News for 5/13

And that's a wrap! It has been a great year in TAG. The students have learned and grown so much. It is a bittersweet time of year as we bid farewell to our 5th graders but look forward to seeing everyone else for another great year next year. Have a safe and wonderful summer!!

1st Grade Talent Development

First grade has had a great last week of TAG.  We had a special treat and got to compare the new Mary Poppins Returns book and movie to the ones we read and watched in the fall.  We have had so much fun comparing and contrasting this newer version to the classic!  We also spent a day reflecting on our year together and writing letters to the incoming 1st grade TAG students.  We've had a wonderful year together!

2nd Grade Talent Development

Second grade had a great last week together. We put together a paper airplane contest. The students spent two days working in groups to design and test paper airplanes that would compete for their team. We then had a competition day on Wednesday with four categories, longest flight time, accuracy (fly in a straight line), accuracy (hit a target), and distance. We had a great time testing and flying our planes! It has been a great year and the students are excited to be together again next year!

3rd Grade Math

Have a great summer!

4th Grade Math

Fourth graders have had a short week of TAG due to STAAR testing.  We've wrapped up our exploration of pre-algebra with one final family vacation road trip assignment. We also spent some time reflecting on our year of learning.  Each student chose a topic from our units this year that they found especially challenging, interesting, or both, and wrote to an incoming 4th grader about it.  They offered tips and tricks, pointers and insights so the new 4th graders have a head start on what they need to learn.  Letters will be given to 4th graders next year when we cover each topic.  We've had a wonderful year together, and I look forward to seeing everyone again next year!

5th Grade Math

Fifth graders had had a short week of TAG due to STAAR testing.  We dipped our toes into the waters of circles by finding area and circumference of circles that we drew with compasses.  We had a good time learning these new skills! We also spent some time reflecting on our year of learning.  Each student chose a topic from our units this year that they found especially challenging, interesting, or both, and wrote to an incoming 5th grader about it.  They offered tips and tricks, pointers and insights so the new 5th graders have a head start on what they need to learn.  Letters will be given to 5th graders next year when we cover each topic.  We've had a wonderful year together, and I am so sad to see these great kids leave CCE.  I look forward to hearing about all of their successes in the future.  Stay in touch!

3rd Reading

Have a great summer!

4th Reading

Fourth grade wrapped up their last few days in TAG working on their "Hatchet" novel study. It has been a really great year and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone next year! Have a great summer!

5th Reading

Fifth grade closed out the year with their last two days of TAG this week. We spent time enjoying each other's book projects, having a little fun, and working on their frame for the classroom legacy wall. It has been a great year with this group. It has been so much fun to see them grow and explore their learning and abilities. They will be greatly missed next year but I wish them all the best and look forward to hearing all the great things I know they will do!

Have a great summer, see you next year!

Important Dates:

5/21 Field Day & Cook Out
5/22 5th Grade Awards Ceremony 8:30am
5/23 Last Day of School

News for 5/6

May has been super busy but it's been fun! We are looking forward to more fun as the weeks move along!

1st Grade Talent Development

First graders have had a great week.  We spent some time doing a fun rainbow themed science experiment.  Ask your kiddos about it- we made some incredible discoveries!  We also used the 100 chart to discover patterns and make observations using the depth and complexity icons.  We have had a great time, and are looking forward to our last week together next week. 

2nd Grade Talent Development

Second grade had a good week. We continued with activities connected to last week's reading of "Only One You". The students graphed their custom designed fish by particular attributes. Then they determined their own attribute to collect data on. We ended the week with a reading of "Beautiful Oops" and took torn newspaper and turned it into something beautiful. Keep an eye out for the creations to come in their end of year portfolio next week! 

3rd Grade Math

Third graders wrapped up our financial literacy vacation project this week.  The kids learned so much and have done a great job budgeting their money.  Projects will be returned soon!

Today was our last day of TAG Math for this year due to 3rd grade's upcoming weeks of STAAR testing, fishing day, field trip, camping day and more.  We had a great year, and can't wait to be together again in 4th grade!

