Smith May 9-13

Parents and Students:

Fifth Grade Play

This is the week of our Fifth Grade Play, "Happily Foreverafter." We look forward to performing for you. This play is a blessing!

Performance for Lower School: Thursday, May 12, at 9:00 A.M.

Performance for Parents: Friday, May 13, at 9:00 A.M.

Memory Boxes:

This week we will be working on some items to put into our Memory Boxes. We will not seal them at school in case you have some additional items to add when the boxes are returned home.

Note other special events:

1. Semester Celebration: Monday, May 16, at 8:15 A.M.

2. Fifth Grade Moving Up Ceremony: Monday, May 16, at 9:15 A.M.

3. Report Cards: Pick up from homeroom after the Moving Up Ceremony, May 16.

3. Field Day/Pizza & Popsicle Party: Tuesday, May 17 at 9:00 A.M.

4. Last Day of School: Tuesday, May 17!

Fever 1793

We will be enjoying this story throughout the week!

Have a great week!

Gidget Smith

McVay May 2 - 6

I hope everyone enjoyed the American Village. It was a beautiful day and a fabulous learning experience.  Our students were so well behaved and participated appropriately. The students received an 'A' from "Mr. Wyeth" for beautifully reciting the Preamble at the Constitutional Convention!


Math - 
Chapter 17 lessons 1 - 3 daily grade on Tuesday. 
We will begin Chapter 25 on measurement.  We probably won't take any grades on this chapter.  We will however, brush up on our measurement skills!


Social Studies - 
Chapter 9 Lesson 1 - 3 Daily grade on Friday.
I will send home a grade sheet for the combined Social Studies project in the Monday folders, May 9.  I am still grading the oral presentations and the keynote presentations.


Science - 
Weekly Reader grade on Thursday.


"Happily Forever After"
Practice on the fifth grade play is going well. The dates are as follows:
Thursday, May 12 - Fifth Grade play for Lower School at 9:00 A.M. in Willett Hall
Friday, May 13 - Fifth Grade play for Parents/Guests at 9:00 A.M. in Willett Hall


May 16  - Semester Celebration 8:15, 5th grade moving up ceremony 9:15- church attire - report cards go home - 5th grade may leave after the moving up ceremony or stay until 11:30 for early dismissal.

May 17  - Field Day - 9 a.m. followed by pizza and popsicle party. This is the last day of school - early dismissal 11:30


Have a blessed week!
Karen McVay

Smith May 2-6

Parents and Students:

We enjoyed our wonderful trip to American Village today! The weather was great, and fun was had by all. The presentations brought the American Revolution to life! Thanks to all the Dads, grandfathers, and uncles who attended the trip and helped with lunches this morning.

Wordly Wise Lesson 14 grade on Tues., May 3

Spelling Lesson 35 grade on Wed., May 4

English

Pronouns Lessons 4-5 (P. 222-227)

Lessons 4-5 grade on Wed., May 4

Bible

Lesson 31 "Esther Becomes Queen"

Scripture: Esther 1-2

Bible guide Pages: 110-112

We have come to a beautiful story in the history of God's people. It is the story of Esther. Esther was a Jewish girl who became queen in the kingdom of Media and Persia. As queen she was able to help her people when they were about to be destroyed. The wicked Haman requested permission from the king to kill all the Jews, but God had placed Esther as queen in the palace so that she could plead for her people. The scripture says, "But who knows that you have come to royal position for such a time as this." God's plan is perfect.

Lesson 31 grade on Thurs., May 5

Memory: Jeremiah 29: 11-13 due by Fri., May 6

AR Testing: The final day to test for this nine weeks is Fri., May 6.

Fever 1793

We will be reading and discussing the rest of the story over the next two weeks. There will not be any more grades taken on this novel.

"Happily Forever After"

Practice on the fifth grade play is going well. We look forward to sharing the talents of the students with on the following dates.

Thursday, May 12 - Fifth Grade play for Lower School at 9:00 A.M. in Willett Hall

Friday, May 13 - Fifth Grade play for Parents/Guests at 9:00 A.M. in Willett Hall

Have a wonderful week-end!

Gidget Smith

Smith April 25-29

Parents and Students:

Fever 1793 Ch. 1-5 grade on Tues., April 26

Students should study the 10 vocabulary words. They also have a Ch. 1-5 question sheet which they may want to review to check their knowledge of these questions. The students own their books so they may highlight in them if they wish. It is also quite helpful for them to reread the chapters. After testing on Ch. 1-5, we will begin reading Ch. 6-11.

Spelling Lesson 34 grade on Wed., April 27

English

Students will do lessons 1-3 (P. 216-221).

Lessons 1-3 grade on Thurs., April 28

Bible

Memory: Romans 12: 9-11 due by Thurs., April 28

We will not have a Bible Lesson grade this week due to the American Village trip on Friday.

Note the following:

American Village Trip on Fri., April 29

1. Arrival Time at Trinity: 7:10 A.M. We depart promptly at 7:30 A.M. We must leave on time so students should be in their homerooms by 7:10 A.M.

2. Drop all students off to come to their homerooms. Then proceed to the parking lot behind the guests bleachers on the Lower School end of that parking lot. We will take roll and bring the students with carpool lists, directions to the Village, and day group information.

3. Some dads have been asked to bring a cooler. Those dads need to go by the kitchen in Willett Hall to pick up the lunches. If adult lunches and students lunches have been labeled separately, please load those lunches separately into the coolers. Each cooler should have a label on the top reading "Trinity". Meet us at the back parking lot as indicated in #2. When we arrive at American Village, the coolers should be brought to the gift shop entrance and set outside. The Village will see to it that the coolers arrive at the picnic area. A note with all of this information will be in Monday's folder.

4. Students are expected to participate when asked during the presentations. Dads, make sure that all cell phones are off or on silent during the presentations. When the presentations are over, and everyone has eaten lunch, you may take you child to visit the chapel, wax museum, and oval office. These visits are certainly worth the time. We just ask that you carefully monitor the children in these areas as teachers cannot be everywhere at once.

5. The gift shop should be the last visit. Students may purchase souvenirs of the American Revolution time period! They have some fun and interesting gift items.

6. Everyone should be returning to Trinity by the end of the school day. All students may leave with their dads at this point. If you drive with just your child and have no need to return to Trinity, you may go home from the Village.

**Please look for complete information in Monday's folder!

**Please remember to be packing special items in those "Memory Boxes".

Have a wonderful Easter week-end! Christ has risen!

Gidget Smith

McVay April 25 - 29

Christ Has Risen Indeed!  

