Week of December 17th, 2012

Hello students and family,

Here are some announcements for the week:

• There will be NO tutoring today after school
• All students are signed up for one item to bring to Friday's class Christmas party and must also turn in $5 to go towards pizza
• Friday is a short day with noon dismissal

Mathematics
In math we are working on prime & composite numbers as well as prime factorization. We will be taking our Topic 9 Test this Thursday. Please review the videos below for practice:
Prime Number Activity
Composite Numbers Activity
Finding factors of a number
Prime Factorization
Prime Factorization Activity


Enjoy some of the pictures below from our Christmas Program:

Week of December 10, 2012

Dear Parents,

The students are going to be performing songs with an Egyptian theme. The following students have specific parts in the performance that require specific costumes.

 

Kamyron Westby, Jaden Sutherland, Angel Sanchez: The Three Wise Men

Haccel Martinez & Scarlet Najera: The King & Queen

Briana: Angel Gabriel

Gerson Portillo, D’Anthony Ward, and David Garcia: Guards

Ianna McClellan & Erik Juarez: Mary and Joseph

Douglas Perez: Court Jester

Angel Martinez: Court Juggler

Every other student is expected to be dressed in either a Roman Toga or as a shepherd, similar to the students’ costumes in last year’s Christmas program. If your child does not have a specific part, or is not a specific character in the program, their costume should look something like this:

  

Estimados padres de familia,

Los estudiantes se van a interpretar canciones con un tema egipcio. Los siguientes estudiantes tienen partes específicas en el desempeño que requieren trajes específicos.

Kamyron Westby, Jaden Sutherland, Angel Sanchez: Los Reyes Magos
Haccel Najera Martinez & Scarlet: El Rey y Reyna
Gerson Portillo, D'Anthony Ward, y David García: Guardias
Ianna McClellan y Erik Juarez:  María y José
Douglas Pérez: Bufón de la Corte
Angel Martinez: Malabaristo

Todos los otros estudiantes se espera que esté bien vestido con una toga romana o como un pastor, similar a los trajes de los estudiantes en el programa de Navidad del año pasado. Si su hijo no tiene una parte específica, o no es un carácter específico en el programa, su traje debería ser algo como los que estan arriba.

Week of November 19th, 2012

Hello students and parents,

I hope you had a restful weekend. We are embarking and short, but fun, week! Here are some reminders:

• We are still having our canned food drive so please continue to bring in canned goods!
• This Tuesday and Wednesday there will be no after school tutoring.
• Wednesday is a whole school mass for Thanksgiving.
• Wednesday is a short day with early dismissal at noon.

Mathematics
In math, we are studying dividing decimals. Review the following videos for extra instruction/practice:

1. http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/decimals/v/dividing-decimals-2-1
2. http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/decimals/v/dividing-decimals
3. http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/decimals/e/dividing_decimals

Science
We are learning about the Water Cycle. Here is a link to the song we listened to in class: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9Yi4dAzHsc

Social Studies

We have just finished learning about the Pilgrims of Plymouth Rock--just in time for Thanksgiving! Enjoy reading up on more information about them and share what you've learned with your family over your Thanksgiving meal:

1. http://www.plimoth.org/learn/just-kids/homework-help/who-were-pilgrims
2. http://www.mayflowerhistory.com/History/family.php
3. http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/

Have a beautiful holiday! Happy Thanksgiving!

Week of November 5th, 2012

Hello students and families,

Here is a photograph from our Halloween carnival of all your great costumes!

  

Here are some important announcements for this week:

• This Friday is our A and B Honors/Math Medals Assembly following the 8 AM whole school mass. Tell your families to join us!
• Next Monday, November 12th, there is NO school due to celebrating Veteran's Day.
• Tomorrow, November 6th, is ELECTION DAY--remind your family members who are registered voters to go vote for our next president!
• We are now starting our canned food drive. Start bringing in extra canned foods to donate to those in need.  

Computer Lab Assignment 11/6

Even though you can't register to vote until you're 18, it's important that you know who your candidates for president are and what they both believe.

Here's your assignment: 
Research the two candidates for President, Mitt Romney & Barack Obama, and in the form at the bottom of the blog write who you would vote for and five reasons why you would vote for them and five reasons why you wouldn't vote for the other candidate. Below are some links to websites with information for kids about the candidates and the election. Read through information about BOTH candidates and take notes as you are reading.

What do both candidates think about these important issues?
Meet Barack Obama
Meet Mitt Romney
Meet the Candidates
Video: How do the elections work?
Meet the Candidates Part II

 

Who will win?

