Reading/ELA Overview:

We finished reading/listening to our Novel Study: The Orphan of Ellis Island. If any students were absent during the Novel study, it is very important that they listen to the tracks posted in Google Classroom so that they can keep up. There were comprehension checks all the way through...almost daily, and there will be a final test this week. The students are permitted to use their journals for the assessments.

We will continue with our holiday themed writing activity.

No Spelling will be tested this week. 

Spelling will occur only when we have a full five-day week. Mondays will always be a pre-test, and homework will be assigned based on the scores of the pre-test. Tuesday through Thursday we will do small activities/lessons in our reading block. Homework will be due on Thursdays. Friday will be the test. Spelling words and homework options can be found on the Reading/ELA page. 

Vocabulary and Grammar Assessments will always fall around the same time as the Reading Assessment, typically the day before. Reading Assessments (Progress Monitoring Assessments or PMAs) are "cold reads," passages the students have not seen before; they test the students on their ability to apply the skills that they have learned throughout the unit. **Students are permitted to use their reading/ELA notebooks as a resource for all assessments, with the exception of vocabulary.**

Math Overview:

We will begin Topic 9 this week. Topic 9 content includes decomposing fractions, and adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers with some regrouping. We will only get as far as subtracting fractions. We will review when we get back into break before heading into mixed numbers.

Knowing multiplication facts is very important now, as multiplication facts will be used for all upcoming math skills. Please practice multiplication facts at home, or upcoming math skills will become very difficult as they all rely on knowing multiplication facts.

IXLs and Practice Buddies must be at a certain percentage to be considered "completed" as classwork or homework; however, the students typically have until the day before the assessments to take those scores as high as they can. These scores are averaged and entered as grades, and can help boost the students' overall math scores.

There will always be a practice test for homework that we review very carefully the day before the topic assessment. This can be used as a study guide to help prepare for the actual assessment. Students will be permitted (and strongly encouraged) to use their math notebooks as a resource when taking assessments.

Math grades are compiled from formative assignments such as assigned IXLs and Practice Buddies, and summative assignments including fact tests, basic concept quizzes, and the final topic assessment. Homework completion will also play a part in the final grade for the marking period.

Science Overview:

My homeroom is with Ms. Moran for social studies for the duration of the marking period.