Pacific Intermediate Newsletter

Dear Pacific Intermediate Parents,

As we transition into the vibrant days of spring, I'm excited to share the upcoming events and important updates in our April newsletter.

First and foremost, I'd like to highlight our upcoming field trip to Main Event in Chesterfield, an exhilarating opportunity for our students to engage in STEM labs and foster collaborative learning outside the classroom. The 5th-grade trip is scheduled for April 10th, while the 6th-grade trip will take place on April 11th. All students are encouraged to participate as there will be labs to support the trip and a chance to have some fun as well. The cost for this enriching experience is $30 per student, but please know that financial assistance is available for families in need. Every child should have the chance to participate in these educational adventures, so don't hesitate to reach out if assistance is required.

With the arrival of warmer weather, it's imperative to emphasize the importance of personal hygiene. As our days grow longer and temperatures rise, it's natural for students to become more active, but it's equally essential for them to maintain good hygiene habits. We kindly request your assistance in ensuring that our students are staying on top of their personal cleanliness and keeping their clothes washed regularly. This collaborative effort between home and school helps create a positive and healthy environment for everyone.

Conversations about personal hygiene can sometimes be delicate, especially as students navigate the changes that come with adolescence. Here are a few tips to guide your discussions with your child:

1. **Start Early**: Begin discussing the importance of hygiene from a young age, establishing it as a regular part of their routine.

2. **Be Understanding**: Approach the conversation with empathy and understanding, acknowledging any discomfort your child may feel.

3. **Lead by Example**: Demonstrate good hygiene practices yourself, serving as a positive role model for your child to emulate.

4. **Be Gentle Yet Direct**: Address any concerns about body odor or cleanliness directly but with sensitivity, focusing on the importance of self-care and respect for oneself and others.

5. **Encourage Independence**: Empower your child to take responsibility for their personal hygiene by providing the necessary tools and guidance, but still hold your child accountable for their cleanliness.

By fostering open communication and providing guidance, we can support our students in developing lifelong habits that promote health and well-being. If your student is in need of any personal hygiene products, please do not hesitate to contact the guidance office.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in nurturing our students' growth and development.

Warm regards,

Matt Agee

Pacific Intermediate Principal

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

This month we will be focusing on multiplying and dividing decimals. We will also talk about graphing and coordinate grids. 5th grade will begin MAP testing the last week of April. Look for more information from the school. Parents, please check pencil and eraser supplies with your child. We are running dangerously low to make it to the end of the school year.

We are finishing up Theme and moving into Nonfiction Text Features. We will finish up our last writing assignment in mid April.

Science:

Students will spend the month developing models to describe that matter is made of particles too small to be seen. We will measure and graph quantities to provide evidence that regardless of the type of change that occurs when heating, cooling, or mixing substances, the total weight of the matter is conserved. Students will also plan and conduct investigations to separate the components of a mixture/solution by their physical properties (sorting, filtration, magnets, screening). We will conclude our physical science unit by conducting an investigation to determine whether the combining of two or more substances results in new substances. In addition, we will also spend time prepping for Science MAP testing which will begin at the end of this month.

Social Studies:

Students will continue to learn about WWI and then move on to WWII in the upcoming weeks. We will identify political, economic, and social causes and consequences throughout each of these significant events in US history.

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

Happy Spring!

We are ready for some warmer weather! Please make sure that hoodies and jackets are getting washed and that your child has plenty of deodorant. It would be greatly appreciated. Please continue to check your emails and Infinite Campus. As always if you need anything from us, please let us know.

6th Grade English: Mrs. Boling & Mrs. Stumborg

Students in English wrapped up their argumentative writing unit. Next, we are beginning our unit on research. Students will complete research in books and online. We will focus on choosing good sources, creating research questions, and choosing the best way to showcase the information students find.

6th Grade Math: Mrs. Voss & Mrs. Weil

Math will get to Integers and Graphs before we start MAP review in May. Advanced math will continue with the 7th-grade skills and will cover Expressions and Percents before we start MAP review in May. Your child may bring a calculator to use in class. Email your teacher if you have any questions or if you need a link to the suggested calculator.

6th Grade Reading: Mrs. Carrico & Mr. McMahon

We are reading our second novel of the year, The Unwanteds. The students are really enjoying this work of fiction. We are analyzing the learning standards of theme, plot, conflict, point of view, and citing evidence. We are also discussing dystopian societies, creativity, and individualism.

6th Grade Science: Mrs. Todahl & Mrs. Vondera

We have just wrapped up our Earth Surface unit and will be diving into our last unit, Ecology. We will be doing several projects, posters, comic strips, and hands-on activities for this unit. Please check our weekly emails to stay up to date.

6th Grade Social Studies: Mr. Effan & Mr. Slaughter

In social studies, we are currently studying the Early Roman Republic. We are comparing the government of Rome with that of the United States. After spring break, we will be finishing that unit and discussing the rise of the Roman Empire.

I hope your family had a great Spring Break and a Happy Easter. This year has been going by so fast. The school year ends on May 23rd, so we only have eight weeks of school left!! This time of year everyone is tired and ready for summer, however please encourage your child to keep doing their best to finish strong. If your child is struggling and has D’s or F’s, please contact their teacher to discuss ways he or she might improve their grade.

Both 5th and 6th graders had presentations preparing them for next year, and requesting they register for next year’s classes. 6th graders have turned in their class choices, and schedules are being created. 5th graders have tentatively registered, but have not taken class choices home for discussion and parent approval. We are waiting on students to have a band meeting to decide if they are interested in band or not. Their elective sheets should be coming home a little later this month. Parents and students should both be involved in making class decisions. 6th graders will be touring Riverbend on either April 3rd or 4th, depending upon their tribe. They will also be eating lunch at Riverbend. This should help them feel more comfortable as they transition to their new building.

Last month students in both grades had the opportunity to participate in the Children’s Advocacy Center program called “Body Safety.” This program helps students gain appropriate responses in an effort to help prevent them from becoming a victim of abuse. Additionally, Ms. Diamond, facilitated a 5th grade classroom lesson focusing on “Race, Identity, Prejudice, and Discrimination” as we work toward ending racism and having fair treatment of all.

This month we will be hosting the CHADS Coalition for Mental Health to present to both our 5th and 6th grade students. The 5th grade presentation is “Empathy and Emotion Management” to help students understand different emotions, and how to process them in healthy ways. This presentation is April 4th for all 5th graders and will take the place of one of their normal classes. The 6th grade presentation is called “Signs of Suicide" (SOS) and will be offered to all students on April 16th. This is an evidence based program to help students recognize the symptoms of depression or warning signs of suicide in themselves or others, and it teaches appropriate actions they can take to get help. Please note, both of these programs are recommended by the district, but they are voluntary. Parents can opt-out their students if they choose by returning the opt-out form to school.

We will be starting MAP testing the week of April 22nd for all 5th graders, and the week of May 6th for all 6th graders. Special education students could be tested earlier based on student needs. Your assistance in helping your child get enough sleep, eat breakfast and arrive at school on time is greatly appreciated. MAP Scores are important to your child and to the district. We want our students to do their best.

Warm Wishes,

Ms. Jeanne Diamond

5th Grade Counselor

636-271-1425 x 3504

jdiamond@mvr3.k12.mo.us

Ms. Ally Speicher

6th Grade Counselor

636-271-1425 x3509

aspeicher@mvr3.k12.mo.us

Pacific Intermediate

195 N Indian Pride Dr.

Pacific, MO 63069

www.mvr3.k12.mo.us

Phone: 636-271-1425

Fax: 636-271-1465