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Write On!


Grade 5 Students
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Welcome to our grade 5 teacher and student weblog. We attend Nettleton Elementary School in Duluth, Minnesota, U.S.A. Check out our site to learn about our classroom, read our writings and give us some feedback. To add comments, just click on the comment link below a post. If you comment, please tell us who you are and where you are from. Your comments need teacher-approval before they show up on the blog. Our class likes to follow a blog comment recipe. You can write about something you saw or heard, something you liked, something to add or fix, or a question to make the writer think.

by Jay Monson, Grade 5 Teacher
Related Links

• Our City
• Our School District
• Our School
• Our Classroom Wiki
• Our Classroom Bookmarks
• Mr. Milloy's Class Weblog, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
• Mr. Ahlness' Class Weblog, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.
• Mr. Smith's Class Weblog, Hannibal, Missouri U.S.A.
• Mr. Meyer's Class Weblog, Lansing, Michigan, U.S.A.
• Melville Intermediate School Weblog, Hamilton, New Zealand
• Mr. Johnston's Class Weblog, Glasgow, Scotland
• Mamaroneck Avenue School Weblog, Mamaroneck, New York, U.S.A.
• Our Good Reads
• Solar System Games
• PMP Certification
• Youth Group Games


Teacher Assignments

Teacher Entries

Here We Are! 9/3
Goodbye For Now 7/17
2011-2012 Grade 5 Curriculum Calendar 5/20
This End-of-the-Year in Notes: 5/20
Important Upcoming Dates and Events: 5/20
List 5, 10, all

Student Entries

MR Basketball 5/30
RS River Reeds 5/29
RS Fire 5/29
RS Winds 5/29
RS Waves 5/29
AK Achivements of my Hopes and Dreams 5/9
KK hopes and dreams 5/9
NS hopes and dreams narrative 5/9
IB Hopes and Dreams: The Narrative 5/9
HF Flowers 5/6
HF dragons 5/6
JC Hopes and dreams narrative 5/3
RS 2011-2012 Hopes and Dreams Narrative 5/3
HF stars poem 4/27
HF Water (Poem) 4/27
JSG Bacon Strips 4/27
AK A poem about a poem! 4/26
AK Music 4/26
AK Earth 4/23
AK Music 4/23
RS Cow Woes 3/30
RS Cat Woes 3/30
IB Fred the Unicorn 3/30
DB PEZ I Like 3/30
MR Halloween 3/30

List 25, 50, all

Conditions of Use


Here We Are!

Article posted September 3, 2012 at 04:24 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 19787

Hello Educational Bloggers,

We just started our blog in South Africa. You can reach us at:

http://tw.aisj-jhb.com/esgrade5d/ or monsonclassroom.org

Thanks again for making the world so much smaller for us all. See you on the web.

Be well.

Mr. Monson

Article posted September 3, 2012 at 04:24 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 19787



Goodbye For Now

Article posted July 17, 2012 at 06:14 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 4605

Hello fellow bloggers. All good things have to come to an end…at least a temporary one. I will be closing this blog down for a bit due to my move to South Africa to teach at the American International School of Johannesburg. More about my new teaching digs at: http://www.aisj-jhb.com/

Thanks for all of you who shared and commented throughout the years. I will be utilizing a new blog with my international students at a different web address. Stay tuned…

Article posted July 17, 2012 at 06:14 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 4605



2011-2012 Grade 5 Curriculum Calendar

Article posted May 20, 2012 at 10:15 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 424

Article posted May 20, 2012 at 10:15 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 424



This End-of-the-Year in Notes:

Article posted May 20, 2012 at 10:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 426

Hello Families! I REALLY cannot believe we are in our last three weeks of the school year. These weeks bring along a lot of loose ends. We will be completing our last work of the year over the next nine days as I am closing the official grade book June 1st. All work is due by that date. Report cards will go out the last day of school, June 7th. The first week will be full of a TON of end-of-the-year assessments for the school district. This is a great time for students to shine and show all the growth that has taken place over the past school year. As you prepare for a summer away from school please plan with your student how he/she will continue READING, WRITING, and WORKING WITH NUMBERS. Feel free to contact me for additional activities your child can do throughout the summer months to prepare for middle school. As always, thanks for what you do and please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted May 20, 2012 at 10:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 426



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted May 20, 2012 at 10:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 352

• May 21st: Fire Presentation
• May 22nd: World Beat Trip
• May 23rd: Mr. Monson Gone (All Day)
• May 24th: All Library Books Due! (please clean out those bedrooms at home for any school materials!)
• May 24: NWEA Assessments 9:30-11:00
• May 25: NWEA Assessments 2:00-3:30
• May 28th: No School-Memorial Day
• June 1st: Mrs. Monson’s Class and Mr. Monson’s Class Park Point Celebration!
• June 5th: Duluth Huskies Game at the Wade
• June 5th: Room 301 Cleaning (bring backpacks and extra bags if necessary!)
• June 6th: Grade 5 Graduation Celebration—2:00 p.m. in the Nettleton Gym with a reception in the Nettleton Cafeteria to follow
• June 7th: Last Day of School—Field Day!
• July 9th: Happy Birthday Jackson!
• July 22nd: Mr. and Mrs. Monson (and Jack) leave for Johannesburg, South Africa!

Article posted May 20, 2012 at 10:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 352



2011-2012 Grade 5 Curriculum Calendar

Article posted May 14, 2012 at 06:36 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 338

Article posted May 14, 2012 at 06:36 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 338



This Week in Notes: Days 154-158

Article posted May 14, 2012 at 06:33 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 283

Hello Families! We had such a fantastic trip to St. Paul on Thursday and Friday. I would like to thank all the students and chaperones for making it a trip that they will remember for a long time.

This week we will be continuing some things that the kids were working on over the past two weeks. We continue our research projects, look for more information and get some of our first words on paper. Wednesday looks like a great day for the Fit ‘n Fun Run that is held at Denfeld. We will bus there over the noon hour to quickly run the race and then come back to Nettleton.

As always, thanks for what you do and please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted May 14, 2012 at 06:33 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 283



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted May 14, 2012 at 06:32 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 256

• May 14th: All Nettleton Library Books Due!
• May 15th: Happy Birthday Jaelynn!
• May 16th: Fit and Fun Run at PSS Denfeld
• May 18th: Daniel Daniels Storyteller Assembly
• May 23rd: Mr. Monson Gone (All Day)
• May 24-25: NWEA Assessments Math/Reading
• May 28th: No School-Memorial Day
• June 1st: Mrs. Monson’s Class and Mr. Monson’s Class Park Point Celebration!
• June 5th: Duluth Huskies Game at the Wade
• June 7th: Last Day of School—Field Day!
• July 9th: Happy Birthday Jackson!
• July 22nd: Mr. and Mrs. Monson (and Jack) leave for Johannesburg, South Africa!

Article posted May 14, 2012 at 06:32 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 256



2011-2012 Grade 5 Curriculum Calendar

Article posted May 7, 2012 at 05:59 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 280

Article posted May 7, 2012 at 05:59 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 280



This Week in Notes: Days 149-153

Article posted May 7, 2012 at 05:58 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 298

Hello Families! We are in for a short week at school and then an awesome trip to St. Paul to the Minnesota History Center and the Science Museum of Minnesota. We are still in need of chaperones that are willing to come on this great adventure. Please call, e-mail or send a note if you are interested and I will get back to you. We also need ALL permission forms returned ASAP. Thanks for reminding your student about the importance of “keeping their head in the game” this close to the end of the year. May is such a great time of celebration to the end of the school year but learning continues and should throughout the summer. We have so many amazing readers in this classroom that exceeded their goal in books this year. I hope all the fantastic reading continues until the next school year starts! As always, thanks for what you do and please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted May 7, 2012 at 05:58 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 298



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted May 7, 2012 at 05:57 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 288

• May 9th: Happy Birthday Rachel!
• May 10th and 11th: Grade 5 St. Paul History Center and Science Museum Overnight
• May 15th: Happy Birthday Jaelynn!
• May 16th: Fit and Fun Run at PSS Denfeld
• May 18th: Daniel Daniels Storyteller Assembly
• May 23rd: Mr. Monson Gone (All Day)
• May 24-25: NWEA Assessments Math/Reading
• May 28th: No School-Memorial Day
• June 1st: Mrs. Monson’s Class and Mr. Monson’s Class Park Point Celebration!
• June 5th: Duluth Huskies Game at the Wade
• June 7th: Last Day of School—Field Day!
• July 9th: Happy Birthday Jackson!
• July 22nd: Mr. and Mrs. Monson (and Jack) leave for Johannesburg, South Africa!

Article posted May 7, 2012 at 05:57 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 288



2011-2012 Grade 5 Curriculum Calendar

Article posted April 30, 2012 at 05:33 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 171

Article posted April 30, 2012 at 05:33 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 171



This Week in Notes: Days 144-148

Article posted April 30, 2012 at 05:32 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 152

Hello Families! We are all done with MCA testing! The kids did a great job trying their best on this annual testing time in Minnesota. Expect results to be mailed home within the summer months. Next week we are going to St. Paul. We are in need of chaperones that are willing to come on this great adventure. Please call, e-mail or send a note if you are interested and I will get back to you. We also need ALL permission forms returned ASAP. As always, thanks for what you do and please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted April 30, 2012 at 05:32 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 152



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted April 30, 2012 at 05:31 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 135

• April 30th: Happy Birthday DeAundre!
• May 3rd: Last Day of Afterschool Programming
• May 4th: Early Release—1:40 p.m.
• May 9th: Happy Birthday Rachel!
• May 10th and 11th: Grade 5 St. Paul History Center and Science Museum Overnight—Leave Nettleton 5/10 at 9:20 a.m. and arrive back to Nettleton 5/11 by 3:30 p.m.
• May 15th: Happy Birthday Jaelynn!
• May 16th: Fit and Fun Run at PSS Denfeld
• May 18th: Daniel Daniels Storyteller Assembly
• May 23rd: Mr. Monson Gone (All Day)
• May 24-25: NWEA Assessments Math/Reading
• May 28th: No School-Memorial Day
• June 1st: Mrs. Monson’s Class and Mr. Monson’s Class Park Point Celebration!
• June 5th: Duluth Huskies Game at the Wade
• June 7th: Last Day of School—Field Day!
• July 9th: Happy Birthday Jackson!
• July 22nd: Mr. and Mrs. Monson (and Jack) leave for Johannesburg, South Africa!

Article posted April 30, 2012 at 05:31 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 135



2011-2012 Grade 5 Curriculum Calendar

Article posted April 23, 2012 at 05:56 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 186

Article posted April 23, 2012 at 05:56 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 186



This Week in Notes: Days 139-143

Article posted April 23, 2012 at 05:55 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 140

Hello Families! We have the annual MCA math tests this week that are taken on the computer. By the time you read this kids will have taken Segment 1. Segment 2 will take place on Wednesday (for room 301). As always, thanks for what you do and please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted April 23, 2012 at 05:55 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 140



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted April 23, 2012 at 05:54 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 157

• April 23-25th: MCA Mathematics Tests
• April 25th: Mr. Monson Gone (PM only)
• April 30th: Happy Birthday DeAundre!
• May 3rd: Last Day of Afterschool Programming
• May 4th: Early Release—1:40 p.m.
• May 9th: Happy Birthday Rachel!
• May 10th and 11th: Grade 5 St. Paul History Center and Science Museum Overnight!
• May 15th: Happy Birthday Jaelynn!
• May 16th: Fit and Fun Run at PSS Denfeld
• May 18th: Daniel Daniels Storyteller Assembly
• May 23rd: Mr. Monson Gone (All Day)
• May 28th: No School-Memorial Day
• June 1st: Mrs. Monson’s Class and Mr. Monson’s Class Park Point Celebration!
• June 5th: Duluth Huskies Game at the Wade
• June 7th: Last Day of School—Field Day!
• July 9th: Happy Birthday Jackson!
• July 22nd: Mr. and Mrs. Monson (and Jack) leave for Johannesburg, South Africa!

Article posted April 23, 2012 at 05:54 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 157



The Week Ahead: Days 134-138

Article posted April 16, 2012 at 06:31 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 935

Article posted April 16, 2012 at 06:31 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 935



2011-2012 Grade 5 Curriculum Calendar

Article posted April 16, 2012 at 06:31 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 182

Article posted April 16, 2012 at 06:31 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 182



This Week in Notes: Days 134-138

Article posted April 16, 2012 at 06:30 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 199

Hello Families! We have our yearly MCA testing this week. I encourage all families to get involved in preparing students to do their best. Kids should get a great night’s sleep, get breakfast at home or at school and be at school each day this week. We will also be testing math next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. As always, thanks for what you do and please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns. Feel free to come into our daily morning meeting from 9:05 a.m. to 9:25 a.m.

Article posted April 16, 2012 at 06:30 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 199



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted April 16, 2012 at 06:30 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 249

• ASAP: Return report card envelope signed on the outside (keep report card and ILP at home)
• April 16th: Tornado Drill—2:00 p.m.
• April 17-20th: MCA Reading Tests
• April 20th: Happy Birthday Nate!
• April 21st: Fitger’s 5K—9:00 a.m. (Runners need to be by Malt Shop at 8:30 a.m.)
• April 21st: YMCA Healthy Kids Day—12:00-4:00 (Kayaking, rock climbing, etc. after Fitger’s 5K!)
• April 23-25th: MCA Mathematics Tests
• April 30th: Happy Birthday DeAundre!
• May 4th: Early Release—1:40 p.m.
• May 9th: Happy Birthday Rachel!
• May 15th: Happy Birthday Jaelynn!
• May 23rd: Mr. Monson Gone (All Day)
• June 7th: Last Day of School—Field Day!
• July 9th: Happy Birthday Jackson!

Article posted April 16, 2012 at 06:30 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 249



The Week Ahead: Days 129-133

Article posted April 1, 2012 at 04:44 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1033

Article posted April 1, 2012 at 04:44 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1033



2011-2012 Grade 5 Curriculum Calendar

Article posted April 1, 2012 at 04:43 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 153

Article posted April 1, 2012 at 04:43 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 153



This Week in Notes: Days 129-133

Article posted April 1, 2012 at 04:43 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 167

Hello Families! Welcome to April and the last quarter of your child’s elementary school years. I am sure you can look back and remember the day when she/he just started kindergarten! We don’t have any regular weekly word work this week and are going to be doing a lot of reading and writing to start of the 4th quarter. Report cards come home this week and I am including their updated individual learning plan that we updated at conferences and with their latest assessment data. If you have any questions about anything in either reports please let me know. We do not have school next week but I can easily be contacted via e-mail. Thanks for all the support you give your son or daughter with reading at home, staying active, working with numbers and setting high expectations. As always, thanks for what you do and please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns. Feel free to come into our daily morning meeting from 9:05 a.m. to 9:25 a.m.

Article posted April 1, 2012 at 04:43 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 167



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted April 1, 2012 at 04:42 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 181

• April 4th: Happy Birthday Davis!
• April 4th: Mr. Monson Gone (All Day)
• April 6th: Report Cards Go Home
• April 6th: “Mismatch Day”
• April 6th: Maturity Talk—Note from school nurse coming home April 2nd
• April 6th: Early Release—1:40 p.m.
• April 9th: Spring Break! No School!
• April 17-20th: MCA Reading Tests
• April 20th: Happy Birthday Nate!
• April 21st: Fitger’s 5K—9:00 a.m. (Runners need to be by Malt Shop at 8:30 a.m.)
• April 21st: YMCA Healthy Kids Day—12:00-4:00 (Kayaking, rock climbing, etc. after Fitger’s 5K!)
• April 23-25th: MCA Mathematics Tests
• April 30th: Happy Birthday DeAundre!
• May 4th: Early Release—1:40 p.m.
• May 9th: Happy Birthday Rachel!
• May 15th: Happy Birthday Jaelynn!
• May 23rd: Mr. Monson Gone (All Day)
• June 7th: Last Day of School—Field Day!
• July 9th: Happy Birhday Jackson!

Article posted April 1, 2012 at 04:42 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 181



The Week Ahead: Days 124-128

Article posted March 26, 2012 at 05:40 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 692

Article posted March 26, 2012 at 05:40 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 692



2011-2012 Grade 5 Curriculum Calendar

Article posted March 26, 2012 at 05:40 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 238

Article posted March 26, 2012 at 05:40 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 238



This Week in Notes: Days 124-128

Article posted March 26, 2012 at 05:39 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 174

Hello Families! We are now in our last week of the third quarter. The kids will have a week to turn in all their work from the quarter. I have organized work in portfolios and have all work that they’ve done still at school. This will be sent home next week along with their report cards. You may notice the upcoming dates and events for the rest of the year. Stay tuned, as there will be changes to this list. As always, thanks for what you do and please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns. Feel free to come into our daily morning meeting from 9:05 a.m. to 9:25 a.m.

Article posted March 26, 2012 at 05:39 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 174



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted March 26, 2012 at 05:38 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 137

• March 27th: Adelante Cultural Center Visit—Ms. Livadaros
• March 27th: MCA Science Testing (PM)
• March 29th: Earth Night Family Night
• March 30th: End of the 3rd Quarter—All Work Due!
• April 4th: Happy Birthday Davis!
• April 4th: Mr. Monson Gone (All Day)
• April 6th: Report Cards Go Home
• April 6th: “Mismatch Day”
• April 6th: Maturity Talk—Note from school nurse coming home soon
• April 6th: Early Release—1:40 p.m.
• April 9th: Spring Break! No School!
• April 14th: Happy Birthday Trayvaun!
• April 17-20th: MCA Reading Tests
• April 20th: Happy Birthday Nate!
• April 21st: Fitger’s 5K—9:00 a.m. (Runners need to be by Malt Shop at 8:30 a.m.)
• April 21st: YMCA Healthy Kids Day—12:00-4:00 (Kayaking, rock climbing, etc. after Fitger’s 5K!)
• April 23-25th: MCA Mathematics Tests
• April 30th: Happy Birthday DeAundre!
• May 4th: Early Release—1:40 p.m.
• May 9th: Happy Birthday Rachel!
• May 15th: Happy Birthday Jaelynn!
• May 23rd: Mr. Monson Gone (All Day)
• July 9th: Happy Birthday Jackson!

Article posted March 26, 2012 at 05:38 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 137



The Week Ahead: Days 119-123

Article posted March 19, 2012 at 05:16 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 654

Article posted March 19, 2012 at 05:16 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 654



2011-2012 Grade 5 Curriculum Calendar

Article posted March 19, 2012 at 05:15 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 154

Article posted March 19, 2012 at 05:15 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 154



This Week in Notes: Days 119-123

Article posted March 19, 2012 at 05:15 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 127

Hello Families! We are just two weeks away from the end of the third quarter. Where does time go? We are finally getting into our science unit of levers and pulleys this week. Activities will be discovering mechanical advantage of both types of simple machines as we have four main days of study. This is week four of running club and kids will be putting in more time on their feet while really pacing themselves to be slow and steady. The extra light in the evening hours means extra challenges at bedtime. The importance of sleep is a big topic and one that can’t be overlooked. Thanks to those families that set consistent bedtimes and don’t allow much electronic stimulation (television, computer, video games) before bed. It can affect sleep.

As always, thanks for what you do and please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns. Feel free to come into our daily morning meeting from 9:05 a.m. to 9:25 a.m.

Article posted March 19, 2012 at 05:15 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 127



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted March 19, 2012 at 05:14 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 125

• March 20th: Young Author’s Conference—our representative is Abbie!
• March 21st: Mr. Monson Gone (AM Only)
• March 23rd: Critters Assembly
• March 29th: MCA Science Testing (PM)
• March 29th: Earth Night Family Night
• April 4th: Happy Birthday Davis!
• April 4th: Mr. Monson Gone (All Day)
• April 9th: Spring Break! No School!
• April 14th: Happy Birthday Trayvaun!
• April 20th: Happy Birthday Nate!
• April 21st: Fitger’s 5K—9:00 a.m. (Runners need to be by Malt Shop at 8:30 a.m.)
• April 21st: YMCA Healthy Kids Day—12:00-4:00 (Kayaking, rock climbing, etc. after Fitger’s 5K!)
• April 30th: Happy Birthday DeAundre!

Article posted March 19, 2012 at 05:14 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 125



The Week Ahead: Days 114-118

Article posted March 12, 2012 at 07:08 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 719

Article posted March 12, 2012 at 07:08 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 719



2011-2012 Grade 5 Curriculum Calendar

Article posted March 12, 2012 at 07:07 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 150

Article posted March 12, 2012 at 07:07 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 150



This Week in Notes: Days 114-118

Article posted March 12, 2012 at 07:05 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 144

Welcome to a less than snowy week ahead, families! I hope you find yourself utilizing daylight savings time and are enjoying the longer evening light. This week we will be continuing poetry within the classroom and publishing works to our blog. We will learn about several more forms and experiment as we find ones that we are comfortable with. We will also be continuing unit seven in math that is emphasizing multiplication and division. Running club will be held Monday through Friday of this week at the end of the day. All runners should be ready to run outside in comfortable clothing. So far I am so excited for all the runners as there is a ton of motivation being directed toward their goals.

As always, please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns. Feel free to come into our daily morning meeting from 9:05 a.m. to 9:25 a.m.

