The Glyndon Gazette

Dear Glyndon Families,

Part of my rewarding job is to engage with other leaders around the county, and one topic that has been paramount in those conversations this fall is how schools are addressing the upcoming election and preparing their students for the challenges and learning opportunities that are inherent in such a pivotal moment. At Glyndon Elementary School, we believe that it is essential that our students understand and engage in discussions, even on challenging topics; that they learn how to do so effectively and respectfully; and that we prepare them to be thoughtful and contributing members of our community and the communities they will serve and lead in the future. Rest assured that any conversations around the election are age-appropriate and geared toward fostering respectful and productive conversations.

Some of the most important skills your child can learn at Glyndon Elementary School are the abilities to think critically, listen carefully and disagree respectfully. Whether it's thinking about an election year or during events that extend beyond our campus, we strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment that supports each student’s growth as an individual while making space for questions and learning about those around us.

As we consider the ways we can best support our students, I wanted to take a moment and share that Glyndon Elementary School is committed to helping our students understand and practice civic—and civil—engagement as they learn to research, discuss, and wrestle with important topics throughout their education. It is vital that our students develop the skills that will help them take on challenging topics to develop their understanding and ability to assess real-world problems and conflicts. To this end, our teachers work with our students to engage with each other productively across differences, as they learn to think critically and disagree respectfully. The development of these life skills is one of the many ways Glyndon is working to empower our students to take on real issues and address them proactively and productively.

As a Preschool through 5th grade institution, our most direct responsibility is to the students we serve: our goal is to educate, support, and uplift the students and families in our care and ensure this is a place where everyone feels like they belong and matter. When significant events take place in the world beyond Glyndon, our focus will be on our care for our students, supporting them on campus, and providing resources for our students and their families to help them process and understand world events. This includes supporting them individually as needed for incidents that may have a direct impact on them or those they love.

With our full support and dedication,

Tracy M. Robinson

Your Proud Principal

It's November!!! The leaves have begun to change colors, and the weather is becoming cooler. The students have enjoyed all the fun fall activities that have occurred both inside and outside of the classroom. We continue to explore our five senses throughout this month with nature walks, exploring pumpkins and making a variety of fall art. With the weather becoming cooler, students are learning how to put on their own jackets.

Ms. Thomson

This month we will begin Unit Two, "Our Environment". Students will investigate the outdoors and familiar environments. Then we will learn about more exotic environments with a focus on the coral reef. Students will learn to compare and contrast animals, plants and earth features. Students will engage in the processes of predicting, observing and recording through drawing and emergent writing.

We will continue to practice rhyming words and listening for the beginning sounds in words. In math, students will count to tell how many objects are in a group and compare and contrast 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional shapes.

PreK friends have been making beautiful art and working on fine motor skills using scissors, glue, paint, and pumpkin playdoh. Check out our Fall crafts in and around our classroom!

Mrs. Juarez

Happy November! We have been learning a lot in Kindergarten, we’ve been practicing our handwriting, letters and numbers. For the month of November, we will be continuing to practice our letters and sounds, rhyming, identifying words in sentences, and work on our penmanship.

In math, we will be continuing to practice with our patterns through motion, sound and concrete materials. We will be learning our doubles, adding one and subtracting one within 5. For reading, we will be discussing story elements and working on our reading comprehension, we will begin talking about our community and who are heroes in our community.

For writing, we will continue to work on penmanship, sounding out words, adding spaces between words, and using complete sentences. Please continue working on penmanship, identifying letters, sounds, and numbers. We cannot wait for your child to come home and tell you what we learn each day. Let’s have a great November! Ms. Mecler, Ms. Shifflett, and Ms. Walkowiak

In Reading, we concluded our 3rd module. In this module, children got a chance to discover many details about animals as they read both nonfiction and fiction selections. These texts encouraged readers to be curious as they investigated animal life. Children learned about the various characteristics of animals that allow them to grow and survive in the natural world. They explored the different kinds of structures animals build for homes and protection. After reading the module’s texts, children have a greater appreciation for the diversity of the animal kingdom.

In Math, we completed our second unit titled Developing Strategies with Dice and Dominoes. This unit focused on identifying dot patterns with counting all and counting on as an efficient strategy to add two numbers. Please practice counting by 5s and 10s at home. Our next unit is on Adding, Subtracting, Counting, and Comparing where students will work to solidify strategies to add two one-digit numbers. Students will use number racks and cubes as models to help see number combinations. We encourage you to ask them to compare various objects around the home / neighborhood to practice using the words “more than”, “less than”, “most”, “least”, and “equal”.

