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Happy New Year!
As we welcome 2018, setting new resolutions and goals, it is important that we don’t forget how much we have already accomplished so far this school year. Reflecting on our successes (and failures) is one way we grow stronger as a classroom, and school, community.
This month our classroom focus is working together in partners and groups. Some students are naturals at guiding a group, and staying on task, yet others need more guidance and practice in order to master this important skill. Students will discuss what group work should “look like” and “sound like”, each person’s role within the group, and how to hold each other accountable.
As a teacher, it is my job to hold your child accountable to the work expectations of the classroom. For students, this sometimes means doing things they might not want, but need to do in order to progress and be ready for the next lesson. As a parent, it is your job to hold your child accountable to the same expectations at home. If you have any questions about our expectations, please review the Classroom Management Plan – 2017-2018 .
The start of 2018 is like the start of a new school year. It is important that your students are present and on time every single day. Entering the classroom as few as 5 minutes late means important instruction has already been missed. With nearly 30 students enrolled in our class, there is no time to spare repeating instruction for students who are consistently late. Students should be in class, ready to work at 8:30. Please make sure your child arrives with plenty of time to visit lockers and change shoes before the bell rings.
Let’s work together in 2018 and make the rest of the school year amazing!
Please watch for more information regarding these upcoming events:
January 30 – Chili Cook-Off
February 1 – State Capitol and Pioneer Museum Field Trip
- 3 Parent Volunteers Needed (no siblings)
February 8 – Astro-Camp Field Trip (date change, more info coming)
- Parent Drivers to location and 3 parents needed to stay (no siblings)
March 14 – JA Biztown (5th grade only)
- Parent drivers and volunteers needed
Week 5 – Thanks and Things to Remember
I want to give a big shout out to all of the parents who volunteered their time to drive and chaperone in the drizzly cold yesterday! The experience was great and the kids learned a lot. We will be going to the Hogle Zoo Tuesday, October 24. We will need parent drivers and chaperones for this trip as well. As a heads up, chaperones will have an entrance fee into the zoo. Unfortunately, our field trip funds do not cover chaperones.
Our first home project is due Monday, September 18. We are presenting these projects to another classroom in small groups. It is important that your child comes prepared with their project on Monday. You can find the original post regarding this project here.
Our first IXL assignment was given last week and is due Sunday. As outlined on the classroom management plan you received, these assignments are mandatory. Your child is expected to record them each week in their planner and complete this work at home. If they do not record this work in their planner, you can find it at the top of the homepage under the IXL link. Students are welcome to practice any IXL they want, as long as the homework assignment is completed first. I have spoken to the class about making arrangements with me if the resources needed to complete this are not available at home.
Finally, we have early release this Friday, September 22, at 1:00 pm. Please make the necessary arrangements to pick up your child at this time.
Week 3 – Important Dates to Remember
It’s hard to believe we are already entering our third week of school.
Your kids have their first home project, elements, and have been given time in class to get started. The majority of the remaining work will be completed at home, with the finished project due in class Monday, September 18.
Our class is bonding well and friendships are being formed. It is important to speak to your child about using time wisely in class, even though what they might really want to do is chat with their new friends. We will be discussing time management this week and how to balance work with breaks in order to become amazing learners.
Silent Reading – Please make sure your child brings a book from home to read during our silent reading period. This is a quiet transition time each day after recess into our afternoon cultural activities. We have a small class library, but I have noticed there are numerous children not interested in the books available in our room. If you know your child is particular in their reading habits, please help them select a book from home to bring to school each day.
Dates to Remember
- September 7: Back to School Night – 6:00 pm
- September 12: 6th grade Parent/Student Redwoods Meeting – 5:30 pm
- September 15: Freedom’s Light Constitution Day Field Trip* – permission slips coming home this week
- September 18: Element home project due
*I’m looking for a parent willing to organize carpool for our class field trips. We have numerous field trips this year that will require parent drivers/chaperones. Please email me if you are interested in taking on this role for our class this year.
Week 2
Morning Work Cycle – This week in class we will begin math, language and writing assessments. These assessments provide a baseline from where to begin teaching your child. We strive to administer these assessments in a stress free way, so that your child can do their best work.
Cultural – We will study matter as an extension of our first Great Lesson, The Birth of the Universe, and in preparation for our first home project. Students will select an element on which they will do an in depth study. They will create a poster to present to Ms. Marleen’s lower elementary class in September. Details of the assignment will be provided Thursday, August 31 and is due Monday, September 18.
Spelling – This year we will be using a new spelling program that is differentiated for each child. A whole group spelling lesson will be given on Thursdays, from which your child will create their own spelling list. Children will work with a spelling buddy to practice their words in class, take practice tests, and administer final spelling tests Wednesday mornings.
Pre-labeling page numbers will simplify the implementation of our new spelling program. We are beginning this program Thursday, August 31; therefore, I am looking for several parent volunteers to number the pages at home. We need the journals ready to go Thursday morning. If you are interested in working off volunteer hours at home, please send me an email as soon as possible.