3rd Quarter Newsletter
Thomas G. Connors Elementary School
a message from principal addi
It is hard to believe that we are in the 4th Marking Period of the 2020-2021 School Year. I am so proud of our dedicated staff. They continue to teach their hearts out everyday! It is because of our teachers that our students have tremendous smiles in the morning as they line up during arrival and as they leave school in the afternoon. Our dedicated faculty continue to create an enriching learning environment where our children continue to thrive socially, emotionally and academically.
As we transition into the 4th marking period, I would like to encourage our Connors families to continue to support our effort in making every child’s learning unique to them. Our goal will always be to focus on the centrality of the child to deliver an educational experience focused on each child’s specific needs.
As always, if you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to contact me as your partnership is golden.
All the best,
Principal Addi
a message from vice principal sorafine
As the Vice Principal of T.G Connors School, I would like to congratulate our entire school community as we wrap up marking period 3. I continue to be amazed by the accomplishments we have made this year during this unprecedented time. I am so proud of the way we have collectively handled the many changes that took place to ensure that we are still able to provide our students with a rigorous and comprehensive learning experience. My holistic approach to education seeks to address the emotional, social, ethical, and academic needs of students in an integrated learning format. As we continue to partner with Move this World our Social-emotional curriculum is evident in the strength our students show day in and day out. When our students experience success or challenges we ask them to reflect on their actions and how it impacts the and local and global community, as well as how to learn from the community around them. As we move into marking period 4 I am optimistic that our students will continue to grow along with our amazing school community. Thank you to all of our staff, parents, community members, and of course our students for making my job so meaningful.
All the Best,
Mr. Ryan Sorafine
Kindergarten Highlights
ELA
Kindergarteners are rocking and rolling in ELA this marking period. Each week, students continue to learn a new letter and new sight words. Students use their knowledge of letter sounds to segment each sound and blend them together to make a word. During this marking period, Kindergarten friends continued to read their sight word readers! They can identify their sight words, read them, spell them, and use them in sentences. The Kindergarten teachers are so impressed with their students and what a fantastic job they are doing! We cannot wait to see the amazing things Kindergarteners do in Marking Period 4! Check out a sneak peek video of what a period of ELA looks like in Kindergarten!
Math
Kindergarten students are having so much fun in Math! During math we are working on addition, subtraction and comparing numbers. Students created addition/subtraction rainbows, as well as more and less number books. Once completed, students completed the following socially distant math table activities:
Popsicle War: Students had to draw a card. Whoever had the larger number would take both cards. Whoever had the most cards at the end of the game wins.
One More/One Less Dice Game: Students had to roll the dice and record the number in the middle of the gameboard. Then, students used their resources to figure out one more or less.
Math Jenga: Students worked on their math fluency by playing Math jenga. Students would carefully pull a block from the tower. If the student added correctly, he or she kept the block. If the answer was incorrect the block would need to be put back in the tower without toppling it over...uh oh!
It's A Snap Math Center: Students used manipulatives to add and subtract various number sentences.
IXL: Students had to work on specific skills on IXL in order to earn trophies.
Keep it up, mathematicians!
Social Studies
The third quarter of kindergarten has been exceptional! In Social Studies we focused on learning about history. We celebrated Black History Month all through February, and Women's History Month all through March! During Black History Month we learned about many influential and admirable people. We talked more in depth about Dr. Martin Luther King and how he led a movement in Civil Rights. We admired Ruby Bridges' bravery. We learned about the unfair treatment she encountered by just trying to go to school but more importantly we learned about how she overcame the prejudice and triumphed. We discussed Barack Obama and how he made history becoming the first African American president in America. We loved watching our former president read books to us with his wife Michelle Obama. Lastly, we learned all about Jackie Robinson and how he made baseball history! We even found out he played in Jersey City!
