Have a wonderful winter break families!

Thank you very much for all of the lovely goodies and presents. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work with such wonderful families. Take care and I will see all of you in the new year!

Week of 12-17-2012

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012
1. Geography Test - Labeling a Map
2. Geography Project is DUE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
1. Science LP5 Test - Earth's Air and Water
2. 12-18-12 Work Packet is DUE
3. Learning Log is DUE
4. Report Card Distribution
5. I will be available for open conferences after school on Thursday until 2:30p.
6. Minimum Day

Nightly Reading

Chapter 6 Practice Test

Chapter 6 Practice Test, Form 1 
Answer Key

1. C              11. C
2. J               12. G
3. C              13. A
4. G              14. H
5. B              15. D
6. J               16. F
7. D              17. C
8. F               18. F
9. C               19. D
10. G

Social Studies

Hello Parents,
Take a look at some of our new social studies resources found on the link list on the right side of the page.
Take care,
Mrs. Alvarado

Science Test LP5

Earth's Air and Water

Matching - All Vocabulary
Short Answer - Role of oceans in the water cycle
                          How clouds form
Label - 4 atmospheric conditions that can be measured
             Layers of the atmosphere
Multiple choice - Where most of Earth's water is stored
                             Why air particles are farther apart higher in the 
                                          atmosphere

Gratefulness

Character Award - Nadia Scorza

Student of the Month - Grant Pinard

Performing Arts Club

Dear SRA Families,

As you may know Santa Rosa Academy started a Performing Arts Club in the fall.  Our group of almost 40 students’ has been working hard to prepare a variety show.  The Santa Rosa Academy PAC students’ present “A Night on the Town” this Saturday, December 8^th. 

We would love to have you come out and support your student and see the wonderful talent our school has to offer the community.  The PAC has sold out its 5 o’clock performance at a venue seating 175.We are so proud of them!  It is going to be a memorable day and we are excited for your feedback.

We have added a 1 o’clock Matinee show on Saturday December 8^th.

The performance will be held at:

The Center for Spiritual Living

26805 Murrieta Road

Sun City @ 1pm

Doors open at 12:30pm

Tickets are $10 each (non-school aged children are free)

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased after school at both campuses, online through the school’s Paypal program and at the door.

We are asking that you share this information with students and other staff members, and that Red and White track teachers share the attached flyer with parents via e-mail.  Many of the students have friends in the PAC and it will be a nice afternoon out with the family. 

Thank you for your support of our program.  

We hope to see you at Showtime!

Mrs. Snyder

Important Dates

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2012
DUE: Geography Project
Assessment: Geography - Labeling a Map

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012
Assessment: Science - Earth's Air and Water

Conferences

Hello Parents,
Just a reminder that our next conference will be held next FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7. Please check the conference tab to view your scheduled meeting time. Our conference will be a report card meeting to see final progress reports. I will also need for you to be prepared to give me the following:

PE Achievement/Effort
Visual/PA Achievement/Effort
Technology Achievement/Effort
Science and Social Studies Effort

During the last day of school for this semester, I will ask that you  come in and check-out, plus pick up report cards. More info to come on that soon. Thank you parents and have a fantastic day.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Alvarado

Science Tet LP4

The Solar System

Matching - All Vocabulary
Chart - Similarities and Differences between Earth and the Moon
Short Answer - Telescopes
                          Describing the composition of the sun
List - Planets in order of the sun
True or False - Asteroids

Social Studies Test LP4

Matching - All Vocabulary + People and their descriptions
Circle - How the arrival of Europeans caused conflicts with between Indian groups
Numbering events in order -
                             Iroquois signed treaty with French in 1701
                             Iroquois fight with Huron
                             Most beavers killed by Iroquois
                            Trading between Dutch and Iroquois Confederacy
                             Iroquois control large areas of land near their 
                                       home
Distinguish between actions of Chief John Ross and Tecumseh
Multiple Choice - Treaty of Doak's Stand

Holiday Mix

Hello Parents,
In light of the upcoming holiday, I wanted to have the children participate in bringing in an item for our "Holiday Mix" It's a great way to have the students see how sharing one item with others can create something delicious. Some items that I'm looking for are:

Pretzels
Popcorn
M&M's
Raisens
Goldfish crackers
Yogurt chips
Chex Cereal

Any donation will be appreciated! We are going to make our Holiday Mix this Tuesday after lunch. Thank you parents and have a fantastic day!
Mrs. Alvarado

SRA Ranger Logo Stickers

BASIC INFO:

5 inch  Full Color Window Ranger Logo Stickers

5.00 each, Cash only

Additional Add-On Sports stickers are available for 1.00 each. 

(Academic Achievement, Character Awards  and Non-Sport Activities coming soon!)

On Sale at the Dennis Uniform Day 

Monday, November 19 11:00am to 3:0pm

Only 200 available this release

Money will be used to support the athletic program at SRA and the building of the new gym!

Geography Project LP5

Hello Parents,
This is a PREVIEW of the geography project that will be assigned for the next learning period (LP5). It's a great way for your child to start thinking about the state in which they would like to focus their state report on. Social studies packets will be emailed at the usual time at the end of the learning period. Thank you.

UNIT PROJECT-GEOGRAPHY - Learning Period 5
In anticipation of the upcoming STATE REPORT, students will select the state they plan to study for their state report. During this LP, they will construct a map of the state they will learn about in more detail after the Winter Break.
Students will construct a large (11x14 or larger) map of their selected state. This map will include labels showing the location of:
•    The state capitol 
•    Major geographical features 
•    All neighboring states 
•    the border with Mexico or Canada, if applicable 
•    The Pacific Coast, Atlantic Coast or Gulf of Mexico, if applicable 
•    3-5 major cities 
•    2-4 additional landmarks of interest 
•    Any National Parks
 •    At least 2 Major Interstate Highway Routes
 •    A Compass Rose with all 8 points (N, S, E, W, NW, etc .)
 •    Map Key or Legend, Title, and Date should also be included.

Also Included: Students should include two-three paragraphs explaining why they have chosen this state for their map and state report and anything they have found interesting about this state so far in their research. (Example: their ancestors are from there, they like the sports team, they would like to live there, etc.) Students may use a variety of materials. The work should be done by the student with the guidance from the parent.

Attendance Log LP4

Hello Parents,
Please make sure that you sign this month's attendance log date as 

         11-20-12

Learning logs cannot be signed on a holiday date. Any learning logs that are signed as 11-23-12 will have to be redone, as we are not able to turn in any logs containing white out or corrections. Thank you very much for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Alvarado

Learning Period 3

Generosity Award - Kayla Garry

Student of the Month - Jazmin Vasquez

Math WB pg. 89

#1-13 ODD

1. 2  1/2
3. 3  1/3
5. 9  1/2
7. 1/2
9. 5  1/7
11. 5  5/6
13. 6  7/12

Math Practice Test Answer Key - Chapter 5

1. B
2. H
3. B
4. G
5. C
6. J
7. D
8. J
9. B
10. F
11. B
12. H
13. B
14. H
15. D
16. H

Narratives

Hello Parents,
Yesterday the students were working on their final drafts for their narratives. For those that did not have the opportunity to finish, they were brought home to complete. This is just a reminder to students that they need to bring in their completed drafts tomorrow (Thursday 11-8-12). We will begin summarizing and response to literature. Thank you and have a wonderful day.
Mrs. Alvarado

Look What's Coming Up....

1. Join us at our CHARACTER ASSEMBLY this Thursday (11/8/12) as we celebrate our character trait for last month, generosity. All students need to come to school in formal dress. Boys need to wear ties through the duration of the day. Thank you!
2. Canned Food Drive - Through this seasonal time of gratefulness and generosity, SRA will hold a canned food drive throughout the month of November. All cans can be brought to class. Anything that you are able to donate is greatly appreciated! More info to come during this Thursday's assembly.
3. CHAPTER 5 Math Practice Test - Answer key will be posted on this blog by this Friday, 11/9/2012.

Conference

Hello Parents,
Our next conference date is set for
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012
Information can be found on the conference page. Please mark your calendars.
Take Care,
Mrs. Alvarado

Have a safe and wonderful night!

Fractions and Decimals

Hello Parents,
I have found a few online resources for fractions and decimals that can be found on the link list to the right of this blog page. Enjoy!

Science Assessment Questions LP4

Vocabulary
corona
eclipse
telescope
rotate 
satellite
comet
revolve
solar system
orbit
sunspot
planet
axis
asteroid

2. Know the planets in order from the sun
3. What are similarities and differences between the Earth and the Moon?
4. Lunar eclipse vs. Solar eclipse
5. Be able to describe the composition of the sun.
6. The importance of telescopes and how they help in learning about space.
7. What are asteroids? Understand their gases.

States and Capitals LP4

Eastern States
Pennyslvania
New York
Virginia
West Virginia
Massachusetts
Maine
Vermont
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
Connecticut 
New Jersey
Delaware
Maryland
United States of America - *Washington D.C.*

Math Key Pg. 73 #11-20

11.   0.52
12.  0.405
13.  5.125
14.  6.06
15.  3.475
16.  18.28
17.  7.75
18.  3.625
19.  0.82
20.  0.3

Parking/Drop Off Procedures

Good afternoon Parents,

As a reminder, our school day begins at 8:00. This is when our gates are locked. You are welcome to drop off your children starting at 7:45. If you bring students to school after 8:00 a.m., they must be signed in at the office and be given a pass to class.  We are continually trying to reduce the traffic congestion and help move you in and out of the parking lot in the quickest way possible.  With this in mind, please be sure your students are ready to quickly move out of the car when you reach the curb (back packs zipped and in laps, jacket on, etc.).  When exiting our parking lot, please only make a right hand turn.  Also, we encourage you to drop off your children using the sidewalks and crosswalk in the parking lot, as opposed to parking across the street and walking students to the campus. The congestion and pedestrian traffic crossing over Garbani Road is becoming intense. Finally, the bus and maintenance parking lot adjacent to Menifee Valley Middle School cannot be used by SRA parents or staff. Please do not park there. These procedures will help us facilitate a safe and speedy drop off.

Thank you,

Santa Rosa Academy Staff

Math Practice Test

CHAPTER 4 MATH PRACTICE TEST, FORM 1

1. B
2. J
3. B
4. F
5. B
6. H
7. B
8. G
9. D
10. G
11. C
12. F

  

Listening and Speaking Standards

A Wrinkle in Time Novel Presentations

Report Card Tie-In
- Delivers effective oral presentations

What I look for:
1. Delivery of information
2. Eye contact
3. Voice level
4. Pacing

*Oral presentation will not receive letter grade*

SRA West's First Movie Night

SRA WEST MOVIE NIGHT

When: Friday November 2nd 5:00-7:30pm

Where: SRA West Campus

What: $5 for pizza, water and a movie for SRA students.  Candy and popcorn will be on sale.  Come support SRA's Student Council and enjoy a great movie with your fellow classmates.  Tickets are available for pre-sale only starting Monday October 29th. 

This week...

Tuesday, October 23, 2012
 - Narrative Writing Benchmark Test
 - Wrinkle in Time Novel Turn-In

Thursday, October 25, 2012
 - Chapter 4 Math Test

Friday, October 26, 2012
 - CONFERENCES - Please refer to the 'conference' tab to verify your scheduled meeting time. 
                                    All LEARNING LOGS DUE

States and Capitals Test LP3

Hello Parents,
Just a quick reminder that along with matching the states to their capitals, they will also need to know the state locations on a map. A blank map will be numbered, and the students will have to label the correct state name. You can refer to this month's social studies packet to view the states that will be tested on. Thank you!

Science Assessment LP3

Types of Energy

Matching - Vocabulary
Short Answer - Difference between refraction and reflection
                          Ways thermal energy can be transferred 
Fill in - Speed of sound
Multiple Choice - How electromagnetic waves are produced

Social Studies Assessment LP3

The Fight for a Continent

Matching - Vocabulary
Multiple Choice - Who was Tecumesh?
                              Who was LaSalle?
                              King Phillip's War
                              What did American Indians not teach the 
                                         colonists?
Matching - 1. Settlements to the nations that founded them 
                               (Netherlands, England, Spain, France)
                   2. Powhatan War Events - Years
                               a. Jamestown established in Virginia
                               b. Conflicts began
                               c. English colonists controlled Powhatan land
Circle - Ways in which Europeans and Indians influenced each 
             others ways of life
Short Answer - name 2 conflicts between Europeans and American Indians between 1600-1700

Mark your calendars...

PROJECT DUE DATES:
1. A Wrinkle in Time  - Tuesday, October 23, 2012
2. Science LP3 - Types of Energy - Thursday, November 1, 2012

ASSESSMENT DATES:
1. Social Studies - Tuesday, October 30, 2012
2. Science - Thursday, November 1, 2012
              *Test breakdown coming soon*

A few reminders...

MATH WORKSHOP

If you have a student going to math tutoring, please have them bring their work for that day. Also, the work should have a marked page or note letting the teacher know what needs to be done. 

UNIFORMS

Only DENNIS uniforms are to be worn when on campus.

Thank you!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Hello families,
Just a few quick bits of information regarding this Thursday. Please be aware of the following:
1. Character/Student of the month assembly - All students should come to school in formal dress. Families are welcome to stay for the assembly!
2. Science Test - Study materials can be brought to class. You can refer to our blog for the breakdown of the test.
3. Math Test Chapter 3 - Tomorrow's math assignment has the students complete an online practice test. There is also a study guide found at the end of the chapter that will give your child extra practice with the concepts found in chapter 3.


PAPERWORK
Thank you to all of my families for looking over their paperwork before turn-in. I believe the check-lists are working really well and are helping us to stay organized. A quick reminder that each page in the homework packet should have your child's first and last name, along with the date, in your child's writing. All assignments that are written on blank or lined pieces of paper need to have the subject listed. For example,

Mark Alvarado 
10-3-2012 
Science Sample

If you have any questions regarding the above, I'd be happy to answer them for you! 
 

Emails

Hello Parents,
I just wanted to send a quick not about my email schedule. During the work week, if you email me prior to 7pm, I will most likely get back to you that same day. All emails after 7pm will be returned the next day. Also, since we have such limited time to prep for class on Tuesday and Thursday, I am not able to check my email on the mornings of class days. Thank you very much for your understanding.
Warmest Regards,
Mrs. Alvarado

SRA Updates

1. Picture orders should be turned in no later than Fri., October 5.

2. Booster club has extended their membership drive.  The original envelopes stated a due date of 9/28 to be entered in the raffle.  It has now been extended to Friday, October 5th.

Character Assembly

Thursday, October 4

8:15am

All Families Welcome!

A Wrinkle in Time

Hello Parents,
As you know, the students are currently reading the novel A Wrinkle in Time. In order to have your child get the most out of the novel study, it is important that they keep up with the pacing of the reading. Some chapters will be assigned at home, and in order to be prepared for class they need to have read the chapter by the specific day it was assigned. Here are some things that you will see throughout the novel study:
1. Pop quizzes based on at-home reading
2. Character Studies
3. Science Connection
4. Final Test
5. Novel Project

I am sending a link to a wonderful resource that will help you follow along with the story at home. Just go to http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/wrinkle/section1.rhtml. This website offers comprehensive chapter summaries and commentary. 

Thank you and I hope your family is enjoying the book as much as I am! 
Sincerely,
Mrs. Alvarado

Science Assessment LP2

THURSDAY, Oct. 4
Matching - All Vocabulary
Multiple Choice - Arrangements of elements in the periodic table
                             Definition of an element
                             What is the Atomic Theory
Short answer - interactions of charges
2 fill in the blank
Name - sub-atomic particles in an atom

Social Studies LP2 Assessment

TUESDAY, Oct. 2
Matching - All vocabulary listed
Multiple  Choice - Changes in sea travel in the 1400's
                              Goals of European exploration
                              European interest in Asia
Short Answer - Spanish Explorers and lands they explored
                         Tools that improved sailing
                               -Please be thorough in description
Match the explorers with their area of exploration:
                 Cortes
                 Coronado
                 Vespucci
                 Columbus
                 Cartier
                 de Balboa
Circle - Countries that claimed lands in America
                 

How to use this blog

Our classroom blog will keep you up-to-date and will be a wonderful resource for you throughout the school year. What does this blog offer?

• Links to important classroom resources that will provide extra help for your child on home days
• Lose monthly worksheets? This blog will give you access to current learning logs and science/social studies packets 
• Conference schedule - including date of conference and scheduled meeting time
• Last minute announcements and reminders
• Class information - daily schedule/grading scale 

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CHECK THIS BLOG DAILY DURING THE SCHOOL WEEK. ADDING THIS BLOG ONTO YOUR BOOKMARKS TOOLBAR WILL GIVE YOU QUICK ACCESS WHEN NEEDED.

Welcome!

Hello Parents,
This blog has been created to help you throughout the 2012-2013 school year. Please make sure you bookmark this page and check back on a regular basis for important class announcements and updates. Thank you!