Mr. McWilliams 5th grade

April 2010 Newsletter

2010-04-08T20:06:00.000-07:00

5th Grade
Mr. McWilliams
April 2010

Looking Ahead

This newsletter takes the place of the Friday Folder note this week. Parents please sign the Unit 30 spelling test, the Unit 19 math test, and the Friday Folder. Please return them to school on April 12.

Permission slips for our trip to Rocky Mountain National Park should be in today’s Friday Folder. Our hike will take place on Friday, May 7.

Don’t forget to join us for “Night at the Museum” on April 23. Come and see the kids’ art work and be entertained by the live exhibits.

School Flower Sale – May 1,2 and 8,9

Language Arts

We are reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer this month. We have begun the book in class and next week students will be bringing the book home as homework. The language and slang make this book a little more challenging for students. I have suggested that students read aloud to parents so you can assist them if run into language they might find difficult.

This month’s book report is due April 30. Everyone will write their report on The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

Math

Our class will continue to work with decimal numbers, fractions, and percents. We will also graph points on a coordinating plane and work with symmetry.

Science

We continue our study of the properties of matter and energy. We will have our test on Chapters 14 and 15 on April 13. After that, we will begin studying Colorado climate zones for our trip to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Social Studies

Students are looking at the expansion of the United States. We will have our test on Chapter 11 on April 27. Next, we examine the Civil War and its effects.

Coming up

Mid term ends April 23

Mid terms home April 28

Band Concert May 5

And being found in appearance as man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth ,and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:8-11

Newsletter March 2010

2010-03-04T21:24:00.001-08:00

5th Grade
Mr. McWilliams
March 2010

Looking Ahead

This newsletter takes the place of the Friday Folder note this week. Parents please sign the Unit 26 spelling test and the Friday Folder and return them to school on March 8.

Beginning March 7 we will be celebrating Lutheran Schools Week. This year’s theme is “Securing each child’s future – for a lifetime of service.”

We are so thankful that you are part of our school. We are truly blessed that so many of you have chosen our school not only for the academics but for the opportunity for your children to grow in the knowledge of our precious Lord.

Please check the schedule each day for special events and dress up opportunities. The kids really enjoy the different activities each year. This year we let the individual classes decide the theme on Tuesday. Our class decided to wear their favorite hats and sunglasses that day.

Last week we sent home information about a survey you can take to help improve our school even further. The website is www.myschoolsurvey.com The pin number to access the survey is 793214. If you wish to participate you will need to do so by Friday, March 12.

Please join us for the Lenten Services on Wednesdays this month. We have services at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. each week. Also come join us for the soup suppers each week at 6:00 p.m. right before the service.

Language Arts

We will work with poetry this month. Students seem to really enjoy working on this type of writing.

This month’s book report is due March 26.

Math

Our class will continue to work with decimal numbers and multiplying fractions. We will also learn how to use reciprocals to divide fractions.

Science

We will start on our Physical Science unit after our test on chapters 3+5 on Tuesday, March 9. We will begin our study of the properties of matter and energy.

Social Studies

Students will begin to study the Constitution and how our government works. This would be great time to find current events that are related to this theme.

Coming up

Early release March 12
11:30 a.m.

Nurturing the Faith
Conference March 16
(No School)

3rd quarter Report
Card home March 17

Parent Teacher
Conferences March 18-19
(No school 3-19)

Spring Break March 27-
April 5

But because of his great love for us, God who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.
Ephesians 2:4-5

February Newsletter

2010-02-04T20:31:00.000-08:00

5th Grade
Mr. McWilliams
February 2010

Looking Ahead

This newsletter takes the place of the Friday Folder note this week. Parents please sign the Unit 22 spelling test and the Friday Folder and return them to school on February 8.

Thanks to all the parents who came with us to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The kids had a great time.

We are still working on our American Revolution research project. Students are well into their papers and we have begun working on our PowerPoint presentations. Most students should be ready to begin typing their final paper next week.

If your student participated on any of the basketball teams this year we will be taking pictures on Monday, February 8. Be sure to bring your uniforms and don’t forget your shoes.

Our class will be roller skating on Thursday February 11. Be sure to pick your student up at the roller skating rink or make arrangement to have them picked up by someone else. Thanks!

We also have a chance to attend the play Beauty and the Beast on March 3. The drama department at Brighton High School invited us and several classes will be
going. It is a great way to support the high school and also have a little fun. We will be walking down to the school. Mr. Hart will be sending the permission forms home soon.

We will begin our Iowa Tests of Basic Skills on February 16. Please be sure that your student is rested and has a good breakfast each day. Thanks!

Lenten Services begin on February 17 with our Ash Wednesday Services. We will have services at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. each week. Also don’t forget to join us for our soup suppers each week at 6:00 p.m. right before the services.

Language Arts

Students will finish their research project. We will also continue to work on our grammar skills

The February book report is due February 26.

