Second Quarter

The second quarter of school is in full swing. This quarter, our focus in reading will be with mostly expository (informational) and non fiction texts. Student will use their before and during reading strategies from the first quarter to apply skills such as main idea, sequence, making inferences, cause/effect, and conducting research. In writing, we will also focus on non fiction pieces by creating business letters, letters to the editor, and research papers. In math, we will focus on number sense, including converting decimals, fractions, and percents. In science, students will be in my class completing hands on activities to investigate motion and design. Lastly, in social studies, the focus will be on the colonization of the Americas.

On another note, independent reading assignments are due Thursday afternoon, October 1st. At this point, all students have had ample time to choose and read an adventure book that is at least 100 pages. This week, they will be working on their "Adventure Pizza" projects which will demonstrate that they have read daily and their overall understanding of the book. If a student does not complete the "Adventure Pizza" in class, they may take it home. However, if a student does not turn in a completed and neat project by Thursday afternoon, they will not participate in the auction. Auction items such as gently used stuffed animals, games, and toys are always welcome. Students will receive $20 class dollars for every item donated.

Thank you to everyone who has started to turn in their DC money. Please refer to the dates in my prior blog as to when we will be accepting DC payments. Remember, at least 1/2 of your payment ($105) needs to be made by October 30th if you are planning on going on the trip.

New students and DC information

First, I want to welcome our three new students that have joined our class in the past few weeks. They are great additions to our Banks Road family!

Also, Washington, D.C. information went home this week (keep your eye out for the brightly colored yellow packet). The trip is approximately $210.00 dollars. Payment dates are as follows:
-September 17th and 18th
-September 24th and 25th
-October 22nd and 23rd
-October 29th and 30th (1/2 of total cost must be turned in by this date)
-December 17th and 18th
-January 18th-22nd
-January 25th-29th (Last day for payment)

If you are interested in being a chaperone, please note the following
-cost for chaperone will be $210.00 in addition to student payment of $210.00
-chaperones must go the front office and register for level 4 clearance a.s.a.p.
-availability of a chaperone spot is based on approval of volunteer screening (level 4 clearance), the chaperone's gender coincides with the need for student male/female ratios, and chaperone's cost of $210.00 has been paid in full.
Please email me if you have any questions : )