Algonkian Elementary
January Newsletter
Principal Page
I do encourage all families to pay attention to the LCPS school board meeting on Tuesday, January 12 as the board will be discussing changing the metrics we use to determine whether hybrid students return to school.
We have a community event coming up on Wednesday, January 13 at 7:00 PM. Algonkian is having a VIRTUAL Reading Under the Stars and Hot Chocolate Night!
Put on your PJ's, have some hot chocolate, and listen to Algonkian staff read to you!
We have decided to have an individual picture day. It will take place on Monday, February 1 and will be by appointment only to we can socially distance and follow health guidelines. I will be sending out scheduling and ordering information soon.
Algonkian Elementary was recently in the news. Please click on the link to the article on our inclusive practices.
Learners at Algonkian Elementary Install Literacy Support Extensions
Art Updates
Hello Bobcat Artists!!!
I hope that you all are doing well and having an ARTASTIC January!
For the month of January, the students will be creating a variety of
projects inspired by artists from diverse backgrounds.
Weekly Updates: I will be posting Updates on the Art Schoology each week about the supplies
needed for that week and information about that week's Art Class.
Please check Art Schoology Updates each Monday.
Art Supplies: We only need the standard school supplies: plain paper, pencil, eraser, crayons, colored pencils, scissors, and glue. We understand if your students need Art Supply assistance if you do please email Ms. Michael, Ms. Ryan, or Ms. Smith the Parent Liaison.
If you have questions, please contact me at Caryn.Michael@lcps.org
Music Updates
Algonkian Music in January with Ms. Comrie & Mr. Holmes
5th Grade- Students have started their recorder unit. We will continue to review skills that we learned last year in 4th grade and move forward in our recorder packet learning new notes and rhythms. It is critical that students come prepared to class with their recorder, music packet, and pencil. In order to be successful and make progress, daily practice is highly recommended especially since the material will become more challenging. Finally, if your child does not bring their recorder/music packet to class 3 or more times it will result in a lowered grade.
4th Grade- Students are beginning to learn the recorder. We’ve talked about caring for their instrument, how to hold it, using a gentle breath, and the notes B and A. Please encourage your child to practice daily using good technique as we continue through the unit in our music packet. Finally, it is important to add, if your child does not bring his/her recorder to class 3 or more times it will result in a lowered grade.
3rd Grade- Students have been learning about form, specifically ballads, and how they are structured. Students are in the process of creating a verse using an outlined structure provided. We will continue to work on call/response and solo vs. chorus songs and perform speech/movement activities. Students will continue learning how to name notes on the staff and read rhythms.
2nd Grade- Students have been working on rhythmic ostinati, steady beat activities, dynamics, and sol-mi songs. We will continue working on the above concepts and will also be working on movement exploration. Students will continue to listen to music and explain how music expresses ideas and feelings.
1st Grade- Students have been working on playing a steady beat, singing in tune, and melodic direction. This month we will be working on steady beat movements, rhythmic notation with quarter notes and eighth notes, sol-mi, and creating movement shapes.
Kindergarten- Students have been singing songs, doing fingerplays, and playing movement games that utilize their counting skills. This month we will be doing some wintery/snowy activities that include singing, movement, and playing homemade instruments.
PE Updates
Activities in PE
Third, Fourth and Fifth Grade:
- Classroom expectations and Safety Guidelines
- Soccer skills
- Kicking with accuracy
Currently working on:
- Aerobic fitness training 2021
Kindergarten:
- Classroom expectation’s and safety guidelines
- Soccer skills
- Introduction to kicking a stationary object
Currently working on:
- Body control and gymnastic rolls (Log, Pencil, Egg)
- Animal Walks (Bear, Seal, Duck)
First and Second Grade
- Rules, routines, and expectations Virtually/In-person
- Soccer Skills - dribbling/passing/trapping with a ball
- Gymnastic Skills - Stands/Balances - Stork Stand, Front Scale, Candle Stick
- Rolls - Pencil roll, Log roll, egg roll
- Animal Walks - Bear, Seal, Frog Hop, Inch Worm
- Fitness (Strength and Cardio) - Virtual Snowball Fight, Winterland Run Challenge, 2021 New Year Fitness Challenge
- Mindfulness - Breathing Techniques
Currently working on:
- we are continuing/finishing our Gymnastics Unit with working on 3 or more skills to create a routine
Have a Great Month,
Mr. Terango and Mr. Goodwin
Algonkian P.E. Teachers
Health Clinic
Happy New Year Friends! I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season and is ready for the new year.
Here are some friendly tips to stay healthy this winter:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Sleep The recommended amount of sleep for children ages 5-11 years old is 9-11 hours per night.
- Hydrate. Drink plenty of water.
- Play outside. Playing outside allows your child an escape from indoor germs and bacteria. Make sure you bundle up properly and move enough to generate body heat.
- Moisturize. Winter is a time for dry skin and chapped lips. In order to prevent this, moisturize after a shower or bath and apply lip ointment regularly.
- Get your flu shot.
If you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at megan.tuma@lcps.org.
Library
NEWS FROM THE ALGONKIAN LIBRARY
Students have continued their lessons on digital citizenship, using MackinVia to read ebooks, and reading Virginia Readers’ Choice Award nominees.
- Grades 3-5 learned about research databases available to them in the Library Resources folder of LCPSGo. They learned how to use “funnel research” to narrow down a topic using the database GALE in Context.
Permission Clicks to fill out for parents of students in grades 3-5:
Playaway Check-out: https://permission.click/NqNMj/us
Online Tools used in Library : https://permission.click/6qgJ5/us
- Grades K-2 learned about migration, hibernation, and bear cubs while discussing the difference between fiction and nonfiction.
