FEBRURY REMINDERS
Dear Parents \Guardians, 02/04/10
February is an incredibly busy month for our class. There are a few important things that I wanted to notify you about.
Firstly and MOST IMPORTANTLY the second graders are beginning STAR test preparation on a weekly basis. I will be presenting sample questions and practice twice a week with the children. Then the section we have presented will be sent home on Fridays for you to go over with your child. It is very, very important that you do this. One of the difficulties with the STAR is that the directions and wording are unfamiliar to the children. They may know the material but misinterpret the correct answer because the directions are something they haven’t seen before. Areas that your child struggles with should be worked on with more practice at home. I will also be noting your child’s progress and providing remedial lessons using the Montessori materials. Go to http://studyskills.suite101.com/article.cfm/multiplechoice_test_tips_for_kids to see test taking strategies for your child. Discuss and practice these strategies at home. If you have been reading with your child, using the comprehension questions that I sent home, and making sure they know their addition and subtraction facts as we discussed during conferences the test will come even easier. The first section of the test that you should use for practice, is attached to this note.
Report cards will be available very soon. When you look at them you will see the number of the state standard, it’s description and a letter or number symbolizing your child’s progress. Numbers are for the academics and letters for Lifelong Learning Skills. The section designating promotion to the next grade will not be filled out until the end of semester two. Parents with children who have only been here a month or so will receive an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). These are goals for your child in the coming months.
We will be celebrating Valentines Day on February 12th. Your child can bring in cards for all the children if they want to. I would request that the cards be home made and not store bought with video game and cartoon characters, please. We also do not need candy or treats sent in. If you would like to send in fruit, popcorn, juice or homemade muffins, let me know.
On Thursday February 11th the class will be going on a walking field trip to the dentist. No permission slips are necessary, but I do need one volunteer that could leave with us at 1:00pm and stay until 2:00pm when the field trip is over. Even better if you can stay till the end of the day and help me with materials while the children are in music. Sorry no little brothers or sisters.
We desperately need an after school tutor. If you could help once or twice a week from 3:00 until 3:30 please let me know.
As always veggiecamper@gmail.com for questions.
Libby
February is an incredibly busy month for our class. There are a few important things that I wanted to notify you about.
Firstly and MOST IMPORTANTLY the second graders are beginning STAR test preparation on a weekly basis. I will be presenting sample questions and practice twice a week with the children. Then the section we have presented will be sent home on Fridays for you to go over with your child. It is very, very important that you do this. One of the difficulties with the STAR is that the directions and wording are unfamiliar to the children. They may know the material but misinterpret the correct answer because the directions are something they haven’t seen before. Areas that your child struggles with should be worked on with more practice at home. I will also be noting your child’s progress and providing remedial lessons using the Montessori materials. Go to http://studyskills.suite101.com/article.cfm/multiplechoice_test_tips_for_kids to see test taking strategies for your child. Discuss and practice these strategies at home. If you have been reading with your child, using the comprehension questions that I sent home, and making sure they know their addition and subtraction facts as we discussed during conferences the test will come even easier. The first section of the test that you should use for practice, is attached to this note.
Report cards will be available very soon. When you look at them you will see the number of the state standard, it’s description and a letter or number symbolizing your child’s progress. Numbers are for the academics and letters for Lifelong Learning Skills. The section designating promotion to the next grade will not be filled out until the end of semester two. Parents with children who have only been here a month or so will receive an Individual Learning Plan (ILP). These are goals for your child in the coming months.
We will be celebrating Valentines Day on February 12th. Your child can bring in cards for all the children if they want to. I would request that the cards be home made and not store bought with video game and cartoon characters, please. We also do not need candy or treats sent in. If you would like to send in fruit, popcorn, juice or homemade muffins, let me know.
On Thursday February 11th the class will be going on a walking field trip to the dentist. No permission slips are necessary, but I do need one volunteer that could leave with us at 1:00pm and stay until 2:00pm when the field trip is over. Even better if you can stay till the end of the day and help me with materials while the children are in music. Sorry no little brothers or sisters.
We desperately need an after school tutor. If you could help once or twice a week from 3:00 until 3:30 please let me know.
As always veggiecamper@gmail.com for questions.
