Reminder: Next week is the start of Terra Nova testing. It is important that everyone shows up on time.  Testing begins promptly at 8:30; if you arrive later you will not be admitted to the classroom and a make-up will have to be worked out.  

Read pages 135 - 160 in The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 and do two of the following on a loose leaf piece of paper. Make sure you're ready for tomorrow's quiz on this section of reading. 

- Make a connection: Quote a passage, with page number, that reminds you of something that has happened to you.  Write at least two sentences briefly describing the connection you made.
- Expand your vocabulary: Find two words you do not know the meaning of.  Quote the sentence the word is used in and its page number. Write one sentence describing what you think the words means.
- Make a prediction: Quote a passage, with page number, that makes you think something is going to happen. Briefly describe what your prediction is.
- Ask a question: Find a passage that you have a question about, quote the passage, with the page number, and write your question. This might be something that is unclear or makes you wonder about something.

1) Mathematics: Handout on improper fractions
2) 2) Spelling: Sort your words and glue/paste them into your word study notebook.
3) Vocabulary: In your word study notebook, draw an image to illustrate the meaning of each of our vocabulary words.
4) Read pages 120 - 135 in The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 and do two of the following on a loose leaf piece of paper. Make sure you're ready for tomorrow's quiz on this section of reading. 

- Make a connection: Quote a passage, with page number, that reminds you of something that has happened to you.  Write at least two sentences briefly describing the connection you made.
- Expand your vocabulary: Find two words you do not know the meaning of.  Quote the sentence the word is used in and its page number. Write one sentence describing what you think the words means.
- Make a prediction: Quote a passage, with page number, that makes you think something is going to happen. Briefly describe what your prediction is.
- Ask a question: Find a passage that you have a question about, quote the passage, with the page number, and write your question. This might be something that is unclear or makes you wonder about something

Note: Progress reports are going home today.


1) Mathematics: Handout on simplifying fractions
2) Spelling: Sort your words three times and record the PR in your word study notebook.
3) Vocabulary: In your word study notebook, write a sentence for each of our vocabulary words.
4) Read pages 105-120 in The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 and do two of the following on a loose leaf piece of paper. Make sure you're ready for tomorrow's quiz on this section of reading. 

- Make a connection: Quote a passage, with page number, that reminds you of something that has happened to you.  Write at least two sentences briefly describing the connection you made.
- Expand your vocabulary: Find two words you do not know the meaning of.  Quote the sentence the word is used in and its page number. Write one sentence describing what you think the words means.
- Make a prediction: Quote a passage, with page number, that makes you think something is going to happen. Briefly describe what your prediction is.
- Ask a question: Find a passage that you have a question about, quote the passage, with the page number, and write your question. This might be something that is unclear or makes you wonder about something

1) Math: Handout on equivalent fractions
2) Spelling: In your word study notebook, write either 8 sentences using 8 words or 4 sentences using 8 words.
3) Vocabulary: In your word study notebook, think of an association for each of our vocabulary words and explain why they are associated with that word.
4) Read pages 90 - 105 in The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 and do two of the following on a loose leaf piece of paper. Make sure you're ready for tomorrow's quiz on this section of reading. 

- Make a connection: Quote a passage, with page number, that reminds you of something that has happened to you.  Write at least two sentences briefly describing the connection you made.

- Expand your vocabulary: Find two words you do not know the meaning of.  Quote the sentence the word is used in and its page number. Write one sentence describing what you think the words means.

- Make a prediction: Quote a passage, with page number, that makes you think something is going to happen. Briefly describe what your prediction is.

- Ask a question: Find a passage that you have a question about, quote the passage, with the page number, and write your question. This might be something that is unclear or makes you wonder about something

Note: I will not be available for tutoring after school on Wednesday or Thursday.

1) Mathematics: Equivalent Fractions - p. 91 problems 1 - 24 (odd) Here is a link to the videos we watched in class if you need a refresher.

2) Spelling: In your word study notebook, write the dictionary definition of our spelling words. 

3) Vocabulary: In your word study notebooks, write the dictionary definitions for our vocabulary words: examine, pluck, possess, gracious
4) Read pages 75 - 90 in The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 and do two of the following on a loose leaf piece of paper. Make sure you're ready for tomorrow's quiz on this section of reading. 

