Simis Scoop
November 26, 2024
A Note from Mrs. Murray
Hi Simis Families,
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the continued partnership and collaboration we share in supporting the success and well-being of our students. Your dedication, whether through volunteering, attending events, or simply being involved in your child's learning journey, makes a world of difference. Together, we create a strong and nurturing community that helps our students grow both academically and personally. I am truly thankful for each of you, and I look forward to all that we will continue to accomplish together in the coming months. Wishing you a peaceful Thanksgiving with your family and friends.
Best,
Mrs. Murray
Literacy Comprehension: Sentence Structure in Text
When it comes to reading comprehension, the way sentences are structured plays an important role in how well a child understands what they are reading. Sentence structure refers to how words and phrases are arranged within a sentence. For example, short, simple sentences like "The dog ran fast" are easy to understand, while longer sentences like "The big brown dog ran quickly across the yard, chasing the red ball, as the children laughed and cheered" might require more focus and attention.
In the classroom, teachers help students understand sentence structure by breaking down complex sentences, showing how different parts (like subjects, verbs, and objects) work together to convey meaning. They may also practice reading sentences with varying structures, such as questions or commands, to build understanding.
At home, you can support your child's comprehension by reading aloud together and discussing the sentences. Encourage your child to identify the subject and action in a sentence, or ask them to explain what a longer sentence means in their own words. This helps them make connections between how sentences are built and what they mean, strengthening their overall reading skills.
Word Problems in Mathematics
Practicing math word problems is essential for helping students develop problem-solving skills and apply their mathematical knowledge to real-life situations. Word problems challenge students to not only use their math skills but also think critically about what the question is asking and how to approach it.
In the classroom, teachers guide students through the process of analyzing word problems by helping them identify the "knowns" (the information provided) and the "unknown" (what needs to be solved). For example, in a problem like "Samantha has 5 apples. She buys 3 more. How many apples does she have now?" students will learn to recognize that the knowns are 5 apples and 3 more apples, and the unknown is the total number of apples. Teachers may also teach students to highlight key words, like "total," "difference," or "more," that signal what kind of operation (addition, subtraction, etc.) to use.
At home, you can support your child by reading math word problems together and encouraging them to underline or circle the important details. Ask them to explain what they know and what they need to find out before solving the problem. You can also have students write their own word problems and have siblings or family members try to solve them. By practicing this approach regularly, students will build confidence and improve their ability to tackle word problems independently.
December Booster: THINK Strategy
The THINK strategy is a powerful tool designed to enhance peer communication among students by encouraging them to reflect before they speak. It stands for asking whether what they want to say is True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind. By teaching kids this strategy, we help them develop thoughtful and respectful communication skills that promote positive interactions. At our next Quarterly Assembly, we will model the THINK strategy, demonstrating how it can be applied in various scenarios to foster understanding and cooperation among peers. Additionally, throughout the month, we will recognize students who exemplify this strategy by awarding them tickets of positive praise, reinforcing the importance of thoughtful communication in our school community.
Families can also use the THINK strategy at home by encouraging their children to apply these principles in conversations with family members and friends. For instance, during family discussions, you might ask your child to consider whether their comments align with the THINK criteria, fostering a culture of respect and thoughtfulness that extends beyond the classroom. This initiative not only encourages better dialogue but also cultivates a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.
Notes from Nurse Megan
Please do not send medication to school in your student's backpack. Students should not hold onto their own medication at school. Administer medications before or after school. If your student requires medication administration during the school day, please contact the health office for assistance.
Please return any clothing (washed) that your student has borrowed from the health office. We rely heavily on these items and don't want to have to send students home when they need clothes.
Nurse Megan is looking for donations f boys underwear (new) and small hangers. Thank you!!
Health Office reminder
Your student must stay home for a full 24 hours after fever, vomiting or diarrhea. For example, if your student is sent home with a fever on Monday, they will automatically be excused from school on Tuesday. We will welcome that back to school on Wednesday if they are symptom free without the use of medication. Thank you for being considerate of our school community and keeping your child home when sick.
Contact Nurse Megan at 602-664-7322 or mbefort@madisoned.org with any questions/concerns. Thank you!
Information & Updates!!
New Library Information!
Please help your students return their library books so they are able to check out new books each week! If books are lost or damaged beyond repair, please:
1) Provide the library with a replacement copy of the same book. Books can be used and in good condition but must be a like-for-like replacement (i.e., hardcover for hardcover).
2) You may now pay the replacement cost of the book through PowerSchool, a check made out to 'Madison Simis,' or cash (exact amount, please).
We want to thank all the awesome library volunteers who keep our library books circulating and Simis students reading! Your time and help is so appreciated.
Looking for a specific book or want to browse and see what’s available in our library? You can search the Destiny Discover website to see all the selections!
If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We appreciate your involvement and support!
Thank you,
Mrs. Sarmiento & Mrs. Brandstatter
What is Site Council:
Site Council reviews school data, discusses school procedures and practices, makes decisions about tax credit allocation, and helps inform the principal in decision making.
Recent Highlights: Approved tax credit scholarships, approved spelling bee registration fees
Discussed: Multi-Tiered Systems of Support at Simis
Next meeting: Assessments and school improvement updates
Did you know?
Each year there is an activity fee of $50 for each student. Our Simis Site Based Management Council determines how all Tax Credit resources will be used at Madison Simis. This year we will use these funds to pay for our grade-level field trips, assemblies, and character education.
Process
Parent/Guardian:
https://az-madison.intouchreceipting.com/
The online portal page instructs guardians to login to POWERSCHOOL.
Guests can create an account and login directly through the online portal page.
Once logged in, parents can PAY Fines/Fees that are posted on their student's account or self select Items at Schools. For example, Activity Fees have already been posted on student's accounts and can be paid through Pay Fines/Fees. Please email receipts to simisoffice@madisoned.org.
Native American students may have their activity fees paid by grant funds if they have proof of Tribal membership. Please have interested families contact Martha Sullivan for information.
Families can contact simisoffice@madisoned.org for a scholarship form.
After School Vendors
If you are looking for a fun activity to engage your student after school dismisses, don't forget to look at our vendor offerings at Madison Simis!
THRIVE Parent Information Series
Madison School District has modules available to families in the THRIVE section of the Madison website. These short and informative videos with experts in the field provide families with resources to approach and support their child in ways that align with the students of the Alpha and iGeneration.
Volunteering at Simis
Click here to register as a school volunteer! All adults must be approved volunteers through the District to volunteer at Simis. Please remember when you volunteer that you are approved for a specific area of school during your visit. To avoid distractions in the learning environment, we ask that volunteers come to school to volunteer and then exit the school following their volunteering, not going into other classrooms to visit with students.
School Lunch Visitor Registration Form
Sign up for a lunch visit here! Please read the details on the sign up form for more information.
As a reminder, we ask that all parents sit with their child at the visitor's table in the cafeteria and say goodbye as students head out to recess. Siblings cannot attend with parents/visitors. Friends do not join the lunch visit.
If you have a student who struggles with separation, please consider not coming to lunch as a visitor until later in the school year. This will help prevent challenging good-byes after the visit.
