We partied it up with DJ Bubba (an ASCEND parent) spinning the tunes
We celebrated our 5th graders at their promotion ceremony
Message from Mr. Lee
Phew! What a year! It was such an action packed 2nd semester and we got to do so much in a short amount of time. I wish I could share all the EOY projects, but many of the stories were under student accounts and not viewable by non-PfISD accounts. I'm so sad I wasn't able to really say goodbye to everyone because I had to leave early w/ Ava getting sick, but I'm looking forward to seeing our 4th graders become 5th graders in a couple months! To our 5th graders, I'm just excited to know that you'll be moving to the next stage of your academic journey. It'll be full of challenges, yes, but with those challenges will come so much growth and joy. Please keep Ms. Hurst and I updated on how you all are doing. Have a happy summer everyone!
PS. I will be creating my own EOY video later on this summer. =)
Important Information
Parent Surveys - Please fill out the parent survey. Your feedback will help us improve and grow as teachers and make ASCEND better every year!
2024-25 School Supply List- (rising 5th Grade only) We wanted to give you the heads up that we've created our own ASCEND school supplies list. You do NOT need to purchase the items on the district list.
ASCEND School Supply List (wish lists will not be updated until August)
Purple means parents invited
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
Our students have been finishing their EOY projects and presented their products today! Our 4th graders have submitted 3 logos for next year and have voted for their ASCEND logo... Scroll through the photos to see the winning logo!
Upcoming Deadlines:
None
Important Information
Parent Surveys - Please fill out the parent survey. Your feedback will help us improve and grow as teachers and make ASCEND better every year!
2024-25 School Supply List- (rising 5th Grade only) We wanted to give you the heads up that we've created our own ASCEND school supplies list. You do NOT need to purchase the items on the district list.
ASCEND School Supply List (wish lists will not be updated until August)
Purple means parents invited
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
In ELAR, we have designed and created posters of their learning from the year and written scripts for their presentations on Monday.
In SS, students are making their way through their EOY projects like coding Ozobot stories, writing and filming ASCEND commercials (for prospective students), and researching and designing logos for ASCEND.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Student Learning Showcase 5/20
EOY Projects finished 5/24
In ELAR, we have designed and created posters of their learning from the year and written scripts for their presentations on Monday.
In SS, students are continuing to work on their EOY projects like creating their own writing compilations/ research, editing an EOY video for our ASCEND awards, and a Legacy Project where students make a lasting impact on the school.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Student Learning Showcase 5/20
EOY Projects 5/24
Important Information
Student Learning Showcase - Our students are working hard putting together a portfolio of their work from the past year. We look forward to seeing you May 20 in the E. Auditorium at 5pm-6pm. If you are unable to attend (4th grade), please let me know. We do ask you to listen to your child's presentation at home and sign the form. Parents, please look through the directions for the secret message of encouragement linked here. Last day for messages will be Tuesday @ 10pm. If we don't have enough messages, I will just share the videos individually to the students.
ASCEND Awards Ceremony- (5/23 1:30-2:30pm @ E. Auditorium) The awards will be for our 4th graders with special ASCEND-only awards presented to our 5th graders. All parents are welcome to join! Attire for students will be something presentable (think Picture Day).
Parent Surveys - Please fill out the parent survey on Ms. Hurst's website. Any feedback will help us improve and grow as teachers.
May 15 - Perot Museum Field Trip (6am - 6pm)
May 16 - Spaghetti Dinner 5-6:30pm (5th grade only)
May 20 - Student Learning Showcase (5-6pm @ E. Auditorium)
May 23 - ASCEND Awards Ceremony (1:30-2:30pm @ E. Auditorium)
May 24 - 5th grade picnic (12-2:15pm)
May 28 - ASCEND EOY Party (12:50 - 2:30pm @ E. Auditorium)
May 29 - 5th Grade Ceremony 8am (5th grade only)
- Early Release
Purple means parents invited
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
In ELAR, we are looking back on the year to create their student portfolio websites in preparation of our Student Learning Showcase. Next week students will be rehearsing their presentations and creating their poster display.
In SS, students have self-selected EOY projects like coding Ozobot stories, writing and filming ASCEND commercials (for prospective students), and researching and designing logos for ASCEND.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Student Learning Showcase 5/20
In ELAR, we are looking back on the year to create their student portfolio websites in preparation of our Student Learning Showcase. Next week students will be rehearsing their presentations and creating their poster display.
In SS, students have self-selected EOY projects like creating their own writing compilations/ research, editing an EOY video for our ASCEND awards, and a Legacy Project where students make a lasting impact on the school.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Student Learning Showcase 5/20
Important Information
Perot Museum Field Trip to Dallas - Our ASCEND field trip this year is to the Perot Museum in Dallas. We will be going on Wednesday May 15 at 6am-6pm. All parents are welcome to join us (must drive separately and pay for your own tickets)!
Parent Surveys - Please fill out the parent survey on Ms. Hurst's website. Any feedback will help us improve and grow as teachers.
America250 Competition - Students have an opportunity to win an all-expense trip to 1 of many historic sites across America! Interested students have a letter explaining the prompt and you can find more information at this link [link] Due date is 5/17!
Student Learning Showcase - Our students are working hard putting together a portfolio of their work from the past year. We look forward to seeing you May 20 in the E. Auditorium at 5pm-6pm. If you are unable to attend (4th grade), please let me know. We do ask you to listen to your child's presentation at home and sign the form. I am hoping to have a secret video message from parents to our ASCEND kiddos to share at the ASCEND Awards, so look for that station!
May 10 - AR Points deadline
May 15 - Perot Museum Field Trip (6am - 6pm)
May 16 - Spaghetti Dinner 5-6:30pm (5th grade only)
May 20 - Student Led Conferences (5-6pm @ E. Auditorium)
May 23 - ASCEND Awards Ceremony (1:30-2:30pm @ E. Auditorium)
May 24 - 5th grade picnic (12-2:15pm)
May 28 - ASCEND EOY Party (12:50 - 2:30pm @ E. Auditorium)
May 29 - 5th Grade Ceremony 8am (5th grade only)
- Early Release
Purple means parents invited
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
In ELAR, we completed our spring debates on Friday!
In SS, our students have started putting together their student portfolios and will be selecting their EOY projects.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Debate reflections due 5/10
Student-Led Conference 5/20
In ELAR, we completed our spring debates on Friday!
In SS, our students have started putting together their student portfolios and will be selecting their EOY projects.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Debate reflections due 5/10
Student-Led Conference 5/20
Important Information
Perot Museum Field Trip to Dallas - Our ASCEND field trip this year is to the Perot Museum in Dallas. We will be going on May 15 at 6am-6pm. Chaperones have been confirmed. All parents are welcome to join us! They will pay their own way and drive their own car to meet us there. Permission Slips sent home today!
May 10 - AR Points deadline
May 15 - Perot Museum Field Trip (6am - 6pm)
May 16 - Spaghetti Dinner 5-6:30pm (5th grade only)
May 20 - Student Led Conferences (5-6pm)
May 23 - ASCEND Awards Ceremony (1:30-2:30pm)
May 24 - 5th grade picnic (12-2:15pm)
May 28 - ASCEND EOY Party (12:50 - 2:30pm)
May 29 - 5th Grade Ceremony 8am (5th grade only)
- Early Release
Purple means parents invited
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
In ELAR, our teams have learned their stances and are practicing flowing, cross-x and rebutter before we get to our 4th vs. 5th grade debates next week!
In SS, our students have finished their yearbook planning page and are now creating the final pages on Canva. Students will be learning how to use Ozobots to tell a short story over the next couple weeks!
Upcoming Deadlines:
Debate rehearsal (5/1)
4th vs. 5th grade Debate (5/3)
Yearbook Project (5/10)
In ELAR, our teams have learned their stances and are practicing flowing, cross-x and rebutter before we get to our 4th vs. 5th grade debates next week!
In SS, our students have finished their Civil War projects and will be sharing them next week. Students have made stop motion movies, slide presentations, and news reports! Students will be creating their ASCEND yearbook page to be shared with each other.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Debate rehearsal (5/1)
4th vs. 5th grade debate (5/3)
Yearbook Project (5/10)
Important Information
STAAR Math (Tues 4/30) - 4th grade class will be taking the 4th Grade STAAR Math test and the 5th grade class will be taking the 6th Grade STAAR Math test. They have all learned, grown, and prepared well! Please remember, it is crucial for students to get a good night's sleep the night before and be on-time and present the morning of the test. I know the kiddos will shine as they show what they know!
Spring Debate (Wed 5/3 @ 8am)- Our annual 4th vs. 5th grade debates are happening May 3rd in the E. Auditorium. If you plan on attending and did not RSVP, you are welcome to join, no need to let me know!
Field Day (Wed 5/3 @ 12PM)- Immediately after debates students are welcome to change before lunch. We'll then be heading out to participate in field day. Students are welcome to wear yellow to represent our class.
Perot Museum Field Trip to Dallas - Our ASCEND field trip this year is to the Perot Museum in Dallas. We will be going on May 15 at 6am-6pm. Chaperones have been confirmed. All parents are welcome to join us! They will pay their own way and drive their own car to meet us there. More information to come!
Important Information
Busy May - Please take a look at our "Save the Date" section. Items in purple font are events where parents are invited to attend. We are looking forward to closing out the year with a bang!
Perot Museum - 4th and 5th grade ASCEND will be traveling to Dallas on May 15th for our ASCEND field trip. Student costs have been taken care of (yay!) and we will be leaving early 6am and returning 6pm. Special details will be shared as we get closer!
APEX Fundraiser - What a fun and energizing time with the APEX team! We culminated our time with them yesterday with the fun run. ALL our students met the 36 lap challenge, while many chose to go above and beyond! A special shout out to Nico for being the fastest to finish 36 laps in the whole school! Thank you all for your support!
Spring Debate - Our annual 4th vs. 5th grade debates are happening May 3rd in the E. Auditorium. We have an RSVP so we have an idea of how many refreshments to provide on that day. Please RSVP by the end of the day today. [link]
In ELAR, we are working independently on their debate scripts. We will be doing one last round of practice cross-x and rebuttals before our Spring Debate!
In SS, our students have finished teaching and evaluating student understanding of their lesson. They have started working on our own ASCEND yearbook projects.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Debate Rough Draft (4/23)
Debate Final Draft (4/25)
Yearbook Project (4/25)
In ELAR, we are working independently on their debate scripts. We will be doing one last round of practice cross-x and rebuttals before our Spring Debate!
We have took our Civil War test and have started creating projects to highlight important aspects of the Civil War. Some students have chosen stop motion, Google Slide projects, and even a news report!
