We will be celebrating Read Across America at Chapel Hill March 1st - 5th. Read Across America is the nation's largest celebration of reading designed to encourage reading in children. Students are encouraged to participate in the dress up days below:

Monday, 3/1 - Cozy Up with a Good Book (wear comfy clothes)

"Two"sday, 3/2 - Dynamic Duo Day (dress like a friend)

Wednesday, 3/3 - Reading Takes You Places (wear clothing with a place/destination or favorite college on it)

Thursday, 3/4 - Reading Makes Us Bright (wear bright colors)

Friday 3/5 - Read Across America (wear red, white, & blue)

Some ways to encourage reading at home include keeping easy access to books (keep them in the car and in every room of the house), picking up a variety of books from the library, modeling good reading habits by reading yourself, reading aloud to your children no matter their age, and having your child read aloud to you!

We are now accepting enrollments for our Chapel Hill 2021 Summer School Program! This program is designed for key skill improvement in reading and math and engagement through blended and project-based learning activities.

In-Person and Virtual Opportunities Available!

Session 1: June 1st-24th (In-Person or Virtual)

Session 2: July 6th-29th (Virtual Only)

All students are invited to summer school, but teachers have also made individual student recommendations for summer school. If your child has been recommended for summer school, he/she will bring home a personalized invite in the next few days.

Please enroll online in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. To begin enrollment, log in to the Parent Portal and click Summer Selection on the left side.

If your student will attend summer school in-person for the June session, please use the link below to let us know how he/she will dismiss each day. Please complete this form even if you haven't enrolled through PowerSchool yet.

Questions? Contact the Chapel Hill Office (816)321-5040

Students have been working hard this school year. In place of our typical springtime student led conferences, students are preparing to share some of their work with you in a showcase during the flex learning time on Wednesday, March 24th. Teachers will hold office hours on Microsoft Teams on that day from 4:00-5:00pm if you would like to connect with them as well. This is a good opportunity to see what your child is working on in the classroom and to help them set goals and plan to reach those goals. Further information will come home from your child's teacher as time gets closer.

The district-wide Major Saver campaign will begin March 16th and it will run through April 6th. Chapel Hill will kick off with a digital assembly on March 16th. The cards will be $15. Major Saver cards can be purchased via cash, check, or online. March 22nd will be the first day to turn in money, with the final collection day being April 6th. Please be watching for your child's fundraiser packet that will come home on March 16th for more details.

March 3rd - Early Dismissal 2:10 pm

March 9th - PTA General Meeting, 6:30 pm, Microsoft Teams

March 10th - Early Dismissal 2:10 pm

March 11th - PTA Trash bag fundraiser pick up, 4:30-7:00 pm, Chapel Hill front foyer

March 15th - March 28th Chapel Hill Spring Book Fair, virtual

March 16th - District Wide Major Saver Fundraiser Kick Off

March 17th - Early Dismissal 2:10 pm

March 24th - Early Dismissal 2:10 pm

March 26th - Last Day of Third Quarter

March 29th - April 2nd - Spring Break, No School K-12

April 5th - Fourth Quarter Begins

April 6th - Final Day to turn in Major Saver orders

As our days get a little brighter each day, so do our kindergarteners!

In Reader’s Workshop for the month of March, we will be selecting a topic to research. Students will use their schema to ask questions and investigate while reading to find the answers to their questions. We will end the unit by organizing our information to share with others.

In Writer’s Workshop we will work on finishing up our How-To books and publishing them digitally to share with the world. We will begin our immersion of Personal Narratives, list the characteristics of a Personal Narratives and brainstorm topics for our own Personal Narrative books.

In Math we are wrapping up Unit 6 in Math where we focused on Number Writing (0-20), Addition and subtraction story problems, 2D shapes, measuring weight (heavier and lighter) as well as identifying ways to tell time.

In Science we have wrapped up our living things unit and now plan to plant a seed to study how plants grow. We can’t wait to share our observations during the Spring Student Showcase at the end of the month.

