Trojans News
February 2024
Snow Make-Up Days
Your child's teacher should've communicated these dates with you already, but I wanted to make sure you knew that we will be in session on Monday, January 29th and Monday, February 26th.
Thank you SKIP!!
Our students will get the opportunity to see Spongebob the Musical at the Missouri Theater on February 27th due to the generosity of our amazing SKIP group! This is something that a lot of our students would never have the opportunity to do if it wasn't for this group. So I wanted to give a big THANK YOU to them for the many things they do for us.
Be on the lookout for permission slips to come home around the middle of February from your child's teacher.
2nd Semester Parent/Teacher Conferences
It's hard to believe Parent/Teacher conferences are right around the corner again for second semester. These will be held on February 12th from noon to 7:00 at the elementary school. Your child's teacher will be sending out a Sign-up Genius for your to choose a time that works for your schedule that day.
Valentine's Day Parties
Valentine's Day Parties will be held on February 14th at 3:00. Your child's teacher should be communicating with you about boxes, treats, activities, etc. in the weeks coming up to it.
Dress for the Weather!
Just a reminder that when the temperatures are cold, or there is snow on the ground, we will follow the guidelines below for allowing students to play outside:
- Students must have a coat. A hoodie is not enough when it is cold outside.
- Stocking hat and gloves - we have lots of extras at school so if your child needs one, please let either your child's teacher or the office know and we will get one for them.
- No shorts
- Students must have snow pants and snow boots in order to play in the snow.
What's Happening in PE?
After basketball we will be working on jumping rope and the different ways that students can jump rope. We do this during February in collaboration with the American Heart Association as February is American Heart Month. Students will be completing Jump Rope Ninja activities, in which students will gain different color belts for the number of consecutive jumps they can perform.
Library News
I tried something new this year- a winter book fair! Apparently Mother Nature did not think this was a good idea as the weather caused the book fair to be shorter than planned. But our shoppers still came out in full force on Literacy Night. I apologize for the long waits thanks to the register malfunctioning. Thanks for your patience and to those of you who were able to break out the ol’ checkbook when the credit card reader was freezing up!
To add a little excitement to the dreariness of winter, I am having a Winter Book Bingo Challenge for grades 1-6. You’ve probably seen those bright green sheets come home. Please help and encourage your children to complete as many challenges as possible. I hope to give away lots of prizes! The challenge ends on Valentine’s Day.
Mrs. Leeper’s Readers
What a fun Literacy Night we had in January. We had a wonderful turnout and the students and adults all seemed to be enjoying themselves! We played Memory in our reading room and now have MANY memory games to play during class time! There are memory games to practice CVC (consonant, vowel, consonant) words, words with sneaky e, blends, digraphs and trigraphs, multisyllabic words and more! They are super easy to make and the kids love them! You just need notecards and a marker, make two cards of every word and you’re set! These cards can also be used as flashcards. I’m excited to hear if anyone makes their own Memory games for home!
5th and 6th Grade Band
Enough of the snow days already! It is great to be back in school so the band students can get in some much needed playing time. 5th Grade band is progressing on their reading skills. They are learning songs and new rhythms at a quicker pace. 6th grade band is working on a multi movement piece called The World’s Greatest Show! Each movement represents a different part of a circus show.
Both bands have a better understanding of how to do their warm-up routine to develop a good tone on their instrument. We have also added The Breathing Gym to our daily routine. Just a reminder that all clarinets and saxophone players need to have a supply of 2.5 Rico reeds. You can get these at Lanham Music, 2401 N. Belt Highway in St Joe, or they can be ordered online from Amazon.
I am pleased and excited to announce that our school received the Peter R. Marsh Foundation Middle School Music Grant for $1,000. As a recipient, the middle school students are required to provide three musical performances at senior facilities and to engage in post-performance visitation. This is a great opportunity for our 5th and 6th grade students! More information will follow as we plan for this event later this semester.
What's Happening in Art?
NWMSU is hosting the "I Will Listen" exhibit on March 28th, 2024, for mental health awareness. Once again, I will be submitting art work from every art student grades K-12. Our students have been learning the importance of using art as a healthy outlet for feelings and the importance of mental health awareness. I am excited to see the growth that each student has when we do these projects. I think this subject is so important and teaching these kids about the healthy outlets that specials classes provide is crucial. Please keep your eyes out for information being sent home about the exhibit. You, your child, and all family and friends are invited to attend the art show. If you or someone you know is interested in submitting art, please contact me for more information. All age categories from Kindergarten through adult will be accepted.
Sing Along in Music!
Vocal music classes are getting settled in after our concert and doing more class work now.
Kindergarten and first grade are learning about the beat and clapping rhythm patterns. They are also enjoying their singing games.
Second and third grades are learning about the musical staff and how it helps them read their music better, both pitches and rhythms.
Fourth grade has returned to learning to play their recorders.
Fifth and sixth grades are learning more about how to read their music correctly. They have discovered what they learn in instrumental music also helps them with their vocal music, and vice versa.
Upcoming Events
- January 29th - School In Session
- February 12th - Parent/Teacher Conferences 12 - 7
- February 14th - Valentine's Day Parties @ 3:00
- February 26th - School In Session
- February 27th - Field Trip to Missouri Theater
Nodaway-Holt Elementary
Elementary Principal
Email: ehageman@nodholt.org
Website: nodholt.org
Location: 409 Hickory Street, Maitland, MO, USA
Phone: 660-935-2514