Week of March 9 to 13
What We Learned this Week:
Bible: It has been a significant week of transition in our Bible studies. We focused on the powerful conclusion of one prophet’s mission and the beginning of another’s.
Key Highlights:
The Fiery Chariot: In Lesson 8, we witnessed the incredible way Elijah’s time on earth ended. He did not die but was taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot!
Passing the Mantle: We saw that God chose Elisha to succeed Elijah as His prophet.
Confirmation of a Prophet: The students learned that God used three specific signs to reveal to everyone that Elisha was indeed His chosen prophet to carry on the work.
Unit 12 Review & Assessment: We spent the rest of our week reviewing all the lessons in Unit 12 to prepare for our test, which the students completed at the end of the week.
Math: We officially closed the chapter on Unit 5 and opened up the exciting world of fractions this week!
Key Highlights:
Unit 5 Wrap-Up: We kicked off the week with a final review before taking our Unit 5 Measurement Test on Tuesday. On Wednesday, students had the opportunity for "second day" test corrections, allowing them to learn from their mistakes and solidify their understanding of area, perimeter, and conversions.
Intro to Fractions: We started our new unit by exploring unit fractions (fractions with a 1 in the numerator).
Adding & Multiplying: Students practiced writing the sum of unit fractions and learned the connection to multiplication.
Making a Whole: We worked on adding unit fractions to equal one whole, helping students visualize how many "pieces" it takes to complete the "pie."
Comparing & Ordering: We ended the week by comparing and ordering unit fractions. It’s always a great "Aha!" moment when students realize that in unit fractions, a larger denominator actually means a smaller piece!
Reading: Our readers are becoming true literary detectives! This week, we shifted our focus from what is happening in a story to why certain details matter so much.
Key Highlights:
The Power of Symbols: We discovered that when an object is mentioned repeatedly in a book, it often carries a significant meaning or "symbol" for the reader. The students had great discussions identifying these meaningful objects in their current texts and what they represent for the characters.
Mastering the Comparison: After diving deep into two different books, the students completed their compare and contrast activity. They transitioned their ideas from graphic organizers into formal writing, producing several paragraphs that highlight the similarities and differences between the stories.
Text-to-Text Connections: This exercise helped students see how different authors can approach similar themes or character types in unique ways.
Writing: Our classroom has been a bustling publishing house! The students are putting the finishing touches on their "Books of Expertise," transitioning from researchers to professional authors.
Key Highlights:
Navigating the Text: We focused on adding essential non-fiction text features to help our readers. Every book will now include a Table of Contents, a Glossary for academic terms, bolded words, and carefully chosen photographs with captions.
The Art of the Hook: We learned how to craft an engaging introduction. The students practiced "hooking" their reader's attention while clearly outlining what the reader will learn in the chapters to follow.
Writing Celebration: We are so proud of the stamina the students have shown. We are looking forward to celebrating our completed books during our Writing Celebration on Thursday, March 19!
📮 Extra! Extra! The Classbook is En Route!
We have some very exciting news: our classbook has officially been mailed! It should arrive at the publishing company within the week. We are so eager for the publishers to get to work and cannot wait to see the final products.
Social Studies: This week, we shifted our focus to the "hidden treasures" found across the United States. We explored how the land provides the resources we need for everything from building our homes to fueling our cars.
Key Highlights:
The Power of Trees: We discussed the vast forest resources in the U.S. and the incredible variety of products we get from trees. The students were surprised to see just how many everyday items—beyond just paper and wood—rely on these natural resources!
State Agriculture Investigators: Students conducted a brief research investigation into the agriculture of various states. They looked at how climate and soil determine what can be grown and investigated the types of animals farmed and raised in different regions.
Mastering Map Skills: We put our detective hats on for two map-reading activities. The class practiced interpreting complex data by analyzing maps of mineral production and identifying oil and gas fields across the country.
Spelling: Here is the link to next week's spelling list!
From the Office:
Tulip Time is coming! If you have a 1st through 4th grade student, please select how they plan to participate in the Tulip Time parade by using this form!
Swinging the Night Away! The Holland Christian Jazz Bands and the Old Timer’s Jazz Band are proud to present Swingin’ the Night Away in the HCHS cafeteria on Friday, March 20, from 6:45 to 9 pm. Admission is $5, and goes to support the music programs at HCHS. Dance instructors will be on hand from 6:45 pm-7:30 pm to teach the basic steps of swing, so the evening can be enjoyed by novice and experienced dancers alike. Not in the mood for dancing? Come socialize, indulge in some delicious desserts, punch, and enjoy the music of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and more. Sign up HERE if you'd like to bless us with a dessert or help out with the event!
Upcoming Dates:
March 16: No School
March 20: Reports Card Live
March 26 + 30: Parent Teacher Conferences
April 3-10 Spring Break
April 27 - May 8: Swim Lessons 1st - 4th at Holland Aquatic Center
⛺️March is Reading Month: Forts and Fruit Snacks (Thursday, March 19):
To keep the momentum going for Reading Month, we have a very special afternoon planned for Thursday, March 19. After our Writing Celebration, we are going to transform the classroom into a reader's paradise!
The Plan: Students will be building their very own reading "forts" by draping blankets or towels over their desks and chairs. Once their cozy hideaways are complete, they’ll spend the afternoon getting lost in their books while enjoying some fruit snacks.
What to Bring: Please send your student to school on Thursday with a blanket or a large towel from home to use for their fort.
The Goal: We want to celebrate the joy of reading in a fun, relaxed environment. It’s going to be a "Forts and Fruit Snacks" afternoon to remember!
Lansing Field Trip Information:
Our field trip to Lansing (April 1) is quickly approaching! I sent home this paper copy detailing some important information for that trip. You can access the digital copy here. Please take the time to carefully read it.
From the Spanish Immersion Team:
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