Friday Note 12-11-15 and Message From Mrs. Wallin

Friday Note 12/11/15

Events of the Week:

In math, we finished our topic on learning to read, count and write numbers 11-20.  Please work with your child at home on this skill.  Next week I will be assessing your child on identifying, writing and counting numbers 0-20. 

Our focus in reading this week was on the five senses and sound.  Here’s what we did in each workshop:

·         Language Workshop— We focused on the book My Five Senses.  Each day we focused on one of the five senses.  We labeled a picture using our five senses and added it into our Reading Log.  Our vocabulary words this week were the five senses (see, hear, touch, taste, smell).  We’ve had fun throughout the week exploring each of the five senses.

·         Writing Workshop—Each day we read a book focusing on one of the five senses.  After listening to the book we wrote a sentence in our journal about how we use that sense (ex. I can hear birds.). They are working very hard on their writing each day.

·         Reading Workshop—Students are working daily in Literacy Centers while I work in small groups or one on one with students. 

·         Word Study—Our letter for the week was “Uu”.  We learned that Uu is a vowel and can make a short sound and a long sound. We reviewed all of our sight words learned so far.    

**We have finished learning the letters in the alphabet.  Our goal is be able to identify all letters and the sounds they make by Christmas.  Please work with your child if they do not know all of the letters and sounds.     

Important Dates:

o   Dec. 12: Clever Christmas Parade (10:00)

o   Dec. 15: Kindergarten Christmas Program (6:00 at the High School)

o   Dec. 16: Final day to turn in the Reading Log for Reading Journey

o   Dec. 17: Polar Express Day

o   Dec. 18: Christmas Party (11:45-12:30)

o   Dec. 21-Jan.3: Christmas Break (NO SCHOOL)

o   Jan. 4: Students first day back!

Sight Words—Keep practicing!

I    is    like    see    my    a    the    be   

it   he    she   to  can   with  go  me

***Reminder: These are words your child should be able to read by sight

Care to Learn Program

In lieu of a gift exchange for Christmas, we would appreciate donations to Care to Learn.  To ensure that we have useable items for our Backpack program, our grade level has been asked to bring in single serve, shelf stable, microwaveable meals (macaroni & cheese, Chef Boyardee, soup in a cup, ramen noodles, Dinty Moore, etc.).  Thank you in advance for your support to such a great program. 

Reading Journey

Please be working on completing the Reading Journey before the deadline on December 16^th.  You can return the reading log as soon as at least ten reading activities are completed.  If your child does not complete the journey and return both reading logs, he/she will not be allowed to travel between classrooms and participate in our Polar Express read-a-thon on December 17^th.

Our Christmas Party is Friday December 18^th at 11:45. We will be eating pizza at the party. If you would like your student to get a sack lunch from the cafeteria please sent me a note, otherwise we will just eat at the party.

Next Week:

• We will be reviewing numbers 0-20. 
• Our theme will be Winter.  We will be reading different Gingerbread Man books and talking about Christmas. 
• We will review all of our sight words.
• We will be finishing up our 2^nd quarter assessments.
• Our Christmas party will be Friday at 11:45.  

From Mrs. Wallin

New opportunity in January—Breakfast in the Classrooms!

In an effort to increase the number of students who eat breakfast, we have decided to pilot a breakfast in the classroom initiative after Christmas break, much like the “grab and go” breakfast available for our 5th-12^th grade students.  Studies have shown that when a child eats breakfast they have better concentration during school hours, improved mental performance and math scores, improved participation in class discussions and overall better health.  See more athttp://www.livestrong.com/article/289854-does-eating-breakfast-help-your-performance-in-school/#sthash.dEVZiHli.dpuf

We ask for your help in communicating with your child about their breakfast options.  If your child eats breakfast at home and you prefer that they decline breakfast at school, please communicate that to your child as they will have classmates taking advantage of this opportunity in the classroom instead of the cafeteria.

The pricing and free/reduced eligibility for meals remains the same, the location has simply changed.  The full price for a breakfast is $1.30 while the reduced price is $0.30.  If your income has changed or if you simply missed the opportunity to fill out the Free or Reduced Meal Application, you are more than welcome to pick up an application from any district office and submit at any time during the school year.

Breakfast will be available for pick up at a “grab and go” location near the cafeteria entrance from 7:45 am to 8:00 am.  Students will take their breakfast to their classroom to eat and then get started with their day much more quickly and efficiently.

