McCulloch

McMessenger

May 12, 2008

Notes: Did anyone see the tornado that went through the last couple of weeks? So much to do and so little time... The fifth grade field trip was a success if you do not include the journey through Georgia. The students still had a blast and commented upon it. Thank you to all the chaperones that tagged along.

Field Day- is scheduled for all day Friday, May 16th. If it rains, the rain date is Thursday, May 22nd. Students will wear class t-shirts, shorts, hats, tennis shoes, and sunscreen. Parents are welcome to attend. There might even be an event where we can go up against the students....

End of the Year Party: It has been a fantastic year and I would like to celebrate with a small party of our own. We are planning an end of the year party for our class on May 22, 2008. The party will take place at Lost Mountain Parks and Recreation from 3:30-5:30pm. We are planning on having pizza and drinks, a great game of kickball (parents VS kids), and passing out Silly Awards for the year. All parents are welcome to stay and participate. I would like a number of parents available to help chaperone, since this will not be affiliated with Still Elementary/Cobb County School District. All assistance is appreciated. Permission forms went home today.

Academics: 

Science: We will have a quiz on landforms, volcanoes, and earthquakes this Thursday or Monday.

Social Studies: Social Studies projects due Friday, May 16th. Each student should have typed up four papers on any topic we have covered in class and display them on a poster.

Math: Unit four is a study of standard and metric measurement, volume, area of a circle, circumference, diameter, and pi.

Language Arts: This week we will be working on Spelling Unit 22 and a DOL26 quiz this week on Friday. Field day is scheduled for Friday so testing will take place the day before. 

Reminders:

Wednesday, May 21st--Fifth Grade Awards are scheduled for Wednesday, May 22nd at West Cobb Baptist Church 8:30am.

Thursday, May 22nd-- End of Year Party- Lost Mountain Park 3:30-5:30- pizza, drinks, and kickball! Flyers and permission forms went home today May 12th.

Thank you for a blast of a year!!

Michele

Math: Unit four is a study of standard and metric measurement, volume, area of a circle, circumference, diameter, and pi.

Language Arts: This week we will be working on Spelling Unit 22 and a DOL26 quiz this week on Friday. Field day is scheduled for Friday so testing will take place the day before. 

Reminders:

Wednesday, May 21st--Fifth Grade Awards are scheduled for Wednesday, May 22nd at West Cobb Baptist Church 8:30am.

Thursday, May 22nd-- End of Year Party- Lost Mountain Park 3:30-5:30- pizza, drinks, and kickball! Flyers and permission forms went home today May 12th.

Thank you for a blast of a year!!

Michele

McMessenger

May 1, 2008

Fifth Grade Field Trip:

Dear Parents: The field trip to Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center in Toccoa, Georgia, is Tuesday, May 6, 2008. We will be leaving at 6:15am from the school parking lot and will return at 5:30 pm. I have asked the students to please be at the school by 6:00am. The buses will be parking in the school bus lanes. We will meet at the end of the bus ramp closest to the cafeteria courtyard. When picking your child up, please be at the school no later than 5:15 pm or your child will be sent to ASP at your own expense. All students will return to the school by bus and cannot be dismissed from the Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center. Listed below are the items your child should bring on the day of the trip.

·      Water bottle (lunch and an afternoon snack will be provided)

·      A rain poncho (check the weather the night before)

·      Wear sunscreen and a hat

·      Insect repellant

·      Pillow

·      blanket

Since the bus ride will last around 2 hours, students are allowed to bring hand held video games or walkmans at their own risk. No individual DVD players or cell phones will be allowed. School or PTSA will not be responsible for lost items.

Students should wear sneakers, no sandals or flip-flops. They should also wear the 5^th grade class t-shirt and comfortable pants or appropriate shorts that allow them to run and participate in the classes.

If you have any questions regarding the trip, please do not hesitate to contact me at michele.mcculloch@cobbk12.org .

Any Soldier Program:  Still Elementary is participating in the Any Soldier.com program. The students are being asked to donate items needed by the soldiers fighting in Iraq. The fifth grade has been asked to send in school items. A yellow sheet has been given to each child stating what items are needed most. We appreciate any assistance provided. Thank you for your support of your school and of our soldiers abroad.

McMessenger

April 25, 2008

Notes: We are halfway through the CRCT and the students have completed the reading, language arts, and math sections. We will complete the science and social studies sections on Monday and Tuesday, repectively. The students have been doing a fantastic job and I am very proud of their efforts. I would like to thank the Horton Family and the Barrett Family for supplying mints and water during the testing week.

Fifth Grade Field Trip: The fieldtrip is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6th. We will be sending home detailed information next week regarding trip logistics. Stay tuned!!

Academics: 

Science: We will continue our study of constructive and destructive forces for the month of May. We will be performing a few experiments to supplement our study as well.

Social Studies: Review Cold War chapter and notes.

Math: Unit four is a study of standard and metric measurement, volume, area of a circle, circumference, diameter, and pi.

Language Arts: This week we will be working on Spelling Unit 20 and Wordly Wise L20. There will also be a DOL24 quiz this week.

Reminders:

April 23-29th- CRCT

Friday, May 2nd- Still's Variety Show Night!!

Tuesday, May 6th- Fifth Grade Fieldtrip- Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center in Toccoa, GA. Information to come home next week.

Fifth Grade Awards coming up. Information and dates to come!!

Countdown to May!

Michele

Math: Unit four is a study of standard and metric measurement, volume, area of a circle, circumference, diameter, and pi.

Language Arts: This week we will be working on Spelling Unit 20 and Wordly Wise L20. There will also be a DOL24 quiz this week.

Reminders:

April 23-29th- CRCT

Friday, May 2nd- Still's Variety Show Night!!

Tuesday, May 6th- Fifth Grade Fieldtrip- Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center in Toccoa, GA. Information to come home next week.

Fifth Grade Awards coming up. Information and dates to come!!

Countdown to May!

Michele

McMessenger

April 14, 2008

Notes: The CRCT is literally just around the corner. We are preparing for the CRCT state test scheduled for April 23-29th. The students will be reviewing a number of objectives and skills and will be working on their CRCT packet. Please make sure they complete the daily work in the packets and then review it with them for reinforcement.

Academics: 

Science: This week we will learn about volcanoes, earthquakes, and the rock cycle. There will be two assignments given this week and due this week. Today, they were given the following assignment: Read in science books L2 p.C14-C19 and write and answer questions on p. C19. The second assignment will be to read from the science book L3 p. C22-C25 and write and answer questions on p.C25.

Social Studies: Big test on Wednesday covering WWII. Study guide sent home today. Poster project information going home today as well. Please review, sign, and return to school.

Math: Unit four is a study of standard and metric measurement, volume, area of a circle, circumference, diameter, and pi.

Language Arts: This week we will be working on Spelling Unit 19. There will be DOL23 this week.

Reminders:

April 23-29th- CRCT

Friday, May 2nd- Still's Variety Show Night!!

Tuesday, May 6th- Fifth Grade Fieldtrip- Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center in Toccoa, GA.

Where did my spring weather go?!!

Michele

Math: Unit four is a study of standard and metric measurement, volume, area of a circle, circumference, diameter, and pi.

Language Arts: This week we will be working on Spelling Unit 19. There will be DOL23 this week.

Reminders:

April 23-29th- CRCT

Friday, May 2nd- Still's Variety Show Night!!

Tuesday, May 6th- Fifth Grade Fieldtrip- Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center in Toccoa, GA.

Where did my spring weather go?!!

Michele

McMessenger

March 28, 2008

Notes: Wow! The "Who Am I?" presentations were fantastic this year!! The effort put into the costumes was great and the writing wasn't too bad either! Thank you to all the parents for your support!! I appreciate it!!

This has been a whirlwind of a week or should I say two weeks. The next few weeks we will be focusing our attention on preparing for the CRCT state test April 23-29th. The students will be reviewing a number of objectives and skills that can expected on the test. They will also receive a packet of skills that they will need to review and complete over Spring Break. It will help them "keep in touch" with school over the week and be easier to transition back after the holiday.

Target Fieldtrip- The Target students will be attending a fieldtrip to Cumberland Island on Monday through Wednesday. We wish them a trip filled with sunshine, learning, and fun!

Academics: 

Science: We began our study of processes that change the surface of the Earth, specifically, how weathering, erosion, and deposition create and alter landforms. Next, we will begin taking a look at the layers that make up the Earth.

Social Studies: Our unit on WWII continues with a focus on winning the war in Europe, but continuing the fight against Japan.  End of unit test the week after spring break!

Math: Unit four is a study of standard and metric measurement, volume, area of a circle, circumference, diameter, and pi.

Language Arts: This week we will be working on Wordly Wise L19 and Spelling Unit 18. There will be no DOL/DOG this week.

Health- We have completed our study of nutrition. A big thank you to Dr. Roberto for his assistance with the wonderful presentations. Thank you for your time and effort! It is greatly appreciated.

Reminders:

Wednesday, April 2nd- 5th Grade fieldtrip fees are due.

March 31-April 2-Target Field Trip- Cumberland Island

Wednesday, April 2nd- Auditions for Still's Variety Show

April 7-11th- Spring Break!

April 23-29th- CRCT

Friday, May 2nd- Still's Variety Show Night!!

Tuesday, May 6th- Fifth Grade Fieldtrip- Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center in Toccoa, GA.

Enjoy the beautiful, warm weather!!

Michele

Math: Unit four is a study of standard and metric measurement, volume, area of a circle, circumference, diameter, and pi.

Language Arts: This week we will be working on Wordly Wise L19 and Spelling Unit 18. There will be no DOL/DOG this week.

Health- We have completed our study of nutrition. A big thank you to Dr. Roberto for his assistance with the wonderful presentations. Thank you for your time and effort! It is greatly appreciated.

Reminders:

Wednesday, April 2nd- 5th Grade fieldtrip fees are due.

March 31-April 2-Target Field Trip- Cumberland Island

Wednesday, April 2nd- Auditions for Still's Variety Show

April 7-11th- Spring Break!

April 23-29th- CRCT

Friday, May 2nd- Still's Variety Show Night!!

Tuesday, May 6th- Fifth Grade Fieldtrip- Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center in Toccoa, GA.

Enjoy the beautiful, warm weather!!

Michele

McMessenger

March 17, 2008

Notes: Happy St. Patrick's Day! The school year is moving very quickly. The CRCT is just four weeks away, not including Spring Break. We will be reviewing as well as teaching new concepts. Please take advantage of the Online CRCT practice tests. Your child brought home an ID number and password to access the site. If you have any questions, please contact me.

Academics: 

Science: We are winding up our study of electricity and magnetism with electromagnets. We will begin our study of constructive and destructive forces of the earth this week.

Social Studies: We will continue our unit on WWII with an emphasis on the Holocaust.

Math: Unit four is a study of standard and metric measurement, volume, area of a circle, circumference, diameter, and pi.

Language Arts: This week we will be working on Wordly Wise L18 and DOL21/DOG21. We will continue to write our "Who Am I?" essays. The projected due date for presentation is March 25th.

Health- We have been fortunate to have Dr. Roberto come in and discuss with our students the many different aspects of nutrition. Dr. Roberto has been helpful in informing the children of the positive benefits of eating healthy and making good food choices. Thank you, Dr. Roberto!!

Reminders:

Friday, March 21st- Boosterthon Pledges due

Friday, March 21st- Young Audiences Performance- "And Then They Came for Me."

March 31-April 2-Target Field Trip- Cumberland Island

April 7-11th- Spring Break!

April 23-29th- CRCT

Tuesday, May 6th- Fifth Grade Fieldtrip- Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center in Toccoa, GA.

Enjoy the beautiful weather!!

Michele

Social Studies: We will continue our unit on WWII with an emphasis on the Holocaust.

Math: Unit four is a study of standard and metric measurement, volume, area of a circle, circumference, diameter, and pi.

Language Arts: This week we will be working on Wordly Wise L18 and DOL21/DOG21. We will continue to write our "Who Am I?" essays. The projected due date for presentation is March 25th.

Health- We have been fortunate to have Dr. Roberto come in and discuss with our students the many different aspects of nutrition. Dr. Roberto has been helpful in informing the children of the positive benefits of eating healthy and making good food choices. Thank you, Dr. Roberto!!

