Ms. Wilson

Week of November 9

We began annual testing for gifted eligibility this week.  Based on observations we made today, we need to adjust our schedule slightly.  Instead of coming to Target at 9:45, our students will come to us at 10:00 a.m.  We found this morning that we just couldn't fit our first grade session in and still complete testing in grades 3 and 5.  This 15 minutes will make a huge difference!  Since my 2nd grade students are in specials at 10:00, I will meet up with them at the cafeteria entrance afterward.  They are used to this routine. 

Please note that the agenda will be abbreviated the next several weeks as we plan for slightly more than half days with our students. 

Second Grade

I hope your child came home singing "Echolocation" on Friday!  Students greatly enjoyed this song and video.  I saw dancing in the hallway and at recess, and they pleaded for more plays in the classroom. In the words of Raegan, "That's a catchy tune".  :) 

We will begin with a logic problem--"Bat Scouting".  We will complete our focus on echolocation.  We will discuss pups' connection with their parents.  Students will also use their estimation skills to look at the number of pups in a typical nursery colony.  Finally, we'll use some time on our research and read aloud.

Fourth and Fifth Grade

We are fully involved in our Morgan Falls bridge projects now.  Groups are at various stages.  Some are working on plans, some are working on presentations, and some have begun working on construction of their model.  Although I have been flexible with daily deadlines, I am monitoring each group for acceptable progress.   Thank you for all the bottle caps that have been sent in!  I believe we are set now.  :)

A few parents have asked about middle school placement.  I know we were somewhat vague at Open House.  I wish we had more specifics for you.  The A/C classes offered and criteria used for admission into them differs by middle school and by year.  Here's what we can tell you:

The criteria for admission into A/C classes is not consistent--it varies by school and can from year to year within a school.  The number of A/C classes depends on the number of gifted endorsed teachers a school has.  Then, the number of gifted students also plays a part.  Gifted students are guaranteed at least one A/C class, so they must be accounted for first.  Hightower Trail is in an unusual situation! They tend to have more gifted endorsed teachers than other middle schools.  For that reason, they can offer more A/C classes.  With more A/C classes, more students can be served.  Last year, for example, the cutoff score for most A/C classes at Hightower Trail was at or above the 85th percentile. That score is different from other schools with fewer gifted endorsed teachers and/or gifted students and could be different this year, even by subject.  If the number of gifted endorsed teachers at that school, number of students per class, number of gifted students, or number of students who score at or above a given score changes, then criteria might as well.   

It's important to note that gifted students are guaranteed one A/C class.  The set criteria are then used to place these and all other students in appropriate A/C classes.  

Have a great week!

Schedule Update

I typically compose only one post a week to keep information coming to you in an "all in one" manner.  I am sending an additional post this week to update you on our Target schedule--this information pertains to all Target classes. 

As I stated in my Oct. 26 posting, we will delay the start of Target each day instead of canceling classes while we complete annual testing.  We have now received the materials we need and will begin testing next Monday, Nov. 9.  Beginning Monday, Target students will come to me on their regularly scheduled day--at 9:45 a.m.  We look forward to continuing our studies without interruption this year!  If testing is completed before the winter break, we will resume our normal schedule; I will keep you updated. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.  Thanks, and have a great day!

Week of November 2

If you have not yet seen your child's progress report and/or returned his/her attached Continuation Criteria form, please do so as soon as possible.  At the end of the week, I will send out an e-mail reminder to the parents of any students whose forms I've not yet received.  Thank you!

Here are the plans for the week:

Second Grade

This Friday promises to be an exciting day in our study of bats.  We will explore these creatures' behavior and survival.  We'll begin with an analytical brainteaser titled "Bat Scouting"--my students have been requesting another logic problem!  :)  Students will participate in an echolocation simulation, and we'll dig deeper into this topic.  On Friday afternoon, ask your child to share the Echolocation song! 

Due to last week's Science event in second grade, we didn't get to our research.  We'll get back to it this week.  I'm going to spread it out a bit over the next few weeks to give these guys more time for hands-on investigation. 

Fourth and Fifth Grade

We have gotten well into our Morgan Falls bridge project.  Students have learned a great deal about the area and feasibility study.  Our first due date is upon us!  This week, companies will work to complete their initial sketches and plans.  These plans are drawn to scale, match companies' sketches, and are assessed (by students themselves) for feasibility of construction.   Each company will conference with me for guidance.  I will primarily discuss the design itself and the measurements students have taken/predicted.  Drawing plans to scale is one of the most challenging parts of this project.  I will not tell students how strong I think their bridge will be, however. We want students to see that sometimes revisions must be made--that problems may arise during construction.  If and when problems arise, students will have an opportunity to modify their plans. 

If a company completes their plans this week, they will begin work on their presentation for the conservancy.  They should focus this week on the beginning of their presentation, providing background--what factors they considered in designing their bridge (and why)--and how they determined what type of bridge to propose. 

We are still in need of water or soda bottle caps.  If you have any at home, we'd greatly appreciate donations.  We'll be needing these next week...:)

Have a great day!

Week of October 26

Our annual testing winow is being organized differently this year.  We will not have to cancel Target classes and miss entire days with our Target students.  :)  Instead, we will delay the start of Target classes.  We'll test students in the a.m., and our Target students will come to us on their regular day at 9:45 a.m.  We look forward to working with our students throughout the entire semester!  None of this testing will begin until fall CogAt and ITBS scores are back sometime in the next few weeks.  We will notify you as soon as we know.  Thanks!  Our plans for this week...

Second Grade

We had some issues with Trackstar last week and were unable to access the sites I'd bookmarked for students.  I've created a new track in Trackstar and a backup on another bookmarking site with several sites for students to reference in completing their research.  We will complete this research first thing Friday morning and begin work on our flip books.  We will most likely not complete these books this week.

After lunch, students will construct a zoetrope.  We'll use these zoetropes to visualize, compare, and contrast the flight of birds and bats.  We'll refer back to last week's discussion on the principles of flight and discuss the relationship between these principles and the structure of the bat's wing.  Do you know why bats must roost high in caves, trees, or other places before beginning flight?  If not, ask your child Friday afternoon!  :)

Fourth and Fifth Grade

Students will work in their companies this week--completing any necessary research, sketching out their ideas for the bridge, deciding on the basic structure, and starting on the official plans.  They should also purchase the land needed to build their bridge this week.

Homework:  If they haven't already done so, students should complete their "Top 10" list.  Also, if any students who have them at home could bring in 1 water or soda bottle cap, we'd greatly appreciate it!  These caps will be used to hold "welding material". 

Have a great week!

Week of October 19

Well, we saw the sun this Monday!  :) Let's hope this is the beginning of a trend...  Please remember that all Target progress reports are going home this week.  Each child will have an opportunity to look over his/her report, and we will conference briefly.  I have encouraged all my students to ask if they have any questions!

When your child comes home with his/her Target progress report, you will notice a new service description and continuation criteria form attached.  Sorry, 2nd grade parents--I know I sent your child's progress report home on Friday; I'll send these forms home this week!!!  All parents--please read over this form with your child and sign to indicate you understand the criteria.  They have changed since you last signed a form.  We have explained this form to students, and they understand they should sign it indicating their understanding as well.  We will take your completion and return of this form as confirmation that you've also seen your child's progress report.  Please let me know if you have any questions!

Here's the plan for this week:

Second Grade

We made exceptional progress with our research last Friday; students are enjoying the new things they're learning about their particular bat species.  We plan to complete our research (and research grid) this week, citing at least two sources.  If we have time in the a.m., we'll begin to assemble flip books that we'll use to present or "publish" our research. 

After lunch, we'll again take a look at the similarities and differences between bats, birds, and humans.  This time, we'll be examining principles of flight.  We'll experiment with these principles using some Bernoulli challenges and an investigation titled "Look, mom, no wings!"  No worries--we won't leave the floor (for more than a second, anyway) of our classroom!

Fourth and Fifth Grade

We'll complete our Letterman-style "Top 10" about bridges this week.  We have some students with amazing senses of humor!  Given the time we've lost with scheduling things the past several weeks, we wanted to give our students a chance to make substantial progress with their Morgan Falls bridge proposal.  So, students will have much of class this week to work on them.  Each company is expected to complete their background research related to the site and feasibility study.  Ms. Neal and I will meet with all students sharing a particular job (such as the accountants from each group, for example) to discuss their job responsibilities and supplies available to them.  Finally, companies will begin the focus on their specific proposal.  Studying the site map, they'll determine their options for bridge length and begin sketching out their bridge design.

