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INSPIRED by Norman Borlaug

Wordle: Norman Borlaug

Sunday, April 21, 2013

SNOW? You've GOT to be kidding?!!

Wow, 5B,
I think this is the longest we've gone without a blog (except for like Christmas break).  Getting emails from you, updates, hearing from Mrs. O on Friday morning and then seeing the notes from all 3 days of subs gave me SUCH a sigh of relief about being gone and ten coming back on Monday.

It was hard for me to be gone, so I appreciate everything each of you did to make it smoothly through the days!  I heard from a few people that Mrs. O and you have some new words for me with responses??  I can't wait to hear them!  I'm also glad to know that the last 2 MISIC tests were taken very seriously.  I'm excited to see what improvements we have in both reading and writing areas, too!

This week has some extra events in it.  I don't know what Mrs. Halverson or Mrs. Wilson mentioned about the KidWind Challenges for this coming Friday?  We'll be sure to chat about that more on Monday morning.  We have a 1/2 day on Wednesday.  I think we meet with Mrs. Petroski and our CT classmates on Tuesday.  Then, we have class #2 of Puberty this week again on Thursday!  I heard class #1 went pretty well except for some giggles here and there that found self-control.   So happy!  We may have guidance this week, but I'll have to double check.  Also, I know we have Coffee Talks with 3 different groups throughout the week: Monday/Friday:  Found, Tuesday: City of Ember, and Wednesday: Spy Cat.

So, as you can see, Monday may be our only "normal" day this week.  I'm also excited to hear about how the Cute Cut movie trailers are coming.  We will try to work our butts off this week to get through sections 3, 4 and maybe 5!  So, we'll have to move along quickly, especially with all of the extra activities.

I'll know you checked the blog this weekend (or sometime before Monday morning) if you come in, give me a "high five or hug", and find a spot to start practicing the Interlude Dance.  We have some celebrating to do!  We haven't done it for quite a while!  Let's make it good!

Monday, April 15, 2013

Mouthy Monday....Yet Again...

Well,
5B, as nice is it is to be together again as a 5B Family, I'm feeling that I'm not so pleased to see/hear the chatting once again happen in literacy rounds. I'm hoping the class goal will help you remember that your actions affect yourself AND your classmates.  OK?  Tuesday, we will officially begin the 5B Class Goal and possible Pizza Party Reward.  I liked everyone's ideas today, but I have to be honest, I was disappointed at how many people thought it was my job to supply everything for any of the ideas.  I know we like to joke around in class, but I'm starting to feel like 5B has students that are giving off a "greedy" feeling.  Not sure I'm down with that.  So...  let's think about how to be the "nicest, generous, thoughtful and caring" version of ourselves that we can be.  We all have it in us to be grumpy, lazy, rude, or disrespectful (that's including me, too).  But it's whether we CHOOSE to act those ways or not, that makes the difference in our behaviors.  It's kind of a tug-o-war game.  What you choose is the side that wins.  You see?
Which one do you want the rest of us to see?  Honestly?

With my plans of being gone Wednesday through Friday, I'm hoping you'll show the 2 substitute teachers your best sides.  I sure wish I could see them more often lately.  That would be a pleasant return to see notes describing top model students.

Ok.. Enough reminders.. You get it, right?  Now, just fix it:)

Big things this week:
Wed:  MISIC - Reading Test, PTO meeting at 5:30 in Discovery Center
Thurs:  Puberty Class
Fri:  MISIC - Language Arts Test

I'll know you checked the blog if you watch this video of a dog being tempted.  Watch his/her self-control, he/she avoids the distractions, is so tempted but can easily put him/herself back in the right mind of "self-control".  Tell me if you are like this dog, or need more "training" from your master as you come in.  You may even get a treat if you do your job:)  Good boy, good girl....

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Looking Forward to a Fresh Start with 5B and Cadet Pride!

S'up, 5B?
Hopefully you're staying cheerful and dry in this gloomy, rainy weather!  I saw quite a few 5th graders at the fitness center on Friday night.  I'm guessing my husband and Isaiah saw even more of you on Saturday and Sunday playing basketball.  I sure wish we could be outside!

This Week
Let's make a plan, 5B, to work together to get this non-stop talking and transition time figured out, ok?  Guinness Book of World Records with pilgrim hats, meetings with other 5th graders, etc.) we need to prove that we have the self-control and are mature enough to participate in these extra events.  It's all about the attitude of "I think I can."
I know that everyone is capable and has shown their abilities at some point this year, but I'm REALLY asking each class member to make that the number one goal.  With all of the extra activities we have coming up, it will be your chance to prove you are ready for 6th grade.