I pray your Easter weekend is full of His blessings.

Here's what is happening in room 123...

Social Studies - 
We will travel back in time this week to the 1770's as we get a chance to meet the heros of the American Revolution.  During class we will listen to and learn more about the roles different characters played in making our country a home of the free and the brave.

Each child drew a date on which to present his/her character.  I have 6 presenting on Monday and 5 presenting on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  On the day of your presentation, Mrs. Smith's homeroom may come to school dressed in costume with a change of clothes in a bag.  Mrs. McVay's homeroom will bring the costume in a bag to be changed into during P.E.  Each speech needs to follow the guidelines on the rubric.

Make the character come to life, the more familiar you are with your speech, the more entertaining it will be for us.
This will be the final piece of your 4 part project on the American Revolution, let's make it great!!!

Our week of role play will be enjoyed at the American Village, where the characters come to life.
Field trip on Friday; details will be in the Monday folder.

Math - 
Chapter 17 Adding and Subtracting fractions
We will try to cover lessons 1- 4.  How far we get will be determined by how much time we have left over after oral presentations, and play practice.

Science -
If we have time we will finish up Chapter 14, lesson 3.

Grace & Peace,
Karen McVay

McVay April 18 - 22

Please refer to the many important notes on Mrs. Smith's portion of this blog!
Short and simple:

Math - 
We will continue to work on Chapter 16
Daily grade on lessons 4-6 on Wednesday

Social Studies - 
We will draw names for which day your student will give his/her oral presentation next week (April 25-29)
Please be working on the oral presentation!  We want to enjoy these presentation, so the more relaxed the students are with his/her character, the more fun it will be for everyone.  Get those costumes and props out of the closet and create a presentation that bring the Revolutionary era to life!


Chapter 8 Vocabulary quiz on Monday, April 18th
Chapter 8.3 Daily Grade on Wednesday


Science - 
Chapter 14 Vocabulary quiz on Tuesday
We will work on Chapter 14 lesson 3 with a possible daily grade on Thursday.

Smith April 18-21

Parents and Students:

What's Up This Week?

Memory: Galatians 6: 1-3 due by Mon., April 18

Wordly Wise Lesson 13 grade on Tues., April 19

Spelling Lesson 33 grade on Wed., April 20

Bible

Daniel's Last Years (Lesson 30)

Scripture: Daniel 5-6

Bible Guide: P. 107-109

Belshazzar, ruler of Babylon, held a banquet in honor of his gods. He used the sacred goblets which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Jerusalem. A hand appeared and wrote on the wall. Daniel read the writing and told Belshazzar that his kingdom would be destroyed because he did not humble himself before God. Darius became ruler over Babylon. Because Darius favored Daniel, the other rulers, serving under Darius, became jealous and formed a wicked plot to get rid of Daniel. God was watching over Daniel and protected him. We learn that if we do what is right and remain true to our God, He will never abandon us.

Lesson 30 grade on Thurs., April 21

English

Students have enjoyed creating their own endings to Tuck Everlasting. These are being final copied into their creative writing books. Students will be sharing these in class. Their endings are amazing, funny, and very creative! Be sure to have your child share his/her ending with you.

We hope to get to some poetry writing this week! We will choose some Tuck Everlasting characters to describe in a poetic way. These also will go into their creative writing book.

Fever 1793

Students will begin on the last novel of the year. Fever 1793 is by Laurie Halse Anderson. This story takes place in late 1700's when disease swept the streets, destroying everything in its path. Mattie Cook lives above the family coffee shop with her widowed mother and grandfather. Mattie's world is turned upside down when her mother catches the fever. Mattie's mother insists that she leave town with her grandfather, trying to keep them from catching the fever. Mattie and her grandfather leave town, but they soon find out that the sickness is everywhere. Mattie must learn quickly how to survive in a city turned frantic with disease. Quoting The New York Times Book Review, "The plot rages like the epidemic itself."

AR

The last day to test for the last nine weeks period is May 6. All students should have at least two AR books read and tested by that date. Of course, most students read many more books than that. Congratulations!

Note the Following:

The American Village trip is Fri., April 29.

1. We will be putting together carpool groups very soon. Please make sure that you have established who you are riding with. Students should be relaying that information to their homeroom teacher. If you are driving up with just your child, we need to know that also.

2. Students are free to leave to go home with their dads, grandfathers, etc. when our Village Day ends. If your child needs to be at school to be called for carpool, please notify your homeroom teacher. We need a complete list of who will need to be here for carpool pick-up.

Memory Boxes

1. Students will bring their memory boxes to school on May 9. I hope you have been putting items in them all year. We will also be putting some items in them during the week of May 9 at school. Students will bring the boxes back home on May 13 for you to keep for seven years and to be opened only at their Senior lunch/video day as the graduating Seniors of 2018! It is not too late to help your child get his box together.

Here is a list of things that are good to put in their box:

1. pictures of friends, field trips or other events such as birthdays, holidays, sports, dance, class parties, etc.

2. small projects or any special memory from their years in Lower School

3. special writing (stories, poems, etc.)

4. letters written by parents, grandparents, sisters/brothers, or special friends to a fifth grader

**We will also be giving your child all of his special projects/writing in that he/she has done in Language Arts this year.

**Thank you in advance for your effort in helping your child assemble his/her box. I have watched the Seniors open their boxes for the past 17 years, and I can tell you, they all look forward to it! The memory box is a great Senior Event!

Have a wonderful week-end!

Gidget Smith

Smith April 11-15

Parents and Students:

Thank you for all of the support during ITBS week! I am sure that Friday afternoon was a nice treat after everyone worked hard on testing all week.

Here is a look at this week!

Spelling Lesson 32 grade on Wed., April 13

Writing

We will work with different poem patterns and write some poetry based on Tuck Everlasting. We may also do some creative writing based on the Tuck story.

Tuck Everlasting

We finished the novel, and it was quite the surprise for the children. The ending was a little bittersweet. I think most of us wanted Winnie to drink the water when she was 17, find Jesse, marry him, and travel around the world. Winnie made the choice to let the wheel of life happen naturally for her. Angus and Mae Tuck were saddened to find Winnie's grave when they returned to Treegap 69 years later.

Tuck Everlasting Ch. 20-the Epilogue grade on Thurs., April 14

Students should study their 10 vocabulary words and review the chapters. It is always helpful if they would like to reread those chapters.

Wordly Wise

We will be preparing Lesson 13 (A, B, C, D, and E) this week. Most students should have finished their definition cards on Friday. The grade for this lesson will not be until Tues., April 19.

