February 2018 Newsletter
Principal’s Message Hello Dogwood Family,
I hope you all are having a wonderful start to the new year! I want to use this my
February message to focus on the importance of supporting our student’s Celebrating BCPS Blue Day emotional needs. Usually around the months of February through May there is Jan. 11, 2018 often a spike in student behaviors. Most student-to-student conflicts occur Important Dates: VIP Day w/ Lifetouch because of miscommunication and their inability to verbalize their emotional 2nd Quarter Report Cards status at the time of the conflict. As adults we know that the skill of recognizing Distributed our emotional needs in the time of crisis is a skill that is only improved with time Thurs, Feb. 1, 2018 MAP Testing – Grades K-5th and self-reflection, however the groundwork starts at an early age. When your *Each grade test on a specific day. Please contact your child’s teacher child is faced with an issue such as someone hurting their feelings, to find out their date.* miscommunication with a close friend, or an exchange of words or hits with Mon. Feb. 5- 14, 2018 VIP Day someone they do not like it is important to determine the function (what occurred Tues. Feb. 13, 2018 to set things in motion) of the behavior instead of mostly focusing on the end School Closed- Presidents Day result. Monday, Jan. 19, 2018 3rd Quarter Parent Voice Meeting If we can get our students to speak to their emotions or feelings at the onset of March 29, 2018 9am-10am, 12pm-1pm, or the conflict then we can impart strategy around avoiding verbal and/or physical 5:30pm-6:30pm altercations. I am aware that conflicts will happen, but in a world where texting 3rd Quarter Report Cards Ends has become the substitute for human conversation it is imperative that we focus Thurs. March 29, 2018 Early Dismissal at on building our student’s emotional stamina. As a school we are focused on 12:10pm. NO PM Pre-K educating our students academically, socially, and emotionally. This is definitely a Spring Break Starts Fri. March 30, 2018- Mon. village approach! April 2, 2018 PTA Events As always, thank you for your steadfast support! General Meeting Mon. Feb. 5, 2018 Respectfully Submitted, 6:30pm-7:30pm Heart Awareness Day- Wear Red Ms. Johari Toe Fri. Feb. 23, 2018 Principal Heart-to-Heart Dance Fri. Feb. 23, 2018 7:00pm-9:30pm *All students have to be accompanied by an adult.* General Meeting Mon. March 5, 2018 6:30pm-7:30pm
Principal’s Corner This is the exact information that was shared at the 1st Quarter Parent Voice Meeting. Dogwood Elementary School Honor Roll & Skills and Conduct Award Criteria 2017-2018
Starting this school year, we will be acknowledging our students who demonstrate proficiency, determination, persistence, and dedication in each content area and within the areas identified under the skills and conduct section of the report card. The criteria listed below were filtered through grade level teachers and shared with parents at the 1st Quarter Parent Voice meeting on Wednesday, November 8, 2017. As shared at the meeting, all students who meet the criteria will receive the Honor Roll and/or Skills & Conduct Award in their report card envelopes each quarter. Students will be asked to take pictures with administration on the following school day, but they do not need to bring their certificates back to school for the photo. Unfortunately, we do not have the space to hold an assembly every quarter as our cafeteria is utilized daily from 10:30am-1:45pm. The criteria are listed below. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call, email, or stop by to see me at any time. Skills & Conduct Award – Grades 1-5 – Revised on Jan. 19, 2018 The rubric is located on the back of the report card. Grades 1-3 o Quarter 1 & 3 . Students must earn at least 3 out of 4 – 3’s in all core subjects (ELA, math, social studies, and science) in the Skills & Conduct section of the report card. This certificate is given out quarterly. o Quarter 2 & 4 - - Revised . Students must earn at least 3 out of 4-3’s in all core subjects and special areas in the Skills & Conduct section of the report card. This certificate is given out quarterly. Grades 4-5- o Quarter 1 & 3 . Students must earn at least 3 out of 4- 3’s in all core subjects in the Skills & Conduct section of the report card. This certificate is given out quarterly. o Quarter 2 & 4- Revised . Students must earn at least 3 out of 4-3’s in all core subjects and special areas in the Skills & Conduct section of the report card. This certificate is given out quarterly.
Academic Honor Roll – Grades 1-5 Grades 1-3 o Quarter 1 & 3 . Students must earn the majority of CD’s vs. P’s in each core subject (ELA, math, social studies, and science) area on the report card. This certificate is given out quarterly. o Quarter 2 & 4 . Students must earn the majority of CD’s verses P’s in each core subject and special areas on the report card. This certificate is given out quarterly. Grades 4-5 o Quarter 1 & 3 . Students must earn all A’s and B’s in each core subject area on the report card. This certificate is given out quarterly. o Quarter 2 & 4 . Students must earn all A’s and B’s in each core subject and special areas on the report card. This certificate is given out quarterly. Principal’s Award – Grades 1-5
Students must earn academic honor roll each quarter for the entire school year. This award is given out annually.
Perfect Attendance – Grades Pre-K – 5
Students must have perfect attendance from their initial start date at Dogwood ES until the end of the school year. This award is given out annually.
Title I Information Update Social Emotional Targeted Assistance Support Starting January 2018- June 2018
Starting January 2017 we will be providing additional social emotional supports to targeted students in grades in 2nd -5th. During the month of December Mr. Robert Simmons, Guidance Counselor and Ms. Kristine Alexander, Title I Targeted Family Engagement Liaison will be ranking students using the following data: number of office referrals (monthly), skills and conduct scores from the first quarter report card, and initial Fountas and Pinnell independent reading levels. All parents of students who qualify for the Social Emotional Targeted Assistance Support Program will be contacted by Mr. Robert Simmons prior to Friday, January 19, 2018 (this date has changed from what was announced in the Dec. 2018 newsletter). If you have any questions or concerns please give me a call or send me an email at [email protected].
