Dear Families,
I hope this newsletter finds you all well. Here is what's been happening over the past week and what is planned for next week.
What's Up!
· Reading
· Writing: This week we used the skill of cause and effect to write our own “If you Give a Mouse a Muffin” type of paper. We will work on editing our “If you Give a Mouse a Muffin” type papers next week.
· Spelling: Words from Read Writing Workshop (See attached)
· Vocabulary: None
· Math: We finished chapter 1. However problem solving with money has been extremely difficult. Please pull out your spare change on a daily basis and practice counting money with your child. You can also do word problems such as I have $5.00 and I bought a toy for $3.45. How much change do I have? We will continue to work on this skill as we move along into chapter 2 which focuses on addition and subtraction algorithms and mental math strategies. Please continue to brush up on addition and subtraction skills at home. Don’t forget you can view the text book online by going to www.pearsonsuccessnet.com.
· Science: We are working on our unit on plants. Students really enjoyed the nature walk finding seeds, discussing what kinds they were and how they travel. Friday they dissected lima beans!
· Social Studies: We have been working on issues that face our region such as the Asian Carp and Native Americans being arrested by the DNR for hunting, fishing, and gathering even though they should be protected by The Treaty of 1855.
· MEAP: Testing will be Tuesday and Wednesday. Please have your child well rested, fed and to school on time.
Conferences
If you were not able to sign up for conferences at open house, please call the office at 323-5900 to set up your fall and spring conference. I look forward to meeting with you and discussing your child’s progress.
Math Facts and Reading
Please remember to keep practicing those math facts (addition and subtraction) every night. There are many free resources online to print up flash cards and often they are available at many dollar stores. There are also several games websites available which are great independent practice! Below are some website you may want to check out.
Your child should be reading every night for 5 to 10 minutes each night from a book of their choice. They can read silently to themselves, partner read with a parent/sibling, or read orally. . Here are a few suggestions on ways to talk to your child about what they are reading to show them you value what they are reading.
· “What just happened in your story?” or “Give me a summary of what happened in that chapter.”
· “What do you think is going to happen next in the story?” or “Make a prediction about what is going to happen next.”
· “What is your favorite part of the story so far? Why?”
· “Who are the characters in the story? Which one is your favorite? Why?”
· “How would you change this chapter/book if you were the author?”
Reminders from the Office
Absences for Vacations: Regular school attendance is basic to much of the success students attain. Daily teaching, interactions of students with teachers and peers, discussions, visual displays, etc. are a crucial part of academic work. Parents/guardians who wish to have their child miss school for a family vacation should realize the classroom instruction students miss can not be duplicated. It is difficult for teachers to provide students with make-up work prior to leaving for a vacation due to the need to vary the pace and presentation of instruction to meet the needs of learners who are in attendance. It is up to the teacher’s professional judgment as to whether course work can be provided in advance for the units of instruction students will miss due to vacation. Teachers will provide students with work missed upon their return from vacation and may seek to teach the child concepts missed during lunch or recess periods.
Release of Information Form: We must have a signed Release of Information Form in order to communicate with non-parent/guardian individuals or agencies. This includes step-parents, grandparents, tutors, counselors, attorneys, or doctors. A new release needs to be signed each school year! These may be obtained from the office.
Dates to Remember
· October 13 – Ski Club Meeting 6pm in the cafeteria
· October 12, 13 and 19 – MEAP Testing for third graders
· October 29 – Fall/Halloween Party and Parade
· November 5 – No school for students
· November 16 and 18 – Fall Conferences
· November 24-26 – No School: Thanksgiving Recess
As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you and have a great weekend!
Mrs. Jessica Winstanley
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