Immigration State of Mind
Written by Robin Bracken
Calhoun Academy of the Arts
Anderson, SC
Sing to: Empire State of Mind
By Jay-Z and Alicia Keys
Yeah Immigration
Moving to the U.S.
All seeking freedom
Jobs, food and homes
We need a better life
wars in the homeland
religious persecution
Just let us break away
Traveled in steerage
crowded with the luggage
moving alone from
South and East Europe
People are crying
others are dying
Is this worth it
to go to the Golden land
I want a decent job, go to school and eat really well
I miss my family
but I know it’s better there
Candy dropping from the sky
bread and butter- not a lie
steamship get me there
6 to 30 days who cares
Ellis Island- I have arrived
Lady Liberty- I survived
Inspection Station
Pass examinations
Waiting in the Great Hall
Answering questions
Chorus
New York!!!! America is where dreams are made of,
There’s nothing you can’t do.
Now you’re in New York!!!
These streets will make you feel brand new,
The Freedom will inspire you,
Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New York!
Immigrants were pushed or pulled
From their home countries
For social equality or
Political freedom
They made a huge impact
On America
In many different ways
A melting pot here today
Some moved to the West
To work in meat packing plants
Or grain mills and
some did work the fields
Most settled the East Coast
And showed city growth
Urbanization
And ethnic neighborhoods
Little Italy, Germantown
Little Poland, Chinatown
Providing labor
They became the workforce
Taking the dirty jobs
Working for low wages
Not appreciated
For economic growth
Prejudices against
Ethnicity and religion
Catholics and Jews
Discrimination
And resistance
From the native-born Americans
Despite all the troubles
Opportunities arose
Chorus
New York!!!! America is where dreams are made of,
There’s nothing you can’t do.
Now you’re in New York!!!
These streets will make you feel brand new,
The Freedom will inspire you,
Let’s hear it for New York, New York,
New York!
Public schools were established
In the early 1800s
To Assimilate immigrants
Into American values
Diversity helped promote
Tolerance and democracy
Increased Immigration
Brought growth of BIG BUSINESS
The workforce was a plenty
They worked for less money
They helped the businesses
To make a greater profit
Then Entrepreneurs
Using their business skills
Like Andrew Carnegie
John D. Rockefeller
Creating monopolies
Controlling the industries
Keeping wages low
Labor unions cannot grow
Many children had to work
To help support their families
Work conditions- dangerous
Long hours- outrageous
But immigration as a whole
The cultural contributions
From all around the world
They make America
what its known today
The land of the free and the land, the land, the land of opportunity
Chorus
New York!!!! America is where dreams are made of,
There’s nothing you can’t do.
Now you’re in New York!!!
These streets will make you feel brand new,
The Freedom will inspire you,
Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New York!
Bridge
One hand in the air for the big city,
New freedom, big dreams all looking pretty,
No place in the world that can compare,
Immigration give it up, everybody say YEEEEEEAAH!
YEEEEEEEAH!!!
Chorus
New York!!!! America is where dreams are made of,
There’s nothing you can’t do.
Now you’re in New York!!!
These streets will make you feel brand new,
The Freedom will inspire you,
Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New York!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Assignment Sheet November 16-20
FIFTH GRADE NEWS
All fundraisers are due on November 20th! For more information, see the school website! Thanksgiving holidays: November 25-29
ELA NEWS
We will continue reading our new novel Qwerty Stevens: Back in Time with Thomas Edison. Classes will continue studying grammar and writing invention essays.
MATH NEWS
We will be looking at algebraic equations and functions.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We will have a test this week covering our inventors and their inventions. Be sure to study your inventor trading cards and song lyrics!
SPELLING
1. knowledge
2. dishonest
3. enough
4. restaurant
5. rhyme
6. -age: condition
7. -ate: to cause
8. -tion: state of
9. -ous: full of
10.-ual: relating to
11. damage
12. eliminate
13. infection
14. famous
15. continual
Quote
I haven't failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that don't work. ~ Thomas Edison
All fundraisers are due on November 20th! For more information, see the school website! Thanksgiving holidays: November 25-29
ELA NEWS
We will continue reading our new novel Qwerty Stevens: Back in Time with Thomas Edison. Classes will continue studying grammar and writing invention essays.
MATH NEWS
We will be looking at algebraic equations and functions.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We will have a test this week covering our inventors and their inventions. Be sure to study your inventor trading cards and song lyrics!
SPELLING
1. knowledge
2. dishonest
3. enough
4. restaurant
5. rhyme
6. -age: condition
7. -ate: to cause
8. -tion: state of
9. -ous: full of
10.-ual: relating to
11. damage
12. eliminate
13. infection
14. famous
15. continual
Quote
I haven't failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that don't work. ~ Thomas Edison
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Field Trip
On Tuesday, we went on a field trip to Clemson University to see a play at the Brooks Center about Jackie Robinson. Afterward, we went to tour the athletic facilities and learn about how to be a TIGER! Here are some pictures from our fun day. Students, comment on what you enjoyed and what you learned.
Say Thanks!
On Wednesday, we wrote thank you cards to soldiers that are currently serving in Iraq. Xerox has a great program that allows anyone to choose a card that was created by a kid and write a thank you to a soldier currently serving overseas. A quick thank you means so much more than we will never know. We owe it to our veterans who serve and protect our country. Here is the link so you can write one too! www.letssaythanks.com
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Inventions- Try Again
Here is our new song: Inventions- Try Again
Written by Robin Bracken
Calhoun Academy of the Arts
Anderson, SC
Sing to: Try Again by Aaliyah
*Start as soon as music begins*
It may take a long time, long time
Inventions take hard work and commitment
Keep work’n, Keep work’n
Keep work’n, Keep work’n
Keep work’n, Keep work’n
Brainstorm
Make a plan
Change your plans
Talk about it
Try different things
Keep an open mind…
Be a problem solver
Discover, It all goes back to the late 1800’s
United States
Is changing from
Farm work
To factories
Industrial Revolution
Production of
Manufactured goods
Not so much
Trade and agriculture
But land and labor
and capital
and technology
the new ideas
and how to use
the equipment to do it
Chorus:
If at first you don’t succeed
Then dust yourself off and try again
Dust yourself off and try again, try again
If at first you don’t succeed
Dust yourself off and try again,
You can dust it off and try again, try again and again
Inventions helped
Industrial growth
The telegraph
Samuel Morse
Using Morse Code
To communicate
Then the telephone
Alexander Graham Bell
Communicate 1876
With the telephone
Than the telegraph
It’s easier and quicker
We’re on a move
It’s economic growth
Chorus:
If at first you don’t succeed
Then dust yourself off and try again
Dust yourself off and try again, try again
If at first you don’t succeed
Dust yourself off and try again,
You can dust it off and try again, try again and again
Bridge:
Thomas Edison is a famous inventor
Incandescent light bulb 1879
Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh?
Electricity! Lighting all the factories
Safer than the kerosene
Now we have a brighter day
Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh!
Chorus:
If at first you don’t succeed
Then dust yourself off and try again
Dust yourself off and try again, try again
If at first you don’t succeed
Dust yourself off and try again,
You can dust it off and try again, try again and again
Speak this part:
The Wright Brothers
Orville and Wilbur
Started the aircraft industry
With their experiments in manned flight
1st motorized flight flew for 12 seconds
in Kitty Hawk, N.C. in 1903
You see Inventors and scientists contributed to the Industrial Revolution in the United States and helped the US to become a leading industrial power in the world.
Thank you for not giving up!
Chorus:
If at first you don’t succeed
Then dust yourself off and try again
Dust yourself off and try again, try again
If at first you don’t succeed
Dust yourself off and try again,
You can dust it off and try again, try again
If at first you don’t succeed
Then dust yourself off and try again
Dust yourself off and try again, try again
If at first you don’t succeed
Dust yourself off and try again,
You can dust it off and try again, try again and again
It may take a long time, long time
Inventions take hard work and commitment
Keep work’n, Keep work’n
Keep work’n, Keep work’n
Keep work’n, Keep work’n
Brainstorm
Make a plan
Change your plans
Talk about it
Try different things
Keep an open mind…
Be a problem solver
Discover, It all goes back to the late 1800’s
It may take a long time, long time
Inventions take hard work and commitment
Keep work’n, Keep work’n
Keep work’n, Keep work’n
Keep work’n, Keep work’n
Brainstorm
Make a plan
Change your plans
Talk about it
Try different things
Keep an open mind…
Be a problem solver
Discover, It all goes back to the late 1800’s
Chorus:
If at first you don’t succeed
Then dust yourself off and try again
Dust yourself off and try again, try again
If at first you don’t succeed
Dust yourself off and try again,
You can dust it off and try again, try again and again
Here is a link to the instrumental!
When the screen comes up, the mp3 should pop up. Either open it or save it in your media player.
If your download does not begin after approximately 5 seconds click where it says, "Click direct link."
Written by Robin Bracken
Calhoun Academy of the Arts
Anderson, SC
Sing to: Try Again by Aaliyah
*Start as soon as music begins*
It may take a long time, long time
Inventions take hard work and commitment
Keep work’n, Keep work’n
Keep work’n, Keep work’n
Keep work’n, Keep work’n
Brainstorm
Make a plan
Change your plans
Talk about it
Try different things
Keep an open mind…
Be a problem solver
Discover, It all goes back to the late 1800’s
United States
Is changing from
Farm work
To factories
Industrial Revolution
Production of
Manufactured goods
Not so much
Trade and agriculture
But land and labor
and capital
and technology
the new ideas
and how to use
the equipment to do it
Chorus:
If at first you don’t succeed
Then dust yourself off and try again
Dust yourself off and try again, try again
If at first you don’t succeed
Dust yourself off and try again,
You can dust it off and try again, try again and again
Inventions helped
Industrial growth
The telegraph
Samuel Morse
Using Morse Code
To communicate
Then the telephone
Alexander Graham Bell
Communicate 1876
With the telephone
Than the telegraph
It’s easier and quicker
We’re on a move
It’s economic growth
Chorus:
If at first you don’t succeed
Then dust yourself off and try again
Dust yourself off and try again, try again
If at first you don’t succeed
Dust yourself off and try again,
You can dust it off and try again, try again and again
Bridge:
Thomas Edison is a famous inventor
Incandescent light bulb 1879
Huh? Huh? Huh? Huh?