Letter from Mr. Fenske

Parents:

Winter is quickly approaching and with it comes inclement weather.  In the past few years, we have experienced all types of weather which has forced our school and others to cancel classes.  In some instances however, Clever Schools has utilized a two-hour late start when feasible. 

If a late start is used this year, buses will once again run two hours later than normal and our EleMiddle building will not be open until 9:30 am.  This will allow all of us, including faculty and staff, the extra time we need to arrive at school safely.  It will also give our maintenance crew the time and space they need to better prepare the parking lots, sidewalks, and buildings on these wintery days.

Classes on the EleMiddle campus will begin at 10:00 am when the two-hour late start option is used. 

Thank you for your continued support of Clever Schools and our great students.

Mr. Benjy Fenske

Clever Schools

Friday Note

Friday Note -December 4, 2015

Events of the Week: In math, we’re learning to read, count and write numbers 11-20.  This usually is a topic that students find difficult, so please continue to practice at home.

Our focus in reading this week was on tools and their many uses.  Here’s what we did in each workshop:

·         Language Workshop— We concentrated on three different books The World of Tools, Push and Pull, and The Mystery of Magnets.  We focused on the fact that different tools are used for different jobs and that magnets push and pull metal.  We introduced vocabulary words that are in the stories, such as push, pull, lift, compass, force, magnetic field, and poles. 

·         Reading Workshop—We introduced another center that we will use during Literacy Centers and continued to practice working independently.  Students are doing a wonderful job thus far and I have begun to meet with small groups during this time.

·         Writing Workshop- We wrote in our journals this week.  We are practicing using our pencil rubric to check if we are remembering all the elements of being a good writer.

o   My picture matches the words I wrote.

o   I used a finger space between each word.

o   I began my sentence with a capital letter.

o   I ended my sentence with an ending mark.

o   I stretched out any words that I did not know.

·         Word Study—Our letter for the week was “Oo”.  We learned that Oo is a vowel and can make a short sound and a long sound.

·         Content Workshop- We introduced the reading strategy, “Slide your finger under the word and say the sounds slowly.  Then blend it back together.” We practiced using this strategy with a book called What I Like.  Your child has this book in their book bag to continue to practice reading during independent reading time and rest time.

Important Dates:

o   Dec. 12: Clever Christmas Parade (10:00)

o   Dec. 15: Kindergarten Winter Program (6:00 at the High School)

o   Dec. 16: Final day to turn in the Reading Challenge

o   Dec. 17: Polar Express Day- for those that have completed the challenge

o   Dec. 18: Christmas Party (11:45-12:30)

o   Dec. 18-Jan.4: Winter Break (NO SCHOOL)

o   Jan. 5: Students first day back!

Sight Words—Keep practicing!

I    is    like    see    my    a    the    be   

it   he    she   to  can   with  go   me

***Reminder: These are words your child should be able to read by sight!

The Character word for December is

Trustworthiness.

(Saying what you mean and meaning what you say)

Weather Alert!

With the temperature dropping, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather.  We will make every effort to go outside for recess even on cold days!  If we have inside recess due to the weather, please encourage your child to keep a small toy in their backpack to play with. 

Christmas Party Our Christmas Party will be on Friday, December 18th.  Parents are welcome to come set up beginning at 11:30.  The party is from 11:45-12:30.

Care to Learn Program

In lieu of teacher gifts or a student gift exchange for Christmas, we would appreciate donations to Care to Learn.  To ensure that we have useable items for our Backpack program, our grade level has been asked to bring in single serve, shelf stable, microwaveable meals (macaroni & cheese, Chef Boyardee, soup in a cup, ramen noodles, Dinty Moore, etc.).

Reading Challenge

Please be working to complete your Reading Challenge before the deadline on December 16^th.  If your child does not complete the challenge, then he/she will not be allowed to participate in our Polar Express Day on December 17^th.  All children must turn in their reading logs in order to be able to watch the movie.

Next Week:

·        We will be reviewing numbers 11-20. 

·        We will be learning about the Five Senses. 

·        We will review all sight words learned thus far.

·        We will learn about the letter “Uu” and the two sounds the letter makes.  After this, we have completed our review of all 26 letters!

·        We will be NWEA testing in the computer lab.  Please make sure your child eats a good breakfast each morning and arrives at school on time.

Have a great weekend!!

Mrs. Wenger

December Snacks

I am not sending home a snack calendar for the month of December. We have several snacks left over that need to be eaten before Christmas break. I really appreciate how well everyone has been with sending in snack. Thanks again!

Tuesday Note 11-24-15

Tuesday Note           November 24, 2015

Events of the Week:       How is it possible to fit so much into a short week?  We’re not really sure, but somehow, we did it!  We talked a lot about the first Thanksgiving.  We made macaroni necklaces to trade with the other kindergarten classes.  Today, we wore our headbands and necklaces. During lunch we traded necklaces with the kindergarten Pilgrims, Native Americans, and turkeys that sat across from us.  Then we had our Share Feast.  The kindergarten “Pilgrims, Native Americans, and Turkeys” had a great time sharing and trading.  We also learned about the properties of materials and used words such as transparent, rough, smooth, opaque, absorbent, and flexible.  We learned about the letter Qq and its sound! 

Important Dates to Remember:            

o   Nov. 25-27:  Thanksgiving Break

o   Dec. 3- Picture Retakes

o   Dec. 3- Cox Care Mobile

o   Dec. 15- Kindergarten Winter Program @6:00pm

o   Dec. 18- Classroom Christmas Party

o   Dec. 21-Jan.3-Christmas Break

Recess:  Even though the weather is turning cold, we still go out to recess.  It is important to remember to send your child to school with a coat EVERYDAY.  You may also send mittens, gloves, hat, scarf, etc.  Please write their name inside/on all of your child’s cold weather gear!  If it is too cold or wet outside, we will have inside recess.  Your child may bring a small toy to play with at recess when we stay inside.  These toys must stay in their backpack until recess time.

Next Week:

    We will begin our unit on scientific tools. 

    In math, we will begin a unit on numbers to 20. 

    Our sight word will be “me”. 

I hope everyone has a safe and

relaxing Thanksgiving Break!

Enjoy your time with your family!!

~Mrs. Wenger 

Friday Note

Friday Note 11-20-15

Events of the Week: In math, we finished our unit on comparing and ordering numbers from 0 to 10.  We learned about how one number can be greater than or less than another number.  We also found numbers that are two more and two fewer.  We practiced putting the numbers from 0 to 10 in the correct order. 

This was our last week to focus on reading folk tales.  Here’s what we did in each workshop:

·         Language Workshop— We concentrated on the book The Three Little Pigs.  We focused on story elements, such as characters, settings, and major events.  We introduced vocabulary words that are in the story, such as: trot, sturdy, and furious. We also practiced retelling the story by telling what happened in the beginning, the middle, and the end.  We finished the week by reading other versions of the story. The students enjoyed The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf and wolf’s version of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs.

·         Writing Workshop—We learned the sight word “with”.  We practiced stretching sounds as we wrote sentences about the pigs and the wolf.  The students are practicing using spaces between words, a capital letter at the beginning, and an ending mark at the end of each sentence. 

·         Reading Workshop—We introduced another center that will we use during Literacy Centers and continued to practice working independently.  We are continuing to read independently each day as well. 

·         Word Study—Our letter for the week was “Ii”.  We learned that Ii is a vowel and can make a short sound and a long sound. 

·         Content Workshop—We learned about the first Thanksgiving and did some fun Thanksgiving activities.

Important Dates:

o   Nov. 24:  Kindergarten Share Feast

o   Nov. 25- 27:  Thanksgiving Break            

o   Dec. 3:  Picture Retakes  

o   Dec. 15:  Kindergarten Winter Program - 6:00 p.m. at the high school 

Picture Retake Information

If you would like for your child to have his/her picture retaken, please return the original picture package.  The information on the package is needed so that the photographer knows what to re-enter in the system to ensure you get the same package you ordered.  Thanks!

Sight Words—Keep practicing!

I    is    like    see    my    a    the    be   

it   he    she   to   can   with

***Reminder: These are words your child should be able to read by sight!

Share Feast

All of Kindergarten is coming together on Tuesday, November 24^th to celebrate the first Thanksgiving.  Please have your child bring in a favorite individual-sized snack (cheez-its, chips, pretzels, reese’s pieces, m&ms, etc.) by Monday, November 23^rd that we will combine together to make a Share Feast for all to enjoy.

Weather Alert!

