Happy New Year! We are hard at work with so much to do this semester. Please continue to have your child work on automaticity of multiplication facts; the goal is to do a 50 fact quiz in 1 minute and we will work diligently on achieving this--several students are already there. It is also going to aid in the double digit multiplication we are beginning to work on. Here are this week's units of study:

Writing: Expository writing of a persuasive paper. We will also begin to focus on editing skills.

Reading: Distinguishing fact and opinion; Book Clubs

Math: Double digit multiplication using partial-products method

Social Studies: Chapter 5, Colonists and Early Settlers in Texas

Science: The Moon

The Field Trip to Austin is March 8. Please have the forms and money turned in by January 31. Head counts and deposits must be submitted in advance and the earlier the better. If you are going as a chaperone, please remember chaperones must pay and also must be cleared through HISD to go on the trip. Please go on line to register; clearance can take 2-3 weeks. In a few weeks you will receive additional information about the field trip, bus ride, and what students should bring.

Finally, thank you for the most-appreciated holiday gift! And thank you to Katherine's mother for coordinating the party. The students had a great time.