Parent+Notes

**Dear Parents,**
 * November 28**

**Today we are beginning our unit on learning the fifty states and their capitals. We will be learning the states alphabetically so each week we will have 10 states and 10 capitals. Students will be expected to label each state on a blank map and know the capital of each state. The capitals will either be in a list form, where I give the class the state and they write the capital, or the class will match the capital to the state.**

**I will provided each student with 4 two – sided copies of a blank map to practice placing states on a blank map. If you need more copies, your child must get them from the basket in the classroom labeled “MAPS.”**

**This is a progressive unit. Each week we will add more states and continue the states previously learned until we progress to labeling all 50 states on a blank map.**

**Every Wednesday each class will be assigned states and capitals and they will write the states and capitals in their planners. Every Tuesday night, before the test on Wednesday, they will be expected to write the states and capitals in cursive for homework. There are many dates that we will have a short week or we will not be in school. I have made accommodations for this. If your child is absent on the day of the test, they will take the test upon return. No further days to prepare will be given since this information was sent out November 28 and the schedule of test was given then.**

**One point will be deducted from your child’s grade for not capitalizing proper nouns (this is a poor habit). I will hold students accountable for spelling unless your child has special accommodations.**

**Since this unit is progressive, it is imperative your child study nightly so they will not be overwhelmed the night before a test on Wednesday.**

**Please sign below to indicate your child received the information needed for the states and capitals unit that includes a list of states and capitals alphabetically and the test dates.**

**Respectfully,**

**Ms. Henry** Write the states and capitals, we are studying this week, in cursive. This homework is due every Wednesday and this is the only time I will print this page for you. You must use notebook paper after this week.

Example: Raleigh, North Carolina

1. _____________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________________

4. _____________________________________________________

5. _____________________________________________________

6. _____________________________________________________

7. _____________________________________________________

8. _____________________________________________________

9. _____________________________________________________

10. _____________________________________________________

November 28

Dear Parents,

If you are receiving this letter in addition to the outline on the states and capitals, your child is receiving accommodations. I will test your child in one of the following ways:


 * Tested only on the 10 states studied for the week


 * Tested only on the 10 states and capitals studied for the week


 * Tested only on the states as the unit progresses. For the first week, your child will have to label 10 states on a blank map, the 2nd week 20 states, the 3rd week, 30 states and so on.

Often, students want to attempt more and I encourage this. If your child wants to attempt all states and capitals as the unit progresses, I will score the test only on the states and capitals attempted; however, they will be held accountable to label the 10 states we are studying for the week. Anything additional will be scored according to correct answers on the ones attempted.

I will not hold your child accountable for spelling of any state and capital except for //Raleigh, North Carolina.//

**Dear Parents, November 1**

**It is amazing but the first nine weeks is gone and we will begin the second nine weeks today. Below is an overview of what we will be studying:**

**Math: algebraic expressions** **Geometry** **Language Arts: Literature Circles** **Science: Ecosystems** **Social Studies: States and Capitals**

**We will clear out and organize our binders today and we will continue to place test grades in our binders under the correct divider.**

**During the next 2 months it will be busy and the focus on school will not be as prominent due to the excitement of the holidays; however, it is my expectation that while in school, learning must take place. To offset the excitement and gain focus on academics, we will be making holiday bags at the end of November. At the end of the day, I will place a treat in the bag if the student has turned in all work, caused no class disruptions, participated in class, did all class work and home work. This is where you come in. I need parents to contribute the following items for this:**

**Pencils Erasers colored pencils colored pens note pads** **Individually wrapped candy markers sticky notes stickers** **Bouncy Balls lollipops stamp pads stamps…………..**

**These items could be anything you think a 10-11 year old would love! I greatly appreciate your support and I thank you for sending in the items. The non-perishable items can be sent in ASAP.**

**Also in December we will be making Ginger Bread houses out of Graham Crackers. We will design and build the houses ourselves relating this to our geometry unit. The items for this will be: Graham Crackers, vanilla icing (6 containers), pull and peel Twizzlers, miniature M&M’s, gum drops, sugar coated/frosted Life Savers, Nerds, Gummy Bears, small bowls, plastic spoons, etc. More specifics will be coming later but I wanted you to be aware of what I am going to be asking of you. As always, contribute what you can and leave the rest to me.**

Thank you for your support and thank you for sending me your child every day.

On the back is a list of really good web sites that I encourage all students to spend time on during the geometry unit. If you find any more good web sites, let me know and I THANK YOU for all you do! Ms. Henry


 * || Shared by Mrs. Devinney
 * || Shared by Mrs. Devinney
 * || Shared by Mrs. Devinney

It is essential that your child understand what a word problem is asking them to solve. We use a 4 step process to ensure comprehension of the information given and what the question is asking. Each student has a hand-out that breaks down the process of problem solving so you can see what they are doing. We will begin with some easy problems so students can learn the process. This process will be helpful in more complex word problems.

Example of word problem below: Each step is worth 25 pts

Sylvia Snead won $500 on the new reality show Who Wants to Do Howie's Homework? She spent $25 on presents for her parents. She spent 3 times that amount on a purple poncho for her friend Paula. And she gave the rest to Howie. How much money did Sylvia give to Howie?

Sylvia won $500 Spent $25 Spent 3x that much on a poncho Gave the rest to Howie
 * 1.FACTS:25 pts**

How much money did Sylvia give to Howie:
 * 2. QUESTION:25 pts**

Choose an operation $500-25=475.00 3x=3 x 25=75 475.00-75.00=$400.00
 * 3.STRATEGY:25 pts**

Sylvia gave Howie $400.00. ||
 * 4. DOES MY ANSWER MAKE SENSE:25 pts**