Mrs. Cebenka – Room 102 NEWS

The last two weeks have just flown by. We have done so much that the hardest part about writing this blog is trying to figure out where to start.
Let’s start from the top.
Math. Everyone’s favorite I’m sure. The class has worked extremely hard (and had fun too) working on multiples and factors. While learing about factors, we’ve used tiles to help us understand the ‘factor concept’; sometimes the hands-on approach is the best way to understand. We have also learned about using arrays and we’ve used them to help find factors. On Tuesday, after Labor Day weekend, we will do an assessment.
Science:
We built our own ecosystems! In only a few days our seeds have sprouted and we are observing thier growth. Hopefully next week we will add a little something to our little worlds to really make it fun.
We’ve worked on our observation skills too. You should have heard some of the great observations our students have been making. Be sure to ask them about Peanut.
Social Studies:
We’ve been working with Mrs. Marsh and really catching up on American history. So much has happened over the last hundred years and our students are right on top of it all.
Language Arts.
We’ve been working on our “About Me” projects dilegently. Every day they’ve learned a little more about effective written communication. Our students are learning about the writing process and realizing that editing is a lot harder to do than they thought. I can’t wait to see thier finished projects. I know you will enjoy reading about your child at Open House.
If you want to have some fun with your child, ask them about thier vocabulary words. They learn several new words every week. I hope they are dazzling you with thier brilliance.
And finally, I just want to pass on you you a personal thank you. You’re kids are great and we really do love working with them.
See you at Open House. Keep an eye out for the flyer.

Well, the first week of school has come and gone, and what a fantastic week. We reviewed the five paragraph essay, had an introduction to our ecosystem science unit in the form of a read aloud story, learned just how long we could stand on one foot with our eyes closed, and we learned about Mrs. Cebenka and her love of her family, books and traveling. We also started working in cooperative reading and writing groups.

Next week will be just as busy as the last. On Monday we are going to learn more about each other in our “About Me” writing exercise. Each student shold bring three items such as pictures, scrapbooks, or video game (cases ONLY please) and be prepared to talk to thier classmate about those items. Please do not send in anything of value. We can not be responsible for any losses. A picture of the item will be just fine.

Hopefully all the families are reading the forms and papers our students are bringing home. Communication between teachers, parents, administrators and students is key to the success of all of our studets. If you are not getting information, or feel like you are ‘out of the loop’, please don’t hesistate to contact us. One of the things you should check on a daily basis is your student’s agenda book. The agenda book is updated daily with any due homework. At time you may find a note from Mrs. Cebenka or Mr. Epps. The book will be signed daily and will be rubber stamped if behavior was good. The books will not be signed on Friday, as we will do our best not to assign homework over the weekend. We all need a break sometime.

We’re almost done…

Have you heard about the Conscientious Club?
The Conscienctious Club is an exclusive club for those students who display outstanding behavior (name not in ‘the green zone’) and NO missing or late work. Each week that happens, students get a coupon. When three coupons are earned, students become a member! All members will be given a lanyard to wear to signify thier membership in this exclusive club.
As a member, students will have certain privileges as determined by the teacher. Some of these are as follows:
Random no homework pass
Treats
Postitive phone call home (always a nice thing)
Sit with a friend either in class or at lunch
Computer time
First in lunch line
Lose any recess minutes the class owes
Now, you can be dismissed from the club if the students behavior or academics do not meet the above expectations. At that time, students will have to give up all membership privileges, including the lanyard. Student will then start all over again.

For the record EVERY STUDENT in the class earned thier first coupon this week! Every student turned in thier homework on Friday, and no one sunk into the ‘green zone’.

And finally,
Make sure to check the links on the left side of this page. We are working on Unit One in reading, the more you know, the more you can help your student succeed. We are a team, we are a family. Let’s do our best to make our kids the best!

This blog has some helpful information, skill practice, printable forms, etc. that is available to you.  The students work on this blog during class at times and find some of the sites very helpful. They would benefit from it at home also.  Look on the LEFT side of the blog to find helpful information:

MATH HELP:  Here are sites to help with all types of math questions and skills – with links to practice games.

READING SITE: This is the Harcourt site.  Here you will find some information and some extra practice on some skills we are working on in Reading.

READING THEMES:  Find the current theme we are working on in reading and then you can find links to topics that we have been reading about in reading. 

SCIENCE:  Here is a link to a site on Motion and Design which is the topic we will be focusing on from now until the end of the year.

PAGES:  Check these out.  Here you can view vocabulary for each story, copy important papers, view important dates and find other helpful information.  ENJOY!!

Yes!  We are beginning the 2009-2010 school year and your child is now in the 5th grade!  It is their last year in ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!!!  I am very excited to get started and was thrilled to see that I will be working with your child and your family this year.  We have many great things happening this year and I can not wait to get started.  My name is Robin Cebenka and this is my 21st year teaching 5th grade.  Your child will be in my homeroom, but will also be working with Mrs. Elyse Marsh for Social Studies.  I am also happy to say that Mr. Kevin Epps will be working with your child this year as a student teacher.  This blog has been set up as a reference site for you and your child.  There is a lot of information and links to sites that will be helpful for them throughout the year.  Check it out!

Just an FYI!  Go to links to view information about some of the topics we are working on in class!

CARRIE DOWNIE SCHOOL