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