As the weather gets colder, please remember to send your child to school with a jacket. We will have P.E. and recess outside until the weather is freezing. Ms. Laughton, Ms. Gillum, Ms. Gabler

It’s hard to believe the first marking period has come to an end! Second graders have been productive this past month. In reading, our class learned about examining the world around us and about making new discoveries. We read books about different kinds of matter, explored things that are new and unusual, and even noticed things about fine art! Students researched and wrote a descriptive essay about a place they want to visit!

In math, we began to work on understanding place values and measuring using the story Jack’s Beanstalks. We continue working with story problems focusing on how to read a story problem, comprehend what is being asked, plan of attack, use a variety of strategies, and explain how the problems are solved. We are still practicing counting by 1s, 5s, and 10s.

Please continue to read each night with your child. Also, remember that the decodable stories that are sent home reinforce the learning that takes place within the classroom. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at any time! As always, we thank you for your cooperation and support as we work together to help your child be successful in second grade! Ms. Briggs, Ms. Marks, and Ms. Mayle

Wow! We cannot believe it is November already! Our third-grade students have been showing great enthusiasm and dedication to their new learning! As always, we truly appreciate your continued support and communication each and every day!

In English Language Arts, we continue to work diligently each day. Third grade has successfully completed Modules 1 and 2 and are persevering on Module 3: "Let Freedom Ring!" In this module, students will listen to, read, and view a variety of texts and media that present them with information about important U.S. documents and symbols. A genre focus on nonfiction provides students with opportunities to identify central idea, text structure, and media techniques in order to better understand unfamiliar texts. As students build their vocabulary and synthesize topic knowledge, they will learn more about our country’s history and how various symbols came to represent the values and ideals of the United States.

In Math, students have been exploring Bridges Unit 2, which introduces students to multiplication by immersing students in a wide variety of multiplicative situations. Students have been making use of a variety of models for multiplication, including equal groups, arrays, the number line, and ratio tables.

In Advanced Math, students have completed Unit 2: "Multi-Digit Addition and Subtraction" and have begun working on Unit 3: "Measurement and Fractions". In this unit, students begin with measurement concepts and skills. Students have practiced telling time to the minute and solving elapsed time problems. As we continue through the unit, students work with volume and solve measurement-related story problems and eventually be introduced to fractions, using several different models to build, compare, and investigate the relationships among unit and common fractions.

In our Content Areas, third graders have completed the first Health unit, as well as the first Social Studies unit where they learned to be financially literate students. We are currently on Unit 2 of the Social Studies curriculum titled “Civics in Action”. In this unit, students explore the role citizens can play in local governments and communities. Throughout this unit, students will learn about their ability to participate in our civic and democratic processes as they analyze the essential question “How can citizens advocate for change in their community?”.

We are looking forward to another busy month full of a commitment to and enthusiasm for new learning! We also look forward to meeting and speaking with each of you more in-depth at conferences at the end of November! Ms. Kagel, Ms. Waller & Ms. Roop

November already? This year is flying by!

We have now entered the second marking period and are continuing to progress through out curriculum. In ELA, we will continue working on Module 3 where we answer the question: What does it take to meet a challenge? We will work in small groups to reteach and enrich the content in order to meet the needs of all learners.

Fourth grade Math will continue to work on Unit 3. Advanced Math will continue to explore fractions and decimals as we continue with our third unit. Keep practicing your math facts at home because knowing those facts makes us more efficient mathematicians.

As the weather turns cooler, please make sure students dress in layers and sneakers so they are ready to play outside. Remember to bring a water bottle every day to stay hydrated. Also, now is a great time to replenish supplies. We are always in need of pencils, glue sticks, and tissues. Thanks in advance for any donations you can provide. Ms. Houseal, Ms. Linsenmeyer, and Ms. Mitchell

Hello fabulous fifth grade families!

We have had a productive first marking period and are looking forward to beginning a new marking period this month. In math 5, students have been working diligently on Unit 2, "Adding and Subtracting Fractions". In this unit, students have been adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, using a variety of strategies to find common denominators.

In advanced math, students have been focused on Unit 2, "Introducing Ratios". As always, parent and student resources for the Illustrative Math unit 2 curriculum can be found in the math Schoology course.

In Language Arts, students are beginning Module 3, “Natural Disasters.” Over the next three weeks, our class will build their knowledge about natural disasters, with a focus on the informational text genre. We will read texts and view videos about how Earth’s movements, features, and weather can cause natural disasters. Your student will also write an opinion essay about the best way to prepare for a natural disaster. In social studies, students began the unit with a DBQ (Document Based Question). Students are taking the role of an investigative journalist by analyzing various sources to determine if our town should ban the sale of plastic water bottles. In the near future, communication will be sent home regarding fall conferences.