Reminders:

Friday, March 21st- Boosterthon Pledges due

Friday, March 21st- Young Audiences Performance- "And Then They Came for Me."

March 31-April 2-Target Field Trip- Cumberland Island

April 7-11th- Spring Break!

April 23-29th- CRCT

Tuesday, May 6th- Fifth Grade Fieldtrip- Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center in Toccoa, GA.

Enjoy the beautiful weather!!

Michele

McMessenger

March 4, 2008

Notes: Georgia Writing Assessment- The assessment is tomorrow. The students have been working hard on writing their papers and preparing for the writing assessment. They are going to do a fantastic job!! Make sure they eat a good breakfast and get a good night's rest....

Academics:                                                                                                                      

Science: We continue our study of electricity. This week we will have an experiment with the different types of circuits and then have a quiz on electric current and circuits.

Social Studies: We will have a brief discussion contrasting the decade of athe '20's with the decade of the '30's before moving on to our big WWII unit.

Math: Unit three continues with percents, fractions, and decimals. In addition, we will study modeling multiplication and division of fractions.

Language Arts: This week we will not have any Wordly Wise or DOL/DOG.

Reminders:

Wednesday, March 5th- Georgia Writing Assessment-

Wednesday, March 12th- Fun Run Boosterthon

Thursday, March 13th- Lovinggood Middle School Fieldtrip- 9:30-11:00am.

Friday, March 21st- Young Audiences Performance- "And Then They Came for Me."

April 23-29th- CRCT

Tuesday, May 6th- Fifth Grade Fieldtrip- more information to come soon!!

Thank you!

Michele

Science: We continue our study of electricity. This week we will have an experiment with the different types of circuits and then have a quiz on electric current and circuits.

Social Studies: We will have a brief discussion contrasting the decade of athe '20's with the decade of the '30's before moving on to our big WWII unit.

Math: Unit three continues with percents, fractions, and decimals. In addition, we will study modeling multiplication and division of fractions.

Language Arts: This week we will not have any Wordly Wise or DOL/DOG.

Reminders:

Wednesday, March 5th- Georgia Writing Assessment-

Wednesday, March 12th- Fun Run Boosterthon

Thursday, March 13th- Lovinggood Middle School Fieldtrip- 9:30-11:00am.

Friday, March 21st- Young Audiences Performance- "And Then They Came for Me."

April 23-29th- CRCT

Tuesday, May 6th- Fifth Grade Fieldtrip- more information to come soon!!

Thank you!

Michele

McMessenger

February 27, 2008

Notes: Georgia Writing Assessment- The assessment will be next week on Wednesday, March 5th. The students will be given a topic that will pertain to either a persuasive, informational, or narrative essay. The students will have to read the information given, then decide which genre they have and begin structuring their paper to fit that particular style of writing.  The first hour will be establishing their outline and writing the first draft. They will have a break of lunch and recess between the two hours. The second hour will consist of editing the first draft and then rewriting the final essay.

On the progress reports, I sent home information on how you can help prepare your child for the Writing Assessment. You select a topic in persuasive and informational genre. Your child will respond in 1-1.5 pages. They should follow the format mentioned above. Afterwards, please read and discuss the final paper together for points well written. Points to consider are: 1) Did they establish the idea of the paper or the "heart" of the message; 2) Is the paper well-organized and logical? (Use the outline to help out); 3) Does their paper reflect the style and voice needed to make the paper convincing? (Uses vocabulary and everyday words well and the writer is coming through in the words); 4) Does the paper have all the correct conventions such as sentence structure, grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation?  In addition, discuss where they could make the paper better as well as those areas that do not convey a though relevant to the paper. Finally, remember that every thought must be backed up with an example.

Student Council- The council members went to the Cobb Civic Center to "taste" and then supply valuable input about the items they tasted. They had a blast, ate a lot of food samples, and were really "stuffed" when we left. We made it back in time for lunch, but no one seemed interested....

Academics:                                                                                                                      

Science: We are focusing on the study of electricity. This week we will study circuits. We will break the unit down into atoms, electricity, electric current, circuits, and magnetism. Pop quizzes are always a possibility.

Social Studies: Quiz tomorrow on WWI. Study hard!

Math: Unit three continues with percents, fractions, and decimals. In addition, we will study modeling multiplication and division of fractions.

Language Arts: This week we will not have any Wordly Wise or DOL/DOG. Next week we will try to fit in more language arts.

Reminders:

Thursday, February 27th- Lovinggood Middle School Counselors visit Still Elementary 1-1:45pm

Wednesday, March 5th- Georgia Writing Assessment- please review writing a persuasive and informational essay with your child before the state test.

April 23-29th- CRCT

Tuesday, May 6th- Fifth Grade Fieldtrip- more information to come soon!!

Thank you!

Michele

Science: We are focusing on the study of electricity. This week we will study circuits. We will break the unit down into atoms, electricity, electric current, circuits, and magnetism. Pop quizzes are always a possibility.

Social Studies: Quiz tomorrow on WWI. Study hard!

Math: Unit three continues with percents, fractions, and decimals. In addition, we will study modeling multiplication and division of fractions.

Language Arts: This week we will not have any Wordly Wise or DOL/DOG. Next week we will try to fit in more language arts.

Reminders:

Thursday, February 27th- Lovinggood Middle School Counselors visit Still Elementary 1-1:45pm

Wednesday, March 5th- Georgia Writing Assessment- please review writing a persuasive and informational essay with your child before the state test.

April 23-29th- CRCT

Tuesday, May 6th- Fifth Grade Fieldtrip- more information to come soon!!

Thank you!

Michele

McMessenger

February 20, 2008

Notes: The month of February is quickly flying by and we are coming up on the Georgia Writing Assessment in March and the CRCT in April. In addition, progress reports will be going home in their Take-Home folders on Friday, February 22nd.

The Performing Arts fieldtrip was a great outing. The weather turned nasty, but we weathered the chill for a wonderful time with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The students had the opportunity to enjoy the various musical pieces from around the world and take a look at the new Cobb Energy Center. The architectural design was beautiful on the inside and modern and unique on the outside.

Field Trip: New Product Preview- Student Council will be attending a fieldtrip on Tuesday, February 26th to the Cobb Civic Center. The students will have the opportunity to "taste" and then supply valuable input about the items they tasted. These food items may be a part of the nutritional food program next year, if they "make the cut."

Academics:                                                                                                                      

Science: We are focusing on the study of electricity. We will break the unit down into atoms, electricity, electric current, circuits, and magnetism. Pop quizzes are always a possibility.

Social Studies: Our unit begins this week. Keep up with those notes! Mrs. Siegel asks, "Students, can you tell your parents what these terms mean: imperialism, nationalism, militarism?"  Thanks to everyone for making food day so successful!

Math: Unit three continues with percents, fractions, and decimals. In addition, we will study modeling multiplication and division of fractions.

Language Arts: Spelling Unit 16 and Wordly Wise Lesson 16 which we have been working on since last week will continue this week. Quizzes will be on Thursday, February 21st.

Reminders:

Friday, February 22nd- Cosmic Bowling and Six Flags Reading Program Sheets due. (Deadline)

Tuesday, February 26th- Student Council fieldtrip- Cobb Civic Center- New Product Preview

Thursday, February 27th- Lovinggood Middle School Counselors visit Still Elementary 1-1:45pm

Wednesday, March 5th- Georgia Writing Assessment- please review writing a persuasive and informational essay with your child before the state test.

April 23-29th- CRCT

Tuesday, May 6th- Fifth Grade Fieldtrip- more information to come soon!!

Thank you!

Michele

Science: We are focusing on the study of electricity. We will break the unit down into atoms, electricity, electric current, circuits, and magnetism. Pop quizzes are always a possibility.

Social Studies: Our unit begins this week. Keep up with those notes! Mrs. Siegel asks, "Students, can you tell your parents what these terms mean: imperialism, nationalism, militarism?"  Thanks to everyone for making food day so successful!

Math: Unit three continues with percents, fractions, and decimals. In addition, we will study modeling multiplication and division of fractions.

Language Arts: Spelling Unit 16 and Wordly Wise Lesson 16 which we have been working on since last week will continue this week. Quizzes will be on Thursday, February 21st.