Upcoming Deadlines:
Debate Rough Draft (4/23)
Debate Final Draft (4/25)
Civil War Project (4/25)
May 10 - AR Points deadline
May 15 - Perot Museum Field Trip (6am - 6pm)
May 16 - Spaghetti Dinner 5-6:30pm (5th grade only)
May 20 - Student Led Conferences (5-6pm)
May 23 - ASCEND Awards Ceremony (1:30-2:30pm)
May 24 - 5th grade picnic (12-2:15pm)
May 28 - ASCEND EOY Party (12:50 - 2:30pm)
May 29 - 5th Grade Ceremony 8am (5th grade only)
- Early Release
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
Important Information
Perot Museum - 4th and 5th grade ASCEND will be traveling to Dallas on May 15th for our ASCEND field trip. Student costs have been taken care of (yay!) and we will be leaving early 6am and returning 6pm. We are looking for 2 parent chaperones from each grade to help. Please read the PDF for more information and details. [link]
APEX Fundraiser - Our school-wide fundraiser is under way! I do recognize that we just finished a fundraiser weeks earlier, so I apologize that our school is hosting another one. If you are able to share, we thank you for your support!
Spring Debate - Our annual 4th vs. 5th grade debates are happening May 3rd in the E. Auditorium. We have an RSVP so we have an idea of how many refreshments to provide on that day. Please RSVP by 4/19! [link]
In ELAR, we took the STAAR Reading on Wednesday and went right into practicing how to cross examine and rebut for debate. The next two weeks students will be writing their final lead script independently before finding out their role for the Spring Debate.
In SS, our first two student teachers have taught the class and they did great!
Upcoming Deadlines:
Debate Research & Works Cited (4/16)
Lit Circle (4/17)
Debate Rough Draft (4/23)
Debate Final Draft (4/25)
In ELAR, we took the STAAR Reading on Wednesday and went right into practicing how to cross examine and rebut for debate. The next two weeks students will be writing their final lead script independently before finding out their role for the Spring Debate.
We are winding down to the final lessons on the Civil War and will be starting a culminating Civil War project after STAAR.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Debate Research & Works Cited (4/16)
Lit Circle (4/17)
Debate Rough Draft (4/23)
Debate Final Draft (4/25)
May 15 - Perot Museum Field Trip (6am - 6pm)
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
Important Information
Solar Eclipse - All students will be provided with special glasses that were generously donated to our classes. Hope weather conditions open up for us to view the eclipse!
APEX Fundraiser - Our school-wide fundraiser will kickoff next week! Be looking for information.
STAAR Reading - The students will be taking the STAAR Reading test this Wednesday, April 10. We want to set our students up for success, so please ensure they get a good night's rest a couple days before and have snacks that are low/ no sugar and provide minimal mess. Thank you so much for your support, they will do AMAZING!
In ELAR, students have conferenced on their 1st half of debate scripts and will be gearing up for the opposing scripts after STAAR next week. This past week we've dove headfirst into Jedi Academy to train for STAAR Wars. Students took a force affiliation quiz and formed Jedi/Sith squads to accomplish different missions each day! It's been a great time of review!
In SS, students have been taking time to finalize and prepare for their lessons happening in mid April.
Upcoming Deadlines:
STAAR Reading on Wednesday (4/10)
Lit Circle (4/11)
In ELAR, students have conferenced on their 1st half of debate scripts and will be gearing up for the opposing scripts after STAAR next week. This past week we've dove headfirst into Jedi Academy to train for STAAR Wars. Students took a force affiliation quiz and formed Jedi/Sith squads to accomplish different missions each day! It's been a great time of review!
We are winding down to the final lessons on the Civil War and will be starting a culminating Civil War project after STAAR.
Upcoming Deadlines:
STAAR Reading on Wednesday (4/10)
Lit Circle (4/11)
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
Wishing you all a restful and reflective long weekend! For those that celebrate, have a happy Easter!
ASCEND Spotify playlist [link]
In ELAR, it is all debate all the time. Students have turned in their first lead scripts for the debates, and we'll be practicing how to cross examine and rebut next week. We'll also be launching our STAAR Wars Jedi Academy in preparation for our Reading STAAR test. Students have found out their force affiliations and it will determine the results of their daily challenges.
In SS, students have been conferencing with me to get feedback on the lessons they'll be teaching the class in April.
Upcoming Deadlines:
N/A
In ELAR, it is all debate all the time. Students have turned in their first lead scripts for the debates, and we'll be practicing how to cross examine and rebut next week. We'll also be launching our STAAR Wars Jedi Academy in preparation for our Reading STAAR test. Students have found out their force affiliations and it will determine the results of their daily challenges.
We are continuing to learn about the Civil War by looking at key figures on both sides as well as primary documents from letters people wrote during the time period.
Upcoming Deadlines:
N/A
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
In ELAR, we have been practicing our editing and revising and most groups have finished their 3rd Lit Circle books!
In SS, our students have finished editing their Civil War news broadcasts and have started researching for their new group projects: the impact of railroads, Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, WWII, and innovative technologies.
Upcoming Deadlines:
In ELAR, our students have been practicing their editing and revising and are finishing their Lit Circle books within the next couple weeks.
In SS, we have finished editing our Westward Expansion projects and started learning about the precursors to the Civil War.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
In ELAR, we have been practicing our editing and revising and are finishing our 3rd round of Lit Circle groups within the next couple months!
In SS, our students have finished Reconstruction and have finished filming their Civil War News Reports. Special thank you to our amazing parent volunteers who helped watch the class while we filmed. Also a big thank you to the parents who've been helping to laminate our social studies and science weeklies!
