Happy New Year! This January, our 4th graders are diving into the California Gold Rush and exploring energy concepts in science. In 5th grade, students are studying the Colonial Era and the American Revolution while investigating matter and energy in science. Our 6th graders are learning about Ancient Hebrew culture and exploring traits in science. We’re excited for a month full of discovery and learning!

4th Grade

1. Gold Rush Journal: Write a diary entry from the perspective of a gold prospector. Include details about the journey, challenges, and discoveries.
2. Energy Exploration: Build a simple windmill or water wheel using household items to demonstrate energy transfer.
3. Nature Walk: Observe how plants and animals adapt to winter. Sketch findings and write about how energy flows in the ecosystem.
4. Practical Math: Measure the perimeter or area of household objects or rooms, connecting to geometry skills. Continuing practicing Multiplication facts at home. 

5th Grade

1. Colonial Crafts: Try candle dipping, making a quill pen, or baking a colonial-inspired recipe like cornbread or molasses cookies.
2. Energy and Matter Experiment: Create a simple model of the water cycle or an experiment showing how matter changes states (e.g., freezing water into ice).
3. Family History Project: Explore family ancestry and compare it to migration patterns during the Colonial Era or American Revolution.
4. Creative Writing: Write a story set during the American Revolution, incorporating historical figures and events.
5. Math Games: Play math-based board games or card games (e.g., "Math Bingo," "Fraction War," or "Multiplication Memory") to reinforce multiplication, division, and fraction skills in a fun, interactive way.

6th Grade

1. Ancient Hebrew Map: Create a 3D map of significant locations in ancient Hebrew history using salt dough or clay.
2. Trait Exploration: Discuss inherited and learned traits in the family, and create a chart showing similarities and differences among family members.
3. Energy in Action: Build a simple solar oven using foil and a pizza box to observe how energy is harnessed.
4. Philosophical Discussion: Reflect on the concept of justice and laws, comparing ancient Hebrew practices to modern systems.
5. Math Games: Play math-based board games or card games (e.g., "Math Bingo," "Fraction War," or "Multiplication Memory") to reinforce multiplication, division, and fraction skills in a fun, interactive way.

In the Leader in Me program, upper elementary students are focusing on building strong relationships and fostering personal accountability. They are learning about Accountability Partners, where students support one another in setting and achieving goals. The concept of Emotional Bank Accounts helps students understand how positive actions, like kindness and trust, contribute to strengthening relationships. Additionally, they are exploring Building Relationship Trust, emphasizing the importance of honesty, dependability, and effective communication in creating meaningful and respectful connections. These lessons contribute to a collaborative and supportive classroom environment.

Students in upper elementary are focusing on informational writing this month. They are learning to research, organize, and present factual information clearly and effectively. Through engaging projects, students practice skills such as note-taking, outlining, and drafting while exploring topics related to their studies in history, science, and other subjects. This work helps them develop critical thinking, writing fluency, and the ability to communicate knowledge in a structured and meaningful way.

• 1/4/2025 Monthly Dine-Out Rubios
• 1/8/2025 School Resumes
• 1/10/2025 Leader In Me Assemblies
• 1/16/2025 Coffee Mingle, End of Semester 1
• 1/20/2025 MLK Day No School
• 1/22/2025 Minimum Day 
• 1/24/2025 Fire and Evacuation Drill
• 1/27-1/28/2025 Schoolwide Hearing/Vision Screening
• 1/31/2025 Spirit Day: Dress like a Teacher