December 2017
Monthly Theme: Compassion
Principal's Message
Greetings Fir Grove Families!
This is an exciting time of year— students tend to feel a sense of comfort with a couple of months under their belt, routines are established, and students are fully immersed in the “learning mode.”
For reading, BSD is in its second year of using the Independent Reading Level Assessment (IRLA) to understand every child's strengths and areas of growth in reading. IRLA tells us the highest "level" of text a student can read by themselves without any support or help. Each level is connected to the Common Core State Standards and in order to move up levels, students need to demonstrate proficiency in key standards and power goals. This is a powerful differentiated instructional tool that you may have heard about at conferences.
As for math, BSD’s math cadre and project team were purposeful in maintaining the adoption of Eureka Math/Engage NY that is aligned with Common Core Standards while also co-adopting Contexts for Learning by Cathy Fosnot (https://www.heinemann.com/contextsforlearning/) to use in a math workshop model. No one resource will meet the needs of all students, so by providing multiple resource, teachers will be better able to be responsive to students varying needs.
The structure of a math workshop is as follows:
Here are a few math revolution-inspiring talks that have changed the district’s way of thinking about math instruction:
- Jo Boaler’s 2nd TED talk also well worth your time! Believe in your math potential. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al6gO9SLqBY
- Jo Boaler’s 1st TED Talk: How you can be good at math, and other surprising facts about learning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3icoSeGqQtY
- Why a math revolution? (2 min) https://www.youcubed.org/resources/why-a-math-revolution/
- Dan Meyer’s TED talk about how to change math textbooks to improve students learning. (It is 12 minutes, but it is worth it) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlvKWEvKSi8
Regards,
Erin Miles
Upcoming Events
1-15 All School Sock Drive
5 Fun Run Prize Assembly, 8:30 pm
5 PTO Meeting, 7:00 pm
13 Vision Screening
14 Music Performance 1st & 4th Grades, 6:30 pm
20 All-School Sing Along
21-Jan 3 No School/Winter Break
One page calendar of major events at Fir Grove here. It is also on our website under Calendar on the Fir Grove website calendar here.
Be Here on Time and Get a FREE Bike!
- School starts at 8:00!
- Students are tardy if they arrive after the 8:00 bell.
Students in grades 3-5 will have their chance to win a free bike in March. Look for more details to come.
We are partnering with Washington County Bicycle Transportation Coalition and the Adopt-A-Bike Program.
Music Notes
December Music Notes
Fir Grove’s fall music concert is coming up on Thursday, December 14th at 6:30pm and our 1st and 4th graders are practicing diligently. We warmly invite all to attend!
The following are a few of the songs you can expect to hear at the concert. If you know a 1st or 4th grader, please share the following links with them so they can practice at home. A few of these songs are new additions to the song lyrics page on the Fir Grove Music Room website. Children of all ages may be interested in singing them:
1st Grade
Over the River and Through the Wood
4th Grade
And more…
See you soon!
Jen Mohr Colett
Compassion in Action @ Fir Grove
Sock Drive!
Student Led Dog Drive
If you would like to donate to her Dog Drive there is a donation box set up in Mrs. Donnelly's Kindergarten Room. You can also donate online through Amazon here.
Home School Connection Tips & Information
Inclement Weather Information: School Closures
Beaverton AVID Portland State University College Information Night!
Beaverton AVID Portland State University College Information Night! Thursday, December 14th 6:00-7:30 @ Beaverton High School-Library
Come hear Portland State University students share their experiences and insights of their college journey.
Beaverton AVID in partnership with PSU Student Leaders for Service and the Student Community Engagement Center will be hosting a PSU College Information Night for AVID Middle School and High School scholars and their families. All students and families are welcome to attend this evening program.
Oregon College Savings Plan Info
Approved Community Flyers for Activities
Mission Statement
Our Fir Grove community believes that by working together to create meaningful relationships, honor differences, and encourage excellence, students will develop a lifelong curiosity and joy of learning.
Fir Grove Elementary
Office Hours: 7:30-3:30
Email: FRGRV-Communications@beaverton.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/schools/fir-grove
Location: 6300 Southwest Wilson Avenue, Beaverton, OR, United States
Phone: 503-356-2110
Facebook: facebook.com/FirGroveElementaryPrincipal