Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays and time off from school! I wanted to mention a few things about next week's OUTDOOR SCIENCE SCHOOL:
All students going on the trip must be out front of the school at 7:30am on Monday morning, January 4th.
Make sure to look at the list of what is needed for the trip. Information can be found at www.thousandpinesoutdoored.com
MAIL: Start writing those letters now! Students enjoy receiving mail. Please write your student using the address below and postmark the envelope three to five days in advance of the delivery date. (Mail that arrives on the last day of camp will be given to the teachers.)
Student's Name Stevenson Elementary P.O. Box 3288 Crestline, CA 92325
MEDICINE: If your child takes prescription medicine, please make sure you've filled out (and had your doctor fill out) the Medication/Prescription Authorization Form. Also, the form must be included in a baggie(with medication) with your child's full name and school initials with permanent marker.
Enjoy the rest of the holiday vacation! See you early Monday morning out front of the school.
Hi everyone! Hope you're all happy and healthy. It's been awhile since I've posted and I'm sorry for that. As I'm sure you all experience from time to time, I've been buried under work and a lovely streak of winter illness. Off the top of my head, here are some important reminders and things to note.
FIRST OF ALL, the kids did an AMAZING job at the Winter Dance Performance today! So proud of all of them!! If you didn't get to see it, be sure to order a copy of the DVD of the show. Thanks to Fresh and Smoked (who videotaped it), everyone can have a keepsake of the show for only $12. Stop in the office for details...
Outdoor Science School is coming up! Temps are supposed to be very cold so bundle them up for snow hiking. I'll be sure to post other specifics on OSS in a seperate post closer to the holiday break.
Mystery Book Report is DUE Wednesday, December 16.
6pm - The Green Team -- Meeting in Parent Resource Room Bungulow A (read more about The Green Team below)
7pm - PTA Meeting
From Felix Chamberlain, Executive V.P. PTA (and parent of Jesse in Room 20).........
Please let us take this opportunity to tell you about our STEVENSON PTA GREEN TEAM. It’s a simple idea and the time seemed right this year to bring a new sense of awareness and participation in our school’s gardens, recycling and overall sustainability.
So far, we have given the school’s Old Garden some new life – over the last two weeks the kids from almost all the classrooms have jumped in, gotten their hands wonderfully dirty and planted seeds and seedlings! With a little luck, in a month or so we’ll have some fresh veggies to eat.
This week we wanted to ramp up our Green Team efforts and have our first “official” meeting. Since we already have a PTA Association Meeting scheduled for this Thurs., 11/12 at 7 PM, we thought it convenient to try and have a short Green Team meeting at 6 PM the same night. We will discuss our ideas and goals for the year – the garden projects, recycling, composting. But we also would like to hear from all of you as to what YOU see the Green Team possibly becoming here at Stevenson!
So please come join us this Thurs. 11/12 at 6 PM at Stevenson in Bungalow A - the Parent Resource Room.
The Tag Team - Felix ChamberlainTiffany Bakas ptatagteam@stevensonpirates.net Felix- Exec. V.P. Stevenson PTA818-601-2829 cell
Hill & Co. Green Sheet News Nov.2nd-Nov.13th, 2009 Edition E-mail:LindsayHill@burbankusd.org or Call:558-5522
Hope all your ghosts and haunts went well… Thanks to the Star of the BooBash Kiersten Hathcock-you ROCK!!!!
Stay Healthy: Rest sufficiently, lots of hugs, eat a healthy diet, and exercise… We have absences due to illness in our class!
Coming Soon to a classroom near you: Conferences: Week of 11/16!
Homework:
Students are expected to complete all homework nightly which they write into their Homework Planners.
Reading: They must read nightly for 20-30 minutes using a Chapter book of 100-300 pages. Book Reports Genre: Mystery for Nov/Dec. Report.
Spelling: Home study program begins after the test is given on Monday and they return all completed work on Friday for the test.
Math: Practice Pages are sent home nightly.
Current Events: Kings. Choose an event and fill out the report sheet to present in class. Science and Social Studies:
Special projects will be assigned periodically and for Extra Credit.
PTA: Thanks to our Homeroom Team for creating our page with our Mondrian Art for the fundraiser. You guys are the best! Holiday: 11/11!
Update on our in class areas of study:
Reading R 2.5/3.7: We conclude reading Michelle Kwan.
Comprehension Focus: non-fiction text organization, evaluation of the author’s technique, and fact vs. opinion.