Reminders:

Friday, February 22nd- Cosmic Bowling and Six Flags Reading Program Sheets due. (Deadline)

Tuesday, February 26th- Student Council fieldtrip- Cobb Civic Center- New Product Preview

Thursday, February 27th- Lovinggood Middle School Counselors visit Still Elementary 1-1:45pm

Wednesday, March 5th- Georgia Writing Assessment- please review writing a persuasive and informational essay with your child before the state test.

April 23-29th- CRCT

Tuesday, May 6th- Fifth Grade Fieldtrip- more information to come soon!!

Thank you!

Michele

McMessenger

February 11, 2008

Notes: Hello and an early Happy Valentine's Day to all.  We will be celebrating Valentine's Day early in our class due to the Human Growth and Development classes and Target. Please have your child bring in their Valentine cards on Wednesday for exchanging. Also, please bring in your trail mix item and fruit choice the same day as well. Thanks.

Field Trip: We are going on our annual Performing Arts fieldtrip on Wednesday, February 13th to the Cobb Energy Center. The students will enjoy the Atlanta Symphony. They will leave school about 10:30am and return at 1:45pm. The dress code for the trip will be collared shirts and khaki or blue pants for the boys. The girls may wear dresses, skirts, or khaki pants as well. Please no jeans with holes.

Human Growth and Development- The students will spend Thursday and Friday, February 14-15th, learning about human growth following the Cobb County standards. Signed permission forms are due by Tuesday, February 12th. They were sent home on Friday, February 8th.

Academics:                                                                                                                      

Science: We are focusing on the study of electricity. We will break the unit down into atoms, electricity, electric current, circuits, and magnetism. Pop quizzes are always a possibility.

Social Studies: Our unit begins this week. Keep up with those notes! Mrs. Siegel asks, "Students, can you tell your parents what these terms mean: imperialism, nationalism, militarism?"  Thanks to everyone for making food day so successful!

Math: Unit three continues with percents, fractions, and decimals. In addition, we will study modeling multiplication and division of fractions.

Language Arts: Due to the hectic schedule over the next two weeks, Spelling Unit 16 and Wordly Wise Lesson 16 will cover Monday through Wednesday of this week and Thursday of the following week. The quizzes will be on Thursday, February 21st. Island of the Blue Dophins book reports are due Tuesday, February 12th.

Reminders:

Wednesday, February 13th- Performing Arts Fieldtrip- Cobb Energy Center

February 14-15th, Human Growth and Development for students.

February 18-19th- Student Holiday

Friday, February 22nd- Cosmic Bowling

Tuesday, February 26th- Student Council fieldtrip- Cobb Civic Center- New Product Preview

Thursday, February 27th- Lovinggood Middle School Counselors visit Still Elementary 1-1:45pm

Wednesday, March 5th- Georgia Writing Assessment

Thank you!

Michele

Science: We are focusing on the study of electricity. We will break the unit down into atoms, electricity, electric current, circuits, and magnetism. Pop quizzes are always a possibility.

Social Studies: Our unit begins this week. Keep up with those notes! Mrs. Siegel asks, "Students, can you tell your parents what these terms mean: imperialism, nationalism, militarism?"  Thanks to everyone for making food day so successful!

Math: Unit three continues with percents, fractions, and decimals. In addition, we will study modeling multiplication and division of fractions.

Language Arts: Due to the hectic schedule over the next two weeks, Spelling Unit 16 and Wordly Wise Lesson 16 will cover Monday through Wednesday of this week and Thursday of the following week. The quizzes will be on Thursday, February 21st. Island of the Blue Dophins book reports are due Tuesday, February 12th.

Reminders:

Wednesday, February 13th- Performing Arts Fieldtrip- Cobb Energy Center

February 14-15th, Human Growth and Development for students.

February 18-19th- Student Holiday

Friday, February 22nd- Cosmic Bowling

Tuesday, February 26th- Student Council fieldtrip- Cobb Civic Center- New Product Preview

Thursday, February 27th- Lovinggood Middle School Counselors visit Still Elementary 1-1:45pm

Wednesday, March 5th- Georgia Writing Assessment

Thank you!

Michele