Universal 2015

Universal Trip

Parents -

This is just a reminder that the students will be attending Universal Studios on Monday, June 1st.  They need to be at school Monday morning between 700-715 a.m. as buses will pull out at 730. Please report to your HR teacher to check in for attendance purposes.  Please remind your students to wear their pinkish 5th grade shirts on Monday and to be sure to load up on sunscreen as the weather forecast is shooting for sunny weather. Also, please DO NOT bring any electronic devices (i.e. IPods, game players or cell phones). They will be left on the bus unattended while we walk throughout the park.

Also, the students will be receiving a voucher in Universal Studios money to be used to purchase lunch throughout the day.  However, if your child would like to purchase souvenirs at the park or you think they might need more for food/drinks/ etc, you might want to send them with some "just in case" money.

We should be arriving back at school around 500-530 Monday evening.  So, for those of you who are unable to chaperone, please make sure you or someone will be at Gorrie to pick up your child by then.

Thank you so much and we are looking forward to a great day!

The 5^th Grade Team

EOY Dates

5/19: Universal Chaperone Meeting (6pm Media Center) / D.C. Info Meeting (6:15pm Media Center)

5/22 Patrol Picnic (During School)

5/27 Gorrie Showcase (9:30-10:30am Musicale)

6/1-6/5 LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL

1. June 1st – Universal Studios – Students need to be at school between 7:00 am and 7:15 am.  Buses will leave promptly at 7:30 am.

1. Students should arrive back at school around 5:30 pm.  You must meet us at the front of school to pick up your child.  
2. Please sign the attached permission slip and the medical release form (this form must be notarized).  If you need a notary for the medical release form, Ms. Kuchinski and Ms. Brown in the office are notaries and would be happy to notarize your forms.
3. If you would like to chaperone the trip, please attend the mandatory chaperone meeting on Tuesday, 5/19 at 6:00 pm in the Media Center. 

2 June 2nd - Memory Book signing (8:30-9:30) – If 5th grade students did not purchase a memory book and would still like to, they will be on sale starting May 29th at 7:30 am in the Media Center.  Cost is $15 made payable to Gorrie Elementary. The remaining Memory Books will be on a first come, first serve basis.

3 June 2nd - Movie Day (10:00-12:00) – We will transform the 5th grade classrooms into a theatre for their viewing pleasure.  We will also watch videos on the buses to and from Universal Studios.
Please sign the attached movie permission slip.

4 June 3rd – Field Day (9:00-11:00)

5 June 4th – 5th grade Celebration (11:30-2:00) and DVD slideshow viewing

6 June 5th – Half Day –

1. Class Party (9:30-10:30)– Please coordinate with the HR Mom’s if you would like to participate 
2. Clap Out is at 11:35 am.  5th grade will start working their way downstairs about 11:20.  Please be sure to be here before that to find parking as it will be limited. 
3. Please be sure that your child checks out with their HR teacher before they leave.  

Stay Tuned for more info! We are looking forward to a wonderful end of the year. It has gone by SO fast, but we are going to end the year with wonderful memories at Gorrie. Thanks for all you do!

May Upcoming Dates

Hey Parents!

We are getting closer and closer to the end of the year and at this point, we have TONS to get ready for. Below, you will find a list of lots of upcoming events and dates to add to your calendars. More information will follow:


5/1: Mini Mall

5/7: Jungle Book Spring Musical (6:30pm- Musicale)

5/12: Student Led Conference Night (Sign up HERE)

5/14: Parent Night @Wilson Middle (5:30-7pm Wilson)

5/15: Art Show

5/19: Universal Chaperone Meeting (6pm Media Center) / D.C. Info Meeting (6:30pm Media Center)

5/22 Patrol Picnic (During School)

5/27 Gorrie Showcase (9:30-10:30am Musicale)


Stay Tuned for more info! We are looking forward to a wonderful end of the year. It has gone by SO fast, but we are going to end the year with wonderful memories at Gorrie. Thanks for all you do!

FSA Testing 2015

We are just one week away from testing and I wanted to update you on a few things. First off, the original testing schedule has changed per administration here at Gorrie. Instead of testing Monday and Tuesday each week for the next three weeks, it has been decided that here at Gorrie, we will move the testing up to get it finished early.