Grammar Focus: Dictionary skills including multiple definitions, guide words, alphabetical order, use and understanding of graphics maps and charts to decipher information in context. Next Week: La Bamba.
Writing W2.1/2.2: We begin diagramming sentences and focusing on simple and complex sentence structure proper and common nouns. We work on a new narrative establishing plot, point of view, setting, and conflict. Show events rather than tell them and let readers judge.
Math AF1.1-1.3: This week: Envision Practice Benchmark Test and BUSD Data Benchmark Test…focus on attacking word problems with strategies that work! Next Week: Chapter 6: NS2.1: Multiplication of Decimals.
History: Chapter 1 SS5.1: Ancient People: How did ancient people travel, feed and cloth themselves, communicate, and find water, food, and shelter? Concepts of survival, nomadic migration, and development of ancient settlements in the US are being studied. We will also consider the plight of the “Iceman” and other sources of archeological significance. We are creating units entitled “Through Ancient Eyes”, and will create diaries and other projects from an ancient point of view.
Art Focus VA 2.2: Line and color: Going outside to sketch what we observe.
**Extra Credit: Create a report on the Egyptians, the Iceman, the Ice Mummies, the work of Sara Bisel, ancient peoples such as Romans or Greeks, or anything that interests you which contains mysteries from the past that leave us questioning in the present. Discuss with Mrs. H. before you embark on your journey…include writing and illustrations or computer images.
***Stuff We Need*** YIKES: Health Alert: We need sweet smelling Hand Sanitizer!!!!
Just a few reminders about this Friday's Boo Bash....
The PTA is asking for donations of Individual Chip Bags from 5th grade families. Please deliver the donations anytime Monday-Friday 8:15-9:30am, Mon-Wed-Thurs-Friday 1:30-3:15, and Tuesday 2:00-2:30 at the Auditoriums' Art Gallery which is located near the main gates. The drop off area is clearly sign-posted. Thanks so much for your generosity!
Cakes are needed for the Cake Walk and Cake Decorating Contest. Please see the flyers that went home today in your child's Monday folder for details.
Bring your family and friends to Boo Bash THIS FRIDAY, October 30th from 5pm-8pm! There will be tons of food, games, costumes, music, and much more!!
We celebrate Red Ribbon Week and focus on a healthy future.
Don’t miss the Boo Bash on October 30th in our upper grade building! Come and support the PTA as they fund raise for all of us! Happy Ghosting to all and to all a good Trick or Treat…
Homework:Students are expected to complete all homework nightly which they write into their Homework Planners.
Reading: They must read nightly for 20-30 minutes using a Chapter book of 100-300 pages. Book Reports Genre: Fiction for Oct. /Nov. Report. Spelling: Home study program begins after the test is given on Monday and they return all completed work on Friday for the test. Math: Practice Pages are sent home nightly. Current Events: Dodgers. Choose an event and fill out the report sheet to present in class. Science and Social Studies: Special projects will be assigned periodically and for Extra Credit.
PTA:Donations: Thank you to the Brennan Family for purchasing our new ID Tag Holders!! Thanks also for all the Kleenex!! Great Job!!
Update on our in class areas of study
Reading R 2.5/3.7: The next two weeks we will be finishing Unit 1 of Houghton-Mifflin and taking the unit theme test. We enter Theme 2 and begin reading Michelle Kwan. Comprehension Focus: non-fiction text organization, evaluation of the author’s technique, and fact vs. opinion. Grammar Focus: Dictionary skills including multiple definitions, guide words, alphabetical order, use and understanding of graphics maps and charts to decipher information in context.
Writing W2.1/2.2: We begin diagramming sentences and focusing on simple and complex sentence structure proper and common nouns. We work on a new narrative establishing plot, point of view, setting, and conflict. Show events rather than tell them and let readers judge.
Math AF1.1-1.3:This week:Chapter 5: Algebraic Functions with Variables and Expressions. Next Week: Chapter 6: NS2.1: Multiplication of Decimals and the 1st trimester benchmark test.
Coming in October to a computer near you: Digital math homework on the Pearson Scott Foresman Website!! Meanwhile-explore and have fun!!
History: Chapter 1 SS5.1: Ancient People: How did ancient people travel, feed and cloth themselves, communicate, and find water, food, and shelter?Concepts of survival, nomadic migration, and development of ancient settlements in the US are being studied. We will also consider the plight of the “Iceman” and other sources of archeological significance. We are creating units entitled “Through Ancient Eyes”, and will create diaries and other projects from an ancient point of view.
Art FocusVA 2.2:Line and color: Going outside to sketch what we observe.
**Extra Credit: Create a report on the Egyptians, the Iceman, the Ice Mummies, the work of Sara Bisel, ancient peoples such as Romans or Greeks, or anything that interests you which contains mysteries from the past that leave us questioning in the present. Discuss with Mrs. H. before you embark on your journey…include writing and illustrations or computer images.
***Stuff We Need***
Health Alert: We need sweet smelling Hand Sanitizer!!!!
I just wanted to post a few reminders for this week....
1st payment (or full payment) for Outdoor Science School is due this Friday, October 23rd. If you are paying in full, the amount is $325.oo. If you are paying in installments and/or are hoping to earn 40% of what you sell with Cookie Dough Fundraiser, the amount due is $162.50. Please make checks payable to Families for Stevenson or FFS. All final payments are due December 4th.
Crazy Sock Day is today, Wednesday, October 21st.
Original Works orders are due by Monday, October 26th.
Mrs. Hill is asking for sweet smelling hand sanitizer. :) Please let me know if you can donate a bottle or two. Thanks!
Have a good rest of the week! The Green Sheet News will be up on the blog later this week.
Are you good with make-up? Can you paint a simple pumpkin? WE NEED YOU!! If you're planning on attending the Boo Bash and can give even an hour of your time, we'd love to hear from you. The Monster Make-Up Booth is in need of volunteers who like to do face painting.
Mrs. Hill asked that I also pass along the following info....
Student IDs -- School ID cards are being used in Room 20 as official ID's. The Brennan family was kind enough to sponsor the plastic holders and lanyards that way the students can wear them easily around their necks. These ID cards will be very helpful during school field trips, etc. Thanks again to Cassandra and Jeremiah!!
Conferences -- On Back to School night, Mrs. Hill left a conference sign-up sheet on the back table but in our rush to make it to the Science School meeting, she's not sure everyone saw the list as she doesn't have conferences assigned for each student. Be on the look-out for conference sign-up information coming home with your child. Once the conference schedule is finalized, Mrs. Hill will send a confirmation of date and time to you, again through your son or daughter.
I just wanted to give everyone a heads up about the Original Works fundraiser happening this week. Don't worry -- you do not have to sell anything this week. :) You may remember this particular fundraiser from last year. The students create art work in class (Mrs. Hill will lead with a particular art project that coincides with her lesson plans) that will be turned into items for purchase such as aprons, coffee mugs, etc. They make fantastic holiday gifts so be thinking about everyone on your list!
Take a moment to look at the Original Works website for a look at all the different products for sale using your child's artwork!
Your Room Reps, Cassandra, Patty and I, will be helping Mrs. Hill with the in-class art project on Thursday.
** If your child would like to make more than one piece of artwork (outside of the class artwork), please know that he or she is more than welcome to do so; however, the following guidelines must be followed:
Cardstock (size 8 1/2" x 11") must be used. Copy paper will not be accepted.
Please leave the outer 1/2" margin of the paper white -- anything within 1/2" of the edge of the paper will not be included.
Please DO NOT use glitter, metallic paint, paper, stickers, or pens, 3-D objects (wiggly eyes, pipe cleaners, cotton balls, etc.), fluorescent colors, abrasive materials (such as sandpaper, sand, hardened glue, etc.) or hole punches.
Please DO NOT submit trademarked subjects, logos, etc.
Please DO NOT submit studio photos as they are copyrighted and may not be reproduced. Personal photographs may be used provided they conform to the paper size.
Please use bright, bold, colors. You may utilize paints, markers, crayons, oil pastels (please apply a fixative if using oil pastels so that the artwork does not smear) and paper collages (make sure all pieces are firmly glued in place).
Names must be signed at least 1/2" away from the edge of the paper.
Please indicate the TOP of the artwork by marking a "T" on the back. This will ensure that the artwork is properly oriented when reproduced.
Artwork done outside of class MUST be turned in to Mrs. Hill by Friday, October 16th.
By purchasing items featuring your child's artwork, you're helping raise much needed funds for Stevenson Elementary. Thank you!
California Standards are now being noted next to each subject area. Students have been handed Standards sheets for Lang. Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies to help them track progress and reflect on their learning goals.
**Homework**
(Students are expected to complete all homework nightly which they write into their Homework Planners)
Reading: They must read nightly for 20-30 minutes using a Chapter book of 100-300 pages. Book Reports Genre: Fiction for Oct/Nov Report.
Math: Practice pages are sent home nightly
Current Events: Coming to the kings. Choose an event and fill out the report sheet to present in class.
Science and Social Studies: Special projects will be assigned periodically and for Extra Credit.
**Update on our in class areas of study**
READING R 2.2/2.4
The next two weeks we will be finishing Volcano in Unit 1 of Houghton-Mifflin and taking the unit theme test.
Comprehension Focus: non-fiction text organization and developing questions about the content.
Grammar Focus: Dictionary skills including multiple definitions, guide words, alphabetical order, use and understanding of graphics maps and charts to decipher information in context.
WRITING W2.2: We continue to diagram sentences while focusing on siple and compound sentence structure. We also focus on proper and common nouns, conjunctions "and, but and or".
MATH NS2.2/AF1.0: Chapter 5 Algebraic Functions with Variables and Expressions Coming in October: Digital math homework on the Pearson Scott Foresman Website!!
SCIENCE: Chapter 6 ES 4.0/4A/4E: Why does air move? Concepts of air mass, air pressure, and jet stream. We will focus on how these elements create super storms and begin learning to read a barometer, record pressure and learn about earth's winds and their effects on weather systems. COMING ES 4D/4E: Weather predictions and use of weather instruments to map weather systems.
ART FOCUS 4D/4E: Line and Color: Going outside to sketch what we observe
** Extra Credit: Do an experiment at home and bring it out of our Science book on wind and air pressure. Sketch off the internet and report on upper level trade winds and how these winds help determine weather and the development of severe storms.
**Stuff We Need**
Paper for copying is needed: 3 reams legal. Also: Kleenex boxes. Thank you to the Brennan Family for purchasing our two cases of paper! Fantastic!**
Whether you are a parent, teacher, student or community member, you can help R.L Stevenson win $20,000 in the “America’s Favorite School” contest sponsored by Care2 and GreatSchools
The more votes our school gets, the better our school’s chances of winning. This contest is a fun opportunity to rally community support for our school as well as a great way to win much-needed financial support in this difficult economy.
Here are some easy things you can do to spread the word and get people to vote for your school:
1. Send an email to your friends and network asking them to vote for your school.
2. Add a banner to your website, blog, Facebook or MySpace page. You can also ask your friends and family to post a banner to support your school.
** Have you friends and family join our facebook group “America's Favorite School R.L Stevenson” and vote! vote!
3. Post a flyer your local library, your neighborhood coffee shop, or other local venues.
4.We are trying to get noticed by local media. If any of you or anyone you know has a media contact let me know so we can work together on getting helping R.L Stevenson win $20,000
Just a quick note to let everyone know you'll be getting a call from Cassandra or Patty in the coming days. They'll be asking for volunteers to work the Cake Walk booth (our class is charged with working this particular booth) at the upcoming Boo Bash event being held on Friday, Oct. 30th from 5pm-8pm.
If you can volunteer even an hour of your time during Boo Bash, it is much appreciated!! Your help truly makes all the difference!
Students are expected to complete all homework nightly which they can write into their Homework Planners.
READING: They must read for 20-30 minutes using a Chapter book of 100-300 pages.
BOOK REPORTS: Begin in October.
SPELLING: Home study program begins after the test is given on Monday and they return all completed work on Friday for the test.
MATH: Practice pages are sent home nightly and corrected/discussed the next morning.
CURRENT EVENTS: Assignments begin next week. Choose an event and fill out the report sheet to present in class.
SCIENCE/SOCIAL STUDIES: Special projects will be assigned periodically and for extra credit.
UPDATE ON OUR CLASS AREAS OF STUDY ____________________________________________________________________________________
READING: The next two weeks we will be finishing Eye of the Storm in Unit 1 of Houghton-Mifflin and we will begin Volcanoes.
COMPREHENSION FOCUS: Non-fiction text organization and developing questions about the content of the selection.
GRAMMAR FOCUS: Four types of sentences while stressing simple and compound subjects and predicates. We will use the Thesaurus to stress use of synonyms and antonyms.
WRITING: We begin diagramming sentences and focusing on simple and complex sentence structure. Next week we will begin our next narrative project.
