Prokop’s Press                                             January 25, 2008

Dear Parents and Students,

Where did January go? It is amazing that we are stepping into the second month of 2005. This week we will continue working on many subjects and projects. Here is a brief summary of what room 16 is currently working on in class:

Spellathon: This week we worked on list three in the set of Spellathon words, preparing for the final tests in two weeks.  Your child should be getting sponsors at this time.  Their envelopes are due back, with pledges only, on January 28th. Thank you for your support in this major fundraiser for our school.  It supports so many programs here at Chaparral, including specific materials and resources for our classroom. Next week We will be looking at the last leg of the Spellathon words, numbers 76-100. So far, the students are doing really well. Reminder to keep getting those sponsors, they are due before the final test is taken.

Language Arts:  Literature circles continue. Next week we will be working on assessments required by the district, so we will be doing a mid-year summative test. These will be scored by the district, and scores will be shared with you, when we receive them. As we continue with our grammar and language lessons, about adjectives and adverbs, we will be beginning a color poem, similar to those found in Hailstones and Halibut Bones. You will see this combined with an art project at Open House. They promise to be quite amazing.

Science: We continue with our unit 2 studies. Today, we finished up an experiment that will conclude on Monday. Using balloons frozen in plaster of paris, we are looking at the concept of weathering in an experiment called, "Broken Rocks" Ask your child about the results next week. Attached you will find the requirements for the science fair. It is not mandatory, as this runs concurrent with our ancient civilization report. It is extra credit, and those striving for 4s in science, this will be a big boost. All students are required to bring the little tear off slip back, so I know parents are aware of the options.

Social Studies: We have concluded our presentations of Mesopotamia and have delved into the study of Greece. In computer lab, students have started to research a famous Greek in history, and doing a "mini" report on what they find. Students also need to start thinking of what ancient civilization they are going to write their "major" report on. We will be starting instruction and work on this report in February.

Valentine’s Day: Plans are underway for our class party. Class lists will be coming home shortly. Remember the rule, if one valentine is passed out, then all 33 students have to be given a valentine. Of course passing out valentines is purely optional.

Needed Classroom Supplies:   If anyone is so inclined and feeling generous, we are in need of some basic supplies. Wipes for desk cleaning, kleenex, and white out tape for correcting writing. Thank you in advance.

Have a wonderful weekend.

                                       Sincerely,

                                      Mrs. Prokop