Libby
NINJA NEWS FROM MS. NEUMAIER’S CLASS
We are into the “meat” of the year now that the holidays are over. It is an opportunity for the children to settle down and do the work that shapes their academic progress this year. With this in mind our class has developed even further the Reading Comprehension lessons and methods of multiplication.
Part of our work plans include, after each book, reading comprehension command cards. Our students read a story or a section of a chapter book than select a command card with questions to answer. Some examples are: Name three important things that happened in the story? If the setting were different how would it change the story? What is the main character like? You can help in this area by asking open-ended questions of your child after reading a book at home. I will be sending home a set of ideas for questions to ask your child. It is very important to do this.
We have “multiple multiplication, manipulators” in our class. Several children feel this is very exciting and rewarding work. In our room we have many, many ways to practice, simple one digit multiplication to multiplication with three or more digits using boards, frames, cards, stamps and more. We would love a set of multiplication flash cards for the class.
Construction of junk sculpture begins this week and will last about a month, thanks to the help of Ginny Hautau and Garret Adair. All kinds of creatures will be growing over the next month as we construct, cover, paint and embellish the sculptures. We can also use buttons, bottle caps, lids, yarn and any knick-knacks you might have to decorate the critters during the final stage. Please send by Monday a large shirt your child can wear during art. The next step will be messy.
Upcoming in February the class will celebrate the year of the tiger, grrrrrrr, Chinese New Year. The cultural and other lessons will begin Feb. 18th and continue as long as the children are interested. I would love some volunteers who know China or have artifacts and books. We can brain storm together cultural lessons and projects for the students. My idea is to have about 4 large group activities and individual lessons on the shelf as well. If anyone has access to a large dragon’s head for a parade, that would be awesome. In the past the children have loved this event. Email me at veggiecamper@gmail.com if you would like to participate.
Many parents ask what they can buy for our room, but what we need the most is time from you. Except for Fridays, our lunch volunteers have dried up. Anyone can do this as long as you have your TB test in. We welcome grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles and any adult that can watch the children and provide guidance when needed. Even more important is help in the afternoons. We can use people Monday, Tuesday or Thursday afternoons from 1pm until 2:45. It does require a commitment to the children of at least two months once a week. Also any little brothers or sisters need to be left home. It would be the most helpful thing for the children. I will provide on the job training so no worries there.
If you want to purchase something really important, getting a group together to buy a school laminator would be wonderful. We are making so many materials that will be ruined if we do not laminate them for next year. Everyone would benefit from a purchase like this.
REMINDERS
*Please remember no toys in school, (yes, even marbles). If someone would like to buy a couple large bags of marbles for our class that would be great!!
*Spelling tests are Fridays. Your child should be bringing home a list on Mondays to practice.
* When your child comes to school they only need a lunch box and warm jacket. Even backpacks, at this point, are unnecessary unless your child is bringing something special.
* The children can share with our group books, objects from nature, something they have made, pictures from travels or cultural objects. Anything but toys or books about video games.
Thank you,
Happy New Year
Libby
We are into the “meat” of the year now that the holidays are over. It is an opportunity for the children to settle down and do the work that shapes their academic progress this year. With this in mind our class has developed even further the Reading Comprehension lessons and methods of multiplication.
Part of our work plans include, after each book, reading comprehension command cards. Our students read a story or a section of a chapter book than select a command card with questions to answer. Some examples are: Name three important things that happened in the story? If the setting were different how would it change the story? What is the main character like? You can help in this area by asking open-ended questions of your child after reading a book at home. I will be sending home a set of ideas for questions to ask your child. It is very important to do this.
We have “multiple multiplication, manipulators” in our class. Several children feel this is very exciting and rewarding work. In our room we have many, many ways to practice, simple one digit multiplication to multiplication with three or more digits using boards, frames, cards, stamps and more. We would love a set of multiplication flash cards for the class.
Construction of junk sculpture begins this week and will last about a month, thanks to the help of Ginny Hautau and Garret Adair. All kinds of creatures will be growing over the next month as we construct, cover, paint and embellish the sculptures. We can also use buttons, bottle caps, lids, yarn and any knick-knacks you might have to decorate the critters during the final stage. Please send by Monday a large shirt your child can wear during art. The next step will be messy.
