It’s hard to believe that we are only a couple of weeks away from conferences and spring break! Just a reminder that if you can’t make your conference time, please contact me as soon as you can and I will find a time that works best for you.
Today the district’s gifted and talented department tested the children on the annual NNAT. As soon as we have the test results back I will be sharing those with you!
Language Arts: Last week we incorporated power writing. This is a great way for the children to create a structured paragraph. We really focused on transitional words and it helped many of the kids to stop from being repetitive. We also made new writing journals with the help of Mrs. Langworthy. The kids absolutely loved stamping and decorating. Thanks again Mrs. Langworthy! We also have been working on our letter writing. We are fortunate enough to have penpals from an elementary school in Wyoming, MI.
Social Studies: We continue to learn about Michigan and will be making our globes to help us with our mapping skills and identifying continents.
Science: The children are loving the bird unit. We are having so much fun learning about the many different parts of birds.
Math: We have just started unit 9. This unit focuses on multiplication, number stories, fact extensions, arrays, area, fractions, money, and lattice multiplication. We will also continue the timed tests. I am so impressed with how quickly the children are passing their tests, keep up the great work!
Dates to Remember:
March 2009
21 Rockford Expo
30 Parent Teacher Conferences in evening. Full day of school.
31 Parent Teacher Conferences in evening. Full day of school.
April 2009
1 Noon Dismissal. Parent Teacher Conferences in the afternoon.
2 No School.
3 No School.
6 - 10 No School. Spring Break.
13 School resumes.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
March
We are quickly approaching one of my favorite months. I love how the weather starts warming up and I also LOVE March is reading month. We will be doing many fun things this month to celebrate Reading month. Be on the look out for reading slips from our fabulous Mrs. Kalee and Mrs. Foote.
I also want to thank those of you that have sent in plastic bags to recycle. Keep them coming...we have until the end of March to keep collecting them!
Conferences are coming up at the end of March right before spring break. I have sent home slips to tell you your scheduled time. If for any reason you are not able to make your scheduled time, please let me know. I am sure that we can figure something out. I’m very flexible!
The districts’ 3rd grade students will be taking a short reasoning ability test. We are scheduled for March 16th. It will Take approximately 30 minutes, This test requires students to complete picture puzzles from the multiple choices given. The results of this test will provide classroom teachers with valuable information to guide planning and instruction to meet each student's needs. The results will also provide teachers and administration with a benchmark for educational programming. Finally, the test is used as a screening tool for the gifted and talented program.
Language Arts: The children have continued working on seed stories and really zooming in to add detail. They also have enjoyed doing literature studies and selecting projects to share their books.
Social Studies: I am so excited about the many things we have been learning about Michigan. We learned about the underground railroad and how many slaves left the south and came to Michigan. We also learned about how even after Abe Lincoln abolished slavery that segregation occurred. This definitely sparked many interesting conversations in our room!
Science: We start our bird unit in March...I’m sure you will hear your child come home with many interesting facts about birds. Each child will get to select a bird to research and do a small project on.
Math: We are working on fractions in unit 8. I really try to stress that it is very helpful to draw pictures and/or use counters. We are also finishing our mid year assessment. I will be sharing this test at spring conferences.
Dates to Remember
March 2009
7 Odyssey of the Mind @ FHC all day!
14 Carnival
15 Rockford Expo
30 Parent Teacher Conferences in evening. Full day of school.
31 Parent Teacher Conferences in evening. Full day of school.
April 2009
1 Noon Dismissal. Parent Teacher Conferences in the afternoon.
2 No School.
3 No School.
6 - 10 No School. Spring Break.
13 School resumes.
I also want to thank those of you that have sent in plastic bags to recycle. Keep them coming...we have until the end of March to keep collecting them!
Conferences are coming up at the end of March right before spring break. I have sent home slips to tell you your scheduled time. If for any reason you are not able to make your scheduled time, please let me know. I am sure that we can figure something out. I’m very flexible!
The districts’ 3rd grade students will be taking a short reasoning ability test. We are scheduled for March 16th. It will Take approximately 30 minutes, This test requires students to complete picture puzzles from the multiple choices given. The results of this test will provide classroom teachers with valuable information to guide planning and instruction to meet each student's needs. The results will also provide teachers and administration with a benchmark for educational programming. Finally, the test is used as a screening tool for the gifted and talented program.
Language Arts: The children have continued working on seed stories and really zooming in to add detail. They also have enjoyed doing literature studies and selecting projects to share their books.
Social Studies: I am so excited about the many things we have been learning about Michigan. We learned about the underground railroad and how many slaves left the south and came to Michigan. We also learned about how even after Abe Lincoln abolished slavery that segregation occurred. This definitely sparked many interesting conversations in our room!