Electricity! Lighting all the factories
Safer than the kerosene
Now we have a brighter day
Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh!
Chorus:
If at first you don’t succeed
Then dust yourself off and try again
Dust yourself off and try again, try again
If at first you don’t succeed
Dust yourself off and try again,
You can dust it off and try again, try again and again
Speak this part:
The Wright Brothers
Orville and Wilbur
Started the aircraft industry
With their experiments in manned flight
1st motorized flight flew for 12 seconds
in Kitty Hawk, N.C. in 1903
You see Inventors and scientists contributed to the Industrial Revolution in the United States and helped the US to become a leading industrial power in the world.
Thank you for not giving up!
Chorus:
If at first you don’t succeed
Then dust yourself off and try again
Dust yourself off and try again, try again
If at first you don’t succeed
Dust yourself off and try again,
You can dust it off and try again, try again
If at first you don’t succeed
Then dust yourself off and try again
Dust yourself off and try again, try again
If at first you don’t succeed
Dust yourself off and try again,
You can dust it off and try again, try again and again
It may take a long time, long time
Inventions take hard work and commitment
Keep work’n, Keep work’n
Keep work’n, Keep work’n
Keep work’n, Keep work’n
Brainstorm
Make a plan
Change your plans
Talk about it
Try different things
Keep an open mind…
Be a problem solver
Discover, It all goes back to the late 1800’s
It may take a long time, long time
Inventions take hard work and commitment
Keep work’n, Keep work’n
Keep work’n, Keep work’n
Keep work’n, Keep work’n
Brainstorm
Make a plan
Change your plans
Talk about it
Try different things
Keep an open mind…
Be a problem solver
Discover, It all goes back to the late 1800’s
Chorus:
If at first you don’t succeed
Then dust yourself off and try again
Dust yourself off and try again, try again
If at first you don’t succeed
Dust yourself off and try again,
You can dust it off and try again, try again and again
Here is a link to the instrumental!
When the screen comes up, the mp3 should pop up. Either open it or save it in your media player.
If your download does not begin after approximately 5 seconds click where it says, "Click direct link."
Assignment Sheet Nov. 9-13
FIFTH GRADE NEWS
Cookbook orders are due THIS Friday, November 13th!
All other fundraisers are due on November 20th! For more information, see the school website!
ELA NEWS
We will continue reading our new novel Qwerty Stevens: Back in Time with Thomas Edison. Classes will continue studying grammar and writing multi-paragraph essays.
MATH NEWS
We'll be beginning our unit on Algebra. We will be learning about patterns, tables, and graphs.
SCIENCE NEWS
We'll be exploring motion graphs this week.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We will continue our study of inventors and their inventions.
SPELLING
1. laugh
2. answer
3. separate
4. wrong
5. persuade
6. -age: condition
7. -ate: to cause
8. -ation: state of
9. -ous: full of
10.-ual: relating to
11. wreckage
12. discriminate
13. congratulations
14. wondrous
15. factual
Quote
The greatest mistake a man can ever make is to be afraid of making one.
~Elbert Hubbard
Cookbook orders are due THIS Friday, November 13th!
All other fundraisers are due on November 20th! For more information, see the school website!
ELA NEWS
We will continue reading our new novel Qwerty Stevens: Back in Time with Thomas Edison. Classes will continue studying grammar and writing multi-paragraph essays.
MATH NEWS
We'll be beginning our unit on Algebra. We will be learning about patterns, tables, and graphs.
SCIENCE NEWS
We'll be exploring motion graphs this week.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We will continue our study of inventors and their inventions.
SPELLING
1. laugh
2. answer
3. separate
4. wrong
5. persuade
6. -age: condition
7. -ate: to cause
8. -ation: state of
9. -ous: full of
10.-ual: relating to
11. wreckage
12. discriminate
13. congratulations
14. wondrous
15. factual
Quote
The greatest mistake a man can ever make is to be afraid of making one.
~Elbert Hubbard
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Barrier Island Update
Barrier Island Update
1. November Payment of $40.00 is due Friday, Nov. 6th
2. Cookbook Order due: Friday, Nov. 13th
3. Personalized Items Fundraiser due: Friday, Nov. 20th
4. December Payment of $40.00 is due Friday, Dec. 4th
5. January Payment of $40.00 is due Monday, January 4th.
1. November Payment of $40.00 is due Friday, Nov. 6th
2. Cookbook Order due: Friday, Nov. 13th
3. Personalized Items Fundraiser due: Friday, Nov. 20th
4. December Payment of $40.00 is due Friday, Dec. 4th
5. January Payment of $40.00 is due Monday, January 4th.
Please turn in YELLOW medical forms ASAP!
For more information about Barrier Island, please visit: http://www.stchristopher.org/index.php?BI
Monday, November 2, 2009
Great American Teachers' Club "Friends"
At the RCA conference last week, I met some wonderful educators that I "talk" to every week through the webcast offered by Ron Clark and Kim Bearden. I just wanted to post the pictures of us after we got to jump on the trampoline!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Assignment Sheet Nov. 2-6
FIFTH GRADE NEWS
*Fundraiser money is due November 20th!!!
*Barrier Island Payment #3 is due November 4th!
ELA NEWS
We will begin reading our new novel Qwerty Stevens: Back in Time with Thomas Edison. Classes will continue studying grammar and writing multi-paragraph essays.
MATH NEWS
We will be reviewing all fractions for a test on Thursday!
SCIENCE NEWS
We'll be conducting lots of hands-on activities with balanced and unbalanced forces.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We will continue to introduce our new unit: the Industrial Revolution. Be sure to look for information about our invention projects!
SPELLING
1. humorous
2. calendar
3. character
4. tournament
5. determine
6. mis-bad, wrong
7. spect-observe
8. tri-three
9. fac-to do or make
10.aqua-water
11. misbehave
12. inspector
13. tricycle
14. factory
15. aquatic
Quote
The difference between education and intelligence is that intelligence will make you a good living. ~Charles Kettering
*Fundraiser money is due November 20th!!!
*Barrier Island Payment #3 is due November 4th!
ELA NEWS
We will begin reading our new novel Qwerty Stevens: Back in Time with Thomas Edison. Classes will continue studying grammar and writing multi-paragraph essays.
MATH NEWS
We will be reviewing all fractions for a test on Thursday!
SCIENCE NEWS
We'll be conducting lots of hands-on activities with balanced and unbalanced forces.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We will continue to introduce our new unit: the Industrial Revolution. Be sure to look for information about our invention projects!
SPELLING
1. humorous
2. calendar
3. character
4. tournament
5. determine
6. mis-bad, wrong
7. spect-observe
8. tri-three
9. fac-to do or make
10.aqua-water
11. misbehave
12. inspector
13. tricycle
14. factory
15. aquatic
Quote
The difference between education and intelligence is that intelligence will make you a good living. ~Charles Kettering
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Parent Portal! Important News for Parents!
Keep Track of your student's grades online (Click Here for more information)
IMPORTANT!!!!
Parent Portal Overview
Parents and guardians of students in Anderson School District Five will now be able to view student progress through PowerSchool, the District's student information system. PowerSchool is used to schedule, take attendance, store transcripts, report cards, and more. PowerSchool "brings together teachers, students parents, and administrators" in an easily used web-based data system. PowerSchool, and the parent portal, may be accessed from any place with Internet access. The application uses a secure link that encrypts the data to and from the end user and is very secure.
Parents interested in acquiring access will need to visit your child's school and must fill out a PowerSchool Parent Portal Registration Form which will be kept on file with the school. Picture ID must be provided to the front office along with the form. This information will be verified against parent/guardian records on file to protect the confidentiality of your son/daughter's information. Parent/student access to PowerSchool will be by unique login ID (username) and password. For families with more than one child in the District, a separate parent username and password will be provided for access to each child's information.
This webpage is designed to guide parents/guardians through accessing information available within PowerSchool.
IMPORTANT!!!!
Parent Portal Overview
Parents and guardians of students in Anderson School District Five will now be able to view student progress through PowerSchool, the District's student information system. PowerSchool is used to schedule, take attendance, store transcripts, report cards, and more. PowerSchool "brings together teachers, students parents, and administrators" in an easily used web-based data system. PowerSchool, and the parent portal, may be accessed from any place with Internet access. The application uses a secure link that encrypts the data to and from the end user and is very secure.
Parents interested in acquiring access will need to visit your child's school and must fill out a PowerSchool Parent Portal Registration Form which will be kept on file with the school. Picture ID must be provided to the front office along with the form. This information will be verified against parent/guardian records on file to protect the confidentiality of your son/daughter's information. Parent/student access to PowerSchool will be by unique login ID (username) and password. For families with more than one child in the District, a separate parent username and password will be provided for access to each child's information.
This webpage is designed to guide parents/guardians through accessing information available within PowerSchool.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Fifth Grade Cheer
Fifth Grade
We are Fifth Grade
Fifth Grade
We are Fifth Grade
Let’s get it now
It’s time to shine
Just take a bow
I’m feelin’ fine
It’s time to learn
So kiss your brain
I’m in the groove
Now let it rain!
Let it Rain... Let it Rain!
We are Fifth Grade!
We are Fifth Grade
Fifth Grade
We are Fifth Grade
Let’s get it now
It’s time to shine
Just take a bow
I’m feelin’ fine
It’s time to learn
So kiss your brain
I’m in the groove
Now let it rain!
Let it Rain... Let it Rain!
