Enjoying the Warm Weather!

Science/Social Studies Note

This note was stapled to your child's Science test, but here is the copy in case you didn't see it:

Dear parents,

  I wanted to send home a quick note concerning Science and Social Studies. We will be rotating every four weeks between these two subjects. 

  We spend the first twenty minutes of class in Weekly Five Stations. These are hands-on activities, done in small groups of 5-6 students, pertaining to the topic(s) being covered that week.  The stations are followed by a whole group lesson, which includes information from the text, visual aides, group discussions, and classwork or homework.  Homework is not given every night, but your child is always encouraged to take their textbooks home, reread the section we discussed in class that day, then bring them back the next day. Grades will come from homework, classwork, Weekly Five Station journals, participation, and tests.   Let me emphasize that your child will never be given work (in class or homework) on a topic that has not already been covered in our whole group lessons.  The answers can always be gained from our discussions, textbook, or other accompanying materials. 

  This week, we will begin vocabulary tests for each chapter.  Your child will be required to match the vocabulary word with its definition. The vocabulary list can be found written in your child's agenda each week.  Also, in your child's agenda, you will always be notified of test dates and daily topics in all subjects. Thanks for your time, it's going to be a great year!

Sincerely, 
Natalie Killian

Great Year So Far!

I am glad I've finally had time to update this website!  We have an awesome class this year and I'm very excited to have your sweet child as mine for 34 more weeks. =)  I will use this website to post important dates, the link to our Scholastic Book Orders (which your child will be bringing home this week!), our Student of the Month, and other helpful links or posts.  I always like to post pictures, too!  Check it throughout the year and see what's coming up.   Happy Monday!

Common Core for Parents

The Parents’ Guide to Student Success (in English and Spanish) was developed by the National PTA in response to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English language arts and mathematics that more than 45 states have adopted. The National PTA created the guides for kindergarten through grade 8 and two for grades 9–12 (one for English language arts/literacy and one for mathematics). The guides include key items that students should be learning in English language arts and mathematics in each grade, once the standards are fully implemented. It also includes activities that parents can do at home to support their child’s learning; methods for helping parents build stronger relationships with their child’s teacher; and tips for planning for college and career (high school only).
Click Here to Access Free Guides in English
Click Here to Access Free Guides in Spanish