12/16/15

Hi Families-

Science fair packets came home today for all the 4th and 5th graders.  Don’t panic- we have plenty of time. :)  Our school science fair is January 28th.  We thought it would be best to get it done before science camp.  I created a calendar based on the county’s recommendation.  Students may work alone, or in groups of no more than 3.  The deal is as long as all the parents of the group agree they can help coordinate to get the kids together- then they may work with whomever they choose.  We looked at the website- www.sciencebuddies.com today to get them thinking about possible experiments.  Their proposals are due the Thursday we get back after winter break. Having the chrome books in our classroom will be helpful for research.  They can even create google docs they can work on at home, in class, and share with their partners so they can both contribute to each step. (I am loving google docs:)

Science camp is rapidly approaching.  If you already paid, the office will be contacting you since the amount has changed.  Thanks to all of you who contributed to fundraising efforts.  The new cost is $188.52.  We ask that all payments and paperwork be turned in no later than January 15th.  A form will be coming home soon with more info. Again- thank to Home and School Club and everyone who helped!

Holiday Plans for this Friday- We will be making gingerbread houses with our little buddies Friday morning in the MU.  Thanks for all your donations.  (Please no M&Ms or any other products containing nuts.)  Please read below from Mary. I will talk to the class tomorrow if they want to do anything special that day also- like pajama day.

Hello Room 5A,

     Our class party will be at 2pm on Friday the 18th.
We have a few parents that have offered to bring in snacks and treats.
If anyone else would like to donate, that would be great.
Thanks again for your help this year.
Hope you all have a good winter break. Happy Holidays!!!
Mary

I hope you are all having a great week!

Jaime

12/1/15

December 1, 2015

Hi Families,

First of all- I can’t believe it’s December!  I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  December is a busy month!  (Not that we ever have a mellow school monthJ.) I wanted to thank you for taking the time to come to your child’s conference.  If you have any questions or concerns about their report card or progress, please let me know and I’d be happy to meet with you.  I’m always available for homework help too if you have questions.

We will start doing our Scholastic News in class as part of our Social Studies/Science instead of part of our homework.  That way we can have valuable conversations about the news topics.   We just started informational reading and writing units, so this will fit right in.  If you have any non-fiction books at home you’d like to loan or donate, please send them in.  I would like to see Dreambox used more at home.  If students do not have a device to do so, please let me know and they can come in before school to complete lessons.  The program is designed for students to spend at least 60 minutes a week online.  That way we can be sure it’s a true learning tool. https://play.dreambox.com/login/ymdg/soquelue

We are also starting a new math unit.  I’ll send home paperwork letting you know what we are learning about.  It will help you and your child with their homework.  I believe in Common Core.  We have to work together to make sure students don’t give up too easily because it looks different.  Teachers were afraid of it too at first!  But please keep an open mind set and encourage your child to do the same.  The 5^th grade team works together to ensure that we give our students extra support since they didn’t get Common Core instruction throughout their elementary years.  Here is the publisher’s website: http://investigations.terc.edu

This week is the Book Fair in the MU.  Please buy books for your home or our classroom library.  There are some great deals.  Thank you Catherine for organizing.  On this Thursday, December 4^th-  we have Bed Time Story night from 6-7:30.  We will also have a bake sale to help raise money for Science Camp.  Please donate time and or baked goods if you can.

Please bring in all Science Camp money and forms as soon as possible.  If we could get everything in before we go to Winter Break- that would be awesome.  Thank you in advance for all of your help in fundraising also.  I am so glad that every 5^th grader gets this amazing experience! http://www.osp.santacruz.k12.ca.us

Next Friday- is Fancy Day.  We also thought it might be fun to make Stone Soup with our little buddies.  Last year was a beautiful disaster but we figured this time if we did it on a long day the soup might actual cook and not be so gross and crunchy.  (Hey- we tried. J)

But-the kiddos all wanted to do it again- so Mrs. Weisel and I will send out more info soon.