Article posted March 12, 2012 at 07:05 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 144



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted March 12, 2012 at 07:04 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 155

• March 15th: Happy Birthday Dannisha!
• March 15th: MN Ballet at the DECC-9:30-11:00
• March 15th: Cabin Fever Reliever Family Night
• March 15: Pictures-12:30 p.m.
• March 16th: Early Release—1:40 p.m.
• March 20th: Young Author’s Conference—our representative is Abbie!
• March 23rd: Critters Assembly
• March 27th through 29th: MCA Science Testing
• April 4th: Happy Birthday Davis!
• April 9th: Spring Break

Article posted March 12, 2012 at 07:04 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 155



The Week Ahead: Days 109-113

Article posted March 4, 2012 at 09:51 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 782

Article posted March 4, 2012 at 09:51 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 782



2011-2012 Grade 5 Curriculum Calendar

Article posted March 4, 2012 at 09:50 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 144

Article posted March 4, 2012 at 09:50 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 144



This Week in Notes: Days 109-113

Article posted March 4, 2012 at 09:48 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 169

Happy meteorological spring, families! Although it doesn’t look or feel like it we are almost to sap running in the maple trees and birds returning from migration. We have a great week of learning and will be involved in many literacy efforts, independent projects and a new unit in math. With last week’s weird weather we got a tad behind and are trying to get going in our levers and pulleys science unit. We will continue to try and piece this in within all our other great learning.

We will start doing some running and activity during our training periods in the Nettleton Running Club. I plan on getting our club activities in Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of this week. Kids should bring shoes and be ready to move! The race is just a month a half away!

As always, please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns. Feel free to come into our daily morning meeting from 9:05 a.m. to 9:25 a.m.

Article posted March 4, 2012 at 09:48 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 169



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted March 4, 2012 at 09:46 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 144

• March 5th: Family Art Night
• March 7th: Mr. Monson Gone at Grade 5 Meeting
• March 7th: Math Family Night
• March 15th: Happy Birthday Dannisha!
• March 15th: Cabin Fever Reliever Family Night
• March 16th: Early Release—1:40 p.m.
• March 20th: Young Author’s Conference—our representative is Abbie!
• March 23rd: Critters Assembly
• March 27th through 29th: MCA Science Testing
• April 4th: Happy Birthday Davis!
• April 9th: Spring Break

Article posted March 4, 2012 at 09:46 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 144



The Week Ahead: Days 106-110

Article posted February 26, 2012 at 09:20 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 899

Article posted February 26, 2012 at 09:20 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 899



2011-2012 Grade 5 Curriculum Calendar

Article posted February 26, 2012 at 09:20 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 144

Article posted February 26, 2012 at 09:20 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 144



This Week in Notes: Days 106-110

Article posted February 26, 2012 at 09:19 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 159

Hello families! Welcome back from break and a snowy end of the month of February. I hope everyone was able to get some time to recharge, read and stay active while away from school last week. We will get back into the swing of things by reviewing and reflecting on the things we value in our room. We will be writing poetry, completing our Unit 5 in math and doing some science with our Levers and Pulleys unit. Running club starts Tuesday so kids should be prepared to get active. More details will continue to evolve as we work on scheduling our training. As always, please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns. Feel free to come into our daily morning meeting from 9:05 a.m. to 9:25 a.m.

Article posted February 26, 2012 at 09:19 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 159



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted February 26, 2012 at 09:19 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 277

• February 28th: Nettleton Drummers at Holiday Center
• February 28th: Running Club starts!
• February 29th: Nettleton Math Night—5:30 p.m.
• March 5th: Mr. Monson Gone at Grade 5 Meeting
• March 15th: Happy Birthday Dannisha!
• March 15th: Cabin Fever Reliever Family Night
• March 16th: Early Release—1:40 p.m.
• March 20th: Young Author’s Conference—our representative is Abbie A.!
• March 23rd: Critters Assembly
• March 27th through 29th: MCA Science Testing
• April 4th: Happy Birthday Davis!
• April 9th: Spring Break

Article posted February 26, 2012 at 09:19 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 277



The Week Ahead: Days 101-105

Article posted February 13, 2012 at 07:01 AM GMT-6 • comment (2) • Reads 1177

Article posted February 13, 2012 at 07:01 AM GMT-6 • comment (2) • Reads 1177



2011-2012 Grade 5 Curriculum Calendar

Article posted February 13, 2012 at 07:00 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 177

Article posted February 13, 2012 at 07:00 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 177



This Week in Notes: Days 101-105

Article posted February 13, 2012 at 07:00 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 149

Hello families! It is finally a full week of school and I am going to be around each day! Thanks for those of you who made it in to conferences over the last two weeks. We have almost everyone who made the connection. If you haven’t gotten your report card let me know. We will be having some new concepts being taught this week in math, science and writing. The kids should all be writing poetry in and out of school. Reading poetry is also a goal I have for many of them that are leaving that genre alone in their reading logs. Phenology makes its appearance again and we have some awesome time to read planned. As always, please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted February 13, 2012 at 07:00 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 149



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted February 13, 2012 at 06:59 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 159

• February 14th: Happy Valentine’s Day
• February 16th: African Cultural Family Night—5:00-6:30 p.m.
• February 17th: Early Release Day—1:40 p.m.
• February 20th- 24th: No School—Winter Break!
• February 29th: Nettleton Math Night—5:30 p.m.
• March 5th: Mr. Monson Gone at Grade 5 Meeting
• March 15th: Happy Birthday Dannisha!
• March 15th: Cabin Fever Reliever Family Night
• March 16th: Early Release—1:40 p.m.
• March 20th: Young Author’s Conference—our representative is Abbie A.!
• March 23rd: Critters Assembly

Article posted February 13, 2012 at 06:59 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 159



The Week Ahead: Days 91-95

Article posted January 29, 2012 at 02:24 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1227

Article posted January 29, 2012 at 02:24 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1227



2011-2012 Grade 5 Curriculum Calendar

Article posted January 29, 2012 at 02:23 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 173

Article posted January 29, 2012 at 02:23 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 173



This Week in Notes: Days 91-95

Article posted January 29, 2012 at 02:22 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 175

Hello families! We enter the first week of February with some new things going on. We are going to be assessing mathematics this week on the NWEA benchmark tool within the computer lab. This will take place Tuesday and will replace future benchmark assessments within our district. They give teachers some usable data to improve their efforts to reach the needs of your child. Please let me know if you have any questions about these assessments. Ms. Nordell will be coming in for me to teach Thursday, Friday and Monday of the upcoming week. Please talk with your child about guest teacher responsibilities. Thanks for those of you who came to conferences last Thursday. We will be having families meet with me on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning of this week. The rest of you will come in on Tuesday of next week. Please check the schedule, which is on the back of the newsletter. If you need to change times let me know. As always, please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted January 29, 2012 at 02:22 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 175



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted January 29, 2012 at 02:22 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 180

• January 30th: COMPASS begins
• January 31st: NWEA Assessments
• January 31st: Conference Night #2
• February 2-6th: Mr. Monson gone from school Thursday, Friday and Monday
• February 7th: Conference Night #3
• February 9th: “Bridge to the Future” Middle School Open House—6:00 p.m. at Woodland MS
• February 16th: African Cultural Family Night
• February 17th: Early Release Day—1:40 p.m.
• February 20th- 24th: No School—Winter Break
• February 29th: Nettleton Math Night—5:30 p.m.

Article posted January 29, 2012 at 02:22 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 180



The Week Ahead: Days 86-90

Article posted January 22, 2012 at 10:45 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1280

Article posted January 22, 2012 at 10:45 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1280



2011-2012 Grade 5 Curriculum Calendar

Article posted January 22, 2012 at 10:45 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 187

Article posted January 22, 2012 at 10:45 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 187



This Week in Notes: Days 86-90

Article posted January 22, 2012 at 10:44 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 167

Hello families! Finally, a full week! We welcome you all to the third quarter. I’m so excited for what we have in store for learning. We are tweaking math a little and are going back to homeroom classrooms for this next chapter. We will evaluate how this service goes and adjust if necessary. Conference notes go home today so please make sure you review your time and send that back as a verification of your attendance. The tentative schedule can be found on the back of the newsletter. I will make any changes necessary and get out a new copy when I hear back from everyone. Thanks for making this important meeting, as we will go over your child’s individual learning plans and discuss new goals for the rest of the year. As always, please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted January 22, 2012 at 10:44 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 167



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted January 22, 2012 at 10:44 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 174

• January 24th: Citywide Spelling Bee—Go Hannah and Connor!
• January 25th: Mr. Monson Gone—Team Meeting
• January 26th: Conference Night #1 (only Mrs. Monson and Mr. Monson holding conferences on this evening)
• February 27th: Early Release Day—1:40 p.m.
• January 31st: Conference Night #2
• February 2-6th: Mr. Monson gone from school Thursday, Friday and Monday
• February 6th: COMPASS begins
• February 7th: Conference Night #3
• February 9th: “Bridge to the Future” Middle School Open House—6:00 p.m. at Woodland MS
• February 16th: African Cultural Family Night
• February 17th: Early Release Day—1:40 p.m.
• February 20th- 24th: No School—Winter Break
• February 29th: Nettleton Math Night—5:30 p.m.

Article posted January 22, 2012 at 10:44 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 174



The Week Ahead: Days 83-85

Article posted January 16, 2012 at 09:02 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1078

Article posted January 16, 2012 at 09:02 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1078



This Week in Notes: Days 83-85

Article posted January 16, 2012 at 09:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 168

Hello families! We are ending another successful quarter of school this week as well as our first semester in grade five. How about that for fast? We experienced an amazingly wonderful Deep Portage trip last week and will be reflecting on the things learned in our writing and our conversations. We sure grew as a group during our three days! All work is due for the quarter this Thursday as there is no school on Friday. Teachers will be in classrooms preparing grades and individual learning plans for conferences coming up over the following weeks. Please be ready to schedule a conference time when notes come home early next week. Since Mrs. Monson and I will be out of town for one of the evenings we are having a conference night on January 26th instead of February 2nd. We can also schedule our meeting at your convenience. Thanks for making this important connection in your child’s education. As always, please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted January 16, 2012 at 09:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 168



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted January 16, 2012 at 09:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 166

• January 19th: End of First Semester
• January 19th: Mr. Monson gone in the afternoon at a District-wide meeting
• January 20th: Happy birthday Joyce!
• January 20th: No School for Students
• January 24th: Citywide Spelling Bee—Go Hannah and Connor!
• January 25th: Mr. Monson Gone—Team Meeting
• January 26th: Conference Night #1
• February 27th: Early Release Day—1:40 p.m.
• January 31st: Conference Night #2
• February 2-6th: Mr. Monson gone from school Thursday, Friday and Monday
• February 6th: COMPASS begins
• February 7th: Conference Night #3
• February 16th: African Cultural Family Night
• February 17th: Early Release Day—1:40 p.m.
• February 20th- 24th: No School—Winter Break

Article posted January 16, 2012 at 09:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 166



The Week Ahead: Days 74-77

Article posted January 2, 2012 at 09:32 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2057

Article posted January 2, 2012 at 09:32 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2057



This Week in Notes: Days 74-77

Article posted January 2, 2012 at 09:31 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 171

Hello families! Welcome to 2012! Our great Deep Portage is next week so I hope your student is preparing himself or herself! We will review a lot of things from the first semester as we come back from our long break. Please review the things to return to school and contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted January 2, 2012 at 09:31 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 171



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted January 2, 2012 at 09:31 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 169

• January 4th: Spelling Bee Qualification Test
• January 5th: Happy birthday Popo!
• January 12th: Happy birthday Hannah and Karee!
• January 10th: All Deep Portage Funds Due!
• January 10th: Spelling Bee 2:00 p.m.
• January 11-13th: Deep Portage Three-Day Trip
• January 16th: MLK Holiday-No School
• January 19th: End of Semester
• January 20th: No School for Students
• January 25th: Mr. Monson Gone-Team Meeting
• January 26th, January 31st, February 7th: Conference Nights for Mr. Monson Kids & Families
• February 2-6th: Mr. Monson Gone to Boston

Article posted January 2, 2012 at 09:31 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 169



The Week Ahead: Days 70-73

Article posted December 18, 2011 at 08:02 PM GMT-6 • comment (2) • Reads 2490

Article posted December 18, 2011 at 08:02 PM GMT-6 • comment (2) • Reads 2490



This Week in Notes: Days 70-73

Article posted December 18, 2011 at 08:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 183

Hello families! We are in our last week before a nice winter break through January 2nd. When we get back in 2012 we will be three weeks from the end of the semester. Our Deep Portage trip is coming soon so please make sure that your student is looking at the packing list to see if she/he needs anything. Please contact me if you need help locating winter boots, snow pants or a warm jacket. We also need kids to have at least two pair of gloves and winter socks as they are bound to get wet. You will notice that I am accepting Deep Portage funds until the day before the trip. A note will be coming home as a reminder for all things Deep Portage. It’s great to see and hear the things that kids are doing in preparation for our big trip. Please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted December 18, 2011 at 08:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 183



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted December 18, 2011 at 08:00 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 183

• December 19th: Principal’s Book Club
• December 22nd: Rooms 301/121 Holiday Celebration
• December 23rd-January 2nd: No School-Winter Break
• January 5th: Happy birthday Popo!
• January 12th: Happy birthday Hannah and Karee!
• January 10th: All Deep Portage Funds Due!
• January 11-13th: Deep Portage Three-Day Trip
• January 16th: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday-No School
• January 25th: Mr. Monson Gone-Team Meeting
• January 26th, January 31st, February 7th: Conference Nights for Mr. Monson Kids & Families
• February 2-6th: Mr. Monson Gone to Boston

Article posted December 18, 2011 at 08:00 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 183



The Week Ahead: Days 65-69

Article posted December 12, 2011 at 06:26 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2090

Article posted December 12, 2011 at 06:26 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2090



This Week in Notes: Days 65-69

Article posted December 12, 2011 at 06:25 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1150

Hello families! I did not send a newsletter out last week so thanks for being patient. This week and next we approach our long winter holiday. Some amazing successes are happening in the classroom lately. Good fit books are becoming a mainstay and kids are reading more and more each day. Writing is taking off with creativity happening on grand scales within notebooks and with classmates. Hooray for this! During the week you will notice a lot to do with the holiday program. Check out the dates below or look for information in the school newsletter. Thanks for your efforts getting all Deep Portage forms back to school and for any planning or fundraising efforts you provided us. It is truly a team effort to get this trip planned each year. As always, please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted December 12, 2011 at 06:25 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1150



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted December 12, 2011 at 06:24 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1113

• December 13th: Winter Concert (Practice-2:45)
• December 14th: Winter Concert (Dress Rehearsal-2:00)
• December 15th: Winter Concert-Performances held at 10:00 & 1:30
• December 15th: End of Semesta Fiesta
• December 16th: Early Release 1:40 p.m.
• December 16th: Happy Birthday Abbie
• December 23rd-January 2nd: No School-Winter Break
• January 5th: Happy birthday Popo!
• January 12th: Happy birthday Hannah and Karee!
• January 11-13th: Deep Portage Three-Day Trip

Article posted December 12, 2011 at 06:24 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1113



The Week Ahead: Days 55-59

Article posted November 27, 2011 at 08:30 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2272

Article posted November 27, 2011 at 08:30 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2272



This Week in Notes: Days 55-59

Article posted November 27, 2011 at 08:30 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 163

Hello families! Welcome back from our long Thanksgiving weekend. We enter the last push before our winter break. I always love these late fall/early winter weeks as we are beginning to enter some amazing weeks of learning. Our focus this week other than our great learning activities will be a super fundraising event next Sunday. All proceeds for the event will go toward helping kids attend our upcoming Deep Portage trip. Speaking of our trip, we need forms filled out and returned as soon as possible. Thanks for this! As always please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted November 27, 2011 at 08:30 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 163



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted November 27, 2011 at 08:29 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 162

• December 1st: Pow-Wow 5:00 p.m. (no after school programming)
• December 1st: Happy Birthday Niimii
• December 4th: Deep Portage Soup and Silent Auction Fundraiser—5:00 p.m.—Peace Church
• December 5th: Happy Birthday Ajanice
• December 9th: Fundraiser Pickup 2:30-5:00
• December 14th: Winter Concert-1:30 (practice)
• December 15th: Winter Concert-10:00 & 1:30
• December 16th: Early Release 1:40 p.m.
• December 16th: Happy Birthday Abbie
• December 23rd-January 2nd: No School-Winter Break
• January 5th: Happy birthday Popo!
• January 12th: Happy birthday Hannah and Karee!
• January 11-13th: Deep Portage Three-Day Trip

Article posted November 27, 2011 at 08:29 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 162



The Week Ahead: Days 52-54

Article posted November 20, 2011 at 04:24 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1419

Article posted November 20, 2011 at 04:24 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1419



This Week in Notes: Days 52-54

Article posted November 20, 2011 at 04:24 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 161

Hello families! We have a wonderful, short week at school this week. Last Friday we sent home several forms for our upcoming Deep Portage trip January 11-13, 2012. Please read, review and return them to school as soon as possible. We are also sending home Quarter 1 Progress Reports this Wednesday. Please review them and send them back to school signed at your earliest convenience.

As always please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted November 20, 2011 at 04:24 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 161



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted November 20, 2011 at 04:23 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 188

• November 23rd: Report Cards & Individual Learning Plans Go Home—please sign and return to school as soon as possible.
• November 24th and 25th: No School-Thanksgiving Break
• December 1st: Pow-Wow 5:00 p.m.
• December 1st: Happy Birthday Niimii
• December 4th: Deep Portage Soup and Silent Auction fundraiser—5:00 p.m.—Peace Church
• December 5th: Happy Birthday Ajanice
• December 15th: Winter Concert
• December 16th: Early Release 1:40 p.m.
• December 16th: Happy Birthday Abbie
• January 5th: Happy birthday Popo!
• January 12th: Happy birthday Hannah and Karee!
• January 11-13th: Deep Portage Three-Day Trip

Article posted November 20, 2011 at 04:23 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 188



The Week Ahead: Days 47-51

Article posted November 14, 2011 at 07:37 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1289

Article posted November 14, 2011 at 07:37 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1289



This Week in Notes: Days 47-51

Article posted November 14, 2011 at 07:36 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 134

Hello families! What a great first quarter we had. I am in the middle of getting assessments and data compiled in order to best give feedback about your student’s learning this quarter. This will be provided on the individual learning plans (ILP) as well as their report card. Report cards are going home for all students November 23rd. Inside you will find the updated ILP from goal setting conferences as well as other information about grading. Please let me know if you have any questions about this information, as some of it may be confusing.

As always please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted November 14, 2011 at 07:36 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 134



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted November 14, 2011 at 07:36 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 143

• November 16th: Mr. Monson Gone All Day
• November 18th: Early Release-1:40 p.m.
• November 23rd: Report Cards & Individual Learning Plans Go Home
• November 24th and 25th: No School-Thanksgiving Break
• December 1st: Pow-Wow 5:00 p.m.
• December 1st: Happy Birthday Christian
• December 5th: Happy Birthday Ajanice
• December 15th: Winter Concert
• December 16th: Early Release 1:40 p.m.
• December 16th: Happy Birthday Abbie
January 11-13th: Deep Portage Overnight Trip

Article posted November 14, 2011 at 07:36 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 143



The Week Ahead: Days

Article posted November 7, 2011 at 06:33 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1298

Article posted November 7, 2011 at 06:33 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1298



This Week in Notes: Days 42-46

Article posted November 7, 2011 at 06:31 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 149

Hello families! We are ending the first quarter this week. Can you believe it? One fourth of the school year is in the books! We will be starting a new math unit this week as well as start our new FOSS science unit on variables. It is a great hands-on way to learn about controlling a science experiment. This unit will last about three weeks.

A ton is going on this week with BOLD Theater, Mr. Monson gone on Thursday afternoon, the end of the quarter and Hartley Park on Friday. We also are holding another meeting for our fundraising efforts for Deep Portage this Thursday in our classroom. All parents are welcome!

As always please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted November 7, 2011 at 06:31 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 149



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted November 7, 2011 at 06:30 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 145

• November 8th: BOLD Theater
• November 10th: Mr. Monson Gone (P.M. Only)
• November 10th: Soup and Silent Auction Fundraiser Meeting-Room 301-4:00 p.m.
• November 11th: Hartley Park All Day Science Visit (9:45-2:15)-Stream Study and Birds
• November 11th: End of First Quarter-ALL WORK IS DUE FROM THE FIRST QUARTER!
• November 16th: Mr. Monson Gone All Day
• November 18th: Early Release-1:40 p.m.
• November 23rd: Report Cards & Individual Learning Plans Go Home
• November 24th and 25th: No School-Thanksgiving Break

Article posted November 7, 2011 at 06:30 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 145



The Week Ahead: Days 37-41

Article posted October 30, 2011 at 10:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1578

Article posted October 30, 2011 at 10:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1578



This Week in Notes: Days 31-November 4

Article posted October 30, 2011 at 09:56 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 171

Hello families! We are getting down to two more weeks in the quarter already. There have been so many good things that are happening. Many of the kids are easily reading a book a week as we are marching toward our goal of reading at least 30 novels this year. Phenology continues to be enjoyable as we start to enter the depths of fall. We will be doing a few more hands-on science activities as we come into the beginning of the second quarter.

This week we will be holding an important meeting for the fifth grade soup and silent auction fundraiser that will be taking place December 4th. This fundraiser will raise needed money for the Deep Portage trip quickly approaching in mid January. We need parents in attendance as we will start to dole out responsibilities to make this event successful. Thanks in advance for any time you can give. As always please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted October 30, 2011 at 09:56 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 171



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted October 30, 2011 at 09:55 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 161

• October 31st: Monson Nettleton and Kindergarten Fall Fest Fun (no costumes!)
• November 3rd: Picture Retakes
• November 3rd: UMD Healthy Hillsider Activities
• November 3rd: Soup and Silent Auction Fundraiser Meeting-Room 301-4:00 p.m.
• November 3rd: Bingo for Books 6-7 p.m.
• November 8th: BOLD Theater
• November 10th: Mr. Monson Gone (P.M. Only)
• November 11th: Hartley Park All Day Visit
• November 11th: End of First Quarter-All Work Due
• November 16th: Mr. Monson Gone All Day
• November 18th: Early Release

Article posted October 30, 2011 at 09:55 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 161



The Week Ahead: Days 32-35

Article posted October 23, 2011 at 09:36 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1747

Article posted October 23, 2011 at 09:36 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1747



This Week in Notes: Days 32-35

Article posted October 23, 2011 at 09:36 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 196

Hello families! We are starting a new unit in math this week dealing with perimeter and area. It’s a quick unit and we should be complete with it sometime next week. We also invite some UMD guests into the room to do a little work with nutrition and start some Healthy Hillsiders activities. I am excited for this to start, as it was so successful last year with so many great opportunities. We will be getting our performance reports this week so you can see the progress your child is doing at school. Please review any work that needs completion and any other notes I may put at the bottom of these forms. Thanks for your continued involvement in your child’s learning. As always please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted October 23, 2011 at 09:36 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 196



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted October 23, 2011 at 09:35 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 137

• October 25th: UMD Student Nutrition Activity
• October 27th: Weber Music Hall Visit 9:30-11:15
• October 27th: Deep Portage Fundraiser Meeting 4:00-4:30 Room 301 (Mr. Monson’s Room)
• October 30th: Hogwart’s Night at Pilgrim Church-Nettleton families welcome!
• October 31st: Monson Nettleton and Kindergarten Fall Fest Fun (no costumes!)
• November 3rd: Picture Retakes
• November 8th: BOLD Theater
• November 10th: Mr. Monson Gone (P.M. Only)
• November 11th: Hartley Park All Day Visit
• November 11th: End of First Quarter-All Late Work Due
• November 16th: Mr. Monson Gone All Day

Article posted October 23, 2011 at 09:35 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 137



The Week Ahead: Days 28-31

Article posted October 16, 2011 at 11:35 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 2194

Article posted October 16, 2011 at 11:35 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 2194



This Week in Notes: Days 28-31

Article posted October 16, 2011 at 11:35 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 183

Hello families! We have a nice, short week this week to end the sixth week of school. It’s hard to believe we will be to the 31st day of school already! Thanks for those of you that already attended conferences. They wrap up this week but if you need to talk to me at any point please call or stop in to chat. We will be working on routines this week as we want things to start to become automatic in our community. It’s always good to practice, however, and we will do this from time to time. We will also be getting mid-term grade/work reports. Please sign each subject after you take a look at it. This is NOT their grade and only a reflection of their work completion and effort in several of our subjects. As always please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted October 16, 2011 at 11:35 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 183



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted October 16, 2011 at 11:33 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 161

• October 17th: 4:00-7:30 p.m. Goal Setting Conferences: Ajanice, Davis, Nate, Rachel, Jaelynn, John
• October 20th: All School Morning Meeting
• October 20th: Early Release at 1:40 p.m.
• October 21st: No School
• October 25th: UMD Student Nutrition Activity
• October 27th: Weber Music Hall Visit 9:30-11:15
• November 3rd: Picture Retakes
• November 10th: Hartley Park All Day Visit
• November 11th: End of First Quarter-All Late Work Due

Article posted October 16, 2011 at 11:33 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 161



The Week Ahead: Days 23-27

Article posted October 9, 2011 at 10:04 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2383

Article posted October 9, 2011 at 10:04 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2383



This Week in Notes: Days 23-27

Article posted October 9, 2011 at 10:03 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 164

Hello families! We start our goal setting conferences on Monday. This is always my favorite week when I get to meet with families and students to work on goals for learning throughout the year. Your attendance at these conferences is important and it is also important that your student attends as well. We will go through some of the beginning of the year assessments, talk about goals on their individual learning plan and set some realistic things to reach for by the next time we meet. Please let me know if you cannot attend and I can meet you at another time over the next two weeks. As always please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted October 9, 2011 at 10:03 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 164



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted October 9, 2011 at 10:03 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 143

• October 10th: 4:00-7:30 p.m. Goal Setting Conferences: Dannisha, Hannah, DeAundre, Jackson, Trayvaun, Ar’Nay, Karee, Kevin
• October 12th: 4:00-7:30 p.m. Goal Setting Conferences: Kewon, Christian, Joyce, Alexia, Ivy, Abbie, Jacob, Niimii, PoPo
• October 13th: Hawk Ridge Field Trip (Monson/Betlewski Classrooms) 10:10-2:00
• October 17th: 4:00-7:30 p.m. Goal Setting Conferences: Ajanice, Davis, Nate, Rachel, Jaelynn, John
• October 20th: Early Release
• October 21st: No School

Article posted October 9, 2011 at 10:03 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 143



The Week Ahead: Days 18-22

Article posted October 2, 2011 at 10:03 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1469

Article posted October 2, 2011 at 10:03 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1469



This Week in Notes: Days 18-22

Article posted October 2, 2011 at 10:02 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 237

Hello families! We are cruising into October with a lot of cool stuff going on. We have our goal setting conferences starting next Monday. Your son/daughter will be bringing home a conference request slip. Please return that at your earliest convenience so I can lock in my schedule for all families. You are also getting your son/daughters C.A.R.E.S. report this week with a missing work report attached (if applicable). Please review this with your child and see where you can help out. I will keep providing help with organization, time, peers for assistance, and other strategies to make sure we all have success getting out responsibilities completed. As always please contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted October 2, 2011 at 10:02 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 237



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted October 2, 2011 at 10:02 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 180

• October 1st: Happy Birthday Christian!
• October 4th: Happy Birthday Jacob!
• October 4th: Picture Day
• October 5th: St. Scholastica Family Night (Grades 3-5)
• October 7th: Happy Birthday Ivy!
• October 10th: 4:00-7:30 p.m. Goal Setting Conferences
• October 12th: 4:00-7:30 p.m. Goal Setting Conferences
• October 13th: Hawk Ridge Field Trip
• October 17th: 4:00-7:30 p.m. Goal Setting Conferences
• October 20th: Early Release
• October 21st: No School

Article posted October 2, 2011 at 10:02 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 180



The Week Ahead: Days 13-17

Article posted September 25, 2011 at 05:04 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1973

Article posted September 25, 2011 at 05:04 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1973



This Week in Notes: Days 13-17

Article posted September 25, 2011 at 05:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 237

Hello families! This week we have our first couple trips outside the school. Wednesday will bring us to Hartley Park so kids should be dressed for the weather. Friday we are heading to St. Scholastica to see a fantastic Native dance performance by Larry Yazzie. Thanks for your involvement in returning things from home and looking at Performance Reports for information, missing work and other notes. We will be switching for math classes this week and some students may be going to other classrooms for their core math instruction. Each week I will put a general idea of math lessons that we are going to make it through as well as basic vocabulary we will include. As always please get in touch with me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted September 25, 2011 at 05:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 237



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted September 25, 2011 at 05:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 214

• September 28th: Forestry Field Day (all fifth grade classes) 9:10 a.m.-1:20 p.m.
• September 30th: St. Scholastica Native Pride Dance Performance 1:00 p.m-2:00 p.m.
• October 1st: Happy Birthday Christian!
• October 4th: Happy Birthday Jacob!
• October 5th: St. Scholastica Family Night (Grades 3-5)
• October 7th: Happy Birthday Ivy!
• October 10th: 4:00-7:30 p.m. Goal Setting Conferences
• October 12th: 4:00-7:30 p.m. Goal Setting Conferences
• October 17th: 4:00-7:30 p.m. Goal Setting Conferences

Article posted September 25, 2011 at 05:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 214



The Week Ahead: Days 8-12

Article posted September 18, 2011 at 08:32 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 1830

Article posted September 18, 2011 at 08:32 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 1830



This Week in Notes: Days 8-12

Article posted September 18, 2011 at 08:25 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 354

Hello families! You will notice a little different look to the weekly calendar this week. I am experimenting with a different format to make the things we do in our room easier to understand. I hope you find it beneficial. I always welcome feedback and suggestions to how you get information about your child’s classroom. If you want an easier way to find out our classroom information you can check out our blog at: monsonclassroom.org. We will be doing several things that were on last week’s plans but that did not get accomplished. Please pay close attention to the “Things to Complete and Turn In” column as parents have some assignments in there as well. As always please get in touch with me with any questions, comments or concerns. We also welcome you to our morning meetings that happen each day at 9:05 a.m.

Article posted September 18, 2011 at 08:25 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 354



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted September 18, 2011 at 08:25 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 357

• September 22nd: 6:00 p.m. Nettleton Fall Harvest Family Night
• September 23rd: Early Release @ 1:40 p.m.
• September 28th: Forestry Field Day Field Trip (all fifth grade classes)
• October 1st: Happy Birthday Christian!
• October 4th: Happy Birthday Jacob!
• October 7th: Happy Birthday Ivy!
• October 10th: 4:00-7:30 p.m. Goal Setting Conferences
• October 12th: 4:00-7:30 p.m. Goal Setting Conferences
• October 17th: 4:00-7:30 p.m. Goal Setting Conferences

Article posted September 18, 2011 at 08:25 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 357



The Week Ahead: Days 3-7

Article posted September 11, 2011 at 09:07 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1511

Article posted September 11, 2011 at 09:07 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1511



This Week in Notes: Days 3-7

Article posted September 11, 2011 at 09:02 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 600

Hello families! It’s been a great start to the school year so far. We’re working on procedures, creating our hopes and dreams, building our classroom compact and working to build our classroom community. Throughout the upcoming week we are going to investigate our reading interests, study the importance of reading and learn and organize our classroom library by genres. This will be a work in progress and last for several weeks. We are also going to study a term called “I-PICK” or “right fit” books. Your child should be able to talk about this more as we learn what it means. We will be busy assessing your child in reading and math to see what their strengths and/or weaknesses are in those areas. We will further talk about these in the upcoming goal setting conferences October 10th, 12th and 17th.

This is the newsletter that you will receive most weeks on Monday that will give some information about the coming week (it can also be accessed online at monsonclassroom.org). Above you can see three symbols of interest: ✭, ✔ and . The star (✭) will mark an assignment that is due and the day it is due. The check (✔) is something that you need to sign and your child returns to school and the dot () means an important event or a particular subject area activity.

Please review the specific explanations of the calendar’s subjects below:

Reading: The vocabulary words listed are taken from our school district’s reading series and are assessed each week and on benchmark tests. I will usually read a book aloud to students throughout each quarter and will list that in the calendar as well. We will be focusing on reading strategies and skills this year and you will be able to see these listed in the reading section of the weekly calendar. We are doing a lot with reading our “good fit” books and will be conferencing with me weekly or bi-weekly on various things dealing with reading. My expectation for all students is that they read at least 30 independent books by June 2012. With your help I know many can accomplish or even exceed this goal!

Writing: Writing activities will revolve around content areas that we are learning and be written in the forms of: descriptive, narrative, informative, formal letter, poetry, persuasive, thank you notes and reports. Writing is assessed using the Six Traits of Writing (ideas, voice, word choice, organization, sentence fluency, and conventions). Students publish most of their final drafts on our blog that can be found at: monsonclassroom.org.

Math: We use the school district’s Math Expressions curriculum and will be working our way through the progression of units starting with the Fluency Plan Unit. Students are required to do sheets called “Homework & Remembering” with each lesson. Most of this work needs to be completed independently outside of school time. We will also work on math computation skills as well as math fact fluency to obtain those life-long math skills that are needed in today’s rapidly changing world.

Spelling: The spelling words listed are taken from our school district’s reading series and are assessed each week and reviewed every five weeks. If students need more difficult words they may use the “challenge” words with assignments and/or the week’s vocabulary words. We have a spelling packet each week or some students may even be doing other work depending on their needs.

Science, Health, Social Studies: A weekly assignment in science will be connecting with our natural world with a science called “phenology”. Phenology is the study of plants and animals as they relate to climate. Basically it is a study of what’s happening in nature as any given time. We will read Larry Weber’s article in the Duluth Budgeteer and ask the kids to write observations, collect important words and share their story with someone outside of the school. This, along with other weekly science, social studies topics and field-based experiences will give the kids a lot of learning opportunities. We will also weave some health lessons into their year and participate in the Healthy Hillsiders service-learning project for a second year. Along with the Running Club in the spring I have an expectation that kids get at least 20 minutes of exercise a day that raises their heart rates. We are trying to set life-long habits of staying active and eating healthy. I know we can make a difference!

Specialist: This is where I will list the specialist for the given day. We will not have specialist once every eight days since art is an hour and the others are only 30 minutes.

Home Connection: Please watch as I put things in this section that you can do with your student at home or that I need signed and returned. I will expect assignment sheets be signed and returned on Mondays and student performance reports to be signed and returned on Tuesdays. These forms will start next week and will be explained more at that time.

As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns. All of this information can also be found on our classroom’s blog: monsonclassroom.org

Article posted September 11, 2011 at 09:02 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 600



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted September 11, 2011 at 09:02 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 358

• September 22nd: 6:00 p.m. Nettleton Fall Harvest Family Night
• September 23rd: Early Release @ 1:40 p.m.
• September 28th: Forestry Field Day Field Trip (all fifth grade classes)
• October 1st: Happy Birthday Christian!
• October 4th: Happy Birthday Jacob!
• October 7th: Happy Birthday Ivy!
• October 10th: 4:00-7:30 p.m. Goal Setting Conferences
• October 12th: 4:00-7:30 p.m. Goal Setting Conferences
• October 17th: 4:00-7:30 p.m. Goal Setting Conferences

Article posted September 11, 2011 at 09:02 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 358



The Last Week Ahead: Days 168-171

Article posted June 5, 2011 at 07:31 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 16880

Hello families! What a year we have had! There have been the tremendous high points such as the Fitger’s 5K, the Deep Portage and St. Paul trips, and not to forget—the great academic successes. We’ve also had extreme lows as well with the loss of Phoenix. Through all of it this class has been amazing and I will always remember it as one of my best groups I was able to lead through a school year.

I want to thank all parents and guardians for being a part of the magic as well. Without support at home none of our academic efforts would be possible. You hold the key to successful learning opportunities for your children. Thanks for modeling the importance of reading, teaching good communication skills, allowing your child to work with numbers and just inspiring him/her to reach for their passions in life. Teachers cannot do their job without teammates like you.

You are invited to celebrate our classrooms at a celebration held this Wednesday, June 8th in the Nettleton gym from 2:00 p.m. to around 3:15 p.m. If there is time we will show a slideshow in our classroom before sending the kids home. Kids will also receive a CD with all pictures I have taken throughout the year within their report cards. Feel free to share these and keep them as a memory of our great year.

We will be cleaning our room this week so expect all things to be coming home Monday. Most classroom items were used as community supplies this year but we will try to send home any supplies that were not consumed or have some life in them. Supplies that remain will be used with future fifth grade kids.

This is a time when you may have some questions about next year as the kids move to middle school. Please feel free to contact me at any point, as my service to these kids does not end June 9th. I can always be reached at my generic school e-mail: monsonclassroom@gmail.com or by contacting Nettleton at: 733-2172

Thanks again for all that you do. I wish you all a safe, healthy and fun summer with a little learning mixed in from time to time. And if you find yourself around Nettleton next year, feel free to stop on by!

Article posted June 5, 2011 at 07:31 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 16880



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted June 5, 2011 at 07:11 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 603

• June 8th: Grade 5 Graduation and Celebration—2:00 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
• June 9th: Last Day of School! Field Day!
• June 9th: Report Cards Sent Home
• September 8th: First Day of School

Article posted June 5, 2011 at 07:11 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 603



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted May 31, 2011 at 07:39 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1467

Article posted May 31, 2011 at 07:39 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1467



The Week Ahead: Days 164-167

Article posted May 31, 2011 at 07:38 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 668

Article posted May 31, 2011 at 07:38 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 668



This Week in Notes:

Article posted May 31, 2011 at 07:34 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 634

Hello families! Just two short weeks and the kids will have the summer to look forward to!

We will be doing a lot of work to close down the year, take a measurement of growth and tie up lose ends. We are finishing up projects in social studies, science, and reading and are continuing to work on writing/blogging and Healthy Hillsiders public service announcements. I hope to have some of these videos done before the end of the week. Here is a list of no-mores:

• Spelling
• Reading Vocabulary
• Assignment Sheets/Indy Reading Logs

We will be cleaning our room this week and next so expect things to be coming home.

This is a time when you may have some questions about next year. Please feel free to contact me at any point, as my service to these kids does not end June 9th.

Article posted May 31, 2011 at 07:34 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 634



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted May 31, 2011 at 07:33 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 571

• May 31st: Health Fair at Homecroft & Fun Run—4:30 p.m. (set-up), ends at 7:00 p.m. after the run—We need 5th grade kids there to share health projects! (Look on the back for more information)
• June 8th: Grade 5 Graduation and Celebration—2:00 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
• June 9th: Last Day of School! Field Day!
• June 9th: Report Cards Sent Home
• September 8th: First Day of School

Article posted May 31, 2011 at 07:33 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 571



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted May 23, 2011 at 06:45 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2158

Article posted May 23, 2011 at 06:45 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2158



The Week Ahead: Days 159-163

Article posted May 23, 2011 at 06:45 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 565

Article posted May 23, 2011 at 06:45 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 565



This Week in Notes: Days 159-163

Article posted May 23, 2011 at 06:44 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 565

Hello families! What a great last few weeks we just had with all sorts of learning and activities. We are coming down to the last push of events for this school year. The D.A.R.E. graduation is Tuesday, Chester Bowl Trail Run Wednesday and then Memorial Weekend! We will be doing the last chapters of math as exposure and not testing material. There will be requirements for Homework and Remembering but it will be in a packet format and there will be no prescribed due dates. I will be assessing all kids for reading and math using district assessments over the coming weeks. These are assessments they got two other times this year. I am excited to see their growth!

As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted May 23, 2011 at 06:44 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 565



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted May 23, 2011 at 06:44 AM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 714

• May 24th: D.A.R.E. Graduation @ the DECC Auditorium Section R—6:00 p.m.—Wear Shirts!
• May 25th: Chester Bowl Trail Run—3.6 Miles—Meet by the soccer fields by 5:45 p.m.
• May 26th: Free Bike Helmets!—Kohl’s Department Store Parking Lot—4-6 p.m.
• May 27th: Growing Older Talk
• May 30th: Memorial Day-No School
• May 31st: Health Fair at Homecroft & Fun Run—4:30 p.m. (set-up), ends at 7:00 p.m. after the run—We need 5th grade kids there to share health projects!
• June 8th: Grade 5 Graduation and Celebration—2:00 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
• June 9th: Last Day of School! Field Day!

Article posted May 23, 2011 at 06:44 AM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 714



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted May 16, 2011 at 06:47 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2098

Article posted May 16, 2011 at 06:47 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2098



The Week Ahead: Days 154-158

Article posted May 16, 2011 at 06:44 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 475

Article posted May 16, 2011 at 06:44 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 475



This Week in Notes:

Article posted May 16, 2011 at 06:43 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 278

Hello families! We are down to the last four weeks of school. Summer is sneaking up on us! We have some events of note this week. The Fit and Fun Run at Central High School takes place Wednesday and we head to Hartley Park Friday for an all-day science adventure. I am gone at some service-learning training Tuesday and have Ms. W. ready again to take my place. We have a fire safety presentation coming next week as well as the puberty talk given to separate girl and boy groups. The D.A.R.E. graduation is next week and more information will come out shortly on that.

Please check the upcoming events for more information and get in touch with me if you need more details. As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted May 16, 2011 at 06:43 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 278



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted May 16, 2011 at 06:42 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 306

• May 17th: Mr. Monson gone at Training
• May 18th: Fit and Fun Run 11:30-12:30
• May 20th: Hartley Park Science Trip 9:10-2:15
• May 24th: D.A.R.E. Graduation @ the DECC
• May 30th: Memorial Day-No School
• May 31st: Health Fair at Homecroft (evening).
• June 8th: Grade 5 Graduation and Celebration (2:00 p.m.-3:15 p.m.)
• June 9th: Last Day of School! Field Day!

Article posted May 16, 2011 at 06:42 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 306



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted May 9, 2011 at 06:34 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1909

Article posted May 9, 2011 at 06:34 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1909



The Week Ahead: Days 149-153

Article posted May 9, 2011 at 06:34 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 444

Article posted May 9, 2011 at 06:34 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 444



This Week in Notes:

Article posted May 9, 2011 at 06:32 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 455

Hello families! We’ve entered the last few week stretch of school. This is where we wrap up a lot of learning and continue to enjoy being in our classroom. It is also a time when kids need a lot of reminders to be practicing all that they have learned this year as far as control and community. Please remember that all library books are due soon. Now is the time to clean that room at home! We have a fun, busy last few weeks. Please check the upcoming events for more information and get in touch with me if you need more details. As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted May 9, 2011 at 06:32 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 455



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted May 9, 2011 at 06:32 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 501

• May 11th: The Tempest Rehearsal at Teatro Zuccone—2:15 p.m.
• May 12th (Morning): Healthy Hillsiders visit to Health Fair at Laura MacArthur School
• May 12th (Afternoon): Healthy Hillsiders “Chalk Talk” reflection (Canal Park and Lake Walk)
• May 12th: The Tempest Rehearsal at Teatro
• May 13th: Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” performed at Teatro Zuccone (10:30 a.m. & 12:30). Our class will attend morning show.
• May 17th: Mr. Monson gone at Training
• May 18th: Fit and Fun Run 11:30-12:30
• May 20th: Hartley Park Science Trip 9:10-2:15
• May 24th: D.A.R.E. Graduation (@ the DECC)
• May 30th: Memorial Day-No School
• May 31st: Health Fair at Homecroft (evening).
• June 8th: Grade 5 Graduation and Celebration (2:00 p.m.-3:15 p.m.)
• June 9th: Last Day of School! Field Day!

Article posted May 9, 2011 at 06:32 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 501



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted April 24, 2011 at 09:30 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 3542

Article posted April 24, 2011 at 09:30 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 3542



The Week Ahead: Days 139-143

Article posted April 24, 2011 at 09:30 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 295

Article posted April 24, 2011 at 09:30 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 295



This Week in Notes: Days 138-143

Article posted April 24, 2011 at 09:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 332

Hello families! I hope you all enjoyed your spring break. It’s been couple weeks since a newsletter came out and a lot has happened since then. Congratulations go out to all the runners and walkers that braved the elements to participate in the Fitger’s 5K April 16th. It was a fantastic, memorable event. We have several ongoing projects happening in the room that need finishing over the next few weeks. Kids are working on Westward Expansion and Civil War timelines as well as independent projects for our last read aloud, Touching Spirit Bear. We also have many Healthy Hillsiders service-learning things to work on. Our focus will be creating public service announcements on healthy living as well as tweaking our active and healthy lifestyle lists and brochures from earlier in the year. As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted April 24, 2011 at 09:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 332



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted April 24, 2011 at 09:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 240

• April 27-29th: MCA Math Tests
• April 29th: Mr. Monson Gone
• May 2nd: Mr. Monson Gone at iPad Training
• May 3rd: Mr. Monson Gone at Team Meeting
• May 5th and 6th: Grade 5 St. Paul Trip-Science Museum, History Center, Capitol
• May 12th (Morning): Healthy Hillsiders visit to Health Fair at Laura MacArthur School
• May 12th (Afternoon): Healthy Hillsiders reflection and celebration (Location TBD)

Article posted April 24, 2011 at 09:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 240



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted April 3, 2011 at 05:24 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 5714

Article posted April 3, 2011 at 05:24 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 5714



The Week Ahead: Days 129-133

Article posted April 3, 2011 at 05:23 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 494

Article posted April 3, 2011 at 05:23 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 494



This Week in Notes: Days 129-133

Article posted April 3, 2011 at 05:23 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 519

Hello families! Welcome to the fourth quarter! You notice I am gone this week from Wednesday through Friday as I am at a service-learning conference in Atlanta, Georgia. I am excited about the learning opportunity things like this brings me but I always miss being in the classroom. We are down to our last two weeks of training for the Fitger’s 5K race. More information will come out next week regarding that very exciting day. Behavior reports come home today with a lot of things from third quarter needing improvement by some kids. Please look at your child’s behavior report and come up with a plan to support things at home. As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted April 3, 2011 at 05:23 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 519



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted April 3, 2011 at 05:22 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 572

• April 6-8th: Mr. Monson gone to a conference in Atlanta, GA
• April 13th: Report Cards Sent Home
• April 12-14th: MCA Reading Tests
• April 14th: Healthy Hillsiders Fitness Fair and Pasta Feed (4:30-7:30)
• April 16th: Fitger’s 5K 9:00 a.m.
• April 17th: Happy Birthday Lucy!
• April 18-22nd: Spring Break-No School
• April 27-29th: MCA Math Tests
• April 29th: Mr. Monson Gone
• May 2nd: Mr. Monson Gone at iPad Training
• May 3rd: Mr. Monson Gone at Team Meeting

Article posted April 3, 2011 at 05:22 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 572



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted March 28, 2011 at 06:09 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2119

Article posted March 28, 2011 at 06:09 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2119



The Week Ahead: Days 124-128

Article posted March 28, 2011 at 06:09 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 289

Article posted March 28, 2011 at 06:09 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 289



This Week in Notes: Days 124-128

Article posted March 28, 2011 at 06:08 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 293

Hello families! This is the last week of Quarter 3! We are doing some regular weekly work as well as finishing up our W.O.W. fictional stories. This Wednesday we will be taking the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments in Science in the afternoon on the computer. This year (and in previous years) we have done activities that will help students analyze science scenarios and work with the scientific method. The state wants to know how they are progressing compared to others in the area of science. Please make sure your child is well rested for Wednesday.

As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted March 28, 2011 at 06:08 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 293



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted March 28, 2011 at 06:08 AM GMT-6 • comment (2) • Reads 624

• March 29th: Happy Birthday Michael A.!
• March 30th: MCA Science Tests 1:15-3:15 p.m.
• April 1st: End of Third Quarter! All work due!
• April 6-8th: Mr. Monson gone to a conference in Atlanta, GA
• April 12-14th: MCA Reading Tests
• April 14th: Healthy Hillsiders Fitness Fair and Pasta Feed (4:30-7:30)
• April 16th: Fitger’s 5K 9:00 a.m.
• April 17th: Happy Birthday Lucy!
• April 18-22nd: Spring Break-No School
• April 27-29th: MCA Math Tests

Article posted March 28, 2011 at 06:08 AM GMT-6 • comment (2) • Reads 624



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted March 20, 2011 at 09:04 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2287

Article posted March 20, 2011 at 09:04 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2287



The Week Ahead: Days 119-123

Article posted March 20, 2011 at 09:04 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 563

Article posted March 20, 2011 at 09:04 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 563



This Week in Notes: Days 119-123

Article posted March 20, 2011 at 09:03 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 526

Hello families! Only two more weeks to go for the end of Quarter 3! All work is due in two weeks so I will be putting pressure on the kids to get crackin’ at anything that is not turned in. I will get work reports to the kids so they know exactly what is missing. Please let me know if you don’t understand anything on the computerized forms. I will offer some time at recess, before school and after school for kids to catch up.

As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted March 20, 2011 at 09:03 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 526



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted March 20, 2011 at 09:03 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 534

• March 29th: Happy Birthday Michael A.!
• March 30th: MCA Science Tests 1:15-3:15 p.m.
• April 1st: End of Third Quarter! All work due!
• April 6-8th: Mr. Monson gone to a conference in Atlanta, GA
• April 12-14th: MCA Reading Tests
• April 14th: Healthy Hillsiders Fitness Fair and Pasta Feed (4:30-7:30)
• April 16th: Fitger’s 5K 9:00 a.m.
• April 17th: Happy Birthday Lucy!
• April 18-22nd: Spring Break-No School
• April 27-29th: MCA Math Tests

Article posted March 20, 2011 at 09:03 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 534



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted March 13, 2011 at 10:24 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1808

Article posted March 13, 2011 at 10:24 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1808



The Week Ahead: Days 114-118

Article posted March 13, 2011 at 10:24 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 519

Article posted March 13, 2011 at 10:24 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 519



This Week in Notes:Days 114-118

Article posted March 13, 2011 at 10:23 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 506

Hello families! What great learning we’ve been having. What amazing runners and fitness and nutrition fanatics that are starting to arise as we go throughout the first weeks of the running club. Way to go kids! We have a great week ahead with the YMCA fitness day on Friday. Bring a swimsuit and some energy. We will learn some cool new ways to be active. More info will come on a sign up form. As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted March 13, 2011 at 10:23 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 506



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted March 13, 2011 at 10:21 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 531

• March 15th: Theater Club Begins
• March 17th: Happy Birthday, Kaytlin!
• March 17th: Cabin Fever Reliever Family Night!
• March 18th: Early Release 1:40 p.m.
• March 18th: YMCA Fitness Day-9:20 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• March 30th: MCA Science Testing (Monson Classroom)
• April 1st: End of Third Quarter! All work due!

Article posted March 13, 2011 at 10:21 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 531



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted March 6, 2011 at 09:48 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2032

Article posted March 6, 2011 at 09:48 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2032



The Week Ahead: Days 109-113

Article posted March 6, 2011 at 09:47 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 506

Article posted March 6, 2011 at 09:47 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 506



This Week in Notes: Days 109-113

Article posted March 6, 2011 at 09:45 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 509

Hello families! We’re cruising through this quarter faster than I ever thought. There is a lot of great learning this week. We will be running/walking for the Running Club Tuesday through Friday toward the end of the day. Please make sure kids have some comfortable clothes to move. We will not have a new behavior report out this week. Thanks for understanding. As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted March 6, 2011 at 09:45 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 509



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted March 6, 2011 at 09:45 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 529

• March 8th: Mr. Monson gone all day
• March 8th: St. Scholastica Mural Art Trip (select students only)
• March 9th: Mr. Monson gone all day at computer training
• March 15th: Theater Club Begins
• March 17th: Happy Birthday, Kaytlin!
• March 18th: Early Release 1:40 p.m.
• March 18th: YMCA Fitness Day-9:20 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Article posted March 6, 2011 at 09:45 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 529



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted February 27, 2011 at 12:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2459

Article posted February 27, 2011 at 12:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2459



The Week Ahead: Days 104-108

Article posted February 27, 2011 at 12:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 285

Article posted February 27, 2011 at 12:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 285



This Week in Notes: Days 104-108

Article posted February 27, 2011 at 12:13 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 282

Hello families! I hope you had a great time with the kids at home last week. I know my batteries are recharged for the long month of March and all the learning that will happen within it. This week we are doing events that will kick off our training for the running club. Thanks for those of you who returned your forms. I will bring entry forms to Grandma’s Marathon headquarters this week. If you are personally interested in participating in the Fitger’s 5K you need to register as soon as possible by visiting: grandmasmarathon.com/. It would be great to have some parents involved like in years past. Please see the back of the newsletter for a detailed training schedule for the club.

As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted February 27, 2011 at 12:13 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 282



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted February 27, 2011 at 12:13 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 254

• February 28th: Running Club Begins!
• March 2nd: Happy Birthday Jamie!
• March 3rd: Drummers at Peace Conference
• March 3rd: Mr. Drake Nutrition
• March 3rd: UMD El. Ed. Service-Learning Visit
• March 8th: Mr. Monson gone all day at meetings
• March 8th: St. Scholastica Mural Art Trip (select students only)
• March 9th: Mr. Monson gone all day at computer training
• March 17th: Happy Birthday, Kaytlin!
• March 18th: Early Release 1:40 p.m.
• March 18th: YMCA Fitness Day-9:20 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Article posted February 27, 2011 at 12:13 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 254



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted February 13, 2011 at 09:44 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 3929

Article posted February 13, 2011 at 09:44 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 3929



The Week Ahead: Days 99-103

Article posted February 13, 2011 at 09:44 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 494

Article posted February 13, 2011 at 09:44 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 494



This Week in Notes: Days 99-103

Article posted February 13, 2011 at 09:43 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 489

Hello families! We have made it to the 100th day of school this week. I cannot tell you how much fun I’ve had with this group so far this year. This week we have a lot going on before heading to break next week. We will see Office Olson, Mr. Drake, Ms. Tarnowski and some UMD elementary education students throughout the week. We also spend our first week with another new student to our community. Welcome Terran!

This week we are sending home running club sign-up forms. We need them back as soon as possible. I am encouraging all to participate and want all kids to register for the race this week, even if they are unsure of their participation. The race fills quickly and it is better to have an entry than to not have an entry. Look at the running club packet for more information regarding this great experience!
As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted February 13, 2011 at 09:43 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 489



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted February 13, 2011 at 09:42 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 464

• February 14th: Running Club Forms Sent Home (see below for due date!)
• February 15th: 100th Day of School! Celebrations planned with Mrs. Monson’s kids
• February 17th: Ms. Tarnowski’s Asian Celebration Presentation
• February 17th: Bingo for Books 6:15-7:15 p.m.
• February 18th: Fitger’s 5K Entry Forms Due!
• February 21st-25th: Winter Break
• February 28th: Running Club Begins!
• March 2nd: Happy Birthday Jamie!
• March 3rd: Mr. Drake Nutrition
• March 3rd: UMD El. Ed. Service-Learning Visit
• March 4th: Mr. Monson gone at a phenology conference

Article posted February 13, 2011 at 09:42 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 464



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted February 6, 2011 at 10:17 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2081

Article posted February 6, 2011 at 10:17 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2081



The Week Ahead: Days 94-98

Article posted February 6, 2011 at 10:17 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 551

Article posted February 6, 2011 at 10:17 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 551



This Week in Notes: Days 94-98

Article posted February 6, 2011 at 10:16 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 502

Hello families! Thanks for all of you who already made conferences. 100% of families so far have attended their conference! All the rest will finish up Tuesday and Wednesday. Thanks for making this important connection for your child.

This week we will head to Hartley Park to do some more field-based science lessons. We are also starting our hands-on science unit on variables.

Thanks for all the families that are working hard to return things to our room on time and to all those kids that are working hard to finish all work by due dates. I am starting to raise expectations as we head into the third quarter.

As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted February 6, 2011 at 10:16 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 502



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted February 6, 2011 at 10:15 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 492

• February 7th: Mr. Monson gone all day at technology training
• February 8th: Conferences
• February 8th: Mr. Drake Nutrition
• February 10th: PTA Meeting 4:15-5:30 p.m.
• February 11th: Hartley Park All Day Field Experience (9:10-2:50)
• February 14th: Mr. Drake Nutrition
• February 17th: Ms. Tarnowski’s Asian Celebration Presentation
• February 17th: Bingo for Books 6:15-7:15 p.m.
• February 21st-25th: Winter Break
• March 2nd: Happy Birthday Jamie!
• March 3rd: Mr. Drake Nutrition
• March 4th: Mr. Monson gone at a phenology conference

Article posted February 6, 2011 at 10:15 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 492



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted January 30, 2011 at 09:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2780

Article posted January 30, 2011 at 09:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2780



The Week Ahead: Days 89-93

Article posted January 30, 2011 at 09:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 492

Article posted January 30, 2011 at 09:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 492



This Week in Notes:Days 89-93

Article posted January 30, 2011 at 09:11 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 491

Happy families! Third quarter started out well last week with many of the kids focusing on goals and things that need improvement. I always treat the start of the second semester like the beginning of the year so you may notice I am being a little pickier on behavior reports. Let me know if you have any questions with anything on those weekly reports. Please make sure you sign those on Monday and send them back to school so I know they are making it home.

This week and next week are conference weeks. I will be giving you copies of 2nd Quarter report cards as well as going through your child’s individual learning plans (ILP) a this meeting. It is important that you and your child are in attendance at the conference, as I want both of you to have ownership in the process. You will find a schedule of the conferences on the back of the newsletter. I will do everything I can to stay on time so we can spend our short, 20-minutes together. Thanks in advance for doing your part to come to school.

As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted January 30, 2011 at 09:11 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 491



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted January 30, 2011 at 09:09 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 498

• January 31st: Happy Birthday, Miles!
• February 1st: Conferences
• February 2nd: Mr. Monson gone in the morning at math training
• February 3rd: Conferences
• February 7th: Mr. Monson gone all day at technology training
• February 8th: Conferences
• February 10th: PTA Meeting 4:15-5:30 p.m.
• February 17th: Bingo for Books 6:15-7:15 p.m.
• February 21st-25th: Winter Break

Article posted January 30, 2011 at 09:09 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 498



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted January 23, 2011 at 10:34 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 2339

Article posted January 23, 2011 at 10:34 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 2339



The Week Ahead: Days 84-88

Article posted January 23, 2011 at 10:34 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 542

Article posted January 23, 2011 at 10:34 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 542



This Week in Notes: Days 84-88

Article posted January 23, 2011 at 10:33 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 519

Happy families! Welcome to the third quarter! Wow, time flies when you are having fun! We have a nice week in store for the kids with a lot of activities. We are going to be reviewing many procedures as well as looking at our classroom compact and how we can make sure to follow it throughout the upcoming months.

Please sign and return the conference slips as soon as you know you can make your scheduled time. I have some openings to change dates and times but they fill quickly. I can always meet with you and your child on another date and time if the conference dates do not work.

Look for the old behavior report to come home Monday. I will make this more consistent than it has been over the last month.

As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted January 23, 2011 at 10:33 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 519



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted January 23, 2011 at 10:33 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 542

• January 25th: Mr. Monson Gone
• January 28th: Happy Birthday, Sophia!
• January 31st: Happy Birthday, Miles!
• February 1st, 3rd & 8th: Conferences (please send back confirmation slips as soon as possible)
• February 21st-25th: Winter Break

Article posted January 23, 2011 at 10:33 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 542



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted January 9, 2011 at 09:28 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2409

Article posted January 9, 2011 at 09:28 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2409



The Week Ahead: Days 76-80

Article posted January 9, 2011 at 09:27 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 543

Article posted January 9, 2011 at 09:27 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 543



This Week in Notes: Days 76-80

Article posted January 9, 2011 at 09:25 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 709

Happy families! We have our great Deep Portage trip this week. This will be the seventh year we have taken our kids to Deep Portage and we are excited to bring this great group to experience what they have to offer. You can find a lot of information about their programs and facilities on their web page: www.deep-portage.org. Their phone number is: 218.682.2325.

We leave for the trip on Wednesday at 9:15 a.m. and we will come back on Friday around 3:00 p.m. in time for afternoon busses. At this time it looks as though the temperatures are going to be very cold while we are there. Please make sure your child has a lot of layers of clothing including things to protect their face such as a scarf or balaclava. Let me know if you need anything on our equipment list or have any questions regarding things on that list. Two important things are extra socks and extra mittens or gloves if possible. I will send home another supply list and an official schedule of events along with this newsletter.

On another note I have decided to go back to the old behavior report due to the time it takes to fill out the other form. I may utilize the new and improved rating form each quarter but not on a weekly basis. Expect new behavior reports to start to come home next week. As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted January 9, 2011 at 09:25 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 709



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted January 9, 2011 at 09:24 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 568

• January 12th: Happy Birthday, Michael!
• January 12th-14th: Deep Portage Trip!
• January 14th: Happy Birthday, Rian!
• January 17th: No School-MLK Day! (Look on the back of this newsletter for events.)
• January 20th: All work is due from the 2nd Quarter
• January 20th: End of First Semester (Qtr. 2)
• January 21st: No School-Semester Work Day for Teachers
• January 25th: Mr. Monson Gone at a Meeting
• January 26th: Semester Report Cards Sent Home
• January 28th: Happy Birthday, Sophia!
• January 30th: Happy Birthday, Miles!
• February 1st, 3rd & 8th: Conferences

Article posted January 9, 2011 at 09:24 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 568



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted January 2, 2011 at 09:18 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1641

Article posted January 2, 2011 at 09:18 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1641



The Week Ahead: Days 71-75

Article posted January 2, 2011 at 09:17 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 481

Article posted January 2, 2011 at 09:17 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 481



This Week in Notes: Days 71-75

Article posted January 2, 2011 at 09:16 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 547

Happy 2011, families! I hope this year finds you with a sense of hope and goals that will take you places. We have a great week planned ahead of a short week next week due to our Deep Portage Trip. You will get more information about the trip within a few days. This week we will spend time with our classroom community remembering successes from the last few months. The kids will be doing some narratives in writing that will focus on goals, their classroom environment and things they would like to accomplish before the school year is done. As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted January 2, 2011 at 09:16 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 547



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted January 2, 2011 at 09:16 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 475

• January 12th: Happy Birthday, Michael!
• January 12th-14th: Deep Portage Trip!
• January 14th: Happy Birthday, Rian!
• January 17th: No School-MLK Day!
• January 20th: End of First Semester (Qtr. 2)
• January 21st: No School-Semester Day
• January 25th: Mr. Monson gone at an all-day meeting
• January 26th: Semester Report Cards Sent Home
• January 28th: Happy Birthday, Sophia!
• January 30th: Happy Birthday, Miles!
• February 1st, 3rd & 8th: Conferences

Article posted January 2, 2011 at 09:16 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 475



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted December 12, 2010 at 09:49 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 4279

Article posted December 12, 2010 at 09:49 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 4279



The Week Ahead: Days 64-68

Article posted December 12, 2010 at 09:49 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 273

Article posted December 12, 2010 at 09:49 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 273



This Week in Notes: Days 64-68

Article posted December 12, 2010 at 09:43 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 296

Hello families. Last week was one of the toughest weeks of my teaching career. It was also one that I learned a lot of myself. I also learned how kids cope during a very sad time when given the opportunity. I thank all of the support our room was given by parents and teachers throughout the week. I look forward to ways we can honor Phoenix and stay in contact with her family to help them through the tough time of losing someone so special at such a young age. Through death we truly learn to cherish life. In that I am grateful.

