Good Thinking, Guys!

Here is a recent question we did in English class....

"The Israelites offered grain to God as part of their sacrifice. What can you give to the Lord? Write about your gift to Him."

"You can give God your life. You can do this by doing whatever God asks you...." Micah B.

"I could give God some of my time. If He created us we should spend time with Him..." O’Bryant V.

I thought these were some pretty good answers to this question and thought it worthy to share on our blog!!! Way to go, guys!

Good News for Science!

Good news for you all! The other two fifth grade teachers and I have decided to postpone the Science test two more days! It is now scheduled for Friday, September 5th. This will give you some extra time to study up on all our great info on CELLS!

As I've said before, the last page of the Science test is MOSTLY essay! This means you must have a pretty good understanding of the facts in order to do a good job on those questions! Use your blue study sheet and... study, study, study!

I know you all can do well!! :)

The Famous Calvin Comes to Visit...

My good friend and neighbor, Mr. Collins, who is fresh back from serving in Kuwait came into school on Thursday with his very cute, though nervous hedgehog, Calvin. The fourth grade was working on their animal observations, so Calvin came in to visit all three fourth grade classes.

While he was here, he graciously decided to spend a few minutes with our class too! Our class asked lots of really good questions, and even got to see Calvin run around on our floor a little bit too. We were sad to see him go, but he had had a long afternoon. Since he is a nocturnal animal, this was very tiring for him to have all this extra excitement during his normal sleeping time!

Thank you Mr. Collins and Calvin for coming to visit us! (Thank you, Briana, for remembering that we could take a picture!)

Homework Summary August 25th to 29th

Homework for 08/24/2008 - 08/30/2008Bible (05 BIB-C)
Monday - 08/25/2008
Write Dt. 32:3-4
Study for Verse Quiz tomorrow

Tuesday - 08/26/2008
Write Proverbs 15:3

Wednesday - 08/27/2008
none

Thursday - 08/28/2008
Write Proverbs 15:3

Friday - 08/29/2008
Write Proverbs 15:3; Quiz Tuesday

History (05 HIST-C)
Monday - 08/25/2008
Study Review Sheet and American's Creed

Tuesday - 08/26/2008
Study Review Sheet and American's Creed

Wednesday - 08/27/2008
none

Thursday - 08/28/2008
Skill Sheet 1A & B
Study Review Sheet and American's Creed

Friday - 08/29/2008
Skill Sheet 2
Study Review Sheet and American's Creed

Language Arts (05 LA-C)
Monday - 08/25/2008
English: Wksht 4
Reading: Write Ch. 4 Vocab; Study for Ch. 1-3 Quiz tomorrow
Spelling: Study for Test Friday

Tuesday - 08/26/2008
English: Wksht 5
Reading: none
Spelling: Wksht; Study for test Friday

Wednesday - 08/27/2008
English: none
Reading: none
Spelling: none

Thursday - 08/28/2008
English: Wksht 7
Reading: Write Ch.5 Vocab; Study for Ch.4-6 Quiz tomorrow
Spelling: Write words 2x's; Study for test tomorrow

Friday - 08/29/2008
English: Wksht 8
Reading: none
Spelling: none

Math (05 MATH-C)
Monday - 08/25/2008
Workbook 1.4

Tuesday - 08/26/2008
WB (workbook) 1.5

Wednesday - 08/27/2008
none

Thursday - 08/28/2008
WB 1.7

Friday - 08/29/2008
WB 1.8

Science (05 SCI-C)
Monday - 08/25/2008
Study Review Sheet;
Quiz on Vocab Friday; Test Wednesday, 9/3

Tuesday - 08/26/2008
Study Review Sheet;
Quiz on Vocab Friday; Test Wednesday, 9/3
Finish Notebook 3.4B

Wednesday - 08/27/2008
None

Thursday - 08/28/2008
Study Review Sheet;
Quiz on Vocab TOMORROW;
Test Wednesday, 9/3

Friday - 08/29/2008
Study Review Sheet; Test Wednesday, 9/3

Click here to view the week's HW summary on Renweb.

Why is there an "E" in my Planner??!!

How does our Conduct/Discipline System Work?? Let me clarify things so we can all be on the same page. I want you to benefit from the Daily Conduct Grade you will be seeing each day in your child's planner.

*E* (No strikes earned) An "E" in conduct means that the student's behavior is excellent. It implies that the teacher did not need to stop and correct the student and that the student could be counted on that day to be cooperative and attentive.

*S* (One strike earned) An "S" in conduct means that the student's behavior is satisfactory with no major problems apparent. It is understood that a student might occasionally need some reminders about obeying classroom rules but still deserves an "S" in conduct.

*N* (Two strikes earned) An "N" in conduct means that the student's behavior is below average. The student needed several reminders about obeying the classroom rules.

