Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Excitement is in the air. The students are just waiting for this afternoon parties to begin. It is hard to believe Christmas is already here. Thank you for all the support you have given so far this school year. I know it will continue next year. I really feel the students have made great gains so far this year. This has been an excellent class in so many ways. I hope you have a blessed Christmas and a terrific NEW YEAR!

Winter Is Here!!

Please make sure your child is dressed for the cold weather. This includes coat, hat, gloves, boots, and snow pants.
Our class will be having a holiday party on December 22, 2009. Your child may participate in a gift exchange. If you choose to have your child bring a gift, boys bring a gift for a boy and girls bring a gift for a girl. The suggested price is $5.00. They may bring their gifts at anytime.
Don't forget our HOLIDAY CONCERT on Tuesday, December 15, 2009. The performances are at 1:30 and 7:00 at the High School.

STAY WARM!

What a Great Warm Weekend!

November Newsletter-2009


Dear Parents:

The first trimester is nearing the end. It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is only a couple weeks away. Again, as I mentioned at conferences, please feel free to call or stop in if you have questions concerning your child.
In science the students are just starting Microscopes. It is basically a hands-on science unit. The unit is composed of sequential phases that build upon one another. The primary objectives of the unit are:
· For students to learn how to observe.
· To learn how to record their observations, using both writing and drawing.
· To learn about the properties of magnifiers.
· To become skilled at using hand lenses.
· To become skilled at using microscopes, slides, coverslips, and droppers.
· To observe a wide variety of specimens, both living and nonliving, under magnification.
I would like each student to bring a box of crackers or chips for milk break. If each student does this once a month, we will have snacks each day for everyone. I will keep them in a box and take one box each day for snacks.

Math - Unit 3 develops the concept of place value for whole numbers and decimals. Students gain a deeper understanding of addition and subtraction of whole numbers and decimals and the relationship involved in these operations. Students read, interpret and pose problems for pictographs, bar graphs, and line graphs. They discuss and solve change, collection, and comparison problems and continue to use algebraic notation in situation and solution equations.

Here are some important dates to remember in November:

Tuesday, Nov. 10 High School Play, "The Sound of Music"
Wednesday, Nov. 11 Veteran’s Assembly

Conferences

Just a reminder that conferences are being held this morning. They are also scheduled for Tuesday, October 13 and Thursday, October 15. Please be sure to call if there is a change in your schedule. I will be happy to try to reschedule if something comes up and you can't make it. We are trying to finish MAP Testing next week. There have been a couple days of computer problems. Monday, we will attempt for the third day to finish the Math test. Reading is scheduled for Tuesday. HAPPY FRIDAY!

Way To Go Spartans!

Congratulations on the win at homecoming. We had a great turn out for our picnic on Friday. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the lunch. A reminder that picture day is this Friday, September 25th. Have a great night.

Another Beautiful Day Outside

What a great start of the year we are having. I have a terrific group of students. They seem to be doing very well adjusting to our switching schedule. The time seems to fly for them. Tomorrow is Patriot Day. Encourage your child to wear red, white, and blue. Keep checking their assignment notebooks to make sure they have their homework done.
Upcoming date to remember: Sept. 25 is PICTURE DAY.

Welcome Back

It has been an exciting first 2 days of school. The students are settling in to their schedules. For those of you that were not at Open House, I have included a letter that gives you some information about our class. Have a GREAT evening.


Welcome to Mrs. Burkum’s 5th Grade



CLASSROOM RULES:
Listen Carefully.
Follow Directions.
Work Quietly. Do not disturb others who are working.
Respect others. Be kind with your words and actions.
Respect school and personal property.
Work and play safely.


NEWS OF THE CLASSROOM:
We will be switching classes this year. Students will have social studies with Mr. Rundle and science with Ms. Hagen and all other subjects with Mrs. Burkum. We will have a monthly reading goal. Information will be given at a later date. There will be opportunities for the students to be part of safety patrol.
You can check out my blog as the school year continues. I will update it as often as possible.
http://www.burkumblog.blogspot.com/

Facts about Mrs. Burkum:
Married with two sons
Likes to read
Likes to travel
Likes to bake

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Contact information:
You can contact me at 269-2187 or by email at mburkum@spartan.org. If you want to call by phone during the day, please leave a message with the school secretary or ask to leave a message on my voice mail and I will get back to you at my earliest convenience.
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