March 17

Dear Parents,

This short week is going to be a fast one with lots of things jammed packed in.  Here’s a few reminders for the week:

R  We’re putting the final touches on book kits.  I have made contact with the families who have not turned in order forms as of yet.  I need to have a signed order form even if you do not plan to order additional copies.  Please get those returned to me TOMORROW or I cannot get your child a free copy of his/her book either.  Thank you.

R  Just to give you a head’s up:  book kits typically take about 4 weeks to be returned to us.  At that time, I will send out information for our Publisher’s Party, to which parents are encouraged to attend.  Stay tuned!

R  We have our AR celebration tomorrow afternoon.  The kids have earned a movie/snack and game time.  The kids can bring any snack of choice from home as well as a drink.  Soda is allowed, but must be caffeine free if brought in.  The kids are also being allowed to bring in devices from home at your own personal risk.  Other board/card games can also be brought (and are just as much fun- soap box!) in to play tomorrow.  It promises to be a fun filled afternoon!

R  Early dismissal Wednesday.  Carline dismissal will begin around 12:55.  Please be prompt in pick-up. 

R  No school March 20-24 for spring break.  Enjoy!

R  No FF (or IXL requirements) this week or next due to the shortened weeks.

R  A quick note about IXL:  Some of the kids have gotten a bit lax in completing their weekly 30 minute log each week.  Some parents have expressed interest in building independence with their kids by allowing them to manage this area independently.  While I support and understand your desires to build independence in the kids, please do provide a checks and balance for them as well by continuing to check their record book weekly to make sure it is being done.  Thank you.

R  March 26 is our music field trip to the orchestra.  Students are being asked to wear Badger blue shirts and nice jeans and shoes.

R  Our class will be “announcement stars” the week of March 31.  We will take turns leading the school announcements with Mrs. Thoendel at that time.  Avoid tardies to ensure participation. 

R  Special thanks to the amazing families who helped out with candy jar donations the past few weeks.  The kids were thrilled to have new prey, so to speak, and have been motivated to continue working on personal goals.  I appreciate the donations!

R  Speaking of, I had a couple people ask about donation opportunities as we move into spring.  If you are shopping and would like to help out, please consider throwing a couple bottles of 8 oz. hand sanitizer into the cart (brand name is not important).  We use the sanitizer as our RR passes, and will be running out soon.  A tub of Clorox wipes will come in handy as we march toward the end of the year and begin to clean chairs, lockers, desks, etc. for summer break.  That’s all I can think of right now.  I truly appreciate everyone’s willingness to donate these items for the classroom.  You have all been very selfless in this area.  Thank you!

R  Curriculum:

o   Math= Geometry skills- practice faces, edges, and verticies of solid shapes, and understanding the difference between plane (flat) and solid figures.  For many students the hands on nature of this unit makes it easy, for others the vocabulary makes it tough.  At any rate, it becomes a wonderful area to reinforce skills for IXL time logs.

o   LA= No lesson this week (no yellow review sheet) J

o   Writing= Finish book kits for publishing!

o   Science= Weather- We are finishing this unit next week and will test on Thursday.

o   Social Studies= Government- We’re learning the differences between local, state, and federal government and will move into rights and rules for voting eligibility next week.

Have a great week!  Cheers!