May 16th-May 20th

General Announcements:	Thank you for the kindness you have shown to us not only last week through teacher appreciation, but throughout this entire school year! We are grateful for your support! We have loved having your children and truly hope we can keep up with them through the years! This week is still a full week of learning :-) Next week's schedule: Monday (5/23): Full day- Afternoon Ice Cream Party Tuesday (5/24): Full day Wednesday (5/25): Dismissal at 12:45 Thursday (5/26): Dismissal at 11:00 Friday (5/27): First day of SUMMER vacation !!!!!! Our end of the year ice cream party is May 23rd. Please click here to sign up if you want to send in an item! All Library books are due this week. Please be sure your child has turned in their books. This week, we will also be turning in textbooks. Please be sure your child has their Sciencesaurus textbook and their 2 hardcover math books at school and ready to turn in this week. Medications are NOT held in the Health Room from one school year to the next.  Students are not allowed to carry their own medications as policy states by the State Department of Education.  Therefore, an adult will need to pick up your child’s medication by noon on May 26. Any medication that is left in the Health Room will be discarded after noon on May 26, 2016 BGIS First Priority will be collecting items to help stock a local food bank that helps Hoover students and families. The food bank needs the following items: Jelly peanut butter canned meat: tuna, chicken, spam, ... Peanut butter crackers Donations may be dropped off in the boxes each morning in the front lobby or in Room 324 Thanks for your support!
Language Arts:	The students need to read "Why do we collect parasites" on Tween Tribune this week. Please make sure your child has a chapter book to be reading at home.  We are finishing up writing narratives this week! The kids will be editing their stories on their chromebooks. The kids will have their last  Greek and Latin Roots quiz on Unit 9 words Thursday, May 19th. The Greek and Latin Roots homework is due on Wednesday, May 18th if it is not finished in class. We have a Grammar IXL contract this week that covers skills B.1, B.2, E.2, JJJ.1, and JJJ.3 (Level G). It is due Friday, May 20th.
Social Studies:	We are completing our unit on the Civil War. We are finishing up a booklet with all the Civil War information.  We will have a Civil War Test on Tuesday, May 17th. A study guide will came home today for students to start to look over last Tuesday and I have posted a review game in google classroom. The Civil War book will be taken up for a test grade on Tuesday, May 17th.
Math:	This week students will take our final unit test on Multiplying and Dividing Decimals. Students may take this Test....Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday this week. We reviewed in class and prepared last week for this test. We played a couple of review games in class today as extra practice. Thirty students actually took the test today.    We will continue problem solving practice and Number Talks as time allows between now and our last day of school (next Thursday)! . Let me say that your child's math toolbox should be overflowing with Math knowledge. I am so pleased at how hard they have each worked this school year!   NO Cumulative Review as homework this week. We will complete a Cumulative Review in class. There are NO NEW IXL skills this week.
Science:	STUDY GUIDE came home today for our Unit Test on Earth's Place in the Universe.  There is also a copy of the study guide information on the Science page of this blog: http://mcnielponder.blogspot.com/p/science.html  We reviewed in class today and will review again tomorrow for our Earth Science TEST THIS WEDNESDAY.  The test will be taken online and will be multiple choice, true/false, matching, or word bank.  The test is knowledge and application of the activities we have been doing in class for the past couple of weeks.   THIS IS OUR LAST SCIENCE TEST for 5th grade :-)