With the temperature dropping, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather.  We will make every effort to go outside for recess even on cold days!  If we have inside recess due to the weather, please encourage your child to keep a small toy in their backpack to play with. 

Next Week:

• We will continue talking about Thanksgiving traditions. 
• Our share feast will be on Tuesday. 
• Our sight word will be “go”.
• We will learn about the letter “Qq” and the sound the letter makes.
• We will learn about Properties of Materials. 

Have a great weekend!!

Friday Note--Sorry I am late posting this!

FRIDAY NOTE (11/13/15)

Events of the Week:

Math: We started a new unit on comparing and ordering numbers from 1 to 10.  We learned about how one number can be greater than or less than another number.  We also found numbers that are one more and one fewer.  We will continue this unit next week.

Our focus in reading this week was on folk tales.  Here’s what we did in each workshop:

·         Language Workshop— We concentrated on the book The Three Billy Goats Gruff.  We focused on story elements, such as characters, settings, and major events.  We introduced vocabulary words that are in the story, such as: valley, meadow, rushing, troll, roared, gobble, and trampled.  We also practiced retelling the story by telling what happened in the beginning, the middle, and the end.  The students really enjoyed using the story pieces to retell.  We finished the week by reading other versions of the story. 

·         Writing Workshop—We learned the sight word “to”.  This week we practiced using magnetic whiteboards and letters to build the sight words we have learned so far.  After we built each word, we practiced writing it.  We also introduced “Writing Journals”.  Journals are used for students to write about whatever they choose.    

·         Reading Workshop—We introduced another center that will we use during Literacy Centers and continued to practice working independently.  We used a book called I Go to review the two reading strategies that we have learned (look at the picture and get your mouth ready to make the first sound).  Your child has this book in their book box to continue to practice reading during independent reading time. 

·         Word Study—Our letter for the week was “Ee”.  We learned that Ee is a vowel and can make a short sound and a long sound. 

Important Dates:

·        Nov. 24:  Kindergarten Share Feast

·        Nov. 25-Nov. 27:  Thanksgiving Break

·        Dec. 3:  Fall picture retakes

Attendance

            We have set an expectation that students should meet the 94% threshold in order to participate in clubs, field trips, dances, etc.  Participation in these types of events is a privilege, and this is earned, in part, by showcasing good behavior and maintaining excellent attendance.  Please make sure your child is attending school every day and is arriving on time. 

Share Feast 

All of Kindergarten will come together on Tuesday, November 24^th to celebrate the first Thanksgiving.  Please have your child bring in ONE INDIVIDUAL-SIZED favorite snack (Cheez-its, mini marshmallows, pretzels, M&M’s, etc.) before this day that we will combine together to make a Share Feast for all to enjoy. Thanks so much for your help!

Sight  Words  Keep Practicing

I   is   a   my   like  she

 see   the   it   he   be   can   to

Reading Journey

Part 1 of our Reading Journey ended today. If you returned the reading log your child will receive the Pizza Hut Book-It coupon.  Part 2 of the Reading Journey will begin Monday, November 16^th.  Be looking for information coming home. 

  Keep reading! 

Extra Clothes

Please send an extra set of clothes with your child to keep in his/her backpack in case of an accident at school. We will make sure that your child changes into the clothes if an accident happens. Thank you!

Next Week:

·        We will continue learning about story elements. 

·        In Language Workshop, we will be focusing on the book The Three Little Pigs.

·        We will learn about the letter “Ii” and the two sounds the letter makes. 

·        We will learn a new reading strategy, “Stretch out the word slowly”.

·        In math, we will continue to compare and order numbers 0-10.

·        Our sight word will be “with”.

Mrs. Wenger

A Message from our Superintendent

2015 Annual Performance Report

Each year, public schools in Missouri are scored on an Annual Performance Report (APR) that is generated by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).  This annual report is an accountability measure to review the performance of districts across the state. The accountability process is lined out in the Missouri School Improvement Program, otherwise known as MSIP 5. Accountability measures include the following:  Student Achievement (MAP/EOC scores), College and Career Readiness, Graduation Rate and Attendance Rate.

We are excited to announce that Clever School District received 95.7% of total points possible. Thanks to the hard work of teachers, students, parents, administration, and the greater school community, the Clever School DIstrict was able to find this great gain on the APR.  Work was  focused on comprehensive literacy, learning targets, and instructional technology, which helped achieve great gains in student achievement.  The Springfield News Leader commented on the improvements made by the district in their article, Christian County School Districts Make Gains, Meet Benchmarks. Congratulations students and staff of the Clever R-V School District for a great 2015 report card!

