Thank you Letter!

Dear 5th Graders,

First and foremost, thank you for accepting me as your student teacher for the past three months. It was a joy being your student teacher at Momilani Elementary. You all made it so easy to teach. All of your hard work and eagerness to learn really motivated me to be the best student teacher to you all. I hope that you all also enjoyed our time together and will remember all the things that I have taught you.

I will most definitely miss your smiles, jokes, "talking in class", questions, and discussions. You all are unique and special in every way. I hope that you all will continue to strive to do your best and become successful in life with a positive attitude. You are super stars in my eyes!

I hope you enjoy the video I had put together! Remember me because I will definitely remember you all and will cherish all the fun times together! Don't forget to say "Hi!" to me if you see me on the street, supermarket, the park etc...! :)

Sincerely,

Mrs. Garces

Our New Officers!!!

Congratulations to our newly elected 4th quarter officers!

Enforcing Underage Drinking Law

Three guest speakers from the Air Force came to the 5th grade class to speak on enforcing underage drinking law.

Students learned to work together to decrease the purchase and consumption of alcohol by underage individuals. Students also learned facts such as:

• Alcohol is the most widely used substance of abuse by young people alcohol is the primary contributor to the leading causes of deaths.
  
• The State with the highest percentage of traffic deaths involving at least one legally intoxicated drives is Hawaii at 52%.
  
• Alcohol abuse is associated with academic failure and illicit drug use.
  
• Alcohol can cause alterations with the structure and function of the brain.

Assignment:

Please write a reflection on what you've learned and thought about the presentation. Remember to write an introduction, body, and a conclusion.

Assignment of the week!

Students for an on-line homework assignment this week please share/comment on your experience of the HSA testing. Here are some questions that you can write about:

1. How did you feel?
2. How do you think you did?
3. What was the test like? (was it easy or hard) Why, explain your answer?
4. What did you like about the test?
5. What didn't you like about the test?

Remember to write in a paragraph form with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

HSA Testing Tips

Statewide testing window for the Spring HSA 2009 is April 7-24. Momilani's test dates are April 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, and 17 with make-ups from 20-24th.

HSA Testing Tips for Students:

Before the Test Get a good night's sleep. Eat breakfast. Wear comfortable clothes. Clean and wear your glasses. Use good posture for circulation. Use deep breathing for oxygen. Try muscle scrunchers for tension.

Think About It! Tell yourself you're ready! Think positive! Avoid arguments! Block out other worries!

Get Ready! Have your supplies in place. Sit in your regular desk. Listen carefully to directions. Read directions carefully. Raise your hand if you are confused.

During the Test

1. Take on question at a time.
2. Read the entire question.
3. Use context clues.
4. Highlight or underline important points.
5. Eliminate on choice at a time.
6. Mark your answers neatly.
7. Erase wrong answers completely.
8. Be sure to answer all questions.
9. Take short breaks, when necessary.
10. Track questions with answers.

If the test is timed, pace yourself and check your work if there is time.

After the Test

You made it! Reward yourself.

HSA Testing Tips for Parents:

1. Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep before a test, and make sure your child eats properly the day of the test.
2. Maintain a pleasant home environment and avoid unnecessary conflicts. Try to make the morning of the test a pleasant one. Do not add to your child's stress.
3. Ensure that your child is present during testing (children generally perform better when taking tests in their groups rather than at a make-up time).
4. Get your child to school on time the day of the test.
5. Wish your child good luck each morning of the test. Tell your child that he/she is special and that you believe in him/her!
6. Remind your child the test is important. Encourage him/her to do his/her best.
7. If your child is too ill to attend, please call the school office.
8. Remind your child to listen carefully to the instructions from the teacher and to read the directions and each question carefully.
9. Explain to your child the importance of using time wisely. If your child gets stuck on the question, encourage him or her to make the best guess and move on.
10. Tell your child to attempt to answer all of the questions and not to leave any blank.
11. Encourage your child to stay focused on the test, even if other students finish first.

Momilani Spring Olympic!

Written by: Student #6 and #17

On Friday March 20th, 2009 there was a the school's annual Spring Olympics, student's from grades K-6 came out to the field to play a school wide rely games.

The students started with some relay races with a partner using hula hoops, spoon and a plastic egg, walking backwards etc... Students needed to work together to complete the relay. The entire student body were divided into 20 teams all from different grade levels. Students worked hard and cheered on their team. Some teams even created a cheer.

After a long hot day student ended the relay with a refreshing ice pop, mmmmmm... yummy! We hope you enjoy the Spring Olympic slide show.

