Harris Elementary School
November & December 2017 Newsletter
Principal News
Dear Harris Families:
As we near the holiday season, I would like to share some things that I am thankful for at Harris Elementary:
I am thankful for students who eagerly come to school to learn.
I am thankful for a beautiful school and a wonderful community.
I am thankful for teachers and staff who give many hours of their personal days to provide students with the instruction and guidance needed for all to succeed.
I am thankful for parents who support the efforts of our school and their children.
Thanks for all that you do to ensure Harris Elementary is the best school it can be!
On a safety note, please remember the following guidelines for arrival and dismissal in car rider lines:
Pull all the way through the loop when dropping off or picking up students.
If you use the main parking lot at dismissal, please park your car and then get out to pick up your child. We do not have a crossing guard to assist and cars cannot block the main parking area.
If you do not want to exit your vehicle, then please use the loop on the south side of the building near the cemetery. You can stay in your can and we will deliver your child to you.
Please get everything ready before you get to the drop off spot to allow for a quick transition for students exiting the vehicle.
Please do not park on the street as this is a designated no parking zone and Mesa PD has been out on a number of occasions already this school year.
In closing, I sincerely hope that you all enjoy your time off with your families beginning on December 22. We shall see everyone back at school on January 8, 2018.
***Please note that December 21 is a half day we will release at 12:30***
Thanks,
Bill
PTSO News
We would like to welcome our new PTSO President ~Zuzeth Lugo-Blanco to the Harris PTSO! We would also like to thank our other PTSO members Sandee Park, Heather Dunn & RaKesha Hill, we Appreciate ALL you do for Harris Elementary!
Parent University
To Register for a class, go to www.gilbertschools.net/parent_zone/parent_university
January
Active Parenting for ages 12-17 Series @ GHS, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14
Health Care Decisions: Advance Care Planning @ Com Ed, 1/11/18
Raise A Reader Series (Birth-5yrs) @ MSQ, 1/11, 2/25, 3/1
College Planning/FAFSA @ CVHS, 1/16/18
411 on Educational Funding Planning @ MHS, 1/18/18
Early Childhood Conference (Birth-5yrs) @ Com Ed, 1/19/18
Disability Awareness and Self Advocacy @ Com Ed, 1/23/18
Instructional Shifts @ DRHS, 1/24/18
Underachievement and the Gifted Child @ HJRH, 1/30/18
February
First Five Years (Birth-5yrs) Series @ TM, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22
Screenagers Film Viewing @ GHS, 2/3/18
Sex Education in the Home @ MSQ, 2/12/18
Common Drug Trends @ CVHS, 2/13/18
Trauma-Informed Families @ Com Ed, 2/21/18
News from the Health Assistant
Dear Parents:
Head lice have continued to be a problem in our world. The
Number of children infested with head lice in the Unites States continues to be 6 to 12 million children between the ages of 3 to 11 every year. The control of head lice depends on prompt diagnosis and effective treatment. Your help in inspecting your child at least weekly throughout the school year for the presence of head lice would be greatly appreciated. We often see an increase in identified head lice after school holidays when children have been playing together in close head contact and having sleepovers.
We suggest the following procedure for inspecting your child for head lice: Saturday or Sunday, after school holidays, and weekly thereafter.
1. Under bright light begin looking at the back of the head just above the
neck area.
2. Part the hair section by section and look closely for head lice or nits
(eggs). Eggs will usually be located near the scalp.
3. Depending on the length and thickness of the hair, it should take between 5 and 15 minutes to properly inspect a child's head (this is not a possibility at school).
If you suspect your child is infested with head lice please notify the school nurse. In addition, the entire family should be inspected for head lice as well. For information on how to treat your child's head lice infestation consult your family physician, a local pharmacist, or feel free to contact your child's school nurse for recommendations.
Information on controlling head lice can be found:
Arizona Department of Public Health
http://www.azdhs.gov/documents/licensing/childcare-facilities/parents/head_lice_management.pdf
Center for Disease Control
Pre-K News
In December preschool will be learning all about gingerbread with cooking, songs, stories, and games. On Monday, December 18 our preschool families are invited to join us in the classroom for a family activity decorating mini gingerbread houses! Look for more information in your child’s backpack.
This month we are learning to name alphabet letters and their sounds; T,t thru Z,z with Baby Echo the owl and Fundations. Also, we are forming letters with lines and curves using Handwriting Without Tears curriculum.
Literacy resources are available on www.hwt.com, and www.wilsonlanguage.com/programs/fundations
Kindergarten News
We are thankful for learning in kindergarten! In November we learned all about Thanksgiving – from its beginnings to sharing our favorite foods and traditions. Also, thank you to all who donated and attended our Friendship Stew event and Turkey Trot! We began our new Science unit where we will explore many different ideas about Fabric, learned what it means to tap out words and moved on to our next 25 sight words.