May 9th-13th

General Announcements:	Please ASK your child if they have pencils. We still have a few weeks of learning :-)  Our end of the year ice cream party is May 23rd. Please click here to sign up if you want to send in an item! Hoover City Schools Middle School transition night is TONIGHT- May 9th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Bumpus, Simmons, and Berry. Students and parents can visit any of our Hoover middle schools and get an overview of classes and activities available to students.We will not be visiting Bumpus at a separate time this school year (*The rezoning is pending court approval). For more information click on the following: Hoover Middle  A note from BGIS Music teacher, Mrs. Vines:   Fifth grade parents, It's time for your students to return their recorder books to the music room.  We've had great success this year with letting students take these books home but they do have to be returned by the end of the school year. If they have been lost or irreparably damaged they need to be paid for as soon as possible. They are $5.00 each and can be paid for on myschoolfees.com. Thank you!  Medications are NOT held in the Health Room from one school year to the next.  Students are not allowed to carry their own medications as policy states by the State Department of Education.  Therefore, an adult will need to pick up your child’s medication by noon on May 26. Any medication that is left in the Health Room will be discarded after noon on May 26, 2016 Schedule for the last week of school:Normal days on Monday and Tuesday (23rd and 24th), dismissal at 12:45 on Wednesday (25th), and dismissal at 11:00 on Thursday (26th). School's out for summer! BGIS First Priority will be collecting items to help stock a local food bank that helps Hoover students and families. The food bank needs the following items: Jelly peanut butter canned meat: tuna, chicken, spam, ... Peanut butter crackers Donations may be dropped off in the boxes each morning in the front lobby or in Room 324 Thanks for your support!
Language Arts:	The students need to read "Researchers use drones to control fires"  on Tween Tribune this week. There will be a spotlight reader on Friday, May 13th! Please make sure your child has a chapter book to be reading at home.  We are writing narratives this week! The kids will be brainstorming ideas for a story The kids will have a Greek and Latin Roots quiz Friday, May 13th. We have a Grammar IXL contract this week that covers skills TT.9, AAA.2, EEE.1, HHH.1, HHH.2, and III.3 (Level G). It is due Friday, May 13th.
Social Studies:	We are in our unit on the Civil War. This week we will talk about the life of a soldiers, important battles, and how the war ended. We are creating a booklet with all the Civil War information.  We will have a Civil War Test on Tuesday, May 17th. A study guide will come home today for students to start to look over. The Civil War book will be taken up for a test grade on Monday, May 16th.
Math:	We are still working on our multiplication and dividing decimals unit.  We are also doing lots of problem solving as a review of just about everything we have learned this school year. Let me say that your child's math toolbox should be overflowing with Math knowledge.  NO Cumulative Review tonight. I plan to send home a decimals study guide as a review for our last Unit test which will be next week. IXL activities will are due THIS Thursday, May 12th, by the end of the day. Class time has been given EVERY morning to work on these activities.  Level G- J2, Y1, Y4, Y8, Y9, Y10, and Z31.
Science:	We are enjoying our new unit called Earth's Place in the Universe.  We are learning about different sizes of stars, their apparent, and absolute brightness.  We are learning how one factor (relative distance from Earth) determines the apparent brightness of the sun compared to other stars.  Grade will be taken on activities done in class. There will be a Science Test next week or this week, if we finish in time.

