It is hard to believe that we are in the second week of Advent already.
The children have made beautiful Advent chains which will come home for Christmas and will make a lovely reminder of the reason we celebrate this season.
There are a number of events and activities that are coming up:
Christmas Concert/Pageant- Tuesday, December 11
Students should arrive at school in “dress-up” clothes and report to our classroom by 6:30PM. Please take their coats with you to the gym as your children will be dismissed to you immediately after the concert and will not be returning to the classroom.
Scholastic Book Orders- Tuesday, December 11
Orders must be sent to school or completed online by today so that we can receive them in time for Christmas. If you would like me to keep the order a secret, please just let me know.
Shhhhhhh: see the December 3rd blog for a note on an order I placed for the class.
Christmas Shoe Boxes- Monday, December 17
All families are invited to decorate and fill a shoe box for Christmas. Details were sent home in the family envelope. All boxes should be wrapped and labeled and returned to school by Monday, December 17th (although you may send them to school any time before then as well). If you cannot fill an entire box, please feel free to send in any items you have and they will be added to other donations to make additional boxes.
Santa Shop- Monday (12/17) - Thursday (12/20)
I will be signing the children up for two visits to the Santa Shop during the above times. Students will have an opportunity to browse and then buy. Please see the family envelope for a shopping list and additional information.
In school this week, we will be writing letters to a class in New York City whose school was severely damaged during Super Storm Sandy. We will also be making cards for those who are homebound, visitors to the food pantry, and our pre-school buddies.
In ELA, we will finish Marven of the Great North Woods. Students will write a persuasive paper explaining why they think Marven’s parents should or should not have sent him away during the epidemic. They will also take a test on the story on Friday. There is no spelling test this week. We will apply our spelling and handwriting skills to our letters, essays, and cards.
In Science, students will wrap up the lessons they have been working on and prepare for a quiz on Monday. We will also be making thermometers (a tie-in with Marven’s story) next Wednesday. If you are able to send in a clean, clear 11-ounce plastic bottle (or two)before then, I would be very thankful!
In Math, please continue to practice addition facts and multiplication facts with your children. Mastering these will ensure an easier transition to more difficult math.
Thank you so much for all your support this year. I will be out of school on Monday (12/17) for a workshop in Rochester on managing different skill levels in math during one class period. I am very excited to see what is suggested and to apply it in our classroom. Look for some changes in the new year!
