Dynamic vs. Static Character Video

Mystery Project!!!

Hi Everyone,

I am so excited to get started in our first big project of the year!  The students will go to the library on Monday where a crime has been committed!  Somebody has totally wrecked the library, but luckily, they have left behind some clues!  The students will do an investigation to solve the mystery in teams of 4.  I will Facebook Live it so that you all can see it in action.  Below is the rubric they will get when they checkout their Mystery book.  I will take a look at each book to make sure it is challenging, but not too hard.  They will bring home the book on Monday night to show you guys.  Take a look and if you do not approve of the book, they can return it on Tuesday and get a new book.  The due date for this project is October 18, 2016 when they walk in the classroom.  If they are trying to work on it on that day, it will be considered late.  I would like to encourage the children to bring their supplies for the project starting on October 13th to work on it during my class.  That way they can ask questions if they need to.  I will let them work on it during class the 13th, 14th, and 17th.  Speaking of supplies, I have everything they need in the classroom, but if they would rather do their project on poster board and not manilla paper, you will need to send that to school with them. 

I know that you all know this, but I do need to insist that you do not do any of this project for your child.  This project should look like a 5th grader did it.  I know that everyone wants their child to have the best looking project, but they gain so much more when they do the projects themselves.  These projects are a lot about teaching children to follow rubrics, work on a timeline, taking their time, and putting their best into their work.  It is a process that is hard for some children, but pushing them to put out great work will only help them in the future.  Please let me know if you have any questions! 

Traditional Literature Project

For the Traditional Literature project, we will work together in class.  I do it this way so that the students understand what I expect from these projects.  Students will choose 2 of the same type of book to compare and contrast the settings, plots, and characters.  For example, we will read a version of Cinderella from Russia and one from Japan.  We will then create our Venn Diagram together as a class as their example.  Please let me know if you have any questions!

They will have to answer these questions:

This will be their rubric:

Genre Genius Information

MISD Proud!

I am so excited about our district initiative this year!  We are all and have always been MISD Proud!  Now is the time to spread the word and tell our story.  We will be doing a lot with this during the school year and to kick it off, I traced our logo to create a page the students can design to represent their unique style.  Please visit www.midlothianisdproud.com for more information!  You can even get your very own yard sign! 

Tips for Getting Started in 5th Grade

Tips for Getting Started in 5th Grade

• You are responsible for your own supplies.  That is why we let you keep almost all of them.  If you are out of something, please let your parents know. 
• Do not overfill your binder!  You need your dividers, 2 pencils, scissors, and half a pack of notebook paper.  That is all you need.  Do not stuff your glue, 2 packs of paper, markers, all of your pencils, and everything else you get on your supply list in your binder.  It will bust the zipper.  All of your teachers will let you know what supplies you need for each day, so don't worry about being unprepared. 
• Speaking of supplies, you will need to bring headphones to school every single day.  It is a requirement starting in 5th grade because of the amount of technology we use.
• We will be using Canvas and Google a lot this year.  You all have an email address with the district that stays with you forever.  Your email address is your lunch number@misd.gs (1234@misd.gs) and your password is either misd or panthers.  If you try it right now and it doesn't work, wait until we start school and we will figure it out.  The technology department is not resetting passwords right now.  I have no idea how you guys will login to Canvas, but I will let everyone know when I do.
• Please click on this link to learn more about technology in the classroom.  http://www.misd.gs/Page/634  I plan on being a BYOD classroom as long as you can handle it.  Please do not feel obligated to buy technology.  We have extras at school that you can use if you do not bring your own.  
• You need a book with you every single day after we visit the library for the first time.  My class is very much project-based and will require you to be reading constantly.  Don't worry, you will have a lot of class time to read and talk about your books with me and your classmates. 

Please let me know if you have questions or concerns.  I look forward to seeing everyone on August 18th!

With Love,

Amber Sparks

Parents, Welcome to 5th Grade!

Dear Parents,

Can you believe we are here already?  5th grade!  Where did the time go?  I want to welcome you back to school for another year of learning.  I am thrilled to welcome your family into my classroom and look forward to working with you to make this year the most successful one yet.  

Fifth grade is a challenging year.  A lot of responsibility is put on the student as they learn to be successful for the future.  This is the time when the stakes are raised, and a level of maturity is required of them that has not yet been asked for. They will be working independently, in groups, and with teachers along the journey, all in an effort to help them acquire skills they will need down the road.  Please know that we are all in this together and want the same thing for your child. I feel that all parents want the very best for their children, and I want you to know that I want that too, and will work tirelessly to achieve that standard.

I want my classroom to be one of learning, growth, light, and love.  I want the children to learn responsibility, but to not forget that they are children and that this time in their lives will pass too quickly.  We need to slow down and enjoy being 10 and 11 years old. So, if your child comes home and says, “Mrs. Sparks let us play in the snow this morning instead of practicing our spelling words,” know that we will catch up on that later, but I find it equally important to seize those small moments in life.  I am so excited that your child was chosen to be in my classroom this year, and look forward to helping them grow and find the place that they thrive.  I am 100% invested in your child and their future.  Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time.  

Thank you,

Amber Sparks

amber_sparks@misd.gs

972-775-2881

Blog: http://mrssparkssays.blogspot.com/

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