Merry Christmas!

We hope that you are enjoying the break! This first week has just flown by for us! We have been to quite a few basketball games, parks, and one inside play park. It is great to see friends and get to visit! The sleeping-in is GREAT too!

In case you didn't know... you can track Santa here:
http://noradsanta.org

Enjoy your family!

We are having a Feast of Seven Fishes tonight - something different, but should be lots of fun, a big breakfast in the morning, and then a great Christmas Dinner tomorrow night! In between I am sure there will be lots of TV, playing, singing, and hanging out with families!

Mrs. Yadon is busy cooking too! All her boys are home! Needless to say, she has had lots of kitchen duty lately!!!

We are off to our Christmas Eve service tonight where my family will light the advent candles! I am so excited about that! Jasper is a little nervous about candle order, but we are ready!

Merry Christmas!!!!

Can you say HOLIDAY FUN?!?!?!?

The last day of school was a blast! Who knew a "whole" school PJ day would be so fun! I was so happy to see so many teachers (Mrs. Yadon and I included) dressed up in our PJ's! We both had been on the fence about that before in 5th grade, but Wednesday we saw that WOW!! PJ's can be great fun in 5th grade. Of course, it helped that it was cold, and pajama bottoms are now in style......

The Sound of Music proved to be a great movie for our class. Every year we are amazed at the number of students who have never heard of or seen this movie before. They could hardly wait for the second part on Wednesday.

Isn't this the best? These cupcakes were a hit.

We had more food than we knew what to do with (at first) however, after snack, lunch, and snack again, we managed to get rid of most of it!

Our kids made very healthy selections! Almost everyone of them ate fruit, vegetables, or both.

The last day of school was quite blustery and cold! But, that was a good thing considering most of us had on our PJ's! That was so much fun..

Can you believe we were the only ones on the playground? A very rare occasion.

Mugging for the camera~

Brandon (who we heard is starting a new school in January) and Ethan

Ana was a great dancer as well!

Irma was great as a tea dancer!

This by far was one of the best assignments we did before the break! We were amazed at how well the flowers turned out- labeling and all.

A few old pictures from Mrs. Yadon's congratulations sign on the markee!

Well, what have you been up to these first few days of break? It has been busy around here, but I am really looking forward to a slow week! We will be going to the library, and then to a few high school basketball games. But, nothing to stressful!

We all need to rest up, because when we return we have a lot of material that we must cover before March! We will look at some of that material over the next week to give you an outline of what to expect when you return. This holiday season, be sure to help in the kitchen so you can get lots of practice with fractions.

Our first day back we will finish building our Aquatarium. We will add our fish, and worms and see how it all works out. If you want to help, try and find some rolly pollies (aka pill bugs) because we need to add those to the top as well.

Well, continue to enjoy your break! I went to the Orlando Magic game with the family in Orlando yesterday. It was a great outing, both Bishop Kenny and Nease played before the game, so for one price we saw three games!!! Now that's a deal!

Send us some pictures so we can post vacations over the break!!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Spelling Bee Winner and Class Party!

Congratulations to Andrew So! He spelled the word brigadier correctly to become our 5th Grade Spelling Bee Winner! Just a side note, we went 20 rounds and through 125 words. Be sure to ask your students about some of the words! They were really hard this year!

Yesterday, our class had a great time making gingerbread houses! Mrs. Rowan was out, but Mrs. Yadon and Mrs. Goodfarb said it was a great time in the cafeteria! There was lots of candy to be had by all!!!!

Tomorrow is a big day! First, it is pajama day! That in itself is pretty exciting! Then, at 12:00 we will have our class party! Be sure to bring in your food item and $2.00 for pizza. We will also play a few games, and finish watching The Sound of Music.

Over the break, we hope that you have time to relax and enjoy your family! We have many fun activities planned for 2010!

It's Latkes and Dreidels!

Hanukkah begins tomorrow, so as part of our Holidays Around the World we will eat latkes with sour cream and applesauce,.. and,

play a little dreidel. We will also learn the dreidel song!

And... we will watch the last performance of our 2009 Nutcracker!

Can't wait to see you!!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Gingerbread and Food Webs

Students brought home a letter that contained information about our Gingerbread Party and our Holiday Party. For the Gingerbread activity students need 1 box of grahm crackers and 1 can of prepared white frosting (in the tub with the circle lid). In addition, on their letter they were asked to bring in one item for the houses (examples included: red and green peppermints, small marshmallows, red hots, twizlers, sweet tarts, fruit loops, gum drops, kisses, etc.)


Today in Science students created food webs. These webs allow students to see how ecosystems work, and how an unbalanced ecosystem can effect those things (living and nonliving) that live in an ecosystem. These two sources provide excellent resources for students:

http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?file=foodchains
and
http://puzzling.caret.cam.ac.uk/game.php?game=foodchain
and
http://www.picadome.fcps.net/lab/currl/food_chain/default.htm

Nutcracker is tonight! Students are ready to perform. Performers need to be at school at 6:15.


For the Holiday Party on Wednesday, students need to bring in $2.00 for pizza and the item on their sheet. We would like to have all items for the party by Tuesday. The menu is: pizza, salad, carrots/celery, chips and dip, cookies, and cupcakes. Students will watch the Sound of Music and play a few holiday games in the morning. If you are joining us, we plan to eat around noon.

Over the break, students need to continue daily reading. FCAT will be fast approaching upon our return, and many times our students know the answers, but lack the stamina to finish the test. Nightly reading of different types (newspaper, poems, informational text, directional text, fiction and non-fiction) of text can help them tremendously when it comes to test time.

With your help, your student will succeed!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Party in the USA..

or,,, Party in the Multipurpose Room!!! Oh my goodness.. what a dance! Friends danced, and laughed, and hung out for 2 hours this afternoon!

Four good friends.. all smiles and laughter!

Yes, even Jared and Javaughn were dancing!!!

Mr. Brody rocked the house!!!!

All smiles... these faces tell you the pulse of the crowd!!!

Mr. Sofferin, Mrs. Kornblum, and Mrs. Ryan do the Chicken Dance!!

Hey..... It's a Party in the USA.... I think I am going to sing that in my sleep tonight!!

Carter was all smiles today! I think we played enough Hannah Montanna for a life time!

Oh No!! It's Joe and Leroy! Man, these two can dance... don't let them fool you!

This smiling face made my day!!!! We miss you Jason!! But we know you are shining at MMS!

We have a few people to thank... First, Mr. Brody are DJ. When Mr. and Mrs. Rowan were in high school Mr. Brody was the MAN!!! He was spinning records like no body's business!!!! If your parents grew up here they should know about "Hey now, it's Larry Brody"

Your parents, for allowing you to come!

And, our great Principal, so be sure to thank Mrs. Kornblum for letting us have our dance!!

I still can't believe Friday is here?? Where has our week gone? We have really been exploring the causes of the Revolution and the viewpoints from all sides. Our Reading and Social Studies series matches up nicely in this area.

We are busy playing fraction games in math and tomorrow we will actually play Capture the Fraction!

I will try to remember to take some pictures of our Science Seeds. We have some pretty interesting things happening there!

Hang on to your HATS.. the break will be here before you know it!!!!!

Winter Dance

The Dance is today, and boy is it exciting around here! There is magic in the air! Stay tuned for some great pics!!

We have a change in date for our Gingerbread Houses... We will construct them on Monday, December 14th, instead of Wednesday, December 16th. We will still have our holiday party on the 16th.

It is hard to believe this week is almost over! We have been very busy with our Science projects in the window! Some of us have great stems and leaves!!! Others have mold and rot!! Wonder what the difference is? Our good scientists will be able to figure it out!!

Progress Reports are coming home today. Be sure to sign and return your child's progress report.

School Dance - Thursday!

Are you ready for this? A candy explosion?? Great times will be had by all!!! Make sure you follow all rules so you can stuff your face with all kinds of sugar!!!

A blast from the past... last years Spelling Bee participants.. Get ready.. we start spelling Monday!

Remember sweet friends, that your $5.00 must be in by Wednesday to come to our school dance Thursday after school. It is going to be so much fun, with a sweet treat and an awesome DJ. You will not want to miss out!!

Mrs. Rowan had a very busy break! You would not believe the 9th grader that I saw Saturday night at Bradford High School - 15 years old and 6'8. Needless to say, he was a big 'ol boy! But don't worry, the Wolfpack were able to defend their pack and beat Bradford!!! Go Wolfpack!!! And right along those words GO BAMA!!!! Was that a nail biter or what Friday. I am sure Mrs. Yadon and her family were hollering just as loud!!! Now, we just need to beat those Gators!!

We were looking at the calendar and we only have 13 days of school left until 2010!!! Can you believe it???? Where has the time gone.. it seems like it just slips away. It is important that you are here everyday because we have a lot crammed into these few remaining days! When you come back, we will start our FCAT challenge...

Can't wait to see you in the morning!!!

Blog Under Construction

Hello! We hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving holiday!

The Blog will be up and down this weekend for site management, so pardon our dust!!

See you bright and early Monday morning!!!

Hip-Hip- HOORAY!!!!

It was a RED letter day!!!!!!


Mrs. Yadon is now

National Board Certified!!!!

You can check out National Board information here:

www.nbpts.org

This is a great accomplishment, and for your students it means that they are being taught by NOT 1, BUT 2 National Board Teachers!!!!!!!

We can't wait to celebrate next week!!!!

Canned Food Drive, Winter Dance, Yearbook Contest

Wow! Thanksgiving is moving in quick! It is hard to believe that we have already made it to the middle of November. Next week students will only come to school on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday is a weather day that we did not have to use! Enjoy this time with your family and friends.

Friday is the last day of our canned food drive. Thank you SO much to those who have sent in items. Our class alone has collected over 125 items! Great job!!!! Many people in our very own community will benefit from these items!

