HW - Thursday, 2/28

1.  Ruskin Reads - 30 minutes 

"Reading Is Cool" Goal of the Month:  MOST BOOKS READ 
Remember: read your Accelerated Reader (ZPD) Book and take the Quiz in class...and ADD UP THE PAGES YOU HAVE READ!

2.  RuskinFIT (Physical Exercise) - 30 minutes

3.  Spelling Activity

4.  Reading Comprehension -  "The Martian Landing that Never Happened" (writing questions only)

5.  Wordly Wise 17e (Test tomorrow)

6.  Language Arts
- Workbook pgs. 302-303, 305-308 (started in class)
7.  My Math Class

-- Textbook pgs. 198-199

-- Workbook pgs. 115-116

8.  Science - pgs. 210-213

9.  History -  pgs. none

NOTES:

• All late or missing work needs to be finished and turned in by MONDAY (extended).
• Two students are celebrating their birthdays this Friday at lunch.  Their parents will be providing pizza and ice cream for the class.  If you would prefer to send your child to school with a lunch or have them get a hot lunch from the cafeteria, that is your parental prerogative and it will be respected.  Just have your child let me know as soon as possible.  Thank you.
• Next Tuesday is the writing assessment.  We are reviewing strategies for it this week.
• We started reading Island of the Blue Dolphins as our classroom novel this week.
• If you are missing your TenMarks password and ID (which are the same) and/or SumDog password and ID (which are NOT the same), please contact me.

HW - Wednesday, 2/27

1.  Ruskin Reads - 30 minutes 

"Reading Is Cool" Goal of the Month:  MOST BOOKS READ 
Remember: read your Accelerated Reader (ZPD) Book and take the Quiz in class...and ADD UP THE PAGES YOU HAVE READ!

2.  RuskinFIT (Physical Exercise) - 30 minutes

3.  Spelling Activity

4.  Reading Comprehension -  "The Martian Landing that Never Happened" (reading questions only)

5.  Wordly Wise 17e (due Friday)

6.  Language Arts
- Workbook pgs. 298-301 (started in class)
7.  My Math Class

-- Textbook pgs. 196-197

-- Workbook pgs. 112-114

8.  Science - pgs. none

9.  History -  pgs. none

NOTES:

• All late or missing work needs to be finished and turned in by this Friday.
• Two students are celebrating their birthdays this Friday at lunch.  Their parents will be providing pizza and ice cream for the class.  If you would prefer to send your child to school with a lunch or have them get a hot lunch from the cafeteria, that is your parental prerogative and it will be respected.  Just have your child let me know as soon as possible.  Thank you.
• Next Tuesday is the writing assessment.  We are reviewing strategies for it this week.
• Lastly, we started reading Island of the Blue Dolphins as our classroom novel.

HW - Tuesday, 2/26

1.  Ruskin Reads - 30 minutes 

"Reading Is Cool" Goal of the Month:  MOST BOOKS READ 
Remember: read your Accelerated Reader (ZPD) Book and take the Quiz in class...and ADD UP THE PAGES YOU HAVE READ!

2.  RuskinFIT (Physical Exercise) - 30 minutes

3.  Spelling Activity

4.  Reading Comprehension -  none

5.  Wordly Wise 17c-d

6.  Language Arts
- Workbook pgs. 291-297 (started in class)
7.  My Math Class

-- Textbook pgs. 194-195

-- Workbook pgs. 111

8.  Science - pgs. 206-207 (#s 1-2 only)

9.  History -  pgs. 42-44 (started in class)

NOTES:

• All late or missing work needs to be finished and turned in by this Friday.

Code Blue Today

Dear Parents,

We had a real Code Blue today.  The SJPD informed the office to have us "shelter in place" so we locked down.

Here is the Mercury News article which was released shortly after the "shelter in place" was lifted:
http://www.mercurynews.com/crime-courts/ci_22664951/san-jose-schools-locked-down-police-activity-east

I am proud to say that the students did a really great job of reacting to the "Code Blue" announcement, getting to where they need to be and maintaining their composure.  The office personnel and staff also did a great job to ensure the students of Ruskin were safe.

