April 29, 2009

The Tribal Tribune

A Sneak Peek at the Past Couple Weeks

I would like to congratulate my kids for an outstanding week of testing. I was very impressed with how focused your children were during testing. I am very proud of my students for the effort they put toward the CRCT. I know they are glad it is over, and I was very proud of their performance during the five days of testing.

Math: I have been reviewing for the last benchmark test of this year during Math. My students have done an outstanding job during each review session. Next week, my students will be working on a math project during school.  

Reading: During Reading, we have begun "book clubs." My students have been very excited and enthusiastic about the books they are reading. Please ask your child to tell you the title of the book they are reading and a summary of what they have read so far.  

Social Studies: During Social Studies, my students have been working on an opportunity cost project. They are doing fantastic on their projects. Please ask your child what two choices he/she was given. Your child should be able to explain opportunity cost to you and tell you his/her opportunity cost involving the project he/she is working on.

Language Arts/Word Work: During Language Arts, I have been reviewing for the last benchmark. My students have begun working on an autobiography project. I hope you have seen your child working on it at home. The majority of the work will be completed at school, but please ask your child to show you what he/she has completed so far. At the end of the project, your child will have a nice ABC autobiography book he/she wrote and illustrated.

Looking Ahead

May 8th- 5th Grade Field Trip to Atlanta Zoo and World of Coke

Reminders to Parents

1. Yearbooks are on sale for $28.00.

2. Please send in the contact form for your child regarding the May 8th field trip.

3. If you ever need to contact me by email, please contact me at lisa.bower@cobbk12.org. Please do not send any time sensitive emails. Please notify the office of any last minutes transportation changes.

Ways to Help at Home

1. Please continue to monitor your child's agenda each night. My students will continue to have homework even though we only have a few more weeks of school. I have noticed many students have not completed homework within the last week. It is very important your child completes his/her homework in order to receive an "O" or "S" on the work/study habits section of his/her report card.

2. Please ensure your child reads at least twenty minutes each night. This will help your child maintain or improve his/her reading level. You can read to your child or with your child. My students enjoy being read to in class!

3. Please review your child's homework every night to ensure your child understands the specific skills. If your child is having difficulty with his/her homework, please send me a quick note or tell your child to ask for help as soon as he/she arrives at school. We are able to give individual attention to students from 7:15 a.m. until 7:50 a.m. because our students do not have morning work. This time is reserved for any students who may need extra help with homework.

4. Please ask your child to tell you about what he/she has been learning. Your questions will help your child be able to think about what skills we worked on at school and will help them retain the information they learned each day.

The following websites are fabulous for reinforcing concepts at home:

Language Arts Review Games

http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hme/k_5/quizzes/ (scroll down to 5th grade)

http://webfc.rockingham.k12.va.us/~alee/grammarreviewgames.htm

http://www.eduplace.com/tales/

Math Review Games

http://www.harcourtschool.com/thinkmath/ (click on 5th grade)

http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/grade_g_2.html

Again, thank you for your continued support!

April 01, 2009

The Tribal Tribune

A Sneak Peek at the Past Week

Math: We have continued learning about circles this week. This is the last new skill we will be learning this year in math. I have taught every math standard our students need to learn for 5th grade. Because every math standard has been taught, we will be reviewing standards from the beginning of the year. We are excited that we have the opportunity to get some review in before the CRCT. Please begin reviewing with your child. I have begun giving them review homework to ensure they remember the math standards from the beginning of the year.  

Reading and Science: During Guided Reading groups, we have been learning about how land is changed. Our students have been taught the difference between constructive and destructive forces, erosion, deposition, and weathering. Your child should be able to tell you examples of constructive and destructive forces, give you an example of erosion and deposition, and he/she should be able to tell you how wind, water, and ice change land.

Language Arts/Word Work: During Language Arts, we have continued reviewing concepts from the entire year. This week, we reviewed figurative language (similes, metaphors, personification, alliteration, idioms, hyperboles, and onomatopoeia), synonyms, antonyms, and homophones. We will continue to review by playing games doing small projects. Please ask your child to tell you our game about hyperboles and his/her project about figurative language. Our students are really excited about what they have been doing in class.

 Social Studies: We have finished learning about The Civil Rights Movement. Your child should be able to tell you the role Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Thurgood Marshall had in the Civil Rights Movement, and he/she should be able to explain the Brown vs. Board of Education court case as well as The Civil Rights Act and The Voting Rights Act.

Looking Ahead

April 4th-April 12th: Spring Break

April 21st-April 27th: CRCT Testing

School Wide Reminders

1. Parents and students are not allowed to return to the classrooms after dismissal.

2. Please join PTA to support your child's education. Please visit dowellpta.org in order to read the benefits for joining our PTA. There are many great reasons to join! It is only $5.00 per person. You can also order Dowell Spirit Wear on the site. The "Going For The Gold" shirts are adorable! The students look nice wearing them, especially on Fridays since everyone wears spirit wear every Friday.