The new schedule will look more like this:

Monday/ Tuesday (April 13th-14th): FSA ELA Test
Wednesday/ Thursday (April 15th-16th): FSA Math Test
Monday Tuesday (April 20th-21st) FCAT Science Test

1.  Please ensure that your students are here no later than 8:00 am so that we can get them unpacked, focused and ready to begin testing.  If you come during the testing time, the class will not be disturbed for them to be removed from the class.
2.  Please make sure they get plenty of rest each night.  We will have no HW for the next two weeks (other than to read nightly), so they shouldn't be up late working on school work.
3.  Please make sure they receive a healthy breakfast each morning to ensure they remain focused during the tests.
Thank you for your help!  Our kids are ready!  Have a great week!

Biztown Field Trip

“Our favorite part of BizTown was advertising our raffle and products.  We also liked how we could go to different businesses and buy actual goods and services.”

– Tampa Bay Rays

“Our favorite part of BizTown was being able to feel like an adult in the real world.  We also enjoyed the idea that we were learning while still participating in a fun activity.” – Bank of America

“Our favorite part in JA BizTown was running the Hospital.  We also enjoyed cooperating with our peers.” – Florida Hospital

“In our business, our favorite part of BizTown was at the end when we realized that we had made more than enough money.  We also enjoyed walking around and buying stuff with the money we had earned.” – TECO

On Friday March 6^th, 2015 the entire 5^th grade class at Gorrie Elementary School visited JA BizTown.  BizTown is a simulation town that is designed to teach children basic economic skills.  It was a chance for the students to get a taste of the “real world.”  Each class was assigned various businesses that they would need to run while we were visiting BizTown.  Our class was assigned to run the Florida Hospital, Tampa Bay Electric Company (TECO), Bank of America and the Tampa Bay Rays.  Students were ecstatic when they found out what business they were assigned and what role they would play in their business.  The students did a phenomenal job following directions, balancing their checkbooks, using their debit cards and performing their duties throughout the day.  We could not have had a more rewarding experience and greatly appreciate the help of the parents and the JA BizTown Staff.  Gorrie cannot wait to visit BizTown again! Bring on MINI MALL!

-Ms. Ferguson

Biztown Interviews

For weeks, our class has been prepping for the much-anticipated trip to JA BizTown happening this Friday, March 6th. “JA BizTown is a program to help young people understand work readiness, entrepreneurship, and personal financial literacy”(BizTown Guide).  Students have been working through daily lessons to learn about the circular flow of economy, balancing checkbooks, savings and checking accounts, and how to apply for their first job.  Over the course of the past few weeks, the students completed a job application and applied to the businesses our class has been assigned.  Students went on mock interviews with staff from various grade levels in our school.  Between Mr. Catania, myself, and the notes from the teachers who interviewed our students, we were successfully able to place all of our students into their best role at one of the businesses.  We are extremely proud of the hard work that our students have been putting forward thus far, and we hope they will work just as hard on the trip this Friday.  Enjoy some pictures of our students who came in their business attire for their interview.
- Ms. Ferguson 

United Skates Field Trip

 

We recently took a class field trip to United Skates of America.  While there was time allotted for the students to show off their skating skills, the primary focus of the trip was to develop skills needed when taking the math and science tests this April.  With direction from the United Skates Staff, students worked in groups to both take apart and put back together a roller skate.  After putting their skates back together, the students raced their skates across the rink, only to learn that some classmates had put their nuts on a little too tight.  The groups had to problem solve and fix their skate before they had a second opportunity to push their skate across the floor.  Students also worked on mathematical equations using force and motion.  Students’ creative sides came out when they were given the chance to create their own skate.  Girls drew cats and had sparkles on theirs, when the boys were more into adding speed with fire behind their skates.

Following the lessons the students got a chance to show off their skating skills in a free skate while also enjoying pizza and a drink with their classmates.  At the end of the day, the staff of United Skates held a sock race in which all students were able to participate.  It was extremely fun for all of our class to cheer each other on.  A big thanks to the wonderful chaperones and to United Skates of America for a wonderful day!

- Ms. Ferguson

Colonial Williamsburg

As we wrap up our unit on Colonial Williamsburg, here are some additional links to check out!


Visit Colonial Williamsburg


Tour The Town


Video: A Day At Colonial Williamsburg

Video: The Colonial Williamsburg Experience


For extra credit, students can view this film and write a summary of the film in their own words.
Movie: Felicity, An American Girl Adventure

Human Body Links

In Science, we are working on the Human Body. Here are some new links to websites with movies and activities to help learn more about our organ systems.


Kids Health

Health Games

Kids Biology

Science Kids

Kids Konnect

Bill Nye Human Body Videos

Even MORE links:
Disclaimer: Please view these with your child. Although most of the links have GREAT info for the human body, some of the info may be difficult for 5th graders to understand.