As the holiday season continues, be on the lookout for information regarding upcoming events – we have lots of fun things planned for the month of December! As always, if you ever have and questions or concerns, please reach out, and thanks for your continuing support!
~Your Kindergarten Team
1st Grade News
2nd Grade News
Also, in math we have been adding two digit numbers. When we add the ones and make a new ten, we say that we "regroup" the ten. Some parents may remember it being called "carrying the ten or borrowing a one".
Finally in reading we are studying a non-fiction text called, "From Seed to Plant." The article is rich in details and text features. Start asking your children about seeds, soil and plants. We appreciate your support. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather!
3rd Grade News
4th Grade News
In Science Our class will be learning all about the different layers of the Earth, Plate Tectonics, how our Earth changes and why? We will have some fun
experiments that have to do with erosion to wrap up the 2nd quarter.
In Math, we will start Chapter 4 and learn all about Algebra and Variables. We will also continue to work on our division facts. We will be taking our middle of the year benchmark tests in a few weeks so please make sure that your child eats breakfast and has a good night sleep!In ELA we are finishing up our unit on Multiplying Menace and going to begin working on holidays around the world. We will be looking at different holidays from around the world to learn how different places celebrate this time of year. We will also be taking mid-year tests, such as ATI and Dibels. Please be sure to discuss the importance of tests and encourage your child(ren) to try their best and take their time on these.
5th Grade News
We are almost halfway through second quarter. We will be working on deeper level thinking in ELA with citing our work and finding evidence to support our findings. We are starting “Literacy Stations” and we are having to work on following the school rule and being independent responsible students. This skill is necessary to be successful in all that we do in 5th grade.
We are excited to be working on The American Revolution. In Social Studies we will be studying the American Revolution” and working on a class project that will require some additional work. The class project will be a hands on biography report that will be presented in class. The standards being covered will be a Timeline and sequencing of events. It’s going to be a blast!.
Mrs. Coleman and Mrs. Stewart received a Reflex Math Fluency Grant to use for 1 year. We are excited about this program and we are assigning it as nightly homework. The kids are just getting started on the program so ask them to share it with you at home. If you don’t have internet access please send us an email so we know that your student doesn’t have access at home. We are also asking them to use proper finger placement while on the program to help with their typing skills. Please make sure that your child has an inexpensive pair of earbuds so that they can experience the full capacity of this program and other programs we may use.
In Math, We are beginning to work on Multiplying and Dividing Fractions.
In Science, we created inventions for a Writing Contest to earn Science Supplies. We are moving into our next unit, Earth in the Solar System and also eagerly awaiting our next kit, Force and Motion, to arrive. We also did some work with Body Systems to get ready for our field trip to the Halle Heart Center.
6th Grade News
Social Studies
We will be studying the events that led up to and during Pearl Harbor.
English Language Arts (ELA)
We will continue to work on Close Reading informational text, and using that information to write a research paper.
Math
We will be working on adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing fractions. We will then move on to positive and negative numbers
Science
In science, sixth grade will be focusing on the scientific process and writing and testing our own scientific hypothesis. We will move on to studying plants and applying what we learned about the scientific process and run experiments with plants.
Library News
Kindergarten:
We have been learning about the importance of a dictionary and ABC order online. We made our own picture dictionaries.
First Grade:
We have been learning about "digital footprints" and why it is important not to give out private information on the internet.
Second Grade:
We have been learning about how the internet connects us with others. We also discussed communities and how we connect from within.
Third Grade:
We have been learning about the difference between personal and private information. This will help us stay safe online.
Fourth Grade:
We have been learning how to create a positive online environment. We came up with online ethics we should follow and made a pact.
Fifth & Sixth Grade:
We have been using Storyworks which is a non fiction current event resource. We have been reading articles, expanding vocabulary, and making connections with past historical events.
BOOK FAIR COMING DECEMBER 14th!
It's almost here!! Come out to Barnes and Noble in Dana Park December 14th from 4pm-8pm. There will be a lego, beading, craft, and cookie decorating table. Everything is free! Cookies are sold for under $1. See Mr. Roth dress up as an elf and read a story. See band and strings play, art on display, and MORE! Be sure to check out the great selection of books and gifts. Any money earned will go towards purchasing new library books. Be sure to show the cashier the Harris Elementary voucher (will be sent home) so our school can get a portion of the money. Hungry for dinner before or after all of that shopping? Head on over across the way to Panda Express for a bite to eat. 20% of the money earned at Panda Express that night will also go towards Harris! Looking forward to seeing you all there!
