Second Hand News

Weeks of November 23 and November 30, 2009

 

Dear Parents,

 

TWO FOR ONE…I’ve included this week and next week’s news all in one newsletter since we
have such a short week ahead of us.

 

News for November 23:

 

PROUD…That’s how I felt when the children presented their Pilgrim dolls to classmates and parents this past week. Each child worked very hard on this project as they researched their family history (for some this involved interviewing an elderly family member), created their doll to represent a family member who immigrated to the United States, and finally presented it with confidence. I am so proud of their efforts and successes. Thank you for being such an integral part of this assignment and for the many, many positive comments. I know they were thrilled to be able to share this with you, and I thank you for taking the time out of your busy lives to come and join us.  

 

SPELLING…The biggest, and possibly the most exciting news flash of this short week is that we will not be having any spelling the week of November 23! The children, and probably their parents, will be happy to have the break. We’ll resume spelling when we return from Thanksgiving.

 

THINKING OF YOU…I'm sure you are as excited as I am about the upcoming Thanksgiving break. For those of you who will be traveling, have a safe journey. When I recall all that I am thankful for this holiday season, I will include you parents at the top of my list. I appreciate all you do for me and my students: parent readers, classroom helpers, and daily parental support of your child by reviewing homework, practicing spelling words, and keeping track of weekly reading. I appreciate the fact that you never mind that I request the return of school correspondences well before the due dates, and you supply us with our never ending need for Ziploc baggies, Kleenex, Clorox wipes, paper towels, paper bags, etc. For all of this and so much more, I am ever so thankful. Have a safe and restful Thanksgiving.

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

News for December 1:

 

LUCKY SEVEN WEEK… "Lucky Seven Week" has arrived again. Due to the short week on November 23, I will check logs on Friday, December 4 for both weeks, November 23 and December 1.I will then open our store for another Book Buck Library Sale Day. Encourage your child to read, read, and read. My Book Buck Library is well stocked with fantastic titles sure to excite your child.

 

CHILDCARE…Mrs. Hettenhaus has coordinated efforts with the CCE YMCA counselors to provide childcare for the Holiday, Valentine and End of Year parties in the Parent Resource Center.  Parents pay $5 per child for this service. These are the only 3 events that she has coordinated.  If a grade level event is coming up and 5 or more parents need childcare she is willing to see if the counselors are available.  Please contact MaryAnne Hettenhaus through email at maryanne_hettenhaus@roundrockisd.org  for further information.



FAMILY BOOK CLUB… We recently finished our latest read aloud, Poppy by Avi. It's a great tale about a family of mice and their struggles with a Great Horned Owl by the name of Mr. Ocax. We will be moving on to another book in the series, Ereth's Birthday, and we may conclude this series with Poppy Returns. There are two others in the series. How about reading Ragweed or Poppy and Rye, over the holidays and have a family book club? Your child will be familiar with some of the characters that make repeat performances in many of the books. These titles would make great stocking stuffers! Please don't read Ereth's Birthday or Poppy Returns yet.  When the children are familiar with the story, it makes using many of my comprehension strategies less effective. Most of all, have fun reading!
 

READER REMINDERS…My students are always excited when Fridays roll around because it means Parent Reader Day. We’ve had a few glitches lately with parents forgetting to check the schedule online and parents that haven’t submitted a Name Based Criminal History Check through the online application at https://hrsapp.roundrockisd.org/appentry/, preventing them from coming to our classroom.  Since parent reader spots are a very hot commodity, I ask that you keep aware of your schedule, switch dates with another parent if something comes up, and make sure you have been cleared with the security check.

 

UPCOMING DATES…I thought I’d let you know a couple of important dates in December.  I know these next few weeks will be very busy for us all as the winter holidays approach. On Thursday, December 17, we will be having a “Polar Express Day” based on the book. Just to give you a “heads-up”, your child will be asked to wear his/her pajamas to school that day.  More details to come. Our class holiday party will be Friday, December 18, 1:45-2:45. All parents are invited to attend this event. As another reminder, school policy does not allow siblings to attend this event. Please get a jump start on looking for childcare now. Our CCE Parent Advocate, MaryAnne Hettenhaus, makes arrangements for onsite childcare. Please contact her if you would like to reserve a childcare spot during our classroom party. We thank you in advance for your kind attention to this.
 
 
Have an awesome week,

Nancy

 
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