1. Class 502 News! May/June 2016 English Language Arts Mathematics
During the months of May and June, we will begin a new unit centered on the essential question, “Can an expert really know everything about a topic?” Students will learn what it takes to become an expert through two major activities: We will read a class book, The Monster Health Book, and conduct a research project related to a topic in Health and Wellness.
The Monster Health Book is a non-fiction book that will give students an overview about Health and Wellness. Students will learn that before they can become an expert on a specific topic, they need to get a general idea of the topic of Health.
You can help your child at home by helping them expand their knowledge of health and wellness. One way to learn a lot about health would be to talk your doctor during your next appointment about your current state of health and what you can do to improve it. We also suggest that students visit the New York Public Library once they start their research projects to access a greater variety of books and materials.
Mathematics
In math this month, we will focus on project-based learning involving all math standards we have covered this year. Students will be completing performance tasks and projects to show what they have learned in math this year. We also will be learning about coordinate grids and line graphs. We will integrate some hands-on science-based projects, keep track of data in organized tables, and learn about the world around us using math as a tool.
You can help your child at home by pointing out graphs and charts in newspaper articles and online. Help your child understand the importance of graphs as a tool to understand data.
Important Dates!
School is CLOSED on May 30th in Observance of Memorial Day.
School is CLOSED on June 9th for Chancellor’s Conference Day.
School is CLOSED on June 14th for a Clerical Day.
Ballroom Dancing Showcase: June 16, 2016 at 8:45 AM
5th Grade Trip: June 22, 2016 at 7:00 AM SHARP
Graduation: June 27, 2016 at 9:00 AM
Graduation Party: June 27, 2016 from 3:30PM-5:00PM
Last Day of School (Half Day)- June 28, Yearbook signing party!!!
Uniforms are mandatory and must be worn every day.

2. Music (Thursdays) Ms. Brigida
Fourth and fifth grade students are reading music and playing piano beautifully.
Use these websites to encourage music activities at home:
makingmusicfun.net - FREE music for many instruments and ability levels
soundtrap.com - Electronic music composing program
- A great website for beginner piano students!
*Come see THE LION KING performed by 4th and 5th grade students on Friday, May 13th at 4:30 pm in the P.S. 204 Auditorium!
Ms. Brigida
(718)
Gym (Fridays) Mr. Reynolds
This week our students will be working on target throws, by playing a game called Pin Busters. Students will work together and have to show their teamwork skills, as they try and knock down their opponents bowling pins. Students will be using the over hand throwing technique that was taught throughout the year. In June, students will be learning hockey skills and playing floor hockey. Students will be using hockey sticks and using the skills they learn to play an organized game.
REMINDERS
Please remind your child about wearing sneakers on the days that he or she has physical education. Students can easily get hurt if they are running around in flats, dress shoes, or boots. Depending on what game is being played in the gym, your child might have to sit out because he or she is not wearing sneakers.
Science
(Tuesdays and wednesdays)
Ms. Sass
Our fifth graders are beginning to learn how food affects our bodies. They will be investigating the fat and sugar content in different foods. In addition, they will learn about the importance of a balanced diet and how to stay healthy. Have your child go with you to the supermarket and pick out healthy snacks to eat such as: nuts, fruits, vegetables, and foods that contain little or no sugar. Look at the labels to see how much sugar, fat and calories are in the snack item.
MyOn (Thursdays) Ms. Simpson
We are revisiting the goals for using the MyOn library that were set earlier in the year in one on one conferences. The good news is that most of the students who have had these conferences have achieved their goals for spending time on MyOn and for making gains on their assessments. Students are encouraged to read over the summer. MyOn will continue to be available for students to use all summer long!
Library (Wednesdays) Ms. King
More exciting library news…...We just received R. L. Stine’s newest series Rotten School, Scream Street, and, Mermaid School for our upper elementary students. During the month of May, read aloud stories will include Teacher Appreciation, Mother’s Day, Cinco De Mayo, and Memorial Day. June Read alouds will include Summer fun, animals that live in the ocean, Flag Day, and, Juneteenth! Please remember to take care of our library books :) Happy Reading!!
As parents and teachers we can not do enough to encourage our children to READ! Have the, put down the iPads & tablets, turn off the TV, and open up their imagination! New York City Board of Education has created the program NYC Reads They compiled WONDERFUL reading lists through recommendations from students and teachers. There is a suggested reading list for every grade and it’s guaranteed to have “something for everyone” on the reading list! READ EVERYDAY-365 Days a YEAR!
To view the reading lists for each grade...GREAT IDEA for SUMMER reading; please visit this page: