Dear Intermediate School Families,
Please see below for some of the great happenings in our classrooms!
Grade Four Science and Social Studies:
Fourth graders are beginning our next scope in science on describing renewable versus nonrenewable resources and what these resources are used for in our daily lives. We have begun discussing ways to utilize renewable resources to generate electricity and power in order to heat homes, cook food, and turn the lights on. Earth has amazing resources - both renewable and nonrenewable - and we are learning to use them efficiently.
In social studies, we are wrapping up our tour of the 50 states and five regions of the United States. Students learned our states, their abbreviations, and the capitals for each region, as well as learning about the land/water, climate, products/natural resources, landmarks and culture for each. We will move onto our unit in Canada next!
Grade Five Science and Social Studies:
In fifth grade science, we have finished up our unit on how energy and matter cycle through ecosystems. We will now begin studying how water cycles between Earth’s surface and atmosphere. Additionally, we will now begin reviewing science topics from third through fifth grade to prepare our fifth graders for the science MCAS in May. You can view past MCAS questions and see how they’re scored at the website https://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/student/.
In social studies students are learning about the foundation of our government. They will discover the qualifications and responsibilities of each branch of government as described in the Constitution. They will learn that the Constitution is a "living document" that can be added to through amendments and examine some of those groundbreaking amendments.
Budding Artists:
Fourth graders are finishing up their original character designs this week by painting their backgrounds. Fifth graders are beginning their paper shape weaving project. Last week they cut geometric and organic shapes from painted paper they created to become the weft. This week they're measuring and drawing straight lines with rulers to create the warp. They'll be using a tabby weaving technique to create these paper weavings.
Joyful Musicians and Music Lovers:
This week in music class, students finished our March musician of the month, Stevie Wonder and completed our reading of Who Is Stevie Wonder? Fifth graders have been enjoying bucket drumming to "Uptown Funk" and "Seven Nation Army" and "Pompeii". Fourth grade students have been working on the "B A Marching Monster" on their recorders. This is the first song of the year, and it focuses on rhythms and following along with sheet music over difficult notes.
Fit Fourth and Fifth Graders:
Fourth grade is wrapping up a throwing unit with some bucket ball, and then we will be doing some basketball skills and hopefully getting outside!
Our fifth graders started their second round of swim class this week! The first session we focused a lot on position and kick, and this time we are looking more at using our arms and adding in some different strokes. Fourth grade is wrapping up a throwing unit with some bucket ball, and then we will be doing some basketball skills and hopefully getting outside!
Readers and Information Seekers:
Students are finishing a news literacy unit this week. Now that we've looked at different types and purposes of media, fourth graders are discussing the difference between facts and opinions. Fifth graders are assessing what they've learned about the different information zones: news, opinion, entertainment, propaganda, raw information, and advertising. In April, we will celebrate National Poetry Month. Also, the MCBA Reading Challenge will end soon -- students who have been participating should turn in their reading logs by April 6th to get their prizes and to be included on the statewide vote for our favorite book. Mrs. Grabke will also be working with the two town’s public libraries in April to help students to get their public library cards!
GREAT News from Lifetouch:
Since the order forms for spring picture day inadvertently omitted a "class picture" option, we'll print a class picture for every student this year free of charge!
Parking at GRAIS:
As a reminder, parking in front of the building is prohibited at all times. The lane is a designated fire lane and must remain open. Should there be an emergency, first responders’ vehicles must have access to this lane.
A Message from the PTO:
Thank you for the tissue and water donations that have been coming into the school! If you’d like to continue to donate these items, the front office will gratefully accept them. We are looking for MCAS volunteers for a few days in April and May so please use the Sign-up Genius link or contact the email below. We are also looking for volunteers for the BOGO book fair being held in the library from May 1 - 4. There’s also a Sign-up Genius for this event which will be going out next week, so be on the lookout! The next PTO meeting is April 27th at 6:30 p/m/ via ZOOM (Meeting ID is 975 169 9808 and password is graispto. If you have any questions contact Katie directly at ElderkinKatie@yahoo.com. Please be reminded that the PTO is paying $100 per each child attending Nature’s Classroom and the balance is due on May 19th.
Dates to Remember
No School - April 7th
Grade Five ELA MCAS - April 10th and 11th
Grade Four ELA MCAS - April 12th and 13th
April Vacation Begins - April 14th
School Resumes - April 24th
Early Dismissal - May 5th
Grade Five Math MCAS - May 8th and 9th
Grade Four Math MCAS - May 10th and 11th
Grade Five Science MCAS -May 15th and 16th
GRAIS Music and Art Evening Held at FLMS - May 18th from 6-8 p.m.
No School - May 29th