Weekly Update

Dear Families,

Our second quarter marking period ends on the 22nd and report cards will go out the following Friday. We do not schedule regular parent-teacher conferences this time, but if you and your family would like to meet with me or another teacher, please let me know and I would be happy to arrange that. Thank you!

The students have had many assessments in reading, writing and math this past week and they all did a great job. All of these assessments are administered to make sure your child receives the best possible instruction at the correct learning level and these assessments, in addition to more informal, daily continual assessments are used to guide our instruction. We are looking forward to a “regular” week next week!

Despite all the assessing, the students had time to complete some other projects. They finished the second stage in our reading response to the Red Clover Book Owney, the mail-pouch pooch by Mona Kerby. They finished their individual Voicethreads and now they have been partnered up so they can ask their questions to another student in class, who, in turn, will research and respond to that question. Please check the classroom digital portfolio for postings and the blog, where a link will be posted as well.

The students also finished writing our letter to Sheri Amsel, an author from up-state New York who offers time to Skype classrooms. We hope she likes our letter and will grant us a Skype-session. To spark her interest, the students also wanted to share their digital pictures of their stuffed animal projects. We will keep you posted. (The letter is posted on our digital portfolio in the Red Clover section, Abraham Lincoln).

Thank you all for making sure your child handed in his/her stuffed animal project this week. They are truly amazing. The students did a great job representing their animal and our classroom looks like a beautiful ocean scene now. Please visit if you can.

Lastly, the students and I have had many productive conversations about the proper use of technology. As our students grow up in an increasingly technology saturated world, and they must learn how to navigate this ever-changing landscape, they must also learn to use technology wisely and with prudence. They must learn to differentiate between the beneficial aspects of technology and those that are not. They must learn to critically think and question the ever-expanding offerings on-line. Please be advised that young children should never “surf” the internet unsupervised and encourage your child to talk to you about what he/she comes across online. For example, in the classroom, students seldom use google to do searches. It is a great tool, but not very efficient unless you know how to use it correctly. Please guide your child to the HCS Library space or to my wiki, where I have linked more appropriate search engines (under that name). These students do an incredible job in the classroom and it is inspiring to see how easily and readily the embrace technology and its creative benefits. I am very proud of them!!!!

Have a great weekend!
Regards,

Maria McCormack