And we're off!

We made it two days! And what a terrific two days it was. I am really enjoying getting acquainted with my students and their families. I KNOW we're going to have a wonderful year. Especially once we get carpool figured out! Oh well, As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said "into each life some rain must fall", I guess, for now, carpool is our rain :)
Students in all classes generated a list of rules for the class. I wanted to be sure and post them so parents understand what high standards we have decided, collectively, to hold ourselves to this year.
The Berner Classroom Commandments are as follows:
1. I will respect myself and others at all times.
2. When a fellow student or teacher has the floor, my lips are sealed and my eyes and mind are on the speaker.
3. I will do my best to be a good classroom citizen and create a supportive learning environment.
4. I will be a leader, not a follower.
5. I will treat others as I wish to be treated.
6. I will always leave my work space clean.
7. I will think before I act.
Not too shabby! Well done, 5th grade!

I have decided to begin Vocabulary/Spelling words this week with a freebie! All classes will have the same words and they are the most commonly misspelled words for 5th grade. Many students will find these words "easy", but there is a method to my madness. After this week, these words may never be misspelled or used in class again! Remember, I require all words to be used in a complete sentence, properly, for full credit on the test. Students may use two words in a sentence and write the sentence twice. One point for spelling the word, one point for using it properly in a sentence. This week we will have 21 words, thus 42 points are possible. The words are:
a lot (two words!)
again
favorite
finally
friend
really
know, now
their, there, they're
were, where, we’re
believe
because
different
through , threw
usually
beautiful

Homework begins this week. Homework is to read 30 minutes and write a summary of what you have read, include book title and pages read, please. It is important to complete homework nightly as the skills this assignment develops, summarizing and recognizing main idea, is vital to success on year-end assessments(i.e.: EOG's)

This week, we will finish assessing and begin to finalize placements. If you feel your child is placed in the incorrect 5th grade section, please contact me and/or Dr. Bunn. Neuse Charter does not want students in over their heads or bored silly. We will also begin a unit of Fairytales.
Poem of the week, a little depressing, but nice.
The Rainy Day

THE day is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains,and the wind is never weary;
The vine still clings to the mouldering wall,
But at every gust the dead leaves fall,
And the day is dark and dreary.

My life is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains,and the wind is never weary;
My thoughts still cling to the mouldering past,
But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast,
And the days are dark and dreary.

Be still, sad heart, and cease repining;
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life some rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary.

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow