Week 16: Thank You!

Wowwee! I was stunned by the generous and sweet class gifts! It was a great way to start the holiday recess. Ms. Lopez and I would like to thank you all and Mrs. Soans especially for her efforts in coordinating the collection.

Have a wonderful holiday and be well. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, January 2.

Week 15: Happy Holidays!

We are entering the final week of school for 2013! Time flies so quickly!

Our thanks go out to the parents who came on our field trip this Thursday. Through frigid weather, and crowded trains, they went above and beyond to get our children to the museum and back. Leigh's dad, Roshi's mom, Zach's mom, Tyler's mom and Julia's mom were a great help!

Here's what to expect for next week:

• The Unit 4 math test will take place on Thursday. 
• There will be an optional homework packet with review work given out for families who want it to maintain a consistent learning habit. With many families traveling and entertaining, please don't feel any pressure to have to complete the packet. However, your child should make the effort to keep reading.
• We will accompany Ms. Gamboi on a trip to the Prospect Park Zoo where we will dissect an owl pellet. This excursion will happen on Friday. 
• We will have a holiday celebration on Friday. Please send you child in with a drink and a treat to share. Please avoid sending your child with soda as it goes against the school's healthy child initiative. 

Have a wonderful weekend with a safe and happy holiday!

Week 14

We have started an exciting new reading unit. This unit is Historical Fiction Book clubs with Nonfiction support. What that means is that your child will participate in a book club with other children who are reading the same book. The goal is for children to examine the characters and how they fit into a historical setting. To better understand the setting, children are also reading nonfiction texts that explain the era or issues of  the time period that their books are set in. Children have been setting goals for long they have to read daily and they are meeting in class to talk about what they have read in order to support of clarify each other's thinking.

You will notice that your child has one book for book club. If they finished their scheduled book club reading, children are advised to read the nonfiction companion piece or an independent book.

Here's what is happening next week:

• We will head to the Armory on Tuesday. Please make sure your child is dressed for physical activity and wearing running shoes. 
• Tuesday is also the last day to bring in pennies or change for Penny Harvest.
• We will be going to the American Museum of Natural History by subway on Thursday. Chaperones will receive letters on Monday with more details about our trip. 

Finally, we would like to thank the parents who came to present this Family Friday. Mrs. Soans and Mrs. Badner brought our published recipe book for us to preview. The books will be up for auction at tomorrow's Winter Fair. We were also treated to some special family memories shared by Matthew's aunt. Thank you all for everything you do!

Have a great weekend!