Friday, February 26, 2010

      I hope this newsletter finds everyone well.  Since we’ll mainly be taking ISAT next  week, I will not send home a newsletter next Friday.  Also, the students won’t have much homework next week.  I’ll only have them read or write each evening.  After testing we’ll focus on science activities and computer projects.  Wednesday I plan to show a movie in the afternoon to break the week up.  Testing will take place on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:20-10:20 and from 12-1:00.  Please make sure your child receives plenty of sleep and eats a healthy breakfast. 

Reading/English News

     Students read Happy Birthday Dr. King and completed cause/effect and writing activities for the story.  Writing on a topic of their choice, students continue to work on implementing all the strategies we’ve been learning about.  Openings, figurative language, and attention grabbers were our focus this week.  Students created the grading rubric for an opening paragraph this week.  They even assessed each other’s writing.  Take a look at the opening paragraph and rubric in your child’s writing folder.  What awesome openings!  I can’t believe how far they have come in such a short amount of time. 

Social Studies News

     Our focus remains on the Midwest.  Our student teacher, Miss Williams, taught a lesson today.  Ask your child about the activities.  Most students are about finished with their Snapshots of Our State.  Look for the colored version once they finish.  We’re going to hang a version in the hallway too so others can read all about our state.

Science News

     Students learned the difference between cold and warm fronts.  Next week we’ll learn more about clouds and severe weather. 

Math News

     ISAT preparation was the focus this week.  I explained the short and extended response questions.  We practiced several and then just reviewed other skills we did earlier in the year.  We will not have math next week.

     That wraps up this week.  I’ll touch base with everyone in two weeks.  Enjoy the weekend.

Take care,

Jen