Week of 5/18

We can't believe the last week of school is here!
 It seems like it was just yesterday we saw your children on the first day of school! It has been a wonderful year,
 and we hope you have a great and safe summer!

Important Information for the Week:

Monday-5/18 - BGIS Band Concert 7PM Competition Gym

Students do not have to bring backpacks after today. 

Tuesday- 5/19- Brock's Gap Awards Day! ( Begins at 9:00 a.m.-Competition Gym)Dress Your Best!!

Wednesday-5/20- Early Dismissal 12:45 p.m. 

Thursday-5/21-Early Dismissal 11:00 a.m. Last Day for Students! 
Sack lunches are available if your child pre-orders by Wednesday afternoon.

Friday-5/22- Last BGIS e-News  http://brocksintermediate.al.hci.schoolinsites.com/
5/31- Last day to pre-order school supplies: www.shopttkits.com   Enter Account # 80095                     Choose appropriate GRADE     Enter your child's first and last name    Add to cart; confirm your order and checkout  

Each summer Brock’s Gap hosts a summer camp for students to Jump Start the school year or Jump Ahead with some enriching courses.  We welcome rising 5th and 6th graders to the camp, which is scheduled for July 13th- 17th.  Please visit the following site to find out more information.  We hope to see your child at the BGIS Summer Camp in July.  https://sites.google.com/a/hcs-students.net/bgis-summer-camp/

Hope you a wonderful summer! 

                           

May 11-15, 2015
General Announcements:

• How are we to the end of the year??  This has been an amazing year!  We are so proud of your children, and we are so thankful to have had all of them this year!
• BGIS will be holding “Jump Start” summer camps this summer.  Please see the following link to register:  BGIS Summer Camp Information  This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to get a head start on the academics for next year.
• If you did not purchase your child’s class picture and wish to, please send the picture back to school or send check made to Brock’s Gap or cash for this picture. The cost is $8.  If you do not wish to purchase the picture, please send this back with your child on TUESDAY. 
• Tuesday, May 19th at 9:00 will be our Fifth Grade Awards Day.  You will be contacted if your child will be receiving an award.  This day will be a “Dress Your Best” day.  
• We turned in our textbooks today.  Please be sure your child has all textbooks here at school by tomorrow. 
• Please see the following link to see the Brock’s Gap eNews: Brock's Gap eNews

Important Dates for this Week

• Monday, May 11th- Poem collection slide presentations
• Wednesday, May 13th-Energy Projects due 
• Friday, May 15th- Vocabulary Quiz 
• Friday,  May 15th:  Math Computation Quiz (last of the year!)

 Upcoming Important Dates

May 18:  Clean Out Locker Day on the Voyager Hall.  Please send a sack with your student.

May 19:  Awards Day (9:00-10:15)

May 20:  12:45 Dismissal

May 21:  11:00 Dismissal (LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!)

Curriculum News:

Math News : Topics of Study-  We will continue to be busy mathematicians this week! We are reviewing different Math concepts every day! We will practice standard notation, expanded form including powers of 10, converting measurement (standard and metric), Geometry- (different types of triangles-acute, right, obtuse, equilateral, isosceles, and scalene); Quadrilaterals- trapezoid, parallelogram,-rectangle, rhombus, square; congruent, parallel, perpendicular; Rounding, multiplying, and dividing decimals; Fraction review (add, subtract, multiply, and divide); Order of Operations; and of course.....Solving Real-World Word Problems! Math Comp Quiz on Friday!
Science News :Topics of Study –  This week we will complete our study of HIV/AIDS.  There will be several in class assignments for grades, but no tests to study for outside of class.
Language Arts News from Mrs.Watson:Topics of Study - We will continue with our Poetry unit next week, but no Spelling. We will have vocab. words and your child will have a test on these words Friday. The words will be related to Poetry in some way.
Social Studies News from Mrs. Watson:Topics of Study –   We will continue our study of the Civil War (battles and outcome). There will be an Open Note test on the Civil War material on Thursday.  

                   We hope everyone has a great week!

General Announcements:

• It is hard to believe we are at the end of our school year!  The year has absolutely flown!  We are so thankful that we have had the opportunity to teach your children.