Please make sure to sign up for a conference so that we can discuss your child’s progress in fifth grade. As always, please continue to check your child’s planner and take-home folder for important communications. Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to hearing from you! Ms. Chelton, Ms. Miller, and Ms. Wozniak

• *NO CARS are permitted in the bus loop from 8:00-9:00 am & 3:00- 4:00 pm.
• *Student drop off is the last entrance beside the parking lot. Staff are on duty from 8:15-8:30 am and 3:15-3:30 pm to assist students.
• Students are NOT permitted to walk across the bus loop alone. A parent/guardian MUST escort the student across the sidewalk /bus loop.

In the library each week, students can return previously read books to check out new library books. Students are encouraged each week to check out a library book.

Kindergarten students have been reading books about the alphabet, number identification, and identification of shapes.

First grade students will be reading a variety of text to make text-to-self, text-to-text, and text-to-world connections.

Second grade students are reading books on character traits to identify virtues others display during the autumn season.

Third grade students are learning how to use Schoology to access Boom Card activities and locate through Destiny eBooks and Interactive eBooks.

Fourth grade students are listening to books written by Dav Pilkey to write a book review critiquing and sharing their viewpoint about his picture books.

Fifth grade students are reviewing different types of figurative language by creating autumn alliteration.

Ms. Keller

The Pumpkin Run was a huge success! Thank you to the PTA for getting 100 pumpkins donated from Glyndon Gardens and providing pencils to everyone that participated in the race! There is still time to join the PTA and help with fun events like the Pumpkin Run throughout the school year! Also, thank you to all the families that came out to cheer for our students! It was a beautiful day and event.

During the month of November, students will be participating in our rhythms and dance unit. Students will be learning about beats, basic line dances, cardio drumming, and bucket drumming. Students will be able to create their own movements during a song.

Please keep wearing sneakers each week you have PE, even during these cooler months. Please do not wear boots, crocs, or slides to PE. Thank you so much for your support.

Ms. Maher

Happy November! As children grow as readers, it is essential that they find books that are at their correct reading level. Here are two techniques to help them find their “right fit books”.

1. The Five Finger Rule…

Teach your children the five-finger rule. Have them open the book to any page and begin to read.

• If they miss five or more words on a page, the book is a challenge for them right now.
• If they don’t miss any words, the book is a breeze (the book may be too easy).
• If they miss three words, the book is just right.

2. The Goldilocks Method…

Listen to your child read the book to find out if it is too easy, just right, or too hard.

Too Easy-

• Do they know almost every word?
• Can they read it smoothly?
• Do they understand the story very well?

Just Right-

• Are there few words per page that they don’t know?
• When they read, are some places smooth and some choppy?
• Do they understand a lot of the book?

Too Hard-

• Are there more than 5 words on a page that they don’t know?
• During reading, does it sound too choppy?
• Are they confused by what is happening?

Bridges math apps

The Bridges math apps website is an excellent resource to explore mathematics at home. Math apps are a digital version of the tools your child is using in the classroom including geoboards, ten frames, number racks, number lines, and more. These can be used when solving problems at home or to explore patterns and concepts. Clicking “App Activities” at the top will give you already created problems and pre-formatted apps to help solve it or just allow students time to explore and discover on their own. http://www.mathlearningcenter.org/apps

Math at Home

The Math at Home website by Math Learning Center (MLC) is a wonderful resource for extra math practice at home. It features great activities such as Which One Doesn’t Belong, Would You Rather, and Same or Different. It also has links to several of the Workplaces that your students are using in school and has ideas for additional games that you can play as a family. http://www.mathathome.mathlearningcenter.org/

It has been an amazing start to the 2024-2025 school year. Please welcome Krissy Miller, Health Assistant, to the Glyndon Health Suite. She will be helping in the Health Suite on Thursdays so please stop by and say hello.

At the start of the school year please remember to provide multiple layers of clothing for cool mornings so that students are warm and then they can remove layers to stay cool in the afternoons. The change of season brings a lot of sickness to Glyndon. I have seen in the past month stomach bug, headaches and sore throats. If your student is sick, (i.e. fever of >greater or equal to 100 degrees, vomiting or diarrhea) please do not send your child to school. Children need time to rest from sickness for at least 24 hours. Parents need to provide an absence note or a doctor's note if the student has been seen by a Health Care Provider. Remember to reinforce hand washing for at least 30 seconds using soap and water. Use tissues for cough and sneezing etiquette. Remember to give allergy medications prior to school. If your child needs a medication to be taken in school, please have a medication order form filled out by your doctor and bring the form and medication to the Health Suite.

