Introducing Margot

Hi everyone! It's been a hectic 2 weeks, but I wanted to officially introduce Margot to you all. She was born on May 1st weighing 8lbs 2 oz, and she is doing very well. Rachel is a proud big sister and just can't get enough of "her baby."

Thank you for your kind words, support, and the beautiful bouquet of flowers that arrived at my house last week. What an unexpected, but very appreciated surprise!

I hope all is going well back at school. I get updates from Mrs. Tooker and Mrs. Brumleve, but I wanted to let you know that I think of you and miss you all the time!

I know these next 2 weeks will fly by! Please keep your head in the game, as there is still a lot of important work to be done! Looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Love,
Mrs. Moliver

An unexpected goodbye

Today was a difficult day, as I had to had to say goodbye to 27 of my favorite people much earlier than I had expected. I have appreciated all of the kind words and positive thoughts sent my way - your support has meant a lot.

Mrs. Tooker (science specialist) and Mrs. Rafferty (reading specialist) will be taking over our class for the next few weeks, so the kids are in excellent hands. They will be reviewing for the science STAAR test, while continuing book clubs, exhibition, and some extension math work. For class updates, please visit Mrs. Berens' blog, as she will post all relevant information the the 5th grade class.

Again, thank you for a memorable year. I have enjoyed working with you all and look forward to watching this awesome group walk across the stage and into the next phase of life in a few short weeks!

With love,

Mrs. Moliver

Week 31

• Community Night - Friday, April 26th. Please follow this link if you are willing to sign up as a volunteer for our very last fundraising event of the school year!
• Portfolio Picnic - April 29 - May 1 Picnic Sign Up Link & Picnic Info Link
• Science STAAR – May 15th
• Exhibition Night – May 23rd 
• 5th Grade Promotion - May 28th

Math: We will continue learning about percentages and will take a short quiz on Wednesday. Here is a video that helps explain the concept: Percents: Math Antics. Problem Solving Quiz on Friday

Reading: We will start our final book clubs on Monday!
Spelling and quizlet on Friday

Science: This week we will cover the different types of forces and how they affect motion, and how simple machines make work easier/more Simple machines video

Social Studies: We will be wrapping up our lessons on the Civil War (week 19 newspaper) and taking a test on Thursday.

Exhibition: This week we will be working on presentation supports. Each group will need a trifold board by Monday, 4/22, these can be purchased at Office Depot, Staples, Target, etc. I suggest that if one group member makes the purchase, other group members chip in $1-2 to cover the cost.

Week 30

• Spring Holiday - April 19
• Portfolio Picnic - April 29 - May 1 
• Picnic Sign Up Link & Picnic Info Link
• Science STAAR – May 15th
• Exhibition Night – May 23rd
• 5th Grade Promotion - May 28th

Math: 

We are learning about percentages and how to convert a decimal or fraction to a percent. Here is a video that helps explain the concept: Percents: Math Antics
Problem solving quiz on Thursday

Reading:
Week 30 quizlet & spelling (week 28 list) quizzes on Thursday

Science: 

Biomes and adaptations projects due on Thursday

Life science unit test on Wednesday, the best study tool is your science journal!

Social Studies: 

We will continue to cover the Civil War, there will be a final test next week (week 31)

Exhibition:

We are wrapping up revisions & edits to research papers and will begin working on presentation supports. Each group will need a trifold board (preferably by Monday, 4/22), these can be purchased at Office Depot, Staples, Target, etc. I suggest that if one group member makes the purchase, other group members chip in $1-2 to cover the cost. I will provide colored paper, and other supplies to create an eye-catching board.

Week 29

• School Carnival - April 6 (10am-2pm)
• Dunking Booth 5th grade Fundraiser sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805094aaea92aa75-5thgrade  
• Math STAAR - Tuesday, April 9
• Reading STAAR - Wednesday, April 10
• Due to testing, visitors/volunteers will not be allowed on campus on Tuesday or Wednesday
• Please be sure to get lots of rest and a healthy breakfast prior to testing
• Each test may last up to 4 hours - I suggest packing an extra snack or two, but please make sure these are "CLEAN" and "quiet" so that we don't mess up our test documents or disturb others.
• Students may read after testing - be sure to have a good book ready to keep you busy until the entire grade level completes the day's testing
• Field Trip to the Menil Collection - April 12
• Please be sure to wear your grey 5th grade class shirt!!!
• Spring Holiday - April 19
• Portfolio Picnic - April 29 - May 1 Picnic Sign Up Link & Picnic Info Link

Monday will be a final review of math and reading strategies for testing taking, and small groups will address any last minute content concerns.

Tuesday & Wednesday - Testing 8am - 12pm. Lunch, ancillary, and recess will follow.

Thursday we will begin a two part life science project involving research of various biomes and the adaptations that help organisms thrive there.

Friday will be fully dedicated to working on the science project and exhibition papers' revising and editing. We will not have a POD, quizlet, or spelling quiz this week.

Note: We did not have time to take our spelling quiz this past Friday, 4/5. The list for that week will be used next week, and the quiz will take place on Thursday, 4/18... I expect very high grades :)

Week 28

• PJ Day (Fun run reward) - Monday, April 1
• Spring Picture Day - April 5
• School Carnival - April 6
• Dunking Booth Fundraiser sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805094aaea92aa75-5thgrade
• Math STAAR - April 9
• Reading STAAR - April 10
• Field Trip to the Menil Collection - April 12
• Spring Holiday - April 19

Math: We are continuing our review for the Math STAAR test this week.

Students have daily math review homework, and with any extra time, they can work on Imagine Math online as a great supplemental review from home.

Reading: The students begin their historical fiction group projects on Monday, April 1st. The projects will be due on Friday, April 5th. We will also be reviewing for STAAR with the use of passage practice and task cards during rotations. Quizlet and Spelling on Friday.

Science: This week we are covering incomplete vs complete metamorphosis and heredity. Study Jams  has some great videos on living organisms and life cycles to check out. Under the "Plant" tab: Roots & Stems, Flowers, Plants with Seeds. Under the "Animals" tab: Animal Life Cycles

Social Studies: Students will continue to learn the causes of the war, the differences between the Northern and Southern economies at that time, States' Rights, Slavery/Underground Railroad, and a couple of key battles of the war

Week 27

• Report Cards go home - Tuesday, March 26
• Science Mock STAAR – Wednesday, March 27
• Field Day/Fun Run - Friday, March 29th
• Spring Picture Day - April 5
• School Carnival - April 6
• Math STAAR - April 9
• Reading STAAR - April 10
• Field Trip to the Menil Collection - April 12
• Spring Holiday - April 19

Math: We are beginning our review for the Math STAAR test this week. There will be daily math review homework, and Imagine Math can be used as a great supplemental review from home.

Reading: We will continue to read the historical fiction books for book club this week. Group projects will begin on April 1st. We will also begin reviewing for STAAR by practicing with passages and task card activities. Spelling and quizlet quizzes on Friday

Science: This week we are covering invasive species and plant/animal adaptations. Check out Study Jams, Plant tab: Roots & Stems, Flowers, Plants with Seeds. Animals tab: Animal Life Cycles

Social Studies: We will continue to learn about the causes of the Civil War, the differences between the Northern and Southern economies, States' Rights, Slavery, the Underground Railroad, and a couple of key battles of the war.

