Missed You Guys Today!

Thanks for all of the blog checkers on Thursday!  I got all the emails and was impressed on how many of you made the effort!  So lucky to have such responsible students who put in that extra "umph"!  I hope all of the goals you had for yourself were able to stay strong and make a great day!

I had a good day of learning, but it makes me realize that this is my last time being with a 5B class.... and I'm feeling VERY emotional about that!  I'm starting to feel like our days together are winding down.  It's a bit crazy to think how few days we have left together....

So... be prepared for Mama Sorenson to start bringing some waterworks! Be nice and understanding that you're my "babies" who are all growing up, and I won't have any new ones coming in:(

Ok, I'll move onto another topic... TOMORROW!
FUN DAY of POETRY!

Only blog proof is...
Be ready for DARE - your last day!  SHIRTS!  MATERIALS!

UPS and Downs...

Hey, 5B!
Today had its ups and downs again.  The chattiness and self-control was tough again for a lot of 5B (and other 5th graders, too).  That would be the down...  Mrs. McCabe's guidance lesson was a good reminder of how other people feel when self-control isn't used.

The UPs were the HUGE number of 5B students who checked the blog last night!  Thanks for meeting me in our secret spot with yummy treats!

Another UP was all of the Thank Yous I got for the doughnuts and later on for some gum that was handed out.  I think I even heard a few for the juice boxes at ST Math time!  I'm glad to hear more of these kind words.  For a while, I hadn't heard anything like that.  Great caring hearts!

ANOTHER UP was all of the work that has been accomplished in both writing and reading classes!  Keep it up!

Heads Up for TOMORROW!
1)  Mrs. Lensing will be there!

2)  NO SMARTBOARD again!  Joey, Camden and Aidan L. can lead all of the Attendance and Planner stuff on the green wall again.

3)  Is someone feeding Firefish?  Just checking!

4)  Luther Meeting!  Appear.in in reading class - will be sharing your POETRY SLAM poem!  Be ready!

5)  100% 5B Perfection (muuuaah!)

6)  Field Trip Permission Slips... if you really want to go on the trip....

Blog Proof!  I'd like you to come in and email me RIGHT away as you start your day!  Let me know 3 things you'll do to show Mrs. Lensing Cadet Pride.  Number them for me in your email.  Don't tell others what the blog proof is...  I want to be sure to award those who are putting in the extra effort!  (Like our doughnuts today!)

REMIND PARENTS

Poetry Slam!  Friday!  2:15 - 3:15 p.m.!  Library!

Talkative Tuesday...

Hmmm... So Monday's mellow behavior definitely moved over for Talkative Tuesday today!  Did you notice the alliteration I used in my sentences?  Monday, mellow, moved.... and Talkative, Tuesday, today?

A poet who didn't know it!  (snap, snap!)

Ok... short blog... but fun proof!

Keep this a secret!

We're going to be sneaky!  For blog proof, we are going to meet in the Discovery Center right away.  I won't be in the classroom.  You come STRAIGHT to the Discovery Center to read from Skeleton Man!  I'll REALLY know who is checking the blog by who shows up!  The rest of your class will be a wee bit confused!  Heeheeehee!  Keep the blog proof to yourself.  When you come to school in the morning, just walk to the Discovery Center like it's time to go to our classroom:)  See you there for some fun reading together!

Mostly Mellow Monday...

It was a productive day in the world of 5B (and 5th grade)! I saw a LOT of Fun Passes go in that bucket!  Mmmmm... I can smell that cheesy topping on the pizza now even as I think about it!  Let's continue keeping a focused attitude and thinking caps on!  We have many busy days ahead of us, so we can't let some goofy schedules take away from our ability to show respect for ourselves and classmates as we continue to learn!  Plant the "seed" to "succeed" so we can "feed"on yummy pizza!  Hey, a poet who didn't even know it!  (snap, snap)

Blog Proof... There have been 2 blog proofs we haven't ever talked about....
1)  Was what the number 70 was the answer to....

2) Finishing Kairi's poem...

