Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

Dear Parents and Students, 

It is that time of the year when germs flourish in classrooms around the world.  If your child has a fever or is not feeling well in the morning, over the counter medication only reduces the symptoms.  Please be sure to keep your child at home until fever free for 24 hours.  Many students are getting ill. 

Please continue to look over homework and practice tests with your child.  I am giving a retest for Chpt. 17.  Please review fractions.  We will then have Time and Measurement before the District benchmark test in 3 weeks.

                                                                                Louie at 2 weeks

                                                             

          

                                 Louie as of 11/30/11

                   *** Remember to send a few healthy snacks.  The students are always extra hungry as they are growing.  They are use to having a kitchen a few steps away.  They are also being overcome by allergies and the stomach flu.  If your child has a fever, please keep them home until they are feeling better.  Hand washing is so important.

The students are reviewing their knowledge of math facts, addition and subtraction, and should know them as well as they know their names. 

They are also writing in their composition books.  I love reading them. 

Each student has been tested and given a ZPD and point goals.

The students will bring home book orders DUE 2/17/12.  All orders can be done online starting tomorrow.  It is still possible to pay by check. 

Syllable Sorts involve breaking words into syllable groups.  Sound Sorts involve grouping words by letter-sound patterns.  Sorts are a wonderful way to wire your brain for spelling patterns.  Your child should be able to complete these independently. Students can also increase their reading level by completing the spelling sorts.  Students must include a spelling word from their weekly list in each sentence.  I have the students using yellow paper for all spelling homework.   If your child does not have the assignments completed, they will have a classroom consequence. 

Parents, please sign all tests, progress reports, Friday Folders, AR book records, AR point goals, and ZPD summaries.

I have been correcting Math tests for years.  Many students turn in tests that are incomplete and have careless errors.   It seems difficult for them to check carefully.  Discuss test taking, and practice checking for errors.  Please discuss class tests, sign, and return.  The students are very bright and should be learning to fix errors as they check.  

Students will work towards developing time management skills.  We take time to monitor and know how to turn in work in a timely manner. Students are always very proud of their success. They will experience the feeling of PRIDE and accomplishment.  It is remarkable to see.  They will really grow.

Book orders will be sent out every other month.  I already have them online.  Orders are due February 17th.  It will be the first book order of the new year. 

The volunteers are listed on our Volunteer page.  Please check to see the schedule.  Thank you again for helping our class.   It is nice to have such wonderful volunteers.  It makes my days much more relaxed knowing everything is managed so well. 

We have so many delightful and bright students here at JFS.  Everyone wants to succeed.  We work more and more cooperatively every day.  Students will begin to utilize their interpersonal communication skills to create the best learning environment possible.

Families, please get plenty of rest.  Students should be sleeping 10-11 hours every night.  Some students will lose focus throughout the day when tired or hungry.  I think they are dreaming about their beds, blankets, pillows, ...  Eating a healthy breakfast is a must.  Please remember to pack healthy snacks.  Candy, for a snack is frowned upon.

We will be learning skills and concepts.  The District Benchmark Tests for Math and Reading/Language Arts, along with taking monthly writing prompts, will be given regularly.  Please be sure your child practices and knows their basic addition and subtraction facts.  Students should answer as quickly as you can say their name. The Final Writing prompts will be in April.  Please be sure your child is healthy, well rested, and not on vacation.

I will be testing your child for reading fluency and comprehension for each trimester.  The students must be reading every night during the school year. If they read books that are too difficult, their reading level will decrease.  Some will throw fits, trying to tell you that it is unfair that they have to read.  Well, wouldn’t it be nice to sit out in the sun all day drinking lemonade.  Life has requirements.  Everyone needs to balance rest and work.  The children who have not been reading will see a huge drop in their reading level.  The first test for reading level is in August.  They are tested every month for a new ZPD (Reading Level).

All monthly Reading Logs should be filled with 25 books and/or chapters.  Their AR Reading Goals will be due about the 21st of each month.  Students’ book/chapter amount will be entered in the grade book.  Students not reading will see a decline in their reading grade and ZPD (Reading Level).

Join the JFS PTA!

The JFS PTA is an important part of our school community. Their goals are to make sure the students of JFS get an outstanding education in a safe, caring, and nurturing environment. Your contributions to the PTA have helped our school become one of the best elementary schools in California. Visit the JFS PTA website.

Here are a few pertinent details.

    Homework folders need to be returned DAILY including the completed homework as indicated in their planner.

    Friday folders should be signed and returned each Monday. (Tuesday after a holiday)

    If your child is purchasing lunch, please send the money in an envelop with your child's name and room number (B5) clearly marked or pay for lunch on line at MyNutriKids.com.  The price for student hot lunch is $2.50.  You may send a check with your child's name and room number written on the memo line.   

PE days are usually Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.  Please have tennis shoes available on those days.

IMPORTANT -- Label all jackets and sweatshirts with your child's name.

Math Tests: 2 or 3 per month

Each student's AR Goal = 15-60 points for the trimester, determined by their Grade Equivalency (GE).  Highest score and goals met, receive a prize!

All students need to return Reading and Math TESTS corrected and signed by a parent.

Reading Diagnostic Reports (ZPD) MUST be signed and returned.

Homework:

Homework is given daily.  Each student writes the homework in their planner. The students will turn the work in each morning.  Please check your child's work for accuracy and neatness.  Some children will drop papers while putting them into their backpacks. Remind them to pack carefully.  Thank you so much for your support and understanding.

NOTES:

Please remember to pack a healthy snack for your child everyday.  Many students get quite hungry during the day. 

It is Flu, allergy, and cold season.  Please monitor your child's symptoms.  If your child has had a fever within 24 hours of the school day, they must stay home.  If your child vomits in the morning, they should not attend school. We are all trying to stay healthy. 

It is cold in the morning and hot in the afternoon.  Please dress your child in layers.

Have a safe and happy week.                        

                                                                       Sincerely,

                                                                       Mrs. DePrima

Mrs. DePrima's email address - sdeprima@eesd.org

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