4K-4 Newsletter

We committed to creating a safe, positive school environment that ensures academic, social and emotional growth for all learners through collaboration, respect and compassion.

As we welcome December, I want to take a moment to reflect on the joy and warmth this season brings. It's a time for celebration, connection, and giving back.

Acts of Kindness- December is a perfect time to emphasize kindness and generosity. We invite you to spread joy and help those in need.

Reflecting and Connecting- This time of year is an excellent opportunity for our students to reflect on their achievements and growth. Family discussions about goals and dreams can strengthen our students' motivation as we approach the new year. More information regarding the state report is below!

Events and Activities- Please keep an eye out for our calendar of events this month! We have exciting activities planned, including the OIS Holiday Concert, Gingerbread House Making, classroom parties and so much more, which we hope will foster community spirit.

Throughout this month, we will embrace various holiday traditions and spread smiles and joy.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Together, let’s make December a month filled with many smiles, connection, and meaningful experiences for all 4K-4 students!

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!

As a learning community, we continually seek to improve our educational practices. One source we use to reflect on our strengths and areas for improvement is the District/School Report Cards. These results are based on state-created academic assessments given to students in grades 3-11 in the spring of each school year. The results factor in Math and Language Arts only for the 2023-2024 school year.

• Achievement went up by 1.1

• On-track to graduation went up 2.7

• We are above average in all value added scores

• We are above the state average in 3rd grade ELA by 11.4

Grading for Learning 4K-4:

Standards-based grading (SBG) communicates how students are performing on essential learning targets that are created and identified from the Wisconsin Academic Standards. The purpose of standards-based grading is to identify what a student knows, or is able to do, in relation to pre-established learning targets, as opposed to simply averaging grades/scores over the course of a grading period, which can mask what a student has learned, or not learned, in a specific subject. Standard based grading allows students to take more ownership for their learning because expectations and targets are clearly presented to students ahead of time so they know what they are working towards.

Unlike traditional grading systems, a standards-based grading system measures a student’s mastery of grade-level learning targets by prioritizing the most recent, consistent level of performance. Therefore a student who may have struggled at the beginning of a course, when first encountering new material, may still be able to demonstrate mastery of key content/concepts by the end of a grading period. A student who is at grade level at the start of the course can then work to apply the knowledge and background they already have to push themselves further.

In a traditional grading system, a student’s performance for an entire grading period is averaged together. Early quiz scores that were low would be averaged together with more proficient performance later in the course, resulting in a lower overall grade than current performance indicates.

Standards-based report cards separate academic performance from work habits and behavior in order to provide parents a more accurate view of a student’s progress in both academic and behavioral areas. Variables such as effort, participation, timeliness, cooperation and attitude are reported separately, not as an indicator of a student’s academic performance. At OES & OIS, we call these personal accountability levels: self directed learner, community contributor, quality produce and effective communicator.

A student’s performance on a series of assessments (both formative (practice along the way) and summative (end of unit/chapter/topic test or project that summarizes the learning) will be used to determine a student’s overall grade in a subject area. DPI Reference

3.5- Advanced- Exceeds the grade level learning target. The student demonstrates a thorough understanding of the knowledge and skills described in the Wisconsin Academic Standards for their grade level and beyond; the student is on-track for future learning.

3- Meeting- Meets grade level learning target (this is our goal for ALL students). The student is meeting the knowledge and skill expectations described in the Wisconsin Academic Standards for their grade-level and is on-track for future learning.

2.5- Approaching PLUS- Making progress toward grade-level learning targets. This means that a student is putting the effort in, but has not yet shown, on a consistent basis, that they understand the content or the skills that we are utilizing in class.

2- Approaching- The student is approaching the knowledge and skill expectations described in the Wisconsin Academic Standards for their grade-level needed to be on-track for future learning (the student is at the beginning stages of developing the knowledge and skills required).

1.5- Developing PLUS- Making progress toward the beginning stages of developing the knowledge and skills- This means that a student is putting the effort in, but has not yet shown, on a consistent basis, that they understand the content or the skills that we are utilizing in class and are one grade level below benchmark.

1- Developing- The student is at the beginning stage (student demonstrates limited understanding of the grade-level learning target) of developing the knowledge and skills described in the Wisconsin Academic Standards at their grade-level needed to be on-track for future learning.

*- Not applicable at this time. This means there is not enough evidence to earn a score at this time.

S- See IEP Progress Report-This means the student is getting services in Special Education for academics.

