Congratulations to HB and MW who won individual recognition (and a gift card) for the BIKE TO SCHOOL WEEK. Our class won the entire school competition! Our thanks go to those who were able to participate so our whole class could benefit (an extra recess AND a treat!)

Thursday, June 2^nd  Lunch

We will be having a BBQ with hot dogs or hamburgers beginning around noon. We will be eating with Mr. Bokum’s class, Mrs. Bryce’s class, and Mrs. Smith’s class. Your child will need to bring a DRINK for the BBQ. A few children will be volunteering to bring a salad or dessert. Plates, condiments, silverware, and meat will be provided. If your child does not eat meat, he/she should bring an alternative main portion for their meal.

Lunches

There will be no charges for lunches this last month of school.

Library

Report cards will not be issued to students who have missing library books. Notices are coming home daily if your child has missing books.

PTA Family BBQ

RSVPs are due May 18^th

BBQ is May 25^th from 5:30-7:30

Spring Orchestra Concert

May 26^th @ 2:15 (We will be back from the field trip in time to participate in the orchestra concert.)

Thursday, May 26^th: Field trip to the Audubon Center  9:00-2:00. Permission slip sent home May 4^th.

Field Day

Friday, May 27^th  (sunscreen, water bottles, hats, gym shoes)

Memorial Day

May 30^th  No school

Last Day of School

June 3^rd. Dismiss @ noon

A permission slip relating to a movie I will be showing will come home on Tuesday, May 31^st. I will fast-forward through any parts I think may be offensive or not appropriate. It relates to our problem solving activity we will be doing the last week of school. I will provide root beer floats for the students during the movie as well as popcorn. If your child does not like root beer floats, please send another drink. Do not send a drink IN ADDITION to the root beer float.

Reading—Time 4 Kids news magazine

Language

Latin Word Root----son/tort  Quiz on THURSDAY

son             sound

tort   twist

con-  with, together

dis-  apart, opposite of

ultra-  beyond

uni-  one

-ion   state, qulity, act

 -ance  state quality, act

-ic  like, related to

Math

All: Ratios and Reasoning

Science

Acid, Acid Everywhere  

A problem based science unit that requires the students to analyze the problem situation, to discover and select information that applies to the problem solution, and to obtain that information in a variety of ways. They will conduct experiments of their own design to generate useful data and to formulate possible problem solutions. 

Social Studies

4^th grade: Montana History

5^th: Slavery

Summer Enrichment Programs for Gifted Youth

As I get information about summer programs, I will post it here. You can explore them and see if any would work for your schedule and finances. :-)

iTHINK Like a Team Player - A Team Building & Leadership Camp

SPYT 109

Jay Shaw is one of the most inspirational team building and leadership teachers in Montana...just ask any teacher who has had the good fortune to have their students attend one of Jay's workshops.  In this camp designed for kids who often exceed teachers' expectations in the classroom, crave challenges not consistently offered in the traditional classroom setting and want a fun, intellectual encounter that will make them stronger team members and stronger leaders.  Through a series of challenging exercises and group acrtivities kids will work as groups to solve problems, and achieve goals.  When this camp is over, kids will understand what it takes to be a strong team member who has developed creativity, cooperation and communication skills.  Special iTHINK admission requirements apply.  Space in this camp is limited.

Instructor:  Jay Shaw

Location MSUBillings PE 121

Mon - Fri, June 20 - 24, 1:00p - 4:00p

For Kids 8-12 years old

Fee $139 per camper
Call 896-5890 to register.

iTHINK Like a Programmer - Robotics

SPYT 164

This is a five full - day learning experience for kids who often exceed teachers' expectations in the classroom, crave challenges not consistently offered in the traditional classroom setting and want a fun, intellectual challenge that begins in the summer and continues into the school year.  You will work in pairs to solve challenges by building and programming robots using the LEGO Mindstorms robotics kits.  In addition to having fun, you will learn about mechanical and software design, problem solving and teamwork skills.  You will then be invited to become part of a team that will continue to meet to prepare for First Lego League competition in Bozeman in 2012.  Beginning and Intermediate levels available.  Special iTHINK admission requirements apply.  Registration deadline is June 3 at 5:00 p.m. and space is limited.

Instructors:  Regina Cain and Darla Williams

Location:  MSUB Downtown 112 N Broadway

Mon - Fri, July 11 - 15, 9:00a - 4:00p

For Kids 9-15 years old

Fee $375 per camper

Call 896-5890 to register.

