End of the Year Updates

Friday-Field Day from 9:40-11:00 (according to the weather) Bring a water bottle, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen!

Yearbooks on sale $30 (Cash only--no checks)


Monday-Yearbooks on sale $30 (Cash only--no checks)

Normal Lunch Schedule


Tuesday-Yearbooks on sale $30 (Cash only---no checks)

Bring yearbooks for yearbook signing during Specials.

Last day for backpacks!!!

Normal Lunch/Specials schedule


Wednesday-Early Release-announcements at 12:10

Specials 9:30-9:50

4th grade award ceremony at 10:00

Lunch-11:18-11;48

No backpacks


Thursday-LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Early Release-announcements at 12:10

5th Grade Walk-11:00

No Specials/Lunch-11:18-11:48

No backpacks

Updates

Good afternoon!

All Media Center books were due to the Media Center today. If your child still has one, please send it in ASAP. Students that have not returned or paid for books by May 15th may not be able to participate in Field Day.

All Eagle Eyes for the 4th quarter are due on May 8th.

Career Day is May 8th! If you would like, your child may dress up in clothes that match his or her future career.

Volunteer Brunch May 12th from 8-10.


Eagle Eye Reading Party May 14th

Eagle Eye Reading Breakfast May 15th

Upcoming Projects

In math the students are working on their choice of project.  The themes of these projects are painting a bedroom, designing a town, buildings of the world, and bridges of the world.  They all have different requirements.  The students chose these based on strengths and interest.  There will be some time in class to do research but most of the project will be completed at home.   These are due May 14^th.

The kids are working on a expertise project.  This is where they can share their passion and/or expertise on a subject with the class.  The presentation should last around 10-15 minutes.  The students can bring in props and dress up if they choose.  These presentations will start the week of May 11^th.

In reading, students are completing a Cereal Box Book Report. The directions and point checklist were explained to your child today. All documents are in Dropbox in the folder labeled "Cereal Box Book Report." Please have a cereal box covered in white or light colored paper by Monday, April 27th. This project will be completed in class and is due on Monday, May 4th. 

In Social Studies, we will be learning about Westward Expansion!

April 23rd Spring Carnival.

April 27th Bring in covered cereal box
May 4th Cereal Box Book Report Due

May 11th Expertise Presentations

May 14th Math Project due

May 15^th Field Day

I LOVE CAKE!

Well...almost everyone does. Please consider donating a cake tomorrow or Friday for our Carnival Cake Walk. Store bought is just fine!


Thank you so much for your support of Big Shanty!.

Big Shanty PBIS Video

If the video doesn't show for you, follow the YouTube link: https://youtu.be/I1_naNA63zY

Carnival Basket

You still have time to donate to the Carnival Basket. We can still accept items, or cash to buy items for the basket, thru Wednesday of this week! Remember the basket will be sold during a silent auction at the Spring Carnival this Friday. The money raised from these class donated baskets help to pay for all the costs involved in having the Carnival. Thank you to all who have already donated!

To sign up, go to:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0E4CADA72AA31-desingordon1/10429903

Nick had a great weekend with The Bowlings!

Milestones Newsletter

Positive Milestones Notes

New Nation Test and GoFar

The New Nation Test is scheduled for Thursday, April 2. Your child should have received a study guide today. If you need an extra, I have uploaded a digital file in Dropbox under "The New Nation" Folder. 

Also, I am trying to get new tests uploaded into GoFar. Unfortunately, the site is very, very slow and difficult to navigate. I will give you new codes when the tests are created. Next week, we will be working on a few Constructed Response (Paragraph writing) Milestones practice passages during Reading. 

Parents' Guide to the New Georgia Testing

Follow this link to view information and an overview of the new GA Milestones:


National PTA


If you are unable to view it, send me an email. I will be happy to forward the document to you.

Week of March 9th

This week in Reading, we are continuing to practice comparing and contrasting firsthand and secondhand accounts. Students will be working on two passages and answering constructed response questions to help prepare for Georgia Milestones. Students will work on Greek and Latin Roots task cards, complete a module on Study Island, and read an independent book on or near your child's level.

We are finishing up the American Revolution this week. We will learn about the Battle of Yorktown and the Treaty of Paris. The test over the American Revolution will be Wednesday, March 11th. A study guide was given last week, but your child will need to use his or her textbook and SS notebook to help with studying. We will begin learning about the new nation and government this week.

Math-Numbers of the Week are taking a hiatus.  Replacing them are weekly problem solvers.  Each Monday, students are given a word problem with three different tasks designated as Part A, Part B, and Part C.  The students will complete Part A for Monday night homework, Part B for Tuesday and C is for Wednesday night.  There will be a similar word problem at the end of the week for an assessment. 

Chapter 10(decimals) test is this Friday.

Science:  Students are learning about roles within ecosystems.  There will be a decomposer lab this week and reading comprehension assignments.

Enjoy!

I love this photo of Nick "reading" with a student. It's good to be a guinea pig!

This week!

Tonight is the Bebop with Aesop play.  Students are to report to the classroom at 6:00.  Parents can stay in the cafeteria for a quick PTA meeting followed by the play at 6:15.  When the play is over, the kids will return to the classroom where parents can come by and get them.

On Saturday, there is a 5k in downtown Kennesaw.  Other than exercise and good health, sign up for this because Big Shanty gets a portion of the proceeds from the run.  I’ll be there.  I’m trying to get Mrs. Gordon to run it as well.  Here’s a PDF with more information:

http://www.cobbk12.org/bigshanty/SchoolFoundationRaceApp.pdf

In Reading, we are comparing two passages. We are thinking about how we can gather information from a firsthand account and a secondhand account on the same topic. We are also writing about how information from one passage can help us learn information while reading a different passage. Students are also asked to complete a module on Study Island and complete work on Greek and Latin Roots.

In Social Studies, we are focusing on battles of the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence. Information about a unit assessment will be coming home soon!

March 7th-Spring Into Education 5K And Fun Run

·         SPRING INTO EDUCATION 5K AND FUN RUN - Saturday, March 7!

We hope you can join us for our school foundation’s partnership with the Kennesaw Big Shanty Foundation and Awtrey Foundation to sponsor the Spring into Education 5K and one mile fun run on Saturday, March 7.   The race registration form can be printed from http://www.cobbk12.org/bigshanty/SchoolFoundationRaceApp.pdf or you can register online here: http://www.active.com/kennesaw-ga/running/distance-running-races/spring-into-education-5k-2015?int=

Race participants will receive an incredible swag bag as well as experience a post-race party that will be the talk of the town!  We have amazing community sponsors for this special event!  The Kennesaw Big Shanty Foundation and Awtrey Middle School Foundation are pleased to announce that Zoyo has graciously offered to sponsor the Spring Into Education 5K Race in conjunction with their “Zoyo Supports Education” program! 

Beginning Monday, February 23 through Saturday, March 7 (Race Day), for any customer who mentions either Kennesaw, Big Shanty or Awtrey or their respective Foundations when paying for their purchase, Zoyo will donate a portion of that sale to the Spring Into Education 5K Race!  In the end, all proceeds donated will benefit all three schools!  Zoyo is conveniently located in the Kennesaw Walk Plaza at the corner of Jiles and Baker Roads next to Big Pie in the Sky near Publix.

So enjoy a yummy treat from Zoyo all while supporting Kennesaw Elementary, Big Shanty Intermediate and Awtrey Middle Schools.  Please tell your friends and family!

March 16-20th Big Shanty Green Week!

Big Shanty will recognize National Green Education Week March 16-20th

Monday—Make a Difference Monday—bring a reusable water bottle—not a plastic bottle (like Dasani)--and get a homework pass

Tuesday—Wear Your Green— either a green colored shirt or green-themed shirt. Teachers will be encouraged to lower the lights throughout the school in conservation awareness. 

Wednesday—Wear your Waste—each child will collect their trash for the day in individual Kroger bag and sort at end of day into recyclable and actual trash—graph your tally

Thursday—Tip your hat to recycling—students may wear hats made of or decorated with recycled material

Friday—Ferns, Flowers and Photosynthesis— planting in the classroom

ONE MORE THING…One day during the week, walkers and bus riders will receive a treat from the Green Team - because we are helping to “ERASE air pollution”. In December, we celebrated the benefits of turning off your engine at morning carpool with “Hot cocoa for Carpool”!

