Camp Don Lee Field Trip!

Dear parents and guardians,
On May 18th, the 5th graders will be headed to Camp Don Lee in Arapahoe, North Carolina! The students will be participating in the Coastal Communities Program at the camp to further explore our science goal of ecosystems.
Due to the fact that this field trip is located near the North Carolina coast, the schedule for the day will be as follows:
• Eat a good breakfast before arriving at Vance
• Students arrive at Vance by parent transportation 6:10 am
• Buses leave Vance 6:30 am
• Buses return to Vance 6:30 pm for parent pick-up
We strongly encourage parents to communicate with each other in the transportation of their students to and from school that day.
The students will be responsible for bringing their own sack lunch. Because the day is so long, we will be asking parents to donate snacks for the whole class (like we did for field day) to have on the buses for our students throughout the day.
The trip is located about 143 miles from Raleigh, so we have chartered buses from Elite Tours. Your student will be able to bring a small bag with them on the bus. In their bag they should bring: sunscreen, insect repellent, a bottle of water, a change of clothes and an extra pair of shoes. They should also pack things to keep busy on the bus (books, coloring, puzzles, etc…). NO electronic games or music devices will be allowed on the bus.
All students should wear comfortable clothing. They will be outside most of the day, so students should dress appropriately. Students should also wear or pack a pair of “water shoes” for seining in river, walking through marsh, etc. (Examples include: old sneakers, aqua shoes, river sandals such as Tevas, but NOT flip flops)
Each classroom will be in need of volunteers to join us on the trip. If you are interested in being a class volunteer please sign and return the slip at the bottom of the page. Due to the high interest in the trip, the teachers will only be able to select a few parents on a first come, first serve basis. Volunteers will be responsible for their own transportation, due to Wake County Policy. We strongly recommend car pooling.

The total cost of the trip per student will be $35. (Volunteers do NOT need to pay for this trip)
++ If you have any concerns about the payment of this trip, please contact your student’s teacher.

Be sure to send the money along with the permission slip to school in an envelope labeled with your student’s name. The money and permission slip need to be returned to school by Tuesday, May 15th.

“Help Wanted”

Families,
I could use your help. Could you please keep a look out for any of our classroom library books? I have ordered many new books this year that have all gone missing. The entire series of, Diary of a Wimpy Kid and many others. Houghton will be written in the book, if it is mine. I don’t mind if the students take them home to read, as long as, the books return to school the next day. I really appreciate your help with this matter 
Thanks in advance,
Nicole Houghton

Fall Family Picnic

Dear 5th grade families,
The Fall Family Picnic is right around the corner As many of you may remember from last year, each grade level hosted a booth to raise money. In the past, the 5th grade had a used book sale and made close to $600. The best part of it all is that the money goes right back to the 5th graders! So once again we are asking you to look through your house, talk to your family, and send in books for our book sale. Be sure that the books are gently used and in good shape. We will not be accepting any magazines this year. Keep in mind that the books do not have to be limited to children’s books. Middle school, high school and adult books will also be accepted. Just be sure that the content is appropriate for the school function. Feel free to send in books as soon as you would like. We will be able to accept books until the Friday before the picnic. The Fall Family Picnic will take place on September 10th from 11:00 am-1:30 pm. Thanks again for helping make this a great school year!

Science Project

Please be aware that directions and a rubric for our Motion and Design science unit will be coming home today. The project is due on September 20th. If for some reason you misplace the directions, I have added them to this web site. Please contact me with any questions or concerns. Thanks!

Scholastic Book Club Orders Online Ordering

Book Club Order Due Date : August 19




Online Ordering Information
Web address: scholastic.com/bookclubs
Class Activation Code: GV92C

Dear Parent,

Now it's easier than ever to find the perfect books for your child -- shop our NEW online Book Clubs Web site. Choose from a much-wider selection of books than in the printed flyer. Plus, you can send your orders directly to me online and use your credit card to pay.

Best of all, we earn a FREE book for the classroom library every time a parent places an order online.*

It's so simple! Here's how it works:
• SIGN UP at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs. On the parent page, click the "Register" button in the "First Time Here?" section. Register for your own user name and password. When prompted, enter the one-time Class Activation Code shown above. This unique code ensures that your order is sent to me.



• SELECT the books you'd like to order -- choose from thousands of titles -- many more than in our monthly flyers.



• SEND your order to me online by the due date and your child's books will be delivered directly to my classroom.

Ordering online is fast, easy, and secure.

Of course, you can still order using the form from the printed flyer. But why not see for yourself how convenient it is to order online?


Thank you,
Nicole Houghton

*Excludes eBooks.

Welcome to the 5th Grade!

Parents and Students,

My name is Mrs. Houghton (How-Ton). I am married to Mr. Houghton, who is a former 5th grade teacher at Swift Creek Elementary. However, next year, he is beginning his first year as a 6th grade teacher at Dillard Drive Middle School. We currently live in Garner with our 3 year old daughter, Juliet. This will be my tenth year of teaching and I am excited and eager to begin this journey through 5th grade with all of you.

This year, students will be facing many changes and new responsibilities. As fifth graders, they are responsible for many jobs around the school and will serve as role models for the younger students. The students will be taught and expected to exhibit certain life skills that will prepare them for middle school. Among these life skills are; responsibility, resourcefulness and organization. Working together, I am confident that we will prepare these students for their next chapter in education.

I believe that all students can learn, especially in the right climate. It is very important to me as an educator to create a classroom environment that is safe, positive, and structured. Communication is crucial to the success of our school year. I want all parents and students to feel comfortable coming to me with any questions, comments or concerns.

I am looking forward to getting to know and work with you this year.

Sincerely,
Nicole Houghton, NBCT
Email: nhoughton@wcpss.net
Classroom Web Site: vance5th.blogspot.com ** Homework is posted daily

Science EOG June 2nd