4th Grade Math

Fourth grade had a great week dipping into some pre-algebra skills.  We have learned lots of vocabulary, practiced our skills and explored using solvememobile online.  It's been a great week!  We are looking forward to wrapping up our year next week after STAAR testing.

5th Grade Math

Fifth grade had a great week.  We only got to see each other on Thursday due to Science Safari Monday through Wednesday and their field trip on Friday.  We read Sir Circumference and the Dragon of Pi together and explored circle circumference, diameter and radius.  We are looking forward to wrapping up our year next week after STAAR testing.

3rd Reading

Third grade shared their Avi book projects this week. We enjoyed hearing everyone's summary of their story and seeing their project. We displayed them in the library. We then did some fun practice to get our minds ready for STAAR next week. We wrapped up the week with our last day of TAG today. It has been a great year and I am looking forward to seeing them all again next year!

4th Reading

Fourth grade shared their award winning novel projects. We then displayed them in the library. Next, they dove into their novel study of "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen. The students are really enjoying this adventurous story. It was a great week! Next week is STAAR and everyone is ready to do their best. Next Friday, 5/17, will be our last day together.

5th Reading

Fifth grade has had a very busy week this week. Our time together was limited but we are looking forward to having class next Thursday and Friday. Friday, 5/17, will be our last class together.

Have a great weekend, see you next week!

Important Dates:

5/13 STAAR- 3rd & 4th
5/14 STAAR- 3rd  & 4th
5/15 STAAR 5th
5/16 3rd Grade Fishing Day
5/17 3rd Grade Field Trip
5/21 Field Day & Cook Out
5/22 5th Grade Awards Ceremony 8:30am
5/23 Last Day of School

News for 4/29

April has come to a close and May is already off to a roaring start. It's going to be a great month!

1st Grade Talent Development

First grade has had a great week this week.  We have taken the opportunity to have some fun since our ISPs are finished!  We created a calendar for our favorite months, and included special events happening during the month.  We wrote about our calendars using the depth and complexity icons.  They did a great job, and enjoyed some fun time building with Keva blocks as well! 

2nd Grade Talent Development

Second grade has worked on writing a letter to incoming second grade TAG students telling them all about their year. They spent some time in reflection about their ISP projects and themselves as students. They also worked to put together their end of year portfolios that will be coming home in a couple of weeks.  

3rd Grade Math

Third grade has had a good week exploring financial literacy.  We started a project to wrap up our unit that they are all excited about.  Each student is planning an entire vacation using a budget.  They have explored booking flights, hotels, renting cars, buying meals out, paying for entertainment and more!  They are having a great time and learning so much about how expensive it can be to pay for things.  We also took our final DCA of the year.  Grades are  in HAC.

4th Grade Math

Fourth grade has had a great week! We haven't seen a lot of each other due to their field trips, but we have made the most of it.  We wrapped up our unit on data analysis with a small project.  Each student created a display to summarize their learning of the six types of graphs we studied.  Ask your child to name them for you!  We also took our last DCA of the year.  Grades are in HAC.

5th Grade Math

Fifth grade has had an exciting week of diving into the world of algebra!  We finished up dependent and independent variables with our mini projects.  Then, we learned the difference between expressions, equations and inequalities.  We have learned how to isolate variables and use inverse operations and they are doing great!  We have practiced using task cards, a Connect 4 game and the online game SolveMePuzzles.  They have done a great job and are showing signs of being ready for middle school for sure.

3rd Reading

Third grade had a great week full of creativity and fun. Students have been wrapping up their novel projects. These will be on display next week in the library. Feel free to stop by and take a peek if you are on campus.

4th Reading

Fourth grade wrapped up their award winning novel projects. They turned out so great! We are excited to display them in the library next week. Stop by and take a peek if you are on campus!

5th Reading

Fifth grade has done a fabulous job wrapping up their graphic novel projects. They worked very hard and the projects turned out great! We will be displaying them in the library next week. Be sure to stop by and take a peek if you are on campus!

Have a great weekend, see you next week!

Important Dates:

5/7 Volunteer Breakfast 7:15am

5/8 Comet Kickoff (future Kindergartners)
5/10 5th Grade Field Trip to San Antonio
5/10 Kinder Mother's Day program
5/13 STAAR- 3rd & 4th
5/14 STAAR- 3rd  & 4th
5/15 STAAR 5th
5/16 3rd Grade Fishing Day
5/17 3rd Grade Field Trip
5/21 Field Day
5/22 5th Grade Awards Ceremony 8:30am
5/23 Last Day of School

News for 4/22

It's been a great week in TAG! We have been hard at work and were thrilled to participate in the ISP showcase on Thursday evening! Everyone did a fantastic job on their projects and represented CCE very well. We are so proud of everyone!

1st Grade Talent Development

First graders have had a great week.  We celebrated Earth Day on Monday by reading Just a Dream by Chris Van Allsburg and watching a video about the history of Earth Day.  We also went on a scavenger hunt outside, and found all kinds of great items from our Earth.  We picked up a bag of trash while we were there too!  We finished the week by making watercolor Earths on coffee filters and thought of ten ways to help keep our Earth a beautiful home for all of us. 

2nd Grade Talent Development

Second grade worked very hard in TAG this week. We helped each other complete ISP projects for the showcase. We also celebrated Earth Day with a video of "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss. The students then wrote a letter to the Lorax to explain how they would have behaved if they had been in his story or how they as humans will help the planet. 

3rd Grade Math

Third graders have had a great week studying financial literacy.  We have talked about income, planned and unplanned spending, paying with cash versus credit and making donations a part of your budget.  We have read stories and played games to help us learn about these things, and have really enjoyed our learning.  We've had some great "real world" discussions about all things money, and we've had fun!

4th Grade Math

Fourth graders have had a great week learning about data analysis.  We have talked about dot plots and scatterplots this week.  Students have done a great job with details, and working on learning as much as possible.  We have done practice problems, worked through online scenarios together, and created our own examples of these things.  They have done a great job!

5th Grade Math

Fifth graders have had a great week studying dependent and independent variables.  This is a brand new concept, and they have jumped right in!  We have watched videos, done practice problems, and discussed lots of examples to help us.  We finished the week by starting a small project about this topic, which will be continued next week.

3rd Reading

Third grade was hard at work this week. Most students have completed reading their books by author Avi. They have been working on a creative culminating project. We are excited to share these with each other next week!

4th Reading

Fourth grade had a great week in TAG. We examined flat and round characters and applied that knowledge to our award winning novels. The students have also been working hard on their creative end of novel projects. We look forward to sharing them at the end of next week.

5th Reading

Fifth grade has been busy, busy. We spent part of our week wrapping up ISP projects for the showcase. They all did a great job and had fun showing off their work. 
The students have also been having a great time reading their graphic novels. They have been hard at work exercising their creativity with their end of unit projects. We are very excited to see the final products!

Have a great weekend, see you next week!

Important Dates:

4/29 4th Grade Field Trip 11:00am

4/29-5/3 Book Fair
4/30 Kona Ice after school
5/1 4th Grade Field Trip
5/7 Volunteer Breakfast 7:15am
5/8 Comet Kickoff (future Kindergartners)
5/10 5th Grade Field Trip to San Antonio
5/10 Kinder Mother's Day program
5/13 STAAR- 3rd & 4th
5/14 STAAR- 3rd  & 4th
5/15 STAAR 5th

News for 4/8

This week was a busy week. We had STAAR testing for grades 4 and 5. Despite the busy schedule we had a great week!

1st Grade Talent Development

First graders have had a fantastic week!  We are all officially finished with our ISP research papers and trifold boards.  They look great, and we can't wait to show them off at the showcase!  We are looking forward to some fun projects in the next few weeks as we wrap up our year together.  We will enjoy digging deep with STEAM projects, fun ELA activities and some social/emotional learning.  

2nd Grade Talent Development

Second grade had a great week in TAG. Everyone is working hard and having fun too!

3rd Grade Math

Third grade has had a great week of learning.  We have focused on elapsed time and everyone has gotten pretty good at it!  We have done lots of practice problems, used miniature clocks to show our thinking, and talked a lot about why time is important.  We have had a great time!

4th Grade Math

Fourth grade has had a short week in TAG due to STAAR testing and a field trip.  The days we have been together, we wrapped up our financial literacy unit with a slideshow review and lots of discussion.  They all have some really great thoughts about all things finance- they will be ready to manage their money as adults!  We are looking forward to starting a new unit on graphing and data analysis next week.

5th Grade Math

Fifth graders have had a great week of learning.We have focused on box and whisker plots, as well as measures of spread this week.  I have been so impressed with my students' eagerness to learn new things and how quickly they've picked it all up.  They have created some great displays to show their learning!  Don't forget about the extra credit project, due next Wednesday 4/17.

3rd Reading

Third grade had a great week. They continued reading their Avi novels. The students are really enjoying the adventures their novels are taking them on!

4th Reading

Fourth grade had a busy week. They took the STAAR Writing test on Tuesday. On the days in TAG, students worked on their award winning novel studies. Students selected a novel that has won one of the notable literary awards (Bluebonnet, Belpre, Newbery, Children's Literature Award). They jumped into reading their books and planning their culminating project.

5th Reading

Fifth grade had a short week in TAG. We started the week off on Monday by having a game day. Students had the opportunity to play the games their classmates made connected to the "Mysterious Benedict Society" novel. It was a lot of fun!
They then completed their math and reading STAAR tests this week. They rejoined their TAG classes on Thursday and continued work on their graphic novel unit.

Have a great weekend, see you next week!

Important Dates:

4/16 PTA Meeting and 2nd grade performance 6:00pm

4/19 Holiday-No School
4/24 1st Grade Sip N'See 3:00pm
4/25 2nd Grade Field Trip 9:30am
TAG Showcase at Westwood HS 5:30pm
4/29 4th Grade Field Trip 11:00am
4/29-5/3 Book Fair

News for 4/1

April is off to a great start. We have been busy and learning a lot. We are looking forward to a great month!

1st Grade Talent Development

First graders have had a good week in TAG.  With the field trip on Monday and the excitement of the eggs coming to their homerooms, we have had limited time together.  But, the time we have had has been great- they are all in a great place with their ISPs and we have worked some on building our stick bridges.  They are really working hard and it's so fun to see!

2nd Grade Talent Development

Second grade students are working hard to wrap up their ISP projects. Each day we work hard and get closer to having everyone done. The projects are turning out great!

3rd Grade Math

Third graders have had a great week exploring measurement using metric and customary units.  We spent one day estimating the capacity of various household containers, and then deciding what size graduated cylinder to use to measure the actual capacity.  We had some surprises!  We also had a Measurement Marathon for a couple of days.  Students practiced measuring weight, capacity, length and time using everything from sponges to cotton balls to iPads, with lots in between!

4th Grade Math

Fourth graders spent the week in their homerooms working hard on their writing skills during Cruise Write Along.  We are looking forward to being together again next week!

5th Grade Math

Fifth graders have continued with our data analysis unit.  We have learned lots of new vocabulary and concepts.  We have practiced with mean, median, mode, range, first and third quartiles and interquartile range in  class this week.  I have been so proud of the way all of them have been so open minded and flexible in learning new concepts that are pretty tough to grasp.  They have done a beautiful job and are looking and acting more like mature middle schoolers every day!  Be on the lookout for information on a project involving all of this new knowledge soon!

3rd Reading

Third grade had fun this week with a visit to the library to launch our culminating activity. Each student selected a novel by author Avi. They will read the novel and then complete a project of choice to demonstrate a major understanding or take away from the story. We are looking forward to seeing the creations everyone comes up with.

