Newletter: January 10

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! This week was a nice, easy start back after a wonderful Christmas Break and the Blizzard of 2014! I hope you all had a wonderful, extended time together. We are jumping in full-swing on Monday. We have gone over rules and procedures and enjoyed catching up with one another this week. I sure did miss these kids!!! 

Student Led Conferences 

January 16, 4:00-7:00 The 4th and 5th grades will be doing student-led conferences again. If you are not seeing the "regular" conference sheet come home, that is why. A note came home with your student TODAY! I hope to see you all there! If you know that you will want to meet one-on-one with me, we can schedule a time when you come in. 

NWEA Testing 

We will begin testing next week. Our testing dates are: January 15, 17, and 21. We will be testing in the mornings one those dates. Please do your best to make sure your student is here! 

MIDTERMS 

Midterm grades will be available at your student's conference. Remember, this is just the half-way point of the trimester. 

Snow Make-Up days! 

We will have school on January 27 and February 3 to make up for missed days (days missed were September fog day and January 8). The IDOE has granted a waiver for January 6 and 7, so we do not have to make those up. 

Preparation for Middle School 

It is the time of year when we make a shift in our classroom. Prep for middle school becomes a focus. Expectations are higher, work gets a little harder, and consequences are handed out quicker. I really begin to push the students to be more self-accountable for work, grades, and goals. Any help from home is GREATLY appreciated. This will help make a smooth transition for next school year!

Christmas Letter

Dear Parents and Families,
      It has been a learning experience so far in Room 410. This group of kids has done a great job getting adjusted to life in 5th grade. They are learning more responsibility, how to be a positive role model, and that hard work pays off! It was possible with support from home – that's you!
      I am a firm believer that good kids come from good parents. Our class would not be what we are without the support of each one of you at home. You deserve a jumbo

THANKS!  

      We have worked hard this first part of the school year. We have published 4 pieces of writing, taken several Science and Social Studies tests, learned 400 spelling words, taken over 500 AR quizzes, and many other day-to-day things.
       The most recent task was to answer Letters to Santa written by a first grade class. What an honor! The letters were a huge hit with the first grade and I believe the 5th graders enjoyed answering the letters. Definitely put us in the Christmas Spirit.
        As I wrap up, I want to thank you for the support from home. It makes a teacher's job easier when parents are supportive of the education for their children. Be safe in your travels and cherish the time you have with family and friends this holiday season
        See you January 6, 2014!
        Merry Christmas and blessings on your holiday

Newsletter: December 13

Friday the 13th! We survived one of the craziest weeks of the year: a Christmas Program, rehearsals, swimming, and everything else that we normally do! Love this group of kids more and more and am proud of how well they work.

Christmas Challenge 

Each year I offer a reading challenge to my students over Christmas Break. If they read a chapter book (approved by Miss C.) and get 85% or higher on the AR quiz when they return from break, they get a free mini blizzard to snack on in the afternoon. Encourage your student to participate in this. Books must be chosen before break. 

Cookies and Cocoa! 

Monday, Dec. 16, 5:30-6:30pm This is a chance for you to snuggle up and read with your students! Hope to see you there! 

Read In
We will have a Read In on December 20.  Students can wear pajamas, bring a pillow/blanket, and we will spend lots of time reading.  We will also have our Christmas celebration.  Room moms will be contacting people.

Awesome Opportunity! 

Last week we had the chance to host a group of teachers attending a Writing instruction workshop. 8 teachers came to observe Writer’s Workshop in our class and work with the students. It was a GREAT time and I was so proud of the kids! 

 Leave a comment and earn a point for you kiddo's team!!!

Awesome Opportunity

We hosted 8 teachers last Thursday who were attending a conference for Writing instruction.  It was a pretty great experience for everyone.  The teachers came to observe Writer's Workshop, specifically a student/teacher writing conference.  After they observed they met with several of the students in the class and held a writing conference.  Here are some pictures of our time:

Newsletter: December 6

We are at the two week countdown to Christmas Break! We have lots to get done between now and then: Theme 8 in reading, 2 more spelling tests, finish our Poetry Unit, a Christmas Program, and a new chapter in Science. Please make sure that homework is getting done each night...then you get 2 weeks off! 

Christmas Challenge 

Each year I offer a reading challenge to my students over Christmas Break. If they read a chapter book (approved by Miss C.) and get 85% or higher on the AR quiz when they return from break, they get a free mini blizzard to snack on in the afternoon. Encourage your student to participate in this. I'll be telling the class about it on Monday. 

Christmas Program: 

 Monday, Dec. 9 @ 7pm 

Tuesday, Dec. 10 @ 8:45am 

Warrior Ceremony 

There will be a Warrior award Ceremony on Thursday, December 19 in the gym. If your child is receiving an award, you will be notified by Friday, December 13.