NEWSLETTERS+AND+UPDATES

Dear Parents,

I just wanted to send out a few reminders about this **Thursday's field trip to Boston**.

**1. Learn your speech!** Please make sure your child has memorized his/her speech and practiced it. They will need to be loud and clear when they reenact the fiery debate at the Old South Meeting House. Copies of speeches can be found on this link: []

**2. Dress in warm and comfortable colonial-inspired clothes!** Suggestions for a costume have been sent home, and I have modeled many different colonial outfits to show how students can get into the spirit of the time using what's in their closet. We will be walking a lot, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Click on this link to see where we will have the debate:  []

**3. Bring $10-15 for lunch, NOT souvenirs. No more than $15, please!** We will be eating lunch at Faneuil Hall. Children and chaperones are welcome to bring their own lunch that day or buy lunch. Every family has their own rules around food, so please talk with your child about what's acceptable to buy for lunch and how you expect them to budget their money. Click on this link for a list of food vendors:  []

If money presents a hardship, please contact me. Scholarships are available.

Looking forward to a day full of fun and learning!! -Emeliza

March 12, 2015

Dear Parents, 1. Tomorrow the class will be practicing the PARCC test (see letter below). Would you please check with your child to see if s/he has headphones to use? I have some extras, but it would be good if they have their own to use for the actual tests.

2. Next week is our Old South Meetinghouse field study. The chaperones are listed below. Please confirm that you can still chaperone. The more, the better!

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Barantsev <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Brown <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Burke <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Greenaway <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Hsu <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Noyes <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Schreiber <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Wei

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3. Letter regarding PARCC:

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear 5 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Grade Families, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> As you know the 5 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Graders will be taking the PARCC test instead of MCAS this year. (With the exception of the Science MCAS, however, as the 5 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Graders will still be taking that.) Because it is computer based we are asking that each child have a reliable pair of headphones/ear buds. Although this was an item on the beginning of year school supplies list, many pairs have broken and/or been lost. It is very important that each student have a reliable pair so we are asking your help in making sure this happens. Please make sure to have these by Friday, March 20 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> at the latest.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Also, on the test days the sessions will begin right at 9:30. This will mean that students need to be at school on time as there is significant prep time in getting the students all logged on to the computers.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Below please find the schedule and dates that the 5 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Graders will be taking their tests. In March and April they will be taking the Performance Based Assessment and in May they will be doing the End of Year test.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">__5__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10px; vertical-align: super;">__th__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;"> __GRADE ELA__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tuesday, March 24 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">– 9:30 a.m. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Wednesday, March 25 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> – 9:30 a.m. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Friday, March 27 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> - 9:30 a.m. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Monday, May 14 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> – 9:30 a.m.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">__5__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10px; vertical-align: super;">__th__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;"> __GRADE MATH__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thursday, April 2 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">nd <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">– 9:30 a.m. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Monday, April 6 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> – 9:30 a.m. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Monday, May 18 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> – 9:30 a.m. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tuesday, May 19 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> – 9:30 a.m.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">__5__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10px; vertical-align: super;">__th__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;"> __GRADE SCIENCE__ <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Monday, May 11 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> – 9:30 a.m. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Tuesday, May 12 <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: super;">th <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> – 9:30 a.m.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions/concerns.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thanks in advance for your cooperation, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Jess Arees <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Emeliza Ciavarro <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Keri Malm <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Jackie Moquin <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Liz Wales

February 6, 2015

Dear Parents,

Due to the weather and the extended travel time getting in and out of Boston, the field trip to Old South Meeting House has been postponed. The new date is March 19. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience for those of you who had planned to chaperone. If you have already paid for your spot on the trip and cannot make the new date, we will be sure to refund your $10.
 * Old South Meeting House **

When students take unit tests in science and math, we usually send them home for you to sign and review with your child. This is so that we know that you are aware of how your child is doing. Recently the earth science test and decimals test were sent home. If you have not done so already, please sign it and return it to me. I will notify you next week if your child has not turned these in.
 * Signed Tests **

Math-Fractions Science-Forms of Energy Social Studies-Events Leading to the American Revolution Reading-Informational Text Writing-Informational/Explanatory Essays using T.I.D.E.
 * Current Units of Study **

Please send NUT FREE SNACKS at all times. We have some students with SERIOUS nut allergies and we cannot have them in the classroom. On field trips all snacks and lunches need to be NUT FREE. Please read ingredients on all snack packs - they are listed. Thank you for your conscientious attention to this request.
 * Message from the Office: **


 * Valentines Day **

On February 13 the class will be allowed to exchange valentines. Giving valentines is optional, but if your child does choose to give, s/he needs to give one to every child in the classroom. Please use the list below to make sure no one is left out. Also, if you choose to give candy with your valentine, the following would be okay: Sweet tarts, skittles, lollipops, gum, jolly ranchers, or conversation hearts. Please don’t send in any candy with nuts or candy that has been made on equipment that may have been exposed to nuts. Any candy brought in with valentines cannot be consumed in the classroom. It will be sent home to enjoy.

As always, please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!

-Emeliza

IMPORTANT DATES

February 13- Class Valentines Exchange

February 16-20- No School- Winter Break

February 23-All School Meeting 9am

March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1 - Parent Conference Dates

(Sign ups will be sent home at the end of next week.)

March 24 and 25 PARCC ELA Test

March 27 PARCC PARCC Writing Test

April 2 and 6 PARCC Math Test

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">December 2014

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear Parents,

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">1. The holiday season is upon us. We know it is a very busy time of year for families. Please help us keep the children on track by reminding them to manage their time at home, making sure they are keeping up with assignments and tests, and contacting us with questions and concerns. It is the school's policy, however, that if children miss school for family trips and vacations, no special assignments will be given. If you know that your child will be out of school for an extended amount of time, please let us know. While you are away s/he can read, keep a journal, play math games like Othello and Rummikub, and/or just enjoy this fleeting time with family!

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">2. I am required to notify you about any new subscription-based programs the students are using in class. We are proud to announce that the Wayland Public Foundations has granted us a one year subscription to the TenMarks online math program. This program is directly linked to the common core and allows students to practice and receive customized intervention and enrichment based on their performance. We use it in class as part of our math stations and we'll begin using it for assessments and data collection as well. While it will not be officially assigned for homework, I have encouraged students, especially those that find math difficult, to get on and practice their "personal assignments" a few times per week. I also encourage you, as parents, to log in with your child to see their progress under the "report card" section. I will send home log in instructions.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">3. Here’s what we’re working on in school:

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Math <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Last month we worked on division. Now we are learning about adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing with decimals.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Reading <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Our readers are discussing great literature and developing their reading skills in book groups.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Writing <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The children have learned strategies for writing opinion essays. Our next unit will be informative essays.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">Social Studies

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Students are working with partners to study a European explorer. They are researching and creating a final product to share with their classmates.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">__Science__ <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We are studying earth science, which includes rocks, minerals, weathering, erosion, soil, the water cycle, weather, and climate. At the end of this unit there will be a test, date TBD. Students will receive a study guide beforehand, so they will have ample time to prepare. The test will also include some questions from our astronomy unit. We want the children to learn that previously-covered material is still important to remember!

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline;">4. Planning Ahead for our Winter Party

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Each year the fifth graders on our team have what we call "A Party In A Box." This tradition combines the spirit of giving, the joy of receiving, and the satisfaction of eating. Below is a description of what the children will need in order to make the party a success. We hope that all children will participate. It’s a great way to kick off the winter vacation!

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thanks again for all your support. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I wish you a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!

//<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 16px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">-Emeliza // __emeliza_ciavarro@wayland.k12.ma.us__

September 21, 2014

Dear Parents,

I hope you had a nice weekend. I just wanted to remind you of a few important things:

1. TOMORROW is PICTURE DAY!!! -Our pictures will be taken at 9am Monday morning. Forms were sent home two weeks ago. Your child's picture will still be taken even if the form has not been returned in case you decide to order pictures at a later time.

2. Time for Kids -We are ordering a //Time for Kids// subscription for each of the fifth graders this year. It is a great way for children to learn about current events, read informational text, and see everyday applications of math, science and social studies concepts and vocabulary. Please send in $5 (cash or check) to help pay for the cost of this great resource.

3. Yellow Homework Folders -Please check your child's homework folder each night. It has separate pockets for homework, notes for parents, papers that should stay home, and one for notes/forms for the school.

4. Classroom Supplies -Thank you for the many boxes of tissues that have been contributed to the class. If you would like to help with other supplies, we would gratefully accept the following donations: Clorox wipes, more tissue boxes, and 5-gallon jugs of water.

5. Parent Conferences -Please find below the available times for our fall conferences. If you have not yet signed up for a twenty minute conference please send me your top three preferences. I will confirm your time with a note home and will also post it on my website. As always, please contact me with any questions, comments, and concerns.

Best, Emeliza

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">10/1 2:10pm <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">10/1 2:35pm <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">10/1 3pm <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">10/2 3:10pm <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">10/8 2:35pm <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">10/8 3pm <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">10/22 2:10pm <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">10/29 2:10pm <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">10/29 2:35pm <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">11/5 2:10pm <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif;">11/5 2:35pm

September 5, 2014

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Room 124! The children are off to a great start. I am looking forward to meeting many of you at Curriculum Night and sharing with you the expectations and exciting events in fifth grade. I just wanted to give you a few pieces of information that you might find helpful as we begin this journey together.

• Curriculum Night 6:30-7:15

• Our Specials Schedule Monday – Library 2:00-2:30 Tuesday – Gym 1:05-1:50 Wednesday – Music 12:15-1:00 Thursday – Art 1:15-2:00 Friday – Technology 10:00-10:30

• Scholastic Book Orders Scholastic book orders are sent home each month in case you are interested. For each order placed online our class earns $3 in free books and parents will also receive a $5 coupon for their next order. It's a great way to keep our classroom library stocked with high-interest, high-quality books. If you choose to order online go to **www.scholastic.com/bookclubs** and enter our class activation code: ** H2G6T **. If you do not wish to order online you are always welcome to send in your paper order form with cash or a check made out to Scholastic Books.

• Home School/Communication Please complete the attached questionnaire and return it to me as soon as possible. I feel it is an important part of our work together in helping your child achieve success this year.

• Fall Conferences There will be a sign up sheet at Curriculum Night. Bring your calendars!

• Best Way to Reach Me My email is emeliza_ciavarro@wayland.k12.ma.us. You can also check my wiki for curriculum resources and daily assignments.

I look forward to working with you. It’s going to be a great year!! -Emeliza