MKG Messenger January 16, 2020
The Principal's Office
Just a quick reminder that parent/teacher conference sign-up sheets went home on Tuesday. They need to be completed and returned to school by Tuesday, Jan. 21st. The spring club descriptions are on the MKG website. Enrollment will open online Tuesday, Jan. 28th. Club information will also be sent home at that time as well.
Upcoming Events:
Monday, January 20 - No School, Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Grade 1
In science, the children are learning about sound. We have discussed how sounds are made.They have learned about vibration and that sound travels in waves. They learned that sounds can be loud or soft.We answered the question “Why is sound important?”
Grade 2
We are wrapping up the ELA Unit of Study, “Hand Me Down Tales from Around the World” this week and next. Students are working on a poster about their favorite fairy tale, showing character, setting, problem and solution and the central message. They will present this poster to their classmates! Next up, our Second graders will be taking a virtual “Trip Around the World”. Stayed tuned for a special travel advisory! All Grade 2 students are learning about and celebrating the life of a great man: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We try to live by Dr. King’s words every day.
Grade 3
Third grade was lucky to have an illustrator and author visit with our students and teachers this week. Ralph Masiello explained the creative process of an illustrator. He discussed how his ideas for books evolve and his academic background. His discussion engaged young writers and illustrators to follow their passion and interests. He provided step by step drawing instructions, so each third grader was able to produce their own illustration. Thank you to Mrs. LeBlanc for organizing this author event.
Keep an eye out for the book order form in your child’s backpack if you would like to order any of his books!
Grade 4
Our fourth grade students are currently studying fractions! They are learning to create equivalent fractions and compare fractions. We will be starting a reading unit on historical fiction, which is always a favorite. Students are always intrigued by the way authors weave real life events into fictional stories with realistic characters. In writing, we are working on opinion writing, which enables students to see the importance of organization prior to writing as well as reinforcing the idea of writing as a process. As we come up to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, our classrooms will be reading about the civil rights leader and discussing the impact his actions had on our lives today.
Grade 5
The fifth graders in Mrs. Marinelli’s and Mrs. Kuketz’s classes are engaged and excited to be in Book Clubs with texts about animals. This crossover study has nine groups with students from each class reading, writing, thinking and discussing writer’s craft and literary elements. We continue our observations of the moon and its phases. Our Morning Meetings are continuing to cover the social and emotional health of our students and the goals that they’ve set for themselves for the New Year. The Zones of Regulations have become a familiar part of our meetings and our days.
Nurse's Corner
‘Tis the season!
Flu season that is! This time of year we tend to see an increase in a variety of illnesses from the common cold and flu, strep throat and stomach bugs. For that reason we would like to ask you to assist us by talking to your child about some of these important tips
Wash your hands! Hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of germs. Using hand sanitizer can be a great second option.
- Cough or sneeze into the inside part of your elbow.
- Use a tissue.
- Don’t share food and drinks.
- Get plenty of rest and eat healthy foods.
Please also note that while attendance in school is very important, we ask that you do not send your child to school with a fever. Your child should be fever free without the use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen for at least 24 hours. If your child is on antibiotics for a contagious condition such as strep throat, they should not come to school until they have been taking antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
Be Proactive
Another common issue at schools this time of year can be head lice. Any parent that has had a child with head lice can tell you, it’s not fun.
Avoid head-to-head (hair-to-hair) contact during play and other activities at home, school, and elsewhere (sports activities, playground, slumber parties, camp).
- Do not share clothing such as hats, scarves, coats, sports uniforms, hair ribbons, or barrettes.
- Do not share combs, brushes, or towels. Disinfest combs and brushes used by an infested person by soaking them in hot water
Please note that when children have head lice we require treatment but they are not excluded from school so following the suggested tips above are very important.