The first round of report cards and parent/teacher conferences often can be a great opportunity for all students to reflect on what has been done so far, and move forward with new strategies for success. We will have some discussion in class about this as we formally move into the second grading period of the year.
It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to sit down with each and every one of you, and your child understanding our partnership, and their role, shows the importance of their education. This week, we will transition into learning about the Constitution/Branches of Government, and the Bill of Rights. We will continue to use shillings and have auctions, so please keep sending in your auction items! This Friday, the first of three progress reports are sent home with the students. We will spend good time this week discussing them and how to best use them as a learning tool.
My main message to the students: Focus on your effort marks. One of our class expectations this year is the simple: Work Hard. Consistent hard work is a habit. The reward is the satisfaction of knowing that, regardless of the outcome, you couldn't have given it any more. In class, when asked the question, "Is this assignment for a grade?", my response is, "Does it matter? Will you change how hard you work if it is/isn't?" Many students are instead in the habit of putting in whatever effort it takes to get the grade they desire. Work at 75% and get an A? Done. Hard work feels good in itself and, as a positive side result, usually brings a desired grade. If not, we'll dig in and try again next time. Conversely, an "A" does not always guarantee a "+" in effort. On the report cards, a "#" is a reflection of effort expected of a 5th grader, somewhat inconsistent, but, generally solid. A "+" is the above and beyond, consistent strong effort. Anything below a "#" is effort that is consistently less than strong. *Check out the "What's Happening?" link (hover over the "more" menu tab) for some new student updates. *Thanks to all for helping the students break our goal of $350 raised towards the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society in the Pasta for Pennies fundraiser. Even though they didn't win the pasta party, I let them know if they met their goal, we'd celebrate on our own. This Friday, we will watch the Declaration of Independence themed National Treasure. Since it is rated PG, I've sent home a permission slip. Please return ASAP. The slip has more details on the movie. *If you haven't, please consider following the class Twitter account @mrmorkert. Many class pictures are added by myself and the other 5th grade teachers. Below is a photo "tweeted" this week of our own Taylor, during a presentation on clothing and supplies used by the Continental Army. Borrowing from Shakespeare, this becomes the challenging question facing our fifth graders this week: Will I decide to back the Patriots, and join in the cause, will I support my “home” country and be a Loyalist, or do I sit somewhere in the middle. In reality, two-fifths of the colonists considered themselves Patriots, two-fifths neutral, and one-fifth were Loyalists. Stories and first hand accounts from the time make the decision not an easy one.
My Brother Sam is Dead brings this struggle to life, as the main character, Tim, is torn between his father, a Loyalist, and his brother, Sam, who has run off to join the Continental Army. Tim’s position in the novel changes almost from chapter to chapter. A HUGE thanks to all parents assisting with the Halloween Party, as it was an undeniable success. The students all left with smiles on their faces (as did the teachers). Your work and help does not go unnoticed. If you have not had a chance to do so, please take a moment to sign up for a parent-teacher conference in a few weeks. The link is here to do so electronically: http://pattonprincipal.weebly.com/patton-post/parent-teacher-conference-sign-up Finally, in case you were wondering (and in fairness I’m sure many of you weren’t!), our auctions continue to be a huge success, with items like a Cubs plastic cup selling for no less than 180 shillings! Keep sending in the goodies! |
Author5th grade teacher to wonderful students at Patton School! Archives
October 2015
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