3/31/17

Hard to believe that the month of March is now officially in the books. The students wrapped up another productive week. I was happy with the cooperation during a new decimal challenge that the fifth graders undertook. Next week, the members of M102 will be taking an assessment to track everyone's progress. I look forward to continuing this work with the students.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

3/30/17

The members of M102 were fortunate again to have another yoga session during the middle of the day. The students seemed to enjoy it a great deal.

The fifth graders also put the finishing touches on their 13 colony graphic organizers. This will segue into a final project involving creating concurrent timelines of important events in the three colonial regions that developed in North America.


Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of reading per night. Fill out log on a nightly basis. Due Friday

MCAS Prep - students should read Ebony Room and respond to attached question. Essay should be written on the blank lined paper handed out in class. Due Friday

Math - worksheet due on Friday March 31

3/29/17

The fifth graders spent time gathering important information for some of the middle colonies during our social studies work today. Over the next few lessons, the members of M102 will be working to create a timeline of important dates pertaining to the three colonial regions. The students continue to impress with their enthusiasm for the subject matter.

The students continued to spend more time during math working with decimals. Today's lesson began with a small assessment to gauge the understanding of the students to this point. I look forward to going through the results.

Tomorrow, the fifth graders will be having a yoga session in school for a half hour. If students have a yoga mat at home we would appreciate it if they could bring it with them to school.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of reading per night. Fill out log on a nightly basis. Due Friday

MCAS Prep - students should read Ebony Room and respond to attached question. Essay should be written on the blank lined paper handed out in class. Due Friday

Math - worksheet due on Friday March 31

3/28/17

The students continued to progress deeper into the curriculum in our decimal unit. The students spent time today working to write decimals in word, number and expanded form. This was another positive lesson that furthered the connection between decimals and fractions.

On Thursday, the fifth graders will be having a yoga session in school for a half hour. If students have a yoga mat at home we would appreciate it if they could bring it with them to school.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of reading per night. Fill out log on a nightly basis. Due Friday

MCAS Prep - students should read Ebony Room and respond to attached question. Essay should be written on the blank lined paper handed out in class. Due Friday

Math - worksheet due on Friday March 31

3/27/17

The students spent time continuing to work on three important fronts during today's lessons. In social studies, the fifth graders spent time exploring the middle colonies. The students were tasked with looking to gather information pertaining to important figures and dates in that region.

During math class, the students continued to work with decimals. Today's lesson included a mini-lesson about multiplying decimals by base ten numbers. The students did well with this work.

Finally, the ELA portion of the day was spent preparing for next week's MCAS ELA portion of the test.

On Thursday, the fifth graders will be having a yoga session in school for a half hour. If students have a yoga mat at home we would appreciate it if they could bring it with them to school.

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of reading per night. Fill out log on a nightly basis. Due Friday

MCAS Prep - students should read Ebony Room and respond to attached question. Essay should be written on the blank lined paper handed out in class. Due Friday

Math - worksheet due on Friday March 31

3/24/17

The students wrapped up the week by learning a new decimal related game in math class. The students played a decimal compare game using cards and number lines. I was impressed with the language being used and the level of discourse in the partnerships.

Later in the school day, the students took some time to share their Roanoke Settlement blog posts with one another. The fifth graders showed great enthusiasm for this topic and they were able to come up with some very interesting theories to explain this great historical mystery.

Next Thursday, the fifth graders will be having a yoga session in school for a half hour. If students have a yoga mat at home we would appreciate it if they could bring it with them to school.

3/23/17

The members of M102 spent time today beginning to look at life in the New England colonies. The students read about a typical day and some of the unique characteristics of life in one of he four New England colonies. Next week, we will explore the middle and southern colonies.

Later in the day, the students spent more time composing a compare and contrast essay in response to a practice MCAS prompt. The students are doing well with this, which is a very encouraging sign.

Also, the fifth graders were lucky enough to have a Yoga session in the library.

Next Thursday, the fifth graders will be having a yoga session in school for a half hour. If students have a yoga mat at home we would appreciate it if they could bring it with them to school.

Homework

Math - worksheet due on Friday

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Blog - recently the fifth graders have learned about the first permanent English settlement in America, at Roanoke Island. For this week's blog post, students should write about what they believe happened to the 100 plus settlers who disappeared. Students should put forward a theory and then back it up with evidence from class. This topic should be at least 4 paragraphs in length, with 6-8 sentences per paragraph.

3/22/17

Today was show time for the fifth graders. The concert was excellent. The fifth graders sang their two songs together and it sounded great.

Later in the school day, the students continued to prepare for their ELA MCAS test. The students have been writing some responses to prompts. I think that the students will do well with their upcoming testing.


This Thursday and next Thursday, the fifth graders will be having a yoga session in school for a half hour. If students have a yoga mat at home we would appreciate it if they could bring them with them to school.

Homework

Math - worksheet due on Friday

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Blog - recently the fifth graders have learned about the first permanent English settlement in America, at Roanoke Island. For this week's blog post, students should write about what they believe happened to the 100 plus settlers who disappeared. Students should put forward a theory and then back it up with evidence from class. This topic should be at least 4 paragraphs in length, with 6-8 sentences per paragraph.

3/21/17

The students continued to work with decimals during math today. Fifth graders continue to impress with their perceptive comments about the relationship between decimals and fractions. I can't wait to progress deeper into this unit with the class.

This Thursday and next Thursday, the fifth graders will be having a yoga session in school for a half hour. If students have a yoga mat at home we would appreciate it if they could bring them with them to school.

Homework

Math - worksheet due on Friday

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Blog - recently the fifth graders have learned about the first permanent English settlement in America, at Roanoke Island. For this week's blog post, students should write about what they believe happened to the 100 plus settlers who disappeared. Students should put forward a theory and then back it up with evidence from class. This topic should be at least 4 paragraphs in length, with 6-8 sentences per paragraph.

3/20/17

As the fifth graders returned to class this Monday, there were a number of new units of study that were started. In math class, the fifth graders kicked off their work with decimals. The fifth graders did a great job throughout the fractions unit and they are moving into this new material with a good foundation. Today's lesson was a nice early glimpse at some upcoming lessons.

Later in the school day, the students turned their attention to the 13 English colonies established in North America. This unit is an interesting one and paves the way for us to begin to discuss the American Revolution.

This Thursday and next Thursday, the fifth graders will be having a yoga session in school for a half hour. If students have a yoga mat at home we would appreciate it if they could bring them with them to school.

Homework

Math - worksheet due on Friday

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading per night

Blog - recently the fifth graders have learned about the first permanent English settlement in America, at Roanoke Island. For this week's blog post, students should write about what they believe happened to the 100 plus settlers who disappeared. Students should put forward a theory and then back it up with evidence from class. This topic should be at least 4 paragraphs in length, with 6-8 sentences per paragraph.

3/17/17

I hope everyone has a great weekend and I look forward to seeing students back at school next Monday.

3/16/17

The fifth graders spent some time during today's work looking at a practice ELA MCAS exam. The ELA portion of the test is going to be coming up soon and the fifth graders took the time today to familiarize themselves with the graphic organizers that they will be seeing as well as the test itself.

Later in the school day, the members of M102 returned to their terrariums during science class. Today's lesson focused on creating food chains and food webs using cards of different living things.

Homework

Math - Fraction worksheet (both sides) due Friday 3/17

Reading - 30 minutes of reading, fill out log on a nightly basis.

3/15/17

This snow-shortened day saw the members of M102 finish up another multi-day word problem concerning fractions. We are going to have our end of unit assessment this week as well. As we prepare to transition into decimals, I wanted to compliment the students for their continued dedication throughout this unit. It wasn't always easy, but he fifth graders impressed throughout.

Within the next two weeks, the fifth grade will be starting their fantasy book unit. As part of this, each reading group is going to select a book to work with during this time. I presented this list to my class today:

Homework

Math - Fraction worksheet (both sides) due Friday 3/17

Reading - 30 minutes of reading, fill out log on a nightly basis.

3/13/17

The fifth graders officially kicked off their work with living systems in science class today. The students are going to be working together to create small terrariums inside the classroom these next few lessons. The insects have been delivered to the fifth grade and the students are eager to get going with this work.

Later in the day, the students finished presenting their character trait projects to their peers. These projects turned out great. I was impressed with the speaking ability of the students as they spoke knowledgeably about their character of choice.

With the weather on its way, I hope all fifth graders are able to help with shoveling and snow removal over these next few days. I am sure that parents would greatly appreciate it.

As a reminder:

On Tuesday, March 14th, the Director of Mathematics will present about the transition to Ottoson Middle School, specific to the mathematics department. The primary audience for the event is families that have children entering 6th grade during the 2017-2018 school year.  All are welcome though.

Topics will include:

1. Bypassing Math 6 for extreme high achievers.  The structure and timeline for this opportunity will be outlined.
2. The Math Support Intervention Program for grades 6-8.
3. Digital Media and Literacy, a computer programming based class for 6th graders.
4. Pathways and courses for grades 6-12.  Basically, planning ahead and learning about 6-12 mathematics in the Arlington Public Schools.

The majority of the event will cover the first two topics as this event will have a transitional focus.  Please note that the event will be held at Ottoson Middle School from 7-8:30.

Homework

Math - Fraction worksheet (both sides) due Friday 3/17

Reading - 30 minutes of reading, fill out log on a nightly basis.

3/10/17

The fifth graders spent their ELA time presenting their character traits projects. These turned out great. You can tell that the students put a lot of time and energy into creating these. It was great to see the students get to present their work to their peers. I was impressed with the speaking ability of many of the students.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.



As a reminder:

On Tuesday, March 14th, the Director of Mathematics will present about the transition to Ottoson Middle School, specific to the mathematics department. The primary audience for the event is families that have children entering 6th grade during the 2017-2018 school year.  All are welcome though.

Topics will include:

1. Bypassing Math 6 for extreme high achievers.  The structure and timeline for this opportunity will be outlined.
2. The Math Support Intervention Program for grades 6-8.
3. Digital Media and Literacy, a computer programming based class for 6th graders.
4. Pathways and courses for grades 6-12.  Basically, planning ahead and learning about 6-12 mathematics in the Arlington Public Schools.

The majority of the event will cover the first two topics as this event will have a transitional focus.  Please note that the event will be held at Ottoson Middle School from 7-8:30.

3/9/17

The fifth grade was able to return to a more normal schedule this Thursday. The students are gearing up for their end of unit fraction exam next week. The students spent today's lesson doing some minor review and then continuing to work with some word problems pertaining to the division of whole numbers by fractions.

Later in the day, the members of M102 were able to complete their explorer projects. These turned our great. The students can't wait to begin to start investigating the 13 British colonies.

As a reminder, I received this information from Matthew Coleman, the math director for Arlington:

"On Tuesday, March 14th, the Director of Mathematics will present about the transition to Ottoson Middle School, specific to the mathematics department. The primary audience for the event is families that have children entering 6th grade during the 2017-2018 school year.  All are welcome though.

Topics will include:

1. Bypassing Math 6 for extreme high achievers.  The structure and timeline for this opportunity will be outlined.
2. The Math Support Intervention Program for grades 6-8.
3. Digital Media and Literacy, a computer programming based class for 6th graders.
4. Pathways and courses for grades 6-12.  Basically, planning ahead and learning about 6-12 mathematics in the Arlington Public Schools.

The majority of the event will cover the first two topics as this event will have a transitional focus.  Please note that the event will be held at Ottoson Middle School from 7-8:30.  "

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading

Character Trait Project - Students received directions for a project that will be due on Friday March 10th.

3/8/17

It feels like I keep repeating myself, but I once again commend the students for their dedication during our ELA block. The students are making a final push to complete their literary essays. Today was spent editing pieces and conferencing with students. The final products are going to be great to see based on the work that the students have put into them.

As a reminder, I received this information from Matthew Coleman, the math director for Arlington:

"On Tuesday, March 14th, the Director of Mathematics will present about the transition to Ottoson Middle School, specific to the mathematics department. The primary audience for the event is families that have children entering 6th grade during the 2017-2018 school year.  All are welcome though.

Topics will include:

1. Bypassing Math 6 for extreme high achievers.  The structure and timeline for this opportunity will be outlined.
2. The Math Support Intervention Program for grades 6-8.
3. Digital Media and Literacy, a computer programming based class for 6th graders.
4. Pathways and courses for grades 6-12.  Basically, planning ahead and learning about 6-12 mathematics in the Arlington Public Schools.

The majority of the event will cover the first two topics as this event will have a transitional focus.  Please note that the event will be held at Ottoson Middle School from 7-8:30.  "

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading

Character Trait Project - Students received directions for a project that will be due on Friday March 10th.

3/7/17

Another productive day in M102. The students did some writing about the text, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. As we approach the conclusion of this reading unit, I wanted to compliment the fifth graders who have shown a passion and deep understanding of an important issue facing all countries of the world. The students have worked well collaboratively and that has been shown in the group work that has been done these last few weeks.

The students continue to talk with one another about the character trait projects that are due on Friday. They are counting down the days until they can share with one another.


As a reminder, I received this information from Matthew Coleman, the math director for Arlington:

"On Tuesday, March 14th, the Director of Mathematics will present about the transition to Ottoson Middle School, specific to the mathematics department. The primary audience for the event is families that have children entering 6th grade during the 2017-2018 school year.  All are welcome though.

Topics will include:

1. Bypassing Math 6 for extreme high achievers.  The structure and timeline for this opportunity will be outlined.
2. The Math Support Intervention Program for grades 6-8.
3. Digital Media and Literacy, a computer programming based class for 6th graders.
4. Pathways and courses for grades 6-12.  Basically, planning ahead and learning about 6-12 mathematics in the Arlington Public Schools.

The majority of the event will cover the first two topics as this event will have a transitional focus.  Please note that the event will be held at Ottoson Middle School from 7-8:30.  "

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading

Character Trait Project - Students received directions for a project that will be due on Friday March 10th.

3/6/17

The students are approaching the finish line in regards to their literary essays. Today was an important day as the students focused on tightening up their concluding paragraphs. The fifth graders are eager to publish these pieces.

On Friday, the fifth graders will turn in their character trait projects. I can't wait to see the students present their work. The students have been talking about their characters the last two weeks and are eager to share with their peers.

As a reminder, I received this information from Matthew Coleman, the math director for Arlington:

"On Tuesday, March 14th, the Director of Mathematics will present about the transition to Ottoson Middle School, specific to the mathematics department. The primary audience for the event is families that have children entering 6th grade during the 2017-2018 school year.  All are welcome though.

Topics will include:

1. Bypassing Math 6 for extreme high achievers.  The structure and timeline for this opportunity will be outlined.
2. The Math Support Intervention Program for grades 6-8.
3. Digital Media and Literacy, a computer programming based class for 6th graders.
4. Pathways and courses for grades 6-12.  Basically, planning ahead and learning about 6-12 mathematics in the Arlington Public Schools.

The majority of the event will cover the first two topics as this event will have a transitional focus.  Please note that the event will be held at Ottoson Middle School from 7-8:30.  "

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of quiet reading

Character Trait Project - Students received directions for a project that will be due on Friday March 10th.

3/3/17

I was proud of the level of work that the fifth graders accomplished this week. The week after vacation can sometimes be spent working the rust off and that was not the case this week. The students made great strides with their writing, math and their social studies projects. I couldn't have been happier with the dedication that the students showed all week.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.



As a reminder, I received this information from Matthew Coleman, the math director for Arlington:

"On Tuesday, March 14th, the Director of Mathematics will present about the transition to Ottoson Middle School, specific to the mathematics department. The primary audience for the event is families that have children entering 6th grade during the 2017-2018 school year.  All are welcome though.

Topics will include:

1. Bypassing Math 6 for extreme high achievers.  The structure and timeline for this opportunity will be outlined.
2. The Math Support Intervention Program for grades 6-8.
3. Digital Media and Literacy, a computer programming based class for 6th graders.
4. Pathways and courses for grades 6-12.  Basically, planning ahead and learning about 6-12 mathematics in the Arlington Public Schools.

The majority of the event will cover the first two topics as this event will have a transitional focus.  Please note that the event will be held at Ottoson Middle School from 7-8:30.  "

Homework

Character Trait Project - Students received directions for a project that will be due on Friday March 10th.

3/2/17

The fifth graders continue to make steady progress on a number of different fronts. Both the explorer project and the literary essays are coming along nicely. The students also spent some time today looking at an MCAS practice test.

As a reminder, I received this information from Matthew Coleman, the math director for Arlington:

"On Tuesday, March 14th, the Director of Mathematics will present about the transition to Ottoson Middle School, specific to the mathematics department. The primary audience for the event is families that have children entering 6th grade during the 2017-2018 school year.  All are welcome though.

Topics will include:

1. Bypassing Math 6 for extreme high achievers.  The structure and timeline for this opportunity will be outlined.
2. The Math Support Intervention Program for grades 6-8.
3. Digital Media and Literacy, a computer programming based class for 6th graders.
4. Pathways and courses for grades 6-12.  Basically, planning ahead and learning about 6-12 mathematics in the Arlington Public Schools.

The majority of the event will cover the first two topics as this event will have a transitional focus.  Please note that the event will be held at Ottoson Middle School from 7-8:30.  "

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of independent reading.

Character Trait Project - Students received directions for a project that will be due on Friday March 10th.

3/1/17

The students were able to spend a considerable amount of time working on their European explorer project during social studies today. The students are heavily invested in this work and the results are showing that.

We also continued our work in math in dividing whole numbers by fractions. We only have a few more lessons in our fractions unit before we make our way into decimals. The students continue to build a solid foundation to apply to their upcoming decimal work.



As a reminder, I received this information from Matthew Coleman, the math director for Arlington:

"On Tuesday, March 14th, the Director of Mathematics will present about the transition to Ottoson Middle School, specific to the mathematics department. The primary audience for the event is families that have children entering 6th grade during the 2017-2018 school year.  All are welcome though.

Topics will include:

1. Bypassing Math 6 for extreme high achievers.  The structure and timeline for this opportunity will be outlined.
2. The Math Support Intervention Program for grades 6-8.
3. Digital Media and Literacy, a computer programming based class for 6th graders.
4. Pathways and courses for grades 6-12.  Basically, planning ahead and learning about 6-12 mathematics in the Arlington Public Schools.

The majority of the event will cover the first two topics as this event will have a transitional focus.  Please note that the event will be held at Ottoson Middle School from 7-8:30.  "

Homework

Reading - 30 minutes of independent reading.

Character Trait Project - Students received directions for a project that will be due on Friday March 10th.