WEEK OF MARCH 22

Too Good For Drugs (T.G.F.D.) Program
Deputy K met with students to review the various lessons and discuss their final T.G.F.D. assignment. The students received a hand-out describing a "promise letter" that needs to be completed by Wednesday, March 24. They also received an invitation for the T.G.F.D graduation ceremony to be held on Friday, April 9.

Naper Settlement Field Trip Reminders
Please make sure your child dresses for the weather on Tuesday as some portions of the program will take place outdoors. Also, your child will need a disposable lunch on the day of the trip!


Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 26 is a review of lessons 19-25. The format of the test is different than our regular weekly tests. Students will need to apply the rules or patterns taught in previous lessons in order to identify the misspelled word in a row of words. You may want to practice identifying misspelled words in a similar format using words from lessons 19-25.
• English - The students will be working on an acrostic poem and lead story about themselves to begin a "Me Front Page" writing project. Most of this writing work will be done in the classroom.
• Reading - As we continue our study of China, we will be focusing on using non-fiction text to practice the reading strategy of clarifying. March Reading Project - The "Exploring Expository" booklet (along with the non-fiction book that was read) is due Monday! Also, instead of a book project in April, we will be completing a culminating activity on China.
• Science - The students will be learning about the waves in the ocean. We will also learn about currents and tides.
• Social Studies - We will read about the American colonies declaring their independence from Britain in July 1776.
• Mrs Strong's Math Class - The students will continue to practice adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers. A "Math Quest" covering these concepts is scheduled for Wednesday, March 24!

Mark Your Calendar:

March 23 - Naper Settlement Field Trip

March 27 - April 4 - Spring Break

April 9 - T.G.F.D. Graduation Ceremony

WEEK OF MARCH 15

Conferences Review
I appreciated the chance to meet with many of my homeroom and math parents during the week of parent/teacher conferences. There were some great discussions regarding current progress and future goals for students. As we move into 3rd Trimester, please remember that you can contact me at any time if questions or concerns arise.

Volunteers Needed
I need 4 parents to chaperone our Naper Settlement field trip on Tuesday, March 23 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Please email or phone if you are available and willing to join us!


Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 25 focuses on words with silent letters.
• English - We will do some activities to reinforce and enrich our knowledge of adjectives. Students will also use adjectives to write an acrostic poem about themselves.
• Reading - Students will continue clarifying using non-fiction texts throughout the week with our focus on China. We will also use the internet to learn about the giant panda, an important feature of China's wildlife. March Book Project - The students should be finishing the reading of their chosen non-fiction books. The next step is to write the rough draft for each page of the "Exploring Expository" booklet. Students should check the directions and grade sheet frequently to make sure all expectations are being met. This project is due on or before March 22!
• Science - We have learned about the salinity of ocean water and how this affects the freezing point. Next we will take a look at the ocean floor.
• Social Studies - The students will review the events that have led up to the start of the American Revolution. The Chapter 8 Test is scheduled for Wednesday, March 17!
• Mrs. Strong's Math Class - The students will take the Chapter 19 "Quest" (quiz/test) on Tuesday, March 16. Then we will jump back to Chapter 13 about adding and subtracting fractions.

Mark Your Calendar:

March 18 - T.G.F.D. Session 8

March 23 - Naper Settlement Field Trip

March 27 - April 4 - Spring Break

WEEK OF MARCH 8

ISAT Testing Week - DONE!
I am so proud of the students for their diligent, hard work during a long week of testing. They took their time and kept their focus - they deserve a little rest this weekend!

Too Good For Drugs (T.G.F.D.) Program
This week Deputy K showed a power point presentation to provide information about inhalants and marijuana. The students were given fact sheets on both of these topics which need to be reviewed with a parent. These sheets need to be signed by a parent and returned by Thursday, March 11.

Parent/Teacher Conferences
If you requested a conference with either your child's homeroom and/or math teacher, you should have been contacted with a date and time to confirm. Please understand that conferences are scheduled for 15 minute time slots. It is necessary to end on time so teachers can remain on schedule for the next parents. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.


Subject Update:

• Spelling - Lesson 24 focuses on words ending in -ar.
• English - The students will learn more about proper adjectives before reviewing for the test. The Unit 4 Adjectives Test is scheduled for Thursday, March 11.
• Reading - We will be focusing on clarifying as we identify main idea and details in non-fiction text. The students will be exploring the great land of China as we review this reading strategy. March Reading Project - The students have selected expository books to explore this month. The project directions, grading expecations, and rough draft sheets have been distributed and reviewed with students. This project is due on or before Monday, March 22!
• Science - Chapter 12 will tell us about Earth's oceans as we continue this unit about "Cycles on Earth and in Space."
• Social Studies - We will finally learn how the fighting between the well-trained British army and colonist militias began with a "shot heard around the world."
• Mrs. Strong's Math Class - The students will begin Chapter 19 which continues our study of geometry. It will teach all about plane and solid figures.

Mark Your Calendar:

March 8 - 11 - Parent/Teacher Conferences

March 9 - Report Cards

March 11 - "Wheel of Wisdom" Assembly

March 12 - No School