Dear Parents,

Welcome to the 2011 - 2012 school year.

This school year, I will be teaching 4^th, 5^th, and 8^th grade math as well as 5^th science and religion. Grade 5 math will be a continuation and extension of math skills learned in 4^th grade. Homework will be given Monday through Thursday evenings. I have already explained to your children that Friday= s classwork will need to be completed over the weekend if not completed in school.

Fifth grade science is divided into six units: Living Systems, Systems and Interactions in Nature, Processes That Change the Earth, The Solar System and Beyond, Building Blocks of Matter, and Energy and Motion.. The students are required to make vocabulary index cards to help them study. This year the 5^th grade will be participating in the Science Fair doing group projects. I will be sending home more information concerning this later on. If any parent has a background in any of the science areas and would like to help out with a topic please let me know.

The 8^th grade math class is a small class, which will enable the students to receive more individualized attention. We will be copying notes and examples on how to solve equations, inequalities and word problems. This will help prepare them for high school. Homework will be given Monday through Thursday night. I have already explained to your children that Friday= s classwork will need to be completed over the weekend if not completed in school.

Please let me know if your child is experiencing any difficulties. With your help, this year can be successful.