February 24, 2012

Dear Parents and Teachers,

In March our reading month theme is “What Color is Your Heart?”   Our theme begins with a presentation from local author, Linda Reau, on Thursday, March 1st sponsored by Blarney Castle.  Ms. Reau wrote What Color is Your Heart?  It’s a loving tale told through colors as Emma explores different feelings. When Grandma says that Emma's friend must have a dark colored heart because he was mean, Emma decides that she needs to find out the color of each family member's heart. Emma discovers that everyone knows the color of their heart, except for herself. Ms. Reau’s story supports our behavior expectations: respect, responsibility and safety. 

The week of March 5th the focus is respect.  Mrs. Hrachovina, our librarian, will read stories which focus on being tolerant and accepting of others’ differences.  On Monday students will come home with a red heart.  According to Ms. Reau’s book, a red heart shows “I Care about You.”  Students need to write on their heart how they show others they care.  On Tuesday students can wear red and add their heart to the display in the atrium.  On Wednesday teachers will ask trivia questions regarding the different color feelings.  If they are correct, then they could win a prize.  Also they will come home with a purple heart.  Purple shows “I Try Something New.”  Students should write what they’ve tried new.  It takes courage and bravery to try something new.  Once again write it on the heart and bring it to school the next day.  On Thursday students can wear purple and add their heart to the display in the atrium.

The week of March 12th the focus is responsibility.  During library, students will hear stories which focus on being accountable for your words, actions and attitudes.  On Monday students will come home with a yellow heart.  A yellow heart is a bright outlook on life.  Students should write a positive saying on their yellow heart.  On Tuesday students can wear yellow and add their heart to the display in the atrium.  On Wednesday they will come home with a green heart.  Green shows “I Take Care of Myself.”  Students should write how they take care of themselves on their heart and bring it to school the next day.  On Thursday students can wear green and add their heart to the display in the atrium.

On Friday, March 16th we’ll have a book exchange in the Media Center.  Beginning Monday, March 12th and throughout the week, students can bring in used children’s books in good condition.  Board books and baby books will not be accepted.  For each acceptable book brought in, your child will receive a coupon.  On Friday they can trade in their coupons for books. 

The week of March 19th the focus is safety.  During library, students will hear stories which focus on not causing hurt, injury, or loss to self or others.  On Monday students will come home with an orange heart.  An orange heart is “I Do My Best.”  Students should write what they do best.  On Tuesday students can wear orange and add their heart to the display in the atrium.  On Wednesday they will come home with a blue heart.  Blue shows “I Thank the Rest.”  Students should write what they are grateful for.  On Thursday students can wear blue and add their heart to the display in the atrium. By the end of the month, our display will show a rainbow of colors.  Be sure each heart has a name on it.  Teachers will keep track throughout the month.  If your child turns in all six hearts, then s/he could win a sweet prize.

Lastly Young Author’s Day will be Friday, March 23rd at 1:30-3:00 p.m. in the cafertorium.  It was originally scheduled for Wednesday, March 21st, but we’re going to try something new this year.  By making this change, it will ensure all students are able to read their books aloud to a group of family and friends.  During this event, students will share the books they have written to a small audience.  Some classes have made the traditional bare books, but some classes are using Student Publishing.  These classes will create a book online.  The company will publish paperback books for FREE!  In return we’ve promised to send home order forms for you to order additional books in paperback, soft cover or hard cover, if you wish.

Attached you’ll find a calendar for your convenience.  Please post it in a safe location throughout the month.

Warmly,

Shantel Niederstadt                                                    Laura Petrosky

Title 1 Teacher                                                           Title 1 Assistant

Calendar pdf file

The Main Elementary Page for 2011-2012

http://www.onekama.k12.mi.us leads to all pages since 1997