Thank You!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Creative Pumpkins!

 Thank you to Ms. Desmond and parents for supplying the pumpkins and craft items, and to Mrs. Ponzini for the Halloween gift bags! 

Happy Trick-or-Treating!

I know you are all excited about dressing up and going trick-or-treating.  Have fun, and be safe tonight.

Dates to remember:  November 10- No school due to Teacher Professional Development
                                November 11- Veterans' Day
                          

                                December 9- Parent Conferences (If you haven't signed up for a time,call or e mail)

Fox Hill Has Power

I hope you all have your power back on.  As of now Fox Hill is ready to open tomorrow.  You should have received messages from Dr. Conti updating you on the situation.  Since we have missed a couple of days the Social Studies test scheduled for next week will be postponed until the following week.  We will fill out the study guide in class this week and plan a date for the test.  I'm looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow and sharing stories about the storm and its effects on your neighborhood. 

Math Olympiad & Math Wizards

Math Olympiad & Math Wizards begin this afternoon after school. Notices went home last week to qualifying students.  I am looking forward to working with your children in Math Olympiad.  We will be solving some challenging problems and having lots of fun!  Our policy for after school programs remains the same.  You need to send a note in the morning or call the office during the day to inform us of any change in your child's transportation plan.  Please come into the building and wait until your child's name has been checked before you leave.  Your child's safety and well-being is our primary concern!  See you this aftrenoon!

Say Cheese!

Wednesday is Picture Day!!!
Photographers will be taking pictures tomorrow.  Our class is scheduled for pictures at 11:10.

Important Dates

Wednesday, Oct. 19   Picture Day

Friday, Oct 21   Pumpkin Fair

Oct. 24- 28   Book Fair

No Math Help Thursday Morning

I have a meeting Thursday morning so I am not available to help students.

Thank You!

I enjoyed seeing you all at Back To School Night!  Your presence last night speaks to your dedication as parents and sends an important message to your children about how important their education and the school community are.  Your support means so much! 
The timeline project is due October 4.  I have posted a page with the directions!

Back To School Night

Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 7:00 pm

A Great Time at Camp Bournedale

We had some wonderful memorable experiences at Camp Bournedale.  I will try to post pictures and video soon.  I can't wait to talk about all we did when we have morning meeting tomorrow.  Remember to give Mr. Lisano a big thank you for organizing such an amazing trip for us! (And don't forget  to thank your wonderful parents for being such super chaperones!)

Are You Packed?

Please arrive at school Tuesday at 7:45 with all your bags labeled with your name and school.

Sign up for a Parent Teacher Conference

As I wrote in my welcome letter, I would like to meet with my students' parents in the next few days. I will send conference confirmation notices home as soon as I receive your appointment choice, so be sure to check homework folders and planners.  I am asking that parents sign their child's homework planner each night.  If you have any questions you can write them in the space provided on the bottom of the page.  Your child may also need your assistance periodically to clean out and organize their folders and backpacks.  This can be a daunting task for some children, and as we work toward independence in organization they still need guidance and reinforcement. Thank you for your help!

A Great First Day!

The rain kept us inside today, but did not dampen our excitement or curiosity.  We had a full day getting to know one another and learning about how to navigate our new classroom (and for some- a new school!)  I was extremely proud of how students welcomed thier peers from Pine Glen to Fox Hill.  Likewise, our new friends are delightful and are already part of the Fox Hill family!

Don't forget sneakers tomorrow.  We have PE first thing!

School Starts Wednesday, September 7!

School is almost here, and I'm very excited to see you all and start our learning journey together!  I hope you all have a fun and relaxing weekend, and come to room 13 ready to have a great day and a great year!  See you Wednesday!

Mrs. Lee

                                                 Happy Labor Day!!

 

Dear Fabulous Fifth-grader,

          I can’t wait to get back into our classroom and start preparing for the new school year.  Teaching is my absolute favorite thing to do.  Don’t get me wrong- I love summer: the beach, barbecues and good books!  My porch is my favorite place in the summer, because it’s where I can curl up and read for hours in any kind of weather.

