May 1st, 2013

Finally back!  What a week!  Sorry not to have posted, but the following should help:

We have begun learning about the Judicial Branch of the United States government.  We learned that the executive and legislative branches are elected by the people, but members of the judicial branch are appointed by the President (executive branch) and confirmed by the Senate (Legislative branch).  We located the Judicial Branch responsibilities in Article III of the Constitution.  Congress chooses the number of Supreme Court judges.  It was an even number until 1869.  We learned about judges being removed through impeachment and the three lengths of their terms (till death, retirement, or impeachment), and we also learned that they have to apply the law with only justice in mind.  When the Supreme Court makes a ruling, all the lower courts must agree with, and uphold, that ruling in their cases.
WE WILL BE HAVING AN OPEN BOOK TEST ON ALL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION BASED ON STUDENT NOTES IN TWO WEEKS' TIME.

SAT Words for the week with their definitions follow:

superfluous: more than is needed, desired, or required

surreptitious: marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed

tactful: having or showing a sense of what is fitting and considerate in dealing with others

tenacious: stubbornly unyielding

transient: lasting a very short time

THERE WILL BE A TEST ON THESE WORDS ON FRIDAY

Spelling activity skit writing and testing continues.  We have two chapters left in Danny, the Champion of the World.  Sergeant Samways had a brilliant accent today, dropping his "h" and adding them to random words beginning with vowels.  We tried that with some of the student names today!

MATH HOMEWORK IS TO FINISH THE UNIT 4 REVIEW MULTIPLE CHOICE PACKET.  I am very pleased with the hard work these kids do in their reviewing of concepts.  They are sharp,  quick, students who don't shirk work.

After lunch we had Meridian Math Club and S.I.R.  Next, we worked on our How-to sheets.  THESE ARE DUE TYPED ON MONDAY.  Students should type out the details, showing the steps to do the actual activity.  They should color or draw illustrations to match their work.  Also, they will be signing up for a day to present their How-to. 

We listened to poetry and how words affect our moods.

Students went to P.E. and then our school talent show.

REMEMBER, CAMPING IS NEXT WEEK!  MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW.