Monthly 5S Updates - updated with monthly newsletters

Dear 5S Parent(s)/Guardian(s), May 26, 2024

Since this is the final update of the year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your kindness, generosity, and helpfulness in helping your child grow to the best of his/her abilities. I have thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful group of learners, and I look forward to seeing your child in the hallways for years to come. They truly are an AWESOME group!!

Rest assured, there will be tears on Thursday, as we say so long. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us 920-295-6571 or kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us margmetr@princeton.k12.wi.us . I have also archived the monthly updates on my website. 


DATA Binders - Your child’s data binders and important data information was sent home with your child on Friday. Please remove the folder (and keep it), and sign in your child’s planner you have seen the data. We are EXTREMELY proud of the growth this class has made!!


CLASS WEBSITE WITH USEFUL RESOURCES and ALL OF YOUR CHILD’S PROJECTS :)  Your child’s project links will be visible into August, but then they will be archived. 


READING - During Milk/Snack break, students enjoyed listening to The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. Now, they’re listening to the Newbery Award winning novel by Christopher Paul Curtis, Bud, Not Buddy. 

The BATTLE OF THE BOOKS program concluded on Friday. We have a small celebration Tuesday morning in honor of the students’ hard work finishing the quarter strong in reading. 

AR GOALS - Students should be at 100% of their AR goal. 

Students who have earned 100 points for the whole school year will be traveling to A & W for a free lunch on Wednesday, May 29th.
 A HUGE thank you goes out to my family and friends for donating money, so your child could have their own book to keep each month this year. The May books will be coming home this week. Your child should have his/her name written on the inside cover. 

How can you help at home?


MATH – Students have finished Unit 6, “ Operations and Word Problems”. They will finish the year with Unit 7, “Algebra, Patterns, and Coordinate Graphs”. 

How can you help from home? 


LANGUAGE ARTS - 

The Elementary Concert, “How to Be a Pirate” on May 9th was super! 

There are also a lot of fun upcoming end-of-the-year activities where students will reflect on their growth this year. 

How can you help at home?


SPELLING - Students brought home their 400 word High Frequency pre-test taken throughout the year last week.

How can you help at home?


SCIENCE - Students have enjoyed ending the year with a Mystery Science unit, “Chemical Magic”.  They enjoy heading to the HS Chemistry Lab for experiments they could conduct at home.  

How can you help at home?


ELA/SOCIAL STUDIES UNIT - Students are working on their final project of the year, “The Force is with US”, a unit about U.S. Conflicts. They wrapped up taking notes last week. They are creating an ABC book with given expectations (see gradesheet below) about a conflict of their choice. Due to time, they will be expected to complete at least 3 of the items from the gradesheet by Wednesday, May 29th. 

How can you help at home?


GOOD LUCK, MISS LISA! Our classes have been blessed to have Miss Lisa work in our rooms this year. We wish her the best as she graduates today! Thank you to all who donated treats to celebrate her last day with us last week. She returns home to France on Tuesday. She said it was OK to give you her email, so if your child would like to keep in touch with her, please email me at kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us & I’ll get it to you. 


Just a reminder, Standards Based Grading will be the system used for your child throughout Middle School and High School.  


See Simacek Fifth Grade Facebook Page for many pictures as well as announcements, etc. :)


DATES TO REMEMBER:


Have a wonderful summer, and please keep in touch. Your children have touched our hearts, and it would be our joy to see what the future holds for them. 


Sincerely,

Mrs. Keri Simacek & Mrs. Margaret Metras




Dear 5S Parent(s)/Guardian(s), April 25, 2024

In an effort to keep you posted on what is going on in 5S, I’m happy to put together this update for you. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us 920-295-6571 or kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us margmetr@princeton.k12.wi.us . I also archive the monthly updates on my website. Within this newsletter, you will find links to various resources to help keep you in the loop. I hope you find them useful. You may need to have your child open his/her Google Classroom to access some of the links.


Favor - Could you please have your child check for any books that belong to our classroom library? They would be labeled Mrs. Simacek on the inside left cover. A number of books are missing - especially my Diary of a Wimpy Kid series books. Thanks in advance.  


FIELD TRIP MONDAY - Dress for the weather, and bring ponchos. We will be touring a pond, a lake, and other outdoor activities. Mr. Harris will be providing lunch as you read on the permission slip. Students will need to wear tennis shoes that can get dirty or hiking boots that can get dirty. Thank you in advance to our chaperones. 

The students have really enjoyed learning about energy today with Mr. Harris as well. 


FORWARD TESTS - Congratulations to your 5th grader! S/he is done with state forward testing!! I really appreciate how each child took the test very seriously and did their best. 

I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for the generous donations to help make sure they had healthy brain food!! You’re such an awesome group of parents!! Thank you!!!!!


SOCIAL STUDIES/ECONOMY UNIT - Thanks to Mark Judas for launching and helping us finish our Economy unit. Students prepared their own budget using Google spreadsheets. Mr. Judas even walked them through writing their own checks and recording debit purchases in a fake checkbook register. Throughout the unit, students learned some valuable lessons - especially:

How can you help at home?


SOCIAL STUDIES/GOVERNMENT UNIT - Students are working in small groups researching information on one of the three branches of government for the “Ohhh….Say Can You See?” project. They will be sharing their projects next Thursday and Friday. 


WIN - is an acronym for What I Need. It’s a wonderful time to work more closely with the learners and watch them grow. Students not working with us are working independently on IXL lessons. A MINIMUM of 2 lessons per week and 30 minutes per subject are the goal. Class Champions are recognized on Mondays (and an award is posted in the classroom) from the previous week’s work focusing on lessons passed and time spent during their time on IXL lessons. 

How can you help at home?


READING - During Milk/Snack break, students enjoyed listening to The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. Now, they’re listening to the Newbery Award winning novel by Christopher Paul Curtis, Bud, Not Buddy. 

BATTLE OF THE BOOKS - Your child has four other teammates reading a total of 18 books by Monday, May 6th. The teams of 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will “battle” each team throughout the month of May. By now, your child knows to have the second book read (at least), and the goal is to finish the third book from their bookmark next week.

DAILY READING - Students are to read AT LEAST 20 PAGES PER SCHOOL NIGHT AT HOME. We have a number of students working towards this expectation. 

IXL Language Arts - In May, students will be switching from their daily reading journal to spending more time on IXL Language Arts. We have noticed some reading/language arts growth areas that this tool will be helpful to address.

FANG’S READING CLUB - For every two AR points earned, students move their “Fang” to a base on our class baseball diamond. Once a student has earned 8 points, s/he will qualify for the voucher given by Mrs. Ranker. A lot of students have already earned the 8 points, and we started on March 7th! Wow! Way to go, 5S!!

AR GOALS - Students should be at 50% of their AR goal by today (April 26th). Your child knows where s/he is, and there are some students who could use your support to catch up. 

How can you help at home?


MATH – Students have finished Unit 8, “Measurement and Geometry”. Students usually have some math homework on each weeknight other than Fridays. Not all students are at proficient YET for the Unit 8 standards, so they will have an opportunity to retake the test on skills they aren’t proficient YET after they feel they are ready with further instruction and practice.

Then, they will study from Unit 6, “ Operations and Word Problems”. They will finish the year with Unit 7, “Algebra, Patterns, and Coordinate Graphs”. After gaining proficiency in unit 7, they will take an end-of-the-year unit test. Any gaps in their understanding will be retaught and assessed again. 


Unit 6 Family letter


Unit 7 Family letter

How can you help from home? 


LANGUAGE ARTS - 

As you know, the Elementary Concert, “How to Be a Pirate” will be on May 9th. We have an especially important role including memorizing lines and actions. Students should have their parts and actions memorized soon.

How can you help at home?





SPELLING - Students are given spelling lists at the beginning of the week, and the tests are on Fridays. We have just four more tests.

How can you help at home?


SCIENCE - Students will end the year with a Mystery Science unit, “Chemical Magic”.  See previously prepared projects for their classmates and you on my class website under projects. 


