Pleasant Street School News
building a community of learners that strive for excellence
What I Know by Heart About Math
We wanted to send out another resource for families that provides examples and tips on supporting your child as he or she develops not only a strong foundation in math but higher order math skills. We have included a new resource as well as the Great Minds site that we utilize as the source for our parent tips handouts that we send out by grade and module.
http://eurekamathhelp.piqua.org/student-math-resources
Pictured below are some great pieces from students that speak to "What I know by heart about math."
News from Preschool and Some Spring Planning too!
We are busy each day with lots of littles in our classrooms but that has not stopped us from beginning to plan for next year! Within the next few weeks we want families to be on the lookout for one or more upcoming dates for preschool screening, likely held at Pleasant Street and one community location and for notices to current families to confirm their enrollment plans for next year. In case you didn't know, preschool screening involves taking a look at a preschooler's developmental skills in the areas of speech & language, fine and gross motor, and some basic school readiness skills. After we confirm family enrollment preferences for returning families we will begin taking applications for anticipated openings for next school year.
To learn more about what is happening this week please enjoy the preschool newsletter by clicking on the link below.
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Preschool-Newsletter-March-16-2015.pdfAll School Meeting
At our recent all school meeting on March 10th we celebrated our March birthday friends and learned a new "birthday song" with Mrs. Girouard, our music teacher. Mrs. Jones' class was chosen as the class for sharing. We recognized students who brought in items to share as part of their participation in our Vacation Week Family Learning Challenge. We also reminded students to follow our safe play expectations for recess as we will be going out more with warmer weather. Thank you to brothers Matthew and Nathan for sharing their Family Learning Activities and to Alison for sharing about her recent trip to Disney World.
Speaking of Family Learning-please enjoy an edition of the Home / School Connection newsletter with ideas on activities for quality family time. This edition includes goal setting, standardized testing, attendance, thinking games, and more!
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Home-School-Connection-3-15-15.pdf
Anchor Charts, oh Anchor Charts!
You may ask why do teachers use so many anchor charts? Simply put, an anchor chart is a tool used to support instruction and to move students toward achieving success with lessons or concepts being taught.
Anchor charts are frequently created during the instruction of the lesson. As the teacher models the lesson or strategy, the lesson reinforcement or strategy tool is written on chart paper. Once the lesson is complete, the chart is placed in a convenient student-friendly location that the students can access it independently. This is another vehicle for academic support, especially for the visual learner. The beauty of an anchor chart is that it can be displayed as needed or determined by the student work. Some anchor charts live all year long in the classroom, while others are only displayed during the current unit of study. Anchor charts can also be used as a classroom management tool for students to self-monitor their behavior by gently reminding them of expectations and routines.
For more information on the use of anchor charts please click on the link below:
https://www.engageny.org/sites/default/files/resource/attachments/anchor_charts.pdf
Anchor chart fun....review with your child the charts below and see if you can guess which grade level the chart is from?
What is Theme?
Stuck on a Word? Reading Strategies
Elements of Fiction
Thank you National Junior Honor Society Readers!
Do your best on the MCAS Test!
A letter will be going home tomorrow detailing upcoming MCAS administration dates by grade as well as helpful tips for families on helping your child do his or her best. Punctual school attendance is always important but especially during the testing window. The notices are attached below as well as a link to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary Education website for your convenience and reference. If you have any questions about the MCAS administration please contact the school office.
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/MCAS-parent-notice-2015.pdf
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Student-notice-MCAS-ELA-2015-Test-Admin-Plan.pdf
Meet Challenges and Achieve Success- MCAS- 4th grade writing packets due soon!
Friendly reminder- at this point, students should be finishing their second essay and working on their third. We thank families for your support in promoting your child's writing practice and increased success.
Meet Challenges and Achieve Success- MCAS- writing preparation program challenge!
Writing Challenge Packet (This was sent home in hard copy with students on 2/13/15)
Writing Prompts (This was also sent home on 2/13/15).
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/MCAS-writing-prompts.pdf
If you have questions about this 4th grade home writing challenge you can contact the school or feel free to send an email to Principal Ellis at dellis@arrsd.org
Community Events & Postings
Do you have news to share or want to inform members of our school community about family friendly events in our area? If, so please email or forward a flyer or link.
Thank you :)
Winter and Spring 2015- Happenings at Valuing our Children- click on the link below to see what is being offered at this wonderful family resource center.
http://www.arrsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Happenings-at-VOC-winter-2015.pdf
For other local events, happenings, and resources in this area... you can also check the North Quabbin Community Coalition website below:
Upcoming Events...Mark your Calendars!
Upcoming Events and Dates
- March 24- April 6- ELA Spring testing window
- April 2, Grade 4 MCAS ELA, long composition
- April 6, PTO meeting, 6:00-7:00 pm, all are welcome, childcare is provided
- April 8, School House Rock, Live, Children's play at Mount Wachusett Theatre
News from Principal Ellis
Email: dellis@arrsd.org
Website: arrsd.org
Location: 1060 Pleasant Street., Athol, MA 01331
Phone: (978) 249-2405