Welcome to Mrs. Duncan's Class

Your students have been very busy, and I wanted to give you an update on what we're doing in the classroom.

• We are in Module 3 of Wit & Wisdom: "The Redcoats are Coming," and this module is all about the American Revolution. We are exploring why it is important to understand all sides of a story. As we journey thru this module, we will become proficient in finding evidence and using it to support a claim. We will use this evidence to create an explanatory piece of writing. As we study and learn, we will grow an appreciation for seeing value and merit in different perspectives. Take time to ask your student about George Washington and King George III, and let them tell you all they've learned so far.
• Fractions have been the focus of our recent math studies as students have learned how to represent fractions numerically and with visual models. They have been learning how to simplify fractions, identify like denominators, identify equivalent fractions, and compare fractions. We will stay with fractions for a while as we learn how to add fractions, multiply fractions by a whole number, and how to use decimals to represent fractions. Any opportunity you have to identify or discuss fractions with your student will be very helpful in aiding their comprehension of fractions. For example, use a meal or snack to discuss how the item has been divided (ex. pizza, Hershey's bar, etc). Looking at a cookbook or making a recipe together would also help make this abstract idea more concrete and tangible. Making math concrete with real-life implementation is a powerful tool to aid students' understanding of a concept.

“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” —John F. Kennedy

Love,

Mrs. D

Check out this Smore newsletter for all things Raleigh before we go on March 19th.

https://secure.smore.com/n/79mk5

A great way to remember this memorable year is by buying a WES yearbook. The full color yearbook features all students and school events and is always sold out. The cost is $25, and you must order now to get a yearbook in May. You can order a yearbook by returning the envelope and payment to school OR by ordering directly online from our website by March 14. https://wes.wilkescountyschools.org/apps/news/article/2021477

Most urgent classroom needs:

• Disinfecting wipes as we clean our desks daily
• Snacks--I'm having difficulty keeping the snack bin full as even students with snacks are choosing my snacks over their own for various reasons (ie. ate snack at breakfast, don't want the snack they brought, etc.)
• Tissues--we are going thru an entire box in a day right now! (Students may also have their own pack of tissues in their desk if that helps them.)

I update an Amazon Wishlist with items that will benefit our classroom and enrich each student's experience. You are welcome to share the link as well. I appreciate all of the ways you support our classroom and students. 💚💛

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1YPD2RFZLU3FK?ref_=wl_share

7:50-8:10 Character Strong

8:10-10:05 Wit & Wisdom

10:05-10:35 Recess

10:35-11:20 IE/WIN

(Intervention & Enrichment/What I Need--this is when we have math and reading groups)

11:20-12:20 Math

12:10-12:40 Lunch

12:50-1:00 Transition Time (restroom breaks, visit locker, clean area, etc.)

1:00-1:50 Specials (P.E., Music, Art, Media)

1:50-3:00 Science/Social Studies (alternating weeks)

3:00-3:05 Dismissal

💛💚Click the calendar image to see all Wilkes County Schools calendars

March 🌞☔

Friday, March 14th: SPIRIT DAY! Wear green & gold💚💛💚

Deadline for ordering yearbooks! 🦅

Wednesday, 19th: Field Trip to Raleigh 🐦

Thursday, 20th-Friday, 21st: These are now school days for students! (Formerly Teacher Workdays)

Wednesday, 26th: Report Card Day 📝

Friday, 28th: PTO Spirit Dance for 3rd-5th grades 3pm-5-pm 💃🕺

Keeping an open line of communication all year will help make this a very successful year for your student. All parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to enroll so you never miss a communication from WES. Remind is also the quickest way to get in touch with me directly. You can select the image below to enroll in Remind if you have not already done so.

Only parents/guardians listed in PowerSchool will be allowed access to Remind.

My contact information:

📨 duncana@wilkes.k12.nc.us

📞336.838.4261

Website: https://wes.wilkescountyschools.org/