4th Reading

Fourth grade spent the week in their homeroom classes participating in Cruise Write Along. We look forward to getting together next week!

5th Reading

Fifth grade wrapped up the Mysterious Benedict Society games and took their final comprehension test over the novel. We then visited the library to learn about the culminating activity to accompany our final unit on Graphic Novels. The students will create original projects to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the story line or major take away from each of their graphic novels. We are looking forward to seeing where everyone's creativity leads them! 

Have a great weekend, see you next week!

Important Dates:

4/9 STAAR 4th & 5th grade

4/10 STAAR 5th grade
4/11 4th grade field trip 9:00am
4/16 PTA Meeting and 2nd grade performance 6:00pm
4/19 Holiday-No School
4/24 1st Grade Sip N'See 3:00pm
4/25 2nd Grade Field Trip 9:30am
4/29 4th Grade Field Trip 11:00am
4/29-5/3 Book Fair

News for 3/25

March has come to a close and April is around the corner. We have had a busy month and are looking forward to a great April full of learning and fun!

1st Grade Talent Development

First graders have had a great week of learning.  All students have finished writing their research papers and are moving on to creating their display boards for their ISPs.  They are doing a fabulous job!

2nd Grade Talent Development

Second grade students continued to work on their ISP projects. Students are wrapping up their research and are beginning to work on their presentation boards. They are looking forward to the showcase on April 25th.

3rd Grade Math

Third graders have had a great week of learning.  We started a new unit on measurement, and dove right in by working with customary units of weight.  We used two types of scales to weigh lots of objects, and made some surprising discoveries about how much some items weighed!  We played several Kahoot! games to solidify our knowledge as well.  We moved on to units of capacity later in the week.  We started with a conversation about ounces versus fluid ounces, and moved on from their.  We explored all customary units of capacity using Gallon Guy, and making predictions about how many smaller units would fit into bigger ones.  Lots of great learning going on!  We ended the week with a day to work on ISPs.  They are making great progress, and keeping up with the expected timeline so well!

4th Grade Math

Fourth graders had an abbreviated week in TAG due to STAAR Ready testing in homerooms.  We spent a couple of days on Financial Literacy, reviewing how to calculate profit in a business situation and learning about the types of taxes.  They've had some good work time on their ISPs as well, and are making great progress toward their projects being done! 

5th Grade Math

Fifth graders started a new unit this week on Data Analysis and Representation.  We've explored Dot Plots, Stem and Leaf Plots, and Histograms so far.  We've also talked about circumstances that yield variability and how to calculate percentages on bar graphs.  It's been a great week of learning, and discussing how to deepen our learning with concepts they've been familiar with for a few years.  It's so exciting to watch them learn new things and take their quest for new knowledge to a deeper level!

3rd Reading

Third grade wrapped up our novel "Regarding the Fountain: A Tale, In Letters, Lies and Leaks" by Kate Klise. The students participated in some activities connected to the novel this week. We created a postage stamp connected to a character, scene, or theme from the book. They also played "Who Said It" where they tried to figure out which character said the quote. Lastly, they completed a comprehension quiz over the novel. They topped off the week by creating their own fountains using the Bloxels app and materials.

4th Reading

Fourth grade had a short week this week with STAAR Ready exams occurring. They will be participating in Cruise Write Along with their classes next week. I am looking forward to hearing their writing!

5th Reading

Fifth grade is wrapping up their Benedict Society games. Each group has been hard at work and we are looking forward to a fun game day next week! 
We also paid a visit to the library this week to kick off our final unit of the year, Graphic Novels! The students are excited to explore this relatively new genre.

Have a great Spring Break, see you in a week!

Important Dates:

4/1 1st grade field Trip 9:30am

4/1-5 4th grade Cruise Write-Along
4/9 STAAR 4th & 5th grade
4/10 STAAR 5th grade
4/11 4th grade field trip 9:00am