Please reinforce with your child the need to stay calm, alert, intelligent, and safe especially when they are NOT in the classroom when an alert happens.

Once again, kudos to the students in their compliance and reaction to the Code Blue.

Mr. Amutan

HW - Monday, 2/25

1.  Ruskin Reads - 30 minutes 

"Reading Is Cool" Goal of the Month:  MOST BOOKS READ 
Remember: read your Accelerated Reader (ZPD) Book and take the Quiz in class...and ADD UP THE PAGES YOU HAVE READ!

2.  RuskinFIT (Physical Exercise) - 30 minutes

3.  Spelling Activity

4.  Reading Comprehension -  none

5.  Wordly Wise 17a-b

6.  Language Arts
- Workbook pgs. 288-290
7.  My Math Class

-- Textbook pgs. none

-- Workbook pgs. none

8.  Science - pgs. 200-205 (started in class)

9.  History -  pgs. 38-40 (started in class)

NOTES:

• All late or missing work needs to be finished and turned in by this Friday.

You Can Translate This Page!

Off to the right and towards the top of the side bar, there is a translation pull-down menu.

Granted, Google Translate isn't 100% perfect but it's there for you to use if needed!

UPDATE: My Math Class Practice Lessons on Tenmarks

UPDATE:  I have assigned the following lessons for completion before the break.  They are for practice only and does not directly affect their math grade.  I can monitor their progress and recommend more practice if needed.

Previous Lessons (please complete them before STAR testing):

• Equivalent Fractions and Fractions in Simplest Form
• Mixed Numbers
• Comparing and Ordering Fractions
• Parts of a Whole and Group
• Decimals Greater than 1
• Round Decimals
• Order and Compare Decimals

NEW Lessons:

• Place Value in Hundred Thousands
• Compare and Order Numbers
• Money - Count, Compare, and Order
• Place Value in Millions
• Rounding Numbers and Money
• Adding Fractions with Like Denominators
• Subtract Fractions with Like Denominators
• Circle Graphs
• Add Decimals
• Estimation of Sums using Rounding
• Subtract Decimals
• Estimate Differences Between Decimals

Presidents' Break (and HW), SAP Open Field Trip, and Thank Yous

1)  Please have a safe and enjoyable Presidents' Break.  Some work was assigned over the break for completion by my homeroom class: three reading comprehension stories and a math packet (MATHletics). The MATHletics packet can be redeemed for 2 FREE A's Tickets, but you need to bring the answer sheet back to school completed (so I can send them out to the Oakland A's).  The MATHletics packet WILL NOT count for their grade, but if not done, the student will not receive the free tickets.  My math class has their own review packet.  And if your child is in my class AND my math group, they have both packets.

2)  Thank you to Ethan's Mom, Carolyn's Mom, and Kimberly's Dad for chaperoning the students to and from the HP Pavilion!  Also, congratulations to Hugo for winning a Yonex tennis racket through the SAP Open Kids' Day essay contest.  Finally, it feels good to have finally won the big tennis ball!  Gaël Sebastien Monfils, a former French No. 1 (reaching a career-high singles ranking of World No. 7 and winning 4 singles titles) signed it, too!

The ball is actually bigger than it appears; it has an 8 1/2 inch diameter!

The SAP Open Kids Day was hosted on behalf of the SAP Open, the second-oldest tennis tournament in the United States, which is still played.  Sadly, this is the last year it will be in San Jose - its home for almost the last 20 years - as it will be moved to different locations (the next being Memphis, TN).

It was a treat that Ruskin's students were able to enjoy it. I hope they come back soon!

3)  Thank you parents for the support and kind goodies and gifts for Valentine's Day.  I wish you a restful and relaxing week with your children.  I'll be happy to take them off your hands on Monday, February 25. :)

HW - Thursday, 2/14

1.  Ruskin Reads - 30 minutes 

"Reading Is Cool" Goal of the Month:  MOST BOOKS READ 
Remember: read your Accelerated Reader (ZPD) Book and take the Quiz in class...and ADD UP THE PAGES YOU HAVE READ!

2.  RuskinFIT (Physical Exercise) - 30 minutes

3.  Spelling Activity - NONE this week

4.  Reading Comprehension -  none

5.  Wordly Wise - none; NO NEW LESSON THIS WEEK

6.  Language Arts - none
7.  My Math Class

-- Textbook pgs. none

-- Workbook pgs. none

8.  Science - pgs. none

9.  History -  pgs. none

NOTES:

• PTA Movie Night ON FRIDAY – d oors open at 6:00 pm, movie starts at 7:00 pm
  Feature movie will be Hotel Transylvania.
• We have enough parent chaperones for this Friday's field trip. Thank you!!!
• T-Shirt order forms due ASAP

HW - Wednesday, February 13

1.  Ruskin Reads - 30 minutes 

"Reading Is Cool" Goal of the Month:  MOST BOOKS READ 
Remember: read your Accelerated Reader (ZPD) Book and take the Quiz in class...and ADD UP THE PAGES YOU HAVE READ!

2.  RuskinFIT (Physical Exercise) - 30 minutes

3.  Spelling Activity - NONE this week

4.  Reading Comprehension -  none

5.  Wordly Wise - none; NO NEW LESSON THIS WEEK

6.  Language Arts
- Two grammar worksheets ("Capitalization"/"Names of People and Places")
7.  My Math Class

-- Textbook pgs. none

-- Workbook pgs. none
-- Decimals Review Packet (4 pages)

8.  Science - pgs. none

9.  History -  pgs. none

NOTES:

• District Math Performance Task Assessment to be administered tomorrow.  NO NEED TO PREPARE THEM as students will need to take it COLD. This will help prepare teachers and students for the transition between current STAR Testing and impending Common Core Standards Testing.
• We have enough parent chaperones for this Friday's field trip. Thank you!!!
• Valentine's Day lists were passed out. We are having a Valentine's Day card exchange and a little party after lunch next Thursday. If you'd like to bring something to share, please do.
• T-Shirt order forms due ASAP

HW - Tuesday, 2/12

1.  Ruskin Reads - 30 minutes 

"Reading Is Cool" Goal of the Month:  MOST BOOKS READ 
Remember: read your Accelerated Reader (ZPD) Book and take the Quiz in class...and ADD UP THE PAGES YOU HAVE READ!

2.  RuskinFIT (Physical Exercise) - 30 minutes

3.  Spelling Activity - NONE this week

4.  Reading Comprehension -  none

5.  Wordly Wise - Crossword; NO NEW LESSON THIS WEEK

6.  Language Arts
- Two grammar worksheets ("Sentences"/"Capitalization")
7.  My Math Class  -  Topic 14 Test TOMORROW

-- Textbook pgs. none

-- Workbook pgs. 192, 194, 196 (started in class)
-- Topic 14 Test Prep Worksheet
-- Integers Review Packet (4 pages)

8.  Science - pgs. Ch. 5 Review (corrected today but turn in tomorrow); Ch. 5 Test is TOMORROW

9.  History -  pgs. none

NOTES:

• Tomorrow is the Lunar New Year celebration.  It was requested that this assembly only be for STUDENTS due to the capacity of the Multi.  Thank you for understanding.
• District Math Performance Task Assessment to be administered on Thursday.  This will help prepare teachers and students for the transition between current STAR Testing and impending Common Core Standards Testing.
• We have enough parent chaperones for this Friday's field trip. Thank you!!!
• Valentine's Day lists were passed out. We are having a Valentine's Day card exchange and a little party after lunch next Thursday. If you'd like to bring something to share, please do.
• T-Shirt order forms due ASAP

HW - Monday, 2/11

1.  Ruskin Reads - 30 minutes 

"Reading Is Cool" Goal of the Month:  MOST BOOKS READ 
Remember: read your Accelerated Reader (ZPD) Book and take the Quiz in class...and ADD UP THE PAGES YOU HAVE READ!