Upcoming Deadlines:
In ELAR, our students have been practicing their editing and revising and are finishing their Lit Circle books.
In SS, we have finished our Westward Expansion unit and have filmed their own recreation of one of the Westward Trails using Ozobots. Groups will be editing and hope to share them next week!
Upcoming Deadlines:
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
We will be needing 1 volunteer to help monitor the 4th Grade class while I help with filming from 9-10am. Possible filming dates will be Tuesday (2/27), Thursday (2/29), or Friday (3/1). If you would like to volunteer, please message me on Class Dojo with the dates you are available to help. Thank you for your availability!
In ELAR, our students have gotten their published stories. Please ask them to share what they wrote if they haven't already done so! We are taking a break from publishing written products, instead doing a grammar focus until spring break.
In SS, our students have started learning about Reconstruction while working on their Civil War News Reports.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Filming Tues/ Thurs/ Fri (if needed) [2/27-29]
In ELAR, our students are reviewing grammar and punctuation until Spring Break.
In SS, we are continuing our unit on Westward Expansion and have started planning their Ozobot Trail project.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Trail plan/ script submitted [2/28]
Trail filming [2/29]
Trail presentations [3/1]
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
In ELAR, our students have officially submitted their trickster and tall tale stories and sent them off to the print shop to be printed as their very first published stories!
In SS, our students have finished taking initial notes on the Civil War and have chosen teams to create a news broadcast recapping the causes and effects of the Civil War.
Upcoming Deadlines:
NA
In ELAR, our students have done such a great job putting together their wax museum presentations! We had 10 classes visit, many parents, and even guests from Central come and visit. Everyone had glowing reviews at how well prepared our students were!
In SS, we are continuing our unit on Westward Expansion. Students got to experience the joys of the classic Oregon Trail game, learning the challenges and difficulties of long distance travel during that time.
Upcoming Deadlines:
NA
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
In ELAR, we have been planning and writing our own Tall Tales and Trickster Tales. We aim to publish them next week!
In SS, our students have started learning about the Civil War, looking at the background and the beginning parts of the war.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Thunder Rose RACE writing (due 2/12)
Tall Tall or Trickster Tale book (due 2/15)
In ELAR, our students have chosen and started working on our Living Wax Museums. We will be having our Grand Opening on Thursday.
In SS, we are continuing our unit on Westward Expansion, this week focusing on the 4 major trails out west!
Upcoming Deadlines:
Wax Museum (Thursday 2/15 @ various times)
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
In ELAR, we have started a new unit on Trickster Tales and Tall Tales. Students have finished publishing their Informational Text Projects and practiced using our RACE strategy for writing responses.
In SS, our students have been learning about the foundational Freedom texts like the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Freedom Document Posters (due Monday 2/5)
In ELAR, our students have had an opportunity to Free Write and publish this week. In addition, students had an extra credit option of making a creative mashup of the 2 artists they researched.
We have started the unit on Westward Expansion, starting with learning about Manifest Destiny.
Upcoming Deadlines:
None
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
Our students have finished researching, planning, and writing their first drafts of a research project focusing on including text features. We aim to publish them next week!
In SS, our students have finished putting together their quilts and they look amazing! We are starting to include our projects into their personal portfolio websites.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Informational Text Project due (2/2)
In ELAR, our have published their Artist comparison/contrast essays and have the option of creating their own interpretative art inspired by their artists for extra credit.
We are in the tail end of the Constitution unit, learning about the Preamble and different components of the Constitution.
Upcoming Deadlines:
None
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
This week has been grammar week, focusing on commonly misspelled words and doing quick writes to practice using them correctly!
In SS, we are on the tail end of our TX Annexation unit, and students are creating a historical quilt of important events.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Historical Quilt due Jan 25
In ELAR, our students have researched, outlined, and have started working on their rough drafts. As students complete the artist comparison essays, they have the option of creating their own interpretative art inspired by their artists.
We have started simulated the Constitutional Congress this past week, going through important decisions like presidential term limits, how to choose representatives in Congress, and the impact of slavery in our Constitution.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Artist Essay due Jan 26
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
We started the year learning about metacognition and setting 1 word intentions for ourselves in 2024.
We are practicing how to write Constructed responses using RACE strategy in ELAR.
In SS, we have started learning about the TX Annexation.
Upcoming Deadlines:
STAR360 Rdng MOY testing Friday (1/19)
In ELAR, our students are learning how to write comparison/ contrast essays. They have started researching 2 artists of their choice and ending with a creative art work.
We have started learning about the US Constitution in SS.
Upcoming Deadlines:
STAR360 Rdng MOY testing Friday (1/19)
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
In SS and ELAR, students gave their lead speeches on Monday, prepped their cross examinations and held our official winter debates on Wednesday! A special thank you to our guest judges, Cody Pruitt and Hoda Mohamed from district who gave amazing feedback to our students.
Upcoming Deadlines:
In SS and ELAR, students gave their lead speeches on Monday, prepped their cross examinations and held our official winter debates on Wednesday! A special thank you to our guest judge, Cody Pruitt who gave amazing feedback to our students.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Merry Christmas!
Ms. Hurst and I wanted to thank all the families who donated gifts for our mitten game, sent in food for the party, and supported our class with anything and everything from maker space items to emotional/ moral support with your kind words. It truly means a lot and makes coming in every day that much easier. I want to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a wonderful new year!
