1. Last Week’s Happenings…
Ms. Deming’s Weekly Newsletter
February 29, 2016
Last Week’s Happenings…
Black History Month
On Friday we went to the 5th grade Black History month wax museum. Students were dressed up like influential African Americans in history that gave us lots of information! Students had to push a button for each wax figure and the wax figures came to life. It was a great experience for everyone! The 5th graders did an awesome job!
Moon Phases OREO Experiment
Last week the students participated in a science experiment with OREOS to help them learn the different moon phases.
The Green Book
Last week we started our new reading unit on The Green Book. It is a reading unit out of the William and Mary reading curriculum for gifted learners. The students created a literature web on chapter 1. They also created digital time capsules where they had to think of 2 items to represent different aspects of their culture.

2. Happening This Week… Grammar
Math
Students will continue with our fraction unit. This week the students will finish learning about equivalent fractions on a number line by playing a game. Students will also learn about fractions greater than 1 and converting those fractions into whole numbers. For example they must know that 9/3 = 3. Students will also learn how to find the distance between two fractions on a number line. For example, what is the distance between 2/8 and 6/8 on a number line. Finally, students will learn how to compare fractions using the symbols <, >, and =. Students will get their study guide this week and test next.
Reading
This week the students will continue with our Green Book unit from William and Mary. Students will be reading chapters 3 and 4 this week and completing journal response questions. Be on the lookout for this in their agenda. Any reading and questions not finished in class will need to be done for homework. Students will also participate in a paideia seminar on chapters 1 and 2 on Monday and take their first reading comprehension quiz on Monday. They are allowed to use the book for these quizzes. Students should bring their materials to school each day should they have to take it home.
Writing
Students are working on finishing their nonfiction articles this week. Students will be writing about any nonfiction topic they choose if they finish early. Also, students this week will choose an important African American to write about in honor of Black History Month.
Grammar
There will be no grammar this week as we are trying to finish up with our nonfiction writing articles.
Important Dates to know…
-3/1 Early Release 2:15 p.m.
-2/29-3/4 Read Across America Spirit Week
-3/3 Progress Reports for 3rd Quarter sent home
-3/16 Shiele Museum 3rd Grade Field Trip
-3/18 Mother/Son Event
-3/31 End of third quarter
-3/25-4/3 No School Spring Break
Vocabulary Dates:
Test on vocabulary from chapters 1-3 in William and Mary The Green Book Friday (words & definitions on next slide)
Spelling Homework & Test Dates:
Group 1 words introduced Wednesday 3/2 and test 3/9
Group 2 words introduced Thursday 3/3 and test 3/10
Group 3 words introduced Friday 3/4 and test 3/11
Upcoming Assignment Due Dates:
-Vocabulary graphic organizers due Friday 3/4 (students were given this on Monday. They have to complete 6 vocabulary graphic organizers on the first 6 words on their list of vocabulary from Ch. 1-3 in the Green Book).
-Fractions study guide due Tuesday 3/8 (will be sent home Thursday in the Thurs. folders)
Upcoming Test & Quiz Dates:
Fractions Unit Test Wednesday 3/9
Science- This week the students will be participating in a problem based learning experience dealing with space and science. The students will also do a CLOSE read on a passage about space and science. Next week we will begin our new unit.
Social Studies- This week the students will continue with our geography unit. They will learn about different types of landforms.
Notes from Ms. Deming 
Read Across America Spirit Week:
Monday 2/29: Wear your favorite hat to school!
Tuesday 3/1: Crazy socks day!
Wednesday 3/2: Wacky Wednesday (wear mismatch clothing)
Thursday 3/3: Oh, the Places You’ll Go (dress up like what you want to be when you grow up)
Friday 3/4: Book Character Day/Parade: Dress up like your favorite book character
*Tomorrow, 3/1 is an early release day. Students will be released at 2:15, NOT 1:15.*
**Progress reports for 3rd quarter will go home this Thursday in Thurs. folders!**
Important Information and Reminders
Wish List Link:

3. Vocabulary Chapters 1-3
The Green Book
symmetrical-having sides or halves that are the same
destination - a place to which a person is going or something is being sent
loomed - to appear in a sudden way; the exaggerated appearance of something; or about to happen
amphitheater - a round or oval building without a roof that has an open space surrounded by seats
baffled - confused; puzzled
fodder - nonessential people or things
bolsters - pillows shaped like cylinders
obscuring - making something unclear, indistinct, or hidden
contriver - someone who plans or makes something in a clever way; inventor
biorhythms - cyclic changes that take place within living organisms such as sleeping or waking
quenched - extinguished or put out
invigorating - making you feel that you have more energy
jutted - stuck out or made something stick out
wistfully - sadly; longing
perishable - likely to decay, rot, or spoil
diminish - to make something smaller or less important
treacle - molasses or a blend of molasses, corn syrup, and sugar
translucent - letting only some light through so that what can be seen on the other side is not clear
gilded - covered with a thin layer of gold
coincidence - something that happens by chance in a surprising or remarkable way