The Count Down is on for Christmas Break! :)

  The end of the second quarter is coming to an end quickly and we have A LOT going on in the next two weeks. I am going to apologize now because this post may be quite long compared to the rest. I encourage you to read all of it, to ensure you are aware of all that will be happening in the next two weeks.

  First, a quick summary of last week...

   In Reading, we have continued with Daily 5. We will have a Sitton Spelling/Word Work test on Monday. The words that the students miss will begin the start of their very own, "Individualized Spelling Test." Don't  panic if your child doesn't have a word list to study, they will start creating this on Monday. 

  

 In 4th and 5th Grade Writing, we have worked on Writing skills such as introductions and conclusions.  This next week, both grades will begin creating their own Christmas gifts.  

   

   In Projects, we have chosen our important person of the Colonial and Revolutionary times.  Most of the students are almost finished with their research and have started on their speeches.  Some of them have chosen to continue their research at home.  They will have Monday and Tuesday to finish and practice their speeches.  These speeches will need to be memorized and at least 1 to 2 minutes long.  I have encouraged them to start memorizing their speeches now if possible.  The clothes that they will need to be wearing for the wax museum will need to be to the school No Later than Wednesday, Dec 10th.  We will have a dress rehearsal on Thursday.  We will present these on Monday, December 15th.  All parents will be invited, we are not sure yet of location and time.  I will let you know as soon as I know. I do know it will be after lunch. Please let me know if you have any questions about the clothing. You should not have to spend a fortune on these costumes. A lot of the clothes you should be able to get from home.  What you don't have, you can probably find at one our local thrift stores, such as Thrifty Finds. 

   We will be having another Auction the week of the 15th-18th because it is the end of quarter 2.  The students have worked hard to earn their money.  If any of you would like to donate again to our auction that would be great! These items do not have to be big, just any small item that you know your child would enjoy from the Dollar Store. Food is great too! :) If you have items to send in, you can send them in anytime.

  Most of you are all aware of the  Field Trip to the Theater on December 16th, those of you that have not done so, you can send your child's permission slip and money in at anytime. 

 We will be creating Writing Christmas gifts for 5th Grade this week and next.  These are really neat books that the students will create using fabric for the cover.  If any of you have any fabric, batting, or ribbon laying around that you are not using and would like to donate to our classroom that would be great! This fabric does not have to be Christmas.  

Also, if you have any Christmas Decorations that you are not using and would let our class borrow, that would be great too! 

Two more things...

  The students would like to do either a Elephant Gift Exchange or a Secret Santa.  We have not voted yet. Both of these would either require a candy bar or a small gift costing $5 or less.  Please let me know if this is something that you would not like to do.  I know money is tight this time of year:) 

  I would like to have a small Christmas party for the students on Thursday, even though they are going to the movies on Tuesday.  This will be small, not like Halloween.  

This is what I was thinking... We will have a few centers. One center would be a cookie decorating station, I already have one parent that is willing to make the cookies and run the center.  If there is anyone that would not mind donating some icing or toppings, please let me know!  Another station would be a board game station. If you have one that you would be willing to let us borrow, please send it in:) The other centers would be things like creating snowflakes, crosswords, or coloring.  I was thinking one small snack, like fruit, veggies or popcorn? which I can provide. (any ideas would be great)

Thank you for reading this LONG POST! As you can see, there is just sooo much going on! I hope I remembered it all :)

Please contact me if you have any questions :)

I HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!