News and Info for the Week

Here is what is on the newsletter coming home today.

A big THANK YOU to all of the students and parents who participated in the
school fundraiser. I must admit, I do not know much about what was in the
catalog, but I am happy to see that so many of you participated in helping out
our school.

October 15 will be our annual Parent-Teacher Conference day. Usually we
spend the whole week prior to that day setting up the schedule for the
conference. I, however, will be out of town most of that week. (I will finally
get a chance to go down and see Kaleb, my nephew, for the first time!) The
Friday before is a day off for the students, as well. Because of all of that, I
would like to go ahead and begin scheduling our conference times. I will do my
best to honor the time blocks of those of you who submit requests this week. I
am anticipating holding conferences from 7:45 through 4:00ish. Please send in a note
or e-mail me with the time you could best fit into your schedule. Please note
that conferences with reading teachers will need to be set up separately. I will
send a formal letter home next Monday with any times that are remaining.

I know you are probably tired of hearing me talk about the next two
items, but until I see drastic improvement, I must continue to ask for your
help. 1) The students must continue to work on their multiplication facts. I
cannot stress how important that is. 2) Students need to know that they are
expected to demonstrate excellent behavior no matter where they are or whom they
are with. Thanks!

Quick Bit of Info

Remember that tomorrow will be our school pictures. This will be the first of our ten SSA opt-out days for the year. To see what other days are also designated as opt-out, check the red PTO calendar the recently came home.

Changing the subject, I feel as if I have been spending a great deal of time correcting behaviors in class this week that we have never had trouble with before. I know that we are now splitting up and going to class with other students, but that does not mean we allow their bad habits to become ours. If anything, I would love to see that our class has the ability to positively influence others. Right now, I am afraid I see more of the former. I am by no means giving up on them, but it has been very disappointing.

I also wanted to let you know that we discussed the events surrounding the "Jena 6" today in both reading and homeroom. The topic is very volatile, but it is important for students to know what is going on in their world. I did not get into the specific details, but we discussed how unfortunately there are still uneducated, ignorant people in the world who judge people based on how they look, or their gender, or religious preference, or any silly reason they may deem important. We talked about remembering not to judge any group by one individual's actions. It breaks my heart to know that there are people today that still have to face prejudice and discrimination of any kind, and that in places it is "legal" to do and say horrible, ugly things with no punishment or consequences. We also talked about how there were times to fight back, but that we usually have many options before it gets to that point.

I encourage you to talk to your child about how you would like them to handle a situation where they feel they are the victim of discrimination or just feel unsafe for some reason. Let them know that there are many people who love and care about them--so many more than the ignorant few that seem to make the news here lately. Help your child identify a few "safe" adults to whom they might go when in a difficult situation. This might include family members, neighbors, people at church or school, or anyone that would protect your child if you were not around when something were to happen. I pray that none of my kids, (yes, I know they're really yours) ever have to face discrimination, but I also want them to know what to do if it ever were to happen. My heart is heavy, and I pray that our children can be the example and the change that the world needs for a safer and happier tomorrow.

One Last Bit of Showing Off

I promise that I won't post pictures of my nephew all year, but I wanted to share these newest shots. I now am beginning to realize just how small he is. I have to wonder if that car seat is really doing any good; he looks like he could slide right out! And then this is Kaleb meeting his dog, Pugsley! For the record, Pugsley is about half the size of Oliver, so Kaleb has some growing to do before he can start chasing the dogs! (By the way--I put that papasan seat together for him! Aren't I handy?!) I hope he is still that cute when I finally get down there to spoil him!


PS: Here is the link to the song from today's (9-12) seminar!

Welcome Mr. Thompson!

Your child should have brought home a letter from Ms. Greer today that, along with my newsletter, shared the 4th grade's big news. Because of our large classes, we have received a new teacher; Mr. Garrick Thompson is coming to us from Lakeview Elementary. I hope you will join me in making sure Mr. Thompson feels welcomed at Jones!

Because of our "contract" with the looping format, none of our original class was automatically moved into the new classroom. If, however, you would like to have your child moved into Mr. Thompson's room, you must call the school office and let Ms. Greer know by the end of day tomorrow (September 11). Please know that I would completely understand if you choose to move your child. I would not take it personally as I feel we all shared a great year together. I want you to do what you feel is best for your child.

On a side note, we have been ardently practicing the Preamble in class.
Click here for a repeating loop of the song. WARNING: The song really sticks in your head! If you listen to it for even a short time, you will not be able to stop singing it! Enjoy!

Meet Kaleb!

Kaleb James arrived in Merritt Island, Florida this morning at 12:26 Eastern time. He is doing well outside of some troubles eating. He is 5 lbs, 4 oz and 17 inches. Brandon and Erica are both doing fine, too. Thanks to everyone who prayed for Kaleb and his parents over the last few weeks! And on this, the great day of his birth, the Cardinals won (with 2 Rick Ankiel homeruns!), and the Cubs lost. What a great omen for an awesome future for little Kaleb!

Similes by Zaria & Darius

Similies are used by authors to make funny sentences. This is an example of similies, she sings like a cow. You have to use words like and as.

He is strong like Hulk.
The bed is softer than a marshmellow.
Ms. K is as old as Joesph in the Bible.
Ms. K is as old as dead fish.



*****
The past two days, our writing group has been learning about similes. As you can see, they rather enjoyed themselves. In fact, I think they really got the hang of it. I definitely saw the creative, if not slightly disgusting, thinking of the class. Students are learning to create a picture with their words in order to tell a story. When you talk with your child, make sure they can tell you that a simile compares two seemingly different things using the words "like" or "as." (Please know that similes are not necessarily funny!) A simile can express both positive and negative attributes, as in the following examples:

The girl runs like a cheetah. The girl runs like dried glue.

Encourage your child to describe their feelings, surroundings, friends, etc using similes!