 Let me mention a great book I just finished.  It’s called Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson.  The story tells about escaped slaves during the American Revolution.  As the lives of these unforgettable characters unfold you learn about the harsh conditions that Washington’s soldiers had to endure at Valley Forge.  Forge is the sequel to Chains, a book that introduces Isabel and Curzon, the amazing characters whose story will continue in a third book called Ashes (which I can’t wait to read!) One thing I love about these books is their historical accuracy.  Each chapter begins with a quote from a primary source, that is, an actual document from that period in history. It’s so exciting to me to be able to connect with the past while reading such a fascinating story. Historical fiction is my favorite genre (type of story). I wonder what your favorite is. 

That’s just one of the many ideas we will discuss in reading workshops and conferences. You will be choosing books as well as reading class novels and sharing your reactions.  I’m really curious to hear about the books you are reading this summer. 

          If you have time I’d love to hear from you about what you are doing or what you are reading this summer.  You can e mail me at lee@burlington.mec.edu or you can send me a postcard at Fox Hill.  I’ll be in and out of school over the summer setting up our classroom.  I’d love to hear your suggestions about what makes a great classroom, too!

I know the idea of coming back to school makes some excited, and some- well- not so excited, but remember, you have so many cool activities and experiences to look forward to.   I am so happy I can be a part of making your last year at Fox Hill a super memorable one. 

I can’t wait to hear from you!

                                                                                   Sincerely,

                                                                                   YMrs. Lee

Have a Great Summer!!

Thanks for a wonderful year, everyone.  I've enjoyed working with you all so much, and I will miss you.  Please keep in touch, and let me know about the great books you are reading, and all the fun you're having over the summer.

HELP!!!

PLEASE DO A THOROUGH SEARCH FOR ANY TEXT BOOKS OR LIBRARY BOOKS YOU MAY HAVE AT HOME.
.
WE NEED TO COLLECT AND INVENTORY ALL BOOKS NEXT WEEK.
THANKS!!

Fifth Grade Reception Tonight!!!

Please be in your classroom at 6:45.  Wear appropriate clothes for a special occasion.  Smile and sing out!!!

Bringing the Sunshine Inside!!

Enjoy a few moments from our 2011 Spring Celebration

Spring Celebration!

We will be celebrating this annual event rain or shine tomorrow!  Please remember to wear a white shirt.

3 Branches of Government

QUIZ TOMORROW!!!!!!!

Congress makes laws. The president carries out or enforces laws.
The Courts interpret or explain laws and make sure they are working fairly according to the Constitution.

Field Day

We had a great field day!  Room 13 is the first fifth grade class to best the teachers at volleyball.  Great teamwork kids!!!

Memorial Day 2011

                                         We remember the men and women who sacrifice for us. 

image from memorialday2011.com

                                                                 Thank You

Independence Day on Friday!

In May??? Yes, we are celebrating the culmination of our research on The American Revolution.  Loyalists and Patriots will present their projects on such topics as George Washington, the Battle of Bunker Hill, Benjamin Franklin, Frances Marion, Yorktown, Saratoga, Ethan Allen, and so many more!  They have worked hard to take notes, write reports that include primary and secondary sources, and create Power Points and posters.  WHEW!  All that work will be in evidence Friday.  As a special treat we are ordering lunch from Kentucky Fried Chicken in Woburn.  It should be delivered at our regular lunchtime after the presentations. (The fifth grade fund will cover the cost.) Students should bring their own drinks. 
The rest of the day will be spent in academic "battles" which include a timeline and unscramble game, and human anagrams- all designed to review and refresh our learning.  At the end of the day we will announce the winners.  Will it be the Loyalists or the Patriots?
Stay tuned!!

Visit to Marshall Simonds

On Wednesday (tomorrow) we will visit the middle school, take a tour, and hear about the classes and activities that await you next year.  Don't be late; buses leave at 8:40!!!

Happy Mother's Day

I'd like to wish all of our moms a wonderful Mother's Day.  Be good to your mother today!

Survival Day

            Our annual fifth grade Survival Day is happening on Friday, May 6.  This program involves an intensive one-day activity inspired by the grade five Core book Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.  One of the main themes is the necessity of developing and maintaining a positive attitude to survive adversity.  It is our goal to provide students with some basic knowledge about survival.  Students will rotate to different classes in the morning.  Faculty members and a nurse will provide instruction.  It will focus on familiarizing students with a wide range of survival skills: alternate sources of food, emergency first aid, identifying and building shelters, and preventing hypothermia and caring for its victims. 

            After the morning sessions we will simulate a plane crash and students will use their knowledge to construct shelters.  It is important that students be dressed appropriately.  Even though it is spring, we all know the quick changes in New England weather.  Boots are a must.  Even if there is no snow, the area is very wet and muddy.  Layering clothing is helpful in case the weather changes.  Long pants are required.

Great Reading: MCBA 2011 Winners

11 Birthdays

By: Wendy Mass   2009, Scholastic Inc.


Honor Books
(In random order)

No Talking!

 By: Andrew Clements /Illustrated by: Mark Elliott    2007, Simon & Schuster Children’s

 Savvy

By: Ingrid Law   2008, Penguin Group

The Magic Half

By: Annie Barrows   2007, Bloomsbury   

The Other Side of the Island

By: Allegra Goodman   2008, Penguin Group

 
 

Field Trip

The fifth grade will be visiting the Concord Museum to take part in an interactive exhibit called “Relive 1775” .

Using Pre-Visit materials researched from primary sources, students become members of Concord families involved in the events of April 19, 1775.   At the Museum, students:

• Introduce themselves in character
• Use the Museum Collection to familiarize themselves with their town and the issues facing them
• Visit the North Bridge to discover their participation in the events of the day
• Meet a living history interpreter to discuss the impact of the day
• Are presented with a documented 1775 dilemma
• Discuss the dilemma in Town Meeting
• Compare their resolution with that made in 1775

             Students will need to bring a snack and a bag lunch.  A portion of the trip takes us to the North Bridge so your child needs to be dressed appropriately for walking outdoors. Please note the weather forecast for the day of the trip.  No money is required as the PTO will pay for the bus, and thanks to your support of our fund raising efforts the fifth grade class fund will cover the student museum fee. You do not need to send any money. Please sign and return the permission slip to your child’s teacher.

            We need one parent chaperone per class, so indicate if you’d like to join us, and we will contact you.  (Be sure you have an updated CORI on file.)

Fractions, and Decimals, and Percents... Oh My!

As we move through this investigation it will be very helpful if you know the fraction percent equivalents automatically.  Here are some you should be concentrating on:

1/2 = 50%   

 1/3 = 33 1/3%     2/3 = 66 2/3%  

 1/4 = 25%      3/4 = 75%        

1/5 = 20%     2/5 = 40%           3/5 = 60%          4/5 = 90%    

1/6 = 16 2/3%        5/6 = 83 1/3%

1/8 = 12 1/2%        3/8 = 37 1/2%           5/8 = 62 1/2%     7/8 = 87 1/2%

Important Dates:

April 7 PTO Event:Ice Cream Social

April 18-22 Spring vacation

April 29 Concord Museum Field Trip

May 10, 11  Math MCAS

May 19, 20 Science MCAS

DARE

I was very proud of all of the fifth grade students at the DARE graduation.  The speeches were inspiring and well delivered. (Great job, Josh!!!) The lessons learned in DARE will last a lifetime, and the support that your parents showed by attending was wonderful to see.  It was a great night!

Remember to turn  in your DARE pizza party permission slips!

Reminder

DARE graduation is Thursday, March 17 at 7:00.  Students need to come to their classrooms at 6:30 Thursday evening.  Don't forget to bring your pizza party permission slip back!

The English Language Arts MCAS test for fifth grade is on Wednesday, March 23 and Thursday, March 24.  The make-up days are 3/25, 4/4, 4/5 and 4/6.

