Weekly Update for week of March 20th

Welcome back!  Here is what is happening this week:

*Don't forget that we have field trips scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday!

Johnson: Reading - We are working on text structure this week and will be starting our next novel, James and the Giant Peach, on Wednesday!

Derry: Reading- We are beginning to read James and the Giant Peach. Mrs. Derry's class has a booklet that they will be working in the next 9 weeks. This packet will be in their red folder or binder. All assignments will be put in this book. Our class will pick a Roald Dahl book to read on their own time. We are also doing an in-class activity. The book selection has to be made by  this Friday and approved by Mrs. Derry. Mrs. Derry's class will be going to the Library on Monday to check out the book. Mrs. Fortson's class will be going on Wednesday. Of course they are always able to go to the local library in their own time.  This is part of their reading grade and is not an option. They have 9 weeks to read the book. This will help promote reading at home and will also count as a reading homework grade. 

Johnson: ELA - We will work on prepositions this week. Week 16 Root test is this Friday.

Writing: Derry-The students will be grading and correcting a writing piece they have already completed.

Social Studies: Derry-We are discussing the War of 1812, Trail of Tears. The students will be also dissecting the National Anthem and why its important to our country.

Math:  All math teachers will continue with Module 6 lessons 4-6 this week. Our focus is decimals to the hundredths place.  We will use tape diagrams and area models to model decimal equivalence.  The blog link for module 6 is not currently working.  We would suggest simply searching for "Engage NY module 6 resources" and we know that there are many great ones out there! Please check your child's agenda nightly for assigned homework.  

Chaperone Update for MUSE trip

Parents-  a letter went home last week explaining that we are limited on the number of chaperones we are able to accommodate on this field trip. Due to this, we have asked any parent who wanted to be considered to let the homeroom teacher know by today.  We will only be able to pick two parents to help this time. We will do this by a drawing if necessary.  Please remember that we have one more field trip to the Smokies Baseball game in May and this trip allows us to take more parents.  We appreciate your willingness to be flexible and understanding.  Your child's teacher will let you know if you are chosen to be a chaperone for the upcoming MUSE trip.  Thanks!

Weekly Updates for March 6th

Good Evening Parents!  We have several important updates this week.  Please remember the following:

* This is our last week of 3rd quarter.  All missing and corrected work needs to be turned in no later than Thursday to receive credit for this quarter.  Please check with Aspen for grades and your child's teacher with specific questions.
* This is 4 DAY WEEK!! That means, we are out of school on Friday!  Spring Break is always a great way to rest up for the the last quarter of the school year.  The end will be here before we know it.

Math:  In all math classes we are starting Module 6 lesson 1-3 this week. This is our new decimal unit.  We have heard from several parents that the resource page and videos are very helpful.  Please check this out if you feel your child is struggling or you just need a refresher!  There is morning work this week as well as homework on several nights.

Reading:  Derry- We will finish the Mythology unit this week.  There have been several assignments related to this unit.  The JT foldable was due last week. We had a great number of students who did not turn this in!  Please check with your child  as this counts as a major grade.  The JT project is due this week.  This has been an in-class project and students have had three weeks to work on it.  We will begin a new novel study when we return from Spring Break.

ELA/Writing- This week's focus is adverbs.  In writing we are analyzing student samples to help improve understanding of the grading process as well as to improve personal writing.  Students will be able to write/improve a piece of their own writing in the weeks to come.  There will be a state writing assessment this year.  Dates will be posted when available.

Social Studies:  Derry- we will continue with TN history and the Jackson Purchase.  We are still working through our week 23 in Social Studies weekly.

Science- McCoy and Fortson will begin the motion unit this week. This is our last major mini unit before we begin review.  Fortson will have the magnet and electricity test on Tuesday. A study guide was provided.