- Make a connection: Quote a passage, with page number, that reminds you of something that has happened to you.  Write at least two sentences briefly describing the connection you made.
- Expand your vocabulary: Find two words you do not know the meaning of.  Quote the sentence the word is used in and its page number. Write one sentence describing what you think the words means.
- Make a prediction: Quote a passage, with page number, that makes you think something is going to happen. Briefly describe what your prediction is.
- Ask a question: Find a passage that you have a question about, quote the passage, with the page number, and write your question. This might be something that is unclear or makes you wonder about something

Group 1 catch fetch reach beach lunch branch witch match roach speech torch crunch pitch hutch screech gulch porch sketch switch coach bench which rich much

Group 2 voyage moisture drowsy about annoy poison allow county loyal noisy coward counter employ appoint powder thousand destroy avoid amount around

Group 3 suffice sufficient preside president metallic metal democrat democracy inspire inspiration emphatic emphasis wise wisdom mandate mandatory habit habitat decide decision narrate narrative excel excellent

Our Science Fair Finalists:
Tie for First Place: Mikayla Foggie & Jacob Jackson
2) Paige Plater
3) Anna Winder

Reminder: We have Family Mass this Sunday!

Your homework for the weekend is:
Read pages 45 - 75 in The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 and do two of the following on a loose leaf piece of paper. Make sure you're ready for tomorrow's quiz on this section of reading. 

- Make a connection: Quote a passage, with page number, that reminds you of something that has happened to you.  Write at least two sentences briefly describing the connection you made.
- Expand your vocabulary: Find two words you do not know the meaning of.  Quote the sentence the word is used in and its page number. Write one sentence describing what you think the words means.
- Make a prediction: Quote a passage, with page number, that makes you think something is going to happen. Briefly describe what your prediction is.
- Ask a question: Find a passage that you have a question about, quote the passage, with the page number, and write your question. This might be something that is unclear or makes you wonder about something

Your homework for tonight is:
1) Mathematics: p. 244 problems 1 - 12
2) Read pages 30 - 45 in The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 and do two of the following on a loose leaf piece of paper. Make sure you're ready for tomorrow's quiz on this section of reading. 

- Make a connection: Quote a passage, with page number, that reminds you of something that has happened to you.  Write at least two sentences briefly describing the connection you made.
- Expand your vocabulary: Find two words you do not know the meaning of.  Quote the sentence the word is used in and its page number. Write one sentence describing what you think the words means.
- Make a prediction: Quote a passage, with page number, that makes you think something is going to happen. Briefly describe what your prediction is.
- Ask a question: Find a passage that you have a question about, quote the passage, with the page number, and write your question. This might be something that is unclear or makes you wonder about something

Important upcoming dates:
February 21: Trip to KROC Center - Remember to wear your gym uniform and bring a swim suit/towel!
February 23: Family Mass with Book Fair afterwards
February 26: Progress reports sent home
Match 3 - 14: Terra Nova testing
March 16: Family Mass with Open House after 11:00 - 2:00
March 21: Trip to KROC Center - Remember to wear your gym uniform and bring a swim suit/towel!
               Nacho/Dress down day
March 24: Social Studies Fair
March 28: No School - Staff Professional Development
April 1: End of 3rd Quarter
April 11: Trip to KROC Centre - Remember to wear your gym uniform and bring a swim suit/towel!
April 17: Honor Roll Assembly 1:30
             Report Card Pickup 3:00 - 6:00
April 18 - 25: Spring Break
April 27: Family Mass
April 28: Classes Resume

Note: Because temperatures are heading above freezing we will be returning to outside dismissal at the end of the day.

Your homework for tonight is:
1) Mathematics: p. 242 problems 10 - 16 and problems solving on p. 243
2) Read pages 15 - 30 in The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 and do two of the following on a loose leaf piece of paper. Make sure you're ready for tomorrow's quiz on this section of reading. 