EXTRA STAAR review options:
Reading STAAR Quizlet Click here!
Math STAAR Quizlet Click here!
Imagine Math or Reading

Are you having a hard time logging into Imagine Math?
Tips on logging in to the HISD HUB from home:
1. Use Google Chrome.
2. Google “HISD HUB”
3. One of the first choices should be “PowerUp/HUB – Houston ISD.” Click on it.
4. Click on the orange button near the bottom of the screen that says “HUB Sign In.” A screen should come up that says “HISD Single Sign On Service”
5. Where it says someone@example.com, enter the student’s username. Username is “student\s1900000” – the numbers being your student’s HISD ID number. So a student named Jay Smith, with an ID number of 1923456, would have the username of “student\s1923456.” The word “student” changes the domain to the student domain.
6. When typing the username, be sure you are using a BACK SLASH, not a forward slash. The back slash key is located above the Enter key on the keyboard.
7. Password is the student’s birthdate in an 8 digit format. For example; Jan 1, 2010 would be 01012010.

Week 26

I hope everyone had an amazing spring break!

If you are looking for something to get you back in gear for the weeks ahead...

• Reading STAAR Quizlet Click here!
• Math STAAR Quizlet Click here!
• Extra Financial Literacy Quizlet
• Science STAAR Quizlet Click here!
• Imagine Math/Imagine Reading Roberts Wiki
• Read out loud, ask yourself summary and inference questions

Reminders:

• School resumes - Monday, March 18
• Report Cards go home - Tuesday, March 26
• Spring Picture Day - April 5
• School Carnival - April 6
• Math STAAR - April 9
• Reading STAAR - April 10
• Field Trip to the Menil Collection - April 12

Math:
Continue financial literacy. There will be a test on Thursday, March 21st
Extra Financial Literacy Quizlet (this will not be a quiz, but is good for practicing financial literacy terms) Fun Taxes Activities
On Friday we will begin reviewing for STAAR. Each day we will revisit and practice an objective we learned this year. We will be playing fun games, using task cards, and looking through our math journals to refresh our memory. Problem solving quiz on Friday.

ELA/Reading:
This week will start a new historical fiction book club.
Spelling and Quizlet on Friday

Science:

This week we will begin our unit on life science. This includes ecosystems, habitats, and the interaction of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) things.
Study Jams Ecosystems Tab Under the Ecosystems tab, watch the videos: Ecosystems, Carbon Cycle, Population Growth and Biomes.

Social Studies:
Civil War: Students will continue to learn the causes of the war, the differences between the Northern and Southern economies at that time, States' Rights, Slavery/Underground Railroad, and a couple of key battles of the war.

Week 25

• PADRES Campout March 1-2 CANCELED
• Mock STAAR results (math & reading) will go home in Tuesday folders this week
• Spring Break - March 11-15
• Spring Picture Day - April 5
• School Carnival - April 6
• Math and Reading STAAR - April 9-10
• Field Trip to the Menil Collection - April 12 (if you would like to join us as a chaperone, please email me)

Math:
Financial Literacy
Financial Literacy Quizlet (there will not be a quiz on this list, but it is good for practicing financial literacy terms)
Fun Taxes Activities
Problem of the day quiz on Friday

ELA/Reading:
This week we will wrap up our short book club and begin preparing for the reading STAAR with practice passages and test taking skills.
-Spelling and Quizlet on Friday

Science:

Earth, Moon, and Sun Test will be on Wednesday, March 6th.
For extra practice, go to Study Jams and click on the Solar System tab. Watch the videos on "A Day on Earth" and "Gravity and Inertia." Crash Course Kids also has a great list of videos for this unit.

You might also want to check out Discovery Education videos, there are literally hundreds to choose from! (You can also access this through the HUB's digital resources)

Social Studies:
Comparing the North and the South’s economy during the Civil War

Exhibition: Continue writing research papers on our topics. We are aiming for all papers to be finished by this week, even in rough draft form. Introductions and conclusions are still a work in progress, and we can also work more with these after spring break. Parent help with revising and editing papers is greatly appreciated. Students can access these from home through their google drive accounts.

Week 24

• Mock STAAR testing - Feb. 26 & 27
• PADRES Campout - March 1-2
• Spring Break - March 11-15
• Spring Picture Day - April 5
• School Carnival - April 6

A big congratulations to all of my dancers! It was so much fun to watch you perform on stage, you worked so hard and did a fantastic job!

