2 more days!!!!!

 Read!

PJ day this Thursday!  Students may bring pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals for The Polar Express.

Final Week!

Only homework in ELA is to read!

Check assignment sheet for any math.

Thursday is PJ day and students can bring pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals for when we watch The Polar Express with the K-4 students.

For this final school week of 2017, we are finishing assignments and then having fun doing things we often don't get to do! Here is a picture of some girls making snowmen!  5th grade must have the following assignments finished: reading check-in, Short focused research project, and informative writing pre-assessment. 4th grade needs to finish their short-focused research projects.

You are never too old to
make a snowman!

Conscious Discipline

Grammar Minute, Read, and finish math.

I have mentioned a few times that as a school, we are reading Conscious Discipline, by Dr. Becky Bailey.  Part of Conscious Discipline is learning how the brain works. We learn the Brain State Model which links what is going on in the brain with the behavior the child is showing. There are 3 states: The Survival State, The Emotional State, and The Executive State.  I have shown the 4th and 5th grades a video by Dr. Bailey explaining these states using a hand model.  I am linking a similar video here for you to watch.  Today, the 4th grade also learned about The Conflict Cycle. The 5th grade will learn about it tomorrow.

It's important for students to understand why they may behave a certain way.  If they can understand the brain states & the conflict cycle, then they will have tools to change their behavior.  We want children to self-regulate themselves.  It is our job to teach them how to do that.

This video explains Logical Consequences.  I think it is important that logical and natural consequences be used.   I will continue to link information and videos about Conscious Discipline and The Conflict Cycle.

Holiday Concert

Homework:
Grammar Minute 50 & Read!!!!
Math due Friday.

Thursday night is the holiday concert.  I will be at school by 6:15. Students should come to the room. 

Short Focused Research!

Working hard on Short Focused Research Projects!

Homework:
Grammar Minute 49 and Read! Math is due on Friday. Our concert is this Thursday at 6:30. Students should come to our room at 6:15.

Winter Concert

Homework:
Grammar Minute 48 and READ!!
Math is due on Friday.

The concert is this Thursday.  I will not be here until 6:15 pm. I hope to have someone in my room at 6:10.  I will keep you updated.

Free Choice Friday

Homework:
Grammar Minute 47
READ!!
Finish math by Friday

Next Thursday night is the holiday concert.

Free choice Friday is for students who finish certain assignments by Friday.  For example, this week the 5th graders need to have their story planners done for the "If I Fell Asleep For 20 Years" story.  The 4th graders need to have their writing planner done for the Fidget Spinner opinion piece.  Students always have ample time to finish an assignment that is required to be done by Friday Free Choice time.  Free Choice time is meant to motivate the students to be on task during the week.  If a student does not have the assignment done, then I can work with them on Friday.

Pollinator Garden

Homework:
Grammar Minute 46 and READ!!
Finish math by Friday

At 2:30 this afternoon, we all met out up at Grady's Garden to spreads seeds that will grow into beautiful spring flowers.

Getting ready to spread some goodness!

Spreading the seeds.

Public Service Announcements & Curriculum Information

Homework:
Grammar Minute 44
READ!!!!  Reading Check-Ins will be done weekly starting this week.  Different parts of the form will be completed each week. This week, the students need to complete the first two questions.
5th-grade reading check-in
4th-grade reading check-in
Math homework is due on Friday.
Please sign the report card envelope and return to school.
***** Jay Peak Group: This Wednesday there is a meeting.  A bright green notice was sent home with your child today.
By the end of this week, the students will start working on Short Focused Research Projects.
Here is the template for each grade.
5th-grade SFRP
4th-grade SFRP
These will bring us up to our December break.

Here are two more videos from our assembly on composting and recycling.

Recycling Assembly

No grammar minute tonight.  READ!!!
Any math is due tomorrow.

Yesterday some of the 5th graders ran an assembly to teach the PK-4th grades about recycling.  Here is a clip from this assembly.  I will add more clips later.

Book Orders

4th Grade does not have a Grammar Minute tonight.  5th grade has Grammar Minute 43.  Everyone should read. Math due on Friday.

