VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY FIELD TRIP:

Today, November 3, both 5th grade classes will set sail aboard the Hawaiian Chieftain out of Sacramento. Mrs. Garrett and Mrs. McCann were chosen by lottery to be the parent chaperones to board the ship with the students. Since several students in Mrs. Vander Kooi’s class will be absent that day, we have room for a few more chaperones on board. Mrs. Smoljan and Mrs. Hinton will also be boarding the ship.

Departure from Fresno

Students will report directly to the classroom as usual at 8:00 A.M. We will board the charter bus at 8:15 A.M.

Arrival in Sacramento

We will eat lunch upon arrival at the dock. We will be on board the ship from 12:30-3:30 P.M.

Return to Fresno

We will board the bus immediately after debarking the ship. We should arrive back in Fresno between 6:30 and 7:00 P.M.

What to Bring

We will be sailing for three hours, so students need to be protected from the weather (sun or rain, heat or cold). Students should bring:

  • Layered clothing
  • Raingear (depending on the forecast)
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat (well fitting)
  • Sneakers/rubber-soled shoes
  • Brown bag lunch and drink
  • Morning and late afternoon snacks
  • Water bottles

What Not to Bring:

  • any electronic devices including iPods, MP3 players, cell phones, or electronic games
  • Chewing gum
  • High-heeled or slip-on shoes
  • Umbrellas
  • Scarves or loose clothing

Seasickness

According to the Voyage of Discovery organizers, seasickness isn’t usually a problem. They want the children to be alert and able to participate in the program. Anti-seasickness medication can cause drowsiness, making it hard for the students to concentrate and participate in the program. For concerned families, they recommend checking with their doctor or a pharmacist for the best options. There are seasickness prevention alternatives available that may not cause the drowsiness that the standard remedies have been known to cause. Also, they recommend eating healthy, non-greasy foods moderately prior to the field trip.

Location of Dock

Old Sacramento

L St. and Front St.

Lower Dock – North of the Tower Bridge

Near Joe’s Crab Shack

http://L St & Front St, Sacramento, CA 95814

https://plus.google.com/Old Sacramento Parking L

NOVEMBER READING:

Students will independently read a book from a different genre each month. Class time will be given every day for silent reading and students are expected to read a minimum  of 10 pages a day. If they are unable to complete this in class, then reading becomes homework.

The genre for the month of November is historical fiction. Students should show their selected historical fiction book to me for approval. As a response to this literature, students will make a book cube. The book cube will have six sides.Students will independently read a book from a different genre each month. Class time will be given every day for silent reading and students are expected to read a minimum  of 10 pages a day. If they are unable to complete this in class, then reading becomes homework.

Side 1: The title, the author, and the student’s name neatly labeled.

Side 2: The setting illustrated and a written one-sentence description.

Side 3: The protagonist illustrated and a written one-sentence description, including the name of the character.

Side 4: The antagonist illustrated and a written one-sentence description, including the name of the character.

Side 5: The conflict described in detail.

Side 6: A summary which includes what happens at the beginning, middle, and end of the story.

 

This is a link to a long list of historical fiction titles:

http://www.goodreads.com/genres/5th-grade-historical-fiction

WRITING:

This week students will continue persuasive writing.

MATH:

This week we continue Chapter 5: Subtracting Integers and begin Measurement

SCIENCE: 

This week we continue our study of plants, including photosynthesis and respiration.

BIBLE:

This week we begin Unit 3: The Prophetic Writings.

 

SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSE:

Students will memorize scripture weekly and take a written test each Friday. The memory verse for this week John 15:4-5 and the test will be this Friday, November 7. Students will be graded on writing the verse accurately, including correct wording, spelling, punctuation, grammar and scripture reference.

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 

John 15:4-5

SPELLING: 

Lesson 13 words will be tested this Friday, November 7.

Lesson 13

  1. actual
  2. beckon
  3. burden
  4. captain
  5. comparison
  6. example
  7. foreign
  8. people
  9. informal
  10. label
  11. medal
  12. peddle
  13. personal
  14. several
  15. special

Challenge Words

  1. reunion
  2. practical
  3. neutral
  4. physician
  5. typical

DATES TO REMEMBER:

  • Voyage of Discovery Field Trip: November 3
  • NO SCHOOL Veterans’s Day: November 11
  • NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break: November 26-28
  • End of First Semester: December 5
  • Elementary Drama “A Bag Full of Fables”: December 5
  • K-6 Christmas Program: December 12
  • NO SCHOOL Christmas Break: December 15-January 2
  • School Resumes: January 5