Title I Targeted Math Program August 2017- June 2018
As stated at the end of the 2017-2018 school year all of the incoming 3rd and 4th grade students were chosen to participate in the Title I Targeted Math Program. The criteria was comprised of a score each student was given based on the cumulative amount of points derived from the student’s 2017 winter MAP score and student report card grades under the categories entitled Operations in Algebraic Thinking and Numbers and Operations in Base Ten. Students were ranked in May 2017 and they began receiving targeted support starting September 2017- January 2018. These students received in class support during math instructional block and were invited to participate in a morning and afterschool extended tutoring program. All parents are invited to attend a Grab & Go professional development that occurred prior to the start of the new unit of study start date. Parents are given a preview of the unit and activities to help support their student learning throughout the unit. The Grab & Go event is offered from 8:30am-6:30pm in order to accommodate parent work schedules. As of February 1, 2018 all 3rd and 4th grade students will be reranked using the same criteria as mentioned above but using the most updated scores (winter MAP and 2nd quarter report card grades). This process will help determine which students have made vast improvements and no longer need the supplemental support, and those students who need to be invited to the program. All parents will be contacted by Ms. Dorothy Sparrow, Title I Targeted Teacher or Ms. Kristine Alexander, Title I Targeted Family Engagement Liaison. If you have any questions or concerns please give me a call or send me an email at [email protected]. Title I Transition Team Meeting Notes Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018 On Jan. 17, 2018 a letter was sent home to all parents inviting them to participate in the Title I Transition Team (TITT). The letter briefly explained that the purpose of the team was to review current school data in order to determine how to appropriately spend the 2018-2019 Title I funds. The mission of the team is to ensure that we have the appropriate process in place to transition from Title I Targeted to Title I Schoolwide as it relates to the use of spending supplementary federal funds. The initial meeting was held in the school library and the audience consisted of school administration, teacher, parents, and a representative from the BCPS Office of Title I. The meeting was very productive. The group used the BCPS Data Analysis document to identify major and minor questions to focus on for data analysis. The team will reconvene on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018 to further discuss the questions, look fors, and school data.
There will be an update of the February meeting in the March 2018 newsletter. If you have any questions or concerns please give me a call or send me an email at [email protected].
Health Corner— Nurse E. Edwards, RN
The Flu is now documented spreading around our Baltimore Beltway. We have reviewed cover your coughs and sneezes and correct hand washing techniques with the children. If your child has flu like symptoms, please keep them home and call your health care provider. If a child has a fever greater than 100*, and you are treating them, they cannot return to school until 24 hours fever-free without any fever reducing med. This is American Heart Health month. Heart healthy habits begin when children are very young. Nutrition, with clean eating (non-additives, lower fat and sugars) being an important factor. Since the heart is a muscle, it needs exercise. Have fun with your children; dance, run-walk, every TV commercial for one show get up and move. Dogwood Elementary is a food-free birthday party school. We celebrate and recognize the children on their special day over the announcements and in the classroom. If you would like to send in goody bags be creative with non-food items such as pencils, stickers, erasers, or small notepads. Children just enjoy a surprise.
Counselors Corner– Mrs. D. Bullock, Mr. R. Simmons, and Mr. A. Dukes “If we are to have peace on earth our loyalties must transcend out race, our tribe, our class, and our nation; and this means we must develop a world perspective.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
February Character Trait – Fairness
Dogwood Elementary School February 2018 Newsletter Prekindergarten
Ms. Susan Ruehr, Room 104 – [email protected] Phonological Awareness and Reading Letter sounds: Bb, Ii(short and long), Kk and Nn We are starting to blend the onset of a word the first sound) with the rime(the rest of the word. This will prepare the children for blending individual sounds in kindergarten. Some examples are c + at = cat; b + oy = boy; r + ug = rug We have learned seven words: my, the, and, a, in, on, is. The next two words are: “are” and “you.” Read alouds will focus asking questions, using our senses, and investigating. ELA Overview RF2.d Orally blend word parts RF1.d Recognize and name some upper and lowercase letters of the alphabet. RF2.e Isolate and pronounce the initial sound in spoken words. L1.d Participate in oral language activities that foster questioning skills ELA Home/School Connection Name the letters in first and last name. Find the letters Bb, Ii, Kk, and Nn around the house and in your community. Make a list of words that begin with Bb, Ii, Kk, and Nn. Find sight words in books that are being read. Have your child use play doh to form letters/sight words or write letters/sight words in shaving cream, sand, or rice. Math Overview and Helpful Tips Graphing and interpreting graphs Measuring using non-standard units Making comparisons using math terms such as more, fewer, longer, shorter, taller, heavier, lighter, equal Math Home/School Connection Measure objects at home using household items. For example, you could use pennies to measure how long a pencil is (how many pennies long is the pencil?). Other household items you could use are paper clips, silverware (for long objects!!), cheerios/fruit loops, buttons…be creative! Science or Social Studies Overview Being Responsible for ourselves and our classroom The Five Senses Special Notes From Ms. Ruehr: The children will be able to exchange Valentines on Valentine’s Day (February 14). Watch your child’s folder for more details! Zoomobile is coming at the end of March! Zoomobile goes along with our Amazing Animals unit and is a program brought to Dogwood ES by the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. Although it will be held at Dogwood, it is handled like a field trip. It will require completion of a permission slip and a fee to cover the cost. Details will be sent home at the beginning of March.
