National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15th, a month of celebrating and honoring the history, culture, and contributions of Americans whose families hail from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. We are ecstatic at Toquam to celebrate all of the different countries and cultures under our roof. We have flags and decorations throughout the school representing our children.

Dear Toquam Parents,

A Special Thank you to everyone who came out to support our PTO's First Annual Back to School Bash. If you enjoyed this fun activity there are plenty more but we need everyone to pitch in and support, PLEASE come to the first PTO mtg on Thursday, September 26 at 6pm...

Toquam will provide after school care on Early Release Days for $10, please reserve your spot today or pay for the year... See Ms Cinelli ( 203-977-4797 )

Open House will be on Thursday, September 26 from 5:30pm-7:30pm We will have a number of meetings and information for you to be well informed. We expect every household to represented.

OPEN HOUSE, is a time for you to meet your child's teacher, learn about the lessons and curriculum they will be taught and here the expectations for this school year. It is a fascinating time for the family to meet Toquam staff. We are preparing to showcase our school and meet with you on Thursday, September 26 from 5:30pm -7:30pm.. Here's the link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pjZgnbhfuH5Wu_agBjCDjfgTfbHfyNttkfuPNL6QoYw/edit?usp=sharing

In closing, the PTO has planned a week long Scholastic Book Fair next week that you do not want to miss... There will be award winning titles/books: Coretta Scott King, Caldecott Medal and John Newberry Award Winning books on sale. Students need to come with money to buy these items and much more, please stop by during Open House to support our PTO.

The PTO provides financial support to our students for their field trips during the school year. We Need You!!! United we Stand & Divided we Fall!!! Will You Stand with Toquam?

In partnership,

Principal Brooks

PS: Please contact Toquam's PTO ToquamMagnetPTO@gmail.com

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pjZgnbhfuH5Wu_agBjCDjfgTfbHfyNttkfuPNL6QoYw/edit?usp=sharing

Kindergarten:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1R1UIQ2NGsWLD9W3GAvAU1LREQcyI6UOnOveOG-iNYNo/edit

First Grade:

What a Great Start! We are thrilled to see how well students are adjusting to school routines, making new friends, and diving into learning! Your support and involvement are key to making this year a success. Here's a look at what we're learning:

Literacy: We are practicing small group learning centers, reviewing foundational skills from Kindergarten, and exploring print concepts and nouns.
Knowledge: By the end of the month, we will introduce the systems of the human body and the functions of major organs. They learn about care of the body, germs and disease, vaccines, and keys to good health.
Math: In small group centers, we’re learning counting strategies and using our math toolkits.
Social Studies: Our focus is on how our classroom is like a family and how we can be good citizens in our school community.

Important Reminders/Dates:
- Open House: 9/26/24 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
- No school on 10/3 and 10/4 for Rosh Hashanah
- Please check your child’s black communication folder- be on the lookout for an important update about field trips.
- Update PickUp Patrol for any changes in dismissal

We are excited for the year ahead! Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Second Grade:

Hello 2nd Grade Families! We hope you are enjoying the glorious weather. Students have been working hard this year and it has only just begun! In Math we have begun learning about addition and subtraction facts, along with solving math problems using different strategies. In skills we are reviewing short and long vowel sounds and have begun reading for understanding. In CKLA Knowledge we have started learning about Fairy Tales and Tall Tales and their characteristics. Students will also learn about characters, setting, and plot. Finally, in Social Studies we have begun to learn about citizenship and how to be a good citizen in the community and at school. It has been a lot of learning and listening, but we know our scholars are up for the challenge. Please remember to update pickup patrol daily, and should you need anything, do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you so much-

Second Grade Team 🤩😋😉

Third Grade:

3rd Grade Updates, 9/16 (Click on the link)🍎🍏🍇🍉

Fourth Grade:

Hello Fourth Grade Families!
We hope that everyone is getting acclimated to the school routines. Chromebooks have been distributed to all students that had the technology forms signed. Chromebooks will be kept in school. If you haven't already, please send a pair of wired headphones to be kept at school.

Here are a few academic updates from fourth grade:
CKLA/Literacy:
We have started our first unit in CKLA. In this unit, students will read different personal narratives and will work to identify the elements of
this particular genre. Students will learn elements like vivid descriptive language, dialogue that shows
character, defining traits, and figurative language. They will learn to make meaning from
these texts by reading them critically and closely to improve their comprehension skills.

