Good times with great kids!

Things are up and running in 5S! Routines are becoming familiar, friendships are being formed, and learning is occurring. Our first few weeks have been a great experience, not only in the classroom but out and about as well.

Math groups are underway, your child is receiving targeted instruction from one of the the three excellent teachers on the fifth grade team. We should have access to the online IXL math program soon, and some students may be asked to work with that as homework. Once it is up and running, information will be sent out to all families.

Classroom reading groups will be formed soon, we are finishing up with DRA2 testing to determine appropriate grouping. All students should have a chapter book and be reading at home for at least 30 minutes a day. We will try to be light on other homework, as daily reading is one of the most effective ways to boost student achievement across the board.

Mrs. Kraai is coming in for a bi-weekly counseling time, last week she talked about the importance of  building relationships and the students brainstormed ways to make and keep friends.

Mrs. Kraai gets them thinking!

Classroom jobs are getting going, our classroom reporter practiced delivering the news with a great report on mythical creatures around the world.

A water bottle microphone and Scotch Tape mustache adds credibility to any news report, even one on the Yeti.

Mornings on the track aren't bad, so long as the kids have fast hands and good friends!

Making friends with some good old-fashioned hand clap games

The trip to the Dead Sea was a blast. The kids definitely took the opportunity to have fun and make new friends, and we all enjoyed a day of learning outside the walls of ACS!

Muddy buddies at 400m below sea level!