Math

Our class will continue to work with decimal numbers and multiplying fractions. Students will also learn how to reduce fractions and work with different types of averages.

Science

We will continue our unit on Life Science. Students will study plant growth and reproduction.

Social Studies

Students will finish up their research reports on the American Revolution. Oral presentations should be finished by the end of the month.

Coming up

Early release February 12
11:30 a.m.

President’s Day February 15
No school

Iowa Tests February 16-26

Mid terms home February 17

“Surely this is our God; we trusted in him; and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
Isaiah 25:9

January 2010 Newsletter

2010-01-07T22:25:00.000-08:00

5th Grade
Mr. McWilliams
January 2010

Looking Ahead

Wow! Is it really 2010? This year has moved very quickly. I wish you and your family all the best in the New Year.

This newsletter takes the place of the Friday Folder note this week. Parents please sign the Unit 18 spelling test and the Friday Folder and return them to school on January 11.

We will begin our American Revolution research project on January 11. There is a paper coming home today that explains the requirements of each student. We should complete the project the second week of February. The majority of the work on the project will be done at school. It will be important that students begin their research and bring it to school the week of January 11.

Our field trip to The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is January 27. We will be seeing the Genghis Khan exhibit and also going through Expedition Health.

Language Arts

Students will begin their research project. Students will be researching important figures and events from the Revolutionary War.

The January book report is due January 29.

Math

Our class will continue to work on probability and decimal numbers. Students will also learn how to multiply fractions

Science

We will continue our unit on Life Science. Students will study plant and animal cells. We will also look at body systems. Our next science test will be on February 2.

Social Studies

Students will prepare a research paper, give an oral presentation, and put together a PowerPoint on an important figure from the Revolutionary War.

Coming up

2nd quarter report January 13
cards come home

Martin Luther King January 18
Day (No school)

Class picture January 20

Field trip January 27
Denver Museum
of Nature and Science

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

December Newsletter

2009-12-06T21:36:00.000-08:00

5th Grade
Mr. McWilliams
December 2009

Looking Ahead

This newsletter takes the place of the Friday Folder note this week.

Parents please sign the Unit 15 spelling test and the Friday Folder and return them to school on December 7.

We have two tests coming up. The Chapter 7-8 social studies test on December 15 and the Chapter 2 + 4 science test on January 6.

Join us this weekend as we journey to the “Streets of Bethlehem.” Friday the journey will begins at 6:00 p.m. and runs till 8:30 p.m. Saturday we begin at 5:00 p.m. and finish up at 8:30 p.m. Be sure to bring a friend!

I would like to extend a huge “thank you” to all the volunteers that make it possible to put on the “Street of Bethlehem.” It is huge undertaking. God Bless you all.

If you do not have a church home, I would like to extend an invitation to join us for the services this Christmas season at Zion.

We will have a class Christmas party on December 18. The kids will exchange small gifts. Boys will buy for a boy. Girls will buy for a girl. Please spend $10.00 or less on the gift. I will send more information about the party next week.

Language Arts

Students will begin research projects when we return in January. Students will be researching important figures and events from the Revolutionary War.

Students have been working on summary skills in reading.

The December book report is due December 18.

Math

Our class will continue to work on probability and decimal numbers. Students will also learn how to multiply fractions

Science

We will continue our unit on Life Science. Students are learning about heredity and how living things are classified. Next, we will look at cells and body systems.

Social Studies

Students will focus on the Revolutionary War and its impact on future generations. In January, we will begin our research projects.

Coming up

Advent Services December 9 + 16
10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Early Release December 18
11:30 a.m.

Christmas Break Dec. 19 - Jan. 3

Christmas Eve December 24
Services 4:00 + 6:00 p.m.

Christmas Day December 25
Service 9:00 a.m.

End of 2nd quarter January 8

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
Isaiah 9:6-7

November Newsletter

2009-11-05T21:34:00.000-08:00

5th Grade
Mr. McWilliams
November 2009

Looking Ahead

This newsletter takes the place of the Friday Folder note this week.

Parents please sign the Unit 11 and 12 spelling tests and the Friday Folder and return them to school on November 9.

We have two tests coming up. The Chapter 5-6-7 social studies test on November 12 and the Chapter 7-8 science test on November 19. The dates have changed since we had the snow days.

Our field trip to DLHS is this Wednesday. We need to be at the school by 11:30 a.m. We will leave Zion at 10:30 a.m. They will be serving us lunch. The play is supposed to end at 2:30 p.m. That means we might not return until 3:30 p.m. Please make arrangements to get your students at Zion picked up on time.

Our annual Thanksgiving lunch will be served on November 18. Make sure you let the office know you are coming so they can plan for the feast.

Our class will sing at both Advent Services on December 2. The first service is at 10:00 a.m. and the second begins at 7:00 p.m.

On December 4th and 5th Zion will be present the “Streets of Bethlehem.”
Come join us as we journey back to the time of the birth of our Lord. Be sure to bring your family and friends.

Language Arts

We are working on explanatory writing this month. We will continue to work on grammar skills.