Some classes have booked field trips to go to ATT&T Park.  They offer an amazing educational field trip experience.  Please look at the website. http://mlb.mlb.com/sf/ballpark/distance/index.jsp#educational_tours_distance I am in the process of booking a spot for us- but I will need your support as it costs $400.  (That includes our 28 students plus 12 adults- so 10 extra chaperones after you include Francesca and me.)  While I understand it’s a lot to ask because we are already fundraising for Science Camp- I just hate missing out on opportunities because of money.  There’s got to be sponsors, or other ways we can put our heads together to make it happen, right?   Let me know your thoughts.  Karen is already brainstorming and I know our village can make it happen.  Looks like it will happen in January if at all. 

Think that’s it for now.  Thanks again for all that you do for your child, our class, me, and our school.  Let’s make their last year at Soquel El the best ever!  I will try and keep my blog updated too! http://mrsmcmillan4.blogspot.com

Love, Mrs. Mc

PS- Encourage your child to go on google docs and work on their writing- they love it!  Ok-I promise that’s it! 

11/24/15

I know the holiday week is upon us- just wanted to resend this to 5th grade parents- we are in the final push of fundraising for Science Camp!

If you can help on Thursday, Dec. 3 with bedtime stories and/or bake, please let me know!

Thanks again and happy thanksgiving!

Kathleen

1. Wine Passports 

Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Passports
Great for the wine lover!
Regularly $55 online or at wineries, you can purchase them for $40 each.
The Passports are good for 2 years from date of purchase and will allow you a complimentary tasting at each of the 50 plus wineries in the passport booklet. Passport holders are also invited to attend the four passport days each year hosted by the SCMWA and wineries within the booklet. The next passport day is November 21! Email secretary@soquelpaws.org to order.
*50% of sales goes to Science Camp fundraising from now > Dec 7!

Push those passports- we get $20 for each one we sell!!

HELPERS & BAKERS NEEDED!!!

2. Bake Sale/Light up Sales/ Cocoa @ Bedtime Stories on Thursday, Dec. 3rd 6:00-7:30 PM in the MU

Bedtime Stories- bake/cocoa/light ups

Part of our book fair. Kids can come hear stories, buy cool items and Science Camp will be having a bake sale, sell light ups & cocoa.

We need bakers & helpers the night of. :)

Email kathleen@capitoladesign.com if you can help!!

Remember: all these proceeds go towards making Science Camp cost LESS!

Email if you can help! Thank you, 5th grade parents!!

Kathleen

11/10/15

Hi all 

So the website has been updated with the new url for dream box and I also put the new iPad school code.  We will be sending a edulink to parents with this info, but wanted to let you know the webpage is all working.

New url

https://play.dreambox.com/login/ymdg/soquelue

App code

Ymdg/soquelue

I am sorry for all this confusion

Gerri 

10/23/15

Hi! Tomorrow is mustache day! Last year I bought different stick on type but the students played with them, lost them, or complained they pulled out their actual hair...then I busted out eye liner and everyone was happy. So I stopped by target tonight and bought some black eyeliner and printed out some different mustache styles. During Word Work tomorrow morning I'll go around and make sure everyone that wants one gets one. If anyone wants to join in the fun- let me know!

Mrs.Mc

10/20/15

Hi Families,
Thanks to those of you who were able to join us.  For those who couldn’t make it last night- here’s the website with all the info.  
http://www.osp.santacruz.k12.ca.us
The packets are coming home today.  Please keep them in a safe place and return them when you’re done.  Julie Livingstone is helping keep track of what has been turned in, so please email her if you can help. tjam148@yahoo.com  We still need a lot of fundraising help too!
Jamie, Aniya’s mom, went to the camp when she was in school.  She had a great experience and would be willing to talk to any kids that are feeling nervous.  I am going to try to arrange a time for her to come and chat, along with Zoe Foster who went last year.  I think together the 3 of us can help calm any anxiety.
The pumpkin patch is this Friday.  Please bring in the permission slip and $2 for a pumpkin.  We have enough chaperones- so thanks!
Have a great day,
Jaime

10/12/15

October 12, 2015

Dear Parents,

Thanks again for all of your help with the Walk-a-Thon.  We had plenty of water, snacks, and spray bottles!  Please bring in those pledges for it is a BIG fundraiser for our school.  Remember- if your child brings in $75 they can try and dunk Mrs. Fippin in the dunk tank at the carnival J!  Thanks for the money to cover the cost of our amazing outfits!  If anyone found an extra blue bag- it belongs to Sevin.  His got misplacedL

I’m sending home cards the office made with all of your child’s login for all the great programs we are offering every Soquel El student.  Please take advantage of these programs as much as possible.  Put the card in a safe place and bookmark pages like Dreambox and Typing Club.

On Friday, October 23^rd, we’ll be walking our little buddies over to the pumpkin patch.  Our scheduled time is 10:30, so we’ll head over around 10:15.   I’m sure most of you have already gone- but this is your last opportunity to do this with your 5^th graderJ.

Our whole school is going to parade around the block on Friday, October 30^th.  Each class needs 3 parents chaperones to walk with them.  Let me know if you’d like to join us.  The carnival will be from 4:00-7:00.  We will need parent volunteers to help with our class booth.  Please let me, or Mary Elin know if you can help.  elinfamily4@gmail.com

Please be ready to help fundraise to Science Camp.  Julie Livingstone is organizing all of the paperwork.  Julie and Tory Del Favero also have some fundraising ideas.  We will need parents to organize events such as Bingo Night and a possible rummage sale. Please email Julie if you can help or have any other ideas.  Remember- it takes a villageJ.  Julie- tjam148@yahoo.com.

Thanks so much,

            Mrs. Mc

9/29/15

September 29, 2015

Dear Parents,

A few reminders-Full steam ahead, I can’t believe it’s almost October!

Science Camp

This Friday, October 2^nd- the Science Camp Participation form and Financial Aid form is due.  (Final payment of $273 is not due until Dec. 14^th.) We really appreciate you meeting these deadlines as it makes planning and organizing a whole lot easier. Please let me know if you have any fundraising ideas or would be willing to help in any way. You will get the big packets from the Camp at the meeting at Main St. on Oct. 19^th at 6:00.  In preparation-Your child will need a physical from their doctor before going to camp.  So- if they have any appointments coming up- you can get that done early.  (Thanks Catherine for the tip!)

Walk-a-Thon

Next Friday, October 9^th is our Walk-a-Thon.  We have enough volunteers for the day- but come out and cheer us on. Please help remind your child to be collecting as many pledges as possible for this is one of our school’s biggest fundraisers.

Please send in a white shirt to decorate ASAP. (Doesn’t have to be new) I went to buy the hats this weekend in San Jose and the store only had 2!  So, back to hunting for hats and socks…stay tuned!  There was possible talk of tie-dyeJ  I know Kim has offered to help make this happen- let me know if you’d like to help or have any ideas.

PE

On Mondays and Tuesdays, we will be doing running/track work-outs.  Although we ask kids to wear shoes they can do PE in daily- it is especially important on these days.  We will definitely be ready for the Walk-a-Thon!  They can always just have athletic type shoes in their backpacks and change for PE.

Drive for Schools

Please turn in those raffle tickets- due October 16^th- There are more in the office too!

Math

We will be wrapping up our multiplication unit this week.  We will have a quiz on Friday.  I attached a sheet that’s shows the different strategies we have been working on.  The 5^th grade team doesn’t expect mastery of them all.  The goal is to have a few that they can rely on to solve multiplication problems.  Never hesitate to ask about math HW or send your child in with questions.  I am more than happy to find time to help.  It would be great if you could take time and talk to your child about which way makes the most sense to them and see if they can teach you new ways to multiply! 

Dreambox- please have your child do Dreambox at home.  We will be using it on the chrome books in class as well- but it’s a great resource- so let’s use it!

Student Council

I’ll be starting up Student Council soon- starting with planning Spirit Days.  I am meeting with any interested 4^th and 5^th graders at lunch this Thursday.

THANK YOU,

It’s going to be a great year.  Thanks again for volunteering to be a part of it!

Jaime

9/23/15

September 23, 2015

Hi Families-

It was so great to be back in the classroom today after being out for an amazing training on Tuesday.  I composed all of the Classroom Helper forms that I received from Back to School Night.  I was so happy to see so many volunteers.  Thank you in advance for all the support you give our class this year.  Please see the attachment to see if I left you off- or put you on the wrong duty:)

I am really looking forward to a great Walk-a-Thon.  Last year, Catherine was generous enough to buy us white t-shirts and I decorated them to each student.  I would be more than happy to do the same.  If you send your child with a plain white shirt- I’ll paint them with the design we choose and let each kid pick a name and number to write on the back. (It doesn’t have to be new- just all white.)  If we start the process sooner it’ll make my life much easier:)  There’s also talk of getting matching trucker hats and funky socks.  This creative group wants to take it up a notch and I am all for it.  So, please let me know if you’d like to help make the full ensemble work.:)  I know there are hats for $1.50ish at a store in San Jose I can try and get.  I haven’t looked into cheap sock ideas yet.  I just want to make their last year at Soquel awesome- and sometimes it’s the little things that they remember.

Thanks again for getting all of the following items in this week.

-Scholastic News donation ($5.44- thanks for those who donated an extra one- very generous.)

-Book Orders (optional)

-Science Camp Participation form (please let me know if you still need a packet.

-Drive for School Raffle Tickets

Think that’s if for now!  Hope you’re all having a great week so far.

Jaime

DREAM BOX!

Here is our school's dreambox page.  Your child should have brought their login info home.  It's their student id and everyone has the same password: soquel123
https://play.dreambox.com/login/ymdg/soquelue

Sept. 15, 2015

Hi Families!
I hope you got my letter about testing this week.  Tomorrow and Friday our class will be taking our new district benchmark test.   It’s called MAPS and is replacing the Ren Learning tests we’ve done in the past.  Julie Livingstone and Kim Kidd have offered to bring in snacks for the kids on our testing days.  (Thanks so much!)  It’d be great if students came well rested these days- a lofty yet good goal:)  We don’t want the kids to be stressed- but at the same time we want them to be well prepared to give it their best so it is a true diagnostic test to help us see where each child is academically so we can provide the best support.  
Just another reminder- Thursday is Back to School Night.  5:00 for 5th grade parents to meet in the MU to talk about Science Camp- then our classroom will be open from 5:30-6:00.  Then Mrs. Fippin will do a whole school gathering before the k-2nd classroom visits.  I hope to see you all there!
Thanks so much,
Jaime

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug. 31, 2015

Dear Families,

            I can’t tell you how amazing it was to start a classroom community already knowing every single student in my classroom.  Thank you so much for a sharing your kids with me!  I know there has been a lot of information coming home as we start school, as well as some new routines.  I promise the dust will settle and we will all have a great year together.  We spent the first (half) week getting to know each other better while reviewing classroom and school procedures.   I know we all are excited and nervous about all our last year at Soquel  El has to bring- including Science Camp.  All questions will be answered soon.  I promise! J

            Homework is due on Fridays. Please sign the top of each HW sheet so I know you are aware of what your child is working on.  The class opted to have interactive journals with me.  Every time they write to me, I’ve promised to write them back.  It’s a great way to increase one on one interaction with each of them. I am making this optional.  They can write to me in class if time allows or at home.

Please know that you can always come talk to me or email me with any questions or concerns.  Remember- I’m a parent too. J Being a mom made me a better educator.  I promise I will always try my best to meet your child’s educational and emotional needs. I truly appreciate all the support you give your child, our classroom, and our school.  Soquel El is so great because of the strong connection between home and school.  That’s why I feel so lucky that I get to teach here, and have my children attend here.

Soon you’ll receive these notes via email so please email me at jmcmillan@suesd.org if you haven’t already so I can add you to the email list.  Or please send a note in if you prefer a paper version.

Thanks so much, Jaime McMillan