Week 33

Weekly Greetings!

Our first week back from Spring Break went really well! We started the week with a hand on activity to start our fraction unit in math. Mrs. D from second grade came to our class and guided the students in making fraction strips, using a Math in a Cultural Context method. The even numbered fractions were fairly easy for the students, but most everyone had trouble folding fifths and sevenths. We continued working with fractions the rest of the week, and we will hope to complete the unit this week.

This week, the main event will be the PEAKS testing mandated by the state. We start on Tuesday and continue on Wednesday. On both days testing will start at 9am, so please have your child to school on time and well rested.

In addition, we had a number of wet kids coming in from morning recess. The playground is pretty messy, and the puddles are tempting. I told the class to bring in an extra set of clothes, and to bring in mud boots. A number of students did not have any break up boots, and were wearing regular shoes outside.

Enjoy the early spring weather!

Kind Regards,

Julie

Week 32

Greetings!

We have completed the 3rd quarter, and made it to Spring Break! The students were really ready for a vacation, and I have to admit that I was too. Also, the PEAKS testing dates were changed, so the class will not come back and have to test right away. The dates are now for Tuesday and Wednesday of April 2 and 3.

The week before break, the school counselor was in to discuss ways to show respect in our school, community, and home. The students worked together to share ways they can show respect in those areas.

On Friday, we did a few fun activities to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The class learned a bit of history behind the event, and then some information about the fictional characters of Leprechauns.  One of the favorite things everyone enjoyed doing was acting out a story of a troop of Leprechauns getting into mischief.

As we settle into the 4th quarter, the student will start a new STARS pods class. I think the program has been a success for the year, and everyone has enjoyed the variety in choices for learning.

Enjoy the spring weather!

Kind Regards,

Julie Brown

Week 30

 Weekly Greetings!

This is our last week before Spring Break! The school year is going by so fast! When we return from break, it will be the start of the fourth quarter! A big thank you going out to all of you that connected with me for Parent/Teacher Conferences last Monday. I had a great turn out, and it is always nice to get a chance to visit with you all.

The students continue to progress through the district curriculum, and we have also been working on the spring writing assessment. There are just a couple students needing to finish, but should do so this week. When we return after the break, the next important milestone for the class will be the state PEAKS testing. The testing will be on March 26th and 27th. Please make sure your child is well rested, fed, and on time those days so  they can do their best.

For fun last Wednesday, the class had an instant challenge art project. They were tasked to make a Leprechaun using construction paper and a toilet paper roll. They did a great job, and were done in time to play with some of the cool things available in the Makerspace room.

 I hope you have a wonderful week and enjoy the warmer weather!

Kind Regards,

Julie Brown

Week 29

Weekly Greetings!

It was a busy week with two major events to share! The students all had projects to enter in the Science Fair last Tuesday, and they had to explain their projects to the judges during our time there. They were a little nervous about being interviewed, but once they got started talking about what they did and answering questions, they did a great job.

The other major event last week was the "Read Around the World" incentive reading program "Kick Off"on Wednesday.  Mr. MacManus read to the elementary students from the book Oh, the Places You Will Go by Dr. Seuss. After hearing the story, students went to three different rooms to hear about Asia, South America, and Antarctica. Over the next seven weeks, we will do some other special events to hear about Europe, Australia, and Africa.

This will be a seven-week competition, and each class's progress will be marked on a map in the hallway by 5th grade. For our class to get to each continent by the end of the program, each student needs to read 60 minutes a week. Please help your child keep track of the time they read at home on the log sheet I have been sending home.

There is only two more full weeks before Spring Break! I cannot believe how fast this school year is going by!

Have a great week!

Kind Regards,

Julie Brown