Dear PAT families,

Well, it’s 5 pm and I’m finally getting to connecting with all of you out there. This’ll be the 20 minute version of a news letter. As always, check in with your child and have them give you a weekly loop tour to get a better sense of what’s going on!

Have a great rest of the week,

Ms. I

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This week:

• Independent reading – Students are finishing up sharing their literature circle projects (the last share session is tomorrow) and should now be reading a second book about the American Revolution independently.  As they read, they will complete role sheets to encourage thinking.  Check with your student to find out what independent book they have chosen.
• Math – Several groups have been taking quizzes and tests recently. Be looking in next week’s bags to see those quizzes come back. Check with your student to see what they are working on.
• Social Studies – We are deep in building a Minecraft version of Colonial Boston and it is a trip! These kids have SO MUCH KNOWLEDGE when it comes to using Minecraft and they are so graceful as they teach me how to use this program.  We’ve had great conversations about how to share this digital space, accepting the errors that I make as I learn and about how to cooperate to create this world.  They are rising to the challenge for sure! In addition to working in Minecraft, students are also using a Sway to write about the character they have developed to follow through the history we will simulate.
• Science – We have started FLASH with 5th graders and have been learning about puberty this week.  We will be focusing on practicing medical terms for discussion and looking at the similarities and differences between puberty in different bodies. I will continue to emphasize the importance of talking to a trusted adult with questions, that asking questions is a necessary part of learning and that there is very wide range of normal when it comes to puberty.  Later in the week, we will also discuss some of the products associated with puberty (athletic supports, bras, tampons, pads, cups, etc.).  If you’d like to anticipate that conversation and add your knowledge and preferences to the conversation at home, please do!  4th graders have been rocking it on their endangered species projects by researching to learn about a whole host of magnificent creatures that populate our world!
• Writing – In the background of all the other things we’re doing, students are also working on writing a piece of their choice.  Many students are really using this opportunity to follow their writing passions. My hat is all of all you parents out there encouraging and supporting your writers as they work! If you haven’t checked in with your writer, you might do that so see what sort of magnificence they are working on!  Rough drafts will be turned in tomorrow (Thursday, 5/20).
• Vocabulary – This is our final week of new vocabulary for the year! Quiz will be on Friday.

Upcoming Dates and Events:

• Monday, May 31st – Memorial Day (no school) – Just needed to get that in there. 🙂
• Wednesday, June 9th, 10 – 11 am – This I Believe Reading via Zoom. I know that we haven’t even started our This I Believe writing (We’re starting next week), but please mark your calendars to come listen to “This I Believe” Essays read aloud by some marvelous (and brave!) writers.
• Monday, June 14th 4:30 – 5:30 – 5th grade recognition drive through – detail on this event will be coming home in the next few days, but mark your calendars to come drive through the school parking lot and celebrate your FANTASTIC FIFTH GRADER!
• Tuesday, June 15 – The last day of the school year. Decisions are still being made about what this day will look like, so stay tuned

And DONE! With 52 seconds to spare on my 20 minute timer. 🙂