Algonkian offers curbside library book pickup at the school from 11-1 every Monday except holidays. This is a pre-order pickup only. No browsing of books will be offered.
To use the curbside library book pickup service, parents must join the Schoology "Algonkian Library Curbside Pickup" Group (same as the previous Book Bus Group, just a new name--no need to rejoin if you are already a member) and use the Google Book Request Form found in the Schoology group update.
Click the following link for directions about how to join the Algonkian Library Curbside Pick-up Schoology Group: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1dsfD-4fk8j0NWKMgiL-YhJHgVnthjEpKyfEMMn2nsJg/edit?usp=sharing
RETURNING LIBRARY BOOKS
Have library books to return? Hand them to library staff during Curbside Pickup on Mondays from 11-1 OR drop them in our big red bin located outside the front doors of Algonkian every day during school hours.
READING UNDER THE STARS
On Wednesday, January 13th from 7-8 PM, Algonkian is having its first ever VIRTUAL Reading Under the Stars and Hot Chocolate Night!
Put on your jammies, grab your hot chocolate, and listen to Algonkian staff read to you! More information and links to our readers will be coming soon from Mr. Blubaugh.
CHAT-N-CHEW
Chat-n-Chew is back and Signups are live! Don’t worry if you missed the first meeting...you can sign-up anytime throughout the year.
https://alg.ptboard.com/formvw/store?store=1624
Please email Algonkian’s Librarian, Mrs. Whitehouse, with any questions: susanne.whitehouse@lcps.org
HAPPY READING!
Technology Updates- Ms. Burkett
Happy New Year! I find at this time of year I have so much information available to me , but it is hard to find the time to look at it all. I did find this information available to the LCPS community and I found it to be very valuable.
I have been working with classroom teachers and students to download and make available Read Write for Google on student Chromebooks. Read Write for Google is just one of a whole slew of resources available to LCPS students to assist in their learning. Here is a blog posting featuring Algonkian. Learners at Algonkian Elementary Install Literacy Support Extensions If you do have some time take a minute to view this video that guides parents through technology that supports learning.
English - https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/1097784/schools/36775
Spanish -https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/1097779/schools/36775
Mrs. Jackson and I continue to make ourselves available to assist families with technology issues while in Distance Learning. Please refer to the Tech help page or e-mail me. Chromebook troubleshooting - https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/1097784/schools/36775 Repair center – look at the virtual model - https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/1097784/schools/36775
SUSAN R. SMITH PARENT LIAISON
Happy New Year to our Bobcat families! I hope you all enjoyed your winter break. First order of business is to send out a HUGE THANK YOU to our Bobcat families, PTA members and staff for their generous donations of gift cards during the Holiday Season.
We were able to help over ten families. The amount of gift cards collected will enable us to assist families and students in need through the end of the school year.
Needs can be short-term and unexpected, so if your family experiences a need during the school year, please reach out to me through the school or by email and I can assist with finding you the necessary resources to fit your needs.
I also post County and private resources on my page on our school website. If you need to reach me, my email is Susan.R.Smith@lcps.org.
SEARCH/EDGE/Futura
Our SEARCH lessons are focused on logic and/or creativity this month. Kindergarten students are using logic to determine the things that our fictitious character, DOT, experiences playing in the snow. Later this month we will look at different types of patterns. First graders are observing ways that a variety of artists, with vastly different painting styles, might portray a snowman. Then the students are creating a snowman of their own. Many have attempted to interpret a particular art style as they created their own snowman! Second graders listened to Ray Romano read aloud the book, Henry Holton Takes the Ice. It is a fun story about a family with a passion for hockey, but the youngest son wishes to be an ice dancer instead. Out students tried to identify something they enjoy and in which they would like to become more proficient. Our next activity will be exploring the art of Lois Ehlert and looking at how to reduce images to basic shapes to help us create our own. Third grade students have been challenged by math computations based on the book, Counting on Frank. Later this month they will be learning how to play Ultimate Tic Tac Toe, a fast-paced and more strategic version of the standard game.
EDGE students have been working on academic goal setting using SMART goals. They have worked through some frustration as they learn to set goals that are very specific for process, performance, and outcome.
FUTURA students are continuing to explore the concept of Innovation. This month we are focusing on habits of mind and habits of work of innovators. We are learning about Buckminster Fuller, an innovator who experienced failure, but is still recognized today for his ideas that were ahead of his time about caring for our planet.
Gifted Identification Process:
Winter/Spring Gifted Evaluations Delayed
Due to COVID-19, the gifted evaluation process for winter/spring, 2021 will be delayed. The Gifted Education Department is currently developing a plan to evaluate this year’s 3rd - 5th grade students when it is safe and equitable to do so.
Please check the Algonkian ES SEARCH webpage (https://www.lcps.org/Page/200994 ) and/or the LCPS Gifted and Talented webpage (https://www.lcps.org/Page/211705) for the most up-to-date information. As soon as the 2021 gifted evaluation timeline and referral window is established, it will be posted at these locations.
Thank you for your patience and understanding
Potomac Falls Cluster Schools- Got Talent
Algonkian Elementary School
Assistant Principal: Karen Shields
Bookkeeper:Gayle Cowden
Registrar: Peggy Franzen
Health Specialist-:Meg Tuma
Email: brian.blubaugh@lcps.org
Website: https://www.lcps.org/algonkian
Location: 20196 Carter Court, Sterling, VA, USA
Phone: 571-434-3240
Twitter: @ALG_LCPS