Can you do me a favor and go back on those blog posts (if you need to remember what they were) and write your answers in this TodaysMeet Link? (Click Here)  I'll be sure to answer/look through these as a class tomorrow!

Tomorrow is PUBERTY TEST!  Your time is almost over!  So mature!  Glad to see everyone realize it is something you DID SURVIVE!

Don't forget that your D.A.R.E. essays are due on Tuesday.  I have about 8-10 of them printed from those of you who shared them to me again.   Also, the Poetry Slam poem and poems for writing class are due for Friday!  Busy week of learning!

Nighty Night!

Missed You Friday... Heard It Was a Good Day...

Hey, 5B,

I know Thursday afternoon was a tough one AGAIN for us.  I didn't get a chance to put the pictures from our busy and emotional day of fun and sadness.  Here are some Pic Collages of Thursday's UPS (fun and cool stuff) and downs (sad part).

Deep thinking by both 5th graders in reading with me and Luther College partners while you discussed "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost!  I just LOVED the discussions and can't believe you are ONLY IN 5th GRADE!  

Then, we were able to move onto a SUPER CELEBRATION of MAPs testing and scores of improvement!  Ice Cream filled the table, room and tummies!  Thanks for the great pictures, Kalob!























Then, another emotional break up to our 5B Family...  We thought losing ONE of our family members was tough!  Then we had to do it all over again!  Not fair!













All I ask you 5B, for this week, is that WE ALL STICK TOGETHER!  No MORE MOVING AWAY!


Got it?!




Enjoy the nice weekend weather!  Be sure you get any work done for homework.  We have the D.A.R.E. essay due on Tuesday and your poetry pieces as well!  Your Puberty Test is on Tuesday, so be sure to review your study guide!

Blog Proof is simply coming in on Monday morning and giving your 5B Mama a morning hug!  Nothing too crazy, just a simple "hey, there, kind of hug!"

Even shorter tonight...

Finish this poem.... as your blog proof!

Ode to Kairi

The family we all know,
Seems to get up and go.

Another friend of ours is moving along.
It seems so sad and wrong.

We hope for Kairi the very best.....
Now you finish this line - notice it needs to follow the pattern by rhyming with "best". 

We will share them tomorrow with Kairi!
Kairi, if you check the blog, you can just simply tell me you saw the first part of the poem!

Tomorrow will be another rough day for th 5B Family!  (We are family...)

Short One Tonight...

iPads - bring them back with signed papers!
Testing - Awesome effort and progress!


Ok, here's blog proof... 70 is the answer....
No matter what your guess is, it's kind of fun to think that is the answer to one of these topics...

The number of Fun Passes in our bucket!

OR

The number of scoops of ice cream we've earned!

OR

The number of kids that have their D.A.R.E. essays done already!


One of these is TRUE!  What's your guess?  Tell me as you come in on Wednesday!  Also, if you took your iPad home, have our your homework and signed parent note out at your spot.

See you tomorrow!

Kind of a Rollercoaster Day....

Today had its ups and downs.  This morning was filled with "ups" with listening, discussion, focus, attention and respect! Bravo and woo-hoo to 5B and all of the 5th grade!

The afternoon showed the "downs" side of our day.   Between blurting, goofiness and a struggle with staying on task, it was not 5B's best work of showing what 5th grade expectations are.

I know the weather is nicer, and it's tough to be inside, but your reputation is so strong and positive.  We don't want too many more "oops" to start taking over what 5B has built up all year long!  We've made a super-fun and tasty goal for our Fun Pass Celebration = Pizza Party!  We need to get the details figured out, but it's a TEAM goals we're working towards.  Remember, that it DOES take EFFORT to show Cadet Pride.  If it was easy, then there wouldn't be much pride in it, ya know?!

Speaking of Cadet Pride, there's a big event (first time EVER) coming up that has to do with your Cadet Dollars!  This will be the blog proof tonight.  As you come in on Tuesday morning, whisper to me, "What big event is happening with Cadet Dollars?"  I'll let you in a little secret!

Tomorrow...
1)  iPAD homework - DARE Essay - introduction should be done (more if you want) and the GREEN PARENT NOTE should be returned and SIGNED!  This is a 2nd chance to prove responsibility!  In baseball, a 3rd chance/strike can turn into an OUT!  So, THINK...

2)  PUBERTY Class!  A huge compliment goes out to ALL sections for showing amazing maturity and growth in the seriousness and respect you're showing about the topic.  VERY, VERY impressed to see students be able to handle the topics so well now!  Keep it up!

3)  MAPs TESTING - Math Test!  I scream, You scream, We all scream for ICE CREAM!  We are coming to the end of our MAPs testing!  The more we get going on these tests, the more comfortable 5B becomes!  Just looking for YOUR best!  Don't worry about anyone else's scores!  This is about you, showing what YOU can do!  Let's make our last one, our best one!  (Except Ben... he's got a couple to go!)  Maybe we could enjoy an ice cream party before the end of the week!

Enjoy some outside time again!  Get rested up so we can back on track tomorrow!

Could This Weekend BE Anymore PERFECT?!

Did anyone else spending EVERY second they could outside this weekend?  I forgot how strong the sun is after a winter of hiding my skin for warmth!  A wee bit of a burn on my neck and arms!  Whoops!  Anybody else get a little too MUCH sun!  Well, I sure hope no matter what you did, it was OUTSIDE at some point!

Last week was only 4 days long, but it was jam-packed with learning, activities and testing!  Here's a quick Pic Collage of some of the events from just Thursday and Friday!

Firefish gets his bowl cleaned!
Kindergarten Buddies - Egg Box Math Game and Reading Together!
Showing off iPad responsibility with Pic Collages of families
Connecting our lives through poetry from Jimmy Stuart - notice the tissues needed!
Weekly Luther meeting!
Guidance role playing with "assertive" approach to friends!

This week has a lot going on as well!  We get some more direction on our D.A.R.E. essay/report that is required for graduation of the program.  Deputy Hollenbeck has 2 more sessions with us, and then we hope to graduate everyone on Thursday, May 12 in the evening.  A formal invitation will be going home soon!

We will continue poetry studies and writing to prepare for our...

on Friday, April 29 with parents for our audience!

We have one more MAPs test this week - on Tuesday!  This will be over math skills!  Just ONE MORE CHANCE for a scoop of vanilla, strawberry or chocolate to add to that cone! Friday was an EXCELLENT day of effort, patience and progress!  Let's see if you can finish off on Tuesday with that same determination and positive attitude towards doing your best.  

Last week was ALSO full of learning about EACH OTHER!  Other than Ben, who's been sick all week, we learned EVERYONE'S middle names!  I'm hoping we'll find out all sorts of details like this before the end of our year together - our 5B Family (we are family) gets closer and closer every single day!  

Blog proof!  As you come in on Monday morning, look at the new bulletin board with our 5B faces on it.  There is a NEW topic.  Write down your answer (NO NAMES) on a post-it note like we did with our middle names.  Be specific with your answer.  That will help us prove how well we know each other!  If others didn't check the blog, explain to them what to do, please!  Also...  ADD D.A.R.E journal to your materials to get ready for switches on Monday.  We will be using the journal to talk about the essay/report that is due!  

Now get off your device and get back outside!!  See you Monday! (P.E. - don't forget that FLIP FLOPS are not allowed in P.E.!)

Thrilling Thursday in 5th Grade!

My GOODNESS, we were busy today!

Poets who didn't know it - Check!
Hard-workers during switches - Check!
Extra Guidance - Check!
Meet with Luther (most of us)- Check!
Reading Work - Check!
Kindergarten Buddies - Check!

So, tonight, I hope you are getting outside and enjoying this wonderful spring weather!  It's about time, right?!

Tomorrow... Let's see...  We have...
1)  D.A.R.E. in Science  - I'll talk more about the report/essay on Monday in writing class.  If you've already started, that's ok.  I'll just go over some details and directions with you.
2)  Cadets Academy - With the weather so nice, we'll be enjoying some outside time and sidewalk chalk!
3)  SOME band people - only woodwinds and percussion people (Bree, Elyse R, Daniel, Spencer)
4)  2nd MAPs testing - Language - bring dry snacks!
5)  MAYBE... if there's time and/or Mrs. McCabe is available, maybe we could use up our "extra recess" that Bree won with her lucky sucker at the Cadet Store a while back.