Reminders to Parents

1. Please send in your child's permission slip for the Atlanta Zoo and World of Coke as soon as possible.

2. Please sign your child's agenda daily in order to monitor his/her homework assignments and any notes I may write in the agenda.

3. If you ever need to contact me by email, please contact me at lisa.bower@cobbk12.org. Please do not send any time sensitive emails. Please notify the office of any last minutes transportation changes.

4. If you would still like to purchase a 5th grade t-shirt for your son or daughter, please send in $7.00, and I will send home the shirt the same day.

Ways to Help at Home

1. Please continue reviewing multiplication facts with your child. Mastering multiplication facts is necessary for your child to have success with 5th grade math skills. Your child would benefit from reviewing these facts (0-12) every night for at least fifteen minutes.

2. Please ensure your child reads at least twenty minutes each night. This will help your child maintain or improve his/her reading level. You can read to your child or with your child. Our students enjoy being read to in class!

3. Please review your child's homework every night to ensure your child understands the specific skills. If your child is having difficulty with his/her homework, please send me a quick note or tell your child to ask for help as soon as he/she arrives at school. We are able to give individual attention to students from 7:15 a.m. until 7:50 a.m. because our students do not have morning work. This time is reserved for any students who may need extra help with homework.

4. Please ask your child to tell you about what he/she has been learning. Your questions will help your child be able to think about what skills we worked on at school and will help them retain the information they learned each day.

The following websites are fabulous for reinforcing concepts at home:

Language Arts Review Games

http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hme/k_5/quizzes/ (scroll down to 5th grade)

http://webfc.rockingham.k12.va.us/~alee/grammarreviewgames.htm

http://www.eduplace.com/tales/

Math Review Games

http://www.harcourtschool.com/thinkmath/ (click on 5th grade)

http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/grade_g_2.html

Again, thank you for your continued support!

March 18, 2009

The Tribal Tribune

A Sneak Peek at the Past Week

Math: We have been learning about circles this week. Our students should be able to answer the following questions.

What is the relationship between the radius and diameter of a circle?

What is the relationship between the circumference and the diameter of a circle?

What is pi and how is it related to circles?

Please ask your child to tell you about the math lessons they participated in these past three days. They should be able to explain the activities and what they learned from them. We will be learning the area of a circle next week.

Reading and Social Studies:  During Guided Reading this week, we have begun reading chapter books dealing with World War II. Please ask your child which book he/she is reading and ask them to summarize what they have read so far. We have begun learning about the Civil Rights Movement during Social Studies. I read the book If a Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks to my students, and they enjoyed it very much. They learned about the Montgomery Bus Boycott as well as Dr. Martin Luther King's role in the boycott. They also have been learning about Brown vs. The Board of Education and the importance of the court case, Thurgood Marshall, The March on Washington, the Civil Rights Act, and the Voting Rights Act.

Language Arts/Word Work: During Language Arts, we have been reviewing concepts that have been taught throughout the year. Please review the eight parts of speech with your child as well as the four types of sentences. Our students should be able to recognize the following parts of speech in sentences: nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, conjunctions, interjections, and prepositions. Our students should be able to distinguish the following types of sentences: declarative, imperative, interrogative, and exclamatory sentences. 

 Science: During Science, our students have been learning the difference between static electricity and current electricity. Please ask your child about the static stations they participated in. They should be able to explain static electricity to you.

Looking Ahead

March 20th- Fitness Night (6:00-8:00)

Dowell Health and Fitness Night
 Do you want to become healthier and fit? Well, now is your chance. Dowell is having its first ever Health and Fitness Night! Many businesses will be providing important information on health and fitness. Gold's Gym, the Kennesaw State University Physical Education Department and Dowell students will be here providing several fun activities. Healthy snacks and water will be available for purchase to support our Relay for Life team. So bring the family for a night full of fun and fitness!

March 31st

Technology  Night :                                                                                                                                              

Session 1 6:45-7:00

PTA 7:00-7:30

Session 2   7:30-7:45

School Wide Reminders

1. Parents and students are not allowed to return to the classrooms after dismissal.

2. Please join PTA to support your child's education. Please visit dowellpta.org in order to read the benefits for joining our PTA. There are many great reasons to join! It is only $5.00 per person. You can also order Dowell Spirit Wear on the site. The "Going For The Gold" shirts are adorable! The students look nice wearing them, especially on Fridays since everyone wears spirit wear every Friday.

Reminders to Parents

1. Please send in your child's permission slip for the Atlanta Zoo and World of Coke as soon as possible.

2. Please sign your child's agenda daily in order to monitor his/her homework assignments and any notes I may write in the agenda.

