February Newsletter
Ms. Peppey
Important Dates:
February 26th: No School
February Unit: American Peacekeepers
This unit focuses on people who have worked for equality and fairness in peaceful ways. People who work for peace are called peacekeepers. Students will learn about the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and why he was a peacekeeper. American Peacekeepers is a chapter book that introduces what peace is and talks about different peacekeepers America has seen through its history. Some other peacekeepers students will learn about include Jackie Robinson, Delores Huerta, Cesar Chavez, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, Joan Baez, and Eric Li.
Writing
Two weeks ago we began spelling lists. Students were given a list of high frequency spelling/sight words appropriate to their level and have been working on them every day.
We are also continuing to write emails to our high school pen pal buddies!
Math
Addition, subtraction, money multiplication, division, measuring, time, and graphing
Life Skills
Students will learn effective problem solving strategies, how to identify bullying and what to do about it. They will learn effective teamwork strategies and how to identify good work skills in a teammate. We will practice meeting and greeting people with firm handshakes, and how to identify skills and a job of interest.
Community
This month we've started a new schedule for grocery shopping. Students are alternating in groups each week. This allows for smaller groups which makes shopping a little easier and a more valuable experience for them. We will be taking a community field trip this month to the AMC movie theater in Johnson Creek to see Kungfu Panda 3. Please be watching for a permission slip to be sent home soon.
Future Topics:
Provides a basic study of energy and technology in daily life
April: Right on the Money (Economics)
Explores how to get the most out of your money by making smart purchases
May: Caring for Our Earth (Earth and Space Science)
Focuses on ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle our resources
Touch Money
A nickel has one touchpoint in the center of the coin.
A dime has two touchpoints, one on the top and one on the bottom.
A quarter has five touchpoints, two on top, two on the bottom, and one in the center.
Each touchpoint represents 5. Students count by 5's when they add nickels, dimes, and quarters.
A penny is worth one cent. It does not have a touchpoint. Instead, students draw an invisible line under the penny to count a penny. In class we always count the pennies last ("save the pennies for last").
Below is a picture showing the Touch Money strategy. If you have any questions about this strategy and how it works feels free to email me (or have your student show you!!)
Parent Teacher Conferences
Monday, Feb 15, 2016, 04:00 PM
Jefferson Middle School, South Taft Avenue, Jefferson, WI, United States
Parent Teacher conferences
Tuesday, Feb 23, 2016, 04:00 PM
Jefferson Middle School, South Taft Avenue, Jefferson, WI, United States
Sending work home!
If you have any suggestions to make the home/school connection better, feel free to email me with your ideas/concerns.