CLASS WEBSITE WITH USEFUL RESOURCES and ALL OF YOUR CHILD’S PROJECTS :)


REPEATED POST: BIRTHDAYS & UN-BIRTHDAYS – Everyone deserves to be treated extra special on their birthday.  So, students that have birthdays on a school recess day or summer have chosen an “un-birthday” date (ask your child when s/he is celebrating their special day).  They are welcome to share individually packaged healthy treats if they like – but it is not required. 


REPEATED POST: CLASS DOJO- Students have been earning points as a class and individually towards a whole class reward. Once they reach 5,000 point increments (hopefully about once a month), they will earn a reward. Let me know if you need me to send you another invitation. 


REPEATED POST: ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOK: Your child should be asking you to sign their assignment notebook EVERY SCHOOL DAY. Looking over this with your child will hopefully help prevent missing work. Thank you :)


Other recent events - see Simacek Fifth Grade Facebook Page for many pictures as well as announcements, etc. :)


DATES TO REMEMBER:


REPEATED POST: Character Strong PurposeFULL People - Students have been going through the ten again the ten traits one week at a time to really hone in on developing these lifelong skills.  








































Sincerely,

Mrs. Keri Simacek & Mrs. Margaret Metras





Dear 5S Parent(s)/Guardian(s), March 20, 2024

In an effort to keep you posted on what is going on in 5th, I’m happy to put together this update for you. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact either of us at 920-295-6571 or kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us  margmetr@princeton.k12.wi.us.  I also archive the monthly updates on my website. Within this newsletter, you will find links to various resources to help keep you in the loop. I hope you find them useful. You may need to have your child open his/her Google Classroom to access some of the links.


STATE TESTING DATES: This year, your child has less state Forward testing than in 4th grade. Your child will have three English/Language Arts sessions and two Math sessions. We have reviewed test-taking strategies and tips to succeed overall. They are ready to do their best! We are so proud of them. Please avoid if possible your child missing school for an appointment on the following testing date MORNINGS:


STATE TESTING SNACKS: Thank you if you have already signed up for snacks for state testing. If you are interested in contributing to some healthy snacks during state testing, here is the sign up link. Thanks in advance!


SPRING/EASTER PARTY - Thank you in advance to our Spring/Easter party committee for sending yummy goodies tomorrow and fun activities and crafts! Sorry to share, but this is the last class holiday party for your 5th grader. They don’t have parties like this in middle school. 


WIN - is an acronym for What I Need. It’s a wonderful time to work more closely with the learners and watch them grow. Students not working with us are working independently on IXL lessons.  A MINIMUM of 2 lessons per week and 30 minutes per subject are the goal. Class Champions are recognized on Mondays (and an award is posted in the classroom) from the previous week’s work focusing on lessons passed and time spent during their time on IXL lessons. 

How can you help at home?

MARCH MADNESS - Throughout the month of March, students in both classes have been working EXTRA hard on IXL (which is perfect timing before the STATE FORWARD TESTING in April) in a friendly March Madness competition. The final results will be announced near the end of tomorrow’s Easter party. A typical week has between 200-500 lessons passed per subject. If each student passed the weekly goal of just 2 lessons in LA and 2 lessons in Math, they would have 144 lessons total. SO, as you can see below - they FAR EXCEEDED our goals. Way to go, 5th graders!!! Below are the results so far with this final week of March Madness to go:

READING - During Milk/Snack break, students are enjoying The Wild Robot read-aloud.

DAILY READING - Students record at school two Making Inferences sentences from that day’s reading. They are to read AT LEAST 20 PAGES PER SCHOOL NIGHT AT HOME. We have a number of students working towards this expectation. THIS STRATEGY WILL CONTINUE INTO APRIL. 

AR GOALS - Students should be at 100% of their AR goal by tomorrow (March 21st). Feel free to refer back to the slideshow to help you apply the making inferences strategy.


Date

Book Title & Author’s Name

Start Page

End Page

At least two complete sentences using the Making Inferences reading strategy. 

Example

4/3/23

The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown

1

43

-In paragraph ____, on page _____, I inferred this character (_________ name of character) felt ____________________.

-The story said ________________________ which made me think _____________________________________.

-From what the author wrote on page _____, I can infer…

-When I read _____________, it made me realize…

-I can tell __________ is ____________, because …

-In the ____ paragraph on page _____, I inferred that…

-How _____________ (character’s name) acted on page _____ tells me….

-How _________________ (character’s name) feels tells me _____________________.

4/6/23




MI 1)

MI 2)

4/5/23




MI 1)

MI 2)

4/4/23




MI 1)

MI 2)


How can you help at home?


MATH – Students have been working through Unit 8, “Measurement and Geometry”. Students usually have some math homework on each weeknight other than Fridays. 

How can you help from home? 


SOCIAL STUDIES - Students wrapped up the US Geography in our unit, “Travel and Explore the Amazing United States of America” earlier this month. Check out their great projects on my website: https://sites.google.com/princeton.k12.wi.us/mrs-simacek/home

How can you help at home?


LANGUAGE ARTS - Students  have been preparing for the Forward State test coming up after Spring Break. 

Students have also written and published their own poetry booklet in our unit, “I’m a Poet, and I Know It.” Here is the grading sheet for that project. They also submitted a poem for possible publication in an anthology of children’s poems! Stay tuned. 

Speaking of staying tuned, Congratulations to two of young authors for winning the local Mary Jo Nettesheim Delta Kappa Gamma writing contest. Their books are currently at state. We will celebrate their books with other local, young writers in Beaver Dam on April 11th. 

How can you help at home?


SCIENCE - After spring break, students will begin exploring Mystery Science Unit 3, “Spaceship Earth”. Students will be collaborating with partners or small groups to showcase their learning throughout this project. They shared answers to the guiding questions through a tech project of their choice. Again, see the projects on display on my website: https://sites.google.com/princeton.k12.wi.us/mrs-simacek/home


SPELLING - Students are given spelling lists on full five-day weeks to study on Mondays, and the tests are on Fridays (BUT NOT DURING STATE TESTING WEEKS, SO THE NEXT SPELLING LIST WILL BE GIVEN ON 4/15/24). 

How can you help at home?


SHOE RACE - collecting any old shoes (without holes) April 1-April 12, 2024



CLASS WEBSITE WITH USEFUL RESOURCES


REPEATED POST: BIRTHDAYS & UN-BIRTHDAYS – Everyone deserves to be treated extra special on their birthday.  So, students that have birthdays on a school recess day or summer have chosen an “un-birthday” date (ask your child when s/he is celebrating their special day).  They are welcome to share individually packaged healthy treats if they like – but it is not required. 


REPEATED POST: CLASS DOJO- Students have been earning points as a class and individually towards a whole class reward. Once they reach 5,000 point increments (hopefully about once a month), they will earn a reward. Let me know if you need me to send you another invitation. 


REPEATED POST: ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOK: Your child should be asking you to sign their assignment notebook EVERY SCHOOL DAY. Looking over this with your child will hopefully help prevent missing work. Thank you :)


Other recent events - see Simacek Fifth Grade Facebook Page for many pictures as well as announcements, etc. :)


DATES TO REMEMBER:


REPEATED POST: Character Strong PurposeFULL People - Students have been going through the ten again the ten traits one week at a time to really hone in on developing these lifelong skills.  







































WANTED:  SNACKS - If you’re able to contribute a box or two of healthy snacks (fresh fruit is welcome too if you see a sale), our class is down to its last few boxes. Students eat lunch at 12:30, and they enjoy a snack with their milk break. 


Finally, we wish you all a safe and happy spring break.


Sincerely,

Mrs. Keri Simacek & Mrs. Margaret Metras




Dear 5S Parent(s)/Guardian(s), February 12, 2024

In an effort to keep you posted on what is going on in 5S, I’m happy to put together this update for you. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me 920-295-6571 or kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us I also archive the monthly updates on my website. Within this newsletter, you will find links to various resources to help keep you in the loop. I hope you find them useful. You may need to have your child open his/her Google Classroom to access some of the links.


STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES  Your child will be presenting their slideshow and data binder for the student-led conferences this week. I hope you and your child have an opportunity to reflect after we meet to reflect on the goals. The conference schedule is found using this link. 


