We finished STAR testing today, and now we can get back to learning! (Or maybe just more test taking.) Students have been working on practice math tests for the math we've covered recently. Instead of giving the individual chapter test for each chapter covered, I'll be giving the unit tests. We'll start with the Unit 7 test on Tuesday, probably take the Unit 8 test on Friday, and the Unit 6 test the following Tuesday. Students will also be taking a placement math test for middle school. Fifth grade teachers have not yet set the date, but the results must be sent to the middle schools by May 22, so it will be before then! And students will be taking the end-of-the-year District assessments before June 3. Positive spin: lots of great review before summer!

Students are just about finished with their rough drafts of the trout essay. They should finish the final copies next week, and then we'll start on a persuasive essay. Students are usually very good at persuasion!

Thank you for getting all the Walker Creek forms and money in. If there are any changes in your child's health status (new medications, etc.), please let me know before May 26!. The packing list went home earlier, so hopefully everyone is comfortable with what is needed. If you have any questions, please let me know. Please remember: no food, except for the bag lunch your child needs to bring for the first day and no electronics (they may bring a digital camera, but disposable cameras are recommended). Your child is not allowed to bring a cell phone, even if they were planning to use it as a camera. Students are encouraged to bring a book, cards, a board game, or other non-electronic activity for the short free time periods they have each day. Again, if you have any questions, please contact me.

Have a wonderful weekend, and Happy Mother's Day!

We have made it through our first week of STAR testing--the language portion has been completed. Students will be taking the science test on Tues. and Wed., May 5 and 6, and the math test on Thurs. and Fri., May 7 and 8.

Because of STAR testing, I have switched PE on Tuesday, May 5 from 8:30 to 1:05. Please make sure your child is prepared to participate in PE on Tuesday.

We have been learning about air pressure, convection currents, and the water cycle. There was a lot of talk after yesterday's investigations about trying some other ideas at home--if your child did some investigations on their own, try to get them to explain what they think is happening.

We have been doing a lot of math, but have not taken a math test this week. We will catch up with math tests after STAR testing.

Mrs. Adams has announced in this week's Friday Flash that I will be moving to 4th grade next year. It will be hard to leave 5th grade, but life is about change and so I'm looking forward to making the most of this new opportunity.

Happy May Day!