the PENN NEWSLETTER
5/25/2018
We're all learning
6th graders have been at School of the Wild all week. We're so thankful to our PTO and the ICCSD Foundation for making this possible.
5th graders spent the week on an "un-field trip". They focused on science and problem solving and concluded the week sharing presentations of their genius hour projects with parents and guests.
4th graders celebrated Pacific Asian American Heritage month ins social studies with a Penn alum as a guest speaker.
3rd grade has been working on animal research projects. Each student got to pick an animal to research, make a Google Slide show and then will get to share their work with their peers! They have loved learning about all the different animals and the basics of how to research a topic.
2nd and 1st graders celebrated their final Pick a Better Snack lesson with a picnic at the park.
Kindergarten students traveled to every kindergarten room to learn about different countries and how people live around the world. They learned about Mexico, Japan, Egypt, and Australia. They LOVED it!!!
TEACHERS: We spent Thursday afternoon working on class lists and beginning our planning for next year. Next week, teachers work the day after the children are finished. We use that day for vertical transition meetings, planning for next year abd organizing classrooms to prepare for next year's students. This summer teachers will participate in a variety of learning opportunities.
Students' last day is Wednesday, May 30 with early dismissal at 1:55.
The weather forecast looks beautiful and we have a fun plan for the day. Parents/families are welcome to join us.
Our 6th Grade Celebration will be at 8:15 am in the gym 6th grade Celebration in the gym. This usually lasts about 30-40 minutes and then we wrap up with treats and picture taking in the courtyard. Parents, you don’t need to sign in at the office, but can enter through the south doors to go directly to the gym. Students will return to their classrooms at 9:30.
School-wide activities will begin at 11:45 with lunch outside. Families are invited to join for us for a picnic lunch and concert by Sheltered Reality followed by fun activities. School lunch that day will be a sack lunch for students, or you may bring lunch for your child. Parents, you may of course, bring your lunch too. You may also want a towel or blanket to sit on for the concert.
Also, you will not need to sign in – just meet your child on the playground.
1:30: STUDENTS and TEACHERS only back in their classrooms.
Students will return to their classroom for closing activities with their classmates and teacher. The teachers and students spend all year learning and growing together. Allowing them closure is important and they need the freedom to do that without an audience. Please allow and respect this sweet time by not entering the classrooms or taking your student(s) home early. Parents, you are welcome to wait outside or in the gym if the weather is bad. I understand the desire to beat the carline, but but having students leave from the playground compromises our dismissal routine and makes it very difficult for us to insure that every student is dismissed safely. Please allow this last bit of closure and don’t rush these last moments.
Waiting for dismissal would be a great time to check the Lost & Found.
Also, speaking of the carline: please do not add complication to the carline by calling for a limo or other "special transportation" to come through the carline. If you do choose that as a means of celebrating, please plan to have students meet somewhere off school grounds.
DISMISSAL at 1:55!
*Don't forget to check your child's backpack for their End of the Year Report.
School Supply Kits for 2018-2019
Questions? Contact Erica Gentry, e_gentry@hotmail.com
Things do with your kids in the area this summer:
"Pay to Ride" Bus Program
Click the link for info and to apply https://www.iowacityschools.org/Page/17325
Looking Ahead
May 28: No School, Memorial Day
May 30: LAST DAY of SCHOOL; Dismissal 1 hour early at 1:55pm
May 30: 6th grade Celebration @ 8:15am
Non-Discrimination Statement
It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact Kingsley Botchway II, Director of Equity, 1725 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245, 319-688-1000, Botchway.Kingsley@iowacityschools.org.