Please continue to work with your student each night to read their guided reading book, practice flashcards and counting to 100 by tens and ones. Thank you for your continued support at home!

It has been wonderful getting to see our students learn and grow each day!

Kindergarten Teachers,

Mrs. Andersen

Ms. Greer

Mrs. Tjelle

Mrs. Watt

First graders have been working hard in their classrooms this month. In writing, students are finishing typing our Question and Answer books using Book Creator. Students did such a great job researching their topic, planning out their books, then typing it out.

In reading, students are continuing to work on using key details to understand their fiction stories, looking deeper at our characters, setting, problem, and solution. We are also looking at our character’s adventures and experiences in our books.

In math, students will explore the defining and nondefining attributes of 2-dimensional shapes. They will also work on telling time to the nearest hour using an analog and digital clock. First graders will also continue exploring relationships between addition and subtraction.

In science, we are continuing our exploration on living and nonliving things. What do they need to survive? What are the parts of a plant?

Happy March birthdays to: Quinten Brandt, Island Burns, Chloe Busby, Gabriel Elliott, Ian Koelzer, Mauricio Rojas, Nora Slattery.

We would like to welcome Kenji Jano and Paige McCloud to Chapel Hill.

Mrs. Behrendt, Mrs. Drambour, Mrs. Parra, Ms. Whiting

Second graders have been working so hard this winter! We are so proud of the hard work our students did during our Virtual Learning Snow Days! That was a challenging situation, and they rose to the occasion! We are so proud of how independent these second graders are becoming!

In reading, we wrapped up our study of nonfiction books in mid-February and moved back to fiction books. We spent some time thinking deeply about characters by analyzing their traits, reactions, and feelings. We used clues from the words and the pictures to help us determine the traits of the main characters in familiar books. Knowing their traits helps us predict how they will react to challenges and understand why they react the way they do. We are working hard to become deep-thinkers as we read, instead of hurrying through the words in our books.

In writing, we are wrapping up our All About Books writing unit. Students are writing detailed books that teach about a topic. We have learned to research and cite our sources, and have focused on including extra information in various non-fiction text features throughout our books. Our next writing unit will be an “open genre” unit where students will have the opportunity to choose their genre and topic. This will be an excellent chance to practice some of the writing skills we’ve learned throughout the year!

In math, we will be focusing on word problems and data representation during the month of March. We spent some time in February learning the steps for solving word problems and will continue to practice this process the rest of the year. We will also practice collecting data, analyzing it, and representing it on bar graphs and pictographs.

In social studies, we are wrapping up our unit about geography, guided by the book Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney. Students looked at maps of their house, school, street, neighborhood, city, state, country, and continent. Through this study, we learned about the seven continents, as well as specific information about our country and our state.

We will begin a new science unit at the beginning of March. This unit will focus on plants and animals. We will study the interdependence of plants and animals with respect to pollination, seed dispersal, and plant/animal needs.

We would like to welcome Abdul Shamsi and Sy’ere Toliver to Chapel Hill!

The second grade teachers would like to wish a Happy Birthday in March to the following students: Otis Cathcart, Bella Brooks, Madelyn Lucas, Madelyn Christmas, Hayden Mahoney, Jayden Pierrelouis, Emelea Johnson, Brooklyn Stambaugh, Estella McMaster, Andrew Tran, Bekr Jabr, and Braylon Calloway.

Mrs. Gilliland

Mrs. Hatcher

Mrs. Thomson

Mrs. Weatherman

Greetings Third Grade Families,

Happy March! The third-grade team is hopeful that spring is just around the corner! That being said, the third graders at Chapel Hill have not let the cold weather keep them down. They have been doing some truly amazing work, and we are so proud of their accomplishments!

The third-grade team wants to extend a big thank you to all the families who were able to donate items to our Super Bowl Party! Even though the Chiefs did not bring home a victory, the students were still able to enjoy a fun day!

The team would also like to remind parents about making sure their child is dressed for outside recess. Warm coats, hats, and gloves are necessary for cold temperatures. Also, we would like to remind parents to ensure their child brings their iPad to school each day, fully charged.

Curriculum-Third Grade Standards for the Month of March

Reading

· I can ask and answer questions before, during, and after reading.

· I can use evidence from the text to answer questions about a passage.

· I can refer to a specific line of text when writing or speaking about a passage.

Writing

· I can use correct grammar in my writing (language standards review).

Math

· I can identify fractions on a number line.

· I can partition a number line into equal groups.

· I can use a number line to identify equivalent fractions.

· I can use a number line to compare fractions.

· I can solve word problems involving fractions.

Social Studies

· I can identify the eight states that border Missouri.

· I can identify the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.

· I can identify the four regions in Missouri.

· I can explain how communication and transportation have changed overtime in Missouri.

Thank you for all the support you provided your child during the virtual days! It was greatly appreciated! Remind your child to read and record the minutes on their reading log. Also, be sure your child continually reviews their multiplication and division facts. Thank you for all that you do!

Happy Birthday to the Following Third Graders:

Lorelei Decker, Michael Toliver, Brantley Coil, Zion Deadmon, Jorge Carreon Avalos, and Violet Gabriel

Thank you,

Third Grade Teachers

Mrs. Crane

Ms. Folk

Mrs. Hogue

Ms. Palma

Hello Fourth Grade Families,

Chapel Hill fourth graders did not let the unpredictable cold and harsh winter weather slow them down. We have been busy learning and growing in-person and virtually!

In reading, we have been learning how to compare and contrast the point of view from which stories are written. We have been reading and studying nonfiction text and will continue to learn to compare and contrast first and secondhand accounts. In the coming weeks, fourth grade readers will be challenged to reflect and note inferences related to how the point of view affects the telling of a story.

In writing, we have been working hard to craft a text using obvious text structure based on the writer’s task, purpose and audience. Writing genres such as persuasive, narrative and informative will be the focus over the next few weeks. In our next big writing project, students will choose a structure and genre to write within in order to fit their audience.

In math, we have been learning how to recognize and generate equivalent fractions. We are currently learning strategies for adding and subtracting fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators. Moving forward, we will use decimal notation for fractions with denominators of 10 or 100.

In our new social studies unit, we will explore the essential question, “What is worth fighting for?” We will work to understand how conflict resolution can lead to aggression, compromise, cooperation, and change. Important U.S. documents and events will be analyzed to help students make sense of the conflict that resulted in the creation of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

We would like to thank families for being so supportive and flexible this school year!

Ms. Bustad, Mrs. Dylla, Ms. Leonard, Mr. Spencer

Congratulations to all of our Fifth Graders for completing the D.A.R.E. Program! Let’s give them a round of applause.

Math

Fifth Grade students are multiplying and dividing powers of ten with decimal placement. Having sharp multiplication and division skills are important for this lesson. Students can practice outside of school at Xtramath.com and Freckle.com. Students are familiar with both sites. In addition to Powers of 10, students are diving deeper into the process and analyzation of line plot graphs.

Reading

Students continue to analyze non-fiction texts. Some areas include determining first and second hand accounts of passages, therefore deciding what sources the author used while writing the passage; web, interview, book, etc. Along with this, students will practice the usage of multi-meaning words. Fifth graders will strengthen their research skills throughout this unit to prepare in writing their opinion piece.

Science

Fifth graders are putting on their lab coats and thinking like scientists as they investigate our solar system with a focus on light, stars, and earth.

THANK YOU again to all who were able to donate to our indoor recess games, etc. Students have really enjoyed these activities on rainy and snowy days!

Valentine Parties were a hit!!! We played games and enjoyed treats. It was a great end to the week! Thank you for making it successful with donations!

Mrs. Holmes, Ms. Foote, Mrs. Peine, Ms. Taylor

As promised, here are a list of multicultural documentaries (O-Z) available for free on PBS.org.. Happy watching!

Ojibwemotaadidaa

Open Door: China in Indiana

Our Town: Oshawa

Pacific Heartbeat

PBS Hawaii

Que Pasa, USA?

