Martin's Memos
Volume 2: September 15, 2017
This Week
Each Friday I will be sending out a newsletter. It will contain highlights of this week and things to look forward to for next week. Please read through the information and let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you!
-Ms. Kate Martin
Pictures of the Week
Engineering Design Process
Engineering Design Process
Thinking about Inferences
Students Fooling Ms. Martin
Inquiry
Inquiry
Topics:
Writing: Generating topics for our personal narratives.
Reading: We finished up our thinking stems and are now starting the Lucy Calkins reading program, starting with a unit on "Interpreting Characters".
Math: We are differentiating in math using our Math Workshop model. Currently we have 3 stations: Math with my teacher, Math with someone, and Math with Technology. For the most part, students will have math homework Monday - Thursday. It shouldn't take them more than 15 minutes or so. Some students are working on 3rd grade curriculum and some are on the 4th grade curriculum. This will change as students grow and develop with their math skills!
Science: We finished up learning about the science process skills by doing a fingerprinting activity and we completed the "Tall Tower Challenge"!
Enrichment: We solidified our enrichment/passion project topics and are starting to research. The only thing the students should need help with is gathering materials if I don't have it here at school.
Character Trait of the Week: Kindness!
Having trouble with getting your child to read at home? Check out the infographic below!
It's Updated! Check it Out!
- Class Information -> Weekly Lessons & Homework...Check out the "Parent/Student Lesson Sketch".
- Class Information -> Wish List... These are items that we'd LOVE to have donated if you have them laying around the house! We need items for the student prize bin and I need full sized clipboards and used dryer sheets!
Scholastic Book Orders
Looking Forward to Next Week
More narrative writing!
Digging deeper into characters and their traits when we read!
Multiplication facts/Division facts/Place Value!
Structures of plants and animals!
Enrichment/passion projects continue! Students have chosen a question to answer, and will begin learning how to research it!
Important Information
- Please check your child's agenda nightly by initialing under "Parent Signature". I will also initial it in the morning to confirm they have written the correct information down.
- The dismissal procedure has been going much better. Please contact us if you have any other concerns or comments!
- Don't forget to also check out the Woodland Website! It has important forms, Principal newsletters, PTO information, and P.B.I.S information.
- Friday Folders: They were sent home today! Please take out all the sheets and return the folder MONDAY.
- Students took the MAP Reading test today. They will take the MAP Math test within the next week or two.
- GT students will participate in the 3rd grade Holiday Concert on December 12th from 7-9pm.
- We have a scheduled Media Center time! The students will start going every Thursday at 8:45am, starting 9/21/17.
- Bagel Sales! Pre-Order on Wednesdays of each week. All varieties cost $1, cash only. Bagels are delivered on Fridays.
- Google Log-Ins/Chromebook Cart: All students received their Google log-in information. It is on a sticker in the front of their agenda. Students are able to use this log in from anywhere by going to www.google.com and clicking on "Log In". We will use Google frequently in class. Some other great news is that we have received our Chromebook Cart! The students are learning the expectations and responsibilities that come along with these privileges.
- Room Parents: Our room parents this year are Heather Shaw, Jennifer Wloch, and Megan Marx! Please look out for any emails from them this year. Thank you Heather, Jennifer and Megan!!!
- Flexible Seating! Our flexible seating options began this week. Students come in knowing that they can choose a "best fit" seating option and location around the room that will help them learn best. I am encouraging the students to try out all the seating options so they can see which of them they like the best. I will likely have a rotation for some of the more "popular" seating choices.
Calling All Volunteers!
- You must make sure your volunteer form and copy of driver's license is submitted to the front office as soon as possible before volunteering.
- There will be other volunteer opportunities for those wishing to volunteer for things like field trips, special events, etc.
Fun Run!!!
Start collecting pledges! A pledge sheet (PINK packet) was sent home last week. Use that to keep track of contributions. All students will participate in the Fun Run regardless of if they get pledges or not. The Fun Run is scheduled for Friday, October 6th.
Please see the pink flyer for additional details.
Character Trait of the Week: Kindness
Upcoming Important Dates
10/2-10/6 Spirit Week
10/6 Spirit Day/PBIS Assembly, Fun Run
10/9 Picture Day
10/20 Coffee with the Principal 9-10am
10/23-10/27 Penny Wars
10/26 Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:30-8pm
10/27 Chuck E Cheese Night 4-10pm
10/31 Class Halloween Party/Parade 2:15
11/1 Half Day
11/2 Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:30-8
11/3 Spirit Day/PBIS Assembly
11/5 Family Bowling 12:30-2:30pm
11/7 Election Day, No School
11/14 PTO Meeting
11/15 Picture Retake Day
11/17 Half Day
11/21 Half Day
11/22 Half Day
11/23-11/24 Thanksgiving Break, No School
11/27-12/11 Canned Food Drive
12/1 Spirit Day/PBIS Assembly
12/2 Holiday Breakfast 8:30-11am
12/8 Half Day
12/12 3rd Grade Holiday Concert
12/25-1/5 Winter Break, No School
Avondale School District 2017 Bond Proposal
- Requires NO increase in mils currently paid.
- Pays for safety, security, and technology upgrades.
- Spread the word to VOTE on November 7, 2017 if you live within the district.
Contact Me
Email: kate.martin@avondale.k12.mi.us
Website: katemartingt.weebly.com
Location: 6465 Livernois Road, Troy, MI 48098, United States
Phone: (248) 537-6900