Edgewood's Tiger Talk
May 18, 2018
1st Grade Readers
K4--Mis-Match Day
3rd Grade Scientists
Notes from the Principal
Summer is fast approaching. You're probably working to figure out how to keep your kids busy from June 11th through September 3rd. It's important for them to have time to play and be outside. And, we also want to do what we can to prevent "the summer slide".
The summer slide is a common regression in reading skills that occurs over the summer. Many kids go from practising reading daily for 9 months to not practising much at all. When that happens, their skills are weakened, and they come back to school in September with weaker skills than they had when they left in June. It's just like working out; if I take a break from running for a few months, I won't be able to pick up right where I left off.
As children develop, we want to avoid slipping back. Here are some things that you might do to help your child stay in the practice of reading over the summer:
- Set a goal of reading 6 books over the summer. Some research has shown that reading 6 books over the summer can keep progress steady.
- Make a calendar, and put a check mark after you read something each day. It could be reading the newspaper together in the morning, reading through a magazine, a book--anything!
- Go to the Greenfield Public Library: Check out the summer reading club! http://www.greenfieldlibrary.org/ (Click on the Kids tab)
- In lieu of homework, read aloud to your child each night. Even older kids like it! Pick out a chapter book and read one chapter a night.
- Are you a Badger Sports Fan? Check out the Bucky's Summer Reading Challenge. If you read enough, you can get a free ticket to a game in the fall! https://gallery.mailchimp.com/19a0006c54d15e361721de493/files/1056f08e-745e-4957-ba9b-4e9a6be72379/Summer_Reading_Program.compressed.02.pdf
- Sign up for Summer School in Greenfield. Here is the link with information: http://greenfield.schooldesk.net/Departments/Curriculum-Assessment-and-Instruction/Summer-School
Field Day
Click the link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080a44aba72aa7f49-edgewood. Thank you!
Science!!!
Art Update from Mrs. Nolan
A big thank you to those families that helped support our fundraiser for the Art classroom. It was a great success. Hope you enjoy your unique items for years to come.
Our 5th and 3rd grade art classes truly engaged in their Milwaukee Art Museum field trips. For some students this was a first time seeing this local treasure. We toured the museum in small groups and explored some on our own. Each student took away appreciation and amazement at the endless creative, awesome art on display. My hope is that families will continue taking advantage of this opportunity to learn, enjoy and explore. Don't forget the free passes each family received.
Finally, our 5th grade artist are completing the project based on Betty Edwards, "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain". Students drew line drawings turning the image and their paper upside down!! This forces the brain to utilize it's right side, which is the visual, spatial side of the brain. Look at the incredible results! Have your child teach you this method. You'll be surprised!
Music Update from Mrs. McClanahan
Here we are at the end of another year and in music that means "you get to be the teacher". In 2nd-5th grades students fill out a form to be the teacher; they choose a couple of their favorite songs, decide on a question to ask the class (that a teacher would ask), and then choose some friends to help them accompany the song on instruments while the rest of the class sings along. Many students enjoy the chance to be in charge while others respectfully decline, but it allows me to gather information on what they have learned during the year. It always amazes me to see the growth in their abilities from second grade to fifth grade! 5K and 1st grade will be enjoying some of my favorite singing stories for the remainder of the year, so there is fun in store for all grade levels.
Class Placement for Next Year
In the next few weeks, we will be working on class placements for the 18-19 school year. If you have something you'd like me to take into consideration, please send me an email (mboyd@greenfield.k12.wi.us), a note, or give me a call no later than 5/20. Please note that requests from previous years are not saved, so even if you've shared something in the past, please share it again.
5th Grade Parents
Camp GMS, which is an excellent opportunity for incoming 6th grade students to get to know Greenfield Middle School before the school year begins. Students should come to Camp ready to learn more about GMS, participate in some fun activities, and enjoy a mid-morning snack. There is no need for students to bring any school materials with them; just wear comfortable clothes and prepare to have fun!
Please make note of the important information below:
DATE: Monday, August 27th
TIME: 8:00AM-12:00PM
LOCATION: Greenfield Middle School
3200 W. Barnard Ave
Students should arrive to the middle school by 8:00 am and be picked up at 12:00 pm. Drop-off and pick-up location will be at the main entrance of the middle school building. If you have any questions please call the Greenfield MS main office at (414) 281-3314.
Fill out this form if you'd like your kids to attend Camp GMS this year. It's a great way to help your child transition to middle school! https://goo.gl/forms/zWO1Q3ko4F81KbSC3
Know any kids who will be in K4 next year? Or have new kids in the neighborhood?
Do you have a child who will be in K4 in the fall? Do you know anyone who will? Or see new kids in the neighborhood? Please encourage them to enroll early. This helps us to have the right staffing to meet student needs. You can enroll by:
1) Visiting the District Office located at: 4850 S. 60th St., Greenfield, WI 53220
2) Visiting the District Website: http://greenfield1.schooldesk.net/Parents/Enrollment-Information
EHSA Update
Now is a great time to get involved! Our June meeting will be very important. For the events we run (dances, field trip sponsoring, event sponsoring, breakfasts, etc.), we need parent volunteers. Many of our parents currently involved have 4th and 5th graders. You may be able to be an officer, you may be able to run/chair/assist with one event--come to the June meeting to see how you might be able to support the work.
Looking ahead:
June 12th 6:30 PM EHSA Meeting: EHSA Board Elections and planning beginning of the year events
Teacher Appreciation Week Thank you!
This is amazing! Oh my gosh! We are so spoiled! Did you see the chalk? This is delicious! How thoughtful!
These are just SOME of the comments expressed by teachers last week during Teacher Appreciation Week. From the daily fun treats and chalk on the sidewalk that EHSA organized, to the incredible amount of food that was brought in by families, our teachers felt loved. Thank YOU for all that you did to help show thanks to our staff. Know that teachers were touched and appreciate the kind gestures greatly.
Earn money for our EHSA when you shop on Amazon!
Upcoming Dates
5/25: No School, Professional Learning
5/28: No School, Memorial Day
6/7: Field Day--Volunteers Needed--See sign-up link above
6/7: Last Day of School for K4
6/8: Last Day of School (Early Release @ 1:26)