2021-2022 Newsletter
Ms. Vest's Class - Midtown Elementary
Upcoming Events
September 9 - Fall Pictures
Sept 20 - 30 - PTA Fundraiser
October 1 - End of 1st Nine Weeks.
October 4-8 - Fall Break!
For full calendar of events, see: https://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/Page/30#calendar17/20210809/month
ELA News
Unit 1 Skills (9 August - 20 September):
Comprehension Strategies
- Story Elements: characters, sequencing events, identifying problem & solution, cause & effect
- Recognizing the author's point of view
- Identifying Non-Fiction Text Features: Illustrations
Vocabulary Strategies:
- Greek & Latin Roots
- Homographs (bow, beat, second, rock)
- Idioms (http://www.smart-words.org/quotes-sayings/idioms-meaning.html)
- Context Clues: using clues within the sentence
Grammar Skills:
- Complete Sentences & Fragments
- Subjects & Predicates
- Simple, Compound & Complex Sentences
Oral Fluency Skills:
- Using appropriate phrasing and expression when reading aloud
Writing Skill:
- Narrative Writing
We will continue our first novel study, Wonder by R.J. Palacio. It is a realistic fiction novel. We have one class set that will be shared amongst all three core classes. If you prefer, you may purchase a personal copy for your child.
Skills will be taught from this text and supplemental Wonders texts over the next six weeks.
Greek & Latin Roots: Each week, students will study six Greek and Latin roots. Students will be assessed on these roots used within words and sentences each Friday.
NEXT Week's Roots:
aud (to hear/listen), de (reverse), hydro (water), cardio (heart), duct (to lead), quad (four)
Examples: audio, deduct, hydrate, cardiologist, conduct, quadrilateral
Important Dates
Each Friday - Schoology assignment and Greek/Latin root quiz
Chromebook Expectations
Students are expected to charge their chromebook nightly. We do not have enough outlets for students to safely charge their chromebooks here at school. A Dojo (unprepared) point will be taken for arriving at school without a charged Chromebook.
Do not tamper with or remove the protective plastic casing on the Chromebook.
Students are responsible for both their charger and chromebook. They should bring their chromebook to school each day in their backpack. It is fine to leave the charger at home since students are not permitted to charge at school anyway.
Please discourage your child from personalizing their chromebook. This includes downloading screensavers, changing the background on apps, etc.
Students are not allowed to do anything to damage their chromebooks, including decorating them with stickers.
What should my child be doing for homework?
1) Finish any incomplete classwork.
2) Study Greek/Latin roots for Friday's test. (in reading notebook)
3) Weekly Schoology assignments. (due each Friday)
4) Study grammar notes/practice sheets (in binder)
5) READ and practice comprehension skills with student's chosen book (notes in reading notebook)
Once laptops are distributed, all students will have a Schoology assignment that must be completed by Friday. They will be given time at school to complete it if time or accessibility is an issue at home.
Please help your child start to develop good habits to practice, study, and reach each night that will carry on through middle and high school.
*If you would like additional practice or homework, please let me know. We have supplemental materials that can be provided.
Daily Schedule
7:45-8:15 PE
8:15-9:45 Core 1 Class
9:45-10:15 Specials (Art/Music, Library, Counseling, Spanish)
10:15-11:45 Core 2 Class
11:50-12:20 Recess
12:20-12:50 Lunch
12:50-2:20 Core 3 Class
2:20-2:40 Pack up & Dismissal
Snacks & Water Policy:
Students are encouraged to bring water bottles with PLAIN (non-flavored, non-carbonated) water. Healthy snacks (peanut/tree nut-free) are also allowed.
Classroom Wish List
Ms. Vest
Sign up for Class Dojo:
Ms. Vest's Homeroom - https://www.classdojo.com/invite/?c=CALGD6Q
Email: savest@madisoncity.k12.al.us
Website: https://al50000433.schoolwires.net/Domain/2325
Location: 140 Coefer Blvd, Madison, AL, USA
Phone: 256-837-1189
Twitter: @msvestsclass