Monday the 28th

Today flew by, as the kids worked hard. We started multiplying decimals by 10, 100 and 1000. We also reread and discussed, "Slower Than the Rest", which contains a metaphor and symbolsm. We also received our new spelling lists. In social studies Mr. Smith helped the kids prepare for Friday's Chapter 5 test. He also sent home a progress report to be signed. Finally, we put the finishing touches on our AA History art and used JIJI. Remember to have your son/daughter log onto pearsonsuccessnet.com and play some math games. They'll really help with basic facts and computation speed.

Homework:
Math: IWB 69-70(gr. 5); 196-197 #'s 8-22 even, 198-199 7-25 odd (gr. 4)
Reading: Read for @ least 35 mins./Sign Read Across America Reading Log
Spelling: Lesson 20 (gr. 5) and Lesson 22 (gr. 4)
Science: none
Social Studies: HW book 53-56
General: Sign CJ and planner; finish standards (if needed)

Friday the 25th

Happy Friday! I returned from my inservice day with the room disheveled, but everyone happy and well. Today we used manipulatives to act out problems in math. With Mr. Smith, the 5th graders read about the New England colonies. In grade four they practiced more for next week's writing test and started geometry. After lunch, we had our fourth Project LEAD lesson focusing on the need to be properly educated so you won't have to want for many things in the future. We did a fun budgeting lesson during which the kids got a taste of what it feels like to make tough choices when on a budget. The most important idea that came out of the lesson was to willingly make sacrifices now (putting off fun to do your work) or the sacrifices will be made for you in the future (when you don't have the funds or opportunity to do all you wish). Finally, we read Cynthia Rylant's short narrative entitled, "Slower Than the Rest". Give us a few days to discuss but, afterwards, please ask your child about the story. It is very powerful. Have a nice weekend. Stay dry and warm.

IMPORTANT INFO:
1) If your child wishes to brush up on their basic math skills (and beyond) or just have fun they can do it @ envision math's site: https://www.pearsonsuccessnet.com. To do so:

a) Have your child log into the site using his/her computer password and loggin used @ school.
b) Choose the grade and click premium.
c) Click search @ the top.
d) Type in keyword games.
e) Have fun and learn at the same time :).

2) If your child has not kept up with their HW they may have standards to write. We've had to take a tough line as MANY students are not completing their HW nightly. As such, CHRONIC offenders will have to write 25 standards for each missed assignment. Please check your son/daughter's planner nightly and ask to see the completed assignments. It may save them future problems with arthritis :).

Homework:
Math:Study chapter 5 (gr. 5); (gr. 4) none
Reading: Read daily for @ least 35 mins.
Spelling: Smile
Science: Help out @ home
Lang Arts: Be nice
General: Sign CJ and planner; finish standards (if needed)

Inservice Thursday

I was out all day @ a math inservice and learned quite a bit. However, I hope B-1 didn't turn into "Lord of the Flies" :). I have added a couple links to math games to help your son/daughter have fun, reinforce skills and learn new skills. Enjoy!

Homework:
Math: IWB pages 66 (finish); (gr. 4) unsure
Reading: Read for 35 mins.
Spelling: Study Lesson 19 (gr. 5) and Lesson 21 (gr. 4)
Science: none
Lang Arts: DLR Thursday and review AA History worksheet from 2/23 for quiz 2/25
Social Studies: none
General: Sign CJ and planner

Wednesday

We had a full day today. We took part 2 of our MAPS test this morning, so we had to be flexible. The students also did a chemistry lab, worked on their art projects and responded to Langston Hughes' "Thank You Ma'am". The fourth graders worked with Mrs. Barnes o n their writing skills for next week's important writing test. I have an inservice to attend tomorrow so we will have a substitute. Please encourage your son/daughter to treat the sub with the same respect they reserve for me.

Homework:
Math: IWB 66 #'s 1-9; DSR 53 all(gr. 4)
Reading: 35 mins
Spelling: Lesson 19 and (gr.5) Lesson 21 (gr. 4)
Science: Finish lab
Language Arts: AA History wrsht "Commitment and Citizenship"
Social Studies: None
General: Sign CJ and planner

Tuesday Trip to East Mesa

Our trip to East Mesa Juvenile Detention Center was eye opening and interesting. We took a 90 min. tour of the facilities, learned quite a bit and were able to ask loads of questions. We saw where the residents ate, slept, showered, played, exercised and learned. The main thing we took away is that being put in East Mesa means losing your free-will and privacy. It was an informative and sobering experience.

Tonight was the STAR PARTY! I did duty with Mrs. Barnes in the computer lab where we showed parents the ins and outs of ST Math, as well as some activities and assignments on the Proomethean Board. While there, I saw Corey, Kristi, Moses, Anastacio and Ashya. There was a planetarium and activities in the auditorium and huge telescopes outside. In fact, I was told you could see Jupiter quite clearly. We all had a good time, but I didn't get any pizza :). If you came to the party and didn't get your HW done, don't sweat it. I know you were busy. Lastly, if you enjoyed yourself, be sure to thank Mrs. Bryant and Mrs. Matthews as they worked tirelessly to make the evening happen.

Here is the link to the Can Newton interview on KUSI:

http://www.kusi.com/video?clipId=5589319&autostart=true

Daniel (when he's not hiding), Maurice and London can all be seen. It's a pretty cool segment.

Homework:
Math: IWB 64 1-4 & 9-13(gr. 5); none(gr. 4)
Reading: 35 mins
Spelling: Lesson 19 and (gr.5) Lesson 21 (gr. 4)
Science: None
Language Arts: none
Social Studies: Vocabulary Chapter 5
General: Sign CJ and planner

Heisman Trophy Winner on Campus!

Today started out on the wrong foot as Mr. Smith's substitute canceled at the last minute, but boy did things get good a little later. Believe it or not, Auburn quarterback and Heisman trophy winner, Cam Newton was on campus today. He arrived with quarterback coach George Whitman and several other Pop Warner and High School quarterbacks to teach the kids about leadership and the importance of staying in school. It was crazy! The kids had a good time and learned a lot, but I feel the gravitas of the situation was lost on most (as well as many of my female colleagues :). The best collegiate football player in the country was friendly, patient and good with the kids. He also autographed a football for the school. Cam, Maurice Wills and his twin Robert, Daniel Cruz and several others were interviewed by KUSI. There will be a bit about it on the news @ six and again on KUSI's morning program Monday on cable channel 9. I gave the my email address to the cameraman and he promised to send me the video in its entirety. I've included a picture of Cam and Mrs. Barnes.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1) Our field trip to East Mesa Juvenile Detention Center is next Tuesday. As such, we need to be sure to...
a) sign and return the field trip slip
b) send in the $7.00 ( if you need to send less, it's cool)
c) be sure your son/daughter arrives a little early Tuesday. We'll leave @ 9:10.
**You also may wish to send a lunch b/c most kids don't enjoy the bag lunch.**
d) Friday Folder was sent today. Please review the work with your child and return his/her folder Tuesday.

HAVE A NICE WEEKEND AND STAY DRY.

Thursday After the Aztec's Game

Went to the Aztec's game last night. They're an impressive basketball team that will hopefully go far in the NCAA Tournament. My MD squad will, sadly, end up around .500, so I'm going along for the ride with SDSU. I was out enjoying the game, so I didn't blog it up yesterday. I apologize to all 2 of my readers (my mom and myself). Today was a good day. Both math groups fully grasped using the Distributive Property to solve equations. We also read and discussed Langston Hughes' "Thank You Ma'am" short story, which is one of my favorite narratives. During DI, we read chapter 4 of "the Odyssey". The kids are really enjoying this myth (however watered down it may be).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1) Our field trip to East Mesa Juvenile Detention Center is Tuesday. As such, we need to be sure to...
a) sign and return the field trip slip
b) send in the $7.00 ( if you need to send less, it's cool)
c) be sure your son/daughter arrives a little early Monday. We'll leave @ 9:10.
**You also may wish to send a lunch b/c most kids don't enjoy the bag lunch.**

Homework:
Math: IWB 63 1-7 (odd) 9-13(gr. 5); 180-181 #’s 8-30 (even)(gr. 4)
Reading: 35 mins
Spelling: Study Lesson 18 and (gr.5) Lesson 20 (gr. 4)
Science: None
Language Arts: Thinking MAPS
Social Studies: none
General: Sign CJ and planner

Tuesday the 15th

Another great day today @ school. Everyone was motivated and positive. However, the students are not doing their HW. 8 students were w/out their HW today and that's just for me. It doesn't even include the kids who failed to do his HW last night. We write every assignment in our planners and I am willing to help after school and Mr. Smith volunteers to do so in the AM, so there is really no excuse for kids not doing their HW (other than laziness and that's not an excuse :). I've taken recess and reward days from them and don't know what else to do. Looks like next it's going to be writing standards. Some kids haven't had recess since we returned form break. I don't want to be the guy to take recess away and whatnot, but I don't have much choice. If I don't teach them anything this year, I'm going to teach them to be responsible for their work and behavior. I'll make many phone calls tonight to the recidivists to see if their parents have any ideas.

Important Information:
1. Today is the last day to enroll your child in the middle school of your choice.
2. We have MAPS testing tomorrow.
3. More Star Gazing pizza order forms sent today
4. Child ID photos taken tomorrow
5. East Mesa trip is next Tuesday the 22nd.

Homework:
Math: Page 89-order of operations (gr. 5); 176-177 #’s 8-30 (even)(gr. 4)
Reading: None
Spelling: Study Lesson 18 and (gr.5) Lesson 20 (gr. 4)...words in planner
Science: None
Language Arts: York worksheet
Social Studies: Homework book page and to watch the World News
General: Sign CJ and planner

Valentine's Monday

Although, I was illin' a bit, today was a good day. The kids read about the New England colonies in social studies and continued to read, write and evaluate algebraic equations during math. The fourth graders started an experiment on electricity and reviewed dividing 3-digit numbers. After recess and through lunch, we had a Valentine's Day Party. Thanks for bringing/sending in food for the party. We had plenty of food. We also passed out Valentine's and watched Be My Valentine Charlie Brown, which always makes me a little sad. Then we had DI, took our spelling test, worked more with propositions and prepositional phrases and played "Big Kahuna" for PE.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
1) Our field trip to The Juvenile Detention Center is next week. The bus is going to cost like $10 per child. Believe me, I know it is a lot and times are tough, but w/our budget issues, sadly, the school cannot pay.
2) Child ID day is Wednesday
3) Remember to send in orders for pizza for next week's Star Gazing Party, as you probably won't be able to purchase pizza during the event.
*****TOMORROW IS THE FINAL DAY TO ENROLL YOUR CHILD IN MIDDLE SCHOOL*****


Homework:
Math: IWB 62 (gr 5); 1745-175 #'s 5 - 27 odd (gr. 4)
Reading: 35 mins.
Spelling: Complete Lesson 18 and (gr.5) Lesson 20 (gr. 4)
Science: read 29-31 and do definitions on page 31
Language Arts: None
Social Studies: Page 48 in HW book; Vocabulary on page 20-6

Thursday just like Friday...

Today was a good day. This AM we continued our work dealing w/ variables, expressions and patterns, which is the beginning of algebraic thinking. The fourth graders divided numbers into the hundreds. During social studies, Mr. Smith was disappointed in the results of the chapter 4 test in social studies. The students were given a study guide over 2 weeks ago. We put notification in our planners and CJ and notification was written here, as well. Sadly, the kids AREN'T studying. I feel Mr. Smith has done all he can to help them get prepared. As such, he will not let them improve upon their test grade (rightly so). Please encourage your son/daughter to improve their study habits or else life in middle school may be painful. The fourth graders took an Ichat quiz in science (I hope they did better than their 5th grade friends:). After lunch, we read another section of "the Odyssey" and finished our response to "Poor People". Finally, we went outside for some much needed PE time. Our spelling test will be Monday.

We decided to have a Valentine's Day party during lunch time Monday. Your child may have volunteered to bring something so we can party it up :). Please check their CJ or ask them. If your child wishes to bring Valentines for friends, they must provide as valentine for each of our 35 students. In this way, everybody leaves happy. Remember tomorrow is President's Day. Enjoy the long weekend.

Child ID sign up sheets were sent today. Wednesday the 16th is the day photographs are to be taken.

Homework:
Math: DSR 24 (gr. 5); 172 #’s 5-13 (all), page 173 #’s 14-20 (even)(gr. 4)
Reading: 35 minutes of reading daily
Spelling: Study Lesson 17 and (gr.5) Lesson 19 (gr. 4)
Science:
Language Arts: Thinking Maps
Social Studies: none
General: Sign CJ and planner and smile...

Wednesday...schmednesday...

Pretty productive day today as usual. The fifth graders continued to work on the Powerpoints which are due TOMORROW. They also have a social studies test on chapter 4 TOMORROW. They have been given a study guide (like 2 weeks ago) to use to study. The fourth graders solved multi-operational problems in math and took a quiz in science. We also finished our resolution paragraphs which started as homework two weeks ago. We wrote rough copies, revised and edited them, had at least three classmates help improve them and then typed them on our computers.

Homework:
Math: IWB 60 (gr. 5); IWB 169-170 #'s 6-30 even (gr. 4)
Reading: 35 minutes of reading
Spelling: Study Lesson 17 and (gr.5) Lesson 19 (gr. 4)
Science: Finish lab
Language Arts: Benjamin Banneker worksheet (bottom section OPTIONAL)
Social Studies: STUDY for TOMORROW'S Chapter 4 test; work on Powerpoint due TOMORROW

Tuesday the 8th

Today was an easy day for the students as we had WHEEL @ the end of the day to make up for time that is to be lost Friday. The fifth graders went to Mr. Smith for social studies where they continued working on their Powerpoints which are now due Thursday (he pushed up the date). The fourth graders had a substitute who worked with them on dividing with remainders. After social studies and math, we went straight to WHEEL, ate lunch and split. Once again, Mrs. Ramirez took pains to point out how well our class has been doing in engineering. She singled out Jonesha Walker today for doing an excellent schematic of a bridge.

Homework:
Math: page 107 (gr. 5); IWB 94-96 (gr. 4)
Reading: none
Spelling: Study Lesson 17 and (gr.5) Lesson 19 (gr. 4)
Science: None
Language Arts: Crispus Attucks wrksht.
Social Studies: Work on Powerpoint now due 2/10 (gr. 5); watch and discuss world news

5:30 NBC channel 7; 6:00 CBS channel 8
6:00 BBC Channel 11; 6:30 ABC Channel 10
PBS 7:00-8:00 cnnkidsnews.com

General: Sign CJ and planner

Monday...My favorite day of the week.

Today was an excellent day. The day started off well when I was surprised to find out that we don't have school Friday. I thought the kids might be a bit "sugar hung-over" from their Super Bowl parties, but for the most part they were all motivated and focused. Today both groups did experiments in science. During math, we used patterns to solve equations and the fourth graders worked on place value and reviewed their math facts. After lunch, we took our spelling test and read Chapter One of The Odyssey while the fourth graders were @ band. Finally, we helped each other revise our resolutions paragraphs and reviewed superlatives and prepositions.

Important Information:
1) No school Friday the 11th
2) Lincoln Cluster Meeting tonight 6-8 p.m @
Porter Elem South Auditorium, 4800 T Street, 92113
3) Board of Education Meeting @ Ed Center on 2011-2012 budget

Homework:
Math: IWB 57 and 58; (gr. 4) 165 and 166
Reading: Read for 35 mins.
Spelling: Lesson 17 and (gr.4) Lesson 19
Science: Complete the lab and draw a picture (gr. 5)
Writing: None
Social Studies: Work on Powerpoint due 2/18 (gr. 5)
General: Sign CJ and planner

Fabulous Friday...

Today was an excellent day. In the AM, we welcomed Mrs. Minnick, Austin's Grandma, during Family Friday. Later in the day, we had our second Project LEAD lesson with an investigator and an attorney. The kids enjoyed the lesson and had many questions. As such, they had many interesting things to add to the discussion (but I think they've been watching too many CSI and First 48 episodes:). This week's lesson revolved around the need for, and importance of, laws outside of school and rules during school. We didn't have time for our spelling test so it will be given Monday. Friday Folders went out today. Please review and discuss the work with your child and return the folder Monday. We had a good week. Enjoy your weekend.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
The deadline for enrolling @ MTM or any other middle school is February 15th

HOMEWORK:
Read
Study spelling: lesson 18 (gr. 4); lesson 16 (gr. 5)
Smile
Get outside
Help around the house
Be nice

Thursday...almost as good as Friday.

Today was a pretty good day. We had our Reward Day, from 2-2:45, during which the students (who earned the privilege) were able to play games they bought from home with their classmates. Mr. Smith and I (Mrs.Barnes was working with the fourth graders to finish the NAEP test) held a meeting with all the fifth grade students regarding the motivation, behavior, responsibility, attitude of some of them. It worries all of us that it seems their education is more important to us than it is to them. Please continue to encourage your son/daughter to be a responsible, motivated and respectful Johnson citizen, as this year will have a bearing on their placement for sixth grade.


Remember tonight is Articulation Night. Representatives from five middle schools will share information with parents and students. The evening will begin at 5:45 PM with refreshments and introductions. The presentations will start at 6 PM. At this time, the schedule is as follows:

PB Middle at 6 PM
Lewis at 6:15 PM
CPMA at 6:30 PM
Mann at 6:45 PM
MTM at 7 PM

Homework:
Math: page 71; (gr. 4) 92 and 93
Reading: Read for 35 mins.
Spelling: Study this week's words
Science: Complete the lab (draw a picture)
Writing: None
Social Studies: Work on Powerpoint due 2/18 (gr. 5)
General: Sign CJ and planner

Articulation Night Tomorrow @ 5:45 in the auditorium

The fourth graders will take the NAEP test tomorrow. If you wish to find more information about the NAEP, please click the link to the right. Please be sure your son/daughter gets a good night's sleep, awakens early, eats a good breakfast and arrives early to Johnson.

Tomorrow is our reward day for January. The class decided to have Game Day tomorrow. For Game Day, the kids can bring a game from home to play with their classmates from 2-2:40. My only advice is not to allow them to bring any game they do not wish to have broken, lost, or stolen. That said, I will be sure to lock up any game of value.

We wished a happy birthday Eli and Kevin. They both turned 27 today! I wish them both 100 more.

Grade five parents/guardians, if possible, please try to attend tomorrow's Articulation Night with your child. If you do, you'll receive valuable information and insight into your child's middle school choices, as well as the paper work necessary to enroll them for next year. It is important to attend even if your son/daughter will matriculate to MTM as they will still need to be enrolled. Johnson will provide refreshments and door prizes.

We are expecting representatives from five middle schools. Each school will have 15 minutes to share information with parents and students. The evening will begin at 5:45 PM with refreshments and introductions. The presentations will start at 6 PM. At this time, the schedule is as follows:

PB Middle at 6 PM
Lewis at 6:15 PM
CPMA at 6:30 PM
Mann at 6:45 PM
MTM at 7 PM

Homework:
Math: IWB pages 52 #'s 1-4 7, and 9; (gr. 4) 162-163 8-32 even
Reading: Read for 35 mins.
Spelling: Study this week's words
Science:
Writing: Revise and edit resolutions paragraph (due 2/3)
Social Studies: Work on Powerpoint due 2/18 (gr. 5)
General: Sign CJ and planner

Tuesday...

Can you believe it is already February? Today we continued our work on estimating quotients and dividing large numbers. In science the fifth grade students conducted an experiment on separating salt solutions. According to Mr. Smith, the kids did a fantastic job with today's lab. They have worked very hard on their listening and lab skills, as well as on participation. The fourth graders went to Mrs. Barnes for math where they also worked on estimating quotients. In science they started a new lab on magnetism called The Force. After lunch, we watched the CNN Kid's News and briefly discussed life in the Middle East (in Egypt in particular) and the political unrest and demonstrations in the region, as I believe we are watching history in the making. Please remember that Fifth Grade Articulation Night is Thursday @ 6 PM in the auditorium.

Homework:
Math: IWB pages 50 evens ONLY (gr. 5)
Reading: None
Spelling: Study this week's words in planner
Science: Study for Wednesday's test (gr. 5)
Writing: Revise and edit resolutions paragraph (due 2/3)
Social Studies: Work on Powerpoint due 2/18 (gr. 5); watch the World News and discuss with an adult
General: Sign CJ and planner