In my observations, I feel that the children are doing very well despite the anxiety caused by Monday afternoon’s events. The handling of the situation is to be commended by the administration, teachers, students, parents, and law enforcement.  I discussed with the children that it is always important to be prepared for an emergency situation by having a plan.  Our school has emergency plans for all anticipated emergencies, and the students’ safety is our top priority. Our school counselors are available for questions or concerns that you may have.  Please let me know if you would like to consult with our school counselors regarding Monday’s situation. 

IOWA Tests

Testing is in progress this week and into the middle of next week.  The children are tested for approximately 45 minutes each morning.  Opportunities for stretching, water and snack breaks are given.  The afternoons are very "light" with structured play and reading activities.  Thank you for making sure your child receives plenty of rest, brings extra snacks, and gets a good breakfast. 

Parent Teacher Conferences

Conferences are scheduled for Thursday, April 14 from 6-9 PM. These conferences will be student led. No appointments are necessary, however if you’d like to make one, please contact me directly.  889-9674 ext. 438 or email — geichberger@manistee.org

Spring Poetry Recital/Homework

April is National Poetry month.

Attached to this newsletter are poems that your child should practice at home. Please have your child read the assigned portions or entire poems. 

The children will present a recital of Spring Poetry and Song on Friday, April 15 from 2:20 — 2:50.  All parents are invited.  Children should dress in bright spring colors on this day.  

To prepare for this activity, I’m suggesting that parents take their children on a shopping trip.  Give you child an amount of money, and have children decide how to spend it.  This could be simply a be a trip to the grocery store to pick weekly items such as bread and milk.  Have you child write about how much they spent and what they purchased with their money. What store did they shop in? Was the shopkeeper/cashier friendly and courteous? 

Information about our flea market fundraiser. 

Upcoming Dates to Remember

• Thursday April 14 — Parent Teacher Conferences
• Friday April 15 — Spring Poetry Recital 2:20 — 2:50, Room 438
• Monday, April 18  - Drop-off Deadline for all Flea Market Items
• Monday, May 2 — May Day Festival Information will be forthcoming
• Thursday, May 18 — Sleeping Bear Dunes Field Trip  Alt. Date is Monday, May 23
• Wednesday, May 25 — Spring Sing
• Friday, June 3 — Last Day for Students.

Mrs. Eichberger's HomePage for 2004-2005