We have had many rainy days of school, but some excellent learning in the classroom. I am especially proud of the students’ perseverance with the Spheros and their body system tours. Unfortunately, there was glitch in the app that caused issues with the students’ coding. Students did not get discouraged and continued to problem solve! And I’m still problem solving with the Sphero customer service representatives to prevent the issues next time.
This week, in social studies, we will finish up looking at the three branches of government. Then, students will be starting our unit on Westward Expansion. It is a favorite of students in past years! Students will be taking on the roles of pioneers in a class simulation that is similar to the Oregon Trail game that we played as kids
In science, students will be exploring the nutrient and transport systems in our human bodies with hands on activities. Be sure to ask your child how they created a model of the digestive system and the circulatory system at the end of the week. The activities always make for entertaining stories! I also encourage students to start reviewing their unicellular/multicellular and body systems notes in their science notebooks a bit every evening. Just be sure he/she brings the notebook back daily because we will continue to record our notes/activities in class.
Upcoming Events:
-Progress Reports: These will be sent home today. Information on registering for middle school will also be included.
-Field Trip Slip/Money: The slip and money will be due on April 1st. If you are interested in being added to the drawing for chaperones, please have your slip returned by March 1st. I will do the drawing over the weekend and notify the interested parents of the results.
-Fundraiser Turn In Day: The cookie dough fundraiser and money will be due on Thursday, February 28. Be sure your child’s name and my name is written on the form and money envelopes.
-Parent Help Needed This Week: On Friday, students will be “shopping” at the general store to buy items for their covered wagons in our Westward Expansion simulation. They will have calculators and we will too! The students, however, tend to get confused on the adding up their purchases and not spending more money than they have (learning an important life skill in fifth grade!) We will be tackling this on Friday, March 1 from 8:10-9:40 and 12:30-1:00. Just email me or jot a note in your child’s planner if you can help. Any help is greatly appreciated!
-PCIS Day: Wear your school shirt on Thursday, February 28 to celebrate!
-Pajama Day: This will be a school wide event on Friday, March 1 to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday.
If you have any questions/concerns, please feel free to contact me. You may jot a note in your child’s planner (just remind your child to show me!), call (704-736-1504), or send an email ([email protected]). Have an amazing week!! Mrs. Melissa Park