Upcoming in February the class will celebrate the year of the tiger, grrrrrrr, Chinese New Year. The cultural and other lessons will begin Feb. 18th and continue as long as the children are interested. I would love some volunteers who know China or have artifacts and books. We can brain storm together cultural lessons and projects for the students. My idea is to have about 4 large group activities and individual lessons on the shelf as well. If anyone has access to a large dragon’s head for a parade, that would be awesome. In the past the children have loved this event. Email me at veggiecamper@gmail.com if you would like to participate.
Many parents ask what they can buy for our room, but what we need the most is time from you. Except for Fridays, our lunch volunteers have dried up. Anyone can do this as long as you have your TB test in. We welcome grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles and any adult that can watch the children and provide guidance when needed. Even more important is help in the afternoons. We can use people Monday, Tuesday or Thursday afternoons from 1pm until 2:45. It does require a commitment to the children of at least two months once a week. Also any little brothers or sisters need to be left home. It would be the most helpful thing for the children. I will provide on the job training so no worries there.
If you want to purchase something really important, getting a group together to buy a school laminator would be wonderful. We are making so many materials that will be ruined if we do not laminate them for next year. Everyone would benefit from a purchase like this.
REMINDERS
*Please remember no toys in school, (yes, even marbles). If someone would like to buy a couple large bags of marbles for our class that would be great!!
*Spelling tests are Fridays. Your child should be bringing home a list on Mondays to practice.
* When your child comes to school they only need a lunch box and warm jacket. Even backpacks, at this point, are unnecessary unless your child is bringing something special.
* The children can share with our group books, objects from nature, something they have made, pictures from travels or cultural objects. Anything but toys or books about video games.
Thank you,
Happy New Year
Libby
NINJA
Ninja News
Notices and Reminders
12/14/09
Don’t forget to save your boxes, and clean cardboard containers over the Winter break. Then send them in starting January 4th for our new art sculpture project.
I would like to treat the students to a pizza lunch on Friday Dec. 18th. We also have donations from parents for juice, popcorn and muffins. Your child can bring their own lunch if they do not want pizza.
Ginny Hautau will be helping with another craft project on Wednesday. A big thank you to her for giving us her time.
We have a new student joining us. Liam + is a second grader who is very excited to be with us. The students will help him get situated in the class the next couple of days. We welcome the Galbreath family to our group!!
Don’t forget to save your boxes, and clean cardboard containers over the Winter break. Then send them in starting January 4th for our new art sculpture project.
I would like to treat the students to a pizza lunch on Friday Dec. 18th. We also have donations from parents for juice, popcorn and muffins. Your child can bring their own lunch if they do not want pizza.
Ginny Hautau will be helping with another craft project on Wednesday. A big thank you to her for giving us her time.
We have a new student joining us. Liam + is a second grader who is very excited to be with us. The students will help him get situated in the class the next couple of days. We welcome the Galbreath family to our group!!
More News!!!!
Dear Parents/Guardians, 11/19/09
On Tuesday we are going to complete several projects centered on Native American culture. For one of the projects the children need three or four sticks about as big around as their thumb and about 6 inches long. Send them in on Monday. Thanks
I would also like to have a little surprise treat for them, maybe muffins and cider or popcorn and fruit. Let me know if you would like to send something in.
We are starting a partnership with the fourth grade as reading buddies, on Fridays. A variety of students will join us to listen to some of the children read. We are excited to have them and to start building community among our classrooms.
Here is an updated wish list. Thanks for the help.
1. colored yarn
2. small TV, DVD player and long extension cord
3. I need a volunteer who will go to the library for us on a regular basis and borrow books on a variety of subjects
4. A large current calendar
If you are planning to take your child out of school early before the Thanksgiving or winter holiday begins, please let me know next week. I will set up a homework contract for them
Thank you to the nice person who left the flash cards in my box. The children have been testing their fast facts in preparation for a new Math game.
Last but not least, the children and I are excited to be able to invite you to come and observe our class. The classroom is available to you Monday through Thursday from 9am to 11am. You can stay an hour or two, whatever your schedule permits. This will start Dec. 1st and will continue throughout the year. Please call the school to schedule an appointment. Please no brothers and sisters. This is a time for you and your child to share a unique experience. I also ask for only one adult per observation period. Too many adults tend to overwhelm the children and the environment. Can’t wait to see you all
As always, questions and concerns, let me know.
veggiecamper@gmail.com
Happy Thanksgiving
Libby
11/19/09
Dear Parents/Guardians,
On Tuesday we are going to complete several projects centered on Native American culture. For one of the projects the children need three or four sticks about as big around as their thumb and about 6 inches long. Send them in on Monday. Thanks
I would also like to have a little surprise treat for them, maybe muffins and cider or popcorn and fruit. Let me know if you would like to send something in.
We are starting a partnership with the fourth grade as reading buddies, on Fridays. A variety of students will join us to listen to some of the children read. We are excited to have them and to start building community among our classrooms.
Here is an updated wish list. Thanks for the help.
1. colored yarn
2. small TV, DVD player and long extension cord
3. I need a volunteer who will go to the library for us on a regular basis and borrow books on a variety of subjects
4. A large current calendar
If you are planning to take your child out of school early before the Thanksgiving or winter holiday begins, please let me know next week. I will set up a homework contract for them
Thank you to the nice person who left the flash cards in my box. The children have been testing their fast facts in preparation for a new Math game.
Last but not least, the children and I are excited to be able to invite you to come and observe our class. The classroom is available to you Monday through Thursday from 9am to 11am. You can stay an hour or two, whatever your schedule permits. This will start Dec. 1st and will continue throughout the year. Please call the school to schedule an appointment. Please no brothers and sisters. This is a time for you and your child to share a unique experience. I also ask for only one adult per observation period. Too many adults tend to overwhelm the children and the environment. Can’t wait to see you all
As always, questions and concerns, let me know.
veggiecamper@gmail.com
Happy Thanksgiving
Libby
On Tuesday we are going to complete several projects centered on Native American culture. For one of the projects the children need three or four sticks about as big around as their thumb and about 6 inches long. Send them in on Monday. Thanks
I would also like to have a little surprise treat for them, maybe muffins and cider or popcorn and fruit. Let me know if you would like to send something in.
We are starting a partnership with the fourth grade as reading buddies, on Fridays. A variety of students will join us to listen to some of the children read. We are excited to have them and to start building community among our classrooms.
Here is an updated wish list. Thanks for the help.
1. colored yarn
2. small TV, DVD player and long extension cord
3. I need a volunteer who will go to the library for us on a regular basis and borrow books on a variety of subjects
4. A large current calendar
If you are planning to take your child out of school early before the Thanksgiving or winter holiday begins, please let me know next week. I will set up a homework contract for them
Thank you to the nice person who left the flash cards in my box. The children have been testing their fast facts in preparation for a new Math game.
Last but not least, the children and I are excited to be able to invite you to come and observe our class. The classroom is available to you Monday through Thursday from 9am to 11am. You can stay an hour or two, whatever your schedule permits. This will start Dec. 1st and will continue throughout the year. Please call the school to schedule an appointment. Please no brothers and sisters. This is a time for you and your child to share a unique experience. I also ask for only one adult per observation period. Too many adults tend to overwhelm the children and the environment. Can’t wait to see you all
As always, questions and concerns, let me know.
veggiecamper@gmail.com
Happy Thanksgiving
Libby
11/19/09
Dear Parents/Guardians,
On Tuesday we are going to complete several projects centered on Native American culture. For one of the projects the children need three or four sticks about as big around as their thumb and about 6 inches long. Send them in on Monday. Thanks
I would also like to have a little surprise treat for them, maybe muffins and cider or popcorn and fruit. Let me know if you would like to send something in.
We are starting a partnership with the fourth grade as reading buddies, on Fridays. A variety of students will join us to listen to some of the children read. We are excited to have them and to start building community among our classrooms.
Here is an updated wish list. Thanks for the help.
1. colored yarn
2. small TV, DVD player and long extension cord
3. I need a volunteer who will go to the library for us on a regular basis and borrow books on a variety of subjects
4. A large current calendar
If you are planning to take your child out of school early before the Thanksgiving or winter holiday begins, please let me know next week. I will set up a homework contract for them
Thank you to the nice person who left the flash cards in my box. The children have been testing their fast facts in preparation for a new Math game.
Last but not least, the children and I are excited to be able to invite you to come and observe our class. The classroom is available to you Monday through Thursday from 9am to 11am. You can stay an hour or two, whatever your schedule permits. This will start Dec. 1st and will continue throughout the year. Please call the school to schedule an appointment. Please no brothers and sisters. This is a time for you and your child to share a unique experience. I also ask for only one adult per observation period. Too many adults tend to overwhelm the children and the environment. Can’t wait to see you all
As always, questions and concerns, let me know.
veggiecamper@gmail.com
Happy Thanksgiving
Libby
NINJA NEWSLETTER!!!
