We are having a small, low-key Valentine's Day celebration in class on Tuesday. Students may bring
in valentines to exchange if they'd like. If they choose to do so, they MUST bring in one for each
student in the class. A treat will be provided and we'll exchange valentines before going home that
day.
We have a long weekend coming in up in celebration of President's Day. No school on Friday,
February 17th or Monday, February 20th.
A BIG thank you to all the families that sent in supplies last week. As we approached the end of our
month of table points, I noticed that we were quite low on tissue boxes, so I thought I would offer
table points for tissues to build up our supply. Well, I had no idea what this would turn into! We
now have lots of supplies and I'll host a table winners lunch next week for the top 2 tables. Thanks
again for all your generosity!
iPods have come to our classroom! Ask your student about the interesting things we're using them
for to reinforce all our learning in a fun and interactive way! We're using them as responders, to
research, and to play Free Rice ~ a place where students can help feed the hungry while learning.
We are participating in more Tribes community building activities in Room 12 ~ ask your child to
explain an I Message. The sharing of supplies in our classroom has gotten terribly out of control,
so in an effort to avoid misunderstandings and wasted time, I have asked students not to share
supplies at all. If you child asks you to restock supplies for them, like markers, highlighters,
Sharpies, white board markers or glue - it's because they have run out and need more. Please keep
them stocked.
We have sent off our deposit to Riley's Farm! Over the next several months we'll be determining
the final cost of the trip based on our bus needs and snacks for the bus. The final balance will be
due sometime in March-April.
New AR points are set for trimester 2 and we begin calculating them on November 22 ~ so keep
reading! Student point goals will come home in the Wednesday folder the week after
Thanksgiving. Please make sure your child checks the reading level for a book they are interested
in before they start reading, to make sure it's the correct reading level for them. Also, once
students have earned all their points for the trimester they can then read non-AR books, but
for now they should also be checking that a quiz exists for a book they are interested in
reading before they begin. If students go to the links page - link #22 is AR book finder.
A word about Independent Study ~ At MATES we can give Independent Study work
to any student who is going to miss school for 2 or more days due to illness
or a family emergency. If I take the time to put an Independent Study
together for your child I expect the work to be thoroughly completed and
returned to me the day your child returns to school. I do not want to have
to chase students down to collect the work in bits and pieces. I will always
give your child a list of the work to be completed and I expect the work back
with that list attached, and each piece of work labeled correctly. If there
is work that students are unclear about they need to go over it with a parent
during the absence or let me know when they return, so that I can ensure that
they have an understanding of the material. It is a state law that the work
be turned in so that MATES gets credit for the Independent Study, so I have
to receive all the work back in a timely manner. Students also need to
return ready to take any tests missed during their absence. Independent Study
is a commitment on all our parts. Thank you.
Please remember to keep kids home if they are sick - please don't send those
germs to school. They are fierce!! If your child is out sick please remember
to report this absence by 9 a.m. You can call MATES' 24 hour absence
hot-line at 805-495-1955. Also, if possible, please pick up missed work for your student.