Mr. Spelsberg

September Focus

Math Meeting:  Date, Number of School Day, Even/Odd, Number Work (ten-frames, Arrow Math, Power Lines, 100 charts (skip counting). Once a week we do Word Work (math vocabulary), Data (graphs), and Problem Solving

Guided Reading:  We are learning about how to become a great reader. We are learning about choosing a book that is just right for us, how to take care of books, and making predictions. We are also focusing on reading fluency. Guided reading groups will begin this month. In Words Their Way, we are working hard on different vowel sounds and blends to help us become better readers.

Writer’s Workshop:  We are working on descriptive writing. We are trying to remember our target skills like capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and organization. We will be moving on to Personal Narratives next. We practicing our best handwriting.

        Math :  We started school reviewing place value. We are doing very well with it.  Some need reminding about how much the digit is worth in a number. We will begin double-digit addition with and without regrouping next. After that we will me working on graphs, counting money, and telling time.  Social                         Studies/Science:  We are finishing up learning about the lifeskills.  We discussed each one.  We are also learning all about Georgia. We are learning about the regions and rivers in Georgia. We will be learning about how the colony was started by James Oglethorpe. Our next Science topic is all about Matter.

Upcoming Events

September 8th   Fundraiser Due

September 9th    Chorus Begins 

September 9th    School Pictures      

September 20-24th   FALL BREAK

Behavior Report

The behavior reports are a snapshot of weekly behavior.  If your student gets an N that means they are having significant difficulty in following procedures in that area.  In the past years, I filled out the report weekly.  I will continue to do that, but I may fill it out more often if needed.  If a N is given, I will write a note explaining it.  I hope this will help us work together, and keep you informed. 

Important Dates

 August 25th   Early Release Day    Dismiss 2 hours early

 August 27th   Family Movie Night Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

  September 6th  Labor Day Vacation 

  September 18th-26th   Fall Break

Supplies

Markers were left off the supply list.  I would appreciate any donation of regular washable markers.

Thanks you for bringing in supplies.  Many of the supplies will have to be repurchased later in the year. I'll let you know when we run out of supplies. 

I put supplies out for each group to use.  The supplies you bought will be used to keep the group supplies stocked.  Any supplies we aren't using are put in my supply closet until needed.  I make sure that every child has the supplies they need to do their assignments. 

Because of the Heat

Transportation protocol to begin August 5, 2010, the first day of school;

Bus drivers will allow ALL students K-12, to bring water only on the bus during their AM & PM bus rides. Water containers should have a secure twist-on lid. No cups with snap on lids and no straws please. We will follow this protocol until further notice. We anticipate following this protocol through the month of September.

Buses will operate with windows fully open and utilizing roof hatches in the correct position to optimize air flow.

Back to School

Welcome back to school.  The first two days of school are over, and I now have a good idea of what the class is like.  I enjoy getting to know each student.  It is amazing to experience the wide range of personalities and talents our class has.  The first couple of weeks of school is all about getting to know each other and about learning the rules and procedures.  This challenging work must be done in order to have a smooth running class that is effective for everyone in it.  I look forward to understanding your child, challenging your child to grow, and witnessing their many successes over the school year.  This is my ninth year of teaching.  I have found that each year brings new challenges that can and will help all of us grow.  I look forward to seeing you at open house on Thursday the 12th, where I will tell you important information about our class.   

First in Math

We have a great new way to practice important math skills at home and at school.  Go to www.firstinmath.com to have your student log in.  I sent home the log in information on Thursday.  I encourage you to use this at home.  In fact, consider it an assignment.  Most students need practice in money, shapes, angles, and math facts.  You can find those topics and more at the website.  This is a very motivating program, and we're lucky to have it! 

Picture Day

We will have our class pictures taken on March 24th.  I sent home order forms if you are interested in purchasing prints.  Please send in the order forms and checks tomorrow if you'd like pictures. 

BOOSTERTHON!!!!

I know we are all excited about the Boosterthon! 

Don't forget to log on to funrun.com. 

Your child can earn prizes for pledges.

I know we are all excited about the Boosterthon! 

Don't forget to log on to funrun.com. 

Your child can earn prizes for pledges.