3. If you ever need to contact me by email, please contact me at lisa.bower@cobbk12.org. Please do not send any time sensitive emails. Please notify the office of any last minutes transportation changes.

4. If you would still like to purchase a 5th grade t-shirt for your son or daughter, please send in $7.00, and I will send home the shirt the same day.

Ways to Help at Home

1. Please continue reviewing multiplication facts with your child. Mastering multiplication facts is necessary for your child to have success with 5th grade math skills. Your child would benefit from reviewing these facts (0-12) every night for at least fifteen minutes.

2. Please ensure your child reads at least twenty minutes each night. This will help your child maintain or improve his/her reading level. You can read to your child or with your child. Our students enjoy being read to in class!

3. Please review your child's homework every night to ensure your child understands the specific skills. If your child is having difficulty with his/her homework, please send me a quick note or tell your child to ask for help as soon as he/she arrives at school. We are able to give individual attention to students from 7:15 a.m. until 7:50 a.m. because our students do not have morning work. This time is reserved for any students who may need extra help with homework.

4. Please ask your child to tell you about what he/she has been learning. Your questions will help your child be able to think about what skills we worked on at school and will help them retain the information they learned each day.

The following websites are fabulous for reinforcing concepts at home:

http://www.quia.com/jg/65963.html

http://www.quia.com/jg/66094.html

http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/book_buddy/arthur/skill.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/education/bitesize/standard/english/reading/inference_rev1.shtmlA

5th Grade Field Trip: Atlanta Zoo and World of Coke

All donations for our field trip are due on March 24th. We have not received enough funds to be able to go on this trip. Please send in your donations as soon as possible to ensure our students will be able to go on their last field trip of elementary school.

Again, thank you for your continued support!

February 25, 2009

The Tribal Tribune

A Sneak Peek at the Past Week

Math: We have continued working on creating and analzying models for multiplying and dividing fractions this week. Our students have been reviewing in small groups with us as well as rotating to different stations to practice modeling multiplication and division of fractions. Our students had a great time modeling the multiplication of fractions using watercolor paints. They created their models using blue and read paint and the answer to their problems became purple when the red and blue mixed together. They did an outstanding job with this activity and were very proud of themselves. In order to review, please have your child visit the following website to practice the multiplication of fractions:

http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_194_g_2_t_1.html?from=grade_g_2.html

We will begin reviewing all of our math standards throughout the next couple of weeks. Please begin reviewing the following concepts with your child: finding volume, capacity, and modeling the multiplication and division of fractions.

Another great website for practicing volume is:

http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/elab2004/gr5/28.html

Reading and Social Studies:  During Guided Reading this week, our students have been learning how to identify and analyze context clues in order to figure out unknown words. I read The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco, and the students learned the what the following words mean by using context clues in the book: babushka, challah, huppa, and kulich. Please ask your child to share the meanings of these words with you. In Social Studies, our students have been learning the importance of cattle trails and why African American men decided to be cowboys. We also learned why people began immigrating to America and why America decided to pass immigration laws. The final concepts your child learned this week is that America believed in imperialism and what they did to keep earning power. Your child should be able to tell you about the Spanish-American War as well as why the Panama Canal was built.

Language Arts/Word Work: During Word Work, we have been reviewing concepts that have been taught throughout the year. Our students work on a "Poem of the Week" in order to review parts of speech as well as other Language Arts concepts. Our poem focuses on nouns this week. I hope your child shared the poem they wrote. They were really excited about their poems. We will continue reviewing more in depth the next few weeks.

Looking Ahead

March 3rd- Early Release @ 12:20

March 5th- PTA and CRCT Information Meeting

March 20th- Fitness Night

School Wide Reminders

1. Parents and students are not allowed to return to the classrooms after dismissal.

2. Please join PTA to support your child's education. Please visit dowellpta.org in order to read the benefits for joining our PTA. There are many great reasons to join! It is only $5.00 per person. You can also order Dowell Spirit Wear on the site. The "Going For The Gold" shirts are adorable! The students look nice wearing them, especially on Fridays since everyone wears spirit wear every Friday.

Reminders to Parents

1. Please send in your child's permission slip for the Atlanta Zoo and World of Coke as soon as possible.

2. Please sign your child's agenda daily in order to monitor his/her homework assignments and any notes I may write in the agenda.

3. If you ever need to contact me by email, please contact me at lisa.bower@cobbk12.org. Please do not send any time sensitive emails. Please notify the office of any last minutes transportation changes.

4. If you would still like to purchase a 5th grade t-shirt for your son or daughter, please send in $7.00, and I will send home the shirt the same day.

Ways to Help at Home

1. Please continue reviewing multiplication facts with your child. Mastering multiplication facts is necessary for your child to have success with 5th grade math skills. Your child would benefit from reviewing these facts (0-12) every night for at least fifteen minutes.

