Lego Robotics Team Project Fully Funded!

I received the exciting news tonight that the project to begin a Lego Robotics team at my school is now fully funded! Thank you! Thank you to the Charles M Gates Jr. Foundation for helping to finish our project funding off! Thank you to the anonymous donor who matched every dollar! And of course, thank you to the individual donors, many who have given to every project for my classroom!

New Detention Policy

I wanted to inform you about the new detention policy starting Monday, February 5th:
“A detention is earned based on individual teacher classroom policies as well as determined per the New Branches Student Code of Conduct.  For example, students who choose not to follow instructions in the classroom, disrupt the learning environment or violate the Student Code of Conduct may earn a detention.Goal of detention:

The goal of detention is to provide an opportunity for students to reflect on recent behavior and make improvements in the classroom.

Purpose:

In the event of a student earning a lunch/recess detention, the student will have an opportunity to reflect on his/her behavior during lunch and/ or recess.  During this time, the student will complete an assignment given and bring it home for the parent/guardian to sign and return the next day.  If the assignment is not turned in the next day, the student will receive a call home informing of the detention and the given assignment.

Expectations for behavior during lunch/ recess detention:

  1. Sit quietly (talking or creating any other noises that disrupt the environment may result in additional detentions/ community service (i.e. cleaning cafeteria, sweeping etc.), parent meeting, and/or out of school suspension).
  2. Complete assignment in the time given (the assignment will be a written self-reflection sheet that focuses on character traits).  The assignment will be taken home for a parent/guardian to sign and returned to the classroom teacher the next day.

Consequences multiple detentions:

Students who earn multiple detentions in a short period of time are not taking their education seriously.  For students who earn multiple detentions (2-3 per week), a parent meeting will be required to create a plan with the student to improve behaviors in the classroom.  If behaviors do not improve, after school detention or Saturday school with required parent attendance may need to be added.”

This new policy will help to communicate to parents about the reason for the student’s detention. Please let me know if you have any questions. Students will come home with a form explaining the new policy for you to review and sign with them.

Welcome back from Thanksgiving Break!

Welcome back from Thanksgiving Break!
1. This is a friendly reminder that your Book Clubsorders are due by 12/01/17.

 You can place yourorders online at scholastic.com/bookclubs usingmy class 

activation code: RJRPH


2. 1st Trimester Report Cards were mailed out this morning! We are a standards based grading school. Grades will be represented on a  1-4 scale.

3. Sierra Wildlife Change Drive: Between now and Winter Break we will be collecting change in our classroom to sponsor animals in wildlife refuges. Our goal is three animals, an elk, a bison and one additional animal that the students will vote on tomorrow. Students can bring in change, the top change collector can win a backpack from Sierra Club.

Mr. Bell’s Weekly Newsletter for Friday, September 22

Welcome to October, almost. We survived the last heat wave that summer gave us this past week and now cooler temperatures have settled in!
Before we continue I do want to talk about the upcoming field trip. Permission slips went home today and due back Monday, October 9th. Cost for the field trip is $3 and is due with the permission slip. Field trips are a great educational experience for students, they are given the opportunity to see the material that is being taught in the classroom, brought to life in the real world. However, in my classroom field trips have all been a privilege, which can be lost. I hold high expectations for those going on the field trip and I have stressed to the students they can lose the opportunity to go. Though I do not wish for any student to miss out, we are going out in public, representing our school, class and ourselves. If students experience behavioral issues between now and the field trip, the privilege will be taken away. I will contact parents before that decision is made. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Permission Slip 
This Week In 5th Grade:
NWEA: We completed the Math and Reading portions of the NWEA assessment test this week. Parents that wish to see and discuss the results can contact me.
Please ask your student about our Essential 55! Our next Essential 55 of the week will be, the Sub Clause. 

The Week Ahead
Monday and Tuesday: I will be at a science standard training on Monday and Tuesday. Students are expected to behave the same as if I was in the classroom thought two days, if not better.
NWEA We will the Science NWEA test on Wednesday morning.
NO School Friday, October 6th
It Takes a Village
At New Branches, we strongly believe in the idea that it takes a village to raise a child. In this section, I will share ways in which we are working together as a village to raise our children.
Birthdays: Celebrating a birthday with classmates is great addition to a student’s special day. As a teacher I just have a couple requests please. If you plan to bring something in for your child’s birthday, I would like a 24 hour notice before doing so. Our day is planned out everyday, to the minute and I want to make sure students have the time to share with their class. We also have many allergies including nuts and bananas.
Also, I know cupcakes and cookies are easy and quick but again as the teacher who gets to spend seven and half hours each day with the students please consider a health option, preferably one with less sugar. Such suggested items could include fruit or veggies, pretzels, popcorn, trail mix(peanut free), yogurt, chex mix or goodie bags to go. Its amazing what sugar can do to 33 students…..If you have any questions, please let me know.
Mobile Dentist Visit Day: October 9th and 10th
Scholastic Book Orders: Due October 9th
Homework: Less than half of the students turned in homework this week. Currently there is no consequence for not turning in homework, except for the knowledge not gained. However, there has been a noticeable difference in the weekly spelling test results and with those who have completed homework and those who have not.
I just want remind parents that homework is assigned for each night, Monday-Thursday and is turned in on Fridays. Each night students are expected to practice their spelling words, complete math work, review vocabulary cards and read for 20 minutes. You will see and new math homework this week. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Chaperones Need for Field Trip:  I am in need of 1-2 chaperones for the up coming field trip on 10/13. We will depart the school at 9:00am and return by 2:15pm. Cost for chaperones is $3. Parents must have completed a New Branches Volunteer application by 10/3. (See more information below) Spots are given on a first come and I have two that have already reached out to me.
 
Request for Volunteers:  I am looking for parent volunteers once a week to come and help with different tasks in the classroom and/or take home projects. In class volunteering could include copying, material preparation, organization and possible education instructional help. Take home projects would cutting out items and preparing classroom material.
I will also be in need of parent chaperones for our October Field trip, NBCA Application is required to attend field trip and volunteer at the school.
If you are interested in helping in our classroom please complete this form: ​
Parents must have completed the New Branches Volunteer Application and background check prior to volunteering with the school. Volunteer Application 
Help Supply Our Classroom
Help continue to supply our classroom as needed by checking out our Amazon Wish List! Mr. Bell’s Amazon Wish List
Mobile Dentist Visit Day: October 9th and 10th
Current Item(s) Needed: Plastic lids (butter tub, yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream, etc.)
Up Coming Dates
Crazy Hair Day: October 4th
Blue or Green Day: October 5th
No School: October 6th
Mobile Dentist Visit: October 9th and 10th
Field Trip Permission Slip Due: October 9th
Scholastic Book Orders Due: October 9th
Public Museum Field Trip October 13th
Connect With Us
Like our class page on Facebook at mrbells5gradeowls or follow us on Instagram at mrbells5thgradeowls
Classroom website:  The classroom website is up! More will coming to it soon! Currently you can find the weekly homework posted and the permission slip for our field trip on 10/13