Mrs. Houghton's 5th Grade

“Help Wanted”

2011-11-18T06:24:00.001-08:00

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

2011-08-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-23T05:13:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-11T09:17:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-07-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-25T06:32:00.000-07:00

Reminder!

2011-05-17T07:07:00.000-07:00

Next week is Human Growth and Development week! May 23rd-27th. Be prepared to get questions coming home from your child. Remember, you may request to see the information being presented at any time.

Camp Don Lee Field Trip

2011-02-22T08:47:00.001-08:00

Dear parents and guardians,
On March 10th, 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 $30. (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 Friday, March 4th.
Thank you,
The 5th Grade Team

2010-12-07T16:13:00.000-08:00

NEWS RELEASE

Vance Elementary Teacher Reaches Teaching’s Top Milestone by Achieving National Board Certification

Raleigh, NC – 12/15/10 – Teacher effectiveness has become one of the most critical issues facing America’s schools today. Teaching excellence in the Wake County has taken a step forward following the announcement by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) that Nicole Houghton, a 5th grade teacher at Vance Elementary has achieved National Board Certification in 2010.

A voluntary assessment program designed to develop, recognize and retain accomplished teachers, National Board Certification is achieved through a performance-based assessment that typically takes one to three years to complete. While state licensing systems set basic requirements to teach in each state, National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) have successfully demonstrated advanced teaching knowledge, skills and practices.

“For more than a decade, National Board Certified Teachers have been transforming our nation’s schools by demonstrating effective teaching practice,” said Joseph A. Aguerrebere, NBPTS president and chief executive officer. “I am proud that Nicole Houghton is among a select group of excellent teachers nationwide who have achieved National Board Certification. These outstanding educators are making a positive difference in the lives of students.”

“Like board-certified medical doctors, National Board Certified Teachers have met high standards through intensive study, expert evaluation, self-assessment and peer review,” added Aguerrebere.

NBCTs consistently receive top teaching honors while representing about two percent of the nation’s teaching population. For example:
• Three of the past five National Teachers of the Year are National Board certified.
• One-third of the 2010 State Teachers of the Year are National Board certified.
• More than one-third of the recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are National Board certified.
• Four of the five National Teachers Hall of Fame 2010 honorees are National Board certified.

In the most rigorous and comprehensive study to date about National Board Certification, the non-partisan National Research Council found that students taught by NBCTs make higher gains on achievement tests than students taught by other teachers.

National Board Certification is recognized as a model for identifying accomplished teaching practice and is supported by teachers and administrators nationwide. All 50 states, the District of Columbia and hundreds of local school districts recognize National Board Certification as a mark of distinction. Many states and local school districts provide salary incentives and cover the cost for teachers who pursue and achieve this advanced teaching credential.

For more information about NBPTS, visit the NBPTS Web site at www.nbpts.org.

###

About the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
NBPTS is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan and nongovernmental organization. NBPTS advances the quality of teaching and learning by developing professional standards for accomplished teaching; creating and administering National Board Certification, a voluntary system to certify teachers who meet those standards; and integrating certified teachers into educational reform efforts. Today, approximately 90,000 National Board Certified Teachers are making a positive difference in the lives of students across the nation.

###

Contact:
James R. Minichello
(703) 465-2171
jminichello@nbpts.org

Appreciation!

2010-11-17T10:45:00.000-08:00

I understand that many of you have very busy schedules, however I would like to thank Mandy Julian, Jorge Cervantes, Jill Swartz, and Allan & Connie Chamblee for attending last night's curriculum night. I appreciate your support :)

Curriculum Night Tomorrow!!

2010-11-15T07:02:00.001-08:00

Nov. 16th 6:30-7:30

Biblio-Tech Run Tomorrow!

2010-11-09T06:35:00.000-08:00

2:00-2:45
We still need water and snack donations

Updates and Reminders

2010-11-02T08:50:00.000-07:00

*** You can now register to volunteer/chaperone in the front office on Mondays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the time period of November 1-April 25, with the exception of the following three dates: December 20, December 27, and January 17.

