Trimester 2 has come to an end and we are ready to kick off our third and final trimester next week! This week, our students completed several literacy/writing assessments to demonstrate their progress on T2 learning targets. They worked so incredibly hard!
Check below to see what we've covered over the last two weeks:
Reading
We just wrapped up our exciting novel, George’s Secret Key to the Universe. The kids enjoyed the plot twists and the character development of George, Eric, and Dr. Reeper all throughout the book! They especially fell in love with George, who discovered the mysteries of the universe while he learned about various aspects such as stars, planets, and moons. This is the first in a series of books. Students showed so much interest that they have asked for other books in the series. Unfortunately our library does not have any copies of the other books, but your local library should have a few copies available!
Writing
Connecting to the theme of the universe, the students just finished their own science fiction narratives. They brainstormed characters, events, and others ideas to include within their stories. It was so neat to see their creative juices flow! Remember to ask your student all about the sci-fi narrative he/she wrote!
Math
We're currently strengthening our abilities to multiply fractions while utilizing the area model and the traditional method. Most recently, we started to learn how to divide by fractions by understanding whether or not division word problems are sharing or grouping division problems. We're also learning how to solve these problems utilizing models, as well as more traditional strategies. We will finish up Unit 5 next week!
**Please note: Students will take the second math placement test on Wednesday, March 2nd.
Social Studies
Students wrapped up their discussions about probable causes and effects of events and developments in U.S. history, with a focus on the exploration of the Arctic. We read about a British explorer, Robert Scott, who historically competed with a team of Norwegians, in a quest to be the first to arrive in the South Pole. We learned skills in note-taking and research, and put such skills to use on their project, which asked them to describe the causes and effects of a key event in U.S. history.
Science
In the coming weeks, we will start to explore the states of matter. The students will learn about identifying the changes in matter and substances. We will also discuss matter by learning how changes in substances affect their weight and how engineers improve materials people use on a daily basis.
Family-Educator Conferences
Please make sure to sign up for a conference. An email was sent by the district yesterday. If you did not receive the email, please contact the Ivy Hall front office at 847-459-0022. Conferences this year will be student-centered, so we ask that your child be present during the conference.
Important Dates
March 4th - Report Cards Issued
March 7th - No School (Pulaski Day)
March 14th - Early Release / Family-Educator Conferences
March 15th - No School / Family-Educator Conferences
Friendly Reminders
**Please remember to send your child with a healthy snack. Nothing feeds the brain better than something healthy!
**Please continue to have your child practice his or her multiplication facts up to 12.
**If students want to play in the snow outside, they must have the appropriate snow gear in order to do so. Please make sure to send your student with snow pants, snow boots, jacket, gloves, and hat.
**Band and orchestra students should remember to be prepared with their instruments and music books on the days that lessons take place.
Enzie Pangilinan