Bible

God Shows His Power to Nebuchadnezzar (Lesson 29) Scripture: Daniel 3-4 Bible Guide Pages: 103-106 Even thought Nebuchadnezzar had confessed that the Lord was the God of gods, he did not worship Him as the only God, nor did he expect his people to do so. In this lesson, Daniel and his friends face the blazing furnace. Also, Nebuchadnezzar is humbled by God as he is made to live as an animal for a time. This experience caused Nebuchadnezzar to recognize God as the King of Heaven, saying that everything He does is right and all of His ways are just.

Lesson 29 grade on Fri., April 15

Memory: Galatians 6: 1-3 due by Mon., April 18

Note the Following:

1. Midterm grade sheets are in the Monday folder. Please sign and return along with signed papers.

2. The Persuasive Writing "animal" display will be up in the hall through April.

There are some important dates coming up.

1. Liz Carter will speak to the 5th and 6th graders on April 12 about use of social media.

2. American Village field trip on Fri., April 29

3. Fifth Grade play on Thurs., May 12 at 9:00 for Lower School

4. Fifth Grade play on Fri., May 13 at 9:00 for Parents

5. Semester Celebration at 8:15 on Mon., May 16

6. Fifth Grade Moving Up Ceremony at 9:15 on Mon., May 16 (Sunday dress for 5th graders)

7. Report cards go home on Mon., May 16.

8. Field Day at 9:00 on Tues., May 17 (Pizza/Popsicles! Last Day of School!)

Have a great week!

Gidget Smith

McVay April 11-15

Thank you for making this an easy week of testing!  I hope you enjoyed your Friday afternoon, the students sure deserved it!  Mid - Term reports are coming home in the Monday folder.  We are half way finished with the last quarter of 5th grade.  Let's finish strong!!

Math - 

Chapter 16 Fractions, Lesson 1-3 daily grade on Thursday or Friday

Science  - 

Chapter 14 Lesson 2 daily grade on Thursday

Weekly Reader coming home on Space.  We will take a grade on it soon.

Chapter 14 Vocabulary grade next week on Tuesday, April 19th

Social Studies - 

Chapter 8 Lesson 2 daily grade on Wednesday

Chapter 8 Vocabulary grade next week on Monday, April 18th.

I have struggled to get ample grades due to Spring Break and then ITBS.  I am planning to take several grades over the next two weeks.  Please plan to be at school during the full week before the Good Friday break, as I hope to finish up both Science and Social Studies chapters before we break for Easter.

Important Dates 

April 12 (Tuesday) - Liz Carter will be speaking to 5th and 6th grade concerning social media (age appropriate). 
                        

April 29 (Friday) - Field trip to the American Village

May 12 (Thursday) - 5th grade play for lower school - 9 a.m.

May 13 (Friday) - 5th grade play for parents - 9 a.m.

May 16 (Monday) - Semester Celebration 8:15, 5th grade moving up ceremony 9:15- church attire - report cards go home

May 17 (Tuesday) - Field Day - 9 a.m. followed by pizza and popsicle party. This is the last day of school.

Social Networking

Liz Carter, a local attorney, will be speaking to our middle school students next week about safety when it comes to social networking.  This is a timely topic, and will be of tremendous benefit to our students.  Our upper school students have already participated in this assembly.

Ms. Carter will be speaking to our students in two separate assemblies with grade-appropriate content.  The assemblies will be held Tuesday, April 12, at the following times:

7th and 8th Grades

9:00 a.m.

Old Gym

5th and 6th Grades

1:30 p.m.

Old Gym

Parents are welcome to attend this event.  Also, we encourage you to speak with your children about the topics covered when they get home from school Tuesday.  As always, we are working hard to partner with you as you navigate the difficult waters we call parenting.

Revolutionary War Project

Revolutionary War Project overview

This Social Studies grade is 4 parts:  Preamble, Oral Presentation, Poem, & Keynote Presentation (Mac version of power point).  The total grade will count as a quiz grade, which I hope will raise the student averages in Social Studies.
I created a grading rubric for three parts of the grade:  poem, oral presentation, and keynote presentation.  Your child has a copy of all three rubrics.

Here is a breakdown of each part of the assignment.  If you have other questions, please send me an email.

Preamble was recited and counts for 25% of the overall grade.

Poem is written and is due this Friday.  It counts for 25% of the overall grade  See rubric for details on what is expected to make a full 25 points!

Keynote Presentation will be created exclusively in class.  It counts for 25% of of the overall grade.  My goal for this part of the project is to give our students practice using the program, Keynote, that will be available on their own MacBook in the future.  We will show each other our presentations during the last week of school.  If your child does not finish his/her presentation this week we will have two more days in May to finish working on it.

Oral Presentation is due the week of April 25th.  It counts for 25% of the overall grade.  I will assign 5 students each day to present his/her character.  Your child will bring a costume to change into on the day he/she presents to the class.  Your child should have a one page summary of his/her character memorized in first person to use as a speech.  One large notecard or a few small notecards are allowed, however, reading from the notecards will lower the grade.
PLEASE DO NOT SPEND A LOT MONEY ON THE COSTUME!  Be creative, use clothes you have at home, shop Goodwill!  I have heard of students that are creating paper hair!  See the rubric to see how to earn all 25 points.

Smith April 4-8

Parents and Students: ITBS Testing
Students will be testing throughout the week. A healthy breakfast and plenty of rest will help students to "test at their best"! Students need #2 regular pencils. I have extra pencils if that is a problem. It is very important that students arrive at school on time. Testing begins promptly! Thank you in advance for all you do to help your child have "ITBS Test success"!  

Spelling Lesson 31 grade on Wed., April 6
Spelling will be the only Language Arts grade taken this week!  

Bible Captive Daniel and a King's Dream (Lesson 28) Scripture: Daniel 1-2 Bible Guide Pages 99-102 We will begin our study of Daniel. Daniel was trained to serve in the palace of King Nebuchadnezzar. One night King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream. His magicians, enchanters, and sorcerers could not interpret the dream for him. God had given Daniel an understanding of visions and dreams, and Daniel was able to interpret the dream. Because Daniel was able to do this, King Nebuchadnezzar recognized Daniel's God as the "God of gods and the Lord of kings". No grade will be taken on this lesson. Bible grades will resume after ITBS. 

Tuck Everlasting We will begin Ch. 20 through the Epilogue. Students were left with a super surprise at the end of Ch. 19! The events of this novel are fun and exciting, and we can't wait for the conclusion!  
AR Testing Last day to test for midterm is Fri., April 8.  

English Time permitting, we will work on poetry this week. Students will learn different poem patterns and have fun writing poetry.

