I can't believe it is already March! I hope this month finds you making way for a happy Spring. I know we have missed some important instructional time due to yucky weather. Hopefully we can make that up in the best way for our kids. Don't forget the best use of this newsletter is to look at what standard your child is currently working on below, go on to the websites listed below resources and find that standard, and work on concepts included in that standard. This newsletter covers the current month...if something is added or finished within the month I will update this newsletter.

As you probably know, we are a Google school. The computers our kids are on each day are google chrome books. It is important that they are proficient with this technology for classroom lessons and even state tests that will be administered using it. This site gives lots of tips and tricks for Google.

Prodigy Game is a great way for you to set up a free account for multiple kids. This puts a fun and competitive spin on the standards!

This website breaks down each standard for 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, and 5th Grade. It gives an explanation of the standard and samples. The standards are listed on the left side of the page...just click on the ones your children are working on this week.

Kahn Academy...This site has excellent demo lessons for each standard. You can create a profile (free) for your child or just search for videos on whatever topic they are studying in their classes.

LearnZillion...You can create a free login for your child to view lots of outstanding video demonstrations of specific content topics that they are studying in their class at the time.

Arkansas Curriculum Frameworks for Science are located on this page. These are the current standards that we teach in science. However, we will be transitioning to the Next Generation Science Standards in a few years. I will keep you updated on this as we learn more.

IXL...this is a great site for practicing math concepts. If you go to the site and find the standards for Arkansas you can click on the specific standard your child is working on this week (notated above). You can do a few things a day free, but it is unlimited if you pay for a membership.

PTA...this is an outstanding guide for you guys to consider when understanding the common core state standards.

3rd Grade Parent Roadmap for Common Core.

4th Grade Parent Roadmap for Common Core.

5th Grade Parent Roadmap for Common Core.

Your child's teacher is your biggest resource in helping with your child's education. Every teacher in our school wants to work with you in getting your child educated in the best way. If you are concerned about your child's progress lets work together as a team to figure out the next steps.

Do not forget to check what your child is bringing home (binder, planner, journal) if you are concerned. They should have lots of content from class that could be used as study tools. This will be more so for 4th and 5th grades. As always....call or email me with ANY questions!

PARCC Testing next week (March 9-13)

All children at MIS will take the PARCC test next week. Your child's teacher should be sending home a note including a schedule of when he/she will be testing. It is vital that your child is here on time each day. This test will only take about an hour each day so it won't be nearly as long and exhausting as previous tests.

Spring Break (March 23-27)

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!