Book orders were sent home today.  They are due by December 8th in case you want a book for Christmas.  Online orders are best and our classroom code to sign up for this is NXBYL

If you can't do it online, I will take a check made out to Scholastic Book Clubs.

Cold Weather

Homework:
Grammar Minute 42 and Read!
Math due on Friday

With cold weather and snow upon us, we have some reminders about recess.  Please have your child bring a coat, hat, gloves/mittens, ski pants, and boots.  Students will not be allowed to play out in the snow if they are not dressed appropriately.  Students can also not stay inside for recess unless recess is canceled.  The district has a policy about students receiving recess every day.  We will only stay inside when the weather is extreme.

The second trimester started today and with that comes higher expectations.  Students are expected to be ready to learn at the start of class and put their best effort into all of their work.  This is non-negotiable.  Report cards will be sent home this Friday.

End of the Trimester

No homework this week.  I would like the kids to keep reading over vacation.  Tomorrow is the end of the first trimester.  Report cards will go home the beginning of December.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and be safe.
Stacey

4th Grade Reading

We only have school next Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday is the end of the trimester so all work must be done by then.  This includes all Scope/Storyworks assignments, narrative final copy, 5th grade PSAs, and 4th grade at least 2 geography centers.
Here is a video of 4th grade reading from today.  I like to share positives!!!

Food Pass Along

Grammar Minute 41, Read, and finish Math!  We had our annual food pass along today.  Lots of laughs and singing! We also had many visitors for our Thanksgiving dinner.  I love that our cafeteria was full of our community members.  Miss Elaine and Miss Tammy made a wonderful meal.  The only homework for next week is to keep reading.  Please subscribe to our Outdoor Classroom Blog in the same way you have subscribed to this blog.      https://fairfieldoutdoorclassroom.blogspot.com/

Selfie...

Selfie.....

Selfie!!

Selfie......

Selfie!!

Thanksgiving Dinner Tomorrow

Homework:
Grammar Minute 40
Read
Math Practice due Friday

Thursday is the Thanksgiving Dinner during lunch time.  Students have school next Monday and Tuesday.  There will be no homework except for nightly reading those nights.  Students have narrative writing due next Tuesday, and it is the end of the first trimester.  Report cards will be sent home at the beginning of December.

Updates

Homework:
Grammar Minute 39 and READ!!
Math practice due on Friday.

Next week is the end of the first trimester!  Seriously? Where did this trimester go?  We will be finishing up our narratives and reading unit on story elements next week.  I will send home their binders for a binder check once we start second trimester.

Restorative Justice Circles

Homework:
Grammar Minute 38
Read for at least 20-30 minutes
Math practice due Friday

4th and 5th graders have participated in a Restorative Justice Circle asking them to answer the following questions: What do I need from my teacher, classmates, and myself to have the best possible time in class and at school? 5th grade finished all 3, 4th grade still needs to answer the 3rd.

1. What I need from my teacher
2. What I need from my classmates
3. What I need from myself

I am sharing the posters that have the statements the students (and adults in the room) shared with their classmates.  We will refer back to these statements often.  

While the students are in my room, they will not be using the clipboard to document their behavior.  I am going to a simple 1, 2, 3 system as explained in 1, 2, 3 Magic for Parents and 1, 2, 3 Magic for Teachers.  When students have not responded to my non-verbal attempts or reminders, they will be told they are on 1 and I will state the desired behavior.  On 2, I will state the desired behavior again, and state what the consequence will be on 3. This first consequence will most likely be a break. If, in the same class period, the student goes to 3 a second time, the consequence may be more serious.  I will probably move the student on the 1 or 2.   

***** These reminders are for the students to self-regulate themselves and make good choices.  All students know what the expected behavior is, and has had it modeled and retaught many, many times this year.  A consequence may be for the child to call or email home to communicate that he/she is having trouble keeping themselves on task, even with breaks and moving to another seat.  I will be sending home a notice asking for you to share what method you prefer, and what email or number you would like to be contacted.  For many students, knowing that the consequence of 3 will be calling a parent is enough to keep that student on task for the rest of the class period.  You will also have the option of not having your child contact you.  In that case, I would contact you by email after school that day and keep the consequence in school.  If a pattern of behavior begins and/or persists, then an Office Discipline Referral will be completed.  Major behaviors will have an ODR completed right away. An example of that is hands-on to another student.

It is extremely important to me that students learn how to make good choices and respect others' learning environment.  The goal is for students to respect the learning process so all students can learn.  That happens will a strong system with adult support and guidance. We will continue to have Circle to discuss the strengths and challenges of the classroom.  As a school, we have started reading the book, Conscious Discipline.  Thank you for supporting us in this endeavor.

What I need from my teacher.

What I need from my classmates.

What I need from me.

What I need from my teacher.

What I need from my classmates.

Project Based Learning

The 5th grade is currently working on Public Service Announcements for our Composting/Recycling Programs we have at school.  Here is a video from Thursday's work.

Wednesday 11/8

Homework:
Grammar Minute 36
READ!!!!
Math practice is due this Friday

If you were interested in your child taking part in the skiing/snowboarding program then you should have received a bright green paper for you to sign up and pay.  These are due.  If you have not sent it in please do it as soon as possible.

Book orders were sent home to the 5th-grade students and will be sent home soon for the 4th graders.  4th-grade parents, I will send home an email explaining the process when I get more order forms.

Thank you for attending conferences.  Always feel free to contact Corrie or me if you need anything.

Tuesday 11/7/17

Homework:
Grammar Minute 35
Math practice due Friday.

In social studies the 5th grade is working on Public Service Announcements on composting and recycling.  We are working on story elements in reading and in writing we are working on narratives.  5th grade is also waiting to here back from a 5th grade classroom in Florida who will become our pen pals and writing editors.  This is the same school that Dr. O'Dell was once principal.

4th grade is working on story elements in reading and narratives in writing.  In social studies, we continue to learn our role in the classroom and study geography. We will begin studying the Vermont Counties soon.

Monday and November!

Homework:
Grammar Minute 34 and READ!!!!!
Math is due on Friday

Book orders are due on November 17th. Online ordering please, but I will take a hard copy with a check made out to Scholastic if you can't order online.

Conference scheduling is done, and we were able to meet with most students and parents.  If you were unable to make one of our scheduled times, please contact us so we can schedule a time.

For Thanksgiving baskets, 5th grade is responsible for bringing in Cranberry Sauce.

Book Orders

Homework:
Grammar Minute 31
READ......... for those not making progress on the daily Status of the Class...nightly reading logs will become your homework assignment!
Math is due on Thursday.
Parent, Student, Teacher conferences begin on Thursday, 11/2.  Please see the schedule to sign up if you have not done so.
Conference Schedule

Book Orders
Both classes have received book orders.  I am only accepting online orders.  I will work with parents who do not have internet.  Here is the letter that explains how to go about doing these orders.  I am new to this and will take it one step at a time!!!

Hay Day

Fairfield students spent Friday making decorations for this year's Harvest Dinner.  5th grade made pallet paintings, and 4th grade made table decorations. Here is a link to our Outdoor Classroom Blog.  Please subscribe to follow by email.

Table Decoration

Pallet Painting

Pallet Painting

Pallet Painting

Pallet Painting

Today’s Field Trip

Composting Bins

They were wonderful listeners!

The 3 wonders!

The compactor!!!

Becomes a law for
households in 2020!

Field Trip Tomorrow

Homework:
Grammar Minute 28
Read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Math is due on Friday

5th grade is going on a field trip tomorrow so 4th grade will be with Mr. Sweet all day.  Friday is Hay Day!

Harvest Dinner is this Sunday! Excellent food!!  Next week are conferences.  The conference schedule was sent to you by email.  If you have not signed up for one, please do.  Here is a link....
Conference Schedule

Good Day

Homework:

Grammar Minute 27 and read. 

Math due Friday

Today was a great day. I always love the end of October because we all seem to have settled into our routines. The conference schedule has been shared so please sign up for a conference soon. They start next Thursday. 

Conference Schedule

Monday, October 23rd and it's this warm?????