ALL FOR BOOKS COIN COLLECTION: From Mrs. Holland: You are all AMAZING! The All for Books coin collection goal of $400 was blown out of the water. The final amount collected was $1, 066.59. The final class amounts are:

4K - $116.73

K - $68.70

1st Welak - $88.97

1st Brotz - $103.56

2nd - $67.51

3rd - $148.49

4th - $70.45

5th - Metras - $176.78

5th - Simacek - $225.40

Thank you for your donations!


BOOK FAIR - Remember, this week is the Book Fair. It is open today until 4:30 PM, Weds. 2/14 10 am-6:30 pm (you can stop by before or after your conference), and Thursday 10 am - 7 pm (you can stop by before or after your conference). 


WIN - is an acronym for What I Need. It’s a wonderful time to work more closely with the learners and watch them grow. Students not working with us are working independently on IXL Math or Language Arts. They focus on IXL Math Math lessons 15-30 minutes each day. A MINIMUM of 2 lessons per week and 30 minutes per subject are the goal. Class Champions are recognized on Mondays (and an award is posted in the classroom) from the previous week’s work focusing on lessons passed and time spent during their time on IXL lessons. 

How can you help at home?

READING - During Milk/Snack break, students are listening to the book by Peter Brown, The Wild Robot. Students reflect and share the visualizations made during the read-aloud.

DAILY READING - Students record at school two Visualization sentences from that day’s reading. They are to read AT LEAST 20 PAGES PER SCHOOL NIGHT AT HOME. We have a number of students working towards this expectation. 

AR GOALS - Students should be at 50% of their AR goal by Thursday 2/15. Your child knows where s/he is, and there are some students who could use your support to catch up. Students who aren’t reading 20 pages per night in addition to the 20 pages per day in school may have fallen behind. 

Read-to-Self Reading Journal

Directions: Please insert a new row (2 finger click on your Chromebook) above each day while or after completing your 40+ pages (20+ pages in school and 20+ pages at home) of silent reading. The first few dates have been entered for you. See the Visualizing poster with sentence stems for help in doing your best job on your read-to-self reading journal. For an “A” Advanced grade, choose a variety of sentence stems, or create your own.


Date

Book Title & Author’s Name

Start Page

End Page

At least two complete sentences of visualizations you made while reading your book. REMEMBER to include the starting and ending page number EVERY school day (should be around 40 pages per day). Number the Visualizations V1) and V2).

Example:


2/1/24

The Scrambled States of America by Laurie Keller

1

40

V1) When the author wrote “the states were just waking up” on page 4, it helped me hear the states as they were just beginning to wake up. 

V2) When I read about Nevada talking to Missississippi, “I’ll go get my things and meet you there,” and Mississippi replied, “I can’t wait,” I can imagine the two states falling in love. 


How can you help at home?


SPELLING- Students are given spelling lists to study on Mondays, and the tests are on Fridays. There is no test this week, but there will be a list on 2/20 for a test on 2/23. 

How can you help at home?


MATH – Students have been working through Unit 5, “Division with Whole Numbers and Decimals”. Students usually have some math homework on each weeknight other than Fridays. 

How can you help from home? 


SOCIAL STUDIES - Students are wrapping up their Geography in our unit, “Travel and Explore the Amazing United States of America” projects this week. They are excited to show them to you at conferences on Wednesday or Thursday. 

All students should have learned the states, capitals, and abbreviations for all 50 states by region of our country. Online tools they have found helpful include: Sheppard Software (for state locations and state capitals) and a state abbreviations website. Students will enjoy the silly book, Yo! Sacramento (and all those other state capitals you don’t know) that combines states and capitals in silly cartoons. 

In our current project, “Travel and Explore the Amazing United States of America,” your child has been focusing on persuading others to visit or move to a state of their choice. They took notes from given resources IN THEIR OWN WORDS and citing them. This skill will be of great help to your child in future research projects. Your child can show you all the resources in Google Classroom. They posted the notes into an online resource called lino. They will focus their online post-it notes into the four guiding questions (to really focus their notetaking). They will cite their source immediately on each note. Students chose a state and a product to showcase their learning and persuade people to visit or move to the state chosen.

How can you help at home?


LANGUAGE ARTS - Students worked hard to publish their own creative writing story and entered the Mary Jo Nettesheim Writing Contest. Here is the project wall. Their faces when they submitted their books for the contest were priceless. Here is the grading sheet that was used.

Students and families will be notified by Mid-April if their story was a winning story to move on to the STATE competition. Good luck writers and illustrators! 

In preparation for the Forward State test coming up after Spring Break, students will be working on organizing their writing using the Four Square method. This is in addition to the hamburger model and web we have used this year. 


SCIENCE - HEALTH/JUST BREATHE PROGRAM - Once a week the past weeks, Green Lake County nurses came to teach our students about the health effects related to vaping.  

The next Science unit will be called STEP. 


CLASS WEBSITE WITH USEFUL RESOURCES


REPEATED POST: BIRTHDAYS & UN-BIRTHDAYS – Everyone deserves to be treated extra special on their birthday.  So, students that have birthdays on a school recess day or summer have chosen an “un-birthday” date (ask your child when s/he is celebrating their special day).  They are welcome to share individually packaged healthy treats if they like – but it is not required. 


REPEATED POST: CLASS DOJO- Students have been earning points as a class and individually towards a whole class reward. Once they reach 5,000 point increments (hopefully about once a month), they will earn a reward. Let me know if you need me to send you another invitation. 

See the pizza party pictures on the class Facebook page for pictures of Friday’s 20,000 Pizza Party. They had fun. 


REPEATED POST: ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOK: Your child should be asking you to sign their assignment notebook EVERY SCHOOL DAY. Looking over this with your child will hopefully help prevent missing work. Thank you :)


Other recent events - see Simacek Fifth Grade Facebook Page for many pictures as well as announcements, etc. :)


DATES TO REMEMBER:


REPEATED POST: Character Strong PurposeFULL People - Students have been going through the ten again the ten traits one week at a time to really hone in on developing these lifelong skills.  








































Sincerely,


Mrs. Keri Simacek & Mrs. Margaret Metras



NOTE SENT HOME TUES. 1/16/24


5th Grade Valentine’s Day Celebration 

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - 1:30-3:00 PM

The 5th grade class will be having a Valentine’s Day Celebration on Wednesday, February 14th from 1:30-3:00 pm. We have a celebration committee prepared to bring treats and plan activities.  

Students are welcome to write valentines to all 25 classmates if they want, and we encourage them to have them here by Friday, February 9th if they do. We included their names below.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns (920) 295-6571.

Mrs. Simacek, kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us

Mrs. Metras, margmetr@princeton.k12.wi.us







Dear Families of Third, Fourth, and Fifth Graders, 2/7/2024

Our classes will be taking a Science and Social Studies Field Trip on Friday, April 5, 2024. We will be loading a bus at 8:15 AM and traveling to Barlow Planetarium in Menasha. We will return at 2:45 PM.

Once we reach the Barlow Planetarium, we will be attending “Solar System Exploration” at 9:30 AM.

Barlow Planetarium has a specified place to eat our sack lunches, so we will do that from 10:30 - 11:30 AM before heading to our next destination, the Fox Valley Performing Arts Center. (Each student will have a sack lunch provided by the school.)

After arriving at the Fox Valley PAC, we will be attending the 12:30 PM showing of “Show the Way: The Musical” “which is a story of a family’s history, love, resilience, promise and possibility.”  After the show, we will board the bus and head back to the school.

If you would like to chaperone for this event, please contact your child’s teacher right away due to limited tickets available. Chaperones will be responsible for their ticket expenses, and they will need to provide their own transportation. There are only 4 chaperone spots available per grade level.

We are excited about this opportunity. Please return the bottom of this form by February 23, 2024.


Thank you,

Mr. Bartol, Ms. Bogucke, Mrs. Simacek, & Mrs. Metras

*************************************************************************************

I give permission for ________________________ to attend the 3-5th grade field trip on April 5, 2024.


My phone number is:_________________________________________


Student allergies:____________________________________________


Signed:____________________________________________________


 ___________I have a volunteer application approved and on file in the office and am interested in chaperoning if there is room. 



Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),


On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, the fifth graders will be going on a field trip to the Green Lake County Courthouse. The students will observe or possibly even be part of a mock trial of the Three Little Pigs which fits in beautifully with the branches of government social studies standards. 

