Important Dates in April:
April 3: Paraprofessional Day
On April 3rd, we'll celebrate our dedicated paraprofessionals who contribute to our students' success. .
April 8: Early Release Day - Dismiss at 12:05 PM (Solar Eclipse Day)
We will be sending students home with a pair of solar eclipse glasses. Be aware this is Monday, which isn't usually a day we have an early release day. Make special plans to be on time to pick your child up from school as our local traffic may be impacted due to the timing of the eclipse.
April 15: PTO Meeting 6:30pm (Date change from 4/8)
Our PTO plays a vital role in enhancing our school community. Join us for the PTO meeting on April 15th to stay informed and get involved in exciting school initiative.
April 17: Cardboard Carnival & Book Fair 6-7pm
Join the fourth grade class as they will have games made out of recyclable materials. Door prizes and game prizes will be given away throughout the night. The book fair will also be running during the event from 5:30-7:30pm.
April 22: 4th Grade Recorder Concert 2:00-2:30pm
Don't miss the 4th-grade Recorder Concert on April 22nd. Our talented students have been working hard to showcase their musical talents, and we can't wait to enjoy their performance.
April 25: Papa John's Night Fundraiser
Join us for a delicious Papa John's Night Fundraiser on April 25th. Enjoy a meal while supporting our school, as a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Coverdell Elementary.
April 26: PTO Movie Night (Free Event Arrive at 7 and movie at 7:30)
Gather your family and friends for a fun-filled evening at our PTO Movie Night on April 26th. It's a free event that promises entertainment and socializing.
As we move into April, let's take a moment to appreciate the collective effort that makes our school community special. Your involvement and support contributes to our students' growth and success.
Dr. Chris Hallam, Principal
Mrs. Kristi Litton, Assistant Principal
Reading and Succeeding in Kinder!
Hello, families! In kindergarten, we've been having a lot of fun learning new things. We're getting better at reading every day by looking at books with words we can figure out. It's exciting to see how much we can read now!
In math, we've started learning about subtraction, which means taking away numbers. It's like if we have 5 apples and eat 2, we see how many are left. We're getting really good at it!
For writing we are going to write about what we think and feel. It's called our opinion unit. We can't wait to tell everyone about our favorite things and why we like them.
In science, we're learning about living things like plants and animals. The most fun part? We're going to plant seeds and watch them grow into plants. It's amazing to see how a tiny seed can grow into something so big!
We love coming to school every day because we learn something new and exciting. Thank you to all the families for helping us learn and grow. We can't wait to share more about what we do in kindergarten!
Learning Up a Storm in First!
Writing Wonders: Having improved their skills for opinion writing, our young authors are now gearing up to dive back into the world of narrative writing. They're ready to bringing characters and adventures to life on the page.
Math Magic: Ready for a new challenge, we're moving forward to master addition and subtraction within 100. This journey will build a solid foundation for future mathematical concepts.
Science Explorations: The wonders of the natural world await as we embark on a plant unit in science. Our budding scientists will discover the life cycle of plants, understanding how they grow and the important role they play in our ecosystem.
Our first graders continue to show incredible enthusiasm and curiosity. We're excited to see the stories they'll tell, the problems they'll solve, and the discoveries they'll make in the world of plants!
Working Hard in Second!
Working on Writing: Our young authors are exploring the vibrant world of opinion writing and poetry. Through the opinion writing unit, students are learning to express their thoughts and beliefs confidently, backing up their views with reasons. Meanwhile, our poetry unit is unlocking the beauty of language, as students experiment with rhythm, rhyme, and the power of imagery to convey emotions and stories.
Mastering Time in Math: Our math focus is on understanding time to five minutes. Recognizing the importance of this life skill, we're employing a variety of strategies to ensure students can confidently read both analog and digital clocks.
Parents, You Can Help Too! Enhancing time-telling skills at home can be both fun and rewarding. Here are a few tips:
- Make It a Daily Habit: Ask your child to tell you the time at different points during the day. Encouragement and practice can make a big difference.
- Use Analog Clocks: Although digital clocks are everywhere, an analog clock (with hands) is invaluable for teaching the concept of time. Consider having one easily accessible at home.
- Play Time-Telling Games: Games, whether board games or online, that focus on setting clocks or solving time-related puzzles can make learning engaging and interactive.
Science Explorations: Our upcoming science unit will take us into the world of plants and seeds. Students will get their hands dirty, exploring how plants grow from seeds and what they need to thrive. This unit not only teaches important biological concepts but also fosters a sense of responsibility and care for living things.
Thank you, parents, for your continuous support and engagement!
Exciting April Ahead for Third Grade!
This April, our third graders will embark on an engaging and enriching learning journey across several subjects. Here's a glimpse of what we'll explore:
Math Mastery: We'll dive deep into the world of fractions, comparing their sizes to understand them better. Our young mathematicians will also explore the concepts of area and perimeter, bringing shapes to life by understanding their space and boundaries. Plus, we'll classify quadrilaterals, enhancing our geometry skills by sorting shapes based on their properties.
Social Studies - Economics Exploration: Our focus shifts to the world of economics, where we'll differentiate between needs and wants, and uncover the roles of goods and services in our lives. We'll also discuss the purpose of taxes, understanding how they contribute to our community and society at large.
Reading Adventures: Our novel study of "Because of Winn-Dixie" will open hearts and minds as we dive into character development, uncovering how characters evolve through their actions, thoughts, and words. This journey will enhance our understanding of character traits and deepen our connection to the story.
Writing with Flair: Third graders will play with language through the study of figurative language, experimenting with idioms, similes, and metaphors to enrich our writing. We'll also revisit the author's purpose, honing our ability to discern why writers write, and selecting the most reliable sources for our writing topics.
Test-Taking Skills: As we prepare for the state MAP test in math and ELA in early May, we'll develop essential test-taking strategies. This preparation will empower our students to approach their first state test with confidence, equipped with the skills to succeed.
Wrapping Up and Getting Ready to Test
Diving into History Through Reading: Our journey through historical fiction book clubs is reaching its conclusion. It's been an enriching experience as we've traveled back in time, exploring different periods through the eyes of compelling characters. This adventure has not only broadened our understanding of history but also deepened our appreciation for the stories that shape our past.
Wax Museum Presentation: In writing, we're putting the finishing touches on our projects for the eagerly anticipated wax museum presentation. This unique event is scheduled for Friday, 4/5/24, from 2 PM to 3 PM. We warmly invite our parents to join us for this showcase, where each student will bring a historical figure to life through their detailed research and creative presentation. It's an opportunity not to be missed, offering a glimpse into the hard work and imagination of our students.
Cardboard Carnival - A STEM Adventure: Our science explorations are taking an exciting turn with the school-wide cardboard carnival project. This unit dives into the fascinating worlds of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and the principles of Force and Motion. Through hands-on activities and creative problem-solving, students will apply these concepts in designing and building their own carnival games. It's a fun and educational experience that encourages innovation and teamwork.
Math and Test Prep: In math, we're tackling the topic of conversions, mastering the skill of switching between different units of measurement. Additionally, we're in full swing with test prep for the MAP test. Our focus is on reinforcing our knowledge and honing our test-taking strategies to ensure each student feels prepared and confident.
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Children's mental health encompasses their emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It plays a crucial role in every aspect of their lives, from forming healthy relationships to achieving academic success. Here are some key reasons why children's mental health matters:
Foundation for Lifelong Well-being: Emotional well-being in childhood lays the groundwork for a happier and more productive adulthood. Positive mental health fosters resilience, allowing children to cope with challenges and setbacks effectively.
Academic Success: A healthy mind is essential for optimal learning. Children who feel emotionally supported tend to perform better academically, as they are better equipped to focus, solve problems, and communicate effectively.
Building Strong Relationships: Good mental health helps children develop strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to maintain healthy relationships throughout their lives.
Emotional Regulation: Children with good mental health can better manage their emotions, reducing the likelihood of behavioral issues or emotional outbursts.
Strategies to Promote Children's Mental Health
1. Open Communication: Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings openly. Create a safe and judgment-free space where they can share their concerns.
2. Active Listening: Be an attentive and empathetic listener. Show genuine interest in what your child has to say, even if it seems trivial. Validate their emotions and let them know you are there to support them.
3. Routine and Structure: Establishing a consistent daily routine provides children with a sense of stability and security, reducing anxiety and stress.
4. Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is not only good for the body but also for the mind. Encourage your child to engage in age-appropriate physical activities they enjoy.
5. Healthy Eating: Proper nutrition plays a vital role in mental health. Provide a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit sugary and processed foods.
6. Limit Screen Time: Excessive screen time can negatively impact mental health. Set reasonable limits on screen use and encourage outdoor play and face-to-face interactions.
7. Teach Coping Skills: Help your child develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress, such as deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, or creative outlets like art and music.
Remember that promoting children's mental health is an ongoing process that requires patience and understanding. By prioritizing their emotional well-being, we empower them to navigate life's challenges with resilience and confidence.