Welcome to Mrs. Boyd's 5th Grade Webpage

June 2, 2008

Dear Parents,

  Instead of sending a calendar this week, I want to update you on some of our activities.  We have several “loose ends” to tie up, which seems to be the nature of this last week of school. 

1. There will be no tests this week.
2. We will be making special “Flower Pens” for our friends at Cedar Lane.  We’ll put them in a basket, along with a few note pads and other stationery items as gifts for them.
3. Thursday is our cleaning day.  Students will need to bring two rags, a paper grocery bag, and a small trash bag on that day. 
4. Friday is our awards ceremony at 10:30, followed by our last school Mass. 
5. Thursday and Friday are 12:30 dismissal days.
6. Wednesday is the last day for hot lunch.
7. I am enclosing with this letter the Summer Reading information.

    I want to take a few minutes to comment on what I consider to be a very special class.  This was an incredibly good year and I enjoyed every minute I spent with these young people.  There were the usual “ups and downs” for all of the children, and that’s all part of life and learning.  But the good far outweighed the bad, as it almost always does. 

    I know that you, as the parents of these great kids, have seen extraordinary and wonderful changes.  They have grown in so many ways.  Their physical growth over a school year is always surprising; many are now as tall as you!

    Academically, I have seen changes, as well.  The comparison of what they were doing in September to where they have come in May is striking to me.  I could not be more proud of their commitment to learning, their sincere effort to try their best, and their willingness to persevere in every new challenge.

    What I feel most excited about is the spiritual growth I’ve seen.  It isn’t always easy to get up every day and follow the Gospel values, living as Jesus wants us to live.  These young people have sincerely made the effort to do just that.  I realize that they are all in various stages of development, and that they come to us with different life experiences.  But I can honestly say that every one of these children has taken steps forward in spiritual growth, and that’s something we can all celebrate! 

    Finally, I want to thank you for your support of my efforts in the classroom throughout this year.  We were a great team – you, me and your children.  Together we made a difference to them, and I am blessed for having had a role to play in their education.  Thank you so very much.  I appreciate all of you and I wish you a happy and safe summer. 

                                    Sincerely,

                                       Mrs. Boyd

June 2, 2008

Summer Reading Requirement for Upcoming Sixth Graders

Dear Students,

  As you prepare for your vacation, I’d like for you to take a few minutes to plan your summer reading.  During this past school year we read Regarding the Fountain, by Kate Klise, and I know you enjoyed this book.  I want your summer reading to be fun and interesting, also.  With that in mind, you have two requirements for the summer.

1. Complete the attached BINGO card, and return it on the first day of school.  The directions are on the sheet, and there is something for everyone.  Make it as easy or as challenging as you want.

2.  Read another book by Kate Klise.  She has a series of Regarding the… books.  (Regarding the Bees, Regarding the Sink, etc.) Once you have finished the book, please choose ONE of the following projects to complete and bring with you on the first day of school.

• Write a summary of the book in poetry form.
• Write a letter to one of the characters; explain why you agree or disagree with a decision he or she made during the course of the story.
• Write a sequel to the story.
• Put the main events to music.  Write and sing a song about the story, and record it.  Play it for the class in August.
• Design a six or eight panel comic strip depicting the main events of the story.  Use speech bubbles, thought bubbles, and/or captions. Make it colorful.
• Draw or paint your favorite scene from the book.
• Use clay to create your favorite character from the book.  Tell us about this character, or write a brief character sketch.
• Find a paper lunch bag (or use a lunch box.) Decorate the bag, and fill it with 5 or more items that represent something meaningful about the story.  Tell us why you chose those particular items.
• Create a diorama showing an important scene from the book. Make use of different textures, colors and unusual items (use a shoe box or any small box.)  Include a 3x5 card that explains what we are seeing in your diorama.
• Assemble a scrapbook using events from the novel to tell the story in a different way.  Include pictures, drawings, mementos, speech bubbles, journal entries, thought bubbles, notes, memos, newspaper clippings, photographs, etc.  Be creative!
• Use the main events of the story to create a Power Point presentation.  Share it with the class in August.
• Write a book review to convince your classmates to read this book.  Provide several examples of the most exciting scenes, and give at least four reasons why they should read it.
• Using Microsoft Publisher, or any similar program, create a newspaper based on the story.  Include news articles, feature articles, editorials, classified ads, community news and advertisements from local businesses or entrepreneurs.

Expectations

1. All work must be neatly done.  Artwork should be neatly colored with crayons or colored pencils.  If you paint, please use watercolors. 
2. Written work may be done by hand in blue or black pen (no erasable pens, please), and write legibly in cursive. Please avoid scratch-outs and whiteout.  If you prefer, you may use the computer (12 Times New Roman).  All spelling, grammar and punctuation must be correct.
3. All work must be completed to the above standard of excellence, and turned in on the first day of school. Be sure to put your name on all of your work.
4. Be prepared to share your projects during the first week of school.  These will account for your first Language Arts grades of the new school year.

There are projects offered here for all levels of interest, motivation and ability.  You’ll truly find many ways to challenge yourself.  Look over the list of projects and find something that you think you might enjoy.  Then give it your all.  I’m looking forward to hearing and reading some exciting things in August.  Have fun with your summer reading!

     One last note – If you’re looking for a way to improve your writing and enrich your vocabulary, reading and writing are the answers.  Here are some ideas that will help you get started if you want to write a little each day. (This is optional.)

·        Write a journal entry each night about what you did during the day.

·        Write a letter to friends or relatives who live in another state.

·        Write up a mini resume – list all the skills and talents you have.

·        Write to an author of a book you’ve read.

·        Write a dialogue between two characters with opposing views.

·        Write a newspaper article about an event you saw while you were on vacation.  Why not put together a complete newspaper of your own?

·        Write a thank you note to someone who has helped you in a meaningful way.

·        Write some nonsense poems.  Use Shel Silverstein as your model.

·        Write a “how- to” speech explaining something you know well.

·        Write a persuasive paragraph; try to convince a friend to learn your favorite hobby.

·        Write about specific examples you saw of God at work in your life one day.

·        Take a phone message and write the details clearly.

·        Write an original story about the Mars Mission – include a mini glossary.

·        List your strengths and weaknesses.  Write about ways to increase your strengths and improve some of your weaknesses.

·        Write a play and get some friends to perform it.  Be the director.

·        Write an advice letter to upcoming fifth grader.  Offer suggestions about how to succeed.

As always, revise, proofread, edit and polish your work.  Make each example your of writing a quality piece of work, and something you can be proud to display and share.  If you spend just twenty minutes a day writing, you’ll see a big improvement in your overall writing skills. 

SUMMER READING BINGO – 2008-2009 GRADE 6

Let’s play Bingo!  Complete your card diagonally, horizontally, or vertically. 

Please return your completed card on the first day of school.

If you’re ready for a serious challenge, try a coverall.  Enjoy reading this summer.

Name__________________________________________________  Date__________

                                    Mrs. Boyd

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