Science Project

Today students presented their 3rd quarter science project. Students were given a list of topics to chose from and were instructed to write a minimum of one page research paper on the topic. To show their understanding on a mastery level, students were instructed to create a 3D model of their topic. The project was the culminating activity for their Science unit "Earth, Moon and Beyond". All of the models will be displayed at the curriculum fair in May.

Overall, teachers were impressed with all the projects that were presented today. Students were very innovative and creative with the design of their model/display boards. Several students went the extra mile and used flash lights to give their model a little bit more realistic twist to it. You can tell students put a lot of time and effort into their projects. Mrs. Garces and Mrs. Oshiro were very proud of the students. Please view the slide show of the projects that were presented today.

And don't forget to come to the curriculum fair on May 17 from 2pm-5pm in the Cafeteria.

Thank you!

Grandparents Day Celebration!

Written by: Student numbers 23, and 24.

On Wednesday March 18, the fifth graders of Momilani Elementary had their Grandparents Day.

First, the fifth graders ate lunch with their grandparents, took pictures for some cards that the students specially made for their grandparents. After that, there was a slide show, dedicated to the grandparents. When the slide show was over, the fifth graders had a special dance that they performed for their grandparents and relatives. Some of them were so touched by the song, "I believe," that some relatives started to tear up.

All of the grandparents were so impressed at the student's talents. Many relatives were so proud of their children.

To conclude, it was a very special and precious day, that nobody will forget!

Here are more pictures:

Decorations done by Kumu Carole

Loving grandparents and family members being supportive


Pictures taken to give to grandparents with a card.



5th graders performed a hip hop dance for their grandparents

Jello Dirt Pudding for Math!!!

Written by student #43 and #54

This week in Math, we are learning measurement conversions. Today, Mrs. Garces did a fun activity on measurement conversions because she wanted to incoporate the Math lesson into something we can do in real life. We also learned from the fun activity. We made Jell-O Pudding Dirt Cups!

First of all, we were assigned to bring some cooking supplies for the activity. Before we got to do the exciting project, we had to fill out a worksheet using the knowledge we previously learned (measurement conversions). An example of what we did was " You will need 4 ounces + 1 cup + 4 ounces = _____ how many cups of milk will you need?" We had to figure out what goes in the blank, which is 2 cups. We had to figure out the problem in order to find out what the recipe was. If we were to convert the measurements incorrectly our dirt pudding would not come out correctly. All of the group took their time in finding out the recipe.

Then, after we finished filling out the worksheet we started making the pudding. We followed our filled in recipe and poured 2 cups of milk into our big tin bowl and added the Jell-O pudding mix. After we put it in we stirred it until it was well blended, then let it sit for 5 minutes. Last we got to add gummy worms, Oreo cookies, and whipped cream. Finally, we got to take a picture and split it with our group. All of the groups dirt pudding came out good. We made a cup for Mr. Honda, too! To sum up, we had a great time and learned something new!

Here are some pictures:





The end product!

Math Problem of the Day!

Directions: Please read the following "Math Problem of the Day" and answer the problem by clicking onto the comment section. Students remember to write in a letter format with your student number. Also, make sure you click on anonymous. Good Luck!!

Math Problem of the Day: Marshall and his friends are making a map of their neighborhood. Lupita graphs a point at the origin on the coordinate plane to show the location of the hospital. Then she graphs the park at point (3,-2). Where is the park in relation to the hospital? Is it to the left, right, bottom, top of the hospital?

Let the Games Begin!

Boing...boing...boing...is the sound you'll hear, down on the basketball courts, during morning recess at Momilani.

Blog Entry by Student Number 20 & 12:

The fifth and sixth graders of Momilani Elementary have started their basketball season. They were very eager to start playing, but they had to learn some rules and skills.
Here are some of the basic rules:

• no stealing
• no three seconds in the lane
• each baket is worth two points.

Here are the basketball teams of Momilani Elem. School:

• Tropic Thunder
• Jabbawakeez
• Stormers
• Irish Ninjas
• Lightning Blades
• Silver Cyclones

There has been eight basketball games so far and there is ten more left to go.
(see below for upcoming games) The students also need to keep up their work in order to play.