Science: We start our bird unit in March...I’m sure you will hear your child come home with many interesting facts about birds. Each child will get to select a bird to research and do a small project on.
Math: We are working on fractions in unit 8. I really try to stress that it is very helpful to draw pictures and/or use counters. We are also finishing our mid year assessment. I will be sharing this test at spring conferences.
Dates to Remember
March 2009
7 Odyssey of the Mind @ FHC all day!
14 Carnival
15 Rockford Expo
30 Parent Teacher Conferences in evening. Full day of school.
31 Parent Teacher Conferences in evening. Full day of school.
April 2009
1 Noon Dismissal. Parent Teacher Conferences in the afternoon.
2 No School.
3 No School.
6 - 10 No School. Spring Break.
13 School resumes.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
An Important Message from Dr. Shibler
Re: Message to Elected State Officials Regarding All-Day Everyday Kindergarten
During last Thursday’s Grassroots meeting, we were advised that, in addition to contacting our local state legislators and the Governor, we should also communicate our concerns regarding all-day everyday kindergarten with the chairs of the State House and Senate Appropriations Committees. They are:
House Appropriations Chair
Rep George Cushingberry, Jr.
gcushingberry@house.mi.gov
Senate Appropriations Chair
Sen Ron Jelinek
senrjelinek@senate.michigan.gov
Dear Representative George Cushingberry, Jr. OR Senator Ron Jelinek:
During Michigan’s current financial crisis, I urge you to call for a moratorium on the implementation of all-day everyday "early fives" kindergarten programs for the 2009-10 school year and all-day everyday kindergarten programs for the 2010-11 school year.
When state revenues are not currently sufficient to adequately fund public schools, why require new programs which will add a significant financial burden to our public schools?
Again, I ask that you repeal this proposed policy change until the State of Michigan has recovered from this economic crisis and opportunities are provided for debate on the issue.
Thank you,
______________
If you have not sent a message to the Governor or your state representative or senator regarding this issue, please consider sending a similar email to them. You can find their contact information at www.rockfordschools.org
Thank you,
Mike Shibler
During last Thursday’s Grassroots meeting, we were advised that, in addition to contacting our local state legislators and the Governor, we should also communicate our concerns regarding all-day everyday kindergarten with the chairs of the State House and Senate Appropriations Committees. They are:
House Appropriations Chair
Rep George Cushingberry, Jr.
gcushingberry@house.mi.gov
Senate Appropriations Chair
Sen Ron Jelinek
senrjelinek@senate.michigan.gov
Dear Representative George Cushingberry, Jr. OR Senator Ron Jelinek:
During Michigan’s current financial crisis, I urge you to call for a moratorium on the implementation of all-day everyday "early fives" kindergarten programs for the 2009-10 school year and all-day everyday kindergarten programs for the 2010-11 school year.
When state revenues are not currently sufficient to adequately fund public schools, why require new programs which will add a significant financial burden to our public schools?
Again, I ask that you repeal this proposed policy change until the State of Michigan has recovered from this economic crisis and opportunities are provided for debate on the issue.
Thank you,
______________
If you have not sent a message to the Governor or your state representative or senator regarding this issue, please consider sending a similar email to them. You can find their contact information at www.rockfordschools.org
Thank you,
Mike Shibler
Monday, February 9, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day!
It’s amazes me how quickly time is going by. Next Friday, we will be celebrating Valentine’s Day. The children may bring in their decorated boxes anytime this week. If you need a box, I brought some extras that the children may take home. Another option if you don’t have a box is to decorate a gift bag. Our party will be starting at 2:30 and go until the end of the day. . Please feel free to come in and join us! Thank you ahead of time if you donated items for the party or the Valentine kits that we put together for the children at the hospital. A huge thanks to our awesome room moms, Kendra Cook and Molly Duimstra for all of their hard work preparing and planning
Language Arts: We have been working on adding more details and examples in our writing. You may hear your child say that they are zooming in on details and writing a seed story. We are also using are awesome new Versatile kits thanks to the generosity of the REF and our fabulous PTO! During small group instruction and read aloud, we are reviewing and practicing the use of our comprehension strategies.
Social Studies: We continue learning many new things about Michigan. I can’t believe the amazing history that surrounds us. The children enjoyed listening to a Henry A. Lotoszinski, executive secretary of the Mackinac Bridge Authority. Math: We have been learning about division, parentheses, patterns, square products, and have learned some new and exciting math games in unit 7. The children are doing very well with this. I will say...I’ve never had a class move so quickly through the multiplication timed tests. Keep doing what your doing!
Spelling: We will have a test next Friday in the morning, but will not have a test the week of mid-winter break.