2. Please ensure your child reads at least twenty minutes each night. This will help your child maintain or improve his/her reading level. You can read to your child or with your child. Our students enjoy being read to in class!

3. Please review your child's homework every night to ensure your child understands the specific skills. If your child is having difficulty with his/her homework, please send me a quick note or tell your child to ask for help as soon as he/she arrives at school. We are able to give individual attention to students from 7:15 a.m. until 7:50 a.m. because our students do not have morning work. This time is reserved for any students who may need extra help with homework.

4. Please ask your child to tell you about what he/she has been learning. Your questions will help your child be able to think about what skills we worked on at school and will help them retain the information they learned each day.

The following websites are fabulous for reinforcing concepts at home:

http://www.quia.com/jg/65963.html

http://www.quia.com/jg/66094.html

http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/book_buddy/arthur/skill.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/education/bitesize/standard/english/reading/inference_rev1.shtmlA

Budget Cuts

Due to the budget cuts that Cobb County has faced, many funds have been taken away or frozen. As a result of this, our students will not be attending middle school field trips as you were previously informed of at parent-teacher conferences.

Again, thank you for your continued support!

February 18, 2009

The Tribal Tribune

A Sneak Peek at the Past Two Weeks

Math: We have been learning many new skills during math. Our students have been learning how to model the multiplication and division of fractions. The standard we teach specifically states that students need to be able to analyze and create models that involve multiplying and dividing fractions. During the next few weeks, we will be reviewing the math concepts that have been taught during this nine week period.

Reading and Social Studies:  During Guided Reading, we have focused on how to make inferences. Your child should be able to tell you what it means to make an inference. Our students have been learning about dramas. They should be able to tell you the characteristics of a drama. For example, a drama has a cast, scenes, acts, and stage directions. During Social Studies, we have been learning about the importance of cattle trails. Your child should be able to explain the difference between supply and demand.

Language Arts/Word Work: During Word Work, we have been learning about how figurative language can "spice up" our writing. Your child should be able to tell you what the following terms mean and examples for each of them: similes, metaphors, personification, alliteraction, onomatopoeia, idioms, and hyperboles. Please discuss these with your child. They are doing great identifying the different types of figurative language when I am reading aloud. They are very proud of themselves.

Looking Ahead

February 24-25 Human Growth and Development Program

March 3rd- Early Release @ 12:20

March 5th- PTA and CRCT Information Meeting

March 20th- Fitness Night

School Wide Reminders

1. Parents and students are not allowed to return to the classrooms after dismissal.

2. Please join PTA to support your child's education. Please visit dowellpta.org in order to read the benefits for joining our PTA. There are many great reasons to join! It is only $5.00 per person. You can also order Dowell Spirit Wear on the site. The "Going For The Gold" shirts are adorable! The students look nice wearing them, especially on Fridays since everyone wears spirit wear every Friday.

Reminders to Parents

1. Please send in your child's permission slip for the Atlanta Zoo and World of Coke as soon as possible.

2. Please send in your child's permission slip for the Human Growth and Development program if you did not complete the form during your parent-teacher conference.

3. Please sign your child's agenda daily in order to monitor his/her homework assignments and any notes I may write in the agenda.

3. If you ever need to contact me by email, please contact me at lisa.bower@cobbk12.org. Please do not send any time sensitive emails. Please notify the office of any last minutes transportation changes.

4. If you would still like to purchase a 5th grade t-shirt for your son or daughter, please send in $7.00, and I will send home the shirt the same day.

Ways to Help at Home

1. Please continue reviewing multiplication facts with your child. Mastering multiplication facts is necessary for your child to have success with 5th grade math skills. Your child would benefit from reviewing these facts (0-12) every night for at least fifteen minutes.

2. Please ensure your child reads at least twenty minutes each night. This will help your child maintain or improve his/her reading level. You can read to your child or with your child. Our students enjoy being read to in class!

3. Please review your child's homework every night to ensure your child understands the specific skills. If your child is having difficulty with his/her homework, please send me a quick note or tell your child to ask for help as soon as he/she arrives at school. We are able to give individual attention to students from 7:15 a.m. until 7:50 a.m. because our students do not have morning work. This time is reserved for any students who may need extra help with homework.

4. Please ask your child to tell you about what he/she has been learning. Your questions will help your child be able to think about what skills we worked on at school and will help them retain the information they learned each day.

The following websites are fabulous for reinforcing concepts at home:

http://www.quia.com/jg/65963.html

http://www.quia.com/jg/66094.html

http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/book_buddy/arthur/skill.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/education/bitesize/standard/english/reading/inference_rev1.shtml

Again, thank you for your continued support!

January 14, 2009

The Tribal Tribune

A Sneak Peek at the Past Two Weeks

Math: We have begun our measurement unit last week. Our students have learned how to measure the volume of objects, and they have begun learning how to measure capacity. Your child should be able to tell you the formula used to measure the volume of an object, he/she should be able to tell you how area and volume are different, and he/she should be able to tell you how volume and capacity are different. Our students will be learning how to compare and convert capacity. This is a difficult skill for students, so please reinforce these skills at home each night.

Reading and Science:  During Guided Reading, our students are learning about literary elements. We have been focusing on how to identify the setting, characters, and conflict within a story. Your child should be able to tell you the definition of conflict and he/she should be able to tell you the conflict in the book titled The Lorax. Our students have also been learning how animals are classified. Your child should be able to tell you the difference between vertebrates and invertebrates as well as the five classes of vertebrates. Please ask your child to share the different versions of the fairy tales we have been reading during Guided Reading. They have enjoyed reading the different versions because we are analyzing the similarities and differences between each story.

Language Arts/Word Work: During word work, our students have been learning about multiple meaning words and idioms. They enjoyed the game we have played to learn words with multiple meanings. Your child should be able to tell you many examples of multiple meaning words as well as common idioms. Please ask him/her to share a few examples with you.

Looking Ahead

January 19th- Holiday/No School

January 26-30th- Conference Week/Book Fair/Early Dismissal @ 12:15

School Wide Reminders

1. Parents and students are not allowed to return to the classrooms after dismissal.

2. Please join PTA to support your child's education. Please visit dowellpta.org in order to read the benefits for joining our PTA. There are many great reasons to join! It is only $5.00 per person. You can also order Dowell Spirit Wear on the site. The "Going For The Gold" shirts are adorable! The students look nice wearing them, especially on Fridays since everyone wears spirit wear every Friday.

Reminders to Parents

1. Please send in High Touch/High Tech permission slips and donations as soon as possible. As of today, we do not have enough money to participate in this field trip. If we do not receive enough money, we will be forced to cancel the field trip.

2. Please sign your child's agenda daily in order to monitor his/her homework assignments and any notes I may write in the agenda.

3. If you ever need to contact me by email, please contact me at lisa.bower@cobbk12.org. Please do not send any time sensitive emails. Please notify the office of any last minutes transportation changes.

4. If you would still like to purchase a 5th grade t-shirt for your son or daughter, please send in $7.00, and I will send home the shirt the same day.

Ways to Help at Home

1. Please continue reviewing multiplication facts with your child. Mastering multiplication facts is necessary for your child to have success with 5th grade math skills. Your child would benefit from reviewing these facts (0-12) every night for at least fifteen minutes.

2. Please ensure your child reads at least twenty minutes each night. This will help your child maintain or improve his/her reading level. You can read to your child or with your child. Our students enjoy being read to in class!

3. Please review your child's homework every night to ensure your child understands the specific skills. If your child is having difficulty with his/her homework, please send me a quick note or tell your child to ask for help as soon as he/she arrives at school. We are able to give individual attention to students from 7:15 a.m. until 7:50 a.m. because our students do not have morning work. This time is reserved for any students who may need extra help with homework.

4. Please ask your child to tell you about what he/she has been learning. Your questions will help your child be able to think about what skills we worked on at school and will help them retain the information they learned each day.

The following websites are fabulous for reinforcing concepts at home:

http://www.tv411.org/vocabulary/

http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/games/liquidvolume/liquidvolume.html

http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/book_buddy/rosie/skill_pre.html

http://www.quia.com/pop/120023.html

http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/match/term/draggeneric.asp?filename=msmith5topicmain

In-school Field Trip

As a 5th grade team, we have not received enough funds to participate in the in-school field trip in February. If we do not receive enough funds, we will be forced to cancel this field trip. Thank you for your support! 

Again, thank you for your continued support!

December 10, 2008

The Tribal Tribune

A Sneak Peek at the Past Week

Math: We have finished teaching our math standards for the second nine weeks. We have been reviewing this week, and we will be taking our math post-test.

Reading and Science:  During Guided Reading, our students have been reviewing main idea and cause and effect while learning about microorganisms. Your child should be able to tell you the three kinds of microorganisms and examples of helpful and harmful microorganisms.

Language Arts/Word Work: Our students have learned the different types of sentences based on their complexity. They should be able to dicuss the following types of sentences: simple, compound, complex, compound-complex. During Writer's Workshop, our students are publishing their how-to essays.

Looking Ahead

December 12th- Hat Day ($1.00)

December 20th- A Tale of Despereaux

December 20th-January 5th--(Students come back to school on January 6th) Winter Break

School Wide Reminders

1. Parents and students are not allowed to return to the classrooms after dismissal.

2. Please join PTA to support your child's education. Please visit dowellpta.org in order to read the benefits for joining our PTA. There are many great reasons to join! It is only $5.00 per person. You can also order Dowell Spirit Wear on the site. The "Going For The Gold" shirts are adorable! The students look nice wearing them, especially on Fridays since everyone wears spirit wear every Friday.

