What to Bring on the 1st Day.....

Back Pack should have the following:
*water bottle
*sunscreen
*lip balm
*tissues
*wipes
*large plastic baggie
*small plastic baggie
(put small plastic baggie inside large one with babywipes, tp, and small hand sanitizer)
*rain gear ONLY IF RAIN IS PREDICTED ON MONDAY
*journal in plastic baggie (the one you left on your desk)
*bandana
*bag lunch- completely disposable

Wear the following:
*hiking boots
*dry socks
*long pants
*long sleeve shirt
*5th grade t-shirt (the green one)over the long-sleeve shirt
*warm jacket
*hat (beanie for cold/cap)


If you get car sick "sea bands" can be purchased at Target for $10

REMEMBER TO BRING A BOOK on MONDAY......

Science Camp Packing List......

Required Clothing and Equipment

This list is for all HI participants.  While going through the list, keep in mind the number of days you will be at our campus.  Check off item once it’s packed.  Great places to find these items:  REI, Any Mountain, The Sports Basement (on Stevens Creek), Mel Cottons, Sports Authority, The Mountain View Army Supply (on Bascom) 

PLEASE LABEL EVERY SINGLE ITEM WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME ON IT!

WATERPROOF EVERYTHING!

Required for Hiking Day

__        Lunch from home on the first day only.

__        Day pack – large enough for lunch, jacket, rain gear, journal and water bottle

__        Water Bottle – unbreakable, leak-proof one quart (or more) plastic bottle without a straw -  Drinking water bottles (e.g. Calistoga, Evian, etc) are fine.

__        Rain gear – complete rain jacket and pants (coated nylon is best)

__        Sunscreen – SPF 30 or higher

__        Lip balm with SPF (avoid “Chapstick” brand)

__        Hats – (1) for sun protection, (1) for warmth

__        Gloves

__        Foot gear – sturdy, ankle supporting and waterproofed for hiking.  Break in at least one month prior to your trip and make sure students have practiced tying them.

__        Jacket – stuffable nylon or thick fleece is a good choice

__        Inhaler if you need it while hiking

__        Emergency “I have to go the bathroom out in the wilderness” Kit: (2) Gallon-sized Ziplock baggies, (4-5) One quart baggies, handsanitizer, travel-sized bathroom wipes, travel-sized tissue

__        (Pencil and journal to be provided by your teacher)

__        Bandana scarf (lunch placemat on our daily hikes)

Required for Overnight (after 4 p.m.)

__        Foot gear – in addition to the hiking pair, bring a pair of rubber-soled tennis shoes to wear on campus

__        Warm sleeping bag and pillow (sheet and thick blankets are fine) – pack in a large garbage bag –practice rolling it up!

__        Long pants – bring at least (3) extra pair

__        Shirts – (4-5) are needed, long sleeve are best to accommodate the changes in weather.

__        Warm layers- (2-3) sweat shirts (in case of rain)

__        Socks and underwear – one pair per day plus one extra (a few thick hiking socks if possible)

__        Pajamas or equivalent (sweats, etc.)

__        Toiletries – comb or brush, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc. (travel bottles best – label w/name)

__        Bath towel and washcloth

__        Sandals to wear in the shower

__        Personal medications, as needed (please fill out the medication form provided, place in a Ziplock baggie with your child’s name labeled clearly – give to child’s teacher the morning of departure)

__        (2 -3) extra large plastic garbage bags – 1 for sitting on in case of rain, 1 for repacking sleeping bag and pillow/dirty clothes

__        Rolling suitcase suggested– students will need to carry all of their own gear

Optional

__        One twin-sized fitted sheet (highly recommended)

__        Sunglasses

__        Camera (disposable is best in case of rain)

__        Stuffed animal/picture from home

__        Alarm clock (adults only)

__        Flash light (adults only)

DO NOT BRING

·         CANDY, SODAS, OR EXTRA FOOD OF ANY KIND (except for lunch on the first day) If you have special dietary needs, please contact your child’s teacher

·         Electrical or batter powered equipment:  cell phones, video games, CD players, iPods, etc.  (adult chaperons may bring lap tops and cell phones)

Incoming Parent Night for Moreland Middle School

Don't miss this informational night about Moreland Middle School
 When:  Jan. 23
 Where:  MMS M.U. Room
 Time:  6:00 p.m.

Tour Dates:  Feb 5 or Feb. 12  (Please RSVP at least 2 days in advance)
Please call 874-3301 to sign up for the info night and/or tour

*5th Grade Showcase visit has been planned for March 15 (we will take a bus over for the visit)

********************************************************************************
EDS Tours:  Please call 874-3501 to schedule the informational coffe and classroom tours

T.Y.

Welcome Back!
Just wanted to Thank room 30 for the wonderful classroom gift. I definitely love shopping at Macy's and REI. Thank You for your thoughtfulness. Hope each and everyone of you had a wonderful winter break. Happy 2013! ~~ Miss B. ;}

Registration for Science Camp

Dear 5th Grade Parents,

  Before you know it, Science Camp will be here. We would like to thank you for completing your child’s registration form and sending in camp fees.
  Winter break was an excellent opportunity to start breaking in hiking boots. Students need time to break them in before our camp week. You should have received the packing list with the registration form. You may also view this list on our class blog sites. We have attached the Headlands Institute Retail Items which you can purchase via fax form or email.

  Over winter break was an ideal time to have your child participate in sleepovers. Some students have never experienced sleeping away from home. Your child will also benefit from you teaching them how to roll up a sleeping bag and packing their own bag. Hopefully your child had a chance to practice rolling up their sleeping bag over the holiday break which will certainly relieve anxiety during Science Camp week.

  Mark your calendars for a mandatory parent meeting that will be held on January 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the Multi-Use Room at Country Lane. The following information will be covered:
*A slide show from last year’s camp experience
*Discuss our daily agenda and activities
*Safety precautions
*Previous parent chaperones and 5th graders will share their experiences
*Answer questions from the audience Science Camp is truly the highlight of your child’s elementary experience.

  This is our 17th year participating at the Marin Headlands Institute camp. You can check out their website at www.naturebridge.org. Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher should you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Kim Grove
Nicole Bustillos
Linda Levitz
Kelly Enrico                                 

C.L. Food Drive

    

Second Harvest Food Drive

You CAN make a difference!

Join us as we make CANtributions to support children and families in our very own community who are struggling with hunger.   We CAN help!   Each year, the Moreland community shows tremendous support for our annual Second Harvest Food Drive by contributing to the food drive to ensure our friends, families, and neighbors have enough to eat. 

The Second Harvest Food Drive begins on October 25th and ends on November 16th.  Please help:

·      Donate funds at www.donate.shfb.org  (Choose your school.)

·      Donate food in barrels located in the office or a classroom (Single Serving, No Glass)

o     Meals in a can

o     Peanut butter

o     Tuna/canned meat

o     Canned fruits/vegetables

o     100% fruit juice

o     Low sugar cereal

·      Spread the word

o     Post information about the food drive on your Facebook

o     Email your friends or family members information about donating on behalf of your school

Last year, Country Lane  collected  1,733 pounds of food.  This year, you CAN help us reach our goal to collect ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ more than 12,000 pounds by donating to our drive.

In 2011, the entire Moreland community donated more than 12,000 pounds of food.  If every Moreland student and staff member were to donate 15 cans, we could donate more than 72,000 cans to help friends in need in our community.    

Oct. Newsletter

                                                                                                   October 24, 2012

           

Dear Fifth Grade Families,

Our first trimester will end in just a couple of weeks.  Students should be close to achieving their AR goals of five books.  Continue to look in their Wednesday folders for AR quiz reports.  Here is a look at what is happening in 5^th Grade.

