5th Grade - Ms. Hood

Hood's Headlines for 1-25-12

Hi everyone!  It's difficult getting used to working for 5 days again!  We've been spoiled with having 2 4-day work weeks.  We are extremely busy as we continue learning all those 5th grade standards.  There are several things going on that you will want to be aware of.  Here's what's happenin'.....

The Winter Dance for 4th and 5th grade students will be held in the cafeteria tomorrow night - Friday, January 27- from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Students must only be dropped off and picked up at the back doors nearest the cafeteria.  The cost is $5 per student.  No parents or siblings are allowed into the dance.  Parent coordinators and some Still teachers will be supervising.  This was a fun event for students last year!!!

On Monday, January 30, you will receive a letter regarding extra support classes for the CRCT.  Each student will receive a letter.  Please read the letter carefully.  We want to do all that we can to help our students be successful. If you have further questions regarding remediation, please contact me at school.

Family Math Night at Publix (intersection of Dallas Hwy/Barrett Pkwy) will be held on Thursday, February 2 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.  This has been a wonderful family activity for the past few years.  Please make plans to attend this special night.

As we look ahead to April and think about the CRCT, we are trying to prepare as much as possible.  There are two resources that you can use at home to help practice 5th grade skills.  One resource is the CRCT online practice.  Letters were sent home back in September with students ID #s and passwords.  Another resource is Study Island.  This is the computer program that was purchased for our school to use.  I have posted many new assignments in different subject areas.  Students with the highest blue ribbon count for each week will be recognized on the morning news.  Please take advantage of this resource.  It will be great practice for the CRCT.

Don't forget that yearbooks are still on sale!!  The cost is $35.

Last Friday we celebrated those students who made their reading goal for the 2nd nine week period.  Congratulations to all the students who worked very hard reading 3 fiction and 1 nonfiction book on their level AND passing the AR test.  The reading goal for the third nine week period is 2 fiction and 2 nonfiction books on their level.  Students have until March 14 to make this goal.

Graded papers from last week are:  DOL 20 quiz, Spelling test sort 21, Wordly Wise Lesson 9 test, Reading test on Main Idea, Recalling Facts, and Sequencing.

Happy Birthday to our January birthdays:  Katie (11th) and Jalani (23rd)

Please check out the list of important dates!

Hood's Headlines for 1-11-12

Happy New Year everyone!!!  I hope each of you had a nice, relaxing holiday break.  I sure did!!  It actually felt like a real break this time with having the first week in January off! Now it's back to the grind and we are really hitting it hard.  With the Writing Assessment coming up in early March we are really going to focusing on writing.  You will probably see some writing homework assignments coming home.  In January we are going to be focusing on Informational writing. In February we will focus on Persuasive writing.  Please work with your child on doing their personal best.  Here are some things that are coming up.....

Report cards will be sent home on Friday, January 13.  You may keep the report card at home for your records, but please sign the signature card and return it in the designated envelope.  Please do not seal the envelope.  If you would like to go ahead and attach 2 stamps to the envelope and write in your address underneath "parents of..." that would be helpful!!! I will be using these same envelopes to mail the final report card in June.

In the envelope with the report cards some of you will also find a letter stating documents that are needed for Middle School.  Please carefully read this letter so that you can obtain the appropriate documentation and return it to school.  Most students will need an updated immunization certificate showing the 2nd round of the Varicella vaccine.  We MUST have this documentation for your child's permanent record.  Also, you will find a receipt of monies paid to Still Elementary.  This is not a bill.

There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, January 16 due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.  Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 17.

Still Elementary's Reading Bowl team will compete in their first competition on Saturday, January 21.  We want to cheer on Jacob from our class as he represents part of our school's team!!  Go Jacob!!

Don't forget to check out the Specials Rotation page and Important Dates to Remember page for the most up-to-date information.

There will be no take home folders this week because there were no graded papers.  Take home folders will go home next Tuesday.

Hood's Headlines for 12-14-11

Hi everyone!  I can't believe it's almost a week until Christmas and it's still 70 degrees outside.  Of course, I'm not complaining!!  :)   It was so nice to visit with those of you who I saw at Santa's Pancake Breakfast last Saturday.   PTSA really did a fabulous job with the fundraiser for our school.  Thank you to everyone who participated.  We are very busy these last fews days before the winter break.  Please, please, please have your child at school every day until the break.  We are testing on many of these days and it is vital that your child be in school.

