Mrs. Decker's Class

EOG Dates

2011-05-16T12:07:00.000-04:00

PLEASE BE SURE YOU CHILD IS HERE ON TIME FOR THE FOLLOWING DATES...

Tuesday, May 17th - Reading EOG
Wednesday, May 18th - Math EOG (Calculator Active)
Thursday, May 19th - Math EOG (Calculator In-Active)

EOG Reminders...

2011-05-16T12:03:00.000-04:00

Here are a few reminders you may want to share with your child regarding the Reading EOG. The four items listed below have been practiced all year. Please encourage and remind your child to do this tomorrow on the test!

1. Make a prediction after previewing the title, pictures, charts, subheadings, headings, and so on.
2. Read the questions and circle key words.
3. Read the selection and write a short summary (it could be a word, symbol, or sentence)
4. Answer the questions and prove where you found the answer in the selection.
5. Check over your work when you finish all the questions.

Today the EOG practice packet was sent home for your child to study and review for tomorrows test. This is the only homework we have tonight (in reading).

Thank you for all your help!!

Friday, April 22

2011-04-18T14:39:00.000-04:00

Parents,
Please note that this Friday (April 22) is an early release. The first bell will ring at 11:50.

Also, the following week (April 25-29) is our Spring Break! We have no school! :-)

Newport Middle School Forms

2011-04-18T14:37:00.002-04:00

You child will be bringing home a blue Newport Middle School form. These forms need to be filled out and returned by Friday, April 22.
Thank you!!

Science MOCK EOG

2011-04-04T15:01:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, April 5 (tomorrow) will be our Science Mock EOG. Please be sure your child looks over the green review sheets Mr. Dougherty has given. This will help refresh their memory on the science information learned throughout the year.

Focus for the week of March 28th

2011-03-28T16:01:00.000-04:00

This week we will be focusing on Goal 1 of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. All year we have been working on this goal and now we are having a big review for the EOG.

Goal 1: I will use strategies and skills to find the meaning of words in my selections.

While students are working in their Social Studies Newspaper this week remind them use the strategies we're reviewing to find the meaning of unknown words.

Monday, March 21st

2011-03-18T07:39:00.000-04:00

Reminder: Monday, March 21st is a snow make-up day. We will be on regular schedule.

Science Test

2011-03-10T15:02:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the day for the Ecosystem Test in Science. Please be sure your child studies their notes for Mr. Dougherty's class.

Thank you!

Reminder...

2011-03-07T19:19:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, March 9th is an early release day. The first bell will ring at 11:50.

Picture Day!

2011-03-07T19:18:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is picture day!! We will be taking our class pictures as well as having the opportunity to take individual poses. If you would like your child to take individual pictures please send in the money tomorrow.

More Vocabulary for the Poetry Test

2011-02-28T14:58:00.001-05:00

Simile - Comparing two things using the words like or as

Metaphors - Comparing two things not using the words like or as

Onomatopoeia - The use of words that mimic sound

Personification - Giving a nonhuman object human traits

Consonance - Repetition of a consonant sound in two or more words

Assonance - Repetition of a vowel sound in two or more words

Rhyme - Repetition of similar sounds in two or more words

Rhythm - Pattern of repeated beats

Repetition - Repeat a phrase throughout the poem

Alliteration - Same sound at the beginning of most words in a sentence

Imagery - Describe people or objects using your senses

Pattern - Things repeated in a predictable manner

Hyperbole - An exaggerated statement used to heighten the effect

Idioms - An expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meaning

Flashback - When the author goes from the present to a memory in the past

Types of Poetry Definitions

2011-02-28T14:35:00.002-05:00

Poetry Definitions

1. Narrative – Poems that tell stories in verse

2. Ballad – A story meant to be sung

3. Lyric Poetry – poem that tells the poet’s feelings or mood. Usually has a musical sound.

4. Limerick – A five-line humorous poem that rhymes.

5. Free Verse – A poem that has no set rules for rhythm or rhyme.

6. Concrete Poetry – A poem where the words are placed in the shape of the poem’s subject.

7. Haiku – A poem of Japanese orgin that is usually on the subject of nature. It has three lines (in a 5, 7, 5 pattern) and often uses metaphor.

8. Cinquain – a poem of medieval origin that has five lines with 2, 4, 6, 8, 2 syllables.

Poetry Test

2011-02-28T09:51:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, March 1 we will be having our Poetry test. We reviewed today and wrote down the vocabulary again.

Please make sure your child is ready for the test tomorrow.

Progress Reports & Communication Folders

2011-02-28T09:42:00.000-05:00

Today is the day progress reports will be coming home. Please look over your child's grades, sign one copy of the report to return to school and keep the other copy for your records.

I will also be sending home the communication folders. Please go through your child's papers, sign the top copy and return the whole packet and folder to school as soon as possible.

Thank you for all your help!

Eastern North Carolina History Test

2011-02-10T15:34:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow we will be having our Eastern North Carolina History test. Today we did a lot of review and took notes from our discussions over the past week. If your child studies his/her notes they should do a great job on the test tomorrow.

Have a good evening!

2 Hour Delay!

2011-02-09T19:53:00.000-05:00

Hello Parents,
I just wanted to let you know that we are on a two-hour delay tomorrow. Stay tuned in case the weather is worse than we expect!

Enjoy the two extra hours of sleep! :-)

Honorable Hawks Trip

2011-01-31T18:49:00.000-05:00

If your child reached the goal of 77 Hawk points you should have received a permission slip for our trip. We will be going to see Yogi Bear (PG). In order for you child to attend the field trip we must have a signed permission slip as well as $4. Please send this in by Wednesday, February 2 so we can have an accurate count of how many students will be attending. Thank you!

Report Cards

2011-01-31T18:46:00.000-05:00

Report cards have been sent home today. Please look over your child's grades for the 2nd quarter, sign the envelope and return it to school as soon as possible. Thank you!

Keep up the good work, Kids!!

Newport History Test

2011-01-31T18:43:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow we will be taking our Newport History Test! Today we spent a good portion of the day reviewing all the facts we've learned about our wonderful town. If your child will study the notes we wrote down in class today they will make a fantastic grade on the test!

We will also be having our spelling test tomorrow. The words are continued from last week.

Reading Logs

2011-01-25T13:55:00.000-05:00

This week a new reading log will be sent home. Each night students are to read 20-30 minutes from their chapter book and answer the questions on the reading log. Each day I will be checking to see that the questions are answered and you have put your initials saying they did indeed read that night. Thank you for your help!

Countries for the Week

2011-01-20T13:36:00.000-05:00

Here are all the countries from the week. Tonight will be the last chance to obtain extra credit for this 9-weeks in Social Studies.

Coasta Rica
France
Germany

Homework...

2011-01-19T20:22:00.000-05:00

Because we didn't get them finished in class today, the Week 8 Newspaper was to be completed for homework. The answers are all in the selections and can be proven. It might take a little searching but I promise they are all there. :-)

Communication Folders

2011-01-18T12:41:00.000-05:00

Today the communication folders will be sent home. Please look over your child's papers, sign the top copy and return the whole pack back to school.

Just as a reminder, behavior folders should be signed over the weekend and returned to school Monday. Thank you!

Closing/Delays

2011-01-10T21:21:00.000-05:00

School will be closed Tuesday, January 11, 2011 due to the extreme weather conditions. Please be careful out there if you must travel! I look forward to seeing everyone back to school on Wednesday (weather permitting).

Enjoy your second SNOW DAY!! :-)

PS...We will not be having spelling words for this week! (An added bonus!)

Country of the Day - 1.7.11

2011-01-07T08:56:00.000-05:00

Botswana

Population - about 1,977,569
Capital - Gaborone
Language - English

Map of Botswana

Country of the Day - 1.6.11

2011-01-06T08:09:00.000-05:00

Armenia

Population - 3,090,379
Capital - Yerevan
Language - Armenian

Map of Armenia

Country of the Day - 1.5.11

2011-01-05T07:43:00.000-05:00

Bhutan

Population - about 708,484
Capital - Thimpu
Language - Dzongkha

Map of Bhutan

Country of the Day - 1.4.11

2011-01-04T07:46:00.002-05:00

Bosnia

Population - about 3,759,633

Capital - Sarajevo

Language - Bosnian

Map of Bosnia

Country of the Day - 1.3.11

2011-01-03T10:16:00.000-05:00

Austria

Population - about 8,387,491

Capital - Vienna

Language - German

Map of Austria

Country of the Day

2011-01-03T10:08:00.001-05:00

In this new year I thought I would start something new. Everyday I will be posting the name of a country with it's population, capital, and language. We will also be looking at the location of the country. Each student is encouraged to find an interesting fact regarding the countries throughout the week. The information brought in will be graded and given as extra credit in Social Studies.

If you have any questions about this activity, feel free to send me an email.

Progress Reports & Communication Folders

2010-12-07T15:09:00.002-05:00

Today your child should their green communication folder with graded papers. Please look over these with your child, sign the top sheet, and return to school. Also, in the left hand side of the folder is the progress report. I sent home two copies. One to be signed and returned to school and the other to be kept at home for your records.

Candy Grams

2010-11-29T14:56:00.000-05:00

This is a reminder...Candy Gram sales end Friday, December 3rd. If your child would like to purchase one, please send the form along with 50 cents to school. Thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2010-11-24T14:07:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone has a very safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy the extra long weekend. When we return on Monday there will only be three weeks till our Christmas Break!! :-D

Communication Folders...

2010-11-09T10:31:00.000-05:00

Today the communication folders will be sent home. Please look over your child's papers, sign the top copy and return the whole pack back to school. Also, I attached a letter with important dates and requesting an update of everyone's email addresses. Thanks in advance for signing and returning the papers!

Report Cards...

2010-11-08T12:42:00.000-05:00

Report cards are coming home today! Please look over these with your child, sign the orange envelope and return to school as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email us at any time. Thanks!

Reading Homework...Due Friday!

2010-11-03T14:58:00.000-04:00

A reading selection was sent home today with questions. This reading activity should be completed and returned by this Friday. Please be sure you child reads and proves each answer in the selection.

Communication Folders, Pictures, and Block Party

2010-10-26T15:51:00.001-04:00

Parents,
The communication folders were sent home today. There are several items added to the folders this week. Your child's pictures were placed inside with a note attached. If you plan to buy the pictures please send the money in by November 12th. If you are not going to buy the pictures please send the packet back to school with all the sheets inside.

Also, we are asking for certain items to be donated for the Block Party this year. All fifth grade students are asked to bring in 2 -2 liter bottles of soda along with hotdog buns or cakes (depending on whose homeroom your child is in). If you would like to donate some of these items, please fill out the form attached to the graded papers and return to school.

Thanks for all your help!! We truly appreciate all you do to help our classroom and school.

Native American Project

2010-10-20T12:55:00.000-04:00

Parents,

We are working on a Social Studies project here at school. Each student has been assigned a region of North America and is asked to find information regarding the Native Americans that lived in their specific location. After the research is completed we will be creating a replica of the information gained. Each group works together to decide what their final project will look like and has designated each member specific items needed for the project. We are hoping to have these close to completion on Friday. The weekend homework will be to write a short essay on the information they have learned throughout the research.

Volunteer Training

2010-10-06T10:41:00.000-04:00

Volunteer Training will take place Thursday, October 7th at 6:00 in the NES cafeteria. If you are interested in volunteering in the classroom or school this training is mandatory. Volunteering also includes going on field trips. If you plan to attend field trips with our class be sure to attend this session.