Dogwood Elementary School February 2018 Newsletter Kindergarten
Mrs. G. Cumbo, Room 105 – [email protected] Mrs. S. Brunn, Room 107 – [email protected] Mrs. A. Jackson, Room 187 - [email protected] Ms. R. Halperin, Room 108 – [email protected] Phonics/Word Work Overview Listening for the sounds of /b/, /l/, and /k/ in the first and ending position in words RF.K.3a Demonstrate basic knowledge of one to one letter sound correspondence by producing the primary or many of the most frequent sound for each consonant RF.K.3b Associate the long and short sounds with common spellings (graphemes) for the five major vowels Blending sounds to form a word RF.K.2b Count, pronounce, blend and segment syllables in spoken words Identifying rhyming words RF.K.2a Recognize and produce rhyming words Sight Words: is, little, if, let, she, was, had, and ran RF.K.3c Read common high frequency words by sight. ELA Overview Proper Use and Book Handling RF.K.1 Demonstrate understanding of organization and basic features of print. Reading from top to bottom, left to right RF.K.1a Follow words from left to right, top to bottom, and page by page. Identifying the main topic of a text RI.K.2 With prompting and support, identify the main topic and retell key details of a text. Comparing texts on same topic RL.K.9 With prompting and support, compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in familiar stories. Participate in whole group reading experiences RL.K.10 Actively engage in group reading activities with purpose and understanding. Engage in small group conversations SL.K.1 Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups. Listening Comprehension SL.K.2 Confirm understanding a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media by asking and answering questions about key details and requesting clarification if something is not understood. ELA Reading Unit 6 Week 1-The Four Seasons-How are the seasons different? Week 2-What’s the Weather?-What happens in different kinds of weather? Week 3-Stormy Weather-How can you stay safe in bad weather? Oral Vocabulary Words: active, migrate, seasons, spot, weather, clever, drought, predict, storm, temperature, celebration, enough, notice, prepare, safe. ELA Home/School Connection Websites to foster learning at home http://ABCMouse.com http://starfall.com http://PBSkids.org Helpful Tips Make flashcards of sight words, and practice daily. Use weekly sight words to practice writing simple sentences Use picture cards to practice letter sound recognition Practice segmenting sounds heard in words (beginning, middle, and ending) Practice writing first and last name Make flashcards of numerals 0-20 to practice number recognition Practice rote counting from 1 to 100 Practice counting by 10's to 100, and counting by 5's to 100 Math Overview Unit title – 2-D and 3D Geometry Unit Overview - In this unit, students will develop ideas about 2-D and 3-D shapes, their characteristics and attributes, and the relationship between them. In addition, students will find ways to describe and name the shapes as well as compose and decompose them.
Academic Vocabulary: describe, compare, attributes, sides, faces, corners/vertices
Identify and describe shapes. CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.1 Describe objects in the environment using names of shapes, and describe the relative positions of these objects using terms such as above, below, beside, in front of, behind, and next to. CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.2 Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall size. CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.3 Identify shapes as two-dimensional (lying in a plane, "flat") or three-dimensional ("solid"). Analyze, compare, create, and compose shapes. CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.B.4 Analyze and compare two- and three-dimensional shapes, in different sizes and orientations, using informal language to describe their similarities, differences, parts (e.g., number of sides and vertices/"corners") and other attributes (e.g., having sides of equal length). CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.B.5 Model shapes in the world by building shapes from components (e.g., sticks and clay balls) and drawing shapes. CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.B.6 Compose simple shapes to form larger shapes. For example, "Can you join these two triangles with full sides touching to make a rectangle?" Math Home/School Connection http://ABCya.com http://starfall.com http://Pbskids.org http://coolmath.com Science or Social Studies Overview K-LS1-1. Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive The Baltimore Checkerspot Challenge- What do we need to do to protect this endangered species? Identification of what living things need in order to grow. Identification of the basic needs of animals and plants. Identification of things which impact the environment.
Upcoming Kindergarten Activities Upcoming Field Trips The 100th day of school On March 15, 2018 we will be attending a field Valentine’s Day celebrations trip to see the play entitled The Cat in the Hat. MAP and DIBEL’s assessments Money and permission slips are due February VIP Day- Feb. 13, 2018 20, 2018. More information to come. President’s Day- Feb. 19, 2018- NO SCHOOL
Special Note From the Team: Black History Month Topic: Famous Artist Kindergarten is paired with second grade. Each kindergarten class has been paired with a second grade teacher. Teachers will determine what day their classes will present to each other during the week of Friday, February 23, 2018 through Wednesday, February 28, 2018. If you would like to participate please talk to your child’s teacher. Please provide a note if your child has been absent from school. This month we will be asking your child to turn in a 100th day project due on Feb. 12, 2018. Please be certain that your child has a change of clothing in his/her cubby. This should include a top, bottom, socks, and underwear.
Dogwood Elementary School February 2018 Newsletter First Grade
Mrs. L. Caplan, Room 111 – [email protected] Ms. R. Wolfe, Room 110 – [email protected] Mrs. Lewis, Room 103 – [email protected] Mrs. K. Winings, Room 102- [email protected]
Phonics/Word Work Overview
Identify long a spelled /a/, /ai/, /ay/. Identify long e spelled /e/, /ee/, /ea/ and /ie/. Identify long o spelled /o/, /oa/, /ow/, and /oe/. Identify long I spelled /i/, /y/, /igh/, and /ie/. Finally long e spelled /y/ and /ey/ Blending words Phoneme isolation, addition, and deletion Identify and generate rhymes Phoneme segmentation Phoneme categorization Phoneme identity Building words Contrast sounds High frequency words: about, animal, carry, eight, give, four, because, blue, into, or, other, small, find, food, more, over, start, warm, caught, flew, know, laugh, listen, were, found, woman, hard, would, near, and write. Grammar- was/were, has/have, go/do, see/saw Adverbs
ELA Overview – What can we learn from the world around us? Reading Literature RL.1 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text. RL.3 Describe characters, settings, and events in a story, using key details. RL.4 Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses. RL.7 Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events. Reading Informational Text RI.1 Ask and answer questions about key details in text. RI.2 Identify the main topic and retell key details of a text. RI.5 Know and use various text features to locate key facts or information in a text. RI.9 Identify some basic similarities in and differences between two texts on the same topic (e.g., illustrations, descriptions, etc) Writing W.5 With guidance and support from adults, focus on a topic, respond to questions and suggestions from peers, and add details to strengthen writing as needed.