*U* (Three strikes earned) A "U" in conduct means that the behavior of the student is unsatisfactory. A "U" might be given because of a number of different reasons. It may involve continual talking, being disrespectful, bothering others, disobedience, etc. A "U" in conduct will result in appropriate demerits.

We will be using the strike/demerit system in fifth grade, and both minor and major offenses may earn either a strike or demerit. Every three strikes in a day earns one demerit. Students who accumulate 5 demerits within the nine week grading period will earn a detention.

Let's start our year off right and show only E's!!! :)

Roving Reporter... by Mrs. Cauthen

(I took a turn being the first "Roving Reporter!" Next time it might be YOUR turn!)


Roving Reporter
August 18th, 2008
by Mrs. Cauthen

Today was such a busy, busy day! Orientation was tonight, and there was so much to do to get ready before all the parents and students arrive. We have been working all last week to get things prepared, and today was our last day to get everything done!

I found out I had a new student early this morning, so part of my day was spent preparing everything needed for her! Welcome to our class, Alexandria! I also needed to finish up my lesson plans and stuff my envelopes with all the information our class needs to get a good start on the year.

Miss Whitfield is going to be a student teacher in Mrs. Stanley's room, and she worked most of the day on getting some English files set up for all three of the fifth grade teachers. One thing that teachers work on during the summer and our in-service week is making copies and filing the things our students will be using during the year. I had copied all the English worksheets for all three classes for the year, so Miss Whitfield tackled the project of dividing the sheets among the three teachers and setting up folders for them all!


You didn't know teachers had so much to do before school even started did you??

We had an Elementary meeting this morning in A-wing with all the elementary teachers. Mrs. Grams talked a little with us about what the order of events was for Orientation night, and where we should sit and what we should do. It was one last meeting for any of the teachers to ask any questions and talk together before the 2008 school year starts!


Lunch was chicken nuggets and fries! I love the lunches at NCA. It is so nice to have such delicious and nutritious meals available for us every day! The lunchroom is a lot quieter with just teachers eating! I'm sure it will be MUCH noisier on Wednesday!

(Left to right... Miss Whitfield, Mrs. Cominski, Miss Smith, Miss Montro, and Mrs. Phillips)

I had a lot to do today, and although I didn't get everything done that I wanted to, I was able to make it work! I had a good time meeting all my students and parents and getting a fun start to this school year!

I can't wait until Wednesday!

Wisdom from Little Ones

First Grade Wisdom

First graders were given the beginning of these clichés, and asked to provide their own endings.

The results are often better than the original! Take a look…

If at first you don't succeed.....go play.
Eat, drink, and.....go to the bathroom.
He who laughs last......didn't understand the joke.
Better to be safe than.................punch a 5th grader.
Strike while the .............................bug is close.
It's always darkest before...........Daylight Savings Time.
Don't bite the hand that......................looks dirty.
A miss is as good as a................................ Mr.
You can't teach an old dog new ......................math.
If you lie down with dogs, you'll.....stink in the morning.
Where there's smoke there's......................pollution.
A penny saved is.................................not much.
Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and.....you have to blow your nose.
None are so blind as..........................Helen Keller.
Children should be seen and not....spanked or grounded.
When the blind leadeth the blind......get out of the way.

Wise Advice From Kids

Here's another connection of wisdom from the young ones.

Never trust a dog to watch your food. - Patrick, 10
When your dad is mad and asks you, "Do I look stupid?" don't answer him. - Michael, 14
Never tell your mom her diet's not working. - Michael, 14
When your mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair. - Taylia, 11
Never allow your three-year old brother in the same room as your school assignment. - Traci, 14
Don't sneeze in front of mom when you're eating crackers. - Mitchell, 12
Puppies still have bad breath even after eating a tic tac.- Andrew, 9
Never hold a dust buster and a cat at the same time. - Kyoyo, 9
You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.- Armir, 9
Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts. - Kellie, 11
If you want a kitten, start out by asking for a horse. - Naomi, 15
Don't pick on your sister when she's holding a baseball bat. - Joel, 10
When you get a bad grade in school, show it to your mom when she's on the phone. - Alyesha, 13

Letter From the Teacher

Dear Parents,
As we begin this school year, I want to welcome you and your child to the Fabulous Fifth Grade and to my class! I am so excited to spend the year getting to know your child! I want to share with you some of our basic procedures to help you better understand what is expected of your child.

Classroom
1) School begins promptly at 8:00 am. Please have your child arrive by 7:45 am to unpack and be ready to start class at that time. Students who arrive past that time will not be allowed to finish unpacking until we have a break. All parents should be out of the classroom by 8:00 am.
2)After 8:15 students will need to go to A-wing office for a pass. Every fifth unexcused tardy in the nine weeks will count as one absence on a student's record.
3) Upon return from any absence, a note from home stating the reason for the absence is required.
4) School is dismissed for our class at 2:55 pm.

