Mrs. Niederstadt's Weekly Parent Letter

March 12, 2010

Dear Parents,

Enclosed is your child’s third theme test.  Students did very well.  Our class average was 80%.  There was a new portion titled “proofreading.”  This is similar to the mistakes in our daily morning message.  There are mistakes in spelling, capitalization and punctuation.  Overall students scored well on this new portion.  I was very proud of them!  Also you should note that it was not taken with full support.  This test was taken with partial support.  Some students didn’t miss a beat and others are still dependent on me to help them with their answers.

Has spring sprung?  This week recesses have required a variety of clothing.  The weather starts cooler in the morning, but it is fabulous in the afternoon.  We no longer need snow pants or gloves.  I would like to continue with boots and inside shoes.  The snow is almost gone, but the ground is wet and muddy.  Also it may be time to start packing a spring coat or sweatshirt for afternoon recesses. 

The Onekama Public Library is hosting Spring Crafts from Monday, March 15 – Thursday, March 18^th.  The hours are Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday and Thursday from 12 to 6 p.m.

Beginning Monday, March 15 and throughout the week, students can bring in children’s used books/magazines in good condition and give them to Mrs. Zajac or Mrs. Cook, our Title 1 teachers.  For each book or magazine they bring in, they will receive a coupon.  On Friday, March 19^th they can trade in their coupons for books from the used book collection.

On Thursday, March 18^th we will have the annual Camp Read-A-Lot in our room.  Originally it was scheduled for Friday.  Students can bring pillows, sleeping bags, blankets, stuffed animals, snacks, and some favorite books.  Also comfortable clothing will be appropriate such as pajamas, sweatpants, jogging outfits, and slippers.  Your child can wear these items to school for Camp Read-A-Lot, but please be sure it is weather appropriate.  Also extra camping snacks would be appreciated such as popcorn, trail mix, chex mix, marshmallows, pretzels, etc.  I will need several volunteers to come into our room around 2:30 to help students pack up all their gear.  If you are able to help, then please let me know.

Mrs. Niederstadt's Class Page

Parent-teacher conferences are Wednesday, April 14^th at 5-8 p.m.  This conference is different than the fall conferences.  The office staff does not schedule conferences; they are a first come-first serve basis.  I would like to schedule my own conferences.  I understand the importance of your time.  I am opening up my schedule from 3-8 p.m.  I will not have conferences from 4-5 p.m. so I can have an early dinner.  If this day does not work for you, then we can make arrangements for another day after the 14^th.  Please contact me to schedule your conference at 889-9674 ext. 436 or via email at sniederstadt@manistee.org .

We have 10 days left in the Label Wars contest.  Currently we are in third place.  Here are the point totals:

• K – 3641
• First – 11,859
• Second – 4537
• Third – 9341
• Fourth – 13196
• Fifth – 7555
• Eighth – 16,461

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

• 3^rd Reading Log due – March 17
• Book/Magazine Exchange – March 19
• Camp Read-a-Lot – March 18
• Class Store – March 19
• Label Wars Contest Ends – March 22
• Young Author’s Night – March 23
• 4^th Reading Log Due – March 24
• Substitute (Mrs. Wurstner) – March 25 & 26
• Spring Break (No School) – March 29 – April 5
• Grand Opening of Addition – April 11 at 1-3 p.m.
• Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) – April 12-16
• Parent-Teacher Conferences – April 14 at 5-8 p.m.
• Production of Annie – April 16, 17, & 18
• County-Wide In-Service (No School) – April 30

Warmly,
Mrs. N