MATH: This week - Chapter 3: Reviewing Multiplication of Whole Numbers with exponents. We wil test this week on Chapt. 3. Next week - Chapter 4. Division of Whole numbers, using on and two digit divisors in small and larger numbers.
## Coming in October to a computer near you: DIGITAL MATH HOMEWORK on the Pearson Scott Foresman Website!! Meanwhile, explore and have fun! ##
SOCIAL STUDIES: Current events goes to the Angels.
SCIENCE: Chapter 5 - The Water Cycle. We'll be testing on this material toward the end of this week. Next week: Chapter 6: WEATHER. Concepts of air mass, air pressure, and jet stream. We will focus on how these elements create super storms and begin learning to read a barometer and record pressure.
ART FOCUS: Line and color: Going outside to sketch what we observe.
*** EXTRA CREDIT: Memorize your favorite poem and come on in and recite it for the class or Mrs. H! Look up dangerous weather systems around the world, write a three paragraph summary and include pictures! Share privately or with the class.
Come meet Mrs. Hill and the rest of the class parents!
WHEN: September 16th, 2009 from 7:05-7:35 WHERE: Mrs. Hill's Room - Room #20
* Immediately following Mrs. Hill's meeting is a meeting for 5th grade parents regarding the Outdoor Science School our kids will attend this year. That meeting will be held in the Auditorium from 7:35-8:00pm.
Welcome to our bi-weekly newsletter for Room 20, Grade 5, with Mrs. Lindsay Hill. This will be a year of change and a year to remember!!
HOMEWORK
Welcome to Rm 20 Homework program. Students are expect to complete all homework nightly which they write into their Homework Planners.
* Reading: They must read nightly for 20-30 minutes using a Chapter book of 100-300 pgs.
* Book Reports: Will begin in October.
* Spelling: Home Study program begins after the test is given on Monday and they return all completed work by Friday for the test.
* Math: Practice Pages are sent home nightly and corrected/discussed the next morning.
* Current Events: Assignments begin the week of Sept. 14Th.Choose an event and fill out the report sheet to present in class.
* Science and Social Studies: Special projects will be assigned periodically and for Extra Credit.
UPDATE ON OUR IN CLASS AREAS OF STUDY
Reading: The next two weeks will be studying Eye of the Storm in Unit 1 of Houghton-Mifflin.
Comprehension Focus: Non-fiction text organization and developing questions about the content and selection.
Grammar Focus: Four types of sentences while stressing simple and compound subjects and predicates. We will use Thesaurus to stress the use of synonyms and antonyms.
Writing: We focus on Memories. We are developing our first five paragraph essays. We are working on varied sentence lengths, adjectives, and proper spelling.
Math: Chapter 3 - Reviewing multiplication of whole numbers, stressing estimation, products, digits, and exponents.
*** Coming in October to a computer near you -- digital math homework on the Pearson Scott Foresman Website!! Meanwhile - explore and have fun! ****
Social Studies: Current events will begin this week.
Science: Chapter 5 - The Water Cycle. We are taking notes and creating booklets and art work regarding convection currents, could formation and identification, fog, ocean currents, and their effects on weather, plus the formation of Super Storms! We'll also be testing on this material toward the end of next week.
Art: Pablo Picasso - Studying his use of line and color to create portraits.
EXTRA CREDIT: Memorize your favorite poem and come in and recite it for the class or Mrs. H! Look up dangerous weather systems around the world, write a three paragraph summary and include pictures! Share privately or with the class.
Thanks for checking our Room 20 Blog! My name is Kiersten Hathcock (Noah's mom) and I will be keeping the blog up-to-date at least once a week with important classroom information. I sincerely hope it helps helps keep everyone in the loop and offers an easy place to search when, if you're like me, the classroom newsletter has mysteriously disappeared. :)
YOUR ROOM REPRESENTATIVES
This year, we're happy to have three room representatives who will help pass along information and act as go-to people when parents have questions regarding functions or classroom needs. We're looking forward to getting to know you! Please do not hesitate to write us. We're here to help!
Kiersten Hathcock...............skhathcock@charter.net Rosa “Patty” Tadeo..............rosa.tadeo@warnerbros.com Cassandra Brennan...............cassandrabrennan@att.net
* We'll be sure to hand out more contact information and phone numbers at Back To School Night.
We are very excited to be launching our first ever classroom blogs. We hope you check back regularly for the latest updates from your child's classroom.