VAULT!  
I have a laptop lab in our room.  If you want to get work done BEFORE class because you have NOT completed 4 worlds yet, then it is available to you before school until 8:05.  Then it needs to go to another teacher's room.

Blog Proof!
I'll know you checked the blog if you get your materials out, get your D.A.R.E. shirts on AND are ready to read from...

Sit on the floor, ready to enjoy by 8:15.  I'll read until 8:25 and THAT's when we'll do attendance and lunch with Kelsey and Kairi leading us.

Well... Today Starting the Spring Testing Season...

It was actually a great day all around, but ending our day with testing kind of sucks all of the energy out of our brains!  We had everyone seeming to work hard and put in effort! That's ALL we ask of you!  Doing your best TODAY!  Tomorrow is A NEW DAY!  Remember, it is JUST ONE TEST!  Some 5B family members weren't thrilled with their test scores today :(  No problem!  There are more tests to come:) Lucky you! 

Tomorrow is a day off of testing but a day FILLED with EXTRA activities...

1)  Make up Guidance Class during ST Math Time (since we tested right through it this afternoon)

2)  Luther Meetings!

3)  Kindergarten Buddies - Egg Box Adding Game

Yikes!  Busy, Busy Busy AGAIN!  

Also, to MOST of our FAMILIES.... Our classroom has a pretty empty looking iPad station tonight! It seems all of the iPads have walked off by themselves!  

5B has their FIRST chance to show responsibility with iPads with an assignment tonight.   See below:

It will be fun to see all of the family photos that will be shared tomorrow in class!  Please remember that your parents MUST SIGN the homework page to prove they've seen you working on your job.  This is a PART of the responsibility.  Prove yourselves trustworthy and dependable!

I was REALLY proud of those 5B members who checked the blog last night!  It was fun having you come back early after your early lunch to go play outside as a thank you/reward for your responsibility!  I hope the rest of the class follows in your footsteps with the effort!  That game we played was fun and HILARIOUS to watch!  Oh, and I came in 3rd in the race!  Woo-hoo!  Well, my headstart PROBABLY had some impact on my lead!  

More blog proof tonight!  In writing our focus has been poetry!  We say poeTRY!  (not CRY!)  Check out this short video for a special kind of poem!  Some of Fantastic 5 already knows it, but I want to show it to you ahead of time for class!  Check out 4 of them on the video. See if you can get the pattern down! Click Here!

Hope you get outside, too!  It's GORGEOUS!!!

Super Day BACK!

5B, 

Our morning was mellow and relaxing - learning from Sarah Kay about poetry that comes alive off of your paper!

 We'll chat more about her tomorrow!  Click Here - if you want to watch her video again or if you want to see the rest of it!

Also, be sure to share with your families our exciting ANNUAL 5th Grade EVENT... The Poetry Slam!

Your copy is green!  Be sure parents have PLENTY of time
to arrange schedules for joining us!

Some FUN had in 5B was learning more about each other!  Here are two lists to look at.  There are some of our classmates first names on one list and middle names on the second list.  Your job is to match them together for blog proof!  I'll be rewarding people QUITE generously tomorrow for listening carefully in class AND taking the time to do the blog proof by writing it down!  Good luck!

First Names                     Middle Names

Vince                                 William

Kairi                                  Jean

Kyle                                   Michael

Elyse                                  Rae

Alex                                   Michael

Brian                                 Christine

Kaydence                           Dean

Aidan L.                            Walter

Bree                                   James

Ashton                               Colby

Joey                                   Richard

Sawyer                              Marie

                                          

                              

Let's see how well 5B knows ME (or YOU, in this case!)

The afternoon was FAB celebrating Beverly Cleary's 100th birthday!  Even Mrs. Grimm stopped in to Drop Everything And Read!  Great afternoon of relaxing and thinking!

Great first day of the week!  

REMINDER...

