APRIL
2017
Worcester Arts
Magnet School
Worcester, MA
4/3/17
Volume 7
Mrs. Desimone’s Classroom Newsletter
Dear Parents,
Happy Spring! I think it’s FINALLY here!
Our Preservation Worcester field trip was a
wonderful experience. We spent time “reading”
historical homes and landmarks in Worcester.
Hopefully, your child will continue to use their
architectural knowledge and share some
information with you.
We will start MCAS testing this
Wednesday. I will send home reminders with your
child and we will discuss test-taking strategies in
class. However, I have reassured the students
that we have been completing this work all year,
it’s nothing new. We’re looking at it as an
opportunity to show what we know!
If you have any questions and/or concerns please
let me know.
Yours in education,
Mrs. Desimone
Reader’s Workshop
Soon after April vacation we will read “Chains.” As the
Revolutionary War begins, thirteen-year-old Isabel
wages her own fight...for freedom. Promised freedom
upon the death of their owner, she and her sister,
Ruth, in a cruel twist of fate become the property of a
malicious New York City couple, the Locktons, who have
no sympathy for the American Revolution and even less
for Ruth and Isabel. If an entire nation could seek its
freedom, why not a girl?
Math
Currently we are working on Algebra:
Patterns & Graphing. Students will explore
topics such as: line plots, ordered pairs, line
graphs, numerical patterns, and problem
solving to “find a rule.” Our final units of
study will focus on Converting Units of
Measure, Geometry and Volume. Topics will
include: polygons, triangles, quadrilaterals,
unit and solid figures, and problem solving
comparing volumes.
Please continue to complete Khan 60
minutes/week! This is an excellent resource
for review and/or challenge activities.
Our Learning Focus
Every Student’s Job
I think when I read, listen and look.
I track my thinking to help me
understand.
I can explain and justify my thinking
using what I’ve read, heard and seen.
SRSD
Low TIDE/LAT is embedded into weekly
instruction. We also continue to use TIDE and
TREE across subject areas. Paired texts will be
provided to analyze the author’s point of view.
Close reading and marking up the text is required.
Students are reminded to keep the Prompt in
mind!
Mrs. Desimone’s Classroom Newsletter
SCIENCE
Plants & Animals
Social Studies /PROJECT
Our end of the year project is due on May 30th.
I will send the guidelines home before April
vacation. Students will complete a Revolutionary
War newspaper cover page. Tri-fold boards will
be provided.
*Identify the Constitution of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including its
date, its primary author (John Adams), and the
basic rights it gives to citizens of the
Commonwealth
*Explain the reasons for the adoption of the
Articles of Confederation in 1781 and for its
later failure.
* Describe Shays’ Rebellion of 1786-1787 and
explain why it was one of the crucial events
leading to the Constitutional Convention.
*Identify the various leaders of the
Constitutional Convention and describe the
major issues they debated.
Happy Birthday Jeffrey & Jack!
Freedom Trail Field Trip (5/31)
Please return the field trip permission slip
and money ($20) as soon as possible. If you
would like to chaperone, please make sure you
have an updated CORI check on file. I will
write a note in your child’s agenda to let you
know if we need your assistance.
Thank you to all of the parent volunteers!
Upcoming Events
4/5- Governance Council 7:30 AM
4/5-4/7- MCAS ELA
4/7- Race for Education labels due
4/10- PTG Meeting 6:30 PM
4/13- WOW celebration at 1:15 PM
4/14- No School
4/17- Patriots Day
4/17-4/21- School Vacation
4/22- Earth Day
Do Your Best On the Test!
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Get a good night’s sleep!
Eat a healthy breakfast!
Be positive!
Take your time!
Read each passage and question
carefully!
Check over your work!
Make sure you answered EVERY
question!
Remember- You are a STAR!