Mr. Amutan's HW and Info Blog: May 2014

Friday, May 30, 2014

Weekend HW

1) History pgs. 129-132, then 89-90 (Due Tuesday)
2) Math HW Text pgs. 440-443
3) Lesson 2 - Line Symmetry and Lesson 3 - Rotational Symmetry can be reviewed at this website:
Reflection Symmetry: http://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/symmetry-reflection.html
Rotational Symmetry: http://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/symmetry-rotational.html

Use the Symmetry Artist to help understand Reflection and Rotational symmetry:
http://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/symmetry-artist.html

Here is a review of (Lesson 1, Transformations):
http://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/transformations.html

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Parents: Important Science Camp Meeting for 2014-15 5th Graders

Please try to attend with some questions in mind. The presenting 5th grade teachers will be more than happy to answer any question you may have!

1. RuskinFIT (Physical Exercise) - 60 minutes
2. Ruskin Reads - 30 minutes
Reading Goal of the Month: Most Pages Read
(You MUST complete a book within your reading range a.k.a. ZPD!)
Keep track of the books you read daily by writing them down on the Reading Log, get your parent or guardian to initial, total your pages read, and turn it in June 3 ...Receive a Prize!
Remember: Read your Accelerated Reader Book (selected with your ZPD in mind) and take the Quiz in class.
3. Reading Comprehension NONE
7. Math

-- Graphing worksheet

-- TEXTBOOK pages 438-439
-- WORKBOOK pages 245-246
-- Chapter 19/20 Test on Thursday, 6/5
** Practice Sumdog.com OR Tenmarks.com for 15 minutes **
8. History pgs. 125-128
9. Science pgs. 320-321 (write a paragraph); 330-331 (answer questions #1-2; write a paragraph for #3); 340-341 # 1-20, Map the Concept
-- Chapter 9 Open Book Test tomorrow, FRIDAY, 5/30

NOTES:

Congratulations to our April SJ Sharks Reading Is Cool Reader of the Month, Austin!
This is the last month for Reading Logs. The last $5 Jamba Juice card is up for grabs!
Please submit Book Orders ASAP so we can get the books shipped in time for the end of the school year!

Find your book in these catalogs: http://ruskinamutan.blogspot.com/2014/05/last-chance-for-scholastic-book-orders.html

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Oops! Your child was right!

Tonight's HW was the same as Tuesday's!

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

HW - Tuesday, May 27

Don't forget to WEAR YOUR CLASS T-SHIRT tomorrow.

1. RuskinFIT (Physical Exercise) - 60 minutes
2. Ruskin Reads - 30 minutes
Reading Goal of the Month: Most Pages Read
(You MUST complete a book within your reading range a.k.a. ZPD!)
Keep track of the books you read daily by writing them down on the Reading Log, get your parent or guardian to initial, total your pages read, and turn it in June 3 ...Receive a Prize!
Remember: Read your Accelerated Reader Book (selected with your ZPD in mind) and take the Quiz in class.
3. Reading Comprehension NONE
7. Math

-- Graphing worksheet

-- TEXTBOOK pages 430-435
-- WORKBOOK pages 243-244
-- Chapter 18 Math Test on THURSDAY, 5/29
** Practice Sumdog.com OR Tenmarks.com for 15 minutes **
8. History pgs. 117-124
9. Science pgs. 334-337
-- Chapter 9 Open Book Test on FRIDAY, 5/30

NOTES:

Congratulations to our April SJ Sharks Reading Is Cool Reader of the Month, Austin!
This is the last month for Reading Logs. The last $5 Jamba Juice card is up for grabs!
Please submit Book Orders ASAP so we can get the books shipped in time for the end of the school year! Last day to order is this FRIDAY!

Find your book in these catalogs: http://ruskinamutan.blogspot.com/2014/05/last-chance-for-scholastic-book-orders.html

CORRECTION to the Happy Hollow permission slip: We will be leaving Happy Hollow at 1:00 p.m. which means that we should be back at Ruskin around 1:30 p.m.

Friday, May 23, 2014

HW - Weekend

No school on Monday due to the observation of Memorial Day. Please find some time to honor those who serve or served this country.
Homework:

1. RuskinFIT (Physical Exercise) - 60 minutes

2. Ruskin Reads - 30 minutes
Reading Goal of the Month: Most Pages Read
(You MUST complete a book within your reading range a.k.a. ZPD!)
Keep track of the books you read daily by writing them down on the Reading Log, get your parent or guardian to initial, total your pages read, and turn it in June 3 ...Receive a Prize!
7. Math

-- TEXTBOOK pages 426-429
-- WORKBOOK pages 241-242
-- Chapter 18 Math Test -- moved to Thursday, 5/29
** Practice Sumdog.com OR Tenmarks.com for 15 minutes **
8. History pgs. 110-116
9. Science pgs. none
-- Chapter 9 Open Book Test on Thursday, 5/29

NOTES:

Congratulations to our April SJ Sharks Reading Is Cool Reader of the Month, Austin!
This is the last month for Reading Logs. The last $5 Jamba Juice card is up for grabs!
Please submit Book Orders ASAP so we can get the books shipped in time for the end of the school year!

Find your book in these catalogs: http://ruskinamutan.blogspot.com/2014/05/last-chance-for-scholastic-book-orders.html

CORRECTION to the Happy Hollow permission slip: We will be leaving Happy Hollow at 1:00 p.m. which means that we should be back at Ruskin around 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

HW - Thursday, 5/22

-- Graphing worksheet

-- TEXTBOOK pages 424-425
-- WORKBOOK pages 239-240
-- Chapter 18 Math Test on Wednesday, 5/28
** Practice Sumdog.com OR Tenmarks.com for 15 minutes **
8. History pgs. 107-110
9. Science pgs. 324-329
-- Chapter 9 Open Book Test on Thursday, 5/29

NOTES:

Congratulations to our April SJ Sharks Reading Is Cool Reader of the Month, Austin!
This is the last month for Reading Logs. The last $5 Jamba Juice card is up for grabs!
Please submit Book Orders ASAP so we can get the books shipped in time for the end of the school year! Last day to order is this FRIDAY!

Find your book in these catalogs: http://ruskinamutan.blogspot.com/2014/05/last-chance-for-scholastic-book-orders.html

CORRECTION to the Happy Hollow permission slip: We will be leaving Happy Hollow at 1:00 p.m. which means that we should be back at Ruskin around 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

HW - Wednesday, 5/21

-- Graphing worksheet

-- TEXTBOOK pages 422-423
-- WORKBOOK pages 237-238
-- Chapter 18 Math Test on Wednesday, 5/28
** Practice Sumdog.com OR Tenmarks.com for 15 minutes **
8. History pgs. none
9. Science pgs. none

NOTES:

Congratulations to our April SJ Sharks Reading Is Cool Reader of the Month, Austin!
This is the last month for Reading Logs. The last $5 Jamba Juice card is up for grabs!
Please submit Book Orders ASAP so we can get the books shipped in time for the end of the school year! Last day to order is this FRIDAY!

Find your book in these catalogs: http://ruskinamutan.blogspot.com/2014/05/last-chance-for-scholastic-book-orders.html

UPDATE: Tomorrow, we have a district-wide emergency drill: shelter in place/lockdown/evacuation.
Also, we may be having a special visitor! (Hint: He resembles our mascot very closely!)
CORRECTION to the Happy Hollow permission slip: We will be leaving Happy Hollow at 1:00 p.m. which means that we should be back at Ruskin around 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

HW - Tuesday, 5/20

-- TEXTBOOK pages 420-421
-- WORKBOOK pages 235-236
-- Chapter 18 Math Test on Tuesday, 5/27
** Practice Sumdog.com OR Tenmarks.com for 15 minutes **
8. History pgs. none
9. Science pgs. 316-319

NOTES:

Due to a projector problem and resulting delay, we will continue with the Mission Project presentations for the week.
Congratulations to our April SJ Sharks Reading Is Cool Reader of the Month, Austin!
This is the last month for Reading Logs. The last $5 Jamba Juice card is up for grabs!
Please submit Book Orders ASAP so we can get the books shipped in time for the end of the school year! Last day to order is this FRIDAY!

