Hi Parents! 

We've been dodging germs as best as we can here in 5th grade! But unfortunately, we didn't all come through unscathed. The kids did a good job of keeping up with our studies with the subs as I was down and out myself. We've been fast and furious with the Lysol around here and our tissue collection has taken a big hit. While we are still good with cleaning wipes, we are down to 2 tissue boxes and I don't think that'll get us to the end of February. If you'd like to send in some more, I certainly wouldn't turn them away. 

Also, since the business of CSW and so many absences, I didn't get out a test packet last week. (I'll still missing 2 from our last due date of 1/28 - please check and see if one is hiding in your child's folder.) I sent home another one today 2/7 to be due 2/11. The trimester will soon be coming to an end on 2/27 so the last grades are coming up in the next 2.5 weeks. 

I've added my remaining pictures to the CSW slideshow I made for the 5th grade webpage. Check them out when you get a chance. 

I'll also let you know that in the past 2 months, I've offered more opportunities for Extra Credit in various subjects. These are only advertised in the classroom, usually with directions/due dates on the HW board. I never advertise these to parents as I'd like to see the student take the initiative to try it out. These assignments are never required and would never detract from a grade. I have noticed only a few students taking advantage of these opportunities and while everyone is certainly welcome to complete them, I tend to see only students who maintain high caliber grades taking and returning them to me. My intent with these is to motivate those with grades that can be helped with these assignments. Please encourage your child to pick one up when available.  

We'll have time next Thursday for a Valentine's Day celebration. Students may bring Valentines for the class that day. We have 17 students. 

Next week: 

Tuesday - RDG - WLT #14
                 SS Ch 6 Less 1-2 Quiz
Wednesday - Religion Prayer to the HS Test
                      Eng Ch 4 Less 1-5 Verb Quiz
Thursday - Spell Less 18 Test
                  Math Dividing Decimals Test
Friday - NO SCHOOL

Have a good weekend! 

God Bless! 

Hi Parents! 

Here we go - Catholic School's Week is 2 days away! We will start CSW with our Opening Mass Sunday at 9:00. If your child is in the choir, they should report to the Music Room by 8:20. Book reports aren't due until next Friday, but may start to come to school on Monday to be on display for all to enjoy. 

We practiced our Spelling Bee in the classroom yesterday and today, and we will do the real thing on Tuesday. The top 3 students will go to the SJS finals Wednesday. 

We are also coming to the last few days of our study of the Parts of the Mass. We've been practicing the POM cards often and quizzing each other. 

Next week: 
Tuesday - Math Decimals Multiplication Test
                Spelling Bee*
Thursday - Rel POM Test
Friday - Rdg - Jan Bk Rep & Rdg Log Due

*There will be a grade for the Spelling Bee, however, it is not entirely based on accurate spelling. A student's grade will depend less on accuracy, and more on participation, cooperation, effort, and sportsmanship. 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

God Bless You! 

Hi Parents! 

Our Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser for the American Heart Association is underway. Here is the link to SJS's website  https://www2.heart.org/site/TR?pg=company&fr_id=4817&company_id=259970 In 5th grade, we've only had 3 kids sign up. Every little bit helps. We did some quick math with multiplication and estimation today to show how quickly we could reach our goal if everyone could collect $5-10 of donations. We are 2 weeks away from our event and donations can be turned in anytime now through February 3. 

There will be a $ dress down day on Friday, 1/24. This is to benefit our next Mega Shambuck party. 

January Book Report directions (and some various supplies) went home this week. These are due 1/31. But since projects could be on display CSW, students may start bringing them to school if completed starting on 1/27.

Speaking of Catholic School's Week - please remember to return your green RSVP slips for the Parent Lunch to school. The office is tracking who can come and of course the massive seating chart so everyone has room to sit with their families. The final deadline is 1/22, but the sooner it comes back, the more time the office has to plan for the event. Only one needs to be returned per family. Please let me know if you need another copy. 

Since we were snowed out of our mass last week, Mr. Golden has asked if 5th could prepare for mass next Wednesday instead. It is the Day of Prayer for Protection of the Unborn and is in anticipation of the March for Life to be held in Washington DC next week as well. If your child had a part for the 1/8 mass, I slid them into a similar role for this mass.

We are starting to come to the end of our studies of Parts of the Mass in Religion class. Your child should begin home studying for this. We have 30 color coded study cards they should soon begin to keep at home to prepare. Up until now, they've mostly been at school. Everyone also has study charts in their copybooks and of course highlighted and numbered notes in their religion books. 

