Kim Friedrich, 5th Grade
Weekly Newsletter
Friday, April 27th
Dear Fifth Grade Families,
MCA Testing: The Reading MCA tests were the priority for all students in the grades 3-8 this week. The fifth grade students worked diligently on Monday and Tuesday to complete the four part test that assessed them on passage comprehension, main idea, vocabulary, and poetry elements. The highlight for most students during this rigorous testing period was the opportunity to spend extra minutes outdoors. Many classroom teachers headed outside after the testing sessions to give the students an opportunity to release energy and absorb the sunshine. It was a perfect week to be outdoors!
NWEA TESTING: Next week, the fifth grades students will take part in the NWEA reading and math tests. These tests will be taken in the computer lab with their MUM or MUR teachers. The students are familiar with both tests and the procedures. Please remind your child to get lots of rest over the weekend and come to school next week ready for another great week of testing.
History: Lesson topics this week involved the battle of Gettysburg, the significance of the Gettysburg Address, life of an everyday solider, and women in the war efforts. Throughout the week the young historians partner read, took notes, and participated in discussions for each lesson topic. On Wednesday, the students worked in partnerships to construct a timeline of events beginning with the invention of the cotton gin up until the time Lincoln was killed. The students impressed Mrs. Friedrich with their determination and cooperation throughout the challenging activity. On Thursday, the students were divided into groups of four to rehearse and orally present the Gettysburg Address. Each group member selected one part to practice and present orally. The groups were graded on their oral presentations, and overall cooperation throughout the activity. On Thursday and Friday the class enjoyed some dramatic and entertaining speeches. Next week, the fifth grade students can look forward to reading about the end of the war, Lincoln’s assassination, and the reconstruction of the South.
*Please look for a movie permission slip to be sent home early next week in regards to a video that will be shown that relates to our studies of Lincoln and the Civil War.
MUR: Although we only met for MUR twice this week, the class was able to read and discuss two different Greek Myths. On Thursday, the students read about the well known mythological hero Ulysses (Odysseus) and his adventures with the Cyclopes. The class discussed the common elements of a Greek Hero and brainstormed a list of modern day heroes. Some of the heroes included: Captain America, Superman, the Hulk, Spiderman, and the Green Lantern. The list will be used throughout the unit to make comparisons to the Greek heroes within our stories. On Friday, the students listened to the story “Circe and the Sirens.” This myth is another adventure lead by Ulysses where he is tempted by the Sirens of the Sea. Following the reading of the myth, each student composed a re-tell of the last half of the story including written text and colored sketches. The activity demonstrated their true understanding of the events that occurred in the myth. Next week, the class can look forward to reading and discussing “The Labors of Heracles”.
MUM: Mrs. Friedrich’s MUM class successfully completed their unit study of Data Analysis this week. On Monday, the class worked on identifying the most appropriate display for given information. The students showed much success with this. They truly enjoyed using what they had learned previously about line plots, line graphs, bar graphs, and stem- and -leaf plots to determine the most appropriate display. On Tuesday, the class reviewed mean, median, mode, and range as well as learned what happened to a set of data when an outlier (number that is much greater or much less than the rest of the numbers) is added to the set. On Wednesday, the mathematicians carefully and confidently completed their Data Analysis assessment. Look for the corrected tests to be sent home with your child on Monday. Thursday and Friday’s activities were devoted reviewing for this year’s MCA math tests. The class spent Thursday reviewing place value through the hundred thousandths place, and on Friday the class reviewed all fraction concepts. Next week, the class will revisit decimals, algebra and geometry concepts.
OSA Assembly: Three outstanding fifth grade students were recognized at this afternoon’s OSA assembly. Please take time to congratulate our classroom representatives Chloe, Ethan, and Anica for a job well done.
Parent Reminders:
April 28th -Cologne Academy Garage Sale - All Cologne Academy families are encouraged to help out or donate items for this year’s Garage Sale. Please view the website below if you like to help out with this year’s event. The Garage Sale will take place on Saturday, April 28th from 7am-3pm. http://www1.mysignup.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?4_cagaragesale
Monday, April 30th - Reading Logs are due. Please remind your child to return the April reading log to his or her MUR teacher on Monday.
Monday, April 30th is the last day to earn ribbons for the Study Island ribbon competition. Please encourage your child to continue to work on Study Island over the weekend. Another ice-cream party is waiting to be enjoyed.
Saturday, May 19th – Spring Fling Make sure to read the notice send out earlier this week from Pave regarding this year’s Spring Fling. Volunteers are needed in all areas in order for the day to be a success.
The theme for the 5th grade basket is “Gone Fish in” Please take time a collect items for our basket. Some suggestions are: rod and reel, lures, tackle, stringer, net, bait bucket, bobbers, line, life jackets, gift certificates for bait or sporting goods store.
Have a Wonderful Weekend Everyone!
Mrs. Friedrich