• BGIS will be holding “Jump Start” summer camps this summer.  Please see the following link to register:  BGIS Summer Camp Information  This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to get a head start on the academics for next year.
• Class picture money is past due- Please send $8.00 to purchase the picture or return the picture to school.
• Spring Book Fair is this week! Both classes visited the Book Fair on Tuesday. The Book Fair is available for students to purchase books before school Thursday or Friday.  

Important Dates to Remember: 

*5/8 Maturation video-(*Must have permission to view.) 

*5/11-5/15 HIV/Aids State Mandated Unit-Science 
 (*Must have permission to participate.)

 *Wednesday, May 13th- Science Energy Google Presentation Projects are due (these were assigned last week; daily class time is being provided to complete requirements). 

*Wednesday, May 20th-Early dismissal -12:45 PM 

* Thursday, May 21st-Last day of school-Dismissal -11:00 AM 

* 5/31 Order a school supply kit for 6th grade by May 31 at www.shopttkits.com acct #8009

April 27- May 1, 2015          General Announcements: *Progress Reports came home last Wednesday! If you have not done so, please sign and return!  *TOMORROW is DRESS your BEST at BGIS as we welcome the 4th graders from Deer Valley, South Shades Crest, and Trace Crossings.   *Information came home today about the Maturation video that will be viewed on May 8th for students and May 5th preview night for parents.   Your child must have your permission to view the video on this day and to participate in the State Mandated HIV/Aids Unit. *Please don't hesitate to email us if you have any questions.  *Class Pictures came home last Thursday! Please return if you do not wish to purchase or use myschoolfees.com to purchase for $8.00.   *As tests and assignments are graded, they are being given back to your child. Please check their Red folder frequently as well as checking your child’s averages on INOW.  *Please see the following link to see the Brock’s Gap eNews: Brock's Gap eNews Curriculum News: Math:Topics of Study – We are finishing up our Decimals Unit (Ordering, Comparing, Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying, and Dividing Decimals). Math Computation came home tonight and is due Wednesday.  IXL from last week is due Wednesday (most students have finished during Team time after lunch). A new IXL contract will be assigned tomorrow (Tuesday) and will be due next Monday, May 4th. We will have a Math Computation Test this FRIDAY.  Science News:Topics of Study –  We are finishing up our Chemical and Physical Changes Unit.  We have enjoyed the labs with this Unit.  We will have a Chemical and Physical Changes Test (Quiz) this Thursday.  The Review for this test came home today.  We are also reviewing in class.  Our tests this nine weeks have been done using their Chromebooks.  Your child's test grades have been emailed to them. Let me know if you have any questions about this.   *We will also begin our Energy Unit this week.  Students will be working on an Energy project using their Chromebooks during this Unit. They will receive the information for this project tomorrow (Tuesday). This project should be able to completed in class.   Language Arts:Topics of Study - We will begin our reading unit this week on the story, "A Game of Catch." We will study character comparison. We will have a vocabulary test on Friday as well as a comprehension test.   Social Studies:Topics of Study –  We will begin our study of slavery before the Civil War. We will learn about the differences in geography between the North and the South and how that affected slavery.                                         We hope everyone has a great week!