Reminders to Parents

1. Please sign and return the CRCT letter sent home by Dr. Grier.

2. Please sign your child's agenda daily in order to monitor his/her homework assignments and any notes I may write in the agenda.

3. If you ever need to contact me by email, please contact me at lisa.bower@cobbk12.org. Please do not send any time sensitive emails. Please notify the office of any last minutes transportation changes.

4. Please send in the permission slip and funds  for our in-school field trip as soon as possible. We need to confirm we will have enough money to proceed with the field trip.

Ways to Help at Home

1. Please continue reviewing multiplication facts with your child. Mastering multiplication facts is necessary for your child to have success with 5th grade math skills. Your child would benefit from reviewing these facts (0-12) every night for at least fifteen minutes.

2. Please ensure your child reads at least twenty minutes each night. This will help your child maintain or improve his/her reading level. You can read to your child or with your child. Our students enjoy being read to in class!

3. Please review your child's homework every night to ensure your child understands the specific skills. If your child is having difficulty with his/her homework, please send me a quick note or tell your child to ask for help as soon as he/she arrives at school. We are able to give individual attention to students from 7:15 a.m. until 7:50 a.m. because our students do not have morning work. This time is reserved for any students who may need extra help with homework.

The following websites are fabulous for practicing grammar skills:

http://classroom.jc-schools.net/basic/la-grammar.html

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/adventure/

http://www.harcourtschool.com/menus/preview/harcourt_language/grammar_park.html

http://www.harcourtschool.com/menus/preview/harcourt_language/goforgold.html

http://www.funbrain.com/cgi-bin/getskill_s.cgi?A1=selects&A2=la&A4=1&A7=0

4. Please ask your child to tell you about what he/she has been learning. Your questions will help your child be able to think about what skills we worked on at school and will help them retain the information they learned each day.

Holiday Party

As a whole, the fifth grade team has not received many donations for the holiday party. Please send the holiday letters and any money donations in as soon as possible. If you agreed to send in something for the goody bags, please send it in at your earliest convenience.

Again, thank you for your continued support!

 


December 04, 2008

The Tribal Tribune

A Sneak Peek at the Past Week

Math: We have been working on area of regular and irregular polygons the week before Thanksgiving and the past week. Your child should be able to tell you the formulas for finding area of rectangles, squares, parallelograms, and triangles. Our students are beginning to grasp the skill of finding area for irregular polygons. This is difficult because they must tie everything they have learned together plus working out some algebra and then adding all the figures together. We will continue to work on this skill. Please encourage your child to keep trying even though it is difficult. We are here to help them if they do not understand their homework.

Reading and Science:  During guided reading, we focused we have been focusing on main idea and details while integrating our Science unit about cells. Your child should be able to tell you the cell parts of an animal cell and a plant cell as well as what the function is of each part, and he/she  should be able to tell you the difference between a single celled and a multi-celled organism. We are in the process of creating a powerpoint comparing the parts of a cell to our school. They are doing a fantastic job!

Language Arts/Word Work: We finished up our last three parts of speech before Thanksgiving Break. Your child should be able to tell you what the following parts of speech are and be able to give you examples of each one: nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. Some of our students are having a difficult time remembering the different parts of speech. There are many websites on the Dowell website for your child to go to in order to review and have fun at the same time. During writer's workshop, we have begun our how-to writing. Your child should be able to tell you the purpose of how-to writing. Please ask your child what he/she is writing about for his/her how-to writing.

Looking Ahead

December 5th- Supper with Santa

December 9th- Performing Arts Field Trip

School Wide Reminders

1. Parents and students are not allowed to return to the classrooms after dismissal.

2. Please join PTA to support your child's education. Please visit dowellpta.org in order to read the benefits for joining our PTA. There are many great reasons to join! It is only $5.00 per person. You can also order Dowell Spirit Wear on the site. The "Going For The Gold" shirts are adorable! The students look nice wearing them, especially on Fridays since everyone wears spirit wear every Friday.

Reminders to Parents

1. Please sign and return the CRCT letter sent home by Dr. Grier.

2. Please sign your child's agenda daily in order to monitor his/her homework assignments and any notes I may write in the agenda.

3. If you ever need to contact me by email, please contact me at lisa.bower@cobbk12.org. Please do not send any time sensitive emails. Please notify the office of any last minutes transportation changes.

Ways to Help at Home

1. Please continue reviewing multiplication facts with your child. Mastering multiplication facts is necessary for your child to have success with 5th grade math skills. Your child would benefit from reviewing these facts (0-12) every night for at least fifteen minutes.

