Hello Parents and Students, We had an event filled week with our much anticipated return to school. I was so happy see so many smiling eyes greet me! The students and I are adjusting quickly to our new schedules and routines and we are learning in the process. I think we all agree we are very happy to be together learning in person, even if it is for just part of the day.
This week in math, we have begun working on Module 5: Geometry: Volume. We are so fortunate to be in the classroom for this unit because there are so many hands on activities we are able to do safely. We are working with centimeter cubes, cutting out nets to create boxes with different volumes and we will be doing so much more. (I am sure I would have found a way to get students supplies to do this remotely, but I LOVE watching them work on this in person.) In writing, we learned how to edit and revise our writing, rereading our work multiple times with a different purpose in mind. I worked with a small group giving writing support, while students who were ready were able to focus on editing a hard copy of their opinion papers that I printed for them. (SUCH A LUXURY)
I was able to see a sample of student writing and can tell that many students need to work on those fine motor skills. (My goodness, we are out of practice). I will be teaching them cursive ...not because they must know it, but because it is a wonderful way to slow them down and have them work on their penmanship and exercise that fine motor coordination.
In reading, I did a book sampling and selection for the students. I loaned them each a book from my class library that they can bring to and from school. They can read any time they finish work. Some students may have selected a book that is high interest, but above their reading level. A couple of options are to use Learning Ally which has audio support for readers, or to read with your child at home. Please let me know if your child needs the support of the Learning Ally Program and does not have an account. I have to arrange accounts through our resource teacher.
Yellow Home/School Folders I have provided each student with a yellow vinyl folder to carry paperwork to and from school. I have sent home some information for you and an Orange Sign to display in your car window when you come to pick up your child from school. This helps us better expedite pick up. PLEASE HAVE THIS PLACARD IN THE FRONT WINDOW OF YOUR CAR AT PICKUP.
Remote/Asynchronous Work Time Expectations Although we are back at school, students need to understand that their school day is not restricted to time on campus. The expectation is 175 minutes a day of asynchronous work time. Science, PE, Social Studies, Art & Music are all scheduled during this time, but in addition they have other assignments on their agendas that they need to complete to ensure a well rounded education. School time is focused on Math Instruction/Support, Reading Instruction/Support, Writing Instructions/Support and Social Emotional Support and Education. Please make sure that your child is dedicating the time needed to be feel successful and prepared each day.
Assignment Tracker I fell behind for a week on updating the assignment tracker as I prepared for transition, but I have updated the tracker and it is now current. Students keep track of their own work completion on their agendas, but I keep track of students on the assignment tracker. I am the only one who can check off a completed assignments so it provides accountability. If you want to check your students progress on work completion, Please have them show you the assignment tracker on their google classroom/ classwork page.
Homework The only homework required of your student will be math homework, and completion of unfinished work. They may complete this homework during asynchronous time if they have their other assignments completed. This means, if they use their time efficiently they won't have to work after school hours!!!
Social Emotional Wellness This time of Covid has been very taxing and stressful for us all, but for these little people, it has lasted almost one-tenth of their life. I have had students ask me if school will ever go back to the way it was. I will continue my mindfulness practices for stress reduction and do my best to make things feel and "normal" as possible for our kiddos. Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have concerns about your child.
Conferences March 10 through 12th will be minimum days for conferences. Typically spring conferences are reserved for addressing concerns and are set up by parent request or by the teacher. I realize that this is not a normal year and that I am new to many of you. I will set up a conference sign up genius so you may request a conference with me to discuss whatever you would like concerning your child. In the comment section, if you can please type the name of your child and give me an idea of what you would like to discuss, I can better prepare. Conferences will be via Zoom. I will send you a link the day before conferences.
Student/Parent IT Support If your child is experience any tech difficulties or problems with school provided technology, please contact the IT support department at the link below. [email protected] To request a device or to resolve a tech issue please use the email address above to submit a ticket and a member of our tech team will get back to you as soon as possible or call 925-824-1840.
Upcoming Dates Upcoming Tests/Assessments Monday Feb 22-26 - Spirit Week DISNEY Thursday Feb. 25 - Social Studies Test on Unit 7 March 5 - NO SCHOOL Tues. March 2 - Practice Test Mid Module 5 March 10, 11 & 12 - Minimum Days for Conference Week Wed. March 3 - Math Test Review/Study Help Thurs. March 23 - No School/Staff Development. Th. March 4 - Mid- Module 5 - Final Math Test Fri. April 2 - No School. Wed. March 24 - Test on 50 States and Capitals April 5 - 9 - Spring Break/No School Wed. May 19 - Open House/Art Show Mon. May 31 - Memorial Day/No School Tues. June 1 - 5th Grade Promotion Wed. June 2 - Field Day Th. June 3- Last Day of School/Minimum Day