Book It! Begins Thursday

Our annual BOOK IT! program begins October 1. Parents, for more information, please click here. Students were sent home with a "Reading Log: By the Minute" sheet that they are to use to track their reading minutes. Students should be sure to add their silent reading time from class to these sheets. Each student who returns a signed sheet totaling at least 300 minutes on or before Tuesday, November 3 will receive a Reading Award certificate, entitling that student to a free one-topping Personal Pan Pizza to celebrate their reading accomplishment. Happy reading!

Alec's Video on National TV!

Do you ever watch qubo? If so, you may see the work of our fifth grade student, Alec. His short animated film will air on national TV on qubo on Saturday, October 10 on NBC. In fact, Alec will be a guest on The Morning Blend on Tuesday, September 29 on TODAY'S TMJ4, beginning at 9AM. Way to go, Alec!

If you miss the live broadcast, we were told that we could see a video clip at this The Morning Blend link.

Standardized Tests This Week!

We begin our Terra Nova standardized tests on Monday. It is important that your child not miss school if at all possible during testing time.

We conduct these tests for several reasons. Through these tests, we hope to see how your child and groups of children compare with other children in their grades in other WELS schools as well as other public and private schools across the nation. These tests can also help teachers and school leaders assess our curriculum.

There are several things you can do to ready your child:

• Help your child relax. These tests are not graded. There is no way to study for them.
• Make sure your child has a good night’s sleep.
• Make sure that your child eats a good breakfast each morning.

The rest is up to your child. I will encourage your child to do the best that s/he can with the gifts and abilities that God has given her/him. I'm including a tentative schedule for the week. Click on it for a larger view. If you have any questions, please email or call.

Social Studies Internet Tutorials

Fifth grade students now have an opportunity to assess their own learning by completing Internet tutorials that correlate to our text, Social Studies Alive! America's Past. To access the tutorials, click here. You may want to bookmark this site in order to refer to it for each chapter. Keep track of the number of answers you get correct on your first try. If you are having difficulty answering questions, you should review your notes and try again. Rereading the chapter is also a great idea.

Fifth Graders Sing on Sunday, Sept. 20

Fifth grade students have the wonderful opportunity to sing praises to the Lord as a class on Sunday, Sept. 20 in the 10:45 AM service. Students are to come to the fifth grade classroom for warm-up at...oops...10:25. Students who cannot attend should bring a note from a parent excusing themselves.

First Social Studies Test

Our first Social Studies test is planned for this Monday, Sept. 21. (This was pushed back due to some lessons taking longer than expected.) Students should review their Interactive Student Notebook in preparation for this test.

Indian Summer Festival Field Trip

Friday, September 11, 2009

Itinerary for our trip:
9:30 AM Board a charter bus @ St. Jacobi
10:00 AM Arrive at the festival grounds (H. Maier Festival Park)

• Chaperons direct each group of students through the self-guided open-air cultural festival, staying together at all times. Eat lunch and take breaks at the direction of the chaperons. Groups are welcome to merge into a larger group at the chaperons’ discretion.

1:30 PM Board the bus for the return trip

• Come prepared for a variety of varying weather conditions.
• Students are responsible for their behavior
• Chaperons are responsible for our students’ safety and to guide them in pursuit of educational experiences. Playground areas are off-limits.
• Plan on purchasing your lunch on the grounds. Bring at least $3. Menu items include traditional Native American foods, like Indian tacos, frybread, and corn soup. Typical modern foods should also be available.
• Students will have “Quest Cards” which are designed as a learning tool. When students visit designated areas, volunteers will stamp the cards. The goal for students is to receive at least 6 stamps on the cards. When completed, students should leave the bottom portion of the card with the volunteers. Quest Cards will be available from Mr. Scharf after we check in.
• All students and chaperons are required to wear armbands to enter the grounds. These will be distributed at check in.
• This is an educational school trip. It is also a privilege. All school rules are in effect and will be enforced. Students who misbehave will not join the class on future field trips. At the same time, this trip is meant to for students to learn in a less structured environment. Plan for a fun and exciting day!
• Student groups will be formed this week and will be available to chaperons on Friday morning.
• Chaperon list: L. Burke, C. Spaude, B. VanGrinsven, B. Grube, E. Krutz, L. Hopp, V. Brandenburg, D. Barnharst, M. Bertram, J. Emmrich, B. Rohleder, L. LeVack, E. Dziekan, C. Bailey, J. Martinez

Science Test

Our first science test is scheduled for this coming Thursday, Sept. 10. To help prepare for the test, students should review the Chapter Main Ideas on A34 in our science text. Parents can help by quizzing students using the Reviewing Science Words and Concepts beginning on the same page.