Tuesday, February 28th

We had another busy day!

Students continued their exploration of tenths, working to shade area models representing mixed fractions. They also created equivalent equations in fraction and decimal form.

We continued our inquiry into movements as a result of force by using sheep in a jeep to explore acceleration.  Students worked to create a ramp.  After taking measurements of the distance that the jeep traveled, they then changed the ramp elevation.  We will continue this inquiry tomorrow.

Sheep in a Jeep

Students inquired into the movement in a picture that represents Manifest Destiny.  They described the movement in the people, other movement, and why they believed that the movement was occurring.  From here, they were able discuss and explain Manifest Destiny.  Ask your child to tell you more!

Don't forget to complete the parent survey.

Georgia Parent Survey:

http://apps.gadoe.org/schoolclimate/parents.nsf/Survey.xsp

Have a great night!

Monday, February 27th

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

We're off and running this week!  Some genius hour groups have been inquiring into the language of coding.  We have been exploring algorithms used for data input (driving force) to allow for for creation or movement of an object.  Today, students were able to log-in and practice some coding on their iPads to make the Angry Bird get the Pig.

We enjoyed inquiring into the movements as a result of force by exploring friction.  Students utilized a spring scale, brick, and string to test various surfaces to determine the amount of force needed to move the brick.  They utilized the equation Work = Force x Distance to determine the amount of work being done with each test.  Ask your child about the surfaces they tested, which required the most force/work and why!

Friction 1
Friction 2

Communication folders came home today.  In them, you will find your child's report card for Terms 3 and 4, and their math pre-assessment checklist for term 5.  We use this checklist to get a better idea of what students already know before beginning our new standards for the term.  

Don't for get that the window for our parent survey opens TODAY!  Please take a few minutes to complete this survey.  It gives valuable information to our school.  Thank you so much!!!

Georgia Parent Survey

We would like to invite you to participate in F.AVE's parent survey.  This survey consists of 24 questions and parents may complete the survey using their personal computer, smartphones or tablet.  If you do not have access to the internet, you can complete the Georgia Parent Survey at F.AVE.  All parents are encouraged to participate in the Georgia Parent Survey because the data will be used as part of the calculation of the School Climate Star Rating. Survey responses are anonymous and will be submitted directly to the Georgia Department of Education for analysis.  The URL address for the Georgia Parent Survey is posted below.

Georgia Parent Survey:

http://apps.gadoe.org/schoolclimate/parents.nsf/Survey.xsp

See you tomorrow!

Thursday, February 23rd

We've had a busy and wonderful start to Term 5!

Students worked on word problems involving multiplication of a mixed number by a whole number.  When solving the problems, students are utilizing modeling techniques, and working to simplify improper fractions.

Our reading focus this term is non-fiction. Students are examining text for their structure.  They utilize key words and details to determine if the text is written chronologically, or using cause and effect, compare and contrast, or problem and solution.  Students are utilizing these same text structures as they begin to plan their writing pieces.  We will be completing a historical non-fiction book, with four chapters and many non-fiction text features.

After inquiring into the driving forces behind the Louisiana Purchase by organizing cards and descriptions.  Student explained the driving force behind each movement and organized their thoughts into a timeline.

Students inquired into force as a push or a pull during science.  They were provided a penny, a cup, and a note card and asked to set up their materials in such a way that they can get penny in the cup in only one movement.  They recorded their findings in their IB journals.  Ask your child to tell you more about the forces that were in action during this inquiry.

We had a great time at our Village Gathering this morning!

We're having a great week and looking forward to a great Friday!  See you tomorrow!

Monday, February 20th

Welcome back!

I hope you enjoyed a restful break.  We jumped right into our new term today.

Our theme for this term is How the World Works.  The class worked to dissect our Central Idea:
Behind every movement is a force that causes it.

They made connections to our new lines of inquiry, and add some questions to our UOI board.
-Various examples of force
-Movements as a result of force
-Impact of movement on people, land, and development.

We also began our inquiry into nonfiction texts.  This will directly connect to our writing pieces this term.

Please consider signing up to lead a College and Career Exploration.  See the information below:

Volunteers Needed!

College & Career Explorations, March 3rd

Sign Up by February 22nd! This Wednesday!

Each year at F.AVE, we offer students a chance to learn about different careers and college opportunities in our community. But we need your help, parents!

We need parent and community volunteers to come in and teach our students all about your amazing career! In the past, we have had a wonderful variety of classes to offer: sports clinics, cake decorating, architecture, disease prevention, real estate, poetry writing, cooking classes about sushi or French food, and so much more! What do you have to offer F.AVE students to open their world up to new ideas and opportunities?

Our winter exploration will be Friday, March 3rd, 2017 from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM. The session will be 90 minutes, so we do suggest time for a presentation, some discussion, and a hands-on activity. If you would like a teacher's help, contact your child's teacher ahead of signing up, perhaps they can partner with you!

Sign Up Here - Deadline to sign up is midnight on Wednesday, February 22nd.

If you have any questions, please contact our media specialist, Corinne Smith at cosmith@csdecatur.net or contact your child's classroom teacher.

Friday, February 3rd

Congratulations, Whit!  He is our class elected Superstar of the Month for January!!

Congratulations, Everett!  He is one of the top 10 finalists in our school Spelling Bee and will be competing at Renfroe Middle School next week!

We are so proud of you both!!

RISE UP, ATLANTA!!

Wednesday, February 2nd

Happy February!

Another successful day on the Ave.  Students worked to complete math talks when solving math word problems.  They solved independently first, and then discussed with a partner.  They solved a gain independently and shared their strategies and solutions with their table groups.  The conversations were rich, as students had to defend and explain their process to others.  After a conversation as a whole group, we came up with a solution together using many different strategies.

Student inquired into how different materials affect the echo of a sound.  By saying their name into a glass jar, they got a baseline for the sound of their echo.  They then lined their jars with different materials (foil, paper towels, napkins, and wax paper) and tested their echo.  They did a great job with their inquiry and were able to explain which room would have produce a greater echo, carpeted or tiled, and why.  Ask them!!

We enjoyed going through the amendments in the Bill of Rights this afternoon!  The kids have great questions and made wonderful connections to current events.  It would be a great dinner topic!

Our preview for the Book Fair is tomorrow.  This is NOT when students will purchase books.  They will create a "wish list" that will come home.  The Book Fair opens next week.  Our class purchase day is Thursday, however, students can bring money throughout the week, and I will send the down.

Have a great evening!

Tuesday, January 31st

Hello, Families!  I am so sorry for the delayed post this week.  We've had so much going on!

Students worked to complete review of our fraction standards thus far, and completed their mid-point assessments today.  I should have those completed and returned by Friday.  I know that they worked hard and did their best work.

We are finishing up our branches of government.  Students have worked to complete an Explain Everything presentation demonstrating the knowledge and understanding of each branch and the checks and balances they maintain over each other.

We have continued inquiring into sound.  When completed further examination of pitch, using a glass and water.  Students explored through discovery education the many ways that pitch can be changed, including a closer look at the guitar.

After comparing and examining writing examples, the class determined key characteristics of a exemplary closing to their writing pieces.  They are diligently working on their drafts and will begin publishing by week's end.

This week, Ms. Monroe and I have collected several styluses from students.  These styluses have a red laser pointer on them.  We ask that those items are not sent to school as they are distracting and have been being misused.  Thank you for you support with this matter.

We are looking forward to our Night of Expression next Wednesday, February 8th at 6:30.  Students are excited to present their ideas and beliefs to you in either Art, Music, PE, Spanish, or Poetry.  Location information will follow very soon.  Students will be presenting throughout the building, based on their presentation topic.  We are looking forward to having you here!  You may want to come early or stay a little later to visit our book fair.

We will preview the F.AVE Book Fair this Thursday at 10:30, and our class will have purchase time February 9th at 10:00.  Please see the message below from Mrs. Smith regarding the book fair.

Book Fair 2/6 - 2/10

Our Book Fair is beginning next week! Preview days will run beginning this week on February 2nd, and students will be able to purchase beginning next week on Monday, February 6th! Students will be coming with their classes to preview and to purchase, so check with your child's teacher for those specific dates.

Book Fair Hours

Monday, 2/6	11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday, 2/7	7:20 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday, 2/8	7:20 AM - 3:30 PM & 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Thursday, 2/9	7:20 AM - 3:30 PM & 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Friday, 2/10	7:20 AM - 10:00 AM

Volunteers Still Needed!

Meanwhile we need your help! Without parent volunteers, this book fair will not work. So, please sign up below to either volunteer for a shift, help set up or break down, or send in snacks for our our volunteers.

We are especially looking for volunteers to help out during our evening slots while Night of Expressions is happening. We are typically very busy during that time. Parents of 4th graders could help out during our 5th grade Night of Expressions, and vice-versa!

Sign Up Here!

See you tomorrow!