Sunday, December 16, 2018

Week of December 17th

Hello 5th Grade Families, 

We made it! This is our last week of school before Winter Break! We have loved every minute of the first semester with our learners. This week is going to be filled with fun activities, so please make sure you read all of the updates so you are aware of the different activities that will be going on.


What's Happening Around TCE? 

Jingle Bell Jog

The Jingle Bell Job has been rescheduled! The learners will participate in the run on Monday during specials (9:55-10:50). 

5th Grade Winter Program

The 5th grade Winter Program will be taking place Monday, December 17th at 8:00AM and 6:00PM. The learners need to wear jeans or black pants and a red, green, or silver shirt. They will need to arrive at TCE for the night time performance by 5:45PM.

TCE Giving Tree




Donations for Homeless Shelter

Our fifth graders will be participating in some service learning activities on December 19th, a day that our staff has named "Better Together Day." On this day, we will provide the learners with a handful of service learning activities with a focus on helping those experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. One such activity will be to assemble holiday boxes with important items such as toiletries, socks, flashlights, etc. In order to assemble these boxes, we will be collecting donations.

Winter Party
The 5th Grade winter party will take place on December 20th from 2:00-3:00. All of 5th grade will be together in the cafeteria for some winter fun! Your son/daughter's homeroom teacher sent home a sign up link for a service learning project for the party. Please look for that email if you haven't signed up yet and you want to! 

Early Release Schedule - Friday, December 21st
Friday, December 21st, the learners will be released from school at 12:15. Please make sure your learner is picked up from school at this time. The learners will have specials from 10:15-10:45 and will eat lunch from 11:35-12:05. We will be eating lunch in the classrooms, so no visitors will be allowed to eat lunch on Friday. 

Reminder: YEARBOOKS ON SALE NOW!

Reminder: YEARBOOKS ON SALE NOW!

It's that time of year to purchase a yearbook for your child. Yearbook cost was not part of the Trailpass this year, so the only way to purchase is through balfour.com at a cost of $25.

You can also purchase an ad to appear in the yearbook to make this year extra special. Optional ads come in multiple sizes ranging from $15-$120.

We sold out last couple of years, so don't miss out! Yearbook sales end January 18, 2019.

Reminder: Yearbook Picture Submissions

PTO would love your help as they begin the process of collecting pictures throughout the year to spotlight in the yearbook. We'd love to send any pictures you have from school events, field trips, and spirit rallies, etc. through the platform "Imageshare".


To download Imageshare for the first time:
1. Search for Balfour Image Share in your app marketplace
2. Download the app, create your account
3. Enter your name, email, and project number 928045
4. Check your email for a confirmation code. Enter it, select username and password to complete your registration
5. Start uploading pictures - make sure to include the child's name/grade & teacher/event or caption after each upload
(Photos must be from the current school year. Photos will be selected based on quality and resolution)

Reminder: Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Volunteering Opportunities

If you are interested in supporting our school, volunteering with the PTO is a great way to do it. Our board president, Casey Conley, is currently looking for volunteers that would be willing to help out with our school garden, spring book fair, and spring fundraiser. If you are interested in finding out more or signing up to help out, please email her at cconley24@gmail.comAnyone is welcome!


Curriculum Updates

Math: 
This week in math, the learners are continuing their unit over operations with fractions. The learners will continue to learn how to add and subtract fractions with different denominators. This requires them understand equivalent fractions, which we will also be reviewing.

Science:

This week in science the learners will be exploring the formation of fossil fuels. They will be creating a foldable to model the stages of fossil fuel. They will also be completing different online activities that help them understand the different fossil fuels.

Social Studies:

Students will understand how the three branches of government check and balance one another.

ELAR:

This week, the learners will continue to focus on compound sentences in grammar. In reading, we will continue to understand how nonfiction texts continue to get more and more complex.


Friday, December 7, 2018

Week of December 10th

Hello 5th Grade Families,


We cannot believe we only have 2 more weeks left until Winter Break! 5th grade has a very exciting month ahead, so thank you for taking the time to read our blog.

Whats Happening Around TCE?

  • 5th Grade School Spelling Bee - December 11th
  • Jingle Bell Jog - December 14th at 11:10
  • 5th Grade Winter Performance - December 17th 
  • Winter Party - December 20th from 2:00-3:00 in the cafeteria

Don't Miss TCE's Family Movie Night!


TCE Giving Tree



Donations for Homeless Shelter

Our fifth graders will be participating in some service learning activities on December 19th, a day that our staff has named "Better Together Day." On this day, we will provide the learners with a handful of service learning activities with a focus on helping those experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. One such activity will be to assemble holiday boxes with important items such as toiletries, socks, flashlights, etc. In order to assemble these boxes, we will be collecting donations.

Reminder: YEARBOOKS ON SALE NOW!

It's that time of year to purchase a yearbook for your child. Yearbook cost was not part of the Trailpass this year, so the only way to purchase is through balfour.com at a cost of $25.

You can also purchase an ad to appear in the yearbook to make this year extra special. Optional ads come in multiple sizes ranging from $15-$120.

We sold out last couple of years, so don't miss out! Yearbook sales end January 18, 2019.

Reminder: Yearbook Picture Submissions

PTO would love your help as they begin the process of collecting pictures throughout the year to spotlight in the yearbook. We'd love to send any pictures you have from school events, field trips, and spirit rallies, etc. through the platform "Imageshare".


To download Imageshare for the first time:
1. Search for Balfour Image Share in your app marketplace
2. Download the app, create your account
3. Enter your name, email, and project number 928045
4. Check your email for a confirmation code. Enter it, select username and password to complete your registration
5. Start uploading pictures - make sure to include the child's name/grade & teacher/event or caption after each upload
(Photos must be from the current school year. Photos will be selected based on quality and resolution)

Reminder: Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Volunteering Opportunities

If you are interested in supporting our school, volunteering with the PTO is a great way to do it. Our board president, Casey Conley, is currently looking for volunteers that would be willing to help out with our school garden, spring book fair, and spring fundraiser. If you are interested in finding out more or signing up to help out, please email her at cconley24@gmail.com. Anyone is welcome!

Curriculum Updates

Math
This week in math, the learners are beginning their unit over operations with fractions. To begin the unit, the learners will learn how to add and subtract fractions with different denominaotrs. This requires them understand equivalent fractions, which we will also be reviewing. This weeks homework includes adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominator, as well as adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators.


Science
This week in science we will be exploring sedimentary rocks. The learners will be make their own sedimentary rocks and doing several learning ports. They will be exploring the process of how sedimentary rocks are formed.

Social Studies 
Ths week in history, learners will begin learning about the three branches of government and the balance of powers.

ELAR
We have recently started a new Nonfiction Unit in reading. This next week, we will be focusing on understanding and determining complex main ideas. We will also focus on using context clues to understand the meaning of unknown words.
In grammar, we will continue to focus on adverbs. In spelling, we will continue our focus of Greek and Latin roots.
As a reminder, we will have our School Spelling Bee on Tuesday, December 11th. We are excited to see how the learners do in the spelling bee.





Sunday, December 2, 2018

Week of December 3

Hello 5th Grade Families,

We cannot believe we are already moving into December! 5th grade has a very exciting month ahead, so thank you for taking the time to read our blog.

Whats Happening Around TCE?


  • 5th Grade Class Spelling Bees - December 4th 
  • 5th Grade School Spelling Bee - December 11th
  • Jingle Ball Jog - December 14th at 11:10
  • 5th Grade Winter Performance - December 17th 


Don't Miss TCE's Family Movie Night!


TCE Giving Tree
Curriculum Updates:Math: This week in math we will be wrapping up our unit over personal finance. The learners will take a post test at the beginning of the week. Next, we will begin our unit over operations with factions. The learners will be required to add and subtract fractions with unequal denominators, solve multiplication of whole numbers and fractions, and divide whole numbers by unit fractions and unit fractions by whole numbers. The homework this week will be a review of what we covered last year in fractions. We recommend all learners complete the homework as a review over fraction concepts covered last year.Optional Homework



Science: This week in science, we will be wrapping up our unit over force, motion, and energy. The learners will be taking a post test on Monday. Learners completed a review of force, motion, and energy in Schoology. Students can use this reveiw to study over the weekend. 

Language Arts: In reading, learners will continue working on analyzing nonfiction text. Learners will explore how to read nonficiton text with extra alertness. They will also learn how to use nonfiction text features and their prior knowledge to assist them in understanding text. Finally, students will explore the main idea of cmplex nonfiction text.

In writing, learnes will continue working through minilessons, covering the different parts of an expository text (introducation, conclusion, development of ideas, etc.)

In grammar, learners will continue studyng adverbs.

In spelling, learners will be able to correctly spell words with the greek root phon.

Social Studies: In History, learnes will begin exploring the importance of the Bill of Rights. In addition, students will learn about the fundamental rights guaranteed by the amendements in the Bill of Rights. These rights include the freedom of religion, speech, and press; the right to assemble and petition the government; the right to keep and bear arms; the right to trial by jury; and the right to an attorney.

 

Friday, November 16, 2018

Week of November 16

Hello 5th Grade Families,

All of the fifth grade educators would like to wish you a relaxing and wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday with your family!

What's Happening Around TCE?

NO SCHOOL NOVEMBER 19-23

As a reminder, there will be no school the week of November 19th in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.

5th grade lunch will begin at 12:15 on 11/30


A Look Inside Our Classrooms 

Vocabulary Review 

ADI in Science 

Curriculum Updates:

Math: After the break, we will continue our unit over personal finance. The learners will analyze financial records and learn to balance a budget. In addition, we will discuss the differences between credit cards, debit cards, and checks. We will also continue discussing the following vocabulary words: income tax, payroll tax, sales tax, property tax, gross income, net income, electronic, payment, financial records, budget, expenses, and income.


Science: This week, in science, we will be wrapping up our ADI. The learners will be finishing their reports and doing a blind peer review. After, they will write their final copy. Once we finish our ADI, we will start our unit over Earth's changing surface. The learners will start this unit by exploring how fossil fuels are made. 



Language Arts: In reading, students will begin a new unit covering nonfiction. Learners will have a chance to explore a wide range of high interest non fiction texts thanks to our fabulous PTO!

In writing, learners will begin a new unit on expository writing. Students will participate in a series of mini lessons covering the different parts of an expository text (introduction, conclusion, development of ideas, etc.)

In grammar, learners will be able to properly identify and write adverbs.

In spelling, learners will be able to properly spell base words with affixes.

Social Studies: This week in Social Studies, learners will begin a new unit over the Constitution. Students will study the Articles of Confederation, Preamble, and the Constitutional Convention. 



Friday, November 9, 2018

Week of November 12th

Hello 5th grade families!

Than you so much for everyone who came and supported our Veteran's Day Ceremony this morning. Our 5th graders had the opportunity to share their reflections and did a fabulous job!  As always Thank you for taking the time to read our blog.

What's Happening Around TCE?

No School November 19-23

As a reminder, there will be no school the week of November 19th in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday

PTO 
  • If you have not, please sign up to receive PTO emails. You can sign up at tcepto.com or by clicking the link. 
  • PTO is hosting a spirt night at Urban Air Thursday, November 15th from 4-8
  • PTO is looking for volunteers for Dad's Club, Green Team, and the Spring Book Fair. Please go to tcepto.com to volunteer

A Look Inside Our Classrooms

Comparing and Contrasting Themes in Literature 

Collecting Data 


Veteran's Day Ceremony 

Curriculum Updates

Math

This week in math, we will wrap up our unit over decimal operations. The learners will take their post test on Tuesday. They will be required to multiply and divide decimals with algorithm. They will also be required to recognize pictorial representations of multiplication and division problems.


Science 

This week in science we will be wrapping up our Argument Driven Inquiry over potential and kinetic energy. The learners will be creating an argument based on the data they collected and presenting their findings. They will then write an investigation report about the entire process they went through.

Language Arts

In reading, we will close up our unit on comparing and contrasting themes across pieces of literature. Students will also finish up their book clubs and celebrate their success as a team!

In grammar, we will be focusing on identifying and writing correct prepositional phrases.

In spelling, we will spell words with long to short vowel changes. As a reminder, the we will have our class spelling bees on December 4th.

Social Studies

This week, we will wrap up our unit on the American Revolution. Students will be assessed on the causes and effects of the American Revolution.





Friday, November 2, 2018

Week of November 5th

Hello, TCE families. We had a day full of learning about how to be healthy during the Health Expo. The learners learned all about drug safety, peer pressure, CPR, yoga, and more!

Thank you for taking the time to read our 5th grade blog!

What's Happening Around TCE?



Veteran's Day Program
We will hold our annual Veterans Day Program on Friday, November 9th at 9:00AM in the TCE gym. We are excited to continue this tradition of honoring our TCE family and friends that are veterans.


Sky Ranch 2nd Payment is coming up; information about the payment options can be found here

The second payment of $50 will be due on Thursday, November 1st. You may pay by cash, check, or credit card. If you choose to pay by check, please make your check out to Town Center. If you choose to pay by credit card, you may access this link to make your payment. 


If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email your homeroom teacher and ask. We are more than happy to help!  

The Spelling Bee will take place in December, so your learners can begin to study words now. :) In the link below, there is a letter explaining the bee and its details. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1C1BaUwQRkU5cSi6PqehoqSQDF7_JeM6R1XL1rN2nbTU/edit


Schoology: The learners complete many activities and assessments in Schoology. Please use the following link to read more about how you can use Schoology to follow along with what your learner is doing inside the classroom. https://www.coppellisd.com/domain/3059 

A Peek Into Our Classrooms:


Spooky Science


Eye Spy Adjectives


New Books!

Curriculum Updates: 

Math: Optional Homework Link - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AL4V2CBQs1kKhGBKO_t8Ib6AQKlhNSaHJsGlkSELDEc/edit?usp=sharing

This week in math, we will wrap up our unit over decimal operations. The learners will take their post test on Tuesday. They will be required to multiply and divide decimals with algorithm. They will also be required to recognize pictorial representations of multiplication and division problems.

Science: This week in science the learners will participate in their first ADI (Argument Driven Inquiry). Through this scientific process, students will take hold of creating the methods and data collection for their experiment based on background knowledge and new information. They will then get to collect data, write and share about their evidence. We are look forward to our first ADI!

Language Arts: In reading, we will begin to wrap up our fiction unit by learning how to compare and contrast themes across texts. We'll focus on looking at how characters, character problems, and the lessons they learn are the same and different across different texts. We'll also analyze how different characters in the story are more connected to the theme.

In grammar, we will focus on using adjectives and adverbs to write more descriptively.

In spelling, we will spell base words and words with suffixes. As a reminder, we will have our Class Spelling Bees on December 4th.

Social Studies: This week the students will continue to learn about the effects of the American Revolution including the Treaty of Paris, Founding Fathers, and the impact of allies during the war.






Friday, October 26, 2018

The Week of October 26th

Hello, TCE families. Thank you for taking the time to read our 5th grade blog!

What's Happening Around TCE?


The Health Expo is this UPCOMING Friday 10/2. We look forward to a great and educational day. Please read the letter that was sent home last week and reach out with any questions or concerns. 


Sky Ranch 2nd Payment is coming up; information about the payment options can be found here

The second payment of $50 will be due on Thursday, November 1st. You may pay by cash, check, or credit card. If you choose to pay by check, please make your check out to Town Center. If you choose to pay by credit card, you may access this link to make your payment. 

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email your homeroom teacher and ask. We are more than happy to help!  

The Spelling Bee will take place in December, so your learners can begin to study words now. :) In the link below, there is a letter explaining the bee and its details. 


Conferences 

If you would like to still sign up for a conference with your learner's homeroom teacher, the link to sign up has been sent out an email. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child's homeroom teacher. 


Popcorn During Texan Town:

The learners can order popcorn on Fridays during Texan Town for 50 cents. They also have the opportunity to pay $2.50 for a subscription, which will cover the cost of popcorn for the remaining 5 Texan Town sessions.


Story Book Pumpkin Patch: 

     The Town Center Elementary Library will host a Storybook Pumpkin Patch for any TCE students that would like to participate.  At home, students and/or families can decorate a pumpkin to look like one of their favorite children's book characters. Students may bring their decorated pumpkin to the TCE Library 7:30-8:00am on Monday or Tuesday morning, October 29-30, 2018.  The pumpkins will be on display for viewing Monday, October 29 - Thursday, November 1.  Pumpkins must be removed from the library by 3pm on Friday, November 2.  Visit this link for details and guidelines: https://tinyurl.com/TCEpumpkinpatch


A Peek Into Our Classrooms:


Putting a "cap on drugs" for Red Ribbon Week!

Putting a "cap on drugs" for Red Ribbon Week!

"Following our dreams" for Red Ribbon Week!



You can always follow the hashtag #tce5th on Twitter to see more pictures from our classrooms. 

Curriculum Updates: 



Math

Optional Homework Link- https://docs.google.com/document/d/1q2DvTAiln0ZobhRupMUX_TKJPntDIlkDc7pO79eEe6Q/edit
This week in math, we will continue our unit over decimal operations. Our lessons will focus on dividing with decimals. We will learn how to represent quotients of decimals to the hundredths by dividing up to four-digit dividends and two digit whole number divisors using objects and pictorial models, including area models, as well as divide using standard algorithm.

Science

We will be reviewing the concept of gravity before beginning our first Argument Driven Inquiry experiment. Through this scientific process, students will take hold of creating the methods and data collection for their experiment based on background knowledge and new information. They will then get to collect data, write and share about their evidence. We are look forward to our first ADI.

Social Studies

In Social Studies, we will be learning about the ending and aftermath of the American Revolution. We will unpack both sides of those fighting in the battles and the solution that was the Treaty of Paris.


Reading & Language Arts

In spelling, we will be reviewing how to write the plural form of nouns. In grammar, we will focus on using the adjectives to add description. The learners will learn about comparative and superlative adjectives.

Friday, October 19, 2018

The Week of October 19th

Hello, TCE families. Thank you for taking the time to read our 5th grade blog!

What's Happening Around TCE?



Next week is Red Ribbon Week! See the image below for the theme of each dress up day! 

Report Cards came home on Friday 10/19. Please read, sign and return the report card back to your learner's homeroom teacher. 


The Health Expo letter came home on Friday 10/19 with your learner about the upcoming Health Expo on Friday, November 2nd. Please read and reach out with any questions or concerns. 

The Spelling Bee will take place in December, so your learners can begin to study words now. :) In the link below, there is a letter explaining the bee and its details. 



Conferences 

If you would like to still sign up for a conference with your learner's homeroom teacher, the link to sign up has been sent out an email. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child's homeroom teacher. 


Popcorn During Texan Town:

The learners can order popcorn on Fridays during Texan Town for 50 cents. They also have the opportunity to pay $2.50 for a subscription, which will cover the cost of popcorn for the remaining 5 Texan Town sessions.


PTO FREE Movie Night- Oct. 26th 







     The Town Center Elementary Library will host a Storybook Pumpkin Patch for any TCE students that would like to participate.  At home, students and/or families can decorate a pumpkin to look like one of their favorite children's book characters. Students may bring their decorated pumpkin to the TCE Library 7:30-8:00am on Monday or Tuesday morning, October 29-30, 2018.  The pumpkins will be on display for viewing Monday, October 29 - Thursday, November 1.  Pumpkins must be removed from the library by 3pm on Friday, November 2.  Visit this link for details and guidelines: https://tinyurl.com/TCEpumpkinpatch


A Peek Into Our Classrooms:





Learners from 5C sharing some accomplishments.


5th grade learners working hard in music class! 



You can always follow the hashtag #tce5th on Twitter to see more pictures from our classrooms. 

Curriculum Updates: 



Math


This week in math, we will continue our unit over decimal operations. Our lessons will focus on dividing with decimals. We will learn how to represent quotients of decimals to the hundredths by dividing up to four-digit dividends and two digit whole number divisors using objects and pictorial models, including area models, as well as divide using standard algorithm.


Science

  This week in science, we will be wrapping up our investigations on types of energy. The learners will be taking a quiz on types of energy on Monday. They are more than welcome to study the Quizlet over the weekend to prepare for the quiz. The learners will also be completing a project over changing forms of energy. The will be selecting a household item, drawing it, and labeling 5 types of energy and one force that the item uses. 



Social Studies

This week in Social Studies, students will understand the perspectives of Loyalist, Patriots, and Neutralists. Students will also study important individuals such as Benjamin Franklin, Sam Adams, and Mercy Otis Warren. As a reminder, all students have access to a digital Social Studies textbook. The learners will use their computer username and password to login to the online textbook. See the link below. https://student.teachtci.com/student/sign_in


Reading & Language Arts


In reading, the learners will continue to meet with their Book Clubs to discuss and share. In reading workshop, we will focus on analyzing character problems to identify the theme and interpreting ideas in fiction. In spelling, we will be reviewing how to spell words ending in y when we add the suffix -ing. In grammar, we will focus on subject & verb agreement.