From the Desk of Mr. Yoshida
Birdneck Elementary - Quarter 3 - Feb. 11, 2020
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR PRINCIPAL
Hello Birdneck Families,
It's hard to believe that half the year is already over. Our teachers have been analyzing data from our Quarter 2 assessments and we are seeing a pattern of improvement across grade levels. We use this information to help us plan remediation and extensions for students. This newsletter includes information about what your child will be learning in the third quarter. Please have a conversation not only about what they learned in the first half of the year but also what is to come over the next 9 weeks. Having these discussions with them helps increase their success and creates a strong bridge between home and school.
February is Reading Month here at Birdneck. One of the events for the month will be a school wide read for both PK-2 and 3 -5 grades. We have purchased the book Fish in a Tree for all teachers and students in grades 3, 4 and 5. This is a great story that includes issues students often face and was written to help students overcome adversity. PK-2 teachers will be reading the first Magic Tree House – Dinosaurs Before Dark book to their students.
Have an awesome day,
WE ARE BIRDNECK AND WE ARE FAMILY
R.V. Yoshida : Member of the BIRDNECK FAMILY since 2016
UPCOMING EVENTS AT BIRDNECK
February: Natl. African American History Month
February 3-7 National School Counseling Week
Feb. 12 - Battle of the Books Competition at MOCA 5:00 pm
Feb. 17 - President's Day (school closed)
Feb. 18 - Voice of Tomorrow 9:00 am performance
Feb. 21 - Frances Landhouse visit with Kindergarten
Feb. 22 - Partnership Expo and Vendor Fair 9:00-12:00 Landstown High School
Feb. 25 - Gifted Testing Grades 2-5 and Grade 2 Holds
Feb. 25 - Pizza Bingo
Feb. 26 - Grade 4 field trip to Symphony
March: Music in our Schools Month
Youth Art Month
March 2-6 School Social Worker Week
Mar. 3 - No school for students (staff day)
Mar. 4 - Progress reports issued
Mar. 4 - Spring and Classroom Picture Day
Mar. 12 - Progress reports issued
Mar. 19 - Spring concert grades PreK, K, and 3 9:00-10:00 am
Mar. 19 - Spring concert Grades 4 and 5 1:30-2:30 pm
Mar. 19 - Music in Schools Concert 6:00-8:00 pm
Mar. 20 - Grade 3 MOCA visit
Mar. 23 - Gifted Testing for Grade 1 applicants.
Mar. 24 - Grade 5 Field Trip to Jamestown
Mar. 24 - Grade 1 (Hartman, Taylor, Adams) Field trip to Aquarium
Mar. 25 - Grade 1 (Bishop, Gregory, Gentry, Leidel) Field trip to Aquarium
Mar. 27 End of 3rd Quarter
Mar. 30 - Grade 2 begins swimming class at Seatack Rec. Center
April 3 - Report Cards issued
Arrival and Dismissal
We have been observing too many absences and tardies. Students need to arrive at school before 8:10. Our doors open for students at 7:50 am. The BNES news show begins at 8:00 and at 8:10 our official day begins. Students will be considered tardy if they arrive at school after 8:10. It is important that students arrive on time each day for academic and social emotional learning. Arriving late not only effects the student who is tardy, but also the routines of the classroom that has begun instruction.
Any changes in dismissal of a child that is different from their regular routine needs to be done before 2:00 pm. If a child has already boarded the bus the student must be met at their bus stop.
What is my child learning in Math - Quarter 3
The beginning of the 2019-2020 school year ushered in the adoption of new math resources such as HMH’s GO Math!, a textbook resource, and McGraw-Hill’s Redbird, a digital learning platform for Kindergarten through 5th grade students. These supplements to the Virginia Beach City Public Schools math curriculum will provide support for personalized learning for students including application, remediation and intervention throughout the teaching and learning process. Focus on conceptual understanding through the use of manipulatives continues!
Kindergarten:
Students will return to numeration studies by counting forward to 100, counting by tens and also investigating, recognizing and describing part-whole relationships with numbers to 5. During measurement, students will recognize attributes of coins and identify the number of coins equivalent to a nickel, dime and quarter. Students will investigate the passage of time on a calendar and make comparisons for length, height, weight, temperature and time.
Grade One:
Students will collect, organize and interpret data using tables, picture graphs and object graphs. During the first measurement unit, students will recognize attributes of coins and count collections of coins up to a value of 100 cents. Students will tell time to the hour and half-hour and use a calendar. Quarter 3 will come to a close with students studying equal sharing of halves and fourths in the fraction unit
Grade Two:
Students will jump into computation and estimation with estimating and determining sums and differences using various models as well as solving single-step problems. Students will explore arrays and understanding equality with the equal and not equal symbols. After computation, students will begin the Measurement unit. Students will explore time to the nearest five minutes, the days of the week and dates on a calendar. Students will continue to work on demonstrating fluency with basic facts.
Grade Three:
Students will jump into computation and estimation with estimating and determining sums and differences using various models as well as solving single-step problems. Students will explore arrays and understanding equality with the equal and not equal symbols. Next, students will begin the Measurement unit and explore time to the nearest five minutes, the days of the week and dates on a calendar. Students will continue to work on demonstrating fluency with basic facts.
Grade Four:
Students will move from rational number numeration to rational number computation during quarter 3. This unit will include solving practical problems with fractions and decimals, estimating and determining quotients that can involve remainders and continuing to understand patterns. After rational number computation, students will begin measurement studies. Students will expand understanding of elapsed time, estimate, measure and solve problems involving length, weight and volume and determine perimeter and area. Students will continue to develop computational fluency with multiplication and division facts.
Grade Five:
During this quarter, students will be exploring measurement and variables. During the Measurement unit, students will estimate and measure length, weight and volume and identify equivalent measures. Students will solve problems involving perimeter, area and volume as well as determine elapsed time. In the Variables unit, students will investigate variables expressions and equations involving variables, and create problem situations involving variables. They will also continue to expand their understanding of patterns.
What is my child learning in Language Arts - Quarter 3
KINDERGARTEN:
Unit 9 will focus on nonfiction texts and descriptive writing to describe experiences or learning. Students will focus on using text features and identifying important information about the topics of maps and community transportation. Research objectives will continue throughout this unit.
Unit 10 will encompass a blend of fiction and nonfiction and cover the topics of Valentine’s Day and President’s Day. Lessons will continue to support retelling both genres, using vocabulary to retell and writing for many purposes. Texts and resources will be included to integrate content related to animals and George Washington.
Unit 11 will focus on nonfiction texts related to the topic of plants. Students will identify text features specific to the topic, identify facts they read and make predictions. Writing will focus on composing complete sentences with spacing and punctuation. Research objectives will be assessed in this unit, including generating questions of interest and answering questions through research.
Unit 12 will focus on reading fictional texts and include texts about plants or animals to reinforce prior content learning from previous units. The unit will support students in making connections, making predictions and questioning to develop comprehension. Writing will continue to focus on composing complete sentences and brainstorming ideas.
FIRST GRADE:
Unit 9 will focus on nonfiction texts, including using text features to learn about the topic. Students will identify important information related to the topics they are reading about in class. Nonfiction reading and writing will connect to the content objectives of geography and maps.
Unit 10 will encompass a blend of fiction and nonfiction and cover the topics of Valentine’s Day and President’s Day. Making predictions and retelling both fiction and nonfiction. The concept of theme in fictional text will be introduced. Students will write for many purposes, including to share an opinion.
Unit 11 will focus on the nonfiction reading strategies and skills of making predictions and using text features to locate information when reading. Students will write descriptive, informational and research pieces.
Unit 12 will focus on fiction reading skills and strategies. The lessons will emphasize making connections to what we read and our own experiences to comprehend fiction on a deeper level and understand theme. Writing in a variety of forms will continue in addition to a focus on narrative writing and revising to include describing words
SECOND GRADE:
Unit 6 will bring students back into fictional texts and poetry with a focus on theme. Students will analyze a variety of texts to identify the themes. Students will build on their ability to analyze characters and events to draw conclusions about theme. Students will continue summarizing fictional texts with a focus on determining important details and events in stories. Writing instruction will focus on expanding writing to include descriptive detail, revising for clarity, writing in response to reading and editing for capitalization, punctuation, spelling and Standard English.
In Unit 7, students will revisit the characteristics of fiction and nonfiction to deepen their understanding of the genres. Students will apply various reading strategies as they analyze texts. In writing, students will compose a letter to express an opinion. Opportunities for content integration have been provided throughout the ongoing magnets performance task. Students will continue to receive opportunities to conduct interest-based inquiry projects.
THIRD GRADE:
Unit 6 will bring students back into fictional texts and poetry with a focus on the author’s use of language. Students will analyze a variety of texts to draw conclusions about an author’s decisions in craft, style and word choice. Students will also continue summarizing fictional texts with a focus on theme. Understanding the key language that an author uses through narrative structure will support students in drawing conclusions about theme. Writing instruction will focus on applying understanding of language style to write poetry.
During Unit 7, students will complete their second writing performance task. The remainder of the unit will focus on thinking critically about both fictional and nonfiction texts as students compare and contrast the genres. Students will be able to identify literary nonfiction texts and use their understanding of this type of text to analyze the similarities among this genre and others. Students will apply various reading strategies as they analyze narrative elements in paired texts. Writing instruction will provide students with opportunities to craft opinion-based texts. Students will generate ideas for their writing samples based on the work they are doing in reading, content and other topics of interest.
FOURTH GRADE:
Unit 6 will focus on the author’s use of language in fictional texts and poetry. Students will analyze texts to draw conclusions about an author’s decisions in craft, style and word choice. Students will also continue summarizing fictional texts with a focus on cause and effect relationships and themes. Students will build on their ability to interpret the impact of the author’s choices on language and plot events to draw conclusions about theme. Writing instruction will focus on language style in poetry. Students will create multimodal presentations to share their poetry.
During Unit 7, students will complete their second writing performance task. The remainder of the unit will support students in synthesizing reading strategies already learned by comparing across genres. Students will be able to identify literary nonfiction texts and use their understanding of this type of text to analyze the similarities among this genre and others. Writing instruction will focus on opinion texts. Students will generate ideas for their writing samples based on topics for which they have strong opinions. Students will write multiple paragraphs focused on one opinion and provide supporting reasons. Students will also be analyzing media messages to make connections between opinion writing and media messages.
FIFTH GRADE:
Unit 6 will bring students back into fictional texts and poetry with a focus on the author’s use of language. Students will analyze a variety of texts to draw conclusions about an author’s decisions in craft, style and word choice. Students will also continue summarizing fictional texts with a focus on cause and effect relationships and theme. Students will also build on their ability to interpret the impact of the author’s choices on language and plot events to draw conclusions about theme. Writing instruction will focus on language style in poetry. Students will identify figurative language used by authors and incorporate figurative language into their own poems.
In Unit 7, students will complete their second writing performance task. In the remaining weeks, they will synthesize all they have learned about reading fictional and nonfiction texts to compare and contrast across genres. Students will be able to identify literary nonfiction texts and use their understanding of this type of text to analyze the similarities among this genre and others. Students will apply various reading strategies as they analyze and interpret across genres. Students will analyze paired passages across genres that have similar themes. Writing instruction will support the reading instruction by providing students with opportunities to craft persuasive texts. Students will also be analyzing and crafting media messages.
What content is my child learning in Quarter 3?
Kindergarten:
Science/Social Studies -
- Students will investigate life processes, including the differences between living and nonliving, as well as the basic needs of plants and animals. Students will form an understanding of the community by using map skills and describing how the climate and surroundings affect how people live.
First Grade:
Science/Social Studies - Students will use scientific inquiry skills to understand the life processes of plants. Students will ask questions and develop fluency in content vocabulary in order to create and understand maps and develop foundational understandings of the geography of Virginia.
Second Grade:
Science - Students will use the scientific method to investigate natural and artificial magnets.
Social Studies - Students will practice using artifacts, primary sources and pictures to make connections between past and present and to understand the history of the United States, with a focus on the American Indians.
Third Grade:
Science - Students will use scientific inquiry skills such as constructing models to form an understanding of structures in nature, including adaptations, relationships in food chains and the characteristics of ecosystems.
Social Studies - Students will use social studies inquiry skills such as using artifacts and geographic information to understand ancient Greece and Rome. Students will use their understanding to compare and contrast civilizations and to make connections between time and place.
Fourth Grade:
Science - Students will use scientific inquiry skills to construct models and apply science concepts to current events and applications in order to understand the organization of the solar system and relationships among the Earth, the moon and the sun.
Social Studies - Students will use social studies inquiry skills to analyze the impact of geographic features and analyze artifacts. Primary and secondary sources will be used to understand the first permanent North American English settlement at Jamestown.
Fifth Grade:
Science - Students will use scientific inquiry skills such as collecting and communicating data to form scientific claims. Students will investigate and understand the characteristics of sound and light as well as the structures and functions of cells.
Social Studies - Students will use social studies inquiry skills to analyze artifacts and compare and contrast ideas and cultural perspectives in Virginia history. Primary and secondary sources will be used along with charts, graphs and pictures to better understand the changes that took place in Virginia during the 1900’s.
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Girls on the Run
SCHOOL REPORT CARDS ON VDOE WEBSITE
Did you know you the Birdneck School Report Card and SOL scores are available with just a few simple clicks?
Virginia Beach City Public Schools is pleased to provide you an Annual School Report Card. The purpose of this report card is to communicate to various audiences regarding educational accountability and to demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that every child is challenged and supported to reach his or her full potential. This report card provides access to information pertaining to student and staff characteristics, school performance, and progress toward meeting state and federal accountability standards. It also includes measures of student performance that are aligned to the globally competitive skills identified in our strategic framework, Compass to 2020. To see the full report click here.
The Virginia Department of Education also has reports for all to view on the VDOE webpage. The state report cards for schools, school divisions, and the commonwealth provide information about student achievement, accountability ratings, attendance, program completion, school safety, teacher quality, and other topics. Reports may be viewed and downloaded as PDF files or Microsoft Excel files.SOL scores and accreditation information. Click here to search the VDOE database.
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
On December 10, 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into law. Under ESSA Section 1112(e) parents of students attending Title I schools are to be provided these two notifications.
Section 1112(e) (1) (A) of ESSA states that as a parent of a student in Birdneck Elementary, receiving Title I funds, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers instructing your child. Federal law requires the school division to provide you this information in a timely manner if you request it. Specifically, you have the right to request the following information about each of your child’s classroom teachers:
Whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.
Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status because of special circumstances.
Whether the teacher is teaching in the field of discipline of the certification or degree he/she received
Whether paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if so, their qualifications.
Section 1112(e) (2) of ESSA states that parents of students in Title I schools have a right to know about state or division policies regarding student participation in any assessments mandated by ESSA, including any policy or procedure.
If you would like to receive information, about the qualifications of your child’s teacher, please contact your principal, R.V. Yoshida. If you would like information regarding student participation in state assessments please contact your school’s testing coordinator.
Help Keep the Flu Out of School
Flu season typically occurs in the fall and winter months. With this in mind, our health services staff suggests that parents remind their children that one of the most effective flu-fighting strategies is regular and thorough hand-washing.
Flu Prevention Tips:
- Encourage all family members to cover their mouths and noses with a tissue when they cough or sneeze.
- Vaccinate your child for seasonal flu when the vaccine becomes available in the early fall to protect against flu illness.
- Should your child display any flu-like symptoms while at school, he or she will be referred to the school nurse.
- For the safety of others, students and staff with flu-like symptoms will not be able to stay in school. Should a student display flu-like symptoms, his or her parent/guardian will be contacted.
- Additional information on the guidelines school nurses will follow to minimize the impact of seasonal flu can be found on vbschools.com.
Join our PTA
Support Birdneck Elementary students by joining the PTA. Our PTA is AMAZING! We collaborate together to create opportunities for our students and community to learn and have fun in the process. Don't miss out on the benefits from joining the PTA. Receive over $300 in savings... all for just $5 for a membership. Registration forms are available in our front office. Please know that becoming a member of our PTA does not obligate you to volunteer or do anything but does still help support our school. Our goal is to have 100% participation!!!!!!!!!
Please visit the PTA website at http://birdneckpta.weebly.com/
Track your volunteer hours
Education Connection Resources
BIRDNECK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
BIRDNECK MISSION
We build relationships to encourage, inspire, and empower others to meet the challenges of today and to foster the love of learning.
BIRDNECK VISION
We are dedicated to nurturing an inclusive environment to ensure engaging, student-centered learning resulting in confident, independent learners.
BIRDNECK BELIEFS
We believe in a collaborative community in which teachers, administrators, students, and parents work together for student success.
We believe in creating a safe, nurturing, and positive environment in which all students can strive for excellence and achieve their individual potential.
We believe we will prepare our students for success by providing 21st century learning and developing within our students critical thinking, effective communications and problem solving skills.
Website: https://birdneckes.vbschools.com/home
Location: 957 South Birdneck Road, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
Phone: 757-648-2120
Facebook: facebook.com/birdneckes
Twitter: @BNESeagles