Introducing Our New Ghioni Gems

Samantha moved here a few weeks ago from Mexico and is learning English. Jack joined us a couple of weeks ago, and he has moved here from Texas. They are both awesome kids, and we’re so glad they’ve both joined us.

Our Field Trip to Benaroya Hall to see the Seattle Symphony

I wasn’t able to take pictures inside of Benaroya Hall, but I can tell you it was amazing! The presentation was very upbeat and kid friendly. Our Gems enjoyed playing their recorders along with the symphony, and seeing some of our student’s art work displayed on a big screen. The following pictures were taken at the Sculpture Park in downtown Seattle, where we ate our lunch and took a walk around the area.

Valentine’s Day

We had a great time passing out Valentines and playing “Heart” Bingo.

Science

Our unit of Land and Water will be introduced tomorrow. Students will look at a variety of pictures, which included water and land features. We will make a chart about what we already know about water/land and what we would like to know.

The STEM Night/Science Fair packets were sent home today. Inside the packet, you will find the Rules & Regulations Guidelines, The Steps of the Scientific Method, a Scientific Process Worksheet (students may use this form or a form of your choice), and a sample of the Grading Sheet I will use to assess each project. Gems are expected to do their experiment and project at home, but I will be guiding them (explain and guide them through the steps of the project) along the way from school. Their scientific question (idea for the project) is due March 13th.  

Social Studies

Students have spent much time and thought preparing for their long and challenging trip across the Oregon Trail. Here is a list of the preparations that were made.

• They were divided up into family groups of five.
• They chose their names, personalities, and outfits for their characters.
• After research, each family decided what kind of animal would pull their wagon, as well as what provisions they would take.
• They created a mural of the many landforms and forts they will experience along the way.
• Finally, they created a map of the trail to help guide them.

**Ask your child about the first challenge they faced while traveling across the plains. It was exciting!!

Celebrating our STARS of the Week!!

Emelia and Jacob

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Reading

We continue to focus on building our understanding of both realistic and non-fiction text, by finding specific evidence to support our observations/thinking. We have also been learning about Greek and Latin roots and their derivatives. Last week, we learned that “photo” means light and that “ology” means the study of.

Writing

We have been working diligently on our editing and revising skills. Also, we have been very busy practicing our writing skills through persuasive essays, narrative journal writing, and letters. For example, before we “set off” on the Oregon Trail, we wrote Farewell Letters to friends and family back home. Currently, we are using the writing process to create a narrative journal entry, which will reflect the first event that happened during our journey.

Math

Last week, we began our fourth unit on Algebraic Equations and Solving Word Problems. This unit focuses on enhancing reasoning skills, using comparisons to solve problems with more than one step, and analyzing patterns. We continue to work on memorizing our math facts, twice a week, with our 2-minute timed drills.

Homework

The March Reading Log went home on Thursday. Please make sure your child shows you their reading goal and sign the bottom of the form. As a reminder, your child is expected to read at least 20 minutes each night, (Monday through Thursday), and record the minutes read on the log. They are to be returned each Friday. (See the dates on the form :).

Communication: Email is the best way to reach me. ghionit@riverview.wednet.edu. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

This class continues to be amazing! They are hard workers, great thinkers, and supportive of one another. That is a huge reflection on you and your parenting!! Thank you for helping to make my job a joy.

Mrs. Ghioni