Before moving on to our next Hands-On Equations lesson, we will take some time this week to explore practical problem-solving contexts using our kits and mats.

Ms. Neal requests that 4th grade students return borrowed River Kids boots and goggles to her room this week.  She said to thank you for storing the boots this summer!

Finally, in an effort to continue the conservation of resources, we're placing this invitation in the morning announcements, Thursday memo, and on teachers' blogs.  I'll put it here just in case you don't see it elsewhere.  We have some exciting changes for this year's Science Olympiad team, including new events! This invitation is for all 4th and 5th grade students:

Do you enjoy learning new things in Science?  Do you like being part of a team?  Are you looking for a new challenge?  Tritt’s Science Olympiad team may be for you!  Members of this team will work together to investigate, experiment, and compete.  Our team will compete against others in Cobb County on Saturday, March 6, and in a state competition on Saturday, May 15.  

If you are interested in applying to be a member of the team, please plan to join us on Monday, November 9 in Ms. Wilson’s room.  The application session will last from 2:30-3:15.  

Depending upon the number of applicants, we will either form one or two teams.  Each team can only consist of 18 members with no more than 8 fifth graders.  For this reason, we will use applications to determine team rosters.  We plan to form our team/s and begin practicing when we return from the holiday break in January.  

We look forward to seeing you on November 9!

Ms. Wilson, Ms. Donovan, and Mrs. Swierski
Tritt’s Science Olympiad Coaches

Have a great week!

Week of October 12

Well, we began another week with a downpour.  My Monday class is beginning to wonder if they'll ever see sunshine!  It's interesting to note what several of them said last week:  "Ms. Wilson, I think this is our first Target day without rain."  Here's hoping for brighter days ahead!

As you know, report cards go home with students this Friday.  On Friday, I'll begin distributing Target progress reports.  Friday's class will receive them this week, and all other classes will receive them next week.  I like to conference with individual students about their progress reports and give them an opportunity to ask any questions they have.  All students should be clear on my assessments and comments when they arrive home.

Second Grade

Becoming acquainted with the laptops and software has been challenging, but we're definitely making progress!  :)  Most students completed their typed write-up of survey results last week.  This week, I plan for us to complete our bat research.  Students are still getting used to Cobb Virtual Library and conducted effective searches, so I'm working to bookmark some specific sites for them to use.  I'm impressed that students are so excited to learn more about these species!  This research is time consuming and will be our primary focus this week. 

We'll continue our reading of Silverwing and see if the team can conquer "The Maze".  :) 

Fourth and Fifth Grade

Playing off "Letterman style" top 10 lists (and appropriate models), students will brainstorm their thoughts on a specific bridge topic.  Today's students had some fun recounting "Top 10 Reasons to Read a Book"--one of our examples--as they walked out the door.  :)  This task gives students an opportunity to share their understanding, perspective, and sense of humor.

Cooperative groups will participate in a bridge building challenge using only specific materials.  Then, in the afternoon, we'll work in companies to gain background information on Morgan Falls and recent bridge proposals by reviewing the Sandy Springs Conservancy site and attached feasibility study.  Students will begin to consider the factors influencing their bridge proposals.  The last time we led this study, companies planned and constructed a bridge.  We're excited about the real-world context we're providing this year and are already impressed with the connections students have made.  Given time, Ms. Neal and I will meet with all students to discuss their specific job responsibilities. 

Have a great week!

Week of October 5

I enjoyed reading many fourth and fifth grade parents' e-mails about last week's U2 brainteaser!  It seems that many of you got into solving this problem on your own as much as the kids did.  Some of your comments kept me laughing.  :)  I have seen several of my students over the past week for clues, and I've found that one particular clue tends to facilitate the "A-ha!"  I wish you could see the excitement on kids' faces--and maybe some of you did at home--when they figured the problem out. 

Second Grade

We'll begin this week with "Batman and the Joker", a logical/analytical task.  We talked this last week about organizing data from our bat attitudes surveys, making observations, and drawing conclusions based on those observations.  Students wrote a paragraph to summarize their results and conclusions, and we began typing these paragraphs in Microsoft Word.  Students will complete these "final" drafts on Friday.  We will then spend much of the second half of our day working on our bat research. 

Fourth and Fifth Grade

We will review the principles of creative thinking this week, and students will apply these principles on the verbal and visual task "Sur Le Pont".  Students will conduct an investigation related to the Romans' contributions to bridge building and discuss the ways in which these contributions affect us today.  Finally, we will introduce the "problem" to be addressed by students' bridge building companies.  Students will conduct research to gain further understanding of the area for which the bridge is being proposed.  They will also examine the factors that must be considered in building a bridge in this area.  Students' job applications are being returned.  If we have time, I'll meet with students performing each job to discuss their roles.  Students will actually step into these roles next week.  In next Monday's post, I'll include specific information on this project and links to sites we've visited! 

Have a great day!

Week of September 28

We're so glad to be back on track with our schedule!  The weather is beautiful, too--we enjoyed our recess time today!  I hope none of your homes suffered extensive damage during the flooding.  Many of you know I live in Powder Springs.  I also have several family members living in Austell.  We are all very fortunate!  I have seen so much devestation right here in Powder Springs, though, and nearby in Austell and Paulding Co.  Seeing Cobb County residents and many from other parts of the nation come together to help those in need has been amazing! 

We hope to have some discussion this week in our fourth and fifth grade classes about bridges as they relate to last week's events.  Here's our plan for this week:

Second Grade

I apologize for the redundancy of some of my 2nd grade postings!  Some tasks are taking longer than I had expected.  I'd much rather us take the time we need on them than rush through them, though!  We did complete our Fact/Myth chart in MS Word last week!  Students used this chart and their interests to formulate three survey questions.  They were to ask 10 people each of their three questions.  We'll discuss these surveys on Friday.

We will also complete the investigation "How a Bat Compares to Me"--described last week. Students will use investigation and research to compare the anatomy and physiology of bats and humans.  We will work to begin research on students' chosen bat species.  Students will learn how to use a research grid to organize information from multiple sources.  For this project, students will reference two relevant and credible sources.  We will discuss ways of recognizing 'relevant' and 'credible' sources in class.

Fourth and Fifth Grade (All Days)

Students will complete "Light My Way...Please!"--an analytical/visual brainteaser.  We're encouraging students to use any strategy that works for them.  I've heard students discuss drawings, lists of patterns, mathematical scenarios.  I've even seen a group of students acting out the problem.  :) 

We will complete "Triangles and Trusses" this week.  Students will discover a way of making structures more rigid.  Companies will complete their basic organizational tasks--creating a name, logo, slogan, and sign for their "office" space.  They will also draft a code of conduct that all members of their company pledge to adhere to.  Finally, if we have time, students will be presented with a building challenge--"Briding with Einstein". 

Students in fourth grade will complete lesson 7 and the lessons 1-7 review in Hands-On Equations; students in fifth grade will complete lesson 16.

Homework:  Only students who have not completed "Light my Way...Please!" have homework that must be completed before next week.  We are asking students to work completely independently on the brainteaser should they choose to bring it home.  If they need assistance, students are welcome to come to my classroom one a.m. before school.  I have clues that I will give them in a specific order.  If there are students who have not completed this week's Hands-On Equations lesson, I'm happy to work with them 1:1 before school!  Thanks for your help!

Have a great day!

Week of September 21

I hope everyone is staying dry.   My 3-hour commute this afternoon was interesting! I know we're excited about an unexpected day off, but I'll be keeping those affected by flooding in my thoughts. 

To help everyone keep things straight, I'll do this blog posting by day of the week.  We're very excited to have our regular schedule back! 

4th and 5th grade parents:  I will be taking time to discuss students' work on "Building Big" with them, and it will go home with them this week.  I have finished reading and assessing all 1,518 items.  :)  Many students did very well on this assignment, while others had difficulty.  The primary needs I see are:  determining what a question is asking for, sticking with research to find an answer, and evaluating responses to make sure they make sense.  We'll begin to focus more on information problem solving strategies in the Target classroom.  These strategies--using the Big 6 information processing model--will be helpful to students in many contexts! 

Monday's 4th Graders

Students began to tackle a challenging brainteaser - "Light My Way...Please!"  In this brainteaser, students must figure out how to get U2 to their concert on time.  A bridge is involved, of course!  In cooperative groups, they got started with Triangles and Trusses, an investigation of truss systems. We will complete this activity next week.  Companies held their first meeting today as well.  In this meeting, they created a name for their company, their company's slogan, and a logo.  They discussed job descriptions and collaborated on their "Code of Conduct".  Finally, we were introduced to the pictorial method used in Hands-On Equations. 

Homework:  Complete job application and Hands-On Equations Lesson 7.  Some students completed lesson 7.  Others were allowed to take it home to complete the pictorial problems; no kit is needed to complete these.  Students are also welcome to come to the Target classroom in the a.m. to work on this assignment or get assistance.

Tuesday's 4th/5th Graders

No School - We'll work to make up ground next week!

Wednesday and Thursday's 4th/5th Graders

This week, students will complete the brainteaser "Light My Way...Please!"  We will also complete Triangles and Trusses, an investigation of truss systems.  Bridge company jobs will be determined after a review of applications, and Ms. Wilson will meet with all students to discuss job responsibilities.  Using Cobb Virtual Library, students will begin an individual research project.  Students will research bridges they're interested in--with some specific guidelines in place.  Finally, we'll work to complete HOE Lesson 7 (4th graders) and Lesson 16 (5th graders). 

Homework:  Complete Hands-On Equations Lesson 7 or Lesson 16 if needed.  Students may come to the Target classroom in the a.m. if they need any assistance.

Friday

Students have selected a species of bat to research.  This week, we will look at a research grid as a way of organizing sources and information.  We are still working to complete the fact/myth charts in Microsoft Word.  This week, I'll divide the class into two groups.  I will be able to devote more attention to students who need technical assistance while others work on "Bat Droodles", a visual creativity task.  Groups will then switch, so that all students have an opportunity to complete both tasks.  We will complete an investigation--How a Bat Compares to Me--comparing the anatomy and physiology of bats and humans.

Homework:  Students should survey 10 people on their attitudes toward bats.  Surveys will be discussed in class, and students should come home on Friday with three already drafted questions to ask (in their journals). 

Have a great day!

Week of September 14

Reminder:  Third and fifth grade testing occurs this week.  Third and fifth grade are taking the ITBS this week.  Ms. Donovan, Ms. Neal, and I are assisting in third grade classrooms, so we will not be able to hold Target classes in the a.m.  We will pick our Target students up each day (Monday, Sept. 14 - Friday, Sept. 18) as soon as we complete testing.  We look forward to busy afternoons with our students!

Second Grade

Students will begin to select their research topic this Friday.  All research will be related to species of bats, and we will discuss things that should be considered when choosing a topic.  We will complete the fact/myth charts we began in Microsoft Word--finally!  :)  If time allows, students will begin an investigation comparing the anatomy and physiology of bats and humans. 

Monday's Fourth Grade Class

Due to testing and the final 4th grade fire safety meeting, our time was limited today.  We made adjustments, though, and should be able to get back on track next week.  We're looking forward to having that full Target day!!! 

Today, we conducted an experiment:  Piers- Which shape is best?  Students tested a cylinder, triangular prism, and rectangular prism to determine the best support for a beam bridge.  We discussed the importance of consistency in treatment to achieve the most accurate results.  Students then elected project managers for our upcoming long-term project. 

Fourth and Fifth Grade (other than Monday)

This week we'll complete "Triangles and Trusses".  In this investigation, students will examine ways of making structures more rigid.  Students will then move into their groups to create a name, slogan, logo, and code of conduct for their 'company'.  Companies will discuss job positions and responsibilities and then conference with me to discuss their progress.  Thanks to Mr. Thomas (Ethan and Drew's dad) for sharing some pictures of the Sydney Harbour Bridge; we look forward to seeing these this week!

Homework:  Students should complete their job application. 

Have a great week!