Algonkian Elementary
December Newsletter
Principal Page
Students and staff are doing a great job at following procedures.
As a reminder, selections for semester 2 (quarter 3 and quarter 4) were made by families at the end of November. These selections are binding. Ms. Shields and I will be reviewing the selections next week to see if any students will need to change teachers or any teachers need to change their assignment from DL to Hybrid or Hybrid to DL. We will let families know as soon as possible.
Please join us for our December PTA meeting on Tuesday, December 8 from 7:00-8:00 PM. Link is below.
Google Meet joining info for PTA meeting
Art Updates
Hello Bobcat Artists!!!
I hope that you all are doing well and having an ARTASTIC December!
For the month of December, the students will be creating a variety of projects inspired by artists from diverse backgrounds.
Weekly Updates:
I will be posting Updates on the Art Schoology each week about the supplies
needed for that week and information about that week's Art Class.
Please check Art Schoology Updates each Monday.
Art Supplies: We only need the standard school supplies: plain paper, pencil, eraser, crayons, colored pencils, scissors, and glue. We understand if your students need Art Supply assistance, if you do please email Ms. Michael, Ms. Ryan, or Ms. Smith the Parent Liaison.
For Hybrid students only: On your Asynchronous Art Day (the Art Day you are not in school for Art) you will visit the Art Schoology Page-Click on the Art Activities Button (Rainbow Scissors) and CHOOSE an Art Activity you would like to do. There are Museum Websites to visit that have activities you can do, Art Starter topics, Calming Art Exercises, and Gratitude Scavenger Hunt Art Activity.
For Distance Learning Students only: For Asynchronous Art Weeks you will be told what
your assignment is on the Art Schoology Updates.
If you have questions, please contact me at Caryn.Michael@lcps.org
Music Updates
What are we doing in Music?
5th Grade- Students have been working on rhythms, reading notes, and preparing for the recorder unit. Our recorder unit will begin the first week in January.
4th Grade- Students have been reviewing naming notes on the treble clef staff and practicing a variety of rhythms. When we return from Winter break, we will start learning the recorder. Information went home about purchasing recorders. If you have any questions or issues with purchasing the recorder, please email Ms. Comrie at kim.comrie@lcps.org. Students will need recorders starting the first week of January.
3rd Grade- Students have been learning to name the notes on the treble clef staff, rhythms, speech, singing, movements, and body percussion.
2nd Grade- Students have been working on half note and quarter note pulses and some holiday activities. With the rest of the month we will be continue this. When we return from break, we will be working on rhythmic ostinati and movement.
1st Grade- Students have been working on playing a steady beat with holiday activities. We will be continuing with holiday activities the rest of the month. When we return from break, we will be working on movement activities that reinforce the steady beat, identifying form, melodic direction, and instrument exploration.
Kindergarten- Students have been working on counting and playing with farm and holiday activities. We will continue this theme with the rest of the month. When we return from break, we will be working on fingerplays, melodic direction, and movement games.
PE Updates
Activities in PE the last month
Kindergarten, Third, Fourth and Fifth Grade
- Throwing and catching with implements
- Crazy aerobic movement activities
- Locomotor movement skill: Skipping, Crossing midline
- Online video instructional movement activities
Currently:
- Fundamental Soccer Skills Unit
First and Second Grade
- Juggling
- Throw and Catch with Implements
- Fitness Routines
Currently:
- Soccer Skills
Have a Great Month,
Mr. Terango and Mr. Goodwin
Algonkian P.E. Teachers
Health Clinic
Health Clinic Updates
Please keep up the good work completing the daily COVID-19 symptom checker questionnaire. This is required each day your student is attending school at Algonkian.
The cold temps bring dry skin and chapped lips, please know that your student may have Chapstick at school with no paperwork required.
Lotions must be kept in the health office and paperwork completed for use at school.
Please be aware students will go outside for recess. Hats and gloves or mittens are the best way to keep your student toasty through the cold weather months. Make sure you label EVERYTHING your student brings to school.
A reminder to be specific when calling the Absentee Line (571) 434-3241 for your sick child. It is important for the school to track this information.
If your child is a hybrid student and requires an epi pen or an inhaler/spacer or other prescribed medication at school, please be advised that you will need to bring in Physicians orders and the medication to the Health Office.
New Physicians orders are required each year. You may find all necessary forms at LCPS.org -> Families -> Medication at School (Middle column) -> School Health Forms (Scroll to bottom) -> Health Documents _> select the form you need.
If your child is a hybrid student and requires any over the counter medication at school, including lotions or cough drops please complete appropriate paperwork. All medication must be brought in by a parent or guardian in the original container, with a signed LCPS Medication Authorization form.
I cannot accept medications without authorization. You can find all necessary forms at LCPS.org -> Families -> Medication at School (Middle column) -> School Health Forms (Scroll to bottom) -> Health Documents _> Click on Authorization for Medication Administration.
If you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at megan.tuma@lcps.org.
Library
Starting Monday, 12/07 (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Algonkian will offer curbside library book pickup at the school to replace the Book Bus. This service will be offered every Monday except holidays. Per LCPS regulations, this is a pre-order pickup only. No browsing of books will be offered.
To use the curbside library book pickup service, parents must join the Schoology "Algonkian Library Curbside Pickup" Group (same as the previous Book Bus Group, just a new name--no need to rejoin if you are already a member) and use the Google Book Request Form found in the Schoology group update.
The Google Form must be completed by Thursday at noon each week to give library staff time to gather and check out materials.
Please click the following link for directions about how to join the Algonkian Library Curbside Pick-up Schoology Group: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1dsfD-4fk8j0NWKMgiL-YhJHgVnthjEpKyfEMMn2nsJg/edit?usp=sharing
If you have any questions, please email Algonkian's Librarian, Mrs. Whitehouse:
Technology Updates- Ms. Burkett
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! (At least Mrs. Burkett thinks it is!)
Yes, it is Computer Science Education Week! And we celebrate with the Hour of Code!
All week long we will be featuring mini videos from the Tech Task Force on the morning announcements.
I will be posting additional videos on the Technology “Hour of Code” page https://www.lcps.org/Page/235158 with tips, ideas, and sites that encourage students to get into coding and promote Computer Science skills for all ages.
SUSAN R. SMITH PARENT LIAISON
I would like to remind everyone about Algonkian’s Resource Assistance Program. This allows families to self-identify to receive resource information from both the County and Private organizations. The information is sent home in an email and all communications are strictly confidential. Please email me directly to be included in this Program or if you have any questions. My email is Susan.R.Smith@lcps.org. Also, the resources that I receive will be posted on my page on the Algonkian Website. Click on Resources, then Parent Liaison, then Articles. The information is not a direct link to the websites. You will have to copy and paste to access the link.
SEARCH/EDGE/Futura
Our focus in SEARCH lessons is on logic and reasoning. All grades completed different levels of the Autumn Shuffle, a pictorial version of SUDOKU. First graders are sharing their thinking about crayons - how are they similar/dissimilar to pencils, why are they wrapped in paper, what makes them challenging for schoolwork. They have shared some wonderful thoughts. Second graders will be listening to the story, Henry Holton Takes the Ice and discussing all-consuming activities, hobbies, interests. Third graders have been challenged to connect visual and written clues to complete sentences - and then to create an example of their own.
FUTURA students recently completed a project to design a new balloon for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. They had to create a blueprint of their design, make a model or detailed drawing, and then write a persuasive letter to convince Macy's parade director that their balloon should be included in the parade. We had some adorable new balloon concepts and powerful arguments for inclusion. Great job by all!
Don't forget that Mrs. Peterson posts new choice boards of challenge ativities every week for every grade level. Students should try one activity each week and send a picture of their work to Mrs. Peterson.
For parents of students in GR 3, 4, and 5: The Gifted Education department is working on a plan for the spring identification process. The goal is to have the plan and parameters published in January. The pandemic has affected the usual timeline. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Peterson.
Potomac Falls Cluster Schools- Got Talent
Algonkian Elementary School
Assistant Principal: Karen Shields
Bookkeeper:Gayle Cowden
Registrar: Peggy Franzen
Health Specialist-:Meg Tuma
Email: brian.blubaugh@lcps.org
Website: https://www.lcps.org/algonkian
Location: 20196 Carter Court, Sterling, VA, USA
Phone: 571-434-3240
Twitter: @ALG_LCPS