Article posted December 12, 2010 at 09:43 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 296



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted December 12, 2010 at 09:42 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 541

• December 13th: Yoga with Ms. Achterhoff
• December 15th: Music Program Dress Rehearsal
• December 16th: Holiday Concert 10:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
• December 16th: Family Night-Semesta Fiesta
• December 17th: Early Release
• December 20th: Happy Birthday, Logan!
• December 23rd-January 2nd: Winter Break
• January 12th: Happy Birthday, Michael!
• January 12th-14th: Deep Portage Trip!
• January 14th: Happy Birthday, Rian!
• January 17th: No School-MLK Day!
• January 20th: End of First Semester (Qtr. 2)

Article posted December 12, 2010 at 09:42 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 541



Phoenix

Article posted December 7, 2010 at 12:27 PM GMT-6 • comment (3) • Reads 1436

Dear Nettleton Families and Blog Partners,

It’s with a heavy heart that I convey sad news from our learning community at Nettleton. Over the weekend we learned that Phoenix, a grade five student in our classroom, died Saturday evening. Phoenix had undergone several heart surgeries from the time she was 11 days old and in mid-October received a new heart valve in another surgery in Minneapolis. Phoenix was recovering since then and was actively involved within our classroom for the past month.

Phoenix learned and taught us that perseverance pays off. What she lacked in size she made up for in effort. She worked so hard on many of the things we did in our classroom. She even worked hard in her recovery, always wanting to be treated just like any other kid. She will be missed by all of us and remembered in so many ways.

We will be assisting classrooms that Phoenix was a part of throughout the week as well as offering continuing support to any students needing to talk to an adult. We have many of our great staff available for the needs of our kids.

Article posted December 7, 2010 at 12:27 PM GMT-6 • comment (3) • Reads 1436



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted November 28, 2010 at 07:51 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1638

Article posted November 28, 2010 at 07:51 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1638



The Week Ahead: Days 54-58

Article posted November 28, 2010 at 07:50 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 241

Article posted November 28, 2010 at 07:50 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 241



This Week in Notes: Days 54-58

Article posted November 28, 2010 at 07:50 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 271

Hello families! We are in the need of supplies for a basket we are putting together for the silent auction December 5th. Our basket will have an art supply theme. We need the following items: colored pencils, markers, pencils, art paper, various drawing books stencils and any other things that would go within an art-basket. (I will purchase a container to auction containing the supplies.) If you are able to purchase any of the items for our Deep Portage fundraiser please send a paper note or e-mail to: monsonclassroom@gmail.com or my other school address. As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted November 28, 2010 at 07:50 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 271



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted November 28, 2010 at 07:49 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 244

• November 29th: Margi Preus Author Visit!
• November 30th: Mr. Monson gone at an all-day meeting
• December 1st: Happy Birthday, Kamaria!
• December 5th: Grade 5 Deep Portage Fundraiser at Peace Church 5:00-7:30 p.m.
• December 6-7: Mr. Monson gone at a technology conference in Minneapolis
• December 16th: Holiday Concert 10 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
• December 17th: Early Release
• December 20th: Happy Birthday, Logan!
• December 23rd-January 2nd: Winter Break
• January 12th-14th: Deep Portage Trip!

Article posted November 28, 2010 at 07:49 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 244



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted November 21, 2010 at 06:08 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1545

Article posted November 21, 2010 at 06:08 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1545



The Week Ahead: Days 51-53

Article posted November 21, 2010 at 06:08 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 253

Article posted November 21, 2010 at 06:08 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 253



This Week in Notes: Days 51-53

Article posted November 21, 2010 at 06:05 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 274

Hello families! Welcome to our short week. Report cards are coming home Monday. Please look things over and get back to me with any questions or comments. I ask that you sign and return the report card in its original envelope but keep all the other papers that were included. Those are for your information.

We are in the need of supplies for a basket we are putting together for the silent auction December 5th. Our basket will have an art supply theme. We need the following items: colored pencils, markers, pencils, art paper, various drawing books stencils and any other things that would go within an art-basket. We even need a basket! If you are able to purchase any of the items for our Deep Portage fundraiser please send a paper note or e-mail to: monsonclassroom@gmail.com or my other school address.
As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns. Happy Thanksgiving!

Article posted November 21, 2010 at 06:05 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 274



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted November 21, 2010 at 06:04 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 229

• November 22nd: Mr. Monson gone at an all-day meeting
• November 22nd: Report Cards Sent Home (please sign and return by Wednesday)
• November 24-25th: Thanksgiving Break-No School
• November 30th: Mr. Monson gone at all-day meeting
• December 5th: Grade 5 Deep Portage Fundraiser at Peace Church
• December 1st: Happy Birthday, Kamaria!
• December 6-7: Mr. Monson gone at a technology conference in Minneapolis

Article posted November 21, 2010 at 06:04 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 229



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted November 14, 2010 at 11:52 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1497

Article posted November 14, 2010 at 11:52 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1497



The Week Ahead: Days 46-50

Article posted November 14, 2010 at 11:51 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 212

Article posted November 14, 2010 at 11:51 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 212



This Week in Notes: Days 46-50

Article posted November 14, 2010 at 11:50 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 196

Hello families! We start a brand new quarter on Monday. We had some great learning experiences so far with many more to come.

Report cards are being finalized and will be sent home on Friday on our room. They are done in a new format and will be computerized and printed. Please let me know if you need clarification on any grades. I also send work reports home that detail all work and participation from various subject areas.

As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted November 14, 2010 at 11:50 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 196



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted November 14, 2010 at 11:49 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 222

• November 18th: Tellebration Family Night
• November 19th: Early Release @ 1:40 p.m.
• November 19th: Report Cards Sent Home (please sign and return by Monday)
• November 20th: Happy Birthday Jake!
• November 24-25th: Thanksgiving Break-No School
• November 30th: Mr. Monson gone at all-day meeting
• December 5th: Grade 5 Deep Portage Fundraiser at Peace Church
• December 1st: Happy Birthday, Kamaria!
• December 6-7: Mr. Monson gone at a technology conference in Minneapolis

Article posted November 14, 2010 at 11:49 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 222



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted November 7, 2010 at 09:58 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1360

Article posted November 7, 2010 at 09:58 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1360



The Week Ahead: Days 41-45

Article posted November 7, 2010 at 09:58 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 243

Article posted November 7, 2010 at 09:58 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 243



This Week in Notes: Days 41-45

Article posted November 7, 2010 at 09:54 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 249

Hello families! It is already the end of the first quarter at the end of the week. Time flies when you are having fun! We have a great week of learning. Every single thing that was assigned is due this Friday. I will be sending home missing work reports again Monday or Tuesday of this week. Please sign and return to school the following day. I will not be sending home behavior/work reports for the next two weeks due to report cards and the end of the quarter. Thanks for understanding!

As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted November 7, 2010 at 09:54 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 249



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted November 7, 2010 at 09:54 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 220

• November 9th: Whole Foods Coop Tour and Class 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (we will walk there)
• November 12th: Mr. Drake Nutrition Visit
• November 12th: Weber Music Hall Performance with Mrs. Monson’s Class 11 a.m.
• November 12th: End of the First Quarter! All Work is Due! Report cards the following week!
• November 17th: Report Cards (New format. I will let you know if they will come home later than this date.)
• November 18th: Tellebration Family Night
• November 20th: Happy Birthday Jake!
• November 24-25th: Thanksgiving Break-No School
• November 30th: Mr. Monson gone at all-day meeting
• December 5th: Grade 5 Deep Portage Fundraiser at Peace Church
• December 1st: Happy Birthday, Kamaria!
• December 6-7: Mr. Monson gone at a technology conference in Minneapolis

Article posted November 7, 2010 at 09:54 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 220



2010-2011 Grade Five Calendar

Article posted October 31, 2010 at 09:49 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1542

Article posted October 31, 2010 at 09:49 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1542



The Week Ahead: Days 36-40

Article posted October 31, 2010 at 09:49 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 268

Article posted October 31, 2010 at 09:49 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 268



This Week in Notes: Days 36-40

Article posted October 31, 2010 at 09:46 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 268

Hello families! Tuesday is Election Day! We also have our important service project Thursday evening with the Harvest Feast. We will be having a meal put together with help from the UMD Block I Education Students and our Healthy Hillsiders. All grade five students are encouraged to attend and help out at their stations. Many have created projects to share at the event and beyond. Way to go, Healthy Hillsiders! Your son/daughter will be getting a t-shirt for the Healthy Hillsiders program. He/she is required to wear this at all Healthy Hillsiders events and activities. We will keep these at school for them to wear and send home for washing as needed. As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted October 31, 2010 at 09:46 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 268



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted October 31, 2010 at 09:45 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 219

• November 2nd: Mr. Monson Gone at All-Day Planning Meeting
• November 2nd: Happy Birthday Jeff!
• November 2nd: Election Day! Please Vote!
• November 4th: Happy Birthday Alec!
• November 4th: Grade 5 Harvest Feast-FREE MEAL and Activities!
• November 12th: Weber Music Hall Performance with Mrs. Monson’s Class 11 a.m.
• November 12th: End of the First Quarter! All Work is Due! Report cards the following week!
• November 18th: Tellebration Family Night
• November 20th: Happy Birthday Jake!
• November 24-25th: Thanksgiving Break

Article posted October 31, 2010 at 09:45 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 219



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted October 24, 2010 at 10:03 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 891

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Article posted October 24, 2010 at 10:03 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 891



The Week Ahead: Days 32-36

Article posted October 24, 2010 at 10:02 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 227

Article posted October 24, 2010 at 10:02 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 227



This Week in Notes: Days 32-36

Article posted October 24, 2010 at 10:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 252

Hello families! It was great to see you all for goal setting conferences. There are only a few families I still need to meet with. Thanks for all the time you put in to ensure your child’s success.

This week I plan on sending out work reports so you can check up on things. Last week was the middle week of the first quarter already. Let me know if you have any questions about these reports. You will notice that on November 4th we have a Harvest Feast Family night. The night will include activities that UMD and grade 5 students helped put together and focus around a healthy diet. Kids are expected to be able to come to help out with evening activities. Grade 5 teachers will put together a schedule and get that out to families by this Friday or next Monday.

As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted October 24, 2010 at 10:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 252



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted October 24, 2010 at 10:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 224

• October 26th and 28th: Tuesday and Thursday After School Programming Continuing
• October 29th: Kindergarten Harvest Celebration
• November 2nd: Happy Birthday Jeff!
• November 4th: Happy Birthday Alec!
• November 4th: Grade 5 Harvest Feast-FREE MEAL! Kids are expected to attend to assist with evening activities (must be with an adult)
• November 20th: Happy Birthday Jake!

Article posted October 24, 2010 at 10:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 224



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted October 17, 2010 at 11:27 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 989

Article posted October 17, 2010 at 11:27 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 989



The Week Ahead: Days 28-31

Article posted October 17, 2010 at 11:26 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 221

Article posted October 17, 2010 at 11:26 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 221



This Week in Notes; Days 28-31

Article posted October 17, 2010 at 11:24 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 281

Hello families! We have been having some pretty neat weeks so far this October. Thanks for all of you who came to goal-setting conferences and I look forward to meeting the rest of you this Tuesday.

This week I am sending home reports that are from our Infinite Campus computer-grading program. The reports show scores from student work to this mid-point in the quarter for several subjects. I take all work late up to the last day of the quarter but each quarter I shorten my time I allow late work to be turned in for credit.

Next is a list of weekly assignments you can expect your son/daughter to be doing each week:

Spelling: A packet handed out on Monday and due on Friday. The final test is on Fridays. Some kids do challenge words but they are open to all to try. Those kids will write sentences each week to those words in addition to their packets. Each week that is a multiple of five are review weeks. Kids that do the challenge words will write sentences for all 20 of those words for that theme. All others will complete a review packet.

Math: Math “Homework & Remembering” packets are handed out Monday and one sheet per lesson is due. The kids only complete sheets from the lessons as they are taught in math during the week. They correct these packets in math teams or with me in a small group.

Science (Phenology): Larry Weber articles are handed out each Monday and due Friday with completed vocabulary, summary and personal nature observations. Extra credit will be awarded to kids that read and share the article to an adult or sibling at home.

Reading Theme Packets: At the beginning of each reading theme kids get a packet of learning activities. Monday of each week a new lesson of activities is assigned and is due Friday. The whole packet is due at the end of each theme, which is every six weeks.
Vocabulary Graphic Organizers: Monday the kids get new vocabulary words assigned to them and they create graphic organizers to better understand the meaning and usage of each word. These sheets with a graphic organizer for each word are due Friday. They write synonyms, definitions, sentences and sketch a picture for each word. I allow some freedom for creativity on this assignment.

Assignment Sheet: Each Monday the kids keep track of their learning and independent reading on assignment sheets. They should bring them home at the end of the week to be signed and returned by Monday of the next week.

Behavior Reports: Kids keep track of their behavior and work throughout the week with a self-rating system on something called a “Behavior Report”. I take the behavior report home over the weekend and chart what I saw that week. They come home most Mondays and should be signed and returned on Tuesday.

Writing: Each week the kids are working on a writing project. The topic is listed on the calendar each week. Writing is published through our blog where I score and edit pieces as they are turned in.

Student News: Weekly social studies reports are written as we watch daily reports from www.cnn.com/studentnews. Kids practice taking notes and keeping track of current events.

Independent Reading: Kids are required to read independently from school an average of 20 minutes a day for five days. This is recorded on the assignment sheet and is due each Monday for the following week.

Other: There are many other in-class projects that may not be completed within the classroom for various reasons. These projects may include literature circle assignments, independent projects math activity learning sheets and a whole range of other things. This may lead to these things being completed at home or an after-school program.

The best way to track your child’s work progress is by checking the behavior report each week. I do my best to include notes on anything that is missing and give feedback to all sorts of other parts to your child’s learning. If your son/daughter is bringing home work that has been checked in or corrected from me it will have some sort of check, note, stamp and/or a fraction for a score. If it doesn’t I didn’t see it and it will not get a grade.

Thanks in advance for doing your part for your child’s success in school. As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted October 17, 2010 at 11:24 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 281



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted October 17, 2010 at 11:23 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 259

• October 19th: Goal Setting Conferences
• October 19th: Happy Birthday Dalton!
• October 19th: Terrific Tuesdays After School Programming Starts
• October 21st: Early Release-1:40 p.m.
• October 22nd: Ed. MN Holiday-No School
• October 23rd: Happy Birthday Simone!
• October 28th: Thursday Thrills After School Programming Starts
• November 2nd: Happy Birthday Jeff!
• November 4th: Happy Birthday Alec!
• November 4th: Grade 5 Harvest Feast
• November 20th: Happy Birthday Jake!

Article posted October 17, 2010 at 11:23 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 259



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted October 10, 2010 at 09:21 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 829

Article posted October 10, 2010 at 09:21 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 829



The Week Ahead: Days 23-27

Article posted October 10, 2010 at 09:21 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 176

Article posted October 10, 2010 at 09:21 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 176



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted October 10, 2010 at 09:20 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 207

• October 12, 14 and 19th: Goal Setting Conferences (please check schedule)
• October 15th: Hartley Park Field Trip 9:45-2:15
• October 18th: Deep Portage Fundraising Meeting-4:00-5:00 p.m. in Room 300
• October 19th: Happy Birthday Dalton!
• October 21st: Early Release-1:40 p.m.
• October 22nd: Ed. MN Holiday-No School
• October 23rd: Happy Birthday Simone!
• November 4th: Grade 5 Fall Feast (more info to come home on this shortly)

Article posted October 10, 2010 at 09:20 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 207



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted October 3, 2010 at 07:31 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 923

Article posted October 3, 2010 at 07:31 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 923



The Week Ahead: Days 18-22

Article posted October 3, 2010 at 07:30 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 192

Article posted October 3, 2010 at 07:30 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 192



This Week in Notes: Days 18-22

Article posted October 3, 2010 at 07:28 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 192

Hello families! We had our first great trip this past week to Hartley Park. We get to spend another experience in nature at Hawk Ridge this Wednesday. You are more than welcome to come along on this trip if you’d like. We have a lot of room on the bus or you can just show up at Hawk Ridge. I am starting to increase kids workload and expectations and you will find out how they are doing on their behavior reports each week. Thanks for returning those signed as soon as you can. This also goes for their assignment sheets (including independent reading logs). I want the kids to be responsible for communicating to you about their weeks at school. We will be having another phenology article from Larry Weber as well as some other weekly assignments. Some new projects are also starting and we will share with you as they happen. As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted October 3, 2010 at 07:28 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 192



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted October 3, 2010 at 07:27 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 178

• October 5th: Happy Birthday Joey!
• October 7th: Family Night-Reading Night-6PM
• October 8th: Happy Birthday Jasper!
• October 12, 14 and 19th: Goal Setting Conferences (send back slips ASAP)
• October 15th: Hawk Ridge Field Trip 1:00-2:30
• October 19th: Happy Birthday Dalton!
• October 21st: Early Release-1:40 p.m.
• October 22nd: Ed. MN Holiday-No School
• October 23rd: Happy Birthday Simone!
• November 4th: Grade 5 Fall Feast (more info to come home on this shortly)

Article posted October 3, 2010 at 07:27 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 178



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted September 26, 2010 at 09:47 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 775

Article posted September 26, 2010 at 09:47 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 775



The Week Ahead: Days 13-17

Article posted September 26, 2010 at 09:42 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 199

Article posted September 26, 2010 at 09:42 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 199



This Week in Notes: Days 13-17

Article posted September 26, 2010 at 09:38 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 198

Hello families! We continue to build our strong learning community this week. It has been a great start to the year but we are a long way from where we want to go. This week will bring about several changes. There will be a guest teacher in our classroom Tuesday as the grade 5 teachers are meeting all day within the building. We will start math groups this week and some of our kids will be at a different location for their main math lessons. Please ask your child how math is going and who is their main math teacher. We are also starting some new weekly assignments. Our first phenology article from Larry Weber is assigned and due Friday. I ask that all kids pay closer attention to the outside, natural world around them as they complete their weekly observations. We are going to Hartley Park for the day on Wednesday for the annual Forestry Field Day where we learn about forests and what they offer us. Thanks in advance for your involvement in your child’s learning. We couldn’t do this without you! As always, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted September 26, 2010 at 09:38 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 198



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted September 26, 2010 at 09:38 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 191

• September 28th: Mr. Monson gone @ meeting
• September 29th: Forestry Field Day @ Hartley Park. Please dress for the woods!
• October 1st: Happy Birthday Justin!
• October 1st: Say “Cheese!” Picture Day! Smile!
• October 5th: Happy Birthday Joey!
• October 7th: Family Night-Reading Night-6PM
• October 8th: Happy Birthday Jasper!
• October 12, 14 and 19th: Goal Setting Conferences (More info coming home soon!)
• October 19th: Happy Birthday Dalton!
• October 21st: Early Release-1:40 p.m.
• October 22nd: Ed. MN Holiday-No School
• October 23rd: Happy Birthday Simone!

Article posted September 26, 2010 at 09:38 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 191



2010-2011 Grade 5 Calendar

Article posted September 19, 2010 at 08:40 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 828

&color

Article posted September 19, 2010 at 08:40 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 828



The Week Ahead: Days 8-12

Article posted September 19, 2010 at 08:31 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 221

Article posted September 19, 2010 at 08:31 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 221



This Week in Notes: Days 8-12

Article posted September 19, 2010 at 08:29 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 214

Hello families! What a great full week last week! We had a few early colds come through the room but hopefully the sniffles are taking a hike and we can focus on our great learning that is in store for us.

We are putting the finishing touches on our classroom compact on Monday and Tuesday. These are our agreements that are our rules and how we work together to get things accomplished. We are also going to complete our first edition of our hopes and dreams. These are our realistic goals for learning and social interactions. We will look at these more at goal setting conferences in October. Be prepared to ask your child how they are doing with their assignment sheets this week. The kids are going to learn how to keep track of daily work and events that happen in the classroom. They are required to read for an average of 20 minutes a day and keep track of this on their assignment sheets. This will come home to sign every Friday. We are also going to be charting our behavior and work completion on our behavior report sheets. These will come home each Monday after I complete them over each weekend. Please review, sign and return the sheet as soon as you can.

I am always open to new strategies to reach and teach your child. Please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted September 19, 2010 at 08:29 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 214



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted September 19, 2010 at 08:29 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 219

• September 23rd: Family Night-Fall Fest-6PM
• September 24th: Early Release-1:40PM
• September 26th: Happy Birthday Isabelle!
• September 28th: Mr. Monson gone @ Training
• September 29th: Forestry Field Day @ Hartley
• October 1st: Happy Birthday Justin!
• October 5th: Happy Birthday Joey!
• October 7th: Family Night-Reading Night-6PM
• October 8th: Happy Birthday Jasper!
• October 12, 14 and 19th: Goal Setting Conferences
• October 19th: Happy Birthday Dalton!
• October 21st: Early Release-1:40PM
• October 22nd: Ed. MN Holiday-No School
• October 23rd: Happy Birthday Simone!

Article posted September 19, 2010 at 08:29 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 219



This Week in Notes: Days 3-7

Article posted September 13, 2010 at 07:16 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 548

Hello families! We had a great two days with our community last week. This week we continue to get to know one another and work to build strong relationships, student-created rules and logical consequences to allow us to have a productive learning environment in our classroom and around our school. Ask your child about his or her “Hopes and Dreams”, “Classroom Compact” and any of the other team building activities we are doing during the school hours.

This is the format of our newsletter that you will receive most weeks. I complete this over the weekend and send it out Mondays. Each ✭ means there is a homework assignment that is due, each dot is an important event and a ✔ is an important form to return to school. I get as detailed as I can on the academic calendar above but will occasionally leave out some assignments and other information. Let me know if you have any questions about anything listed as not all the information in the weekly calendar applies to all kids.

