November 20, 2025

Dear Parents,

Happy Thursday!! There will be no blog next week since we will all be celebrating Thanksgiving. I will try to give all the information I need to for next couple of weeks in this week.

Language Arts

We began the week finishing up the Module 2 Test. Then we moved on to Module 3 Week 1. The story we read is called Rent Party Jazz . It is a historical fiction piece set in New Orleans long ago. It is a pretty fun story to read. We had a discussion about informal language and formal language, before reading the story. It better helps them to understand some of the slang in the story. In spelling they are working on words with the short /oo/ sound and long /oo/ sound.

In grammar we will be discussing verb tenses. The tenses are past, present and future. In decoding we will talk about the spelling sounds plus using them in multiple syllable words. The spelling post test for this story will happen on Tuesday, December 2nd.

You will find the results from Module 2 week 3 in the folders today. The Module 2 results will be in the first folder of December.

Math

This week we have been back working on our Multiplication chapter in the book. We began by reviewing partial product. We then moved on to a new strategy called Area Model. we have been working on that most of the week. It is the same as partial product we just added a picture to help us. Some kids really like this strategy because the picture helps them to keep things straight. We were working with numbers in the 100's and today moved on to numbers in the 1,000's. They are doing a very good job with it so far.

Social Studies

We are still working on the heavy topics of the Northeast. We have talked about Abolitionists and Women's Suffrage. We are also talking about the larger cities of the Northeast Region being "port" cities. We talked about the importance of port cities. We will be working on a study guide and Test the week of December 1st. The test will be on Friday, December 5th.

On Tuesday, November 25th we will take a Map test. This map test is over the Northeast states and capitals. Yes, we are adding capitals to it. If your student did not do well on the first one they need to work hard for this one. It is SUPER important to learn each region as we go because they will take a test at the end of the year on all 50. If you can't do each region you will definitely struggle on all 50.

Permission Form

You will find the permission form for Christmas Concert practice in today's folder. Please fill out and return by Tuesday. We don't want to have to worry about them getting lost over Thanksgiving.

Spirit Day

Friday, November 21, is Spirit Day. What a perfect day to wear sweatpants. The temperatures are still very cool. I hope everyone chooses to participate. We are only allowing sweatpants, no hats since it is sweatpants weather.

Outdoor Classroom Fundraiser

Remember the $20 for the wear sweatpants all of December Fundraiser is due by December 2nd. Please be sure you bring your money by then or you can not participate. We will be given a list of students who have paid to participate.

Illness

We have seen some illness in the building and definitely in our room. Strep in very prevalent right now and a virus. The virus causing a "bark" like cough and fatigue and sometimes a fever. If your child is experiencing this please keep them at home. It is so close to Thanksgiving we don't want to ruin other people's Holilday with illness. Those who have been to the Dr. have been told to keep them home. I have started having them clean desks with Clorox wipes in between classes to try and help. I also have a bottle of Germ-X in the room to help.

Biztown

I would say Biztown was a huge success! I want to thank all the parents that drove kids and all those who came to help in a business. The kids totally enjoyed it and look forward to going again next year. I hope some of you are eager to go with again. The kids will be in different businesses so they experience something else. Kudos to those who were in the Publishing company. We think that one is the hardest one. It's very busy. Again thank you! Without you we could not make this trip happen.

Read-a-thon

You will find the informational packet in the folders today. It begins on Monday, November 24th and goes for 2 weeks. Any minutes you read should be recorded on the sheet provided and also on your Book It calendars.

I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!! I will be spending mine in Scottdale, AZ with my sister-in-law and her family. I am looking forward to it but will be very upset if I miss out on some snow back here. Yes, I am a snow person. I love it. My favorite part is watching it fall as I sit inside with a book and hot cocoa under a blanket. I hope I don't miss the first good snowfall. I know many of you would prefer to be where I am going!!

God Bless,

Mrs. Sickels