Hello Parents,

Happy Monday! This week is a very busy week for us in the classroom as we wrap up for our winter break. Please take a look at the following schedule of events:

Tuesday, December 16

1. White Group Math - Chapter 5 Test

2. Movie - Aurthur Christmas

                Students went home today with a permission slip. Please sign tonight

                to be returned tomorrow.

Wednesday, December 17

1. Student Store - The students will be putting together a market place to use

            their Alvarado dollars. They have a choice as to whether or not they would

            like to sell. Items to sell are optional, such as drawings, treats, bracelets,

            etc. We discussed how an economy works and this is also an opportunity

            for them to get gifts for the holidays.

Thursday, December 18

1. Holidays Around the World - The students in grades 3-5 will be traveling
             classrooms and learning about how the winter holiday is celebrated in that

             country. Our class has been learning about the Philippines and will share

             about their holiday cultural traditions.

Friday, December 19

1. Honor Roll/Character Assembly - All parents are invited. Our class will be

              reciting the character traits of Meekness to the audience.

Wednesday-Friday: Minimum Days - Early Release at 12:20pm

Thank you parents. Hope you have a wonderful week!

Upcoming Classroom Events

1. Friday, December 12
    Social Studies Test
    Movie Night - Rise of the Guardians 
                           All money will be collected by this Wednesday
                                  (12/10)
2. Wednesday, December 17
    Mrs. Alvarado's Student Store
3. Thursday, December 18
    Holidays Around the World
4. Friday, December 19
    Character/Honor Roll Assembly
    Fifth grade presentation on Meekness
    Report Cards

                   

100 mile club

Due to the rain, 100 mile club will be cancelled tomorrow, Wednesday, December 3.

Jersey Day

Friday, November 21, 2014

Jersey Day

$1 Donation

Minimum Day: Release time for Elementary is 12:20pm

 

Congratulations to our October Award Recipients!

Character: Phoebe

Student of the Month: Chloe

PE

Hello Parents,

This year, we are motivating our students to become more active. We regularly have PE on Thursdays and Fridays. In order for students to be more accountable for their success, they will be graded on their participation and their effort. We have recently had a high number of students choosing to not want to participate due to various issues. Please read the following instructions and guidelines:

1. We expect all students to participate. If your child is unable to participate for that day due to a medical issue, please send in a signed letter/note explaining the issue. Without a letter, we are assuming that your child looked healthy enough to participate for that day. We spoke with our students about knowing when to stop if they are pushing too hard.

2. All students need to bring PE clothes. We have had various instances where students were not able to participate because they had the wrong shoes on or long sleeves. Students should have a plain white T-shirt or white SRA T-shirt, blue athletic shorts of appropriate length, and athletic shoes. If your child does not currently have these items, please have them the week we return from Thanksgiving break. If you are having any problems getting these items, feel free to email me and I would be happy to help out.

3. Every PE day is worth a maximum of 10 points. The points are based on participation and dress. If your child is absent on a PE day, it will not be counted against them.

Thank you for your help parents. Our goal is to have happy and healthy kids! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Have a great day.

Progress Reports

Progress Reports sent home today!

Please sign and return.

Shiloh

Hello Parents,
On November 10, we are scheduled to begin our novel unit on Shiloh. Please make arrangements to acquire the novel. If you have problems, please feel free to contact me as I would like to help out! Thank you and have a great day.

Looking at the week ahead

Wednesday, October 29, 2014
1. 100 mile club - Come run with us! 7:15-7:45a
2. Test - Alvarado Math Group - Chapter 3
3. Introduction to Google Chromebooks

Thursday, October 30, 2014
1. 100 mile club - Come run with us! 7:15-7:45a
2. PE - Bring appropriate clothing
3. Chapter 2 Social Studies Test

Friday, October 31, 2014
1. Minimum Day - Early Release at 12:20pm
2. Fall Party
3. Crazy sock and shoe day! ($1 for crazy socks OR shoes, OR $2 for both)
4. Blankets and Board Games!

Chromebooks

Hello Parents,
Beginning in the next week or two, our students will be using the new Google Chromebooks during scheduled times. We will have the opportunity to practice many skills related to basic computer operations. We are hoping it will begin to prepare them for the middle school 1:1 laptop program. A few things that we will be able to do with the Chromebooks are:
             - Typing and keyboarding practice
             - Internet searches related to the curriculum
             - Becoming familiar with office applications
We are very excited that we will get the opportunity to use this new technology in our classroom. More info to come.

