EPIC October Newsletter
Extraordinary Passionate Innovative Community
Happy October 1st!
It is hard to believe that we have already completed the first month of school. Thank you again for attending our Parent Meeting and Picnic. It was a great success and we can not thank you enough for your continued support with your child's learning journey. Thus far, the students have done an amazing job transitioning to Lineville, dealing with lockers, and switching classes on their own. We have been settling in and getting our routines in place. We are in the process of finishing MAP testing this week.
TECHNOLOGY CONCERNS
We also wanted to share that as a House we understand that students may have problems with internet connections at home or issues with their iPad at night. Please know that we understand that technology has many glitches and as long as students share with us that there was a problem with the technology, the students would not receive a missing homework or minor due to the fact that it was out of their control. However, if this would become a reoccurring issue, we may need to search for other strategies such as taking a picture of the planner before they go home or trying to do any iPad work in guided study and doing print work such as math at home. This is just an example of what we could do if there is a continuing problem.
Math Switch
After working with the students for a few weeks, we have joined up with the Unity House in order to better meet the math needs of our students. As a result, we placed students in classes that all still cover the same material but at different paces. If a group moves at a faster pace, we will provide them with enrichment materials that will continue to enhance their learning. As a result, students may have either Mrs. Maroszek, Mrs. Sullivan, Mrs. Jacobs, Mrs. Devine, or Mrs. Sharman. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know. :o)
What's Up in the Classroom?
Language Arts
In Language Arts, students have been exploring many different literature texts to identify the conflict and resolution in stories. We discovered that conflict and resolution do not only appear in books, but in films as well. One week, we dedicated the first three to five minutes of class to watch a Pixar Short and discuss the conflict and resolution in each short film. Students have made great strives and we will be ending this unit with an online activity as their assessment. We will be moving onto Theme for our next unit. We will be using many different mentor texts to assist students in creating concrete understandings about Theme and how to identify a theme(s) in a book.
Writing
Grammar is a huge focus in our writing class currently. Students are reviewing nouns, adjectives, verbs, punctuation and capitalization in an interactive notebook we are developing as a class. We have also started personal journaling. This has been something all students look forward too. I am excited to continue our grammar review and be starting our narrative writing piece soon!
Science
Solids, Liquids and Gases have been the hot topic in science! Students are currently learning about the states of matter and physical properties. We had our first mini-lab, Secret Bag Activity to practice our observation skills. Students had a BLAST with this activity. It was exciting to see how many scientists we have in the EPIC House. We will be continuing with this unit for the next couple of weeks. I believe that science is an inquiry subject, therefore, students will continue to have hands-on learning experiences that allow them to be an active participant in their own learning and discoveries.
Math
EXTRA MATH SUPPORT
Students can receive help in math during guided study, team time, or they may come in and eat their lunch with me and work on math as well.
At the beginning of the year, students took a math assessment using an on-line program called Moby Max. We have realized great success with this program as it helps students re-learn skills where they have gaps in their learning. Please talk with your child regarding their expectations for working on Moby Max.
Social Studies
Achieve 3000
Upcoming Important Dates
Week of October 13th Parent Conference Sign Up Online
Thursday, October 23rd Conferences 4-7:30pm
Tuesday, October 28th Conferences 4-7:30pm
Thursday, October 30th Conferences 8am-11:30am
Friday, October 31st No school
Classroom Wish List
Band Aids
Post it notes to be used in reading