Jackson Update
Monthly update of the happenings within the AST classroom
Mission Statement
The mission of Helen Keller Elementary School is to establish and maintain an educational community that empowers all students to become principled, independent inquirers who are socially responsible global citizens.
February
Math is just as important as reading. It is incorporated into our everyday lives, even if we don't realize it. This month I will be incorporating ways for you to help your child increase their math skills with some very basic activities that you can do at home or while in the car.
XTRAMath
This week the students who are working on math calculation will all be given an account for an online program called XTRAMath. This is a website that the students can use to work on their basic math fact skills. On Thursday I will send home a parent letter explaining how to use the program and the students individual code to log in.
Car Activities
While in the car see how many math facts your child can do while stopped at a red light. You can either come up with facts yourself using addition, subtraction, multiplication or division or use dice. There is a great dice app that is free that you can download on a phone and have your child roll the dice and then either add, subtract, multiply or divide the numbers that are rolled. This is a great way to help your child become faster and more fluent with their basic facts.
February in the AST room
During our writing groups this month we have really been working on putting more details in our writing. One activity we did was writing a detailed sentence about what we loved learning. The students will continue to work on creating exciting sentences with amazing detail.
Oakland Schools
Another great resource that we have locally is out at Oakland Schools. They not only are available for questions but also run classes to help you understand what is going on in your child's IEP world. Check out their site and see what Oakland Schools has to offer.
Acronyms
Acronyms are used in our everyday language. Acronyms such as LOL, 24/7 and ASAP are just a few of the common acronyms you might use daily. Since these acronyms are used daily we are familiar with their meaning. During your child's special education meeting acronyms are also being thrown around. To help guide you through the Special Education acronym world each week I will include three new acronyms to help you understand what we are talking about at your child's next IEP.
FAPE
Free Appropriate Public Education: FAPE is an educational right of children with disabilities in the United States that is guaranteed by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
FTE
Full Time Equivalency: Is the amount of time a student will spend either in general education or special education.
IDEA
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: IDEA was originally enacted by Congress in 1975 to ensure that children with disabilities have the opportunity to receive a free appropriate public education, just like other children.
Great Reading and Math resource
Moby Max is a great website to help your child work on their reading, math and vocabulary skills. I have set up an account for each student that is tailored to each of their individual needs and their IEP goals. Please have your child visit the website.
WWW.mobymax.com
School Code: Mi5305
Username: First name
Password: First name
Tiffany Jackson
Email: jacksont@royaloakschools.org
Website: http://jacksonastkeller.weebly.com
Location: 1505 N Campbell Rd, Royal Oak, MI, United States
Phone: (248) 542-6500
Upcoming Events for February
February 1 - Start of 2nd semester
February 3 - Late Start
February 10 - Late Start / Count Day
February 15-16 - Winter Break
February 24 - Late Start