC TUESDAY!!!!!

Holy Fazolis, 5B!!!

What an absolute day of PERFECTION!  I feel like this is the best day we've had in weeks!!!  Way to go, my little 5B MODELS!  In fact, this is the best day all of 5th grade has had since the beginning of the year!  So happy to see everyone on the same page, wanting to learn, show Cadet Pride... and having FUN!

I was impressed with all of the groups on what they shared from their "field trip" back into Native American times.  Angela Bries, from the Nature Center was quite thrilled with the attention, participation and respect she saw from the 5th grade today!  What a way to represent Crestwood Elementary:)

If you forgot to get your midterms signed by your families Monday night, please bring them back on Wednesday.  Also, make sure to be checking your Class Dojo account so your families can see what amazing days you're having... (or maybe not... hope it's the first one).

Tomorrow is Wednesday, so don't forget library books if you have them at home.  Also, I saw so VERY PUMPED UP 5B students with the Bridge Contest through the Discovery Center.  If you were in band at the time and you'd like to know more about the contest, PLEASE COME IN to the Discovery Center at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday!  Mrs. Vandervort or I will meet you to go over anything you missed and answer questions!  I can't wait to see what little engineers, mathematicians and scientists that will come out of this project!


I'll know you checked if you watch this video KUMCHA.  Click on it and learn the idea of it.  We'll be  learning it tomorrow!  Too Fun...  I did this with my family this weekend, and we couldn't stop laughing!