Please Don't Worry!

Hello and happy Monday!

I can sense the stress levels are high regarding the homework situation this week. As of today, the new official deadline for the pop up books are Monday, October 13. Please don't worry about not getting everything done. Remember if you take home a little bit each night it won't be nearly as overwhelming as waiting until the last minute. Each week I would suggest sitting down as a family and writing down your after school schedule in your planners. That way when we plan out math contracts, and assign long term projects at school, you can see right away how to manage your homework and extra curricular "stuff." We will get things worked out. Whenever you are feeling stressed please, PLEASE let me know right away and we will talk. I am always willing to listen and make adjustments for hard workers.

On another note--the first Student Council meeting of the year is tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. for all elected officers and reps. It will take place in Mrs. Missy's old room upstairs. Remember to bring your binders and notebooks. Please come check in with me before heading to the meeting so I know you are here and can include you in our lunch count. The rest of us will be eagerly waiting to hear how the first meeting went. FPA history is being made--you all officially participated in the first election for the first Student Council ever at school, and the first meeting is tomorrow. How cool!

Today in Social Studies, we took some time to explore the textbook and the many tools it has to offer to us as learners. We will be learning how to navigate through the many sections of the book including skimming for important details, using the preview and review sections, noticing bold vocabulary words and reading time lines. We will also be practicing note taking skills. Even though the textbook will remain a supplemental tool, we will become textbook "pros" by the end of the year.

Book clubs start tomorrow! I am so excited to see how things work. You will all have to let me know what you think and be ready and willing to offer and suggestions or comments. Thanks again to Michelle and Audrey for volunteering to help us out this month.

Tomorrow Natalya is bringing in a special birthday treat to celebrate her birthday. What do you think she will bring?

To answer questions about the reading calendars--They are worth 30 points. If students are reading 140 minutes each week, they get the full amount of points. I completely understand that some nights are busier than others. If students choose to read for 40 minutes one night and take a night off, I am fine with that. Just remember to record what you read and how long you read on your calendar every day--even if you don't read that day. If you are reading the same book for several days, you may abbreviate the title. It is not necessary for parents to sign the calendar everyday. One parent signature at the end is alright with me. If you have any more questions, please let me know:-) I hope this helps.

Homework tonight: Read for 20 minutes, work on comprehension packets for book club, finish math if you need to, continue to work on pop up books (now due 10/13).


Thanks for all your hard work today. See you tomorow.