Elementary Essentials

The Pacing Guide for the third quarter is now available on the ELA Website. It can be found using the following path: ELA Website – Elementary – Curriculum Resources by Grade Level – (pick your grade level) – Pacing Guides 2024-25.

As we read the core texts in Wit & Wisdom and prepare to teach the lessons using the core text, questions have arisen. We have drafted a document to provide guidance to administrators and teachers regarding the core texts. You will find this document on the ELA Website in the Wit & Wisdom – Core Texts folder OR Please click on the link to access the document.

Congratulations on completing Module 1! Would you be willing to answer six quick questions about the first module? If so, click the link or scan the QR code to provide information.

NEW! Share pictures and videos of anything Wit and Wisdom by clicking this link or scanning this QR code.

The planning for the January 6th Professional Learning day is well underway. The ELA portion of the day will focus on Wit & Wisdom. All grade levels will have time to reflect on the first semester and what you have learned using these new materials for teaching comprehension. In addition, we will be sharing some tips and tricks for timing. 2nd grade teachers will receive more information about the use of Geodes. Kindergarten and 1st grade teachers will receive detailed information about Differentiated Reading Instruction - research, lesson plans, and new strategy charts. This information will come to grades 2-5 during the 2025-26 school year. There will also be time for math.

Enjoy your semester break!

As winter break approaches, I want to take a moment to thank you for the incredible work you do every day to support your students’ growth in math and beyond.

I hope this holiday season brings you time to rest, recharge, and spend meaningful moments with loved ones. I look forward to the opportunity we have to advance our understanding and application of Schema Based Instruction on January 6, as we continue achieve even greater success in the new year.

As a reminder, PreK and Kindergarten take FastBridge when they return from Winter Break, January 13-31.

The Kiewit Engineering Group has donated plant seed kits to 2nd graders to engage in a hands-on plant lab! Each kit has two dirt disks, two containers, pea seeds and full instructions to observe and record how the pea seeds grow in light vs darkness – see photo attached. These kits will have everything needed for the seed growing experience, except for the water!

This aligns well with Module 6: Plants and Their Needs, which includes the Performance Expectation 2LS2-1: Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to grow. These kits could be used now or saved for Module 6, as this would be an activity where students may wonder, ask questions, and collect data via measurement, photos, draw pictures, etc., that could be discussed in your classes. The data collected could then be revisited when doing Module 6.

There are still plants available! If you are interested in receiving these, please email me with the number of students in your class.

I hope each of you has had a great day. Please check out the 2024-25 social studies newsletter for important social studies related items.

Elementary Social Studies Curriculum Revision:

If you are interested in serving on the curriculum revision committee for elementary social studies, please fill out this form. We will be working to update the curriculum and align the standards with each grade level as well as reviewing new resources. This process will continue next year, with full implementation slated for the fall of 2026. This opportunity will also include high-quality instructional activities and practices that will engage your students in "doing" social studies! Committee members will be notified of selection after winter break.

Social Studies Assessment for 4th Grade:

Please check the newsletter for more information about the 2024-25 HGSS Assessment.

3rd Grade Teachers:

If your class is not attending the 3rd grade City of Olathe field trip, but you would still like to request Learning About Olathe books, please email Alice Miller, amillerirc@olatheschools.org with your building and quantity needed.

Thank you for all you do!