Mr. Mag's Newsletter
Friday, November 20
What's Happening? Although we have made some clear improvements this week
over last, we are still dealing with one main issue that needs to be
addressed. Many of the kids seem to have decided that the expectations we
have established since day one are negotiable and don’t really need to be
followed all of the time. It is somewhat of a mystery to me how such a large
group of kids (the other two classes have had the same issue crop up) can
regress in the same way at the same time. I am sure there is some dynamic in
play that is contributing to the situation, but I haven’t been able to put my
finger on it. The McRiley twins and I are working on it from our end by
discussing the situation with large groups, small groups, and individuals, as
well as contacting parents whenever necessary. (I must admit I feel a bit
guilty about not living up to a promise I made to the kids in September about
not lecturing the whole group for the behaviors of a small group.) Could you
please touch base with your son/daughter about this at home? Let me know if
you have any questions.
MATH: We are currently immersed in fractions, and I am hoping to be ready to
test by the week after Thanksgiving break. I will keep you posted on our
progress.
READING: We are currently reading The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis in
reading class. We will be finishing the first half of the book, which we
have done together in large and small groups, on Monday. Each student will
be required to read the second half of the book on his/her own by Wednesday,
December 2. I thought you might like to know that I will be having all
students bring the book home during Thanksgiving break just in case they get
some time to do some reading.
READING COUNTS: The deadline for our current goal is quickly drawing near.
The kids need to earn 15 points by Wednesday, December 2. Right now we have
12 kids who have reached the goal. If you ever want an update on your
child’s progress, let me know. The numbers are always at my fingertips.
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS: All fifth grade students will have the opportunity to
take part in our Battle of the Books program. The list of books can be found
on my website along with a FAQs sheet that you might find helpful. Let me
know if you have any questions.
AMERICAN REVOLUTION TOTALLY 10 ACTIVITY: A week from Monday, we will be
starting a major social studies project. It is called Totally 10 because the
kids are going to have to choose from the projects shown on the back of this
newsletter and earn a minimum of 10 points. I will provide more information
as the starting date draws near, but I thought you might appreciate a heads-
up in case you wanted to encourage your child to get an early start. The
deadline for all of the projects will be Thursday, December 10.
LET’S GET WACKY: Next Wednesday is Wacky Wednesday so let’s get wacky!
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS: If you ever have any questions or concerns, please e-
mail (mmagnuson@isd12.org) or call (792-5374) me anytime.
