Dear Parents,

I hope you enjoyed the Christmas program last night.  I thought the students did a fantastic job.  I was very proud of them!  I am downloading the pictures today and the web pages should be ready some time this weekend.  Please sure to check it out.

Enclosed is a copy of your child’s third mathematics test.  The class average was 69%.  The top page is a copy of the test.  This is your child’s test without any support.  The grade on the top of the paper reflects their knowledge of the subject tested.  The second page is the actual test.  We reviewed the answers together; students were to change any incorrect answers.  Our next mathematics unit is called “Measurement and Basic Facts.”  Students will have an opportunity to measure with nonstandard units, such as hand spans and paces, as well as with standard units, such as feet and inches, using a rules and a tape measure.  Please take a minute to review Unit 4 Parent Letter.

Also you will find “Big Two.”  Before every math lesson, I have student answer two math problems.  This is a great way for us to practice computation in a few minutes.  In kindergarten students used manipulatives to answer math questions.  This year we will move from the manipulatives to using number grid or number lines.  No fingers.  This starts a very difficult habit to break. 

 On Tuesday we will go to The Garden Theater in Frankfort for Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!  We’ll leave at 8:15 a.m.  The movie begins at 9:30 a.m.  Parents and siblings are welcome to attend, but you must provide your own transportation.  We’ll return to school around 11:45 a.m.  As soon as we are settled, we’ll open the classroom gifts.  Since we are arriving back to school after our normal lunch time, we’ll eat lunch at 12:25 p.m. 

After Christmas break, we will begin our spelling program.  Currently we’ve been using inventive spelling so it would not stifle students writing, but now it is time to introduce spelling into our daily work.  Students are expected to spell our word wall words correctly.  The assessment will take three days.  My goal is to begin spelling tests on the week of January 18^th.  I’ll keep you posted on our progress.

The sledding hill is open.  During recesses, students have been sledding on the hill.  Mrs. Milarch came into our classroom and reviewed the sledding rules.  We have plenty of roll-up sleds.  Each year students really would like to bring their own roll-up sled, but honestly we do not have room for them.  Our cubbies area is filled with coats, snow pants, hats, gloves, inside shoes and backpacks.  I would prefer that you do not send in a sled for your child.  They can use them at home. 

There will be no homework or Friday folder next week due to the short week.  Have a safe and happy holiday.  I’ll see you on Monday, January 4, 2010.

The following are dates that you may want to add to your calendar:

• ¨      Christmas Break – December 23 – January 3

• ¨      School Store – January 8

• ¨      Teacher In-Service (No School) – January 22 & 25

• ¨      Good Behavior Ski Day – February 9  (1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd)

• ¨      Valentine’s Day party – February 11

• ¨      Winter Break (No School) – February 12 & 15

Warmly,

Shantel