With this explained, we'll be starting up our Cadet Pride Competition again.  However, this time, it will be a class goal and a class reward.  Remember how nice it was for some of our classmates to enjoy a bag of popcorn right in the middle of class simply because they were role model students?  Well, that could be all of us.  I'll chat more about this Monday morning, but to get a head start on the rewards, come up with 3 ideas that would be fun for the class to enjoy if they met a class goal.  Here are some ideas I'll start on the list:
popcorn for everyone during class time (Mrs. Sorenson)
free time/games in one of our class times (Mrs. Sorenson)
dress up day - like Hawaiian Day for 5B! (Mrs. Sorenson)

You get the idea?  Come up with between 1 and 3 ideas!  I'm attaching a link to a TodaysMeet.  Add your 3 ideas to the list.  Be sure your name is in there.
Click Here for TodaysMeet Link for 5B Class Reward Idea List

This will be how I know you checked the blog.  If you happen to be checking the blog with someone else, you can put both of your names in together to show you checked the blog.

Other Events This Week
Continue work on movie trailers in social studies and tech class
Tuesday - Mrs. Sorenson gone  - will tell you more on Monday
Wednesday - MISIC test @ 8:45 a.m. (more chances to prove your growth)
Thursday - first Puberty class!  Yippee!  - You'll be fine:)
Friday - Last MISIC test @ 8:45 a.m. (more chances to prove your growth)

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Zippers Worked Better Today for 5B! Popcorn Helps!

Flipped Classroom Homework for Soc. St. and Tech Class
5B, don't forget the regular blog stuff down below:)

TodaysMeet Links:
5A:  Click Here
5B:  Click Here
5C:  Click Here

5B, MUCH improved day!  I know some of you enjoyed the popcorn you received for your name "popping up" over and over as students that have self-control (chosen by your own classmates).  It smelled awesome in here!  I know smelling that would make me think twice before chatting.  :)  Keep up the great role modeling, and let's all work together for a group celebration sometime soon, ok?

Reminders:  
Puberty Letter - share with families
MISIC testing Friday - (Math) and can bring a snack if you choose (NO drinks!)
Ask parents for interest in field trip chaperones - Friday, May 3 - ALL day...
Letter will go home about field trip tomorrow (Friday, April 12)
Bring back blue notes for Cadet Academy - signed by parents
Music Program - likely moving to Tuesday, April 30th 
Pilgrim Hats - moving to sometime in May

I'll know you checked the blog if you decode this 3 word message:
Decoder:  A= 1, B =2, C = 3, etc. through Z = 26

6 18 9 4 1 25      9 19       8 5 18 5!

Good luck!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Mystery Skype/TodaysMeet Success

It was a busy and fun day.
Here's Hillsboro, Missouri!!
There's a lot we can share about.....
14 students in this program at their school
Teacher is Mrs. Venosdale
45 minutes from St. Louis
Teacher is going to work with NASA
Hillsboro had 75 degree weather today!!  Grr...




However......

Please write a caption for this picture.  This will be how I know you checked the blog.  Share this with the class after attendance and pledge is done.  Many names were shared as those who do NOT need to work on this area.


Make your caption be a friendly but assertive message that gets the point across.  OK?

Monday, April 8, 2013

Made It Through Monday:)

5B, 
Make sure to look below the videos for our regular 5B Blog Stuff, OK??

Flipped Classroom Video for 5A and 5B ONLY!! (5C, yours is down below this)!

TodaysMeet:
5A:  Click Here
5B:  Click Here

5C Flipped Classroom Video (about Connecticut friends)
TodaysMeet:
5C:  Click Here

Well, 5B, we made it through Monday!  It's a full week, so one day down, 4 to go...but wait, you guys get an early-out on Wednesday??  Man, when will you ever have a truly normal week of school?

Tomorrow, we have more plans to meet with CT friends.  Mrs. Petroski has been sick, so hopefully we'll still see them.  Think about any more ideas you have that help Global Classroom chatting for our project, too.  5C met with the other class in CT and came up with some fabulous suggestions.  I'll add those to the list on Mrs. Petroski's webpage.

Review all the items that were on the list on yesterday's blog about events for this week.  Go back through them and be able to tell me 3 of them that are still coming up for the week. That will be how I know you checked the blog, ok?  

It sounds like Bryer had a good experience with ooVoo today in math and science classes.  I think he's going to try coming on Tuesday.  Thanks for making things work.  Hopefully, we'll have Dylan and Isabella back, too!  Lalo and Wyatt C., let's get out the Clorox wipes for those germs!!!

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Wonderful-Weathered Weekend! Wowser!

Now, I could used to THIS kind of weather, can't you, 5B?!  Loving it!

The only not-so-pleasant thing about this weather, is now it's time to de-poop my backyard.  Ewwww...

 Lots and lots and lots... of Ebony (and probably Lincoln from the fall...sniff, sniff, tear, tear) droppings to pick up!  I asked Isaiah if he wanted to go play outside Saturday morning and he said it wasn't safe.  I wondered why he was thinking our backyard was dangerous in some way.  I was thinking like strangers or something scared him.  Oh, no, that would have been too easy.  He said we might get sucked into all of the poop out there!!   So, that's our clue to clean up the backyard:)

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  It was great to include Bryer in class even though he is home recovering from his surgery.  It too bad Dylan was sick.  We should've seen if he was up to it.  Hopefully Dylan will be feeling better and back on Monday.  Happy Birthday to Austin on Sunday!  You think he's ready for a birthday dance on Monday??  Maybe even do it outside if it's nice??



Topics to Think about this Week
1.  Starting back into Flipped Classrooms with Social Studies and Tech class together.  Be sure to be responsible, check for any work and post on Todaysmeet.com.  Easy points to earn or miss.

2.  3-Hour Early Out on Wednesday!

3. PTO meeting Wednesday night!  (Prizes to anyone who encourages his/her parents to come to the meeting!!!  Oh, yeah, baby!!)

4.  Nice weather - but it's NOT summer!  Still bring jackets, maybe extra shoes from the muddy ground and even hats/gloves for the chilly mornings.

5.  MISIC testing starts THIS FRIDAY, April 12 for 5th grade.  You are free to bring a snack for "brain food" on any MISIC testing days.  Think about healthy snacks that give you energy:)  No drinks please.

6.  Guinness Book of World Records attempt for at least 300 people gathered to wear PILGRIM HATS will be next week, I think.  There are special rules or measurements for the hats, so I'll keep you posted! I believe this is just a K-8 activity.

7. Upcoming Class:  Puberty!  How lucky are you??!!  I get to be a part of it, too.  We'll be having this class once a week on Thursdays.  It will start NEXT week.  One of our school nurses will be leading the class!  Don't worry...you'll survive...

8.  Major 5th Grade Field Trip:  We have a big field trip coming up.  On May 3 we have an all-day trip planned.  I have 2 volunteer parents already committed to be chaperones on this trip.  I'm looking for 1 more from 5B.  If possible, we'd love to have a "dad" along.  So, if you think your dad in interested, has the opportunity to have that day off, and wants to hang out with yahoos like us (that's including me, don't worry!), then please let me know ASAP.

I'll know you checked the blog if you tell me how many topics were in the list to look ahead at this week!  It should be a pretty easy one to prove!

See you all soon!  Enjoy the awesome weather!  Get outside and stop reading this blog!!

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Another Cadet Pride"ful" Day in 5B

Flipped Classroom Break...
As you heard in class, you're off the hook for a bit with Flipped Classrooms.  We'll be doing some practice with the Cute Cut app this week, then moving onto the American Revolution.  Next week, we'll get back into Flipped Classroom assignments!  So, enjoy a little time off this week!

I'm headed out to eat tonight, so I'm keeping it WAY short!  Thanks for a great day today.  Be sure to tell your families about the PILGRIM HATS!  Start looking, making, and thinking!

Chat soon...  Oh, I'll know you checked the blog, if you ask me what I ate for supper Wednesday night!!

Yum-Yum,
~Mrs. Sorenson

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

TEE-RIFIC TUESDAY! Awesome Return from Break!

5B,
Each of the teachers chatted about how well things went today in all classrooms!  So glad to see this fantastic behavior and self-control continue from last week!  You ROCK!  Keep it coming, will ya?!

I'll keep it REALLY simple tonight...  THANKS for a super day!

While people were at band, Wyatt S. showed us a little magic trick.  I thought it was a "fake" until he tried it on me.  We will ask him to show more of us in the morning.  But until then, check out this link of other finger tricks!  Click Here!

I'll know you checked the blog if you show me some type of "made up" finger trick as you come in.   It can be really silly, simple, really tricky, or whatever.  Just have fun with it!

See you soon!

Monday, April 1, 2013

Hope Break was Fun..but I'm EGG-hausted!! HEHE..


Hey, 5B,
I hope everyone enjoyed the 4 day weekend.  I have to say it was a nice, planned break. I hope our traveling 5B classmates made it home ok from their trips.  I also hope everyone got a teeny, tiny bit of candy to energize themselves!  If you have some treats left over from some activities you did this weekend, you can bring a few with you.  If you know people don't check the blog until morning, maybe you can try to give them a heads-up today/tonight.  Or if you're REALLY nice, you could bring a few extra pieces for those you don't get a chance to check the blog until morning.  Just remember, no peanut butter or homemade items, ok?!!

There's no flipped classroom work, so you can relax with that!  But if you are the Three Days book club, you have a Coffee Talk Tuesday (tomorrow - or today if you are reading this at school).  Be ready for your final chat about what has happened with Jackie, Claudia and others!!  Also, if you read your pages way last week, maybe refresh yourself if you can't remember many details, ok?:)

I guess the only other thing to remember is if you had a blue Cadet Academy note to get signed and returned, please get that back on Tuesday, or you know what has to happen:(  Also, I'm waiting on a few report card envelopes, ok?

Enjoy the rest of your break!  Let's start off the week (and continue it) with the amazing listening, self-control and work attitudes I saw earlier last week!  I'm know you've got it in you!

I'll know you checked the blog if you.... watch this youtube video about a prank a dad played on his 3-year old daughter on Easter morning!  Too funny.  Tell me how well or bad the little girl reacted to the prank basket.

Oh...  I almost forgot... Happy April Fool's Day!!!!

See you soon!
Sorenson- Out!