Dear Parents,
This week we worked on MAP testing and completed both the reading and the math portions of the test. The kids understand that this fall test is simply a baseline so that we can see how much growth they make throughout the year. We will be able to talk about these results at conference time in early November and perhaps use them to set some goals for your child. We will continue testing next week on Tuesday from 8:15-10, and Thursday from 10-11:30, so please try to avoid pulling kids for appointments during those times. Also, please remind your child to bring a charged laptop on testing days – well, every day!
We completed our nouns unit, spending the majority of our time on possessives and appositives (add-ons, as one student aptly called these). The kids showed a good understanding of these and I told them that I expect them to use nouns correctly, especially possessives, in their writing from here on out. Our Latin test will be on Thursday next week.
In literature, we are reading our way through The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. We are nearly finished and are enjoying the plot twists and turns. I have been recommending Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall’s Mutiny on the Bounty for those interested in reading a higher-level book of this topic. The kids have been learning a lot of new vocabulary and have been discussing the elements of literature as they pertain to our novel. This weekend and next would be the time to finish up the two book reports that are due on Monday, September 30th. Your child should ask you to sign their reading log, which is due on Monday.
In social studies we finished learning about the sovereign state, it’s features and the role of state government. The kids created their own imaginary states and looked at the economy, education, geography, and other features of that state and then shared a few with the class. We will learn about the various types of governments next week.
Next week we will walk to the WeGrow Garden on Wednesday. Please see the SignUp Genius for this recurring event, if you would like to accompany us. Remember that we go rain or shine, so be sure your child wears appropriate shoes (it is a casual dress day every Wednesday).
On Tuesday, October 1st, we have our Fall Retreat. I am still arranging carpools and will let you know right away with which parents will be driving. Lunch (pizza), snacks, and drinks will be provided for the kids, so please don’t pack those that day (although a refillable water bottle would be appreciated). If your child has special dietary needs, please let me know or provide a safe lunch for him/her to bring along.
Please sit with your child this weekend and log in to FACTS to check grades and missing work. This really helps the kids to get in the habit of working to better themselves. Some kids told me they were having trouble getting into FACTS and I will look into it next week.
Next Tuesday, September 24th, is Picture Day. These are individual pictures, so your child may come in (appropriate) free dress.
I am pasting news from specialist classes below:
PE 6-8: This week in PE, students learned about the 5 components of fitness, specifically cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength. They participated in the fall Fitnessgram mile run and Curl-up test. They learned about setting realistic and specific goals.
Have a great weekend!
Chris