Summer 2008

Dear Rising Fifth Graders,

     I am certainly looking forward to being your teacher this fall, but I know we are all excited about having a safe and fun summer vacation first! On the back of this letter is your supply list for fifth grade homeroom and art.  Please have all of these materials (except tissue boxes and disinfecting wipes) labeled with your name by the first day of school next year.  You’ll want your supplies the first day of school, so that we can organize them and be off to a great start!

     You will need to read three books for summer reading.  They can be any three books of your own choosing as long as they are at least 125 pages in length and are appropriate for school.  After you read these books, all I want you to do is fill out the attached form with the usual book information and then bring this form with you the first day of school.  I do not want you to write any book reports.  However, if you would like to take some very brief notes about the main characters, the plot, or any interesting moments in the book that you enjoyed, this would help you to remember details.  You will need to remember details because I am going to ask each student to give a short “book talk” about one of the books on his/her book list.  I will choose the book that I want you to share with the class, so be sure that you are comfortable with all three.  I do not want this to be a stressful assignment—I simply want you to read books for the pure enjoyment of reading!

     I have also attached math fact worksheets to practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division facts.  You should be able to correctly complete one side of each sheet in two minutes.  You need to test your own math facts skills because it is very hard to do fifth grade math if you don’t know your basic facts well.  This is something we are going to continue working on this year with the Holey Cards!

     I hope all of you have a wonderful summer and that you are looking forward to your 2008-2009 school year as fifth graders.  I know we will have a terrific year together! 

Mrs. Beth Newton

Fifth Grade Teacher