Homework:
Grammar Minute 26 and read.
Math practice due on Friday.
Thursday, 10/26, 5th grade is going on a field trip to Northwest Solid Waste District and Hudak's Farm as part of our Composting/Recycling Unit. Permission slips were sent home today.
What a beautiful day!  Here is a video of some fun the 5th grade was having together.  We are working on being kind and inclusive.

Falling Leaves

Homework is Grammar Minute 25 and read.  No math this week. 
No School on Thursday or Friday. 
Mr. Sweet and I are planning on having conferences, after school, on Wednesday, November 1st & 2nd and Monday, November 6th.  We will send a schedule via google docs next week.

Here are a couple of pictures of students working on Scholastic Storyworks assignments.  This one is on finding the main idea and supporting details from an article about Syrian refugees. 

Going back to the text to
find evidence!

Listening to the article
and following along
in the magazine.

Here are some pictures from the 5th grade field trip to Bergeron's Farm.

One student spotted this from
across the road.

Hornets nest.

Unbelievable!!

A video of falling leaves!  Today was cold but beautiful!

Monday, Monday

Only 2 nights of Grammar Minutes this week.  No math.  Read when there is time!
The students earned 25 compliments and have voted to have an extra game of soccer, boys v girls.
We will do this on a day that it is not raining!!!
No school this Thursday or Friday.  Parent conferences will be at the beginning of November. Mr. Sweet and I will send a schedule via google docs for you to sign up for one.

Beautiful Day!!!

Homework:
Grammar Minute 23 and read!!!!

The 5th grade as 4 Winds tomorrow so the 4th grade will have Mrs. Tully in the morning and the 5th grade will have ELA in the afternoon.

It was such a beautiful day that we stayed out a little longer at recess.  Here is a video of the perfect recess we had.

Gleaning Field Trip

Homework:
Grammar Minute 22
Read for at least 20-30 minutes

Butternut Squash

The 5th grade went on a field trip today to Terry Bergeron's farm in St. Albans.  We picked squash, peppers, tomatoes, and cabbage.  The kids were so excited!!  This food will go to local food shelves.

The pepper challenge!
Sweetest to hottest.

Peppers!

First 6 Weeks of School

Homework:
Grammar Minute 21 and read for at least 20-30 minutes.
No math this week for 5th, not sure about 4th.

We have been in school for about 6 weeks, and the routines are becoming normal without so many reminders from me.  It's a joy to see the students becoming comfortable in their new spaces.  As I have mentioned before, the expectations are high, but not unreachable.  Supporting students to succeed is the main goal....every day.   We want students to be aware of the choices they make and the consequences that follow.

DEAR Time

Homework:
Grammar Minute 20
Read
Math practice is due Friday
***5th grade goes on a field trip this Wednesday Morning
***Picture Day is tomorrow!!

D.E.A.R Time stands for Drop Everything and Read, but it's more than that.  During DEAR time, the students are reading quietly, working on Comprehension Checks (CCs), or choosing a new book.  Here is a video of today's DEAR time with 4th grade.  Notice how quiet it is.........this is good!
The next video is of the 4th grade completing Geography Centers.  These centers are self-directed and allow students to work at their own pace.

Free Choice and Snuggle Up Reading

No homework for the weekend.

Sorry I missed last night's blog.  I really try to get to it every day!I want to explain our Friday routines to you. On Fridays, we have Free Choice time and Snuggle Up Reading.  In order to participate in Free Choice, students must have all of their work done from the week.  It has been, and continues to be, explained that finishing work is not a punishment from Free Choice.  Free Choice was created to motivate children to get their work done so they can participate in Free Choice.  Once work is done, students can move to Free Choice.  This gives me an opportunity to work with students. If work is not finished by Snuggle Up Reading, I can continue to work with those students.  If work is not finished, then I will work with that student the following week.

5th grade is going to Terry Bergeron's farm next Wednesday to glean vegetables.  All information was sent home today.  If you gave your child permission in an email, then you do not need to send the form back in with your child.  Looking ahead, 5th grade will be going to Northwest Solid Waste District and Hudak's Farm possibly on October 18th. 