Reconnecting Roots

Sacred

Sacred Journeys

Saigon Stories

Settling In: Immigrants and Cultures that Built Mid-Michigan

She Inspires

Slavery by Another Name

Southwest

Storia Italiana: Milaukee

The Citizen Project

The Future of America’s Past

The Story of China

The Story of the Jews

The West

This Free North

Tribal Histories

Uganda: Sustainable Tourism

Weekend in Havana

We Shall Remain: A Native History of Utah

We Sing Where I’m From

What I Hear When You Say…

Where I Come From

Why Cultural Heritage Matters

Women, War, and Peace

WLIW21 Ethnic Heritage

Mrs. Lopez and Mrs. Carpenter

Learning to Read is Complex

Reading is a complex process that draws upon many skills that need to be developed at the same time. Reading expert Marilyn Adams compares the operation of the reading system to that of a car. Unlike drivers, though, readers also need to:

· Build the car (develop the mechanical systems for identifying words)

· Maintain the car (fuel it with print, fix up problems along the way, and make sure it runs smoothly)

· Drive the car (which requires us to be motivated, strategic, and mindful of the route we're taking)

Cars are built by assembling the parts separately and fastening them together. In contrast, the parts of the reading system must grow together. Teachers working with young children learn to balance the various components of reading, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension daily while fostering a love of books, words, and stories

The ultimate goal of reading is to make meaning from print, and a vehicle in good working order is required to help us reach that goal. Parents, teachers, caregivers, and members of the community must recognize the important role they can play in helping children learn to read. The research shows that what families do makes a difference, what teachers do makes a difference, and what community programs do makes a difference. It's time for all those who work with children to work together to ensure that every child learns to read. It is our shared responsibility.

Reading Support Teachers,

Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Tolander

Spring Book Fair

The Spring Book Fair will be March 15th - March 28th. It will be online and will work similarly to our Fall Book Fair. You will find the Chapel Hill Book Fair at https://www.scholastic.com/bf/chapelhillelementaryschool. You will be able to begin viewing it on March 15th.

Curbside Checkout

We have curbside checkout for students who are learning virtually this year. All virtual students can check out 3 books every week. Curbside checkout is every Wednesday at 3:05-3:45. If you need directions for how to request the books or more specific details about the process, please email Stephanie.Davis@nkcschools.org or call (816) 321-4448.

Miss Davis and Mrs. Penrose

Hello Chapel Hill Families!

This past month in PE, our students spent a great deal of time back in the gym. We reviewed our PE procedures, focused on cooperative learning and got our bodies moving! In February, students participated in balance stations, played “Throwing with Mahomies” and even did some virtual lessons through Canvas. We are so proud of our students for working hard in PE and Health, even on snow days!

Our Canvas students focused on following directions while playing games like Simon Says, and Red Light, Green Light. We are very pleased with our Canvas students and enjoy watching their videos each week. Keep it up!

As warmer temperatures return, please remind your child to dress appropriately for PE. We will be outside whenever we can. Students should bring a coat to school every day for PE and recess.

-Coach Lindhorst and Coach Roades

Students have done such a great job performing and identifying musical objectives in each grade level. Ask your child to demonstrate what they've learned (see below) during their Student Showcase time on the afternoon of the 24th.

Kindergarten has learned that we all have a unique voice and that instruments all sound different. We call this timbre.

First grade students are continuing their work with So and Mi.

Second grade students are putting the finishing touches on their compositions using Do Mi So and La.

Third grade students are working on the parts of the staff.

Fourth grade students are composing melodies and using Mi Re and Do.

Fifth grade students have been learning about Major and Minor sounds to songs. We are also reviewing our notes and rests beat values.

Mrs. Sansom and Mrs. Vogler

Please make sure that you adhere to the safety rules while in the Chapel Hill parking lot. We ask that you keep the crosswalks open during drop off and dismissal. We also ask that you not park in handicapped parking spaces unless you have a placard or handicapped license plate.