PTSA sent out an email regarding bus transportation changes earlier in the week.  If your child will be riding on a different bus with a friend, you must write the note on the new transportation form.  No handwritten notes will be accepted.  Please make sure you print off a copy of this form to keep handy.  It will save you from a headache later! I will email you a copy of the bus pass in case you didn't receive the email from PTSA. You can also locate the form using the following link from Cobb County:  http://www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/Transportation/

I sent out an email on Monday with a sign-up for our Holiday Party.  Thank you to those of you already signed up to bring a breakfast item for us to enjoy.  Our party will be on Wednesday, December 21 from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.  Please make sure to send in your item with your child on Wednesday.

Our last day of school before Winter Break will be on Thursday, December 22.  I hope each one of you has a very blessed and safe holiday and a Happy New Year!  I look forward to what 2012 will bring!

Happy Birthday to our December birthdays:  Ayesha - 4th, Alex - 21st, Ashlynn - 25th.

Graded papers going home:  Weekly Reader ("Cub Cams"), Spelling test sort 18, Simile and Metaphor test, DOL 16 test, Wordly Wise Lesson 8 test, Science performance assessment on "Sum of the Parts", Matter worksheet

Hood's Headlines for 11-30-11

Hi everyone!  I hope you have a wonderful and restful Thanksgiving holiday.  It was so good to be with my family!!  Of course, I ate too much food, but that's expected, right?!?!  Even though we've got another break coming up in a few short weeks, we are going to B-U-S-Y!  Please make sure you mark you calendars for special events that you do not want to miss!

Progress reports were sent home this week.  Please make sure to sign the progress report and return it to school.  I will make a copy and return the original to you.  If you have any questions regarding your child's progress thus far, please feel free to contact me.

Family Science Night is Thursday, December 1 in our cafeteria from 6-8 p.m.  This was a fantastic event last year with so much student/parent participation. Please make plans to spend this educational night focus on Science!

We will be taking a performing arts field trip to the Cobb Energy Center on Wednesday, December 7 to hear the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. We are asking students to dress nicely for this event.  Please make sure that you have returned your signed permission slip.  Otherwise, you will not be able to attend.

The PTSA will be hosting a Santa's workshop and Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, December 10 from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.   Our class will be able to shop in Santa's workshop on Tuesday, December 6.  If you would like your child to shop for gifts in Santa's workshop, please send money on Tuesday ONLY! This is our one day to shop.  Please see the flyer that was sent home in the take home folders for more information. 

Students will soon be assessed (Dec. 16, 19, and 20) on content covered the 1st and 2nd nine-week grading period.  This will give us an idea of what skills students have mastered and those still needing some practice.  Please have your child at school on time every day these last few weeks.  Thank you for your cooperation in advance.

Our classroom holiday party will be on Wednesday, December 21 from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.   I will be sending out an email (Sign-Up Genius) that will allow you to sign up to bring in breakfast items for our party.  Please be on the lookout for this email!

Our next "Fun Friday" will be on December 22 for those students who have maintained excellent work study habits and conduct habits. 

Winter Break for students will be December 23 - January 9.  Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 1o, 2012.

Graded papers from last week are:  DOL 14 test, Spelling sort 16 test, Reading test on chapters 1-7 of Ghost Cadet.

Hood's Headlines for 11-16-11

Hi everyone! I hope these past couple of weeks have found you well. I want to say a special "Thank You" to our veterans.  We had a wonderful breakfast in their honor last Friday.  We can't say enough about our gratitude for their service and sacrifice.  As we enter this season of thanksgiving, I hope we will all pause and think about the many blessings we have on  a daily basis.  I hope each family has a wonderful, restful Thanksgiving holiday.  Here's what's going on.....

Students will begin Science for the 2nd nine weeks when we return from Thanksgiving break.

Progress reports will be going home on Wednesday, November 30.  This is a report of your child's progress for the first half of the nine weeks.  If you have questions regarding the report, please contact me.

Family Science Night is coming up Thursday, December 1.  Last year we had a great turnout of students and parents.  Please make plans to attend this very educational experience!!!

The 5th grade will be taking our Performing Arts field trip to the Cobb Energy Center on Wednesday, Dec. 7 to hear the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.  If you have not returned your permission form, please do so ASAP.  Students without a signed permission form will not be able to attend.

Still Elementary will be hosting a Santa's workshop and Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, Dec. 10.  This will also another fun opportunity for families!  You will want to make plans to attend!

Happy Birthday to our November birthdays:  Yuli (6th), Chris (14th), Alexxus (14th), Alyssa (22nd), and Antonio (26th).

Graded papers from last week:  Wordly Wise test 6, Weekly Reader, DOL 13 test, Spelling test sort 15.

 

 

Hood's Headlines for 11-2-11

Hi everyone!  I wanted to start off by saying "Thank You" for all of the wonderful treats (lunch every day, snacks every day, and even a couple of gift cards) that you sent in during conference week!!!  I can't tell you how nice it was knowing that I didn't have to worry about packing lunch or snacks.  You never realize how much time that can take until you don't have to do it every morning!  So THANK YOU!!  Also, it was such a pleasure meeting with every parent last week!  Thank you for your continued to support in the classroom.  As always, if you ever have a question or concern, please do not hesitate to ask.  The next couple of months are very busy with activities.  Please make sure to check the blog for the latest information.

Picture re-takes are tomorrow, November 2.  If you would like for your child to have his/her picture re-made, please send back the original picture packet. 

Ms. Duhn (the art teacher) is doing a fundraiser for art supplies.  You can purchase your child's original artwork to be placed on mugs, magnets, etc.  Please see the artwork and flyer in the take home folder for more information. 

There will be NO SCHOOL on Tuesday, November 8.  This is a professional learning day for teachers.

Our class will be taking a field trip to Pickett's Mill Battefield on Thursday, November 10.  Please make sure that your child wears appropriate clothing as we will be outside for the majority of the day. 

November 11 is our Veteran's Day Breakfast.  If you are a veteran or you know a veteran that would like to attend, please make sure to RSVP by this Friday, November 4.  This is a very special day to honor those who've served our country!!

The Fall Festival is also on Friday, November 11 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. This is going to be a fantastic night of family fun (did you notice the alliteration??)!

Our next Fun Friday will be on Friday, November 18 for those students who maintain excellent work study habits and conduct!

NO SCHOOL during the week November 21 - 25 due to Thanksgiving Holidays.

Happy Birthday to our October birthday:  Navin (Oct. 22)

Graded papers for this week:  Spelling test sort 12, Wordly Wise test Lesson 5, Poetry test

Hood's Headlines for 10-19-11

Brrrrrr!  I can't believe how dramatic the weather change has been this week!!  However, I am excited for the cooler, fall-like temperatures!  I'm also excited about meeting with every one of the parents next week for conference week.  I will be sending home reminders of your conference day and time.  Please, please, please contact the school if you will not be able to attend your conference.  See you next week!!

Just a reminder that students will be dismissed at 12:15 p.m. every day next week for conferences.  Please make sure your child knows how he/she will be going home.  Also, report cards will be distributed at the conference.

Fun Friday will be this Friday for students who have earned it! 

The Book Fair will begin on Friday, October 21 and go through Thursday, October 27.  Please come to the Media Center to check out the wonderful books from Scholastic!!

Your child can now practice taking CRCT tests online.  There is an information page in this week's take home folder that has the username and password for each student.  This is a great way to review and practice skills from 5th grade content.  Study Island is another great resource, too!

If you have not returned your permission form for Pickett's Mill or Performing Arts, please do so ASAP. I will have additional copies at conferences in case you misplaced yours.

If you have a veteran in your family that will be able to attend our Veteran's Day breakfast on November 11, please return the registration form ASAP. We need to know how many will be in attendance.

Graded papers:  Science test 3 on constructive/destructive forces, DOL 9 quiz, Wordly Wise crossword, Health pages 108-109, Health vocabulary worksheet, Health test

Hood's Headlines for 10-12-11

Hi everyone!  Only 1 more day of ITBS testing!!! Yahoooo!  Thank you to everyone for being at school on time this week!!  Friday is the last day of the nine weeks so my class will be going back to Mr. Marsh for Social Studies beginning Monday, October 17.  We have several things coming up so please read ahead for more information.

Conference letters have been sent home.  Thank you for rearranging your schedules to be at this very important meeting.  I look forward to discussing your child's progress this first nine weeks.  The schedule is tight so please try to be on time.  I will send a reminder with each child the day before your scheduled conference. Also, don't forget that students will be dismissed every day that week (October 24-28).

The Book Fair will be in our Media Center during conference week, October 24-27.  Please stop by and check out all the fabulous deals from Scholastic and also help raise money for our school.

5th grade t-shirts are on sale now!  Some of you already purchased a shirt at Sneak-A-Peek.  They are being ordered and will hopefully be here before our field trip in November. If you haven't ordered a shirt yet, there is still time.  Please complete the order form that was sent home in the take home folder.

