News from Mrs. Drudy's Class
We exist so children can excel.
The Week at a Glance
Weekly Concept: Plant Myths and Facts
Essential Question: What do myths help us understand?
Next week our class will be focusing on plant myths and facts. We’ll learn how plants keep our world working.
Spelling Phonics Words:
Syllabication—Closed and Open Syllables
1. pencil
2. magnet
3. publish
4. supper
5. letter
6. lady
7. gravy
8. solo
9. open
10. odor
11. lead
12. touch
13. door
14. front
15. someone
Challenge Words
16. painter
17. crayon
18. pavement
19. parade
20. obey
Click here for practice with the Unit 6 Week 1 spelling words.
e-Learning Day
As you are keenly aware, we are holding our 2nd e-Learning Day on Friday. By now, you should have already received the online agenda for this day, which contains links to various learning sites/lessons, as well as PDF copies of the documents which were already sent home in the e-Learning Ziploc bags. Remember, these assignments must be completed for your child to be counted as in attendance for this day. As always, I don't want these activities to cause stress for the students...or for their families. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions about the assignments. I will be available via e-mail at tammy.drudy@uc.k12.in.us from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Remember, these assignments are due Thursday, April 25.
Summer School
There are still a few spots at the "Camping Out"-themed Summer School program for incoming 2nd and 3rd graders. It will run May 29-June 11 from 8:00-12:00. If you'd like me to send another registration form home, please let me know.
Plant Life Cycles Continued
We are full-out horticulturalists! Be sure to ask your child about our "Garden in a Glove" project, the seed dissection lab, and the pollination simulation. How on Earth can juice boxes and cheese balls help to simulate this all-important event in nature, anyway? We are DOING science in Room # 11. Make sure you check out some of the action shots in our photos below.
Social Studies: Economics Wrap Up
Our study trip to the Bath State Bank was the perfect culmination to our economics study. The learning that goes on during this field trip is beyond compare. The learning stations that the bank put on for us on Wednesday had our learners completely captivated. Be sure to ask your child about the real check that (s)he had the opportunity to cash and how we were able to follow that check as it moved through the check reader. They also were able to see a stack of $100 bills that equaled $10,000!!!! I'd be rich if I had a dollar for every time I heard a student exclaim, "Wow!"
Today's Lockdown Drill
Explaining a lockdown drill to my young students is one of the most difficult things I do as a teacher. However, as young as they are, they respond better when they know the reasons and facts behind these drills. In advance of drills such as this, we've discussed that when the doors are locked and it's quiet in the room, whoever the dangerous person is might try to get into the rooms, but if we stay quiet, they will think that the room is empty and they won't try to come in and will move on. I do my best not to instill fear in the students, and while I know it's important to explain the “why” of a lockdown drill, it is best to focus more heavily on the “how.” In a heartbreaking kind of way, you would've been extremely proud of our students as they practiced a drill put in place to enhance their sense of safety.
mClass Reading Assessments
On Monday, we started our end of the year one-on-one reading assessments. Even though these tests are very time-intensive, they are one of my favorite things to do. You see, I have confirmation of what I've known all along: These kiddos are showing amazing growth in the area of reading. They are shifting from learning to read to reading to learn, and, as their teacher, it is oh so rewarding to observe. Once all of the test wrap up, which likely won't be for a couple of weeks (yes, it takes that long), look for your child's results to come home in the Friday folder.
Next Week's Share Topic: Earth Day
Earth Day is on Monday. Share at least one thing that you and your family are doing or could start doing to help save the earth. The eLearning assignment will serve as a good springboard for your discussions...not to mention a handy-dandy prop for your presentation. Be ready and be prepared!
Pinwheels for Prevention®
Have you noticed the pinwheels all around town? In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the pinwheel as the new national symbol for child abuse prevention through Pinwheels for Prevention®. What their research showed, and what our experiences since then have borne out, is that "people respond to the pinwheel. By its very nature, the pinwheel connotes whimsy and childlike notions. In essence, it has come to serve as the physical embodiment, or reminder, of the great childhoods we want for all children." (Prevent Child Abuse Delaware County) Be sure to check out the student renditions of the Pinwheels for Prevention® in the photo below.
Timelines!
Has your child started his or her timeline yet? Students have been reminded that all timelines are due on Monday, April 29. I've cautioned the children about procrastination...even though I can oftentimes be the worst offender. :-) I do want to stress that this is not an optional assignment, and since it is a social studies learning standard, it will count as a large portion of your child's social studies grade this nine-weeks. Please let me know if I can help out with supplies in any way (beyond the banner-style paper that was sent several weeks ago). I am happy to loan any supplies that might be needed.
Related Arts Schedule
Monday: Art
Tuesday: P.E.*
Wednesday: P.E.*
Thursday: P.E.*
Friday: Music and Library
*Gym shoes required on these days
Coming Up:
Monday, April 22: Snow Make Up Day (School in Session)
Tuesday, April 23: School Smiles Mobile Dentist program
Thursday, April 25: eLearning completed assignments due
Monday April 29: Book Timeline Project Due
2nd Graders at Bath State Bank
Garden in a Glove
When will it germinate?
Dissecting Seeds
Inspector Perry
Responsibility Extraordinaire
Pinwheels for Prevention
Meeting the President
Look Who Elly Found
Signing Sariah
About Us
Email: tammy.drudy@uc.k12.in.us
Website: http://www.uc.k12.in.us/liberty-elementary/liberty-elementary/
Location: 501 Eaton St, Liberty, IN, United States
Phone: 765-458-5521