The following month, March, was Women's History Month. We learned about many inspirational trailblazing women. First, we learned all about Amelia Earhart and her love for flying. Her goal was to fly around the world. Kindergarten discussed their long term goals just like Amelia. Then, we learned about Jane Goodall. We loved seeing the videos of her interacting with gorillas. We talked about our favorite animals and what we could do to help them or protect them like Jane did. Lastly, we learned all about Hellen Keller. We discussed what braille was and how people who are blind use it to read. Hellen conquered many obstacles and never gave up. We discussed obstacles we have overcome just like Hellen did.
In addition to learning about all these people, we celebrated Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Read Across America week! For Valentine's Day we discussed things and people we love. We talked about how to be kind and spread kindness. St. Patricks Day was a BLAST! We had an unexpected visit from a leprechaun who caused lots of trouble. We learned about this Irish holiday and Irish traditions. Last but not least we celebrated read across America week. Our families had the opportunity to read a book to our class! We dressed up, made projects, and read A LOT of books. This quarter was so much fun!
Science
Kindergarten students have learned so many interesting things about animals and their needs. We explored all of the different habitats, such as deserts, forests and oceans and compared differences and similarities. We also observed how animals change their environment to get what they need to live and grow. Students completed an Animal Research Project on their animal of choice. They used different books from Epic, the library, books they had at home, videos, and other sources to find out what their animals eat, where they live, what they look like, and even some fun facts! We are very proud of how hard they worked and how great their projects and presentations came out! Check out this awesome movie to see what a fantastic job they did! :)
First grade highlights
ELA
Students in First Grade love Writers' Workshop. In this Unit, students completed the writing process to craft original how-to books. First graders took the time to brainstorm and reflect on a skill or a topic that they know a lot about. Students learned to write an exciting introduction, multiple steps while using transitional words and detail, and a strong closing. Once they completed this piece, they used their writing checklist to revise their work. Then students responded to questions and suggestions from peers. Students had partners and on a post-it they wrote at least one grow and glow to help their peers strengthen their writing and ideas as needed.
Math
First Grade students have been working hard in Math! Students had to determine whether equations are true or false. Students also solved addition and subtraction equations by filling in the missing number. Math centers included the "The Penny Jar" game. To play this game, students had to select 2 cards. The first card was the starting number and the second card was the ending number. They then had to decided if the equation required them to add or subtract and had to determine the change. Students also had task cards to solve for the missing number in equations and word problems. Students worked together to match colored eggs. One side of the egg had an equation with an unknown number and the goal was to find the matching pair with the answer. We also practiced these skills on IXL and on Pearson Games: Math Investigations.
Social Studies
First grade students have learned so much during the 3rd marking period in Social Studies! The main focuses have been Black History Month (February), and Women's History Month (March).
During Black History Month, students researched important Black Americans throughout our history and created mini research papers about them! Students decided on one event that represents an important scene from their leader’s life and depicted the scene using artistic expression. Students put all of these important scenes together to create a “Quilt of Influence". In addition, students learned about the Civil Rights Movement. They learned about the Jim Crow laws and how people wanted to get rid of them to make a more just society. Students created a class timeline of the Civil Rights Movement with events such as the The Freedom Riders, the March from Selma to Montgomery, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Each student was assigned an event and created a mini poster showing it. During science, scholars studied the work of six incredible African American inventors and then created “walking museums” to help teach others about these influential inventors and the inventions that have helped to make life better for others: Marie Van Brittan, Madam C.J. Walker, George Washington Carver, Alexander Miles, Lewis Latimer, and Sarah E. Goode.
During Women's History Month, our first grade historians continued to work on their research skills! They used Epic to research significant women in our history. They were able to write down at least 5 important facts, and then narrowed it down to the 3 facts that they found to be more interesting and important. Also, students were able to interview an important women in their own lives! They interviews mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, godmothers, etc. Students were able to learn more about these wonderful women's lives, and even got to share with their classmates!