SCRIP Fundraising is still available through the month of October to apply toward Science Camp.

Reading Flex Groups:

Our students are currently divided into four groups based on their reading needs.  Our team spent time reviewing data from last year’s STAR results, our first ELA Benchmark assessment, AR levels, and current class performance.  Every effort is being made to differentiate the needs of all of our 5^th graders.  The reading theme this session will be “Survival”.  Various novels and activities have been selected.  Students will focus on comprehension, vocabulary, reading strategies, participate in book talks, and respond to icon structured worksheets.  The true meaning of flexing is creating flexibility for our 5^th graders.  Students will be moving to appropriate leveled groups throughout the year as class performance and Benchmark Assessments indicate their current needs.

Writing: These past weeks have included instruction to the 6 Traits of Writing.  Students have engaged in many mini lessons and have had the opportunity to write a several rough draft pieces.  The focus this month is Narrative writing.

Speech:

We will soon begin working on the District Speech contest.  The topic this year will be “Be the Change:  What I Can Do to Make a Difference.”  Brainstorming and preliminary writing lessons will begin in the classroom.  Students will also be coached in appropriate speech techniques.  Some writing and speech practice will need to be completed at home.   All students are required to participate in the preliminary activity.  Those who want to participate in the speech contest will present to their individual classrooms. Two representatives from each classroom will compete in our school tournament to be held on November 14. The District has asked us to select one boy and one girl to be the finalists who will represent Country Lane in the final speech tournament on December 6, at 7:00 p.m., at Moreland Middle School.

Math:

We are halfway through Chapter 3, where the focus is on Geometry.  Students are continuing to work on JiJi, Problems of the Week, breaking down word problems, and using a variety of strategies to find solutions. These will help them explain their processes and be ready for the MARS test in March.  Miss Enrico is always available before school, after school, recess, and lunch to go over any concepts that are confusing.  Enrichment packets are available for students to complete for more challenging problems and extra credit.

Science:

Students have completed Chapter 1 (Lessons 1, 2, and 3) The Structure of Living Things. Students were tested on this unit on October 8.  So far the students have had the opportunity to do investigations and work on note-taking strategies.  We are now into our next chapter: Plant Structures and Functions.

Social Studies:

We have completed our Native American unit.  Cooperative learning was the key as students worked in small groups to focus on one particular tribe.  They created warrior shields and presented their information to the rest of the class. This gave the rest of the class the opportunity to take notes from a presentation.  We are currently learning about U.S. Government and tying this to our Presidential Election. Classes continue to work in their interactive notebooks, learning non-fiction strategies for reading and beginning note-taking.  Notebooks will be collected at the end of each unit.

Research Report:  Our first report will be a biographical assignment on a historical explorer.  Details will be sent home with your child in a couple of week and will be posted on the blogs.  A major goal for this assignment will be to instruct students on how to plan out a long term project.

Back Packs:  Attention Parents!  We need your help in checking the contents of your child’s back pack.  Many students are carrying unnecessary items and overloading their bags.  Here is a check list of daily items needed:

-          Binder w/planner & homework folder

-          Pencil bag (not a box) –  glue stick, pencils, correcting pen, highlighter, post-its, colored pencils, …..no need for color markers

-          1 reading book

-          Math Study Links

-          Math Journal (math class only)

Students may need to take home the following for homework:

-          Science workbook or journal  (usually needed in class on Thursdays/Fridays)

-          Social Studies Interactive Notebook

-          Reading Textbook (rarely) or Flex Group reading book

Students have many gadgets and small toys that should be left at home!  Some have extra lunch boxes left from the day before. Thank you for your help in this matter.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

Sincerely,

Kim Grove                  Nicole Bustillos                       

kgrove@moreland.org     nbustillos@moreland.org              

Kelly Enrico                    Linda Levitz

kenrico@moreland.org         llevitz@moreland.org