Upcoming Events...

FCAT Benchmark
Come to school everyday this week, prepared to do your best on this test.

FCAT Parent Night
I hope to see you and your parents on Tuesday, Dec. 16th for a special night of singing and learning all about the FCAT. Come dressed in festive attire.

Taco Feast
Wednesday, Dec. 17th. Don't forget to bring your food item and a gift for our White Elephant gift exchange.

Winter Break Packets
These important reading practice sheets will be sent home on the 17th. Don't forget to P.T.A., and get a parent signature. Remember, to do your best for yourself and a special treat.

Story Structure
Includes the characters, setting, and plot. Test your knowledge as you go on a mysterious adventure. Be very careful!!!
http://www.cyoa.com/main.htm

Happy Thanksgiving...

Complete your reading packet with accuracy in order to receive a treat in the classroom. Don't forget to P.T.A., as well as get a parent to sign the packet.


Reading projects are due on Friday, Dec. 5th. I can't wait to see your "trading cards"!
Remember, the books for November should be recorded in the reading log section of your agenda and signed by a parent. Record book titles correctly and neatly, and total the number of pages read.

Test your verb power with this fun and entertaining game. http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/verb_power/index_pre.html

Fun practice with NOUNS...

Enjoy playing concentration by matching singular and plural nouns.

http://www.quia.com/jg/333551.html

Challenge a partner on common and proper nouns.

http://www.quia.com/cb/28126.html

Let's Celebrate Red Ribbon Week...

Monday (27th) Wear ALL RED Day
Tuesday (28th) Crazy Hair-do Day
Wednesday (29th) Crazy Hat Day
Thursday (30th) Funky Sock Day
Friday (31st) Favorite Sports Apparel Day (Go Gators!!!)

Reach for the stars...

Try this website for a fun game on guide words.

http://www.quia.com/rr/45806.html

Fun with sentences...

We are working on types of sentences and writing interesting sentences correctly. Here are several websites that you can actually have fun and learn at the same time. WOW!!! Let me know how you are doing.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/words/grammar/sentencebasics/whatisasentence/game.shtml

http://www.brainpop.com/english/grammar/typesofsentences/preview.weml

http://www.quia.com/quiz/126153.html

http://www.quia.com/quiz/106467.html

http://www.quia.com/jg/282829.html

For the week of Sept. 8th...

BENCHMARK TESTING...
This week students are taking reading and math tests to measure their strengths and weaknesses. These tests will be used to determine instruction best suited for students. Students should come to school rested and ready to do their best on all tests. You will be notified of results as soon as they are available.


HOME READING LOGS...
Most of the students did a great job on their very first HRL. The summary or reflection needs to written neatly and in complete sentences. Remember parents, you can sign the log for the first night of reading, then you can inital for the rest of the week. Your signature and initials document that your child is reading every night. Thank you for helping your child to be successful!!!


VOCABULARY...
This week's words are: undulate, modest, immune, stately, encumbered, placid, whimsical, and endearing. You should find in your child's homework folder an activity sheet as well as definitions for the vocabulary words. Having a conversation with your child using these words will help your child to have a better understanding of the words.

Class Happenings for the week of September 2nd...

We are already off to a great start!!! The students are working hard and learning a lot. I am proud of them.
In reading and writing we are establishing rituals and routines. The students are learning strategies to use before, during, and after reading. In writing, we are using sourcebooks to record ideas for stories. I know we have some outstanding authors!!!

BOOK OF THE MONTH...
Our school's book of the month is A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon. The students have learned it is important to like yourself and be pleased with who you are. Students are writing a summary to this entertaining book. Please proofread their passage.

VOCABULARY...
The very first test is this Thursday(9-4). Try to have a conversation with your child with the following words: spirited, contract, impulse, arresting, composure, infer, perceptive, and refute. See how smart your 5th grader is!!!

HOME READING LOGS...
Students should already be working on these. The first one is due this Friday(9-5).

PARENT/STUDENT READING SHEET...
Here is an opportunity for you and your child to do homework together. Students received this sheet today. They need to read the story ALOUD to you and then complete the questions with you. This is also due this Friday. Have fun!!!

AGENDAS...
You can check your child's agenda for all homework and class activities.

Please email or call if you have any questions, concerns, or comments.

Thank you...Mrs. Highsmith

Wecome to Fifth Grade...

WOW!!! Vacation time is over and it's time to get back in the routine for school. Fifth grade is an exciting year with lots of new things to learn and do. I am glad to be back at school and I am especially glad that you are in my class this year. Let's work together for your fifth grade journey to be a successful one!!!

Fondly,

Mrs. Highsmith

Reading fun...

Do you like to have fun??? Then check out this great reading website:
http://www.sadlier-oxford.com/phonics/5_6/cows/sows.htm

Our Class Essential 20...

The following class rules were adopted and condensed from The Essential 55 by Ron Clark.
1. Follow directions the first time they are given.
2. Respond to adults with YES MAM, YES SIR.
3. Be polite, supportive and respectful of others.
4. Do not insult the GIFT or the GIVER.
5. Do not show disrespect with gestures (rolling eyes or smacking lips).
6. No matter the circumstances, always be honest.
7. Always say thank you when given something (3 second rule)
8. Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough.
9. Follow along when we read together in class.
10. Do not ask for a reward.
11. Be as organized as possible. Bring textbooks, homework and agendas daily to class.
12. When a substitute teacher is present all classroom rules still apply.
13. Do not stare at a student who is being reprimanded.
14. If someone drops something and you are close to it, pick it up.
15. Hold the door for people rather than letting it close on them.
16. When walking in line, face forward and keep your arms at your side and move quietly.
17. Never cut in line.
18. Make eye contact when speaking.
19. If anyone is bullying you, let me know.
20. Learn from your mistakes and move on.