5th Grade - Ms. McCulloch

The "McMessenger"

January 30, 2012

Notes: . The Winter Dance was a huge success. The children had a blast and I never realized how much talent we had on the dance floor!. Everyone went home sweaty, but with smiles on their faces.

Writitng Fair: Students wishing to enter the Writitng Fair have until February 14th to submit their entries.

 

Academics:

Science:  We continue to take a look at electric current. The students are learning about the various insulators and conductors and will soon be building their own circuits..

 

Social Studies: We have finished our WWI unit.  Thursday is our big unit test.  Review game on Wednesday!  Use that study guide to prepare!

Language Arts: This week we will focus on Spelling 16 with a quiz on Friday. Students will also work on WW9 packet with 15 sentences and sections A-D due on Friday. Students are wrapping up their informational papers..

Math: The students will be covering area, geometry, volume, and capacity this quarter.  

 

Reminders:

Mondays- Homeless Pet Club 2:30pm

Tuesday, January 31- New Parent Target Meeting

Wednesday, February 1st- Walk to School Day- 7am

Thursday, February 2nd- Family Math Night- 6:30-7:30 Publix and Chorus participates in cluster concert 10:45-1:00pm

Thank you!

 

Michele

The "McMessenger"

January 23, 2012

Notes: January is flying by and the students are working very hard!.

Report Cards: We officially started the third nine week grading period and report cards went home last Friday, January 13th.

Parent Survey:Academics: Last week we sent home with your child an envelope regarding the school improvement survey.  In the envelope you will find a letter from our Superintendent. You will have the opportunity to take the survey paper-pencil or use the link below. The link has already been placed on Still's website as well. http://www.cobbk12.org/sisurvey Please have your child return the survey to the front office once completed. Thank you in advance. 

Academics:

Science:  We will have a quiz today on static electricity. Our next lesson will cover electric current, insulators, conductors, and circuits.

Social Studies: Our WWI unit winds down.    There will be one more quick quiz (this week) and then a unit test next week.   Students, go home and “teach” your parents what you’re learning!  Parents, ask your child to review his/her notes with you, please. 

Language Arts: This week we will focus on Spelling 15 with a quiz on Thursday. Students will also work on WW9 packet with 15 sentences and sections A-D due on Friday. Students continue to work on informational writing.

Math: The students will be covering area, geometry, volume, and capacity this quarter.

Reminders:

Monday, January 23rd- Otter's Chicken-3-close

Friday, January 27th- 4-5th Grade Winter Dance- 6:30-8:30pm

Wednesday, February 1st- Walk to School Day- 7am

Thursday, February 2nd- Family Math Night- 6:30-7:30 Publix

Thank you!

Michele

The "McMessenger"

January 11, 2012

Notes: Welcome back to school. I hope everyone had a fun and relaxing holiday.

Report Cards: Report cards go home on Friday, January 13th. Please review the card with your child., sign the white card, and return it to school.,

Parents: We are preparing to send home the school improvement survey with your oldest and only kids in the school in the next few days.  In the envelope you will find a letter from our Superintendent. You will have the opportunity to take the survey paper-pencil or use the link below. The link has already been placed on Still's website as well.http://www.cobbk12.org/sisurvey

Academics:

Science:  We will begin our new unit on electricity, static electricity, circuits, and magnetism. Please keep up with the class notes. Quizzes can be expected.

Social Studies: Beginning a unit on the early 1900’s and WWI.  Interactive notes will be provided.  A quick quiz is scheduled for Friday!

 Language Arts: This week we will focus on Spelling 14 with a quiz on Friday. Students will also work on WW8 packet with 15 sentences and sections A-D due on Friday. Students are working on informational writing. The students have selected famous landmarks or landforms for their topics and are collecting or reading books on the topic. Please discuss your child's landmark with them to help create interest and ideas.

Math: The students will be covering area, geometry, volume, and capacity this quarter.

Reminders:

Friday, January 13th- Report Cards go home.

Monday, January 16th- MLK Holiday, No school!

Wednesday, January 18th- Stevi B's- 5-close

Thank you!

Michele

The "McMessenger"

December 19, 2011

Notes: We anticipate this week to go very quickly as we complete testing and wrap up the second nine week grading period. .

Spelling Bee: Tomorrow we will have the fourth and fifth grade Speliing Bee. Our two classmates, Damian and Hank,  have been studying hard, eager to represent our class. Please cheer them on at  8-9am in the Still cafeteria. Good luck!

Class Party: Our class party will be held December 21st at 9:30-10:30am. Thank you to the parents who have replied to the email and offered to send in some of the items and food needed. If you would like to assist by sending in food or would be able to assist in the set up and clean up it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact our Room Rep, Melissa Graham at mdg51782@Gmail.com .