- Make a connection: Quote a passage, with page number, that reminds you of something that has happened to you.  Write at least two sentences briefly describing the connection you made.
- Expand your vocabulary: Find two words you do not know the meaning of.  Quote the sentence the word is used in and its page number. Write one sentence describing what you think the words means.
- Make a prediction: Quote a passage, with page number, that makes you think something is going to happen. Briefly describe what your prediction is.
- Ask a question: Find a passage that you have a question about, quote the passage, with the page number, and write your question. This might be something that is unclear or makes you wonder about something

Due to the shortened week and Science Fair presentations taking up a fair amount of class time we will not have spelling and vocabulary this week.

Your homework for tonight is:
1) Mathematics: p. 241 problems 1 - 9
2) Read pages 1 - 15 in The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963 and do two of the following on a loose leaf piece of paper. Make sure you're ready for tomorrow's quiz on this section of reading. 

- Make a connection: Quote a passage, with page number, that reminds you of something that has happened to you.  Write at least two sentences briefly describing the connection you made.
- Expand your vocabulary: Write down at least two words you did not know, their page number, and the sentence they were used in. Write one sentence describing what you think the words means.
- Make a prediction: Quote a passage, with page number, that makes you think something is going to happen. Briefly describe what your prediction is.
- Ask a question: Find a passage that you have a question about, quote the passage, with the page number, and write your question. This might be something that is unclear or makes you wonder about something

Note: Remember to turn in your KROC center permission slips along with the $48.  This is an excellent opportunity and we would like everyone to participate! The due date is February 18th, no slips will be accepted after this point.

Your homework for tonight is:

1) Mathematics: Homework: p. 239 problems 1 - 9
2) 2) Spelling: Sort your words and glue/paste them into your word study notebook.
3) Vocabulary: In your word study notebook, draw an image to illustrate the meaning of each of our vocabulary words.
4) Continue working on those Science Fair projects!

1) Mathematics: Correct Friday's math quiz - For each problem you got wrong, on a separate piece of paper write the problem number, one sentence explaining what you did incorrectly and one sentence explaining how to get the correct answer.
For example:
#1: I added Jacob's 4,537 rubber bands to Kayla's 412 rubber bands but forgot to add Destin's 3,412.
You need to add Jacob's rubber bands, Kayla's rubber bands and Destin's rubber bands to know how many Jacob had: 4,537 + 412 + 3,412 = 8,461.
2) Spelling: Sort your words three times and record the PR in your word study notebook.
3) Vocabulary: In your word study notebook, write a sentence for each of our vocabulary words.

Two Important Reminders!
Number one: Science Fair Projects are due on the 18th--both the written portion and the presentations. No late assignments will be accepted.  Remember tomorrow is the last day I will answer any questions with regards to the projects. I highly encourage you to look at the rubrics provided in the packet to make sure you have an idea of how they will be assessed.

Number two: The 18th is the last day to turn in your KROC Center permission slips & money.  If you do not turn them in by this time you'll have to stay at school while the class goes.


1) Mathematics: Homework: p. 235 problems 12 - 19
2) Spelling: In your word study notebook, write either 8 sentences using 8 words or 4 sentences using 8 words.
3) Vocabulary: In your word study notebook, think of an association for each of our vocabulary words and explain why they are associated with that word.

When writing your association, use the sentence frame: 

I associate _____________ with the word _______________ because _________________. 

For example: I associate hamburgers with the word delicious because I love hamburgers and think they are delicious!

Your homework for tonight is:

1) Mathematics: p. 235 problems 1 - 11
2) Spelling: In your word study notebook, write the definitions of 7 of your words.
3) Vocabulary: In your word study notebook, write the dictionary definitions of our vocabulary words: invigorate, thorough, inquire, intimidate.

Group 1: edge bridge age large surge badge ledge stage charge plunge ridge dodge rage sponge fudge hedge cage bulge judge pledge huge range lodge change

Group 2: needle meaning feather steady succeed extreme season eastern leather healthy increase fifteen reader people heavy compete thirteen feature pleasant defeat repeat freedom sweater indeed

Group 3: personal personality local locality hostile hostility mobile mobility mental mentality formal formality fatal fatality fertile fertility general generality original originality brutal brutality individual individuality

Note: Science Fair projects - Several people have turned in rough drafts with text copied directly from websites.  This is plagiarism and if it occurs on the final drafts the entire written portion will receive a zero.  Here is a short article with ideas on how to help your child with a research project.