Find your book in these catalogs: http://ruskinamutan.blogspot.com/2014/05/last-chance-for-scholastic-book-orders.html

UPDATE: This Thursday, we have a district-wide emergency drill: shelter in place/lockdown/evacuation.
Also that day, we may be having a special visitor! (Hint: He resembles our mascot very closely!)
CORRECTION to the Happy Hollow permission slip: We will be leaving Happy Hollow at 1:00 p.m. which means that we should be back at Ruskin around 1:30 p.m.

Monday, May 19, 2014

HW - Monday, 5/19

-- TEXTBOOK pages 417, 418-419
-- WORKBOOK pages 233-234
-- Chapter 17 Math Test TOMORROW
** Practice Sumdog.com OR Tenmarks.com for 15 minutes **
8. History pgs. 103-106
-- Mission Project presentations continue tomorrow
9. Science pgs. 310-313

NOTES:

Due to a projector problem and resulting delay, we will continue with the Mission Project presentations tomorrow.
Congratulations to our April SJ Sharks Reading Is Cool Reader of the Month, Austin!
This is the last month for Reading Logs. The last $5 Jamba Juice card is up for grabs!
Please submit Book Orders ASAP so we can get the books shipped in time for the end of the school year!
This Thursday, we have a district-wide emergency drill.
Also that day, we may be having a special visitor! (Hint: He resembles our mascot very closely!)

Friday, May 16, 2014

This Weekend...Lots of Stuff

NO Homework. Just the Mission Project if your child is not finished. The link to the options (choose one and choose your mission) page can be found. Mission projects are due Monday, 5/19. here: http://ruskinamutan.blogspot.com/2014/04/hw-spring-break.html
Chapter 17 Math Test on Tuesday, 5/20.
Free (or Reduced) Admission to Museums (Check websites for more info)

(FREE - Saturday) Asian Art Museum in SF. Get there EARLY! http://www.asianart.org/events/search?tags=asian+pacific+american+heritage+month&AFFcube
(FREE - Sunday) The San Jose Art Museum. You must register first on this page: http://www.sanjosemuseumofart.org/event/art-museum-day
(FREE - Weekend) Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University. It's free every day but deserves mention in this blog post: http://museum.stanford.edu

(FREE) Kung Fu Tai Chi Day in downtown San Jose (Plaza de Cesar Chavez). From 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The Big Wow is this weekend in San Jose. It's a wonderful convention of comic book enthusiasts and the like. I go mostly to meet the artists of my youth as well as pick up a few pieces here and there. Here's my write-up from last year's Big Wow. One day admission is $25 for Adults, $15 for Children. Children under 8 are FREE!

But this year there are some new guests:

Charlie Adlard, best known for his artwork for The Walking Dead comics. Yes, the comics are the source for the hit TV series.
Mike Zeck, best known for his artwork for Spiderman and the Punisher. That black and white Spidey costume you know now as Venom? Well, Zeck was responsible for designing it!!!
Satoshi Furuya, best known as ULTRAMAN! Okay, he was the actor in the suit, but at least, he was the main actor for the entire Ultraman series.
Finally, what a coincidence...the weekend the latest rendition of Godzilla hits the big screens nationwide, the actor in the Godzilla suit (from 1984-1995) is going to be in San Jose this weekend: Kenpachiro Satsuma!
Other notable names: Neal Adams, Mike Mignola, Sergio Aragones, Erik Larsen, and MANY MORE (click here for the complete guest list)!

Take a glance at the weekend schedule. Expect the "Japan's Heroes and Monsters" and "Dead Walking with Charlie Adlard" events to be packed.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Last Chance for Scholastic Book Orders (Catalog Links Inside)

UPDATE:
DEADLINE for Book Orders is: Friday, May 23.

