Well, here we are already at the end of the first nine weeks! I can't believe how fast the year is already going by. The students have been working hard on their target standards for this nine weeks which are the Number Base Ten System and Operations in Algebraic Thinking in Math and The Practice of Science and Matter in Science. Students will have their first CGA assessments (Curriculum guide tests) this week in Reading, Math and Science. These tests are very important as they will be compared to their baseline assessments from August and used for ongoing data to help target students who still need support as we move on to new standards for the second nine weeks.
Math
This week in math students will continue working on factors and multiples and begin to explore different ways to multiply numbers. As mentioned before they will also take their Curriculum guide assessments. We completed, checked and discussed a study guide for the CGA 1. You should see this study guide at home for them to study vocabulary and types of problems they may encounter on their test. A way to study would be to make up new problems using different numbers and practice solving them. Another way to help at home is to call out multiplication facts so students can become automatic at knowing the facts. If they still have to skip count or count on their fingers for multiplication then they don't know them well enough to be able to do the types of problems they will need to do efficiently on a timed test.
Science
We will finish our chapter on Matter this week. You should see vocabulary words at home that the students are studying. You should also see a study guide coming home be the end of the week for students to study for their test on Chapter 4 on Matter.
Students should also be working on their science fair project. At this point they should be beginning their experiment or investigation so there is time to observe and research.
Date to Remember
1st Nine Ends.........................Oct. 20
CGA testing begins................Oct. 21
Planning Day-No School.......Oct. 24
Red Ribbon Week..................Oct. 27
Zoo Field Trip........................Oct. 28
Until next time,
R. O'Steen
