Good evening! Can you believe it's already 2011? We have had a great week back, and the kids are learning new things already. I love how they have jumped straight back into the groove of things. We really do have such a sweet group of kids, and they make my job so much fun.
I want to take a moment to thank all of the parents who helped with the great party we had before the break! Thanks for spending your time with us and for providing such yummy snacks and great gifts. You continue to bless me and my family tremendously!
Also, I want to thank Mrs. Gee who has volunteered her time in the classroom and Mrs. Johnson who has once again spoiled me by bringing me lunch this week. You guys are the best!
Here's what you need to know this week:
1) Report cards go home Monday. Remember as you look at them that the overall grades cover all First and Second Nine Weeks objectives. In order to receive an M as an overall grade in a subject, your child must have had Ms in 90% of the objectives covered thus far. I love how comprehensive and specific this report card is. I hope that the specific feedback you will see will help you know exactly where your child needs to focus his/her attention to improve. As always, please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
2) This week's Homework Menu is now posted. Your child only has a Spelling assignment, so hopefully this won't take too long to complete. Don't forget that the Homework Hotline is available on Tuesday for your child if he/she needs extra help or time.
3) Your child should be completing and posting his/her 15th book this week. Our class as a whole has now read over 350 books this year! It is simply amazing to see how much they have done and how well they are doing in all subjects as a result of focusing on these skills.
4) This week your child needs to post a response on the class blog. Several kids have not completed the last 2 responses and should work on that as well.
5) Your child will be taking a Writing Benchmark test on Thursday this week. This is a practice TAKS test to help us know better how to help your child prepare for the upcoming TAKS test. The real Writing TAKS Test will happen during the first week of March, so we are definitely down to crunch time.
6) Almost all students are now working on a 4-minute timer for our math drills! The kids are all improving and working to beat their best times. If your child has not yet conquered this task, please continue to have him/her practice daily. Remember, there are printable drills on my website for you to use at home.
7) Our Nine Weeks Awards Assembly is Friday at 8:00. I will send you an email today if your child will be receiving an award.
