We’re off to a good start.  This month we will have the privilege of meeting with students and parents as we set goals for the year.  We will celebrate Red Ribbon Week, and then look forward to our Halloween Parade on October 31st.

MATH

WOW! Math is really exciting right now. Students are studying the Solving of Equations. The book explains It one way, and Mr. King explains it another. Check your child’s notes before checking the text. I think you’ll find the notes easier to understand. Pre Algebra began with a study of integers and moved into Solving Equations. Both texts have some overlapping concepts. The emphasis is on good note taking, and SHOWING YOUR WORK!

LANGUAGE ARTS

In October, we will complete our first theme, Courage, in the anthology focusing on summarizing, noting details, making judgments, making predictions and sequence of events. Beginning in mid-October, we will start our first novel Cave of the Moving Shadows. These books will be provided by the school. We will focus on character development and improving our comprehension skills.

SOCIAL STUDIES

We will begin the month by completing our Culture Project and Dig.  Hopefully we will identify with archeologists and their challenges.  As we study Ancient Man students will be able to describe the hunter-gatherer societies, the development of tools, and the use of fire.  Students will see how climactic changes and human modifications of the physical environment gave way to the domestication of plans and animals – and new sources of clothing and shelter.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

This month will begin our throwing and catching unit.  Students will be practicing the overhand and underhand methods to throw various items such as basketballs, baseballs, frisbees, and footballs.  Strategies developing aiming, distance, and rotating skills will be utilized to play a variety of games and activities.

SCIENCE

Our month of October starts off with our first chapter test on natural resources.  We have been learning about the many types of natural resources and the effects our use of them has on the environment.  We've learned that people use a variety of materials from different parts of Earth to meet a diverse range of needs.  Some of these resources can be used for energy, usually through conversion to electricity.  However, conserving resources is essential to help prevent shortages and reduce pollution.

The rest of the month will be dealt discussing Earth's structure.  We will be learning about the forces inside and outside Earth that have produced Earth's diverse landforms.  Made of minerals and rocks, those rocks continuously change as they are subject to the processes of the rock cycle.  In addition, we will review the layers of the Earth (do you remember the 2nd grade Ding Dong experiment?). 

Rights and Responsibilities

        I have the right to a safe environment.

                I have the responsibility to follow safety rules.

        I have the right to voice our opinions.

                I have the responsibility to respect the opinions of others.

        I have the right to use school books, materials, and equipment.

                I have the responsibility to take care of all school materials.                      

        I have the right to fair treatment.

                I have the responsibility to treat others fairly.

        I have the right to a good education.

                I have the responsibility to do my best.