Mattos Family Update
December 4, 2023
Author Visit- December 21st
Dear Mattos Families,
We are so fortunate to have specialists to work with our Mattos students in science and computers. Here is what students are up to in our computer lab with Mr. Colitz:
All grade-levels are building their keyboarding (typing) skills through age-appropriate programs stated below. In addition, each grade level has specifics learning goals also stated below:
- 1st grade has been practicing mouse skills while learning about recycling in Litter Critters. They are learning discrete computer skills such as the difference between the Shift Key and Caps Lock. Most of the time students should get in the habit of using Shift. They are also building computer literacy while practicing reading and math subjects.
- 2nd grade has recently begun "Dance Mat Typing" which introduces proper keyboarding finger placement, in a fun, musical format. We are just beginning the third of twelve stages.
- 3rd graders are working at their own pace on typingclub.com for their keyboarding practice. They have been learning word processing skills using Google Docs. This month they will begin a series of seven "Google Word Missions" where they learn and hone word processing skills in an adventurous spy "mission" format.
- 4th graders use typing.com for their keyboarding practice. They will be starting a longer coding (programming) course via code.org lessons.
- 5th graders use typing.com for their keyboarding practice. I am supporting Mr. Leahy's students with a water-themed assigned research project. Mr. McLeod's students research a project on an assigned cloud type. They will present their research to the class as a slideshow using Google Sheets.
Next week, families can read about what is happening in our two science labs with either Ms. Anita or Mr. Sandifer.
Please join me this Friday to sing along to holiday favorites! A hot chocolate bar will be hosted by our amazing Mattos PTA with service from fifth grade students (a generous tip will help benefit science camp costs). Can't wait to hear Mr. Sherrod's band again this year!
We are very fortunate to have a published children's author visiting later this month. Order his book (grades 3+) through Banter Bookshop (flier below).
Reminders and Announcements:
- Tuesday, December 5: Mattos Students Visit Mattos Makerspace
- Tuesday, December 5-9: Fifth Grade Camp Popcorn Fundraiser (Makes great holiday gifts!)
- Every Friday in December @ Lunch: S.A.M.'s Nest is Open
- Friday, December 8: Mattos Holiday Sing Along
- Monday, December 11: Preorders of Author Alan Barillaro's Book Due
- Tuesday, December 12 @ 3 p.m.: School Site Council and ELAC Meetings
- Wednesday, December 13: Yearbook Cover Design Due
- Tuesday, December 19: Food Drive Ends
- Thursday, December 21st: Author Visit
- Friday, December 22 @ 1:26 p.m.: Early Dismissal for Grades 1-5 (Kinder Regular Schedule)
Soaring in education,
Sherea Westra
Mattos Principal
Mattos PTA Events
Nominate a Deserving Volunteer or Staff Member Today!
Attendance Matters
As we prepare to take time off from school (December 26 - January 7) for the winter break, we are grateful for everyone who has helped to restore a routine for showing up to school while supporting students and families. Daily routines are essential for reducing stress and creating a sense of security, especially after the chaotic transitions experienced over the last two years. As long as your child is healthy, please encourage showing up to class when school is in session. Every day of school is an important opportunity for students to learn as well as connect to peers and their teachers.
Instructional Calendar- Please do not schedule vacations during the 180 instructional days.
Mattos Eagles S.O.A.R.
Mattos Office Staff and Counselor
Vipa Kapadia, Secretary, vkapadia@fusdk12.net
Hsin Hsin Liu, Office Assistant, hliu@fusdk12.net
Erin Waterhouse, Counselor, ewaterhouse@fusdk12.net
Email: swestra@fusdk12.net
Website: https://mattos.fremont.k12.ca.us/
Phone: (510) 793-1359
Twitter: @MattosEagles