As we approach our upcoming holiday concert, we want to take a moment to address the importance of respect for everyone’s beliefs and traditions. This time of year is filled with celebrations that have deep cultural and religious significance for many people. It’s an opportunity for us to come together as a community, celebrate our intermediate school students, and foster an atmosphere of inclusivity and mutual respect.

The OIS Holiday Concert is scheduled for Thursday, December 19, 2024. We will be offering two concerts: a morning concert and an afternoon concert to accommodate as many families as we can!! At OIS, all 3 grades will perform at both concerts for students to showcase their talents, allowing families and friends to join in the festivities.

Doors will open 15 minutes prior to the performances:

• Morning- 9:30 am (Doors will open at 9:15 am)

• Afternoon- 1:00 pm (Doors will open at 12:45 pm)

We look forward to celebrating with you!

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It plays a crucial role in our 4K-4 SEL development and helps create a positive and inclusive school environment. Here are a few ways empathy benefits our students:

Building Relationships: Students are able to form meaningful connections with their peers, promoting teamwork and collaboration.

Enhancing Communication Skills: Understanding others' perspectives improves communication skills- expressing thoughts and feelings more effectively.

Encouraging Kindness and Support: Empathy fosters a sense of compassion, encouraging students to support one another.

Developing Conflict Resolution Skills: By understanding other viewpoints, students can navigate conflicts more effectively and come to peaceful resolutions.

Simple discussions about feelings, modeling empathetic behavior, and encouraging children to consider others' perspectives can make a significant impact.

Being named "Student of the Month" is an honor that recognizes a student for their outstanding qualities at Osceola Intermediate School. Here are some key aspects of what it means to be Student of the Month:

Positive Attitude: Student often exhibits a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards school, showing motivation and a willingness to learn.

Leadership Skills: Student inspires their peers through their example.

Behavior and Respect: Student demonstrates respect towards teachers, classmates, and all school staff, reflecting good character and a positive demeanor.

Role Model: Being selected often means that the student serves as a role model for their peers, encouraging others to strive for excellence.

Overall, being Student of the Month highlights a student's hard work, character, and contributions to OIS, serving as an inspiration to others.

The December themes in 4K will focus on bears, hibernation and gingerbread. We’ll work on sorting, patterning and numbers 0-10 in math. In literacy, we’ll continue to work on name writing and uppercase letters, hearing beginning sounds in words and rhyming. We’ll keep strengthening our fine motor skills through various thematic projects and activities . Our Slumberkins social emotional curriculum will focus on stress relief and gratitude. We’re looking forward to a month full of festive hands-on fun!

Reading: Kindergarteners will continue to focus on the idea of “What makes a community?” along with learning the letters Gg, Hh, Jj, and Ll and Focus Words “said,” “all,” “got”, “hot,” “him,” “had,” “job,” and “lot” as we make our way through Module 3.

Writing: Kindergarteners will continue to write personal stories with a focus on sentence structure along with some fun holiday writing.

Math: Our math will continue to focus on partners of numbers (number pairs that make up a whole number), fluently adding and subtracting numbers within 5, and recognizing teen numbers using 10.

**Reminders- Surprise Bag Gifts due December 13th (refer to letter that was sent home in folders) and Permission and Payment for Children’s Theatre Trip January 24th is also Due December 13th.

Reading: We are working through Module 4 of Into Reading, which is called Better Together. Students will be learning about why it is important to do our best and get along with others. December Book bags and reading logs will be going home soon, so be on the lookout for them!

Writing: We are finishing up our personal narrative stories! After break we will be starting a new unit! We are going to be writing informational pieces.

Phonics: First grade is practicing reading and writing words with the digraphs “ng, and nk”. They have also learned about initial and final blends “st, lp, dr, tr, ft, mp, nd, sn, sk,” etc. We will also start practicing how to read multisyllabic words like ro-bot and sun-set.

Math: We just finished our third unit in Math Expressions all about solving word problems. In our next unit, first graders will be learning about place value and teen numbers. We will start using tens and ones to represent and compare numbers.

**letters about student stockings went home this past week. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions**

ELA: Students are wrapping up Unit 4 - “Once Upon a Time”. During this unit students learned important lessons from characters. They learned that characters in stories make mistakes and learn from what they do wrong. They are finalizing their imaginative stories and publishing them this week.

Second graders will start Unit 5 “Lead the Way”. In this module, children will read stories and texts that will help them identify the qualities many good leaders possess. They can learn to recognize these qualities in themselves so they can work to become good leaders in the classroom and in their school. Children will explore things that make them unique and write a personal essay about what makes them unique to share with others.

Math:

Math we will be starting Unit 3 which focuses on measurement. We will also continue to learn about states of matter.

ELA: Students will finish up the final week of Unit 2 We have explored many different fiction and non-fiction books, including poetry. We will take our Unit 2 test and then celebrate with fun Holiday activities! Third graders will also participate in writing Santa letters to the newspaper. It is a fun month ahead!

Math: Students will finish our third unit working with multi-digit addition and subtraction, rounding, and learning about place value. Students will continue to build multiplication and division fact fluency. Finally, students will begin learning about fractions!

ELA: Students are wrapping up our second unit in Wonders this month and beginning unit three. In unit three, we will read realistic fiction, biographies, and argumentative texts focusing on science and the advancements! Students will be learning and using author's claim, author’s perspective, and point of view to dig deeper into these stories. We will also focus on silent letters, plurals, and compound words. In writing, we just wrapped up our expository essays and will begin a mini winter poems unit!

Math: Students wrapped up their third math unit that focused on learning long division to end the first trimester. Students will be learning about geometry in their next math unit!

OES PE: The long break would be a great time for students to practice their shoe tying to be a part of Mrs. Miller’s shoe tying club! Once they learn how to tie, they show Mrs. Miller, and get their name on the poster in the gym! This is a big deal at OES!

• The next unit will be hockey where students will be learning how to use a hockey stick safely to manipulate a puck or ball. We will end the month with some fun winter stations!

Music: The OES concert was a great success and we will have a little break from learning concert songs. OES will be introduced to barred instruments and continuing learning basic rhythm and note duration. OIS is hard at work learning all their concert songs and parts. Everyone is excited to showcase their talents on Thursday December 19th!

Art: OES students did an amazing job creating artwork for the fall concert! For the month of December, they will be learning a variety of painting techniques. At OIS, all grades are finishing a unit on drawing and moving on to 3 dimensional works of art, including sculpture, clay, and model magic. They are excited to showcase their work at the upcoming concert!

OES Library: It will be a fun month in the OES library. The 4K students will be listening to stories about Gingerbread men. Kindergarten students will be learning about Reindeer with fiction and nonfiction stories. 1st graders will be listening to stories about Evergreen trees using fiction and nonfiction stories. All grades will have activities to go along with the stories. Happy Reading!

As the weather begins to cool down, it is important to remind families about the importance for appropriate outdoor gear for recess. We encourage students to dress appropriately with coats, mittens/gloves, hats, boots, etc. to stay comfortable, safe, and ready to make the most of their time outside.

Recess plays a crucial role in your child’s day as it provides an opportunity for additional physical activity, social interaction, and a break from the academic classroom. Although the temperatures are dropping, students will be required to remain outside for 30 minutes. As the winter months approach with freezing temperatures, wind chills, snow, and all that Wisconsin offers, we make day by day decisions to ensure the safety of all students if outside for 30 minutes. Please know, we watch the weather with much caution during the months of December through February for all the reasons listed above.

Precipitation: snow and icy conditions should be evaluated for student safety and attire.

Student Preparedness: students should have appropriate outdoor attire to stay warm and dry during recess.

Playground Safety: the playground equipment and surface (i.e., icy conditions) should be evaluated to determine whether students can safely play outdoors.

"With or Without Wind Chill" means how cold it feels, whether it is caused by wind chill or not. For example, if the straight temperature reading is 8 degrees or if it's 15 degrees with a wind chill of 3 degrees, recess should be held indoors.

• December 11- 5:00 Board Committee; 6:30 Board Meeting
• December 19 - OIS Holiday Concert
• December 23-January 2- NO School
• January 3- In-service

Check out the School Nutrition tab on the website for: Menus, a la carte pricing , free/ reduced meal applications & forms, negative lunch account management policy, and more!

FREE-REDUCED MEAL APPLICATIONS- Eligibility for free and reduced price meals is based on Federal income eligibility guidelines or participation in other programs including Food Share, W-2 Cash Benefits, Food Distribution on Indian Reservations, and some Medicaid programs. Applications can be filled out anytime during the school year but you are encouraged to apply for free or reduced price meal benefits before the start of the school year. Applications are available through the School Nutrition tab on the website, or a paper copy can be picked up in any school office.

As the principal of OES & OIS I value open communication and collaboration with our school community. Your involvement and engagement play a vital role in creating a positive and supportive learning environment for our students.

I encourage you to ask questions, seek clarification, and actively participate in your child's educational journey. Whether you have inquiries about curriculum, school policies, extracurricular activities, or any aspect of your child's experience at either school, I am here to listen and provide guidance.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. Your active participation makes a difference in creating a nurturing and enriching learning environment!!

Happy Holidays!!

Julie