January 22, 2014

Dear Parents,

I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend! The children are happy to be indoors for our recess time, but are looking forward to getting back outside.

I want to remind you that the report card format has changed from previous years and that the children should not be alarmed to see many "2s" on their report cards.  The Common Core curriculum is very rigorous and what might have been a "3" in the past is now considered a "2."  I just wanted to give everyone a reminder about these changes.

In math we have begun division and the children will have a unit 7 test on Friday. Please remember that the children can "earn back" questions they have missed on math tests by making corrections. I have the children make the corrections when they have missed many test questions, this why some papers go home with a grade crossed out and notes on the questions. If your child would like to make up the test questions (even if he/she did not miss many questions) please write a note on the top of the math test or have them tell me.  PLEASE sign the math tests and return the test to school.

In writing we are working on our nonfiction unit. the children are working hard to learn the features of nonfiction and will use these features in their work. We will also have writing homework once a week. The children are excited to write at home about any topic they select. The children should complete the writing homework in their writing notebooks, and be sure to return the notebook the next day. The writing assignment is due each Thursday.

In science we are working on electricity. Today the class created flashcards with the various parts of the light bulb. The children should practice the definitions and we will have a test next week. We also helped our first grade buddies with  their science by going outside and helping  them to read their thermometers!

In reading we are working in book clubs with a variety of Beverly Cleary's books.  Please ask your child the title of the book they are reading and to summarize the book. Our read aloud book is E.B.White's Stuart Little. We have compared Stuart Little and Charlotte's Web, and are enjoying  hearing another beautiful story by such a wonderful author. It  has been a delight to see how many families are participating in the One Book- One School!

Thank you once again for your support,
Sue Fitzpatrick