Begin to look for the red communicator folders coming home each day. I ask that you create a daily location where your child can keep the folder and a consistent way you approach homework and important papers from school. My expectations are for all kids to share what their responsibilities are to parents/guardians on a regular basis.

I am always open to new strategies to reach and teach your child. Please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted September 13, 2010 at 07:16 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 548



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted September 13, 2010 at 07:15 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 200

• September 4th: Happy Birthday Annie!
• September 6th: Happy Birthday Phoenix
• September 14th: Happy Birthday Katherine!
• September 23rd: Family Night-Fall Fest-6PM
• September 24th: Early Release-1:40PM
• September 26th: Happy Birthday Isabelle!
• September 28th: Mr. Monson gone @ training
• October 1st: Happy Birthday Justin!
• October 5th: Happy Birthday Joey!
• October 7th: Family Night-Reading Night-6PM
• October 8th: Happy Birthday Jasper!
• October 19th: Happy Birthday Dalton!
• October 21st: Early Release-1:40PM
• October 22nd: Ed. MN Holiday-No School
• October 23rd: Happy Birthday Simone!

Article posted September 13, 2010 at 07:15 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 200



Our Last Days of School: Days 167-173

Article posted June 3, 2010 at 01:37 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 11894

Below is a list of times and activities for the remainder of the school year.
•June 2nd: 2:00 p.m. Grade 5 Celebration-Nettleton Gym-Families welcome and encouraged to attend!
•June 9th: All Day! Root beer float celebration with our kindergarten friends, an afternoon movie and closing down our great partnership with Mrs. Monson's room.
•June 10th: Last Day of School! Field Fun Day! Report cards sent home

Stay tuned to local happenings on our blog throughout the summer at monsonclassroom.org. You can also find a ton of online resources at: delicious.com/monsonclassroom

Your child (and you) may also want to get involved at local races and walks. Information for these can be found at: northlandrunner.com/run. I won't be running Grandma's Marathon this year but Mrs. Monson will. It is held on June 19th. Maybe you’ll spot her in the crowd. It would be a neat thing to see some of the kids come down and watch the race.

Thanks so much for your involvement over these past nine months. We couldn't do it without you. Please keep the rigors of learning going throughout the summer in preparation for middle school.

Have a safe, healthy and happy summer!

Article posted June 3, 2010 at 01:37 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 11894



The Week Ahead: Days 161-165

Article posted May 23, 2010 at 09:33 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1568

Article posted May 23, 2010 at 09:33 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1568



This Week in Notes: Days 161-165

Article posted May 23, 2010 at 09:30 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 310

Hello families! I don’t like to count down the days but I can’t help looking at the calendar to see just three weeks (13 days) remaining of our great school year. I hope may of you have plans for your student to attend a great summer opportunity that Nettleton or another learning center provides. Let me know if you need more information about our summer school opportunities.

The next two weeks will be full of end-of-year assessments in both reading and math. Thanks for doing your part to help the kids stay focused and ready to still learn toward the end of the year. The fifth grade celebration is June 2nd. Report cards will come home the last day of school.

Article posted May 23, 2010 at 09:30 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 310



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted May 23, 2010 at 09:29 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 308

• May 13th: Eyreona’s Birthday!
• May 24th: Morgan Park Visit (bring swim suit and towel)
• May 24-27th: Reading Benchmark #3 Testing
• May 27th: World Beat Concert
• May 28th: World Beat gone performing
• May 28th: Mr. Monson Gone-Guest Teacher
• May 31st: Memorial Day-No School
• June 1-4th: End of Year Math Testing
• June 2nd: Grade 5 Graduation-2:00 p.m. Nettleton Gym
• June 10th: Last Day of School-Field Day!

Article posted May 23, 2010 at 09:29 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 308



The Week Ahead: Days 151-155

Article posted May 10, 2010 at 07:01 AM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 1805

Article posted May 10, 2010 at 07:01 AM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 1805



This Week in Notes: Days 151-155

Article posted May 10, 2010 at 07:00 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 337

Hello families! The end of the school year is fast approaching. We just had successful MCA testing weeks a little while ago. Look for those results in the mail over the coming months. Many of the kids are going to be working on finishing up their elementary careers over the coming weeks. We still have many weekly assignments due so please watch the calendar. We will go through week 30 with regular weekly work and then move on to other projects to finish out the year. Thanks for the work you do to make sure kids are still returning things to school, are getting a time each day to work on schoolwork and reading independently. Your work makes a difference.

Article posted May 10, 2010 at 07:00 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 337



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted May 10, 2010 at 07:00 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 355

• May 11th: Asian Pacific Cultural Center Visit
• May 13th: Eyreona’s Birthday!
• May 13th: Nettleton Pow-Wow 5:00-7:30 p.m.
• May 14th: Puberty Talk
• May 19th: Fit and Fun Run at PSS 12:15 p.m.
• May 20th: Fire Safety Presentation
• May 21st: Mr. Monson Gone-Guest Teacher
• May 24-27th: Reading Benchmark #3 Testing
• May 28th: Mr. Monson Gone-Guest Teacher
• May 31st: Memorial Day-No School
• June 1-4th: End of Year Math Testing
• June 2nd: Grade 5 Graduation-2:00 p.m. Nettleton Gym
• June 10th: Last Day of School-Field Day!

Article posted May 10, 2010 at 07:00 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 355



This Week in Notes: Days 136-140

Article posted April 19, 2010 at 11:24 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2469

Hello families! This week we will be finishing up the MCA assessments in math. Testing will be on Tuesday and Wednesday all day. Thanks in advance for doing what you can so your child can do their very best. Nine or more hours of sleep, proper eating and remaining active are crucial during these days, just as they are during the whole school year.

We had a successful run at the Fitger’s 5K on Saturday. Many of our students participated and we all had fun. Look for a list of upcoming runs to come out shortly. There are a bunch of Wednesday races throughout the summer that are free and sponsored by the Young Athlete’s Foundation.

Thanks for reviewing report cards and sending them back to school. I am checking these to make sure communication has been made about grades this past quarter. This is our last quarter in fifth grade. I will be shortening the acceptable time something can be turned in. Things are due no later than one week after their due date. After mid-term, I take nothing past its due date.

Let me know if you have any questions, comments or concerns. Thanks for doing your part for your child’s success.

Article posted April 19, 2010 at 11:24 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2469



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted April 19, 2010 at 11:22 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 355

• April 20th & 21st: MCA Assessments-Math
• April 23rd: Mr. Monson Gone
• April 27th: Hartley Park Science Trip
• May 3rd: MCA Assessment-Science
• May 7th: Early Release 1:40 p.m.
• May 13th: Eyreona’s Birthday!

Article posted April 19, 2010 at 11:22 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 355



The Week Ahead: Days 131-135

Article posted April 12, 2010 at 06:36 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 969

Article posted April 12, 2010 at 06:36 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 969



This Week in Notes:Days 131-135

Article posted April 12, 2010 at 06:31 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 342

Hello families! I hope your child had an enjoyable break. This week will be an important week of learning and showing growth. We will be having our yearly Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments in Reading Wednesday and Thursday. These tests are important measures of your child and we want to do all that we can for success. All year the kids have been showing growth in learning. This is where they can show the rest of the state of Minnesota. Sleep, good diets and being active are utmost important. I will keep many of the things we do very normal for the kids. Wednesday and Thursday are the only days there will be some differences. Thanks for doing all you can do to ensure a healthy week!

Speaking of healthy. The Fitger’s 5K Run/Walk is this Saturday. Please look for a note home by Wednesday with details about Saturday and any other last minute details. The kids will be putting their last training in this week. Sleep, activity and diet are important for the big day.

Article posted April 12, 2010 at 06:31 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 342



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted April 12, 2010 at 06:31 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 322

• March 30th: Wyatt’s Birthday!
• April 14th & 15th: MCA Assessments-Reading
• April 16th: Early Release 1:40 p.m.
• April 17th: Fitger’s 5K-9:00 a.m.
• April 20th & 21st: MCA Assessments-Math
• April 23rd: Mr. Monson Gone
• April 27th: Hartley Park Science Trip
• May 3rd: MCA Assessment-Science
• May 7th: Early Release 1:40 p.m.
• May 13th: Eyreona’s Birthday!

Article posted April 12, 2010 at 06:31 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 322



The Week Ahead: Days 126-131

Article posted March 29, 2010 at 07:11 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2290

Article posted March 29, 2010 at 07:11 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2290



This Week in Notes: Days 126-130

Article posted March 29, 2010 at 07:11 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 299

Happy spring, families! What a super month of weather we just had! We have a great week of learning coming up. We will do some regular weekly assignments and add some preparations for the upcoming MCA tests. The MCA testing for reading will take place April 14 & 15 (Wednesday and Thursday) and the MCA testing for math will take place April 20 & 21 (Tuesday and Wednesday). It goes without saying these tests are important measures of your child and we want to do all that we can for success. All year the kids have been showing growth in learning. This is where they can show the state of Minnesota. Sleep, good diets and being active are utmost important. Thanks for doing all you can do to ensure this!

Article posted March 29, 2010 at 07:11 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 299



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted March 29, 2010 at 07:11 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 310

• March 30th: Wyatt’s Birthday!
• April 2nd: End of 3rd Quarter (All work is due!)
• April 5th – 9th: No School-Spring Break
• April 8th: Esther’s Birthday!
• April 14th & 15th: MCA Assessments-Reading
• April 16th: Early Release 1:40 p.m.
• April 17th: Fitger’s 5K-9:00 a.m.
• April 20th & 21st: MCA Assessments-Math
• April 23rd: Mr. Monson Gone
• April 27th: Hartley Park Science Trip
• May 3rd: MCA Assessment-Science
• May 7th: Early Release 1:40 p.m.
• May 13th: Eyreona’s Birthday!

Article posted March 29, 2010 at 07:11 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 310



The Week Ahead: Days 121-125

Article posted March 21, 2010 at 10:13 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 925

Article posted March 21, 2010 at 10:13 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 925



This Week in Notes: Days 121-125

Article posted March 21, 2010 at 10:12 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 379

Hello families! We have a great week of learning in store for us during this first week of spring. There are two more weeks in this quarter for all work to be completed before report cards are created. There are many things to celebrate this quarter. Many of the kids are showing growth in reading and math. There is still work to be done, however. Thanks for doing your part for success. Please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted March 21, 2010 at 10:12 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 379



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted March 21, 2010 at 10:11 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 313

• March 22nd-26th: Running Club Week #3
• March 25th: $2-Duluth Symphony Concert-The Fantastic Four 10:50 a.m.
• March 25th: UMD Family Night @ Nettleton
• March 30th: Wyatt’s Birthday!
• April 2nd: End of 3rd Quarter
• April 5th – 9th: No School-Spring Break
• April 8th: Esther’s Birthday!
• April 14th & 15th: MCA Assessments-Reading
• April 16th: Early Release
• April 17th: Fitger’s 5K
• April 20th & 21st: MCA Assessments-Math
• April 23rd: Mr. Monson Gone
• April 27th: Hartley Park Science Trip

Article posted March 21, 2010 at 10:11 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 313



The Week Ahead: Days 116-120

Article posted March 14, 2010 at 09:27 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1256

Article posted March 14, 2010 at 09:27 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1256



This Week in Notes: Days 116-120

Article posted March 14, 2010 at 09:20 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 350

Hello families! A behavior report did not come home last week. There should be one completed before the kids leave school Monday. I will also include missing work reports. There are only three weeks left in the quarter to complete any missing work. Please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted March 14, 2010 at 09:20 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 350



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted March 14, 2010 at 09:19 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 275

• March 17th: FREE! Grade 5 Skiing at Spirit Mountain (work, candy money, behavior and weather permitting)
• March 18th: FREE Cabin Fever Reliever: Health and Wellness Fair, Grant School, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. and FREE Dinner!
• March 19th: FREE! “Carnival of the Animals” Minnesota Ballet performance-10:00 a.m.
• March 19th: Early Release-1:40 p.m.
• March 25th: FREE! Duluth Symphony Concert-The Fantastic Four 10:50 a.m.
• April 2nd: End of 3rd Quarter
• April 5th – 9th: No School-Spring Break
• April 14th & 15th: MCA Assessments-Reading
• April 17th: Fitger’s 5K
• April 20th & 21st: MCA Assessments-Math

Article posted March 14, 2010 at 09:19 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 275



The Week Ahead: Days 111-115

Article posted March 7, 2010 at 08:45 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1217

Article posted March 7, 2010 at 08:45 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1217



This Week in Notes: Days 111-115

Article posted March 7, 2010 at 08:43 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 314

Hello families! We have a little over a month to go until our MCA state assessments. I know many of the kids have shown academic growth this year. The MCA tests are where they can show those achievements in learning. We are going to be pushing academics really hard over this coming month and adding in some good trips and experiences as well. Look for the running club sign-ups to come home Monday with this letter. I need them returned before your child can participate in the club. Please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted March 7, 2010 at 08:43 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 314



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted March 7, 2010 at 08:42 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 300

• March 8th: Running Club Kick-Off! (Sign-up forms due before kids can participate)
• March 17th: FREE! Grade 5 Skiing at Spirit Mountain (for all kids with candy returned)
• March 18th: Brain Awareness Program
• March 19th: FREE! “Carnival of the Animals” Minnesota Ballet performance-10:00 a.m.
• March 25th: FREE! Duluth Symphony Concert-The Fantastic Four 10:50 a.m.
• April 5th – 9th: No School-Spring Break
• April 14th & 15th: MCA Assessments-Reading
• April 17th: Fitger’s 5K
• April 20th & 21st: MCA Assessments-Math

Article posted March 7, 2010 at 08:42 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 300



The Week Ahead: Days 106-110

Article posted February 28, 2010 at 10:19 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1173

Article posted February 28, 2010 at 10:19 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1173



This Week in Notes: Days 106-110

Article posted February 28, 2010 at 10:15 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 321

Hello families! This week we welcome a new student, Wyatt, to our room and head to Hartley Park on Friday. Thanks for working on vocabulary words above as well as the spelling words. They have been tough the past few weeks. There are quite a few things happening over the coming days and months. Look for running club sign-up information soon. The race is a month and a half away. Thanks for all you do to help your child succeed! Please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns. I am always open to new ideas and suggestions for educating your child.

Article posted February 28, 2010 at 10:15 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 321



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted February 28, 2010 at 10:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 303

• March 1st – 17th: Geckler Fundraiser
• March 5th: Hartley Park Trip (dress for the weather)
• March 8th: Running Club Starts! (more info soon!)
• March 17th: FREE! Grade 5 Skiing at Spirit Mountain (for all kids with candy returned)
• March 18th: Brain Awareness Program
• March 19th: FREE! “Carnival of the Animals” Minnesota Ballet performance-10:00 a.m.
• March 25th: FREE! Duluth Symphony Concert-The Fantastic Four 10:50 a.m.
• April 5th – 9th: No School-Spring Break
• April 14th & 15th: MCA Assessments-Reading
• April 17th: Fitger’s 5K
• April 20th & 21st: MCA Assessments-Math

Article posted February 28, 2010 at 10:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 303



The Week Ahead: Days 101-105

Article posted February 21, 2010 at 10:39 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1253

Article posted February 21, 2010 at 10:39 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1253



This Week in Notes:

Article posted February 21, 2010 at 10:38 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 299

Hello families! We welcome back all kids after our nice winter break. I hope the kids stayed active both physically and mentally. This movement of body cells and brain cells is so important in the continual learning process that we are all going through. Check out the long list of upcoming events. We will be heading to a performance on Wednesday that requires $3 for tickets and a permission slip. Thanks for all you do to help your child succeed!

Article posted February 21, 2010 at 10:38 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 299



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted February 21, 2010 at 10:38 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 345

• February 24th: “Wiley and the Hairy Man” theater performance at UWS with Mrs. Monson’s kindergarten class
• February 25th: All School Morning Meeting
• February 26th: Early Release @ 1:40 p.m.
• February 26th: Mr. Monson gone at a phenology conference at Wolf Ridge
• March 1st – 17th: Geckler Fundraiser
• March 5th: Hartley Park Trip
• March 8th: Running Club Starts! (more info soon!)
• March 18th: Brain Awareness Program
• March 19th: FREE! “Carnival of the Animals” Minnesota Ballet performance-10:00 a.m.
• April 5th – 9th: No School-Spring Break
• April 14th & 15th: MCA Assessments-Reading
• April 17th: Fitger’s 5K
• April 20th & 21st: MCA Assessments-Math

Article posted February 21, 2010 at 10:38 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 345



The Week Ahead: Days 96-100

Article posted February 7, 2010 at 10:48 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 2066

Article posted February 7, 2010 at 10:48 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 2066



This Week in Notes: Days 96-100

Article posted February 7, 2010 at 10:47 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 340

Hello families! We hope you are enjoying our snowy winter. It was great to see my first set of families at conferences this past week. Thanks for making the connection and learning about the growth of your child and what we can do to further that growth. Conferences will be held this Tuesday and Thursday. We have a great week of learning in store for the kids. We will start to learn about the Civil Rights Movement and study the important people of that time. As always, please let me know if you have any question or concerns regarding your child. Enjoy your week ahead!

Article posted February 7, 2010 at 10:47 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 340



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted February 7, 2010 at 10:46 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 320

• February 9th: Conferences 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
• February 11th: Conferences 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
• February 14th: 100th Day of School and Valentine’s Celebration with our Kindergarten Friends
• February 14th: Gum Day! (for kids that have respected our room’s gum procedure)
• February 15th-19th: No School-Winter Break!
• February 15th: Happy Birthday Kyle!

Article posted February 7, 2010 at 10:46 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 320



The Week Ahead: Days 91-95

Article posted January 31, 2010 at 05:48 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1240

Article posted January 31, 2010 at 05:48 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1240



This Week in Notes: Days 91-95

Article posted January 31, 2010 at 05:47 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 292

Hello families! Welcome to the second week in the semester. We enter the two weeks of conferences. I am working on putting the finishing touches on report cards and you will be able to talk with your child and me about his/her progress when you come over the next two weeks. Please let me know if you cannot attend and we can schedule another face-to-face meeting. Thanks for all you do to make your child’s learning the best it can be.

Article posted January 31, 2010 at 05:47 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 292



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted January 31, 2010 at 05:46 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 301

• February 2nd: Happy Birthday Ben!
• February 3rd: Morgan Park Visit for Middle School Sign-Up
• February 4th: Conferences 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
• February 7th: Happy Birthday Nailah!
• February 9th: Conferences 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
• February 11th: Conferences 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
• February 15th-19th: No School-Winter Break!
• February 15th: Happy Birthday Kyle!

Article posted January 31, 2010 at 05:46 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 301



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted January 27, 2010 at 03:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 846

• January 28th: Elizabeth’s Birthday!
• January 28th: Mr. Monson Gone to St. Paul
• January 29th: Early Release-1:40 p.m.
• January 29th: All-school Morning Meeting
• February 4th, 9th, 11th: Report cards handed out at Conferences
• February 4th: Conferences
• February 9th: Conferences
• February 11th: Conferences

Article posted January 27, 2010 at 03:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 846



The Week Ahead: Days 73-77

Article posted January 3, 2010 at 09:55 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 3236

Article posted January 3, 2010 at 09:55 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 3236



This Week in Notes: Days 73-77

Article posted January 3, 2010 at 09:54 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 375

Hello families! Welcome to 2010! We have a lot going on over the coming weeks so please mark things down in your calendars. Our Deep Portage trip is next week. I will be contacting some homes regarding fundraising. Thanks for all your work done for raising money for our trip so far. I will send a supply list home in the coming days with all the things to bring on the trip. We are also preparing for the end of the semester and will be doing a lot of testing and preparations for our upcoming conferences. More information about those will follow in the coming weeks. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted January 3, 2010 at 09:54 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 375



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted January 3, 2010 at 09:53 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 368

• January 4th: Mujahid’s ½ Birthday! (July 1st)
• January 8th: Fundraising and Trip Money Due!
• January 13th-15th: Deep Portage Overnight Trip
• January 18th: Tana-Ja’s ½ Birthday! (July 18th)
• January 18th: MLK Day-No School
• January 20th: Katana’s Half Birthday! (July 20th)
• January 21st: Isaac’s Birthday!
• January 21st: Last school day of First Semester/Quarter 2-All Work Due!
• January 22nd: No School-Semester Day-Teacher Work Day
• January 28th: Elizabeth’s Birthday!
• January 29th: Early Release-1:40 p.m.

Article posted January 3, 2010 at 09:53 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 368



Lonely Blog!

Article posted December 11, 2009 at 10:18 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1745

Hello online friends!

I have been away from the blog and not put any newsletters on since before Thanksgiving break. Thanks for being patient. We are busy doing a lot of science in our room so we have neglected our writing. Thanks for understanding!

-Mr. Monson

Article posted December 11, 2009 at 10:18 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1745



The Week Ahead: Days 52-54

Article posted November 22, 2009 at 06:16 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1780

Article posted November 22, 2009 at 06:16 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1780



This Week in Notes: Days 52-54

Article posted November 22, 2009 at 06:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 315

Hello families! Welcome to a short week before our Thanksgiving Holiday Break! We had a lot of work due last week. Thanks for those families that are checking student reports and helping with anything that needs improvement.

Fundraising is going pretty well. We sold about $800 of bars so far which turns into $400 profit for our trip. We need to keep selling as our candy bill is due in a week. Everything after that is profit!

