Mrs. Lessley's Fifth Grade


Mrs. Heather Lessley
Welcome to fifth grade at Ivy Hall for the 2011-12 school year! We are excited for your child to join us in this educational journey and hope you and your student will find it satisfying and enjoyable.

As an introduction, I am originally from the wind-swept prairies of southern Alberta but have been in the states for a number of years and love the freedoms and values this country affords. Since living in Utah, I met my husband of 16 years and we have one beautiful daughter. My husband is in law enforcement, and the students will have many opportunities to interact with him. We love spending time together as a family, which also includes two dogs and a turtle. I personally love yoga (which we will incorporate as part of our physical fitness goals), chocolate, reading, and learning.

A result of my love of learning is a Bachelor of Science degree in geography from Brigham Young University in 1998, extensive training in dance, music, and writing; and most recently, a Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in teacher education from the University of Phoenix. My practical experience in the classroom includes eight years as a volunteer, aide, substitute, student teacher, and instructor. One of my most satisfying experiences as a volunteer was that of radKIDS instructor. Over 300 students graduated from this nationally-acclaimed defense program under my tutelage.

I make no pretenses about my high expectations for fifth grade students; they are both capable and ready for difficult transitions. However, I also know it is my responsibility to ensure their success and want them to love school. I will do everything in my power to help them succeed.


Required Supplies:

  • Pencils - 12
  • Loose lined paper - 2 packages
  • Eraser - one large
  • Construction paper - 1 package (multi)
  • Ruler - inch and centimeter
  • 1 spiral-bound notebook
  • Colored pencils or crayons
  • Glue sticks - 1 box
  • Binder - at least 1 inch width
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Divider sheets - 5 count
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Tissues - 2 boxes


    Assignments and Announcements
    Feb 6 - Feb 10 -- Week of February 6-10

    Monday is another ski day.  Students are finished by 11:15.

    Math--Review, Test, Lessons 36-40

    We are back to regularly scheduled spelling lists.

    We will start learning about the artist Georges Seurat and pointillism.

    Ecosystems will be studied in science.

    In social studies, we have a unit exam on Friday about the Revolution.

    Current events are still due on Friday, but they need to come in a printed form of some sort and a short explanation of how the news relates to them. We no longer have time to discuss these in class, but I still consider them a very important part of our social studies learning.  I suggest parents discuss the articles at home so their students understand they are part of a larger global community.  Thanks for your help on this.

    Next week we will have our 5th grade program on the 15th.

    We also have a field trip on the 16th to US Synthetic.  Look for information to come home.

    If you are interested in a Valentine's party for the class, please let me know.  The week is looking pretty busy.


    Thanks for all you do!


    Poem

    The Air Force Hymn

    Air Force Hymn

     

    Off we go into the wild blue yonder,
    Climbing high into the sun;
    Here they come zooming to meet our thunder,
    At 'em boys, Give 'er the gun!
    Down we dive, spouting our flame from under,
    Off with one terrible roar!
    We live in fame or go down in flame. Hey!
    Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!

     

    Minds of men fashioned a crate of thunder,
    Sent it high into the blue;
    Hands of men blasted the world asunder;
    How they lived God only knew!
    Souls of men dreaming of skies to conquer
    Gave us wings, ever to soar!
    With scouts before And bombers galore. Hey!
    Nothing'll stop the U.S. Air Force!


    Spelling


    1.       court

    2.      sports

    3.      cord

    4.     encore

    5.      mourn

    6.      coarse

    7.      ore

    8.      normal

    9.     chores

    10.  source

    11.   restore

    12.  ignore

    13.   portion

    14.  hoarse

    15.  scorch

    16.  storm

    17.   adore

    18.  fortress

    19.  afford

    20 chord

    Bonus Words

    1.       cordial

    2.      uniform

    3.      forgery

    4.     hoard



     


    1.    

     

     

    Learning plan, week of Feb 6-10
    Subject Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
    Reading 20 minutes 20 minutes

    Please read the group book for novel study     		20 minutes 20 minutes

    Reading response
    Spelling Study the spelling list words listed here or on the letter. Spelling Pyramid Spelling Practice--Antonyms and Synonyms Study for the spelling exam.
    Math Lesson 36 Math Test/Lesson 37 Lesson 38 Lesson 39

    Lesson 40 on Friday
    Social Studies Study for Europe exam

    		Find a current event to present in class on Friday.
    (This needs to be in written form with a short explanation of how it applies to the student's life.)

    Study for the exam on Friday.
    Poetry and Writing Air Force Hymn

    		Finish "Air Force Hymn" for cursive and memorization.

    Short story writing

    Check Your Grades Online
    I am using Teacherease.com to keep track of my grading this year. It offers a quick and easy way to see how your child is doing and what assignments are missing. Feel free to check it at any time!

    Contact me at mrs.lessley@comcast.net


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