Communicable disease can spread in a variety of ways in children. Monitor your child for any unusual rashes or draining wounds and see your Health Care Provider for evaluation and treatment. Ensure wounds are covered with Band-Aids before sending your child to school. Please take your child to the doctor for any signs of redness of the eyes with yellow drainage or crusting of the eyelashes upon awakening. Use tissues to wipe eyes and avoid touching your face with fingers. Check your child’s head for lice if your child reports itchy scalp. Head lice can look like tiny sesame seeds and the eggs will look like dandruff flakes on the hair shaft. If you think your child has head lice, please do not send your child to school. Stay home and treat your child. If you have any questions, please call the nurse to report communicable disease or if you have any questions or concerns about sending your child to school.

This year’s Vision and Hearing screening will be November 11 to 15, 2024. All PreK, Kindergarten, 1st and 4th grade students will be screened. If your child is not in the grades mentioned and you feel there needs to be screening, please reach out to the Health Suite at Glyndon 443-809-6948.

4th Grade Exploratory Music

Students have been exploring the instruments of the brass family. They have learned the history of the brass family, including ancient brass instruments. Students have also learned the characteristics of the instruments, as well as the design and sounds of each brass instrument. Students will also have the opportunity to learn how to perform on the trumpet mouthpiece, and then perform on the trumpet.

5th grade Band/Orchestra

Band and orchestra students have started their weekly instrumental music lessons. As students are starting their new instrument, they are learning how to properly get their instrument out of the case, assemble the instrument, learn proper rest position and playing position, practice getting their first sounds on the instrument, and properly putting the instrument back in the case. Students also receive weekly assignments from their lesson book, which is written on their “Practice Journal” sheet that is kept inside their band/orchestra folder.

Ms. Hench

Happy November! Students in Ms. Vineyard’s music classes have been busy with new concepts!

Kindergarten students continue to explore high and low with their voices, are learning new rhythms by playing classroom instruments, and are learning the solfege syllables sol and mi.

First graders are classifying classroom instruments by shake, scrape, and strike, are learning new rhythms, are singing the solfege syllables sol, mi and la, and continue to keep a steady beat with instruments and body percussion.

Second grade students are learning and performing the rhythm of a half note, are playing new and known rhythms on classroom instruments, are singing and learning the solfege syllables do, re, mi and sol, and continue to move creatively and respond to music that they hear.

Third graders are learning the new rhythm of sixteenth notes, are singing them in songs along with other known rhythms, are playing them on classroom instruments, and are using movement and singing games to solidify their understanding.

Fourth graders are learning the new rhythm pattern of two sixteenth notes followed by an eighth note, are playing this pattern on various classroom instruments and using body percussion and are using this new pattern to play various rhythmic games.

Fifth grade students learned the syncopated pattern of an eighth note followed by a quarter note, followed by an eighth note. They have been singing this pattern in various songs, have played a rhythmic game using this pattern, and have played the pattern using an ostinato with body percussion and classroom instruments. Ms. Vineyard

Having a hard time winding down? Here's a tip to help students wind down before bed so they can get a full night of rest. Limit Screen Time Before Bed by encouraging students to turn off screens at least an hour before bedtime to promote better sleep and suggest relaxing activities like reading to wind down.

Continue to have a happy, safe & successful school year! Be sure to be #HereForIt!

Hello, families! At Glyndon, we use virtue language to encourage and acknowledge responsibility and respect. This calendar contains the weekly virtues in the current month. Each day will have an activity that is assigned based on the weekly virtue. If your scholar participates in this activity, have them color in the box. When your scholar brings the completed calendar back to school at the end of the month, they will be entered into a raffle to win a prize! For every 5 activities completed, they will earn a raffle ticket, therefore increasing their chances of winning if they complete the whole month (ex. 20 days completed = 4 raffle tickets). Best of luck to your scholars as they continue to live the virtues!

Ms. Kram

What is the SNAP Outreach Program?

Formerly known as “food stamps,” SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the federal food-aid program that assists food-insecure Americans. Studies have shown that many eligible Marylanders forgo this form of food assistance due to lack of awareness of their eligibility, difficulty with the application process, and/or perceived social stigma.

Why Should Eligible Marylanders Sign Up for SNAP Benefits?

Maryland has one of the highest costs of living of any state in the country, making it tough for many individuals and families to make ends meet. Find more information here: