Hello families!
I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and you're gearing up for a great week! Dates to remember Monday, October 3- Blue Shirt Day- World of Bullying Prevention Tuesday, October 4-Topic 3 Math Test; Fall Picture Day Wednesday, October 12- No School for students Friday, October 21- Kona Ice! Tuesday, October 25- Report Cards Distributed Friday, October 28- Field Trip to Tampa Bay Watch What we're learning this week Math- This week we will finish Topic 3. Students will be assessed on the various addition strategies learned during this topic. Topic 3 test will be on Tuesday, October 4th. A study guide was sent home on Friday to prepare for the test. Language Arts- This week we will begin Unit 2: Making decisions. We will begin reading Alexander, Who Used To Be Rich Last Sunday and study story structure. Students will have a spelling test on Friday, October 7th. Each student has a word list that can be found on Spellingcity.com. Use spellingcity.com at home to study for the test on Friday. Science- This week we will continue our unit on the life cycle of living things. In this unit we have been exploring how different living things have different life cycles. Last week we welcomed a few new living things into the classroom- lima bean plants and tadpoles! We will continue to track the progress of the life cycles of our plants and our amphibians. **Ask your student to show you the hand gestures of the life cycle of a plant! Social Studies- This week, students will learn that history tells the story of people and events from different times and places. They will also extend their knowledge of calendar time Health- This week, we will discuss and identify the qualities of a healthy relationship. Character Education- The character trait of the month of October is cooperation. Cooperation is working with others to accomplish a common purpose. Help encourage cooperation by discussing it with your child.
Stay in the loop! Be certain to check my class webpage. This is where I will post photos of classroom activities, reminders, volunteer opportunities, and lots of other pertinent information. The web address is http://rushmel.weebly.com Bounce Pages As we progress through the school year, if your student is finding difficulty on the math homework pages, there is a WONDERFUL resource App called Bounce Pages. Once you download this App, you can scan the front page and the App will find a lesson that matches the topic. Follow the link here to download the app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pearson-bouncepages/id659370955?mt=8 Conferences Each year I like to meet with families at least 3 times per year- beginning of the year, middle of the year, and end of the year. Now that I've had a few weeks with your child, I would like to take the time to meet with you to discuss your students progress thus far. Please take a moment to sign up for a date and time that works best for you. If any of those do not work for you, please let me know and we can work something else out. www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090B4DAFA72CA31-beginning1 Field Trip Tampa Bay Watch's Estuary EDventures program engages students in hands-on educational experiences through marine creature encounters, species collection and identification, and interactive habitat sessions. All participants need to be appropriately dressed with closed-toed shoes and clothing that can get wet. (absolutely no Crocs or sandals—old tennis shoes, water shoes, or dive boots work best). Students should bring a towel, change of clothes, dry shoes, and a plastic bag to put wet items in. Field Trip forms and money are due on Wednesday, October 5th. Chaperones do not have to pay, but please be prepared to participate. As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to email me and I will do my best to help. Dad’s Take Your Child to School Day
September 28th will be Florida’s “Dad’s take your child to school day.” If dad is unavailable to attend, Grandpas and Uncles are welcomed! "Research into the impact of the father's role in a child's academic development suggests that when fathers are actively involved in their child's education, students perform better academically, have fewer discipline problems and become more responsible adults," wrote Hershel Lyons, chancellor of public schools, in a memo to school superintendents. Hello families!
I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! The air is getting cooler, the trees are beginning to shed their leaves, Starbucks began serving pumpkin spiced lattes... it must mean one thing....Fall is coming! Believe it or not, the first official day of fall is on Thursday! Dates to remember Tuesday, September 20th- Topic 2 Math test (arrays and repeated addition) Thursday, September 22- Chick-Fli-A PTO Spirit Night Friday, September 23- Kona Ice; Spelling Test; Unit 1 Reading Test Wednesday, September 28- Dads Take your Child to School Friday, September 30- Movie Night for K-5 Sponsored by Student Council What we're learning this week Math- We will begin Topic 3 where students will learn various addition strategies. To be successful in this unit, students must be fluent in their math facts. Working on XTRAMATH.com for 5 minutes each night will ensure success for your child. We have also been using the CUBE strategy to solve word problems. You can help your student find keywords in word problems that identify which operation (addition or subtraction) they should use to solve the problem.
Lannguage Arts- This week Unit 1 will read our last story of the unit called The House on Maple Street. Students will learn how to identify the main topics and supporting key details in the text. In writing, students will learn how to introduce and develop a topic in informative writing. We will test the concepts in Unit 1 on Friday, September 23. Science- We will finish our unit on the basic needs of living things. In this unit we will explore how the basic needs of living things are similar and how are they different. Social Studies- Students will explain the consequences of an absence of rules and laws. We will talk about how responsible citizens follow the rules. Health- The student will explain what to do if someone is being bullied, describe the difference between bullying and teasing, and explain why it’s wrong to tease others. Character Education- The character trait of the month of September is responsibility. Responsibility is defined as doing your best and taking ownership for your words and actions. We will be discussing how to be responsible students and citizen in class. I encourage you to talk about responsibility at home too! Here are some ideas...
Hello families!
I hope everyone had a wonderful EXTRA-long weekend! Thankfully the storms on Thursday and Friday spared my house and neighborhood. I hope everyone stayed safe and dry during that time. What we're learning this week Math- We will finish Topic 1 where students will learn various addition strategies. Students will be tested on Topic 1 on Wednesday, September 7th. You can help your student study for this test by reviewing the practice test that will be sent home today. We will also begin Topic 2, which involved sorting numbers into equal groups. To help you student in this topic, review and identify even and odd numbers. Language Arts- This week Unit 1 will continue with reading Friends Around the World. Students will learn that informational texts have main topics and supporting key details. In writing, students will learn how to write informative essays. Help your child by asking how an illustration or photograph supports the ideas in the text. Students will take their make-up spelling test on Wednesday, September 7th (testing the words from last week). I will give the spelling pre-test on Thursday, September 8th and that test will be on Friday, September 16th. Please look out for the pre-test that will be sent home on Thursday, so you will know what the words are for the week. Science- We will continue our unit on soil. Students will describe how small pieces of dead plants and animal parts can be the basis for soil. We will explore the process in which soil is formed. By the end of the week, students will understand the different types of soil. We will have a science experiment on Friday and are in need of items! Please sign up by clicking the link below. www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090B4DAFA72CA31-science Social Studies- In social studies, we will begin our unit on American symbols and the proper way to take care of the American flag. Health- This week, we will continue our human body unit! During this unit, students will recognize the skeletal and muscular systems of the human body. We will read and discuss the function of those systems and how to keep them healthy! Character Education- Congratulations to Brody for being August's Titan of the Month and Maria for being August's Student of the Month! You shined during the month of August by showing respect to everyone around you! Remember, there is not a spot where character is not! The character trait of the month of September is responsibility. Responsibility is defined as doing your best and taking ownership for your words and actions. We will be discussing how to be responsible students and citizen in class. I encourage you to talk about responsibility at home too! Once a week at a family meal, have family members tell about their responsibilities. Dates to remember Wednesday, September 7- Topic 1 Math Test; Spelling Test (make up from last week) Friday, September 9- Mid-Term Reports Sent Home; Science Experiment Day Sunday, September 11- Back to School Picnic sponsored by PTO Tuesday, September 13- Fundraiser packets due back to school Thursday, September 22- Chick-Fli-A PTO Spirit Night Friday, September 23- Kona Ice Wednesday, September 28- Dads Take your Child to School Friday, September 30- Movie Night for k-5 Sponsored by Student Council Parent Volunteers I am looking for a parent volunteer who'd like some extra hours at home. I need the volunteer to hole punch some cards and group them on to a key ring. If this something you'd like to do, please email and let me know! THANK YOU to Novak's Mom who decorated our door for September! It looks awesome! PTO Fundraiser PTO fundraiser and packets went home with your student last week. This fundraiser will provide our school with funds to enrich our school and classrooms. Please encourage your friends and family to help our school reach its goal! There is even an online store that you can share with out-of-town family members! Thank you, in advance, for your support! Stay in the loop! Be certain to check my class webpage. This is where I will post photos of classroom activities, reminders, volunteer opportunities, and lots of other pertinent information. The web address is http://rushmel.weebly.com Free/Reduced Lunch A friendly reminder to fill out lunch forms for your children at www.myschoolapps.com Students who are eating on their prior year meal status for the first 30 days of school that will expire on 9/22/16. If parents do not complete new lunch application for the new school year by 9/21/16 on 9/22/16 the students will have to pay full price for meals. Attached is a copy of the flyer where parents can apply at www.myschoolapps.com If student received a Direct Certification letter in the mail for the 2016-2017 school year. The parents do not need to complete a lunch form for the child. When a child is Direct Certification for the new school year 2016-2017. That child has already been approved as Free for the 2016-2017 school year. Mrs. Rush Out There will be a substitute caring for our class on Friday, September 9th and Monday, September 12th. I will be out of the country attending a family reunion, so I may not be able to answer emails until I arrive home. I appreciate your understanding. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday! Weather Update
August 31, 2016 12 p.m. Pinellas County Schools is working closely with Pinellas County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service to monitor the tropical system currently affecting our region. Please find information below regarding the status of school operations. Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016: All after-school activities (athletics, clubs, parent meetings, etc.) are cancelled for Wednesday, Aug. 31. After-care programs at school sites, such as R’Club and YMCA, will remain open on Wednesday, Aug. 31. Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016: All Pinellas County Schools and school district offices will be CLOSED on Thursday, Sept. 1. All school-related activities are cancelled. Friday, Sept. 2, 2016: To be announced The status of school operations for Friday, Sept. 2 will be determined Thursday, Sept. 1 in consultation with Pinellas County Emergency Management. Information on weather-related closures will be communicated by:
Storm-related online resources: Pinellas County Emergency Management: http://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/ National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ Hello families!
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and great start to the week. I sincerely appreciate your understanding and flexibility while I was out of town. I had an incredible time with my family, but I am ready to be back in paradise! What we're learning this week Math- We will finish Topic 1 where students will learn various addition strategies. Students will be tested on Topic 1 on Friday, September 2nd. You can help your student study for this test by reviewing the practice test that will be send home on Thursday. Knowing how to fluently add and subtract within 20 will greatly help your students during this topic. To practice addition and subtraction facts, please practice facts on xtramath.com. Your student's username and password in located in their BEE binder. Language Arts- This week Unit 1 will continue with reading Friends Around the World. Students will learn that informational texts have main topics and supporting key details. In writing, students will learn how to write informative essays. Help your child by asking how an illustration or photograph supports the ideas in the text. Science- This week, we will begin our unit on soil. Students will describe how small pieces of dead plants and animal parts can be the basis for soil. We will explore the process in which soil is formed. By the end of the week, each group will create their own compost pile.For this activity I will need the follow supplies: 4 clear plastic (shoe box size) bins with lids; bag of soil. Please let me know if you would be able to donate those supplies. Social Studies- In social studies, we will begin our unit on American symbols and the proper way to take care of the American flag. Health- This week, we will continue our human body unit! During this unit, students will recognize the skeletal and muscular systems of the human body. We will read and discuss the function of those systems and how to keep them healthy! Character Education- The character trait of the month of August is respect. Our students have been learning the importance of respecting each other, their community, and themselves. Encourage these conversations at home, as a family, by discussing this dilemma at dinner time:
Dates to remember Monday, August 29- Penny Wars by Student Council Friday, September 2- Spelling Test; Math Topic 1 Test Monday, September 5- Labor Day- No School! Friday, September 9- Mid-Term Reports Sent Home Sunday, September 11- Back to School Picnic sponsored by PTO Tuesday, September 13- Fundraiser packets due back to school Thursday, September 22- Chick-Fli-A PTO Spirit Night Friday, September 23- Kona Ice Wednesday, September 28- Dads Take your Child to School Friday, September 30- Movie Night for k-5 Sponsored by Student Council PTO Fundraiser Today we kicked off our PTO fundraiser and packets went home with your student today. This fundraiser will provide our school with funds to enrich our school and classrooms. Please encourage your friends and family to help our school reach its goal! There is even an online store that you can share with out-of-town family members! Thank you, in advance, for your support! Stay in the loop! Be certain to check my class webpage. This is where I will post photos of classroom activities, reminders, volunteer opportunities, and lots of other pertinent information. The web address is http://rushmel.weebly.com If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday! Hi families!
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday. With the week coming to a close, I want to make sure you have the most up-to-date information. Coding! Today we had the pleasure of working with Mr. C on coding! He showed us some neat coding games and we even learned how to fly a drone! Many of the students were excited about trying the coding games at home. Visit code.org and click hour of code to find the Mine craft activity we played in class. Mrs. Rush Out There will be a substitute caring for our class on Friday, August 26th and Monday, August 29th. I will be out of the country celebrating my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary, so I may not be able to answer emails until I arrive home. I appreciate your understanding. Reminder: Friday- Kona Ice $3-$5; Spelling Test Friday; Show and Tell Show and Tell As a reward for receiving 10 compliments on our hallway behavior, students earned show and tell on Friday. Students were reminded that their show and tell item MUST be able to fit in their backpack, be appropriate for school, and cannot be video games. They will share their items at the end of the day on Friday. BEE Binder Organization I am still trying to get the students organized in their BEE binder. Today, I helped each student organize their papers in their binders. The nightly homework will be highlighted with NO sticker or work on it and should be in the back pocket of their BEE binder. The front pocket is for everything that should be taken out nightly and stay at home. Weekly Homework Schedule -Daily: Math Homework (it will say homework on the right top corner of the paper) -Weekly: Spelling Words -Monthly: Reading Log Reading Log Contrary to my earlier message, we do not currently have a reading log. I will send a reading log home on September 1st. This log will be in a clear sheet protector in the students BEE binder. As always, we would encourage to read with your student nightly, regardless of a reading log. Spelling Practice Beginning on Friday, we will send home a spelling tic-tac-toe activity sheet. This page will be in a clear sheet protector in the students BEE binder. You can complete these activities at home to study spelling words during the week. Thank you everyone for being so understanding about the few kinks in the system. I promise that we will iron it all out soon! Class Webpage Currently, the class webpage that is on our school website is not correct. PLEASE check the following webpage for updates and great information. I have updated it with some neat links for your student and photos of what we've been up to in class so far! http://rushmel.weebly.com/ If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I hope you have a fabulous night! Kalimera PAC Families!
The year is off to a great start, as always thank you to our families your continuous support. As a reminder, all volunteers must be Level 1 screened. What does that mean??? All volunteers must submit a (pink) Volunteer Registration Form and a copy of your driver’s license every year, regardless if you are already Level 2. How do I become a Level 2? Fingerprints! Parents must have the ORI number with you V52020014 EZ Finger Prints 1715 E. Bay Dr. Suite B Largo, FL 33771 727-479-0805 or Postal Annex 2520 N. McMullen Booth Rd. Suite B Clearwater, FL 33761 727-400-6801 **Level 2 fingerprints are good for 5 years! ***We encourage all families who wish to volunteer to get fingerprinted Volunteers Needed Lunch duty 11:10-11:40 11:40-12:10 12:10-12:40 Traffic Assistance Arrival: 8:00 – 8:45 Dismissal: 2:15 – 3:30 Classroom Hours Get with your teacher/teachers for upcoming opportunities including specials Hello families!
I hope every had a wonderful, relaxing weekend. The weather this weekend couldn't have been more perfect! I can already feel the nights getting a bit cooler and making way for fall (only 1 month away!). As we progress through the month of August, teaching the character trait of respect, I have seen so many examples of respect in my classroom. My students are learning to speak with each other respectfully, acknowledge others feelings (even when they don't feel the same way), and talk situations out among each other. Some students have even come in and shared times they were respectful over the weekend. I am so pleased to see such amazing amounts of respect pouring from my students! They are on their way to becoming model citizens! What we're learning this week Math- We will continue Topic 1 where students will learn various addition strategies. Homework will begin today, Monday, August 22nd. It will be due back the next day. Knowing how to fluently add and subtract within 20 will greatly help your students during this topic. To practice addition and subtraction facts, please practice facts on xtramath.com. Your student's username and password in located in their BEE binder. Language Arts- This week Unit 1 continues with the story, Trouble at the Sandbox. Students will learn that characters in stories have unique points of view. In writing, students will learn how to use signal words to tell the sequence of events in a story such as to begin with, next, finally, etc. Help your child by asking them who, what, when, where, why and how questions from text they are reading at home. Science- This week, we will begin our unit on rocks. Students will recognize that earth is made up of rocks, and that they come in many shapes and sizes. I am encouraging students to collect and bring in rocks in order to identify differences between rocks. Social Studies- In social studies, student will learn the importance of internet safety and how to be a good digital citizen. Students will practice these concepts through introductions to the many applications and web-based programs we use in class. Health- This week, we will begin our human body unit! during this unit, students will recognize the skeletal and muscular systems of the human body. We will read and discuss the function of those systems and how to keep them healthy! Character Education- The character trait of the month of August is respect. Our students have been learning the importance of respecting each other, their community, and themselves. Encourage these conversations at home, as a family, with these talking points: What do you respect? Do you only respect people? Is respect only an individual thing? Brainstorm a list of what they respect, what they feel should be respected and why. Can you have respect for others (people and/or things) if you don’t have respect for yourself? Dates to remember Tuesday, August 23- Scholastic Book Orders due Friday, August 26- Kona Ice!; Spelling Test Monday, August 29- Penny Wars by Student Council Monday, September 5- Labor Day- No School! Volunteer Opportunity- Door Decoration Being the first door people see walking up to the second floor, I like to have a monthly door decoration! It makes the classroom look and feel more inviting. If you are interested in decorating our door or have a great idea for a certain month, please email me! Ideally I would love to have a volunteer decorate for September one day next week. Homework We will begin sending math homework on Monday. Math homework will be given each night and is expected back to class the next day for review. Also, your student was given a spelling pre-test on Friday. Stay in the loop! Be certain to check my class webpage. This is where I will post photos of classroom activities, reminders, volunteer opportunities, and lots of other pertinent information. The web address is http://rushmel.weebly.com If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I hope you all have a marvelous Monday! Hello families!
Last week was a wonderful time to get to know each other and the procedures in our classroom. As this first FULL week of school is underway and we have a lot going on! We will be diving into our curriculum and beginning the first lessons! Students have already began their first science experiment, which we will continue observing for the remainder of the week. What we're learning this week Math- Starting Wednesday, we will kick off Topic 1 where students will learn various addition strategies. Knowing how to fluently add and subtract within 20 will greatly help your students during this topic. To practice addition and subtraction facts, please practice facts on xtramath.com. Your student's username and password in located in their BEE binder. Language Arts- Unit 1 in reading begins with reading the story, Trouble at the Sandbox. Students will learn that characters in stories have unique points of view. In writing, students will learn how to use signal words to tell the sequence of events in a story such as to begin with, next, finally, etc. Help your child by asking them to retell the story at home (encourage your student to describe characters, setting, and problem). Social Studies- In social studies, student will learn the importance of internet safety and how to be a good digital citizen. Students will practice these concepts through introductions to the many applications and web-based programs we use in class. Health- This week, students will demonstrate the ability to make healthy decisions about personal safety. Students will explain the ways that rules make the classroom, school, and community safer. Character Education- The character trait of the month of August is respect. Our students have been learning the importance of respecting each other, their community, and themselves. Encourage these conversations at home, as a family, with these talking points: What is respect – how does it look, sound, feel? What about disrespect? Is one easier to recognize than another and why or why not? How does each person feel when they believe that others are not showing them respect? Dates to remember Thursday, August 18- PTO General Meeting Friday, August 19- Chick Fila Fundraiser Friday, August 26- Kona Ice! Wednesday, August 31- Monthly Reading Log Due Student Information Form Please take the opportunity to fill out the Student Information Form below. This will clue me in on your child. Be sure to note any additional information that you'd like to share about your student. https://docs.google.com/a/platoacademy.net/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-sc0Og_uTTjvZug8yloc9n33heLnyl4whYuOnH9-UuDUhHA/viewform Homework We will begin sending homework next week. Math homework will be given nightly and is expected back to class the next day for review. Today, I will give your student a monthly reading log that will be due on August 31st. On Friday, Students will receive their first list of spelling words! Spelling tests will be given the following Friday. Stay in the loop! Be certain to check my class webpage. This is where I will post photos of classroom activities, reminders, volunteer opportunities, and lots of other pertinent information. The web address is http://rushmel.weebly.com If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I hope you all have a marvelous Monday! |
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