MAPs testing tomorrow - can bring dry snack!

Get ready to pile up the scoops!

Ahhh... 3 Days to Reboot and Get Back on Track...

I hope everyone was able to go home on Friday, get some relaxation in, some fun with family or friends, some rest and some time to reflect.  If you have NOT had that time yet to reflect, please sit for a few moments to remember the serious "family discussion" we had Friday afternoon about behaviors that you were frustrated with from your "brothers and sisters of 5B".  :)  It seems we had a rough time getting back on track last week, but tomorrow is a new day!  So the quote up above reminds us of that.  

We also know that EVERYONE makes mistakes.  Mistakes are PROOF that you're TRYING, right!  Well, we've made the mistakes, so I'm guessing we've learned a little something, too!

This poster reminds me of the messages you wrote about yourself (The ones on your lockers!)  For Blog Proof, look at the different phrases on this poster and choose the phrase you like the best!  Write that one on the GREEN WALL on Tuesday as you come in!  Be sure to erase other areas so that we can see what you've chosen! Sign your name!

Now, for ALL of the EVENTS for the WEEK... Hold onto your panties!  It's a busy week!

Tuesday:  
1) Puberty Class
2) Poetry Slam Introduction
3) iPad Note for Taking Home Due ASAP
4) Celebrate Beverly Cleary Turning 100 Today!  D.E.A.R. note reminder to bring comfy items for afternoon reading (blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, books you love, etc.)

Wednesday:
1) MAPs Testing in the Afternoon - Reading Test - can bring own snacks (dry)
2) Guidance Today!

Thursday:  
Might be normal???  Yikes, what's that?

Friday:
1) D.A.R.E. - essay due in 2 weeks!
2) MAPs Testing in the Afternoon - Language Test - can bring own snacks (dry)
3) Maybe Kindergarten buddies???

See what I mean??  Crazy busy week!!

Remember to bring items for....                TUESDAY... Tomorrow.

A lot of People are PoeTRYING Their BEST!

Keep it up, everyone!  I'm really impressed with the effort and positive attitudes I'm seeing as we study and focus poetry more deeply!  I'm impressed with all of you - "A poet that didn't know it!"

Snap, Snap to you ALL!

Also, this has been the most amazing BIRTHDAY WEEK EVER!  What a crazy chance to have so many birthdays in ONE WEEK!  Looking forward to celebrate another tomorrow!

Today in Reading, students met with Luther Buddies on spelling and then played a form of Hangman. Whether or not you had reading with me, your blog proof is to go to the link below and play a quick game of Hangman online.  If you are a BOY, click the BOY HANGMAN LINK!  If you are a GIRL, click the GIRL HANGMAN LINK!  Write down your answer and score and bring it to class tomorrow!  See my examples of my scores!

BOY HANGMAN LINK










GIRL HANGMAN LINK








Reminders!
iPAD NOTES with PLANS!
Report Card Envelopes!
Ready for DARE in Writing Class
DT:  Homework in Science Class
Play Vault from home if you can!
Tomorrow is FRIDAY!  Yeah, baby!

Be Your Own Boss Camp!

If you don't like to take orders from others, then this might be the camp for you!  I'm excited to see so many of 5B interested in the BYOB Camp this summer!  I LOVE hearing that you already have ideas and plans!  Our presents mentioned doing what you enjoy/love and making a job out of it!  Isn't that like a passion project?  Well, then, there you go!

Some of you asked about the person from Cresco that loved hunting and made a show out of it!  Well, I'll give you a little help.  The link below takes you to the HOME PAGE of the TV show's website.  You'll have to click on "TEAM" as one of the headings on the website.  You'll see the Cresco citizen  listed as the first person for this show!  Find the name for me.  First and Last.  This will be your blog proof!

Click Here for the Link

Bonus Blog Proof - What's the name of the show?

Don't worry.  I won't spray you with water for checking the blog this time! :)








Other Reminders...
Puberty Parent Homework
Report Card Envelopes
iPad Plan Note - returned with a PLAN written down!
Coffee Talk for Harry Houdini tomorrow!