Here are some upcoming games:

February

• Tuesday Feb. 24: Tropic Thunder vs. Silver Cyclone
• Wednesday Feb. 25: Jabbawokeez vs. Stormers
• Thursday Feb. 26: Irish Ninjas vs. Lightning Blades
• Friday Feb. 27: Tropic Thunder vs. Lightning Blades
  

March

• Monday March 2: Jabbawokeez vs. Irish Ninjas
• Tuesday March 3: Stormers vs. Silver Cyclones
• Wednesday March 4: Tropic Thunder vs. Stormers
• Thursday March 5: Jabbawakeez vs. Stormers
• March 6&9: Make-up Day
• March 10-12&16: Playoff Game
  

Here more pictures of the game:

Math Problem of the Day!

Directions: Please read the following "Math Problem of the Day" and answer the problem by clicking onto the comment section. Students remember to write in a letter format with your student number. Also, make sure you click on anonymous. Good Luck!!

Math Problem of the Day: Marshall and his friends are making a map of their neighborhood. Suri marks a point on the grid to show the location of their school. From (0,0) she moves 3 spaces to the right on the x-axis and then moves 2 spaces up to mark the point. What ordered pair describes where the school is located?

HAPPY BELATED VALENTINES DAY

On Tuesday February 18,2009, Mr. Honda and Mrs. Oshiro wanted to show and model how a gentlemen should treat the ladies to the fifth grade boys. And the ladies were taught to receive in a polite and proper way. Down below Student #38 (representing the boys) and Student #20 (representing the girls) wrote a blog on the boys and girls point of view on the activity.

Also check out a short video clip of the activity:

From the "Guys" point of view by Student #38:

Yesterday (2-18-09) the always excited zoo of frenzied animals fighting for food in the Fifth Grade room fell silent as Mr.Honda started a lecture with the boys. He took all of them outside like captured prisoners. He led them in his tough majestic walk to the office where they were to be talked to by the principal. Then the most relieving thing like a first breath of air after being under water for five minutes finally took place.

The teacher with an ever frighting look of grimness turned his face into a smile so big it stretched across the whole school! Mr.Honda strode to his giant silver truck and pulled out a beautiful bouquet of pink perfectly gardened roses that could make the grinch smile forever and it's smell could make someones nose just as pink as the flowers itself. Mr.Honda explained to the boys that they would be taught to be gentlemen in handsome black tuxedos who would be put in the hot seat of an erupting volcano.

The "to be" gentlemen would have to walk in a tough but ever so gentle strode and make eye contact with their choice of a beautiful girl and give them a delicate flower of love and say the very meaningful words: "Happy Belated-Valentines Day". At the end of that forever lasting sentence many of the boys were stuffed like a turkey on Thanksgiving with feelings of anxiety, nervousness, weirdness and many different assorted feelings that made the men blush and hide behind each others shivering bodies of trembles.

Then the moment of fear finally came. The Gentlemen each were led into the room of giggling, cute and beautiful ladies. They each had their individual turns to walk towards the girls of their choice with a pink carnations to give. The gentlemen had to give eye contact and say "Happy Valentines Day" while giving the carnations to the girls. The girls responded with a "thank you".

From the "Girls" point of view by Student #20:

Yesterday the fifth grade girls had a very mature discussion with Mrs. Oshiro. As for the boys... Boy they were in trouble. When Mr. Honda called all the guys outside the girls thought the boys were really in trouble. As we were sitting on the floor the gentlemen walked in holding flowers. We were all shocked and also confused. What are those for, we all wondered. After that Mr. Honda explained what the flowers were for. The guys looked nervous and we looked the same.
As they walked up to us they shivered with nervousness. They scratched their heads and slowly walked to the fifth grade girls. As they handed us the delicate pink flowers, they said the most sweetest thing. "Happy Belated Valentines Day." We politely said "Thank you" and walked away. After that, all the girls and boys blushed and felt uncomfortable.

Here are more pictures:

Please comment on your experience and on how your felt during the activity. Remember to write in a letter format this includes introduction, body, and conclusion.

Aloha Run Newsletter

Mrs. Oshiro, and some of the fifth grade students at Momilani Elementary participated in the Aloha Run on Monday February 16, 2009. Today Mrs. Garces interviewed three students who had participated as a runner and as a volunteer.

Student number 10 and 26 signed up to run the Aloha run because they both thought it would be a good experience and that it would be fun. Student number 48, signed up to volunteer instead of running because she wanted to see what it was like to help out at the Aloha Run. She also needed to raise money to pay for her supplies for girl scout. Mrs. Oshiro signed up for the Aloha Run to do something healthy and active with her children. She would call it the Aloha "walk" and not "run" because she would walk all the way to the finish line. Mrs. Oshiro shared that the Aloha Run makes good conversations with fellow teachers and friends while walking, and a great way to fellowship.

