Newsletter

 

January 27, 2009 

Can you believe it? We have begun the second semester. It seems just a few 
weeks ago we were getting to know each other. Time is passing quickly, and we 
still have so much work to do. Thankfully, I have wonderful students with 
supportive parents to help make my job easier.

We have been very busy since we returned from winter break.

In math, we are currently working on probability. It's much shorter than our 
last unit, but still challenging. The unit is divided into two parts, and we 
have already completed the first part. We should finish the second part on 
Wednesday, and are scheduled to take the unit test on Friday. 

We have begun new novels in our guided reading groups yet. The kiddos seem to 
be enjoying the books I have chosen for them. We are also reading, On My 
Honor, as our Shared Reading. As for AR, when the new quarter begins, 
everyone goes back to zero. New goals will be entered tomorrow.

For social studies and writing, we are writing a first-person narrative of 
the history of Plymouth Rock.  

We are also beginning a new science unit on ecosystems. In groups of three, 
students will create terrariums, and monitor their growth. 

Valentine's Day is in just a couple of weeks. To celebrate, we are going to 
have a Heart Day Cake Decorating contest. All cakes will be baked and 
decorated at home. Each cake must be accompanied by a list of ingredients, to 
prevent any problems with student allergies. Students may work alone, or in 
groups. Participation is voluntary. I will need a couple of parent volunteers 
to help judge the entries, (everyone participant gets a certificate), and to 
help serve the cake. I will also need donations of paper plates, napkins, 
forks, cups, and milk.  

I am also doing something new with the website. Each week, I will hide the 
student number of one member of the class. Students who find the number, will 
put their name and the name of the student with the hidden number on a piece 
of paper. It will be put in a box in the classroom for a small prize drawing 
on Friday. Hopefully, this will encourage students and parents to access the 
website frequently. 

Report cards will be sent home next Friday, February 6.

Thank you for your support at home. Please remember that you can always 
contact me by email, note, planner, or phone call.

Have a great week!!!

Sandy Bacon