February 10, 2011

Calendar:
President's Day (no school): Monday, February 21
DWA (Direct Writing Test): Thursday, March 3
Science Fair: Friday, March 25
Arts Night: Thursday, March 31
Spelling Bee: Friday, April 1

Parents, thanks for taking the time to help your child revise the paragraphs they have been bringing home each week. I told my students that you were the secret ingredient in helping them become better writers, and it's working! I've been amazed at the leap in scores on our writing practice tests. At first, it was rare for anyone to score higher than 20 (possible is 30), but now, most of these students are scoring in the mid twenties. Please continue to sit down with your child each week, and encourage him/her to use the Utahwrite.com website to practice their writing at home.

Students are gearing up for the Battle of the Books competition with Parowan Elementary. They are in teams and have decided who will read which books on the list. We'll continue to keep you updated on this.

Math: We are up to our necks in fractions. After this last test, we've decided that we need more practice in adding and subtracting mixed numbers. Next, we'll learn how to multiply fractions.

Science: We just finished learning about Static Electricity, and will move into Current Electricity. The Science Fair is March 25. All 5th graders are expected to enter, so they can be thinking about this.

Social Studies: We're studying the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln. We will work on memorizing the Gettysburg Address.

We're getting to be proficient in playing the harmonica. You'll have the chance to hear us perform.

Thanks for all your support!

Mrs. Jeanne Payne