There are some good, tough math concepts coming up as well as the Unit 1 Test after the break. The kids are working really hard on these new algebra concepts.

Report cards are coming home Wednesday. Feel free to contact me, as some grades are low. I will include a lot of information in the report card envelope. Please just sign the copy and return in the original envelope. You may keep all the other sheets. No late work from quarter one will be accepted. Turning in work on time this second quarter can change low scores. It does make a difference.

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted November 22, 2009 at 06:14 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 315



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted November 22, 2009 at 06:13 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 325

• Mondays and Fridays: Fundraiser money accepted
• November 25th: Report cards and work reports coming home! Please sign and return as soon as possible.
• November 26-27th: No School-Thanksgiving Break
• November 27th: Happy Birthday Courtney!
• November 28th: Happy Birthday Jamila!
• December 1st: Happy ½ Birthday Keyon (June 1st)

Article posted November 22, 2009 at 06:13 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 325



The Week Ahead: Days 47-51

Article posted November 22, 2009 at 06:13 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 333

Article posted November 22, 2009 at 06:13 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 333



This Week in Notes:

Article posted November 22, 2009 at 05:58 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 315

Hello families! Welcome to the first week of the second quarter. We will have several guests and special performances this week. Ms. Edmunds will teach about the Igbo people’s number system from West Africa. We will have a BOLD heater performance of Romeo and Juliet and John Latimer, a phenology expert from KAXE Public Radio in Grand Rapids, will come to visit and talk about the science of phenology. We will also have our PAVSA presentation. A letter about the content of that presentation went home last week. To top it off, we have an early release this Friday! Thanks for helping your child with the completion of weekly work and for creating a time and quiet space each day for him/her to work as well as read.

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted November 22, 2009 at 05:58 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 315



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted November 15, 2009 at 08:53 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 948

• Mondays and Fridays: Fundraiser money accepted
• November 17th: BOLD Theater Performance “Romeo & Juliet”
• November 18th: Report cards and work reports coming home! Please sign and return as soon as possible.
• November 19th: Happy Birthday Tanesha!
• November 19th: John Latimer coming to visit us and talk about Phenology
• November 20th: Early Release-1:40 p.m.
• November 26-27th: No School-Thanksgiving Break
• November 27th: Happy Birthday Courtney!
• November 28th: Happy Birthday Jamila!
• December 1st: Happy ½ Birthday Keyon (June 1st)

Article posted November 15, 2009 at 08:53 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 948



The Week Ahead: Days 42-46

Article posted November 8, 2009 at 10:41 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 1326

Article posted November 8, 2009 at 10:41 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 1326



This Week in Notes: Days 42-46

Article posted November 8, 2009 at 10:40 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 319

Hello families! This week will bring a close to the first quarter. I had an old calendar that stated that the end of the quarter was November 20th. That was incorrect. All work is due at the end of this quarter and nothing from the first quarter will be accepted after Friday. Thanks for helping out with any late work. I will send home an updated missing work report this Tuesday. I will ask that you sign and return this. I will work with your child to get learning sheets and activities organized to bring home or to their after-school program.

You will notice on Tuesday through Thursday we will be talking about smoking and what smoking can do to a human body. This is a quick mini-unit in our health program and focuses on the effects of smoking. If you have any questions about the curriculum please give me a call.

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted November 8, 2009 at 10:40 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 319



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted November 8, 2009 at 10:39 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 615

• November 9th: Happy Birthday Cory!
• November 13th: UMD Weber Music Field Trip
• November 13th: End of First Quarter-All Work Due
• November 17th: BOLD Theater Performance “Romeo & Juliet”
• November 19th: Happy Birthday Tanesha!
• November 20th: Early Release
• November 26-27th: No School-Thanksgiving Break
• November 27th: Happy Birthday Courtney!
• November 28th: Happy Birthday Jamila!
• December 1st: Happy ½ Birthday Keyon (June 1st)

Article posted November 8, 2009 at 10:39 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 615



The Week Ahead: Days 37-41

Article posted November 1, 2009 at 12:51 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 741

Article posted November 1, 2009 at 12:51 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 741



This Week in Notes: Days 37-41

Article posted November 1, 2009 at 12:48 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 285

Hello Families! We enter November with two good months under our belts. Thanks for the work you did with your student. We are really making some good progress with reading comprehension and fluency improving with many students. Math has brought a lot of new concepts and some difficult work. The kids are trying really hard to work with concepts they do not understand. We have a good bunch of peers in our room that help each other every day. I am grateful to have such a caring crew this year. Some new things we need to be working on are our phenology observations at home. Please make sure kids are paying attention to what is happening outdoors and recording this on their phenology sheets (Larry Weber Articles). We will be starting science lab work with variables coming next week and lasting through the rest of the quarter. Speaking of that, the end of the quarter is approaching quickly. All work is due November 20th. Nothing will be accepted from this quarter after November 20th. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted November 1, 2009 at 12:48 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 285



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted November 1, 2009 at 12:48 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 279

• November 9th: Happy Birthday Cory!
• November 13th: UMD Weber Music Field Trip
• November 17th: BOLD Theater Performance “Romeo & Juliet”
• November 19th: Happy Birthday Tanesha!
• November 20th: Early Release
• November 20th: End of First Quarter
• November 26-27th: No School-Thanksgiving Break
• November 27th: Happy Birthday Courtney!
• November 28th: Happy Birthday Jamila!
• December 1st: Happy ½ Birthday Keyon (June 1st)

Article posted November 1, 2009 at 12:48 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 279



The Week Ahead: Days 32-36

Article posted October 25, 2009 at 10:18 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 846

Article posted October 25, 2009 at 10:18 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 846



This Week in Notes: Days 32-36

Article posted October 25, 2009 at 10:09 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 283

The weeks are flying by. With a lot of kids gone early in the week it was great to see all kids at school Thursday and Friday to end the week. Thanks for doing all you can to help kids stay healthy from setting times for bed and keeping kids drinking water. I will allow water bottles in the classroom as long as the kids are responsible with them and they go home each week for a thorough cleaning.

As you may have noticed I did not send home the mid-term reports as I was working out some scores and it took longer than expected. Thanks for your patience as I plan to get them to you this week. Keep checking the assignment sheet, this newsletter and the behavior reports for up to the week reports.

You should be seeing work come back and forth from school to home. We do a lot of the same things each week for kids’ independent work. I hope you are helping kids observe out in nature as each week is assigned the Larry Weber phenology article to read and complete the back.

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted October 25, 2009 at 10:09 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 283



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted October 25, 2009 at 10:08 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 206

• ASAP: Please return your fundraising sign-up sheets for our Deep Portage Trip so we can place our order
• October 27th: Mid-Term Work Grade Reports Sent Home (due back signed by Wednesday)
• October 27th: BOLD Choice Theater
• October 29th: UMD Fall Family Night

Article posted October 25, 2009 at 10:08 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 206



The Week Ahead: Days 27-31

Article posted October 18, 2009 at 09:48 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1276

Article posted October 18, 2009 at 09:48 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1276



This Week in Notes: Days 27-31

Article posted October 18, 2009 at 09:48 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 618

We are just past the middle of the first quarter. I am sending mid-term grade reports for work so you can review, sign and return them back to school. Kids have until the end of the first quarter to turn in all late assignments. I will provide time for them to work on some of their work throughout the day but most late work will need to be caught up at home, in the COMPASS room or another after-school program. I make some extra copies of learning sheets that are missing and they are located in file folders in our classroom. All other assignments need to be finished however they were assigned.

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted October 18, 2009 at 09:48 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 618



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted October 18, 2009 at 09:46 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 315

• ASAP: Please return your fundraising sign-up sheets for our Deep Portage Trip so we can place our order
• October 19th: Mid-Term Work Grade Reports Sent Home (due back signed by Wednesday)
• October 22nd: All School Morning Meeting
• October 23rd: 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Hawk Ridge Science Trip-Please dress for the weather
• October 27th: BOLD Choice Theater
• October 29th: UMD Fall Family Night

Article posted October 18, 2009 at 09:46 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 315



The Week Ahead: Days 23-26

Article posted October 11, 2009 at 10:12 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 1299

Article posted October 11, 2009 at 10:12 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 1299



This Week in Notes: Days 23-26

Article posted October 11, 2009 at 10:10 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 284

Thanks to all the parents that came to conferences this past week. We still have many of you scheduled for this Tuesday afternoon and early evening. We will keep a close watch on all our goals and see the growth at our next conferences in January. With hard work and effort a lot of our kids will be reaching their goals this year. We have a short, packed week this week. Thursday we will travel to Hawk Ridge for our rescheduled field trip. It looks as though the weather will be cold and possibly wet. It is very important that kids bring many layers of clothes to wear on this trip. They can always take things off that they don’t need. Look for a fundraiser letter for our Deep Portage trip to be coming out this week. It will detail what is expected for your child to go on this exciting adventure in February. Thanks for your continued support at home and for signing and returning behavior reports and assignment sheets each week. Bravo for setting a time each day to read and work on schoolwork. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted October 11, 2009 at 10:10 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 284



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted October 11, 2009 at 10:09 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 275

• October 13th: Conferences (4 p.m.-7 p.m.)
• October 15th: Hawk Ridge Field Trip
• October 15th: Early Release
• October 16th: No School-Education MN Break
• October 22nd: All School Morning Meeting
• October 27th: BOLD Choice Theater
• October 29th: UMD Fall Family Night

Article posted October 11, 2009 at 10:09 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 275



The Week Ahead: Days 18-22

Article posted October 4, 2009 at 10:24 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 1418

Article posted October 4, 2009 at 10:24 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 1418



This Week in Notes: Days 18-22

Article posted October 4, 2009 at 10:23 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 263

What a nice start the kids are having so far! Many kids have their hopes and dreams for the year and are working hard to achieve their goals. We have some tough things to accomplish this year so a little hard work will go a long way. Thanks for all your support you give at home with returning things to school on time, getting a time for your child to read each day, and helping set up a consistent time for him/her to work on any school projects that need completing. Conferences are this week and next. I look forward to meeting you all and talking over my goals for your child. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted October 4, 2009 at 10:23 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 263



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted October 4, 2009 at 10:22 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 439

• October 5th: COMPASS program starts
• October 6th: Conferences (4 p.m.-7 p.m.)
• October 8th: Conferences (4 p.m.-7 p.m.)
• October 13th: Conferences (4 p.m.-7 p.m.)
• October 15th: Hawk Ridge Field Trip
• October 15th: Early Release
• October 22nd: All School Morning Meeting
• October 27th: BOLD Choice Theater
• October 29th: UMD Fall Family Night

Article posted October 4, 2009 at 10:22 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 439



The Week Ahead: Days 13-17

Article posted September 27, 2009 at 11:00 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 1094

Article posted September 27, 2009 at 11:00 PM GMT-6 • comment (1) • Reads 1094



This Week in Notes: Days 13-17

Article posted September 27, 2009 at 10:59 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 275

What a great start to the year we have had in our room! We are continuing to form our community bonds, learn about procedures in the room and around the school and get into our learning groove. Last week we had our first assignments that were graded. Please check your child’s weekly behavior report to see how behavior and assignments were handled throughout the week. Another reminder goes out for assignment sheets and independent reading. This will be a weekly responsibility for all kids in the classroom. Please help your child with their success by asking to see their weekly sheet and providing time for them to read each day. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted September 27, 2009 at 10:59 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 275



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted September 27, 2009 at 10:58 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 276

• ASAP: Return all forms to school
• September 28th: Hawk Ridge Field Trip-postponed due to the weather. New date TBA
• September 29th: All School Morning Meeting
• September 30th: Forestry Field Day 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (please dress for the outdoors!)
• October 2nd: Student Picture Day
• October 6th: Conferences (4 p.m.-7 p.m.)
• October 8th: Conferences (4 p.m.-7 p.m.)
• October 13th: Conferences (4 p.m.-7 p.m.)
• October 15th: Early Release
• October 22nd: All School Morning Meeting
• October 27th: BOLD Choice Theater
• October 29th: UMD Fall Family Night

Article posted September 27, 2009 at 10:58 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 276



The Week Ahead: Days 8-12

Article posted September 20, 2009 at 09:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 787

Article posted September 20, 2009 at 09:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 787



This Week in Notes: Days 8-12

Article posted September 20, 2009 at 08:55 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 255

I am so excited to teach your child within our great community of learners. You will receive a newsletter weekly or bi-weekly to update you on happenings in our room and school. You can also get the online version each week on our blog at: monsonclassroom.org.

We are getting close to being done with all the beginning-of-the-year testing and we are on to more community building and a more regular schedule of classes. Please review your child’s behavior report for last week and return it signed as soon as you can. You should also get an assignment sheet each week. Kids need to continue to fill it out throughout the week and bring it home to get signed on Friday. Please remember to check out the “Independent Reading” section. You can initial for the entire week or just the days that your child read at home. Independent reading is an important connection to reading achievement. Thanks for supporting this by initialing this portion of the sheet.

I am always open to new ideas and strategies to do the best I can with each student. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions, comments or concerns.

Article posted September 20, 2009 at 08:55 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 255



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted September 20, 2009 at 08:54 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 318

• ASAP: Return all forms to school
• September 25th: Early Release (Students are dismissed at 1:40 p.m.)
• October 2nd: Student Picture Day
• October 6th: Conferences (4 p.m.-7 p.m.)
• October 8th: Conferences (4 p.m.-7 p.m.)
• October 13th: Conferences (4 p.m.-7 p.m.)
• October 15th: Early Release

Article posted September 20, 2009 at 08:54 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 318



We're Almost Back!

Article posted September 15, 2009 at 07:46 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 532

Hello Bloggers!

We are almost ready to start new blog posts. I will resume regular newsletters this coming weekend. Look for new stories coming to our blog shortly.

Thanks for hanging around and checking things out. See you soon.

-Mr. Monson

Article posted September 15, 2009 at 07:46 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 532



Summer Vacation is Here!

Article posted June 8, 2009 at 01:51 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 7060

Hello Bloggers!

We are enjoying our summer vacation. The blog will be available to all 2008-2009 students until the fall of 2009. We will start school September 10, 2009. Thanks to all participants in our blog world. We'll see you on the Internet in a few months. We are still open for comments on all sections of our blog.

Happy reading and writing!

Peace,

-Mr. Monson

Article posted June 8, 2009 at 01:51 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 7060



Our Last Week of School!

Article posted June 1, 2009 at 03:48 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 892

Below is a list of times and activities for the remainder of the school year.

•June 2nd: 2:00 p.m. Grade 5 Celebration-Nettleton Gym-Families welcome and encouraged to attend!
•June 2nd: 3:00 p.m. Monson Classroom’s Slide Show-Room 301-Families welcome and encouraged to attend!
•June 3rd: 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Board Game Afternoon-Kids can bring board games to school
•June 3rd: 2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m.-Floats in the Park-Root beer float celebration with our kindergarten friends
•June 4th: Last Day of School! Field Fun Day! Report cards sent home

Stay tuned to local happenings on our blog throughout the summer at monsonclassroom.org. You can also find a ton of online resources at: delicious.com/monsonclassroom

Your child (and you) may also want to get involved at local races and walks. Information for these can be found at: northlandrunner.com/run. I'll be running Grandma's Marathon again June 20th. Maybe I'll spot you in the crowd. It would be a neat thing to see some of the kids come down and watch the race.

Thanks so much for your involvement over these past nine months. We couldn't do it without you. Please keep the rigor of learning going throughout the summer in preparation for middle school.

Have a safe, healthy and happy summer!

Article posted June 1, 2009 at 03:48 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 892



Important Upcoming Dates and Events

Article posted May 28, 2009 at 02:36 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 689

•ASAP: Behavior Reports signed and returned.
•ASAP: Last week’s assignment sheet signed and returned.
•May 29th: Social Studies Research Projects, Math 4 Today 32, Pizzazz 32, Larry Weber Article "Blossoming Trees" all due.
•May 29th: Grade 5 St. Paul Trip-8:00AM-7:00PM
•June 2nd: Grade 5 Graduation Ceremony-2:00 p.m.
•June 3rd: Board Game Day-Kids can bring board games to school
June 3rd: Root Beer Floats in the Park with our Kindergarten Friends
•June 4th: Last Day of School! Field Fun Day!

Article posted May 28, 2009 at 02:36 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 689



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted May 13, 2009 at 08:06 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1432

•ASAP: Forms should be returned for Morgan Park Jump Start Program (pink or white paper)
•ASAP: Behavior Reports signed and returned.
•ASAP: Last week’s assignment sheet signed and returned.
•ASAP: Sixth Grade Registration Cards (yellow cardstock)
•May 18th: Mr. Monson gone for the day. A guest teacher will be in the room.
•May 19th: Happy Birthday Donzell!
•May 21st: Mile run in P.E.
•May 22th: Fit n’ Fun Run 12:15PM-1:30PM Public Schools Stadium-Kids should wear running clothes and dress for the weather (rescheduled from May 13th).
•May 22nd: Social Studies Research Projects, Math 4 Today 31, Pizzazz 31, Larry Weber Article "Trout Lilies" all due.
•May 25th: Memorial Day-No School
•May 29th: Grade 5 St. Paul Trip-8:00AM-7:00PM
•June 2nd: Grade 5 Graduation Ceremony
•June 4th: Last Day of School! Field Fun Day!

Article posted May 13, 2009 at 08:06 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1432



The Week Ahead: Days 146-150

Article posted May 3, 2009 at 10:54 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1474

Article posted May 3, 2009 at 10:54 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1474



The Week in Academics: Days 146-150

Article posted May 3, 2009 at 10:53 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 474

Article posted May 3, 2009 at 10:53 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 474



This Week in Notes: Days 146-150

Article posted May 3, 2009 at 10:52 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 575

Hello Families! Sorry I’ve been out of touch with the newsletter over the past month. We have lots of things happening so I thought I better get one out. I missed congratulating all the kids and their hard work during the running club. I hope that all will be able to take a piece of their experience and make it last a lifetime.

Big news! We are able to bring the kids for a whirlwind day in St. Paul, Friday, May 29th. The cost of the trip is all going to be covered by Nettleton School We will visit the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Minnesota History Center and the State Capitol. Kids with good end-of-year responsibility will be allowed to attend the trip. More information will come home in a letter this week or next.

At the end of the week, next year’s Morgan Park kids will be going over there for an orientation. Look for a letter coming home this week with more details. We will also go to Woodland to see Kara Goucher, U.S. Olympic runner and Duluth native. She will be speaking to middle school kids and I asked if we could come over to hear her as well.

Thanks for all you do to help the learning of your child. Please contact me with any concerns or questions.

Article posted May 3, 2009 at 10:52 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 575



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted May 3, 2009 at 10:52 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 502

• May 2nd: Happy Birthday Keeli!
• May 4th: Ms. Stack Orchestra Visit
• May 7th: World Beat to Minneapolis Performance
• May 8th: Morgan Park Orientation-10:30AM-12:30PM-Briong Bathing Suits!
• May 8th: Kara Goucher Presentation-Woodland Middle School-1:45PM-3:00PM-Monson’s Class Only
• May 8th: Last Day for COMPASS
• May 13th: Fit n’ Fun Run
• May 15th: Early Release-1:40PM
• May 19th: Happy Birthday Donzell!
• May 25th: Memorial Day-No School
• May 29th: Grade 5 St. Paul Trip-8:00AM-7:00PM
• June 2nd: Grade 5 Graduation Ceremony
• June 4th: Last Day of School! Field Fun Day!

Article posted May 3, 2009 at 10:52 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 502



We are still here!

Article posted April 28, 2009 at 08:03 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 793

Hello Blog Friends,

We are still around even though our blog has not been updated in several weeks. Keep looking for updated stories and information about our running club.

Be well!

Article posted April 28, 2009 at 08:03 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 793



Spring Break!

Article posted April 5, 2009 at 03:30 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2690

We are on spring break for the week of April 6-10. See you around the web when we return to school April 13th.

Article posted April 5, 2009 at 03:30 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2690



Please Support Our Feet Feat

Article posted March 29, 2009 at 09:49 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1113

Many of the kids in our grade 5 classroom are involved in the second year of our running club. Our goal is to train and then run/walk the Fitger's 5K (3.1 miles) April 18th here in Duluth(grandmasmarathon.com/races/fitgers5k.php). Kids journal throughout the club keeping track of their diets, screen time (TV, videogames, and computer use), sleep, training/activity and their resting heart rates. Some kids need proper running shoes and I am asking for donations to help buy that equipment. We will get the kids fitted for the shoes in the coming weeks and hopefully get them on their feet before our spring break, which is one week prior to the race. Special thanks go out to the "Duluth Running Company" for graciously providing us a deal on some top-notch shoes and for spending time helping us get things started (duluthrunning.com).

Please do not feel obligated to donate anything! If you wish to make a contribution the levels are below:

Half a Foot: $7.50
One Foot: $15.00
Two Feet: $30

Checks can be made out to "Nettleton Elementary School" with "Room 301 Running Club" in the memo. You can send donations directly to school in interschool mail or at our address: 108 East 6th Street, Duluth 55805. If we get more money than we need for shoes we will buy some good socks for the kids and other things that will help their run be enjoyable and safe.

Thanks so much for your support in any way. Feel free to pass this information on to a runner or anyone else that would be interested.

