Lyons' Class Update
Inaugural Newsletter for 2015-2016
Welcome Back to School!
It is my intent to publish a bi-monthly newsletter to keep you posted on happenings in P76. Ask your child about Philosophy for Kids (P4K) with Dr. Alissa Swota. We did our first session on building community. It is a great lead-in for establishing rules for Socratic Seminar. Our next session will be on 9/4, and will focus on the theme of "Power". We are studying Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles with our itinerant gifted teacher, Mrs, Erin Arnold. We are prepared for lots of metacognition, and intrapersonal intelligence, so that we know how each of us learns best. She will also be on hand for Genius Hour, once we get rolling.
We have begun TIDE classes (Targeted Intervention and Dedicated Enrichment). We are presently working on Reading strategies. Ask your child to explain UNRAAVEL for reading to you. We are working with the science concept of Matter in TIDE. After we have run through Reading Strategies lessons, we will work with Critical Thinking and Problem Solving/Project groups. Students will alternate between myself and Mrs. Simmons quarterly. Stay tuned for fun stuff in TIDE.
We have our first field trip, to Whitney Labs, tomorrow, Tuesday, 9/1. Please pack your child a bagged lunch and drink. We will picnic in our room, or outside ,weather permitting, when we return at 1:30. Our intended IMAX trip has been moved from 12/4 because of a scheduling conflict. Please stay tuned for a notice about a revised date, and return the signed form for the new date.
I am sending home directory pages in Tuesday folders tomorrow. I only got one out of the Code of Conduct book. Please indicate if you have any objections to having your child's name published in the various formats. Note that if you choose option 3, your child can NOT be included in the yearbook. At the moment, everyone has given me permission for pictures, which is great so that I can publish our pictures on our class page, and create a Photobucket account, in which I will drop all photos taken during the year. This lets you and your child choose memories s/he wants to preserve. :) As promised, I will NEVER publish a picture of your child with a name or identification without permission (i.e. newspaper for a special award or accomplishment).
Please also return Coupon Book fundraisers if you don't want them, or $20 for each book you desire to keep/order. I hope you have signed up for Harlem Wizard tickets! I look forward to seeing everyone there!
Thank you for all the well wishes and kind words while my dad was in the hospital. While the news was not what I had hoped for, I am grateful that he is ok and that we have a plan of action with which to proceed. I am pleased to say that the class was exceptionally well behaved for Mrs. Coles. :) Rewards are forthcoming.
The Great Cup Challenge!
The winning team!
Extracurricular Activities
HELP WANTED!
In search of: One Homeroom Mom. Needed to coordinate class events, supplies, and serve as key communicator for PTO. Extra incentive for those who are versed in "Sign Up Genius" or "Please Bring It"! Also in need of a Tuesday Folder Mom. Mrs. Zangerle has already graciously accepted the task of Sunshine Math Mom!
Finally, I will need 3-4 volunteers for Science Center Rotations twice a month. With our TIDE schedule, it looks like we will have to do rotations from 9:30-11:30 or noon, two mornings a month. If this could fit into your schedule, and you like to help students develop a love for science, please sign up to be a Science Center Volunteer! I'd like to schedule our first Science rotations soon!
If there is any other craft/concept you'd like to come in and teach or lead the class with, please let me know. Thank you!!!
Have you tried Remind?
Wish List...
- basketball
- football
- tennis balls
- soccer ball
- black Velcro for pencil cups
- plastic bugs for science "classification"
- HP61 black/color ink, or gift cards
- HP2035-05A laser jet ink, or gift card to Office Depot
- pillows for reading center
- candy donations (Twix, Almond Joy, Blow Pops, Gummis seem to be most requested)
Upcoming Important Dates:
Whitney Lab field trip: Tomorrow, 9/1
DE Math: Friday, 9/4Labor Day Holiday: Monday, 9/7
Coupon books or $20 each due 9/8
DE Science: Thursday, 9/10
Interims: 9/11
Fall Pictures: 9/21
WOW - 9/30
Harlem Wizards game: 10/3, FCMS
Reach Ms. Lyons here:
Email: Tracey.Lyons@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Website: http://teachers.stjohns.k12.fl.us/lyons-t/
Phone: (904)-547-7980