The Wallace Wildcat
Hoboken, NJ- January 20, 2023
Dear Wallace School Parents and Guardians,
Kindergarten
In Social Studies we worked to answer the question “How do people make a state special?”. We explored ideas such as the past and present, holidays and traditions, and what we learned from our peers to answer that question. We shared about holidays our families celebrate and the food that we typically eat when we celebrate them. We learned that we all make our state special.
In ELA, we are on week 3 of our 4 week unit exploring “What can you learn about your neighborhood?” This week we read 3 texts to answer the question “ How can people help to make their community better?” Roadwork is an informational text about how to build a new road. A Community Garden is an informational text about community gardens. A Bundle of Sticks is a fiction story based on a fable by Aesop where students work together to help their community.. All three gave us ways to answer our question. We learned that we all can do things to make our community better.
In Math, we finished up unit 4 Counting, Collecting and Measuring by exploring ways to make 6 with counting chips and tiles. We began Unit 5 “Build a Block, Build a Wall”. THis unit turns back to geometry skills and focuses on 3 - D shapes. The class had fun exploring 3-D shapes and seeing how shapes can make other shapes.
First Grade
In math, students focused on addition & subtraction, fact families, greater than/ less than, place value, and story problems.
As always, the kids had fun during ILP working on IXL, Classworks, Starfall, and Razkids. Upon our return to school Tuesday, we shared the importance of Martin Luther King Day and what we did to honor him.
In Social Studies the kids broadened their knowledge of the word around them by reading and writing about ReadWorks Article-A-Day! This week the First grade completed the second round of Linkit! and are finishing up on DRA 3 testing!
Second Grade
Second grade mathematicians practiced using the place value structure and the base-10 number system in Unit 3 of Math. Place value practice is pivotal to children understanding numbers and their values. When presented with the concept of buying various amounts of stickers from a pretend store called Sticker Station, students had to represent 2- and 3-digit numbers using the base-10 model. Students also practiced finding and recording the different combinations needed to organize the stickers into sheets (100s), strips (10s) and/or singles (1s) using cubes.
In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. day, students used multiple forms of media to build their knowledge about the influential impact of Dr. King on our society. In addition, they assisted with comparing his actions to those they’ve read or learned about, such as Malala Yousafzai. Students took away the power of standing up for what they believe in and supporting equality amongst all!
Third Grade
Our 3rd grade students had an amazing week. They worked hard and learned so much!
In Ela, Readers continued to read the novel “Charlotte's web” and learned how to identify the main idea and details in a text. Students engaged in fun center activities as well as playing a fun “ mystery bag” game to help identify the main idea and details.
Our writers continued to investigate opinion writing by writing about their favorite candy. They focused on using opinion words and phrases, paragraph structure and strong openings and closings.
In math, we are learning how to add and subtract multiples of 10s. Mathematicians are learning how to add problems with 2 and 3 digits using strategies that involve breaking apart numbers and using mental math strategies.
In Social Studies, students continued to discuss the importance of Martin Luther King Jr. by completing a timeline of his life. Historians also continued to learn about our state. This week we researched the state bird, flower and tree. We are also learning about the development of the state.
Students have been rehearsing for their theater show on January 31st and 10:30am. We are so excited!
Fourth Grade
ELA
Our 4th grade readers continued with the novel “ What Would She Do?” From historic world leaders to brilliant scientists, artists, and modern-day pioneers, What Would She Do? shares twenty-five incredible women's stories that educate and empower. Learn about the remarkable achievements and attitudes of feminist trailblazers such as Cleopatra, Amelia Earhart, Malala Yousafzai, Michelle Obama, and other brave women who overcame huge obstacles to accomplish great things. This week we focused on Author’s Purpose, Author’s Perspective, Timeline, and Text Features.Math
Our 4th grade mathematicians began Unit 4: Measuring and Classifying shapes. Students learned about polygons and quadrilaterals. Students had to determine which shape is a polygon and which is not a polygon and explain why. Students created different polygons based on the number of sides.Students combined polygons to make new ones and classified polygons by attribute, including number and relative length of sides, and side of angles.
Social Studies
Our 4th grade historians continued Chapter 4 in their Social Studies edition. This week they continued to identify the problems the colonists faced with the British. We read about the Declaration of Independence and students had to paraphrase the Declaration of Independence by determining which statement would go under the correct heading.