2.  RuskinFIT (Physical Exercise) - 30 minutes

3.  Spelling Activity - NONE this week

4.  Reading Comprehension -  "Josh Gibson" (writing mechanics and questions)

5.  Wordly Wise - Crossword due Wednesday; NO NEW LESSON THIS WEEK

6.  Language Arts
- Two grammar worksheets ("Use of good and bad"/Exact adjectives)
7.  My Math Class  -  Topic 14 Test on Wednesday

-- Textbook pgs. 342-343, 344-347

-- Workbook pgs. n195

8.  Science - pgs. Ch. 5 Review; Ch. 5 Test is on Wednesday

9.  History -  pgs. none

NOTES:

• District Math Performance Task Assessment to be administered this week.  This will help prepare teachers and students for the transition between current STAR Testing and impending Common Core Standards Testing.
• We have enough parent chaperones for this Friday's field trip. Thank you!!!
• Valentine's Day lists were passed out. We are having a Valentine's Day card exchange and a little party after lunch next Thursday. If you'd like to bring something to share, please do.
• T-Shirt order forms due ASAP

Happy Lunar New Year: The Year of the Snake!

Weekend Activities and Interests, 2/9-10

1. Saturday, 2/9 - San Francisco Giants Fan Fest (10 am - 3 pm, AT&T Park, SF)

With baseball and spring training right around the corner, the San Francisco Giants will be hosting a FREE event for fans.  Take your picture with their latest hardware: the 2012 World Series trophy!

It's going to be packed so GET THERE EARLY!!!

Here are some more things you can do while you're there (from the SF Giants website):

This event is FREE and open to all. Parking is free in Lot A. Public transportation is also encouraged. 

We advise fans to expect long autograph lines so we hope you will enjoy many of the other great events and experiences offered throughout FanFest. Below is our Top 10 list.

10.	Pick up some new gear at the Giants Dugout Store
9.	Hang out at the Coca-Cola Fan Lot, get your face painted, enjoy the kids zone
8.	Check out the Giants Memorabilia display
7.	Take the self-guided tour of the Giants Clubhouse
6.	Visit the 2012 Highlight Theater to watch top moments from the 2012 season as well as popular G-casts
5.	Walk or play catch on the field!
4.	Visit the Trophy Pavilion at Pier 48 - 2010 and 2012 World Series Trophies, National League Championship Trophy, World Baseball Classic Trophy, America's Cup, batting cage, speedpitch and more!
3.	Ask the players questions on the Dignity Health Q&A Stage or the 1st Base Q&A Stage
2.	Buy single game tickets to watch your defending World Series Champions throughout the 2013 regular season
1.	Watch and listen to the current players and coaching staff on the KNBR main broadcast stage. Relax and enjoy the live interviews from the field club seats!

Click here for more info: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/fan_forum/fanfest.jsp?c_id=sf&partnerId=DC-9420514-18329771434-9985594

2. Saturday, 2/9 - Lincoln Peirce, Nate the Great author, to appear, talk and sign books at the Schulz Museum from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. (Santa Rosa)

Meet, watch, and talk to Big Nate creator Lincoln Peirce. Peirce will talk about turning his comic strip into a New York Times bestselling chapter book series and will sign copies of the fifth Big Nate book, Big Nate Flips Out.

Click here for more info: http://schulzmuseum.org/learn/calendar-of-events/

3. Read how the California Missions are being preserved in this recent San Jose Mercury News article.

HW - Thursday, 2/7

1.  Ruskin Reads - 30 minutes 

"Reading Is Cool" Goal of the Month:  MOST BOOKS READ 
Remember: read your Accelerated Reader (ZPD) Book and take the Quiz in class...and ADD UP THE PAGES YOU HAVE READ!

2.  RuskinFIT (Physical Exercise) - 30 minutes

3.  Spelling Activity - NONE this week

4.  Reading Comprehension -  "The Mouse" (writing mechanics and questions)

5.  Wordly Wise - 16e; L 16 Test tomorrow  (last week of Wordly Wise until after the break)

6.  Language Arts -  Theme 4 Test tomorrow
- Tuck Everlasting Activities due Friday, 2/8  <---VERY IMPORTANT
- If you did not copy down the Story Diagram information from the white board, here it is. Use it to complete the bottom story diagram:
-- INTENTION OF THE HERO: Winnie wants to make a difference in the world.
-- INITIAL BARRIER: Winnie is stuck in the touch-me-not cottage and is not able to do what she wants.
-- BARRIER REMOVAL: Winnie learns about the Tucks and the spring.
-- HIGH POINT: Winnie loves the Tucks.
-- "RUG PULLING" (BUT): The man in the yellow suit learns about the spring.
-- CATASTROPHE: Mae strikes the man in the yellow suit, who eventually dies.
-- RESOLUTION: Winnie helps Mae escape.
7.  My Math Class  -  Assorted Topic Review Quiz tomorrow

-- Textbook pgs. 338-339

-- Workbook pgs. none

8.  Science - pgs. none 
(but Ch. 5 Review is due Tuesday; Ch. 5 Test is on Wednesday)

9.  History -  pgs. none

NOTES:

• We have enough parent chaperones for next Friday's field trip. Thank you!!!
• Valentine's Day lists were passed out today. We are having a Valentine's Day card exchange and a little party after lunch next Thursday.
• T-Shirt order forms due ASAP

HW - Wednesday, 2/6

1.  Ruskin Reads - 30 minutes 

"Reading Is Cool" Goal of the Month:  MOST BOOKS READ 
Remember: read your Accelerated Reader (ZPD) Book and take the Quiz in class...and ADD UP THE PAGES YOU HAVE READ!

2.  RuskinFIT (Physical Exercise) - 30 minutes

3.  Spelling Activity - NONE this week

4.  Reading Comprehension -  "The Mouse" (reading questions only)

5.  Wordly Wise - 16e  (last week of Wordly Wise until after the break)

6.  Language Arts 
- Tuck Everlasting Activities due Friday, 2/8  <---VERY IMPORTANT
- Adjective Lessons 4 and 5 worksheets  (started in class)
7.  My Math Class - Topic 13 Test on Thursday

-- Textbook pgs. 336-337

-- Workbook pgs. 189
-- Test Prep worksheet

8.  Science - pgs. 182-183, 186-189  (started in class)

9.  History -  pgs. none

NOTES:

• Latest STAR Reading results (February Test) and AR Quiz results are in the Wednesday Folder. Some students may have mistakenly received other classmates' papers.  I had students file them away. Sorry!
• Last day of District Tests is tomorrow: Math, Part 2
• Valentine's Day lists were passed out today. We are having a Valentine's Day card exchange and a little party after lunch next Thursday.
• T-Shirt order forms due ASAP

HW - Tuesday, 2/5

1.  Ruskin Reads - 30 minutes 

"Reading Is Cool" Goal of the Month:  MOST BOOKS READ  >> Due this Friday
Remember: read your Accelerated Reader (ZPD) Book and take the Quiz in class...and ADD UP THE PAGES YOU HAVE READ!

2.  RuskinFIT (Physical Exercise) - 30 minutes

3.  Spelling Activity - NONE this week

4.  Reading Comprehension -  none

5.  Wordly Wise - 16c-d (last week of Wordly Wise until after the break)

6.  Language Arts 
- Tuck Everlasting Activities due Friday, 2/8  <---VERY IMPORTANT
- Adjective Lesson 2 and 3 worksheet
7.  My Math Class - Topic 13 Test on Thursday

-- Textbook pgs. 332-333

-- Workbook pgs. 184-186, 188

8.  Science - pgs. 176-181

9.  History -  pgs. 34-36

NOTES:

• Walk 'N Roll to School this Wednesday
• January Reading Logs (Most Pages Read) are due no later than Wednesday, 2/6.
• T-Shirt order forms due ASAP