Camp Invention

Camp Invention is a weeklong adventure in science creativity. Led by qualified educators, this exciting program is being hosted by MSU-Billings Campus this summer for children entering grades 1-6.

Date: June 20-24    9-3:30 PM                                                   Cost: $225

Contact

Christine Simonsen    406.861.1999   simonsenc@billingsschools.org

Math Camp

Location: Colorado College

We would like to make the gifted education community aware of Epsilon, a new summer camp for the exceptionally (EG) and profoundly (PG) gifted, ages 8 to 10 years old (students must be under the age of 11 during camp), who love math. This new camp, directed by Dr. George Thomas, founder of Mathpath and Canada/USA Mathcamp, will be held at Colorado College from July 24 through August 14, 2011. Epsilon Camp combines an intellectually rigorous student camp running in parallel with a parent workshop addressing the concerns and challenges of raising EG/PG children. Epsilon students will be exposed to mathematics enrichment not available anywhere else at this time for their age group.

For more information, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit http://epsiloncamp.org/index.php

College of William and Mary

Location: Virginia

This is a link to a PDF flyer of the offerings through W&M. Page 7 of the PDF is where the grade levels pertaining your children begin. There is some information on the previous pages about scholarship opportunities. College of William and Mary

Location: Virginia

This is a link to a PDF flyer of the offerings through W&M. Page 7 of the PDF is where the grade levels pertaining your children begin. There is some information on the previous pages about scholarship opportunities.

http://cfge.wm.edu/forms/SEP%20Summer_2011_revised%203_22[1].pdf

New summer camp added below.

If you are able to attend one of the field trips with us next week, please call me or email me. (697-5934 or porischt@billingsschools.org)

4^th grade permission slip (green) for a May 25^th. Please sign it and return in ASAP.

Buddy Permission slip

We are taking a walk with our buddies on Friday, May 20th from 12:45-2:10. Since we are leaving the school grounds, we need to have a permission slip signed and returned.

Mid-terms Please sign and return. There are a significant number that have not come back.

Lunches

There will be no charges for lunches this last month of school.

Bike to School Week

May 16-20^th

Spring Band Concert

 May 19^th @ 2:15

Library

All books are due by May 20^th

PTA Family BBQ

RSVPs are due May 18^th

BBQ is May 25^th from 5:30-7:30

Spring Orchestra Concert

May 26^th @ 2:15 (We will be back from the field trip in time to participate in the orchestra concert.)

Thursday, May 26^th: Field trip to the Audubon Center  9:00-2:00. Permission slip sent home May 4^th.

Field Day

Friday, May 27^th  (sunscreen, water bottles, hats, gym shoes)

Memorial Day

May 30^th  No school

Last Day of School

June 3^rd. Dismiss @ noon

Reading—Working on writing Tall Tales or reports on Flora and Fauna of the Everglades.

Language

Quotation ws

Analogy ws

Latin Word Root----miss,sect  Quiz on THURSDAY

miss/mitt   send, let go

sect   cut

ad- to, toward, near

dis-  apart, opposite of

e- out, away, from

inter-  between

re-  back, again

 -ance  state quality, act

-ary   someone or something that belongs to -ion state, quality, act


                            Area 51 specified that it was an alien pretending to be a squirrel.

                 The scientist made a thorough inspection of the goo.

                                                         Invisible

Math

All: Fractal Geometry; Ratios and Reasoning

Science

Acid, Acid Everywhere  

A problem based science unit that requires the students to analyze the problem situation, to discover and select information that applies to the problem solution, and to obtain that information in a variety of ways. They will conduct experiments of their own design to generate useful data and to formulate possible problem solutions. 

Social Studies

4^th grade: Montana History

5^th: Slavery

Spelling:

4^th grade U 35 Unusual spellings (LAST UNIT!!)

BASIC: meant, routine, style, flood, month, pleasant, guess, women, either, against, disguise, sweat, magazine, guilt, receive, wonder, league, ceiling, type, money

CHALLENGE: plaid, onion, guarantee, rhyme, submarine

REAL WORLD VOCABULARY: Floods

downpour, overflow, riverbanks, abandon, surge, submerge, dam, property

5^th grade U 35 More words from other languages (LAST UNIT!!)

BASIC: ballet, bouquet, cassette, coupon, portrait, barrette, depot, courtesy, petite, denim, brunette, buffet, gazette, crochet, essay, echo, safari, khaki, chorus, alphabet

CHALLENGE: encore, collage, matinee, premiere, embarrass

REAL WORLD VOCABULARY:  Photography

digital, manipulate, print, crop, enlarge, focus, light meter, develop

Summer Enrichment Programs for Gifted Youth

As I get information about summer programs, I will post it here. You can explore them and see if any would work for your schedule and finances. :-)

iTHINK Like a Team Player - A Team Building & Leadership Camp

SPYT 109

Jay Shaw is one of the most inspirational team building and leadership teachers in Montana...just ask any teacher who has had the good fortune to have their students attend one of Jay's workshops.  In this camp designed for kids who often exceed teachers' expectations in the classroom, crave challenges not consistently offered in the traditional classroom setting and want a fun, intellectual encounter that will make them stronger team members and stronger leaders.  Through a series of challenging exercises and group acrtivities kids will work as groups to solve problems, and achieve goals.  When this camp is over, kids will understand what it takes to be a strong team member who has developed creativity, cooperation and communication skills.  Special iTHINK admission requirements apply.  Space in this camp is limited.

Instructor:  Jay Shaw

Location MSUBillings PE 121

Mon - Fri, June 20 - 24, 1:00p - 4:00p

For Kids 8-12 years old

Fee $139 per camper

iTHINK Like a Programmer - Robotics

SPYT 164

This is a five full - day learning experience for kids who often exceed teachers' expectations in the classroom, crave challenges not consistently offered in the traditional classroom setting and want a fun, intellectual challenge that begins in the summer and continues into the school year.  You will work in pairs to solve challenges by building and programming robots using the LEGO Mindstorms robotics kits.  In addition to having fun, you will learn about mechanical and software design, problem solving and teamwork skills.  You will then be invited to become part of a team that will continue to meet to prepare for First Lego League competition in Bozeman in 2012.  Beginning and Intermediate levels available.  Special iTHINK admission requirements apply.  Registration deadline is June 3 at 5:00 p.m. and space is limited.

Instructors:  Regina Cain and Darla Williams

Location:  MSUB Downtown 112 N Broadway

Mon - Fri, July 11 - 15, 9:00a - 4:00p

For Kids 9-15 years old

Fee $375 per camper

Camp Invention

Camp Invention is a weeklong adventure in science creativity. Led by qualified educators, this exciting program is being hosted by MSU-Billings Campus this summer for children entering grades 1-6.

Date: June 20-24    9-3:30 PM                                                   Cost: $225

Contact

Christine Simonsen    406.861.1999   simonsenc@billingsschools.org

Math Camp

Location: Colorado College

We would like to make the gifted education community aware of Epsilon, a new summer camp for the exceptionally (EG) and profoundly (PG) gifted, ages 8 to 10 years old (students must be under the age of 11 during camp), who love math. This new camp, directed by Dr. George Thomas, founder of Mathpath and Canada/USA Mathcamp, will be held at Colorado College from July 24 through August 14, 2011. Epsilon Camp combines an intellectually rigorous student camp running in parallel with a parent workshop addressing the concerns and challenges of raising EG/PG children. Epsilon students will be exposed to mathematics enrichment not available anywhere else at this time for their age group.

For more information, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit http://epsiloncamp.org/index.php

College of William and Mary

Location: Virginia

This is a link to a PDF flyer of the offerings through W&M. Page 7 of the PDF is where the grade levels pertaining your children begin. There is some information on the previous pages about scholarship opportunities. College of William and Mary

Location: Virginia

This is a link to a PDF flyer of the offerings through W&M. Page 7 of the PDF is where the grade levels pertaining your children begin. There is some information on the previous pages about scholarship opportunities.

http://cfge.wm.edu/forms/SEP%20Summer_2011_revised%203_22[1].pdf

New information below (at the end) about a summer camp for high achieving kids in Billings!

I had a nice report from the substitute about the kids while I was gone. That is a terrific reflection on you as parents!  J  

Mid-terms go home today

There is a LOT of late work again. Please continue to ask for assignment notebooks daily.  J

Most of the following information is in your PINK newsletter coming home today.

Lunches

There will be no charges for lunches this last month of school.

Pictures

Both class pictures and individual pictures have been distributed.

Muffins for Moms

May 12^th @ 7:30 AM

Bike to School Week

May 16-20^th

Tuesday, May 17^th: A bike tune and safety check  will be available @ 2:20

4^th grade Recorder Concert

Tuesday, May 17^th @ 1:15 in the gym

Spring Band Concert

 May 19^th @ 2:15

Library

All books are due by May 20^th

PTA Family BBQ

RSVPs are due May 18^th

BBQ is May 25^th from 5:30-7:30

Spring Orchestra Concert

May 26^th @ 2:15

Thursday, May 26^th: Field trip to the Audubon Center  9:00-2:00. Permission slip sent home May 4^th.

Field Day

Friday, May 27^th  (sunscreen, water bottles, hats, gym shoes)

Memorial Day

May 30^th  No school

Last Day of School

June 3^rd. Dismiss @ noon 

Next year


NWEA reports:
Mrs. Meier suggested that instead of calling all of you this weekend that I print the reports off, send them home this Wednesday, and then have you call me if you have questions. So I think I will take that approach instead. :-)

It is the time of year when schools start ordering things for next year. To help us plan more thoroughly, if your child is planning to return to their home school next year, please let myself or Mrs. Meier know. You might also want to give the home school a call and let them know of your decision. They usually have placement meetings in May.

Certainly, you could decide later (this spring or summer) to return to your home school. However, if you have made that decision now, please let one of us know.

On that note, you need to know that I would totally respect any  decision you make. I do not need to know your reason unless you choose to share it with me. Getting your child to Poly everyday is a HUGE commitment. Coming to Poly Drive has been a huge adjustment for your child. Being in a combination class is a tremendous adjustment. There are many reasons a parent might choose to have their child return to their home school.

It has been a delight, a challenge, and a journey for me, personally, this year. I am already thinking what I will do differently next year (desks: they need their personal space!). Whichever way you choose, please know that I sincerely have appreciated your input, support, and kind words this year. You have made a tremendous difference in my year.

Reading—Both classes are reading books required by the district

5^th grade: Tall Tales

4^th grade: The Missing Gator of Gumbo Limbo

Language

Latin Word Root----vis, speci/spect  Quiz on THURSDAY

vic  see

speci/spect   look, examine

con-  with, together
en-  in, into
in-  in, into, not
retro-   backward

 -fy to do, to make
-ion state, quality, act
-ible  able to be

Math

Fractal Geometry

Reasoning, Proportion, and Similarity

Science

Acid, Acid Everywhere  

A problem based science unit that requires the students to analyze the problem situation, to discover and select information that applies to the problem solution, and to obtain that information in a variety of ways. They will conduct experiments of their own design to generate useful data and to formulate possible problem solutions. 

Social Studies

5th grade: Posters/billboards to lure people to colonies: DUE THURSDAY

4^th: Focus on state in their region (short presentation with 3 facts about their state)

Spelling:

4^th grade U 34 Silent consonants

BASIC: half, comb, often, honor, fasten, kneel, wreath, calm, answer, handsome, wrinkle, listen, fetch, yolk, climb, honest, knuckle, plumber, limb, folktale

CHALLENGE: tomb, glisten, design, hasten, wrestle

REAL WORLD VOCABULARY: Music

baton, orchestra, cello, woodwind, clarinet, percussion, brass, trumpet

4^th grade U 35 Unusual spellings (LAST UNIT!!)

BASIC: meant, routine, style, flood, month, pleasant, guess, women, either, against, disguise, sweat, magazine, guilt, receive, wonder, league, ceiling, type, money

CHALLENGE: plaid, onion, guarantee, rhyme, submarine

REAL WORLD VOCABULARY: Floods

downpour, overflow, riverbanks, abandon, surge, submerge, dam, property

5^th grade U 34 Latin word roots

BASIC: inspect, respect, spectacle, spectator, export, porter, report, deport, import, portable, transport, predict, dictate, dictator, verdict, dictionary, erupt, bankrupt, interrupt, disrupt

CHALLENGE: spectacular, contradict, corrupt, retrospect, rupture

REAL WORLD VOCABULARY:  Weather Around the Globe

deluge, monsoon, cyclone, drought, torrid, heat wave, squalls, inclement

5^th grade U 35 More words from other languages (LAST UNIT!!)

