Woods Weekly
Week of October 12th-16th
Classroom Happenings
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The excitement has been building, and the big day is just about here. Tomorrow is our first ever Color Run at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. This fun, family friendly event is sure to add a little color to your weekend. I hope to see you all there!
Next week, students will be taking the NWEA reading and math tests. As students complete the tests, the questions adapt based on the individual student's academic needs. The results will help identify the skills that your child needs scaffolded instruction and practice with before being able to complete them independently. These tests will be completed next Thursday and Friday during our reading block.
We need your help!
Our supply drive called Supplies4GI's has officially begun. Supplies4GI's is an organization that has been sending care packages to our deployed soldiers around the world for 11 years. They partner with school corporations (Tri-Creek, Kankakee Valley, Valparaiso, and Crown Point) to make this happen. The supply drive will run through November 11th (Veteran's Day). There are a couple of ways that you can help out:
1. Send in the names and addresses of soldiers (enlisted friends, relatives, neighbors) that you would like to receive letters and care packages. A form was already sent home but let me know if you need another copy.
2. Donate items from our grade level Wish List so they can be added to care packages. 4th grade is in charge of collecting canned soup (small pop top cans), stick deodorant, toothbrushes, and dental floss.
Any donation, no matter how big or small, is greatly appreciated.
Here is a look at what is coming up next week:
Science:
We are taking a break from science as we begin Unit 1 in social studies. Once we complete Unit 1, we will return to Earth Science.
Social Studies:
We are diving into Unit 1 which has us exploring Indiana's land and people. In this unit, we will be learning about Indiana's geography, climate, resources, economy, culture, and people. At the end of our unit, students will create an Indiana map that includes its resources, geographic regions, rivers, major cities, and state capitol; this map project will take the place of a traditional test.
Math:
After spending last week reviewing place value, we are now ready to begin multiplying with some larger numbers. We will be using multiplication arrays as we begin working on multiplying one digit by two digit numbers and two digit by two digit numbers. The multiplication arrays provide students with a visual representation of what happens through the multiplication process.
Reading:
Last week, we began working with our comprehension skill, sequencing. This week, we will continue to work on sequencing, but we will practice it through the exploration of the literary genre personal narrative. Students are already somewhat familiar with this genre because they are creating their own personal narratives in our writing unit.
Writing:
We are continuing to work on our personal narratives. Students have chosen their topic, mapped out their ideas, and started writing their rough drafts. This week, I will be presenting introduction and conclusion strategies that students can practice with their own writing.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Woods
Spelling: Long and Short "e" Patterns
Core Words
receipt
weather
expert
receiver
believe
never
debrief
sweater
expect
leisure
Test Words
engine
measure
achieve
ceiling
breakfast
either
threaten
relief
ketchup
caffeine
debrief
feather
disbelief
seizure
- endeavor
Important Dates to Remember:
October 21st: Panera Restaurant Night 4-8 pm
October 22nd: End of the first grading period
October 23rd: Fall Break/ No School
October 30th: Harvest Fest
Specials and Lunch/Recess Schedule
Tuesday: Music and Gym
Wednesday: Music and Gym
Thursday: Computers
Friday: Art
Lunch: 12:20-12:50
Recess: 12:50-1:20
Conferences
Contact Information
Email: jkras@valpo.k12.in.us
Website: http://misskrasclass.weebly.com/
Location: 305 Franklin St, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: 219-531-3030