Andy Griffith Show

Homework:
Grammar Minute 18
Read
Math practice due Friday

Both 4th and 5th grade took responsibility for their actions and choices today.  We had a good, productive day.  Remember, a redirect or two is not a bad thing.  That means your child is being social and that is what we want.  After those redirects though, we want them on task being productive and working to their best abilities.

In ELA, we are working on plot development.  Tomorrow, the 5th grade will be watching an episode of The Andy Griffith Show looking for the different parts of the plot.  The beginning (setting, characters), rising action, which includes the conflict, the climax or turning point, the falling action, and the resolution.  The 4th grade will watch this next week.
Here is the video. Feel free to watch it with your child!

Full Moon

Homework:
Grammar Minute 16
Read and bring book back to school tomorrow
Math practice due this Friday

There is a full moon this week! Do you notice more activity from your child during the full moon?  I can never tell. 

Well, it's October which means we raise the expectations (or the bar) a bit higher.  Students should be following the classroom routines with fewer reminders/redirects to the expected behavior.  At this time we usually notice an increase in Office Discipline Referrals because we (the teachers) are giving fewer explanations to why and how the students should be behaving.  At this point, the Office Discipline Referrals are still for documentation purposes only, unless the behavior is a major behavior like hands-on, cheating/lying, or safety concerns.  As always, if you have any questions or concerns about our PBIS program, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Relish Time

Homework:
Grammar Minute #15
Read for at least  20-30 minutes
Math practice is due tomorrow

The post before this one has activities on it that the students will be using tomorrow and Monday.  We will use this short film and book to practice plot/climax.

Relish time is a time to work on activities that don't "add" more work for the students, but allows them to learn and use their brain!  It is done after Mustard (must do) and Ketchup (catch-up) work is done.  On our blog, at the bottom of the link list are activities that the students can go to for Relish. Science Vocabulary Hangman is one of these activities.  The 4th graders learned how to play it today.  Check it out!

The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo-Practicing Plot & Climax

We will do this example with The Lighthouse together. Then watch and read the story, The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo.  When you are done, draw the plot out on the Plot Sheet.

Late night!

Homework:
Grammar Minute 14
Read
Math practice due Friday

Sorry, this is so late tonight.  Hopefully, you all subscribe to the blog so it isn't late for you.  Wednesday is after school meeting day and teaching Yoga at 6:30 pm, so I rarely have time to breathe-until I get to yoga.  Today was a good day.  Students are completing routines without so many reminders.  By November, the classroom should be up and running with the kids pretty much running the show.  That means that the day could pretty much run without me if needed.  Routines and expectations happen without so many reminders and the students have a true understanding of how our day runs.  It allows me to work more with the students than "managing the classroom."  The focus is on them and not on me.  The two months it takes for this to become a reality actually saves us time later in the year and allows more learning to take place.

I adore all of these kids.  Each one is unique in his or her own way.  My room is set up in a way that allows each child to get what he or she really needs.  An important thing to remember is, "Fair is not equal and equal is not Fair."  Each child will get what he or she needs which will look different for each child.  This is fair.  If I treated all students the same way it would not be fair.

As always, if you want to meet with me to discuss any concerns please send me an email or call me at school.  It is extremely important that we keep communication as open as possible.

Tangrams

Homework
Grammar Minute #13
Read for 20-30 Minutes
Math practice is due this Friday.

Tangrams:
The 4th grade worked with tangrams today.  Tangrams are a set of 7 shapes that can be arranged to make many different shapes.  We started with a dog shape.  As I suspected, the students became frustrated and wanted to give up.  We didn't.  Many students came close.  We moved on to letters.  S and T.  These were a bit easier.  They slowly learned that hard work, perseverance, and some frustration are needed to learn new things.  We talked about metaphors and how Tangrams are a metaphor for life.  Hard work will pay off.  We then connected them to reading and writing.  They will be pushed outside of their comfort zone and that will cause frustration.  Learning takes place when this happens. Here are some pictures to show you some of what we did.

Give me an S!

All the tangrams need to be
the same color, but good try!
Thinking outside the box!

Almost!  Keep Trying!

The dog is the shape on
the left page, inside
column, middle.