*** The money for our in-class science field trip in due this Friday, Nov.5th ($8.50)

*** The Biblio-Tech Run has been rescheduled for Nov. 10th due to weather.

Registering to Volunteer/Chaperone

2010-10-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

Due to a backup in the computer registration system, parents will not be able to register to volunteer/chaperone until further notice. If you have already registered you should be cleared in time for our big end of the year field trip. However, we have been told that the system we re-open for a small window of time during the first two weeks of December. I will notify you as soon as I get more information. If you have any further questions, please contact the office at 662-2472. **You need to re-register every new school year**

You can now pay for field trips online!

2010-09-30T06:38:00.000-07:00

Wake County has created a web site the allows you to pay for field trips online. For your convenience, I have added this link under "Helpful Websites".

Project Handouts

2010-09-20T06:56:00.001-07:00

Please note that I have added links to the vehicle project under student handouts.

Motion and Design Project

2010-09-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

The students have been assigned an at home physics project for science, due September 28th. They have been given directions and a rubric to follow. I will also post on link on this web site as soon as I can. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Student Handouts

2010-09-06T14:18:00.001-07:00

I am in the process of figuring out how to post various student assignments/handouts. It is not an easy process, therefore, online handouts will be limited. Unfortunately, things like Spelling Lists, will not be able to be posted at this time. Documents saved to my computer or flash drive will be able to be added. I hope you find this helpful.

Literature Study Groups

2010-08-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

The students will be participating in a literature study group throughout the year. The purpose of the group is to provide the students with an opportunity to read and discuss various novels with their peers. Every day/night the students will be expected to complete an assigned reading and job to go with the reading. Most groups will be assigned approximately 20 pages a day/night. The jobs will change day to day. The jobs include; discussion director, connector, summarizer, vocabulary enricher, and quiz maker. The students will have some class time to work on their reading and assignment. However, if they are not finished, it will be assigned as homework for the night. They will NOT be expected to read extra in addition to their literature study assignments. The books they will be reading are A.R. books, therefore, they will be taking on test after completing the book. The students will be graded on their performance. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for your support. 

Nicole Houghton

Welcome to the 5th Grade!

2010-07-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

Parents and Students,

My name is Nicole Houghton (How-Ton). I am married to Mr. Houghton, who is a 5th grade teacher at Swift Creek Elementary. We are currently living in Garner with our 2 year old daughter, Juliet. This will be my ninth 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.

Email: nhoughton@wcpss.net
Classroom Web Site: vance5th.blogspot.com ** Homework is posted daily

5th Grade Graduation

2010-05-04T13:23:00.001-07:00

June 29th, 2:00 P.M.

Spring Picture Make Up Day

2010-05-04T07:23:00.001-07:00

May 6th

CLASS PICTURE TOMORROW, March 24th

2010-03-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Folders

2010-03-16T07:30:00.001-07:00

Tuesday folders will be going home on Wednesday this week.

Science Report

2010-03-02T16:37:00.000-08:00

Please be aware that the science project sent home with the students today is partially optional. The extreme weather report is not optional, however, the presentation (diorama, poster, 3-D visual, etc.) is optional. In addition, if your child needs extended time to complete this assignment, please let me know. The students will be given both class and homework time to work on the report. You should also know that I will be out of the classroom tomorrow through Friday, returning on Monday.

Curriculum/Collaboration Night

2010-01-26T07:21:00.000-08:00

I am sending a family survey home in today's Tuesday Folders regarding a curriculum night that I would like to plan. I would appreciate you taking the time to complete it and return it to me. My hopes are to bridge any home-school gaps in regards to supporting your child's education. Thank you.

Current Learning Objectives

2010-01-26T07:18:00.000-08:00

Math- Fractions (equivalent, adding/subtracting, ordering greatest to least, using in word problems)

Writing- Tall Tales

Reading- Elements of a Narrative, identifying problem (man vs. man, man vs. self, man vs. world)

Social Studies- Revolutionary War

Celebration

2009-12-08T07:13:00.000-08:00

The students have earned a pizza party celebration that will be held during lunch on Dec. 18th, the last day before track out. I plan on purchasing the pizza for them, as well as raffle prizes. If you would like to donate plates, napkins, bottled water, chips, or even a dollar or two to help with the cost, it would be greatly appreciated, but not expected. Thank you in advance.

We Won A Pizza Party!

2009-09-21T07:10:00.001-07:00

Thanks to all of your support, our class sold the most books for the school-wide fundraiser. Since our class sold the most books, the PTA will be providing the students with pizza this Friday, Sept. 25th. Thank you for all that you do for our school community.

FALL FAMILY PICNIC

2009-09-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that the 5th grade will be selling used books at the Fall Family Picnic, next Saturday the 12th. We will be using the proceeds to go towards lowering the cost of the hands-on science field trip at the coast. Please send in any books that you no longer need, so that we can sell them at the picnic. Thank you for all of your support!

Current Learning Objectives

2009-08-11T07:18:00.000-07:00

Social Studies - Early Explorers
Math - Graphing, Patterns, Word Problems (multiplication)
Writing - Tools for effective narrative writing (suspense, similes, word choice, etc.)
Science - Will begin soon, Physics (Motion & Design)
Reading - Predicting elements of a Narrative (Setting, Characters, Problem, Solution)

Spelling

2009-08-03T07:36:00.001-07:00

I want to give you some information in regards to spelling this year. I have started out by giving each student a spelling inventory assessment to determine their approximate stage in spelling development. I have grouped the students based on this data, however, if I student shows a need to go up a level or conversely down a level, I will do so. If a student misses 1 or less on three tests in a row, I will most likely move them up to a different group. Please note that I have marked a box on spelling homework “Parent’s Choice”, using this box you may choose a spelling homework assignment for your child as you see fit. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concern you may have in regards to this or any other issue. Thank you for your support.

Welcome to the 5th Grade!

2009-07-26T14:11:00.000-07:00

Parents and Students,

My name is Mrs. Houghton (How-Ton), however, some of you know me better by the name, Miss Armiak. I am married to Mr. Houghton, who is a 5th grade teacher at Swift Creek Elementary. We are currently living in Garner with our 17 month old daughter, Juliet, and our dog, Chauncey. This will be my eighth 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
Email: nhoughton@wcpss.net
Classroom Web Site: vance5th.blogspot.com ** Homework is posted daily

EOG SCORES

2009-06-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

Test scores will be coming home today with your child. Any student that receives a level 2 will be taking a retake. Retakes will begin tomorrow and run through the week. Please call the school if you have any questions. I am very proud of our students for all of the hard work they have done this year!

EOG Week!

2009-06-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

It's here, EOG week! The students will begin with the Reading EOG tomorrow, followed by Math Calculator Active on Wednesday and finally Math Calculator inactive on Thursday. All testing begins at 9:30 am and last through about 1:00 pm. There will be no homework assigned this week with the exception of a good nights sleep and breakfast in the morning. Thank you for all that you have done this year to help me ensure the success of your child.

SCIENCE EOG TOMORROW!

2009-06-03T08:59:00.000-07:00

The science eog will be tomorrow, June 4th beginning at 9:30 am

Welcome Back!

2009-04-20T08:22:00.001-07:00

Conferences

2009-03-27T11:28:00.000-07:00

I will be sending home conference requests when we return from track out. Thank you.

Field Day CHANGE

2009-03-10T08:17:00.001-07:00

Field day has been moved to next Thursday, March 19th.

New Learning Objectives

2009-02-17T09:44:00.001-08:00

Science: Landforms (volcanoes, glaciers, mountains, deltas, etc.)

Math: Place Value and Word Problems

Writing: Myths

Reading: Lesson, Theme, Message

DATE CHANGE!

2009-02-05T06:07:00.000-08:00

The G-WIS basketball game has been changed from Feb. 19th to Feb. 26th.

Colony Project Due February 20th

2009-01-30T08:52:00.000-08:00

Please be aware that an at home Social Studies project will be assigned beginning Monday, February 2nd. The project will required students to create their own colony. Details and a grading rubric will be given to the students on the 3rd. The project will be part of nightly homework over three weeks. Specific class time will not be given. This is a level 4 opportunity. Please contact me with any questions you may have regarding the assignment. Thank you.

Current Learning Objectives

2009-01-28T08:12:00.000-08:00

Math: Graphing-range, median, mode; Story Problems-using multiplication,division,fractions

Writing: Tall Tales

Reading: Tall Tales, Myths, Science Fiction

Social Studies: Early American Colonies

Field Trip Chaperones

2008-11-12T06:05:00.001-08:00

Please be aware that information will be coming home today in Tuesday Folders. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you very much for volunteering your time to help make our field trip a success.

Welcome Back From Track Out

2008-10-20T08:14:00.001-07:00

I am excited to begin our second quarter of learning together. Please be aware that tomorrow's Tuesday Folders will contain a lot of information. Conference request slips will be included in that group of information coming home tomorrow. Conferences will be held October 23rd-25th after school. We also have some fun events coming up this month, Tech Run and our downtown field trip. We will be need volunteers for both. If you are interested, please make sure you are registered in the office. I look forward to another great quarter of working together for the success of our children.

Report Cards/Conferencing

2008-09-17T08:39:00.001-07:00

Report Cards will be coming home with your child next Friday, Sept. 26th. This will also be the last day before the three week track out. I will be sending home conference requests when we return from track out. Please encourage your child to leave everything in their book bag until they return from track out. Thank you.

Fall Family Picnic

2008-09-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

We were able to raise $346 this past Saturday at our Fall Family Picnic. Thank you to all of you that sent in books and came to the picnic. We appreciate your support.

Motion and Design Project

2008-09-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

Students will be working on an at home motion and design project. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have about the project. Details for the project will be coming home with the students. The project is due Monday September 22nd. There is a level 4 opportunity.

Rain Date Fall Family Picnic

2008-09-04T11:57:00.000-07:00

The Fall Family Picnic has been postponed until Saturday, September 13th 11:00-1:30, due to severe weather forecasts. Thank you for your flexibility. Look forward to seeing you all there!

Interims/Progress Reports

2008-08-27T08:25:00.001-07:00

Please be aware that Progress Reports and Interims went home in Tuesday Folders yesterday. Interims need to return to school with a parent signature.

Picture Day

2008-08-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is picture day! Please send money and picture envelop with your child tomorrow if you wish to purchase pictures. These will be the pictures for the yearbook.

Math Test

2008-08-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

2nd Math Test of the Year, Friday, August 22

Open House

2008-08-18T16:47:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow, August 19th, 5:30-6:30

Current Objectives

2008-08-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

Math: Estimation, rounding, story problems, and numbers in word form
Writing: Using locations words in writing, descriptive writing
Science: Physics, Motion and Design, and simple machines
Reading: Predicting narrative content using elements of a narrative

Current Objectives

2008-08-03T15:49:00.001-07:00

The following are the current objectives we are working on in class...
Math: Organizing numerical data into stem-leaf plots, finding mode,median, and range, adding and subtracting money in story problems and choosing appropriate graphs.
Reading: Choosing purpose for reading, how to choose books at appropriate reading level, and reading aloud with fluency, pace, volume, expression and personal style.
Writing: Writer's checklist, Super Story Starters (beginning sentences) and Awesome Ending.
Science: Motion and Design (Physics,ie,friction,force,gravity,velocity etc.)

Welcome to 5th Grade!

2007-07-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

Parents and Students,

My name is Mrs. Houghton (How-Ton), however, some of you know me better by the name, Miss Armiak. I was married in April 2007 to Mr. Houghton, who is a 5th grade teacher at Swift Creek Elementary. We recently has our first child, Juliet, in February and are currently living in Garner with our dog, Chauncey and rabbit, Fred. This will be my seventh year of teaching and I am excited and eager to begin this exciting 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