Newsletter - October 24, 2011

Dear Families,
It was so nice to see so many of you at our annual Jog-A-Thon on Friday.  I think everyone had a great time and as you all know the money raised will go to support our incredible school.  Lots going on again this week…..including the start of a new emotional literacy curriculum here at QAE.  There is a permission slip attached as we begin our Roots of Empathy instruction this week.  In case you didn’t hear, Room 204 is getting a baby!!!  J

Roots of Empathy
Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom program that has shown dramatic effect in reducing bullying in schools around the world.  Its goal is to build caring, peaceful and civil societies through the development of empathy in children and adults.   So, starting this week our Instructor, QAE parent and teacher, Lara Francisco, will be coming to our classroom on Thursdays to help get us thinking about our emotions so that we will be able to meet our baby, 3-month old, Mary, the following week.  This week will be our first pre-family visit, the next Thursday, the actual family visit, and the week following, a post-family visit.   This cycle will continue throughout the year.  I’m so looking forward to this curriculum as we build a community of learners that is caring and empathetic towards each other.   For more information you can visit the ROE website at www.rootsofempathy.com. 

 Reading Envelopes
 Thank you for bearing with me this first week of Reading Homework as the kids and I get used to swapping out books and then getting them back into our folders each night.  I am reading your comments and I appreciate the feedback.   I know the books seem easy and that’s why I sent home those handouts so that you can be working with kids as they reread for fluency and for comprehension.  Trust me – the books will get harder as the year progresses.  Also, please don’t worry if the book doesn’t come home the very next day.   Just as long as your child is swapping out books a couple of times a week is fine. 

Everyday Math
I am assembling the kid’s toolkits for Everyday Math.  I would love it if everyone could bring in some real money as we practice counting it through the year.   10 pennies, 5 nickels, five dimes, and two quarters in a plastic baggie would be appreciated from each family.   Thank you so much.

I will be sending home some EDM homework and I appreciate if kids are spending some time each week on Dreambox at home.

Halloween – Monday, October 31st
The excitement is building with Halloween just one week away.  I wanted to give you a heads up that we will be celebrating that afternoon and we are asking kids to bring their costumes so that they can change into them later in the day.   I know we are planning a  school wide  parade around the buildings that afternoon followed by classroom celebrations.  I know my room parents are planning some spectacularly spook and I’m sure you will be hearing more from them this week.   

I’m sure I’m forgetting something but this is a start!

Thanks for all you do,

Molly

Birthday Thank You | Math & Oreos | Professional Day | Volunteers in Class

Dear Families, 

I wanted to say thank you all for helping me celebrate my birthday in a big way yesterday.  So many of your kids made me beautiful cards and letters, they brought me flowers, apples, candy and other treats, and of course a gift card to an amazing Mexican restaurant from all of you! Thank you – it was a great day. 

A lot has been happening in Room 204.  We finished our first math unit, we had our first Oreo cookie challenge, we started our weather unit in science and today, Talia’s mom, Suzie, brought in apples and honey for snack.  But even more importantly she taught us all a lesson about starting over, forgiving ourselves and others and even blew the Shofar so we all could experience what many in the Jewish Faith do for Rosh Hashanah.  Thank You. 

This Friday is a professional development day for our staff and a day off for students. I hope you all enjoy some extra time with your kids. 

I’m looking forward to having volunteers in the classroom. I know my wonderful room parents have compiled the data and please let me know if there is a time you want to come in. We are ready for company. 

Thanks for all you do – 

Molly