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
In SS and ELAR, students have been assigned their debate roles, practiced how to flow during the lead scripts, and come up with cross examination Qs as well as rebutting them!
Upcoming Deadlines:
Daily 5 12/19
Winter Debate (students only) 12/18 & 12/20
In SS and ELAR, students have been assigned their debate roles, practiced how to flow during the lead scripts, and come up with cross examination Qs as well as rebutting them!
Upcoming Deadlines:
Daily 5 12/19
Winter Debate (students only) 12/18 & 12/20
Note: we will be showing the movie "Nightmare Before Christmas" in the background, although it is not required for students to watch. A permission slip will be sent home next week if you do not want your child to watch. Students are able to play games, eat, and do other activities if they are not able to watch the movie.
3rd Grade Market Day: This upcoming Tuesday, December 19th, 3rd Grade will be holding Market Day! Our students have been working hard to make various items to sell to their peers (think fidgets, squishies, jewelry, pet rocks, etc.). All items will be whole dollar amounts between $1-$3, and all proceeds will go to the Dell Children’s Medical Center. Please help support our students by sending your child with money to shop at Market Day on Tuesday 8:15am-8:30am.
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
In SS, students have created and tested each other's Texas Revolution escape rooms.
In ELAR, students have finished their negative scripts and learned about how to "flow" in debates.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Daily 5 12/19
Winter Debate (students only) 12/18 & 12/20
In SS, students have formed teams to start planning their Am Revolution Escape Rooms.
In ELAR, students are turning in their Final Draft of the Affirmative Scripts. They will be working on the Negative Scripts in Week 5 (week after Thanksgiving Break)
Upcoming Deadlines:
Daily 5 12/19
Winter Debate (students only) 12/18 & 12/20
Note: we will be showing the movie "Nightmare Before Christmas" in the background, although it is not required for students to watch. A permission slip will be sent home next week if you do not want your child to watch. Students are able to play games, eat, and do other activities if they are not able to watch the movie.
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
In SS, students have formed teams to start planning their TX Revolution Escape Rooms.
In ELAR, students are turning in their Final Draft of the Affirmative Scripts. They will be working on the Negative Scripts in Week 5 (week after Thanksgiving Break)
Upcoming Deadlines:
Escape Room due 12/4
Winter Debate (students only) 12/18 & 12/20
In SS, students have formed teams to start planning their Am Revolution Escape Rooms.
In ELAR, students are turning in their Final Draft of the Affirmative Scripts. They will be working on the Negative Scripts in Week 5 (week after Thanksgiving Break)
Upcoming Deadlines:
Escape Room due 12/4
Winter Debate (students only) 12/18 & 12/20
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
In SS, students have learned finished learning about the TX Revolution and will be planning an Escape Room activity!
In ELAR, students are constructing their Affirmative contentions together in their debate teams.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Daily 5 due 11/17
Escape Room due 12/4
Winter Debate (students only) 12/18 & 12/20
In Social Studies, we have re-enacted major military campaigns as officers, soldiers, and spies and will be having the students plan a Revolutionary War Escape Room.
In ELAR, we are halfway through our Affirmative contentions in their debate groups.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Daily 5 due 11/17
Escape Room due 12/4
Winter Debate (students only) 12/18 & 12/20
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
In SS, students have learned about the causes and major events of the TX Revolution. They will be planning, creating, and running their own escape rooms using what they've learned!
In ELAR, students have begun learning about Lincoln Douglas debates and have started researching and taking notes. Our resolution for this year: did Houston have a better vision for TX than Lamar?
Upcoming Deadlines:
Daily 5 due 11/17
Winter Debate (students only) 12/18 & 12/20
In Social Studies, we have begun learning about some of the major campaigns of the American Revolution. Students randomly selected a role in the Continental army in order to role play what the patriots had to decide in key moments in our history.
In ELAR, we have started researching for our Winter Debate topic: were colonists justified in their response to the British after the French and Indian War?
Upcoming Deadlines:
Daily 5 due 11/17
Winter Debate (students only) 12/18 & 12/20
4th Grade Performance- November 16th @ 6pm, our music teacher has organized a performance involving our 4th graders. Please note that she has requested to have 4th graders arrive at 5:30pm to set up for the performance.
11/3 - No School
11/9 - Thanksgiving Lunch at WES
11/10 - Veteran's Day Assembly (9:30am)
- Book Fair Preview (Lee) 7:55 - 8:05am
11/13 -17 - Lee Book Fair Shopping (16th @ 7:45-8:10am)
11/16 - 4th Grade Performance: Arrive at 5:30pm, starts at 6pm
11/15-17 - Lee in Taiwan
11/20-24- Thanksgiving Break
11/27-30- Lee in Taiwan
12/21 - Early Release
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
In SS, students finished and presented their presentations, plays, and displays of explorers that impacted Texas.
In ELAR, students finished our mini-unit on dramas by writing their own plays (complete with stage directions and cast listings).
Our 4th graders had their first blanket fort party for reaching their Class Dojo reward today!
Upcoming Deadlines:
Daily 5 due 11/17
In Social Studies, we have started learning about the events leading up to the American Revolution and will be starting the events of the Revolution next week!
In ELAR, we have finished our poetry unit and will be starting our Winter Debate next week.
Our 5th graders have celebrated reaching their Class Dojo goal today with class forts and games.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Daily 5 due 11/17
Halloween Party 10/31- Our two ASCEND classes will be joining for the party! We will be partying from 1:30pm to 2:30pm! There is no sign up for food items, students can just feel free to bring a snack or juice to share if they'd like!