Math: In unit 1, students will explore place value in whole numbers, adding and subtracting multidigit numbers, estimation to assess the reasonableness of answers, perimter, converting units of length (ex: feet to inches) and properties of 2-dimensional shapes.

Science: In the Energy Works unit, students will explore concepts related to energy. They will study different types of energy, energy transfers and transformations, and how energy is used in the world around them.

In partnership,
Fourth Grade Team😘🥲😋😃

Fifth Grade:

**Hello Fifth Grade Families!**

We are off to a fantastic start this school year, and we're excited to share what your children have been learning in class! Here's a look at our current topics:

**Math: Exploring Area and Volume**
In math, our students are busy exploring area and volume. They’re learning how to calculate the space inside shapes and objects, and applying these concepts to real-world scenarios. It's been great to see them engage with hands-on activities and problem-solving challenges.

**Science: Stars and the Solar System**
In science, we are diving into the wonders of space, focusing on stars and the solar system. The students are fascinated by the mysteries of the universe, learning about planets, constellations, and the vastness of space.

**CKLA: Crafting Personal Narratives**
In CKLA, we are working on personal narratives, encouraging students to express themselves through storytelling. They are learning how to reflect on their experiences and write engaging stories that capture their unique voices.

**Reminders for Success**
Please make sure your children are showing you their planners every night so that you can sign them. This helps keep everyone on track with assignments and reminders. Additionally, students should be reading between 20-30 minutes each night. If your child needs a new book, they can always check one out during their Media Center visits each week!

**Upcoming Open House**
We look forward to meeting all of you at our Open House on September 26! It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect, see our classroom, and learn more about what your children are experiencing in fifth grade.

Thank you for your support and involvement in your child's education. Together, we are making this a great year!

Warm regards,
The Fifth Grade Team🤠😎😥

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kzSmPE1sSDe-K0bxkPAilCmLITB9kkr9oQPJ-XZMz0c/edit

Hello Toquam Families! ♫
My name is Ms. Bodek, and I’m the new Instrumental music teacher at Toquam! Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been hard at work organizing and cataloging our instruments, and very soon I will be reaching out to our 4th and 5th grade students about joining our instrumental music program. We have trumpet, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, flute, percussion and violin. Students--be sure to check out the silly music joke on the wall outside my classroom each week! You pass my room on the way to Ms. Vila's room!

Dear New Arrivals Families,

The first few weeks of the 2024-2025 school year have flown by! We are becoming accustomed to our classroom rituals and routines. Our students are getting to know each other and are becoming more comfortable and confident as they continue to use their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills to learn English.

In literacy we will focus on “My School,” Colors and Shapes” and “The Amazing Human Body.” Social Studies will include the upcoming Hispanic Heritage month and the students will be able to share about their home countries and celebrations. Math continues with a strengthening of our foundational math concepts, such as addition and subtraction.
Please join us for Open School Night on Thursday, September 26th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. We look forward to meeting you!
Feel free to contact us at any time if you have any questions or concerns. We will also continue to send home information to update you on what we are doing in class and what will be coming up. We are using REMIND, which is a phone app that will be our most direct form of communication. Also, please update the PickUp Patrol if your child’s dismissal should change.
ONE IMPORTANT REMINDER! If you have NOT already done so, please go into your child’s Parent Portal and fill out the Acceptable Use Policy form. We cannot give your child a chrome book if this is not completed.
Be sure to check your child’s backpack each evening for homework and important school information! Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Ms Robyn Belcher, Ms. Carolyn McCarthy, and Ms Bettina Vaccaro😉😃

https://docs.google.com/document/d/14TRSgUYfqLh4EiyOc1rkyz4y5QECVuj0b9oIpc2XZ7g/edit?usp=sharing

Toquam Welcome Edith Targonski is helping Toquam until we have a permanent Parent Facilitator. Edith has done remarkable work in the community as well as in our school community. If you have questions or concerns please call her.... 203-977-7925

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DYZXu4jA1zlOYG5shLPRVLqr0fkXDot1/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106985459830411236780&rtpof=true&sd=true

August 22nd, Toquam staff visited our children's communities to welcome them back to school. It is important that your child comes to school everyday on time. Parents we will not dismiss children after 2pm. Parents please honor the school day by not making appointments during the day or school year.

Thank You-

Toquam Admin.👨🏻‍🎓👩🏻‍🎓