Thursday, February 25, 2016

Circle Letter 02/25/16

February 25, 2016
Dear Families,
         Welcome back everyone! Great to see the kids after our February break.  It was an easy transition back as we have been able to continue much of the work right where we left off.  We have been building vehicles and exploring with weight and force to see how it effects movement in our Forces and Motion unit. This week we have been exploring the concept of stored energy found in rubber bands twisted around the rear axle.  The results are interesting and each engineering team has had good success.  Be sure to get more details from your vehicle designer… a.k.a.- your kiddo!
         Unit 6 math has us reviewing three digit subtraction rules with trade first.  It also has students immersed in multiplication fact practice through a variety of skill based games and activities.  Students are making progress.  It would be very helpful if you committed to working with your child over the next few weeks to master the lingering basic facts 0 -10.  Thank you in advance for your support with this.
         Student information books are coming along nicely during writing workshop.  This week we have focused on writing several “chapters” as well as do some research on the Internet. Next week we will continue with this as well as begin some final draft pages with “text features” that support the text.  Stay tuned!

         We got to have our second book buddy share with our first graders on Wednesday.  On Thursday we had dental hygienist students give a healthy tooth talk presentation.  And Friday afternoon we get to see the Harlem Rockets Basketball players “wow” us with their skills.    A good week …  I’d say J!                                                                    Warm Regards,

Friday, February 5, 2016

Circle Letter 02/5/16

February 5, 2016
Dear Families,
       How did it get to be time to talk about Valentine’s Day already?   Time goes by quickly…! We would love to have a Valentine’s Day Card Exchange and Party on Thursday February 11th.   Decorative cards and small sweet treats are welcomed and encouraged.  Please find the enclosed list of class names to help when making the cards. (on the backside of the assignment sheet…) In addition, we will also have a batch of homemade cupcakes (thanks to Ollie’s mom!) but perhaps a big bowl of orange slices and red plates would make for a great party.  Please contact me directly if interested.  And as always, thank you!
       We have had a busy week planning and preparing for our Spirit Week… thanks to Ginnifer and Lizzie’s persuasive writing! Yup… they talked Mr. Foster into it. We also will be starting weekly Reading Buddies with a first grade class, thanks to Lilly’s persuasive writing! Well-done girls!!  Be sure to get the scoop from your kiddo… And we have now officially moved on to our new unit of writing “Information Writing” Stay tuned… 
       Our read aloud book has us laughing aloud.  The BFG (ask your child what that stands for J) has a very funny vocabulary and a rather peculiar way with words. 
       Lastly, please note there is no school on Friday 2/13.  This will be our last family letter until after our February break.  I wish you a great week off from school, red folders and homework.  But please consider playing a few multiplication fact math games along the way.  Every bit helps.   Enjoy time with your family…!                                       

                                    Warm Regards,