TGS Grade 5 2011-2012

Dear Parents,

Last week, fifth graders continued to read from Rhoda Blumberg's The Incredible Journey of Lewis and Clark and we watched a short segment of Ken Burns' Lewis and Clark film. As we read, students are discussing the text and writing short interpretative responses. Three of these responses have been revised in class. We'll continue this work and in the process complete the components of a basic research paper. Students are also working on maps depicting the major rivers of North America, the states of 1803, and and the various foreign land claims.

In science, students are working to construct mechanized vehicles in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) challenge that integrates our work with ratios, measurement, circuitry, principles of physical science, and precise drawing. The attached photos show a sample of student work from the concept and design stage to vehicle construction in progress.

In keeping with the school wide Maasai global education theme, our students worked with buddy partners to create toys from recycled and cast off items. The activity was the first of its kind here at TGS and the students couldn't have done a finer job of demonstrating cooperation and creative thinking. With limited materials and no glue guns, tape, or modern convenience, our students invented remarkable games, toys, and artistic creations.

Spring has come early to The Grammar School. This past Friday, I took the fifth and sixth grade for a walk in one of my favorite woods off Dusty Ridge Rd. I led the students to the site of a long forgotten rope tow engine. The students enjoyed visiting the woodsy hill and searching for the tow wheels still mounted to some of the stouter trees. The site is a testament to Southern Vermont's rich tradition of skiing and a step into what I consider one chapter of Vermont's most interesting history.

Charlie

Here is a note from Pauline O'Brien:

Dear Class Parents,

I attended this afternoon's Student Council meeting where it was announced that the skating/sliding/bonfire event scheduled for next Friday has been cancelled, due to the lack of snow and warm weather conditions. The council will look into scheduling a different event for later in the spring, which will feature out doorgames and activities, and some inside crafts.

So, the solo event on February 24th will be the parents' International Pot Luck at 5:30 PM. The Student Council is hopeful that the activities cancellation will not impact attendance at the pot luck.

Please share the contents of this message to the parents in your class.

Thanks,

Pauline