Archives

Welcome New and Returning Families

Jul19

It’s hard to believe the start to the new school year is just around the corner!  As such, I want to share some important housekeeping items.

Housekeeping Items

Please be sure to check the specific supplies for our classroom as each teacher requires something different.  You can find the list and guideline for preparation here.   If you choose to deliver supplies (highly recommended) prior to the first day of school, please be sure to put your child’s name and my name (Ms. Amity) on the bag so they make it to the correct classroom.

If you have a sixth grade student, your child will need an additional white 2-inch 3-ring binder for their Expert Project.  I will address this project in a separate post.

The school dress code can be found here .  Providing your child with appropriate options for school reduces the number of dress code reminders that we need to fill out allowing us to focus on education.  Please help Ms. Kari and I do our job effectively by ensuring your child adheres to the school dress code.

Subscribe to the school’s main blog here and read the most recent school newsletter here.

Purchase school spirit shirts at this link.  School spirit shirts can be worn in lieu of collared shirts and proceeds support science at MMA.

Pool Party

Join us for our annual pool party Tuesday, August 2 from 7-9pm at North Shore Aquatic Center across the street from the pool.  You will have an opportunity to purchase shirts, sign up to volunteer, reconnect with friends and chat with Ms. Kari and myself.

School Supplies 2016-17 School Year

Jul5

School supplies are starting to appear in stores so I am posting this year’s list so that you can get the best deals.  If your student is returning from last year, feel free to reuse any non-consumables that are still in good shape (pencil boxes, binders, scissors etc).  If items are falling apart or in poor shape, please replace items as you are able.

Students are required to do some preparation of their school supplies prior to the first day of school.  Please find a PDF of the school supplies and the preparation information here.

In addition to the general school supplies, 6th grade students will need a 2″ 3-ring binder and 2 packages of 3×5 note cards (can be any color – they may need more cards as the year progresses) for their expert project.

 

End of March Updates

Mar23

I can’t believe we are nearing the end of March.  Spring is definitely here, with the fluctuation in weather, and mood, I can tell your kids are ready for spring break!  Having said that, it is important that your children are fulfilling their potential, as well as the expectations that have been set for them.

Each week your child has a Utah Compose essay due.  Assignments are available Monday, and due Friday morning.  Your child has time during class to work on this (approx. 20 min each day Mon-Thurs), but it should be considered homework.  4th level students should be writing a minimum of three complete paragraphs, while 5th and 6th level students should be writing at least 5 complete paragraphs.

We have our first SAGE language assessment on Monday, March 28.  Please ensure your child gets plenty of sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, brings a protein packed lunch as well as a nice healthy (no chips or fruit snacks please) snack so they can do their best.  This is the time to show what they know.  I have stressed to the children that they wouldn’t show up to a music recital or a sporting event without having practiced;  the same is expected for our state testing.

Knowing that some children feel extreme anxiety over the test itself, I try to treat the exams as a “show what you already know” event.  All of their hard work for the school year so far, is on display this coming Monday.

Introducing Utah Compose

Nov11

Writing in the upper elementary classroom is a big part of your child’s daily practice. From explaining their mathematical thinking to formal essay writing, it will be a near daily expectation for the remainder of the school year.

Your students have been working on opinion and argumentative essays in class.   We started with the basics including a graphic organizer/outline, wrote a first draft, peer edited, discussed using Utah Compose as an additional form of writing practice, and assigned the first essay deadline (11/11).

Because of the limited resources and time during school hours, your students are expected to enter their writing into Utah Compose at home.  A draft of the essay is due Monday evening so that both their peers and I have time to review and add comments and feedback by Tuesday.  Their final draft is due each Wednesday at the start of school, essentially Tuesday night unless they are waking up early to complete the assignment before school starts.

To help them keep track of deadlines and expectations your child receives a general study guide as well as a specific guide for the work we do with our Scholastic magazines.  Please talk to your kids about the work they are doing in class and required assignments, your interest will help them stay on track.

 

We Can Do Hard Things

Sep26

The transition from lower to upper elementary is an exciting, yet daunting one, for our 4th grade students.  Your child might often feel as though he can’t possibly fulfill the requirements in the upper elementary classroom, yet I see it time and again, as soon as he understands the expectations and has time to normalize, he finds he can do hard things.

Fourth grade is a big step.  Not only are students leaving the comfort of their classroom, they are leaving beloved friends, and teachers, behind as well.

http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photography-pathway-fall-image2752207

As our sixth week of school comes to an end,  our 4th grade students have grown so much.  Unsure what to do when she enters the classroom, she now begins her day by making a plan.   Nervous about making new friends, she confidently explores new games on the playground.  Excited to learn new things, she now shows her progress by helping those who may need an extra lesson.

My third year of teaching brings insight, experience and joy as I see how far my students, your children, have come in three years.  The growth between 4th and 6th grade is phenomenal.  Once timid and unsure, sixth grade students are confident and ready to lead.

The “end of normalization”, by no means, draws a definitive line between not-knowing and knowing, but it is a time when we can stop, take a deep breath, and celebrate how far we have already come.

Please make an appointment to hear your child’s progress, see personal goals, and discuss any questions you might have October 12-14.  You can sign up for a 25 minute conference at the following link.

Happy Autumn Equinox!