Thanksgiving at WES - On November 9th, we will be having a Thanksgiving Lunch in the cafeteria. In order to plan, we need you to fill out this RSVP below. If you're not planning to attend, you don't need to fill out the form. This will help the cafeteria determine how many people to prepare for. Meals are $4.75/person. RSVP Form for Thanksgiving Lunch [Link].
Veterans Day Assembly - This will be a special event on November 10 in the WES Auditorium where we come together to honor and express our gratitude to the brave men and women who have served our country. We extend a warm invitation to the following guardians and any student-related veterans. There will be two assembly times, one at 8:30am and one at 9:30am. The guardians and veterans of our class have been asked to attend the 9:30am assembly. If that conflicts with your schedule, you can come to the 8:30am, but we ask that you try to honor the request of 9:30am. Hope to see you there!
10/31 @ 8-8:20am - Storybook Parade . Parents may watch at the bus loop.
1:30-2:30pm- ASCEND Halloween Party: any donated snacks/drinks would be appreciated. No sign ups required!
11/3 - No School
11/9 - Thanksgiving Lunch at WES
11/10 - Veteran's Day Assembly
- Book Fair Preview (4th) 7:55 - 8:05am
11/13 -17 - Book Fair Week (Lee shopping on 16th @ 7:45-8:10am)
11/15-17 - Lee in Taiwan
11/20-24- Thanksgiving Break
11/27-30- Lee in Taiwan
12/21 - Early Release
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
In SS, students finished and presented their presentations, plays, and displays of explorers that impacted Texas.
In ELAR, students finished our mini-unit on dramas by writing their own plays (complete with stage directions and cast listings).
Our 4th graders also reached their 1st 9 wk goal of earning 3000 class dojo points (They earned 3222!) which means this upcoming Friday they will be able to have a blanket fort party during ELAR! They are allowed 1 blanket and 1 board game/ stuffed animal for the party.
Upcoming Deadlines:
In Social Studies, students created various presentations review games, and coded a virtual environment of the 13 colonies and presented them today.
In ELAR, students submitted their editorials and I have begun conferencing with students on how they did.
Our 5th graders have ALSO earned their goal with 3133 points and will have their blanket fort party on Friday as well. 1 blanket and 1 board game/ stuffed animal are allowed.
Upcoming Deadlines:
We've finished our 1st 9 weeks and are swinging right into the next 9 weeks! Most of our ASCENDers are keeping up with all their responsibilities, but we have a handful of students who are needing some helpful reminders from home to make sure work is turned in on time.
One change I am making to try and help the situation is that due dates will now be at the start of the class period on the posted due date.
10/23-27- Red Ribbon Week (see photo)
10/27 - Trunk or Treat 5-6:30 (see photo)
- Class Party 1:30-2:30. If you would like to contribute any snacks or drinks, just send anything with your child in the morning.
10/31 @ 8-8:20am - Storybook Parade . Parents may watch at the bus loop.
11/3 - No School
11/15-17 - Lee in Taiwan
11/20-24- Thanksgiving Break
11/27-30- Lee in Taiwan
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
In SS, we are finishing our DBQ answering "How did Cabeza de Vaca survive?" and working on our Explorers projects due next week.
In ELAR, students are hard at work creating their plays.
Upcoming Deadlines:
DBQ due 10/16 (extended deadline)
Daily 5 due 10/19
Explorers project due 10/20 (extended deadline)
Drama project due 10/18
In Social Studies, we have finished the unit on the 13 colonies and will be testing over it on Monday.
In ELAR, we are well into the editorial research project. We will be compiling them into a class magazine when finished.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Daily 5 due 10/19
Class Editorial due 10/18
Please check with your child at least once a week to look through their graded work (it should be in their Take Home Folder). I have noticed quite a few students with piles of graded work in backpacks or in their folders. Not only does this help with celebrating great work, but it also provides accountability and opportunities for students to set goals for lower grades. Ms. Hurst and I would greatly appreciate your partnership in this! Additional benefit: it declutters student backpacks.
10/18 - Wear Orange for Anti-Bullying (Unity Day)
10/20 - 1st 9 weeks end
10/23-27- Red Ribbon Week (see photo)
10/27 - Trunk or Treat 5-6:30
- Class Party
10/31 @ 8-8:20am - Storybook Parade . Parents may watch at the bus loop.
11/3 - No School
11/15-17 - Lee in Taiwan
11/20-24- Thanksgiving Break
11/27-30- Lee in Taiwan
Every Wednesday, we wear college shirts!
Every Friday, we wear WES shirts!
In SS, we have begun our DBQ answering "How did Cabeza de Vaca survive?" Students have also been introduced to their Explorers projects due in 2 weeks.
In ELAR, students have started learning about the structure of dramas/ plays and will be creating their own 1 Act plays.
Belated birthday shoutouts to Olen and Everly as well as enjoying our popcorn and lemonade party this week!
Upcoming Deadlines:
Daily 5 due 10/19
Explorers project due 10/17
Drama project due 10/18
In Social Studies, we reviewed New England colonies with a fun Jeopardy review and are starting the Middle colonies.
