Mrs. Smit's Tidbits: Week Twenty-Six

Curriculum Tidbits:

We are reviewing our unit, Dividing Whole Numbers and Decimals, in anticipation for Monday's unit test. A practice test was sent home today with your fifth grader. As usual, students should:

In writing, we spent a lot of time determining theme, developing claims, and finding supporting evidence in mentor texts. All of this prepares us to choose our own book next week to use for our literary essay.
Matthew 28:1-10 is this month's Bible memory passage. It will be due on Friday (3/24). Students have the option of reciting it to me (alone or with a few friends) or completing a fill-in-the-blank.
In Bible, we will conclude our unit, Jesus' Ministry Continues.
Our new reading unit is Historical Fiction Book Clubs. Due to the generosity of the PR Parent Board, we have been blessed with many NEW titles for the students to choose from! Thank you, Parent Board!
In Science, students will be learning about matter in a unit entitled Ch-ch-ch-changes.

Other Tidbits:

Fifth graders collaboratively worked on creating a pop-up book of notable African Americans. This was a great way to tie in some STEM learning with Black History Month.
Each Friday in March, the fifth graders will plan and record a book talk telling all about the book they are currently reading. Completed videos will be shared as "snack videos" throughout the following week.
From the Middle School: We are excited to welcome the 5th grade students for a visit to the middle school! 5th graders will be previewing the middle school play, "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood" this coming Thursday afternoon (3/9).
Students will get the chance to eat at middle school. A "deli bar" hot lunch (build your own sandwich, chips, fruit, veggie, milk) will be offered to students who want to take hot lunch that day. Those who aren't taking hot lunch will be able to bring their lunch along.
We hope this is a fun introduction into life at the middle school! There will be an opportunity later in the year for more details and a tour of the middle school.
Conferences - Parent Teacher Conferences are March 20th and March 27th.
Report Cards will be available on Friday, March 24.

Requested Announcements:

March Is Reading Month! As part of the national celebration of reading month, West Michigan WhiteCaps is providing a free optional Reading Tracker/Ticket Order Form, and a coupon for a free donut from Family Fare.

Students and/or their grown-ups keep track of reading minutes in March.
Those who participate are eligible for 2 free tickets to select WhiteCaps home games.

All information regarding this incentive and how to order free tickets is included on the WhiteCaps 2023 Reading Club Form.

South Side Book Fair - The South Side book fair will be the week of March 20 in the After School Care room in the 1st and 2nd grade hallway. Come and shop the following dates:

Skating Party - South Side/Pine Ridge Parent Board is hosting an all-school skating night at Rollxscape on Tuesday, March 28. Join us from 6-8pm for skating, fun and fellowship. Admission and skate rental costs are covered by the Parent Board. Concessions are available to purchase by families. We look forward to seeing you there!
Parent Board is looking to next year! Would you like to be part of our team? Help us plan/execute Walkathon, show teachers our appreciation throughout the year, and plan some fun events, besides getting to know the school community! Please contact Tami Schippers or Emily Baker if you’d like to hear more.
Lacrosse Parent Meeting - For any elementary and middle school students who are interested in playing lacrosse for Holland Christian this year, there will be a parent informational meeting on Thursday, March 9 at 7pm in the Lecture Hall at Holland Christian High School. Enter through Door A, which will be unlocked at 6:45. We will provide you with details in terms of practice, equipment, times, etc. If you have questions, we will be answer the at the meeting.