Just a reminder that your child will be participating in the yearly Erin's Law presentation on Tuesday, January 24th.
Thank you,
Paul
What's going on in Mr. Solarz' Class? |
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Dear Parents,
Just a reminder that your child will be participating in the yearly Erin's Law presentation on Tuesday, January 24th. Thank you, Paul
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Ask your child about our culminating activity that demonstrated how America won the Revolutionary War! We focused on about eight aspects of the war, including things that affected the British side. Hopefully, students were able to express those factors in their video on their ePortfolios!
Below their video, they have been asked to explain any mistakes that they may have made in their video in writing.
I was recently invited to attend the Varkey Teacher Ambassadors Programme (March 16-17) and the Global Education & Skills Forum (March 18-19) in Dubai, due to my association with the Top 50 Global Teacher Prize Finalists. This is an incredible opportunity to work with educators from around the world on key issues in education (and they have even offered to pay for all my expenses)! Therefore, I will be missing the following four days of school:
Prior to this opportunity, I already had a district meeting scheduled on March 21st in the morning that I will also need to attend, but I will return to class that afternoon to be with the kids. All that being said, the school is trying to get a consistent substitute to cover the four days that I will be in Dubai. The additional half day has already been picked up by one of my favorite substitutes, Mrs. Noble. If you have any questions for me, just drop me an email! :) Additional Information on the events: Registration for the SIT Conference opens today and AHSD25 is hosting the conference this year!
What is the SIT Conference? "The Students Involved with Technology Conference is an annual conference for 3rd through 12th grade students, occurring at several sites throughout Illinois. It originated in Bloomington-Normal and has since expanded. So what makes the SIT Conference stand out? It is completely presented by 3rd-12th grade students. While adult volunteers from local schools and the community help the day run smoothly, all presentations are prepared and presented by the students!" South Middle School is hosting, and it would be great if lots and lots of our students could attend! Traditionally, registration fills up before the end of December, as it is a very popular event. This is a fabulous day for students interested in technology! Students from our class (Mr. Solarz's) have presented each of the past two years and I would love it if we could have representation again this year! If students attend, they can get rid of one week of spelling or one Time for Kids worksheet. If they choose to present, they can get rid of two weeks of spelling or two Time for Kids worksheets. I will work with all students choosing to present during Homework Club to help them with their presentations! The cost for this event has traditionally been $25 per student (and if parents choose to attend they are also $25 each). I will be there that day, so parent attendance is optional (but pick-up and drop-off are required). I hope you;ll consider attending! Here's a link that explains this conference a little bit more and attached is the flyer for more about the conference. 2017-Flyer_South-MS-in-Arlington-Heights.pdf I decided to take a few minutes tonight and gather some resources for parents to use with their child at home to help improve math fact fluency (the speed in which we can answer single digit multiplication and division problems). Here are two websites which give ideas for math fact games and suggestions for ways in which parents can teach their children their math facts. Below is a bit of advice for the order in which experts believe we should teach children their facts, and I've also included PDF's of all the worksheets for each fact family (the 2's, 3's, 4's, 5's, 6's, 7's, 8's, and 9's).
You've found our class website and blog! Congratulations! This website is where everything we do is posted (directions and completed products). This specific blog is where all parent communication will go that isn't sent out via email.
I hope you have a moment to explore and check out all the resources that are available on our website! Here are a few suggestions I have to start with!