Persuasive Writing Display The persuasive writing on "Adopt A Pet" is up in the hall. What fun! If you have a moment to come by and read these pleas for adoption and see the cute animals, you are in for a treat! The students have done a great job!

Have a wonderful week!
Gidget Smith

McVay April 4 - 8

It is ITBS week!
A good breakfast, plenty of sleep and number 2 pencils are required to maximize success.  Please be to school on time, too.

Even though we will be testing in the mornings, we have a few things that are due next week that have been assigned for a while.  We will be working on finishing these assignments in class, however, working at home in the evening may be required to complete these tasks.

Tuesday we will take a short quiz on 25 elements and the symbol used on the periodic table.  Last Tuesday, I sent home a list of 25 of the simpler elements that needs to be memorized.

Friday is the last day I will accept poems on the Revolutionary War character.  Please see the rubric for specifics on how the poem will be graded.

Grace & Peace,
Karen McVay

McVay March 28 - April 1

Here is what is happening in Room 123 this week.

Math - 
Chapter 15 Lessons 5 - 8
I will attempt to complete all three lessons this week, however, the concepts are new and each lessons is a bit individualized:  prime and composite numbers, and exponents and how they are related.
Daily grade this week will be determined as we see how well we learn these new concepts.

Science - 
Chapter 14 Matter
We WILL complete Lesson 1 this week and have a daily grade on Friday.

Social Studies - 
Chapter 8
Lesson 1 daily grade on Tuesday.  I am sending home a grading rubric on the American Revolution project.  Check to see what all is involved in making this a fun and easy way to discover our American Heritage!
Memorization of the preamble is due this Thursday, March 31st.

Class picture is this Thursday, March 31.
ITBS testing is next week April 4 - 8 with an early dismissal on Friday!

Happy Spring!!
Karen McVay

Smith March 28 - April 1

Parents and Students:

What's Up This Week?

English
Adjective Chapter Test on Tuesday, March 29
We will review the Adjective Chapter (P. 152-163) on Monday.

Spelling Lesson 29 grade on Wednesday, March 30

Tuck Everlasting
We will complete Ch. 9-19. Students have been assigned 15 vocabulary words, kept in their reading folder, to learn along with these chapters. Even though I read all of these chapters aloud in class, I have encouraged the students to also reread them at home after we have read and discussed them in class.
Tuck Chapters 9-19 grade on Thursday, March 31

Wordly Wise
We will do Lesson 12 (Parts, A-E) and also review these words in class on Thursday.
Lesson 12 grade on Friday, April 1

Bible
We will cover Lessons 25 and 26 in class this week. There will not be a grade on these lessons.
Hezekiah and Isaiah (Lesson 25)
2 Chronicles 29-32
Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, became the next king of Judah and was one of the best kings Judah had. The first four years of Hezekiah's 29 year reign were peaceful years. He cleansed the Temple and restored the worship of the Lord. He walked in the Lord's ways, and the Lord blessed him. Peaceful times ended when Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, came to capture Jerusalem. God saved Jerusalem by a miracle. Isaiah was a true counselor to Hezekiah, sometimes acting as a mediator between the king and God. Isaiah describes the person and the offices of the Messiah so fully that he is known as the evangelical prophet.
The Decline and Fall of Judah
2 Chronicles 33-36
Manasseh ruled Judah after his father, Hezekiah, for 55 years. What a contrast there was between these two kings! We read that Manasseh and Judah "did more evil than the nations the Lord had destroyed before the Israelites." Manasseh was followed by his wicked son Amon who only reigned two years. After Amon, the last faithful king of Judah, Josiah, ruled Judah for 31 years. He was only 8 years old when he became king. When Josiah was 16 years old, he
departed from the wicked ways of his father and lived according to God's law. While Josiah was repairing the Temple, Hilkiah, the priest, discovered the book of the Law of Moses. When Josiah and the people heard the law, they were distressed by their sins and made a solemn promise to serve God.

Bible Memory
Philippians 4: 6-7 due by Friday, April 1

AR
Testing for midterm must be done by Friday, April 8.

Persuasive Writing
The "Adopt A Pet" persuasive writing project will be on display in the hall by Friday, April 1. Please take a moment in the first couple of weeks of April to come by and take a look.
These factual but heartfelt pieces of writing and cute pictures of the animals will warm your heart and also give you a laugh or two! The children have done a wonderful job!

Note the following:
1. Class Pictures are Thursday, March 31.

2. ITBS Testing is April 4-8.
Please make sure that your child gets a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast to get him/her through each morning of testing. Students should have regular #2 pencils (3 sharpened pencils to start each day of testing). We will not be using mechanical pencils as they can be a problem with lead breaking and running out during testing. Also, please make sure that your child arrives at school by
7: 50 if possible. Testing begins promptly!

3. Just a reminder that the trip to American Village is on Friday,
April 29!

Have a great week! God's blessings on you and your family!
Gidget Smith

McVay March 21 - 25

What a glorious week of Spring Break!  Those of you who stayed close to home enjoyed some amazing weather!!  I am rested and ready for all the fun and learning that is left to be had this year.  Let's finish strong!!

Math - 
We are jumping into Chapter 15, which holds many skills on the ITBS test. 
Lesson 1 Quiz on Wednesday.
Lesson 1 & 2 Quiz on Thursday.
ITBS and division practice each day.

Science - 
Chapter 14 Properties of Matter
Lessons 1 & 2 daily grade by Friday.

Social Studies -
Unit 4, Chapter 8 American Revolution
Lesson 1 Daily grade by Friday.
Everything we do up to the end of April will focus on the American Revolution including the field trip to the American Village.
The children will be given a copy of the Preamble of the U. S. Constitution. The deadline for reciting the Preamble is Thursday, Mar. 31. Your child may recite the Preamble any time up through March 31.

Grace & Peace,
Karen McVay

Smith March 21-25

Parents and Students:

What's Up This Week? Welcome back from Spring Break!

Wordly Wise Lesson 11 grade on Tuesday, March 22

Spelling Lesson 28 grade on Wednesday, March 23

Bible
Lesson 24 (Bible Guide Pages 87-89)
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 25-28
The Lord continued to shower His blessings upon Judah. Amaziah, Uzziah, and Jotham, the kings who followed Joash, all served the Lord at least outwardly. The fourth king was the very wicked Ahaz, and he practiced extreme forms of idolatry.
Lesson 24 grade on Thursday, March 24

Bible Memory
James 1:19-20 is due by Friday, March 25

English
We will continue studying adjectives, covering lessons 3-5 (P. 158-163).
Adjectives Lessons 3-5 grade on Friday, March 25

Tuck Everlasting
We will begin reading Ch. 9-19. The Tuck family has explained the effects of the spring water to Winnie and now must trust her not to tell anyone. Of course, the Tucks are unaware that the man in the yellow suit followed Winnie to the Wood and overheard the whole story. What will happen next? Tuck Everlasting continues to be a fun reading experience!