March 23-27, 2015          General Announcements:  *Our Brierfield field trip is this Thursday, March 26th!                           Your child should bring a lunch and drink from home. Let us know as soon as possible  if your child will need a lunch from the lunchroom. * Students are allowed to bring money for the gift shop.  We will be outside all day so dress your child accordingly.   *5k for a Cause this FRIDAY!!    *ACT Aspire-Our standardized testing will be Tuesday, April 7th through Friday, April 10th.  This is the week we return from Spring break!  Please mark this on your calendar and avoid appointments  on these dates.  *Students will be using their Chromebooks for the ACT Aspire testing. We need all Chromebooks and chargers at school by this Wednesday.   Students will not take their Chromebooks home over Spring Break. We need  to make sure they are charged and in proper working order for testing.  Thank you! *Monday's in March-Beef O’Brady’s  March Monday Madness.  If you write “Brock’s Gap” on the back of your ticket and place it in a bucket, 10% of all proceeds will come back to Brock’s Gap.  These donations will then be given to Hope for Autumn Foundation supporting childhood cancer research and families battling childhood cancer. *As tests and assignments are graded, they are being given back to your child.  Please check their Red folder frequently as well as checking your child’s averages on INow. * Please see the following link to see the Brock’s Gap eNews: Brock's Gap eNews Important BGIS Dates for this week: Monday 3/23:  Beef O’Brady’s Spirit Night Wednesday, 3/25:  First Priority at 7:30 a.m Wednesday, 3/25:  Lego-Robotics (check your child’s schedule) Wednesday, 3/25:  ALL Chromebooks and CHARGERS need to be at school. Thursday, 3/26:  Brierfield Field Trip.  Bring Lunch, Drink, and money for the gift shop.  Wear comfortable clothes as we will be outside all day. Friday, 3/27:  5K for a Cause!!   Upcoming Important Dates  Saturday, March 28th-Sunday, April 5th-SPRING BREAK Tuesday, April 7th -Friday- April 10th:  ACT Aspire Testing Curriculum News: Math:Topics of Study – We will continue our study of decimals this week as well as complete some ACT Aspire test preparation exercises.  No tests or quizzes this week.  Grades will come from daily activities. IXL Activities assigned last week are due this Wednesday.  Science News:Topics of Study –  This week we will be reviewing different science concepts as we prepare for the ACT Aspire test after spring break.  There will be no tests or quizzes this week. Grades will be taken for classwork and homework activities.   Language Arts:Topics of Study - This  week we will continue with our ACT Aspire Reading/Vocab./English  practice. There will be NO reading or vocabulary tests this week, but students will have edcite.com passages to complete for homework Monday-Wednesday nights.     Social Studies:Topics of Study –   We will continue our study of the Indian Removal Act as well as the Trail of Tears. All grades will come from daily activities.  Notes can be found in your child's binder.                                                                                                                                           We hope everyone has a great week!

March 16-20, 2015

General Announcements:

• The dates for our standardized tests are April 7th-April 10th.  Please mark these on your calendar and avoid appointments on these dates. Thank you!

• If you have not done so already, PLEASE PAY $2.00 ONLINE at www.myschoolfees.com for our  field trip next Thursday, March 26th, to BRIERFIELD Ironworks Historical State Park. The LAST DAY TO PAY is  THIS FRIDAY, MARCH 20TH.  

·         Our 5k for a cause is NEXT FRIDAY! Parents, the T-shirt option for the 5k is now closed, however if you would still like your child to participate, we will accept $5 (cash or check) through this FRIDAY at 3pm! Students will receive a water bottle and will be able to participate in all planned activities!

5k DATE: March 27, 2015

**For more information on the causes we are supporting, visit our school webpage at http://brocksintermediate.al.hci.schoolinsites.com/

• Every Monday at Beef O’Brady’s is March Monday Madness.  If you write, “Brock’s Gap” on the back of your ticket and place it in a bucket, 10% of all proceeds will come back to Brock’s Gap.  These donations will then be given to Hope for Autumn Foundation supporting childhood cancer research and families battling childhood cancer.
• All graded assignments will be in binders. Please check for these periodically.

• Please see the following link to see the Brock’s Gap eNews: Brock's Gap eNews

Important BGIS Dates for This Week

• Wednesday, 3/18:  First Priority at 7:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, 3/18:  Lego-Robotics (check your child’s schedule for his or her day)
• Wednesday, 3/18:  Report Cards come home

Upcoming Important Dates

• Friday, March 20: Brierfield Field Trip Money Due ($2.00 per student and chaperone)
• Tuesday, April 7-Friday, April 10:  ACT Aspire Testing (more info to come)

Curriculum News:

Math News: Topics of Study – This week we are discussing place value including decimals to the ten thousandths place. We are practicing ordering and comparing decimals to the thousandths. We will also learn to round decimals, add and subtract decimals.  **Math Computation #24 came home today and is due Wednesday. We will review in class Wednesday and Thursday and will have a Computation Test on Friday. **Students were given a new IXL contract, however the goal is for students to complete these activities during  Team Time or when finished with classwork. IXL is due next Wednesday. 