2. Please ensure your child reads at least twenty minutes each night. This will help your child maintain or improve his/her reading level. You can read to your child or with your child. Our students enjoy being read to in class!

3. Please review your child's homework every night to ensure your child understands the specific skills. If your child is having difficulty with his/her homework, please send me a quick note or tell your child to ask for help as soon as he/she arrives at school. We are able to give individual attention to students from 7:15 a.m. until 7:50 a.m. because our students do not have morning work. This time is reserved for any students who may need extra help with homework.

The following websites are fabulous for practicing grammar skills:

http://classroom.jc-schools.net/basic/la-grammar.html

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/adventure/

http://www.harcourtschool.com/menus/preview/harcourt_language/grammar_park.html

http://www.harcourtschool.com/menus/preview/harcourt_language/goforgold.html

http://www.funbrain.com/cgi-bin/getskill_s.cgi?A1=selects&A2=la&A4=1&A7=0

4. Please ask your child to tell you about what he/she has been learning. Your questions will help your child be able to think about what skills we worked on at school and will help them retain the information they learned each day.

Update on 5th Grade T-shirts

Mrs. Hooper has confirmed she has finalized the order for the 5th grade t-shirts. We will notify you when they have arrived at school. I have seen a print-out of the shirt on paper, and it looks great!

Thank you for your support and patience!

 


November 12, 2008

The Tribal Tribune

A Sneak Peek at the Past Week

Math: We have finished teaching fractions for this nine week period. This week we began our geometry standards. Your child should be able to tell you what a polygon is and types of specific polygons. For example, the names of a three-sided, four-sided, five-sided, six-sided, and eight-sided polygon. Please ask your child to name each of the above polygons for you and ask if they have seen any of these polygons out in the real world. We try to relate math to their everyday lives as much as we can! Also, your child should be able to tell you about congruent figures. They should include the following words: sides, angles, and vertices.

Reading and Social Studies:  During guided reading, we focused on cause and effect relationships. We did this by incorporating this reading skill in our social studies unit about the civil war. Your child should be able to tell you the effects of the civil war on the North and South. They should be able to tell you specific examples.

Language Arts/Word Work: Our students have been learning about adjectives this week. They should be able to tell you what two parts of speech they modify as well as what three questions adjectives answer. Please review nouns (common, proper, singular, and plural), pronouns, verbs (action and linking), and adjectives with your child. There are great websites with grammar games to help your child review. Our students are having difficulty distinguishing between nouns and pronouns. We have reviewed these two parts of speech many times, and we will continue to do this. Because our students must learn all eight parts of speech, we need to continue teaching the other parts of speech, so any review you can do at home would be great! Thank you for your support! Most of our students have begun publishing their animal reports. They have done an outstanding job researching and drafting their reports. We are excited to see their finished products! They are very proud of themselves because they learned a great deal of information about the animals they chose to write about.

Looking Ahead

November 18th- V.I.P. Day (5th grade lunch time: 12:04-12:34)

November 24th-November 28th- Thanksgiving Holidays

School Wide Reminders

1. Parents and students are not allowed to return to the classrooms after dismissal.

2. Please join PTA to support your child's education. Please visit dowellpta.org in order to read the benefits for joining our PTA. There are many great reasons to join! It is only $5.00 per person. You can also order Dowell Spirit Wear on the site. The "Going For The Gold" shirts are adorable! The students look nice wearing them, especially on Fridays since everyone wears spirit wear every Friday.

Reminders to Parents

1. Please sign and return the CRCT letter sent home by Dr. Grier.

2. Please sign your child's agenda daily in order to monitor his/her homework assignments and any notes I may write in the agenda.

3. If you ever need to contact me by email, please contact me at lisa.bower@cobbk12.org. Please do not send any time sensitive emails. Please notify the office of any last minutes transportation changes.

Ways to Help at Home

1. Please continue reviewing multiplication facts with your child. Mastering multiplication facts is necessary for your child to have success with 5th grade math skills. Your child would benefit from reviewing these facts (0-12) every night for at least fifteen minutes.

2. Please ensure your child reads at least twenty minutes each night. This will help your child maintain or improve his/her reading level. You can read to your child or with your child. Our students enjoy being read to in class!

3. Please review your child's homework every night to ensure your child understands the specific skills. If your child is having difficulty with his/her homework, please send me a quick note or tell your child to ask for help as soon as he/she arrives at school. We are able to give individual attention to students from 7:15 a.m. until 7:50 a.m. because our students do not have morning work. This time is reserved for any students who may need extra help with homework.

