February 5, 2024
Dear Coverdell Elementary Families,
February has arrived! As we embrace this month filled with warmth and togetherness, we have some exciting events and important dates to share with you:
Upcoming Events in February:
PTO Meeting - February 12th, 6:30 PM Our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) continues to play a vital role in enhancing the educational experience of our students. Please join us for the PTO meeting on February 12th at 6:30 PM to stay connected and get involved in our school community.
Valentine's Day Parties - February 14th, 2:00 PM On February 14th, we'll celebrate the spirit of love and friendship with Valentine's Day parties at 2:00 PM. Students will exchange cards and enjoy special treats in their classrooms, fostering bonds of kindness and compassion.
Early Release Day - February 16th, 8:05 AM - 12:05 PM Please note that February 16th is an Early Release Day. Students will be dismissed at 12:05 PM, allowing our dedicated staff time for professional development and planning.
No School - February 19th In observance of Presidents' Day, there will be no school on February 19th. Enjoy the long weekend and take time to reflect on the contributions of our nation's leaders.
Trimester Awards Assembly - February 23rd, 2:00 PM We will celebrate our students' achievements at the Trimester Awards Assembly on February 23rd at 2:00 PM. More info to come if your child is receiving an award.
Blood Drive - February 28th Consider participating in our Blood Drive on February 28th. Your donation can make a significant impact and save lives.
Parent-Teacher Conferences - February 28th-29th Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on February 28th and 29th. These conferences provide valuable opportunities for you to discuss your child's progress and collaborate with teachers to support their growth.
Early Release Day - February 29th, 8:05 AM - 12:05 PM Another Early Release Day is scheduled for February 29th. Please plan accordingly for your child's pickup.
Papa John's Night - February 29th End the month on a delicious note by joining us for Papa John's Night on February 29th. Enjoy a meal and support our school as a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Coverdell Elementary.
As always, if you have any questions or need more information about these events, feel free to contact our school office. We appreciate your active participation in our school community and look forward to an engaging and successful month ahead.
Our Best,
Dr. Chris Hallam Principal challam@stcharlessd.org
Mrs. Kristi Litton Assistant Principal klitton@stcharlessd.org
Our first-grade students are excelling in informational writing. They are learning to introduce topics clearly, use headings, develop ideas with facts, and employ transitional words. They include relevant details, illustrations, and labels while enhancing readability with text features. They demonstrate proper language conventions, basic research skills, and audience awareness.
In our second-grade unit, students are honing their skills in various essential areas. They are learning to create well-structured pieces by crafting clear introductions, utilizing headings for organization, and developing their topics with facts, details, and transitional phrases like "first," "next," and "finally."
Additionally, they are using factual information, relevant details, diagrams, and engaging descriptive words. To make their writing more reader-friendly, they are incorporating text features such as labels, captions, headings, and even exploring nonfiction text elements like bold text and italics.
They are also mastering language conventions by writing complete sentences, using proper capitalization, accurate spelling, and appropriate grammar and verb tenses.
Our young authors are also starting to explore research skills by employing basic research methods, such as utilizing books or digital resources, and beginning to cite sources when using information from other sources.
These second-grade writers are making great strides in their writing journey!
Our third grade team is skillfully guiding students through research projects, where each student investigates a state, animal, or notable person. This process is enhancing their ability to write informative texts. They're learning to introduce topics clearly, use graphics and text features effectively, and link ideas coherently. Emphasis is also placed on using domain-specific vocabulary, engaging in the writing process (planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing), and conducting research. These projects are not only about gathering information but also about developing writing conventions and ensuring clarity and coherence in their work.
Our third graders are building a strong foundation in research and writing, preparing them for future academic success!
In fourth grade our students have been exploring important concepts related to forces, motion, and energy as part of their science curriculum. Here are some of the key learning objectives and achievements:
Forces and Motion Unit
Our students have been using evidence to develop arguments about the gravitational force exerted by Earth on objects and understanding that this force is directed downward.
Types of Interactions:
Through various observations and hands-on activities, our fourth graders have gathered evidence to demonstrate how energy can be transferred between different places through sound, light, heat, and electric currents.
Stability and Instability in Physical Systems:
Students have been actively engaging in scientific inquiry by asking questions and making predictions regarding changes in energy when objects collide, helping them grasp the concept of stability and instability in physical systems.
Engineering Principles:
As part of our curriculum, students have had the opportunity to apply scientific ideas and engineering principles by designing, testing, and refining devices that convert energy from one form to another. This hands-on approach allows them to see the practical applications of their scientific knowledge.
We are proud of the progress our fourth graders have made in these important areas of science and engineering! These skills and concepts not only deepen their understanding of the world around them but also prepare them for future scientific exploration.
Unlocking the Power of Lifelong Learning
In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, one of the biggest sources of personal growth is the simple act of learning. Whether we're in the classroom, at home, or out in the world, the love for learning is a precious gift that can shape our lives in in some big ways.
Learning as Exploration
At its core, learning is about exploration. It's a journey of discovery that opens doors to new ideas, perspectives, and opportunities. From the very moment we are born, our brains are wired to seek knowledge and make sense of the world around us. As children, we embrace this curiosity, asking countless questions and absorbing information like sponges. This love for learning is a natural part of our human experience.
Fostering a Growth Mindset
Embracing a love for learning goes hand in hand with adopting a growth mindset. Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist, introduced the concept of a growth mindset, which is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. When we cultivate a growth mindset, we become resilient in the face of challenges, view failures as opportunities for growth, and remain open to new experiences.
The Power of Passion
Passion is the fuel that ignites our love for learning. When we are passionate about a subject, it becomes more than a mere academic pursuit; it becomes a source of genuine enthusiasm. This passion can be found in various forms—whether it's a love for art, science, literature, mathematics, or any other field. It is this urge to know and understand more that propels us forward, leading to a better understanding of the world around us.
Lifelong Learning
Stay curious and remain open to new ideas, and adapting to a rapidly changing world. By embracing lifelong learning, we empower ourselves to relevant and creative as the world around us changes.
Fostering a Love for Learning
As parents, educators, and mentors, we play a crucial role in nurturing a love for learning in the next generation. Here are some key ways to inspire and foster this love within your child(ren):
1. Encourage curiosity: Create an environment where questions are encouraged and celebrated.
2. Promote exploration: Provide opportunities for hands-on learning and various subjects.
3. Be a role model: Demonstrate your own enthusiasm for learning and share your interests.
4. Embrace failure: Teach that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process and growth.
5. Provide resources: Make books, educational materials, and technology readily available.
6. Encourage critical thinking: Encourage children to analyze, question, and think independently.
7. Make learning enjoyable: Incorporate fun and creativity into the learning process.
Most of all, make sure your child understands how important education is. Be there to support them in school and have positive conversations with them about friends, schoolwork, and any challenges they might come across. It's good to relate to their needs, but remember, they often look to you to see how they should feel. Your guidance matters a lot in shaping their outlook. -Mrs. Litton
