March 21, 2008
(April’s Parent Letter)
Dear Parents,
Eight more weeks of school and so many more wonderful activities to fit in! Here are some samples of what’s ahead:
Reading: Students continue to show much growth in this area. Please continue to ask those probing questions that spark great discussions.
Spelling: Starting the week of March 31st (right after spring break) students will have a choice on how to best study spelling words. They may either write sentences, write a story (using the spelling words), or complete the word scrabble and word search (front and back of same sheet.)
Writing: The children are starting to research for their nonfiction chapter books to have published. Please keep Wednesday, May 7th at 2:15 open for our Young Authors’ Party. More information will come soon.
Math: Students will continue to work with addition and subtraction facts using manipulatives. They will also concentrate on story problems, fractions, money, and time.
Social Studies: In two weeks we will begin our unit about Mexico; covering traditions, art, geography, climate, vocabulary, dress, and food. Students will be participating in many “hands-on” activities that relate to Mexico. An instructor from Museo de las Americas will come to our classroom to make sugar skulls with the students – a popular tradition in Mexico. Please send $5.40 for materials by Monday, March 31st.
Also, please send a white pillowcase (may be used, but needs to be white to make a colorful vest), box of sugar cubes (the smaller size is fine – enough to make an adobe house), a shoebox lid, and a box of markers by Friday, April 11th.
Science: We have just started our two week study of Insects. Students will research many different kinds of insects, using them to enhance our jungle environment. As soon as we return from spring break we will be getting new caterpillars in our classroom. Hopefully the weather will be warm so they will make their transformation in a timely manner.
We will conclude our insect unit with a trip to the Butterfly Pavilion on Tuesday, April 15th from 9:15am until 2:00pm. The cost for the bus and admission is $8.00. Please send in a check made out to Sandburg by Monday, April 7th. Please write separate checks for the activities taking place this month. I would like two more parents to volunteer for this amazing field trip. If you are able to share part of your day on the 15th please contact me.
I understand that there is a lot of information in this letter. Please keep this letter for future reference since it covers many upcoming events.
Thank you for your on-going support!!
Susan Jiskra