Dear Parents,

We have been reviewing science concepts that cover all three yearly rotations. The first endeavor included having all students attempt to complete 4 units on lesson 17 (100 questions) over a two week course. Teacher read each question aloud with all possible answers before the students tried to do the tests, then the answers were reviewed again in class and finally tests were scored and sent home for corrections. Two students have returned corrected tests. All others will see the tests again in class by taking each unit as a 25 item quiz. The first unit has been recorded on thinkwave for both classes. We will do another each week until mastery of the concepts is acheived.

Dear Parents, Happy Math New Year! New math textbooks were assigned before the holidays with little fanfare. The students are still getting used to the idea of writing answers outside the books. We recently tested concepts to be sure all students were working in the correct books and will carry on as usual with the following information to be utilized: Textbook lessons: Each unit in the textbook contains example problems making it a teaching unit. Students will work through these problems and complete all practices to take the practice test and review at the end of each unit. Workbook Exercises will be assigned on an as needed basis for home practice. Scores on unit practices and reviews must be 90% or higher to maintain the ability to progress. Assessments will be administered as needed to move students to progress as a faster pace. If a student scores less than 90% on an assessment, review lessons will be assigned on problem areas. After the work on those areas is completed in a satisfactory manner, the student will be assessed again. Scores of 90% or higher will be required to stay on level. Class lessons will focus on errors made in daily work with Morning Jumpstarts used to teach new concepts and practice facts in mental math. Mental math will be assessed each week as fast practice. Students are encouraged to try to compete with their own scores only not each other’s. Please remember, that new math concepts are demonstrated first thing each morning (from 8:16 to 8:25). If your child is late, reteaching is offered during free time. Studnets really learn less if play time is taken for math lessons. So try to be on time daily at 8:15. Thanks, Math Elementary Teachers P.S. Please respond to Khan Academy requests for student passwords sent 1/11/16, for accounts that will improve skills.

Please take a moment to look over the attached assignment.  This pertains to expectations during our field trip tomorrow.

Students will need to bring along a journal for writing, and to present as evidence of participation in the assignment.  This will be useful during the discussion portion of our work together.

We will also have lunch together after we leave the museum, but before we return to campus, so students will need some cash for lunch.  I recommend $10.00.

Shopping in the Museum gift shop is not scheduled as a part of the assingment as designed, nor will it add significantly to the value of the experience.  

Please email if you have questions.

~L.Daniel

Dear Students and Parents,

The Vocabulary Test scheduled for today will be given to those who are ready and want to get it done.

For those of you who are absent due to illness, I will offer the test again on Thursday, Dec 18. 

If you take it today, and want to take it again on Thursday, I will take the higher of the two scores.  

If you miss the test today AND again on Thursday, I will give it again on the day we return from Holiday Break, January 6, 2015.

There will be only one test, covering the first half of the list.  

Please do yourself a favor and learn all of the words so that the book makes sense.

You absolutely need to have completed the book, Lord of the Flies, when you return on January 6, 2015!

Please, take care of yourselves and enjoy your Holiday!

~L. Daniel