Week of October 29th, 2012

Hi students and families,

We have a short, fun week ahead of us! Here are some announcements:

• The costume parade is tomorrow at 8:15AM
• The Halloween carnival is from 12:30PM-3:30PM
• Please make sure to bring $5 and a bag of candy by tomorrow
• Thursday is parent/teacher conferences--make sure you schedule a time with Mrs. Coba in the office!
• There is NO SCHOOL for students on Friday so have a wonderful, long weekend!

Mathematics
In Math, we are working on multiplying decimals by whole numbers and multiplying decimals with decimals. Review the video below for extra help/practice:
Multiplying Decimals

For Ex: 4.53 X 100 = 453.0 or 6.25 X 10 = 62.5

Social Studies
In Social Studies, we are studying the voyage of John Smith and the establishment of the Jamestown colony, one of the first successful colonies in the new land. Here are some fun websites to teach you more about Jamestown:
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/jamestown.htm 
http://www.historyisfun.org/jamestown-settlement.htm 
Jamestown Adventure 

Let's have a great week!

Oh, and have a HAPPY AND SAFE HALLOWEEN!!!!!

Week of October 22nd, 2012

Hello students and families,

We have begun our new selection, "The Fear Place", and the spelling and vocabulary words for this selection have been posted at the left of the blog.

This week is Red Ribbon Week and St. Raphael is celebrating being drug free. Don't forget to wear your Red Ribbon everyday this week (and beyond if you like) to show your commitment to staying drug free.

Here are some important announcements for the upcoming weeks:

• Please bring in $5 and a bag of candy for the Halloween carnival
• Don't forget to sign up for a parent/teacher conference!
• There is no school for students this Friday, October 26th

Let's have a great week!

Week of October 15th, 2012

Hi students and families,

Let's take a look at what we're studying this week:

Mathematics
In math, we are learning about algebraic expressions and variables. Use the following website for practice and extra help:
http://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons/vol7/expressions.html
Or play this really fun game to test your knowledge of algebraic expressions:
Who wants to be a Millionaire: Algebraic Expressions!

Science
In Science, we are continuing to learn about our different body systems. We are finishing learning the Excretory System and starting to work on the Respiratory System. Check out all of the fun and exciting website below for more information!

• http://www.e-learningforkids.org/Courses/Liquid_Animation/Body_Parts/Respiratory_System/index.html  
• http://www.kidsbiology.com/human_biology/respiratory-system.php  
• http://lung.ca/children/grades4_6/respiratory/index.html 

Announcements

• Remember that this Thursday is the CLC's second pizza sale! Help to raise money for this year's haunted house! 
• This Thursday is also California's annual "Shake Out" which we will be participating in at school.  Learn more about the Shake Out at the following website: http://www.shakeout.org/california/

Let's have a great week!

Week of October 1st, 2012

Hello students and families,

This past week we visited the L.A. Country Fair and had a great time. We even got to see a 1 day old baby calf!

Thank you to all of the parents who helped out as chaperones! We are so appreciative of your help!
  
Language Arts 
In Language Arts we are working on descriptive writing and using sensory details. We are currently writing a descriptive paragraph on our favorite place. We are also starting a new theme, "Give it All You've Got". We will be reading Selection 1, "Michelle Kwan: Heart of a Champion". The new spelling and vocabulary words are posted on the left side of the blog. To learn more visit: Michelle Kwan: Heart of a Champion

Math
In math, we are starting to work on dividing numbers. Please visit the following videos for help with division. Remember, division is much more difficult if you do not know your multiplication facts, so practice them every night!
Division #1
Division #2
Division #3
Activities:
#1
#2

Social Studies
We are currently studying Christopher Columbus' expedition to the Americas and his experience with the Taino people. Complete the quiz at the bottom of the blog on Christopher Columbus and the Taino.

Science
Take a look at out Digestive System shirts!

Week of September 17th, 2012

Hello students and families,

Welcome to Week 6 of the fifth grade and one of the most important weeks of the school year--ITBS Testing! I hope that everyone is continuing to get plenty of sleep at night and eating a healthy breakfast!

This Friday is noon dismissal so don't forget to remind your parents to pick you up on time! Next Friday is our school field trip to the L.A. County Fair. So far we have five volunteer chaperones. If you are interested in chaperoning the field trip, please send a handwritten note indicating that you are available September 28th, or e-mail me at fifthgrade@straphaella.org.

Computer Lab Work

This week we are continuing to work on multiplication. Now we are reviewing multiplication by 1 and 2 digit numbers. Review the activities below to help you improve on your multiplication:
Multiplication Activity
Multiplication Activity #2
Multiplication Activity #3

In Science, we will begin learning about body systems and we will start with the digestive system. Look at the following links below to familiarize yourself more with the Digestive System:
Fun Link to Learn About the Digestive System
The Digestive System Movie
Digestive System Information
Digestive System Animation

Don't forget to bring in a white t-shirt in your size by Thursday of this week!

If you get done viewing these activities and web pages, please use Mavis Beacon or Math Invaders.

Thank you!

Let's have a great week and do well on the ITBS Test!

Week of September 10, 2012

Hello students & families!

We have a busy week coming up! Here are some announcements:

• Wednesday 
• Vision Screening Mobile Unit returns
• Picture Day!
• Mass with 1st Grade
• Friday
• Whole School Mass

*Our new spelling and vocabulary words for Theme 1, Selection 3: Volcanoes, are posted on the left side of the blog and the spelling/vocabulary packet is due Friday.
*This Wednesday is our Math Topic 2 Test. Please review the math videos on previous blog postings to review. 
*Next week is ITBS testing. Please come to school well rested and with food in your stomach!

Let's have a great week!

Week of September 3rd, 2012

Welcome back to school after the Labor Day Weekend! I hope everybody had a fun, but restful, time!

Here are some announcements for this week and next:

• This Friday is whole school mass at 8AM and noon dismissal
• This Friday is also the Vision Screening for all grades
• September 12th is Picture Day
• ITBS Testing begins September 17th and concludes September 27th
• The fieldtrip to the L.A. County Fair is September 28th

We are currently looking for chaperones for the fifth grade to the L.A. Country Fair. If you are a member of the student's family is interested in attending as a chaperone, please email me at fifthgrade@straphaella.org or send a note to me through your child.

We are currently preparing for our Reading Comprehension Test on Warren Faidley's "Eye of the Storm". Warren Faidley is a real life storm chaser and professional wild weather photographer. To rewatch some of the videos we saw in class, view the following links:
Warren Faidley Photograph Slideshow
Warren Faidley Interview Part 1
Warren Faidley Interview Part 2
Warren Faidley Interview Part 3

In Math we are studying rounding and addition & subtraction of whole numbers and decimals. View the following videos to help you remember the lessons from class:
Rounding Whole Numbers Part 1
Rounding Whole Numbers Part 2
Rounding Whole Numbers Part 3
Rounding Decimals

Here are some excercises to practice rounding:
http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/decimals/e/rounding_whole_numbers
http://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/decimals/e/rounding_numbers

Some students were struggling to remember how to regroup when subtracting whole numbers. This video will help to refresh your memory: Subtracting Whole Numbers & Regrouping

Don't forget to study for your photosynthesis quiz!

Week of August 27, 2012

Dear students and families,

Welcome to the 3rd week of school. This week we have discussed earthquake safety because of recent events in San Diego and El Salvador. Create an emergency plan for home so that you are prepared in the case of an earthquake.

This week we are continuing to work on Place Value and Thursday is our Topic 1 Final Test. Review the following videos for help with decimal place value:
Decimal Place Value #1
Decimal Place Value #2

Then use the following to practice using decimal place value:
Decimal Place Value Activity
Decimal Place Value Activity #2
Decimal Place Value Activity #3

In science, we are studying Photosynthesis! This is the exciting process of plants making their own food! View the following websites for more information:
 Photosynthesis Explanation
Photosynthesis #2
The Photosynthesis Song

Let's have a great week!

Computer Lab 8/21

I noticed that some of you were having difficulty with Place Value. In order to better understand Place Value, first watch each of the following videos:
Place Value #1
Place Value #2
Place Value #3
Then check your understanding by playing this game/using this excercise:
Place Value Exercise

Practice your "Earthquake Terror" Vocabulary using this game:
Vocabulary Game

Week of August 20th, 2012

Hello students and families,

Welcome back to another week of the fifth grade! Here are some announcements for the week:
-The hot lunch/breakfast program begins this week
-This Wednesday morning we have mass with the 1st grade at 8:00PM
-This Wednesday is Back to School Night for grades 1-5 at 7:00PM
-This Thursday is Back to School Night for grade 6-7 at 7:00PM
-P.E. is every Thursday

You can find our spelling and vocabulary words for our first selection, "Earthquake Terror", listed on the left side of the blog. Use the following website to help you to learn your vocabulary words: Vocabulary Game

This week we are starting place value. Use the following websites for fun with place value:
http://www.funbrain.com/tens/
http://mrnussbaum.com/placevaluepirates2/ 

Let's have a great week!

Week of August 13, 2012 - Back to School!

Welcome back to school and to the 5th grade!