May 2nd-9th

General Announcements:	Please ASK your child if they have pencils. We still have a few weeks of learning :-) A note from BGIS Music teacher, Mrs. Vines:   Fifth grade parents, It's time for your students to return their recorder books to the music room.  We've had great success this year with letting students take these books home but they do have to be returned by the end of the school year. If they have been lost or irreparably damaged they need to be paid for as soon as possible. They are $5.00 each and can be paid for on myschoolfees.com. In May I will send emails to individuals who still need to return their books.  In case you're wondering, here is what they look like: Hoover City Schools Middle School transition night will be May 9th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Bumpus, Simmons, and Berry. Students and parents can visit any of our Hoover middle schools and get an overview of classes and activities available to students.We will not be visiting Bumpus at a separate time this school year (*The rezoning is pending court approval). For more information click on the following: Hoover Middle A note from the Bumpus Bulletin: The PTO is excited to announce that School Supply Kits will be available to order again this year. To order go to www.ShopTTKits.com and enter account number: 30971. Orders must be placed by May 25, 2016. 6th grade $60.00 7th grade $50.00 8th grade $65.00 All materials needed for the school year are included EXCEPT ear buds (6th and 7th grades) and calculators (all grades). Students will be given details on the calculators when they start school in the fall. These kits are for Bumpus Students only. These are not the Supply Kits for Simmons students. All ordering must be done online. Print your SchoolKidz receipt and bring it with you to registration to pick up your supplies! Registration is scheduled for August 2, 2016. Any questions contact LeAnna at (205)447-0089. Parents Medications are NOT held in the Health Room from one school year to the next.  Students are not allowed to carry their own medications as policy states by the State Department of Education.  Therefore, an adult will need to pick up your child’s medication by noon on May 26. Any medication that is left in the Health Room will be discarded after noon on May 26, 2016 BGIS First Priority will be collecting items to help stock a local food bank that helps Hoover students and families. The food bank needs the following items: Jelly peanut butter canned meat: tuna, chicken, spam, ... Peanut butter crackers Donations may be dropped off in the boxes each morning in the front lobby or in Room 324 Thanks for your support!
Language Arts:	The students need to read "5th grader's letter prompts decision on money"  on Tween Tribune this week. There will be a spotlight reader on Friday, May 6th! Please make sure your child has a chapter book to be reading at home.  We are finishing up reading "All Summer in a Day" in class this week. We are discussing figurative language and doing a creative writing prompt. The kids will have a Vocabulary and comprehension quiz Thursday, May 5th.   We have a Grammar IXL contract this week that covers skills UU.1, VV.2, ZZ.1, AAA.1, DDD.1 and FFF.1 (Level G). It is due Friday, May 6th.
Social Studies:	We are beginning our unit on the Civil War. This week we will talk about the start of the war and the differences between the Union and Confederate army. We will be creating a booklet with all the Civil War information.  We will have a Civil War Test on May 17th.
Math:	We are still working on our multiplication and dividing decimals unit.  We are also doing lots of problem solving as a review of just about everything we have learned this school year. Let me say that your child's math toolbox should be overflowing with Math knowledge. Cumulative Review #24 was assigned Monday and was due today! New IXL activities will be assigned tomorrow and will be due next Thursday.   Math IXL Level G-  Z,31,Y8, Y9, Y10, J2
Science:	We will also be starting a new unit called Earth's Place in the Universe.  We are learning about different sizes of stars, their apparent, and absolute brightness.  We are learning how one factor (relative distance from Earth) determines the apparent brightness of the sun compared to other stars.  Grade will be taken on activities done in class. There will be a Science Test next week.

April 24-29, 2016

General Announcements:	The deadline for ordering a BGIS yearbook has been extended until April 29th. You can pay the $35 at myschoolfees.com A note from BGIS MUSIC TEACHER, Mrs. Vines:   Parents,  There is a band concert on Tuesday May 10th at 7:00.  Every year I have some fifth graders perform a few pieces we've learned in music class on that concert.  I am in need of at least 15 more students to join us for that concert.  I know this is a busy time of year but I'd appreciate any encouragement you can give your children to join us. You can email me if your child is interested and I can give you all of the details. Thank you for encouraging your child in the arts,  Lisa Vines, Music Teacher, lvines@hoover.k12.al.us Next Monday, May 2nd will be Elementary and Intermediate Transition Night.  Students will go to their Elementary schools from 5:30-6:30.  The Intermediate Transition will be from 6:30-7:30.  Students will be able to visit their new elementary or intermediate school to see the facilities, meet teachers, and learn more about the programs within the schools. Hoover City Schools Middle School transition night (The rezoning is pending court approval) will be May 9th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Bumpus, Simmons, and Berry. Students and parents can visit their new middle school and get an overview of classes and activities available to students.We will not be visiting Bumpus at a separate time this school year. For more information click on the following: Hoover Middle Our front office has created a document that will help as you navigate our recent zoning changes.  Please see this link for information on what students will attend Brock’s Gap:  Brock's Gap Rezoning Information Please send in pencils for your child. They have emptied their supply of pencils for the year and need to restock for the last month of school!
Language Arts:	The students need to read "Beverly Cleary turns 100"  on Tween Tribune this week. There will be a spotlight reader on Friday, April 29nd! Please make sure your child has a chapter book to be reading at home.  We are finishing up reading "The Coming of the Surfman" in class this week. We have been comparing and contrasting characters and discuss plot maps. The kids will have a Vocabulary and comprehension quiz TOMORROW, Tuesday, April 26th.   We have a Grammar IXL contract this week that covers skills NN.1, NN.2, OO.1, and OO.2 (Level G). It is due Friday, April 29nd.
Social Studies:	We are beginning our unit on the Civil War. This week we will talk about the differences between the north and the south during this time, look at them on a map, and discuss the events leading to the Civil War. This is always a favorite topic and we look forward to lots of fun activities and projects!
Math:	We are still working on our multiplication and dividing decimals unit.   Cumulative Review #23 was assigned today and is due WEDNESDAY. Here is the Link for Cumulative Review #23.  I postponed last week's quiz to this week. We will have a Cumulative Review quiz THIS THURSDAY that covers Cumulative Review #22 and #23. IXL was due today and no new activities have been assigned yet this week.
Science:	Today we finished our last few articles in the latest edition of Science World and enjoyed a Trivia game (Boys vs. Girls).  We will also be starting a new unit called Earth's Place in the Universe. We will be learning how one factor (relative distance from Earth) determines the apparent brightness of the sun compared to other stars.  We will learn to analyze data and represent with graphs to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky (shadows and the position and motion of Earth with respect to the sun, visibility of select stars only in particular months). Grades will be taken on activities done in class.

April 18th-22nd

General Announcements No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.”	TOMORROW night-Tuesday, April 19th is BGIS Fine Arts Night/PTO from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Permission forms are due TOMORROW  for your child  to watch the maturation video and participate in a follow-up discussion with local pediatricians.  These activities will take place Thursday, April 21nd.  Thank you so much for sending in snacks and drinks for the students to enjoy after the ACT ASPIRE testing last week! It was a great reward for their hard work!!  Your child should have brought home their 6th Grade course selection sheet today. Please complete it and send back to school by this FRIDAY. For more information about this process, you can watch the following videos:   Berry 6th grade Berry Middle school video link Bumpus 6th grade http://bit.ly/6thCR Bumpus Simmons 6th grade http://bit.ly/1YvUrWt The deadline for ordering a BGIS yearbook has been extended until April 29th. You can pay the $35 at myschoolfees.com  Let your child's teacher know if you need a yearbook order form.  Hoover City Schools Middle School transition night will be May 9th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Bumpus, Simmons, and Berry. Students and parents can visit their new middle school and get an overview of classes and activities available to students.We will not be visiting Bumpus at a separate time this school year (The rezoning is pending court approval). For more information click on the following: HOOVER MIDDLE SCHOOL TRANSITION NIGHT FLYER
Language Arts:	The students need to read "Researchers gathering more data on orcas"  on Tween Tribune this week. There will be a spotlight reader on Friday, April 22nd! Please make sure your child has a chapter book to be reading at home.  We are reading "The Coming of the Surfman" in class this week. We will be comparing and contrasting characters and discuss plot maps. The kids will have a vocabulary and comprehension quiz next Tuesday, April 26th.   We will not have a Grammar IXL contract this week. We will be completing the test review contract I assigned before testing. It is due Friday, April 22nd. Several of the kids completed it and turned it in already, so they will be able to focus on the math IXL contract.
Social Studies:	We are our unit on slavery and the Civil War.  We will have a quiz on April 19th over slavery and reform. I have created a quizizz to review for the quiz (code is 605600).   After our unit on slavery, we will talk about the Civil War. This week we will talk about the causes and the differences between the north and the south during this time. This is always a favorite topic and we look forward to lots of fun activities and projects!
Math:	Today we started our Multiplying and Dividing Decimals Unit. New IXL activities were assigned today and are due next Monday. Students have homeroom time to get started on these activities every morning. Here is the link for IXL for April 18th-22nd  Cumulative review #22 was assigned today and is due Thursday. We will have a short quiz on Friday
Science:	We are enjoying our latest issue of Science World, We are reading and discussing the many different interesting articles. Today we discussed "Save the Bees." Ask your child if they remember how many important crops are pollinated by bees. Grades will be taken on activities done in class.

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