Fifth Grade
In Readers workshop this week, our 5th Grade scholars are recalling and understanding elements of expository text by listening to the interactive read aloud to share feature/s of the genre found in the story
In Writers Workshop, our writers are currently planning an argumentative essay
by developing the topic with facts, definitions, details, quotations, and/or information.
In Social Studies, our Wallace Historians are identifying more struggles that Slaves went through in America before the Civil War by analyzing different texts from Frederick Douglas about Slavery treatment to complete the Gallery Walk about Slavery in America before the War.
Wallace's Music Department
In music this week, students explored new rhythmic patterns and learned how to create Q Groove melodies. 5th Grade students were introduced to sharps, flats, and accidentals. They applied this knowledge by adding accidentals to their Q Composer Melodies. They learned C and G Major scale patterns as well. Younger students begin to compose Quarter, Half, and Eighth note rhythms in basic melodic phrases. Then, they added backing tracks in the style of their choice to enhance their compositions. The students shared their compositions by submitting them on the Quaver system. Then, they were able to listen to each new melody and give feedback to each other. Students were awarded Quaver points to create new designs in their music rooms.
Chorus is back from winter break. The American Young Voices music has just arrived, and the students have a fun filled 73 page packet of music to explore together! It’s a challenging task, but they are ready for it. Song selections include pop, Broadway, multicultural, and inspirational music. They will be learning 2 part harmony in some of the more challenging choral selections.
Band has been in full swing with our weekly lessons. 4th grade instrumentalists have been exploring breath control, new notes, and new rhythms. 5th graders are working on more advanced techniques and playing in an ensemble. Hope you are all having a wonderful week!
Ms. McGeehin's Art Class
Individualized Learning Pathway - Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
Individualized Learning Pathway - Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth
On Mondays - Wednesdays during the Individualized Learning Pathway (ILP) period, students who have qualified to participate in the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) programming engage in a wide array of math course offerings that address their specific strengths and interests. Johns Hopkins CTY believes in researching and advancing ways to identify and nurture academically talented learners. CTY furthers research, guides educators and families and inspires students from diverse communities and backgrounds to pursue their intellectual passions and create the world of tomorrow. This week, we would like to highlight one of the CTY courses offered to our Hoboken students this winter:
Johns Hopkins CTY Cryptology: Math and Codes
At the beginning of every unit, CTY Mathematicians get to complete an exciting virtual Scavenger Hunt Adventure that introduces them to the new unit. They need to crack the code to solve the mystery! Only by collecting the ciphers, CTY students are able to unlock the mystery and proceed to the following steps. It is a big challenge, but fear not because there are many clues along the way. Finally, when all the clues are at hand, students are able to use the ciphers to uncover the code and solve the mystery at the end of the unit. In addition, while being on the lookout for the clues, CTY Mathematicians work on the required assignments to fully complete the unit activities.
The Counselor's Corner
Dear Wallace Families,
Next week we will begin the Kindness Challenge. As a school, students will be participating in “The Great Kindness Challenge” throughout the month of January. This challenge is a proactive and positive SEL-focused program that improves school climate and increases student engagement. The Great Kindness Challenge - School Edition is one week devoted to performing as many acts of kindness as possible at school and at home. Students will work together as a class to check off as many acts of kindness as they can throughout the month. You’ll find here a K-2 Kindness Challenge and a 3-5 Kindness Challenge. Please encourage your Wildcats to complete their kindness challenge checklist!
As a reminder, the Hoboken Library will be visiting for a Pop-Up next week as well! The library is going to be coming to the school with plenty of books for the students to check out. Students will require a Library Card in order to check out books. On the Pop- Up Flyer there is a Google Form to fill out if anyone needs a Library Card. Please follow this link to do so!
Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ud4K1uPqTi1cI-9a_1f5qIazV7Ap0ROfgtwAgFM1Qzw/prefill
As always, please feel free to click Here and log in to MOVE THIS WORLD and explore all of its resources and lessons at home with our Wallace Family account.
Username:WallaceWildcat
Password: movethisword
Feel free to contact me at: frank.cagiao@hoboken.k12.nj.us
SEPAG Meeting
HOPES Vaccines
Theatre
As always, please be sure to find some time to relax and enjoy the weekend. Until next time… Martin Shannon, Principal
Martin Shannon, Principal
Email: Martin.Shannon@Hoboken.k12.nj.us
Website: Hoboken.k12.nj.us
Location: 1100 Willow Avenue, Hoboken, NJ, USA
Phone: 201-356-3654
Twitter: @WildcatsWallace