In ELAR, we have started our research unit, with students learning how to create a Bibliography Page and use their research to create a class Editorial Magazine.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Daily 5 due 10/19
13 colonies project due 10/17
Class Editorial due 10/18
Please check with your child at least once a week to look through their graded work (it should be in their Take Home Folder). I have noticed quite a few students with piles of graded work in backpacks or in their folders. Not only does this help with celebrating great work, but it also provides accountability and opportunities for students to set goals for lower grades. Ms. Hurst and I would greatly appreciate your partnership in this! Additional benefit: it declutters student backpacks.
10/5-10/6 - No School
10/9 - No School
10/18 - Wear Orange for Anti-Bullying
10/20 - 1st 9 weeks end
10/23-27- Red Ribbon Week (see photo)
10/27 - Trunk or Treat 5-6:30
- Class Party
10/31 - Storybook Parade
11/3 - No School
In SS, we have learned about explorers in Texas such as Coronado, De La Salle, and Cabeza de Vaca. We have finished off this part of the unit with a quiz.
In ELAR, students have recorded their raps and we got to listen to them together! What a great job by all the groups!
Our class has won the Spirit Competition from last week!
Upcoming Deadlines:
In Social Studies, we have started learning about the 13 colonies, starting with the Southern Colonies.
In ELAR, we have watched examples of student poetry slams and participated in our own poetry slam in the auditorium. It was so good seeing students apply what they learned in their performances today!
Upcoming Deadlines:
Our makerspace is needing a refresh of materials after our recent projects. Any contributions are welcome! https://a.co/720PfH4
10/5-10/6 - No School
10/9 - No School
10/18 - Wear Orange for Anti-Bullying
10/20 - 1st 9 weeks end
10/23-27- Red Ribbon Week (see photo)
10/27 - Trunk or Treat 5-6:30
- Class Party
10/31 - Storybook Parade
11/3 - No School
In SS, we have finished the unit on Native Americans in Texas with presentations on our artifacts and have started learning about famous explorers in Texas.
In ELAR, students have partnered together to write their own rap lyrics that define and give examples of figurative language (Flocabulary-style). Our students are being stretched and challenged with this form of communication, but they have risen to the occasion. We can't wait to rehearse next week in order to record them!
If a parent is available to help supervise the class while I help with student recordings, please message me on Class Dojo (9/27 @ 9- 10 am)
Volunteer has been found
Upcoming Deadlines:
Record raps 9/27 (and 9/28 if needed)
Figurative Language Test 9/28
Ch 6 Lit Circle 9/29
Daily 5 due 9/29
Explorers Test 9/29
In Social Studies, we finished learning about the early English settlements, culminating in our Jamestown DBQ. We are moving onto the 13 colonies, breaking them up into the 3 major regions.
In ELAR, we have started writing our own poetry. Our goal is to write a poem that conveys a sense of who we are through spoken word. We have watched examples of other students performing slam poetry, as well as impactful professionals, to dissect what makes theirs so powerful and try to incorporate their techniques into our own poems.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Ch 8 Lit Circle 9/28
Classroom Slam Poetry 9/29
Daily 5 9/29
Our school is hosting a night for families to come and grab simple activities to help your student with math and reading skills. Our students don't necessarily need any help in those subjects, but you are more than welcome to swing by to say hello and snap a photo!
Our makerspace is needing a refresh of materials after our recent projects. Any contributions are welcome! https://a.co/720PfH4
9/28- Make it Take it Night (5-6:30pm)
10/5-10/6 - No School
10/20 - 1st 9 weeks end
10/23-27- Red Ribbon Week (see photo)
10/27 - Trunk or Treat 5-6:30
- Class Party
10/31 - Storybook Parade
In SS, many of our students are learning how to analyze primary and secondary sources. They are collecting notes in order to write their own narrative on a day in the life of a member of the Karankawa.
In ELAR, students have been learning about figurative language and how it can enhance our writing. They've been looking into various read alouds to identify examples to put into their notes and helping me spice up my own sentences with figurative language. Next week, they'll be creating their own short rap and recording it, Flocabulary-style!
Upcoming Deadlines:
Artifact Project due 9/19 (note: adjusted to be only 1 required Region)
Karankawa DBQ due 9/20
Daily 5 due 9/29
In Social Studies, we're diving into primary and secondary sources to determine that major reasons why settlers in Jamestown died. Today, our groups finished creating their end of unit projects and presented them to the class. We had board games, Scratch projects, plays, and presentations. What a celebration of learning!
In ELAR, we have been reviewing poetic structure and figurative language. We specifically did a deep dive onto the poems "I Hear America Singing" by Walt Whitman and "I, Too" by Langston Hughes; noting similarities and differences in theme and structure.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Jamestown DBQ (9/20)
Movie Lunch Bunch Award (9/21)
Daily 5 (9/29)
Writing is a continual process of improvement and sometimes when students submit final drafts, there are many things that may need to be addressed. When I conference with students, they are told that they have until the end of the 9 weeks to fix and resubmit the work for a regrade. This is presented as an opportunity to grow, and most students are excited for the opportunity. If students do mention they have to redo an assignment, you are welcome to assist by asking questions, but please let your child take the lead. Thank you!
On Sep 22nd (rescheduled) our school is competing to see who has the most school spirit. If you have a WES shirt, please wear it (if not, any blue shirt is good). The class with the most WES shirts on that day wins a popcorn and lemonade party and the teacher gets a gift card! (Woooo Wooo!)