Science News: Topics of Study -We are continuing our hands-on-science activities/labs. This week we are talking about buoyancy (will objects float or sink-why or why not). There will be a quiz this Thursday on Mass, Volume, Density, Weight and application of these concepts. We are continuing our hands-on-science activities/labs. We may also start our Physical and Chemical Changes lessons and activities. 

Language Arts News: Topics of Study – This week will be a Reading/Vocab week. We will have a Reading Test this Friday. In place of the Reading/Grammar Practice packet we are going to incorporate online reading articles. The students will complete the assignments each night on www.edcite.com Students know how to do this and I will check that each assignment is completed daily.

Social Studies: Topics of Study –   We will continue our study of the Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark, the Monroe Doctrine, and the War of 1812.  Notes can be found in your child’s binder.

                                            We hope everyone has a great week!

March 9-13, 2015

General Announcements:

·     Our BGIS 3rd Annual 5k for a "Kause" is on Friday, March 27th!  Cost: The $20 ENTRY fee includes the running packet, water bottle, and t-shirt. If your child wants a t-shirt, the money is due no later than THIS FRIDAY, March 13, 2015 (no exceptions). Please use  www.myschoolfees.com to pay.  Once you have paid, please return the entry form to school so we can know what size t-shirt to order for your child. ***For more information on the causes we are supporting, visit our school website:  http://brocksintermediate.al.hci.schoolinsites.com/

•  Our field trip to Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park  will be Thursday, March 26th.  The cost for this field trip is only $2.00 and is due by next Friday, MARCH 20TH.
• EVERY Monday in March is  Beef O’Brady’s March Monday Madness.  If you write “Brock’s Gap” on the back of your ticket/receipt and place it in a bucket, 10% of all proceeds will be donated  back to Brock’s Gap.  These donations will then be passed along to the Hope for Autumn Foundation which supports childhood cancer research and families

·        As we are about to start this last nine weeks of fifth grade, we will be making a change to graded papers coming home.  Rather than sending the graded papers all on one day, we will pass back papers as we grade them.  Students should keep these papers in their Red Folder and you can decide what to do with them from there. This will allow you to see the graded papers more frequently.  Please remember to check INow. This is the format that is used in 6th grade.  We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about your child's grades.

·         Please see the following link to see the eNews: Brock's Gap eNews

Important BGIS Dates for This Week

·        Wednesday, 3/11:  First Priority at 7:30 a.m.

·        Wednesday, 3/11:  Lego-Robotics (check your child’s schedule for his or her day)

Upcoming Important Dates

·        Friday, March 13:  5K for a Cause Money due

·        Friday, March 20: Brierfield Field Trip Money Due ($2.00 per student)

·        Tuesday, April 7-Friday, April 10:  ACT Aspire Testing

Curriculum News:

Math: Topics of Study –  We have completed our study of fractions :-).  Many students have completed a post- assessment of our fractions unit/ and some are in still in the process of finishing the post-assessment. This is not for a grade, but it being used to see the growth that the students have made and to assess any weaknesses that students may still have individually that need to be reviewed or practiced.
Math Computation came home yesterday and is due Wednesday. I would like to encourage you to check over your child's computation.  As I am entering these grades, I notice that many students are missing points on these for not taking their time on these assignments.  Grades are given on assignments done in class, IXL activities, quizzes and tests. There was not a new IXL contract given this week. 
Lastly, we began our unit on decimals today!  We will start out with Decimals on Grids, Decimals to the thousandths, Decimals on Number lines, Decimals In Between, and Comparing Decimals. They seemed to catching on quickly today!
Science: Topics of Study –Physical Science- Properties of Matter- This week we are discussing the three major properties of all matter: mass, volume, and density. We are learning how to calculate density using the formula: Density= mass/(divided by) volume. We are also doing hands-on- Science involving Mass, Volume, and Density. We are also learning that all matter has two kinds of properties: physical and chemical. No Science tests or quizzes this week. All activities are being done in class and should be in your child's science notebook.  
Language Arts: Topics of Study –Our focus this week is on Main Idea. We will be reading

several pieces of Non-Fiction text to practice finding the Main Idea. We are continuing with the Reading/Grammar Practice Sheets this week. The practice sheets will be due on Friday.

Social Studies: Topics of Study –   This week will begin our study of Westward Expansion. We will begin this study by learning about the Louisiana Purchase.

                   

We hope everyone has a great week!

March 2-6, 2015

General Announcements:

• TOMORROW -3/03/15-SPRING PICTURES. 
• SCA (Student Council Association) is sponsoring Monday Madness at Beef O'Brady's! Come eat at Beef's with your family every Monday night in March, starting TONIGHT.  Please tell the server that you are from Brock’s Gap. Ten percent of ticket sales will go to SCA's current campaign -Hope For Autumn (a foundation for childhood cancer research). 
• ACT ASPIRE state assessments will begin the Tuesday after Spring Break! The dates are April 7th-April 10th.  Please mark these on your calendar and avoid appointments on these dates. Thank you!
• Online payments for our upcoming field trip to Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park began today through www.myschoolfees.com. The cost for this trip is only $2. 
•  Please see the following link to see the Brock’s Gap eNews: Brock's Gap eNews
• We are in need of more GLUE STICKS, CAP ERASERS, and Clorox Wipes.  Any donations will be put to great use :-)! 

 Important BGIS Dates for This Week

• Tuesday, 3/3: Spring Pictures
• Wednesday, 3/4:  First Priority at 7:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, 3/4:  Lego-Robotics (check your child’s schedule for his or her day)

Upcoming Important Dates

• Thursday, March 26th- Field trip to Brierfield Ironworks Historical State Park
• Friday, March 27th- Brock's Gap Annual 5K for a Kause (More information will come home soon about this wonderful all-day event. 
• SPRING BREAK- March 30th- April 3rd (NO School all week) 
• Tuesday, April 7-Friday, April 10:  ACT Aspire Testing 

 Curriculum News:

Math: Topics of Study –  

• We are working on learning to divide fractions this week. Today we worked on dividing whole numbers by unit fractions. They learned how to write equations and how to show  models to match their equations.  We will also be practicing how to divide unit fractions by whole numbers.
• Math IXL activities that were assigned last week- (Level G - N 5, N 7, N 8, N 12, and N 14) are due tomorrow.  Please know that Students are given TEAM TIME at school to work on their IXL activities.  
• Math Computation Homework came home tonight and is due Wednesday.  I will be taking their computation for a grade.  
• We will have a Fractions Post Assessment this week. It is only 8 problems and is an overview of all we have learned about fractions. 

Science: Topics of Study – 

• Scientific Investigation- We are working on applying the steps of the Scientific Process.  In particular, students are learning "How to Make a Hypothesis"  and "How to identify different types of variables-(independent, controlled, and dependent)".
• We are also moving on to some hands-on science activities involving mass, volume, and density. 
•  We will have a short quiz on Friday about Scientific Investigation and the different types of variables.  Students have notes and activities we have been doing in class to review for this quiz.  These activities and definitions should be found in their Science notebooks.

Language Arts: Topics of Study –

• We will be reading and discussing Poetry this week. Our focus will be on the THEME of poems. We will write and share  poems in class. 
• Also, we will have another “Cold Read” test on Friday (this is a story we have not read in class or discussed), but no vocabulary or spelling this week.
• We are continuing with the Reading/Grammar Practice Sheets which will replace our Reading Log and IXL . The practice sheets will be due on Friday.

Social Studies: Topics of Study –   We are studying the three branches of government this week.  A study guide covering the New American Government will come home tomorrow; the test will be on Tuesday, March 10.

                   

We hope everyone has a great week!

February 23-27, 2015

General Announcements: 

• Congratulations to our many students who participated in the Mercedes Kids Marathon and/or 5K race this past Saturday! A special congratulations to Alex for her 2nd place finish out of all the 5th grade girls competing in the Kids Mercedes Marathon! We are proud of you!

• Please see the following link to see the Brock’s Gap eNews:Brock's Gap eNews

Upcoming Important Dates

• Tuesday, April 7-Friday, April 10:  ACT Aspire Testing (more info to come)

Curriculum News:

Math: Topics of Study –  We are nearing the end of our Fractions Unit as we practice dividing and modeling a fraction by a fraction. Today we multiplied and modeled fractions by fractions. Students have Math Computation due this Wednesday and a Fractions Quiz on Thursday. A new IXL contract will come home tomorrow and will not be due until next week.

Science: Topics of Study –  We are discussing the "Steps in a Scientific Investigation"- Asking a question, Making a hypothesis, Planning the investigation, Collecting and recording data, Organizing data, Explaining results, Thinking of new questions, and Sharing results. We will apply these steps through different hands-on learning experiences.

Language Arts: Topics of Study –We are continuing Reading this week, but we will add Spelling.  Our Spelling words for the week are: admit, dismiss, emit, intermission, missile, mission, omit, remit, submit, transmit. We will have a Spelling Test on Friday and Spelling homework will be due on Friday.

We are continuing with the Reading/Grammar Practice Sheets will replace our Reading Log and IXL again this week. The practice sheets will be due on Friday.

Social Studies: Topics of Study –   We are finishing the Bill of Rights and will begin discussing the branches in government.

                   

We hope everyone has a great week!

• This blog will be updated hopefully soon!
• Math Homework-Math Computation (due Thursday)
• NO IXL Math activities this week
• Science Technology Menu of activities- due today.
• BGIS Career Day/Career Fair is this Friday (Students will have the opportunity to learn about different career opportunities) 

General Announcements:

• 

  We had a GREAT trip to American Village!  BIG thanks to our chaperones who came with us! The students displayed good behavior and knew a lot of the information discussed! We are proud of them!

• Heart Grams are being sold by the Student Council through Thursday of this week in the school lobby beginning at 7:30 each morning. Heart grams can be given by students to other students at our school.  This is a fundraiser for our student council.  Heart grams are $1.00 each.
• Our ACT Aspire test will be April 7th-April 10th.  Please mark these on your calendar and avoid appointments on these dates. Thank you!

• Please see the following link to see the Brock’s Gap eNews: Brock's Gap eNews

Important BGIS Dates for Next Week

• Wednesday, 2/11:  First Priority at 7:30 a.m.
• Wednesday, 2/11:  Lego Robotics-Group B 3:00-4:30PM (1^st Floor Computer Lab)
•  Friday, 2/13:  Valentines may be brought to school (see information below)
• Monday, 2/16: President's Day-NO SCHOOL -Schools and offices will be closed

Curriculum News:

Math: Topics of Study –  We have been practicing adding and subtracting mixed numbers. We have also begun working on multiplying fractions. We are doing lots of problem solving involving everyday/ real-world examples. A new IXL Math contract came home Monday and is due Friday. There will be additional fraction homework practice every night this week. The math quiz Friday will have questions on equivalent fractions, comparing and ordering fractions, and addition and subtraction of fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators, and multiplication of fractions.

Science: Topics of Study –  Earth Science- We are learning about the five layers of the Earth's atmosphere. We are also reviewing the Water Cycle and Rock Cycle. Students are also finishing up their Space Technology Menu of Activities (60 points). These activities are due no later than next Tuesday, February 17th. No test or quiz this week.

Language Arts: Topics of Study –This is a Reading/Vocabulary week. We completed our Informative Writings and the Students did a great job!! Our vocabulary words this week are:  catastrophic, essential, ferocity, enthrall, demolish, confront, clamber, and truce. Practice Sheets will replace our Reading Log and IXL again this week. The practice sheets will be due on Friday. There will be a vocabulary quiz/reading quiz on Friday as well.

Social Studies: Topics of Study –   We are studying the Constitution this week and understanding how our government came to be. No tests/quizzes this week.

On Friday, your child MAY bring Valentine cards to pass out to their classmates. They DO NOT have to participate in the Valentine exchange. If they bring for one classmate, they must bring for all. We will not have a Valentine's Party, but will enjoy a little treat that afternoon. Valentine Grams that were purchased through Student Council will be distributed on Friday.

                    We hope everyone has a great week!