Valentine List

A class list was sent home today if your child is interested in sending cards to school for Valentine's Day. Sending cards is optional, however, if your child wants to give cards, they must do so for each student in class. The party is Friday, February 14 at 3:00-3:30. Cards may be sent on the day of the party.

This week in reading we are reading the Scholastic News Magazine. We are working on comparing and contrasting and points of view.  The children are learning how to compare and contrast the different points of view of people.

In writing we are starting to write a fictional narrative.  This is a story that the authors "makes up." while writing this story the children will be working on how to write dialogue.

In math we are going to be testing Unit 9 on Wednesday which is simple division.  We will then move on to harder division.  The children were taught to do division using this statement....
Think McDonald's Super Cheese Burger.  Ask your child what that means. I will email your child's math test score home next week.

Thank you to everyone who sent in Play Dough! We are able to construct our mound artifacts and will be sharing them with the class next week! The children are really excited for this activity! We will be starting Era 2 next week.

MANY CHILDREN ARE IN NEED OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES!! THEY NEED PENCILS AND NEW CRAYONS.



Upcoming Events:
Wednesday, February 5:  1:30 Early Dismissal
Friday, February 7:  Pride Day, Bingo Night 6-8
Friday, February 14:  Valentine's Party 3:00-3:30
Monday, February 17:  School Make-Up Day, Report Cards sent home
Tuesday, February 18:  Conferences
Thursday, February 20:  Conferences
Wednesday, February 26:  1:30 Early Dismissal, Conferences
Thursday, February 27:  Spring Picture Day

Conference News

It is time for spring conferences. Go to the Truman Website and you can complete the Online Signup.

This week, students will be taking the Reading Performance Assessment. Results will be shared at your child's conference.

Students will be taking the Topic 8 math test covering multiplication.  Topic 9  will cover division.

We started the next science unit on the Human Body. Students will learn about the function of the skeleton.

We started the Iowa unit in Social Studies. Your child will be bringing home an AT HOME project sheet for this unit sometime this week.

We are working on the district writing test this week. The students are to write about a life experience.

Thank you for your patience while I buried my father-in-law.  Just a reminder that I will be gone on Tuesday the 14th for my son's surgery. I have district meetings on the mornings of the 15th and 16th.  Mrs. Lewis will be the sub. on both days.

Book orders are due on Friday, Jam. 24th.


Upcoming Events:
Monday, January 20:  No School (teacher inservice)
Wednesday, January 29:  1:30 Early Dismissal
Wednesday, February 5:  1:30 Early Dismissal
Friday, February 7:  Pride Day, Family Bingo Night 6-8
Friday, February 14:  Valentine's Party 3:00-3:30
Monday, February 17:  School Make-up Day
Tuesday, February 18:  Conferences
Thursday, February 20:  Conferences
Wednesday, February 26:  1:30 Early Dismissal, Conferences

Updates on the Next Two Weeks

   I wanted to let you all know that I would not be here this week. On Monday my father - in - law died.  Before his illness he had lived with us and his wife still does so I need to be there to support her as we lay grandpa to rest.
 Next week I will be gone on Tuesday. My son has to have surgery.  I have a half day math training on Wednesday, and another half day meeting on Thursday.  On all of these absences Mrs. Lewis will be here with the kids.
Thank you for your patience and thoughts.

PLEASE NOTE

There will NOT be intramurals on Thursday, December 19th.

The holiday party for 4th grade will begin at 3:00 on Friday, December 20th.

Next Weeks Plans and Testing in the New Year

     First, let me thank you for your patience while I was sick.  The students did a great job in my absence.  Hopefully, I am nearing the end of the "yuck" and will be here daily.
    I was amazed at the kindness and generousity of all of you with your donations to Mrs. Smith's "teacher survival basket"!  She has not seen it yet but I am sure that she will be in tears!  We will miss her terribly.  Today when I was talking to the kids about Mrs. Smith's party one of the kids asked me, " Why are we celebrating Mrs. Smith leaving?"  I tried to explain that this is a big step in her life but to the kids they are losing one of their teachers.
     Next week will be a busy week of celebrations and holiday fun. Yes, there will be learning too. :)
Children WILL have a spelling test and homework next week. They will also have Comprehension Tidbits.  We will be finishing up Math unit 7 and taking the test next week.  We will continue to work on narrative writing .  In reading we will be continuing our books on snakes and doing snake research. If your child has a book on snakes they are welcome to bring it in.
 Along with this learning we will be doing some fun things as well.
Monday we will be meeting with our second grade buddies and playing holiday games and sharing a snack.  Wednesday we will be making holiday gifts . Please remember that Wednesday if a half day of school.  Thursday we will be having our class room celebration. The kiddos have earned 500 tickets.  We will be watching the movie" The Santa Trap", doing a holiday craft , and the kids may bring in junk food to snack on and a drink.  Friday we will be watching :Despicable Me 2" as a school reward and having popcorn.  Grades 3 - 5 will be together in the gym.  Since this movie will be a bit long our holiday party will not begin until 3:00.
 Over break your child will NOT have any homework.  Enjoy the time with your kids!  After break we gear up for a month full of testing!
The children will be taking the Reading Performance Assessment,  the district math assessment, the writing assessment, and the QSI test.  PLEASE send me an email if your child will not be in school any of January so I can make sure that they complete these assessments before/after their absence!  These are all cumbersome tests and require a lot of time to take!

Have a relaxing weekend and stay warm!
Carrie

Happy Thanksgiving

There is so much to be thankful for this time of year.  I am thankful to share that I had 100% participation at conferences. I so enjoy talking to all of you and learning more about your child!
I am thankful for your kiddo!  I am very lucky that I have a job that involves such sweet kids with great hearts!  I am thankful to be a part of such a wonderful community. Truman is such a caring and kind environment.

As you relax and think about all that you are thankful for take a minute to hug your child a little closer. Be thankful that you have that minute with them.  You will blink and that minute will be gone.

A few things to remember before returning to school"
1. Please have a pencil at home for your kids to do their homework with. We are seeing a lot of crayons, markers, and pens.  They don't erase very well.
2. Please send warm clothes with your child and snow gear if needed.
3. Mrs. Smith's last day will be Dec. 13th. How will I ever do it without her?

Upcoming Events:
 Dec. 3rd - Half day
Dec. 6th - Awards Assembly 3/5 at 2:15.
Dec. 10th - I will be gone for a teacher training. Mrs. Lewis will be here.
Dec. 12th - Taft play
Dec. 18th - half day
Dec. 19th - Movie " Little House on the Prairie/Blizzard"
Dec. 20th - Winter Party - 3:00
Dec. 23- Jan. 1st - Winter break
Jan. 2nd - Return to school

Have a relaxed and family filled Thanksgiving! Thank you for all you do!!

Book Orders

Book orders are due this Friday, Nov. 15th.  Please let me know if this order is a holiday gift and I will contact you when it arrives.
Thanks!