Mrs. Koch's Class

March 2011 Madness

     It's time to get ready for maintaining concepts learned throughout the year for our upcoming CRCT!  My class has been practicing many of the skills they were taught early on in the year, but need to continue to study during Spring Break. I encourage all fifth grade students to bring home home books and math journals, and look over each topic. It also would not hurt to spend time using their best reading skills while they skim through science and social studies. No subject should be ignored!

     I want my class to know that I have total confidence in their abilities! You have worked hard all year, and can meet or exceed the CRCT. 

 

November 2011

 

The students have been working really hard with a lot of effort. I am very impressed with what a great job they have been doing, and how much I have seen most of them already mature this year. Please continue to read with your child if possible, and if not, at least set aside a time each evening where they can read for a minimum of 20 minutes. Also, Math facts must be practiced every day until we have them memorized, and even after that, to have them retain the information. They are making flash cards in class, and can use them at home to practice. Or, if you have a computer with internet service, you are able to sign them on to Fast Math for 10 minutes each day at no cost. Sign onto the Milford website, click on "math," found at the top of the page, and the program is available from there. There are also other academic games put on the site from our computer teacher that will help improve math skills.

Happy Fall Season to all....

Mrs. Koch

Spring Break & CRCT

Tomorrow starts our Spring Break, and as relaxing and fun as it should be for all of us, please keep in mind that shortly following is the CRCT. It would be a great idea to continue to read each day and practice math and language arts from the packets sent home. Every little bit you do can help you answer one or two more questions correctly. We want to exceed expectations, not just meet them.

I hope you all have a wonderful time with family and friends, and I will see all of you back on April 12th, ready to practice for Wednesday!

Happy Holidays!

Mrs. Koch

OCTOBER in the Cottage

So far the month of October has brought with it many inches of rain. With our faithful umbrellas, the students in my class have marched through the waters to what we call the "mainland." Although it hasn't been pleasant, everyone has been a good sport!  However, we wouldn't mind a couple of dry weeks in a row.

In social studies, we have been learning all about the causes and events that led up to our Civil War. The students have looked at this topic from many different ways, which have included readings, essays, timelines, and graphic organizers. Most importantly, there has been a lot of critical thinking happening, as the children have been discussing what events were really the most important for that time in history.

In mathematics, we have started fractions. The curriculum requires us to learn many things about fractions that include: simplest form, equivalent, mixed numbers, improper fractions, adding and subtracting with unlike denominators... and eventually leading up to multiplying and dividing not only with models, but this year to include algorithms. As a class, we are off to a great start.

March Madness

We often think of March Madness as a time for college basketball playoffs.  However for teachers, it is the month before the CRCT, and we're just as excited getting our students ready for a great score!  Please remind your child not to forget to "study" over the spring break.  Reading every day, and spending some time looking over their math book can play a significant role in their success.  Sounds a lot like college basketball ;o)  

Busy Month of March!

Fifth grade is very busy!  Miss Hodges and Mr. Wolber are enjoying their Starbase experience and will finish it on March 16. .

All fifth grade students have been working on test-taking strategies to help with the CRCT in April.  We strongly encourage you to have your children study the practice tests available on-line.  Directions were sent home and each student has his/her student number, and I have had each student write their number on the first page of their agendas.

The Fifth-Grade Writing Assessment will be on March 4^th.  All classes have been learning how to write to a promt and will be ready to show off our wonderful writing skills!

Welcome Back!

August 11th begins our 180 day journey together. During these days, we will work towards accomplishing many goals that will benefit us both academically and socially. Every student is expected to do their best, and put forth effort each and every day. As a Milford fifth grader, our goals are to learn as much as we can. We not only want to pass the CRCT, but become successful adults. As your teacher, I will do whatever I can to enable you to achieve these goals. Therefore, we will do our best to keep high expectations and time on task.

Let's make this the best year ever!
Mrs. Koch

Assessment Time!

This coming Wednesday, March 5, is the state writing assessment. Please encourage your child to get a good nights' sleep, and eat a healthy breakfast on that morning. Only 50 days till the CRCT!

Happy Holidays!

November News!

Hi Parents & Students!

I'm amazed as to how quickly school is moving this year. No sooner were the October decorations up, did I find it time to pack them away. We now have a hugh turkey hanging outside our room, which will soon display all the things we are thankful for.

This month, we are finishing up our U.S. Government curriculum study, and temporarily leaving social studies to do a unit on cells and organisms for science. Your children will be receiving a project shortly, where they will be making three-dimensional cells, and learning many new vocabulary words. Please take the time to look over their agendas in order to assist them in being successful.

We are also knee deep into fractions. Your child is learning how to compare, simplify, add, subtract and convert mixed numbers and fractions. Three nights a week, they will be coming home with practice for all these skills. The more they practice, the easier it will be for them. Please encourage the completion of all assignments.

During the month for giving thanks... I want to tell all of you how thankful I am for having such a wonderful group of students. It is with your help and support that has made them as special as they are, and it is appreciated. Have a happy and healthy holiday season.

Mrs. Koch

What's happening 2nd semester?

Curriculum Night Tuesday October 30th. Are you Smarter than a Milford Student? Come join in the fun as parents try to answer questions regarding information that our fifth graders have been taught. Hope to see you there!

Please encourage your children to read at least 30 minutes every evening. It is the best way to improve their reading fluency and comprehension. Make it a special time together for the two of you to share!

Each student is required to write a page and a half in their journal response books. The postings may be on any topic, a story they have written, or something they wish to share with me. This assignment counts as a grade, and must be turned in before noon on Fridays. A small reminder from parents would be greatly appreciated!

Grades will start coming home with your child in the near future. Please be looking for them, and sign as a way to show me they have been seen.

I encourage open lines of communication, and look forward to hearing from you via email.

Let's do whatever it takes to make our children successful!