Welcome to the JCCS 4/5 Front Page! Check back regularly for classroom updates.
Welcome to the JCCS 4/5 Front Page! Check back regularly for classroom updates.
Please remind your student to bring their purple folder back to class.
Check out what is going on in counseling!
Volunteers are welcome on hikes every Wednesday from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Volunteers are welcome in the classroom to help with math, science/social studies, or reading/writing - see below for times.
Volunteer Sign Up Link: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/64833852033/false#/invitation
Science: Exploring Chemical Reactions and Properties of Matter
This science unit is experiment-heavy. We will use the kitchen for our experiments this unit. If you are free on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 2 to 3 PM, we will be in the kitchen on experiment days, and in the classroom on days we're planning the experiment.
Reading: We started the book, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin. It is a Chinese folk tale and adventure story involving a young girl and a dragon. We were able to read the first 3 chapters this week.
Reading Challenge: Students are challenged to read 19 books this semester (picture books count, and books over 175 pages (4th graders) & 225 pages (5th graders) count as 2 books. We will have time in school to read, but students should also read at home; they can take their book from the classroom library home with them anytime.
Reading Strategy of the Week: Asking Questions. Questions reveal understanding, strengthens thinking, helps people learn, and improves comprehension.
We talked about 3 types of questions:
Right There Questions - basic information found directly in the text
Author & You Questions - Students need to combine what they know with what the book says, or use context clues to make inferences
On My Own Questions - the answers come from creative or abstract thinking, and allow students to apply information, draw connections, and express opinions
Writing: This week, students had time to finish their artist statements. Next week, we will revise and edit them.
Grammar:
Review last semester's grammar concepts
Many students struggle with spelling, so we will start a phonics review next week. Starting with the 6 different types of syllables.
Math: Fraction comparisons - being able to recognize equivalent fractions.
I will share i-Ready diagnostic results this week as most students have completed their diagnostic. Those who put in extra practice in i-Ready or on math worksheets saw significant growth in their math scores and should be proud of their achievements.
Social Studies: We starting to move into to colonial America, and what life was like as a colonoist.
Students can read their studies weekly at home at https://online.studiesweekly.com/login. I can send you their username and password if you need it. The online version gives students the option to have the newspaper read to them, which can be very helpful for processing the information.
Thank you so much for all the classroom snack donations! I will continue to update this wish list as things come up throughout the year.
Snacks (Individually wrapped, bulk snacks, and fresh fruit are appreciated!)
Tea, hot chocolate, apple cider, stir sticks
Amazon Wishlist: Graphic Novel Versions of Spy School, I Survived, and Wings of Fire Series, Diary or a Wimpy Kid #7, 8, 10 - 15, 18, 19, plus Gel Pens for writing time
Tissues/ Kleenex
January 16th - tentative Galley Walk to showcase drums, formline art, and artist statement - Middle school has a gallery walk too, showcasing their camera speaks work.
January 21st - Eaglecrest
January 23rd - Field Trip to Juneau Symphony
February 5th - Eaglecrest
March 13th - Eaglecrest
Amazon Wishlist - There are many requests for graphic novels for the I Survived, Wings of Fire, and Spy School Series
4/5 Scholastic Book Order Link —You can order the new Diary of a Wimpy Kid book!
Would you like food assistance? Scan the QR Code in this link.
Our Marmot of the Week is Edwin!
Our school is a community school, and we rely on volunteers to help it feel like a community. We love seeing parents in our school helping out at fun events and in the classroom. Students love seeing their family members at school, and it helps drive home the importance of school when you are involved.
Consistent Volunteer Times:
Math 9 AM to 10 AM
ELA (English Language Arts) from 12 to 1:30 PM Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and 1:30 to 2:15 Tuesday & Thursday
Science/ Social Studies 2:15 to 3:00 PM Tuesday & Thursday
Forrest School - Wednesdays from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Making goods for the bake sale at movie night
All School Centers - every other Friday
The class would like a class pet - There is a lot of value to having a class pet; however, I'd like to know if anyone is willing to keep the pet on weekends (rotationally) and/or over winter and summer break.
Additionally, we will probably need to fundraise for the pet (place to live, food, supplies, vet care/pet insurance?); if you see or hear of any opportunities for fundraisers or pets looking for new homes, please let me know.
Creating a timeline for the wall in the classroom above the whiteboards going from 1600 to 2026. With space for students to add to the timeline as we learn things.
** Remember, if you are volunteering more than 2 hours, the Juneau School District requires you to fill out the volunteer form for a background check. **
Kids Night Out - TAFY Dance Alaska - December 20th, Jan 3rd