Team Rendell 2013-2014

February 13, 2014 Dear Parents, This will be the last progress report before report cards are sent home on March 10 or 11. The last day to turn in late/missing/ absent work is February 21. The end of this school year is approaching quickly. There are a few dates that I want to share with you. I will let you know of any others as I am informed. The DWA is March 6. Students will type a persuasive/ opinion essay from start to finish on that day. They will get the prompt/ topic that morning. It will be much easier for them to do their best writing if they are comfortable typing. Student’s nightly assignment is 10 minutes on Typing Pal. I have a book of typing practice lessons for students, who do not have access to the Internet, to check out. Daily typing practice helps build muscle memory. Some 5th grade students this year can touch-type faster than the grade level goal of 25 words per minute. Touch-typing is a Life Skill that students can become proficient at this age if they practice daily. All end of year testing will be on the computer also. You can take a look at the new end of the year testing at SagePortal.org Click on the icon of the bike with training wheels, and sign in as guest. The new test is vastly different. Looking at this sample with your student will help him or her feel more comfortable, confident, and ease any fears. We will be practicing with it at school as well. Our ALEKS subscriptions will expire on February 15. If you are interested in renewing your child’s account, I will be happy to proctor it for you through the summer and into next year. A 12-month subscription is $45 with my teacher discount. Seven-month subscription is $31.25. You will pay that directly to ALEKS and your student will continue seamlessly with their personalized math study. I have my own daughter in this program, as it covers college level material as well, and I think it is a useful tool. An We have not earned enough points to have a market day on Friday; however we will be jump roping and hula hooping to exercise our hearts this Friday morning. Students who bring a treat or a Valentine for the whole class will be allowed to pass them out that day. We have 22 people in our class currently. I focus on friendship and teamwork on this day, and throughout the year. We will be doing a social studies project later this year that students can use their creativity on the model for that project. The social studies research project choices are attached so students can start choosing a project. Regards, B. Rendell Upcoming Dates No School – President’s Day February 17 Symphony Field Trip February 24 DWA Direct Writing Assessment March 6 No School – Grade Transmittal Day March 7 Report Cards sent home March 10 or 11 Parent Teacher Conferences March 12 and 13 No School - PT compensation March 14 Spring Recess April 17, 18, and 21 Westvale Night at the Theatre (6:30 in gym) May 22 No School - Memorial Day May 26 Fun Run May 30 High School Graduations June 5 Last Day of School June 6