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Just following this newsletter are some wonderful pictures of our group during Family Heritage Day. The presentations went really well and no one was scared or shy. Many of the costumes were creative and the information was very interesting. Hope you enjoy the photos.
We are starting a new area in science, solids, liquids and gases. It connects to our discussion of the universe and the solar system. We will explore the properties of each with many experiments for the group and individuals.
The language area has been busy as we have new lessons including, capitalization, punctuation, grammar games for verbs, nouns, adjectives and articles. Many children have startd the writing process with their first reports about a planet. We have discussed the five stages of writing, prewrite, draft, revise, edit and publish. When the reports are finished they will be displayed in the hallway for your viewing. I'll let you know when to check it out. We are beginning to use this process in all story writing as well.
Geometry has opened up for us and studentrs can do many activities about this subject. Geometric command cards give many, many directions how to work with the shapes finding angles, polygons, irregular and regular figures, finding similarities and differences. This is just to name a few of our choices. The group has done an indepth study of plane and solid figures over the last couple of weeks.
Last, but not least, art is popular as always, with paper sculpture of three varities. Water colors are back on the shelf too.
Everything is going very well in class. Not too many reminders except two. 1. Please send the Friday envelopes back on Monday so we can refill them. 2. If you have a question or concern, please come talk to me first. I would be happy to talk with you. We can make an appointment and chat. My personal email is back, which I preferr. It is veggiecamper@gmail.com
Stay healthy everyone and wash those hands!!
Libby
Just following this newsletter are some wonderful pictures of our group during Family Heritage Day. The presentations went really well and no one was scared or shy. Many of the costumes were creative and the information was very interesting. Hope you enjoy the photos.
We are starting a new area in science, solids, liquids and gases. It connects to our discussion of the universe and the solar system. We will explore the properties of each with many experiments for the group and individuals.
The language area has been busy as we have new lessons including, capitalization, punctuation, grammar games for verbs, nouns, adjectives and articles. Many children have startd the writing process with their first reports about a planet. We have discussed the five stages of writing, prewrite, draft, revise, edit and publish. When the reports are finished they will be displayed in the hallway for your viewing. I'll let you know when to check it out. We are beginning to use this process in all story writing as well.
Geometry has opened up for us and studentrs can do many activities about this subject. Geometric command cards give many, many directions how to work with the shapes finding angles, polygons, irregular and regular figures, finding similarities and differences. This is just to name a few of our choices. The group has done an indepth study of plane and solid figures over the last couple of weeks.
Last, but not least, art is popular as always, with paper sculpture of three varities. Water colors are back on the shelf too.
Everything is going very well in class. Not too many reminders except two. 1. Please send the Friday envelopes back on Monday so we can refill them. 2. If you have a question or concern, please come talk to me first. I would be happy to talk with you. We can make an appointment and chat. My personal email is back, which I preferr. It is veggiecamper@gmail.com
Stay healthy everyone and wash those hands!!
Libby
10-16-09
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Our school conferences are the week of October 26th. I have a previous commitment for Oct. 29th. As a result I have opened up more hours during that week for your convenience. My conferences will start Monday and Tuesday Oct. 26th and 27th at 3:30 through 5:30. Wednesday and Friday conferences begin at 1:30. Sign-up sheets are available in the lobby. I’m looking forward to speaking to all of you.
** One other reminder, please don’t forget to send in a plain address book for your child. Parents have found nice ones at Target, Ross and Borders. They are important for our spelling program. Thank you.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Libby Neumaier
Our school conferences are the week of October 26th. I have a previous commitment for Oct. 29th. As a result I have opened up more hours during that week for your convenience. My conferences will start Monday and Tuesday Oct. 26th and 27th at 3:30 through 5:30. Wednesday and Friday conferences begin at 1:30. Sign-up sheets are available in the lobby. I’m looking forward to speaking to all of you.
** One other reminder, please don’t forget to send in a plain address book for your child. Parents have found nice ones at Target, Ross and Borders. They are important for our spelling program. Thank you.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Libby Neumaier