Week of November 14

Greetings Families,
It's been a busy few weeks in 5th grade, but I have to say, I am most inspired by the thinking and inquiry that's been happening around our newest IB Unit-Who We Are.  This week we inquired into our central idea: Change is influenced by people's belief's and needs.  We used a structure called Collect, Observe, Represent, Interpret--CORI to engage each other in meaningful inquiry while encouraging the thinking of others. 

Other News:
We have a field trip happening this Wednesday 11/16 to the University of Michigan Art Museum. This trip begins our inquiry into How We Express Ourselves--the transdisciplinary theme for this years 5th grade PYP exhibition.  If your child has not yet returned their permission slip, please have them do so promptly.  In addition, we need parents to accompany small groups of children on this trip.  If you are available to help 11:40-1:20 on Wednesday please let me know.  padgensa@aaps.k12.mi.us or 997-1216

Storer Camp

Dear 5th grade families,

     I'm hoping your kids came home happy, although exhausted.  I know that's true for me! 

     A BIG thank you to our cabin leaders: Camarrah (Tya's mom), Kelsyn (Maddie's sister), Kerry (Mackynzie's mom), Marylynn (Taya's sister), Terrie (Anthony's mom), Geoff (Kendrick's dad), Chris (Nathan's dad), and Leslie (Theron's mom).  This trip is not possible without cabin leaders!  They are the go to "mom" or "dad" that makes sure their cabin members have what they need and are where they need to be on time.  We also look to cabin leaders to share their sense of humor and willingness to have fun!  (Photos of skits and "Mop-n-Glo" awards to come!)

     Over the last few days I enjoyed the time to see your child learning beyond the classroom.  Seeing the pride on their face as they brought the dinner tray to their table, noticing their responsibility to take care of others at the square dance, sharing a table at a meal, or noticing the kindness of others.  And, I have to say, if only school pictures could be taken as your child experiences riding a horse.  The pure joy and excitement as they first sit in the saddle is better than any picture day smile I've seen!  (Pictures to come!)

     Two strong messages your child learned at camp were, "If it is to be, it's up to me." and "I'm Third".  Ask your child to share their experiences around these messages.

     As Mitchell works toward authorization as an IB World School--I noticed your child exhibiting many of the Learner Profile traits at camp this week.  This might be a good time to talk with your child and reconnect with the IB Learner Profile.

     Finally, a big THANK YOU to all of you...5th grade parents.  I'm grateful to have been able to experience the joy and excitement in your child as they participated in new experiences this week.  Your child, "grew a little taller" over the last 3 days as they embraced new experiences and reached a bit outside their comfort zone, while also being in the comfort of their friends and trusted adults. 

I know it isn't easy to have your son/daughter away, especially to trust another adult with their safety.  I'm grateful to have had this camp experience as a part of our classroom this year.  Thank you.

Square Dancing!

Our Camp Experience!

Week of October 17

Greetings Families,

This week we will have a visit from the Prism Quartet--a group of world renowned saxophone players with ties to Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan. This program is brought to Mitchell in coordination with the MAC program (Michigan Artist Citizens) which your child will be invited to participate in later this school year.  For more info about the quartet click here.

Parent-Teacher conferences will take place on Monday and Thursday this week.  These are student led conferences.  Your child will share their goals for the year, areas in which they hope to improve, as well as their proudest moments thus far this school year.  If you are unable to attend your scheduled conference time, please reschedule with me prior to the conference date. 

The kids are SUPER excited for camp.  Cabin assignments (subject to change if necessary) and packing lists were shared last week.  Thank you to families for sending in pledge forms, health forms, and full or partial payments.  Some families have even been generous to pledge additional money to support a student whose family was unable to financially support camp.  It feels good to have our community come together to support each other so that we all can experience camp together!  THANK YOU!  Mr. Krigbaum has a camp page he updates with photos throughout our trip.  You can find it here.  One correction, our bus will return to Mitchell BEFORE the early release time.  Your child can go home as they usually do--bus, pick-up, or walk home.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Dear 5th Grade Families,

I am contacting you to ask for some help.  It seems I have misplaced our Parent Teacher conference sign-up from Curriculum Night (must be something with a new classroom and new organization!)  If you signed up for a conference on Curriculum Night would you please email me the date and time so I can rebuild the schedule?

If have not yet signed up for a conference:  Conferences this year take place 10/17, 10/20, and 10/27 from 4-7.  If you email me an approximate time (4pm-5pm, 5pm-6pm, or 6pm-7pm) I will schedule your child's conference for a 20 minute time slot within your preference.

Thank you for your help and understanding!

Week of October 3rd

Camp is coming!
If you have not returned your pledge form or health form please do so promptly.  These documents are important for our planning to make sure we have the necessary funds and most up to date medical information.

More importantly...Mr. Krigbaum's class has more forms returned they we do and we just can't let his class win!  I find a little friendly competition gets the forms in, but, I also hate to lose! :)

Scholastic Book Fair
Our class will have an opportunity to browse the book fair tomorrow.  Should children wish to make a purchase there will be time available on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Count Day
Wednesday 10/5 is Count Day.  Please make every effort to ensure your child is present on this day.

Picture Day
Thursday 10/6 is Picture Day.  Picture forms went home last week.  You can also order on line at http://www.mylifetouch.com.  The Mitchell ID is LM456062Y0

Fun Run!
Fun Run takes place this Friday.  Our class will participate from 1:40-2:20.