5th Grade Newsletter for October 7-11

Things to Remember:

·         Our field trip to the Capitol is Tuesday. Buses will leave at 9:30 a.m. and return at 2:00 p.m.

o   Students are encouraged to wear BTE spirit wear if they have it.

o   Dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather.

o   Bring a DISPOSABLE SACK lunch and drink.

o   Students will be responsible for anything they bring. Do not bring money or electronics! If you want to bring a camera, you are responsible for keeping track of it.

·         PTCO “Trunk or Treat” event is this Friday from 6:30-8:30. It will definitely be a fun night. Hope to see you there!

·         The science extra credit project and report must be turned in by October 18 to receive credit.

Vocabulary: This week’s words come have the root in- meaning “not” and semi- meaning “half” or “partly.” The test on Friday will cover definitions and parts of speech.

1.       inactive(adj.)                                                     6. semicolon (n.)

2.       informal (adj.)                                                   7. semiconscious (adj.)

3.       insignificant (adj.)                                            8. semiformal (adj.)

4.       insomnia (n.)                                                     9. semiprecious (adj.0

5.       semiannual (adj.)

Spelling: This week’s words involve the pattern of adding –ing to words with VCe and VVC patterns.  Study the words each night for the test on Friday.

1.       use-using                           6. write-writing                                 11. mail-mailing                                  

2.       close-closing                      7. skate-skating                                12. moan-moaning                         

3.       wave-waving                     8. eat-eating                                       

4.       trade-trading                     9. look-looking                                                                 

5.       close-closing                      10. clean-cleaning                                                                           

Reading: Students must complete his/her fiction novel and MENU #4 as both are DUE this FRIDAY.

Writing: Students will be formally assessed this week on informative essay writing.  Afterwards, we will begin a unit on persuasive writing.

Science: A review packet is being sent home today. This is DUE ON FRIDAY. This week we will focus on properties of light (pages117-120). Not only is this packet an important science lesson, it also reinforces valuable reading and writing strategies. Remember, if your child is having difficulty, he/she is encouraged to attend a 5^th grade teacher’s extra help session.

For mixtures and solutions in class, we will conduct an experiment called “fizz quiz.”

Social Studies: We are wrapping up our unit on government in the History Alive book (chapters 14 & 15). All tests are open notes/book. Students are encouraged to find the evidence in the text. Our field trip to the Capitol is on Tuesday!