I am so excited for the new year we are about to begin together! This is our class blog. Here you will find important information, schedules, spelling & vocabulary words, and other important tools to help you succeed in class. Please feel free to post questions or comments for me on the blog, too.

Here are some reminders for this week:

-Today is Noon Dismissal
-Wednesday, August 15th, is whole school mass @ 8:00AM
-Friday is Noon Dismissal

Remember that there is no lunch program this week so don't forget to bring a lunch! P.E. is on Thursdays so come dressed and ready!

Let's have a great start to our school year!

Ms. Jordan

Week of June 18, 2012

Welcome to our last week of school!

This Thursday is our field day at Mount Carmel Park. The fifth grade is asked to bring two boxes of capri-sun per student. Please help us to supply the juice for this year's field day.

Friday is our Honors/Awards Assembly at 9AM. Please join us to celebrate all of our students' accomplishments!

Here are some photos from our 3D Atom Model Project:

Computer Lab Assignment 6/5

Dear students,

At the following website you will find a periodic table that shows all of the elements' energy levels with the correct amount of electrons. Please find your assigned atom and copy down the image shown so that you can get started on your Atom 3D Model Project due next Thursday, June 14th.

Link to Atom Page
OR
Link to Atom Page

Week of June 4th, 2012

Hello students & parents,

Here's a look at what's going on in our classroom in upcoming weeks:

Language Arts

• We are beginning our new reading selection, "The Golden Lion Tamarin Comes Home". The spelling and vocabulary words have been posted to the blog and packets will be due on Friday, June 8th. Please make sure to fill them in complete!
• We are currently working on our exciting Animal Research Report. Each student has selected an animal and has been asked to seek out books at their local bookstore or library--please help them with this task so they may complete their reports successfully.
• The final, TYPED draft of the Animal Research Report will be due on Friday, June 15th 
• **EXTRA CREDIT** In addition to their research paper, students may make a poster or PowerPoint to present to the class on their animal as well. This extra credit will be applied to three different content areas: Language, Reading, and Science.

Science

• In Science, we are studying The Periodic Table of the Elements. We watched a fun video in class about the elements that you can find at the following link: Meet the Elements Video
• Each student has chosen an element/atom to do their final Science Project on. They are asked to create a model of their atom which demonstrates and labels the nucleus, protons, neutrons, and electrons in their element. 
• They can do this using any materials they choose. I'll post examples soon!

Let's have a great week!

Ms. Jordan

Week of May 21, 2012

Hello students and family!

Here are some announcements for the week:

• Wednesday is mass with 1st grade from 8:00AM-9:00AM! Please make sure to arrive to school on time! 
• CLC Applications are DUE THIS WEDNESDAY! Begin preparing your speeches!
• Friday is Career Day from 9:00AM-12:00PM, and May Crowning from 1:30PM-2:45PM. Please make sure to bring one flower only to add to our class vase. 
• There is no school on Monday, May 28th, due to Memorial Day. 
• Next Wednesday, May 30th, is CLC Election Day--have your speeches ready!
• Next Thursday, May 31st, is the Sports Banquet at 6:00PM for athletes and their families.

Continue coming to school with a positive attitude and ready to learn! The year is not over yet! We still have plenty of fun ahead!

In the meantime, use the following website to practice your vocabulary words for the new selection, "The Grizzly Bear Family Book": Vocabulary Game

Let's have a great week!

Week of May 7, 2012

Hello students & families,

Welcome to another wonderful week of school! This Friday is the school talent show from 1:00P-2:30P. Some of our very own fifth graders are performing so get excited! Here's what we are studying in our different content areas:

Language Arts
In Language Arts we are writing our own short stories. Final drafts are due this Friday. Please make sure your short story follows the plot diagram (see below).

The following website has some good tips for short story writing:
http://www.coreygreen.com/storytips.html

Social Studies
We are currently studying how the 13 colonies worked together to defeat the great British army during the American Revolution. Look at the following websites for some interesting facts and games about the war.
Facts on the American Revolution 
The Road to Revolution Game 
Who is it Revolutionary War Game
Interactive Map of the Battles

Science
In Science we are studying the difference between mixtures and solutions. Look at the following websites to read up on the differences between the two.
Solutions 
Mixtures 
Mixtures & Solutions Activity 

Photos from our experience with Oobleck:

 

Week of April 23, 2012

Hello students & family!

Here are some announcements for this week:

• This Wednesday & Thursday are auditions for the St. Raphael Talent Show in Room K from 3:15P-4:15P. Show the school your talent by participating!
• This Wednesday, April 25th, is mass with the 1st grade at 8:00AM.
• This Friday is a full day

Reading:
Use the following website to practice your current vocabulary words from the selection "Pioneer Girl":
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/tnc/ewordgame/index.html?grade=5&theme=5&selection=2

Mathematics:
Use these websites to help you with your fractions:
http://www.visualfractions.com/
http://www.visualfractions.com/Games.htm
http://www.maths-games.org/fraction-games.html

Let's have a great week!

Week of April 16, 2012

Hello students and families,

Welcome back to school! We have ten wonderful weeks ahead of us!

Remember that this Friday is noon dismissal and the awards/medals ceremony at 10:30A! Tell your parents to come join us!

Get some vocabulary practice at the following website:
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hmr/ewordgame/index.html?grade=5&theme=5&selection=1

Get some fractions practice at this website:
http://www.visualfractions.com/

Let's have a good week!

Week of April 2, 2012

Hello students and family!

Our Easter break is slowly approaching...

• This Thursday is a short day
• Friday is NO SCHOOL
• School is out until April 16, 2012

After many weeks of timed tests and multiplication facts, the following students will be awarded medals for all of their hard work! If you are not receiving a medal this time, make sure you keep studying your basic facts so that you can get one next time!

 If you get confused when changing your unlike denominators to like denominators, remember the steps we wrote on the board yesterday:

On March 29th our class went on a wonderful field trip to the Music Center. Here are some of the pictures we took:

Thank you to all of our amazing chaperones! I am happy you had the opportunity to be a part of our experience!

Have a beautiful Easter! Please remember to complete your final Holes project!

Week of March 19, 2012

Hello students & families,

Welcome to another wonderful week of school! Here are some reminders for the week:

-This Friday, March 23rd, there will be no school.
-Our next field trip is on March 29th to the Music Center. Please return field trip slips as soon as possible!

Language Arts
In Language Arts we have started our unit on the book Holes. Students will be expected to read from the book nightly and complete five vocabulary word boxes. All students have been assigned a classroom copy, but you are still more than welcome to buy your own copy.

Mathematics
In Math we are working on fractions. Next, we will be adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators. Remember, tutoring is every Tuesday from 3:15p-4:15p.

Visit the following websites for more help and fun with fractions:
http://www.mathsisfun.com/fractions-menu.html
http://www.visualfractions.com/index.htm
http://www.khanacademy.org/#browse (scroll down to "arithmetic and pre-algebra: fractions")

Photos from our class field trip to the Griffith Observatory on March 9th: 

 

Week of February 27, 2012

Hello students and families,

I hope that everyone enjoyed their weekends!
Here's what is coming up this week:

• Thursday is our first Stations of the Cross @ 2:00PM in the Church
• Friday is Whole School Mass @ 8:00AM and Noon Dismissal

Science
In Science, we have just begun our new unit on The Solar System in preparation for our March 9th field trip to the Griffith Observatory. We are learning about the characteristics of the different planets in addition to some of the other things that exist in space. To explore Outer Space a little more from home, visit the following websites:

• http://www.kidsastronomy.com/
• http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/kidsclub/flash/index.html

Social Studies
In Social Studies, we are finishing up our study of the 13 original colonies. The students will have their final 13 colony exam this Wednesday, February 29th. They will be given time to complete review sheets in class to study with. Remember, students must be able to locate the original 13 colonies on a map like the one below:

 

Math
In Math, we are now beginning our adventure into fractions! It is more important than ever to KNOW YOUR MULTIPLICATION FACTS. Students are given a basic facts test every Friday, which can either help or hurt their math grade depending on their improvement with their times tables. Students who receive a 96% or above on the basic facts test by the end of the quarter will be presented with medals at the 3rd quarter Honors Assembly. Let's get studying!

Lastly, we will be going on another fieldtrip on March 29th, 2011. If you are interested in participating as a chaperone, please write me a handwritten note indicating that you are free and available to attend as soon as possible as there is limited space for parents. I will write you back to confirm whether you will be able to attend the field trip with us or not.

Thank you!
Let's have a great week!

Ms. Jordan

Week of January 6, 2012

Dear students & parents,

Welcome to another great week of school!
Here are some announcements for the coming week:

• Tuesday, January 7th, at 7:00PM is a Parent Meeting on helping your kids to achieve more in reading
• Thursday, January 9th, the NED Show is coming to St. Raphael! Get ready and get excited by looking into more at the following website: http://www.thenedshow.com/kids 

Congratulations to our 5th grade Spelling Bee Champs, Ricardo Guevara & Romelle Mansel! Good job 5th grade for doing your best and participating! I'm proud of all of you!

  

In Art, we talked about Pointillism. Here are some photographs from our adventures: