Celebrating Success!

Congratulations to all 3 classes for meeting their Common Assessment goals in reading! I am so proud of all you all. :) This test (over text structure and context clues) was our best yet! Mrs. Stillwell’s class chose extra recess as their celebration, Mrs. McNees’ class chose PJ day, and Ms. Wintuska’s class chose a read-in. Here are pictures of our read-in celebration!

My best,

Ms. Wintuska

Good evening!

After a very long Winter Break, today we hit the ground running.

As a class, we discussed how we've grown as readers, our favorite books, things that have surprised us about reading, and general observations. It was really neat to see how the kids' perception of a ‘reader’ has evolved. The entire conversation was so encouraging. After the whole-class discussion, students completed an individual form that shared how many books they’ve read, told about their favorite book, and explained what their reading game-plan is! :) 

We also spent time reflecting on what’s gone well this school year, what we need to do as students to succeed, what I need to do as a teacher to help every student succeed, and what our class should be every day. Students traveled around the room responding to each question and reading what their peers thought. After everyone used their post-its, we had a whole-class discussion about their ideas and what ‘works’ for them and their learning. I absolutely love that ‘our kids’ are beginning to assume responsibility for their learning!

To finish out, I wanted to share my take-aways from today:

• What should our classroom be every day?  Our classroom should be comfortable, safe, exciting, and a place to read.
• What should we do more of this spring? We should do more literacy centers and more journal writing.
• What can I {Ms. W} do to help my students be successful? Ms. W can re-teach us, work in small groups, and make more literacy centers.
• What can we {students in the 5^th grade} do to be more successful? We can read more, listen harder, have an open mind, and work with our friends.

My best,

Ms. Wintuska

Opinion On-Demand

Situation: Recent medical research reflects a sharp rise in obestu among American adults and children. Your Kentucky legislator are considering passing a law which would require all students in the state to attend an exercise class for 15 minutes of every school day.

Task: Write a letter to Representative Mike Harmon giving your opinion about whether this law is necessary or not.

Dear Mike Harmon,
     I have recently heard that the legislators of Kentucky are passing a law that makes kids have to go to an exercise class every day for 15 minutes. Think about it...kids running and being healthy for 15 minutes every day. I think this is a very good idea.
     If kids got exercise at school, they would be way more healthy. Kids often just go to school then come home and lay down. Most kids don't eat very healthy either. So if you get kids to exercise at school, you don't have to worry as much about what they eat. Kids, these days, neeed to get 60 minutes of exercise every day. I think this is a good way to start.
     Doctors predict that kids now days will be very large when they become adults because they don't eat right or exercise. If you teach them to exercise when they are younger it will be easier for them when they are older because it will be a habit. So kids need to start working out at a young age.
     It will be good to exercise at school because many kids don't know that you can become very ill in many areas, not just physically. Like mentally, emotionally, and socially. That's why it is just a good idea to exercise.
     As you can see, it is a very good idea to start exercising for 15 minutes at school. After you have heard my opinion, I hope you can make a decision.
     
                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                Emily G.


****This is a sample of recent work completed by our 5th graders.

Williamsburg, Here we come!

Blanket, pillow, iPod, earbuds... check! It's almost time to load those charter buses and head to Williamsburg, Virginia. While it will be a long journey through the middle of the night, I know we will have a great time together laughing, playing, eating, and learning together. I can hardly wait for our students to gain such rich insight into our colonial past!
Williamsburg, here we come!

Nap Time!

Caleb L.
One of my favorite Thanksgiving memories is that my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins came to my house to eat this year. We had food lined up on our kitchen island and counter top. We had ham, turkey, cranberry sauce and a million other side dishes. I ate so much I felt like I was going to explode! After everyone left, it was quiet. You could hear a pin drop because everyone was so full. We all laid down and took naps.

The Handover

Haleigh I.
Thanksgiving this year was outstanding! One of my special memories occured after dinner. When I was done eating all the food, we got out the dessert. The dessert was a juicy, warm, golden pumpkin pie. Well, the handover didn't go as planned. The pie slipped out of Barb's hands. SPLAT! Right on the floor it went!

Thursday, Thanksgiving, and TURKEY!

Kelsea H.
Thursday, Thanksgiving, and TURKEY! It's all I care about. It's here and all I can do is stare down that Thanksgiving turkey. On Thursday, that's exactly what I did. I was bouncing off the walls asking, "Can we say the blessing already?" Of course, I was the first one in line. My plate was so full I thought it was going to break. I filled up on turkey, stuffing, rolls, mashed potatoes, and my mom's famous corn pudding. I thought I was full and couldn't eat any more. Then they brought in my favorite pumpkin pie roll and pie! That's when I wasn't full anymore!