Monthly+Newsletter

May/June 2018

State testing is in full swing, and I am very impressed with how well the students are handling it all! They are focused, utilizing strategies, and taking their time. As a result, I know they will be able to show that they have mastered the fifth grade standards. In addition, I appreciate all of the parent support at home- students are at school on time, rested, and filled with a healthy breakfast :) Thankfully, when all of this testing is complete, students have many fun-filled, end of the year activities to look forward to...

Please check this page often for current information on curriculum and important dates. I make sure to update it monthly.

.............................................................................................................................................. I would also like to offer some suggestions for how to help your child thrive in fifth grade:
 * Set aside a quiet place for students to complete homework.
 * Review their agenda with them nightly, and help them create a plan for completing their tasks.
 * Resist doing their thinking for them. Instead, ask guiding questions if they are stuck.
 * Encourage them to study their spelling words and science vocabulary nightly.
 * Encourage them to practice their multiplication facts nightly if they aren't mastered.
 * Review their homework briefly for quality and precision.
 * Discuss their weekly goals and learning in class when the "Newsblasts" come home on Fridays.

Remember, good habits established now will last throughout their academic career...


 * Units of Study for May/June: **

Language Arts: Theme 5- (See Lang. Arts page for more details and resources for practice of vocabulary and grammar skills) Writing: Opinion/Argument: Supporting answers to text-dependent questions with evidence from the text AND crafting informational text based on research Math: Unit 8, Expressions and Measurement Conversion  (See Math page for more details and info on the new Common Core State Standards for Mathematics) Science: Food Chain/Ecosystems


 * <span style="color: #000080; font-family: "Comic Sans MS",cursive; font-size: 150%;">Upcoming Dates to plan for: **


 * 1) May 28- No School/Memorial Day
 * 2) May 30- Band/Orchestra Concert (6:30 p.m. in MPR)
 * 3) May 31- College Field Day
 * 4) June 4- Science CAST test
 * 5) June 7- Fifth Graders sign yearbooks
 * 6) June 12- Fifth Grade Picnic
 * 7) June 13- Fifth Grade Promotion- 10:00 a.m.

As Always, please e-mail me with any concerns, questions, or input : pjimenez@powayusd.com