Happy Friday Families!
I hope everyone is staying warm during this November cold! But as we deal with the weather, our students continue to work hard, starting the second grading period.
School Progress Reports
***Your child’s progress report is available online.
Parents, please note:
Your child’s progress report indicates his or her current progress toward an expectation. When a standard repeats in more than one trimester–as is typical in literacy instruction, for example–we do not expect students will master the knowledge and skills indicated until the completion of the last trimester in which the standard is reported on. In fact, it’s likely that many students will earn a score of Developing.
Your child’s progress report indicates his or her current progress toward an expectation. When a standard repeats in more than one trimester–as is typical in literacy instruction, for example–we do not expect students will master the knowledge and skills indicated until the completion of the last trimester in which the standard is reported on. In fact, it’s likely that many students will earn a score of Developing.
For example, we assess students using text we expect they will be able to master by the end of the school year. For a literacy course standard that repeats, we report each trimester based on your child’s progress toward those end-of-year expectations. This practice gives you consistent information regarding where your child is performing currently, compared to where he or she should be later in the school year or at the year’s end.
What might you expect to see for a standard that repeats in more than one trimester? You might expect to see a steady progression, such as Not Mastering (1) or Developing (2) in Trimester 1; Developing (2) in Trimester 2; and Mastering (3) in Trimester 3.
Here's What's Happening in Class:
Literacy
We are currently reading a shared text titled Washed Up, are story about three families who encounter various challenges while trying to win a survival reality show. Within the text, students are working hard to look at the text to help them locate the best evidence to support their thinking. In the coming weeks, we will explore various texts to help our students practice summarizing (Literary text) as well as analyzing multiple accounts of the same event, while noting similarities and differences in the points of view each party represents (Informational text).
Writing
Our students recently finished their first analytical paper, discussing whether or not students should be allowed to bring and use cellphones during the school day. Their focus was to write engaging introductory and concluding paragraphs, as well as working to add evidence to support their key ideas. They made quite the compelling argument! Currently, our students are creating and defending an argument whether or not video games have a positive or negative effect on children. They should be interesting read!
Math
Our students are continuing their work with decimals. They are currently refining their skills in the area of using expanded decimal notation, comparing decimals, adding and subtracting decimals, and rounding decimals.
Social Studies
Our students wrapped up their discussions about the various responsibilities and powers of different types of governments, which revolved around the pros and cons of a democracy, a parliamentary government, a monarchy, and a dictatorship. In the coming weeks, we will learn about probable causes and effects of events and developments in U.S. history, with a focus on Westward Expansion and on the California Gold Rush. Based on what we learn about Westward Expansion, students will construct and defend an argument of whether or not they would have traveled West.
Science
We are currently learning about earth systems in science. The unit discusses the four main systems of Earth: the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere. In addition to learning about their attributes and characteristics, we are also identifying interactions that occur between the systems. Our most recent investigation involved "mining" chocolate chips, while preserving as much of the land (cookie) as possible. Our students were rewarded with their own chocolate chip cookie to eat for their valiant efforts!
Upcoming Events
**Wednesday, November 24th - Friday, November 26th: No School (Thanksgiving Break)
Friendly Reminders
**Please continue to have your child practice their multiplication facts up to 12.
**Please remind your child to charge his/her iPad every night. We use the iPad throughout the day.
**Please remember to send your child with a healthy snack. Nothing feeds the brain like a healthy snack!
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Enjoy your weekend and stay warm!
Enzie Pangilinan