Language L.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. L.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. L.4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases based on grade 1 reading and content, choosing flexibly from an array of strategies. L.6 Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using frequently occurring conjunctions to signal simple relationships. Speaking and Listening SL.1 Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups. SL.2 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media. SL.4 Describe people, places, things, and events with relevant details, expressing ideas and feelings clearly. SL.6 Produce complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation.
ELA Home/School Connection
www.seussville.com www.funbrain.com www.khanacademy.org
Math Overview – Measurement Unit 01.G.A.02 - Compose two-dimensional shapes (rectangles, squares, trapezoids, triangles, half- circles, and quarter-circles) or three-dimensional shapes (cubes, right rectangular prisms, right circular cones, and right circular cylinders) to create a composite shape, and compose new shapes from the composite shape.4 01.G.A.03 - Partition circles and rectangles into two and four equal shares, describe the shares using the words halves, fourths, and quarters, and use the phrases half of, fourth of, and quarter of. Describe the whole as two of, or four of the shares. Understand for these examples that decomposing into more equal shares creates smaller shares. 01.MD.A.01 - Order three objects by length; compare the lengths of two objects indirectly by using a third object. 01.MD.A.02 - Express the length of an object as a whole number of length units, by laying multiple copies of a shorter object (the length unit) end to end; understand that the length measurement of an object is the number of same-size length units that span it with no gaps or overlaps. Limit to contexts where the object being measured is spanned by a whole number of length units with no gaps or overlaps. 01.MD.B.03 - Tell and write time in hours and half-hours using analog and digital clocks. 01.MD.C.04 - Organize, represent, and interpret data with up to three categories; ask and answer questions about the total number of data points, how many in each category, and how many more or less are in one category than in another. 01.NBT.A.01 - Count to 120, starting at any number less than 120. In this range, read and write numerals and represent a number of objects with a written numeral. 01.NBT.B.03 - Compare two two-digit numbers based on meanings of the tens and ones digits, recording the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, and <. 01.OA.A.01 - Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.2 Vocabulary words: analog clock, digital clock, distance, fourth, fourth of, fractions, half, half and hour, half past. Halves, height, hour hand, In-between, inch, in fourths, in half, length, longest, measure, measurement, minute hand, o’clock, one fourth, one half, quarter, shortest, unit
Math Home/School Connection
http://sheppardsoftware.com www.moneyville.ie Bar graphs http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/maths/data Interpret Bar Graphs (http://www.ixl.com/math/grade-1/interpret-bar-graphs)
Science- We completed our social studies unit in December and will begin science in January. Science kits have arrived! We are continuing our unit into February. Unit-X-Marks the Spot Overview
ESS1-1. Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted. ESS1-2. Make observations at different times of year to relate the amount of daylight to the time of year.
The sun changes position during the day. The position of the sun affects shadow length. The sun rises and sets in a predictable pattern, which makes a day. The shadow is opposite from the sun’s placement. The sun’s movement is a clue to the passage of time. There are repeating patterns in nature. The moon revolves around Earth. The Earth rotates and revolves around the sun. The sun, moon, and Earth move in a predictable pattern.
Upcoming Content Projects Upcoming Field Trips
100th day of will be celebrated Feb. N/A 13, 2018 Valentine’s Day – February 1, 2018 o More information to follow
Special Note From the Team:
Black History Month Topic: Famous Educators o First grade is paired with fifth grade. Each first grade class has been paired with a fifth grade teacher. Teachers will determine what day their classes will present to each other during the week of Friday, February 23, 2018 through Wednesday, February 28, 2018. If you would like to participate please talk to your child’s teacher. Remember to listen to the news or go to www.BCPS.org to check if schools are open due to inclement weather.
Dogwood Elementary School February 2018 Newsletter Second Grade
Ms. J. Miller, Room 214 [email protected] Mrs. D. Naden, Room 212 [email protected] Mrs. J. Rosenbaum, Room 214 [email protected] Mr. J. B. Miller, Room 213 [email protected] Mrs. C. Haberkorn, Room 286 [email protected]
Phonological Awareness and Reading:
We will continue to switch for phonics on a daily basis to ensure that all the needs of our students are being met. Please make sure your child is in their classroom and ready to switch at 9:00. Each class is working on different content, so please watch for spelling homework to find out what your child is working on. Spelling homework comes home for all students on Monday and should be returned on Friday. Spelling tests are given on Friday.
ELA Overview:
RI 2.5 Know and use various text features (eg., captions, bold print, subheadings, glossaries, indexes, electronic menus, icons) to locate key facts or information in a text efficiently. RI 2.7 Explain how specific images (e.g. a diagram showing how a machine works) contribute to and/or clarify the meaning of a text. RI 2.3 Describe the connection between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text.
ELA Home/School Connection:
iReady www.Abcya.com http://www.weatherwizkids.com/
Math Overview :
02.NBT.A.02 - Count within 1000; skip-count by 5s, 10s, and 100s. 02.NBT.B.05 - Fluently add and subtract within 100 using strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction. 02.OA.C.03 - Determine whether a group of objects (up to 20) has an odd or even number of members, e.g., by pairing objects or counting them by 2s; write an equation to express an even number as a sum of two equal addends. 02.MD.D.09 - Generate measurement data by measuring lengths of several objects to the nearest whole unit, or by making repeated measurements of the same object. Show the measurements by making a line plot, where the horizontal scale is marked off in whole-number units. 02.MD.D.10 - Draw a picture graph and a bar graph (with single-unit scale) to represent a data set with up to four categories. Solve simple put- together, take-apart, and compare problems4 using information presented in a bar graph.
Math Home/School Connection:
Dreambox http://www.abcya.com/fuzz_bugs_graphing.htm https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/5-7-years/data-handling
Science or Social Studies Overview
plants pollination Scientific method
Upcoming Content Projects Upcoming Field Trips
Black History Month Projects that The Zoomobile will be visiting on February 1, 2018 we will share with another class. to teach us about animal habitats and life cycles. We will research an important Black American and will create a project to discuss the person’s life and achievements.