Carnival Basket

Dear Parents of Mr. Desin's and Mrs. Gordon's classes,

Every year the Big Shanty PTA holds a Spring Carnival with games, bouncies, and more for the families of Big Shanty and the Kennesaw Community. It is a fantastic event that the kids, parents and staff love. The date for the Spring Carnival is Friday, April 24, 2015. More details about the carnival will be sent at a later date.

This is not a fund raising event. In order to keep ticket prices low so everyone has an opportunity to join in the fun, we hold a silent auction with different themed baskets. Each class is responsible for putting together their basket through donations. 

This year, our classes will be working together to assemble one basket.  The theme for our team’s basket is Emergency Preparedness. We want this to be the best basket and are asking all parents in all the classes to donate items appropriate to this theme. We already have some awesome donations, thanks to Noah Martin's grandmother! She is secretary to the county manager and was able to get these items donated for us: smoke detector, carbon dioxide detector, hand cranked battery emergency radio, fire blanket, first aide kit, head lamp, hard hat, door ax! If you have contacts for donations, that is all the better!

All items for the basket need to be turned in to the teacher NO LATER than Friday, April 10th. We know this seems a long way off, but it is never too early to start looking for items! Not to mention, we have Spring Break in the midst. Don’t forget to take advantage of sales!

If you do not have time to purchase items, and would rather make a monetary donation toward items in the basket, please send your donation in with your child in an envelope addressed to: Teresa and indicate that it is for the carnival basket. We will then use the money collected to purchase items for the basket, a big basket/container to hold all of the items, or purchase gift cards to put in the basket. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact either of the room mom's for our classes: Stephanie Martin, martinjstephanie@yahoo.com (Mrs. Gordon's class) or Teresa Bowling, ltbowling@bellsouth.net (Mr. Desin's class).

Thank you very much!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CADA72AA31-desingordon1

Tuesday, February 24th

Good morning! With the weather bad and school delayed, I am planning for the event that we won't go at all today. I asked my homeroom to take home their reading yesterday, but I did not think to let Mr. Desin's class know. I have uploaded items for both Reading and Social Studies into my Dropbox account. You will need to go to www.dropbox.com or use the Dropbox app (if you have one on a tablet). The work is in the folder labeled "February 24th." I think most or all students have had practice using Dropbox (the login is my email and my password should be an easily remembered one). I would love for your child to work on some of these items at home. Some items you might need to print or write out on notebook paper if printing isn't an option. The items I have uploaded are all items we planned on working on today or in the next few days. So, these items aren't just "extra" work.

If you have any questions, just email me.
Mrs. Gordon

Donors Choose

Technology is something I feel I need to incorporate into my classroom more. I am trying to raise funds to purchase an iPad using Donor's Choose. If you are interested, please follow my link to find out more information.

People of the American Revolution Presentations

This is a reminder that the American Revolution presentations are due tomorrow. Your child was assigned a figure from the American Revolution and he or she may choose a way to present this person. Presentations will begin tomorrow!

Nick wants a sleepover!

Nick, our fabulous (and rotund) guinea pig, would love to come visit you over the weekend! If you are interested in having him as a house guest, please sign up using this Sign Up Genius. If you have absolutely no interest in having a rodent visit your abode, please consider donating supplies. We can use food, hay, and bedding (especially bedding!).

Photo coming soon...

Mrs. Gordon

Lexington and Concord using Legos!

***This is a fun video of the recreation of the battle of Lexington and Concord.

No Taxation without Representation!

We participated in an activity where students had to take on roles like King, Tax Collector, or Colonists. It was a fun activity, but the colonists were quite upset when they had to give up their "money!"

Week of February 9th

In Reading, students will be writing about their reactions to the Boston Massacre. This will be due at the end of the week. Students will also be asked to work on Greek and Latin derivations for vocabulary development and 3c:  Cause and Effect on Study Island.

In Social Studies, we will begin learning about the American Revolution. We will start with the battle of Lexington and Concord, then Saratoga (the turning point of the war), and the final battle of Yorktown. Students have been given a choice menu for an at home project and assigned a person to present. The presentations are due February 19th.

Please see our previous blog entry about our Valentine's exchange. Of course, this is optional!

Week of February 2

This week in math, the students will test on chapter 8 on Wednesday.  This was a tough chapter, as the fractions were very involved.  The following two chapters are also fraction-based.  So they won’t be going anywhere soon. 

Next Thursday the Math Recipe Project is due.  The kids can present however they choose as long as they meet the requirements on the rubric.  Cooking and sharing their recipe is entirely optional.

The students are working hard in science as they complete their menu choice board.  Your child has been learning some really cool information about the Solar System.  I am sure they will be more than happy to share these facts with the family.  Also, the phases of the Moon and Space test will be next week.

Valentine’s Day-We are going to pass out Valentine’s next Friday February 13^th.  The kids will decorate a brown paper bag in the classroom.  If your child would like to participate, please be sure they have enough for each student.  Desin's class size is 28 and Gordon's is 26. We are just planning to do the exchange for our homerooms.

Reading-We are reading two perspectives of the Boston Massacre to discuss the different versions of the accounts. We are practicing the "Close Reading" strategy which includes reading multiple times (three times, specifically). Each time the students read, they are asked to focus on a different skill. Work on Writing will be introduced on Thursday. Students will be asked to complete the writing by the following week. It will be related to this week's reading skill.

Social Studies- This week, we are finishing up the causes of the American Revolution. We will read about the Boston Massacre, analyze two primary sources (Revere's and Chappell's rendering of the Boston Massacre), completed a Reader's Theater on the Boston Tea Party, and finish up with The Intolerable Acts. Students are collecting information about each event and reflecting on it in their Social Studies notebooks. We have a project coming up, so look for more information on Thursday.

Lexile Levels

We have been trying to have students become more aware of their Lexile levels to help them choose "Just Right" or "Dinner" books. Here is an online pamphlet for some more information about Lexiles for you.

https://www.georgiastandards.org/resources/Documents/Lexile%20Brochure%20-%20English.pdf

Week of January 27th

Math: continue on fractions, chapter 8. 

Recipe Project:

This is just a reminder that this week the students were given the instructions on a recipe project.  It is due on February 12^th.  They can present it however they want as long as the requirements are met.  Also it is optional, but I am encouraging the students to bring in their creations to share with the class.  Math  1 has 24 students and Math 2 has 29 students.  There are no severe allergies (the students have a list of them)  in either room.  If you have any questions please refer to the sheet in your child’s math folder first. 

Science:

This week the students are beginning a space choice board.  The kids are responsible for choosing and successfully completing projects that interest them.  They will be completing these research-based activities here in the room, but most certainly can read at home.

Space resource websites:

https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/kids/

http://www.planetsforkids.org/

http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/space/planets/

Reading:  This week, students are resuming the Weekly 5. The tasks for this week:

Work on Writing: King George III was taxing the colonists for the French and Indian War. Do you think he was right? Was it a fair tax?  Should the colonists have been responsible for paying for a war fought in the colonies?  Use reasons and evidence based on things we have read in class. 

Word Work:  Greek and Latin Roots hydra=water, aud=to hear, dict= to say

Listen to Reading:  Study Island 3d:  Academic Language

Reading Skill:  Sons of Liberty passage and comprehension

Read to Self:  Read a "Just Right" book and work on Eagle Eyes

Social Studies:  We are continuing to learn about causes leading up to the American Revolution. This week, we will complete a Skittles activity to represent colonists feelings about taxation, analyze the Join or Die political cartoon created by Benjamin Franklin, learn about the Townshend Acts and the  Boston Massacre. 

Blue and Gold Eagles Dance!

Students that earned a Blue or Gold Eagle this 9 weeks will participate in a dance from 1:20-1:50 this Friday (January 23rd). If your child is able, please have him or her wear a white shirt tomorrow. It should be a lot of fun!

Donations Needed/Week of January 20th

We will need Skittles for a Social Studies lesson at the beginning of next week. If you are able to donate, we would appreciate it greatly!

Also, please check in with your child to see if he or she needs fresh supplies. Many students don't have glue, scissors, crayons, or paper.

In Social Studies, we are beginning the American Revolution unit. We are starting to learn about the causes of the American Revolution. This week, we are focusing on the French and Indian War, The Proclamation of 1763, and the Stamp and Sugar Acts. Students are reading passages about the causes leading up to the Revolution, and recording thoughts about these events in their Social Studies interactive notebooks.

In Reading, we are reviewing compare and contrast. Students will be reading passages and finding similarities and differences within one text. Students will also work on Greek and Latin Roots (i.e. uni- means "one") and Study Island 6c:  Root Words and Affixes. We have also focused on how to choose "Just Right" books. I have asked that students choose books that help them grow as readers (known as "dinner" books). I have asked that they keep books like "Diary of a Wimpy Kid,"  "Big Nate," "Junie B. Jones," etc. be left at home to read as "dessert books" on the weekends for fun. Thank you for your help in growing healthy readers.

Math-We are still working on chapter 8.   The students are having a quiz Friday that will cover all the lessons from 1-7.  This won’t be a test grade, but will give the students an idea on what they need to study.  The actual test on fractions is slated for Thursday 1/29.

Also students are receiving forms for our upcoming project this week.  The due date will be in February, and more information about this is on the forms.

Science-Thank you very much for the donations on paper plates and cookies.  The students built a diagram on phases of the moon that they found tasty.  This week, we are studying space and will begin a book study on that.

Week of January 12th

Good afternoon!

     In reading this week, we will be focusing on drama and beginning Greek and Latin roots and derivatives. This will be our new "Word Work" or vocabulary skill. For drama, we will be practicing The Frogs in the Well skit that we will perform on March 3rd during our 4th grade PTA performance. All students will practicing reading parts, and if your child is interested, he or she can choose to audition for a speaking part for the performance. These auditions will be held during class as students are all performing the skit at that time. A letter is going home with your child today, so please sign and return by Thursday if your child is interested in auditioning. Also, students are asked to complete Study Island module 2i:  Poetry, Drama, and Prose by Friday this week.

     In Social Studies, we are finishing up colonies with the lives and skills of artisans. You may choose to view this website to learn about the various special skills each artisan had. We will be taking the Colonization test on Tuesday, January 13th. After that, we will begin our American Revolution unit. We will be exploring causes leading up to the American Revolution and the Revolution itself. This unit will last for about 6 weeks or so.

     In math, we are issuing new books (volume 2).  This week we begin chapter 8.  This is the first chapter that explores fractions. 

     In science, the students have learned what makes the seasons and we will finish this week with the phases of the moon with a edible project.

Important Dates:
Tuesday 1/13:  Colonization Test
Thursday 1/15: Eagle Eye on Reading Awards Party (1:15 in Media Center)
Friday 1/16:  Blue and Gold Eagle Awards 8:15 in Cafeteria
Monday 1/19:  MLK Staff and Student holiday
Tuesday 3/3:  4th Grade PTA performance @6:00

Report Cards!

I hope you are all having a great weekend! Report cards went home on Friday. Please sign and return the report card signature card and envelope. You may keep the report card for your records.

Week of January 6th

Welcome Back!

It’s a new year and a new quarter.  In math, we are skipping chapter 7 Patterns and Sequences to focus on fractions.  Don’t worry, your child isn’t missing out on anything, as this material is represented in the numbers of the week.  Chapter 8 Fractions will begin Monday January 12^th.  There will also be a new book for the remainder of the year.  This week, students will review and extend on division and multiplication. 

Eagles Eyes are going to be due every Wednesday.  The first Wednesday due date for these is  January 14^th. 

Science has the students learning about the phases of the moon and the tilt of the Earth.  This material will last to Friday January 16^th.

Thank you,

Bobby Desin

January 6, 2015 (2015 still sounds so strange, doesn't it?!?)

     I hope you all had a fantastic break with lots of family time! We are hitting the ground running this week. In Reading, we will be focusing on Poetry. We will emphasize stanzas, lines, rhythm, rhyme scheme, mood, and theme. Students will be working on analyzing these elements independently and in small group. Students will also work on writing their own poems and completing a Study Island module. In Language, we will switch back to using Grammar Mini Bites for this nine week period. We are finishing up our Colonization unit in Social Studies. We will be looking at how the lifestyles of large landowners, farmers, artisans, women, indentured servants and slaves differed. We will finish this unit on Monday next week. There will be a test on Tuesday, January 13th. A study guide was sent home today with your child. 

January 13th-Colonization Test (study guide given)

January 14th-Eagle Eye on Reading due (Please note that both the Fiction and Nonfiction forms have changed for the second semester).

Have a great week!

Mrs. Gordon