As we focus on continuous improvement, there will be continued work not only on literacy and numeracy, but also designing and implementing instruction that will support and  develop the whole child. There is still work to be accomplished, and our target areas have not changed. The district focus areas include:  Comprehensive Literacy, building capacity and show growth in Mathematics; College and Career Readiness Skills. Instruction throughout the district will continue to improve and evolve as we continue on this journey toward educational excellence. We want to prepare our learners to go out into the workforce with the 21st Century skills necessary to succeed: Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Communication and Creativity.

Comprehensive literacy is the core of all educational success.  The work that has been done has prepared students for the information-rich environment within which they live, and will be the foundational piece that will support the 21st century skills and instruction. Continued focus on comprehensive literacy will keep a balanced instructional approach, and lead to continued student achievement gains. The next step will be to use these literacy skills to support and expand a focus on STEM education and build learning stamina through rigor and relevance in all disciplines. High expectations in all areas, will help support the work and achievement gains on our APR.  Again, congratulations to all Clever R-V staff and students on the great gains. We look forward to another year of improved student achievement and a great APR in 2016!

Steve Carvajal, Superintendent

Robyn Gordon, Assistant Superintendent

A message from Mrs. Wallin

Check out the latest “Lower EleMiddle Life” publication!

https://www.smore.com/tc2ta

Book Order

Reminder the November Book Order is due on Wednesday. This is a great way to help your reader and we get free books for our classroom. Thanks for your support!

Friday Note

Friday Note 11-06-15

Events of the Week:

Math:  We finished our math topic over numbers 6 to 10.  Number writing homework is coming home today.  Please sit with your child as he/she practices writing numbers correctly.         

Language Workshop: We focused on story elements with the book The Little Red Hen.  On Monday, we introduced vocabulary words that are in the story such as: gossip, vain, plump, sprout and knead.  On Tuesday, we identified the characters in the story.  On Wednesday, we identified the setting in the story.  On Thursday, we discussed the sequence of events by retelling the story.  On Friday, we read a different version of The Little Red Hen and compared the two books.  The kids had quite a heated discussion as to whether the hen should have shared her bread or not!

Reading Workshop: We introduced one center that will we use during Literacy Centers and continued practicing working independently. 

Writing Workshop:  We wrote a sentence each day telling what the Hen did throughout the story.  Have your child read this to you.  You will notice on the back side of each paper your child practiced writing the sounds they heard in each word on their own before writing it the correct way in the sentence. 

Word Study: Our sight word for the week was “she”.  Our letter for the week was “Aa”.  We learned that Aa is a vowel and can make a long and short sound.    

Content Workshop: We introduced the reading strategy “Get your mouth ready to make the first sound”.  We practiced using this strategy with a book called My Dog.  Your child has this book in their book bag to continue to practice reading during independent reading time and rest time.

Important Dates:

·        Nov. 10: Cox CARE Mobile 

·        Nov. 13: Part 1 of Reading Journey Ends (reading logs due)

·        Nov. 26-Nov. 29:  Thanksgiving Break

·        Dec. 3:  Fall picture retakes

The Character word for November is

CITIZENSHIP.

(Taking care of our school and community)

Sight Words—Keep practicing!

I   is   a   my   like  she

 see   the   it   he   be   can

***Reminder: These are words your child should be able to read by sight!

Reading Journey

Part 1 of our Reading Journey ends next Friday.  Please return the reading log by then for your child to receive the Pizza Hut Book-It coupon.  Part 2 of the Reading Journey will begin Monday, November 16^th.  Be looking for information coming home. 

  Keep reading! 

Extra Clothes

Please send an extra set of clothes with your child to keep in his/her backpack in case of an accident at school. We will make sure that your child changes into the clothes if an accident happens. Thank you!

Next Week:

• We will continue learning about story elements. 
• In Language Workshop, we will be focusing on the book The Three Billy Goats Gruff.
• Our sight word will be “to”.
• We will learn about the letter “Ee” and learn the long and short sound the letter makes. 
• We will continue using the reading strategy, “Get your mouth ready to make the first sound” with a book called I Go.
• In math, we will begin comparing and ordering numbers 0-10.

Have a great weekend!!

Mrs. Wenger