Mustang Tales
January 12, 2024 Vol. 19, Issue 3
Message from the Principal
Dear Families:
We're cruising through the second week back after the holidays, and wow, it's been a blast.
Our students are turning up the heat in class, even with the chilly weather outside. They're diving into their studies, getting lost in books, and scribbling away with pure joy. It's like a winter wonderland of learning!
To all of you Holiday Bingo readers out there, all completed Bingo boards are due no later than Tuesday for our party this next week.
First graders began Kidpower today. Kidpower is a local nonprofit that teaches students of all ages, the skills they need for developing strong relationships and the prevention of harm.
Second graders have become newscasters, using video prompters , microphones and a green screen to film newscasts to educate their classmates on government policies with the help of Ms. Bradbury.
We have no school on Monday as we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. day. Make sure your kiddos are wrapped up snugly to tackle our freezing weather.
Have a terrific three day weekend!
Maria
Important Dates
January 15: Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Day, No School
January 19: Fitness Friday
January 24: Late Start Wednesday, 10:00am
January 24: Superintendent Dorsey, Coffee and Talk, 8-10am, Adam's Mountain Cafe
January 25: New Student Open House
January 30: PAC Meeting, 5:15
MSES School Security Officer Day- Thank you, Mr. Ben!
Ask Your Experts
Kindergarten
Kindergarten mathematicians have finished comparing items that are shorter or longer, and items that are shorter or taller. We are now learning to compare weights of items. Kindergartners have been experimenting by comparing the weight of various items using balance scales. We have also learned to find items that are almost equal in weight. Ask your expert:
Does a marker or a stapler weigh more? (A stapler weighs more than a marker)
A glue stick weighs about the same as 7 red unifix cubes. How many blue unifix cubes do you need to equal a glue stick? (You still need seven unifix cubes. The color doesn’t matter)
Ask your expert to show you how to move their body like a balance scale.
Kindergartners are putting on their problem-solving detective hats this week. We helped Molly solve her problem when the sticks she had would not stand up for the fort she was building. We learned the three steps to solving problems.
Ask your expert:
What are the problem solving steps? (You have to figure out the problem, then you find a solution.
If the solution does not work you have to find more solutions.)
What is a solution? (A solution is an answer to a problem.)
What is Humpty Dumpty’s problem? (He had a great fall and broke.)
First Grade
Mr. Pletsch and Miss Carley:
First graders are learning all about what is outside of Earth’s atmosphere; outer space! We are having so much fun in our Astronomy domain. See if your little one is an expert on the following questions: What are some objects that you can see in the sky that are in Earth’s atmosphere? (Clouds, birds, airplanes, balloons, etc.) What are some objects that we can see from Earth, but are found in outer space? (The sun, stars, moon, planets) What is the sun and what is it made out of? (The sun is a star made out of gas) Even though the sun is very large in comparison to the Earth, why does it appear small? (Because the sun is very far away) How many Earths could fit inside of the sun? (One million!) What causes day and night? (The rotation of the Earth). Next week we will learn more about our moon and other celestial bodies in our solar system!
Second Grade
Reading- Our students have been exploring the magical world of fiction. They've been hard at work identifying important parts of the plot and delving into the intricate web of story elements. From understanding the setting to unraveling the characters' motivations, our 2nd graders are becoming skilled readers! A particular focus has been placed on the concept of characters having different perspectives. This important skill not only enhances their comprehension but also nurtures empathy and understanding. As they step into the shoes of characters, our young readers are gaining a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways people view the world.
Math- In math class, our 2nd graders are focusing on subtraction. They have showcased incredible prowess in solving problems with three digits. They are even regrouping in the tens and hundreds places.
Writing- Our 2nd graders have been editing their sentences. This essential step in the writing process not only refines their grammar and punctuation, but also fosters a keen eye for detail. The ability to edit is a valuable skill that will serve them well in their academic journey and beyond.
TEAMS
TEAMS- The students were well rested and happy to be back! This week in TEAMS students visited the library as books needed to be returned AND checked out after our long winter break. We will be purchasing more books for the library as well as ebooks shortly. Fourth and fifth graders have been graphing their Typing Pal scores for second quarter as we are watching them grow with consistent practice throughout the year. We will be starting a coding unit next week. Students get to reenact a real life video game and code each other through the game using "coding vocabulary." Stay tuned for pictures next week!
Fifth Grade Field Trip, Wolf Sanctuary
Tech Corner
Help Boost Kids' Safety, Privacy, and Security
When kids start to go online, whether they're playing multiplayer games, using educational apps, or just following their curiosity on Google, it's important that they understand the basics of online privacy and safety. With some general guidelines around what information is and isn't OK to share, and some help from parents when they're unsure, kids can have fun and learn a lot in the digital world.
Discuss personal vs. private info.
Talk about the difference between what's OK to share online (favorite color) and what's not (home address)
Use privacy settings.
Together, go through the settings on all new apps to make sure you both know what information your kids are sharing. Especially in the beginning, it's better to share very little
Avoid location tracking.
Location-aware apps can be super helpful. But apps that use a device's location to help people find your kid or offer them ads for nearby businesses should be used with caution. Turn them off if you can.
Power up passwords.
Work together with kids to help them come up with complex passwords. Think outside the dictionary. Use phrases and special characters that make passwords hard to guess but easy to remember. Remind kids to keep passwords private and change them regularly.
Skip quizzes.
Help kids identify and avoid clickbait, quizzes, special offers, and anything that asks for personal or private information. This helps keep information secure and devices safe.
Box Top Digital Earnings:............... 55.00
Box Top funds are used to support your students by purchasing supplies for classroom celebrations, games and outdoor activities, extra books for classroom libraries, and more. Download the Box Tops app today and start scanning your grocery receipts to help us keep learning fun at MSES!
Manitou Springs Elementary School
Maria Masone, Principal
Jennifer Sueppel, Assistant Principal
Website: mses.mssd14.org
Location: 110 Pawnee Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO, 80829 USA
Phone: 719-685-2195
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Manitou-Springs-Elementary-212896538758987/