Special Notes From The Team:
Black History Month Topic: Famous Civil Rights Activist o Second grade is paired with kindergarten. Each second grade class has been paired with a kindergarten. Teachers will determine what day their classes will present to each other during the week of Friday, February 23, 2018 through Wednesday, February 28, 2018. If you would like to participate please talk to your child’s teacher. Please make sure your child is in school by 8:50pm. We switch for phonics at 9:00pm. Don’t forget that we have a very late lunch and we allow students to bring a snack to school. Check with your student to see if they need any school supplies. They start to run out this time of year!
Dogwood Elementary School February 2018 Newsletter Third Grade
Mrs. Pickens, Rm. 206 [email protected] Ms. Wise, Rm. 210 [email protected] Ms. Genovese, Rm. 207 [email protected] Ms. Brown, Rm. 208 [email protected] Ms. Simpkins/Ms. Manns, Rm. 209 [email protected] Phonics/Word Work Overview R controlled vowels – eer, ere, a_e, ear, air Prefixes – pre-, dis-, mis Dipthongs – oi, ou, ow, oy Variant Vowels – oe, u, ue, ew, u_e Plural Nouns – s, es, ies Word Work Games http://www.childrens-books-and-reading.com/spelling-word-game.html (printable game for home practice) https://www.education.com/game/prefix-fish/ http://www.abcya.com/spelling_with_vowels.htm http://www.abcya.com/turtle_dash_vowels.htm https://www.funbrain.com/games/the-plural-girls ELA Overview - Unit 3: Inventions and Innovations ask and answer questions RI.03.01 - Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers. identify the main idea and key details RI.03.02 - Determine the main idea of a text; recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea. identify cause and effect relationships/sequencing scientific ideas and concepts RI.03.03 - Describe the relationship between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text, using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause/effect. use text features to aid comprehension RI.03.07 Use information gained from illustrations (e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text (e.g., where, when, why, and how key events occur). compare and contrast two texts RI.03.09 – Compare and contrast the most important points and key details in a text write informative paragraphs W.03.02 - Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. Unit 4: Historical Perspectives ask and answer questions RI.03.01 - Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers. identify the main idea and key details RI.03.02 - Determine the main idea of a text; recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea. identify cause and effect relationships/sequencing scientific ideas and concepts RI.03.03 - Describe the relationship between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text, using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause/effect. use text features to aid comprehension RI.03.07 Use information gained from illustrations (e.g., maps, photographs) and the words in a text to demonstrate understanding of the text (e.g., where, when, why, and how key events occur). compare and contrast two texts RI.03.09 – Compare and contrast the most important points and key details in a text write narrative stories based on historical events W.03.03 - Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences. ELA Home/School Connection Questioning and Summarizing Practice http://reading.ecb.org/ http://www.roomrecess.com/pages/ComprehensionCrane.html Cause and Effect http://www.roomrecess.com/pages/CauseEffect.html https://jr.brainpop.com/readingandwriting/comprehension/causeandeffect/ Video: https://youtu.be/B6Ji1CiJZXk Sequencing Events https://jr.brainpop.com/readingandwriting/comprehension/sequence/sequenceorder/ http://www.roomrecess.com/pages/Sequencing.html Main Idea and Key Details http://www.roomrecess.com/pages/MainIdea.html http://www.roomrecess.com/pages/MainIdeaMillionaire.html https://www.quia.com/ba/111120.html Video: https://youtu.be/geLG3wAs7ME Compare and Contrast Two Texts https://www.quia.com/pop/523088.html?AP_rand=758111367 Typing Practice http://www.slimekids.com/games/typing-games/typingfiles/spider.swf http://media3.knowledgeadventure.com/ka/Files/Games/typingmonster/typingmonster.swf EDUTyping on BCPSONE under instructional tools Interactive Ellis Island Website http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/immigration/tour/ Text Features https://www.education.com/game/text-features/ Writing sentences https://www.turtlediary.com/game/sentence-unscramble-third-grade.html http://pbskids.org/writerscontest/ http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/grammar/capitalization.htm https://www.funbrain.com/games/word-derby Writing Paragraphs https://www.time4writing.com/writing-paragraphs/ (Parent Information) https://www.spellingcity.com/games/paragraph-writing-practice.html
Math Overview and Helpful Tips - Unit 3: Multiplication and Division Using multiplication to solve division (related facts) 03.OA.B.06 - Understand division as an unknown-factor problem. For example, find 32 ÷ 8 by finding the number that makes 32 when multiplied by 8. 03.OA.C.07 - Fluently multiply and divide within 100, using strategies such as the relationship between multiplication and division (e.g., knowing that 8 x 5 = 40, one knows 40 ÷ 5 = 8) or properties of operations Representing division with pictures, repeated subtraction, and number lines 03.OA.A.02 - Interpret whole-number quotients of whole numbers Review of multiplication facts 0-10 Solving multiplication and division word problems 03.OA.A.03 - Use multiplication and division within 100 to solve word problems in situations involving equal groups, arrays, and measurement quantities, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. Identify multiplication patterns 03.OA.D.09 - Identify arithmetic patterns (including patterns in the addition table or multiplication table), and explain them using properties of operations. For example, observe that 4 times a number is always even, and explain why 4 times a number can be decomposed into two equal addends Identify and define multiplication properties (commutative, identity, zero, associative, distributive) 03.OA.B.05 - Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide. Find the area and perimeter of squares and rectangles 03.MD.C.05 - Recognize area as an attribute of plane figures and understand concepts of area measurement. Find the area of irregular shapes 03.MD.C.07 - Relate area to the operations of multiplication and addition.