Dates to Remember
February 2009
13 Valentine parties for all classes
14 Mid Winter Break. No School
15 Mid Winter Break. No School
March 2009
14 Carnival
15 Rockford Expo
16 Parent TeacherConferences in evening. Full day of school.
31 Parent Teacher Conferences in evening. Full day of school.
April 2009
1 Noon Dismissal. Parent Teacher Conferences.
2 No School
3 No School
6 - 10 No School, Spring Break.
13 School resumes.
Language Arts: We have been working on adding more details and examples in our writing. You may hear your child say that they are zooming in on details and writing a seed story. We are also using are awesome new Versatile kits thanks to the generosity of the REF and our fabulous PTO! During small group instruction and read aloud, we are reviewing and practicing the use of our comprehension strategies.
Social Studies: We continue learning many new things about Michigan. I can’t believe the amazing history that surrounds us. The children enjoyed listening to a Henry A. Lotoszinski, executive secretary of the Mackinac Bridge Authority. Math: We have been learning about division, parentheses, patterns, square products, and have learned some new and exciting math games in unit 7. The children are doing very well with this. I will say...I’ve never had a class move so quickly through the multiplication timed tests. Keep doing what your doing!
Spelling: We will have a test next Friday in the morning, but will not have a test the week of mid-winter break.
Dates to Remember
February 2009
13 Valentine parties for all classes
14 Mid Winter Break. No School
15 Mid Winter Break. No School
March 2009
14 Carnival
15 Rockford Expo
16 Parent TeacherConferences in evening. Full day of school.
31 Parent Teacher Conferences in evening. Full day of school.
April 2009
1 Noon Dismissal. Parent Teacher Conferences.
2 No School
3 No School
6 - 10 No School, Spring Break.
13 School resumes.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Paul Bunyan
The children have been working on a reader's theatre about Paul Bunyan. We decided to have one of the groups preform for our book buddies Friday afternoon. What a wonderful day!
Monday, January 26, 2009
New pictures from our class
Wednesday morning was exciting. We went to see The Tale of Despereaux at Celebration Cinema. Thank you again to all of the parents who went with us. The children did a great job and we loved comparing the movie and the book.
Friday, January 23, 2009
February is Almost Here!
I hope that you are all enjoying our cold and snowy weather. We had a great start to our week, celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. We then enjoyed the extremely historic Presidential inauguration on Tuesday morning. What an exciting time in U.S. history! Wednesday we had a wonderful field trip to Celebration Cinema to watch The Tale of Despereaux. The children had a great time and what a well behaved group. We spent the afternoon doing activities that helped us compare and contrast the book and the movie. Today we were fortunate enough to have an assembly with the Michigan author Kevin Kameraad. It was so exciting to hear his informational songs and poems about Michigan. Also we loved it because it goes so well with our current social studies curriculum!
Language Arts: Our main focus has been about getting our thoughts down in our first draft and then going back and checking our work. We practiced revising short paragraphs to make them more interesting to the reader. I’m trying to stress that even though writing may be done correctly, it is crucial to go back and revise to make it your BEST writing. Editing and revision can be difficult, but is something that the children will continue to work on.
Math: We are in the middle of unit 6 learning a lot about geometry. We continue to review our multiplication facts and have been taking timed tests.
Social Studies: We have been learning about Michigan and about it’s history. We will learn many interesting and fun facts about Michigan throughout the year.
Dates To Remember
February 2009
2 Family Night Pando @ 5 pm
13 Valentine parties for all classes
19 Mid Winter Break. No School
20 Mid Winter Break. No School
March 2009
14 Carnival
21 Rockford Expo
30 Parent Teacher Conferences in evening. Full day of school
31 Parent Teacher Conferences in evening. Full day of school
April 2009
1 Noon Dismissal. Parent Teacher Conferences.
2 No School
3 No School
6 - 10 No School. Spring Break.
13 School resumes
Language Arts: Our main focus has been about getting our thoughts down in our first draft and then going back and checking our work. We practiced revising short paragraphs to make them more interesting to the reader. I’m trying to stress that even though writing may be done correctly, it is crucial to go back and revise to make it your BEST writing. Editing and revision can be difficult, but is something that the children will continue to work on.
Math: We are in the middle of unit 6 learning a lot about geometry. We continue to review our multiplication facts and have been taking timed tests.
Social Studies: We have been learning about Michigan and about it’s history. We will learn many interesting and fun facts about Michigan throughout the year.
Dates To Remember
February 2009
2 Family Night Pando @ 5 pm
13 Valentine parties for all classes
19 Mid Winter Break. No School
20 Mid Winter Break. No School
March 2009
14 Carnival
21 Rockford Expo
30 Parent Teacher Conferences in evening. Full day of school
31 Parent Teacher Conferences in evening. Full day of school
April 2009
1 Noon Dismissal. Parent Teacher Conferences.
2 No School
3 No School
6 - 10 No School. Spring Break.
13 School resumes
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