Academics:

Science:  We are finished our study of matter and physical and chemical changes. we look forward to our next unit on electricity and magnestism,

Social Studies: Updates coming soon!

Language Arts: This week we will focus on Spelling 13 with a quiz on Wednesday and completing our novel reading our novel The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!. This novel will count towards the end of the year 25 book goal and the students will quiz on the chapters and AR. 

Math: The students will be covering fractions this quarter. It will include adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and mixed numbers. The students will also cover graphs such as learning to read various graphs, interpreting data, and then drawing graphs. Converting fractions to decimals will also be covered.

Reminders:

Tuesday, December 20th- Spelling Bee 8-9am

Wednesday, December 21st- Class Party 9:30-10:30

HolidayBreak- 12/23-1/9- Students return on Tuesday, January 10th

Thank you!

Michele

The "McMessenger"

December 5, 2011

Notes: Three weeks and counting until the holiday break and the end of the second nine week period; Even though the holidays are a fun time and the excitement is in the air, we have to remain focused on our studies and learning.  Please assist your child by checking over their assignments and studying for quizzes. Report cards will go out shortly after the break.

Spelling Bee: Congratualations to our two class representatives, Damian Karagoz and Hank Ritchey. Both boys will compete against other 4th and 5th graders at Still Elementary on 12/20 at 8-9am Good luck!

Ornament Day: Thank you to Melissa Graham and Suzanne Smith for assistance with Ornament Day. Our class tree looks beautiful. Thank you to Tanisha Dodson who brought in her camera to take pictures of the students.

Class Party: Our class party will be held December 21st at 9:30-10:30am. Thank you to the parents who have replied to the email and offered to send in some of the items and food needed. If you would like to assist by sending in food or would be able to assist in the set up and clean up it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact our Room Rep, Melissa Graham at mdg51782@Gmail.com .

Academics:

Science:  We are having a quiz on physical changes in matter. The students will begin a new lesson on the chemical changes in matter this week.

Social Studies: We will soon finish our unit on industrialization and immigration. Unit test next week! Mini-project due this Friday. (Parents, your 5th grader will be "interviewing" you.)

Language Arts: Students will have ADD Math for their seatwork this week..We will have  a Wordly Wise 7 quiz on Wednesday this week and Spelling 11 with a quiz on Thursday. In grammar we will be relearning adjectives. We begin our expository writing and will work on this for the next few weeks.

Math: The students will be covering fractions this quarter. It will include adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and mixed numbers. The students will also cover graphs such as learning to read various graphs, interpreting data, and then drawing graphs. Converting fractions to decimals will also be covered.

Reminders:

Wednesday, December 7th--Walk to School Wednesday, 7am

Wednesday, December 7th- 5th Grade to the Cobb Energy Center- Atlanta Symphony, 11-1:45

Thursday, December 8th- Chorus performs at W. Cobb Senior Center 9:30am

Saturday, December 10th- Santa's Pancake Breakfast/Workshop 8:30-10:30am

Monday, December 12th- Barnes and Nobles- Chorus performs 6pm

Tuesday, December 20th- Spelling Bee 8-9am

Wednesday, December 21st- Class Party 9:30-10:30

HolidayBreak- 12/23-1/9- Students return on Tuesday, January 10th

Thank you!

Michele

The "McMessenger"

November 28, 2011

Notes: I hope everyone had a wonderful Thaksgiving break. It never seems long enough....We have only four weeks until our winter break and have a lot of work to do.

Ornament Day: On December 3rd at 9:30-10:45 we will be making holiday ornaments for our tree. We need the assistance of three parents who can help out with ideas and crafts during this time. This is an activity which really needs the additional assistance. If you are able to help, please contact our Room Rep, Melissa Graham at mdg51782@Gmail.com .

Class Party: Our class party will be held December 21st at 9:30-10:30am. Thank you to the parents who have replied to the email and offered to send in some of the items and food needed. If you would like to assist by sending in food or would be able to assist in the set up and clean up it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact our Room Rep, Melissa Graham at mdg51782@Gmail.com .

Academics:

Science:  We will be studying the three states of matter and how the particles change between them. Quick Quiz possible this week. Keep up with studying class notes nightly.

Social Studies: Continuing with our unit on industrialization and immigration.   Interactive notes have been passed out.  Quick Quiz Friday!

Language Arts: Students will have DOL8 for their seatwork with a quiz on Friday.We will have  Wordly Wise 7 this week. Our focus this week and throughout the remainder of December will be writing. As a result, there will not be any additional grammar or spelling this week.

Math: The students will be covering fractions this quarter. It will include adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and mixed numbers. The students will also cover graphs such as learning to read various graphs, interpreting data, and then drawing graphs. Converting fractions to decimals will also be covered.

Reminders:

Monday, November 28th- Progress Reports go home--midterm grades

Thursday, December 1st- Family Science Night 6-8pm

Friday, December 2nd- Chorus performs at Taste of Lovinggood (Time TBA)

Thank you!