BASIC: ballet, bouquet, cassette, coupon, portrait, barrette, depot, courtesy, petite, denim, brunette, buffet, gazette, crochet, essay, echo, safari, khaki, chorus, alphabet

CHALLENGE: encore, collage, matinee, premiere, embarrass

REAL WORLD VOCABULARY:  Photography

digital, manipulate, print, crop, enlarge, focus, light meter, develop

Summer Enrichment Programs for Gifted Youth

As I get information about summer programs, I will post it here. You can explore them and see if any would work for your schedule and finances. :-)

A quick update.  MSU-B is going to offer two IThink courses this summer
as part of its camp schedule.  This is a great development for high achiever, high potential kids around
Yellowstone County.  We are fortunate to have Kim's energy and vision on this
project.  The next task is to get the word out to extended studies kids and their parents.  To demonstrate the need and interest in programming for these kids, it will be important to get kids enrolled in this first attempt. Registration opens on Monday.  The Sunday Gazette will have the MSU-B Summer Camp catalog as an enclosure.  The materials are accessible on line at www.msubillings.edu/kids.  The courses are described in the catalog as:

 iTHINK Like a Team Player - A Team Building & Leadership Camp

SPYT 109

Jay Shaw is one of the most inspirational team building and leadership teachers in Montana...just ask any teacher who has had the good fortune to have their students attend one of Jay's workshops.  In this camp designed for kids who often exceed teachers' expectations in the classroom, crave challenges not consistently offered in the traditional classroom setting and want a fun, intellectual encounter that will make them stronger team members and stronger leaders.  Through a series of challenging exercises and group activities kids will work as groups to solve problems, and achieve goals. When this camp is over, kids will understand what it takes to be a strong team member who has developed creativity, cooperation and communication skills.  Special iTHINK admission requirements apply.  Space in this camp is limited.

Instructor:  Jay Shaw

Location MSUBillings PE 121

Mon - Fri, June 20 - 24, 1:00p - 4:00p

For Kids 8-12 years old

Fee $139 per camper


iTHINK Like a Programmer - Robotics

SPYT 164

This is a five day learning experience for kids who often exceed teachers' expectations in the classroom, crave challenges not consistently offered in the traditional classroom setting and want a fun, intellectual challenge that begins in the summer and continues into the school year.  You will work in pairs to solve challenges by building and programming robots using the LEGO Mindstorms robotics kits.  In addition to having fun, you will learn about mechanical and software design, problem solving and teamwork skills.  You will then be invited to become part of a team that will continue to meet to prepare for First Lego League competition in Bozeman in 2012.  Beginning and Intermediate levels available.  Special iTHINK admission requirements apply. Registration deadline is June 3 at 5:00 p.m. and space is limited.

Instructors:  Regina Cain and Darla Williams

Location:  MSUB Downtown 112 N Broadway

Mon - Fri, July 11 - 15, 9:00a - 4:00p

For Kids 9-15 years old

Fee $375 per camper


To be admitted to an iTHINK camp, students will be required to demonstrate academic abilities by submitting a copy of their report card or transcript evidencing a 3.0 GPA or equivalent, or letter of recommendation from their school.  Exceptions to this rule may be made on a case-by-case basis and may require a writing sample.

Camp Invention

Camp Invention is a weeklong adventure in science creativity. Led by qualified educators, this exciting program is being hosted by MSU-Billings Campus this summer for children entering grades 1-6.

Date: June 20-24    9-3:30 PM                                                   Cost: $225

Contact

Christine Simonsen    406.861.1999   simonsenc@billingsschools.org

Math Camp

Location: Colorado College

We would like to make the gifted education community aware of Epsilon, a new summer camp for the exceptionally (EG) and profoundly (PG) gifted, ages 8 to 10 years old (students must be under the age of 11 during camp), who love math. This new camp, directed by Dr. George Thomas, founder of Mathpath and Canada/USA Mathcamp, will be held at Colorado College from July 24 through August 14, 2011. Epsilon Camp combines an intellectually rigorous student camp running in parallel with a parent workshop addressing the concerns and challenges of raising EG/PG children. Epsilon students will be exposed to mathematics enrichment not available anywhere else at this time for their age group.

For more information, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit http://epsiloncamp.org/index.php

College of William and Mary

Location: Virginia

This is a link to a PDF flyer of the offerings through W&M. Page 7 of the PDF is where the grade levels pertaining your children begin. There is some information on the previous pages about scholarship opportunities. College of William and Mary

Location: Virginia

This is a link to a PDF flyer of the offerings through W&M. Page 7 of the PDF is where the grade levels pertaining your children begin. There is some information on the previous pages about scholarship opportunities.

http://cfge.wm.edu/forms/SEP%20Summer_2011_revised%203_22[1].pdf