Attention Grades 3-5th!!!
Author Carmen Agra Deedy is coming to visit January 11th! More information to come, but we will head on over to Gilbert High to attend her author presentation. Meanwhile, we will be reading her books during library time. A book sale flyer will be coming home, be on the look out if you're interested in purchasing. We will be having a district wide book mark contest. All students are invited to participate and will learn about this during library. Bookmarks are due December 8th!
Student Council News
The Harkin's Fundraiser will start December 1st and go until the 15th. Be sure to buy bags of popcorn and souvenir cups at a discounted price. These make great gifts!!
Thanks so much to everyone who brought in cans for the drive. You all rock!
PE News
Happy Fall!
All students continue to work hard in PE. The AZ Coyotes were here on Thursday, November 9 to do a hockey clinic with some of the classes.
We had a fun time running the Turkey Trot the day before Thanksgiving break. More Fun Runs coming soon. Which class will run the most laps?
K-2 did a great job with the hula hoop unit and movement skills. Coming up will be throwing and catching and parachute. Also, we will be climbing the rock wall and ropes again soon.
3-6 finished our Frisbee and hockey unit. After Thanksgiving break we will get into football and basketball.
Remember to wear tennis shoes on your PE day.
1,2,3…we love P.E.!
Math News
Building number sense is built into our state standards as we teach students multiple strategies to solve problems. Marilyn Burns explains, “When children think that there is one right way to compute, they focus on learning and applying it, rather than thinking about what makes sense for the numbers at hand.”
An activity to try at home using multiple strategies:
Subtract from 100. To play this game, you need one die, paper and pencil for each player. Each player writes 100 at the top of their paper. Taking turns each player rolls the die and subtracts the amount from 100. On each turn, players roll the die and continue subtracting from the prior difference. The first person to get to zero wins the game.
See if students have a strategy other than the standard method to subtract. Don't be afraid to ask questions about how they are thinking about it.
For young children, start with 25 or 50. For older students, subtract from 1 with the die representing hundredths.
Save the Date:
Math Night
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
5:15pm - 6:30pm
Please plan to attend and enjoy math activities, food and prizes!
Reading News
ELL News
What we are learning: Kindergarten Block: Family, Food and Fall vocabulary, upper and lower case letters, sight words, first-middle-last sounds in a word and rhyming. We work on drawing and writing simple sentences every day and are learning that every sentence begins with a capital letter and ends with a period or question mark. We are using IStation online to enhance our reading and we also enjoy www.Starfall.com in class to help us with our reading. It can also be accessed at home. 1st/2nd Grade Block: We have been busy learning about The Day of the Dead, our amazing skeletons and the parts of bodies.We continue to work on learning the sounds of the consonant digraphs, CH, SH, TH, WH and CK. Your super smart children can even find these digraphs in words printed anywhere and everywhere. We are using Istation and RAZKIDS to practice reading concepts online. This week we will read all about Turkeys. 3rd-5th Grade Block: We continue to practice our writing of five-paragraph essays with the use of an outline to organize our ideas. This month we will also begin studying the water cycle and weather patterns. We also are continuing to care for the plants we have grown from seeds and look forward to seeing how big they get!
Special Education Resource & Speech News
Harris is looking for a representative for the Gilbert Special Education Parent Council
Our mission is to help you be an effective advocate for your children. The Council has asked each school to identify a parent volunteer to serve on the Gilbert Special Education Parent Council. Each representative will respond to questions/concerns posed by parents, teachers, or staff about the special education process, particular disabilities, and your role in supporting your child. Volunteers are offered training. And because we are volunteers; there is no cost for the support we provide. We want to • Help you find the information you need • Provide training on GPS special education issues • Be a liaison between the district, the schools, and families • Encourage participation in the Gilbert special education community. We share information through school and district newsletters and our Facebook page. We participate in district and school events and present information about our organization at school staff meetings and PTSO events. Watch for a schedule of parent training's online on our Facebook page or at the District’s Parent University website. A list of parent representatives by school can be found on the Council website. Gilbert Special
Education Parent Council Website: http://www.gilbertschools.net/departments/special_education/special_education_parent_council/
Friend us! Council Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SEPCGilbertAZ
GPS Parent University: http://www.gilbertschools.net/departments/community_partnerships/parent_university/ Special Education
Parent Council Chairman: Jane Rucker: 480-528-1150 jarucker@msn.com
Music News
December Music News
Kindergarten and 1st grade- We have spent our time singing songs about Hanukkah, snowflakes, winter clothes, and Santa Claus! We have also played the triangle, jingle bells, and glockenspiel instruments.
2nd grade - We spent one music class exploring Hanukkah songs and dances. We also sang a snowflake song using our notes So, Mi, and La, played the glockenspiel instruments, and added creative movement. We have also been practicing our rhythms - quarter notes, quarter rests, and eighth notes.
3rd grade - We spent one music class exploring Hanukkah songs and dances. We also did a dance to the song Jingle Bells, played instruments along with the song Sleigh Ride, and added instruments and a song to the book Thomas' Snowsuit.
4th, 5th, and 6th grade- We have continued to use our recorders and play songs using the notes B, A, and G. Students are expected to practice at home 10 minutes a day most days of the week, and to turn in their completed practice "bugs." PLEASE make sure your student puts their recorder instrument back in their backpack after practicing at home. Students MUST have their recorder instrument for EVERY music class, as I do keep track of missing instruments. After three times with no instrument, a yellow discipline slip will be sent home.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Band News
The Harris Bands' winter holiday concert will be held on Wednesday, December 13th, 6:30 pm at Harris' multi-purpose room. Students are to dress up nice and meet in the band room at 6:00 pm. A detailed letter will be going home soon. The students are to practice their concert pieces at home. We have been working hard in class preparing for the performance and the students are making good progress. Please have your students record their practice minutes in their journals. These are graded every Thursday and Friday. Thank you for your support and I'll see you on December 13th.
Strings News
Hello parents! As we know, there is a new schedule for 5&6th-grade strings. I will see Mrs. Stewart and Mrs. Winn’s classes on Monday and Thursday, and Mrs. Coleman and Mrs. King on Tuesday and Friday. Students did a very good Job of remembering their instruments on the first day of this new schedule.
Our first concert is scheduled for Wednesday, December 6th at 6:30 pm. Students will need to be at school by 6:00 pm in concert dress (white on top, Black on bottom) to be tuned. There will be an opportunity for pictures.
Thank you, see you on the 6th!
Superintendent's Parent Council Meeting Notes from 10/4/17
The goals of the district are:
Increase student enrollment
Retain staff
Academic achievement
HAPPINESS
Community support
The school grades were discussed at length and took up the majority of the meeting:
It was stressed that this grading system is DIFFERENT than the system used in past years. Previous years' grades were based on AIMS and had 140 (+6 possible bonus) points available. Under the previous system, 33% of the schools received A's. The current system is based on AZ Merit, has 100 (+2 possible bonus) points available, and only 18% of K-8 and 16% of 9-12 will receive A's. It was said to compare the previous system with it's accompanying grades to the current system is like comparing apples to oranges. Parents are to keep this in mind when looking at the school grades.
For grades K-8, this new accountability system is focused on:
Proficiency and Growth (based on AZ Merit ELA and Math scores)
50% of a school's grade is based on GROWTH
30% of a school's grade is based on PROFICIENCY
10% of a school's grade is based on PROFICIENCY & GROWTH in ELL
10% of a school's grade is based on Acceleration and Readiness measures
Grades are as follows:
A-Excellent
B-Highly Performing
C-Performing
D-Minimally Performing
F-Failing
The superintendent is trying to find ways to reverse the enrollment trend. He feels that by increasing salaries and decreasing class sizes, enrollment will increase.
Next Meeting is November 29th 2017
Staff Shoutouts
Congratulations to Meg Willneff and Kari Morphy for receiving the Harris Hawk Staff Award this month, Thanks for all your efforts!
Congratulations to Penny Stewart & Jessica Coleman for winning a Math Grant!
Upcoming Events @ Harris
December 6 - 2:30 EARLY RELEASE DAY
December 6 - Strings Concert 11:00 am 6:30 pm - In the Cafeteria
December 13 - 2:30 EARLY RELEASE DAY
December 13 - Band Concert 11:00 am & 6:30 pm in the Cafeteria
December 14 - Barnes and Noble Book Fair - 4:00 pm -8:00 pm
@ Dana Park location 1758 S. Val Vista Drive, Mesa AZ 85204
December 15 - Spirit Days - Rainbow Day
December 15 - Kindergarten Winter Performance Family Event -
2:30 pm in the cafeteria
December 15 - Harris School Tour with the Principal 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
December 20 - Kindergarten Polar Express Day
December 20 - 3:30 REGULAR RELEASE DAY
December 20 - Site Council Meeting 4-5 pm in the Library
December 21 - Spirit Day - Pajama Day
December 21 - 12:30 EARLY RELEASE DAY
WINTER BREAK - SCHOOL IS CLOSED - DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 5th
SCHOOL RESUMES On January 8th