Dear Families

  The week has flown by and I'm sure the rest of the month will too!  Today we celebrated filling the classroom "Catcoin" container with a reading party.  The kids were so excited and engaged!  The rest of our day was filled with Geography quizzes and Genius Hour presentations, so we did not get to SeeSaw. 

Our World Geography studies started after Thanksgiving Break and kids are off to a great start!  They're learning the location of major cities, countries, and bodies of water through various activities (including the weekly quizzes) and are reading non-fiction texts about the continents. (Reminder that Geography quizzes happen each Friday.  Students have some time to practice at school, but should also be studying at home.) We use this work to not only learn about topics related to our world, but also to teach non-fiction reading strategies to students.  This non-fiction reading work will continue as we learn a bit about immigration and into the new year when we learn more about specific cultures and countries.  

With our focus on non-fiction reading and world geography, we are not currently working on a writing piece.  Students will be regularly writing in response to reading however, and will be completing quick writes daily.  In January, we will begin research on a country, which will lead to an informative writing piece. 

A reminder that students have a "Country 4-Door Share" this month too.  Additionally, we hope to do a book swap similar to what we did last year before the December break.  We are also planning (actually the students will do the planning...) on celebrating winter holidays around the world the Thursday before break.  Keep your eyes out for more information next week.  

As students complete their Genius Hour projects, I am trying to post the video to SeeSaw.  For some reason, this is tricky and time consuming for me, so please be patient.  I'm finding the best way to share their presentation video is a YouTube link.  The last round of Genius Hour presentations will happen on Monday 12/18.  I sure hope you're hearing about this from your children!  (some students will need parent support in delivering final projects....)  If you would like to come in for your child's presentation, you are certainly welcome to.  2nd cycle of Genius Hour projects are already in action or will start in January.  

I hope to see most of you at the holiday fair tomorrow!  Thank you all for your support!

Today we did a map quiz, some kids did 25 countries, others did mountains, rivers and oceans. Also today there were 3 Genius Hour presentations, And we finished Truflix North America. Also this whole week there was hour of code, where there are tons of different projects and games to choose from all involve coding and a scientist/coder came in. Hour Of Code

This is a Genius Hour project.

Malina Kirn Is A Scientist.

Today we looked at world atlases and did a green worksheet. The worksheet focused on North America but also had world questions such as "whats the largest waterfall" or "whats the highest mountain in North America.

October = Walking Wednesdays

Please join us for Walking Wednesdays!

October 2017

October has arrived, and you know what that means...Walking Wednesdays!  This year we thought we’d continue an opportunity for more students to participate in this wellness activity.  

Beginning October 4th, all K-8 SCS students and families are invited to meet at the “parade” green on the corner of Church Street and Route 7 (Farmer’s Market location).  We will meet up with buses D, G and H at about  7:45-7:50.  Any students who want to get off the bus and walk to school are encouraged to do so.  There will be cones set up on the right (north) side of Church St. with the Shelburne Police there to assist.  Teachers, staff, and community members will supervise students as they cross Route 7, walk down the sidewalk by the library and coffee shop, and head west on Harbor Road.

• October 11th, Bus D,    Driver~Diane
• October 18th, Bus G,    Driver~Damian
• October 25th, Bus H,    Driver~Lucy

Although, we would love to have everyone participate, this is an optional activity.  Any students remaining on the bus will continue on to the school.

A visit from Vermont Author Natalie Kinsey-Warnock

Hello Families!

We had an exciting morning here in 5th grade because we got to meet Natalie Kinsey Warnock!!  She is a Vermont author and she has many great stories to tell.  We enjoyed learning about her life, hearing some of her stories, and LEARNING from her about how to write and where to get inspiration!

One of her primary messages is that we ALL have great stories right in our families!  She very much encourages students to go out and find great stories right in their own families or family histories!!  

So.... I have asked all students to come home tonight and gather a family story.  They can record it with a voice or video recorder, write it on paper, etc.  This assignment is more for them than it is for me, so please support them in this.  If they have a digital version or addition of/to their story, it can be emailed to their email address (or mine).  

I did share questions that they might ask as a way to prompt for specifics (for example, How did you celebrate holidays when you were growing up?  or What was school like for you?), but they can gather any story that wants to be told.  

I hope that you all enjoy going on this journey with your child!  

Cara :)

Hello Families, 

We've had so much fun over the last week with our field trip to Shelburne Farms and our special visit from Vermont author Natalie Kinsey-Warnock!

The students have also been diving deeper into the curriculum starting a narrative writing piece,  literature circles (using Natalie Kinsey Warnock books), and cooking with their Solar Ovens in science!  We also started word study this week!

Make sure to check out SeeSaw this weekend for posts from both me and your kids about some of their work.  

Also, please remember to sign off on the reading on your child's goal sheet before it comes in tomorrow (they're due Friday this year)
.  It seems as though many people forgot last week.  

And finally, don't forget to sign up for a conference if you haven' t yet. 

Thanks!  Enjoy the weekend. 

Cara

SaveSave

Day 2= rearrange the classroom!

Today students took on the design challenge of rearranging our furniture. It was an exciting task and I love what the students came up with!

A wonderful first day!

Hello Families!

The 5th graders had a fantastic day today!!  We enjoyed seeing each other and "catchin up", we enjoyed spending a full day in our brand new, and beautiful space, we enjoyed writing on the tables and sharing our thoughts about how we can have a successful year, and we got to do a bit of art and share about a summer experience.  It was fun to be together again. 

With so many new things going on, there is a lot to discuss with the students. I recommended to them, and will to you, that you take 20 minutes to look at the new handbook that was sent out (via email I believe).  There is alot of important information to be found inside including arrival and dismissal procedures, bullying and harrassment protocol, detailed information about the change in the traffic pattern, dress code, etc.  It really is a valuable use of your time.  

Finally, students will be attending an informational meeting regarding band tomorrow and will have to decide if they'd like to join by next Tuesday!! Please have this conversation together as a family in the next few days.  They'll come home with details tomorrow. Band will occur 3 days/ week at 10:20.

Hope you had a chance to talk about the day with your child!! Looking forward to another great day tomorrow.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Cara

Count Down to 5th Grade!!

Hello Families!!

I hope you all have enjoyed an adventurous, yet also relaxing summer.  I know it went by SO quickly!! I was lucky enough to do some fun traveling with my family, but also spent a lot of time moving into our new classroom.  The new space is beautiful and I can't wait for you all to return!  I wanted to write to let you know about a few things before the year begins.

• Our new classroom will be next to Winton in what is called the E wing.  Basically its the new space at the top of the ramp.  Students and families will get a chance to see it before school starts at our Welcome Back visit on Monday at 4 pm.  
• Given our new space, we will get to spend a lot more time as a 5th grade team than last year!  We will take the opportunity to intermingle with the other 3 classes as much as possible.  We'll especially do this at the beginning of the year as we're getting reacquainted and establishing routines, expectations, and procedures.  
• Another change that we have planned for this year is that Vasanthi and I will be specializing in content areas.  I will focus on Literacy and Social Studies, and she will teach Math and Science.  This means I will be teaching all of her students and mine, and that all my students will go to her for Math and Science instruction daily.  This is new for us, so please be patient with us as we roll it out, but also ask questions as they arise.  The change will not be immediate, but we do plan to get to content earlier this year as this is one of the (many) benefits to looping.
• I will keep you informed through regular emails at the beginning of the year, and I plan to continue to use SeeSaw this year.  Please look for posts from your child each weekend.  I can certainly send along parent access instructions again if needed.  
• We have new administration this year as I'm sure you know.  I hope that you get a chance to meet both Alison and Scott sometime early in the school year!
• Additionally (so many big changes!!), there is a new procedure for pickup/drop-off.  The busses will now drop-off and pick up in the circle, and parents must go to School St. and drop students off along the sidewalk beside the school.  There will be signs, clear pavement markings, and we will even have police support early in the year as we all adjust to the change.  Please honor all the requirements as they were put in place for the safety of the students.  

Again, I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone again and being together.  I have enjoyed getting to see some of the students around town and at bookclub this summer, but have missed everyone regardless and can't wait to get together again!! 5 more days....

Let me know if you have any questions.  

Cara :)

Here is a link to our Summer letter if you need it.  

You’re Invited!!

Endeavor Summer Bookclub

Where: Pierson Library.  Downstairs in the children’s section

When:

• Wednesday 7/12/2017 - 4:30- 5:15
• Wednesday 8/9/2017 - 4:30- 5:15

What:   Mrs. Crowther will bring drinks and snacks.  We will meet to discuss the books we read and  catch up over the summer. You should do your best to finish the book before we meet.  Mr. Terupt will be first.

1.) Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea

It’s the start of fifth grade for seven kids at Snow Hill School. There’s . . . Jessica, the new girl, smart and perceptive, who’s having a hard time fitting in; Alexia, a bully, your friend one second, your enemy the next;Peter, class prankster and troublemaker; Luke, the brain; Danielle, who never stands up for herself; shyAnna, whose home situation makes her an outcast; and Jeffrey, who hates school.

                       Only Mr. Terupt, their new and energetic teacher, seems to know how to deal with them all. He makes the classroom a fun place, even if he doesn’t let them get away with much . . . until the snowy winter day when an accident changes everything—and everyone. (from http://robbuyea.com/books/because_of_mr_terupt)

2.) See you In the Cosmos by J. Cheng

11-year-old Alex Petroski loves space and rockets, his mom, his brother, and his dog Carl Sagan—named for his hero, the real-life astronomer. All he wants is to launch his golden iPod into space the way Carl Sagan (the man, not the dog) launched his Golden Record on the Voyager spacecraft in 1977. From Colorado to New Mexico, Las Vegas to L.A., Alex records a journey on his iPod to show other lifeforms what life on earth, his earth, is like. But his destination keeps changing. And the funny, lost, remarkable people he meets along the way can only partially prepare him for the secrets he’ll uncover—from the truth about his long-dead dad to the fact that, for a kid with a troubled mom and a mostly not-around brother, he has way more family than he ever knew.  (From https://jackcheng.com/see-you-in-the-cosmos/)Jacket Art: Heads of State / Art Director: Jacqui McDonough

June 15, 2017

Dear Families

  We had a fantastic day yesterday with our walking fieldtrip.  I couldn't email you after I left school yesterday, but wanted to remind you to do a tick check on your child. 

More importantly, I wanted to let you know that today we cleaned out all of our stuff and the students are bringing home their math books, all notebooks, and some of their work.  Tomorrow, more writing pieces and scored math tests will come home with the Report Cards.  

There are MANY pages left in the student math books (especially book 2).  A fantastic idea would be to have your child work on some of the empty pages over the summer.  Have them record the date at the top of the page,bring it in in August, and I'll reward them for doing extra work!!  This would be a great way to help your child practice some of what they learned this year.  Of course, it would make the most sense for them to do the incomplete pages from the Units we actually finished (1-6) but there is some content from unit 7 that I bet they could do too!  

And finally, another very important thing that you will see come home today are books and additional resources to support your child in reading over the summer!  Each child will have access to at least 3 books, a calendar to keep track of the days and titles that they read, and resources from the Pierson Library.  Additionally, the flyer for our summer book club came home today (and was posted on SeeSaw).  I will be emailing families and students about a week or so before each meeting to remind you and to get an RSVP for the meetings.  

Please take the time over the next few days to go over the work your child brought home today.  It is important that you acknowledge their hard work and growth.  Additionally, they posted an End of the Year reflection onto SeeSaw today that might be nice to discuss with them.

Thank you for your support. 

Cara

Summer reading

​​Dear Families,

 

Welcome to the month of June! It is hard to believe that fourth grade is almost over. Your children have worked hard this year and have grown in so many ways. As you look ahead to summer, I hope that your calendars are filled with rest, relaxation, and fun. I also hope your summer is filled with reading!

 

As we close out our school year, the fourth grade will be hosting a book exchange to encourage, excite, and get new titles in the hands of kids. Over the next week, please help your child look through their shelves to find gently used books that they are no longer interested in, but would be a great book for a friend.  Have them bring them to school by Tuesday, June 13th. On Wednesday,  kids will exchange them!  

 

Your child might also want to bring in the book box they got from me in December to keep their books in, or a shoebox for storage.

 

Continuing to focus on reading is an important part of summer. This can help your child improve their reading, or at least avoid the "summer slide. See attached documents for more information on the importance of reading over the summer. Additionally, I will be hosting a summer book club at the Pierson 2 x this summer. Dates and titles will come home soon!!

Please let me know if you have any questions or needs. I am looking forward to the exchange!

Fondly,

Cara :)

 

 

Did you know…?

• The best predictor of summer loss or summer gain is whether or not a child reads during the summer.  And the best predictor of whether a child reads is whether or not he or she has access to books. (Allington, McGill-Franzen, 2003)

• Children who read four or more books over the summer fare better on reading-comprehension tests in the fall than their peers who read one or no books over the summer.  (Kim, 2004)

• The two largest contributions to reading achievement are access to interesting books and student choice of the books they read. (Guthrie and Humenick 2004)

 

​

 parent summer slide posting.pdf

​​

 why read over summer002.pdf

​

March 30, 2017

Ariel & Mira’s Classroom

Blog

Field Trips/Special Activities:

Last week we went to the Vermont Statehouse, and the VHS (Vermont Historical Society).

At the Statehouse, we saw huge portraits of past governors and politicians. We got to see the golden dome, (but not go in it), enter the senate room, and even to go in the governor’s office! We got to see a huge portrait of Madeleine Kunin, who is Jacob Kunin’s grandmother!

At the museum, we did a workshop called “you be the historian”. We learned about being an archeologist, a curator, and a researcher. We got to touch real-life artifacts from a site, and went through stations, that showed you how it felt to be an archeologist, a curator, and a researcher. We got to touch real artifacts!! Then we ate lunch.

After that, we went through the museum, going from time period to time period. We saw things from indian longhouses, to World War II homes, with old-fashioned, working, radios! One thing that I learned is that Vermont had many native peoples living in it in the early days. Then some people, (me not being one of them), got to buy things from the gift shop at the museum.

We also went to a play by the middle schoolers called Into The Woods. They were amazing! They memorized all of their lines and songs perfectly. We also had a guest speaker come and teach us how to program a circuit. We were the only 4th graders that got invited to go. It was really fun.  

Writing:

Last week we learned the LEAF paragraph writing technique. L stands for lead. E stands for evidence. A stands for analysis. And then you actually do another EA. And F stands for finisher. We are doing response to literature. And  we are writing about a  character in the books trait. And this week we're doing are first drafts on lined paper!

Math:

Last week in math we did our assessment.We all finished it. It was for unit three. In unit three we learned about fractions and decimals and the relationship of them. An example is 0.12 = 12/100. We also learned about the relationship between 10ths and 100ths. One example of this is that 10/100=1/10. This week we learned a new math game. And were going to get started on unit four.

 

October 14

Hello Families!

Happy Friday.  

This 4 day week flew by, but students worked hard while they were here.  We continued to reflect on the reading goals we made last week and started a focus on fluency.  We discussed what fluency is and studied a rubric to help assess ourselves.  We'll be working in Reader's Theater skits to help us practice these skills, and some students will also be participating in fluency groups.  And finally, students received their reading logs today!!  They should have brought them home with their "just right" book.  They should be filling these out each time they read both at home and school.  Please check in with your child about these reading logs. 

In writing we continued to work on opinion pieces by doing a few "flashdrafts."  We wrote about the election, and we wrote about why we love ice cream.  Students were introduced to the "boxes and bullets" essay structure.  

In math we focused on factors and products by studying area models.  We created posters for products that show the factors of that product in area models.  We also worked on improving our partner talk.  

In Science students received an assignment via Google Classrooms (created by me) in which they had to study the different Biomes and take notes on them.  They can show you the NASA link they used at home!

Please check out the SeeSaw posts this weekend for more information.(I had some technical difficulties this afternoon, so SeeSaw probably will not be posted to until Saturday or late tonight.)  

Other Important info and dates:

• Photos will take place the week of the 24th.  Forms came home today.
  
• UA Curriculum night Thursday 10/20 - 6:30 pm in the C-Wing
  
• No School - Friday 10/21
• Our conferences will take place in about a month.  Please see the sign-up sheet  if you still need to sign up or change your time.  

Have a great weekend.  Stay in touch!

Cara

New 9/23

  Dear Families,

  WOW!  This week really flew by!!  We're getting used to these 5 day weeks I guess.:)  The students had a great week with Fire Prevention, intro to Chorus, our field trip to Shelburne Farms, and lots of cool science!!  

We are continuing to work on our stamina and engagement in reading.  Next week I hope (key word - hope) to send students home with their own reading logs so that they can track themselves more closely.  We've been using the reading they record on their goal sheets to reflect on their weekly reading.  Each Friday students will be expected to complete a reading reflection so that they can focus on their reading goals and their reading growth.  

We officially started unit 1 in Bridges math.  Students learned how to set up a problem string page and we focused on different strategies that can be used for solving multiplication problems.  Some are: ratio table, number line, and area model.  It seems as though many students have a decent grasp on their multiplication facts, but if you see a need at home, please support them in memorizing their facts.

 

In writing, we're continuing to collect entries in our writer's notebooks and to write in our dialogue journals.  We'll move on to an opinion unit by October.  

We officially started our science unit this week, focusing on Plant and Animal Structures and Function.  We'll focus mostly on plants, but will also connect what we learn to animals and of course, biomes and specific animal adaptations.  It is a fun unit!!  We explored a bit of it with plants from the gardens at Shelburne Farms yesterday and got to get wet and dirty here at school today with plants from OUR gardens.  The students were very engaged while dissecting and investigating plants from the garden.  We tried to get specimens that had all parts (root, stem, leaf, flower, fruit, seed) and did careful observing of each part.  It was so cool to see the variety of leaves, flowers, roots, and fruit!  Students got really into it and we didn't want to stop (that's why they didn't do See Saw today....).  Of course, we connect these structures to their function and think about how they help the organism survive, grow, behave, or reproduce.  I wonder if you'll see your child dissecting plants from your garden at home?!?!  

Today we also participated in our first community service activity together as we brought all the food you sent in for the food drive down to the Shelburne Food Shelf!!  Thank you!  What a great way for us to help our community and it's people in need.   Speaking of, I will NOT be attending the Hike for Hunger tomorrow, but Vasanthi and some of her students (and her whole family) will be there if you plan to go.   

And finally:

       * check out the SeeSaw page for posts (from me) that show more about our work this week.  Please let me know if you need help getting in. 

       * Next week is our Open House! Thursday 9/29 at 6 pm.  Students should come to show you around our classroom and share some of their highlights so far.  We'll           have informational handouts for parents regarding curriculum.    

That's enough for now.  Keep in touch!!

Spirit Week!

We would love to invite you for a Potluck Farewell Breakfast on Wednesday, June 8th at 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM.  We just wanted to gather one last time as Team Endeavor before the last day of school.  Please bring something to share- fruit, donuts, muffins, juice, bagels, etc.  We will have napkins, plates, cups.  We hope you can come!

Stargazing night

Stargazing night was a HIT!!

Special thanks to

Shelburne Farms and Vermont Astronomical Society for making this possible!

March 13

Hello Families,

I will see all of you in the next two weeks at conferences, but wanted to remind you to check out the class SeeSaw page for posts from your children about what we do each week.  Of course, you will also get a chance to see some of their work in person at conferences.  Students are encouraged to join us.  You can find a copy of the schedule through the googledoc, on the blog page, and/or on our SeeSaw page. 

I hope you heard about how successful and meaningful the 1st annual Disability Awareness day was this week.  Students got to hear from a panel of people living with disabilities, and then participated in simulations in which they had the opportunity to experience what it might be like to live with a physical or mental disability.  Very powerful stuff!!

In math we continue to focus on a variety of strategies for solving larger multiplication problems, and problems involving fractions or decimals.  Here is a link to the very helpful unit overview. 

Students completed one personal narrative before February break and have just barely started on a 2nd one which we will again work through the writing process.  In April, we will be studying US History and our next big writing piece will be an informative piece related to a US History topic.  

I'm hoping you all saw a copy of the directions for the March share (which is optional this month - but I'm hoping curiosity will win and most kids will do something....).  The share is fully choice - students pick a space related topic and the presentation format!  Students will start presenting these next week.  They've also been working on designing an experiment that will allow them to answer "How does shadow length and direction change throughout the day?".  All partnerships are designing these completely on their own which requires them to apply what they already know and  be flexible and willing to revise their design plans if necessary!  We hope to test out these experiments tomorrow (weather dependent of course....). 

And finally, we are in the process of planning end of the year field trips.  We are considering a trip to Montreal, Quebec to visit the Biodome and Planetarium.  To do this we would need every child to have an original or certified copy of his or her birth certificate.   We would also need a signed permission form - kids from families of divorce will need a notarized permission form and both signatures and contact information for both parents.  If accessing a birth certificate or the required signatures will be a hardship for your family, please let us know as soon as possible. Thanks.

See you all soon!!

March Conference Schedule

 Crowther March Conferences

Here is the schedule for conferences this month. Please let me know if something comes up and you need to reschedule. I look forward to talking with you all soon!

TIME	Monday 3/14	Tuesday, 3/15	Friday 3/18	Monday 3/21	Tuesday 3/22
3:05	Christie Crowe Camilla	Gina and Chad (Riley)	Eliza Pickard Logan	Allan and Joan (Sasha)	Melissa and Dan (Anders)
3:30	Heather (Kassidy)	Cory & Cecilia (Colin)	Saad	April (Caroline)	Chris and Carolyn (Carly)
4:00	Sean and holly macfaden	Naomi & Stan Williams	Christie & Seth Allen(Talulla)	Rebecca Gove Burgess	Scott & Tomi-Marie (Lexi)
4:30	Karen and Jess (Miranda)	Deb and Eric (Jake)	Dave and Lynn (Maddie)	Jen & Rick (Emma Machanic)	Maria and Jim (Max Brumsted)
5:00	Corrine (Luke)			Jen Marx & Scott Smith