Students have been working on comparing and contrasting in their reading. We also looked at identifying the element of conflict in our reading.

The November book report is due November 30.

Math

We will continue our focus on fractions. Students will also study angles, polygons, and triangles. We will need our rulers as we start measuring fractions of inches and centimeters.

Science

We will continue our unit on Earth Science. Students are studying the formation of rock and fossils. Next, students will begin our Life Science unit.

Social Studies

Students will examine the colonies that will become the United States. Next, we will learn about the events that lead to the Revolutionary War.

Coming up

Mid term ends November 24

Thanksgiving Break November 25-29

Mid terms home December 2

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making the wise simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. Psalm 19:7-8

October Newsletter

2009-10-15T18:15:00.000-07:00

5th Grade
Mr. McWilliams
October 2009

Looking Ahead

This newsletter takes the place of the Friday Folder note this week.

Parents please sign the Unit 8 spelling test and the Friday Folder and return it to school on October 12.

We have two tests coming up. The Chapter 3-4 social studies test on October 13 and the Chapter 9-10 science test on October 20.

First quarter report cards come home on October 28.

We have parent teacher conferences October 29-30.

Remember that the school newsletter, the Lion’s Roar can be read on line www.brightonzionlutheran.org/
Just click on the school link and look for the appropriate date. You can also find the monthly lunch menu there. Students are encouraged to use the school website to access the technology page.

Language Arts

We are working on persuasive writing this month. We continue to work on expanding our grammar skills.

The October book report is due October 29.

Math

Students will continue to work on setting up simple equations. We will also begin our focus on fractions. They will also study angles, polygons and triangles. Please make sure your student has a protractor at school. Thanks!

Science

We have begun our unit on Earth Science. Students are studying the forces that work to change Earth’s landforms. We will also look at how resources are used and conserved.

Social Studies

We are finishing up our look at the European explorers who lead the way for the settlement of North America. Next, students will examine the new colonies that will become the United States.

Coming up

Early Release October 23
11:30 a.m.

Report cards home October 28

Parent Teacher October 29-30
Conferences

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
1John 3:1

2009-09-03T19:53:00.000-07:00

5th Grade
Mr. McWilliams
September 2009

Looking Ahead

This news letter takes the place of the Friday Folder note this week.

Parents please sign the Unit 4 Spelling Test and the Friday Folder and return it to school on September 7.

The 5th Grade class will run one of the booths for the PTL Carnival on September 25. I have talked to the class about their duties. Please pick a time that your student can be at the booth. The PTL also needs some help during the day. If you can help, get a hold of me or a PTL member.

Our school is sponsoring a can food drive from August 31-September 25. If you can help, drop off your donations at the table near the school office.

Don’t forget on September 10, students will be released at 2:00 p.m. We need to start the volleyball games early so the students from Pueblo can get home at a reasonable time.

Please remember on chapel days (Wednesdays) students should not wear shorts to school. Thanks!

Mid terms come home on September 23.

Our class will be singing at the 8:00 a.m. church service on September 27. I hope we can get 100% participation. Our church members love it when the day school kids sing. See you there!

Most of you know that the school newsletter, the Lion’s Roar can be read on line www.brightonzionlutheran.org/
Just click on the school link and look for the appropriate date. You can also find the monthly lunch menu there.

Language Arts

We are doing some small personal narrative writing assignment to get the students back in the swing of writing. We will continue to work on grammar skills throughout the year.

The September book report is due September 29. Make sure your student has shown me the book they are going to read before they begin.

Math

Students will be set up simple equations, work with sequencing, and continue to work on basic math skills to improve speed and accuracy. Our primary focus this year will be on fractions, percents and the basics of geometry.

Science

Since this summer was the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing we have been looking at the beginnings of the space program. Students have their study guide. We will have a test over this material on September 17. Next, we will begin our unit on Earth Science.

Social Studies

We have been reviewing U.S. geography and focusing on the natural features of the land. Our upcoming test will cover this information and also include some basic knowledge of the Native American who prospered on the land in earlier times.

Next we will look at the Age of Discovery and learn about the first Europeans to come to America.

Coming up

Early Release September 10
2:00 p.m.

Mid terms home September 23

PTL Carnival September 25

RMD Conference September 30-
No School October 2

We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.
1John 4:13

A New Year Begins

2009-08-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Mr. McWilliams 5th grade class.

I hope you all had a terrific summer. My family and I stayed close to home this summer, but we did get up into the mountains to do a little hiking.

I want you all to know that I am excited about getting started. A new school year can be very exciting, it can also be a little intimidating. Don't worry, God has blessed us all so much already I am positive he has many more blessing in store for us.

The theme for this school year is from Ephesians 4:32. "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Each day is truly a new beginning. I hope when you walk into class each day you remember the great love God has for you. What a gift God gives us each day, knowing that we are saved by his gift of grace.

Let's have a great year!

In Christ,

David McWilliams