November 8 Scholastic book orders due by 4pm
November 9 Picture Re-Takes
November 10 Laura at science teachers conference - Carol will sub!
November 10 Make Up PE 1:15 - 2:15
November 11 No School
November 16 All Day O&A in Portland - Chaperones Needed
November 18 All School Meeting and Spirit Day
November 21 - 25 No School (Thanksgiving Break)
Homework Due by Thursday, November 10th
1. Read for at least 20 minutes every night.
2. Complete at least 30 minutes of math practice.
3. Complete at least 20 minutes of typing practice on Typing.com
4. Optional: Compete Opinion Paragraph of the Week assignment on Google Classroom.
Prompt: Some schools are adding more hours to each school day. Do you think the school day should be longer?
Opinion Paragraph of the Week
Plovers can now earn bonus pay for completing extra writing practice at home! Every week, I will post a new opinion writing prompt on our Google Classroom page and in the newsletter. Responding to these prompts will support the essay writing we are currently working on in the classrooms, but this extra homework assignment is optional. If your student would prefer to write their essay instead of typing it in Google Classroom, they may turn in a paper copy to me any time during the week.
Expectations for Opinion Paragraph of the Week:
- Topic sentence shares the author's point of view and is a complete sentence.
- Response includes at least 3 different reasons to support the opinion.
- Each reason is followed by an explanation, elaboration or example.
- Sentences have correct capitalization and punctuation.
Homework Hall of Fame: Read two great examples of opinion essays written in response to last week's question - Should parents be allowed to eat the candy their kids bring home from Trick-or-Treating? Share Your Candy! Written by Isabella and Keep Your Candy! Written by Evan
Upcoming Out and Abouts
This Wednesday, we will use our Out & About time for a science lab! Level 2 students will be exploring electricity and magnets through lots of hands-on activities and experiments.
Next week, we will go to Portland to tour two amazing local organization that help the community with repurposed resources. The Rebuilding Center sells second-hand construction supplies, from lumber to chandeliers, while SCRAP sells used art supplies to inspire creative reuse. Both organizations are non-profits that support community projects. We will be taking a tour and also scouting for supplies to start our classroom business. We will eat lunch outside, so send your Plovers dressed for cold weather! Students who ordered a school lunch will get a sack lunch that contains a sandwich, fresh fruit, fresh vegetable and milk. Please consider joining us from 9:30 - 2:15 as a chaperone!
Volunteer Opportunities
Mystery Readers - Spaces still available this week and next week!
Out & About Chaperones - Chaperones needed next Wednesday 9:30-2:15.
Weekly Review
Last week, the Plovers began discussing ideas for their classroom business. We started by reflecting on the project work and Out & Abouts we've completed so far this year. The big themes that emerged from our reflection were: safety, consideration, trash -> treasure, protecting resources and thinking carefully about where our materials (supply) comes from. The students developed this list of possible business ideas:
- Science Lab - kids can participate in science activities and take home projects
- Bowling Alley - bowling balls and pins made out of trash
- Wallets, jewelry or bags made out of trash
- Boards games made out of recycled materials
- Clothes for stuffies and dolls made out of reused fabric
- Puppet show with recycled materials
- Carnival or arcade
The class agreed on the idea of creating a puppet show and making all of the characters and sets out of recycled materials! We'll be able to purchase some supplies next week at the Rebuilding Center and SCRAP. Stay tuned for more information about our performance and how you'll be able to buy tickets!
During a science lab with Erin last week, the Plovers started exploring circuits, conductors and insulators. We'll continue investigating this week and do some non-fiction reading about electricity. The students will also be thinking about ways to incorporate their growing knowledge about energy and circuits into our puppet show business!
Please contact me with any questions or concerns. Parents and students can e-mail me at [email protected]. You can also leave a voice message on the class phone or set up a time to meet with me before/after school.