Monday, November 24, 2014

Nov 24-28

Well, we've reached the last week of November, and the kids are already looking ahead to Christmas!  Thank goodness the next few weeks are full weeks as we have a lot to do before then!

Notes:
  • I enjoyed meeting with each of you at parent teacher interviews.  We had some nice conversations to give us some direction for the next couple of months. 
  • GREAT NEWS......Raz-Kids has an APP!  I found that out at hockey this weekend when the child sitting next to me was working on her iPad.  I searched it out and it is a free app.  The kids can use their school log in. 
Curriculum:
  • Math - We are beginning to learn about telling time.  This week students will be exploring time, comparing digital and analog clocks, and learning to tell time by the half hour.  You can help at home by encouraging your child to practice telling time on an analog clock.
  • Language Arts -
    • Spelling - we will have a spelling dictation this Thursday; students should be practicing their sorts at home.
    • Writing - we start a special writing project this week that I can't tell you any more about! 
  • Social - We continue learning about the Parkland Region
  • Science - We will be learning about friction and force.

    This Week's Schedule:
    Monday:
    • Library books due

    Tuesday:
    • Going to the Book Fair as a class
    • Hot lunch
    • Energy Day assembly 12:30 p.m. - the theme is Moustache Day!
    • Tone it Up Tuesday - yoga mats optional; be sure to have a water bottle
    • Last day for Book Fair
    • Family Fun Night in the gym 6:30-8:00 p.m. - all students must be accompanied by an adult

    Wednesday:
    • Guitar tutoring at lunch
    • Guitar club after school
    • Free - after school skating at Adams Ice Centre 3:45-4:45 p.m. - all skaters must have helmets and all students must be accompanied by an adult

    Friday:
    • Frolicking Friday

    Monday, November 17, 2014

    Nov 17-21

    Notes:
    • Please sign and return report card envelopes as soon as possible so we can reuse them in March.
    • Book Fair starts Thursday and runs until Tuesday.  We will visit as a class on Monday and you are welcome to shop during interviews.
    • Make sure you have signed in and signed up for a parent/teacher interview.

    Curriculum:
    • Math - We are finishing up Patterns in Equations and are starting Measurement: Calendar and Clocks.  Here are two fun websites to practicing time: Interactive Math Games and Mr. Meyer's Math Mania
    • Language Arts - Peace Poems will be finished and ready for you to read by the end of the week!  Lesson 3 in spelling went home today.
    • Social - We're going to the Parkland region!
    • Science - We are just getting into the Simple Machines unit.


    This Week's Schedule:
    Monday:
    • Friday Letters due
    • Ask your child about the Making Connections presentation and their Band-aid

    Tuesday:
    • Library books day is today
    • Patterns quiz

    Wednesday:
    • Guitar tutoring and Guitar Club after school for those who signed up

    Thursday:
    • Grade 5 microloan project to raise money for business people in Africa. If you would like to participate, please send $1-5 to purchase items or make donations.
    • Early dismissal for students (11:45)
    • Parent/Teacher interviews in the afternoon and evening

    Friday:
    • Parent/Teacher interviews in the morning

    Wednesday, November 12, 2014

    Nov 12-14

    Welcome back!  I hope you all enjoyed a fantastic long weekend with your family sharpening the saw.  I know I did and I'm all ready to go.  We have six weeks of learning until the Christmas break - - that's crazy!

    Notes:
    • Just like that, it's winter!  It seems a little harder to adjust when we went from +14 to -14 in a few short days.  However, it is just that much more important that our kids are dressed properly for the weather.  It looks like it's hanging around for awhile so if you need some assistance getting your child a proper snow suit, winter boots, mitts or a hat, please let me or the office know and we will help you out.  School board policy states that we go outside for recess as long as the wind chill does not drop below -19. 
    • It's that time again!  Parent/teacher interviews are fast approaching.  Please register for an account and book an interview by following this link.  I like to meet with ALL parents so if none of the times work for you, please let me know so we can get together at another time.  It's so important to be on the same page for your child's learning.
    • Mrs. Bedford's grade 2 class raised over $600 for their Bridges of Hope program.  Thank you for your support! 

    This Week's Schedule:
    Wednesday:
    • Welcome back!

    Thursday:
    • Hot lunch money due
    • Beef jerky pickup 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the first foyer

    Friday:
    • Frolicking Friday if the temperature (including wind chill) is -19 or higher
    • Report cards go home

    Monday, November 3, 2014

    Nov. 3 - 7

    Notes:
    • Last week we had a Show What You Know in math with adding and subtracting 3- and 4-digit numbers including estimation.  The students showed that they need a little more practice, so we're going to try again.  Today's class will be a review and tomorrow we will try again.  Please check with your child to see how well they know how to do this important skill.
    • The study guides and booklets went home last week to study for the science test which is tomorrow.
    • To ensure our students are ready to learn, it is important that they are eating well, particularly after a Halloween weekend!  Please send no more than one or two small candies for your child to enjoy at school. 
    • Reminder that there is no school on Mon. Nov. 10 and Tues. Nov. 11 next week for the Remembrance Day/fall break.

    In the Classroom:
    • Math - After our adding and subtracting review, we will move on to equations in patterns. Splash Math has adding and subtracting up to 100 000 which is very helpful to practice regrouping (AKA carrying/borrowing) even if the students don't need to add that high yet.
    • Language Arts - there are no new spelling words this week.  In writing, we are starting to write our peace poems.  The students' suspense stories are now due.
    • Science - After our test tomorrow, we will begin the next unit.  It's a big one because it combines two topics - B: Wheels and Levers, and C: Building Devices and Vehicles that Move.  We call the unit "Simple Machines."
    • Social - continuing with the Foothills Region.

    This Week's Schedule:
    Monday:
    • Friday Letters due
    • Home Alone program for those who signed up
    • Library books due

    Tuesday:
    • School Council meeting 6:30 p.m.
    • Indy 500 - bring a water bottle

    Wednesday:
    • Guitar tutoring in the music room at lunch
    • Home Alone program for those who signed up
    • Guitar Club after school for those who joined

    Thursday:
    • We will be visiting Mrs. Bedford's grade 2 class at 1:30 p.m. for their iced tea/cookies/art/jewelry sale.  They are raising money for the Bridges of Hope program and are asking students to bring $1-$5 to either buy something or make a donation.  For more information, watch a video here.

    Friday:
    • Remembrance Day Assembly 10:15 a.m.