February News

• Valentine’s Day Celebration-bring in Valentine cards for the class
• Winter Recess (No School)
• March- Wednesday Early Dismissals resume
• March- Parent-Teacher Conferences

Ask your child about the Glastonbury 49ers. Who were they?

Ask your child to explain the Westward Expansion class activity and what they learned. What might it have been like to be a pioneer going West?

Next time you order a pizza, discuss the pieces, what fraction of the pizza has different toppings, how can you divide it equally in your family, etc.

Ask your child what they have learned about light pollution and how your family could possibly reduce light pollution in your neighborhood.

Math

Students will continue studying the multiple representations of fractions and decimals in Big Unit 2 math. In addition to learning ways to solve problems, students will use visual fraction pictures and models to deepen their understanding.

Language Arts

Reading and writing this month will continue to work through Argument and Advocacy, and the Research Based Argument.

Social Studies and Science

Social Studies work in the classroom will continue with our Going West unit. This unit explores pioneers on the trail, the California Gold Rush and the development of the Transcontinental Railroad. Students will learn how the idea of "Manifest Destiny" changed the geography, economy, and character of the United States.

Science will begin to look at Big Unit 2 which covers Earth and Its Place in the Universe. In this unit, students learn that the Earth is the perfect place for living things because of its systems (hydrosphere, biosphere, geosphere, etc.), features and position in the universe. Students will participate in a research and engineering task to develop a plan for reducing light pollution. During this unit, students will visit the Planetarium to see Earth, Sun, Moon. The Planetarium will also provide lessons on phases of the moon.