Hello Parents,

The 5th Grade just completed their study of the Mass where they learn the different parts of the Mass as well as prepare to conduct a Mass in our classroom. We have a priest, servers, cantors, musicians, offertory procession, Eucharistic Ministers, Call to Worship, petitions, and cross bearer. They choose the readings, write the petitions and homily, and pick the songs we sing. This class took this very seriously, learned a lot, and loved doing it! Thank you class, it was very touching!!!

The 4th grade are currently learning about our atmosphere. They will learn about different weather instruments, and then we will be making our own. We're looking forward to this activity.

Below are some reminders from the beginning of the year. Please note your access to the Homework & Testing Calendar is a great way to get a handle on where we are in the book, what we are doing in class each day, when tests, quizzes, and projects are coming due, and what the homework is for each night of the week. Please use this as a tool to help your student especially when you are out of town or absent.

Each child should have a Science book and a red notebook. This notebook will be used for notes from class and vocabulary definitions as well as a lab journal for experiments. As I said before, they should always carry their assignment notebook which goes home every night. I post homework on my board for science and religion and we also post all homework for every subject. At the end of the day if an assignment was not written down, they have a chance to do so as they pack up for home.
Parents may also check the "Homework and Testing Calendar" page on Fast direct. This is a great way for you to see what projects, tests, or quizzes are coming up as well as homework for each day of the week. This is accessible on Fast direct, under the "planner" tab.
docs.google.com/document/d/1vnv9P8kDWimOxF9fmkwZVtFlZxvIPPnQnpaCFvhebio/edit

Fun-Friday - These are short experiments or demonstrations that the children prepare for class on their assigned Fridays. The children can choose their project from the many books I have or from internet sites. The can work by themselves or with a partner. They should include a write-up for their project which includes the Purpose, the Observation, and the Why it Works. They will do 1 project per quarter. The children look so forward to this and learn many concepts and connections to science in the world around them. Make it fun and teach us something!!!

Grading - The children's grade for the quarter will be based on daily participation and enthusiasm, their attitude, quizzes, tests, labs, notebooks, chapter packets, Fun-Fridays, and projects. My lab grading rubric is based on: problem solving, contributions, attitude, focus on task, how well they work with others, and of course, safety!

Religion - Our main focus this year in 4th Grade is on The 10 Commandments. In 5th Grade the focus is on the 7 Sacraments. In addition, we will study the Mass, the Rosary, the Virtues, 4 Step Apology, the Beatitudes, review how to go to Confession, many different projects, and the meaning of Advent, Lent, Christmas, and Easter.

Let's have a great year, learn a lot, and have fun doing it! Remember my motto:
"Learn As You Go!"

Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns. You can get in touch by Fastdirect.

Thank you for entrusting me with your amazing children!!!
Mrs. Jeannie Harris
4th & 5th Science and Religion