We will be leaving school at 9:45 a.m. and returning to school before lunch. 

We are looking forward to a great learning opportunity trip.


Sincerely,


Mrs. Simacek & Mrs. Metras

________________________________________________________________________


Please return this form to your child’s teacher by Friday, February 23, 2024


Name of child:  _________________________________ has my permission to attend the field trip to the Green Lake County Courthouse on April 16th.


Parent Signature:  ________________________________________





Dear 5S Parent(s)/Guardian(s), January 19, 2024


In an effort to keep you posted on what is going on in 5S, I’m happy to put together a monthly update for you. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact either myself 920-295-6571  or kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us or Mrs. Metras at margmetr@princeton.k12.wi.us. 


I hope you had a wonderful holiday season with friends and family and enjoyed the parent gift your child made :) 


Today is the last day of our Character Strong specific lessons designed around empathy. These purposeful lessons are during our Morning Meeting time from 8-8:30 each day. 

For the next four weeks, our Morning Meeting lessons will focus around Perseverance. 

Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming up on February 14th and February 15th. Mrs. Simacek’s homeroom parents, please use this link to sign up with her for your conferences. 

Mrs. Metras’ sign up link will be coming soon. 



VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY - Thanks in advance to our awesome Valentine’s Day Party committee. Our 5th grade party will be on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 from 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM (see note handed out on Tuesday this week below). Here is a list of those on the committee and the note handed out this week. 


KINDNESS - THANK YOU for raising such wonderful kids!!! They are very kind to staff and each other!! 

  

ELA- Students enjoyed listening to Six Minutes during snack break. Next, they will enjoy The Wild Robot by Peter Brown.

I’M AN AUTHOR - Students have wrapped up their writing project, “I’m an Author”. They have illustrated them. Here is the Project Wall. Here is the rubric (grading sheet). They are entering their creative story into a writing contest. Here is a link to the contest information. Winning stories will be sent to the state competition, and the writers will be invited to a pizza party celebrating their hard work where they will be recognized and read their story to an audience of other young writers and professional women in the Alpha Xi chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma (including yours truly). Good luck, writers!  The last step for your child to enter is getting your permission with a signature on the last page. Please do that this weekend if you haven’t already. 

GENRE STUDY - Students are learning about different reading genres. They are learning the more variety of genres they read, the better they can grow as readers. They are collaborating with their peers to group library books into different genres. They then present to their peers with their group. Finally, they will reflect on their own reading so far this year, tally the books read in different genres, and set goals to expand their horizons to genres not read yet this year. With all the snow days and winter assessments, your children have done a wonderful job!!

DETERMINING IMPORTANCE Students are reading about 30 minutes per day in class and asked to read at least 20 pages at home per night. In addition to recording nightly pages read during the 30 minutes read at home, DETERMINING IMPORTANCE. The journal is in Google Classroom, and they can write it during the school day. 

Read-to-Self Journal 

 ______ The date 

 ______ Page started on & page ended on

______ The title underlined with most words capitalized

______ At least two complete sentences of important/essential information the author wrote for you to be sure understand their message (not the little interesting details)

______ Mechanics/Spelling


12/1/22 - pgs. ____ - ____  (goal 40+ per day counting pages read in school)   Title of Book   


I found __________________important, because ___

_______________________________________.


I think one of the main ideas of this reading was _____

 because ________________________________.


When I read _________________, I knew it was important, because ___________________________.


I thought ______________ was important because 

________________.


According to the text, ___________________________.


The picture on page ____ is important because ________.


It was important when __________________________.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?


MATH – Students have been working through Unit 4, “Multiplication with Whole Numbers and Decimals.”  

HOW CAN YOU HELP? 


SPELLING - Typically, students receive their spelling list for the week on Mondays, and the tests are on Fridays. Next week, the students will return to the familiar format of spelling word cards at lists designed to challenge them where they are at developmentally. 

How can you help at home?


SOCIAL STUDIES -  Students are learning about US Geography in our unit, “Travel and Explore the Amazing United States of America”.

All students will learn the states, capitals, and abbreviations for all 50 states by region of our country. Online tools they have found helpful include: Sheppard Software (for state locations and state capitals) and a state abbreviations website. Students will enjoy the silly book, Yo! Sacramento (and all those other state capitals you don’t know) that combines states and capitals in silly cartoons. 

In our current project, “Travel and Explore the Amazing United States of America,” your child will focus on persuading others to visit or move to a state of their choice. They will be taking notes from given resources IN THEIR OWN WORDS and citing them according to the APA guidelines using Citationsy. This skill will be of great help to your child in future research projects. Your child can show you all the resources in Google Classroom. They will post the notes into an online resource called lino. They will focus their online post-it notes into the four guiding questions (to really focus their notetaking). They will cite their source immediately on each note. Students will soon choose a state and a product to showcase their learning and persuade people to visit or move to the state chosen.

How can you help at home?


POSTCARDS - Thank you for continuing to send and have your friends and family members send postcards from around the world. They provide such an authentic geography lesson. 


Book orders were distributed on Tuesday, January 16th. The orders are due by 1-31-24. Everything is now done online. If you have any issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out. For each book ordered, our class earns points to use towards purchasing books for our classroom library. 


THANK YOUS Our class is lucky enough to have retired adults reading with our students. Thank you to School Board members, Mrs. Janine Goben and Mrs. Chris Ghoulet. Also, thank you to Princeton resident, Mrs. Jodee Megeath, for reading with our students to help them grow. 


HEALTH/JUST BREATHE PROGRAM - Once a week the past two week, and two more dates in February, Green Lake County nurses are coming to teach our students about the health effects related to vaping.  

How can you help at home?


THE 100TH DAY OF SCHOOL (AND 1,000TH DAY OF SCHOOL FOR 5TH GRADERS) is coming up in February. Stay tuned for more information. :) 


REPEATED POST: WIN - is an acronym for What I Need. The students focus on IXL Language Arts and IXL while the teachers conference with students on things they need. Students meet their weekly goal if they have worked on both subjects passing at least two lessons spending at least 30 minutes each. Class Champions are recognized on Mondays from the previous week’s work focusing on lessons passed during their time on IXL and Keyboarding lessons in addition to AR progress. 

How can you help at home?


From Mrs. Ranker:

Princeton Elementary is all set for Sunday, May 19 (1:10pm). If families are unable to attend your family night, they can use the Reading Club Ticket for any April/May 2024 game (excluding Opening Day and weekday day games) at the same value, or they could still use it as a grass seat ticket for the remainder of the season. New this year, 20% of the ticket sales from families that purchase tickets for your 5/19 school family date will go back to your school! Also, the Grand Slam Prize for students is a mini bat!


STILL WANTED:  SNACKS - If you’re able to contribute a box or two of healthy snacks (fresh fruit is welcome too if you see a sale), Mrs. Metras’ class is down to its last few boxes for snack break. Students eat lunch at 12:30, and they enjoy a snack with their milk break. 


REPEATED POSTS: 


BIRTHDAYS & UN-BIRTHDAYS – Everyone deserves to be treated extra special on their birthday.  So, students that have birthdays on a school recess day or summer have chosen an “un-birthday” date (ask your child when s/he is celebrating their special day).  They are welcome to share healthy treats if they like – but it is not required. 


CLASS DOJO- Students have been earning points as a class and individually towards a whole class reward. Once they reach 5,000 point increments (hopefully about once a month), they will earn a reward. If you haven’t signed in to view your child’s Dojo points, you may use the form in the black folder given at our before school conference. Let me know if you need me to send you another invitation. The next prize will be a Pizza Party. 


DATES TO REMEMBER:


CLASS WEBSITE WITH USEFUL RESOURCES


Grade 5 Facebook Page 

“Like” and “Follow” our Facebook Page

Simacek Fifth Grade

Click on the link or search the above name.

Mrs. Simacek’s “X” (formerly Twitter)

@MrsSimacek




Sincerely,

Mrs. Keri Simacek & Mrs. Margaret Metras

NOTE SENT HOME TUES. 1/16/24


5th Grade Valentine’s Day Celebration 

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - 1:30-3:00 PM

The 5th grade class will be having a Valentine’s Day Celebration on Wednesday, February 14th from 1:30-3:00 pm. We have a celebration committee prepared to bring treats and plan activities.  