Mrs. Oshiro, and the three students shared that the people were energetic and friendly throughout the event. Both runners and volunteers said that they enjoyed the event, however they were tired at the end of the run. All would like to sign up again for next year to see if they improved on their finish time.

For next year, Mrs. Garces and Mrs. Oshiro challenges you to sign up for the Aloha Run. The event is a great way to get active in a healthy way. You will have lots of fun too.

Only Great Minds Can Read This!!!

Mrs. Garces would like to challenge you to read the following:

This is weird, but interesting!

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too
Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.

i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

Please write a comment on what you think you just read! Remember to write in a letter format. Good luck!

Answers to Some Questions Asked

Here are some answers to questions that were asked in posted comments:

Q: Why is the HSA testing period during the week the students return from break and intersession?

A: Statewide testing window for the Spring HSA 2009 is April 6-24. We do not test on Monday because we need to remind the students to go to bed early and eat a good breakfast. Also, there needs to be a make-up week within the testing window to cover students that are absent on actual test days. Momilani's test dates are April 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 with make-ups from 20-24th.

Q: Is there school on Friday, Feb. 13th?

A: Yes, we have school on Friday, 2/13. This waiver day was the one that was switched to Thurs. 1/29. A flyer was sent home at the beginning of 3rd quarter and a reminder was posted in Momilani's Messenger newsletter, which was sent home last week.

Thank you, students and parents, for taking time to check out our 5th grade blog!

"Music of Dolphins"

Momilani's 4th, 5th, and 6th graders attended HTY's play, "Music of Dolphins" at Tenney Theater yesterday. This theatrical production is based on the novel with the same name, but the addition of video, music, and dance brings this story to life.

The story focuses on a girl named Mila, who is being raised by dolphins, but is soon discovered by Coast Guards and brought back to live with researchers. She is taught the English language, human rules and expectations, about locked doors and broken promises, disappointment and betrayal. Mila tries her best to play their games, wear their clothes, and even eat their "dead" food, but she never can truly understand their ways. She longs for her dolphin "family", the ones that care for her and who she cares for, her ocean home where "all the time is swimming and all the time is singing..". Which world does Mila choose?

Here are some pictures of the field trip:

Science Question of the Day!

Think about the time it takes for Earth to spin once, for the moon to move around Earth once, and for Earth to move around the sun once. Which movement represents a day? Which movement represents a month? (Hint: This questions was one of your homework question)

The Color Wheel

Over the next couple of weeks students will be creating a color wheel for Art. Students will have fun learning about the primary, secondary and tertiary colors by creating the colors with paint.

To challenge the students, Mrs. Oshiro will only provide the colors red, blue, and yellow paint for students to start with. Students will then need to blend the colors to create the secondary and tertiary colors. Once all the colors are created students will work independently in creating their own form of a color wheel. Stay tuned for the pictures of the color wheels....

Students will also attend an exciting field trip to the Honolulu Art Academy to further learn about the use of colors.

Here are some pictures of our brilliant students creating their colors:

Math Problem of the Day!

Directions: Please read the following "Math Problem of the Day" and answer the problem by clicking onto the comment section. Students remember to write in a letter format with your student number. Also, make sure you click on anonymous. Good Luck!!

Math Problem of the Day: Danica and her friends are putting together a quilt for a school project. Charlene spreads the pieces out on a table that has 4 sides. If the table has only 1 pair of parallel sides, what type of quadrilateral is the table?

Math Problem of the Day!

Directions: Please read the following "Math Problem of the Day" and answer the problem by clicking onto the comment section. Students remember to write in a letter format with your student number. Also, make sure you click on anonymous. Good Luck!!

Math Problem of the Day:
Kelcie and her classmates Randi, Shay, and Kriston are putting together a quilt for a school project. If one of the pieces is an isosceles right triangle, what is the measure of each angle?

Jump Rope for Heart

"10..9..8..7..6..5..4..3..2..1..Everybody jump!" A sea of red, brightly-colored t-shirts started hopping up and down during Momilani's annual Jump Rope for Heart activity. This event, held every year in recognition of February's heart month, allows the students to exercise and enjoy themselves at the same time. Proceeds from this activity are donated to the American Heart Association.

Students from Kindergarten thru 6th grade displayed various levels of jump rope skills and abilities. From individual hopping to more complex double-dutch moves, children and even a few energetic staff members gave it their all...blood, sweat, and tears...towards developing a healthier lifestyle, which includes physical activity.

Thank you to all our students and their families for the donations to this worthwhile cause.

Here are more pictures:

Getting ready to JUMP!!!

Mrs. Oshiro being supportive!

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART!