We finished our fractions unit and have moved onto graphing. The kids have learned how to collect data, create tables, and how to use bar and pictographs. We'll continue working on graphing all next week.
In writing we're researching facts and collecting information for our first expository piece on penguins. The children now have a clear understanding of the difference between facts and opinions which will be beneficial during their reports. We also wrote and created another Snazzy Snack recipe this week - - Penguin Treats! Thank you to the families of Michael, Ella, and McKenna for being our Snazzy Snack shoppers this month.
In shared reading, we've been reading nonfiction texts and determining the main idea. We're also focusing on the author's purpose (inform, entertain, and persuade) as well as the author's message.
I wanted to remind you of the reading log programs that are happening now. Your child can work on the Million Minutes Challenge logs and/or the Great America reading logs. The Million Minutes challenge runs from October 1st - May 1st. Every month your child will bring home a log to record the amount of time he/she reads in a day. At the end of the month, the forms are collected and the total number of reading minutes are recorded. After just three months into the contest, here's our data: Our school has read a total of 145,862 minutes and we have 854,138 minutes to go. The grade level that's in the lead is SECOND! As an overall school, Mrs. Palmer's class is in 1st place, Mrs. Cox's class is in 2nd place, and Mrs. Elmusa's class is in 3rd place. The January logs will be due next week. The Great America reading logs will be due on Monday, February 11th. Your child needs to read a total of 360 minutes in order to receive a free ticket. Please remember that I will no loger send home reading logs on the back of the homework calendar; instead your child should be working on either the Million Minutes or Great America log.
Since returning from break, we've been taking every precaution to avoid the terrible flu bug that has been going around. We talk daily about the importance of washing hands, covering our coughs and sneezes, using Kleenex, and keeping our fingers out of our noses. We've also been going through a lot of hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. THANK YOU to all of you that donated these supplies to our classroom recently. In addition to all of these precautionary measures, we need your help at home. Please, please, please monitor your child's health closely. If your child has a fever or flu-like symptons, DO NOT send him/her to school. Your child needs to be fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
Our breakfast program is in full swing now. If your child is interested, he/she can purchase a breakfast upon arrival to school for just $1.50. Your child will have time to eat the breakfast in our classroom.
Please help out our classroom by labeling all of your child's winter accessories. Our Lost and Found bin has been overflowing with hats, mittens, and scarves. Also, please remind your child the importance of dressing appropriately and bundling up when going outside.
Earlier in the week, your child took home a PTO Awards letter. If you know of a deserving teacher, staff member, or PTO member, please write a short, one to two paragraphs explaining why he/she should win an award. You can also pick up a nomination letter in the office. Please return your writing in a sealed envelope labeled "PTO Awards".
Mrs. Boggs is hosting Fine Arts Night on Tuesday, January 29th from 5:30-7:00 pm. The children will have art projects on display and they will also be allowed to show you around our classroom. The 5th graders are providing entertainment by putting on a Talent Show at 6:00 pm.
Grand Prairie is hosting a food drive for Creekside Cares the week of February 4th - 8th. The Creekside Cares program helps feed 160+ families in District 202 by providing a backpack full of food. Please send any non-perishable foods that you're willing to donate.
The GP Student Council is hosting a "Re-Use a Shoe Drive". If you have any shoes you'd like to donate, they can be dropped off in the bin in front of the school office.
I recently sent a class list and directions for Valentine's Day cards. If your child is going to pass out Valentines, he/she needs to have a card for everyone in the class. In addition to the cards, your child also need to create a container to hold all of the Valentines. We will be celebrating on Thursday, February 14th. Please do not send the cards or containers before then.
Thank you to Mrs. Besich for being our Mystery Reader this week! We still have several dates available; click the tab at the top of this page to see our schedule for the year.
I will be out of the building on Monday and Tuesday for Common Core. I will still have access to email, so feel free to contact me, if needed.
Finally, I'm leaving you with pictures of my little birthday boy. I can't believe he's a year old already!!
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