That's a lot to take in. If you do just one of these things, I'll be impressed! Either way, thank you for entrusting me with your child this year, and I honestly hope that you will enjoy our partnership this year! I look forward to working with your child! :) Subscribe to this blog to get email updates whenever I publish a new post! Directions are on the bar at the right... Mrs. Seisser taught our class about a new app we have on our iPads called Doink! It allows us to use the green screen in the room next door in creative ways! Check out two of our videos:
We also spent some time entering a few contests that required inventions, solutions to problems, creative stories, and new toy designs! We spent three class periods following the Engineering Process to brainstorm, research, design, create, and iterate. Here is the Playlist with all of our videos - The first half of the videos were our final videos, and the second half were midway check-ins: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLm-27CNq4QovmgiDVwzKB0bYzxWwvghAS
Out of 24 entries, I narrowly pulled out the win with my Zuppa Toscana recipe (see below)! :) I wish I could have been there, but instead, I'm at home with the flu. :( Here is the students' reaction (thanks to Breanna McGuire for the video): Zuppa Toscana (Similar to Olive Garden’s) Ingredients
Original inspiration was from Olive Garden. Credit for the recipe inspiration: http://www.food.com/recipe/olive-garden-copycat-zuppa-toscana-38298 I like to joke with my students that I taught Jimmy everything he knows about playing quarterback because I played football every day at lunch recess with him. In this video, he's kind enough to allow my delusions to continue... A Super Bowl 49 Ring!!! How cool! And finally, former students Jackie Kemph and Jenny Vliet are continuing to make their 5th grade teacher proud:
http://www.atlantic10.com/mediaPortal/player.dbml?id=5003998&db_oem_id=31600 The students in our class have decided, without any influence from me, that they would like to do a few activities together as a class. Here are the activities:
1. A whole-class Variety Show act, which you have already received information from Sherry Brand on (via email). I will be supporting them by supervising practices during lunch recesses, as they schedule rehearsals. I am working hard not to interfere, but rather ask questions that allow them to think through the steps themselves. As of today, they are playing two songs (Little Einstein's Remix, John's Cena's theme song, & Turn Down for What) and choreographing a dance that goes with them. That may change as they move forward. Please let your child know if you prefer they don't participate in the act. (Some are volunteering to be behind-the-scenes support, rather than perform on stage.) 2. One student is organizing a weekend game at Pioneer based on the Hunger Games. I am NOT affiliated with this as it takes place off of school grounds and outside of school hours, but I'm proud of them for including everyone in their preparation. If you don't want your child to participate in this activity, simply tell them so. Please don't coordinate that through me, though. This reminds me of when I was a kid inviting my peers to play kickball or football after school, and I want to be supportive of students organizing their outside-of-school activities! Here is the link to the Google Doc signup with teams and instructions (your child needs to be signed in to Google to be able to view it): https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1a4YjEMCaWtAqX9S0ZM2EuF1lwXgcM4_UD__fv_Bu9RU/edit?ts=56bb8777#gid=0 Barring any conflicts, I have tentatively scheduled a Mystery Skype with a classroom on Thursday, February 4th at 8:00am. (Feel free to ask your child what Mystery Skype is for more information, or visit my Teacher Page.)
Parents and Westgate siblings are invited to come and observe (and help!). It will only be our second Mystery Skype of the year, but because it is before school, this is a nice opportunity for everyone to check it out! If you can try to arrive between 7:45 and 8:00, I would appreciate it. It takes a few minutes for the kids to set up! Thanks & I look forward to seeing anyone who can come! Parents - Can you have your child read these reminders please? Thanks!!!
Since I have missed the last two REARJMCL's here are some reminders:
Sorry for the late notice, but if you are volunteering for Literature Circles this week, I have had to make a few changes to the schedule to accommodate MAP Testing and the computer cart schedule. Monday and Friday's Lit Circles are tentatively scheduled for 9:05-10:05 each day instead of the normal 11:05-12:05 time. If you are scheduled to volunteer on either day, feel free to come at the new time or come at the old time and help us out with writing! Either way works for us! Sorry for the late notice & thanks for understanding!
I am still working on the schedule this evening, so here is the link in case it changes again: http://paulsolarz.weebly.com/our-weekly-schedule For Parents:
The link below will take your child to our Science Fair Experiment Sign-Up page. They have been instructed to sign up for a time for us to do their experiment together in school. They will need to have all of their materials in class by this day and possibly will need a ride to school at 8:15 if they sign up for a before school time. Everything for Science Fair will be taken care of in class. No homework (I even bought their backboards for them)! Thanks! For Students: Here is the link to sign up for a Science Fair time to do your experiment with me (You need to be signed into Google in order to access it): https://docs.google.com/a/sd25.org/spreadsheets/d/13bFiTXxLtLWiMEbBr67GaZ18-uX4-bmUmIaYcq9SZqE/edit?usp=sharing Please remember to have all of your materials in school by the date you sign up for (and make sure you ask Mr. Solarz to bring in any materials that he said he would bring in a few days earlier). Predict what this time will look like ahead of time. You will be in charge and Mr. Solarz will be your assistant. Be prepared to lead! Human Body:
- http://www.abcya.com/skeletal_system.htm Government: - https://www.icivics.org/ Math: - http://www.sumdog.com/ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Math: Khan Academy: http://www.khanacademy.org/ (Create an account & link it to this Coach: E76DAZ.) Equivalent Fractions: http://www.mathplayground.com/Triplets/Triplets_IWB.html Math Chimp: http://www.mathchimp.com/5thGrade-home.php?grade_pref=5 AAA Math: http://www.aaamath.com/grade5.htm Math-Play: http://www.math-play.com/ Math Game Time: http://www.mathgametime.com/grade/5th-grade Cool Math for Kids: http://www.coolmath4kids.com/ Science - Energy: U.S. Government Resources: http://www.free.ed.gov/subjects.cfm?subject_id=249&toplvl=56 Science - Human Body: U.S. Government Resources: http://www.free.ed.gov/subjects.cfm?subject_id=254&toplvl=54 InnerBody: http://www.innerbody.com/ Science - Water: U.S. Government Resources: http://www.free.ed.gov/subjects.cfm?subject_id=47&toplvl=41 Water Cycle: http://earthguide.ucsd.edu/earthguide/diagrams/watercycle/ The National Aquarium: http://www.aqua.org/ Science - Miscellaneous: Awesome Science Experiments on Video! http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/experiments/ Animal Planet: http://animal.discovery.com/ Infrared Zoo Gallery: http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/image_galleries/ir_zoo/ Life of Birds (PBS): http://www.pbs.org/lifeofbirds/index.html Planet Size Comparison: http://sciencenetlinks.com/interactives/messenger/psc/PlanetSize.html Magic School Bus: http://www.scholastic.com/magicschoolbus/games/index.htm Bill Nye the Science Guy Videos: http://bit.ly/18EDfD6 24/7 Science: http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/kidsite/ Exploratorium: http://www.exploratorium.edu/ Animal Fact Sheets: http://www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/map.html Make New Animals! http://www.switcheroozoo.com/zoo.htm Dino Directory: http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/life/dinosaurs-other-extinct-creatures/dino-directory/top-5/top-5.html Social Studies - Revolutionary War: Mission U.S.: http://www.mission-us.org/ U.S. Government Resources: http://www.free.ed.gov/subjects.cfm?subject_id=149&toplvl=151&res_feature_request=1 Social Studies - Constitution & Government: iCivics: http://www.icivics.org/ U.S. Government Resources: http://www.free.ed.gov/subjects.cfm?subject_id=19&toplvl=173&res_feature_request=1 Electoral College Calculator: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/calculator.html Social Studies - Westward Movement: U.S. Government Resources: http://www.free.ed.gov/subjects.cfm?subject_id=121&toplvl=174&res_feature_request=1 Social Studies - Miscellaneous: Have fun with History: http://www.havefunwithhistory.com/ Information on the 50 States: http://www.50states.com/ Where's That U.S. State? http://funschool.kaboose.com/globe-rider/games/game_wheres_that_us_state.html Historical Games that Teach! http://playinghistory.org/ Online Heiroglyphics Translator: http://www.quizland.com/hiero.mv Other: FunBrain: http://www.funbrain.com/ e-Learning for Kids: http://www.e-learningforkids.org/courses_grade.html#grade_5 Fuel the Brain: http://www.fuelthebrain.com/ Free Rice: http://freerice.com Mr. Nussbaum: http://mrnussbaum.com/
...I thought the following infographics and information might be useful to my students' families!
Please consider allowing your child to present at the SIT Conference in January: www.sitconference.org
Here is the link to sign up for conferences for all Westgate teachers: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12we0Fq7ZeGZa_eITx5M9dBuH5D_QclsCdXCT9y8l-pE/edit#gid=0
Halloween Reminders!
Hello everyone! Some of you have been asking about volunteering at the soup kitchen with me (thank you!). I am there every Monday except for one each month (usually I get the 4th Monday off each month).
