Wednesday, September 28

A few important things to share......

Reading - This week we will begin our first novel study. The title of the book we will be reading is "Guests." It is an historical fiction novel based on the American Indians who were living in North America before Christopher Columbus made his discovery in 1492.

Math - Students did very well on the test covering the first chapter. I will be hanging on to these tests until conference time. If you would like to see how your child performed, you can check on power school.

Spelling - This week we are on lesson three. Many students are using the Spelling City web site to review their words for the week. There are a number of really good spellers in this class!!

Social Studies - We have begun our studies of American Indians. This will continue for a few weeks. A note will be sent home tomorrow regarding our field trip to the Outdoor Discovery Center.

That's it for now. Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions or concerns.

September 12, 2011

We are off to a great start here at Hamilton Elementary! The kids are working on getting to know one another, learning new routines and they are busy learning new things every day.

Spelling lists are all available on a web site called "Spelling City." There is a link to it on this blog and your child should know how to use it. This week we are working with list #1. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions regarding spelling city or any thing else!!

On Friday, September 16, we will celebrate the birthday of the United States Constitution. Students are asked to wear red, white and blue again!! All fifth graders will be reciting the preamble to the constitution for the rest of the student body at lunch time.

The preamble goes like this........

We the People of the United States
In order to form a more perfect union,
establish justice,
ensure domestic tranquility,
provide for the common defense,
promote the general welfare,
and secure the blessings of liberty
to ourselves and our posterity
do ordain and establish this constitution
for the United States of America!

Supply List 2011-2012

The following is a list of recommended items you may wish to purchase prior to the beginning of school:

• A pencil bag or box – (not too large)
• A backpack to transport items to and from school daily (No wheels)
• 1 or 2 Post-it pads
• Colored pencils (We use these most often!)
• Highlighter
• 2 dry erase markers
• Sharpie markers - whatever you want - wide, fine point
* Water Bottle
• Hand held pencil sharpener
• Hand Sanitizer


Please do NOT bring the following:
*Trapper keeper
*Toys of any Kind!!
*Mechanical pencils

I will provide folders, notebooks, planners, scissors, pens, etc. If you want to bring your own pens, that would be fine. If you would like to make a donation to our classroom supplies, please consider the following suggestions:

* A box of tissues
* Paper plates
* Napkins
* Plastic Cups
* Plastic Silverware
* Baggies

Now for the fun part. I would like you to think about a kind of candy that represents YOU and have you bring it to school for a snack on the first day. An example might be a RECESS peanut butter cup because recess is your favorite part of school. Or you might bring a LAFFY TAFFY because you are always laughing. How about a MARS bar because some people think you came from outer space! Be creative, grab some candy that represents you and be prepared to share with the class why you chose what you did. (Hint: If you get to the Peanut Store in downtown Holland, you have a lot more to choose from than the grocery stores offer.)

Happy Shopping!
Mrs. Maxson

Play

Parents are invited to see our play "Historical Hysteria" tomorrow at 1:45. Mrs. Chateu's class will also be joining us. Park in the south parking lot and stay for our Fifth grade celebration at 2:30!!

The end is in sight!

The end of the school year is in sight! In addition to the special activities that you already know about, I would like to add a few more things. The following is a list of things for you to be aware of.

Wednesday, June 1: Glorified sit and sip. We will have a longer time to read than usual. Also, kids may bring a snack to go with their drink. NO RED DRINKS ARE ALLOWED. Ms. Taylor informed me of this after we had a spill last week.

Friday, June 3: Dunes field trip! A reminder sheet is being sent home today.

Monday, June 6: Career Day. After exploring career opportunities, students should come to school dressed for the career they think might be in their future.

Tuesday, June 7: What's in Your Box? 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Please park in the south parking lot. Students may go home with their parents at the end of the day without signing out in the office.

Wednesday, June 8: Choose your own seat day!

Thursday, June 9: Break the rules day - you may chew gum and wear a hat. Wear your track and field day shirt, last blast and the tunnel!!!!

Pink Day Photos

Auction Items

Would you be willing to donate an item or two for our class auction? A silent auction will be held the last day of school. The auction is for our class only and students will use their hard earned money to make their purchases. I will be purchasing some items for this event, but we would welcome your donations as well. Things that have worked well in the past include candy bars, pop, sports equipment, cds/dvds, seasonal items, etc. We simply ask for new (not used) items. If you could have them to school no later than Tuesday, June 7, that would be fantastic!!