5 HGC Newsletter
Reading/Language Arts Update:
Here we are at the start of our last Quarter
together! We will begin this quarter by
reflecting on our Quarter 3 goals and work in
order to set our final goals for the year. We will
be analyzing how the theme from Quarter 3,
Change, Choices and Consequences, has applied
to our own work efforts and successes. As we
start Quarter 4 in Language Arts, we will begin
by studying how events from the past shape our
current decisions. We will study the Great
Chicago Fire and other historical events to
examine how the mistakes of some may help
provide a safer future for others. In addition, we
will begin a brief study of Shakespeare! This is
an exciting mini-unit that will allow us to explore
the time period in which he lived and some of his
famous works. We will read The Shakespeare
Stealer, a fiction novel about a character who
tries to come in possession of a Shakespeare
play.
In writing, we will begin this Quarter with a
brief study on GMOs, Genetically Modified
Organisms, by researching their origin, use, and
forming our own opinions on them. We will
create Infographics based on our research and
present those ideas to our peers. As always, our
underlying focus in writing, is to become
proficient writers in the areas of elaboration,
organization, and overall use of the Writing
Process. How we plan and prepare for writing is
also an essential part of our projects and will
continue to be monitored through this Quarter.
We have many exciting topics to study and
projects to create!
Math Info:
In Quarter 3, students continue to
focus on Math 6 content. We will
continue to cover topics in PreAlgebra such as Relationships
between Variables. Later in the
month, we will move on to Geometry
and explore Area, Volume and Surface
Area.
We are getting a late start to our
Famous Mathematician Project.
Students will be responsible for a
written, visual and oral presentation.
Look for the project guidelines to
come home this week.
Science & Social Studies
For Science, the Astronomy magazines turned
out great! The students participated in a gallery
walk where they were able to observe their
classmates’ hard work. Students should receive
their final grades by the end of the week.
During the final week of the third quarter, I will
focus my instruction on the health curriculum.
Students will work together in groups to research
prescription and over-the-counter drugs,
tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana. They will
research effects and consequences in addition to
brainstorming strategies to resist peer pressure.
In Social Studies, the students worked in
cooperative groups to create Westward
Expansion Advertisements using persuasive
writing skills learned in Language Arts. Three
groups (one from each class) will be chosen by
the students to present at the Blue & White
Assembly on April 12th. Our Social Studies unit
during the final marking period will focus on
economics.
Some upcoming events:
April 4 – Welcome Back!
Family Life Day 4
April 5 – Family Life Day 5
April 6 – Family Life Day 6
April 8 – End of 3rd Marking Period
April 12 – Blue & White Assembly
9:15-10:45 in the APR
April 14 – Science Center Field Trip
April 15 – PTA Spring Dance
7:00-9:00
April 18 – Variety Show Practice
6:15-8:45
April 19 – Science Center Assembly
Variety Show Practice
6:15-8:45
April 22 – Report Card Distribution
April 26 – No School!
April 28 – Take Your Child to Work
Day
withdrawn from the program and will be
required to re-enroll.
We do not provide homework when
students are out of school. The child was
not present to receive instruction,
therefore, the homework isn't relevant.
However, we do suggest that the child keep
a journal of their trip, read, and practice
math facts.
5th Grade Celebration
If you have not already
done so, please be sure to
send in your 5th Grade
Celebration permission slip
as soon as possible. It is
important for the
coordinators to know the tshirt size of every student
in order to provide each
student with a t-shirt. If
at all possible, please also
send in your donation money.
We understand that this may
not be possible for all
families, however, the
permission slip and t-shirt
size is required for every
student. If you need an
extra permission slip, please
contact your child’s homeroom
teacher.
Contacting the teacher:
Extended Absence Reminder from
Mrs. Gilbertson:
As you are aware, travel is not considered
an excused absence. According to the MCPS
attendance regulations, students who are
absent more than 15 consecutive days will be
If you need to contact the fifth grade
teachers, email is the fastest method.
Emily Bizzell
[email protected]
Robin Weber
[email protected]
Stephanie Wilhelm
[email protected]
(There are underscores between each part
of the name.)
**In order to save paper, our monthly newsletters
will be sent electronically. If you prefer to receive a
hard copy of the newsletter, please contact your
homeroom teacher. Thank you!!**