| I hope everyone has had an enjoyable Christmas holiday and a Happy New
Year!! 2009....wow! It is hard to believe that we are almost finished with
the first decade of the 21st century! I have had a busy holiday break and
am ready to get back to my usual routine! I can't wait to see you tomorrow
morning. We will begin our winter testing cycle tomorrow. We will be
taking the STAR-EL test, the STAR test, DIBELS, and an oral fluency test
during the next 12 days.
Do not be alarmed if the STAR test and/or the oral fluency test is a little
low. We have never taken anything like these, so they will be our baseline
scores. We will practice the "how" of taking these two tests and our scores
will improve this spring. Remember, any test is just a measure of how they
did on that one test on that one day. I look at the whole picture (not just
a test score) to determine their progress! The Third Nine Weeks is typically
the quarter that we see a lot of growth. I am not sure why, but usually most
children make a lot of progress this quarter before that final nine weeks
gets here. It is a long nine weeks, (only 1 day out for a holiday) and
maturity is starting to take hold. I am excited to begin this fun nine
weeks! We will celebrate the Chinese New Year and Day 100 this nine weeks!
Our year is flying by!
Our December Citizen of Character (Courtesy) is Jeter! Congratulations to
Jeter and thanks for exhibiting the character trait of Courtesy! I am proud
of you!!! He will be recognized at Rise and Shine on January 12. Our
Wonderful Writers this month are Emmalee and Daniel. Good job guys!! It
was hard to pick just two! Keep working hard on your stories boys and
girls! They will also get certificates on Monday the 5th.
Keep reading those readers that come home in folders as well as the books
in the baggies! Practice does make perfect! I can tell by listening to your
child who is practicing at home. I can't stress enough the need to read for
20 minutes each night. It will make a world of difference in your child's
reading ability.
In math, we are working on recognizing a penny and dime and telling it's
worth as well as reviewing addition facts to 10. We are also going to begin
flashing the subtraction facts to 10. Please add that to your nightly
routine.
See you tomorrow!!!! I am so enjoying your children. Thank you for
sharing them with me!!
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