Vol. 2 Issue 22

Number of the Day: 53

I captured an image from the Promethean Board. This is what students shared today. So much growth since day 1. What will students share when we reach 100?

Wish List Items:

As always, if you are willing and able, please send an email to the group.

• 6 Headphones
• Antibacterial Wipes (Clorox preferred, but not required).
• 6 Boxes of Colored Perncils
• Printer Paper
• Construction Paper (any color) 

Ask a Weather Watcher: 

As we begin our inquiry into weather patterns, you can reinforce our classroom exploration by clicking the above link (or below the picture). This is a scholastic listen and read book that introduces students to the world of a meteorologist.

 

 Ask a Weather Watcher

Drench Mr. Champion Friday:  Students filled the Compliment Jar, once again, and voted! This Friday, October 26, will be Drench Mr. Champion Friday!!! At 1:15, we will fill the balloons with water and.... Well, you know. Fun. We will need the following to make Friday a reality:

• A photographer - I won't be able to hold a camera because I'll be all wet.
•  A parent volunteer to send 2 bags of water balloons by Friday morning.
• A parent volunteer to fill balloons from 11:55 - 12:15 on Friday.

Vol. 2 Issue 20

Hispanic Heritage: Reminder

On Thursday, October 18, 2012 Sarah Smith Elementary will have their First Annual Hispanic Heritage Day. Please choose a Hispanic country and send your child dressed in their traditional attire. You may also bring in artifacts, food, or a creative display created by your child. Your child will have the opportunity to share this with their classmates. Thank you for helping us celebrate and bring cultural awareness to the Sarah Smith community. If you have any further questions, please contact Christina Rodriguez at 404-802-3850. 

El Jueves, 18 de octubre del 2012 Sarah Smith Elementary tendrá su primer Día Anual de la Herencia Hispana. Por favor, escoje un país hispano y envia a su hijo vestido con su traje tradicional. Usted también puede mandar artefactos, comida, o una visualización creativo de su país creado por su hijo. Su hijo tendrá la oportunidad de compartir esto con sus compañeros de clase. Gracias por ayudarnos a celebrar y hacer tomar conciencia cultural a la comunidad de Sarah Smith. Si tiene alguna duda, por favor póngase en contacto con Christina Rodriguez al 404-802-3850.

Mystery Reader: Cathy Hill 

Matthew's grandma read How I Became a Pirate, The Little Green Witch, Pumpkin Soup, The Lamb-a-Roo, and Captain Underpants.

October Birthdays: Eric, Andrew, and Jose 

Eric and Andrew: October 11th

Jose: October 15th

Wishlist: 
A set of headphones (6). We will use these with our class computers.

Vol. 2 Issue 17

Junior Great Books: 

This week marks our first experience with Shared Inquiry. Shared Inquiry is a discussion method, a teaching and learning environment, and a way for individuals to achieve a more thorough understanding of a text by discussing questions, responses, and insights with fellow readers. Shared Inquiry combines a sound theoretical base with proven strategies to engage all readers in higher-order thinking and collaborative problem solving. In Shared Inquiry, participants come together to help each other explore the meaning of a work of literature. Each participant brings a unique perspective that influences how he or she understands the work. Sharing their interpretations, participants gain new insights and deepen or even change their initial understanding. 

Pajama Day: Next Friday 

Students filled the compliment Jar and voted!!! Pajama Day Wins!! Next Friday, October 5th, students are encouraged to wear their favorite set of pajamas. Students may bring slippers (to change into), but should come to school wearing athletic shoes (for recess). We will eat lunch in the *classroom. Make sure students pack their favorite books and sleeping bags (bags not required. may be too much to carry, especially if riding the bus). 
*Pajama Day Wishlist: 
1) Pizzas (4 - Two Cheese & Two Peperoni) (for the class next Friday, delivered at 12:15pm).
2) Juices (and/or water) for lunchtime. 






Mystery Reader: Marina Bradford

Lara’s mommy read The Whispering Rabbit, The Snowy Treasury, and The Mitten.

Wish List:

• One large cooler w/wheels. This should be large enough to hold 21 sack lunches and drinks. We will use this for our field Trip on October 10th and it will be used in the future. The family that donates this item will have it returned at year's end.

Vol. 2 Issue 7

Red Folders: Data 

Several items were included in today’s red folders. 

STAR Reports Reading: A parent letter and diagnostic report were included in today’s red folder. Please pay close attention to the following items found in each:

Grade equivalent (GE) is a norm-referenced score that represents how a student’s test performance compares with other students nationally. For example, a fifth-grade student with a GE score of 7.6 performed as well as a typical seventh-grader after the sixth month of the school year. This score doesn’t necessarily mean that the student is capable of reading seventh-grade material—it only indicates that the student’s reading skills are well above average for the fifth grade. 

Zone of proximal development (ZPD) is a range of readability levels from which a student should select books to read. It is a range that is neither too hard nor too easy, within which students can experience optimal growth. Students’ individual ZPDs are reported on the STAR Reading Diagnostic, Parent, Reading Range, and Summary reports. Remember that ZPDs are approximate and professional judgment should be used to adjust the range to fit the ability level of each student. This will be used when students check out books from our media center. It can also be used when selecting books at your local library (or book store). 

Weekly Assessments: 

Reading Assessment (I Can, Can You?) this is a reading comprehension test for last week’s story. Students had opportunities to read the text (small group, whole group, independently). The students could receive a total of 5 points on last week’s assessment. 

English Language Arts/ Reading Comprehension Quiz (CRCT Format) is a test that students take weekly. This will assess the ability of the student to read and comprehend a short passage independently. Students are also assessed on grammar, phonics, phonemic awareness, etc. To make a connection between test items and skills assessed, please use the guide located on the back of the final sheet of the assessment.

Skills listed here.

For items 9 & 10, please refer to the teacher directions located on the lower section of the cover page of the assessment.

Additional Notes: STAR Math Diagnostic Testing is still in progress. When all students have completed STAR Math, I will send home reports in red folders. Our Unit 1 assessment for Everyday Math will be completed on Thursday 8/30. Expect results on Friday or Early next week in read folders. 

Wish List Item:

One Year Subscription: Family BrainPOP Jr., $85 

Ideal for students in kindergarten through 3rd grade, BrainPOP Jr. offers standards-aligned movies, quizzes, games, and activities covering Science, Reading & Writing, Math, Health, Social Studies, and Arts & Technology. It encourages young learners to ask questions and form their own ideas. All text is read aloud to facilitate comprehension. If you are are able to donate, please send an email to the entire group to avoid duplicate subscriptions. To learn more click here.