Our class will be taking a field trip to Pickett's Mill battlefield on Thursday, November 10.  We are asking for a donation of $8.50.  Please sign and return the permission form to school ASAP.  Also, please circle whether your child will be ordering a sack lunch from school or will bring a lunch from home.

November 11 is our Veteran's Day breakfast. I will be sending a flyer home on Friday the gives more information regarding invitations for veterans.  Also, if you have a family member that is currently serving in the military, please email me their name so that we can put their name on our classroom door in honor of their service.  Thanks!

November 11 is also the Fall Festival from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. I know members of the PTSA are working very hard to make this a fun event for our school.  Please make plans to attend.

Our room moms (Tiffany Donnelly and Tina Korzenok) sent home a packet of information detailing upcoming events.  Thanks to them for keeping us up to date!

Study Island is up and running.  I have listed several assignments in the different subject areas for students to practice.  It is still a work in progress, so thank you in advance for your patience as I learn this new software. 

Graded papers from last week:  Spelling test sort 10, Science test 2 on constructive/destructive forces, DOL 8 quiz, Wordly Wise Lesson 4 test, Volcano crossword.

 

Hood's Headlines for 10-5-11

Hi everyone!  Can you believe it's already October??? Oh my goodness, where has 2011 gone?  We are moving quickly here in 5th grade.  Please continue to review and reinforce curriculum skills at home.  This is a great help to your child.  Here's what's going on this week......

Conference letters will be going home on Monday, October 10.  Scheduling conferences is a tedious process when you are trying to work around so many different schedules.  Please, please, please try to make your scheduled conference time. It can get quite chaotic if so many people have to reschedule.  I will do my best to accomodate as much as possible.  I have also worked with other teachers of siblings in our class so that you are only coming up to the school one time.  If you have questions or concerns regarding your conference, please email me.  Don't forget that during Conference Week students are dismissed at 12:15 p.m. every day.  Conference Week is October 24-28.

The ITBS begins on Monday, October 10. Testing will last all week. Please make sure your child is at school on time and has a healthy breakfast! 

The Fall Festival will be held on Friday, November 11.  The PTSA is looking for volunteers to help with the Fall Festival. Please see the green flyer coming home in today's take home folder for more information.  Thank you for lending a helping hand!!

Graded papers from this week:  Spelling test sort 9, Test 1 on Constructive/Destructive forces, DOL 7 quiz, Weekly Reader (Tail Spin)

 

Hood's Headlines for 9-28-11

Hi everyone!  Welcome to Fall!  I'm still waiting on those fall-like temperatures!!  We had our first "Fun Friday" (actually it was Fun Wednesday) yesterday to celebrate students who are maintaining exellent work and conduct habits.  We will be doing a fun activity once a month for students who continue to excel in these two areas.   I know the students really enjoyed their activity and I would like to send a big "Thank You" to Tiffany Donnelly, Ronika Joseph, and Tina Korzenok for coordinating everything!! Our next "Fun Friday" will be on October 21.  There are several things going on so please read ahead......

Yearbooks are on sale!  Please see the flyer sent home in the take home folder for prices.  There is a discount if you purchase your yearbook early!

Study Island is here!!  Your child received  a flyer with a username and password for this incredible new program.  It allows your child to work on assessments that I have (or will be!!) created in the different subject areas - except Social Studies.  There is currently no material on Study Island for S.S.  This is a new program here at Still so I'm just learning all of the features of the program, so please be patient with me while I post assignments.  If you have questions about the program, please ask and I will do my best to answer.

We are in the process of developing a design for 5th grade t-shirts.  These shirts are unique to the 5th grade class and they will have the names of each student in 5th grade printed on the back.  More details to come later.

The ITBS is coming up October 10-14.  Please make sure your child is at school ON TIME and has eaten a healthy breakfast.  I would be ideal for students to be here every day so they do not have to make up the tests later.

Conference week is coming up October 24-28.  Please be on the lookout in the upcoming weeks for a conference letter detailing your scheduled day and time for a conference.  Students will be dismissed at 12:10 p.m. every day of conference week.  Also, the first 9-week report cards will be given out at your conference.

If you ordered pictures from Picture Day, they were sent home with the take home folder.  Also, every child received two identification information cards courtesy of LifeTouch.  These were also included in the take home folders.

Graded papers that were sent home:  Test 2 on The Best School Year Ever, Wordly Wise Lesson 3 test, DOL 6 quiz, Spelling test sort 8, signed progress report

Happy Birthday to our September birthdays:  Michael Hurst (Sept. 25) and Hayley Cole (Sept. 28)