Math:
Learning about the different attributes of polygons and classifying two dimensional figures.
Polygons Math Antics
Triangles Math Antics
Quadrilaterals Math Antics

Polygons quiz on Friday in lieu of the weekly problem of the day quiz

ELA/Reading:

This week we will begin a new book club, yay! 

Spelling and Week 24 Quizlet quizzes on Friday

Science: 

Earth’s cycles/patterns and comparing the Earth, Sun, and moon. This week’s focus will be on tides and shadows. On Study Jams, go to the Solar System tab and check our the videos on "A Day on Earth" and "Gravity and Inertia." Crash course kids on YouTube also has a great list of videos for this unit! You might also want to check out Discovery Education videos, there are literally hundreds to choose from! (You can also access this through the HUB's digital resources)

Solar System Test will be on March 6th

Social Studies:
The beginning of the Civil War - Compromises

Exhibition:
Continue writing research papers on our topics. We are aiming for all papers to be written (at least in rough draft form) by March 8th.

Week 23

• 5th grade dance show, “So Totally 80’s” - Thursday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. (Please have students report to our classroom at 6:15pm)
• International Mother Language Day - February 21st
• Go Texan Day - Friday, Feb. 22
• Mock STAAR testing - Feb. 26 & 27
• PADRES campout - March 1-2
• Spring Break - March 11-15
• Spring Picture Day - April 5
• School Carnival - April 6

Math:
Graphing Test on Wednesday, February 20th. The math journal, textbook modules 15 and 16, as well as previously posted tutorial videos are excellent study resources. In additions,
A Maths Dictionary For Kids can be used to reference relevant vocabulary.
On Thursday, we will begin learning about the different attributes of polygons and classifying two dimensional figures.
Problem of the day quiz on Friday

ELA/Reading:

On Tuesday, partner book club projects will be due by the end of the day. We will finish "Slider" and refocus our attention on character development, inferencing, and making connections with "Ashes" through the remainder of the week. A new book club will begin the following week.
-Spelling and Quizlet on Friday

Science: 

This week’s focus is the moon and tidal patterns.
On Study Jams, go to the Solar System tab and check our the videos on "A Day on Earth" and "Gravity and Inertia." Crash course kids on YouTube also has a great list of videos for this unit! You might also want to check out Discovery Education videos, there are literally hundreds to choose from! (You can also access this through the HUB's digital resources)

Social Studies:
American Indians and American Immigrants
Transcontinental Railroad

Exhibition:
Continue citing sources and begin writing research papers.

Week 22

• We will not be having a Valentine's party, but students are welcome to share a card/treat with everyone in the class if they wish to do so, we will celebrate at the very end of the day on Thursday (27 students total)
• Early Dismissal - Friday, Feb. 15
• 5th grade dance show, “So Totally 80’s” will take place on Thursday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m.
• Spring Break - March 11-15

Math:
Analyzing dot plots, stem and leaf plots, and scatter plots.

• Scatter Plot video
• Stem and Leaf Plot video
• Mean, Median, and Mode

Problem of the day quiz on Friday - no quiz this week

ELA/Reading:
Book club- time for a project! We will be showing how a character has changed from the beginning, middle, and to the end... Rubrics and rules will be given on Tuesday. Project will be due on Monday, February 18th.
Spelling and Quizlet quizzes on Friday

Science:

Earth’s cycles and comparing the Earth, Sun, and moon
Study Jams: Go to the Solar System tab and watch the videos on "A Day on Earth" and "Gravity and Inertia." Crash Course Kids on YouTube also has a great list of videos for this unit!

Social Studies:
Industrial Revolution invention advertisement project due on Tuesday, 2/12.
Manifest Destiny and the Mexican War

Week 21

• Parent University - Thursday, Jan. 24
• Roberts Auction - Saturday, Feb. 9
• Early Dismissal - Friday, Feb. 15
• 5th grade dance show - Thursday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m.