The 4th and 5th Grade Winter Dance will be Thursday, December 3 from 3:15 - 5:15. Permission slips are coming home today. The cost of the dance will be $5.00.

5th grade students this year have the opportunity to submit drawings for the yearbook cover. A first and second place winner will be chosen, and their drawings will cover our yearbook. We are very excited to offer this opportunity to our students.

Have a great week!

Middle School Mania!

Tuesday Night! Don't miss this great event sponsored by the PTA. It is a great opportunity to talk to the Middle Schools before Magnet applications are sent out. Our neighborhood school, duPont has some really great programs, and they have done GREAT things with scheduling and making sure students are in the right classes.

Magnet Schools will be able to tell you about their curriculum and expectations, as well as tour information, etc.

We hope you take some time to stop by and visit this great event!

When: Tuesday, November 17th

Time: 6:30 - PTA Meeting

7:00 - Middle School Mania Event

Middle Schools Participating

Alfred duPont, James Weldon Johnson, LaVilla School of the Arts, Twin Lakes Academy, Darnell-Cookman, Kirby-Smith, Landon, and Southside Middle

Refreshments will be provided.

Do YOU want to eat in the classroom Friday?

Then,

CAN YOU HELP US??

Friday, students will have the opportunity to eat in the classroom by bringing in 2 items for our canned food drive.

Beauclerc is attempting to collect 5,000 cans this year to beat our record from 2006. If you look at our school numbers we would need each student to donate 4 items!

No School Wednesday!

Just a reminder that Wednesday is Veteran's Day. There will be no school. There are many exciting events planned downtown to celebrate this special day. All events can be found at news4jax.com.

Students received new spelling and vocabulary words today. Our story this week is Katie's Trunk. Our tests will be next Monday.

We have started a new unit in Math called Name That Portion. Students are working with fractions, decimals, and percents.

Today in Science we talked about potential and kinetic energy. We will talk about what causes the seasons on Thursday and Friday.

In Social Studies we just finished Chapter 6 dealing with the establishment of the 13 colonies. We will explore the French and Indian War as well as, some of the causes of the American Revolution.

Be There.....

http://www.bethere.org/

This is a new initiative that Duval County Public Schools is supporting. The website has great tips for parents and families.

There has been countless hours of research demonstrating how parents and family members can encourage and support a student's educational opportunity.

As we approach our Winter Break, we hope that you take some time and just "Be There" for your students. Turn off the phone, television, and other distractions and just enjoy your student!

A Perfect End to A Perfect Month!

Thank YOU PTA! Thank You Parents!

Our lunch was FANTASTIC!!!

We made place mats for the Empty Bowls Luncheon sponsored by the Second Harvest Food Bank!

All that was left was a few visible crumbs! We had a great lunch on Friday thanks to our wonderful PTA and classroom parents!

November 1st is already here, as hard as that is to believe! We have a lot packed into our schedule between now and the Winter break. November is relatively short considering every Wednesday we have something going on! 11/4 - Early Release, 11/11 - Veteran's Day - No School, 11/18 - Early Release, 11/25 - Weather Day - No School, and then 11/26 -11/27 - Thanksgiving Holidays! Before you know December will be here!

This year, we are releasing for Winter Break on 12/16 which will be a Pajama Day sponsored by Student Council. So... start looking now for some PJ's that you can wear to school.

4th and 5th graders are very busy working on Nutcracker.... There will be two evening performances (12/8 & 12/10), and one school performance (12/11). The Nutcracker chorus is also busy rehearsing, so it is quite festive!

Please be sure to check your students' planners. Students should have homework and daily reading logged in their planners. In addition, parents should sign each night. If you see a blank planner, then your student did not follow directions!!!

The second nine weeks started 10/27. All students have the opportunity to be successful in Room 138. Completing homework is one way students can raise their class averages. Working with Spelling and Vocabulary words all week has tremendous value.

Reports will come home Tuesday, November 3rd. If you would like to schedule a conference, please just indicate that on the report card and we will work to schedule them in the the next two weeks!

Sun Cooking Anyone??????

This was our first way to cook our S'mores this year... The sun was not oh so cooperative, but it did work eventually! We have another method that we will test soon! After all, can anyone really eat too many S'mores?

After about 1 hour... they were so yummy! Everybody was glad the sun came out!

We had a great time with Mr. S Friday while Mrs. Yadon was out of town! He really is getting to know the kids, and they really respond to him. He taught them some really cool stuff about energy in Science!Welcome to the 2nd nine weeks! We have many great lessons planned for you, and some great hands-on Math and Science! We also need to strive to meet the 2nd quarter reading goal (7 books). At this point you should be reading 1 chapter book per week. If you are not, you need to see us to let us help you select a book to read.

Friday is our pizza party, so don't forget to bring in your food item to share. There are lots of yummy sides that go with pizza!

We have a LOT going on this week... Tuesday - Don't forget your costume! Tuesday Night - Live Museum, Wednesday is our Reading Celebration, and Thursday is our trip to the Symphony! Hang on to your hats, it is going to be a fast week!