* REMEMBER: Your Birthday coupon is only for ONE book valued at $5 AND UNDER. It is NOT credit towards a larger book NOR can it be used for multiple books totaling to $5 or less.

ARROW (4th/5th)

LUCKY (3rd)

HW - Wednesday, 5/14

** Did you notice the AccuWeather widget to the right? -----> ***

1. RuskinFIT (Physical Exercise) - 60 minutes
2. Ruskin Reads - 30 minutes
Reading Goal of the Month: Most Pages Read
(You MUST complete a book within your reading range a.k.a. ZPD!)
Keep track of the books you read daily by writing them down on the Reading Log, get your parent or guardian to initial, total your pages read, and turn it in June 3 ...Receive a Prize!
Remember: Read your Accelerated Reader Book (selected with your ZPD in mind) and take the Quiz in class.
3. Reading Comprehension NONE
7. Math

-- TEXTBOOK pages 407 (evens); 408-409
-- WORKBOOK pages 229-230
** Practice Sumdog.com OR Tenmarks.com for 15 minutes **
8. History pgs. none
-- Mission Project due May 19
9. Science pgs. 302-303 (#1-20 and Map the Concept) Due Tomorrow
-- Open Book Chapter 8 Science Test on Friday

NOTES:

Because of the temperatures this week, students may hang out in the (air-conditioned) classroom during their lunch recess period. Please make sure they wear appropriate clothing for the heat and bring a refillable water bottle to stave off thirst.
We just finished the classroom novel, Tuck Everlasting.
Ruskin Spell-A-Thon pledge sheets and completed tests to went out today in the Wednesday Folder tomorrow.
Today is the last day of the after school S.I. program.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

HW - Tuesday, 5/13

-- TEXTBOOK pages 404-407
-- WORKBOOK pages 227-228
** Practice Sumdog.com OR Tenmarks.com for 15 minutes **
8. History pgs. 94-96
-- Mission Project due May 19
9. Science pgs. 302-303 (#1-20 and Map the Concept) Due Thursday
-- Open Book Chapter 8 Science Test on Friday
10. Scholastic News Last Issue! Due Wednesday, 5/14

NOTES:

Because of the temperatures this week, students may hang out in the (air-conditioned) classroom during their lunch recess period. Please make sure they wear appropriate clothing for the heat and bring a refillable water bottle to stave off thirst.
Due to a mix-up, we will be taking the last of the Common Core (Smarter Balanced) Assessments - the Math Performance Test - tomorrow.
We are nearing completion of the classroom novel, Tuck Everlasting.
It didn't go out today, but the field trip slips for next Wednesday's excursion to Happy Hollow with our little buddies will go out tomorrow.
Ruskin Spell-A-Thon pledge sheets and completed tests to go out in the Wednesday Folder tomorrow.
Tomorrow is the last day of the after school S.I. program.

Monday, May 12, 2014

HW - Monday, 5/12

-- TEXTBOOK pages 402-403
-- WORKBOOK pages 225-226
** Practice Sumdog.com OR Tenmarks.com for 15 minutes **
8. History pgs. 91-93
-- Mission Project due May 19
9. Science pgs. 300 (Math and Writing)
10. Scholastic News Last Issue! Due next Wednesday, 5/14

NOTES:

Tomorrow, we will be taking the last of the Common Core (Smarter Balanced) Assessments: the Math Performance Test.
We are nearing completion of the classroom novel, Tuck Everlasting.
Field Trip slips for next Wednesday's excursion to Happy Hollow with our little buddies will go out tomorrow.
Ruskin Spell-A-Thon pledge sheets and completed tests to go out in the Wednesday Folder.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