Digestive System links

Circulatory System links

Excretory System links

Sensory Organs links

Muscular System links

Nervous System links

Respiratory System links

Skeletal System links

Welcome Ms. Ferguson

Our student teacher from The University of Tampa begins her time with us starting this Wednesday and we are ALL so excited to have her. Ms. Ferguson will be with us through May, helping support the academic success of each of our students. Here is a little about her:

Greetings Mr. Catania’s Fifth Grade Students and Parents,

            2015 is quickly getting underway and so are my plans of meeting you soon.

I am Courtney Ferguson and I will be interning in Mr. Catania’s class from mid

January until early May.  This is my final internship before becoming a fully certified

teacher and having a classroom of my very own.  I am originally from New Jersey,

but have fallen in love with the Tampa Bay area and have plans of staying here after

graduation.  The University of Tampa struck me as the perfect school because of its

great connections with the Tampa Bay community, their wonderful Education

Department, and who wouldn’t be impressed by palm trees on campus!  I love to

spend my time running down Bay Shore Boulevard and exploring the stunning local

beaches.  As far as my teaching style, I am a proponent of hands on activities and

getting children out of their seats to do their work.  I believe group interaction and

communication is very successful.  Every student learns differently, and I am excited

to learn each student’s style. I was inspired to become a teacher because of the love

and passion my teachers displayed on a daily basis.  I continuously saw their

compassion and interest in the success of each of their students.  When I shared my

interest in becoming a teacher with several of my past teachers, they encouraged me

and made me feel confident that my qualities would be a positive addition to the

teaching community.  I am extremely excited and grateful to be spending the next

several months at Gorrie Elementary working with Mr. Catania, his students, and

their parents.

Loyally,

Courtney Ferguson

Jamestown Adventure

For those students who enjoyed our unit on Jamestown and the Early English Settlements, I invite them to visit this fun and interactive Jamestown adventure game! Enjoy!

http://www.historyglobe.com/jamestown/

Cake Walk

Cake Walk sign up is off to a good start, but we are still in need of more volunteers! Please help donate to this cause as the Cake Walk and Bake Sale help to offset the cost of our trip to Universal at the end of the school year. If you sign up to provide goods, make sure you keep in mind refrigeration for the day of the festival may not necessarily be an option (i.e. no ice cream cakes), as they will melt during the event. Thanks so much and please let me know if you have any questions!

• http://bit.ly/1Dnf9z9

Walk-A-Thon 2014

The Gorrie Walk-A-Thon is quickly approaching and we would love for everyone to be registered online. Even if you have no plan of raising funds, the organizers will use the sign up info to order your child's FREE t-shirt. Without registering for our class team, your child will NOT received a t-shirt. If you haven't done so already, please at the very least, register your child so they can be included in our fundraising process. Our team goal is $800 and we are already on our way to reaching it! Please help us make this Walk-A-Thon a HUGE success! Thanks in advance and please do not hesitate to email me with any questions you may have. Use the link below to register your child TODAY! it's as easy as 1.....2....3 Thanks!

• https://gorrie.dojiggy.com/ng/index.cfm/ab20bae/regPages/signup/pledge?p=b41dfd62

Fall Conferences

It's ALREADY conference time! Wow, the year has gone so fast! Please indicate your conference time by signing your child’s last name in a time slot through the link below. Be sure to arrive on time, so we do not go over the next appointment. I look forward to meeting with you. Any questions, please send me an email.

• http://bit.ly/1nQnoiF

Meet the Teacher 2014

Check out this message from your virtual teacher!
-Mr. Catania

Welcome Back 2014

Hello! Welcome to our class blog! This website it used as a tool to communicate our studies, achievements, homework assignments, important dates, etc. to students, family, and friends. I update this site on a regular basis by posting pictures of what the students are working on as well as what is going on in our classroom. I look forward to meeting you all at Meet The Teacher on Monday, August 18th, 2014 immediately following the Info Fair! I have been working hard to get our classroom ready for your arrival! Please collect all of your supplies and bring them to school on our first day. If you would like to bring them to Meet The Teacher, that would be great too! Feel free to look around on our class blog to see what we will be working on this year. See you at Meet The Teacher!

Our new Reading Textbooks

Our History Textbooks

Mr. Catania's Messy Desk

Organizing our library

Books, books, and MORE books!

- Mr. Catania

Universal Trip

Parents -

This is just a reminder that the students will be attending Universal Studios on Monday.  They need to be at school Monday morning between 700-715 a.m. as buses will pull out at 730. Please report to your HR teacher to check in for attendance purposes.  Please remind your students to wear their aqua 5th grade shirts on Monday and to be sure to load up on sunscreen as the weather forecast is shooting for sunny weather. Also, please DO NOT bring any electronic devices (i.e. IPods, game players or cell phones). They will be left on the bus unattended while we walk throughout the park.

Also, the students will be receiving a voucher in Universal Studios money to be used to purchase food and/or drinks throughout the day.  However, if your child would like to purchase souvenirs at the park or you think they might need more for food/drinks/ etc, you might want to send them with some "just in case" money.

We should be arriving back at school around 500-530 Monday evening.  So, for those of you who are unable to chaperone, please make sure you or someone will be at Gorrie to pick up your child by then.

Thank you so much and we are looking forward to Monday!

The 5^th Grade Team

Welcome Ms. Cahill

Dear Fifth Grade Families, 

            As the second half of the school year gets underway, I would like to start off by introducing myself. My name is Krista Cahill and I will be interning for Mr. Catania in your son/daughter’s fifth grade classroom. I am from Danvers, Massachusetts where I grew up with my parents and younger brother Stephen who is a freshman at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston.  I made the decision to attend The University of Tampa first, in all honesty, because I knew I couldn’t turn down the beautiful weather.  When I discovered that their Education program is one of the best in the state, my decision was quickly solidified.  On campus, I am involved in the Kappa Delta Pi, which is an international honors society for education, and am a member of Delta Gamma.  Outside of the classroom, I love to spend time with close friends and family, but I also absolutely love taking Spinning/indoor cycling classes or doing something active.  Sometime in the future, I hope to become a certified Spin instructor and share my enthusiasm for cycling with others.  I can’t wait to hear about what types of hobbies or activities your children enjoy as well as understanding how they learn best.

            I have learned so many valuable teaching techniques throughout my time in UT’s program and have enjoyed spending time in various classrooms in Hillsborough County.  After graduation, I plan to stay in Tampa and hope to teach at an elementary school in the area. This internship is the last step I will take before receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education from UT and I am extremely lucky to be spending it here at Gorrie Elementary. I will be present in the classroom from mid-January through the beginning of May. I am very much looking forward to getting to know you and your child in the upcoming weeks. We will have many wonderful experiences and opportunities to learn and grow together in the days ahead. 

I look forward to meeting you!

Sincerely,
Ms. Cahill

Migrant Family Gifts

December 2, 2013                                                                     

Dear Gorrie Families,

This season of caring and sharing is an opportunity for us to help other families celebrate the holidays in a special way.  Classes have decided to be responsible for providing another family with items to make their holiday brighter for children who are less fortunate.

When you are out shopping please think of the family our class is helping.

Any gift you purchase should be sent into school wrapped and tagged.    On the tag, please include the child’s name and what is in the package.  This will enable us to avoid any duplication that may occur.  We are concentrating on the children, but small parent gifts would also be appreciated.

Thank you for your support and generosity.  I know that each family will be forever grateful for making the holidays a joy for their children.

The gifts will be picked up early on Friday, December 13th.

Sincerely,

Nicholas Catania

5^th Grade

Gorrie Elementary

Mr. Catania’s Class Family

#264 – Campos/Hernandez Family

                Age        Gender          Clothing       

Lorena          8             Girl                10                 

Kevin          5             Boy                6                   

Augustin       2             Boy                3                  

Cin                1             Boy                18 Mos           

Cake Walk 2013

Hello-

As many of you know, the Cake Walk is one of the main fundraisers 5th Grade uses to help offset the cost of our end of the year Universal Field Trip. Therefore, it is REALLY crucial for us to have tons of support in making the Cake Walk a success. This year, Lauren Greer (mother of Antonio in Ms. Stetekluh's Class), has graciously volunteered to take on the task of organizing an AMAZING Cake Walk at the Fall Carnival on Friday, October 25th here at Gorrie. Below, you will find a link that you can access to sign up to either donate food items or supplies, help organize and set up the day of the event, or work and clean up during and after the event. We are looking for the following items from each class:

• 12 cakes from each class for the Cake Walk; 
• 6 donations of baked goods from each class (each consisting of 12 individually-wrapped, baked items) for Bake Sale;  
• 5 people per class to help with operations of the Cake Walk and Bake Sale; volunteer DJ to operate the music player
• Plus donations of Rope and 2 Five-Gallon Buckets

Here is the link to sign up:

• https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AuACGRSJE9YedFFJSkFBUjczY0VPQ2FPQUFSeFZZZnc&usp=sharing

• If you have any questions, please contact our Cake Walk coordinator, Lauren Greer at lauren529@yahoo.com

We look forward to a successful Cake Walk this year!