2/27/17

It was nice to see the students returning to school after the February vacation. The fifth graders began their day with sharing some memories from the completed vacation. It sounded like the students were able to take advantage of the great weather and get outside.

Later in the day, the members of M102 were able to continue to work on their European explorer projects. Many of the students have completed their research gathering and are now in the process of typing. The goal is to have these completed by this Friday.

Finally, our ELA time was spent looking at the book The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind. This story is the final one in our clean water unit. It is a great story that ties into a project that students will be working on at home these next two weeks. Students have been tasked with selecting a character from a book that they have read in the recent past. This project will require the students to identify three character traits exhibited by the character in the story. Students will do some writing to explain why their character exhibited these traits.

The fifth graders received a paper with directions for this project today, but if there are any questions please let me know. I look forward to seeing these finished projects.

Here is an example of a project from last year:

One other note pertains to sixth grade math class. 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.