Wrapping up the quarter!

The last two weeks were jammed packed with excitement!  Last week, students learned about different careers during our school-wide career day event.  HPD officers, 24 Hour Fitness Personal Trainers, a Real-Estate Agent, a Piano Teacher, a Radio Station Host, and Hawaiian Electric Technicians came to talk to the children about their occupations, broaden their perspectives about possible career choices, discussed specific skills and education needed, and gave opportunities for the students to ask questions.   Click for Photos

Lights, camera, action!  This week we were treated to a special performance of Alice in Wonderland.  What a production!  We surely enjoyed the super songs, dazzling dances, and stunning set and costumes.  Hopefully, some of our families got to see the night performance.

Erosion EXPLOSION!!!  We completed our PLTW erosion investigation lab experiment and were so fortunate to have 2 very knowledgeable guest speakers, Ms. Emma & Mr. Alex from Malama Maunalua come and talk to the children.  This non-profit organization helps to do beach restoration at various beaches, but mainly a Maunalua Bay with a focus on invasive algae, which thrives on all the sediment coming into our beaches and bays caused by land and rain erosion.  Every other Saturday you can join them for beach clean up days.  Check out their website for more information: Malama Maunalua

In reading...

• Students took their iReady diagnostic.  Results will be included in their report card envelope and evidence binders.  In addition, we wrapped up our cause and effect unit and students took various reading assessments this week.  

In math...

• Students practiced adding two-digit numbers to three-digit numbers that also involved regrouping in the tens place.  These problems involved two-digit numbers adding to a three-digit number bridging a hundred.  For example, 162 + 82 = ?  For problems like these, students were taught to use base-ten pieces along side when added.  By using base-ten pieces, students could see a more concrete method to help them solidify their understanding of their jumps on the number line.  Number lines will eventually lend itself to mental math strategies.  
• Students learned about centimeters.  Students discovered that a ones base-ten block is exactly 1 cubic centimeter.  Students traced their hand and measured their hand span, their index finger, and the width of their thumb.  They compared an inch to a centimeter as well.  What was interesting for many was learning that the smaller the unit, the more you need to measure the same distance.  For example, if you're measuring your foot it might be 7 in, but 16 cm. 
• We wrapped up module 9 learning about meters. Students learned that there are 100 centimeters in a meter.    
• Students took module 9 assessment and a quarterly math assessment.  

​In Science... 

• Students got to investigate land erosion using land models.  First, students predicted which force would make the most impact.  The land models were made of compacted sand on a plastic slope.  Students then applied a "natural force" (water, wind, earthquake and ice) to determine which of the four had the most impact on the sand.  The results were very obvious.  Water consistently made the most erosion!  Earthquake sometimes made the most erosion, but sometimes didn't it depended who shook it and how.  Wind had the least amount of erosion and ice took the longest.  Click for Photos 

Reminders and announcements:

• No school from March 18-22 for Spring Break
• No school on March 26, in observance of Prince Kuhio Day
• On March 29th, students will be attending our first ever Spring Book Fair preview event in our school library.  They will be making a wishlist at that time. Usually our school only hosts one book fair a year.  This year our school is having a 2nd book fair in which 100% of proceeds will be going to teachers' classroom libraries.  
• No spring break homework was assigned besides reading log.  Please encourage life-long readers.  Provide quiet time and a variety of reading materials for your child to read during the break.  The public library is a great resource and usually has a spring reading program.  I encourage you and your child to check it out!