9/22- Spirit Day - Wear your WES shirt OR a blue shirt
9/28- Make it Take it Night (info coming)
10/5-10/6 - No School
10/20 - 1st 9 weeks end
10/27 - Trunk or Treat 5-6:30
- Class Party
10/31 - Storybook Parade
In Social Studies, we've learned about the struggles of the early English settlements and students are finishing up their exploration games. Some students have elected to code on Scratch, while others have been working on their very own board games!
In ELAR, Students have finished and published our peer interviews and students got to try their hand at portrait photography using a DSLR camera! We look forward to printing them next week! As we look forward to the next 3 weeks, our students will start our poetry unit, culminating in our very own poetry slam!
Upcoming Deadlines:
Exploration Project (9/15)
We've gone over the basics of the American Indian tribes in the Texas Regions and will be doing a deep dive on the Karankawa tribe with an introduction to DBQs (Document based questions). Next week we'll be investigating and analyzing primary documents and photos in order to create a response to the question: How did the physical geography affect the Karankawa way of life?
In ELAR, students have finished submitting their first narrative essay going through the writing process. I'm so excited to read through the full stories, they had such interesting concepts in the brainstorming and rough drafts. Next week we will be introducing figurative language as a tool to enhance our writing.
Upcoming Deadlines:
TBA
Our students received Take Home Folders yesterday along with graded work from the past couple weeks. We will aim to have papers sent home every Thursday and planners are kept in the folder so you can check in with your child on their ongoing work.
Our 4th graders have just had 2 big projects due today and while many did a great job of pacing their work throughout the past 2-3 weeks, some students did struggle with waiting until the last second. We talk every day about setting goals for getting things done, but ultimately we give our ASCENDers the freedom to use their time as they see fit. If your child feels they need to work on things at home, they are more than welcome!
On Sep 15th (Friday) our school is competing to see who has the most school spirit. If you have a WES shirt, please wear it (if not, any blue shirt is good). The class with the most WES shirts on that day wins a popcorn and lemonade party and the teacher gets a gift card! (Woooo Wooo!) Flyers are getting sent home today with a reminder and order form.
9/15- Spirit Day - Wear your WES shirt OR a blue shirt
- Dot Day - What mark are you making on the world?
9/28- Academic Night (more details to come)
10/5-10/6 - No School
10/20 - 1st 9 weeks end
10/31 - Storybook Parade
Students have started learning about the various Native American tribes in Texas. We've covered the Tonkawa, Lipan Apache, and Comanche tribes so far. Ask your student what they've learned!
In ELAR, we've just finished writing the rough drafts of our narrative stories and have talked about how to revise and edit. Our students' stories are so creative, I can't wait to see their finished products! If you look over your child's story, help point our possible areas to give more details to help the reader envision what's happening in the story.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Final Drafts of Narratives due Friday (9/8)
Daily 5 due Friday (9/8)
In Social Studies, we've finished the chapter on exploration and have started learning about the early English settlements.
In ELAR, Students have published their Zaki stories and have started interviewing each other for a more in-depth story to be published next Friday.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Daily 5 due Friday (9/8)
Student Interview (9/8)
Exploration Project (9/15)
It is important that students are set up for success at school. One way to help with that is making sure that your student is on time to school. The tardy bell rings at 7:35am. Please get your student to school a few minutes before that so they have time to walk to class and be in class by the time the bell rings. When a student has to rush to class, they arrive in a bit of a frazzled state. Giving them enough time to walk to class before the bell will help their mindset for the day. We appreciate your help with this!
9/4-5 - No School
9/7 - Grandparents Lunch Day (see Ms. Mac's updates)
9/28- Academic Night (more details to come)
10/5-6 - No School
10/20 - 1st 9 weeks end
Students learning all about the regions of Texas. We are learning to be independent researchers using a variety of sources like articles, books, as well as atlases!
We will be taking our first test this upcoming Monday as well as working on a brochure to convince displaced citizens to move to a particular region.
Students took the Beginning of Year (BOY) Star360 Reading screener. Please ask them how they did!
Students have been learning about narratives and will be writing their own, going through the writing process.
We've also launched our class literature circle using The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Students have taken on the role of 1400-1600 explorers and learned the various motivations to explore as well as researched the different technologies that helped them travel far distances. They will be finishing this chapter with a test today as well as presenting their simulated explorers crew project.
We have taken the Beginning of Year (BOY) Star360 Reading screener. Please ask them how they did!
Students have finished creating their first informational narrative piece featuring Zaki! They are excited to interview each other in the coming weeks!
We are making our way through The Witch of Blackbird Pond as a class literature circle, and students are already making connections with what they're learning in social studies!
Starting next week (Week 3), Ms. Hurst and I will start taking penalties for late work. Our ASCEND policy is 10 pts off their grade for each day late. We are deep into learning content so each day a student falls behind is detrimental to their success. This is one of the challenges that some of our 4th graders will have to adjust to, but we have full confidence that we'll be able to successful with this.
8/31 - Open House @ 5-6:30pm [presentation intended for 4th grade families although 5th grade is always welcome]
9/4-5 - No School
10/5-6 - No School
10/20 - 1st 9 weeks end
Whew! We have made it through the first week of school! Our new 4th grade ASCENDers have transitioned smoothly into a new school, new class, and high expectations from Ms. Hurst and I. You are welcome to check out the grade level sections to see more specific details on what's been happening in class this week.
Save the Date:
8/24 - Beginning of Year (BOY) Screeners (4th/5th)
8/31 - Open House @ 5-6:30pm
9/4-5 - No School
10/5-6 - No School
10/20 - 1st 9 weeks end
Check out the Back to School Section for pertinent information