DeLass

January 26

Dear Parents,

It seems unusually early to be addressing this topic, as this usually doesn't happen until after spring break, but we are asking for support, encouragement, and the occasional "kick in the tush" regarding efforts in class. We are now in the "down and dirty" stages of 5th grade. Focus on CRCT and meeting standards is at the center of each classroom. We can not have students slacking off at this point. Please remind your students that they come to school to learn. It is vital that they pay attention in class, continue to put forward their BEST effort, use the strategies we have discussed on assessments and listen (oh, did I say that one already). Silent and listen have the same letters for a reason!

On another note:

There will be a parent workshop sponsored by the GM Counseling Department and PTA on Friday, February 3 at 9:30 AM in the GM PTA Room. The topic will be "Tween Talk"- Dealing with minds, bodies, emotions, independence and discipline. The speaker will be Jennifer Vann.

Students have begun their poetry unit in class. As you know, they will begin their poetry project, which is due February 28th. If class time is used constructively, poetry will be written and completed in class. The final presentation of the project though, will be completed at home. Students should not delay. The table of contents and the glossary, are lengthy and can be started as recently as yesterday :) I expect the final product to be something you can be proud of and will want to keep for years to come.

For those of you that have responded to your child's persuasive letter - thank you so much. We have thoroughly enjoyed sharing those responses and seeing who has been successful with their persuasive techniques. You, in return, have written wonderful counterarguments! Thank You!

IMPORTANT

This week, students will be choosing a World War II historical fiction book. I have a wide variety of books to choose from, but I am limited in some copies. I would like to know in advance if your child has a Kindle or some other e-reader that would permit him/her to have a copy of the book at home. (this is, of course, if you are willing to purchase the digital copy for them). If this is the case, please email me a.s.a.p. before I make the final selection for your child.

In addition, I have had some students interested in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne. Unfortunately, I only have 1 personal copy of this book. If your child would like to read this book, and you can secure a copy, whether through purchase or the library, I will allow those students that meet the reading level of the book to read it. I would like a letter showing parental permission for this book though since it is quite intense.

I appreciate your help and support with this historical fiction unit.

Greyhound Gala

Dear Parents,

I just wanted to let you know that, as a gala auction item, I am offering a "Movie and Pizza."

This will be for the auction winner plus 3 guests. Approximately 2 hours of fun in the classroom after school.  Date and Time to be worked out between teacher and parents.

The Gala Auction will be held February 4, 2012 at Olde Towne Athletic Club from 7 to 11 PM. Tickets are on sale at http://gmefoundation.org - $35 and $45 at the door or you can Download 2012GALATicketformto purchase tickets in advance. Visit the website for a sample of items to bid on. All proceeds go back to GMEF.

The proceeds will be used to improve our school by providing funding for programs such as technology, educational curriculum and facility improvements. The GMEF will accumulate and distribute resources beyond those provided by Cobb County or the PTA, in order to further enhance, foster and enrich the educational experiences of all students at Garrison Mill.

Thank you for your support!

Science Fair Projects

Dear Parents,

It was such a pleasure to witness the amount of knowledge the
students gained through the learning process while completing their
science fair projects. The students clearly demonstrated a thorough
understanding of the scientific process and science inquiry standards.
We are blessed to have parental support of this process. We would like
to thank Mrs. Haas in the Media Center for giving up her space for two
days and the independent judges from Lasstier Science Honor Society who
spent hours judging the projects. Students will be given their
rubric back on Monday.

Oops! Forgot some things.

IMPORTANT REMINDER - Science Fair Project due January 18th. Students should be actively working on this.

HIGHLY recommended books - The Hunger Games Trilogy. I couldn't put them down!

Happy New Year!

REMINDER:  Boys need to bring in the following items in January (as stated in the school supply list): 2 boxes of Kleenex, 2 boxes of Ziploc bags - (1) quart size and (1) gallon size, Paper Towels, Lysol wipes. (we have enough hand sanitizer)

ALL students should have a good supply of pencils for the remainder of the year. 

We will begin discussing the upcoming Stock Market game this week.  Students will participate for 10 weeks in this state and national competition starting the week of January 30th.  If you have invested in the stock market, or have knowledge of investing strategies, please share these with your child. 

Both classes will begin persuasive writing this week.  Students will be making a request through this letter.  They will be writing and delivering this letter next week.  Be on the lookout.  We would appreciate you responding in letter format.  We will share your responses with classmates.  (have fun with these!)

Edmodo is back.  Students will be expected to complete 4 questions about our upcoming chapters in Out of the Dust by Friday.  Most students will have time in class to complete these, but some may need additional time at home.  Please make sure your child has completed this assingment by Friday. 

Remember to check Mrs. Hazlett and Mrs. Longyear's blog for math and science information.