Students are welcome to write valentines to all 25 classmates if they want, and we encourage them to have them here by Friday, February 9th if they do. We included their names below.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns (920) 295-6571.

Mrs. Simacek, kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us

Mrs. Metras, margmetr@princeton.k12.wi.us










Dear 5S Parent(s)/Guardian(s), December 8, 2023


In an effort to keep you posted on what is going on in 5th grade, I’m happy to put together a monthly update for you. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 920-295-9568 or kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us. I will archive the monthly updates on my website. 


CHRISTMAS PARTY - Thanks in advance to our fabulous Christmas Party committee. Our 5th grade party will be on Friday, December 22, 2023 from 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM. 


KINDNESS - THANK YOU for raising such wonderful kids!!! They are very kind to staff and each other (for the most part 


Winter Concert - Thursday, December 14, 2023 - The students are to arrive 20 minutes early (so be here by 5:40 pm). Remember, our PTO will be selling Scrip cards and Basket raffle tickets. Our chocolate and cooking baskets look so awesome! Thanks for your generosity!!!

  

READING - Students continue to enjoy listening to Six Minutes. We will wrap it up after winter break. 

ASKING QUESTIONS - Students are reading about 30 minutes per day in class and asked to read at least 20 pages at home per night. In addition to recording nightly pages read during the 30 minutes read at home, students have been writing at least 2 higher level questions in their online or composition notebook journal. For a variety of reasons, we chose to have the students write higher level questions for one more month, so they will be switching to another great reading strategy, Determining Importance, in January. 

Asking Questions Sentence Starters

How Questions

How did…..?

How…?

How do/does…?

How was/will…?

How is it possible that…?


Why Questions

Why did…?

Why do you think…?

Why did (character’s name)____________________…?

Why….?

You may be able to change a “skinny” question into a “fat” question by adding “why” to the end.  For example, What did Maddy Rose feel when she was taking a risk by putting the red stockings on the clothesline, and why?

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Ask him/her where they are with their AR goal (at least 50% by today).


MATH – Students have been working on Unit 3, “Multiplication and Division with Fractions.”PLEASE be sure to check your child’s planner and assist them in getting it back on the right back to school side.


We will be taking off the week before winter break to construct the gingerbread houses. Students will be practicing geometry and measuring skills while creating these tasty works of art.


SPELLING - Students receive their spelling list for the week on Mondays, and the tests are on Fridays. There will be no list with a two-day week next week. There will NOT be a list the four-day week January 2-5, 2024 after break. 

How can you help at home?

Help your child study his/her spelling words. There will be no test the following week if all students earn 100%. 


SOCIAL STUDIES - Immigration Day was a GREAT success! Thanks for your help in preparing GREAT costumes! The students enjoyed the day!! Their Coming to America essays were the culmination of the unit and were well written. 

We discussed the history of December 7, 1941 yesterday. Our flag team put the flag up at half mast per the Governor’s orders. The students were very interested in history and were great listeners.

Thank you for continuing to send  and have your friends and family members send postcards from around the world. They provide such an authentic geography lesson. 


SCIENCE - Currently, the students are working through the Mystery Science unit, “Watery Planet.”  “In this unit, students consider the profound importance of water as a natural resource. Students investigate the distribution of water, how it cycles through Earth’s systems, and explore how it affects human societies.” (from https://mysteryscience.com/earth/water-cycle-earth-s-systems).They are recording their learnings in a Google Slideshow. 


REPEATED POST: WIN - is an acronym for What I Need. The students focus on IXL Language Arts and IXL while the teachers conference with students on things they need. Students meet their weekly goal if they have worked on both subjects passing at least two lessons spending at least 30 minutes each. Class Champions are recognized on Mondays from the previous week’s work focusing on lessons passed during their time on IXL and Keyboarding lessons in addition to AR progress. 

How can you help at home?


STILL WANTED:  SNACKS - If you’re able to contribute a box or two of healthy snacks (fresh fruit is welcome too if you see a sale), our class is down to its last few boxes for snack break. Students eat lunch at 12:30, and they enjoy a snack with their milk break. 

Want to donate supplies to our class? Items needed include: gallon baggies and sandwich baggies, and small prize box items. If you see any on sale and you’d be willing to donate any, please send them our way. Thank you in advance :)


REPEATED POSTS: 


BIRTHDAYS & UN-BIRTHDAYS – Everyone deserves to be treated extra special on their birthday.  So, students that have birthdays on a school recess day or summer have chosen an “un-birthday” date (ask your child when s/he is celebrating their special day).  They are welcome to share healthy treats if they like – but it is not required. 


CLASS DOJO- Students have been earning points as a class and individually towards a whole class reward. Once they reach 5,000 point increments (hopefully about once a month), they will earn a reward. If you haven’t signed in to view your child’s Dojo points, you may use the form in the black folder given at our before school conference. Let me know if you need me to send you another invitation. 


DATES TO REMEMBER:


CLASS WEBSITE WITH USEFUL RESOURCES


Grade 5 Facebook Page 

“Like” and “Follow” our Facebook Page

Simacek Fifth Grade

Click on the link or search the above name.

Mrs. Simacek’s “X” (formerly Twitter)

@MrsSimacek


Finally, we wish you all a safe a VERY happy holiday season, happy new year, and we look forward to seeing your wonderful children back safely at school on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.



Sincerely,

Mrs. Keri Simacek & Mrs. Margaret Metras


PREVIOUS NOTES IF YOU MISSED THEM:



Dear Parents and Guardians, December 4, 2023

In preparation for the MOST WONDERFUL time of year, we are hoping you’d be able to send some materials for upcoming projects.

PLEASE SEND THE ITEMS ABOVE BY TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2023.

Beginning on Monday, December 18th, 5th graders will be applying geometry concepts while constructing and decorating gingerbread houses. The supplies your student will need to complete the activity are provided below.  You are welcome to purchase and send things at any time, as I will put your child’s name on them.  We will keep them until it’s time to create them.  

Supplies NEEDED for EVERY STUDENT:

-1 box of graham crackers

-1 brown paper bag (to bring the gingerbread house home safely)

-1 container of white frosting

-Candy for decorating (WILL BE SHARED AFTER YOUR CHILD 

CHOOSES WHAT S/HE WANTS)

Suggestions: marshmallows, peppermint candies, m&ms, candy canes, gumdrops, licorice, dots, skittles, assorted hard candy, lifesavers, Colorful cereal such as Fruit Loops or cereal such as shredded wheat or oyster crackers work well as shingles.

Supplies should be brought to school by Friday, December 15th. 

The students will be able to bring home their houses on or before December 22nd. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact either of us. Thanks for your help!


Mrs. Simacek AND Mrs. Metras

kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us margmetr@princeton.k12.wi.us


5th Grade Christmas Party

Friday, December 22, 2023 - 1:30-3:00 PM

The 5th graders will be having their Christmas Party on Friday, December 22nd from 1:30 pm- 3:00 pm. 

A committee will be bringing treats that are pre-packaged for the celebration. The students will participate in various winter crafts and games. 

Please feel free to contact either of us with any questions or concerns.

Mrs. Simacek, kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us or 920-295-6571

Mrs. Metras, margmetr@princeton.k12.wi.us or 920-295-6571




Dear 5th grade families, November 17, 2023


As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, we wish to express our gratitude to each of you for your kindness, support, and generosity. We hope you all have a safe, happy, and relaxing holiday weekend. 


In an effort to keep you posted on what is going on in 5th, I’m happy to put together a monthly update for you. As always, if you have ANY questions or concerns, PLEASE don’t hesitate to contact me 920-295-6571 kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us or Mrs. Metras at margmetr@princeton.k12.wi.us.


WANTED:  SNACKS - If you’re able to contribute a box or two of healthy snacks (fresh fruit is welcome too if you see a sale), our class is down to its last few boxes for snack break. Students eat lunch at 12:30, and they enjoy a snack with their milk break. 

Want to donate supplies to our class? Items needed include: gallon baggies and sandwich baggies, and small prize box items. If you see any on sale and you’d be willing to donate any, please send them our way. Thank you in advance :)


LITERACY Students are reading about 30 minutes per day in class (with the goal of at least 20 pages read) and have been asked to read AT LEAST 20 pages at home per school night. 

Asking Questions Sentence Starters

How Questions

How did…..?

How…?

How do/does…?

How was/will…?

How is it possible that…?


Why Questions

Why did…?

Why do you think…?

Why did (character’s name)____________________…?

Why….?

You may be able to change a “skinny” question into a “fat” question by adding “why” to the end.  For example, What did Maddy Rose feel when she was taking a risk by putting the red stockings on the clothesline, and why?

Read-to-Self Journal 

 ______ The date 

 ______ Page started on & page ended on

______ The title underlined with most words capitalized

______ At least two complete sentences of important/essential information the author wrote for you to be sure understand their message (not the little interesting details)

______ Mechanics/Spelling


12/1/23 - pgs. ____ - ____  (goal 40+ per day counting pages read in school)   Title of Book   


I found __________________important, because ___

_______________________________________.


I think one of the main ideas of this reading was _____

 because ________________________________.


When I read _________________, I knew it was important, because ___________________________.


I thought ______________ was important because 

________________.


According to the text, ___________________________.


The picture on page ____ is important because ________.


It was important when __________________________.

How can you help at home?


MATH –  Students  are wrapping up unit 1, “Addition and Subtraction with Fractions”. They will begin unit 3 after Thanksgiving break. Unit 3 is entitled, “Multiplication and Division with Fractions.” I’m confident 5th graders will find this unit easier than unit 1 was - IF THEY KNOW THEIR FACTS QUICKLY…

Students are also working through Xtra Math (if they haven’t already tested out of all four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division). Xtra Math assesses students knowing their basic facts quickly. 

Also, the IXL computer program helps students close gaps they may have in all areas of math. 

There should be homework most school days (except Fridays), and they should be able to open IXL  at home.  If there is NOT math homework (if we didn’t complete a lesson), they should spend at least 10 minutes on IXL math or review multiplication and division facts through 12s (if they can’t get on IXL). By 5th grade, students should know those basic facts through 12s for multiplication and division as quickly as they know their name (or at least within 3 seconds maximum). 

WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME:  


SOCIAL STUDIES/PROJECTS - Students are really enjoying our Coming to America project which will culminate with Immigration Day on Tuesday, November 21st. They have learned about explorers, colonists, pioneers, and now they’re learning about immigrants. 

Thank you very much in advance for your help in the “costumes” they will wear to school (and all day long) on Tuesday. Students will dress as though they were immigrating in the early 1900s. Students have been given immigrant names to go through an Ellis Island simulation. Students will enjoy using Hoops and Sticks, creating a Statue of Liberty craft while learning more about the Statue of Liberty, singing songs of the early 1900s, and creating a paper quilt of immigration related symbols. The day will end with a celebration of immigrating to America with treats from Czechoslovakia, Ireland, and Norway.

Next, our ELA students will be working on a literacy project called “I’m an Author”.  Here is the Project Wall. Here is the rubric (grading sheet). 

How can you help at home?


WIN - is an acronym for What I Need. The students focus on IXL Language Arts and IXL while the teachers conference with students on things they need. Students meet their weekly goal if they have worked on both subjects passing at least two lessons spending at least 30 minutes each. Class Champions are recognized on Mondays from the previous week’s work focusing on lessons passed during their time on IXL and Keyboarding lessons in addition to AR progress. 

How can you help at home?


SPELLING - Students receive their spelling list for the week on Mondays, and the tests are on Fridays. There will be no list with a two-day week next week. 

How can you help at home?


Class Dojo - Students have been earning points as a class and individually towards a whole class reward. Once they reach 5,000 point increments (hopefully about once a month), they will earn a reward. They enjoyed their Pajama Day on Wednesday are currently working towards a root beer float party.

How can you help at home?

Something you as a parent can help with is talking to your child about the importance of being a leader all around our school (especially in the hallways, in the cafeteria, and at recess). Some students have needed a reminder to keep their hands to themselves lately…


COMING HOME TODAY: A NOTE ABOUT OUR CHRISTMAS PARTY - 5th Grade Christmas Party

Friday, December 22, 2023 - 1:30-3:00 PM

The 5th graders will be having their Christmas Party on Friday, December 22nd from 1:30 pm- 3:00 pm. 

A committee will be bringing treats that are pre-packaged for the celebration. The students will participate in various winter crafts and games. 

Please feel free to contact either of us with any questions or concerns.

Mrs. Simacek, kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us or 920-295-6571

Mrs. Metras, margmetr@princeton.k12.wi.us or 920-295-6571


BIRTHDAYS & UN-BIRTHDAYS – Everyone deserves to be treated extra special on their birthday.  So, students that have birthdays on a school recess day or summer have chosen an “un-birthday” date (ask your child when s/he is celebrating their special day).  The only way treats can be shared is if they are store-purchased and individually wrapped. This is up to each family; it is not required. 


UPCOMING DATES:


CLASS WEBSITE WITH USEFUL RESOURCES


Grade 5 Facebook Page 

“Like” and “Follow” our Facebook Page

Simacek Fifth Grade

Click on the link or search the above name.

Mrs. Simacek’s Twitter

@MrsSimacek



Sincerely,


Mrs. Keri Simacek



Dear 5S Parent(s)/Guardian(s), October 27, 2023


In an effort to keep you posted on what is going on in 5th, I’m happy to put together the second monthly update for you. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me 920-295-6571 or kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us. If you’d like to contact Mrs. Metras, her email is: margmetr@princeton.k12.wi.us. 

Thank you very much for taking the time to meet with us for our Fall conferences. If there are any questions or follow-ups, please feel free to let us know as soon as possible. Thanks!!


PROJECTS - Great news! Your child’s Comma Corral Jingle projects and Habits of Mind e-book projects are now both online for families to enjoy and share with others who’d like to see your awesome 5th grader’s work! The links to the projects are found under the Projects tab on my school website. Please feel free to enjoy & share with family and friends. Your child is excited to share it with you, and I also added the link into their Google Classroom. 


LITERACY 

Book Clubs are starting next week after students learn a bit about THEME. Your child will have a required amount to read (NO MORE NO LESS) to prepare for the next book club where they will meet and discuss the book with other students reading the same book. It’s a great way to improve comprehension and collaborating skills. 

LADDERS Reading Program - Students are learning great non-fiction reading strategies through the Ladders reading program. They seemed to enjoy reading The Disappearing Badlands.

Students are reading about 30 minutes per day in class (with the goal of at least 20 pages read) and have been asked to read AT LEAST 20 pages at home per school night. 

HOW YOU CAN HELP:   You could have your child show you the reading log in Google Classroom showing about 30-40 pages per day (including the 20-30 pages read during school and at least 20 pages per school day at home) with the date, title, pages read, two sentence questions written in their journal. This is a bit of a growth for a few students, and working together, they’ll get the hang of it. Thank you!


MATH – Students wrapped up Unit 2, “Addition and Subtraction with Decimals”. They are now working in Unit 1, “Addition and Subtraction with Fractions”. There should be homework most school days (except Fridays), and they should be able to open IXL  at home.  If there is NOT math homework (if we didn’t complete a lesson), they should spend at least 10 minutes on IXL math or review multiplication and division facts through 12s (if they can’t get on IXL). By 5th grade, students should know those basic facts through 12s for multiplication and division as quickly as they know their name (or at least within 3 seconds maximum). Unit 3 is entitled, “Multiplication and Division with Fractions.” I’m confident 5th graders will find this unit easier than unit 1 was - IF THEY KNOW THEIR FACTS QUICKLY…

WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME:  Please check the daily planner, and have your child show you his/her finished homework. If there is no math homework, please remind them to hop on IXL math for at least 10 minutes or review basic multiplication and division facts through 12s.


PROJECTS - Students will wrap up their first science unit called “Web of Life” next week. They will present a Google Slideshow with learnings from the unit. 

The next project is a Social Studies unit entitled, “America: Our Melting Pot.” Students will learn about explorers, colonists, pioneers, and immigrants. We will need many parents’ help for Immigration Day coming up in November. Did you return your Volunteer Application given at Open House? We will need at least parent (or grandparent) help as students will portray immigrants going through Ellis Island. If you misplaced yours, or need one for a grandparent, see the district website at: https://www.princetonschooldistrict.org/cms_files/resources/Volunteer-Application.pdf

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Students have vocabulary cards in Social Studies they could ask you to help them review occasionally. Also, part of this project is learning about your family’s heritage. Could you have a conversation about your ancestry?


SPELLING - Students receive spelling lists on Mondays of full weeks of school (hence no list last week & no list next week). The lists are glued into their planner. We practice spelling in class as well. 

HOW CAN YOU HELP?:  You’re welcome to have them show you their planner and assist them in reviewing the spelling words.


VOCABULARY Vocabulary words accompany the nonfiction texts read in class. The students will need to study these words and will be quizzed online after the texts have been read. Scores will be shared with you in the planners.


IXL (Math & Language Arts) - Your child is given hours per week in class to work on the online program, IXL. There are lessons designed for your child based on the DiagnosticTest taken in September. Students know they are to pass at LEAST two lessons per week per subject and spend at LEAST 30 minutes per week in each of the subjects. On Mondays, we celebrate their growth as a class and recognize class champions for passing the most lessons and spending the most time on each subject as well as the AR percentage goal making students.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Your child could work on IXL at home if you have a device they’re allowed to use. Your child should stay on top of his/her reading goal (100% of their goal by Wednesday, November 1st). 


CLASS DOJO - Students have been earning points as a class and individually towards a whole class reward. Once they reach increments of 5,000 points (hopefully about once a month), they will earn a reward. If you haven’t signed in to view your child’s Dojo points, let me know if you need me to send you another invitation. Their first celebration was the tech party. 

They have earned 7,507/10,000 Class Dojo points for the year, so they’re working towards a PJ party.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? Talk with your child about the importance of showing respect to all - especially our cafeteria and recess supervisors. In addition, the cafeteria, halls, and recess are a great spot to show leadership. We have also discussed the meaning of integrity as doing what is right - especially when nobody is watching. 


CHARACTER STRONG - Our new Social Emotional Learning curriculum (SEL) is entitled Character Strong. Each morning we have our morning meeting for about 30 minutes where students participate in lessons and activities accompanying the theme. The first two weeks of the school year, there was a Kindness Kickoff theme. Then, the next four weeks, the focus shifted to Respect. This was our second week focusing on Responsibility. 









POSTCARDS - THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Our class has been collecting postcards this year to improve geography skills. When postcards arrive, share in our morning meeting. Your child’s geography skills are improving, thanks to your support!! Please ask any of your family or friends to send us a postcard at school. The address is: 

5th Grade Class

Princeton School

604 Old Green Lake Road

Princeton, WI 54968


HALLOWEEN PARTY It was decided that our Halloween party will be on Tuesday, October 31st. Our Halloween party committee has planned games and crafts for the party. They will be providing treats as well. Thank you in advance to those families!! It is my understanding that students are allowed to wear their SCHOOL APPROPRIATE costumes (no blood, guts, gore, weapons, etc.) to school.

Reminder students can participate in the Water Street Trick or Treat from 3:30-5:30 PM after school today downtown, and the PTO Fall Festival is afterwards at the high school gym. 


INDOOR RECESS

-Elementary = Sunroom


If it has recently rained or is misting outside, students can go outside and play on blacktop and the playground equipment with gravel.  


STUDENT DRESS REQUIREMENTS:


**Students without proper dress will remain indoors in their classroom with their teacher. **


NOTE: Classroom teachers, if there is a “repeat offender” in your grade level who does not come with hats, gloves, or boots, please reach out to parents and insist that they come prepared. Nurse Chris is more than willing to help contact parents. 


Please contact Katie Berndt if there is a student/family in need of gear and she will get information to you about our “Warmth for Winter” supplies.


REPEATED POSTS: 

CLASSROOM RULES - 5S created their Classroom Constitution. They all signed the constitution. :)   We the students of 5th grade in order to have an AWESOME year in 5th grade hereby agree  to:

(give me 5) 

 Be a leader - be happy &  show positivity.

5) Think before you speak.

6) Use technology and supplies wisely. 


ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOKS

Students write their assignments in their planner (which is in their 3-ring binder) each day. They are to ask for your initials. 

WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME:  Please assist your child in getting in the habit of using their planner that will benefit them for years to  come (and initial they have done their work).


PRINCETON SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT:


PRINCETON SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT:


Our class broke down each part of the school mission statement shown below:



BIRTHDAYS & UN-BIRTHDAYS – Everyone deserves to be treated extra special on their birthday.  So, students that have birthdays on a school recess day or summer have chosen an “un-birthday” date (ask your child when s/he is celebrating their special day).  The only way treats can be shared is if they are store-purchased and individually wrapped. This is up to each family; it is not required. 


LEADERS - The 5th graders are leaders of the elementary school. With this comes some great opportunities and responsibilities. For example, this year, your student will be able to raise and lower the flag in front of the school each morning and afternoon. If your child forgot to tell you, I am very honored to have our class participate in this responsibility, as our daughter, Jenna, was able to replace the old flagpole in front of the school (that desperately needed to be replaced) as part of her Girl Scouts Gold Award project. Here is a short video I showed the students the day the flagpole arrived and was installed in November of 2016. Also, as part of the Gold Award project, she created a video interviewing Princeton veterans about patriotism (which I will share with the students closer to Veterans Day) and this Flag Etiquette video. 

5th graders are also making the daily elementary announcements. Each student will have a chance during 5th grade to read any important announcements, the lunch menu of the day, and a fun fact of the day (they research to find). Then invite the students to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. 


UPCOMING DATES:


MY CLASS WEBSITE WITH USEFUL RESOURCES


Grade 5 Facebook Page 

“Like” and “Follow” our Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/3105180446440385

Click on the link or search the above name.

Mrs. Simacek’s Twitter

@MrsSimacek



Dear 5S Parent(s)/Guardian(s), September 22, 2023


In an effort to keep you posted on what is going on in 5S, I’m happy to put together a monthly update for you. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s homeroom teacher at 920-295-6571 or kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us for Mrs. Simacek or margmetr@princeton.k12.wi.us for Mrs. Metras.

 

First of all, we’d like to share what an awesome group of kids you have raised. It is our pleasure to work with them and help them grow into awesome leaders. 


CONTACTING US - We thrive on excellent communication between teachers, parents, and students. The BEST way to communicate with us is via our school emails: kerisima@princeton.k12.wi.us or margmetr@princeton.k12.wi.us


BEGINNING OF YEAR BASICS 


CLASSROOM RULES - The 5th graders created their Classroom Constitution. They all signed the constitution. :)   We the students of 5th grade in order to have an AWESOME year in 5th grade hereby agree  to:

(give me 5) 

 Be a leader - be happy &  show positivity.

5) Think before you speak.

6) Use technology and supplies wisely. 



ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOKS

Students write their assignments in their planner (which is in their 3-ring binder) each day. They are to ask for your initials. 

WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME:  Please assist your child in getting in the habit of using their planner that will benefit them for years to  come (and write your initials indicating they have done their work).


PRINCETON SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT:


Our class broke down each part of the school mission statement shown below:



They also wrote three Hopes and Dreams for the school year (which are posted on our classroom doors) focusing on: 


ELA (English/Language Arts)- Students enjoyed the following read-alouds: Imagine: An Inspirational Story of Calming Strategies for Children, The Man Who Walked Between the Towers, September 12th We Knew Everything Would Be Alright, and the podcast, “Six Minutes” during read-aloud. Thank you to the families who have brought in snacks to share. Multiple students mentioned they are glad we share snacks. However, if your child prefers to have his/her own snack, that’s fine too :).

Students have started reading The U.S. Constitution as part of our new reading curriculum. Students will read the articles within the text in small groups facilitated by a teacher. They are wonderful new materials focusing on nonfiction reading strategies.

VOCABULARY Vocabulary words accompany the nonfiction texts read in class. The students will need to study these words and will be quizzed online after the texts have been read. Scores will be shared with you in the planners.

Soon, students will begin a short project on when to use commas properly. The project is called “Comma Corral”. Students will learn eight rules when to use commas correctly. Then, they’ll write an example sentence using that rule. Finally, they will create a four slide presentation with another student (or two) with a jingle to help their classmates remember the rule using a tune everyone would be familiar with. 

Students will also be able to improve their non-fiction reading skills using Scholastic News magazine. Students get to keep the magazines. Sometimes, we’ll work through them as a class, while other times students will be able to enjoy them independently. 

Friends and family members of mine have donated money for your child to receive their own book each month this school year! They received their September book yesterday. They will be writing official thank yous to our book sponsors in the coming weeks.

Students are reading about 30 minutes per day in class (with the goal of at least 20 pages read) and have been asked to read at least 20 pages at home per night. 

MAKING CONNECTIONS - In addition to recording nightly pages read during the 30 minutes read at home, students have been writing two connections they’ve made with that day’s reading in their reading journal stored online in Google Classroom (TT=text-to-text connection; TS=text-to-self; TW=text-to-world.  Usually, students are able to record the connections in their journal during school reading.  It may be a good conversation piece to ask your child what connection they made that day. 

WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME:  Please assist your child in studying the vocabulary words. 

Also, please assist your child in checking they have about 30-40 pages per day (including the 20-30 pages read during school and at least 20 pages per school day at home) with the date, title, pages read, two sentence connections written in their journal. This is a bit of a growth for a few students, and working together, they’ll get the hang of it. Thank you!

SAMPLE DAILY MAKING CONNECTIONS READING ENTRY:

10/4/18  Pgs. 24-80 Hatchet by Gary Paulsen - When I read Brian was bitten by many mosquitoes, it reminded me of the bad mosquitoes this fall. 


MATH – Students are working hard in the math unit 2 called, “Addition and Subtraction with Decimals”. There should be homework most school days (other than no Fridays there is no math homework), and they should be able to open IXL Math. 

We are stapling the homework to the student activity pages done in class. 

If there is NOT math homework (if we didn’t complete a lesson), they should spend at least 10 minutes on IXL math or review multiplication and division facts through 12s. By 5th grade, students should know those basic facts through 12s for multiplication and division as quickly as they know their name (or at least within 3 seconds maximum). They will be finishing unit 2 in October. Then, they’ll study unit 1 entitled, “Addition and Subtraction with Fractions”.

WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME:  Please check the daily planner, and have your child show you his/her finished homework. If there is no math homework, please remind them to hop on IXL math for at least 10 minutes or review basic multiplication and division facts through 12s. At the end of each chapter, when you see “study for test”, students should use their math folder with student activity pages, homework pages, and pre-tests as study materials. 


PROJECTS: HABITS OF MIND – Students are learning nine of the Habits of Mind to better learn how we can become a community of learners. Each lesson, students write the definition of the habit of mind, reflect when they have demonstrated that habit of mind, and they set a goal to use that habit of mind in school this year. They have put together an electronic book (aka: e-book) using Book Creator on their school Chromebooks. They will share the e-books with you at a later time. They will be presenting their projects to their classmates and other PSD students as well. 

WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME:  Please have them share the Habits of Mind we have covered  and why it’s important we learn about the Habits of Mind.


SPELLING - Students receive spelling lists each Monday of the week. The lists are taped into their binder. The homework assignment is to practice spelling words. We also practice in class. Tests are on Fridays. 

WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME:  You’re welcome to have them show you their planner and assist them in reviewing the spelling words.


Class Dojo - Students have been earning points as a class and individually towards a whole class reward. Once they reach increments of 5,000 points (hopefully about once a month), they will earn a reward. If you haven’t signed in to view your child’s Dojo points, you may use the form given at Open House. Let me know if you need me to send you another invitation. They are currently working towards a “tech party” where they can use their technology to play games. 

WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME:  Would you have a heart-to-heart with your child and ask if they are following the rules they created in an honest conversation? If they are, AWESOME! Ask them how they can spread the leadership. If they are not, how can they grow each day? For example, some students are struggling to use their 30 minutes of read-to-self time wisely each day.


Water Bottles - Students are to have their own water bottles. They can fill them at the water station. 

WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME:  Please encourage your child to be responsible in bringing his/her water bottle each day. 


Friday 5-4-3-2-1 -Many Fridays, I ask students to reflect on their week, and we moved to doing it via Google Forms. Their honest, thoughtful reflections are so sweet. They are developing into GREAT leaders. 


CHARACTER STRONG - Our new Social Emotional Learning curriculum (SEL) is entitled Character Strong. Each morning we have our morning meeting for about 30 minutes where students participate in lessons and activities accompanying the theme. The first two weeks of the school year, there was a Kindness Kickoff theme. The next four weeks, the focus shifts to Respect. 

T









WHAT YOU CAN HELP WITH AT HOME:  Ask your child about anything that stands out to them as a way to learn about these important qualities of good people  :) 


POSTCARDS - Our class will be collecting postcards this year to improve geography skills. When postcards arrive, we will share in our morning meeting. Please ask any of your family or friends to send us a postcard at school. The address is: 

Mrs. Simacek’s 5th Grade Class

Princeton School

604 Old Green Lake Road

Princeton, WI 54968

BIRTHDAYS & UN-BIRTHDAYS – Everyone deserves to be treated extra special on their birthday.  So, students that have birthdays on a school recess day or summer have chosen an “un-birthday” date (ask your child when s/he is celebrating their special day).  The only way treats can be shared is if they are store-purchased and individually wrapped. This is up to each family; it is not required. 


LEADERS - The 5th graders are leaders of the elementary school. With this comes some great opportunities and responsibilities. For example, this year, your student will be able to raise and lower the flag in front of the school each morning and afternoon. If your child forgot to tell you, I am very honored to have our class participate in this responsibility, as our daughter, Jenna, was able to replace the old flagpole in front of the school (that desperately needed to be replaced) as part of her Girl Scouts Gold Award project. Here is a short video I showed the students the day the flagpole arrived and was installed in November of 2016. Also, as part of the Gold Award project, she created a video interviewing Princeton veterans about patriotism (which I will share with the students closer to Veterans Day) and this Flag Etiquette video. 

5th graders are also making the daily elementary announcements. Each student will have a chance during 5th grade to read any important announcements, the lunch menu, and a fun fact of the day (they research to find), and then invite the student announcer to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. 


Dates to Remember


Also, see Simacek Fifth Grade Facebook page for pictures. This Facebook page is for our class families only.

Grade 5 Facebook Page 

Add Friend with our Facebook Page

Simacek Fifth Grade Facebook page

Mrs. Simacek’s Twitter

@MrsSimacek


CLASS WISH LIST:  

Gallon zip-top bags

Quart zip-top bags

plastic spoons

plastic forks

Scotch thermal laminating sheets 3MM

Diffuser scents (other than lavender or apple)

Paper plates

Paper bowls


























September 1st, 2023


Dear Princeton Families:

As we continue to support student learning by promoting healthy habits for life-long nutrition practices, Princeton School District will foster the healthiest environment we can for our students.  As the 2023-24 school year begins we are encouraging you to provide only healthy snacks for school snacks during the day.  We will also be implementing a balanced classroom party approach that will incorporate different food groups as well as a couple treats.  We have found our students to be very overloaded with sugar on celebration days. This balance will allow some treats, but also allows healthy choices.  Birthday celebrations will continue to be parent/student discretion if you decide to provide a snack or treat.  

Children need healthy snacks for energy, vitamins, and other nutrients to help them grow, learn, and be active.  Healthy students are better able to pay attention in class and do their best school work.  A good guideline to follow when choosing foods for healthy snacks is to choose foods and beverages that are low in fat and sugar and are minimally processed.  Snacks that are especially good for kids (and adults) are fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products such as milk and yogurt, and whole-grain foods.  

We have updated our District Wellness Policy.  All holiday party snacks and birthday treats need to be store bought.  We also encourage individually wrapped snacks for parties and/or group snacks.  If the snack is brought in a large package, the teacher will be gloved while distributing it to the students.  

Please read the enclosed flyer for Healthy School Snacks to help you plan for the upcoming school year.  The district will also be teaming up with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin's Fuel Up program to provide some healthy school snacks throughout the year as well as some physical activities. Thank you in advance for helping our school community be healthy and ready to learn!   Sincerely, Princeton School Wellness Team