January 11, 2007

Dear Parents,

Your child’s Good Behavior Day ski forms were due today.  If you have not returned them yet, please do so on Monday.  There is no school tomorrow due to a teacher in-service.

We walked to the library last Friday.  Your child was able to check out three books.  They are due on Friday, January 26^th. 

Enclosed is your child’s Unit 4 Checking Progress (math test).  Students had the opportunity to fix any errors.  If they were unable to correct their errors on their own, then they had to work one-on-one with support.   Overall students were able to correct their errors on their own and had good concept of time, measurement, money, and addition.  Our new math unit is called “Place Value, Number Stories, and Basic Facts.  Students will begin to explore the system we use for writing large numbers by focusing on the idea of place value.  We’ll use base-10 blocks to represent numbers and to find the sums of two numbers.  They will also use place value to determine “greater than” and “less than” relationships.  Later in this unit students will continue to work with addition facts.  Shortcuts for learning facts will be introduced.

Next week the Onekama Public Library is offering winter crafts from Tuesday to Friday.  You can stop into the library during the library hours: Monday & Tuesday – 11-5, Wednesday & Thursday – 12-6 and Friday 10-4.  If you have any questions, feel free to call Jane at 889-4041. 

I need volunteers.  Currently I have Mrs. Somerville volunteering every Wednesday from 8-11 a.m. and Mrs. Domres/Mrs. Feil alternate Thursdays from 8-9:45 a.m.  I understand that many of you are unable to commit to a day each week, but if you have a morning, an afternoon or an extra hour or two, then I would love your help!  Grandmas and grandpas are welcome too.  I have students needing one-on-one help with assignments, reading and/or math flashcards, and a good listener to listen to students read.  If you can help, then let me know.  If you don’t know in advance, then that’s fine too.  Just stop by and I’ll put you to work.

Warmly,

Shantel