Information for Incoming Fifth Graders

May 29, 2015

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of Incoming Fifth Graders,

        As we come to the end of the school year, the fifth grade teaching team has information it would like to share with you for the next school year. We believe a key part of your child’s success in fifth grade depends upon organization. Students in fifth grade are required to follow a color coded folder system in which papers and notebooks for each class are stored in specific folders. With the support of the fifth grade parents over the past several years, we have had great success with this system.

Below you will find a list of items that you may purchase over the summer for the next school year. In addition to folders and notebooks, we have included the basic items that your child will need as he or she starts fifth grade. From our experiences as teachers and parents, we have found that students sometimes tend to want to purchase a great deal of unnecessary items for school—extra folders and notebooks for example. We have found that these items hinder rather than help with organization.

 School Supply List for Fifth Grade at North SchuylkillElementary

ü four solid colored folders with two pockets

*RED for Reading/Language Arts

*BLUE for Math

*GREEN for Social Studies

*ORANGE for Science

(You may want to several of each colored folder as they often need to be replaced during the year.)

ü 3 wide ruled blue or black marble notebooks (not spiral bound)

ü many many many number two pencils (Regular pencils that can be sharpened are preferred. Lead pencils that can not be sharpened are a distraction.)

ü many many many pencil top erasers

ü crayons (16 or 24)

ü colored pencils

ü highlighters

ü glue stick

ü soft pencil case

       Please do not purchase binders as they take up a lot of space in your child’s backpack and locker. Also please do not purchase backpacks with wheels. We have found that these can be tripping hazards when changing classes.

 Also during the summer, please encourage your child to read. If your child is reluctant to read, consider reading a book with him or her. This will have positive effects on your child’s reading and writing skills when we return to school. In addition, practice math facts. It is expected that incoming fifth graders are proficient with their basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts. Flashcards and computer games are often helpful with memorizing these facts.

We look forward to meeting you and your child in August. Thank you in advance for your interest and support!

The Week of May 26, 2015
Our Last Four Days of School!
Math--Periods 1 and 2--In class on Tuesday and Wednesday, we will be working on area and multiplying mixed numbers.  There is no homework.
Science--Periods 3 and 4--In class on Tuesday and Wednesday, we will be working on the nervous and digestive systems.  There is no homework.
Reminders for the End of the Year
1.  Fifth grade will have ice cream sundaes Wednesday afternoon.  You may bring a drink to school.
2.  Carnival Day will be on Thursday.  Students may wear their Phys. Ed. clothes.  If you did not preorder a lunch, be sure to bring your lunch.  Thank you, PTO, for organizing this fun day for us!
3.  Our last day of school will be on Friday with dismissal at 11:45.  Lunch will be served in the cafeteria.  There will be no breakfast served.  Report cards will be distributed.
4.  May Citizens of the Month--Congratulations are extended to George, Brent, and Cheyanne on being named Citizens of the Month from Homeroom 303.  These three students continually show enthusiam towards their academics and are great friends to others!  Their laughter is contagious!  George, Brent, and Cheyanne--your kind ways and positive outlooks will take you far!  Congratulations!
Have a fun and safe summer!  It was great working with fifth grade this year!

Friday, May 22, 2015
Math--Periods 1 and 2--There is no homework.
Science--Periods 3 and 4--There is no homework.
Homeroom Reminder--Communication envelopes were not sent home today.  When we return to school on Tuesday, it will be Day 4--Computer class.
Have a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend!

Thursday, May 21, 2015
Math--Period 1--Complete worksheet Day 99. Complete worksheet 59 problems 14 to 21.  Continue to follow the examples we completed in class today. Do this work in your notebook.
Math--Period 2--Complete worksheet Day 99.  Complete worksheet 59 up to problem number 18.  Follow the examples we completed in class today.  Do this work in your notebook.
Science--Periods 3 and 4--If you didn't finish labeling your skeleton model in class today, finish it tonight.  Remember to label the bones circled on the white skeleton paper you received in class today.  Draw a line to the bones that you label.
Homeroom Reminder--Tomorrow is Day 3--Phys. Ed. class.
Have a fantastic night!

Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Math--Period 1--Complete worksheet Day 98. Complete worksheet 59 up to number 13.  Follow the examples we completed in class today.  Do this work in your notebook.
Math--Period 2--Complete worksheet Day 98.  Finish worksheet 58. 
Science--Periods 3 and 4--Today in class we completed a graded assignment on the respiratory system.  We started the skeletal and muscular systems in class today as well.  There is no homework.
Homeroom Reminder--Tomorrow is Day 2--Library class.
Two more days to go this week!
Have a great night!

Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Math--Periods 1 and 2--Complete worksheet Day 97. Complete worksheet 54.  Do your work in your notebook.  Complete worksheet 58 up to number 23.  Follow the examples we did in class.
Science--Periods 3 and 4--Today in class we continued the respiratory system.  Tomorrow in class we will complete a graded assignment on the respiratory system.  There is no homework.
Homeroom Reminder--Tomorrow is Day 1--Art class.
We had a productive day!  School is not over yet!
Have a fantastic night!

Monday, May 18, 2015
Math--Periods 1 and 2--Complete worksheet Day 95.  Complete worksheet 54 up to number 22.  Do your work in your notebook.
Science--Periods 3 and 4--Students received their circulatory system tests and their invertebrate project grade sheets back today. Sign and return them to school tomorrow.  We started the respiratory system in class today.  There are a few students who need to submit their Ag Lab journal writing tomorrow.  Otherwise there is no homework.
Homeroom Reminders--Library books were due on Friday.  Return all library books ASAP.  Tomorrow is Day 5--Music class. 
Today was our last Monday of the school year!
Have a great night!

Friday, May 15, 2015
Math--Periods 1 and 2--There is no homework.
Science--Periods 3 and 4--We did not have class today due to the Memorial Day Program and placing flags on the graves of veterans.
Homeroom Reminders--Communication envelopes were not sent home today.  Today we had our Memorial Day Program and placed flags on the cemetery in Fountain Springs.  Thank you, local veterans, for the program and allowing us to place the flags on the graves of veterans!  When we return to school on Monday, it will be Day 4--Computer class. 
Thank you, Mrs. Swank and Mrs. Ossman, for a fantastic week in the Ag Lab!
Great Job at the Ag Lab this week, fifth grade! 
Have a fun weekend!

Thursday, May 14, 2015
Math--Periods 1 and 2--There is no written homework this week due to Ag Lab. There are, however, students making up missed or incomplete assignments this week. Please check your child's assignment book for these items. If you received papers from Mr. Hall, please return them to school ASAP.
Science--Periods 3 and 4--Today in the Ag Lab, we tested wells in an imaginary town to locate the source of pollution.  Many of our students were able to pinpoint the source of the pollution!  Congratulations!  We took our circulatory system test today.  There is no homework.
Homeroom Reminders--Library books must be returned tomorrow. Students must preorder their Carnival Day lunch by tomorrow as well.  Tomorrow is Day 3--Phys. Ed. class.  However, we will not have Phys. Ed. due to traveling to local cemeteries to place flags on the graves of veterans.  Students should not wear their Phys. Ed. clothes, but you should wear sneakers--no sandals!  
It was a great day! 
Have a fantastic night!

Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Math--Periods 1 and 2--There is no written homework this week due to Ag Lab. There are, however, students making up missed or incomplete assignments this week. Please check your child's assignment book for these items. If you received papers from Mr. Hall, please return them to school ASAP.
Science--Periods 3 and 4--Today in the Ag Lab, we extracted the DNA from a banana.  Pretty cool!  Great job, fifth grade!  Tomorrow we will have our test on the circulatory system.  Study your circulatory system study guide and page 1 of the human body packet on the parts of our blood.
Homeroom Reminders--Library books must be returned tomorrow.  Students must preorder their Carnival Day lunches by this Friday.  Thank you, PTO, for the teacher appreciation lunch treat today!  Communication envelopes need to be returned to school. Tomorrow will be Day 2--Libary class.
Two days to go!
Have a great night!

Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Math--Periods 1 and 2--There is no written homework this week due to Ag Lab. There are, however, students making up missed or incomplete assignments this week. Please check your child's assignment book for these items. If you received papers from Mr. Hall, please return them to school ASAP.
Science--Periods 3 and 4--Today in class we found our resting and active pulse rates in connection with our investigation of the circulatory system.  In the Ag Lab we did an experiment called "The Science of Chocolate" where students investigated the melting rates of various chocolate products.  We also did a little taste testing!  Great job!  We will have our test on the circulatory system on Thursday. Study your circulatory system study guide and page 1 of the human body packet on the parts of our blood.
Homeroom Reminders--Library books must be returned this week.  Students must preorder their Carnival Day lunches by this Friday.  Also students may wear Phys. Ed. clothing tomorrow in connection with "Kick Butts Day."  Members of Teens Against Tobacco from the high school will be at NSE tomorrow to do activities with us to emphasize saying NO to tobacco products.  Communication envelopes need to be returned to school. Tomorrow will be Day 1--Art class.
It was a busy Tuesday!
Have a fantastic night!

Monday, May 11, 2015
Math--Periods 1 and 2--There is no written homework this week due to Ag Lab.  There are, however, students making up missed or incomplete assignments this week.  Please check your child's assignment book for these items.  If you received papers from Mr. Hall, please return them to school ASAP.
Science--Periods 3 and 4--Today in class students presented their invertebrate projects.  What interesting and well done projects!  We will finish presenting tomorrow in class.  Students also went to the Ag Lab and did an experiment on the Vitamin C content of common drinks.  We will be going out to the Ag Lab tomorrow, Wednesday, and Thursday this week.  Great job today in the Ag Lab, fifth grade!  We will have our test on the circulatory system on Thursday.  Study your circulatory system study guide and page 1 of the human body packet on the parts of our blood. 
Homeroom Reminders--Library books must be returned this week.  Communication envelopes were sent home today.  Tomorrow will be Day 5--Music class. 
Have a great night!

Friday, May 8, 2015
Math--Periods 1 and 2--There is no written homework.  If you received papers from Mr. Hall, please return them to school ASAP.
Science--Periods 3 and 4--There is no homework this weekend.  We will have a test next Wednesday or Thursday on the circulatory system.  Study the circulatory system study guide and page 1 of the human body packet on the various parts of our blood.  Period 4, we did not have class due to the A. R. program in the gym.  Your respiratory system study guide and projects will be collected on Monday--unless you already submitted your project. 
Homeroom Reminders--Library books must be returned next week.  Communication envelopes will be sent home on Monday.  Next week we will have the Ag Lab.  Next Monday thru Thursday, every fifth grader will visit the lab to participate in activities related to agriculture.  When we return to school on Monday, it will be Day 4--Computer class. 
Have a a fun weekend!
Happy Mother's Day!

Thursday, May 7, 2015
Math--Periods 1--Complete your assignment from textbook pages 263 and 264.  This was written by Mr. Wolfe in your notebook and is different for everyone--depending on the items you need to correct and the amount of problems you completed in class.  Follow the four example problems that we went over in class today.  If you received papers from Mr. Hall, please return them to school ASAP.
Science--Periods 3 and 4--Your respiratory system study guide and your invertebrate project are due tomorrow. Be sure to follow the directions and the grade check list for the invertebrate project in order to earn as many points as possible.  Several students already submitted their projects, and they did a GREAT job!  We will have a test on the circulatory system next Wednesday or Thursday. Start to study your circulatory system study guide and page 1 of the human body packet on the various parts of our blood.
Homeroom Reminders--Library books must be returned next week.  Students may shop at the Book Fair during recess tomorrow.  The Book Fair ends tomorrow.  Tomorrow is Day 3--Phys Ed. class.  
Have a great evening!

Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Math--Period 1--Complete worksheet Day 92.  Complete textbook page 278 up to problem number 38.  If you received papers from Mr. Hall, please return them to school ASAP.
Math--Period 2--Correct worksheet Day 88. Complete worksheet Day 90.  If you received papers from Mr. Hall, please return them to school ASAP.
Science--Periods 3 and 4--Your respiratory system study guide and your invertebrate project are due on Friday. Be sure to follow the directions and the grade check list for the invertebrate project in order to earn as many points as possible. We will have a test on the circulatory system next Wednesday or Thursday. Start to study your circulatory system study guide and page 1 of the human body packet on the various parts of our blood.
Homeroom Reminders--Library books must be returned next week. Tomorrow is Day 2--Library class.  Students will be able to shop at the Book Fair during their library time.  They may also shop during recess on Friday. 
Two more days to go!
Have a fantastic night!

Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Math--Period 1--Correct worksheet Day 90.  Complete worksheet Day 91.  Complete your assignment from textbook page 263 or 264.  Remember Mr. Wolfe wrote this in your math notebook.  Everyone's assignment is different--depending upon how much you finished in class today.  If you received papers from Mr. Hall, please return them to school ASAP.
Math--Period 2--Correct worksheet Day 87.  Complete worksheet Day 88.  Complete textbook page 263 in your notebook.  If you received papers from Mr. Hall, please return them to school ASAP.
Science--Periods 3 and 4--Your respiratory system study guide and your invertebrate project are due on Friday.  Be sure to follow the directions and the grade check list for the invertebrate project in order to earn as many points as possible.  We will have a test on the circulatory system next Wednesday or Thursday.  Start to study your circulatory system study guide and page 1 of the human body packet on the various parts of our blood.   
Homeroom Reminders--Signed progress reports are due tomorrow. Students who are in chorus may shop at the book fair tomorrow during recess.  Students not in chorus will shop during library class on Thursday.  Library books must be returned next week.  Tomorrow is Day 1--Art class.
It was a very productive Tuesday!
Have a fantastic night!

Monday, May 4, 2015
Math--Period 1--Complete worksheet Day 90.  Complete textbook page 269 Set E--circled problems only.  If you received papers from Mr. Hall, please return them to school ASAP.
Math--Period 2--Correct worksheet Day 86.  Complete worksheet Day 87.  Correct worksheet P 9-9.  How many 100%s can our class earn?  If you received papers from Mr. Hall, please return them to school ASAP.
Science--Periods 3 and 4--Complete the last two pages of your circulatory system study guide.  Begin to study your circulatory system study guide.  Your invertebrate project is due on Friday, May 8. Be sure to follow the written directions and grade sheet in order to earn as many points as possible. 
Homeroom Reminders--May calendars and Science camp registration forms were distributed today.  Signed midterm progress reports are due by Wednesday.  Our homeroom will be able to shop at the book fair on Thursday during library class.  All library books must be returned by Monday, May 11.  Tomorrow is Day 5--Music class.
Have a great evening!

Friday, May 1, 2015
Math--Period 1--Correct worksheet P 9-9.  How many 100%s can our class earn?  If you received papers from Mr. Hall, please return them to school ASAP.
Math--Period 2--If you received papers from Mr. Hall, please return them to school ASAP.
Science--Periods 3 and 4--Your invertebrate project is due on Friday, May 8. Be sure to follow the written directions and grade sheet in order to earn as many points as possible.  There are several students who need to submit updated notes on Monday.
Homeroom Reminders--Thank you, PTO and chaperones, for a great field trip yesterday!  Our students showed their best manners at the zoo as well!  Congratulations!  It was a fun day!  May menus and progress reports were sent home today.  Sign and return progress reports to school.  The Citizens of the Month in our homeroom for April were Emma H., Kylee, and Makenna.  During PSSAs, these three students showed great diligence as they put forth their best effort into their work.  They were among the last students finished and displayed very positive attitudes during our two weeks of testing.  Congratulations, Emma H., Kylee, and Makenna!  Way to go!  All library books must be returned by Monday, May 11.  When we return to school on Monday, it will be Day 4--Computer class.
Have a fun weekend!