Upcoming dates:
February 14: Valentine's Day - Students may dress down in pink, red, and/or white (no fee).
February 17: No School (President's Day)
February 18: Last day for KROC Center permission slips/fees to be turned in
                    Science Fair projects due and in-class judging
February 18 - 21: Book Fair in the Hall of Heroes (10:30 - 1:30)
February 23: Family Mass - Book Fair
February 26: Progress Reports sent home
March 3 - 14: TerraNova testing
March 16: Family Mass
March 21 Nacho/Dress down day
March 28: No School (Staff professional development)

Our poem for next week is:

Lucky Trade

Child:

I told my mom I’d go to work
if she would go to school.
She thought that trading places once
just might be kind of cool.

So she agreed; I packed her lunch
and made her wash her face.
Then Mother said,

Mother:

“I wonder why
you want to take my place?”

Child:

“I wonder what you do at work.
I’d like to meet your boss.
Now hurry up and brush your teeth
and don’t forget to floss.

“There’s just one other thing, Mom,
that I forgot to mention:
I’ll pick you up at four o’clock—
today you have detention.”

Note: Remember to turn in your KROC center permission slips along with the $48.  This is an excellent opportunity and we would like everyone to participate! The due date is February 18th, no slips will be accepted after this point.

Tomorrow we will have a quiz on five story problems like those we have been working on over the course of the week.

Your homework for tonight is:

1) Mathematics: Write six comparing story problems.  2 difference unknown, 2 quantity unknown, and 2 referent unknown.  Write them as neat as possible and leave room to solve the problem because a partner will be answering them in class tomorrow.  The numbers you use must be greater than 250. Use the handout from class to help create the problems if you get stuck.
2) 2) Spelling: Sort your words and glue/paste them into your word study notebook.
3) Vocabulary: In your word study notebook, draw an image to illustrate the meaning of each of our vocabulary words.
4) Continue working on those Science Fair projects!

1) Mathematics: Write six part-part-whole problems.  3 whole unknown and 3 part unknown.  Write them as neat as possible and leave room for someone to show their work because other students will be attempting to solve them tomorrow.  The numbers you use must be greater than 250. 
2) Spelling: Sort your words three times and record the PR in your word study notebook.
3) Vocabulary: In your word study notebook, write a sentence for each of our vocabulary words.
4) Continue to work on your Science Fair projects!  Remember, I am available for questions up to February 12th--after that I will not answer any questions about projects.

1) Mathematics: Write six separating problems.  2 result unknown, 2 change unknown, and 2 start unknown.  Write them as neat as possible and leave room for someone to show their work because other students will be attempting to solve them tomorrow.
2) Spelling: In your word study notebook, write either 8 sentences using 8 words or 4 sentences using 8 words.
3) Vocabulary: In your word study notebook, think of an association for each of our vocabulary words and explain why they are associated with that word.

When writing your association, use the sentence frame: 

I associate _____________ with the word _______________ because _________________. 

For example: I associate hamburgers with the word delicious because I love hamburgers and think they are delicious!

Note: We have been out of tissue for quite some time now and noses are running vigorously. If you are able to donate a box (or six!) of tissue, we would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

Your homework for tonight is:
1) Mathematics: Write six joining problems.  2 result unknown, 2 change unknown, and 2 start unknown.  Write them as neat as possible and leave room for someone to show their work because other students will be attempting to solve them tomorrow.
2) Spelling: In your word study notebook, write the dictionary definitions of 7 of your spelling words.
3) Vocabulary: In your word study notebook write the dictionary definitions of our words: circumstances, wistful, predicament, enormous

Your spelling words for this week are:

twelve freeze loose cheese gym calf guess peace glove fence please leave seize dance gave city giant card choose prove

rooster include refuse useful amuse jewel confuse doodle cocoon toothache excuse noodle pollute reduce beauty balloon cougar cartoon fewer raccoon chewy shampoo

volcano volcanic compose composition conspire conspiracy compete competition serene serenity admire admiration divine divinity custodian custody define definition invite invitation oppose opposition