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Vol. 7
5 Grade News Email: guptonk@thompson.k12.co.us 2/7/2011

Dear Parents,
Upcoming Events: Valentine’s Day is soon approaching and we at Ponderosa
are excited to participate in our first “Hallway Hop” near the
February 9
Walt Clark 5th grade visitation end of the day. Our celebration will begin at 2:30 with snacks
and a time for our students to open and read their valentine
February 11 cards. Then at 3:15, we will join the rest of the school for a
Bill Reed Middle School visits
Ponderosa to discuss electives dance in the hallway. This will be a great way to end an
registration amazing day of togetherness.
Let me know if you can send something for our “fruitilicious”
February 11
Sweetheart Supper and Silent party. It’s always a big deal to the kids and they look forward
Auction 6-8pm
to these special celebrations.
*Check your dinner
reservation for specific times. ______________________________________________________
Literacy
Upon returning from winter break we had the pleasure of joining Mr. Rauer’s class to share our
February 14 Poetry Performances. This was a powerful time of listening for poetic attributes and observing a
Valentines Party 2:45 variety of projects.
Last week students participated in one of my favorite assignments to finish our poetry unit. It
started with students creating a special work of art. Soon after, they spent time viewing these
pieces of art through a gallery walk. During the walk, all students were asked to give a describing
February 16-17 noun or verb, an adjective or phrase to each piece of work. From this collaboration of words, the
Parent Teacher Conferences students then composed a poem. The outcome is a remarkable project that each student contributed
to one another. These will be highlighted in our hallway for conferences next week.

February 23 In Writing we have examined a variety of writing pieces that demonstrate various levels of
Lucile Erwin Student/Parent proficiency. The students have produced several narratives. We often conference with one other
Night 6:00-7:30 about these pieces to discuss strengths and areas that need more attention.
The kids are doing a great job and they continue to show growth with each assignment.

Most literature circle book clubs are wrapping up and we will soon begin a new story.

Math :We are currently working with Polygons; triangle attributes, quadrilaterals and various
geometric shapes. We will revisit area and perimeter in this unit and will be taking a closer look at
other mathematical standards such as mode, mean, median and range, ratios and probability.
Our next unit that follows is Graphing. We will interpret and create all graph types and features as
well as plot information.
*We continuously practice multiplication and division.

Social Studies All fifth grade students are learning about the United States, our branches of
government and will research other democratic countries around the globe.

Science:In Mr. Rauer’s class all fifth grade students are wrapping up their unit on the states of
Upcoming Field Trips matter(solid, liquid and gas)
Coming up: Review of all elementary science curriculums in preparation for CSAP.
Possible: Denver Museum of .
Nature and Science Have a great week,
February 26 Mrs. Gupton