October 4, 2013

 

 

Dear Parents,

 

Today was the first day of our school store. It’s located in the display case by the Media Center (library).  It contains pens, pencils, markers, highlighters, erasers, etc.  Items range from $.25 to $4.00.  It’s sponsored by our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO).  They use the profits to sponsor our visits to local theaters, March is Reading month activities, treats for MEAP week, Good Behavior Ski Day, Good Behavior Field Day, field trips, and much more.  The next school store is scheduled for Friday, October 11th from 7:30-8:00 a.m.  If you’re interested in volunteering to help with school store, then you may contact Ann Swanson at aswanson@manistee.org .

 

Next week is Homecoming week.  Attached you should find a note with dress up days.  On Friday, October 11th your child has been invited to walk in the Homecoming parade.  Students are to meet in the Onekama Village Park at 4:40 p.m.  The parade begins at 5:00 p.m. and will end in the school parking lot.  A tailgate party sponsored by the Student Council will follow the parade with free drinks and hot dogs.  You should have received the permission slip last week.  If you need another, then please let me know or you can just simply give us written permission.  The Homecoming game begins at 7:00 p.m. again Brethren Bobcats.  Remember to wear your t-shirt provided by the Athletic Boosters for free admission.  I hope to see you there.  GO PORTAGERS!!

 

On Tuesday, October 8th we will walk to the Onekama Village Fire Department for a guided tour and safety talk.  It is National Fire Prevention Week.  We’ll leave at 12:00 p.m. and should return by 1:30 p.m.  If you are able to walk with us, then please let me know.

 

Today we completed our second math test.  You will receive it in next week’s Friday folder.  Our math series does not match exactly with our curriculum.  The curriculum states that students need to be able to identify time to the hour and identity the coins and their values not combination of them.  By all means if your child is ready for these concepts, then please challenge him/her at home.  In order to match the curriculum, many of my tests will be teacher made.  If you would like more information on common core math requirements, then you can visit http://www.corestandards.org/Math.

 

 

At this time Michigan is in between two curriculums: Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCEs) and Common Core.  Our state is moving from GLCEs toward Common Core.  There are forty-five states following Common Core Math and Common Core English Language Arts.  At this time “they” have not developed Common Core standards for arts, career and employability skills, health and physical education, nutrition, science, social studies, technology and world languages so Michigan teachers refer to GLCEs for curriculum standards.  Our current text books do not match this change and no text book publisher has created a good match as of yet.  During this school year I’ll use parts of our text books along with searching on the Internet for activities to match the curriculum.  By November 1st (end of first marking period), I’ll update our report card to reflect the curriculum changes as well.  If you would like more information on GLCEs, then you can visit http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-28753_64839_65510---,00.html or Common Core at http://www.corestandards.org/.  I’d be happy to answer any of your questions at any time.   

 

I believe we are now settling into our routine.  If you’re interested in volunteering in the classroom, then please contact me.  I need volunteers weekly or bi-weekly to assist with in-classroom help as well as one-on-one help with reading flashcards, math flashcards, listen to readers and help fix any errors on assignments during mornings from 9:00-10:30 for reading and 11:45-12:45 (except Thursday) for math.  If your schedule doesn’t allow for a commitment but you would like to help, then I’d be happy to accommodate.  If possible, please let me know ahead of time.  If not, then just stop by and I’ll put you to work.  We also accept grandparents!!

 

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

¨      Onekama Village Fire Department – October 8 at 12:00-1:30 p.m.

¨      School Store – October 11th at 7:30 – 8:00 a.m.

¨      Onekama Public Library – October 15 at 12:00-1:30 pm

¨      Substitute – October 18 at 8-11 am

¨      Parent-Teacher Conferences – October 22 & 23 at 5-8 pm

¨      Early Dismissal – October 23

¨      Halloween party – October 31 at 12-3 pm

¨      Substitute – November 12 at 8-11 am

¨      No School (Deer Day) – November 15

 

 

Warmly,

Shantel

 

 

Return to our first grade website for 2013-2014

www.onekama.k12.mi.us