5th Grade Weekly Newsletter
10/5 - 10/9
Conversation Starter
Some prompts to ask about from this week.
- The MS/US Hispanic Heritage Month Convo, with 5th grade leading the prayer in Spanish.
- The SEL activity and in school trip to the Commons in the Middle School.
- Chapter 2 Math test and Geography test
- The Thirteen Moons On Turtle's Back for the Ojibwe Lunar calendar, the students' personal calendar, and the Zoom meeting with Mr. Jesse from Voyageur National Parks.
- Mrs. Sarah Diebold, our guest teacher for Mr. Drake. She is a familiar face to our students, as she was their long-term substitute when they were in third grade.
Curriculum Connections
Religion: We learned about Our Lady of the Rosary and the power of praying the Rosary. The students also created their own one-decade Rosaries using pipe cleaners and colorful beads!
Math:This week, we wrapped up Chapter 2: The Four Operations with Whole Numbers, reviewed key concepts, and took the chapter test.
Next week, we will take a cumulative test covering Chapters 1 and 2.
Reading/Writing: This week in 5th grade, students started writing a first draft of their Spooky Stories! We explored the structure of a five-paragraph story and brainstormed creative ideas, using sensory words to bring their writing to life, while learning how to craft an engaging hook setting the stage for the reader. We also continued our reading comprehension work with Hello Universe.
Social Studies: This week, students took the Geography test and continued working on their Landforms project. Next week, students will start presenting to their classmates.
Science:This week, we began learning about the phases of the Moon and the lunar calendar. We had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Mr. Jesse from Voyageurs National Park via Zoom. He guided us through the different phases of the Moon and explained how the Ojibwe people observe nature and the Moon to create their lunar calendar. Our students asked fantastic questions, including questions about the blood moon and his favorite Moon phase. The students had a great time and learned so much from this engaging experience!
Languages and specialists are moving at a great pace. Ask your students about those classes and their teachers!
Minnesota Institute of Talented Youth
Please click the link and attachment for a unique opportunity this fall!
Vis Give Day
During the week of Oct. 19 we will have a bucket in our classroom to collect student donations for Vis Give Day. The student donations can be coins or dollars. At the end of the week the LS class that brings in the most donations will get a pajama day.
Oct. 30: Out of uniform/costume
Cooler Weather
The weather is getting colder! Please start sending weather-appropriate clothing, such as warm coats and sweatshirts, for outdoor recess and PE. We want everyone to stay warm and comfortable! Thank you!
Popcorn Corner Friday
Sponsored by Global Girls to support College Monfant, and continue the virtue of hospitality shown by Sister Mary Paula.
Join us after school from 2:40–3:15 PM on these dates:
- Friday, October 30
- Friday, November 20
- Friday, December 18
- Friday, January 29
- Friday, February 26
- Thursday, March 18
- Friday, April 23
- Friday, May 28
Hospitality and Behavior Conversation
Dear Fifth-Grade Families,
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with your child about the behavior concerns we shared. We truly appreciate your partnership and support. We have already noticed some positive changes, and we are grateful for the effort our students are making.
We will continue to encourage our students to meet our school expectations. If your child continues to have difficulty following these expectations, we will reach out to you individually so we can work together to support him/her.
Thank you again for collaborating with us and helping us build a kind, respectful, and welcoming fifth-grade community!
With gratitude,
5th Grade Team
Rotation Days - Specialists schedule update
Mansour:
Blue Day: Art at 8:10, Spanish at 2:00
Red Day: Music at 8:10, library checkouts at 8:50 (first Red Day of the week), French at 2:00
Yellow Day: P.E. at 8:10, Stem at 1:00, Chinese at 2:00
Drake:
Blue Day: Music at 8:10, Chinese at 2:00
Red Day: P.E. at 8:10, library checkouts at 8:50 (first Red Day of the week), Spanish at 2:00
Yellow Day: Stem at 8:10, Art at 1:00, French at 2:00.
For Both Classes:
- Religion will be once or twice a week at 1:30.
- SEL is once a week for each class at 1:30
- Orchestra meets on Tuesdays at 11:30 and Ms. McGuire hosts an ensemble on Fridays at 2:45 regardless of rotation day. Questions: reach out to Jmcguire@vischool.org
- Vistory with Mrs. Hansen twice a month.
Important Dates
- October 14, No School (M - 8th grade)
- October 15 - 16, No School , MEA Break
- Thursday October 22, Vis Give Day and Out of Uniform $1
- Wednesday October 28, All Saints Mass; Formal Uniform.
- Friday, October 30: Out of Uniform Day - simple Halloween costume or Halloween shirt/outfit
- Friday Nov. 6: No school.