AR
Please remember to be reading and testing on your AR books. We are entering the second week of this last nine weeks period. Your first book should be tested on by Friday, April 8.

Have a wonderful week!
Gidget Smith

Smith March 7-11

Parents and Students:

What's Up This Week?

Spelling Lesson 27 grade on Wed., March 9

Bible Rulers grade on Wed., March 9
We will not have a new lesson this week in Bible. Students should study the order of the rulers beginning with Saul and going through Joash. We will only focus on the eleven rulers starting with Saul and rulers of Judah through Joash. You may refer to the Chart of Rulers on P. 34 in their Bible Guide.This grade will also include outstanding facts about these kings that students have already covered in previous lessons.

Tuck Everlasting
Ch. 1-8 grade on Thurs., March 10
This has been a delightful story of the Tuck family who found they have been granted immortality from drinking of the special spring water found in the "wood" on the Foster's property. The Tucks tell Winnie, who accidently saw them at the spring, of their experiences watching life go by and never growing older. As we read further into this exciting story, Winnie must decide whether or not to keep the Tuck's secret and whether or not to join them on their never-ending journey.

English
Adjectives Lessons 1-2 and Writing with Adjectives grade on Fri., March 11
We will focus on adjectives this week (P. 152-157). Describing with adjectives will relate to our study of Figurative Language in Tuck Everlasting.

Wordly Wise
We will be preparing Lesson 11 (A, B, C, D, and E). Definition cards were started on Friday and are due on Tues., March 8. Testing for this lesson will be after Spring Break.

AR
Students should begin reading and testing for the last nine weeks period. Please encourage your child not to wait until the last minute to read and test on his/her books. It is a busy time with spring sports and end of year activities.

Note the Following:
1. Elizabeth Carter, and attorney, will speak to parents about the dangers of internet use that our children are facing in today's world. This will be in Willett Hall at 6:30 P.M. on Monday, March 7. Check the Trinity Website for more information.
2. Monday's folders will have the third nine weeks average sheets attached.
3. Science Fest will be Friday, March 11, from 12:00 to 3:00.
4. Spring Break is March 14-18.

Have a wonderful week!
Gidget Smith

McVay March 7 - 11

IMPORTANT ASSEMBLY!
MONDAY, MARCH 7 @ 6:30 P.M IN WILLETT HALL

We are pleased to have Elizabeth Carter, an attorney with Hill, Hill, Carter on campus. Elizabeth will share with us about today’s young people and how you can help your child navigate the cyber world.  As our fifth graders approach middle school, we as parents need to inform ourselves on the dangers of internet usage.  This meeting is a must attend event! For more information check out the Trinity website.

Monday folders have 3rd quarter grades attached.

Friday is the Science Fest!  Be sure to come and enjoy all of the activities for the second half of the day.

Spring Break begins March 14th.

Math - 

We will continue with multiplication timed test every Friday.  We will take our 3rd timed test this Friday, and all three of the tests taken will be averaged for one timed test grade.  So far our scores are improving!

Chapter 12 2-digit divisor is our focus for one week. I plan to practice dividing with the 2 digit divisor and taking one daily grade only on this skill at the end of the week.  After spring break we will begin Chapter 15, Number Theory.

Science - 

We will continue with Chapter 15 and focus on lessons 3 & 4.  I hope to take a daily grade on these two lessons before Friday.  After spring break we will begin Matter, Chapter 14

Social Studies - 

We will finish up Chapter 7 with a daily grade on Lessons 1,2, & 3 at the end of this week.

Also, we will have the Mac Lab on Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday to work on our American Revolution project.  Look for more information on Monday.

Have a great weekend!

Karen McVay

Smith February 28-March 4

Parents and Students:

This will be the last week of the 3rd nine weeks period. Time is flying by! I have loved teaching your sweet children this year. Please help us to encourage them to finish strong in fifth grade. Spring is upon us, but we still have some subject matter to attend to. We said good-bye to Jun Lee on Friday. His visit here was a great cultural experience. Your children and the teachers have made a new friend from Korea. Jun's mother sends her many thanks for all of the children and teachers helping Jun to have such a wonderful, caring experience here in America.

What's up this week?

Wordly Wise Lesson 10 grade on Tues., March 1

English
We will practice parts of speech, focusing on writing with adverbs, negatives, and prepositions. (P. 248-249; 254-255; 260-261; 266; 270)

Spelling
There will be no spelling test this week.

Creative Writing
The character sketches and illustrations should be finished at this point. If I can schedule the research lab this week, students will type their character sketches for their portfolios.

AR Testing
The last day to AR test for this 9 weeks period is Thurs., March 3.

Bible
People are greatly influenced by those with whom they live or associate. After Jehoshaphat, Jehoram became king, and then he was followed by his son Ahaziah. These two kings were influenced by a very wicked woman, Athaliah, who made herself queen when Ahaziah died. Seven years later Joash became king and helped Judah return to the Lord. He served God as long as he followed his counselor who was a Godly man, but after his counselor's death, Joash followed the advice of princes and led the people back to idolatry.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 21-24
Bible Guide: P. 84-86
Bible Lesson 23 grade on Fri., March 4 (This will count on the last nine weeks' grading period.)

Tuck Everlasting
We will begin reading Tuck Everlasting this week. This novel is "timeless, flawless, and exciting" according to the book reviews. I look forward to sharing this exciting story of the Tuck family with your children. I have copies, covered in the activity fee, for each student.
"A fearsome and beautifully written book that can't be put down or forgotten."
The New York Times

Have a wonderful week!
Gidget Smith

McVay February 28 - March 4

I felt a bit melancholy when I typed the date "March." We are beginning the end of our fifth grade journey together as we wrap up the third quarter this week and begin the final quarter of our fifth grade year.  Let's make it the best and most memorable part of our time together!!

Good - bye Jun Lee.  Jun has returned to Korea and I would like to thank him for a wonderful cultural experience.  I believe we all enjoyed our time together.

I hope all of my students will have a male father figure attending the American Village field trip.  Please remember to return your form ASAP.  Also, please contact the person you would like to share a ride with, as we will not be coordinating this part of the trip.  It will help the parking situation at the American Village if we share rides.

Math - 
Chapter 11 Division Lessons 3 - 5
We will finish Chapter 11 this week with a daily grade on Thursday and then a Chapter grade on Friday.

Science - 
Chapter 15 Energy Lesson 1 & 2 daily grade on Tuesday
Lessons 3 will be the focus the remainder of the week.


Social Studies - 
Chapter 7 Lessons 1 - 3
Lesson 2 & 3 will be read and outlined this week and next Tuesday, March 8th, we will wrap up Chapter 7 with a daily grade on all three lessons.
The week of March 7 - 11 we will be using the Mac Lab to create our American Revolution project.  I'll be sending home an outline to prepare for that project, so we can make the most of our time with the laptops.

Thank you for the blessings of working with your children everyday!
Karen McVay

Smith February 22-25

Parents and Students:

We had a wonderful time at Space Camp this year! This was a great educational experience to share with your children! We are preparing a display for the hall soon. If you have any great pictures that you would like to share with us, please send them printed in a 5x7 size to be mounted and placed on the wall. Printing on paper instead of picture quality print materials is fine. If any parents have pictures taken inside the habitat rooms, please send those as well. We do not have any fun pictures of their night rooms. We also hope to place a TV in the hall to share video footage and fun slideshows. Thank you for all of your support for this amazing trip for our fifth graders.

Below is an imovie with great memories of Space Camp 2011! Enjoy!

What's up for this week?

Spelling Lesson 26 grade on Wed., Feb. 23

English
We will do Adverbs Lesson 8 (P. 264-265; 283).
Adverbs Lessons 3 and 8 grade on Thurs., Feb. 24

Writing
We are in the process of proofreading and editing the persuasive writing animal paragraphs. I believe this display will go up on the wall to be shared after the space camp display. These are wonderful pieces of process writing that will warm you heart as you read the plea of each student to adopt the adorable animals that they chose. You are in for a treat!

Bible
The kingdom of Judah had one of its best kings, Jehoshaphat, the son of Asa, while the wicked Ahab ruled Israel. God blessed Jehoshaphat because he walked in the ways King David had followed. We will study a good king who destroyed idolatry, witnessed for the Lord, and set up judges to judge for God and deal justly with the people. This lesson teaches us that we should pray much, asking the Lord for rulers and leaders who love the Lord as Jehoshaphat did.
Lesson 22 (P. 80-83)
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 17-20
Bible Lesson 22 grade on Fri., Feb. 25
Memory: Matthew 22: 37-38 due by Fri., Feb. 25

Wordly Wise
We are preparing Lesson 10. Definition cards are due by Wed., Feb. 23. We will do Parts A, B, C, D, and E throughout the week.
Wordly Wise Lesson 10 grade on Tues., March 1

AR Testing

The last day to AR test for this 9 weeks is Thurs., March 3.

Have a wonderful week!
Gidget Smith

McVay February 22 - 25

Space Camp was a blast, but it will be good to be back in our routine! At the end of this post I will include two different links for some slide shows of Space Camp.  ENJOY!

Monday is a holiday!

Math - 
Chapter 11 Lessons 1-3
Daily grade on lessons 1 & 2 on Thursday

Science - 
Chapter 15 "Energy"
Lesson 1 page 554-565

Social Studies - 
Chapter 7 "The Fight for a Continent"
Lesson 1 page 230-239


Space Camp Day One

Space Camp Day Two

Have a safe and fun 3 day weekend!
Karen McVay

McVay February 14 - 18

Thank you for all of the birthday wishes.  My Trinity family has been so kind during the week of my birthday and on into Valentine's Day.  You sure know how to show me love.

We are blasting-off to Space Camp. Please check the packing list this weekend to ensure you have all of the items and especially: $10.00 in an envelope with your name on the outside as well as a combination lock to safely store personal items, bedding, toiletries, small backpack, etc. 


On Monday, Feb. 14, at 8:00 A.M. we will begin loading the buses at the Tennis Court parking lot. The buses leave Trinity at 8:30 A.M.  Your child may have snacks on the bus as well as a drink with a screw top.  Food is not encouraged in the sleeping area, however, it is a long time between dinner and breakfast.  If your child is used to an evening snack he/she can pack a non messy snack and bottled water. 


After lunch on Wednesday, February 16th, we will board the buses and arrive at Trinity around 3:30 P.M. Please be waiting for us! If you have any questions, let me know.

Look for us on School Tube for updates and pictures of our time at Space Camp. If we are successful, I'll send an email with the link.


Math - 
Counting down the days till we get home!  
Chapter 11 Division


Science - Space Camp debriefing


Social Studies - 
Begin Chapter 7

You Tube Video on Space

Below are the two You Tube video links we watched in class.
Enjoy,
Mrs. McVay

You Tube video of Apollo 8 Christmas Message

You Tube video of "The Awe Factor of God", Francis Chan

McVay February 7 - 11

Valentine Party is this week on Friday!  Send in those Valentine's to be exchanged!!

One week till Space Camp!  I hope you are ready, I am!  A few important reminders...
Send in the combination to your lock, and bring $10 in a sealed envelope for lunch at the mall on Wednesday.  If you have any questions, shoot me an email and I'll see what I can do to help.

Math - 
Chapter 10 test on Tuesday.  I sent home a practice test we completed on Monday to assist with studying.
We will begin division with Chapter 11.
Timed multiplication testing will begin.  I'll weekly fit a timed test into the schedule.
The best way to attack division is to master multiplication!


Science -
We are reading through chapter 19 in order to be familiar with material that is essential for our learning at Space Camp.  We will not be taking any formal grades on this chapter.   I might give some class participation grades.

Social Studies - 
Chapter 6 Lessons 3 & 4 Daily grade will be taken on Friday.

After Space Camp and our three day weekend for President's Day, we will start with new Science and Social Studies chapters.  In math, we will resume Chapter 11.

T minus 7 days and counting,
Karen McVay

Smith February 7-11

Parents and Students:

A Look at this Week!

Sign of the Beaver
Ch. 16-19 grade on Tuesday, Feb. 8 (last grade on this novel)
We will read Ch. 20-25 in class and enjoy the ending to this special story of survival and friendship. There will not be a grade on these chapters. After returning from Space Camp, students will enjoy the movie based on this novel.

Spelling Lesson 25 grade on Wednesday, Feb. 9

Wordly Wise Lesson 9 grade on Wednesday, Feb. 9

English Adverbs (Lessons 1-2) grade on Thursday, Feb. 10

Bible (Lesson 21)
This week's lesson is "Good King Asa". Asa succeeded his father, Abijah, to the throne of Judah. Asa loved the Lord and served Him most of his life. The last years were different. Asa then trusted in people for help rather than in God. Asa received a costly burial, but we know that pomp and splendor could not erase the record of Asa's sins.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 14-16
Bible Guide Pages: P. 77-79
Lesson 21 grade on Friday, Feb. 11

Creative Writing
Students will begin typing their persuasive paragraphs on their animals this week. This proves to be a fun and exciting piece of process writing! You will be notified when these are up for display in the hall. It will be a couple of weeks.

Note the following:
1. The 5th grade Valentine's Party will be on Friday, Feb. 11. Students should bring their valentines for their homeroom class that morning. They should also bring a bag or box in which to put the valentines that they receive from friends.
2. We leave for Space Camp next Monday, Feb. 14! The countdown is on. Please check the packing list so that you have all items needed before the last minute. We will begin boarding the buses at 8:00 A.M. and leave promptly at 8:30 A.M.

Have a wonderful week!
Gidget Smith

Smith January 31-February 4

Parents and Students:

A Look at the Week Ahead!

Bible Lesson 18 grade on Monday, Jan. 31
(Students should look over their study notes as well as the Bible Guide pages for Lesson 18.)

Spelling Lesson 23 grade on Wednesday, Feb. 2

Bible
We will study Lesson 20 (Rehoboam and His Son Abijah). This lesson begins our study of the kings of Judah. These kings were descendants of good King David. Some were God-fearing men, but many of them turned from the Lord. We learn that it was for David's sake that God was merciful to the kingdom of Judah.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 12-13
Bible Guide Pages: 75-76
Lesson 20 grade on Thursday, Feb. 3
Memory (Deuteronomy 5: 32-33) is due on Friday, Feb. 4.

Process Writing
We are working on Persuasive Writing. Students have researched their animal of choice. They are in the process of writing facts to support the four reasons for adoption of the animal. This is a fun writing project, and they really seem to be excited about it. Students will type their paragraphs on the MAC laptops next week. They are also in the process of printing color pictures of their animal. If your child cannot print a color picture at home, he/she should let me know so they can do that at school. I hope to have these up in a few weeks in the hall to share. You will want to come by and see the display. This is a delightful piece of process writing!

If you have not had a chance to come by and see their "Mixed-Up Files" mystery stories, please do so when you have a minute. They will be up for a couple of weeks.

English
We will study adverbs this week. (Pages 246-253)

Wordly Wise
We will prepare Lesson 9 (A, B, C, D, and E).

AR Reading
The last day to AR test for midterm is Friday, Feb. 4.

Sign of the Beaver
Students need to read Ch. 16-19 by Wednesday, Feb. 2. They will get into discussion groups to prepare the chapters for class discussion. They have done a great job of sharing the events and details of the story with the class. The grade for Ch. 16-19 is TBA. It more than likely will come early next week.

Valentine Parties
Valentine Parties for 5th grade will be on Friday, Feb. 11, due to leaving for Space Camp on Monday, Feb. 14. Students should have valentines to hand out to their homeroom classmates. They may bring a box or bag (made or bought) in which to put their valentines. Our classroom party will be from 2:00-2:45. I will give each student a class roll to use for filling out their valentines.

Space Camp
There are only two weeks until we blast-off to Space Camp. Please let us know if you did not receive the information and packing list packet through e-mail. I will be happy to send you a copy. Please note the packing list. You many want to start a little early getting all of these items together. We will begin loading the buses on Monday, Feb. 14, at 8:00 A.M. The buses leave Trinity at 8:30 A.M. We should arrive at the Space Center about 11:30 A.M. and have lunch, provided by Sage Dining, in the cafeteria there. The excitement will begin with night room assignments and day group assignments. The students can hardly wait! There will be classes and activities throughout our stay. On Wednesday, they will be involved in Space Bowl to have fun with the knowledge of what they have learned, and they will also have Graduation just before we leave. After boarding the buses to leave, we will stop at the local mall for lunch! YUM! The children will really enjoy this. Please put $10.00 in an envelope with their name on the outside for their night chaperone to hold for them until we leave. We don't want anyone to spend their lunch money ahead of time in the Space Camp Gift Shop! If your child will want to purchase a keepsake from the gift shop, please separate that spending money from the "reserved lunch money". After lunch, we will board the buses and be Trinity bound to arrive about 3:30 P.M. on Wednesday, Feb. 16. Please be waiting for us! If you have any questions, let me know.

Have a great week!
Gidget Smith

McVay January 31 - February 4

Math - 
Chapter 10 lesson 3 & 4 Daily Grade on Tuesday.
Chapter 10 lesson 5 & 6 Daily Grade on Friday.
Chapter 10 test next week on Tuesday, February 8th.

Science - 
Chapter 13 page 500 notes and Space Exploration Quiz on Wednesday
Study only from the 4 pages of notes that  were given out last Monday.
Chapter 19 will be our next  focus and Newton's Theory of Relativity.

Social Studies -
Chapter 6 lesson 2
Probable Daily Grade on lessons 1 & 2 at the end of this week.

In other News:
Two weeks to lift off!

You should have received a Space Camp Packet from Mrs. Parson's last week.  She emailed one to each family in fifth grade.  If you have not received it let me know and I will send you a copy.  In the packet is very important information for packing and departure, etc. 

Valentine's Day Party
Fifth grade has scheduled our Valentine's Day party on Friday, February 11th due to the Space Camp trip.  I have listed all first names of the students in my class for you to use in addressing Valentine cards.
Mary Emily
Ensley
Jackson
Sam
Penelope
Amelia
Bryce
Whitaker
Thomas
Lauren
Reed
Madison
Echols
Meredith
Mackenzie
Dawson
Peyton
Mac
Wells
Katie
Jack
Jun

Smith January 24-28

Parents and Students:

A Look at the Week Ahead!

Wordly Wise Lesson 8 grade on Tuesday, Jan. 25

Spelling Lesson 22 grade on Wednesday, Jan. 26

Sign of the Beaver

Students should have read Ch. 11-15 by Monday, Jan. 23. We will divide into discussion groups and prepare to share important events and facts with the class. Students have said that they feel that this has helped them a great deal in preparation for a grade. After testing on Ch. 11-15, students will be assigned Ch. 16-19.

Ch. 11-15 grade on Friday, Jan. 28

Bible

Students will study "The Last Years of Israel" in Lesson 18. The scripture is 2 Kings 13; 14:23-29; 17. We will complete Bible Guide pages 68-70. The last kings of Israel were very wicked. The Lord was compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love in dealing with them. After Jehu, there were 9 kings. Some ruled only for a very short time. In this lesson students will study the reigns of Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jeroboam II, and Hoshea.