Science
Students in the first grade have been working really hard on researching and learning about animals and their habitats. In the science unit, students had to learn about animal parents, their offspring, and research an animal's habitat. One of the projects the students worked on was a flipbook where they had to research different information on an animal of their choosing. The other project was an animal diorama which they made in class all by themselves! They had to use information from their research to help them build their animal habitat! They had so much fun learning about animals in this unit!
second grade highlights
ELA
As we approach the end of the year, second graders have continued to develop their Literacy skills in preparation for 3rd grade. The students are reading text to support their level of ability and answer questions using both the restating strategy, as well as choosing appropriate answers using text evidence. Whether using text of different genres, text that focuses on their phonics skills or student-selected text, the second graders are learning to love the process of reading! Many times, they are choosing to read rather than play a game or complete another activity. As we all know, reading is fundamental!
Not only have they been working on their reading fluency, decoding skills and comprehension, they’ve also been practicing more advanced writing. Students in 2nd grade have been introduced to writing realistic stories, narratives, how-to books, friendly letters and more! Currently, they are working on composing more elaborate paragraphs to better capture their thoughts and engage their audience. Oftentimes, the students are excited to continue their writing during Writer’s Workshop and seeing them make their characters come to life is definitely a rewarding experience.
Math
Throughout the third marking period students have been working on many skills to prepare for the end of second grade. Students have been solving story problems with unknown changes and starts. In addition, students have focused on place value, money, measurement, addition and subtraction. During place value practice, students have been viewing base ten blocks and identifying the amount shown by the blocks and comparing numbers up to three digits. While working with money, students identified the value of each coin, solved story problems that required coins and counted coins. Students continued to practice regrouping in addition and subtraction problems of two to three digits throughout the marking period.
During this marking period, students also represented data by creating tally charts and bar graphs. The classes played a game called “Guess My Rule” which required the students to guess what rule the teacher was thinking of based on what the students were wearing (such as stripes, plain, wearing glasses, Connor’s Swag, etc.). This data was then used by the students to make bar graphs. Students also used their graphing skills to collect and represent data about other classes missing teeth. They really enjoyed taking on the teacher role of going into other classes, explaining their data goals and representing the data using one of the graphs that they learned during the unit.
Social Studies
Now that the second graders have learned about Hoboken’s geography (1st MP) and government (2nd MP), they are currently focusing on the past and present of their community. Throughout this unit, the students will study how the Hoboken community has progressed over time. By studying the progression from past to present, students will learn why Hoboken has changed so much over the years. So far, the second graders have learned about the Delaware Indians and what Hoboken was like when it started as an island. In addition, they now know that Hoboken wasn’t the original name of the area, and that when European settlers came over, they renamed it. They’ve also learned about settlers such as Colonel John Stevens, Henry Hudson and Hendrick Van Vorst and how their names are a part of landmarks around us today. As a cumulative activity, second graders will create a timeline of Hoboken’s historical events that occurred over time.
Science
Over the third marking period time, students have concluded the topic of Matter (Unit 2) and gradually transitioned into Unit 3, a topic about Environments for Living Things. The new unit is about discovering and understanding why plants and animals live where they do and what they need to survive and stay alive. Through sketching, videos, hands on activities, note taking, and observations, students dived deeper to understand the 5 most important needs of living things (water, air, nutrients, sunlight, and space to grow) and how these elements help living things to survive in the environment. In addition, students studied some of the basic parts of the plant (roots, stem, and leaves) and the function of each.
How Do Plants Depend on Animals (seed dispersal and pollination)? Students completed a Celery Project where they observed how plants absorb water. Students used red food coloring that could be seen traveling from the celery’s roots up to its leaves.
Students are currently exploring the different types of habitats and all the living things that inhabit each particular habitat. There are a few kinds of Water Habitats and Land Habitats that have its animals and plants that are able to survive in that particular environment. Using the learned information, students are taking part in recreating habitats using various available materials.
third grade highlights
ELA
The third marking period flew by for third graders! We continued to work diligently on LAT's, RST's and Narratives throughout the months, improving our writing style daily! After finishing up our Poetry unit where we mastered the use of figurative language, third graders began reading Charlotte's Web. This novel is one of our most challenging novels throughout the year and we have been analyzing story elements and practicing characterization during this time. We can't wait to continue reading our novel during the final marking period!
Math
Social Studies
Third grade students have been working hard in Social Studies. In February, students celebrated Black History Month. Students learned about racial justice, tolerance, and prejudice throughout Black Lives Matter at School Week. Students created Inside/Outside Posters showing the words they feel people would use to describe them and words they would use to describe themselves. This led into a discussion about prejudices and the similarities and differences between each of us. Students followed the 13 Guiding Principles of the BLM Movement to frame their studies. In March, classes celebrated Women’s History Month. Each student selected a women from history who has left their mark in the world we live in. Each Student chose a woman whose accomplishments made an impact on them. Then, they researched and presented their findings to the class. They were so excited to share their projects and findings through slideshow presentations.
Our Social Studies curriculum also involved doing "A Case Study of Hoboken's Economy. The students in Mrs.Aligo's class learned about businesses in Hoboken and surrounding cities. They worked on a project whereby they would open up their own businesses. They were required to make the following decisions:
- What type of business would they open?
- What were they going to sell? A service or goods?
- What items would they sell in their store?
- How much were the items going to cost?
- What would their store/business look like inside and outside?
Science
Students in Room 302, as well as other third grade classes, have been studying Weather. As junior meteorologists, during the 3rd marking period we learned about the following topics: How Different Types of Weather Form, Wind and Measurement, Precipitation: Rain, Snow, Sleet, & Hail, and The Water Cycle. To kickoff the Weather unit, students learned about the factors that determine daily weather weather and how different types of weather form. By investigating the weather daily we were able to learn that weather forms in different ways. Students found that the sun is the main cause of weather on Earth which gave us a foundation for understanding of how different types of weather form.
Wind Anemometers
After students had a basic understanding of weather and the factors that determine weather daily, students investigated the instruments to measure types of weather. The instrument students focused on was an Anemometer, the instrument to measure wind speed. Students built and tested their anemometer from a high point on the playground. Ms. Layson put a timer on for 1 minute and students had to count the amount of rotations as their cups caught wind speed. Students caught wind and recorded a few rotations! Students recorded the wind speed daily over a week. By the end of the 5 day experiment students were able to record observations using an anemometer in order to describe weather in terms of wind speed and wind direction.
Precipitation: The Water Cycle
An important part of studying weather is understanding the water cycle’s role in what creates the ongoing movement of water on earth. Students started by creating a “Water Cycle Wheel” to use when discussing the Water Cycle so we can remember the part of the cycle we are focusing on. Then, they created a “Water Cycle in a Bag” by creating a smaller version of what happens in natural weather conditions. By the end of the Water Cycle in a Bag experiment and studying the Water Cycle, students should be able to describe and use appropriate vocabulary to explain the way the water moves from the Earth to the air and back down to Earth. The Water Cycle in a Bag experiment allows students to observe the water from the bag evaporating, condensing, falling like precipitation and collecting again at the bottom. Students noticed that the water does not stay blue once it evaporates. We discovered that it is because the food coloring is heavier than the water vapor and stays down similar to the salt from the ocean water!
fourth grade highlights
ELA
During Marking Period 3, 4th Grade Readers explored the unit “Oral Tradition in Print: Uncovering the Underlying Moral, Message, and/or Lesson of Folktales, Myths and Fables.” The purpose of this unit is to enhance students’ comprehension of literature from different cultures. The goal is to teach students to compare and contrast similar themes, topics, characters and patterns of events in Greek myths. Students will use evidence and reasoning to classify characters as either good or evil. They will identify the allusion and the theme of a text. Throughout this unit, students will be reviewing and analyzing what characters say, think, and do and apply it to understand why certain events are occurring. Students need to understand that authors make specific choices when writing. Analyzing and thinking about these choices will not only aid understanding tone and point of view, but will also help students make decisions as fiction writers. The core novel for this unit is Who Let the Gods Out? by Maz Evans, a story about a young boy who enlists modern-day versions of the Greek Gods to solve his problem. Students participated in many learning activities during the unit, including: analyzing different settings by creating posters with details from the text, analyzing character traits to write Literary Analysis essays, and writing and illustrating chapter summaries.
Math
During Marking Period 3, 4th Grade Mathematicians explored the unit “Fractions and Decimals.” This unit focuses on understanding the meaning of fractions and decimals, comparing fractions and decimals, finding equivalents, and using visual models to add, subtract, and multiply fractions. The students worked throughout the unit and participated in activities that had students interpret the meaning of numerators and denominators of a fraction, and use hands on individual materials to compare and order fractions and decimals. They learned to add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers as well as multiply a fraction by a whole number. At the end of the unit, students were able to answer the following essential questions: How can we find fractional parts of a rectangle? How can we identify equivalent fractions? How can we decompose fractions? Students worked on a core activity which was to put fractions and decimals on a number line which used various representations. It was a challenging activity but in the end, really helped the students to understand the content. They were very proud of their work.
social studies
During Marking Period 3, 4th Grade Historians explored the unit “American Revolution and the Establishment of the Nation.” Throughout the unit, students considered the universal theme of conflict as they began with analyzing the growing tensions over political power and economy that spark the movement for independence from Great Britain. Students then identified the hardships and sacrifices colonists faced during the many years of war as they fought for freedom. The last part of this unit explored the impact of the American Revolutionary War, including the formation of the new nation. Social justice topics covered in this unit included; social action (protests, boycotts, rebellions), equality, diversity, race, social change, revolution, government, power, and law. The students worked together to study, research, and compare the Battles of the Revolutionary War. They then placed them on a timeline.
Students in the 4th grade used the district published Black History Month Choice Board for grades 3-5 and chose the topic of Poetry. Ms Rodriguez suggested we use the poem, "The Hill We Climb" by Amanda Gorman, the youth poet laureate who wrote and eloquently recited her poem during the Presidential Inauguration. The students listened to Amanda's poem and then chose a line that was meaningful to them. Each student expressed why they chose the specific line and illustrated what it meant to them.
Women’s History Month
4th Grade students researched Pioneering Women in STEM in honor of Women's History Month. The classes focused on important contributions and challenges they may have faced in their careers. The 4th grade students researched the following women: Huda Zoghbi, Ruth Lehmann, Silvi Rouskin, Xiaowei Zhuang, Vivian Gradinaru, Angelika Amon, Jeanne T. Paz, Mona Hanna-Attisha, Polina Anikeeva, Alice Ting, Lily Jan, Michaela Gack, Roberta Capp, Houra Merrikh, Sun Hur, Franziska Michor, Pardis Sabeti, Joanna Wysocka, and Titia De Lange.
Science
For marking period 3, Fourth Grade scientists studied about Rocks and Fossils. They were able to explore the different layers of rocks and how they change. They also discovered what we can learn about fossils and ancient environments, explored the different layers of rocks and how they change and identified patterns in fossils.
We also began our unit on Changes to the Earth’s Surface. We began exploring how erosion and weathering has changed our landscape and will continue to change it. We will continue by exploring some of our beautiful National Parks to make connections on how weathering and erosion have affected some of the most gorgeous landscapes.
fifth grade highlights
ELA
This marking period, 5th grade delved into Coraline by Neil Gaiman. Throughout this marking period, students practice new vocabulary words and necessary literary skills. One of the major takeaways while reading Coraline was learning about her character development and comparing her 2 worlds. The students found that there were multiple themes within the novel, and one of the major takeaways was to always be grateful for what you have. With pure excitement and anticipation, the students watched the movie Coraline after finishing the novel. This allowed the students to truly see the difference between the novel and the movie (they found a LOT of differences!) To wrap up Coraline, we were able to write an essay comparing the movie and the novel.
Math
The 5th graders at Connors have continued to impress during this marking period in math! Students can be seen in these photos working together on a JamBoard to solve multi-step word problems using various operations within one problem. They can also be seen using cube manipulatives to review comparisons before applying this knowledge to a new skill: comparing decimals and fractions using greater than, less than and equal to symbols. 5th graders had a chance to develop data about the growth of creatures on an imaginary planet, and plot these data points on a coordinate plane. Another student in the photos below works on a division problem using the long division strategy during "spiral review" to ensure students practice skills they have learned throughout the year. These skills included volume, decimals and place value, fractions, and several multiplication and division strategies with 3 digit numbers.
Social Studies
The 5th grade class is continuing the study of The U.S. Civil War. Students have been focusing on different aspects of the War comparing and contrasting the North and South’s political leadership, military strength and leadership. Students have also compared and contrasted the lives of children and women during the Civil War. Students have made inferences about how children and women were affected by the Civil War, differentiated between primary and secondary source materials as they explore perspectives of the Civil War; observed multiple perspectives of the Civil War through the use of historical fiction, analyzed and interpret images from text and digital media. Through the month of March students read biographies and had class discussions about many influential women during the Civil War. One that was of particular interest was Clara Barton who founded the American Red Cross. Students researched and presented their findings on how the American Red Cross works to help people to this day.
Science
Constellations, the Stars, and Earth’s moon
Constellations: The students were very excited to research their own astrological constellation. Due to a lot of interests, students did a science presentation based on what they chose as their constellation research project. They had to look up the history, location, and include their opinion as to why they chose their constellation. To incorporate ELA, the students were able to also write a fictional story continuing the history of their constellation.
Moon phases: Oreos and the moon! The students were able to master their knowledge of moon phases by carving out the shapes of each phase with an Oreo. This allowed the students to physically see what was happening to the moon as the month goes on. The students had to carefully take apart parts of the cream to make sure they can shape gibbous and crescent shapes. With lots of care and patience, the students made a beautiful diorama of the moon phases!
Related Arts
Art
In the art room with Mrs. Musella, first grade students were able to explore the elements of art, focusing on Shape, Form and Value. This was basically a two part lesson, but throughout the whole lesson the students are able to develop their drawing and observational skills. This lesson introduced shading techniques by using chalk pastels in order to create the illusion of 3D. They first needed to understand the difference between shape and form, and turn a circle into a sphere by adding value with the chalk pastels using various blending techniques. When learned knowledge was established, we were now able to move on to the next phase where they drew their snowmen by following a teacher-led drawing lesson. Then they were able to add their own cute details like a scarf, hat, etc. The students added their value and created the illusion of depth. These students did an amazing job! This was actually their first time using pastels other than applying background color, and I am so proud of their work!
In the art room with Mrs. Musella, fifth students were so happy painting for the first time this year. In celebration of Black History Month, the students created a background for their African Sunset project. They were able to choose a color scheme of either warm or cool colors. The students explored various blending techniques and used water as their vehicle when transitioning to another color in order to create a more natural effect. They then added the Massai people collage style and drew the heads, arm, legs etc. They are doing such an awesome job. I am so proud of them!
Music
It has been an amazing 3rd quarter in music class. I have been traveling from homeroom to homeroom and the kids are having a great time learning so much about music and all the tenets that make up the art form.
In the kindergarten grade level, we have been learning about all the various notes that are used in western music. From the whole note / rest to the sixteenth note / rest, the students are learning what they look like, how to draw them, their time values (duration), and how they are used when reading and writing music. In the first grade, classes have been learning about note placement on the treble clef and their time values. These music theory concepts are the building blocks for what is to come next quarter. The second grade has moved onto advanced “Music Math”, treble clef note placement, and bass clef note placement. Understanding how read and write notation on both clefs are one of the many skills that they will use next year as they begin to learn how to play the recorders.
The third grade is excited about learning how to play their recorders. They have used their knowledge of reading notes /rests on the treble clef that they learned last year and are applying that knowledge when it comes to performing on the wind instrument that will lead to being in the Connors Band next year. The fourth grade has mastered note placement on the treble and bass clefs and now they are learning how to read notes on the treble and bass clef ledger lines. They have discovered that music has a pitch range much larger than just the ten lines and spaces on the treble and bass clefs. The fifth grade has started to learn about the extremely important subject of music history. From Bach (Baroque) to Beethoven (Romantic), they are discovering that music has a long history and that each period of music builds open the previous period. Soon it will be time to learn all about their favorite period, Rap music! The fourth and fifth grades are also learning how to play percussion instruments with various pop songs. Even though we are unable to play many other traditional band instruments due to Connors successful adherence to the CDC standards, we are making instrumental music a part of our daily music lessons. Nothing will stop Connors from Rockin!
Physical Education
Our 3rd quarter in Physical Education put an emphasis on cardiovascular health, locomotor movements, and working together. Our students at Connors did an excellent job applying the concepts from this unit to real-life situations. Each student at Connors can share with you how to manually check their heart rate while at rest and after a period of exercise. One of our major accomplishments was having our students gain an understanding of how practicing basic movements can lead to improvement in complex movements related to sports and everyday life. Our students learned the importance of sportsmanship and how working together to accomplish a common goal is imperative in life. Some of our favorite activities that students participated in were Mario-Kart tag, the Number Game, Continental Drift, and plenty of obstacle courses. Overall, our 3rd quarter in Physical Education had plenty of learning and a lot of fun along the way. I'm looking forward to the beautiful weather and the accomplishments that are coming in our 4th quarter!
Mandarin
During the third quarter, students in the Connors Mandarin program celebrated the Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival. Students learned the legend and culture of these two holidays through language learning and art and craft activities. Following the Chinese New Year, we celebrated the season of spring by exploring the nature’s offerings at this time. Students learned the vocabulary in Mandarin, such as spring, flower, bees, butterfly, caterpillar, tree, leaves, etc. Students also learned a poem about spring. At the end of the quarter, we started exploring countries of the world. Students are very excited to speak about their heritage by sharing the countries that their grandparents or great grandparents came from. Students mentioned 23 countries and these countries are located by students on the world map.
School-Wide Celebrations and Events
Read Across America
100th Day of School
Students at Connors were so excited for the 100th Day! Students made posters with 100 items, collected 100 items around their homes, and some even dressed like they were 100! Academic and other activities consisted of counting to 100, creating pictures with 100 squares, doing 100 exercises, etc. It was a wonderful day full of engaging learning activities that helped us to celebrate 100 days together. It has been the absolute pleasure of every teacher in our school to celebrate our students being 100 days smarter!
PTO Fruit Frenzy
The Connors PTO hosted a Canned Fruit Drive for the Hoboken Food Pantry! Our Connors PTO found out that there was a need for canned fruit at the Hoboken Food Pantry. Students brought canned fruit with them to school during the week of March 29th. Students were so excited to drop off their fruit cans daily after the morning announcements. At the end of the week, all of the fruit cans were brought to the food pantry by our Connors PTO. Thank you so much to all of our Connors parents who hosted this special food drive as we give back to our Hoboken Community!
Student of the month
All-Star Koala Faculty/Staff Member of the Week
The All-Star Koala Award is a new faculty and staff recognition program at Connors. This award is given weekly by a faculty/staff member to another faculty/staff member. Whoever receives the Koala trophy on Friday is responsible for awarding it to someone else the following week. The only criteria is to give it to someone who has done something to make Connors School a better place. This is a way that we can personally THANK the people that we work with. Weekly, each award winner also receives a prize donated by our Connors PTO. If you would like to donate prizes to our faculty/staff award winners, please reach out to our Connors PTO at connorspto@gmail.com