Ross / Ellis Weekly Newsletter
October 30, 2015
"When witches go riding, and black cats are seen, the moon laughs and whispers, ‘tis near Halloween."
Happy Halloween!
What Will We Be Learning This Week?
Math
Students have enjoyed learning the Area Model Method to multiply 1 by 2 digit, 1 by 3 digit, and 1 by 4 digit multiplication. Next week, students will learn 2 by 2 digit multiplication, practice estimating using multiplication and will solve word problems using multiplication. We realize that the methods taught today may look very different from those taught to us when we were young. I ask that, at this stage of the process, you let students practice using the Area Model. It has been my experience that teaching different methods too soon can be confusing for students. Also, by multiplying using the expanded form, students eventually learn the true value using number sense. In having a more accurate sense of the value of a number, students are better able to estimate numbers, allowing them to more readily apply their knowledge on a day-to-day basis in real world situations. If needed, other strategies will be presented to students on an individual basis.
Science
Students will continue their study of Electricity next week. We will begin experimenting with current electricity using batteries (energy source), bulbs (energy receiver) and wires (conductors). This is an exciting unit for students. I have found this week that the connections made by students and the excitement they feel makes it difficult for them to sit still and listen! Time to put the materials in their hands and let them discover concepts on their own!! Their inquisitiveness is inspiring and so fun to watch.
Language Arts
We will continue reading Because of Winn-Dixie as a class. During this unit we will be incorporating many standards such as sequencing, cause and effect, and theme. We will also be completing several fun activities to help reinforce these standards for the students.
Words Their Way spelling lists will resume this week.
Social Studies
Odds & Ends
Discipline Notices
We have implemented a new discipline system at Blackburn Elementary. It is very similar to what Ms. Ellis and I were doing before, so it should not be a huge change for students. The biggest difference is that instead of writing notes home for discipline issues in student agendas, we will send home an official discipline notice. This notice needs to be signed and returned the next day. Also, each discipline notice sent home has increasing consequences over the previous notice.
Discipline Notice 1 has no further consequences besides the notice being sent home. Discipline Notice 2 will require a phone call home. Discipline Notice 3 will require a conference to discuss your child's behaviors. Discipline Notice 4 will be an office referral. These are school-mandated consequences.
Ms. Ellis and I will still be using our marks system that we have been using all year, with one change: we will no longer send home a note in your child's agenda at the 3rd mark in one day. Instead we will send home a Discipline Notice if your child reaches four marks in one day. If your child earns a 5th mark that day we will call you to discuss why your child is still misbehaving even after having a discipline notice for the day. If you child earns a 6th mark (even after a discipline notice and a phone call home) we will contact administration to decide how to proceed from there. Please also keep in mind that these steps (marks) can be bypassed at teacher discretion due to the nature of the offense, either straight to a discipline notice or even an office referral.
Although Blackburn's new discipline procedures may sound strict I hope that you realize that they will not have a direct impact on most students. There are only a handful of students in our two classes who would have earned a discipline notice at all up to this point in the school year. It is our hope that these notices help facilitate communication regarding student behavior. And hopefully the increasing consequences will help students to curtail continued misbehavior.
Book Fair
The Book Fair is next week: November 2nd through November 6th. Mrs. Hudson has been working hard to organize and set up the opportunity for students to shop for books in our own library. Students will preview the Book Fair early in the week, giving them an opportunity to look for books that interest them. Students will be given the opportunity to purchase books throughout the week, until early on Friday. Please note that the Book Fair will be open in the evening on Tuesday, November 3rd until 7pm. This gives families an opportunity to come to the fair together. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity.
Upcoming Celebrations
Upcoming Events
Nov. 2 – Nov. 6 – Book Fair
Nov. 3 - Book Fair Parent Night (3:00-7:00)
Nov. 6 - Picture Make Ups
Nov. 10 – PDQ Night (5-9pm)
Nov. 11 – Veteran’s Day – NO SCHOOL
Nov. 26-27 Holiday – Happy Thanksgiving
Contact Info
Email: fletcher_ross@catawbaschools.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/ccsk12.net/mr-ross-class/
Location: 4377 West Hwy 10 Newton, NC 28658
Phone: (828) 466-7065