ROCKET NEWS
JANUARY 2024
Happy New Year!
Theatre Week
Kindergarten Family
In the month of January, Kindergarteners will be continuing their social studies unit, which focuses on families. In this unit they have been learning that every family is special and unique in their own way. All families function around love, traditions, and supporting one another. Throughout this unit, classroom teachers use various picture books, posters, and allow students to share about their own families.
Each Kindergarten class created a “family tree” with pictures from each family on it. The children were able to share about their family and then add their picture to the tree. They have also been talking about celebrations and traditions that they have with their families. This study will continue in January. The children have been enjoying sharing and learning about each other!
Zoom to the Moon- First Grade
As our First Graders get ready to kick off their next Science unit, Space Systems: Patterns & Cycles, we are excited to welcome back HighTouch HighTech’s STEM program featuring “Zoom to the Moon”! On January 29th – 31st each First Grade class will gather in the STEM Lab to learn and discover the patterns of our living planet. They will learn about craters and have the opportunity to be crater-makers. Also, our students will learn about the phases of the moon, eclipses, tides and more through fun, hands-on investigations. We’re excited to Zoom to the Moon!
Changemakers- Second Grade
In 2nd Grade, an exciting journey into the world of changemakers is unfolding. The students are embarking on a unit that introduces them to the concept of changemakers—individuals who have made a positive impact on the world. Learners are discovering the traits that define a changemaker, including courage, empathy, perseverance, conviction, and inspiration. Following this foundational understanding, they will explore various changemakers throughout history, whose commitment and actions have shaped the world for the better. Through this journey, our second graders are not only gaining knowledge about historical figures but also cultivating a sense of empowerment, empathy, and the belief that their actions, no matter how small, can make a positive impact on their lives and communities.
Counseling Corner
In January, Reynolds students will be celebrating kindness by participating in The Great Kindness Challenge. A kick-off Rocket Day assembly will be held on Friday January 12th. Everyone will be invited to wear green and students will find out who their Star Connection Buddy Class will be. This is an opportunity for classes from different grade levels to partner up for fun activities each month for the remainder of the year. January’s activity includes a playdate and an opportunity to create and execute an act of kindness for someone at Reynolds School. Additionally, each class will receive a Great Kindness Challenge board with lots of easy and fun ways to show kindness to others. We can’t wait to see all the wonderful things the Rockets will do to spread kindness each day!
Tips From the Learning Lab
Literacy:
Think of a word that has 3 (or more) sounds. Say each sound with a pause in between each sound. Ask your child to put those sounds together to say the word. This is an oral/auditory activity and does not involve looking at letters.
(Example- You are thinking of the word bug. Say the sounds /b/ /u/ /g/ and your child says bug.)
Numeracy: Reinforce concepts of more, less and equal using a variety of words that convey the same meaning (ex. more, greater, heavier, taller, older, etc; less, fewer, shorter, lighter, etc,; equal, the same as, ). Do this in a fun way, for example- using food- Do you have fewer carrots or chicken nuggets?
Kindergarten Registration
We look forward to beginning our journey with you for the 2024-2025 school year. Following Kindergarten registration, we plan to have additional orientation and screening events in the spring.
December Coat Drive
Thank you to everyone who donated winter coats in December! Our school collected over 175 coats for Oasis in Paterson, NJ! Special thanks to our Student Advisory Council for helping to organize this experience for Reynolds.
Hour of Code
Students in grades K-2 participated in the Hour of Code in December. The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, using fun block coding to show that anyone can learn coding basics. Kindergartners and First graders learned Code Monkey and Second graders learned the Minecraft Coding Adventurer on Code.org's website.
Hidden Snowman
Classes looked for the Olaf hidden around the building for a fun adventure in December. Mrs. Santos and Mrs. Nussman were our lucky winners.
Community of Cultures - Spain
Señora Cook and Ms. Bunting hosted Addison’s family for a Community of Cultures presentation on Spain. Tía Amanda (Aunt Amanda) took the students on a virtual field trip through this beautiful country, teaching the students about the art, culture, geography, traditions and more. It was a wonderful experience for everyone!
Coat Drive
Thank you for your support with our Winter Coat Drive. Our students collected 332 coats for Oasis. We are so grateful for your generosity.
Winter Reminders
Also, please use extreme caution when navigating through the parking lot in the morning and afternoon. Keeping a safe speed and being mindful of others is important to ensure that everyone arrives and leaves campus safely.
Finally, be sure that children are dressed appropriately for the cold weather. Even when the temperatures dip a bit below freezing, children go outside for recess. The fresh air and time to run help to make the afternoons more productive. Hats, gloves, and a warm coat should be standard winter apparel. Please label all items with first and last names.
Reynolds School
Website: http://www.usrschoolsk8.com/reynolds/pages/default.aspx
Location: 395 West Saddle River Road, Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States
Phone: 201-961-6300
Facebook: RobertReynoldsSchool
Twitter: @ReynoldsUSR