We are Fifth Grade!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Ron Clark Academy Educators' Conference Oct. 23-25
Here I am with Ron Clark and Kim Bearden
Here I am reliving my cheerleading days as I jump on the bungee jump at RCA! (Mr. Clark touched the ceiling!)
Well, this weekend I had the amazing opportunity to visit the Ron Clark Academy for the second time. I went for a weekend conference where I was involved in workshops, saw Mr. Clark teach (again), and watched their students perform. The weekend was AWESOME! I love getting ideas that I can easily come back and implement in my classroom. Mr. Clark and Mrs. Bearden, the co-founder, even gave my class a SHOUT OUT!!! ENJOY!
Assignment Sheet Oct. 26-30
FIFTH GRADE NEWS
Friday, October 30th is a staff development day and Monday, November 2nd is a student holiday! See you on Tuesday, November 3rd!!!
ELA NEWS
We will be completing an art integration lesson this week with Mrs. Hart to finish up our study of Because of Winn Dixie. Students will also be working on the 9 weeks writing prompt.
MATH NEWS
We'll be adding and subtracting fractions this week!
SCIENCE NEWS
We will be starting our new unit: Forces and Motion! This is a fun unit with lots of hands-on experiences!
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We will continue to introduce our new unit: the Industrial Revolution. Be sure to look for information about our invention projects!
SPELLING
1. angel
2. angle
3. lose
4. loose
5. breathe
6. extra-beyond
7. inter-between
8. semi-half
9. co-together
10.en-in, into
11. extraordinary
12. interchangeable
13. semifinalist
14. coordinate
15. encourage
Quote
"When in doubt, tell the truth." ~Mark Twain
Friday, October 30th is a staff development day and Monday, November 2nd is a student holiday! See you on Tuesday, November 3rd!!!
ELA NEWS
We will be completing an art integration lesson this week with Mrs. Hart to finish up our study of Because of Winn Dixie. Students will also be working on the 9 weeks writing prompt.
MATH NEWS
We'll be adding and subtracting fractions this week!
SCIENCE NEWS
We will be starting our new unit: Forces and Motion! This is a fun unit with lots of hands-on experiences!
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We will continue to introduce our new unit: the Industrial Revolution. Be sure to look for information about our invention projects!
SPELLING
1. angel
2. angle
3. lose
4. loose
5. breathe
6. extra-beyond
7. inter-between
8. semi-half
9. co-together
10.en-in, into
11. extraordinary
12. interchangeable
13. semifinalist
14. coordinate
15. encourage
Quote
"When in doubt, tell the truth." ~Mark Twain
Monday, October 19, 2009
Assignment Sheet October 19-13
FIFTH GRADE NEWS
The first nine weeks ends this Wednesday, October 21st. Now would be a good time to start setting goals for improvement for the second nine weeks!
ELA NEWS
We are continuing with Because of Winn Dixie. Classes will be taking a unit test on this book before Wednesday. We will begin our mosaics the following week!
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We are wrapping up the Westward Expansion unit and will be taking a test this week. Our next unit will focus on the Industrial Revolution.
SPELLING
1. whole
2. where
3. which
4. weight
5. whether
6. pend-hang
7. grad-step
8. nym-word
9. cred-believe, trust
10. stat-stay
11. pendulum
12. gradual
13. synonym
14. incredible
15. stationary
Quote
Good judgement comes from experience, and often experience comes from bad judgement. ~Rita Mae Brown
The first nine weeks ends this Wednesday, October 21st. Now would be a good time to start setting goals for improvement for the second nine weeks!
ELA NEWS
We are continuing with Because of Winn Dixie. Classes will be taking a unit test on this book before Wednesday. We will begin our mosaics the following week!
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We are wrapping up the Westward Expansion unit and will be taking a test this week. Our next unit will focus on the Industrial Revolution.
SPELLING
1. whole
2. where
3. which
4. weight
5. whether
6. pend-hang
7. grad-step
8. nym-word
9. cred-believe, trust
10. stat-stay
11. pendulum
12. gradual
13. synonym
14. incredible
15. stationary
Quote
Good judgement comes from experience, and often experience comes from bad judgement. ~Rita Mae Brown
All the Action Verbs
VERBS!!!!
Written by Mrs. Bracken
Calhoun Academy of the Arts
Anderson, SC
Sing to: Beyonce “Single Ladies”
All the Action Verbs.... All the Action Verbs
All the Helping Verbs... All the Helping Verbs
All the Linking Verbs... All the Linking Verbs
All the Action Verbs
Now put your hands up!
Action verbs
Acting Up
Showing what the subject does
Running- Swimming
Dancing-Singing
Sometimes it’s action you can’t see
Direct objects, follow the verb
Answer what? Or whom?
Just stay on track!
There’s no turning back-
Cause there’s just a lot to learn
CHORUS:
When you write a sentence you must put a verb in it
It’s not a complete sentence until you put a verb in it
Lights, Camera, Action- put a verb in it
Come on- now you hear me-put a verb in it
Uh oh oh Uh oh oh oh oh oh Uh oh oh (x2)
REPEAT CHORUS (but no the uh oh's)
To help us all out
We’ve got some helping verbs
Working with the main action verb
Am are were have
Has is was had
Helping out is not so bad
Now another kind
They’re called linking verbs
They’re opposite and don’t show action
They link the subject with the predicate
She is strong--the racers seem ready
CHORUS:
When you write a sentence you must put a verb in it
It’s not a complete sentence until you put a verb in it
Lights, Camera, Action- put a verb in it
Come on- now you hear me-put a verb in it
Uh oh oh Uh oh oh oh oh oh Uh oh oh (x2)
REPEAT CHORUS
Oh- It’s present tense if it’s happening now
All you do is add an “s”
Past tense is easy, too- just add an –ed
The future tense will come
So just use will or shall
Make sure it agrees- singular or plural
Subject singular add an “s”
A plural leave alone
If you don’t it will be wrong
It will be on like Donkey Kong
All the Action Verbs.... All the Action Verbs
All the Helping Verbs... All the Helping Verbs
All the Linking Verbs... All the Linking Verbs
All the Action Verbs... Now put your hands up
When you write a sentence you must put a verb in it
It’s not a complete sentence until you put a verb in it
Lights, Camera, Action- put a verb in it
Come on- now you hear me-put a verb in it
Uh oh oh Uh oh oh oh oh oh Uh oh oh (x2)
Written by Mrs. Bracken
Calhoun Academy of the Arts
Anderson, SC
Sing to: Beyonce “Single Ladies”
All the Action Verbs.... All the Action Verbs
All the Helping Verbs... All the Helping Verbs
All the Linking Verbs... All the Linking Verbs
All the Action Verbs
Now put your hands up!
Action verbs
Acting Up
Showing what the subject does
Running- Swimming
Dancing-Singing
Sometimes it’s action you can’t see
Direct objects, follow the verb
Answer what? Or whom?
Just stay on track!
There’s no turning back-
Cause there’s just a lot to learn
CHORUS:
When you write a sentence you must put a verb in it
It’s not a complete sentence until you put a verb in it
Lights, Camera, Action- put a verb in it
Come on- now you hear me-put a verb in it
Uh oh oh Uh oh oh oh oh oh Uh oh oh (x2)
REPEAT CHORUS (but no the uh oh's)
To help us all out
We’ve got some helping verbs
Working with the main action verb
Am are were have
Has is was had
Helping out is not so bad
Now another kind
They’re called linking verbs
They’re opposite and don’t show action
They link the subject with the predicate
She is strong--the racers seem ready
CHORUS:
When you write a sentence you must put a verb in it
It’s not a complete sentence until you put a verb in it
Lights, Camera, Action- put a verb in it
Come on- now you hear me-put a verb in it
Uh oh oh Uh oh oh oh oh oh Uh oh oh (x2)
REPEAT CHORUS
Oh- It’s present tense if it’s happening now
All you do is add an “s”
Past tense is easy, too- just add an –ed
The future tense will come
So just use will or shall
Make sure it agrees- singular or plural
Subject singular add an “s”
A plural leave alone
If you don’t it will be wrong
It will be on like Donkey Kong
All the Action Verbs.... All the Action Verbs
All the Helping Verbs... All the Helping Verbs
All the Linking Verbs... All the Linking Verbs
All the Action Verbs... Now put your hands up
When you write a sentence you must put a verb in it
It’s not a complete sentence until you put a verb in it
Lights, Camera, Action- put a verb in it
Come on- now you hear me-put a verb in it
Uh oh oh Uh oh oh oh oh oh Uh oh oh (x2)
What You Know about Nouns
"What You Know About Nouns"
Sing to "What you Know" T.I.
Written by: Fifth Grade Teachers at Calhoun Academy
Anderson, SC
What you know about nouns!?!? What you know about nouns!?!? What you know about nouns!?!? We know all about nouns!!
A person, a place, or animal or thing. Like a boy or a school or a dog or a ring.
What you know about nouns!?!? What you know about nouns!?!? What you know about nouns!?!? We know all about nouns!!
--Repeat—
When we talkin' nouns, you know we mean the stars of sentences, so let us tell you what they are. (PEOPLE) like the students, yo. (PLACE) like the schools, yo. (ANIMAL) like the fishes, yo. (THING) like the dishes, yo.
Now if it's singular, it stands for one of ya,
And if it's plural, it stands for more than one of ya.
You change by adding s, to all those normal nouns.
For example, pencils, pens and maybe crowns.
Now if it ends in X, ch, sh, double s. You add an es to the end, nonetheless.
You carry boxes yo, and ride the buses, yo, Or wear the dresses yo, and eat the lunches, yo.
A person, a place, or animal or thing. Like a boy or a school or a dog or a ring.
What you know about nouns!?!?
What you know about nouns!?!?
What you know about nouns!?!?
We know all about nouns!!
When we talking nouns with a consonant before the “y”, come on drop the “y” and add “ies”
city with an -ies
family with an -ies
cherry with an -ies
party with an -ies
Now if the ending is f or fe change the f to v and add es
A cat with 9 lives yo, the leaves on the trees yo, the calves on the farm yo, two halves of a pizza yo,
Not every noun follows the pattern
irregular nouns-change a few letters
You walk on ya feet yo,
you feed the geese yo
You trick the mice yo,
you teach the children yo
Some don’t change, no matter how many
The word sounds the same, and the spelling doesn’t change
Fishing for 1 trout or fishing for two trout
Hunting for 1 deer or hunting for 10 deer
The two types of nouns are common and proper
Common is just plain but proper gets specific
Keep the lowercase-- on the common nouns
Proper nouns are queens so give them special crowns
Your school is Calhoun yo, Your state is S.C yo, Your country is the US yo, Your planet is the Earth yo
What you know about nouns!?!? What you know about nouns!?!? What you know about nouns!?!? We know all about nouns!!
A person, a place, or animal or thing.
Like a boy or a school or a dog or a ring.
What you know about nouns!?!? What you know about nouns!?!? What you know about nouns!?!? We know all about nouns!!
Sing to "What you Know" T.I.
Written by: Fifth Grade Teachers at Calhoun Academy
Anderson, SC
What you know about nouns!?!? What you know about nouns!?!? What you know about nouns!?!? We know all about nouns!!
A person, a place, or animal or thing. Like a boy or a school or a dog or a ring.
What you know about nouns!?!? What you know about nouns!?!? What you know about nouns!?!? We know all about nouns!!
--Repeat—
When we talkin' nouns, you know we mean the stars of sentences, so let us tell you what they are. (PEOPLE) like the students, yo. (PLACE) like the schools, yo. (ANIMAL) like the fishes, yo. (THING) like the dishes, yo.
Now if it's singular, it stands for one of ya,
And if it's plural, it stands for more than one of ya.
You change by adding s, to all those normal nouns.
For example, pencils, pens and maybe crowns.
Now if it ends in X, ch, sh, double s. You add an es to the end, nonetheless.
You carry boxes yo, and ride the buses, yo, Or wear the dresses yo, and eat the lunches, yo.
A person, a place, or animal or thing. Like a boy or a school or a dog or a ring.
What you know about nouns!?!?
What you know about nouns!?!?
What you know about nouns!?!?
We know all about nouns!!
When we talking nouns with a consonant before the “y”, come on drop the “y” and add “ies”
city with an -ies
family with an -ies
cherry with an -ies
party with an -ies
Now if the ending is f or fe change the f to v and add es
A cat with 9 lives yo, the leaves on the trees yo, the calves on the farm yo, two halves of a pizza yo,
Not every noun follows the pattern
irregular nouns-change a few letters
You walk on ya feet yo,
you feed the geese yo
You trick the mice yo,
you teach the children yo
Some don’t change, no matter how many
The word sounds the same, and the spelling doesn’t change
Fishing for 1 trout or fishing for two trout
Hunting for 1 deer or hunting for 10 deer
The two types of nouns are common and proper
Common is just plain but proper gets specific
Keep the lowercase-- on the common nouns
Proper nouns are queens so give them special crowns
Your school is Calhoun yo, Your state is S.C yo, Your country is the US yo, Your planet is the Earth yo
What you know about nouns!?!? What you know about nouns!?!? What you know about nouns!?!? We know all about nouns!!
A person, a place, or animal or thing.
Like a boy or a school or a dog or a ring.
What you know about nouns!?!? What you know about nouns!?!? What you know about nouns!?!? We know all about nouns!!
I Know What Possessive Means
“I Know What Possessive Means”
Sing to “Obsessed” by Mariah Carey
By: Kim Bearden- Ron Clark Academy
So oh oh oh ohSo oh oh oh ohSo oh oh oh ohSo oh oh oh ohSo oh oh oh ohSo oh oh oh ohSo oh oh oh ohSo oh oh oh ohWhen you’ve got wordsDifferent nouns
And you need to know whose they are
Apostrophes go
With an s
We’ll learn the rules for
Different sets
Singular nouns
Apostrophe s
It’s always the same, except for with names
With those you choose what you want to do
You got it now? You got it now? OhI know what possessive means (boy, I want to know)It’s so easy can’t you see (when everybody knows)
It’s not too hard to learn just threeRules to make your friends impressed
Use ‘em right each time—you’ll have success
Show ownership or relationship
Keep it straight in your mind
It’s confusing you what you’ve got to do
But it’s easy you will find
Plural nouns that end in s
Simply add apostrophe after the S
Oh oh oh…
I know what possessive means
Oh, oh, oh….
Plural nouns
That don’t end in s
Add the apostrophe
Before the S
That’s all there is
No complications
Only three rules
No hesitation
Tell the world how they should use themMake them stop
Always abusin’ ‘em
Tell mom and pop
Tell corporationsHave a press conferenceHave a conversationI know what possessive means (boy, I want to know)It’s so easy can’t you see (when everybody knows)
It’s not too hard to learn just threeRules to make your friends impressed
Use ‘em right each time—you’ll have success
Show ownership or relationship
Keep it straight in your mind
It’s confusing you what you’ve got to do
But it’s easy you will find
Plural nouns that end in s
Simply add apostrophe after the S
I know what possessive means
Sing to “Obsessed” by Mariah Carey
By: Kim Bearden- Ron Clark Academy
So oh oh oh ohSo oh oh oh ohSo oh oh oh ohSo oh oh oh ohSo oh oh oh ohSo oh oh oh ohSo oh oh oh ohSo oh oh oh ohWhen you’ve got wordsDifferent nouns
And you need to know whose they are
Apostrophes go
With an s
We’ll learn the rules for
Different sets
Singular nouns
Apostrophe s
It’s always the same, except for with names
With those you choose what you want to do
You got it now? You got it now? OhI know what possessive means (boy, I want to know)It’s so easy can’t you see (when everybody knows)
It’s not too hard to learn just threeRules to make your friends impressed
Use ‘em right each time—you’ll have success
Show ownership or relationship
Keep it straight in your mind
It’s confusing you what you’ve got to do
But it’s easy you will find
Plural nouns that end in s
Simply add apostrophe after the S
Oh oh oh…
I know what possessive means
Oh, oh, oh….
Plural nouns
That don’t end in s
Add the apostrophe
Before the S
That’s all there is
No complications
Only three rules
No hesitation
Tell the world how they should use themMake them stop
Always abusin’ ‘em
Tell mom and pop
Tell corporationsHave a press conferenceHave a conversationI know what possessive means (boy, I want to know)It’s so easy can’t you see (when everybody knows)
It’s not too hard to learn just threeRules to make your friends impressed
Use ‘em right each time—you’ll have success
Show ownership or relationship
Keep it straight in your mind
It’s confusing you what you’ve got to do
But it’s easy you will find
Plural nouns that end in s
Simply add apostrophe after the S
I know what possessive means
Westward Expansion Song
My student teacher from Clemson decided that she really wanted to write a song to go along with our Westward Expansion unit. So, here are the lyrics. Enjoy and use this to help study for your test.
Hey, do you know how our country got so big, so big, so big, so big?
Pioneers traveled West by covered wagons, wagons, wagons, wagons
On trails used by Native Americans like Oregon and Santa Fe, Santa Fe
1849 in California, gold rush!
They packed up and said I’m leavin’ never looking back again
I found some riches sure to make me a rich man
No more that crowded land
We settlin’ that land
Yeah, we gonna get farmland, farmland
And we’re leavin’ never looking back again
So, tell the government that you wanna homestead
Cowboys, ranchers
Miners, farmers
How do you share the land like that?
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh….
Now all this travel brought about a new railroad, railroad, railroad, railroad
Union and Central raced for more money, money, money, money
This made travel faster than they’d ever seen, ever seen, ever seen, ever seen
The East and West were now connected
They packed up and said I’m leavin’ never looking back again
I found some riches sure to make me a rich man
No more that crowded land
We settlin’ that land
Yeah, we gonna get farmland, farmland
And we’re leavin’ never looking back again
So, tell the government that you wanna homestead
Cowboys, ranchers
Miners, farmers
How do you share the land like that?
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh….
Go West, go West, go West
Just tell ‘em to the left, left, left
Go West, go West, go West
Cause we gone and we gone and we gone
Go West, go West, go West
Yeah, we deserve nothing but the best
Go West, go West, go West
They packed up and said I’m leavin’ never looking back again
I found some riches sure to make me a rich man
No more that crowded land
We settlin’ that land
Yeah, we gonna get farmland, farmland
And we’re leavin’ never looking back again
So, tell the government that you wanna homestead
Cowboys, ranchers
Miners, farmers
How do you share the land like that?
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh….
Hey, do you know how our country got so big, so big, so big, so big?
Pioneers traveled West by covered wagons, wagons, wagons, wagons
On trails used by Native Americans like Oregon and Santa Fe, Santa Fe
1849 in California, gold rush!
They packed up and said I’m leavin’ never looking back again
I found some riches sure to make me a rich man
No more that crowded land
We settlin’ that land
Yeah, we gonna get farmland, farmland
And we’re leavin’ never looking back again
So, tell the government that you wanna homestead
Cowboys, ranchers
Miners, farmers
How do you share the land like that?
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh….
Now all this travel brought about a new railroad, railroad, railroad, railroad
Union and Central raced for more money, money, money, money
This made travel faster than they’d ever seen, ever seen, ever seen, ever seen
The East and West were now connected
They packed up and said I’m leavin’ never looking back again
I found some riches sure to make me a rich man
No more that crowded land
We settlin’ that land
Yeah, we gonna get farmland, farmland
And we’re leavin’ never looking back again
So, tell the government that you wanna homestead
Cowboys, ranchers
Miners, farmers
How do you share the land like that?
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh….
Go West, go West, go West
Just tell ‘em to the left, left, left
Go West, go West, go West
Cause we gone and we gone and we gone
Go West, go West, go West
Yeah, we deserve nothing but the best
Go West, go West, go West
They packed up and said I’m leavin’ never looking back again
I found some riches sure to make me a rich man
No more that crowded land
We settlin’ that land
Yeah, we gonna get farmland, farmland
And we’re leavin’ never looking back again
So, tell the government that you wanna homestead
Cowboys, ranchers
Miners, farmers
How do you share the land like that?
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh….
Thursday, October 15, 2009
New Special Area Schedule
Mrs. Bracken’s Special Area Schedule
Week 1
Monday- Drama-Small
Chorus/Beginning Strings/CADE
Tuesday-Art-Hart
Advanced Strings
Wednesday-Music-Mantooth
CAP
Thursday-PE-Smith
Beginning Strings/CADE
Friday-Library-Jones
Advanced Strings
Week 2
Monday- Dance-Morf
Chorus/Beginning Strings/CAP
Tuesday-Art-Hart
Advanced Strings
Wednesday-Music-Mantooth
CADE
Thursday-PE-Smith
Beginning Strings/CAP
Friday-Computer/Guidance-Rowland/Tritt
Advanced Strings
Beginning Strings students need to go to PE on Wednesdays with Mrs. O’Neal’s Homeroom. Week 1- Cade Members need to go to PE on Friday with Mr. Pearson’s homeroom. Week 2- CAP Members need to go to PE on Friday with Mr. Pearson’s homeroom.
Mr. Pearson’s Special Area Schedule
Week 1
Monday-Library-Jones
Chorus/Beginning Strings/CADE
Tuesday-Music-Craft
Advanced Strings
Wednesday-Dance-Morf
CAP
Thursday-Art-Hart
Beginning Strings/CADE
Friday-PE-Smith
Advanced Strings
Week 2
Monday-Computer/Guidance-Rowland/Tritt
Chorus/Beginning Strings/CAP
Tuesday-Music-Craft
Advanced Strings
Wednesday-Drama-Small
CADE
Thursday-Art-Hart
Beginning Strings/CAP
Friday-PE-Smith
Advanced Strings
Week 1
Monday- Drama-Small
Chorus/Beginning Strings/CADE
Tuesday-Art-Hart
Advanced Strings
Wednesday-Music-Mantooth
CAP
Thursday-PE-Smith
Beginning Strings/CADE
Friday-Library-Jones
Advanced Strings
Week 2
Monday- Dance-Morf
Chorus/Beginning Strings/CAP
Tuesday-Art-Hart
Advanced Strings
Wednesday-Music-Mantooth
CADE
Thursday-PE-Smith
Beginning Strings/CAP
Friday-Computer/Guidance-Rowland/Tritt
Advanced Strings
Beginning Strings students need to go to PE on Wednesdays with Mrs. O’Neal’s Homeroom. Week 1- Cade Members need to go to PE on Friday with Mr. Pearson’s homeroom. Week 2- CAP Members need to go to PE on Friday with Mr. Pearson’s homeroom.
Mr. Pearson’s Special Area Schedule
Week 1
Monday-Library-Jones
Chorus/Beginning Strings/CADE
Tuesday-Music-Craft
Advanced Strings
Wednesday-Dance-Morf
CAP
Thursday-Art-Hart
Beginning Strings/CADE
Friday-PE-Smith
Advanced Strings
Week 2
Monday-Computer/Guidance-Rowland/Tritt
Chorus/Beginning Strings/CAP
Tuesday-Music-Craft
Advanced Strings
Wednesday-Drama-Small
CADE
Thursday-Art-Hart
Beginning Strings/CAP
Friday-PE-Smith
Advanced Strings
Barrier Island Fundraiser
Please help support our trip to Barrier Island. We have a lot of really neat items for sale. Come check them out in the front office.
Notepad with Ribbon- $10.00
Small notepad without ribbon- $5.00
Bag Tags- $5.00
Fleece Blankets- $15.00 (Profit- $3.00 per blanket/ $2.00 profit for extra personalization)
Cinch Sacks- $15.00 (Profit $5.00/ $2.00 profit for extra personalization)
Notepad with Ribbon- $10.00
Small notepad without ribbon- $5.00
Bag Tags- $5.00
Fleece Blankets- $15.00 (Profit- $3.00 per blanket/ $2.00 profit for extra personalization)
Cinch Sacks- $15.00 (Profit $5.00/ $2.00 profit for extra personalization)
Become a Follower
I would love to see how many parents are checking the blog. You can help me out by becoming a FOLLOWER. Go to the right side of the blog and click on the necessary information. Thanks for your help.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Assignment Sheet Oct. 12-16
FIFTH GRADE NEWS
Wednesday, October 14th is a HALF DAY! Students will be dismissed at 11:00.
ELA NEWS
We will continue reading our second novel, Because of Winn Dixie, this week. Vocabulary quizzes will be given after every fifth chapter.
MATH NEWS
Buckle up! We are starting a new unit on FRACTIONS!
SCIENCE NEWS
Students will continue working on their research projects and begin preparing their presentations.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We will be finishing up our unit on Westward Expansion this week in preparation for a test the following week.
SPELLING
1. though
2. alone
3. poem
4. occasion
5. no one
6. geo-earth
7. hydro-water
8. meter (metr)-measure
9. port-carry
10. sphere-round
11. geology
12. hydroplane
13. thermometer
14. transport
15. spherical
Quote
Yesterday is history; tomorrow's a mystery; Today is a gift…that's why it's called 'the present.' ~Anonymous
Wednesday, October 14th is a HALF DAY! Students will be dismissed at 11:00.
ELA NEWS
We will continue reading our second novel, Because of Winn Dixie, this week. Vocabulary quizzes will be given after every fifth chapter.
MATH NEWS
Buckle up! We are starting a new unit on FRACTIONS!
SCIENCE NEWS
Students will continue working on their research projects and begin preparing their presentations.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We will be finishing up our unit on Westward Expansion this week in preparation for a test the following week.
SPELLING
1. though
2. alone
3. poem
4. occasion
5. no one
6. geo-earth
7. hydro-water
8. meter (metr)-measure
9. port-carry
10. sphere-round
11. geology
12. hydroplane
13. thermometer
14. transport
15. spherical
Quote
Yesterday is history; tomorrow's a mystery; Today is a gift…that's why it's called 'the present.' ~Anonymous
Monday, October 5, 2009
Assignment Sheet Oct. 5-9
FIFTH GRADE NEWS
Barrier Island Payment #2 is due! Please turn in your $45 if you have not already done so! Also, be on the look-out for fundraiser information!
ELA NEWS
We are starting our second novel, Because of Winn Dixie, this week.
MATH NEWS
We will continue with GCF and LCM. Look out for a quiz on Wednesday! We will end the week with a quick taste of fractions.
SCIENCE NEWS
We are continuing our study of ecosystems.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
This week, we will continue discussing ranchers, cowboys, and Native Americans and the effects expansion had on these groups of people.
SPELLING
1. usually
2. beginning
3. worried
4. possess
5. finally
6. geo-earth
7. hydro-water
8. meter (metr)-measure
9. port-carry
10. sphere-round
11. geography
12. hydrant
13. metronome
14. portable
15. atmosphere
Quote
"In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different."
CoCo Chanel
Barrier Island Payment #2 is due! Please turn in your $45 if you have not already done so! Also, be on the look-out for fundraiser information!
ELA NEWS
We are starting our second novel, Because of Winn Dixie, this week.
MATH NEWS
We will continue with GCF and LCM. Look out for a quiz on Wednesday! We will end the week with a quick taste of fractions.
SCIENCE NEWS
We are continuing our study of ecosystems.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
This week, we will continue discussing ranchers, cowboys, and Native Americans and the effects expansion had on these groups of people.
SPELLING
1. usually
2. beginning
3. worried
4. possess
5. finally
6. geo-earth
7. hydro-water
8. meter (metr)-measure
9. port-carry
10. sphere-round
11. geography
12. hydrant
13. metronome
14. portable
15. atmosphere
Quote
"In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different."
CoCo Chanel
Saturday, October 3, 2009
RCA latest
CLICK HERE
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
What do you think?
We have been reading Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule in our ELA class. Here you will find out what the students have to say about this book. Please read and enjoy the students' comments.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Assignment Sheet Sept.28-Oct. 2nd
Fifth Grade News
Barrier Island payment of $45.00 is due Friday, Oct. 2.
ELA NEWS
Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule diorama project is due on Thursday, Oct. 1. End-of-book Test is Friday.
MATH NEWS
This week, we will be studying gcf and lcm.
SCIENCE NEWS
We will work in teams to learn about different kinds of ecosystems. Ecosystem Test 1 is on Friday.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We will continue with our new unit, Westward Expansion. This week, we will be learning about ranchers, cowboys, and native americans.
SPELLING
1. different
2. illustrate
3. terrible
4. irresponsible
5. accept
6. semi - half
7. co - together
8. mis - wrong, bad
9. inter - between
10. extra - outside
11. semicircle
12. cooperate
13. misbehave
14. international
15. extracurricular
Quote
"It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed." Napoleon Hill
Barrier Island payment of $45.00 is due Friday, Oct. 2.
ELA NEWS
Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule diorama project is due on Thursday, Oct. 1. End-of-book Test is Friday.
MATH NEWS
This week, we will be studying gcf and lcm.
SCIENCE NEWS
We will work in teams to learn about different kinds of ecosystems. Ecosystem Test 1 is on Friday.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We will continue with our new unit, Westward Expansion. This week, we will be learning about ranchers, cowboys, and native americans.
SPELLING
1. different
2. illustrate
3. terrible
4. irresponsible
5. accept
6. semi - half
7. co - together
8. mis - wrong, bad
9. inter - between
10. extra - outside
11. semicircle
12. cooperate
13. misbehave
14. international
15. extracurricular
Quote
"It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed." Napoleon Hill
Friday, September 25, 2009
Conference Day
Today was a great day. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to meet with the majority of my students' parents. I have a great class, and it shows because of the amazing parents I met with. Parent involvement makes a huge difference in the success of a child's education. Thank you parents for all of your help. You are wonderful. Keep up the hard work!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule Project
Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule
PROJECT
We have seen history come to life while reading our very first novel, Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule. The author has used such vivid vocabulary and figurative language to help the story seem so real. Now, it is YOUR turn to make the story come to life EVEN MORE!
**What do I do?- Create a shoebox diorama showing a scene of your choice from the novel.**
My Scene: _____________________________________________________________________
You might wish to find illustrations or photographs in books or on the Internet about this period in history to help you make your depiction as accurate as possible.
You will present your diorama on Thursday, October 1st. You will dress up as one of the characters who is in the scene that you chose. “This Character” will present the diorama to the class while giving five facts about the scene.
STEPS TO FOLLOW:
Choose the scene for your diorama and gather or draw pictures for it.
Brainstorm and web the important points you think should be included in your diorama.
Make sketches of how you want your diorama to look. Plan the front, back, sides, and top. Make the inside of the diorama look as deep and three dimensional as you can. Use lots of details!
Share your sketches with other creative people. Ask them to make suggestions of ways that you could improve your diorama.
Gather the materials you will use to construct your diorama. ASK an adult to do any sharp cutting or hot gluing for you!
Use the rubric and the sketches you made to construct your diorama. Make sure that the box is sturdy! Remember: Have fun and be creative!
Share your diorama during your presentation.
PROJECT
We have seen history come to life while reading our very first novel, Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule. The author has used such vivid vocabulary and figurative language to help the story seem so real. Now, it is YOUR turn to make the story come to life EVEN MORE!
**What do I do?- Create a shoebox diorama showing a scene of your choice from the novel.**
My Scene: _____________________________________________________________________
You might wish to find illustrations or photographs in books or on the Internet about this period in history to help you make your depiction as accurate as possible.
You will present your diorama on Thursday, October 1st. You will dress up as one of the characters who is in the scene that you chose. “This Character” will present the diorama to the class while giving five facts about the scene.
STEPS TO FOLLOW:
Choose the scene for your diorama and gather or draw pictures for it.
Brainstorm and web the important points you think should be included in your diorama.
Make sketches of how you want your diorama to look. Plan the front, back, sides, and top. Make the inside of the diorama look as deep and three dimensional as you can. Use lots of details!
Share your sketches with other creative people. Ask them to make suggestions of ways that you could improve your diorama.
Gather the materials you will use to construct your diorama. ASK an adult to do any sharp cutting or hot gluing for you!
Use the rubric and the sketches you made to construct your diorama. Make sure that the box is sturdy! Remember: Have fun and be creative!
Share your diorama during your presentation.
International Peace Day
International Peace Day
Monday 9.21.09
The United Nations' International Day of Peace - marked every year on September 21 - is a global holiday when individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace. Established by U.N. resolution in 1982, "Peace Day" has grown to include millions of people around the world who participate in all kinds of events, large and small.
This year, to honor International Peace Day, many schools around the world are participating in the Pinwheels for Peace Project. Pinwheels for Peace is an art installation project started in 2005 by two Art teachers in Florida, as a way for their students to express their feelings about peace. The first Pinwheels for Peace were installed on Sept. 21, 2005. Since then the project has grown from 500,000 pinwheels planted the first year, to 2 million pinwheels in 2008!
Students have been working on their pinwheels last week and this week. As part of the creative process the students discuss peace, its meaning and how they can promote peace in their day to day lives. The students are writing their thoughts on their pinwheels as they decorate them. On September 21st the students will install their pinwheels in the grass near the bus ramp as a school statement of peace. The spinning of the pinwheels in the wind will spread thoughts and feelings about peace throughout the world!
On Monday, September 21st we are asking all the students and teachers wear clothing and accessories that represent peace.
Thanks in advance for promoting this day in your classroom and for making Calhoun’s first day of peace a success!
Monday 9.21.09
The United Nations' International Day of Peace - marked every year on September 21 - is a global holiday when individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace. Established by U.N. resolution in 1982, "Peace Day" has grown to include millions of people around the world who participate in all kinds of events, large and small.
This year, to honor International Peace Day, many schools around the world are participating in the Pinwheels for Peace Project. Pinwheels for Peace is an art installation project started in 2005 by two Art teachers in Florida, as a way for their students to express their feelings about peace. The first Pinwheels for Peace were installed on Sept. 21, 2005. Since then the project has grown from 500,000 pinwheels planted the first year, to 2 million pinwheels in 2008!
Students have been working on their pinwheels last week and this week. As part of the creative process the students discuss peace, its meaning and how they can promote peace in their day to day lives. The students are writing their thoughts on their pinwheels as they decorate them. On September 21st the students will install their pinwheels in the grass near the bus ramp as a school statement of peace. The spinning of the pinwheels in the wind will spread thoughts and feelings about peace throughout the world!
On Monday, September 21st we are asking all the students and teachers wear clothing and accessories that represent peace.
Thanks in advance for promoting this day in your classroom and for making Calhoun’s first day of peace a success!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Constitution Day
Schoolhouse Rock - The Preamble
Full Interview with Ron Clark Kids - You can Vote However You Like
"Dear Obama" for Oprah - Ron Clark Academy
Ron Clark Academy Sings for T.I. "what ever U like"
Ron Clark Academy Performs Their Tribute To Sojourner Truth
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Action Verbs
Today we reviewed Action Verbs. We are currently learning a song called, "All the Action Verbs" written to the tune of "Single Ladies" by Beyonce. So, today the students posed an ACTION shot of the things they like to do! ENJOY! We have a very ACTIVE class!
Reconstruction News
To review for our Reconstruction Test, the students pretended to be news reporters and acted out scenes from that time period. The students learned about the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, Freedmen's Bureau, Black Codes and Jim Crow Laws, and much more about the rebuilding of the South.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Adopt MY Classroom
Dear Friends:
I am reaching out to you to help me inspire my students to reach their highest potential. Adopt-A-Classroom (www.adoptaclassroom.org) is a non-profit organization that offers an easy and accountable way for you to donate funds to my classroom and make a real difference for me and my students.
All donations are tax-deductible. 100% of the donation goes to my classroom. Adopt-A-Classroom takes $0 out for administration.
Here`s a description of my classroom and our specific needs:
School: Calhoun Academy of the Arts
Grade: 5th Grade
Subject: ELA and Social Studies
Number of students your donation will impact: 72
Calhoun is an arts school where we teach core curriculum but through arts integration. We need a variety of art supplies throughout the year from drama materials to visual art supplies to accomplish hands-on learning activities. We also are in need of laptops, iPods, ink cartridges, and digital cameras. These kind of activities motivate the students to learn and without the adequate funding, we cannot encourage these students to become independent learners and successful in the classroom and beyond. Since I teach 72 students everyday, it becomes difficult to make learning fun and bring in materials to create an exciting atmosphere where the students will retain information since I cannot afford all the supplies out of my pocket. Additional funding would allow me to purchase materials to help the students become motivated to learn the social studies standards and therefore retain valuable information.
To learn how you can support my efforts in the classroom click on the link below (or copy and paste it into your Internet browser):Robin Bracken Adopt-A-Classroom Homepage
I greatly appreciate your consideration in adopting my classroom. Please pass this on to your employers and friends.
Thank you for your time.
I am reaching out to you to help me inspire my students to reach their highest potential. Adopt-A-Classroom (www.adoptaclassroom.org) is a non-profit organization that offers an easy and accountable way for you to donate funds to my classroom and make a real difference for me and my students.
All donations are tax-deductible. 100% of the donation goes to my classroom. Adopt-A-Classroom takes $0 out for administration.
Here`s a description of my classroom and our specific needs:
School: Calhoun Academy of the Arts
Grade: 5th Grade
Subject: ELA and Social Studies
Number of students your donation will impact: 72
Calhoun is an arts school where we teach core curriculum but through arts integration. We need a variety of art supplies throughout the year from drama materials to visual art supplies to accomplish hands-on learning activities. We also are in need of laptops, iPods, ink cartridges, and digital cameras. These kind of activities motivate the students to learn and without the adequate funding, we cannot encourage these students to become independent learners and successful in the classroom and beyond. Since I teach 72 students everyday, it becomes difficult to make learning fun and bring in materials to create an exciting atmosphere where the students will retain information since I cannot afford all the supplies out of my pocket. Additional funding would allow me to purchase materials to help the students become motivated to learn the social studies standards and therefore retain valuable information.
To learn how you can support my efforts in the classroom click on the link below (or copy and paste it into your Internet browser):Robin Bracken Adopt-A-Classroom Homepage
I greatly appreciate your consideration in adopting my classroom. Please pass this on to your employers and friends.
Thank you for your time.
Assignment Sheet September 14-18
FIFTH GRADE NEWS
Friday, September 18th: Vocabulary Funeral (dress in all-black),
Tar Wars Presentation (12:45-2:00),
Arty Dancy Party (6:30-8:00--$1.00, parents MUST attend)
ELA NEWS
We will be continuing Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule. There will be another quiz after classes have read through Chapter 10. Be sure to study your notes and summaries!
MATH NEWS
We will be working on DIVISION this week and creating some totally awesome ALGORITHMS!
SCIENCE NEWS
This week we will be studying food webs and ecosystems. Students did a good job on their cell models! Keep up the good work!
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We will begin our second unit, Westward Expansion. In this unit, we will take a look at ways our country spread into a booming nation!
SPELLING
1. community
2. embarrass
3. appreciate
4. rearrange
5. successful
6. aqua-water
7. aud-hear
8. terra-earth, land
9. tri-three
10. dict-speak
11. aquarium
12. audition
13. territory
14. trilogy
15. dictator
Friday, September 18th: Vocabulary Funeral (dress in all-black),
Tar Wars Presentation (12:45-2:00),
Arty Dancy Party (6:30-8:00--$1.00, parents MUST attend)
ELA NEWS
We will be continuing Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule. There will be another quiz after classes have read through Chapter 10. Be sure to study your notes and summaries!