The following websites are fabulous for practicing grammar skills:

http://classroom.jc-schools.net/basic/la-grammar.html

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/adventure/

http://www.harcourtschool.com/menus/preview/harcourt_language/grammar_park.html

http://www.harcourtschool.com/menus/preview/harcourt_language/goforgold.html

http://www.funbrain.com/cgi-bin/getskill_s.cgi?A1=selects&A2=la&A4=1&A7=0

4. Please ask your child to tell you about what he/she has been learning. Your questions will help your child be able to think about what skills we worked on at school and will help them retain the information they learned each day.

Update on 5th Grade T-shirts

Because we did not receive many t-shirt forms back by the due date, Mrs. Hooper was able to order the 5th grade t-shirts this week. We will notify you when they get here. Thank you for your patience.

Thank your for contributing to your child's education! Your support will definitely help your child have a successful and memorable 5th grade year!

The Tribal Tribune

A Sneak Peek at the Past Week

Math: We have finished teaching fractions for this nine week period. This week we began our geometry standards. Your child should be able to tell you what a polygon is and types of specific polygons. For example, the names of a three-sided, four-sided, five-sided, six-sided, and eight-sided polygon. Please ask your child to name each of the above polygons for you and ask if they have seen any of these polygons out in the real world. We try to relate math to their everyday lives as much as we can! Also, your child should be able to tell you about congruent figures. They should include the following words: sides, angles, and vertices.

Reading and Social Studies:  During guided reading, we focused on cause and effect relationships. We did this by incorporating this reading skill in our social studies unit about the civil war. Your child should be able to tell you the effects of the civil war on the North and South. They should be able to tell you specific examples.

Language Arts/Word Work: Our students have been learning about adjectives this week. They should be able to tell you what two parts of speech they modify as well as what three questions adjectives answer. Please review nouns (common, proper, singular, and plural), pronouns, verbs (action and linking), and adjectives with your child. There are great websites with grammar games to help your child review. Our students are having difficulty distinguishing between nouns and pronouns. We have reviewed these two parts of speech many times, and we will continue to do this. Because our students must learn all eight parts of speech, we need to continue teaching the other parts of speech, so any review you can do at home would be great! Thank you for your support! Most of our students have begun publishing their animal reports. They have done an outstanding job researching and drafting their reports. We are excited to see their finished products! They are very proud of themselves because they learned a great deal of information about the animals they chose to write about.

Looking Ahead

November 18th- V.I.P. Day (5th grade lunch time: 12:04-12:34)

November 24th-November 28th- Thanksgiving Holidays

School Wide Reminders

1. Parents and students are not allowed to return to the classrooms after dismissal.

2. Please join PTA to support your child's education. Please visit dowellpta.org in order to read the benefits for joining our PTA. There are many great reasons to join! It is only $5.00 per person. You can also order Dowell Spirit Wear on the site. The "Going For The Gold" shirts are adorable! The students look nice wearing them, especially on Fridays since everyone wears spirit wear every Friday.

Reminders to Parents

1. Please sign and return the CRCT letter sent home by Dr. Grier.

2. Please sign your child's agenda daily in order to monitor his/her homework assignments and any notes I may write in the agenda.

3. If you ever need to contact me by email, please contact me at lisa.bower@cobbk12.org. Please do not send any time sensitive emails. Please notify the office of any last minutes transportation changes.

Ways to Help at Home

1. Please continue reviewing multiplication facts with your child. Mastering multiplication facts is necessary for your child to have success with 5th grade math skills. Your child would benefit from reviewing these facts (0-12) every night for at least fifteen minutes.

2. Please ensure your child reads at least twenty minutes each night. This will help your child maintain or improve his/her reading level. You can read to your child or with your child. Our students enjoy being read to in class!

3. Please review your child's homework every night to ensure your child understands the specific skills. If your child is having difficulty with his/her homework, please send me a quick note or tell your child to ask for help as soon as he/she arrives at school. We are able to give individual attention to students from 7:15 a.m. until 7:50 a.m. because our students do not have morning work. This time is reserved for any students who may need extra help with homework.

The following websites are fabulous for practicing grammar skills:

http://classroom.jc-schools.net/basic/la-grammar.html

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/adventure/

http://www.harcourtschool.com/menus/preview/harcourt_language/grammar_park.html

http://www.harcourtschool.com/menus/preview/harcourt_language/goforgold.html

http://www.funbrain.com/cgi-bin/getskill_s.cgi?A1=selects&A2=la&A4=1&A7=0

4. Please ask your child to tell you about what he/she has been learning. Your questions will help your child be able to think about what skills we worked on at school and will help them retain the information they learned each day.

Update on 5th Grade T-shirts

Because we did not receive many t-shirt forms back by the due date, Mrs. Hooper was able to order the 5th grade t-shirts this week. We will notify you when they get here. Thank you for your patience.

Thank your for contributing to your child's education! Your support will definitely help your child have a successful and memorable 5th grade year!