Hello Parents,
Please read on for exciting news about our GALA!

Annual Gala Friday, October 17, 5:00-9:00 PM:  

Hello, are you coming?! Clearly everyone should be attending if you can. So, buy your tickets online!  We are very excited as this year is a black and white event, formal wear not required.  We have a tremendous amount of baskets for bidding, food and wine, music and dancing!  All proceeds go the building fund for our gymnasium and baseball field. We have a GREAT time every year as it gives all of us an opportunity to socialize without the kids in tow.   Need a babysitter?  Contact us and we can connect you with some names of high school students.

Purchase your tickets online.

GALA

Hello Parents,

Happy Thursday! The GALA is quickly approaching. I wanted to thank you for all of the donations that have been sent so far. It is not too late. We will be collecting donations through the coming week. It is a great way to support the school. All of the auction money from our classroom baskets will go towards the school and will help with our building fund for the gymnasium. The gymnasium will be a great addition to SRA and will allow a place for sports, events and assemblies, and provide an opportunity for the students to get relief from the weather during the summer and winter months. Our theme is Family Fun Gift Cards. Any gift cards that will allow the family a fun night out together is what we are looking for. This includes restaurants, family fun centers, and yogurt. Thank you again parents for your support and I know our classroom will have an amazing basket to donate for our auctions! Have a wonderful day.

Congratulations to our September Award Recipients!

Character: Madelyn

Student of the Month: Brady

Go Math!

Hello Math Parents,
I have just sent an email on how to access the GO MATH! online resources. It is a wonderful tool. Please take the time to explore the site with your child. Thank you!

GALA Basket

Hello Parents,
Our annual SRA Gala is approaching! This is our annual fundraiser that proves to be a lot of fun for everyone. The Gala will be held on Friday, October 17th. The Gala time and ticket prices can be found on the SRA website. Our classroom is putting together a fundraising basket with the theme "Family Fun Gift Cards." It has been through the generous donations of our parents that have helped make our basket auctions a success. If you would like to contribute to our classroom basket, we are looking for gift card donations of any denomination that have to do with a family fun night out. Examples are:

- Yogurt
- Movies
- Restaurants
- Mulligans
- Drop Zone
- Disney

- Anything creative that gets the family together!

All donations can be brought to class by October 3rd or delivered at conferences. Please attach the receipt and the amount of the gift card to the back the card.  If you have any questions in regards to the basket, you may also contact Mrs. Frazer (Please email me for contact info).  She is our contact mom for this very special event! I appreciate all of the generosity that you have given me all year and am grateful for the support. Thank you parents and please feel free to contact me with any questions. Take care!

Upcoming Events

When: Monday 9/22 - Monday 9/29

Where: SRA Library

 When: Wednesday 9/24 - Friday 9/26

Where: Serra Hall - Rm 3113

Please arrive at your scheduled conference time

*Student Minimum Days 9/24-9/26

Release Time: 12:20pm

 

Math Test

Math Test - Chapter 1

Who: Alvarado's Math Class

When: Monday, September 15, 2014

Tips:

    1. Review chapter 1 practice test found in textbook

    2. Look over notes, focusing on difficult concepts

    3. Make sure math notes are clear and understandable

    4. Practice, Practice, Practice!

Tutoring

Hello Parents,
This Wednesday we will begin fifth grade tutoring. The tutoring time will run from 2:30pm-3:15pm. We will have both reading and math. Please feel free to have your child attend if interested. Throughout the year, we will request that certain students attend and we will send you email notification. Thank you!

Friday Folders

Hello Parents,
Happy Friday! Today students will be bringing home their Friday Folders. If you can please make sure to the the following, I would appreciate it:

1. Remove ALL assessments and returned work. These papers can be filed at your home for your reference.

2. SIGN and return the Parent Signature form next to the appropriate date. For example, today is September 5 and the signature should be placed next to 9/5/14. Since the Friday Folders did not go home on the first weeks of school, there is a jump on the signature lines.

3. The only paper returning to school in the folder is the Parent Signature form.

4. All folders should be returned to school with your child on the following Monday.

Thank you very much and I hope all of you have a wonderful day!

Updates

Hello Families,
I have added the following to our blog:

1. Social Studies Unit 1 Study Guide - The First Americans
                    Found in 'Sci/SS' tab
2. Back to School Night PowerPoint - Made available for reference and for those who were unable to attend our BTSN event
                    Found in the 'Class Info' tab

School Assembly

Character Assembly

 Thursday, September 4, 2014

9:15am

Location: Serra Hall

Back to School Night

Thursday, August 28, 2014

5:00pm-6:00pm

 

Upcoming Events

PICTURE DAY

Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Formal Dress Required

MINIMUM DAY - Friday, August 29, 2014

Release Time: 12:20pm 

Homework

Hello Parents,

This week the students have officially started their fifth grade curriculum. This year for math, some of the students will be switching to different classrooms taught by either Mr. Vogel or Mr. Mejia. You can expect a math email from the fifth grade team shortly. As we are preparing the students for middle school, we are really focusing our attention towards independence, organization, and responsibility. The students are expected to complete their daily homework and turn their assignments in on time. My students fill out their homework agenda books daily. Please take the time to review your child's assignments to ensure their completion, as well as assist with any difficulties they may have. Once reviewed, I ask that you sign the agenda books indicating to me that their assignments are complete and ready to turn in. If a student does not return their homework in by the due date, we will have Homework Club during recess in order to complete their assignments. Please be aware that an assignment turned in one day late will result in a point deduction (3 out of 5 points possible). Assignments that are two days late will receive no points credit. Thank you!

Have a nice weekend families, and thank you students for such a great first week at school!

PE

Hello Parents,
Tomorrow the students will be doing some jogging around the track. Please send them with some appropriate shoes. They may bring them in a bag to change in to once we go outside. Please try to avoid sending them with brightly colored athletic shoes. Any toned down colors, such as white, black, blue, or grey would work out great. We will be going out first thing in the morning to avoid the heat. Thank you parents and have a great night!

Hello Parents,

Happy Tuesday! This is just a quick reminder about our upcoming novel study. We will begin our Sign of the Beaver unit this Monday. Please send your child to school with the novel. If you have any questions or concerns, I'll be happy to help you out. Also, this year the fifth graders will be going out to PE twice weekly. On Thursdays we have our running club. Fridays will be our regular PE day where the students will participate in activities with the other fifth grade classes. In order for the children to be comfortable and ready for PE, we ask that they wear clothes that would be appropriate for sports activities and being outside. Please read the following guidelines for PE clothes:

• Plain white shirt or a SRA team shirt from a sport you participated in. Shirts with other logos will be turned inside out.
• Navy blue athletic shorts
• Athletic shoes (no slip ons, or flats) with arch support is needed during activities.
• White or black solid color socks
  
• Optional: SRA cap or Navy blue without a logo
• A water bottle
• Navy blue sweat pants and sweatshirt for winter (if it ever gets cold)
• No yoga pants, flip flops, no boots, slip on shoes, or jewelry. No short shorts.

We will give the students time to get these items. To begin with, students should come to school or bring appropriate shoes to run in. Thank you parents and have a wonderful day!

Email Office Hours

Hello Parents,

I hope all of you have had a wonderful day today. I believe communication is very important and I try my best to answer all of your questions in a timely manner. Please review my office hours listed below:

Email Office Hours: MON-FRI 8:00am-4:00pm

• Any emails sent after 4:00pm will most likely be answered the following day (within 24 hours)

• Emails sent Friday after 4:00pm will be answered that Monday
• If any emails are sent to me during class time, I will most likely not receive the message until the end of the school day, because I am teaching. If you have an emergency, please feel free to call the office and they connect you to my classroom extension.

I am looking forward to getting to know all of your children throughout the school year and having another great year here at SRA. Thank you!

Welcome to the 2014-2015 School Year!

Hello Families!
I wanted to welcome you to the 2014-2015 school year here at Santa Rosa Academy! I am eager to get to know all of my students and know that this year will be filled with a lot of fun and learning. I will be entering my 6th year teaching at Santa Rosa.  I am a firm believer in the hands-on classroom experience and believe that children learn through engaging activities. I am also passionate about art, and through various lessons throughout the year I will be introducing students to the elements of art, as well as teaching them about the importance of Art History. This year we will focus on preparing our students for middle school, with a primary focus on organization and responsibility. This blog will be a great resource for all of my families. I update frequently with classroom announcements, as well as weekly homework assignments. Please feel free to contact me! I am here to help in any way that I can. Thank you families and looking forward to an exciting year!
Warmest Regards,
Mrs. Alvarado

2014-2015 Supply List

5th Grade Supply List

-Large 3-ring Binder -6 pocket folders (with holes)
-Notebook Paper
- 2 Spiral Notebooks - 3 Composition Books
- Book Covers for 2 Books
- Pencil Box or Bag:
- Pack of #2 Pencils (Sharpened)
- Sharpener
- Highlighters (Yellow, Green, Pink)
- Large Eraser
- Whiteboard Dry Erase Markers
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
-Watercolors

NOVELS: 

The following novels will be read throughout the year, beginning with Sign of the Beaver. Please note that it is up to you if you would like to purchase these novels ahead of time, or would like to purchase as we proceed through the school year. I will give notice at the start of our new novel studies. Please contact me if you need any assistance or have any questions. 

Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare

Gregor and the Overlander by Suzanne Collins 
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor 

George Washington’s Socks by Elvira Woodruff

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
Hatchet by Gary Paulson

CLASSROOM WISH LIST – Any donations will be greatly appreciated!
Colored Pencils
Dry Erase and Regular Markers
Pens (Blue, Black, and Red)
Glue Bottles or Sticks
Paper (lined, Copy)
Kleenex
Hand Sanitizer
Disinfectant Wipes
Bottles of Water
Books, in good, new, or used condition
Highlighters (Yellow, Green, Pink)
Sink Hand Soap

Summer

HAPPY SUMMER!
Thank you SRA families for an incredible year!

For Sale

Hello Parents,
Tomorrow, the items listed below will be on sale between 10:00am-11:00am. All items are $1.

Ice Cream
Popsicles
Chips
Cookies
Water

The Week at a Glance

MONDAY, June 9, 2014
Fifth Grade Field Day - Please dress in comfortable PE attire
Movie - Bridge to Terabithia

TUESDAY, June 10, 2014
Alvarado Student Store
Minimum Day

WEDNESDAY, June 11, 2014
Blankets and Board Games - Bring your board games, pillows and blankets!
Memory Book Signing
Minimum Day

THURSDAY, June 12, 2014
Fifth Grade 50s Day!
Memory Book Signing
End-of-the-year class party 
Minimum Day

Talent Show

Talent Show

Friday, June 6, 2014

Time: 9:30am-11:00am

Where: The Plaza @ SRA

Fifties Day!

50's Day

When: Thursday, June 12, 2014

Who: Fifth Grade

Dress: 1950s inspired clothing

(No make-up or high heels please)

Suggestions: Polka Dots

Hoop Skirts

Rolled up Jeans

Plain White T-shirts

Black Converse

Curled Hair for Girls

Slicked Back Hair for Boys

Ribbons and Pony Tails

Leather Jackets

Character Assembly

Tomorrow, Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Time: 8:20am

Please come to school in FORMAL DRESS

Week at a Glance

Monday, June 2, 2014
Robotics Challenge - Final Stage

Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Begin Oral Presentations

Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Character Awards - Boldness, Discretion, Sincerity
      8:30am Serra Hall

Thursday, June 5, 2014
Last Day of Math Groups/ Math Party/STEM Challenge

Friday, June 6, 2014
Talent Show 9:30am-11:00am

Looking at the Week Ahead

Hello Parents,

This coming week will be very busy for our fifth graders as we begin wrapping up the school year. Here's what's to come:

1. Monday - NO SCHOOL

    Memorial Day (May 26, 2014)

2. Tuesday, May 27 - CA Physical Fitness Testing

   The 5th graders will be participating in the CA Physical Fitness Test. The test will not go towards their report card grade. All activities will be overseen by the fifth grade teaching team. Please make sure your child brings comfortable shoes, athletic shorts (blue or black), and a shirt (no bright colors) to change in to. We also ask that your child comes to school with a water bottle or thermos. The fitness test is estimated to run between 1 1/2 to 2 hours as we have a large number of students participating. We will work hard to conclude the test on Tuesday. There is a chance the students will continue on Thursday if there is an issue with time. I will send an update about bringing a change of clothes on Thursday, if necessary.

3. Wednesday, May 28 - Mulligans Field Trip

Students not participating in the Mulligans field trip will have class at the regularly scheduled time.

4. Sixth Grade Preview Day

The fifth graders will participate in Sixth Grade Preview Day. They will shadow a 6th grade buddy for 3 periods. The students will have the opportunity to:

    a. Ask questions

    b. Become familiar with Portola Hall

    c. Participate in sixth grade lessons

    d. Get a glimpse of the 1:1 laptop program

    e. Make new friends!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me! I hope all of you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Legoland

LEGOLAND Park

Address: One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Park Hours: 10am-5pm

Directions to the Park:  From Interstate 5, take Cannon Road Exit East and follow the signs.  Parking is $12-$15 per car.

Departure: from SRA: Meet in our classroom #3113 between 7:50am-8:15am for ticket pick-up and last minute announcements.  We will leave approx. 8:20am so please be on time.

Dress Code:  Jean or school shorts and SRA shirt, comfortable shoes (There are some wet rides, so you may want to bring an extra set of dry clothes too.)

Lunch:  Disposable sack lunches may be brought into the park and stored in storage units behind the Imagination Zone or a backpack.  Coolers are not allowed inside.  You can also buy lunch at the park.

Educational Lab: (Mrs. Alvarado’s 5th Grade Class) lab time is scheduled  for 11:00am-11:45am @ the LegoLand Educational Center.  Please meet at the Educational Center at 10:45am.

The lab experiment is only for students in our class.  No siblings or parents allowed.  The space in the classroom areas are small but I’ll try and let parents take turns peeking in for pictures.

LegoLand Attractions: Once our educational lab time is over you may enjoy all the attractions at Legoland. You are free to stay until the park closes.

Enjoy your day at the park!!

Looking Ahead

Hello Parents,

I hope all of you are doing well! Here are a few classroom announcements:

1. TOMORROW, Tuesday, 5-20 - CST Science Test

     The students will be participating in the CST Science Test. They have all participated in a practice test in class. Tonight for homework, your child will review the packet. Please sign the top page of the packet, indicating that the packet was reviews, paying particular attention to the missed problems. The CST Science Test will in no way affect their current science grades.

2. PROGRESS REPORTS

   Progress reports will be distributed tomorrow. All progress reports are up to date with your child's current grades.

3. Friday, May 23 - Legoland Field Trip

   Details about ticket pick-up, time, etc. will be sent on Wednesday

Thank you parents and have a wonderful night.

Thank You

Dear Families,
I wanted to send out a heartfelt 'Thank You' for making this week so special. I appreciate all of the thoughtful gifts that were sent to me. It has been a wonderful year. I started Santa Rosa as a white track teacher. This year was my first year doing the 5-day a week program, and even after teaching for eight years, you still get the same nervousness you feel at the start of each school year. I have had the opportunity to get to know your children. It has been an honor to be their teacher as each day they bring me a ton of smiles and laughter. Everyday they surprise me in the best of ways. So as much as your children thank me for being their teacher, I have to thank them for consistently showing me that I probably have one of the greatest jobs in the world. I will truly miss each and every one of them as they move forward in their education. Thank you families! 
                               Warmest Regards,
                                     Mrs. Alvarado

Upcoming Events

Hello Parents,
I hope all of you have had a wonderful week. I wanted to send you some information on a few upcoming classroom events:

1. CST Science Exam

The CST Science exam will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2014. This coming week, the students and I will be reviewing in class. The test will cover both 4th and 5th grade science standards. It will in no way affect your child's current science grade.

2. Sixth Grade Preview Day
Students will be participating in a sixth grade preview day. Each incoming 6th grader will be paired with a current 6th grader and shadow them for three classroom periods. This will give the students a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and get a glimpse of what the expectations will be for next year. All of the fifth and sixth grade teachers will be monitoring throughout the day. We are excited to give our students the opportunity to look ahead and prepare for middle school.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me. I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend!

Minimum Day

Minimum Day

Friday, May 9, 2014

Dismissal Time:12:20pm

Come join the fun at the SRA Golf Classic!

PAC Performances

Hello Parents,
The Performing Arts Club has been working very hard on two wonderful presentations. Tickets are on sale now! 

Jr PAC - Cinderella and the Substitute Fairy-Godmother - SRA Amhpitheater

Friday, May 2, 6PM

Saturday May 3, 12Noon

Tix $5 advance purchase, $6 at the door

Sr PAC - I Hate Shakespeare!

Saturday, May 3, 3 PM

Saturday May 3, 6 PM

Tix $5 advance purchase, $6 at the door

 

Tickets will be available for purchase in front of the school this Wednesday and Thursday. Come show your support!

Mulligans

Hello Parents,

Mulligans tickets are now on sale through the school website. Spots are available to the first 400 students who purchase tickets. The deadline will be May 18 and tickets will not be sold after that date. Tickets are $16 each and if you would like to attend, you will need to purchase a ticket as well. Thank you!

The Week Ahead

Hello Parents,
Today, the students participated in Day 1 of the SBAC field test. They all did a wonderful job! We will resume with testing tomorrow, and Thursday. In addition, the Unit 6 social studies test will be this Thursday. Due to the rigorous week ahead, we are making sure that the students get plenty of brain breaks. Homework will be light for the duration for the week. Thank you and great job fifth graders!

Fundraiser

Crazy Sock and Shoe Day

Tomorrow, Thursday, April 17, 2014

Help support the high school engineering program!

A $2 donation is asked if you participate.

Thank you!

Testing

Smarter Balanced Assessment Practice Test

4/21-4/24

Please bring headphones and a silent reading book

Annual Santa Rosa Academy Carnival

TODAY

Friday, April 11, 2014

3:00pm-6:30pm

State Report

Hello Parents,
I had a few questions regarding the state report. Below is a list of what should be included:

1. Cover - Be creative!
2. State Name
3. Statehood History
4. State Flag
5. State Seal
6. State Bird
7. State Flower
8. Physical Features
9. Agriculture
10. Natural Resources
11. Manufacturing
12. Places of Interest
13. Weather
14. National Parks
15. Famous People
16. State Trivia
17. Required: Bibliography

18. STATE FLOAT - Please follow the guidelines that are indicated on the state float packet. Students DO NOT need to write an additional essay to accompany the float.

Reminder

STATE REPORT

STATE FLOAT

Due Date: Monday, April 21, 2104

SRA Carnival

Hello Parents,

Our annual SRA Carnival is just around the corner! It will be next Friday, April 11, here at SRA. Our carnival has been a success every year and a lot of fun for the children. We are looking for the generous contributions of our parents to help us. For our carnival, the fifth grade team will be doing an obstacle course. A few things we need are small novelty prizes, such as candy, small toys, etc. In addition, volunteers would be wonderful! The time slots are as followed:

2:30pm-3:15pm - Set Up

3:15pm-3:45pm

3:45pm-4:15pm

4:15pm-4:45pm

4:45pm-5:15pm

5:15pm-5:45pm

5:45pm-6:15pm

6:15pm-6:45pm

6:45pm-7:15pm Help with clean-up

Please email me if you are interested in being a volunteer. I would really appreciate it! Also, all carnival prize donations can be sent to class with your child. Thank you for your continual help throughout this school year!

In addition, please make sure your child submits the SRA Permission slip for the Western Science Center Trip. We need them as soon as possible. Thank you parents and have a wonderful day!

Santa Rosa Academy

OPEN HOUSE

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

5:30pm-7:00pm

Important Announcements

Hello Parents,

This Friday the class is scheduled to go to the Western Science Center field trip. Please return the SRA Field Trip Permission Slip no later than this Wednesday. The field trip time will be from 9:30am-12:30pm. Also, Legoland field trip payments are currently being accepted at the Student Affairs Office with Mrs. MacLean. The payment deadline for the Legoland field trip is APRIL 11, 2014. Please make sure to bring cash for your payment. Thank you!

Upcoming Week

Hello Parents,
I hope all of you enjoyed a wonderful and relaxing spring break! Here is a look at our week ahead:
Tuesday, April 1, 2014: OPEN HOUSE
         Come join us at our annual Open House to see what the 
         students have been working on. It will be a fun event for all 
         families!
Wednesday, April 2, 2014 Character Assembly (Cancelled)
         Character Trait: Boldness
         Time: 8:20am
Friday, April 4, 2014 Western Science Center Field Trip
        Time: 9:30am-12:30pm
    

Friday, March 21, 2014

Our first ever, Alvarado's Anything and Everything Store, was a success! Thank you to all of the students for coming together to make this a great event. I hope all of my families have a fun and safe spring break!

Western Science Center

Hello Parents,
Please make sure you send your Western Science Center payments tomorrow with your child if you have not already done so. Thank you!

Ranger Store

Dear Parents,
Throughout the year the students have been working hard to earn "Alvarado Dollars." Our classroom economy has been very successful, where credits and debits are made based on behavior and classroom expectations. Next Friday, the students will have the opportunity to participate in our Ranger Store. The students are able to sell and buy items, and hopefully will be able to see how a business economy works. We have had discussions about pricing items, competition, supply and demand, etc. Some of the guidelines I have given the students are:

1. Think about placing a limit about the amount of items a customer can purchase
2. Create a STORE sign
3. Price items
4. Do not bring items to school that have not been approved by your parent/guardian
5. If food is brought in, it must be store bought.
6. Have fun!

If you have any questions about our Ranger Store, please feel free to contact me and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you parents and have a great day!
Warmest Regards,
Mrs. Alvarado

Minimum Days

Hello Parents,

This is a reminder that we will have minimum days today and tomorrow (March 13 and 14) due to conferences. Early dismissal will be at 12:20pm. Thank you and have a great day!

Legoland Field Trip Information

Hello Parents,
Happy Friday! Today we had our Legoland informational meeting.

The payment deadline for the Legoland field trip is April 11. All payments will be made at the Student Activities office. It is important that we get an accurate count as to who will be attending the field trip.

In light of new policies, all parents who would like to chaperone other students will need to be fingerprinted through the school (SRA). This is for the safety and protection of the students. You may see Mrs. Revard in the office for detailed information on how to proceed with fingerprinting. If you are chaperoning and are already fingerprinted through the school, please let me know. We are hoping that chaperones are available to take other children, as we have many parents that work that will not be able to attend the field trip. I will keep you posted on whether or not we have available drivers to take other students to Legoland. If you will not be able to attend the field trip with your child, but would like them to attend, please let me know as soon as possible so we can try placing them with a parent chaperone who has been cleared through the school. You will not need to be fingerprinted to take your own child.

Please email me the following information by this Wednesday, March, 12, for students who will be attending the field trip:

Student Name:

Parent/Gaurdian Name:

Younger sibling (5 and under):

The cost for each student will be $12.

Parent (1 ticket per child) $22

We will have a limited number of $12 chaperone tickets. There will be a raffle held next Friday (March 14) to determine which chaperones will receive the $12 tickets. All other parent chaperones will have a $22 admission price. If you would like to be included in the raffle for a chance at a $12 chaperone ticket, please make sure you let me know by this Wednesday.

Mrs. MacLean will have a detailed list from every teacher as to who is attending and how much their total cost will be for the trip.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Thank you parents and have a wonderful weekend!

Assembly

Hello Parents,

This is a reminder that tomorrow we will be having our Character Award and Honor Roll assembly. The assembly will take place on the basketball courts across from Cabrillo Hall(high school wing). Please make sure your child comes to school in formal dress. Also, we will have PE at the end of the day. If your child would like to bring a change of shoes and/or shirt, please feel free to have them do so. Thank you and have a great day!

Assembly

Character and Honor Roll Assembly

Thursday, March 6, 2014

8:20am

Legoland

Hello Parents,

Last week I sent home a notice regarding our Legoland field trip this coming May. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer/chaperone, please let me know, as well as the number of students you will be able to take in your vehicle. We are looking for drivers to make this field trip successful! I have received two responses so far and am looking for at least eight drivers. Thank you very much for your consideration!

Field Trip

Hello Parents,
Today I sent home a field trip information sheet on our May field trip to Legoland. If you are interested in becoming a driver and chaperone, please return the sheet back to me signed, no later than next Friday, February 28. If you can also indicate how many students you would be able to drive, I would really appreciate it! Thank you and have a wonderful night!

The Week Ahead

Hello Parents,
Let's take a look at our week ahead:

1. American Revolution Simulation
   For our History Unit, the students will become a part of the past as they reenact the events surrounding the American Revolution. They will choose roles and play as Loyalists, Patriots, or Neutralists. They will keep a journal to record their experiences, design a character and take on a colonial job, and understand all of the events that led to and ended the American Revolution. The students will really enjoy this one!

2. Project Lead the Way
In class, the students have been taking part in our Project Lead the Way Program. Their task is to design and build a robot that serves a particular function in case of a disaster. They have become familiar with the iPads, have researched and looked into the history of robotics, and this week the project will get them into the hands-on portion. More updates will come as the project unfolds. 

3. Valentine's Day
This Friday we will have a Valentine's Day party. If your child would like to bring treats for the class, as well as cards, please feel free to do so. I will email a list of student names to your personal emails. Thank you!

4. BOX TOPS Contest
For the next two weeks, SRA is having a Box Top Contest. The class with the most box tops will receive a prize. Thank you very much for all of the box tops we have received so far! Please keep them coming!    

First Annual SRA Barn Dance

First Annual SRA Barn Dance

When:  Friday February 21st

Where:  SRA plaza and courtyard

Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm

Cost: $10.00 for ages 14 and up.  $5.00 for ages 13 and under

Who: K-12 students are invited but MUST attend with a parent/guardian.  All family members are invited

Attire:  Western wear...boots, jeans, flannel, bandanas, cowboy hats, etc.  Keeping in mind modest SRA dress code.

• Ticket price will include a BBQ dinner: pulled pork sandwiches for adult tickets, hot dog for child's ticket, potato salad, baked beans, refreshments.  
• SRA dance team will be selling desserts to help raise money for SRA dance (cash only)
• SRA cheer squad will be selling glow in the dark necklaces and balloons to help raise funds for their upcoming Disneyland performance (cash only)
• Mr. Brown will be the Barn Dance DJ!!  Yeehaw!!
• Mrs. Paulsen will be teaching line dancing lessons- get your boots ready!!
• We will also have a family coin toss game, all ages welcome, $5.00 to play (cash only)...winner will receive a XBox1 system with a $100.00 game credit.  All proceeds will go to a SRA recess/PE equipment fund.

Tickets will be for sale everyday after school from 2:00-3:00 up until Feb. 19th.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Hello Parents,

I hope all of you are having a wonderful Wednesday. A few reminders for tomorrow:

1. Character Assembly - All students should come to school in formal dress

2. PE - We have our usually weekly run. If your child has shoes and/or comfortable (and appropriate) clothes to change in to, they may bring it. They will change back to their dress clothing at lunch.

Thank you parents and have a great night.

Update

Update:

Honor Roll Assembly

Postponed to March

Details will be sent when received

Awards Assembly

Character Awards/Honor Roll Assembly

Thursday, February 6, 2014

8:20am

Project Lead the Way

Hello Parents,
Today the students and I have launched our Project Lead the Way Unit on Robotics and Automation. The students have had the opportunity to get familiar with the iPads and VEX kits, which will help them in building a robot that serves a specific function. Project Lead the Way ties directly in with the fifth grade standards on investigation. I am very excited to continue and will post updates on our classroom progress. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Alvarado

Field Trip

Hello Parents,

On February 25th, our class is scheduled to go to the Anaheim Ducks First Flight Field Trip, located at the Honda Center in Anaheim. It is an exciting opportunity for the students. A description of this year's theme is found below:

Theme: This year, "Cool Like Ice" will get your students thinking about the very thing that makes the exciting game of hockey possible. It's the ice! Many of us take ice and its “cool” nature for granted when we do everyday activities like drinking a glass of ice water on a hot summer day. But what makes ice cold and slippery to the touch? Or how does water transform into solid ice? These are some of the questions that affect the Anaheim Ducks players and Honda Center ice crew when we consider the most unique playing surface in sports.

This will be a great tie-in with our States of Matter and Water Units that the students will be exploring this year.

We are looking for parent volunteers who would like to participate as both DRIVERS and CHAPERONES. We are not able to charter a bus for this event, so it is with the help of our wonderful parents to make this all possible. The drivers will be asked to come to a brief meeting to fill out all of the necessary paperwork. We are hoping for at least 8 volunteers per class.

If you would like to become a parent volunteer, please let us know no later than next Friday, JANUARY 31st. Thank you for your consideration parents and looking forward to hearing news soon!
Warmest Regards,
Mrs. Alvarado

Minimum Days

Hello Parents,
Just a quick reminder that the next three days (January 22nd-24th) will be minimum days. The students will be released at 12:20pm. Have a wonderful night!

State Reports

Hello Parents,
Happy Tuesday! This year students will be working on a state report project. Last week, the students chose their particular state of focus. They will be doing two parts to the project. The first, is the research portion. To follow, that information will be put into a creative float project. The report and instructions regarding the state floats are attached with this email. The students will get quite a bit of time to complete their projects. Please note that this is a large assignment. My recommendation is that your child completes a little bit at a time, in order to not get overwhelmed when the due date approaches. The actual due date of the project is April, 21, 2014. I will attach the state report documents to the blog under the 'Sci/SS' tab in case you need them. Also, students will be given selected work days to work on their projects in class, but the majority of the assignment will be done at home. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you so much and have a good night!

Research Portion:

1. State Seal

2. Writing Pages

3. Bibliography

Creative Portion:

1. Float

Please note: There will be no formal written paper that needs to be turned in with the assignment (i.e. research report).