November Newsletter
Dodgeland Elementary
Dodgeland Elementary News
October seemed to fly by. It was wonderful to have students back in the building this past week. We will continue to practice our safety procedures that includes frequent hand washing, incorporating social distance, wearing masks in school and when unable to be socially distant. I know that some are growing tired of these procedures, but it is so important in order for us to mitigate risks for all students and staff. If you child becomes symptomatic, please keep them home. Our teachers are doing their very best to provide continued learning to students in live streaming or posting work/instructions in Schoology or SeeSaw.
Grading Information:
This past week, elementary students brought home a progress report from their teachers. New this year, report cards will be sent home at the end of each semester. At that time, you will see some changes in the layout and how the grades are reported for your student. Teachers will provide a proficiency grade for each subject using one of the following grades:- PRO - Proficient ("I can do it by myself!")
- DEV - Developing ("I've almost got it!")
- NSP - Needs Support ("I can't do it yet, and need help.")
For more information, click HERE for the handout sent home with progress reports this last week.
Change in 2020-2021 Calendar:
A change in this year’s school calendar was recently approved by the school board. There will be no school (both in-person and blended) on Monday, November 23 and Tuesday, November 24. In a year unlike any other, these days will be used for teacher work days and provide time for a deep cleaning of the building. Historically, the days preceding the Thanksgiving break have had very low student attendance, which is why these two days were selected.
Dodgeland Fundraiser
Here’s your opportunity to order Dodgeland gear and support a good cause. Order HERE November 2 - November 18th.
All proceeds will benefit the Ava Finger family to help support the many financial needs that have come from her tragic mountain biking accident that caused paralysis. We know that Ava is working hard in her recovery and we want to support her and her family with our #DodgelandStrong support.
2nd Grade News
We were all so happy to be “home again together” after so long apart! Students have taken on many new responsibilities such as transporting their iPads back and forth, wearing their masks, learning Seesaw as a new learning platform, and disinfecting their hands and desks.
In Math, we have just completed Unit 1 on operations and algebraic thinking. By now students should have mastered addition to 20. Unit 2 will be about addition up to 1000 and counting money, so dig out those coins from the couch cushions and help your child identify and count change.
In Reading, we’ve been learning many things about our brains and how our brains operate while we read. We have emphasized a growth mindset, how reading is a personal experience, and thinking about reading is the most important part of our reading process. Students learned that our “schema” is everything we know based on our own personal experiences and this helps us make meaning in reading. In 2nd grade, we believe that if you “change the book” you can “change the reader”. One book/series can completely change the unmotivated, unengaged, or striving reader into being a thriving, lifelong reader. Thus, we’ve spent much time helping students find “just right” books and guiding all students to know that everyone is a reader. Mrs. Rollins also began “library in the classroom” in October. Book checkout will be coming soon!
In Word Study, we have been taking various word chunks each week and making words. We have been learning long and short vowel sounds, sorting words based on phonetic rules, sneaky “e”, and bossy “r”. Once in a while, we have “sore thumbs” which are words that break the rules.
In Science/Social Studies, we have covered many concepts such as “The Power of YET”, “Covering our Sneezes”, “An End to Bullying”, “Thanking our Community Workers”, “Scorpions”, “Fire Safety”, and “Growing Huge Pumpkins”.
Thank you to the Juneau Public Library for bringing a story walk to our school for students to enjoy. Thank you also, Mrs. O’Toole, for coming into our rooms each day to teach Numeracy to students. The lessons are upbeat and fun!
Mrs. Zastrow has a student teacher this year. Her name is Ms. Faulk and she’ll be with us the whole first semester.
Reminders:
Please make sure your child is charging their device each and every night so they are ready for the next day.
Please be checking ClassDojo on a daily basis. This is our main line of communication between school and home.
Please make sure your child is bringing a healthy snack each day.
Please ensure your child has a clean mask each day and knows to keep it over their nose and mouth.
Dodgeland Elementary School
Email: huelsman@dodgeland.k12.wi.us
Website: www.dodgeland.k12.wi.us
Location: 401 S. Western Avenue
Phone: 920-386-4404