April 24, 2008

 

Dear Parents,

            Science Fair and Science Night were great!  Projects and assessments will go home tomorrow.  The students’ projects were exceptional!  Many thanks go out to Ms. Lei, our Math /Science coordinator, and all the parents who helped.  Our trip to NOAA/NWS was also an exceptional learning experience for all (including adults).  Our next science study will be the final piece of our human body studies: the endocrine system and Family Life.  This year the district has a new Family Life program with which I am presently becoming familiar.  Most lessons will be taught in mixed groups during our regular science times with a few adjustments for gender grouping.  I will send you a more detailed schedule next week, along with a parent permission form you will need to sign and return in order for your child to participate in these classes.  If your choice is to not have your child participate, it will not affect their grade and they will be given a research project to work on during this time.

            We completed our Benchmark tests today and will score them on May 2. There is no school for the children on this day. I do not know if results will go home with report cards or sooner.

            May is a very busy month and our calendar keeps getting fuller! Here are some special dates to note (open to additions and amendments):

                                    Hispanic Business Speaker Bureau, May 7, 2:05 PM

Gala, May 15, Evening (also our fifth grade fund raising booth)

                                    Opera, May 20, 7:00 PM

                                    Elitch Trip, May 21, 9:15 – 4:30 (time determined by district)

                                    Picnic at Crofton, May 22, Afternoon (tentative)

                                    Field Day, May 23, Afternoon

                                    Continuation Brunch and Ceremony May 28, 9:00-11:30

            It is our understanding that Mrs. Kielmeyer and Coach D are planning two other activities, a kick ball game and a game show event, dates of which we are not positive…so more info later.

Students may bring their money, $26.99, for our Elitch trip now through May 15. Frances needs to pay bills, close out books, etc. and this May 15 date will help her out. This money will cover entrance and lunch. Students may bring additional spending if you so choose. Chaperones will pay an amount determined by the entrance amount minus the # of free tickets divided by the number of chaperoning adults. Remember, there are scholarship funds available for students who would not go on this trip for financial need. Just talk to Mr. Wieland or me. Hopefully, I have not forgotten anything really important.

            The fifth grade gift, bench project, is becoming a reality. Sophia Floyd (Olivia) purchased it last week and Jason Martin (Jack) is in charge of securing it in concrete. The bench will be paid for by the money the students raise at the Gala selling flowers and bottled water. We are waiting to hear about a donation/discount from the Deep Rock Company. Jade Jones (Noah) has been our representative in this endeavor. Several parents volunteered to help with the water at the Gala. Thank you, parents.

OK, that is it for now!

                                                                        Ms. Maria Abeyta

                                                                        Fifth Grade & The Sciences