Martin's Memos
Volume 1, Issue 30: April 27, 2018
This Week
Parents,
Please read through this newsletter and let me know if you have any comments or questions. Pay special attention to the baseball ticket information, the art project money needed, the upcoming optional student-led end of year conferences, and the updated Chromebook Agreement.
Have a great weekend!
Thanks!
-Ms. Kate Martin
80% of the survey respondents chose June 20th for our group date.
- Reading program students/parents/educators will meet towards left field (back where the flag comes out) 40 minutes before game time.
- Parade will enter in through back gate
- Parade starts 30 minutes before the game starts
- Parents/educators allowed on field with students for the parade
As of this morning, SECTION 102, Rows 7-10 had many available seats for the June 20th game. If you are coming on this date - try to choose seats in this area.
This is the website to order tickets: https://groupmatics.events/group/readingprogram8
If you cannot attend our group date - that's OK! You can go anytime that fits for your family. However, please note that you must purchase a ticket by April 30th.
Inaugural Year Art Project
We are asking that parents send in a $3 donation per student to offset the costs associated with purchasing the tiles and other paint/sealant materials. Please send in the money by May 3rd.
Pictures of the Week
Proud Teacher Moments!
This week:
- John: Thank you for sharing about your geode! I LOVE rocks and we loved seeing your passion for it!
- Reiss: You showed a lot of perseverance and grit with your cursive this week and I'm very proud of you.
- Aly: Thank you for always striving to be the BEST version of YOU. You are a tireless worker that is always looking for growth!
Topics:
Writing & Reading: This week we have been working on how to complete a "text-dependent analysis" - this involved reading a passage and then being able to clearly explain an answer to a prompt related to a concept from the passage.
Math: Purple: We are working on extending our understanding with above grade level math. Blue: We continued unit 8 -Geometry! Orange: We continued Unit 8 on Measurement and Geometry.
Science: We continued our FOSS unit on Environments this week. The students observed isopods (rolly-polly bugs!) and experimented with creating the ideal environment for the organisms.
Enrichment:Students started their 6th enrichment project. Check it out here.
mSTEP and MAP Test Prep continued!
Looking Forward to Next Week
Topics:
MAP Tests on Tuesday and Thursday!
Writing & Reading: We started a group research project and will be learning about how to explore and interpret art related to our reading.
Math: Mstep and MAP review
Science: We will continue a FOSS unit on environments.
Enrichment: We will continue our 6th enrichment project.
mSTEP Prep Continued....
Standardized Testing Dates
MAP Testing is NEXT WEEK! I'm hoping for 100% attendance!
5/1/18: Reading MAP
5/3/18: Math MAP
5/8/18: Reading m-STEP
5/10/18: Math m-STEP
All tests will be done in the morning. For the m-STEP only the GT 3rd graders will be testing in Ms. Gierman's room and the GT 4th graders will be testing in my room.
Optional Student-Led End of Year Conferences
To summarize and reflect on our year, the students will prepare to lead an end-of-year conference. This is an optional conference for you to attend, however I believe it will be a fantastic opportunity for your child to share their strengths, areas for improvement, favorite assignments/projects/products and goals for the future. If you choose not to sign up, please email me and I can send home the sheet for your child to do the conference at home on their own.
Updated Chromebook Agreement
Parents: Please look in your child's Friday Folder for an updated Chromebook Agreement. Although everyone signed Avondale's Technology Policy document at the beginning of the year, I am seeing some concerns pop up recently regarding the students' use of the Chromebooks and Google. Please sign and return the sheet in your child's Friday Folder and return by Monday. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Chromebook Agreements
I agree to use the chromebook at school for educational purposes only.
I understand that this means I cannot go on other gaming or other websites unless my teacher has given permission.
I agree to use the Google Apps appropriately.
I understand this means that I should not email at all.
The only exception is if I am sharing a school-related document with a classmate or parent using the “share” feature.
I understand that I should not email my parents or classmates.
I understand that if I want to send emails, I need to create my own personal email account with my parent’s permission at home.
I understand that I am not allowed to use the comments or chat features, nor should anyone comment on my documents unless my teacher has given permission.
I understand that if I am working in a group, I am required to share the doc or slides with all of my teammates. This means they should always have editing access.
I understand I should not create any documents or slides on Google that are not related to schoolwork or assignments.
The use of Avondale’s chromebooks is a privilege that I must take seriously. I agree and understand that if I do not follow these agreements, I will not be allowed to use the chromebook for a minimum of one week.
Self-Reflective Learning: Organization
This week we discussed GRIT. We learned:
- We have grit when we are presented with an perceived obstacle that is difficult to overcome. We use GRIT when we continue trying, pushing, persevering and persisting even if it's difficult.
- We need GRIT if we are to learn new, challenging concepts in and out of the classroom.
Late Work
A late work policy will begin January 8th for my classroom. Students will receive -%5 off for each day any homework or project is turned in more than a day late. This means students will get a 1 day grace period. For example: If a project was due on Tuesday but was turned in on Thursday, it would be -5% off of the grade they earned. Keep in mind, absences a different situation. Students receive one day extra time for each day they are absent.
General Information
- Homework
-Independent Reading: Minimum 20 minutes
-Literature Circles: Reading and "job"
Math:
-Daily math homework M-Th
-www.khanacademy.com/mappers
- Please check your child's agenda nightly by initialing under "Parent Signature". I will also initial it in the morning to confirm they have written the correct information down.
- Friday Folders: They were sent home today! Please take out all the sheets and return the folder MONDAY.
- Bagel Sales! Pre-Order on Wednesdays of each week. All varieties cost $1, cash only. Bagels are delivered on Fridays.
- Order online at www.scholastic.com and use our class code R3CHK if you need books!
Upcoming Important Dates
4/27 Talent Show @ 6:30
5/1-5/10 MAP/mSTEP Testing Window
5/8 Art Show/Ice Cream Social @ 6-7:30
5/11 1/2 Day
5/28 Memorial Day - No School
6/14 1/2 Day
6/15 1/2 Day - Last Day of School
Content Relevant Video
Contact Me
Email: kate.martin@avondale.k12.mi.us
Website: katemartingt.weebly.com
Location: 6465 Livernois Road, Troy, MI 48098, United States
Phone: (248) 537-6900