Lunches
1) Payment for school lunches should be made in the cafeteria.
2) Soft drinks are only permitted on Wednesdays (including packers). Milk and juice are available for packers as well as complimentary water.
3) Students should memorize their cafeteria account number or bring the number on an index card with them to the cafeteria.

Homework
1) Please be sure your child is prepared for class each day. Homework is always due the following day unless otherwise assigned.
2) Students are given time each morning to copy homework into their planners. Each child is responsible for keeping his/her planner updated each day. Homework is also given for your benefit in Renweb.
3)Any homework not completed will result in a homework slip sent home to be signed. Three homework slips in a quarter will result in detention.
4) A parent must sign the school planner each night after checking your child's homework. Don't forget to let your child do his own work.
5) A folder will be sent home on Tuesday's with your child's work from the previous week. Please sign, work on weak areas, and return the folder to school on Wednesday.

Final Note...
I want to thank you for the great privilege and opportunity of having your child in my class. Please keep me in your prayers as I teach. I want to be the best teacher that your child can have this year!

Of course, it will take all of us working together for your child to have a good year. Please help us achieve this goal by committing to working together as a supportive team and communicating with me any questions or problems that may arise!

Looking forward to a great year!
Mrs. Cauthen

Roving Reporter Rubric

Roving Reporter Rubric

5 pts.... You headed your report correctly with the title, the date and your name.

15 pts... You turned in your report on time.

15 pts... You turned in at least 3 good photos and deleted all other photos except for those three.
Your photos are clear, focused on the subject with no distracting objects in the background.
Each photo goes with something in your report.

20 pts...You used the trait of organization.
You included an introduction and a conclusion.
You used transitional words such as furthermore, next, in addition to, finally, afterwards,
meanwhile, eventually, and although.
You used proper paragraphing.

20 pts...You used the writing trait of Ideas and Content.
Your report tells about all the important events and learning of the day.
You used vivid descriptions that tell important specifics.
Your report includes at least one quotation.
Your report is at least 200 words long.

25 pts...You used the writing trait of Conventions.
Mrs. Cauthen can tell that you and an adult proofread your report.
Your report contains proper spelling, grammar and capitalization.
***Read it out loud so you can find your own errors. One point subtracted for each mistake.

All About Our School!!! Did you know....

Northside Christian Academy
Founded	1961
Grades	Infants through 12th Grade
Accreditation	NCA is accredited by the North Carolina Association of Christian Schools, a certifying agency operating with approval of the American Association of Christian Schools.
Enrollment	900
School Hours	8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Lunch Program	NCA offers a full-service cafeteria with numerous menu items.
School Colors	Red, White, and Black
School Mascot	The Knight
Motto	Education You Can Have Faith In…
School Verse	Proverbs 22:6
Boys Sports	Baseball, Basketball, Football, Golf, Soccer, Track & Field
Girls Sports	Basketball, Cheerleading, Fastpitch Softball, Soccer, Track & Field, Volleyball
Fine Arts	Art, Band, Choir, Drama, Fine Arts Competition, Private Lessons, including voice, piano, and instrument.
Student Clubs	Chess Club, Home Economics Club, Pep Band Club, Performing Arts Club, Political Club, Samaritan Club, Scrapbook Club, Spanish Club.
Student Organizations	International Thespian Society, Junior Honor Society, National Honor Society, Student Council.

Fifth Grade Schedule

8:00 Opening Activities

8:05 Bible
8:30 Academic Block 1 (Math,English, Reading)
9:05 Restroom Break
11:20 Restroom Break
11:30 Lunch
12:05 Special Classes
M-Library/Spanish T-Art W-Computer Th-PE F-Music
12:50 Recess
1:20 Academic Block 2 (Science, History, Spelling)
1:30 Restroom
2:45 Pack up
2:55 Dismissal
(Chapel is Tuesday 8:15-8:45)

Blogging Rules

1. No personal info such as addresses, phone numbers, etc.

2. If you want to write your opinion on a topic, make sure you're not going to be offensive to anyone as you write it.

3. Always make sure you check over your post for spelling errors, grammar errors, and your use of words.

4. Never disrespect someone else in your blog, whether it's a person, an organization, or just a general idea. You don't want someone making a stab at what you are passionate about; don't do it to someone else.

5. Don't write about other people without permission; if you can't get their permission, use first names only. Never share someone else's last name.

7. Watch your language! We're not at home; we are at school. What's written on our blog needs to be professional looking. Try not to use slang.

8. Make sure things you write about are factual. Don't post about things that aren't true or even about things you just THINK are true.

(Adapted from Bud's Blogging Experiment)

What's Cooking?

Time for lunch! We have a lot to be thankful for at Northside for our scrumptious meals served! Please remember to load money on your account in the cafeteria before or after school.
Eat up!

Lunch Menu for August 20-29