Unit 4:Fractions 03.G.A.02-Partition shapes into parts with equal areas. Express the area of each part as a unit fraction of the whole. (Example: 1/4) 03.GD.B.04- Using rulers to measure lengths including halves and fourths of an inch. Use this data to create and interpret a line plot. 03.NF.A.01-Understand a fraction and parts of a whole. 03.NF.A.02- Understand a fraction as a number line and represent fractions on a number line diagram. 03.NF.A.02.a- Representing fractions on a number line diagram from 0 to 1 whole. 03.NF.A.02.b- Locate fractions on a number line. 03.NF.A.03.a- Understand equivalent fractions: that they are the same size or are on the same place on a number line. 03.NF.A.03.c- Express whole numbers as fractions and recognize fractions that are equivalent to whole numbers. 03.NF.A.03.d- Compare two fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator by reasoning about their size. Compare fractions with symbols and justify the result.
Math Home/School Connection *Please use these videos and games help explain math concepts to your child at home.
Using multiplication to solve division (related facts) http://interactivesites.weebly.com/multiplication.html http://www.mathplayground.com/index_multiplication_division.html http://interactivesites.weebly.com/division.html http://www.mathplayground.com/tb_multiplication/thinking_blocks_multiplication_division.html https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic-home/multiply-divide/relate-mult-div/v/examples- relating-multiplication-to-division https://learnzillion.com/lesson_plans/8460-understand-multiplication-and-division-relationships Solving multiplication and division word problems https://learnzillion.com/lesson_plans/6542-visualizing-a-division-word-problem https://learnzillion.com/lesson_plans/6412-solve-word-problems-using-the-idea-of-equal-groups Multiplication Properties https://learnzillion.com/lesson_plans/8417 https://www.brainpop.com/math/numbersandoperations/distributiveproperty/ https://learnzillion.com/lesson_plans/528 (last page) Area and Perimeter of Squares and Rectangles https://youtu.be/LSEwtjZk6qk (song/definitions) https://learnzillion.com/lesson_plans/5611 (perimeter) https://learnzillion.com/lesson_plans/5036 (perimeter) http://www.pearsonschool.com/live/images2/custom/envisionmath_ca/games/chicken.swf http://mrnussbaum.com/zoo2/ZooDesigner.swf https://youtu.be/mu3HHCdYYtY (area) Area of Irregular Shapes http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/geometry/shapeshoot/AreaShapesShoot.swf https://youtu.be/oL9iF9Se6lc https://youtu.be/JTg8gyQ37pM Identifying and Naming Fractions http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/earlymath/fractions_shoot.swf http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/fractions/fractionSet.swf http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/fractions/memory_fractions2.swf http://www.abcya.com/fraction_fling.htm http://www.fuelthebrain.com/games/jelly-golf/ https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/fraction-arithmetic/arith-review-fractions- intro/v/fraction-basics (video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnFrOetuUKg (video) Fractions on a Number Line http://assets.pearsonschoolapps.com/asset_mgr/current/20128/hatchin_live.swf http://www.mathplayground.com/puzzle_pics_fractions.html https://www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/fractions/AnimalRescueFractionsNumberLine Game.htm Fractions Greater than 1 https://www.splashmath.com/math-skills/fourth-grade/fractions/fractions-greater-than-1 https://www.splashmath.com/math-skills/fourth-grade/fractions/compare-fractions-with-half- and-one https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/fraction-arithmetic/arith-review-fractions- intro/v/recognizing-fractions-greater-than-1-math-3rd-grade-khan-academy (video) Equivalent Fractions http://harcourtschool.com/activity/elab2004/gr3/10.swf http://media.abcya.com/games/equivalent_fractions_bingo/flash/equivalent_fractions_bingo.s wf http://pbskids.org/cyberchase/media/games/equivalentfractions/equivalent_fractions.swf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKXqzpz-G0s (video) Comparing Fractions http://www.numeracyhelper.com/fractionbars/fractionbarswithdec.swf http://www.professorgarfield.org/KBKids/video/kbs2012.swf https://www.khanacademy.org/math/cc-third-grade-math/cc-3rd-fractions-topic/cc-3rd- comparing-fractions/v/comparing-fractions-visually-and-on-number-line (video)
Science/Social Studies/Health
We will be starting our Safe Racer Unit in February. We expect our cars to be completed in class by mid- March.
Upcoming Content Projects Upcoming Field Trips
In February, we will be begin the Safe Racer Science Unit. March 7,2018 – Baltimore Museum of Please bring in extra recyclable materials that could be used to Industry make a car. Time: 9:20 A.M. - 2:15 P.M. Cost: $13 for students, $13 for We will also be coming to the end of our reading unit. The chaperones students must research an invention and an innovation that it went through.
For Black History Month, our students have the option to Wear comfortable shoes. We are eating research an African American entrepreneurs during their May lunch at the museum. Money is due Do Time. They may create a Wixie, Poster, brochure, etc. in Wednesday, February 14, 2018. class to share with Ms. Egert’s fourth grade class. Special Note From the Team:
Math, reading, writing, and spelling homework will be put into the gradebook as not graded. Students will be rewarded with tickets randomly for completion of homework. We will be giving weekly spelling tests, the homework will be sure to help reinforce the sounds and words taught in school. Additional games for your child to play will be available on BCPSONE lesson tiles. These will change based on the skills we are working on weekly. If there is a game that is helping your child or enjoyable to your child, please bookmark it. If you would like to return to an activity from previous weeks, you can change the weekly date or look on the calendar to return to that activity. Begin practicing multiplication facts (0-10) at home to build multiplication fluency. In February, we will be begin the Safe Racer Science Unit. Please start collecting recyclable materials that could be used to make a car. Ms. Simpkins is still out on maternity leave. Please contact Ms. Manns with any concerns. Ms. Simpkins will be returning early March.
Dogwood Elementary School February 2018 Newsletter Fourth Grade
Mrs. B. Linehan/Ms. C. Josey, Room 201 [email protected] Mrs. S. Putnam, Room 202 [email protected] Ms. C. Sutton - Room 203- [email protected] Ms. E. Egert- Room 204- [email protected] Mrs. K. Shafi – Room 205 – [email protected]
Phonological Awareness and Reading
Continue to read 20+ minutes per night at home and complete your Reading Log. Independent reading in school during Drop Everything and Read (DEAR) time. Phonics instruction within spelling lessons and guided reading.
