GJM GLOWS AND GROWS
April 2021
Spring Has Sprung...
We are beginning our STAAR testing season. Fourth Grade will take the STAAR writing the first week in April. Please make sure your child gets a full night's rest and eats a good healthy breakfast. STAAR for reading and math for third and fourth grade will be in May. If your child asks about STAAR or is concerned about it, please let them know we will be using this as a tool to help us teach them better.
We have a very important FAMILY MEETING on April 15. We will be showcasing your students' work and discussing what fun activities we have in the works. Please plan to attend through ZOOM. We will send the link out through social media and to your email.
If your child is bored in the car, or bored while you are cooking dinner, help them to realize math is everywhere. While you are cooking, you can review fractions with your students. Most recipes have fractions. Or if you are measuring for new carpet or new flooring, have your child help and learn to read the fractions on the tape measure or ruler. Your student can always make flash cards, have them put the problem on the front then the answer on the back of an index card. You can get two problems per index card if you cut them in half. While driving, your students can add or subtract the numbers on the license plates. Practicing math daily for 20 minutes will help your students.
NURSE NEWS by: NURSE HANDLEY
Please notify Nurse Handley when your child is ill. Together, we will determine if your child has a possible COVID symptom as defined by the IISD COVID plan and the date when your child may return to school.
In March, we talked about safety in our daily Health Tips. One of our tips was that when riding in a car the safest place for all children is in the back seat, buckled up. Nearly 60% of students are not buckled up appropriately. Stage 1 - Infants and toddlers in rear facing car seat, or until they reach the height and weight. Stage 2 - forward facing car seat with a harness, any child that has out grown the weight and height limit. Stage 3 - Forward facing/belt positioning booster seat, remain until seat belt fits appropriately, typically at 4 feet 9 inches and between the ages of 8 and 12. Stage 4- Use seat belt with lap and shoulder strap, when big enough. Children below 13 should be in the backseat.
TITLE 1 MEETING and STUDENT SHOWCASE APRIL 15th, 9:00am and or 6:30pm on ZOOM
SPRING TIME WELL BEING
- Focus on positives
- Make physical activity part of your routine
- Encourage play using imagination
- Explore the great outdoors, watch for snakes
- Do something for someone else
- Have family time where you are all unplugged
Good Friends...
Counselor News by: Mrs. Jimenez
Helpful Tips to Share with Your Child (During a Test):
Read the directions carefully.
Budget your test taking time.
Relax when feeling stressed, stop and take a couple of deep breaths. Stretch your legs or your position. Think about something that makes you happy. Try your test again.
Get Unstuck: If you go blank, skip the question and go on. Come back to it later!
Don't panic when students start handing in their papers. Everyone finishes at their own pace and it doesn’t matter who finishes first. There's no reward for finishing first.
Multiple-Choice Tests: Think of your own answer first before looking at the choices provided. Or eliminate two answers immediately to narrow your choices.
Positive Self Talk such as: I can do this, I am smart, I will try my best. A positive attitude goes a long way.
Do your Best: Make sure you are doing your best work on your test. Think clearly, read carefully, and put forth your best effort.