We are on a Roll
Dear Intermediate School Families,
The girls and boys are doing a very nice job of sliding into the routines of school since our return on the 2nd. In addition to being sure they have fully charged chromebooks every morning in grade five, both grades are working on being fully prepared for and focused on their lessons; completing their homework assignments thoughtfully, thoroughly, and on time; and are committed to being good citizens of the school by using kind words and actions; helping to keep the building clean; and walking—not running as they travel within the school.
Grade Four:
Students in fourth grade are continuing working on the regions of the United States. This week, students are going to learn about the Southeast region and will learn about the qualities that make this region unique. Students are continuing work on non-fiction elements as well as using the R.A.C.E. strategy in their writing in both ELA and social studies classes.
Fourth graders have also been working on determining the rule of various number and shape patterns. We are also working on both modeling and solving multi-step word problems with equations. Students have been practicing taking their math steps and writing them out as a clear equation. In science, we have been exploring weathering, erosion, and deposition through a variety of demonstrations and hands on experiments.
Grade Five:
In ELA, fifth graders are working on writing open responses where they're asked to determine a character's traits and support it with evidence from the text. In social studies, we're beginning our unit on the American Revolution, which is always a favorite. Students will be learning about the causes of the Revolution beginning with the French and Indian War.
In math, we are continuing our study of decimal numbers. Students are learning to compare and round decimal numbers. Next, we will be adding and subtracting decimal numbers. In science, we are studying space. Students are learning that the Sun appears much brighter and larger than other stars because it’s the closest to Earth. They are also learning why we have day and night, why shadows change shape and direction throughout the day, why the Moon changes in appearance throughout the month, and why we see different constellations at different times of the year. Be on the lookout with your child for shadows and the appearance of the Sun, the Moon, and stars in the sky.
Winter Warm-ups Day Tomorrow:
Our Holiday Hustle (sweats) Day was a fan favorite during spirit week, so we are bringing it back as Winter Warm-ups Day! Tomorrow, the 10th, send the boys and girls into school in their comfiest sweats. Thank you for all your help in making our spirit week prior to the holiday break fun, by the way. Some of the originality we saw was outstanding!
Message from the PTO:
Our next meeting is January 21st at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom with a meeting ID of 477 737 8775 and the meeting passcode is graispto.
If you have any questions or concerns about any events, volunteering, or meetings; please reach out to the PTO board at graispto@gmail.com.
MCAS Dates:
The windows for the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System testing dates were released earlier this school year, and we have been sharing the dates below for tests at the intermediate school for several months. Students will use their district-issued devices for the assessments, so will be very comfortable with the technology. I am providing the following links, taken directly from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, if you would like a look at the types of questions asked by the state or if you’d like to practice with your student. Both grades participate in the math and ELA sessions, but only fifth graders take the science assessment, for your information.
http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/student/practice-tests-ela/
http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/student/practice-tests-math/
http://mcas.pearsonsupport.com/student/practice-tests-science/
Spring Anticipated MCAS Dates:
March 31 and April 1–Grade Five ELA
April 2 & 3–Grade Four ELA
May 12 & 13–Grade Five Math
May 14 & 15–Grade Four Math
May 19 & 20–Grade Five Science
*Subject to Change
Dates to Remember:
January 10th - Winter Warm-ups Day
January 17th - Boston Celtics Pride Day (Wear Celtics gear or team colors! hats will be allowed.)
January 20th - No School
February 7th - Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m.
February 14th - PTO’s Sweets & Treats for Staff
February 17 - Winter Break Begins
February 24th - School Resumes
March 1st - PTO’s Catalog Fundraiser Begins
March 19th - Second Trimester Grades Post to Portal
April 7th - Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m.
April 18th - Spring Break Begins
April 28th - School Resumes
May 6th - GRAIS Spring Chorus Performs at FLMS at 6:00 p.m.
May 12th - BOGO Book Fair Week Begins
May 26th - No School
June 18th - Anticipated Last Day with Early Dismissal at 11: 30 a.m.
June 18th - Anticipated PTO Farewell to Fifth Graders Morning Event
*Dates are subject to change.
With gratitude,
Dr. Sullivan
508.923.3506 x 3150/esullivan@freelake.org