MATH NEWS
We will be working on DIVISION this week and creating some totally awesome ALGORITHMS!
SCIENCE NEWS
This week we will be studying food webs and ecosystems. Students did a good job on their cell models! Keep up the good work!
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We will begin our second unit, Westward Expansion. In this unit, we will take a look at ways our country spread into a booming nation!
SPELLING
1. community
2. embarrass
3. appreciate
4. rearrange
5. successful
6. aqua-water
7. aud-hear
8. terra-earth, land
9. tri-three
10. dict-speak
11. aquarium
12. audition
13. territory
14. trilogy
15. dictator
Reconstruction Unit Test
Here is the True/False and Short Answer section to the Reconstruction Unit Test. Please use this section to help you with your homework tonight! Correct the ones you got wrong to receive extra points on your test.
True/False
16. The 15th amendment gave all African Americas, men and women, the right to vote.
17. The Emancipation Proclamation freed all slaves.
18. Andrew Johnson became president after Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.
19. President Lincoln wanted to humiliate the Southern elite.
20. The Southerner’s aim for Reconstruction was to end the war, but keep slaves.
Short Answer
21. What was the overall goal of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments?
22. How were the lives of African Americans made more difficult after the end of Reconstruction? Use the word segregation in your answer.
23. What effect did black codes have on African Americans?
24. Why were many African Americans still unable to vote even after the 15th amendment was passed?
25. Explain the system of sharecropping. Why were many African Americans forced into this system after being freed?
True/False
16. The 15th amendment gave all African Americas, men and women, the right to vote.
17. The Emancipation Proclamation freed all slaves.
18. Andrew Johnson became president after Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.
19. President Lincoln wanted to humiliate the Southern elite.
20. The Southerner’s aim for Reconstruction was to end the war, but keep slaves.
Short Answer
21. What was the overall goal of the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments?
22. How were the lives of African Americans made more difficult after the end of Reconstruction? Use the word segregation in your answer.
23. What effect did black codes have on African Americans?
24. Why were many African Americans still unable to vote even after the 15th amendment was passed?
25. Explain the system of sharecropping. Why were many African Americans forced into this system after being freed?
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
FAMOUS WRITERS
This year the students' writing portfolios are hosted in our very own NEWS STAND. The students notebooks have their pictures on them like they are on magazine covers. So, if you want to see what our famous writers are writing about, come by ROOM 54 and check out our very own NEWS STAND!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Mrs. Allmon- Clemson Student Teacher
Message from Ms. Allmon:
I just wanted to take a few minutes and introduce myself. My name is Ashley Allmon, I will be Mrs. Bracken’s student teacher until December. Last week I started teaching Social Studies to Mrs. Bracken’s homeroom class. Starting this week, I will also start teaching Mrs. Koch’s homeroom class. In the coming weeks, I will be taking over all Social Studies classes.
I am super excited to be learning from such a great team of teachers! I attend Clemson University and will graduate in December. I love Clemson football , playing tennis, cooking, and spending time with my two nieces and two nephews. I am originally from Asheboro, North Carolina, but I have fallen in love with the upstate and plan to stay here for awhile.
Teaching has always been something I have been very passionate about. To me, there is no other career as rewarding as this one. I believe that every child has special and unique talents and abilities that enhance the atmosphere of the classroom. My goal is to help children find those special talents and use them to the best of their abilities without fear or shame.
I am truly ecstatic about working with Mrs. Bracken, Mrs. Koch, Mr. Pearson, you, and your child. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or email me c/o Mrs. Bracken. I look forward to a great year!
Thanks,
Ashley Allmon
Please email me c/o Robin Bracken at:
robinbracken@anderson5.net
or call (864) 260-5090
I just wanted to take a few minutes and introduce myself. My name is Ashley Allmon, I will be Mrs. Bracken’s student teacher until December. Last week I started teaching Social Studies to Mrs. Bracken’s homeroom class. Starting this week, I will also start teaching Mrs. Koch’s homeroom class. In the coming weeks, I will be taking over all Social Studies classes.
I am super excited to be learning from such a great team of teachers! I attend Clemson University and will graduate in December. I love Clemson football , playing tennis, cooking, and spending time with my two nieces and two nephews. I am originally from Asheboro, North Carolina, but I have fallen in love with the upstate and plan to stay here for awhile.
Teaching has always been something I have been very passionate about. To me, there is no other career as rewarding as this one. I believe that every child has special and unique talents and abilities that enhance the atmosphere of the classroom. My goal is to help children find those special talents and use them to the best of their abilities without fear or shame.
I am truly ecstatic about working with Mrs. Bracken, Mrs. Koch, Mr. Pearson, you, and your child. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or email me c/o Mrs. Bracken. I look forward to a great year!
Thanks,
Ashley Allmon
Please email me c/o Robin Bracken at:
robinbracken@anderson5.net
or call (864) 260-5090
I AM poem
Today in Social Studies we wrote first person accounts using the I AM poem format. We wrote these poems as if we were African Americans during Reconstruction having to deal with the Black Codes. I cannot wait to post these writings! Here is the format if you would like to write an I AM POEM at home!
I am (two special characteristics)
I wonder (something you are actually curious about)
I hear (an imaginary sound)
I see (an imaginary sight)
I want (an actual desire)
I am (the first line of the poem restated)
I pretend (something you pretend to do)
I feel (a feeling about something imaginary)
I touch (an imaginary touch)
I worry (something that really bothers you)
I cry (something that makes you very sad)
I am (the first line of the poem repeated)
I understand (something you know is true)
I say (something you believe in)
I dream (something you actually dream about)
I try (something you make an effort to do)
I hope (something you actually hope for)
I am (the first line of the poem repeated)
Friday, September 4, 2009
Assignment Sheet Sept. 8-11
FIFTH GRADE NEWS
Science: Cell test on Tuesday, Cell-ebrity project due on Wednesday and Cell model due on Friday.
ELA NEWS
We will continue reading Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule. In writing, students will continue working on their newspapers.
MATH NEWS
Next week we will add and subtract decimals and take our first Unit Test on Whole and Decimal Numbers.
SCIENCE NEWS
We will begin discussing and diagraming food chains and food webs.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We will be finishing our unit on Reconstruction this week. Students will be preparing for the first unit test on Friday.
SPELLING
1. grown
2. through
3. clothes
4. except
5. let's
6. opt - best
7. ped - foot
8. port - carry
9. sci - know
10. sect - cut
11. OPTional
12. PEDestrian
13. transPORTation
14. conSCIence
15. interSECTion
Science: Cell test on Tuesday, Cell-ebrity project due on Wednesday and Cell model due on Friday.
ELA NEWS
We will continue reading Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule. In writing, students will continue working on their newspapers.
MATH NEWS
Next week we will add and subtract decimals and take our first Unit Test on Whole and Decimal Numbers.
SCIENCE NEWS
We will begin discussing and diagraming food chains and food webs.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We will be finishing our unit on Reconstruction this week. Students will be preparing for the first unit test on Friday.
SPELLING
1. grown
2. through
3. clothes
4. except
5. let's
6. opt - best
7. ped - foot
8. port - carry
9. sci - know
10. sect - cut
11. OPTional
12. PEDestrian
13. transPORTation
14. conSCIence
15. interSECTion
Please log onto our District Website at www.Anderson5.net and click on the “Join us on Twitter” link. It’s easy to sign up to get updates on our Twitter Page. These updates will be very helpful if we have any type of weather emergency or other urgent info to share.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Proofreading Site
Here is a really neat site you can use to practice proofreading. It is a great game! Have fun! http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hme/k_5/proofread/proof.htm
Monday, August 31, 2009
Arty's Dance Party
COME SUPPORT CALHOUN WHILE HAVING FUN!
First Arty Dance Party
September 18th
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Tickets at the Door$1.00
Child Must be accompanies by adult
T-Shirts ($10), Popcorn, Candy,Coke ($1 a piece)
Glow in the Dark Necklaces (price TBD)
Fundraiser tie in- Student sell 5 items get free Coke, popcorn, & admission
Child Must be accompanies by adult
T-Shirts ($10), Popcorn, Candy,Coke ($1 a piece)
Glow in the Dark Necklaces (price TBD)
Fundraiser tie in- Student sell 5 items get free Coke, popcorn, & admission
August 31- September 4
FIFTH GRADE NEWS
Barrier Island deposit #1 ($35) is due by this Friday, September 4th. Remember, this is your nonrefundable commitment to the trip!
ELA NEWS
We will continue working on our autobiographical newspapers in writing and will begin reading our first novel unit, Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule.
MATH NEWS
We will continue with Place Value using decimal numbers. Later on in the week, we will begin adding and subtracting decimal numbers.
SCIENCE NEWS
This week we'll be looking at the parts of an animal cell. We'll also be studying food chains and food webs.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We'll be discussing and acting out the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments. We'll also discuss the Black Codes and the Freedmen's Bureau.
SPELLING
1. disapprove
2. misunderstanding
3. unfriendly
4. discourage
5. impossible
6. soph - wise
7. therm - heat
8. aero - air
9. bio - life
10. chron - time
11. SOPHomore
12. THERMostat
13. AEROsol
14. BIOlogist
15.CHRONological
Barrier Island deposit #1 ($35) is due by this Friday, September 4th. Remember, this is your nonrefundable commitment to the trip!
ELA NEWS
We will continue working on our autobiographical newspapers in writing and will begin reading our first novel unit, Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule.
MATH NEWS
We will continue with Place Value using decimal numbers. Later on in the week, we will begin adding and subtracting decimal numbers.
SCIENCE NEWS
This week we'll be looking at the parts of an animal cell. We'll also be studying food chains and food webs.
SOCIAL STUDIES NEWS
We'll be discussing and acting out the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments. We'll also discuss the Black Codes and the Freedmen's Bureau.
SPELLING
1. disapprove
2. misunderstanding
3. unfriendly
4. discourage
5. impossible
6. soph - wise
7. therm - heat
8. aero - air
9. bio - life
10. chron - time
11. SOPHomore
12. THERMostat
13. AEROsol
14. BIOlogist
15.CHRONological
Monday, August 24, 2009
PTA schedule change
5:00- Scavenger hunt
5:30- Meet the Teacher 1
6:05- PTA meeting in Gym (5th graders will perform at this time. Wear a Calhoun shirt if you have one.)
6:35- Meet the Teacher 2
All fifth grade teachers will have open house in the cafeteria.
5:30- Meet the Teacher 1
6:05- PTA meeting in Gym (5th graders will perform at this time. Wear a Calhoun shirt if you have one.)
6:35- Meet the Teacher 2
All fifth grade teachers will have open house in the cafeteria.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Back to School Night/Open House
Tuesday, August 25th, we will have our Open House/Back to School Night. The night will start off at 5:30 with a scavenger hunt with door prizes. Then at 6:00, we will have our very first PTA meeting of the year. At 6:00, we need all the fifth graders to report to the cafeteria. After the PTA meeting, parents will be dismissed to “Meet the Teacher.” All fifth grade teachers will be in the cafeteria with the fifth grade students. The fifth graders will have their very first performance of the year at this time.
We hope you can attend because we are looking forward to meeting all of you. We have a lot of things planned this year, and we cannot wait to share them with you. We will end the night with a Barrier Island fashion show so you can see what the students will need while they are at Barrier Island in January.
Reminder: All fifth graders need to be in the cafeteria at 6:00. If you have a Calhoun shirt, please wear it. If not, just wear your normal school attire. Thank you for your support, and we cannot wait to meet you Tuesday, August 25th.
Welcome!!!
Let me start by telling you a little bit about myself. I am married to Travis Bracken and we have a two-year-old little girl, Marla. You all will hear about them and see them around quite often! We also have a silver lab puppy named Belle! I graduated from Anderson College with a Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and completed my Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction: Integrated Teaching through the Arts with Lesley University. I enjoy singing, dancing and acting and spending time with my family and friends. I also love to take pictures and play around on the computer.
This year you will notice that we do things a little differently on the 5th grade hall. We use our own creative teaching styles and model techniques after Ron Clark. You will hear a lot about him and the Ron Clark Academy and the Essential 55. We just enjoy being passionate, innovative, creative, and enthusiastic when teaching our students. We dance, sing and act A LOT! WE believe that every student can succeed, and we take pride in helping students truly enjoy learning.
If there is ever anything that I can do to help you, please do not hesitate to ask. Please feel free to contact me either by note, phone or email. Also, don’t forget to check out my school blog. You will find out what our class is doing as well as any homework assignments and any other school information here. http://mrsbracken.blogspot.com/
Once again, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work with you and your child this year. We will work together as a team to make sure we achieve success. We are going to have a fun and exciting year. Please keep in touch and check my website frequently.
Love,
Robin Bracken
robinbracken@anderson5.net
Robin Bracken
robinbracken@anderson5.net
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
First Day
We had a great day in Room 54 today. I talked ALL day, but had a lot to cover for the first day. Students were wonderful, and I am excited about what is in store for this year. I enjoyed meeting all of my new students for this year. They seem excited about fifth grade. I continued to tell them throughout the day how important their fifth grade year is, and how our goal as teachers is to get them ready for middle school. We covered a lot of rules and procedures. TOOLBOX FOR SUCCESS and Ron Clark's ESSENTIAL 55 are beyond IMPORTANT!!! Can't wait for tomorrow and the rest of the week. It is going to be a great year... Under Construction and ALL!
Parents... ALL colored copies need to be filled out, signed, and turned in by the end of this week. Please email me or call the school if you have any questions. robinbracken@anderson5.net or 260-5060.
Parents... ALL colored copies need to be filled out, signed, and turned in by the end of this week. Please email me or call the school if you have any questions. robinbracken@anderson5.net or 260-5060.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Update about CONSTRUCTION at SCHOOL!
Dear Parents, Guardians, Teachers, and Staff,
I hope you have had an enjoyable summer and I look forward to seeing you again in just a few short weeks! We have many exciting things happening at Calhoun this year due to the construction of additions and renovations to the existing school. The new computer lab behind the kindergarten will be finished later this fall, but will not be completely functional until next school year.
Next summer, each classroom, except for the new kindergarten hall, will receive new cabinets, countertops, and white boards. The library will be expanded into the old computer lab, and the old office area will be converted into a new guidance and special services suite. All hallway carpet will be replaced with tile and heating and air units will be replaced. The front of the school will be receiving a facelift with a new entrance, a new office area, an 800 seat performing arts facility, a covered student drop-off, and 225 new parking spaces.
Starting in August, the temporary entrance to the school will be through the side door at the bus ramp. All students, parents, and visitors will enter through this side entrance. If you have seen Calhoun lately, I know that you are concerned with student pick-up and drop-off. Therefore, I will attempt to explain our traffic procedures for the 2009-2010 school year that were designed by the SC Department of Transportation in conjunction with the Calhoun Academy administration. We will be following the SCDOT regulations and requirements for traffic flow in and out of the school during the construction period.
Starting the first day of school on August 18th, the entrance at Calhoun Rd. and Chapman Rd. will be closed to all school traffic with the exception of school buses and daycare buses. For morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, all school traffic will enter at the intersection of Calhoun Rd. and Johanna Circle (listed on the map as Chapman Rd. North Entrance). School traffic will move along the rear of the school and turn right onto Chapman, traveling to the entrance for temporary parking (only about 80 spaces). Once your child has been dropped off or picked up, you will travel through the temporary parking lot and exit back onto Chapman Rd. You will only be allowed to turn left and return the way you entered. Only district five buses and daycare vans will be allowed to travel right onto Chapman and back to Calhoun Rd. We will still have divided dismissal where 1st, 3rd, and 4th grades will be dismissed from the front and K, 2nd, and 5th grades will be dismissed from the back pick-up #1. Morning drop off will only be at the front of the school using the same traffic flow as dismissal.
We have provided a map that demonstrates the traffic flow for the school and we would greatly appreciate your patient assistance as we work through any problems that may arise as we start our school year. Please study the map carefully so that the first week of school traffic will not pose unanticipated problems or delays. Please plan to add 10-15 minutes of extra time to alleviate any frustrations during the first few weeks until the traffic pattern is well established and all problems are addressed. Calhoun Academy has the best parents and we know that you will assist us as we build for the future. Please direct all traffic related questions to jamiesmith@anderson5.net.
Sincerely,
James A. Smith
Assistant Principal
I hope you have had an enjoyable summer and I look forward to seeing you again in just a few short weeks! We have many exciting things happening at Calhoun this year due to the construction of additions and renovations to the existing school. The new computer lab behind the kindergarten will be finished later this fall, but will not be completely functional until next school year.
Next summer, each classroom, except for the new kindergarten hall, will receive new cabinets, countertops, and white boards. The library will be expanded into the old computer lab, and the old office area will be converted into a new guidance and special services suite. All hallway carpet will be replaced with tile and heating and air units will be replaced. The front of the school will be receiving a facelift with a new entrance, a new office area, an 800 seat performing arts facility, a covered student drop-off, and 225 new parking spaces.
Starting in August, the temporary entrance to the school will be through the side door at the bus ramp. All students, parents, and visitors will enter through this side entrance. If you have seen Calhoun lately, I know that you are concerned with student pick-up and drop-off. Therefore, I will attempt to explain our traffic procedures for the 2009-2010 school year that were designed by the SC Department of Transportation in conjunction with the Calhoun Academy administration. We will be following the SCDOT regulations and requirements for traffic flow in and out of the school during the construction period.
Starting the first day of school on August 18th, the entrance at Calhoun Rd. and Chapman Rd. will be closed to all school traffic with the exception of school buses and daycare buses. For morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, all school traffic will enter at the intersection of Calhoun Rd. and Johanna Circle (listed on the map as Chapman Rd. North Entrance). School traffic will move along the rear of the school and turn right onto Chapman, traveling to the entrance for temporary parking (only about 80 spaces). Once your child has been dropped off or picked up, you will travel through the temporary parking lot and exit back onto Chapman Rd. You will only be allowed to turn left and return the way you entered. Only district five buses and daycare vans will be allowed to travel right onto Chapman and back to Calhoun Rd. We will still have divided dismissal where 1st, 3rd, and 4th grades will be dismissed from the front and K, 2nd, and 5th grades will be dismissed from the back pick-up #1. Morning drop off will only be at the front of the school using the same traffic flow as dismissal.
We have provided a map that demonstrates the traffic flow for the school and we would greatly appreciate your patient assistance as we work through any problems that may arise as we start our school year. Please study the map carefully so that the first week of school traffic will not pose unanticipated problems or delays. Please plan to add 10-15 minutes of extra time to alleviate any frustrations during the first few weeks until the traffic pattern is well established and all problems are addressed. Calhoun Academy has the best parents and we know that you will assist us as we build for the future. Please direct all traffic related questions to jamiesmith@anderson5.net.
Sincerely,
James A. Smith
Assistant Principal
Monday, July 6, 2009
Calhoun Academy of the Arts
Here is the link to the homepage of Calhoun Academy of the Arts.
http://calhoun.anderson5.net/
We have a lot of construction going on at the school in preparations for our school auditorium as well as other renovations throughout the school. This year's theme is UNDER CONSTRUCTION... Building a Better Tomorrow!
School Blog
Here is my first post for my school blog. I teach 5th grade at Calhoun Academy of the Arts in Anderson, SC. I teach ELA and Social Studies. I work with the best group of people ever. Here on this blog you will find many of the exciting things we are doing in my fifth grade class as well as at my Calhoun. Parents can stay up to date with videos and pictures of all the wonderful things the students are doing and learning in class. Stay tuned. School starts back August 18th!
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