JOHNSONS JOURNAL

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P I N Seventeen
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Dear Parents and Guardians,

Just a reminder, our classroom gift exchange will be
on Thursday, December 17th. The gift exchange
will be a wrapped chapter book. (Please keep the cost
under $5.00.) Information was emailed, and you can
find it on our blog.
Our classroom Christmas party will be on
Tuesday, December 22nd from 2:15-3:15. Thank
you to Mrs. Mangino for planning the event and to the
volunteers who will donate food and time. Party signup information is posted here.

Reading
Weve been learning that characters, just like real
people, change as events in their lives cause them to
struggle and grow. Those parts are called turning points
because certain events in life turn you in a different
way than you were first behaving or seeing the world.
A new fluency practice page went home with your
child today. The goal is 114+ correct words per minute
on the first try. The goal is not just speed, but also
reading with intonation and pausing at punctuation.

Writing
Our second unit has begun, which is the writing of a
persuasive letter. Students will choose an idea, write an
introduction, create strong reasons to support the idea,
provide examples to support their point of view, and
write a conclusion.

Mathematics
We are continuing our work on multiplying large
numbers. Weve practiced multiplying using various

December 14, 2015

methods; you may wish to ask your child to explain the

following: short-cut, area model, and partial products. Next,
well focus upon multiplying 2 digits by 2 digits.
The 100-problem multiplication tests have begun.
Well continue to take them in 5 minutes and then
well gradually work toward our final goal, which will
be 100 problems in three and a half minutes.

Math Lab
A new math lab session has begun. We will be focusing
upon fractions concepts for the next four weeks.

Science
Our physical science unit is focused upon heat,
electricity, and magnetism. Here are the key concepts
of our studies:
Heat and electricity are forms of energy.
Evidence of energy is change.
Electrical circuits demonstrate a transfer of energy.
Magnetism is a physical property of matter.
Heat can be transferred from one substance or
object to another.

Social Studies
Were learning about the branches of the government.
Were currently learning about the executive and
judicial branches.

Spelling
Both the spelling and dictation tests will be taken
entirely in cursive for the remainder of the school year.
Just a reminder, lists and games are available here:
http://www.spellingcity.com/Mrs_D_Johnson/

JOHNSONS JOURNAL!

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Recess Policy
Falls chilly weather has arrived. Please help your child
remember to dress for the cooler temperatures. Our
schools recess policy is that the children will go outside for
recess daily unless its raining, the temperature is under 15
degrees, or the wind chill is below zero. Please contact our
schools counselor, Mrs. Bickel, or me if you need
assistance providing outdoor clothing.

Lunch & Recess Schedule

Lunch & Recess 12:10 - 1:04
Our daily schedule can be found here.

Important Dates
December 17
Christmas Gift Exchange
(See previous email and our blog for more information.)
December 22
Christmas Party (2:15 - 3:15 PM)

Our Classroom Family

2015 - 2016

December 23 - January 1
No School (Christmas Break)
January 4
School Resumes
January 25
No School (Mid-Year Teacher Work Day)
February 11
Valentines Day Party (2:15-3:15 P.M.)
February 12
No School (Prof. Development Day for Teachers)
February 11 & 16
Parent/Teacher Conferences
(More information coming at a later date.)
February 24
Lansing Field Trip

A happy childhood is one of the best gifts that parents have in their power to bestow.
~R. Cholmondeley