ELA Overview
This month, 4th grade students will begin the 4th unit of ELA, “Building on Our Past”. In unit 4, the novel, Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai, will be used during shared learning and small group work in order to address informational, literary, writing and speaking/listening standards. The novel is a work of fiction in the form of narrative poetry and represents a more contemporary perspective on the journey from the “Old World,” in this case Vietnam (or Viet Nam), to the “New World.” Through small group experiences and whole group discussions, 4th grade students will be addressing the following standards and essential questions. Essential Questions: How do we build on what came before? How can learning about the past help you understand the present? How do the stories we choose to tell define our personal and cultural identities? RL.4.9: In this unit, the standard is addressed as students read multiple poems and have to identify similar themes and compare and contrast the development of the theme across the poems. RI.4.2: In this unit, students will continue practicing the skill of summarization, but will expand upon the summarizing of one text to determining the main idea and details of multiple informational texts through their research. W.4.2: In this unit, the students will continuing to practice this standard by using research they completed to create a digital resource that teaches upcoming 4th graders about the background knowledge needed to better understand the story they are reading. W.4.8 Aside from being addressed through a writing lesson in Unit 2 of the fourth grade curriculum, this is the first unit in which students are asked to gather relevant information from print and digital sources, take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources. In this unit, students will explicitly be taught to take notes and categorize their information in order to create digital facing resource for upcoming fourth grade students. This is the first time the students will be introduced to providing a list of sources that they used to gather their research.
ELA Home/School Connection
Poetry https://www.brainpop.com/english/writing/poetry/ Video describing the process of identifying the theme of a story after reading with attached materials and Two detailed webpages with examples of infographics on a variety of topics http://www.hotbutterstudio.com/ http://www.kidsdiscover.com/infographics/ Website providing several web links to potential research topics for students to choose from. https://www.symbaloo.com/mix/unit3researchresources
Math Overview and Helpful Tips
Unit 3- Strategies and Properties of Dividing. We began the Division unit in late December. We will continue to study and practice division through the month of January. These lessons correlate with Topics 5 and 6 in students’ envision Math workbook. 4.NBT.B.06: Find whole-number quotients and remainders with up to four-digit dividends and one-digit divisors, using strategies based on place value, the properties of operations, and/or the relationship between multiplication and division. Illustrate and explain the calculation by using equations, rectangular arrays, and/or area models.. 4.OA.A.01: Interpret a multiplication equation as a comparison, e.g., interpret 35 = 5 × 7 as a statement that 35 is 5 times as many as 7 and 7 times as many as 5. Represent verbal statements of multiplicative comparisons as multiplication equations. 4.OA.A.02: Multiply or divide to solve word problems involving multiplicative comparison, e.g., by using drawings and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem, distinguishing multiplicative comparison from additive comparison. (Include groups with up to ten objects.) 4.OA.A.3: Solve multistep word problems posed with whole numbers and having whole- number answers using the four operations, including problems in which remainders must be interpreted. Represent these problems using equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity. Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies including rounding. Unit 2 Math Vocabulary: o Factor, multiple, factor pairs, dividend, divisor, quotient, remainder, partial quotients, prime number, composite number, generalize
Math Home/School Connection: The following videos may be helpful.
Prime and Composite Numbers: https://www.brainpop.com/math/numbersandoperations/primenumbers/ Division Basics https://www.brainpop.com/math/numbersandoperations/division/ Partial Quotient Division https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cnf1NM4Bf8U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHiNDgqlPo0 Partial quotient with the area or box method https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EP9DGJhgb8 Partial quotient side by side with algorithm Long Division Algorithm https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic-home/multiply-divide/multi-digit-div/v/long- division-without-remainder Pearson Lesson videos from Topics 5 and 6 Access by student’s BCPS One log in Go to Digital Content Choose Pearson. Click on Topic 5 or Topic 6 and the individual lesson.
Science and Social Studies Overview
Unit 2 Social Studies: The Earliest Americans: In this unit, the students will be learning about the indigenous people, those who were in North America for many generations before the Europeans arrived. The earliest groups were dependent on their ability to use their skills to utilize the resources of the region. In this unit, the students will learn about the different cultures and how the groups adapted to their environments. At the end of the unit, the students will use all of the information in which they learned to create a virtual museum display. The display will explain the way in which geography impacted the culture of the Native Americans. The students will be able to choose from a variety of ways to present their virtual museum display. 4.2.A.1.a. Define how culture influences people 4.5.A.2.a. Identify the development of indigenous societies from the Paleo-Indians to the Woodland Indians 4.3.D.1.a. Compare ways Native American societies in Maryland used the natural environment for food, clothing, and shelter 4.2.A.1.c. Examine and describe the unique and diverse cultures of early native American societies
Upcoming Content Projects Upcoming Field Trips
Social Studies: The Earliest Americans Aquarium: Teachers are in the process of For the end of the unit assignment, the planning, more information to come. students will be writing an opinion Historic St. Mary’s City response to whether or not they agree Connection to Social Studies Curriculum that the location of a Native American Extended Day tribe has nothing to do with their May/June culture. The students will be expected to Estimated $40 use facts from the unit to support their opinion.
Special Note From the Team:
Black History Month Topic: Famous Inventors o Fourth is paired with third grade. Each fourth teacher has been paired with a third grade teacher. Teachers will determine what day their classes will present to each other during the week of Friday, February 23, 2018 through Wednesday, February 28, 2018. If you would like to participate please talk to your child’s teacher. Winter Weather: With the change of temperature, please continue to send your child to school in layers. With the heat on in the building and the cool weather outside, the children are often in need to change of layers to stay comfortable.
BCPS One: Parents, please continue to check grades as they are updated through BCPSone. The third quarter of the school year has just begun and new assignments and materials will be uploaded as they are brought up in class.
Dogwood Elementary School February 2018 Newsletter Fifth Grade
Ms. B. Williams, Room 185 [email protected] Ms. J. Smith, LC #2 [email protected] Ms. A. Voystock, LC #1 [email protected] Ms. A. Handzo, Room 186 [email protected] Phonics/Word Work Overview We will be reviewing r-controlled syllables in multisyllabic words. We are focusing on words ending in –al and -le in multisyllabic words. We are focusing on prefixes in multisyllabic words ELA Overview- Unit Three: Reading Historical Transformations
*During this unit in English Language Arts, all classes will be completing a Unit 3 Pilot Unit. Students will be meeting and practicing the same following standards, but with new approach. In the Unit 3 Pilot, students will be focusing their historical studies around the American Revolution, centering on the birth of our nation Students in all classes will complete an independent historical fiction novel study.*
In this unit, students will be reading nonfiction and fiction texts about people who transform their world. We are working on summarizing both types of literary texts by identifying main ideas, supporting details, and relevant quotations to include in writing. RI.5.1. Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. RI.5.2. Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text We are working on identifying different types of points of view in a literary text and evaluating how these types of points of view affect how events are told. We will also analyze how points of view differ in informational texts and literary texts. RI.5.6. Analyze multiple accounts of the same event or topic, noting important similarities and differences in the point of view they represent. RL.5.6. Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influence how events are described. We will be creating opinion writing pieces, which are supported with relevant key ideas or details to prove the opinion. W.5.1. Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting an opinion with reasons and information. SL.5.2. Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace. ELA Home/School Connection How to Write a Book Review – Tips for helping your child with the Unit 3 Culminating Event http://www.readwritethink.org/parent-afterschool-resources/tips-howtos/help-child-write- book-30292.html Common Core 5th Grade Writing Tips http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/fifth-grade-writing/ Tumblebooks (online data base of stories) Accessed through BCPSOne Math Overview and Helpful Tips – Unit Four: Fraction Operations In February, we will begin unit 4 in Mathematics. During this unit, students will learn how to estimate fractions, in addition to completing all four operations using fractions: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. 05.NF.A.1 - Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators (including mixed numbers) by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions in such a way as to produce an equivalent sum or difference of fractions with like denominators. For example, 2/3 + 5/4 = 8/12 + 15/12 = 23/12. (In general, a/b + c/d = (ad + bc)/bd.) 05.NF.A.2 - Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions referring to the same whole, including cases of unlike denominators, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem. Use benchmark fractions and number sense of fractions to estimate mentally and assess the reasonableness of answers. For example, recognize an incorrect result 2/5 + 1/2 = 3/7, by observing that 3/7 < 1/2. 5.NF.B.4a - Interpret the product (a/b) × q as a parts of a partition of q into b equal parts; equivalently, as the result of a sequence of operations a × q ÷ b. For example, use a visual fraction model to show (2/3) × 4 = 8/3, and create a story context for this equation. Do the same with (2/3) × (4/5) = 8/15. (In general, (a/b) × (c/d) = ac/bd.) 5.NF.B.4b - Find the area of a rectangle with fractional side lengths by tiling it with unit squares of the appropriate unit fraction side lengths, and show that the area is the same as would be found by multiplying the side lengths. Multiply fractional side lengths to find areas of rectangles, and represent fraction products as rectangular areas. 5.NF.B.6 - Solve real world problems involving multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem. 5.NF.B.5a - Interpret multiplication as scaling (resizing) by comparing the size of a product to the size of one factor on the basis of the size of the other factor, without performing the indicated multiplication. 5.NF.B.5b - Interpret multiplication as scaling (resizing) by explaining why multiplying a given number by a fraction greater than 1 results in a product greater than the given number (recognizing multiplication by whole numbers greater than 1 as a familiar case); explaining why multiplying a given number by a fraction less than 1 results in a product smaller than the given number; and relating the principle of fraction equivalence a/b = (n×a)/(n×b) to the effect of multiplying a/b by 1. 5.NF.B.3 - Interpret a fraction as division of the numerator by the denominator (a/b = a ÷ b). Solve word problems involving division of whole numbers leading to answers in the form of fractions or mixed numbers, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem. Math Home/School Connection Finding Common Denominators (helpful teaching video) https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/fraction-arithmetic/arith-review-common- denominators/v/finding-common-denominators Adding Fractions with Unlike Denominators (helpful teaching video) https://www.khanacademy.org/math/in-seventh-grade-math/rational-numbers/copy-of- addition-subtraction-fractions/v/adding-fractions-with-unlike-denominators Practice Games for Multiplication, Division, Decimals, and Fraction http://www.mathplayground.com Envision Workbook (Online) Accessed through BCPSOne -Digital Content -Click the green “P” -Click “pearson realize” Dream Box http://www.dreambox.com/ or access through BCPSOne Science/Social Studies Overview Becoming Benjamin Banneker We will be exploring several scientific concepts, including gravity and its impact on time. Students will be exploring the patterns of the sun and other celestial bodies, Earth’s rotation, and Earth’s revolutions. Students will use the information gathered throughout the unit to design and create a sundial use to accurately tell time. Upcoming Content Projects Upcoming Field Trips Students will be writing opinion No upcoming field trips essays about their historical fiction novels at the end of Unit 3. Keep an eye out for Philadelphia Field Trip in end of May or early June. Approximately $50 Special Note From the Team Black History Month Topic: Famous Scientist Fifth grade is paired with first grade. Each fifth class has been paired with a first grade teacher. Teachers will determine what day their classes will present to each other during the week of Friday, February 23, 2018 through Wednesday, February 28, 2018. If you would like to participate please talk to your child’s teacher. In the historical fiction unit, students will be bringing home novels to read chapters at home. Please make sure students are reading their novels when assigned. Please check BCPSOne regularly for grade updates, especially as the third quarter is just beginning. Students in learning cottages should regularly bring water bottles to school.