What a great week!

Hello Hoover families!

It has been a wonderful week at Hoover. I have witnessed so many shining moments from our 5/6 students this week. Some moments are highlighted below:

Language Arts: WOW! What impressive final papers students have created. The past two weeks, we have been working on research methods and writing devices that will enhance a formal essay on the students' chosen topics. Yesterday, students began to share their topic and read their final essay in front of the class. They included such clear details, relevant information, and their own voice as an author to make this essay be the best it could be. I am so proud of their efforts and thoughtful writing choices.

Students also read news articles and non-fiction texts in their small groups this week. They used several "think aloud" reading strategies to gain greater depth in their understanding of these texts and shared reflections with their peers. We also have been watching clips of Channel One News to gain awareness of the situations in our world. Then, students debate their viewpoints and practice backing up their opinions with details and a strong rationale.

Science- Oh the many wonders of Microworlds! We have used our journals to continue learning more about magnifiers and the amazing things they magnify. We discussed the field of view, characteristics of magnifiers and even used microscopes this week. Students have also continued to understand the difference between opinions, inferences and observations as it applies in our scientific contexts.

This week, students observed the small primary colored dots that exist to form printed letters and images. We connected this to Pointillism artwork and started created our own Pointillism art pieces.

Math: 5th graders took their chapter 6 test. This was a nice chapter to review concepts that students have been building on since 3rd grade: graphs, landmark data sets and fractions. We are now beginning with positive and negative exponents in chapter 7. Each students should have come home with a parent letter. If you did not receive one, let me know and I will send more home! 6th graders are continuing in their probability unit.

THANK YOU!

A big thank you to families for sending in supplies for soldier kits these past two weeks! It is such a wonderful reminder of how the wonderful ways families give to others here at Hoover!

Also, thank you to the parents who are providing treats and materials for the party next Monday. It means so much to the students and to me!


Reminders:

Valentine's Day is next Monday. All 5/6 classes will be celebrating from 1:30-2:00. Students are welcome to bring valentines for their peers. It is of course optional to bring valentines, but if students choose to bring cards and treats, have them bring enough for all students. Today, the students had some great questions and we clarified expectations for Monday. If you have any questions about the party, feel welcome to email me!


Ms. Dobyns’ and Ms. Haren’s classes:

Michael Berg
Angela Briggs
Grace Brown
Jonah Dancer
Aedan Kaduma
Audrey Kersbergen
Ashley Kuennen
Wyatt Kuhns
Will McIntire
JC Meardon
Louis Craig
Matthew Dodge
Bryce Frantz
Anna Hilgenberg
Joey Kim
Julianne Maxwell
Nancy Ordenana
Oscar Parra
Rose Sadewasser
Skye Spencer
Anna Swanson
Cyan Vanderhoef
Stephanie Verdinez
Amber Wells
Ben Quelle
Alex Zhang
Michael Blair