Friday 2-25-11

As you know, today was our field trip to Poe Health Center. We had a great time and the students learned a lot about nutrition and dental health. Please be sure to ask them about what they learned.

I am sending home progress updates with your child today. After reviewing the progress update, please sign and return it back on Monday. If you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email. I try to check my email from home each weekend.

We still have some time before this third quarter ends. The main areas that we continue to focus on in literacy include retelling stories and applying correct capitalization and punctuation in our writing consistently. Please be sure to work on these 2 skills at home.

At the end of third quarter, I will be scheduling times for you and your child to come in for a student led conference. This will be during one of our track out days. If your child is currently not meeting the benchmarks in one or more areas, we will need to schedule a third quarter conference within the next couple of weeks. Until then, please continue to work on the areas noted on your child's progress update. Thank you.

3rd Quarter Highlights for Literacy

What should my child be able to do in reading? Students should be able to read at least a level 11-12 book. They should also be able to retell stories read. When retelling, they should be able to identify and discuss the following: characters, setting, events with detail in sequential order, problem/solution, and make connections. Students are encouraged to make personal connections, which should be something that they have seen/done-this may be something they have seen on television or seen/read about in another book. In order for your child to continue to progress in this area, he/she must be able to comprehend and retell what he/she reads. We are working on retelling every day in the classroom. Please continue to work on this important component of reading at home each night. Thank you!

What should my child be able to do in writing? Students should now be able to write at least 3-4 sentences on topic. Students should now be applying consistent capitalization and punctuation as needed. Sight words that your child can read should be spelled correctly in their writing. Temporary spelling should include both some consonants and vowels. We are focusing on adding describing words and we will begin to spend time on creating a plan prior to writing a story. Progress updates are going home on Friday. Please remember that the 3rd quarter expectations are higher and the objectives are different that last semester. Your child has to continue to work hard and show progress in order to maintain a level 3 score. If your receives a 2 in this area, there is a strong possibility that he/she is having difficulty applying consistent capitalization/punctuation. Please continue to work on this area at home if your child is having difficulty with this concept.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for all you do at home to help ensure that your child is fully prepared for second grade!

School Wide Project-Note from Art Teacher Ms. Stephenson

“Weaving Your History, A Fabric Time Capsule”

List of suggestions that can be woven into the

Fabric Time Capsule

To all students, teachers and staff

Please bring to school an item(s) that represents who you are, what is important to you at this time in your life to weave into the Fabric Time Capsule. The item can be of sentimental value to weave into the tapestry. A 300-year-old loom is used during the weaving residency.

The items are a permanent part of the Tapestry. You do not get them back but are able to see them in the Tapestry everyday in school.

Teachers/Staff and Family members: Encourage your students, as often as possible, how we would love to see their items woven into this wonderful wall-hanging. They are welcome to get ideas from the list below as well as choose items that are not on this list. Teachers please gather items ahead of time and store in your classroom. Your involvement is a crucial part of the preparation.

Suggested items to bring: Please remember these items will not be returned

Scarf Scout scarf and badges, etc.

Belt Shoes (small)/socks

Paintbrush Musical Instrument Parts/Sheet Music

Costume jewelry Shoestrings

Ribbon Lace

Rick Rack Card (sports, playing etc)

Ballet shoes Toe Shoes

Costume parts Computer parts (mouse, cord, disc)

Hair ornaments (hair bands, clasps) rope/string

Plastic bags Silk or Plastic Flowers

Shiny paper or cloth Ruler, Yardstick

Small stuffed animals (Beanie Baby Size) Ties

Medals, award ribbons Dog Collars/Leashes

Pom Poms Swim Goggles

Jump Rope Sheet Music/Instrument strings

Match Box Cars or other very small toys Photos (small) must be laminated prior to class

Sports equipment, hockey stick, small ball, small child’s bat

Cloth strips: 18-36 inches long and width 1-2 inches wide/all colors and types/cut the ends at a diagonal

Please do not bring:

Drawings on paper unless they are 2in x 2in, Hats, pencils, pens,

Be creative and bring something special to you!