Lesson 18 grade on Monday, Jan. 31

Memory: 2 Chron. 7:14 due by Friday, Jan. 28 (This can always be said early.)

Process Writing

Persuasive writing is the focus of our process writing this week. Students are supposed to come to school on Monday with their animal fact sheets ready to go. Students will have handouts with guidelines and instructions in their writing folders. They will also have a structured draft sheet to follow. This piece of writing will be done mainly in class. If you do not have a color printer at home, students may print a color picture of their animal at school this week. This proves to be an exciting writing project, and I will notify you when this is on display in the hall to be shared.

AR Testing

AR testing for midterm is due by Friday, Feb. 4.

Have a wonderful week!

Gidget Smith

McVay January 23 - 27

Here is a glance at the week ahead.

Math - 
Chapter 10 Lessons 1 - 4
Daily grade on Lessons 1 & 2 Thursday
To do well you must practice the skills each night by honestly trying to complete the homework!


Science - 
We will be skipping around the book and using supplemental material as we focus on our trip to Space Camp.  Chapter 13 Lesson 3, only page 500
Weekly Reader grade on Wednesday, you will get that Weekly Reader on Monday.
To do well you will need to read all of the articles in the magazine and answer the questions on the back of the magazine.  Do not lose the Weekly Reader as it is needed to complete the grade.

Social Studies - 
Chapter 6 Lesson 1
Grade at the end of lessons 1 & 2 either the end of this week or beginning of next week.
To do well in Social Studies I recommend reading the lessons at least 3 different times.  For example, 1. we read it in class, 2.  then read through it for homework one night and then 3. finally, read through it as you take notes highlighting the important facts and reading over the captions.  Read through the study guide too.   Then the night before the grade is taken, organize your notes and skim through the lessons to ensure you are super familiar with how the information is organized.

I will not be at school on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday but I will be at work.  I am serving on the Strategic Planning Committee that is embarking on a three year plan for Trinity Presbyterian School.  I am honored to have been asked to serve, and I am excited to be a part of shaping the future of our wonderful school.  You will be in the capable hands of Mrs. Lowry.  However, if you need me I will be available by email.  Otherwise, I will see you on Thursday!
I miss my students already,
Karen McVay

McVay January 18 - 21

"You are the light of the world...let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."  Matt: 5:14 - 16

This verses of scripture is presented in social studies lesson 3.  There was another scripture in lesson 2 from 2 Thessalonians 3:10 regarding strong work ethic.  Having a strong work ethic and being the light of the world are two themes the early colonizers used to build strength and character.   They looked to the Bible when they were weary and in need of encouragement.  I believe these passages can be strong foundations for our students.  I commend them to you for family discussion and consideration.  

2 Thessalonians 3:10 and Matthew 5:14-16

Math - 

We will finish Chapter 8 this week.

Daily grade on line graphs and ordered pairs on Wed. will conclude grades for this chapter.

Friday we will begin Chapter 10, Multiplying with decimals.

Science - 

We will conclude Chapter 13 Lesson 2 with a daily grade on Friday.  Learn the phases of the moon by using this website, Phases of the Moon

Social Studies - 

Chapter 5 Lesson 4 will be read and discussed on Tues. & Wed. followed by a daily grade encompassing both lessons 3 & 4 on Thursday.  In addition, the students will memorize the names and locations of the 13 colonies.  I will be sending  home two study sheets on Tuesday to prepare for the 13 colonies test.  A test on the location and names of the colonies will be given on Friday. 13 Colonies interactive map

On Wednesday and Thursday we will have the laptops to type our Famous Couples expository essay.  The rough draft should be brought to school on Wednesday ready to be typed into the Mac.  A small picture needs to be copied to be on display with the essay.  If you have limited access to a computer/printer I can help your child make that copy at school.

Grades this week:

Wednesday: Math daily grade on ordered pairs and line graphs

Thursday:  Social Studies chapter 5 lessons 3 & 4 daily grade

                    Final copy of famous couples essay to be finished in class

Friday:  Social Studies 13 colonies test 

               Science Lesson 2 daily grade

Grace & Peace,

Karen McVay

Smith January 18-21

Parents and Students:

I would like to invite you to visit the Mixed-Up Files hall display. Students wrote creative mysteries based on the novel, The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. This display will be up for the next couple of weeks. The stories are quite fun and creative!

English

Verb Lessons 14-15 grade on Tuesday, Jan. 18

We have completed the Verb chapter and will do a chapter review on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Verb Chapter Test on Thursday, Jan. 20

Spelling Lesson 21 grade on Wednesday, Jan. 19

Sign of the Beaver

Students will work in groups to prepare for class discussion on Ch. 5-10 on Tuesday and Wednesday. I will review these chapters on Thursday.

Sign of the Beaver Ch. 5-10 grade on Friday, Jan. 21.

After the Ch. 5-10 grade, students will be assigned Ch. 11-15.

Wordly Wise

We will prepare Lesson 8 this week. Students will do A, B, C, D, and E for Lesson 8.

Lesson 8 grade on Tuesday, Jan.25

Writing

Our next focus in writing is Persuasive writing. Students will choose a land animal and gather facts and a picture of this animal from the internet. Parents, please be observant as your child gathers this information from the internet. Many students have already gotten their facts and a picture. If your child cannot print fact sheets and a picture at home, they should let me know so I can help them do this at school. Students will write to persuade someone to adopt their animal. I will be giving them specific guidelines for this piece of process writing which should be in their Writing Folders. We will begin on this writing project after testing out of Verbs.

Bible

We will be doing Lesson 17, The Prophet Jonah. The scripture is Jonah 1-4, and we will be doing Bible Guide pages 65-67. Jonah was afraid that the people of Nineveh would repent and that God would show mercy so he ran away to Tarshish on a ship because he did not want to do what God wanted him to do. Jonah was thrown overboard to calm a storm caused by God's anger and spent 3 days in a great fish. In the story of Jonah God teaches us that His commands are to be followed as given. God will lead us if we let Him.

Lesson 17 grade on Friday, Jan. 21

Valentines

Students may want to go ahead and purchase or make valentines. They will need to give valentines to everyone in their homeroom, and they may also give valentines to any close friends in other classes if they like. We will provide information on a Valentine party later. We just wanted to give you a heads up to get Valentines.

Congratulations to all of the Auburn fans for a job well done!

Have a great week-end, and don't forget that Monday, Jan. 17 is a holiday!

Gidget Smith