A note from Mrs. Rojas:

Dear 5th Grade Parents:

We are getting close to our 5th grade dance show, “So Totally 80’s.” The show will take place on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is buzzing with excitement. We are going to start practicing on the stage with lights and costumes soon, and I can’t wait to see the final product of this fun show! Below I have the costume links along with the description. If your child already has a costume, please have them bring it with them to school in a bag that is labeled with their name. If you have any questions regarding the show please feel free to email me.

Mrs. Moliver's class:
80’s workout gear. Can have bright colored shirts without. If students have shirts with a print, or words on them, please have it be associated to the 80’s era. Leggings, pants shorts and tights are all acceptable. Accessories can be leg warmers, sweat bands, high knee socks. We Got The Beat

We are all so excited for the 5th grade performance, and everyone is showing great enthusiasm and commitment. Hope to see you at the show!

Best,
Arielle Rojas

Math:
Analyzing coordinate planes, frequency tables, bar graphs, and dot plots.
Multiplication Division One Step Equations
Create a Rule from a Table
Create a Graph from a Rule
Problem of the day quiz on Friday

ELA/Reading:
Book club- analysis of the characters in our book and focusing on how their character traits change. We will also be identifying verbal/action/other evidence of these changes and determining whether the characters are static or dynamic within their roles.
Quizlet Week 21 & spelling on Friday

Science:
Earth processes and sources of energy test on Tuesday, Feb. 5th

Water cycle & weather vs. climate to follow.

Social Studies: 
Industrial Revolution - Week 12 newspapers

Exhibition:
This week we will begin to use our completed outlines to compose our five paragraph research paper. We will begin with body paragraphs (causes, effects, and solutions) and then move onto introduction and conclusion over the next two weeks.

Week 20

• Parent University - Thursday, Jan. 24 
• Roberts Auction - Saturday, Feb. 9 
• Early Dismissal - Friday, Feb. 15 
• 5th grade dance show, “So Totally 80’s,” - Thursday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. 

Math:
Application of perimeter, area, and volume formulas - test on Wednesday, 1/30

• Perimeter video
• Area video
• Volume video

On Thursday, we will begin working with input/output functions. Students will identify a rule or function (additive or multiplicative patterns), and create linear graphs based on the rules identified.

• Multiplication Division One Step Equations
• Create a Rule from a Table
• Create a Graph from a Rule

Problem Solving Quiz on Friday

ELA/Reading:
Book club- analysis of the characters in our book and focusing on how their character traits develop. We will also be identifying verbal/action/other evidence of these changes and determining whether the characters are static or dynamic within their roles.
Spelling & Quizlet on Friday

Science:
Alternative sources of energy

• Biomass Energy
• Hydroelectric Energy 
• Geothermal Energy
• Solar Energy
• Wind Energy

This week we will begin our summative project for our IB unit, Sharing the Planet, in conjunction with wrapping up our sources of energy science unit. The assignment will be due on Friday, February 1st: Students will research your assigned country, and analyze whether the various types of alternative energy that we have learned about would be a good investment in that region of the world. You will rank the five types of energy (solar, wind, hydrothermal, geothermal, and biofuels) from most feasible to least feasible, and describe the advantages and disadvantages to each kind in your area.

Social Studies:
The War of 1812

Exhibition:
This week, we should be finishing our outlines - 3 causes, 3 effects, and 3 solutions to our problem, complete with at least 3 supporting details (evidence) for each point. A well organized outline lends itself to our next phase, writing our 5 paragraph essays. Note - Students have been asked NOT to begin writing their essays until I (or a mentor) have had the chance to review the outline, and explain the goals and criteria of putting the information in paragraph form. Also, outlines and papers (when we get there) should NOT be formatted with different fonts, colors, sizes, pictures - this shows “playing” instead of working towards our ultimate goal.

Week 19

Reminders:

• No School in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Monday, Jan. 21
• Parent University - Thursday, Jan. 24
• Roberts Auction - Saturday, Feb. 9
• Early Dismissal - Friday, Feb. 15
• 5th grade dance show, “So Totally 80’s,” - Thursday, Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m.

Math:
Application of perimeter, area, and volume formulas

• Perimeter video
• Area video
• Volume video

Equations, area, perimeter, and volume quiz on Friday (not POD)

ELA/Reading:
This week we will be starting book clubs again, yay! Throughout this novel study, we will be analyzing the characters in our books and focusing on how their traits change. We will also be identifying verbal/action/other evidence of these changes and determining whether the characters are static or dynamic within their roles. Spelling and Quizlet on Friday.

Science:
Sources of energy - focus on hydroelectric, biofuels, and geothermal alternative energy

• Biomass Energy
• Hydroelectric Energy
• Geothermal Energy

Social Studies:
War of 1812

Exhibition:
Continue outlining on our topics, and extending our research for supporting details

Week 18

Reminders:

• Report Cards go home - Tuesday, Jan. 15
• Early Dismissal - Friday, Jan. 18, 11:30am
• No School in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Monday, Jan. 21
• Parent University - Thursday, Jan. 24
• Roberts Auction - Saturday, Feb. 9
• Early Dismissal - Friday, Feb. 15

Math:
Adding, subtracting, dividing, and multiplying equations with one variable as well as application of perimeter and area formulas. Problem solving quiz on Friday.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3XzepN03KQ 
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qyd_v3DGzTM&pbjreload=10
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDIiYKYvvdA

ELA/Reading:
Text Structure and introduction of text features
-Spelling & Quizlet on Friday

Science:
Earth Science – Nonrenewable vs. renewable resources
Alternative energy focus: solar energy

Social Studies: Westward Expansion – the different ways and reasons the United States began moving west. Trail of Tears, Louisiana Purchase, Manifest Destiny, Gold Rush

Exhibition:
Continue outlining causes and effects for problem. See last week's blog post (week 17) for link to outline format, this may be copied and pasted into your own document.

Week 17

I hope your holiday break was a great one! I am looking forward to seeing you all on Monday, January 7th!

Reminders:

• Report cards go home in Tuesday folders - January 15
• Early dismissal - January 17
• No school - January 21 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
• Dance announcement from Mrs. Rojas -

Dear 5th Grade Parents,

We are getting close to our 5th grade dance show, “So Totally 80’s.” The show will take place on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. It will feature amazing music from the awesome decade.

We have been discussing costumes, and I have attached some ideas below. The attached link are just ideas to go off of. These are not a required costume to purchase. All students must wear pants that are comfortable to move in. They can be jeggings, jeans, jazz pants, black sweats, or athletic bottoms that go past the knee. Most pieces can be pulled from your child’s wardrobe they currently have.

All footwear must also be comfortable to move in, nothing heavy or bulky. Students can wear tennis shoes. For students who are in dance outside of school, they can wear their jazz shoes.

Moliver’s class costume:

80’s workout gear. Can have bright colored shirts without. If students have shirts with a print, or words on them, please have it be associated to the 80’s era. Leggings, pants shorts and tights are all acceptable. Accessories can be leg warmers, sweat bands, high knee socks

We Got The Beat

Math:

• Test on Tuesday: Metric and Customary Conversions
• On Thursday, we will begin our unit on adding, subtracting, dividing, and multiplying equations with one variable
• Problem Solving Quiz on Friday

ELA/Reading:
Text Structure and the connection to author’s purpose
Quizlet and Spelling on Friday

Science:
Earth Science – sedimentary rock, fossils, and fossil fuels
Study Jams Go to Landforms, Rocks & Minerals: watch Weathering & Erosion video and Landforms video.

Social Studies:
Westward Expansion – the different ways and reasons the United States began moving west, Trail of Tears, Louisiana Purchase, Manifest Destiny

Exhibition:
Begin outline for causes, effects, and solutions for the topic/problem. Google Docs Outline Link