Pacific Intermediate Newsletter

Mr. Agee

Dear Pacific Intermediate Families,

As we step into the second half of the school year, I am delighted to reflect on the progress and achievements of our 5th and 6th-grade students. It has been a journey filled with growth, learning, and memorable moments, and I am eager to share some important updates and reminders with our school community.

**1. Dressing for Success - Even in the Weather:**

As we navigate the winter season, I want to emphasize the importance of dressing appropriately for the weather, especially during outdoor recess. Our students benefit from the fresh air and physical activity, but it's crucial they are well-prepared for the elements. Please ensure your child comes to school with the appropriate outerwear, including jackets, hats, and gloves. We do encourage outdoor play, but if the windchill falls below 20 degrees, we will modify our recess activities to ensure the safety and well-being of our students.

**2. Personal Hygiene and Changing Bodies:**

As our students transition through the 5th and 6th grades, we understand that their bodies are undergoing changes. It's a pivotal time for personal hygiene, and we kindly ask parents to encourage good habits, such as washing clothes regularly, especially items like hoodies. This not only contributes to a positive learning environment but also helps our students build essential life skills.

**3. Embracing Excitement for the Second Half:**

The second half of the school year brings a renewed sense of excitement and energy. We have exciting projects, events, and educational experiences planned for our students, and I encourage everyone to embrace the opportunities ahead. Your support and involvement in your child's education are invaluable, and together, we can make these upcoming months enriching and fulfilling.

**4. Monitoring Student Progress:**

As we move forward, I would like to remind parents and guardians of the importance of monitoring your child's academic progress. Regularly checking your student's grades and staying informed about their performance allows us to work collaboratively to address any challenges and celebrate successes. Please be on the lookout for retention and summer school warning letters, which will be mailed home in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your continued support in making Pacific Intermediate School a place of growth, learning, and community. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our dedicated staff. Together, let's make the second half of the school year a time of achievement and success for every student.

Wishing you all a fantastic remainder of the academic year!

Sincerely,

Matt Agee

Principal, Pacific Intermediate

Mrs. Jackson~ Math & Science

Mrs. Menley~Language Arts, Reading & History

Mrs. Alcorn~Math

Ms. DiBlasi~History & Science

Ms. Shearin~Language Arts & Reading

Mrs. Aubuchon~Math

Mr. Gilcrease~Language Arts & Reading

Mr. Wengler~History & Science

Happy New Year! 5th grade math will be starting fractions. We will start with reviewing prior year’s standards and end the month with adding and subtracting mixed numbers with different denominators. Students will be expected to understand fraction equivalence and putting answers in lowest terms. Please continue reviewing multiplication facts with your kids as they are an important piece to being successful throughout the fraction units.

We are starting point of view and formatting titles. We will also be working on ways to continue strengthening the understanding of transitional words and phrases.

Science: Students will "dive" into our next Mystery Science unit called "Watery Planet". Students will learn about the distribution of salt water and fresh water on Earth, the water cycle, groundwater (aquifers), and how wetlands and human engineering can decrease flooding from hurricanes.

Social Studies: We will be wrapping up our unit on Westward Expansion. After that we will begin exploring the variety of inventions and improvements of the Industrial Revolution. Then we will begin our unit on the Civil War.

Mrs. Boling~English

Mr. Effan~Social Studies

Mrs. Vondera~Science

Mrs. Voss~Math

Mrs. Stumborg~English

Mr. Slaughter~Social Studies

Mrs. Todahl~Science

Mrs. Weil~ Math

Mrs. Carrico

Mr. McMahon

Welcome to January!

We hope everyone enjoyed the much-needed time off to recharge. Make sure to check your emails and Infinite Campus to keep up to date with everything that is going on in the classrooms. Please make sure your child has pencils and pens to start the year off. If you need anything, please let us know.

Math:

6th-grade math will be starting Chapter 4: Percents. The advanced math students will start Ch. 8, Integers, Number Lines, and Coordinate Plane.

Please make sure to check Canvas for lesson videos. Continue to check for homework on a nightly basis, and it is a good time to restock your child's pencil supply.

English:

We will be discussing different types of language and when to use them. We will also be starting our next big project, the Argumentative Essay unit. We will be trying to wrap up that unit by the end of the trimester.

Social Studies:

Social Studies is currently exploring ancient Indian culture and history. We learned about the beginning of two major world religions and even got to practice meditation! This month we will start our unit on ancient China.

Reading:

In reading class, we recently wrapped up our novel unit on Freak the Mighty. We studied figurative language and many various elements of fiction. We took the middle-of-the-year assessments in December. This shows the student's progress in reading comprehension and fluency. The students also have the second-trimester book report in their Google Classroom. They will need to have this completed by the end of February.

Science:

In science, we will start the year with our Matter Unit. We will be talking about solids, liquids, and gases. Please continue to look at our weekly emails, planners, and Google Classroom. While there is nothing to replace the information students gain from a teacher's instruction, if you are sick at home you should be able to complete everything online.

Ms. Diamond

Ms. Speicher

We hope this newsletter finds everyone well rested after a wonderful holiday with family and friends. It is hard to believe it is a new year with the holidays over and time to return to the normal routine of work and school.

During the first half of the year, students were busy learning in-depth character education skills and applying these skills to their daily life. Character education included topics of accepting others, respecting diversity, learning how to reduce bullying and seek help if you are being bullied, practicing social skills to make new friends and keep old friends, recognizing unhealthy relationships, resolving conflicts effectively, safety and coping skills, resisting peer pressure, and applying effective decision making. Students have made a lot of growth in developing their skills to interact with others, collaborate, and resolve issues. Additionally, Compass Health Network presented a two-day program to our fifth graders on “Violence Prevention” and a five-day program to our sixth graders on communication skills, understanding family dynamics, grief, addictions and abuse prevention.

During the second half of the year, guidance will focus on topics including goal setting and time management, developing and monitoring plans to meet goals, personal responsibility, stress management, doing your best and career exploration. Additionally, we will have guest speakers in March and April. In March, the Children’s Advocacy Center will present a “Body Safety” program for fifth and sixth graders. In April, The Chad’s Coalition for Mental Health will facilitate a program to 5th and 6th graders on mental health awareness. Please note, parents can opt their child out of either program if they do not feel it is appropriate for their child.

We hope you enjoyed your holiday with friends and family. Please contact us if we can be of any assistance to your child or you.

Here’s to a great new year.

Sincerely yours,

Jeanne M. Diamond, 5th Grade Counselor

Ally Speicher, 6th Grade Counselor

Pacific Intermediate

195 N Indian Pride Dr.

Pacific, MO 63069

www.mvr3.k12.mo.us

Phone: 636-271-1425

Fax: 636-271-1465