Hello Families, 
 
The fourth nine weeks is well underway, and before we know it, your child's fifth grade year will be coming to a close. It tends to be a busy time of year with many lessons still to learn, CRCT testing, and excitement over field trips to Lula Lake. 
 
In writing, students are completing persuasive essays and letters. Students were encouraged to pick a topic that held meaning for them, and have therefore written convincing pieces on important topics such as, encouraging people to eat healthy portion sizes, why we need to conserve water, and what we can do to address childhood hunger in America. It is interesting to see young minds address the concerns they see in their daily lives. Make sure to talk with your child about his or her topic and the research or survey they have done to support the idea. 
 
All students have been immersed in historical fiction books these last few weeks. Books set from the early 1930's to post WWII 1940's were chosen since this has been the period of recent focus in social studies. Most students have indicated they understand the social studies topics better after having read a book set in this period of history. 
 
CRCT testing will take place the week of April 14-18. These tests are important and we encourage the students to get ample sleep each night and to eat a healthy breakfast each morning. A few parents are coordinating snacks for the students during testing, so please help out if you can. 
 
Following testing, our writing focus will be poetry. We will be going outside by the pond to read and write on warm days. During these times, it is nice if students can bring a beach towel to sit on. They will need to keep the towel in their backpacks, so make sure it is not an over sized towel.  
 
Your child will be asking you for a favorite family recipe in the next few days. Please share with them the ingredients and directions for this favorite along with any family story that goes with the recipe. 
 
As we wind down our year together it is rewarding to reflect on how the children have grown. These last few weeks of elementary school are always a special time to be together. The children are excited over the changes to come and anxious at the same time. Whatever their next steps are in life, we know they are fully prepared.  
 
We have begun our Spring conferences. If we have not met with you yet, you can expect a request to meet sometime soon. The conferences are a time to check in with you to share our thoughts on your child's growth, and a time for you, as well, to share any concerns with us. 
 
Finally, listed below are a few important dates to put on your calendar. Our remaining time will go quickly, so let's enjoy the ride! 
 
Until next time, 
 
Karen Persinger 
 
April 14-18 CRCT 
April 25th Lula Lake Bluebird Trip 
April 29th Fairyland Festival 
May 5th Students visit Chattanooga Middle School 
May 9th End of Year trip to Lula Lake 
May 14th Young Author's Tea 
May 16th Field Day 
May 23rd Wings Ceremony (5th grade graduation)