I added a link to the Parents Tab for Mrs. Green's latest online addition of Artsonia! Mrs. Green uploads your student's artwork to the site and you are able to view and comment on their work done in class. A permission slip needed to be returned in order for their work to be displayed on the site.
http://www.artsonia.com/schools/school.asp?id=18494
Student Work Wall
We have a Student Work Wall in our classroom where students choose when and what work of theirs is displayed. Since students choose what and for how long work is displayed, this may be a reason why some things are returned at a much later date. So, if you are looking for the latest Math Timed Test, ask your student, and chances are they posted it on the Student Work Wall because they were so proud of the hard work they accomplished!
No Spelling Test
Enjoy the break this week as there will be NO Spelling Test on Friday :)
Holiday Party
Our Classroom Holiday Party will be taking place on Thursday morning. The students will be enjoying a Pancake Bar, a craft, and a game or two! Don't feed your student TOO big a breakfast Thursday morning so that they have room for the yummy breakfast foods :) Thanks to Trisha Roberts for organizing and all parents who are helping put this on for our class.
Book Exchange
Please send in a wrapped book (less than $5 and NON-gender) for our Class Book Exchange which will happen on Friday. All books should be sent in by THURSDAY, so that I can ensure each student will get a book to bring home on Friday. We will be playing a "Left, Right" game during the exchange so it will be lots of fun! Thanks so much :)
Partial Sums Algorithm
This week, we will be learning the Partial Sums Algorithm for adding 2 digit numbers. I have added some very helpful videos to the website for you to view. (Parents Tab, Math). These will be VERY helpful since this is a "newer" way of adding that most of you have not heard of before. As stated last week in an email, please do not show your students the "traditional carrying method" at this time. If students learn the "carrying" method too early, they will want to do this method each time and will not fully understand the point of carrying. The partial sums method is a great way for students to look at place value and make sense of how they are added together. This will also prepare them for mentally adding numbers together instead of always needing a paper and pencil to solve. I can honestly say that this method has even helped me with my mental math! Try it out and you will see how much easier it is. We are preparing students for a lifelong understanding of Math, and not just rote memorization of strategies as we have all learned in the past. As always do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions :)
Winter Concert
The Winter Music Concert is this Tuesday, December 20th @ 7pm. Students should arrive at Bridgman High School by 6:45pm. Students will be taking buses during Specials time on Monday to rehearse at the high school. They have been practicing very hard and you will be quite impressed by their Music skills :)
Happy 1/2 Birthday to Dru on Sunday!
Have a great break and Happy Holidays!