Progress Reports/Conferences

2010-10-04T09:59:00.000-04:00

Last week Progress Reports were sent home. If you have not sent the 'Teacher Copy' back to school signed, please do so as soon as possible. Also, a letter was sent home on Friday either requesting a conference or giving you the opportunity to request a conference. If you could please send those back to school tomorrow (Tuesday, October 5) that would help schedule the rest of the week. Thanks!

PL874 Form

2010-10-04T09:56:00.000-04:00

Parents,
On Friday, the PL874 was sent home. Please fill this out as soon as possible and return to school. I need these by October 8th. Thanks!

Day 2 of Delays

2010-09-30T20:42:00.000-04:00

We will have another two hour delay for Friday, October 1. School will begin at 9:50 am.

Progress Reports

2010-09-30T18:05:00.000-04:00

Progress reports were sent home on Wednesday, September 29th. Please sign the teacher copy and return to school as soon as possible.

Tropical Storm

2010-09-30T07:00:00.001-04:00

Due to the tropical storm headed our way, we are on a 2 hour delay. Please be careful when traveling on these super wet roads!

Science Homework

2010-09-28T09:18:00.000-04:00

Mr. Dougherty is sending home a reading passage titled "Newport Water". Please insure your child works on this tonight and returns it to Mr. Dougherty tomorrow.

Wednesday, September 22nd

2010-09-21T06:31:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder that we have a half day tomorrow. School ends at 11:50 instead of 2:50. Thursday we will be back on our normal schedule.

Weekend Homework...

2010-09-17T15:13:00.000-04:00

Most weekends I ask all students to read AR for 30 minutes. This weekend I have sent home a Weekly Reader for them to read and answer the questions on the back. They may use these minutes as the 30 minute AR reading.

Science Homework

2010-09-16T15:01:00.000-04:00

Mr. Dougherty is asking for students to take a science ClassScape at home. The link to ClassScapes is located on the right under Homework Links. Your child has been given their log-in and password. The code is 004-00D.

School Pictures

2010-09-15T14:13:00.000-04:00

Our Fall Picture Day will take place on Monday, September 20, 2010.

Communication Folders

2010-09-13T14:31:00.002-04:00

Parents/Guardians,
Today your child should be bringing home their communication folder (green for Mrs. Decker's homeroom, blue for Ms. Wray's homeroom). Inside you will find a group of papers stapled together. Please look through your child's work, sign the top copy, and send the whole group of papers back to school inside the folder. Many of you will also find your child's biography project. You may keep that at home.

Thanks for all your help!

Science Homework

2010-09-09T10:34:00.001-04:00

They have a Crossword Puzzle that is due Friday, September 10.

A look ahead...Next week Mr. Dougherty will be giving a Vocabulary Quiz on Weather. This will be on Tuesday, September 14. Please work with your child on these vocabulary words throughout the weekend!

Science & Math Homework ...

2010-09-07T08:29:00.003-04:00

Mr. Dougherty is sending home a parent letter. He would like this signed and returned. He also has a website with information concerning his science class. The link is posted on the right hand side under 'Helpful Homework Links'. Keep checking for updates!

The math homework for tonight (September 7th) has been posted under 'Math Corner'.

Hurricane Earl

2010-09-02T14:12:00.001-04:00

Because of Hurricane Earl we will not have school on Thursday, September 2 and Friday, September 3. Please be safe by taking the necessary precautions! We look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday, September 7 (Monday is Labor Day and we have no school).

Biography Project

2010-08-26T12:38:00.000-04:00

I sent home a copy of the rubric for the biography project. Please look over this with your child. The completed project will be due September 1st. If you have any questions concerning the project, please feel free to email, call, or stop by the school.

Mrs. Decker

Behavior Folders

2010-08-25T21:20:00.000-04:00

Parents,
We set up our behavior folders today in class. Please remember to keep an eye out for those on Friday. They must be signed on the line below this week and returned on Monday. If you have any questions about signatures please feel free to email me.

Mrs. Decker

Welcome to 5th Grade!

2010-08-19T19:41:00.000-04:00

We are looking forward to starting the new school year. I hope you had a wonderful summer and are geared up to begin 5th grade!