Busy Week Ahead

Just a big head's up to the coming week ahead.  It's a busy and important one.

Monday, we will be having a fiction test for a major grade over plot, summary, characterization, theme, point of view, inferencing, main idea, figurative language, context clues, and other skills taught over the last few weeks in class.  I expect that the students should be very successful on this test, if they follow directions and take their time.  Please remind your student to go back into the story to find proof for all answers, rather than guessing from memory.  The district reading exam over what has been taught this 9 weeks will be on Wednesday.

Tuesday, we have a district math exam over what has been taught so far this 9 weeks.  Wednesday, we will be having a math test for a major grade over division and multiplication of whole numbers and decimals.  (I may postpone this test until Thursday, depending on how much time we have in class to review.)  Completing all math homework and memorizing multiplication facts will help your child be prepared for this test.

The district science exam is on Thursday, along with Dickinson's STEAM Night event.
The social studies district exam is on the 24th and the SS major grade test is on the 25th.  Look for a social studies study guide to go home next week for the major grade test.  In writing class, we will be composing a personal narrative next week for a major grade.

Your student does not need to stress or study for the district exams.  They do need to do their best.  There is no study guide for the district exams, and these district exams are not for grades. Please send them prepared each day with enough sleep, a good breakfast, and a positive attitude.  Please be aware that the AR point goal for the month is 8 points.  Students who reach this goal by the end of the month will receive a free dress day.  Let's finish the last 2 weeks of the grading period strong!

Don't forget to sign up for your November conference.

Enjoy your weekend!

Mrs. Atkins

Fall Conference Sign Up

Please use the Sign Up Genius link below to sign up for your choice of conference time.  I look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child's progress as a fifth grader.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b054aada72ea75-fall4

Math Updates

Parents,

We have now completed our long division unit in math.  The 5th grade goal is to be able to solve problems using division with 2 digit divisors.  We reviewed 4th grade division problems with 1 digit divisors.  We have learned how to solve 5th grade problems with models of place value blocks, and how to estimate using compatible numbers (numbers that "get along," or numbers we can work with easily because of our knowledge of multiplication facts).  We have used compatible numbers to get a starting point when completing a long division problem.  We have used an acronym "Does McDonald's Sell Cheese Burgers Raw," to remember the steps in solving a long division problem.  The students have been required to use large graph paper or notebook paper to show all work for all problems.  If your child is still struggling with long division, please practice at home with them.  I can not stress enough the absolute requirement of having all multiplication facts memorized through the 12's.  Some of the kids are not able to do long division unassisted due to their not knowing their multiplication facts.  Multiplication fact knowledge will continue to factor into your child's math success for years to come.  Please work very hard at home until your student has mastered these facts to automaticity.  They should be able to say 12 X 6=72 as fast as they say their own name.  I appreciate your help at home in the success of your child.  In class, we will be moving on to multiplying decimals this week, and then dividing decimals next week.

Looking forward to a great week!

A Very Busy Week Three

What a whirlwind of a week this has been!  The first 3 weeks of the 2017 school year are completed, and the students are beginning to adjust to the pace and schedule of 5th grade.  Thanks to all the parents who are making sure their students are completing nightly homework and studying for tests. Please also be sure that each student is memorizing multiplication facts through 12x12, and reading a minimum of 20-30 minutes per night.

This week, we will kick off the Book Fair tomorrow.  Students will visit the library to browse and make wish lists.  Once you see the wish lists, students will have the opportunity to purchase books if they bring money on Tuesday.  If you would like to accompany your child, the library will be open after school each day, as well as late on Thursday.  This is a great place to get books from the Bluebonnet list, or other fun titles your child may be interested in reading.  A portion of the proceeds benefit our school library.

Students will also be taking CoGat tests of academic ability Tuesday-Thursday mornings in class. There is no way to study for these tests, and they should not be a source of stress for your child.   Please be sure your student has a good night's sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and is prepared with a good attitude, ready to do his or her best.  Score reports will be sent home once they are returned to the school.

If you haven't joined PTO yet, now is the time.  Please be sure to support your child and our school. This year we have a flat family rate of only $20 to join! The PTO spends well over $50 per child throughout the school year. We have a friendly grade level competition going on this year. If you join by October 3rd, it makes your membership eligible as part of our competition.  To join, visit the website at https://dickinsonpto.membershiptoolkit.com/   

A Box Top Contest form will come home tomorrow.  Please collect any that you may have lying around and send them in before October 17.  There is a competition between classes and grade levels, and our school receives funds for each label you send in.

Thanks for all your support as we work together for your student's success!