Great job on our 1st use of a FID day for our snow day last week! By Friday (the deadline), I did follow up with a few students to make some corrections if I noticed a pattern of mistakes, but in general, good job! 5th grade had 100% completion! Remember to keep them on hand if/when they are next needed. No need to remove the papers from the folder, returning the entire thing is fine. I'll get it back to the students the same day.

Don't forget - NO SCHOOL on Monday. We are spending a few days this week taking a break from SS Ancient Hebrews studies to learn about the life of MLK and the wonderful differences he worked so hard to improve our country. I explained to the class how MLK day could/should be used as a day of service. I asked them to "step up" their acts of kindness on Monday. (And in general of course!) No worries, we already have a very thoughtful, kind, and compassionate group of kids in this class. I'm proud of them!  

Next week: 
Monday - NO SCHOOL
Tuesday - 
Wednesday - CE Due
                      Cover Page & Good Copy of Personal Narrative due
                      Reading WLT 
Thursday - 
Friday - 

We will not have a regular spelling list/test next week. We are starting to prepare for our CSW Spelling Bee. ~2 weeks ago, I gave everyone a packet with potential spelling bee words. We will use this to review and practice next week. Our classroom Spelling Bee will be either Monday or Tuesday of CSW - I have to decide when it fits best in our busy schedule. Then, the top 3 finalists will compete with finalists in 4th & 6th on Wednesday of CSW. The school winner will compete for SJS at the Diocese, date TBD.

Students will still receive a spelling grade for the CSW words, but this will be based on participation, cooperation, effort, and sportsmanship. Aka, not graded on individual mistakes or getting "out" during our bee.

Have a wonderful weekend! God Bless You!  

Happy New Year! 

Thank you for all the kind cards and gifts for Christmas! I enjoy putting them under the tree to open and share with my family on Christmas morning. 

Tomorrow, SJS will have an Open House from 10-12. Please spread the word to anyone you think may be interested in a visit and tour. 

Next Wednesday 5th grade is preparing for the 8:30 Liturgy - join us if you are able. 

Although directions haven't been shared yet, this month's book report will need a shoe box. If you have one, set it aside. If not, I have collected a few in the classroom that I can give out to use. 

Information came home today about SJS preparing for helping the American Heart Association through the Jump Rope for Heart program. Here is the link for our school https://www2.heart.org/site/TR?pg=company&fr_id=4817&company_id=259970 . I personally have 2 family members who have in the past few years needed heart surgery to save their lives so I'll be signing up and participating myself. The students can earn prizes at many different levels. Our class can also win a prize if enough people sign up online - with no monetary minimums - just kids making a pledge to make a heart healthy choice for a good change: being ready, moving more, or being kind. The kick-off is officially next week, but signing up now is perfectly fine. Last I checked, we have received almost $400 in donations already! 

Next Week:

Wednesday - SS CE Due
Thursday - Religion Ch 9 Test
Friday - Rdg WLT
             Spelling 15 Test

 Have a wonderful weekend! God Bless You! 

​I can't believe Christmas is right around the corner. We've spent time learning not only about the Sacraments and the Parts of the Mass, but also Advent, the liturgical calendar, and preparing the way for the Lord through our everyday words and actions. (I may or may not have also slipped in about all the priests being Ravens fans as they are now dressed in purple!)

We had a beautiful Christmas program on Monday. There was a lot of hustle and bustle behind the scenes, but I think we pulled it off from an audience point of view. The kids did a great job and I'm very proud of them. We celebrated with candy canes Tuesday morning! I put the pictures I had on the school webpage and attached a good class picture from before we went onstage as well.

Snow Day Packets came home on Tuesday. Keep them in a safe spot and only use on a SJS closed Snow Day. Please complete & return the folders within 2 days of school resuming. 

Next Thursday PM, we will have our Christmas party. We have some snacks, games, crafts, and a video planned. I'd also like the kids to be able to participate in a small gift exchange. Students can bring in a $1-2 non-gender specific item wrapped for a game we'll play. Christmas headwear will also be allowed to be worn in the classroom that day.  :) 

Next week: 
Monday - 
Tuesday - English Adjectives Test
Wednesday -  SS Ch 4 Test
Thursday - Math Ch 5 Test +/- Decimals
Friday - December Book Report Due 
               11:45 dismissal 

December Rdg log due 1/2 or 1/3​

Merry Christmas! I hope everyone has a fabulous Christmas vacation and you get plenty of time for R&R visiting family, friends, and loved ones. I'll see everyone next year! No more newsletters until 2020!