Michele

The "McMessenger"

November 7, 2011

Notes: Reminder that there will not be any school tomorrow, Tuesday, November 8th. Students will return to school on Wednesday, November 9th. We will have our field trip on Thursday, November 10th from 9:15-1:45pm.

Veteran's Breakfast- Still Elementary has a tradition of honoring those men and women who have served or are currently serving in the armed forces. We will honor those soldiers at a breakfast on Friday, November 11th at 8:00am. If you, a friend, or a family member have served in the military and would like to attend, please let us know so that we make reservations for you at this memorable event.

Pickett's Mill  Field Trip: Our Pickett's Mill field trip will take place this Thursday, November 10th. We will leave after math on Thursday around 9:15am. Please dress accordingly. In the past, it has been quite cold, wet, with hiking in the woods. Please wear hiking shoes or tennis shoes. Stay in touch with the weather channel and bring warm clothing if necessary. Students already made lunch choices and they know if they are buying a sack lunch from school or bringing a sack lunch from home. Please no sodas, thermoses, or lunch boxes. Also, bring your lunch in a plastic bag that can be thrown away.

Performing Arts: Please turn in your permission forms and donations to the school if you have not already done so. This field trip is performed by the Atlanta Symphony at the Cobb Energy Center in December.

Academics:

Science:  We will have a "matter" quiz on Wednesday, November 9th. Please help your child study for this quiz and every quiz. The next chapter will be on the three states of matter, solid, liquid, and gas. .

Social Studies: Updates coming soon!

Language Arts: Students will have DOL7 for their seatwork with a quiz on Friday.We will continue with our grammar and revisit verbs. Spelling 10 and WWL6 with a quiz on Wednesday, November 9th. We will continue working on personal narratives in class. Please remember that many of the students were behind and had not completed their reading goals. Please make reading a nightly ritual at home.

Math: The students will be covering fractions this quarter. It will include adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and mixed numbers. The students will also cover graphs such as learning to read various graphs, interpreting data, and then drawing graphs. Converting fractions to decimals will also be covered.

Reminders:

Tuesday, November 8th- Student Holiday- No School!

Thursday, November 10th- Pickett's Mill Field Trip 9:15-1:45pm.Please remember to bring your lunch if you did not already choose to get a lunch from school.

Friday, November 11th- Veteran's Breakfast 8:00am

Friday, November 11th- Fall Festival 6-8pm

Thank you!

Michele

The "McMessenger"

October 17, 2011

Notes: ITBS testing is done and everyone survived!..This week is School Bus Safety Week, October 17-21st. Please discuss with your child the importance of behaving correctly on the bus for their own safety,other students, and the bus driver.

Pickett's Mill  Field Trip: Permission forms/payment envelopes for our first field trip were sent home last week.  The cost is $8.50.  It is a wonderful, enriching trip for our students as we wrap up our study of the Civil War.  Please consider making a donation to cover the cost of the trip.  If we do not have the funds to cover costs, unfortunately we will have to cancel. 

Performing Arts: Please turn in your permission forms and donations to the school if you have not already done so. This field trip is performed by the Atlanta Symphony at the Cobb Energy Center in December.

Fall Conferences: October 24-28 - Conference schedules went home last week in your child's Take Home folder. Please return signed and checked if able to attend. Report cards will be given out at that time. There will be early dismissal at 12:15pm for the entire week. The After School Program will be in session. If you plan to place your child in ASP and have not already done so, please register them prior to that week.

Academics:

Science:  Volcano projects are due today Monday, October 17th. We will begin our new unit on "How Do Humans Change Landforms." This lesson is Ch. 3/L4 p. 100-109. Students should read the chapter and use the study guide to go over their notes nightly.

Social Studies: Discussion of the aftermath of the war (Reconstruction era).  Review those notes.  Quiz on Thursday!   Big unit test next week!   (Trivia assignment due Wednesday, right?!).

Language Arts: Students will have ADD math this week for their seatwork.We will continue with our grammar and spelling lessons, Wordly Wise 5 will also resume this week with a quiz next Wednesday, October 26th. We will continue working on personal narratives in class. Reading logs continue to go home nightly. By this point, students should have tested on three fiction and one nonfiction books and passed the quizzes at 80% . The deadline to meet thier nine week goal  was Friday, October 14th

Math: The students began the first chapter covering place value and decimals. The remaining unit will cover performing the four operations with decimals, factors and multiples, multiplication and division of decimals, algebra,, and problem solving.  Students should be proficient in basic multiplication facts and basic division facts.

Reminders:

October 17-21st- School Bus Safety Week

Wednesday, October 19th- Walk to School Wednesday 7:00am

Wednesday, October 19th- Stevie B's Night --5-8pm

Friday, October 21st- Hillgrove's Homecoming begins in the Still parking lot.

October 24-28th- Conference Week-Early Dismissal at 12:15pm and Scholastic Book Fair

Monday, October 24th- Otter's Chicken 3pm-close

Wednesday, October 26th- Rocket Club 12:30-2:00

Thursday, October 27th- Yogli Mogli 3-8pm

 

Thank you!

Michele

The "McMessenger"

October 10, 2011

Notes: I hope everyone is enjoying the turn in the weather! This week fifth grade will be sending home order forms for fifth grade class t-shirts and permission forms for Pickett's Mill field trip..

Fifth Grade Class T-shirts: The order form for the class t-shirts will be sent home tomorrow. More information regarding cost and sizing to follow.

Pickett's Mill  Field Trip: Permission forms/payment envelopes for our first field trip will be coming home mid-week this week.  The cost is roughly $8.00.  It is a wonderful, enriching trip for our students as we wrap up our study of the Civil War.  Please consider making a donation to cover the cost of the trip.  If we do not have the funds to cover costs, unfortunately we will have to cancel. 

Performing Arts: Please turn in your permission forms and donations to the school if ykou have not already done so. This field trip is performed by the Atlanta Symphony at the Cobb Energy Center in December.

Fall Conferences: October 24-28 - Conference schedules went home today in your child's Take Home folder. Please return signed and checked if able to attend. Report cards will be given out at that time. There will be early dismissal at 12:15pm for the entire week. The After School Program will be in session. If you plan to place your child in ASP and have not already done so, please register them prior to that week.

Academics:

Science:  Students will receive their latest quizzes and erosion projects back this week. Due to testing we will not be meeting for science class this week, but students still have a project to do. Volcano projects will be sent home and students should work on them and complete them for a grade. Projects are due on Monday, October 17th.

Social Studies: No Social Studies this week due to ITBS testing, but trivia assignment is due Wednesday, Oct. 19.  Parents, please see hand-out in your child’s Soc. St. section of binder.  Please also consider working with your child on this interesting assignment.

Language Arts: Students will have DOL 6 this week with a quiz on Friday.There will not be any grammar, spelling, or Wordly Wise this week due to testing. We will continue working on personal narratives in class. Reading logs continue to go home nightly. By this point, students should have tested on three fiction and one nonfiction books and passed the quizzes at 80% . The deadline to meet thier nine week goal is Friday, October 14th

Math: The students began the first chapter covering place value and decimals. The remaining unit will cover performing the four operations with decimals, factors and multiples, multiplication and division of decimals, algebra,, and problem solving.  Students should be proficient in basic multiplication facts and basic division facts.

Reminders:

October 10-14th- ITBS testing 3rd & 5th

October 17-21st- School Bus Safety Week

Wednesday, October 19th- Stevie B's Night --5-8pm

Thank you!

Michele

The "McMessenger"

October 3, 2011

Notes: ITBS (Iowa Test of Basic Skills) testing will take place next week in the morning. Please make sure your child is well rested, eats breakfast, and arrives early to school. ITBS testing is used for placement next year in middle school.

Arrivals: Parents, please note that we are having many close calls with children and adults with vehicles in the morning. You have to drop your child off at the front doors to the school, Please do not drop them off at the side entrance doors near the gym and then try to pull through the second lane. We have really had too many "almost accidents."

Performing Arts: Please turn in your permission forms and donations to the school if ykou have not already done so. This field trip is performed by the Atlanta Symphony at the Cobb Energy Center in December.

Fall Conferences: October 24-28 - You will be receiving a conference time week to schedule conferences. Report cards will be given out at that time. There will be early dismissal at 12:15pm for the entire week. The After School Program will be in session. If you plan to place your child in ASP and have not already done so, please register them prior to that week.

Academics:

Science:  We continue learning about volcanoes, earthquakes, and tectonic plates. Please study the class notes nightly to prepare for the upcoming quiz..

Social Studies: Moving along in our Civil War unit.  Students, why don’t you share some trivia with your parents?  Quiz most Thursdays!  You know what to study in your notes because I give you that precise info on Wednesdays!

Language Arts: We will have WWL4 quiz this week. Students will not have DOL or Spelling this week. We will have a Sentence Parts quiz tomorrow.  We will continue working on personal narratives. Reading logs continue to go home nightly. Students should have four summaries a week on what they read at night, Monday through Thursday.

Math: The students began the first chapter covering place value and decimals. The remaining unit will cover performing the four operations with decimals, factors and multiples, multiplication and division of decimals, algebra,, and problem solving.  Students should be proficient in basic multiplication facts and basic division facts.

Reminders:

October 10-14th- ITBS testing 3rd & 5th

October 17-21st- School Bus Safety Week

Wednesday, October 19th- Stevie B's Night --5-8pm

Thank you!

Michele