The 3 "P's" Were Introduced Today...

#1 Poetry!

#2 Puberty!

and 

#3 Pads!  (iPads, that is! Plans are to go home... after your Family Plan is Made!) The green note that came home tonight should allow your family to discuss a serious plan about how to be responsible, safe and trustworthy.  Here's my example plan: 

Kelly's Family Plan

Our plan is that Kelly uses her iPad for homework first.  Then if there is free time, she can use it as she chooses.  Since we have do NOT have a charger at our house, the iPad will not be used if it is below 25%.  It will be kept on the kitchen counter during the night.  It will not be used after 8:00 p.m. so that Kelly has some break from screen time before bed.  Kelly will put it in her backpack in the morning, and get it to school safely.  

~ Signed by Kelly's Mama... (hehehe)

Blog Proof Tonight!  Get ready for your classes as normal.  Then, SILENTLY, act out yourself as a seed that is slowly growing in the spring season into a fully bloomed flower!  Start over when you finish!  I'll stop by and give you something special!

Sounds Like a WONDERFUL DAY in 5B!

Wowser!  So proud of everyone for leaving a wonderful first impression with Mrs. Lensing.  Comments on my sub plans were:





1)  Writing went well!
2)  Very quiet in the halls - excellent!
3)  Students had a good discussion and brainstormed good ideas during reading of Diary of a Worm.
4)  Great listeners!
5)  LOVED YOUR CLASS!
6)  Nice group of kids!

Well, THAT'S what I call a PERFECT first impression!  So glad you showed yourselves off today!  I can't wait to be with my family of 5B again and see all of these wonderful behaviors!

A few reminders...
1)  Report Card Envelopes
2)  Egg Cartons - we meet Thursday...need them by that day or we won't be able to do the activity with kindergarten :(  They'll be so sad :(
3)  Chaperone Notes
4)  PUBERTY TOMORROW!  Woo-hoo!  Oh, you'll be just fine!

Blog Proof... Ok, this is a VERY special blog proof!  I'll know you checked the blog if you WHISPER to me, "Where's the special iPad note?"  I'll give it to you, and you can start reading it SILENTLY - go to your home to read it.  Be sure you DON'T talk to anyone else about it until I bring it up to the whole class!

I hope everyone had good weekends.  I am excited to see my babies!  Happy Monday night and Tuesday morning (for those who check in the morning!)

Rested Up After an Emotional Friday...

Hey, 5B,
I sure hope everyone was able to get themselves pulled back together after our emotional goodbye to Quinzey!  I know that we have definitely created a true family based on how we felt about losing a family member!  Here are some pretty special moments captured! Check out these... I put all of them on our 5B Crestwood Elementary Facebook Page.

I had a few more hugs with Quinzey after everyone left and broke down again!  Our Farewell video was sent to his dad so he could see it, too.  If you want to check it out or show it to your families, here's the link:  Quinzey's Farewell Video

A reminder to 5B is that I'll be gone on Monday - actually just at a meeting over at the high school all day!  Your sub's name is Mrs. Lensing.  It's her first time in our classroom, so this is your chance to leave a perfect first impression of 5th grade, 5B and our family!  You all know the expectations we have for our classroom, work time, hallways, etc.  Please show Mrs. Lensing how amazing 5B is!  

I'd love some emails throughout the day to let me know how things are going!  I'll miss seeing you all after our sad Friday afternoon!

Reminders for Monday...

P.E. - remember the right kind of shoes!

Social Studies homework for some of you:  WW and DT

Report Card Envelopes

Parent Chaperone Notes

Your blog proof...  2 parts!

1)  Give Mrs. Lensing a "high 5" and "welcome to 5B" with a smile!  That will be a SUPER way to start off your day!

2)  Write your name on a post-it note.  Write down the answer to THIS question that Mrs. K. asked some of us last week:  In which country is it against the law to celebrate April Fool's day?  Here's the link to find your answer!  Click Here!

Have a GREAT Monday... I'll miss you all.  Please show your absolute best 5B Cadet Pride!  I'll be excited to see the notes that Mrs. Lensing writes to me!