HW - Thursday, 5/8

-- TEXTBOOK pages 401
-- WORKBOOK pages NONE
** Practice Sumdog.com OR Tenmarks.com for 15 minutes **
8. History pgs. NONE
-- History Unit 3 Open Book Test on Monday
-- Mission Project due May 19
9. Science pgs. 292-297
10. Scholastic News Last Issue! Due next Wednesday, 5/14

NOTES:

We will be taking the district tests this week. The results will be reflected on the report card and will questions will cover a multitude of standards covered over the school year.
Spell-A-Thon test is TOMORROW
We are still working on the classroom novel, Tuck Everlasting.
Open House is TONIGHT from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

HW - Wednesday, 5/7

-- TEXTBOOK pages 395 (Only have to estimate the ODD # problems 1-15), 396-399
-- WORKBOOK pages NONE
-- Topic 16 Test TOMORROW
** Practice Sumdog.com OR Tenmarks.com for 15 minutes **
8. History pgs. NONE
-- History Unit 3 Open Book Test on Monday
-- Mission Project due May 19
9. Science pgs. none
10. Scholastic News Last Issue! Due next Wednesday, 5/14

NOTES:

We will be taking the district tests this week. The results will be reflected on the report card and will questions will cover a multitude of standards covered over the school year.
Spell-A-Thon test is on Friday.
We are still working on the classroom novel, Tuck Everlasting.
Berryessa USD Superintendent Ector will be at Ruskin TODAY (5/7) at 6 p.m. for a presentation and Q&A for the upcoming school bond measure.
Open House is TOMORROW from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

One Down, One More to Go

I hope you've been working on your mission projects!

If you have any questions, ask them immediately by asking me in class or emailing me.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

HW - Tuesday, 5/6

-- TEXTBOOK pages 392-394
-- WORKBOOK pages 223-224
-- Topic 16 Test on Thursday
** Practice Sumdog.com OR Tenmarks.com for 15 minutes **
8. History pgs. 85-88, 65-66
-- Mission Project due May 19
9. Science pgs. none
10. Scholastic News NONE

NOTES:

We will be taking the district tests this week. The results will be reflected on the report card and will questions will cover a multitude of standards covered over the school year.
Spell-A-Thon test is on Friday.
We are still working on the classroom novel, Tuck Everlasting.
Berryessa USD Superintendent Ector will be at Ruskin TOMORROW (5/7) at 6 p.m. for a presentation and Q&A for the upcoming school bond measure.
Open House is this Thursday from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Monday, May 5, 2014

Last Tuesday Was the First Day of the Smarter Balanced (Common Core) Practice Test

Overall, it was a success on many levels.

Students learned and experienced the log-in procedures, sound check (they must use headphones), tools, and navigation of the website.
Almost all progressed through the test without questions or assistance.
A couple were close to finishing the test in the on hour window. (About twenty minutes of that one hour were spent going through the pre-test log-in and set-up as students were experiencing it "under testing conditions" for the first time.)
A few actually finished and then reviewed the test.
Many demonstrated ease at working on a Google Chromebook.

Yet, there are a few things worth noting:

Students who were absent and those who did not complete the test will be pulled out of class over the next couple of days to complete the test.
STUDENTS NEED TO PRACTICE TYPING. And editing their sentences.
DIRECTIONS ARE IMPORTANT. Students need to listen to the test administrator's directions as well as read, understand, and follow them on the online test.
Students should NEVER pause the test without raising their hand and obtaining the teacher's permission.

Tomorrow, we continue our testing with the Math SBAC Practice Test. Due to tight testing timelines, we will be having an early lunch then we will take our test during what is normally our lunch period.

HW - Monday, 5/5

-- TEXTBOOK pages NONE
-- WORKBOOK pages NONE
** Practice Sumdog.com OR Tenmarks.com for 15 minutes **
8. History pgs. see below
-- Packet on Casa Grande and New Almaden mines (due tomorrow)
-- Mission Project due May 19
9. Science pgs. none

Science Fair Projects are mandatory and will be due on TOMORROW, May 6. You can always download the information from Ruskin's Science Lab page (Click Here).
The Display Board Ticket form can be found on the last page of the Science Fair packet.

10. Scholastic News NONE

NOTES:

Thank you to the parents who contributed to the Family Fun Night basket. We added a 49ers blanket, two 49ers pillows, and an NFL sticker book with fifteen sticker packets.
Thank you to Aaditya's mom, Austin's mom, Isaac's mom, and Katherine's mom for the coming along as chaperones!
We will be taking the district tests this week. The results will be reflected on the report card and will questions will cover a multitude of standards covered over the school year.
We are still working on the classroom novel, Tuck Everlasting.
Berryessa USD Superintendent Ector will be at Ruskin THIS WEDNESDAY (5/7) at 6 p.m. for a presentation and Q&A for the upcoming school bond measure.
Open House is this Thursday from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Friday, May 2, 2014

UPDATE! Family fun night Is tonight from 4 to 8 PM

I hope to see all of you tonight at Family Fun Night.

The baskets look impressive! Almost all of them are $100 (or more) in value! So please bid on them!

UPDATE (3:50 p.m.):

I received news that we CANNOT do the dunk tank on school grounds.

Sorry to get your hopes up!

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Two Science Related Items

Physical Science (Electricity)

Photo was taken AFTER fueling at a local gas station. Notice the warnings for powering off battery devices as well as discharging before fueling.

Earth Science (Slow Changes to Earth)

This local news report highlights the needs and challenges to identifying landslides in the Bay Area and preventing damage and loss of life.

http://www.ktvu.com/news/news/local/2-investigates-limited-warning-system-bay-area-lan/nfnBH/

Exposure Notice Went Out Today

I'm posting this because a few students did not bring it home after school and a few students were absent today.

Just FYI...

HW - Thursday, 5/1

**It's been really hot and, though it projects to cool down in the next couple of days, students need to dress appropriately for the weather and bring water bottles (refillable ones are preferred).**

1. RuskinFIT (Physical Exercise) - 60 minutes
2. Ruskin Reads - 30 minutes
Reading Goal of the Month: Most Pages Read
(You MUST complete a book within your reading range a.k.a. ZPD!)
Keep track of the books you read daily by writing them down on the Reading Log, get your parent or guardian to initial, total your pages read, and turn it in June 3 ...Receive a Prize!
Remember: Read your Accelerated Reader Book (selected with your ZPD in mind) and take the Quiz in class.
3. Reading Comprehension NONE
7. Math

-- TEXTBOOK pages 388-389
-- WORKBOOK pages 219-220
** Practice Sumdog.com OR Tenmarks.com for 15 minutes **
8. History pgs. NONE
-- Mission Project due May 19
9. Science pgs. 276-279; 282-289

Science Fair Projects are mandatory and will be due on Tuesday, May 6. They will get the information after an assembly this week. You can always download them from Ruskin's Science Lab page (Click Here).
The Display Board Ticket form can be found on the last page of the Science Fair packet.

10. Scholastic News Due Friday

NOTES:

Family Fun Night is TOMORROW! If you would like to buy tickets, it's recommended you do!
Thank you to the parents who contributed to the basket.
Monday, May 5 is our next field trip: Almaden Quicksilver Mines and Casa Grande. (We're not really going into or near mines, though). We need no more than 4 chaperones for pretty much an all-day trip.
May 8 (6 - 7:30 p.m.): Open House

Link Your Staples Purchases to Help Our Classroom!

Help support our child's classroom any time you make a Staples purchase!

2% goes to the classroom
5% goes back to you as a Staples member

LINK: http://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/back-to-school/resources-for-teachers/classroom-rewards.html#linkrewards

Saturday, May 3 - Free Comic Book Day

1. WHAT IS FREE COMIC BOOK DAY?

2. SO WHAT TYPES OF COMICS WILL BE AVAILABLE THAT DAY?
It depends on the store. They actually have to pay for them so they can give them away to you! (In the next section, I note some of the better stores to visit for FCBD.) Here's a sampling of the possible comics that may be available: