Prokop’s Press                                            February 1, 2008

Dear Parents and Students,

   Time is moving quickly as usual. We have been very busy. Before we know it, Open House will be upon us.

Math: We continue to work hard in fractions, and will be moving on to ratios. This week, we also took two class periods to complete the district mandated testing. This was the second of a series of three tests (three different forms) used to track progress and growth in mathematics. I will be sharing the results with you as they become available to me. Next week, we will get back to chapter 5, with the chapter test being later in the week.

Language Arts: We have been very busy with many different aspects of language arts that are combined with other subject areas. We have begun our unit on looking at different types of poetry. We are in the process of writing color poems, in the imitation of Mary O'Neil's poems in her book, Hailstones and Halibut Bones. This is also a study of adjectives and nouns.

     In combination with social studies, students are working on reading sections of the "Iliad", the epic poem. Students were split into pairs and were given a section of the poem. They are picking out the most important points (summarizing) and need to consult with groups on either side of their assigned section in order to create a complete story. Each pair will also be illustrating their section, and we will have a compiled filmstrip telling this famous epic.

    Students are also researching a famous ancient Greek and are preparing a power point presentation. We may print these out for display at Open House.

    As mentioned above about the math district mandated test, we also have completed the Midyear Summative Test. Again, these will be shared when scores are completed.

    Next week, we will get back to our literature circles and our reading book. The next story of our series we will be reading, is about the Great Wall of China.

Social Studies: We continue with our studies of Greece. Students can start thinking about their subject choice for their ancient civilization report. We will be starting instruction the end of February. It will not be due until right before Open House. Many more details will be coming later. The ancient cultures they will be able to choose from are; Greece, Egypt, China, Rome, and India.

Red Folders: As you can guess, the quantity of papers in the red folder are dwindling. Many of our work in class is higher level, interactive work. Not as many worksheets for you to see. All social studies, math, and rough drafts of writing are staying in their perspective binders and folders as references for future studies. Next week, the Language arts binder will come home for a signature.

Spellathon: Students have worked hard studying for their big 100 word test next week. Our only goal is that everyone work their hardest, and be proud of whatever their ending score is, as long as they have the knowledge that they did the best they could do. Monday, students will take a practice test for the first 25 words. The final test will be on Tuesday, and the pattern will continue. Thank you to all who have already turned in their envelopes of pledges. Our last test of 25 will be on Friday.

Class donations: Thank you for all the kleenex that was donated, we will be in good shape for a while. We received a few containers of wipes and I thank you, any more donated would be greatly appreciated.

Have a wonderful weekend.

                                                            Sincerely,

                                                                        Mrs. Prokop