I have been given some dates where volunteers are most needed. These are the following dates where we have the greatest need for volunteers:
It's best to keep it to one or two families per week due to space and need. I can bring 4-6 people easily, but any more can be tricky sometimes! Please sign up on our SignUpGenius if you and your child would like to help serve food (and setup/take down). Further details can be found on the signup. Here is the link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4daead22a1ff2-bessies2 I hope that you will (if you don't already) check out our Daily Photo Journal that is updated by the students in our class every day (or almost so). Our newest entry has pictures of us at the Historical Reenactment field trip that was amazing! And the district made a really cool video of the event using a drone video camera!!! Here's a link to the Daily Photo Journal, but you can also get to it by clicking on it under "Parents" above: http://paulsolarz.weebly.com/daily-photo-journal
Dear Westgate Parents,
We are planning our annual Halloween extravaganza for the afternoon of Friday, October 30th. Students will be in costume (in the afternoon) to celebrate the special day! Teachers and parents are planning a fun afternoon of games and activities! Although most children take part in the costume parade and parties, their participation is completely voluntary. As you are planning your child’s costume, please remember we are a kindergarten through fifth-grade elementary school. Students remaining in school during lunch should plan on costumes with limited make-up accessories. We are requesting your cooperation in selecting school-appropriate costumes that avoid violence, sharp objects, weapons, unnecessary gore, etc. At the discretion of the principal, students with inappropriate costumes will not be able to participate in the parade. If you are unsure of the appropriateness of your child’s costume, please contact the office. The costume parade will start at 1:45 PM (please note lunch changes below for Halloween). Weather permitting; the parade will begin outside on the sidewalk. Students in grades 1st and 2nd will exit the building using the Primary Doors and line up on the sidewalk along Dwyer Street. Students in kindergarten and 3rd grade will exit the building using the Main Doors and line up on the sidewalk in front of school. Students in grade 4th through 5th will exit the Grove Street door and line up on the sidewalk along Grove Street west of Dwyer Street. The office team will lead the parade and students will parade in the following order: Kindergarten, 3rd , 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th grades. The parade will walk north on the west side of Dwyer Street to Sigwalt, and then return to Westgate walking south on the east side of Dwyer Street. Parents are welcome to line the parade route outside along Dwyer Street. (Students will exit the Primary Door, Main Door, and Grove Street Door. The entire school will meet on the southwest corner of Grove Street and Dwyer Street.) The parade will be canceled due to rain or the route will be reduced due to extreme cold weather. A SchoolMessenger will be sent out to Westgate families at 12:00PM announcing either the cancellation of the parade or the reduction of the parade route. Traditionally, many students go home for lunch on Halloween to change into a costume. However, in recent years, more children remain at school for recess and lunch. To ensure all children will be able to go home and return for the Halloween parade at the same time, the lunch time for ALL grades will be from 12:30 -1:30PM as follows: Grades 1-5: Lunch 12:30-1:00/ Recess 1:00-1:30PM (Zipline will be the lunch for all students buying school lunch) If your child is in grades 1-5, then please complete the portion on the next page and return it to your child’s teacher by Friday, October 23rd. Students leaving the school for lunch will use the following exits: Main Door (Door #1), Primary Door (Door #2), and 5th Grade Door (Door #16.) The Cab Doors (adjacent to the North Parking Lot, Door #13 ) will not be used for lunch dismissal. Remember: Students leaving for lunch should not return to school prior to 1:30PM. Returning students should line up at the Main Entrance (Door #1) or Primary Door (Door #2). There will be no supervision prior to 1:25PM. Students may not enter the building until 1:30PM Children who stay at school for lunch will have the opportunity to change into their costumes during the lunch/recess hour. There will be limited adult assistance for costume preparations and it is advisable to keep the costume simple. Special Note For Kindergartens…. All kindergarten students should come to school dressed in their costumes. AM classes will have their parties during their class time and will parade outside (weather permitting) around the Circle Drive during the morning class time. In the event of rain or inclement weather, the AM parade will be canceled. There will be no indoor parade accessible to parents. THE AM KINDERGARTEN PARADE CANCELLATION NOTICE WILL BE MADE BY 9:00AM THROUGH SCHOOLMESSENGER AND EXTERIOR PA SYSTEM. The PM Kindergarten children will join the all-school parade in the afternoon. The AM Kindergarten children are invited back at 1:45 PM to join in the all-school parade if they so desire. All AM Kindergarten children participating in the afternoon parade need to be accompanied by an adult. Please refer to homeroom Kindergarten letters for more information regarding Halloween festivities. We know students look forward to this event, and we hope you will join us! Caz Badynee Principal |
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