Working hard!

Hot, Hot, Hot!!!

Homework:
Grammar Minute #12
Read for 20-30 Minutes
Math practice is due on Friday

We kept our room closed up all day today!  The shades stayed down and we turned the fan on. It definitely helped.  Tomorrow is to be as hot.  We will plan on keeping the kids in for recess due to the time it takes them to cool down.  I will bring them for a walk in the morning for exercise.

In reading and writing, we have been working on pre-assessments. These, as well as the post assessments, will be shared during conferences.

Computers

No Grammar Minute for 5th

Grammar Minute 11 for 4th

Math is due tomorrow. 

Read 20-30 minutes 

Computers are in full use. Students are using them for FLEX time and writing. The 4th graders will type right from their planning sheets to the computer. If a child still needs to write out the sentences first on paper that can still happen.  This is a skill that is developed over time. Our first writing genre is Narrative. 

Police Cruiser!!!

Homework:
Grammar Minute 10 for 4th and 11 for 5th
Read for 20-30 minutes, working on Comprehension Checks is part of this time
Math practice is due Friday

We had a Lock Down Drill today.  Here is a picture of the 5th grade with SATEC's Resource Officer.

ACE Continued

Homework:
Grammar Minute #9
Read for 20-30 Minutes ----- Reading time also includes anytime comprehension checks are worked on.
Math practice is due on Friday

5th only-Please review the steps for behavior management. Sign so I know your child went over this with you.

Listening to Miss Rumphius

Natural Resources

ACE

Homework
Grammar Minute #8
Read for at least 20-30 minutes
Math practice due Friday
5th Grade: Review reflection sheet with your child and sign it so I know your child showed it to you. We are starting this process this week.  Here is the overview of the PBIS process.


In ELA, we are working on A.C.E
A answer the question
C cite your evidence
E elaborate or explain why your evidence supports your answer

We have been using this format to look at Character Traits and the Theme of books.
Both classes have used Ira Sleeps Over for this and today, the 4th grade heard the story Miss Rumphius.  Both links will bring you to the youtube page where the books are on audio.

Tomorrow the 5th grade will read storybooks and continue this work leading up to the students identifying character traits and theme in their D.E.A.R books.  The 4th grade will continue more work with theme.

Some books that will be used tomorrow are:
Miss Tizzy
My Great Aunt Arizona
The Wall
When The Relatives Came
Thundercake

Soule House

Homework:
Grammar Minute #7
Read for 20-30 minutes
Finish math practice which is due tomorrow.

The walking field trip was so much fun and the students were awesome!  If you have a chance to stop and preview the items, you should.  It was a true history lesson which we will follow up with some research.

My dream house!

I want this for my classroom!

Open House

Homework:
Grammar Minute #6
Read 20-30 Minutes
Math Practice is due on Friday

*****Please read through the Silent Sustained Reading forms I sent home last week and sign the bottom of the first page. You only need to return the bottom portion.
Here is the link if you are unsure what I am referring to.

Over the summer I shared our PBIS program and the steps we go through to help the students self-regulate their behavior.  Here is a link to that document.  I added the steps that we will use in grades 3, 4, and 5.  If you have any questions or concerns about our PBIS program and the steps students go through to help them self-regulate their behavior please contact me or Mr. Sweet.  This is the program we use and need your support for it to work.  Our bottom line is to help students learn to make good choices.  Punitive consequences are the last option.

Tomorrow night (or tonight, depending on when you read this!) we have Open House.  Grades K-5 6:00-6:30 and 6-8 6:30-7:00.  I hope you can stop by and say hi!

****Kickball was even better today!  A student who had trouble kicking had a great kick!  Students are catching and throwing the ball!  They are learning the rules to the game!  Warm, sunny weather keep coming, please!

Kickball!!

Homework:
Grammar Minute #5
Read for 20-30 Minutes
Math practice is due on Friday

This Thursday is Open House - K-5 6:00-6:30 and 6-8 6:30-7:00

Kickball gets better every time we play it.  Kids are excited about it and are playing well with each other. Even those who were hesitant about it last week are enjoying it more and becoming more comfortable kicking and trying to catch the ball.  It's a joy to watch! Thankfully we have more nice weather this week.  When I was in elementary school, my 4th and 5th grade teachers played kickball with us every nice day!  Mr. Mandarano and Mr. Cimino!!!!!!

Beautiful Week

Homework:
Grammar Minute #4
Read for 20-30 minutes
Check assignment sheet for math

Open House is this Thursday night. K-5 is 6:00-6:30 and 6-8 is 6:30-7:00.
Looking Ahead:
Hay Day is October 27th and Harvest Dinner is October 29th.
 
It looks like it will be beautiful all week. Please have your child bring a pair of sneakers every day. We will work with Mr. Sweet's homeroom on community building and play some kickball!!
Today, we visited the new pollinator garden.  Here is a picture of our class.

This is what I love to see students doing.................reading while waiting for dismissal.

Self Selected Reading

Homework:
Grammar Minute #3
Read Self Selected Reading Forms with parents and return the bottom of the first page.
Read 20-30 minutes

Please remember to send in a note or email me with a change of plans for your child.  For sports, it can be a forever note for the whole season.

Soccer Reminders

Homework:
Grammar Minute #2
Read for 20-30 minutes

Soccer

• Boys have practice Thursday and Friday from 3:30 to 5:00.
• Return paperwork.
• Please send in a note letting me know what the plans are for your child on soccer days.  You can make it a note for all season long.
• The girls received a schedule today.

New Student

Homework:
Grammar Minute #1
Read for 20-30 minutes
No math

We are not using assignment books this year.  Every Monday, the students will get an assignment sheet for the week that will be kept at the front of their Homework Binders. Homework is the same every night unless your child needs to finish work that has not been finished in school (over a couple of days!!)  Homework binders were set up today.  Every student has a parent/school communicator folder.  Handouts from the school will go in these folders.

5th grade was lucky to get a new student today!  Welcome Mason!!!!

2nd Day

        Today I had the 4th grade for the first time.  I love working in a small school because it allows me to know all of the students by the time they are in my class.  What a wonderful group!   We played kickball again today and it went much better than yesterday.  Yesterday, many of the students were nervous about playing and today everyone was excited to play.  We will play again tomorrow if the weather is nice.
        Yesterday and today the students had a chance to choose one or two books that they will be able to keep.  This is the book (if it's at their reading level) that your child should be reading tonight and into next week.  We will learn how to choose books from our classroom library next week.  If you think the book is too hard for your child, send me an email and I will match him or her with a better book tomorrow or next Tuesday.
         Next Tuesday, we will start assigning homework.  Our homework is the same every night, Monday through Thursday.  They will have a Grammar Minute, math practice, and reading from the self-selected books they choose.  Students will receive a homework sheet every Monday for the week.  We will continue to slowly learn how to work in our classroom.  I will not ask students to do something until I am sure they are able to do it.
Here are some pictures of the 5th grade doing the name game so Miss MaryAnne and Ms. Maynard could learn their names today.

Introducing themselves....

Ask your son or daughter who
Jackie O. is!

Success!

First Day Success!
I can't tell you how great it was to have the kids back today!  Summer is fun and all, but I do love what I do.  We will spend the first few days/weeks reviewing expectations and routines so the students really know and understand how to work in our rooms.  Extra time spent on this up front saves a lot of time later in the year.  Today we worked in the garden and played kickball as a 4/5 team.  We will play kickball again tomorrow.   4th grade has P.E. on Wednesdays and Fridays and 5th grade has it on Mondays and Thursdays.

Reading on the first day!

What a difference a week makes!

Last week the room was in summer mode.  Today.... it's ready for the kids.

Last week, we were at school on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for in-service. We introduced "circles" to the staff. This is an important component of Restorative Communication that I learned about this summer when I was at Killington for PBiS.  Here is a poster of the values we want to bring to our school this year.    On Friday, the Maple Run District joined together at Collins Perley. Here is a picture of our Maple Leaf......all staff!

Maple Run Unified School District
Convocation-2017

Important Values for Fairfield!

Almost there!!!

Spent the day Monday  getting the classroom ready.