Home Letter - 9/24/12

Hello Families!

Happy First Week of Autumn! Thanks to the folks who made it out for Open House last week. This is such a busy time of year! Folks we missed, I hope you can make it next time! Attached to some of the homework packets this week some of you will find a few things that I handed out at Open House; I want to make sure everyone’s in the loop.

Last week in social studies we continued our study of Brattleboro in the past; students were really excited about the Brattleboro Historical Society’s on-line photo bank! We “officially” started up Literacy Groups, too. During Literacy Group time students meet in small groups, with either myself or one of our Academic Support Teachers, to read together and practice comprehension strategies. In math we’re still reviewing strategies for combining and breaking apart 2 and 3 digit numbers; working fluidly with money has been a significant focus. In Writing we’ve been working on our constructed response writing and they’re all showing definite improvement!

While this is our last week of September, this is also our last week before the NECAP (New England Common Assessment Program). As you’re likely aware, students will be tested in the mornings Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for the first two weeks of October (Oct. 2, 3, 4 and 9, 10, 11).

Here’s what you can do to support your child during the NECAP tests:

-       Make sure he or she gets plenty of sleep every night.

-       Make sure he or she gets an especially good and healthy breakfast each morning before the test.

-       While there will not be homework for those two weeks, some physical exercise those testing afternoons will go a long way!

We have a fun (and hopefully intellect-stretching) week planned in third grade; I hope you all have a great week, too!

Thanks,

Emily Hartz

254.3743 x 120

Emily_hartz@wsesu.org

Home Letter - 9/17/12

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Dear Families,

I hope that this finds you all well. Last week was our first full week and this class did so well! They earned several marbles for focused work, kindness to others, and having good attitudes. Many students are struggling some with choosing when to socialize and when to work; we’ll continue to practice quick and efficient transitions so we can make the most of our time together.

Open House is on Thursday! Check out the message from ACT (Academy’s parent group: “Academy Community Together”), below. I hope to see everyone who can make it!

SAVE THE DATE!

Thursday, September 20 is our Annual

Welcome Back Night! Bring a potluck

dish to share and join us from 5‐6 for a

BBQ sponsored by ACT, Academy's

parent group. At 6, teachers will begin

Introductions to their classrooms ‐ all the

who, where, what, why and how! There

will be a second round of teacher

presentations at 6.30 for convenience.

Here’s the homework for third graders this week:

§  Syllables Practice

§  Telling Time Practice

§  Reading (20 minutes; 4 times a week)

§  Writing

Thanks! See you Thursday!

Emily Hartz

254.3743 x 120

Emily_hartz@wsesu.org