Article posted March 29, 2009 at 09:49 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1113



The Week Ahead: Days 126-130

Article posted March 29, 2009 at 09:47 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 391

Article posted March 29, 2009 at 09:47 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 391



This Week in Academics: Days 126-130

Article posted March 29, 2009 at 09:46 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 345

Article posted March 29, 2009 at 09:46 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 345



This Week in Notes: Days 126-130

Article posted March 29, 2009 at 09:46 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 355

Hello Families! We have a winter-like week ahead before we head on our spring break. Take a look at the running schedule for the week. Kids will be tested again on their journals, effort while running/walking, warm-up and cool down exercises and their attitudes. Before we invest any more time and money into runners they need to prove they will stick with the program for the next three week. This is the point in the club where I may need to cut some kids from the club. Please give me a call if you have any questions.

We are starting the fourth quarter of fifth grade and with that comes some important changes. To get the kids prepared for their responsibilities as sixth grade kids all assignments will be due on the due date. No late assignments will be accepted unless they were for make-up work during an excused absence. I am also not making any copies of any homework assignments that are worksheets. Kids will either have to recreate the sheet or take a loss of points.

The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments in Reading will be taken the week we get back from break. Please talk with your child about diet and sleep these days, as the tests are very important. The Math portion will be taken the following week. Check out the important events calendar below. Congratulations to our actors Lah-Mina, Asia, Rachel and Ian as they are continuing to perform in MacBeth over the coming days. If you missed the shows last week you still have a chance this week. Call the office for show times.

Thanks for all you do to help the learning of your child. Please contact me with any concerns or questions.

Article posted March 29, 2009 at 09:46 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 355



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted March 29, 2009 at 09:45 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 343

• April 1st: Qtr. 3 Report Cards Going Home
• April 4th: Happy Birthday Lah-Mina!
• April 6th-10th: Spring Break-No School
• April 15th & 16th: Reading MCA State Assessments
• April 17th: Early Release
• April 18th: Fitger’s 5K 9AM Sharp!
• April 21st & 22nd: Math MCA State Assessments

Article posted March 29, 2009 at 09:45 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 343



Please Support Our Feet Feat!

Article posted March 29, 2008 at 12:00 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 652

Many of the kids in our grade 5 classroom are involved in the second year of our running club. Our goal is to train and then run/walk the Fitger's 5K (3.1 miles) April 18th here in Duluth(grandmasmarathon.com/races/fitgers5k.php). Kids journal throughout the club keeping track of their diets, screen time (TV, videogames, and computer use), sleep, training/activity and their resting heart rates. Some kids need proper running shoes and I am asking for donations to help buy that equipment. We will get the kids fitted for the shoes in the coming weeks and hopefully get them on their feet before our spring break, which is one week prior to the race. Special thanks go out to the "Duluth Running Company" for graciously providing us a deal on some top-notch shoes and for spending time helping us get things started (duluthrunning.com).

Please do not feel obligated to donate anything! If you wish to make a contribution the levels are below:

Half a Foot: $7.50
One Foot: $15.00
Two Feet: $30

Checks can be made out to "Nettleton Elementary School" with "Room 301 Running Club" in the memo. You can send donations directly to school in interschool mail or at our address: 108 East 6th Street, Duluth 55805. If we get more money than we need for shoes we will buy some good socks for the kids and other things that will help their run be enjoyable and safe.

Thanks so much for your support in any way. Feel free to pass this information on to a runner or anyone else that would be interested.

Article posted March 29, 2008 at 12:00 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 652



The Week Ahead: Days 121-125

Article posted March 22, 2009 at 09:42 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 424

Article posted March 22, 2009 at 09:42 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 424



This Week in Academics: Days 121-125

Article posted March 22, 2009 at 09:39 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 307

Article posted March 22, 2009 at 09:39 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 307



This Week in Notes: Days 121-125

Article posted March 22, 2009 at 09:38 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 306

Hello families! We have a busy week to end the third quarter. We’ll be done with the year before you know it. Report cards for this grading period will come home next Wednesday. I’ll be working on getting some math assessment data as well as reading fluency checks this week. A lot of the kids are making great strides in their math and reading comprehension and fluency. Thanks for any work you do to help this at home.

This week is packed with running club activities, science, Shakespeare and all the usual fun work. Be ready for behavior reports and missing work reports to be coming home Monday. I hope many kids brought back their assignment sheets from the previous week. We are working on completion of our independent reading for our report cards.

Thanks for all you do to help the learning of your child. Please contact me with any concerns or questions.

Article posted March 22, 2009 at 09:38 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 306



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted March 22, 2009 at 09:37 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 313

• March 23rd: Happy Birthday Brandon!
• March 24th: Mr. Monson gone half the day at a meeting
• March 24th: Nettleton PTA Meeting-Info on 6th Grade
• March 26th: MacBeth Performance 6:30PM-“Break a leg” Asia, Lah-Mina, Ian and Rachel!
• March 27th: MacBeth Performance 2PM, 6:30PM
• March 27th: End of Third Quarter-ALL WORK IS DUE!
• April 1st: Qtr. 3 Report Cards Going Home
• April 4th: Happy Birthday Lah-Mina!
• April 6th-10th: Spring Break-No School
• April 15th & 16th: Reading MCA State Assessments
• April 17th: Early Release
• April 21st & 22nd: Math MCA State Assessments

Article posted March 22, 2009 at 09:37 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 313



The Week Ahead: Days 111-115

Article posted March 8, 2009 at 07:28 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1406

Article posted March 8, 2009 at 07:28 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1406



This Week in Academics: Days 111-115

Article posted March 8, 2009 at 07:28 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 391

Article posted March 8, 2009 at 07:28 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 391



This Week in Notes: Days 111-115

Article posted March 8, 2009 at 07:27 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 299

Hello families! We have some great learning planned for your child this week. We kick off our science unit of levers and pulleys on Monday. We will be finishing up loose ends with writing and our blog should be sparkling with all sorts of new writing.

Thanks for remaining an active part in your child’s learning. Ask him/her about their day and check out their assignment sheets each week. Thanks in advance for getting behavior reports back signed and returned. They are a great way to stay in touch with how things are going for behavior and work. We haven’t had one in several weeks so it may be a great time to check in. The quarter ends in a few weeks.

I hope we have a full week but I’m not sure what the weather is going to say about that. Stay tuned for a big storm this week. Don’t fear. I see that 40 degrees is in the forecast for next weekend. Thanks for all you do to help the learning of your child. Please contact me with any concerns or questions.

Article posted March 8, 2009 at 07:27 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 299



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted March 8, 2009 at 07:25 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 328

• March 9th: Mr. Monson gone at training for the day-guest teacher is taking over
• March 10th: Green Team Meeting
• March 12th: UMD “Go Green” Family Night 6PM-7:30PM
• March 14th: Family Fun Fest at Grant School
• March 20th: Early Release at 1:40PM
• March 23rd: Happy Birthday Brandon!
• March 27th: End of Third Quarter
• April 4th: Happy Birthday Lah-Mina!
• April 6th-10th: Spring Break-No School
• April 15th & 16th: Reading MCA State Assessments
• April 17th: Early Release
• April 22nd & 23rd: Math MCA State Assessments

Article posted March 8, 2009 at 07:25 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 328



The Week Ahead: Days 106-110

Article posted March 2, 2009 at 10:59 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1055

I did not put out a newsletter over the past couple weeks. Stay posted for news and events next week. Thanks for visiting our blog and reading student sections as they continue to add new material.

Article posted March 2, 2009 at 10:59 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1055



Deep Portage

Article posted March 2, 2009 at 10:58 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 289

We went on our annual Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center trip last week. Watch for entries as kids post their journals and stories from the trip over the upcoming days.

Article posted March 2, 2009 at 10:58 AM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 289



The Week Ahead: Days 98-102

Article posted February 8, 2009 at 08:37 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1789

Article posted February 8, 2009 at 08:37 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1789



This Week in Academics: Days 98-102

Article posted February 8, 2009 at 08:36 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 343

Article posted February 8, 2009 at 08:36 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 343



This Week in Notes: Days 98-102

Article posted February 8, 2009 at 08:36 PM GMT-6 • comment (8) • Reads 1482

Hello families! We have a great week of learning planned for your child. We will be continuing our civil rights lessons in the book Civil Rights Movement for Kids. There are some powerful lessons from that time in America’s history. Please ask your child questions about what they are learning.

We will have many regular homework assignments before heading on our winter break next week. Candy money is due this coming Friday. Please contact me with any questions or concerns regarding fundraising. Our trip will be February 25th through February 27th. More information will come home in an upcoming letter.

Some of you may have missed meeting with me at conference time. I would still like to talk with you in person or by phone. Please let me know when a good time would be to make a connection.

Article posted February 8, 2009 at 08:36 PM GMT-6 • comment (8) • Reads 1482



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted February 8, 2009 at 08:35 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 350

• February 10th: Yearbook Picture Day for school groups.
• February 11th: Hundredth Day of School!
• February 12th: Ian’s Birthday!
• February 13th: Apollo’s ½ Birthday! (August 13th)
• February 13th: All Deep Portage Money Due! Please contact me for questions.
• February 13th: St. Scholastic Drumming Concert with Mrs. Monson’s Kindergarten Class at Mitchell Auditorium
• February 13th: Deep Portage Health & Permission Form Due!
• February 16th-20th: Mid-Winter Break-No School
• February 25th-27th: Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center Trip (Money Due 2/23)

Article posted February 8, 2009 at 08:35 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 350



The Week Ahead: Days 88-92

Article posted January 25, 2009 at 05:25 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1479

Article posted January 25, 2009 at 05:25 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1479



This Week in Academics: Days 88-92

Article posted January 25, 2009 at 05:25 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 365

Article posted January 25, 2009 at 05:25 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 365



This Week in Notes: Days 88-92

Article posted January 25, 2009 at 05:24 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 286

Hello families! We have a wonderful week of learning planned. The kids will be busy this week with some fun projects and usual homework assignments. Thanks in advance for any help getting these back to school completed.

This week is conference week at Nettleton. The conferences are held Tuesday and Thursday but if you cannot attend I can see you at other times. The conferences in our room are partially student lead so attendance by your child is mandatory. We will go over goals for the rest of the year and see what successes we can build from in our short 20 minutes with each other.

Thanks for all you do to help the learning of your child. Please contact me with any concerns or questions. I’ll see you this week at conferences!

Article posted January 25, 2009 at 05:24 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 286



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted January 25, 2009 at 05:23 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 274

• January 27th: Zach’s Birthday!
• January 27th: Parent Teacher Conferences
• January 29th: Parent Teacher Conferences
• January 29th: Desmond’s Birthday!
• February 4th: Dyllan’s ½ Birthday! (August 4th)
• February 4th: Mr. Monson gone at computer training
• February 6th: Mr. Monson gone at science training
• February 12th: Ian’s Birthday!
• February 13th: Apollo’s ½ Birthday! (August 13th)
• February 13th: All Deep Portage Money Due!
• February 16th-20th: Mid-Winter Break-No School
• February 25th-27th: Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center Trip (Money Due 2/23)

Article posted January 25, 2009 at 05:23 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 274



Our Classroom Wiki

Article posted January 4, 2009 at 10:29 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2287

Our Thousands Project Wiki for January is ready for entries. We are asking people what goals or accomplishments they want to attain this year.


Find out more by clicking HERE or on our wiki links to the left.


If you already responded to last year's months your job is done (unless you want to add or change your thoughts). We would appreciate if you could forward our link to others so we could gather entries from a wide range of places. Thanks for making the world smaller for our class!

Article posted January 4, 2009 at 10:29 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 2287



The Week Ahead: Days 76-80

Article posted January 4, 2009 at 10:02 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 312

Article posted January 4, 2009 at 10:02 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 312



This Week in Academics: Days 76-80

Article posted January 4, 2009 at 10:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 327

Article posted January 4, 2009 at 10:01 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 327



This Week in Notes: Days 76-80

Article posted January 4, 2009 at 10:00 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 296

Hello families and welcome to 2009! We have a super week of learning planned. The kids will be getting back into the groove of school with geometry, new phenology observations and some cool stories in reading.

Thanks for all your help with any schoolwork. There are still some kids that need to be doing some catching up. The end of the semester is next week. All work is due at that time and I will base grades accordingly. Conferences are coming up January 27th and January 29th. Look for forms to come home shortly. The conferences in our room are partially student lead so attendance by your child is mandatory.

Thanks for all you do to help the learning of your child. Please contact me with any concerns or questions.

Article posted January 4, 2009 at 10:00 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 296



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted January 4, 2009 at 09:59 PM GMT-6 • comment (2) • Reads 751

• January 8th: Asia’s Birthday!
• January 8th: Guest Teacher in Room 301-Mr. Monson at training in Duluth
• January 16th: All Quarter 2 Work is Due
• January 16th: End of Quarter 2/First Semester
• January 22nd: Nikolas’ Birthday!
• January 20th: Harold’s Birthday!
• January 27th: Zach’s Birthday!
• January 27th & 29th: Parent Teacher Conferences
• January 29th: Desmond’s Birthday!
• February 13th: All Deep Portage Money Due!
• February 25th-27th: Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center Trip (Money Due 2/23)

Article posted January 4, 2009 at 09:59 PM GMT-6 • comment (2) • Reads 751



Holiday Greetings!

Article posted December 21, 2008 at 09:51 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1170

Article posted December 21, 2008 at 09:51 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1170



The Week Ahead: Days 74-75

Article posted December 21, 2008 at 09:50 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 297

Only two days this week with a lot of fun things planned. We will be doing some snowshoeing on Monday taking advantage of the almost two feet of snow that we have on the ground. Zach is going to bring in something special that will bring me back to the early 1980s and growing up in fifth grade. (Look for pictures on our Flickr page.) On Tuesday we will get together with Mrs. Monson’s kindergarten class to have a little Polar Express fun.

Have a safe and rewarding holiday break with family and friends. We’ll be back in school January 5, 2009.

Article posted December 21, 2008 at 09:50 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 297



The Week Ahead: Days 70-74

Article posted December 15, 2008 at 07:55 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 806

Article posted December 15, 2008 at 07:55 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 806



This Week in Academics: Days 70-74

Article posted December 15, 2008 at 07:54 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 351

Article posted December 15, 2008 at 07:54 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 351



This Week in Notes: Days 70-74

Article posted December 15, 2008 at 07:53 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 303

Hello families! What a snowy and cold way to start out the week. We have a lot going on during our weather-shortened week together. Our holiday concert will be taking center stage on Thursday but other learning will be happening. We are moving ahead to story 13 in our reading series and are on week 13 in all the other homework areas such as Pizzazz, Math 4 Today and spelling.

Thanks for all your help with any schoolwork. There are still some kids that need to be doing some catching up. Look at their behavior reports to see what things may be missing. It would be nice to go into break with all things done.

Thanks for all you do and for your help returning assignment sheets and behavior reports on time. Please contact me with any concerns or questions.

Article posted December 15, 2008 at 07:53 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 303



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted December 15, 2008 at 07:53 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 286

• December 17th: All-School Holiday Program (dress rehearsal)
• December 18th: All-School Holiday Program 9:30AM & 1:30PM
• December 19th: All School Morning Meeting
• December 19th: Early Release-1:40PM
• December 28th: Rachel’s Half Birthday (June 28th)
• December 31st: Sean’s Half Birthday (June 31st)
• December 24th-January 4th: Holiday Break
• January 8th: Asia’s Birthday!
• January 16th: End of Quarter 2
• January 22nd: Nikolas’ Birthday!
• January 20th: Harold’s Birthday!
• January 27th: Zach’s Birthday!
• January 27th & 29th: Parent Teacher Conferences
• January 29th: Desmond’s Birthday!
• February 25th-27th: Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center Trip (Money Due 2/23)

Article posted December 15, 2008 at 07:53 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 286



The Week Ahead: Days 65-69

Article posted December 7, 2008 at 12:33 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1028

Article posted December 7, 2008 at 12:33 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1028



This Week in Academics: Days 65-69

Article posted December 7, 2008 at 12:32 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 319

Article posted December 7, 2008 at 12:32 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 319



This Week in Notes: Days 65-69

Article posted December 7, 2008 at 12:31 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 276

Hello families! We had a super week of learning last week. I hope you asked your child about their some of their days. This week will be busy but rewarding.

This week will start out without me in the classroom. I will be in Minneapolis at an educational technology conference. Please remind your child about the importance of self-control when there is a guest teacher in the room. We will be testing in a number of subjects this week so the kids will be under a little pressure. We’ll keep things light at other times of the week. Thanks for making sure assignment sheets are coming to and from school each week. We are working on completion of these by all kids, as it will be a requirement in middle school.

Thanks for all you do! Please contact me with any concerns or questions.

Article posted December 7, 2008 at 12:31 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 276



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted December 7, 2008 at 12:31 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 288

• December 8th: Darren’s Birthday
• December 8-9th: Mr. Monson will be gone presenting at a Technology Conference in Minneapolis
• December 19th: Early Release 1:40PM
• December 17th: All-School Holiday Program (dress rehearsal)
• December 18th: All-School Holiday Program 9:30AM & 1:30PM
• December 19th: Early Release
• December 28th: Rachel’s Half Birthday (June 28th)
• December 31st: Sean’s Half Birthday (June 31st)
• December 24th-January 4th: Holiday Break-No School
• February 25th-27th: Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center Trip

Article posted December 7, 2008 at 12:31 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 288



The Week Ahead: Days 60-64

Article posted November 30, 2008 at 07:51 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1370

Article posted November 30, 2008 at 07:51 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 1370



This Week in Academics: Days 60-64

Article posted November 30, 2008 at 07:50 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 300

Article posted November 30, 2008 at 07:50 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 300



This Week in Notes: Days 60-64

Article posted November 30, 2008 at 07:49 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 323

Welcome to December Families and Friends! This week we get back to regular learning business with many familiar projects and assignments. Many kids worked hard to get caught up before the break. I hope the same work effort will follow them through this month. Be ready for behavior reports Monday. I hope your child is showing you their assignment sheet to you each week. It is nice to see how many are coming back with independent reading done. At least 100 minutes a week is what I’d like to see happening. This will help build the fluency and comprehension skills necessary for reading success. Thanks for doing your part at home to make this happen. Candy sales are still going strong. I will send home an update of how your child is doing and what they need to still sell soon. Just a reminder that I will be gone next Monday and Tuesday so there will not be a newsletter or behavior report until I get back. Please let me know if you have any questions, comments or concerns. Thanks for all you do!

Article posted November 30, 2008 at 07:49 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 323



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted November 30, 2008 at 07:49 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 310

• December 7th: Randi’s Half Birthday (June 7th)
• December 8th: Darren’s Birthday
• December 8-9th: Mr. Monson Presenting at a Technology Conference in Minneapolis
• December 19th: Early Release 1:40PM
• December 17th: All-School Holiday Program (dress rehearsal)
• December 18th: All-School Holiday Program 9:30AM & 1:30PM
• December 19th: Early Release
• December 28th: Rachel’s Half Birthday (June 28th)
• December 31st: Sean’s Half Birthday (June 31st)
• December 24th-January 4th: Holiday Break-No School
• February 25th-27th: Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center Trip

Article posted November 30, 2008 at 07:49 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 310



The Week Ahead: Days 57-59

Article posted November 23, 2008 at 09:14 PM GMT-6 • comment (2) • Reads 2051

Article posted November 23, 2008 at 09:14 PM GMT-6 • comment (2) • Reads 2051



This Week in Academics: Days 57-59

Article posted November 23, 2008 at 09:13 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 334

Article posted November 23, 2008 at 09:13 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 334



This Week in Notes: Days 57-59

Article posted November 23, 2008 at 09:12 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 317

Hello families and friends! Welcome to our three-day week. I hope all of us spend some time and reflect on the things we can be thankful for in our lives.

The kids will be very thankful this week, as we do not have any regular work assignments. We are using this week to catch up on loose ends. Some kids are involved in a Service-Learning project creating digital videos on how to tie a shoe for Mrs. Monson’s kindergarten room (as well as others). We are doing a lot of writing as well. Check out the blog if you have the chance. There are a lot of good examples of writing starting to emerge. Wednesday we will be spending time with our kindergarten friends and being those great role models.

Enjoy the long weekend. If you have any questions, comments or concerns please give me a call, e-mail or send a message.

Article posted November 23, 2008 at 09:12 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 317



Important Upcoming Dates and Events:

Article posted November 23, 2008 at 09:11 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 256

• November 27th-28th: Thanksgiving Break-No School
• December 7th: Randi’s Half Birthday (June 7th)
• December 8th: Darren’s Birthday
• December 8-9th: Mr. Monson Presenting at a Technology Conference in Minneapolis
• December 19th: Early Release 1:40PM
• December 17th: All-School Holiday Program (dress rehearsal)
• December 18th: All-School Holiday Program 9:30AM & 1:30PM
• December 19th: Early Release
• December 28th: Rachel’s Half Birthday (June 28th)
• December 31st: Sean’s Half Birthday (June 31st)
• December 24th-January 4th: Holiday Break-No School
• February 25th-27th: Deep Portage Environmental Learning Center Trip

Article posted November 23, 2008 at 09:11 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 256



The Week Ahead: Days 52-56

Article posted November 16, 2008 at 06:34 PM GMT-6 • comment (2) • Reads 1896

Article posted November 16, 2008 at 06:34 PM GMT-6 • comment (2) • Reads 1896



This Week in Academics: Days 52-56

Article posted November 16, 2008 at 06:33 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 284

Article posted November 16, 2008 at 06:33 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 284



This Week in Notes: Days 52-56

Article posted November 16, 2008 at 06:33 PM GMT-6 • comment • Reads 271