A Busy Week

     We spent the week finishing a couple of important things.  We wrapped up Hatchet with a final quiz and discussion in which the overwhelming majority expressed their enjoyment of this fascinating book. We also completed a math unit in probability and will continue with algebra next week.  The students are enjoying the exercises in the textbook.  In social studies we finished chapter 6 by looking at a product map of the 13 Colonies and made a generalization about the economy (first we learned what a generalization is and what economy refers to).  Our test is next week. So we are finishing the second term, looking back and looking ahead to the great experiences coming up- like DARE graduation, Survival Day, a field trip to the Concord Museum, and more.
     In an effort to keep students doing their best work, we talked today about keeping our standards high.  This included a reminder to students to write their names on their work, and to turn in work promptly.  Any work turned in without a name, or turned in late will not be accepted, and will receive a "0" .
     A reminder: birthdays will no longer be celebrated with food items. Teachers have been encouraged to limit food related activities. 
     Congratulations to Ivy for being placed on the Wall of Fame for her helpful organization and positive attitude!
     Enjoy the weekend!

Welcome Back!

I hope everyone enjoyed a great vacation and is rested and ready to tackle patterns and algebra, more Hatchet discussions, poetry, and the American Revolution!  We have a busy month ahead.  More information will be in the monthly newsletter.  Glad to have everyone back!

Happy Valentines Day

Students may bring Valentines to exchange on Monday, but please be sure to include everyone on the class list I provided for your compliments (which are due Monday).  Also, please remember no candy!

Dress for Recess

We have noticed a number of children running and sliding on the snow at recess.  While we don't want to ruin anyone's fun (we like playing in the snow too!)  we do want to make sure everyone is safe and comforatable for the afternoon.  Please remind your children to dress appropriately for cold weather, and if they want to walk on the snow they must wear boots!

Happy Ground Hog Day!

picture from Christian Science Monitor

It seems impossible to believe, but spring is coming.  Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow and if you"re a believer, you can expect an early spring. (It won't be easy to find under all this snow and ice!)
I am writing in the cozy comfort of my family room next to a blazing fire in the wood stove, while Mr. Lee attempts to push the mounds of snow around outside.  I hope you had some fun in the snow and rested up a bit for the rest of the week.  Hopefully we'll have no more delays or cancellations and can focus on squid, the British colonies, MCAS writing, and solving math problems.  Try this one:
Groundhogs are pretty small animals. Benjamin the groundhog weighs ten pounds seven ounces. Justin the groundhog is younger and only weighs five pounds nine ounces. How much more does Benjamin weigh?
Bring your answer to math class tomorrow!

Post Office

The school wide post office has begun operation thanks to Mrs. Jaffe and her students.  The rest of the fifth graders will have a chance to work at  the Post Office as the activity continues through February.  Parents and other visitors to the school are invited to write to students via the mailbox in the lobby.  This is a fun and authentic way to promote writing, and is an important tradition here at Fox Hill.

Childrens' Book Award

The deadline for voting for your favorite book from the list is approaching, so bring in your form to get your prize and cast your vote!!

Spelling Test Tomorrow

Since we missed school on Friday we need to take the Unit 16 spelling test tomorrow, so take some time to study and ask someone to quiz you.  Hope you're enjoying this cold, sunny day someplace warm!
See you tomorrow.

Just a note that I won't be having Morning Math Help tomorrow, as I have a meeting. I will meet with anyone who wants some extra help or practice on Friday morning any time after 7:45 (weather permitting.)

Remember Martin Luther King Jr.

Image from IsRealli.com

A Great Season Ends...

Here are the scores after each quarter:
1st:    Pats 3     Jets 0
2nd:   Pats 3     Jets 14
3rd:   Pats 11   Jets 14
4th:   Pats 21   Jets 28

4 weeks until Spring Training! Go Sox!

GO PATS!

Snow Day!

            Mr. Lee is doing a great job on the driveway.  I'd better get out there and help with the shoveling!  See you tomorrow!

Back to School 2011

Just some notes for the week:

• The week has gotten off to a great start.  We are busy typing Candy House paragraphs, beginning new units in math and social studies, and preparing for a science test next week.   I have met with some students to go over the notes for their book report summaries.  If you haven't shown me your notes yet, please talk to me as soon as possible.  
• Scholastic book order forms went home yesterday and are due back on Friday.
• I am offering math help on Thursday mornings at 8:00.  Join us!  Just come right to the classroom.  I will post a message here if there are any changes regarding the day or time.