Happy Holidays!

I have just a couple of last minute notes:

• Please continue to have your child read over the break and log their entry. In addition, I encourage any type of word puzzles, sudoku, crossword puzzles, etc. Keep those brains working! =)
• Encourage your child to use FCAT Explorer and/or Compass Odyssey over the break. We sent home a blue memo today with specific instructions that will assist you in logging on.
• Lastly, when we return from the break it will be time for the 9 weeks exams (end of the quarter exams). The English Language Arts Exam is scheduled for Monday, January 12. It will cover all Non-fiction stories we analyzed this quarter from pg. 531-582. In addition to re-reading the stories I recommend that the students focus on the vocabulary words at the beginning of each story and the grammar lessons at the end of each story.

Thank you for your continued support. I hope you and your families have a joyous and peaceful holiday season.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

Here we are, the last week of school for the year. Can you believe it?

We will continue to focus on Non-fiction with an emphasis on Expository Writing:

Monday: Christine Parker from the City of Jacksonville Animal Care and Control will be visiting with her partner, Maggie. This month we have been focusing on DCPS Character Trait of the Month: Kindness and Caring. She will extend our focus on caring and kindness not just towards others but also towards animals.

Tuesday: Period 1: Our reading coach Ms. Knighton will be visiting to focus on summarizing.
Periods 2&3: We will start our Expository Essay. Pg.258: Problem/Solution Essay. Students will select a "Problem Within the School Setting" and create a concept map. On the map brainstorm all of the problems associated with the chosen topic and possible solutions.
Periods 5 & 6: We will attend the school's Spelling Bee in the auditorium

Wednesday: Problem Solution Essay Pg. 258 All classes will get caught up to speed with the brainstorming and concept map (step 1) and complete the four square graphic organizer for homework.

Thursday: We will be visiting the Media Center to check out a book for pleasure reading over the holiday break. If you currently have a book checked out from the Media Center please bring it with you. Homework: Using the four square graphic organizer write the first draft of your Problem/Solution Essay. Bring the first draft with you tomorrow for a peer editing session.

Friday: Mini-lesson on Revising Sentence Structure--Peer editing session with a focus on sentence structure and time to write your final draft.

I wish you all a safe and joyous holiday season! This time of year can get a little hectic, consider slowing down and reading to your child. Even a chapter or two of their favorite book can mean so much. The best gift you can give is your time. =)

---I'll see you next year!

A Busy Week

As I mentioned in the last posting the engrade messaging system is not working. Please continue to contact me via DCPS webmail at sargenta@duvalschools.org Thank you!

Monday: We will continue focusing on the "Table of Contents" strategy with an emphasis on finding the main idea while reading the "Ladybugs" article. --No homework, get a good nights rest and eat a healthy breakfast to prepare for the benchmark.

Tuesday: Pg. 596-598 Apply the "Questioning the Text" strategy and complete the graphic organizer (3 questions per box).

Wednesday: Early Dismissal; District Mini Formative #5 in class. Homework: pg. 149-151 "Interview with Jerry Spinelli" Pg. 151 #1-8

Thursday: Pg. 254-257 Understanding Patterns of Organization/Cause and Effect---We will start working on the cause and effect graphic organizer in class after the reading.

Friday: We will continue working on the graphic organizer in class. When finished--pg. 257 Comprehension Check and FCAT short response.

December--Seriously, where does the time go?

Ready or not...the holiday season is just around the corner. =)

NOTICE: Engrade is hit or miss. I have been informed that Landon will be utilizing a new grade book program purchased by DCPS starting in quarter 3. Julia Landon will be one of the pilot schools so hang in there and try to be patient with engrade. I do want to inform you that I am not able to view messages sent via engrade. Your best bet to contact me is through email at sargenta@duvalschools.org or by phone at 346-5650 x157 please leave a message and I will get back to you at my earliest convienance.

We will continue working on Non-fiction this week with an emphasis on essay writing.

Mon. 12/1: Select one from the following options and complete a brainstorming graphic organizer. (A) Explain, based on "Restoring the Circle" short story how you are a piece of the "Circle of Life," (B) write a letter to the author, Joseph Bruchac, or (C) pg. 587 select a topic and compare and contrast two websites that offer information on your selected topic. Homework: Start preparing for the Selection TEST on Thursday by re-reading the three essays, "Restoring the Circle," "How the Internet Works," and "Turkeys".

Tue. 12/2: Mini Lesson using the F.R.I.E.S.S. writing strategy. Use the FRIESS writing strategy to complete your four square graphic organizer that assists with focus and organization. Complete four square in class and start first draft. Homework: Complete first draft. Note: you do NOT need to get it edited, we will be working on editing in class tomorrow. Continue to prepare for the Selection TEST on Thursday.

Wed. 12/3: Editing--Mastering all stages of the writing process, students will learn the proper signs and symbols editors use. Homework: Re-write your paper using the suggestions and feedback your editor gave you. You do need to use your best judgement when deciding to use the suggestions and if you are in doubt ask for a second opinion from me, a parent, friend, or mentor. As always, you may choose to type your final draft but it is NOT required. =) Continue to prepare for the Selection Test on Thursday.

Thur. 12/4: Selection Test-- Non-fiction (three types of essays) focusing on persuasive, informational, and narrative. "Restoring the Circle," "How the Internet Works," and "Turkeys"

Fri. 12/5: Progress Reports---Students will be bringing home school wide progress reports. Continue to use engrade to view (well sometimes) your child's grades. We will continue to focus on Non-Fiction. I will be teaching students an easy strategy that will assist them in increasing their "Reference and Research" (a portion of the FCAT) score. The strategy is called the Table of Contents Strategy and we will be applying it to a released FCAT passage.

Thank you for your continued support.