Friday, February 15, 2013

February Happenings!


100's crown and number projects
at work in Kindergarten

It’s been a fun February so far with Enrichment Day, our 100 Day celebrations, ELA Extravaganza, and Valentine’s Day. I will always marvel at elementary students’ joy at giving and receiving these “Be Mine” and “U R Special” messages. Being able to collect and distribute Valentines in class is right up there with birthday recognitions and Halloween- the joy is contagious! 

Enjoy the pictures  in this blog highlighting these three wonderful events!

100's Fruit Loops necklaces in colors by 10!!



  


Concepts with the number 100


Mrs. D-L and R demonstrate an "I Read, You Read" read-aloud
to kids and parents

 
Reading with moms and dads


  
                                     
                                              Spelling Basketball
    



Reading Comprehension
"Make and Take"

Exploring Library Resources



Letter Games


Helping children build reading fluency

Valentine Projects





Filling Valentine bags with their special messages!
In Other News...
 
Strategic Planning
Our Strategic Planning Committee just completed its annual meeting. As facilitator for this event, I feel honored to have worked with such dedicated District and WG Community members. They worked tirelessly to refine this important plan, which serves to guide initiatives over the course of the coming school year.
  
Lexile Levels
If you have a student in grades 2-5, you recently received a letter that contains your child’s current Lexile Reading Level. If you access the website using the directions in the letter, you can enter this number (based on recent screening results) along with your child’s age.  You may also select topics of interests and “voila” - up will pop a list of book titles at just the right reading and interest level for your child. Please don’t hesitate to call the office if you need some help with this.
  
What is going on with this “New Math”?
Recently Mrs. Kupiec met with 5th grade parents to help increase their understanding of the concepts being stressed in the new Math Common Core Learning Standards. Fourth grade teachers (Mrs. Chomyszak, Mrs. Gauthier, and Mrs. Gipe) will also present on this topic on Monday, March 4th at 6:00 pm in the Library. This session will focus on concepts at grade 4.  However, parents from other grades are welcome to attend also (For example, parents of 3rd graders may find this session informative regarding what is ahead!)  We are hoping for a great turn-out so we can help ease some of the "angst" associated with the recent changes in math instruction.
  
It’s hard to believe the Winter Recess is already upon us.  Here’s hoping you can fit in some fun family moments this coming week!


Happy Valentine's Day from Onondaga Road!