Monday, December 1, 2014

Academic Newsletter for the Week of 12/1

From Mrs. Vaughn:

Happening This Week
December 1st: Chess and Book Fair begin
December 3: Breakfast with Books 7:30-8:10 a.m.

Celebrating birthdays this week:
Nathan D., Zachary D., Skylar F., Jordan R., and Mrs. Kasparian!

Grade 1:
Instructional Focus

Math
We are working on collecting data, measuring and telling time to the hour.

E/LA
We will begin working on instruction of narrative writing.  We will be focusing on writing about small moments in their lives.  We will also begin a unit on the folk tale “The Gingerbread Man”.
Science/Social Studies
The children enjoyed their visit from Smith’s Castle to reinforce our colonial studies.
Other:
We are meeting with the room mothers this week to plan out our gingerbread house making activity.  It will be held on Monday Dec. 22 from 8:45-10:00.  We would love to have you join us.  Please note that to attend you need to have a current BCI on file in the office.  Look for an e-mail to sign up to donate goodies to help us to build the houses.


Grade 2:
Instructional Focus

Math
Students will continue to add and subtract two and three digit numbers. Please remind your children to practice basic math facts nightly.

E/LA
Students will continue to explore writing narratives by incorporating writing techniques of various mentor authors.
Social Studies
We will be discussing various holiday traditions and celebrations amongst different cultures around the world.  We welcome your children to share their family traditions with their classes.

Other News:
  1. In the spirit of the upcoming holidays, Frenchtown will once again be accepting donations of gift cards to support our families in need.  With recent economic conditions, there are several families at Frenchtown that could use our support to provide some very basic needs this holiday season.  If you are able to contribute, please send a gift card in an envelope to our office, marked “Holiday Donation”.   In addition, we will once again be accepting gifts for families in need.  We will be collecting new toys and other gifts as well as wrapping paper and bows.  We will be inviting parents in to select items from the collection to wrap and present to their children.  Would you please consider "adopting" a family in need this season?  Please feel free to send your gift in with your child or drop it off at the office. Thank you for your support!

  2. As we focus on our vision of all that we would like our school to be, I would like to extend the invitation for parental involvement in exploring current practices and participating in meaningful, two way communication and problem solving. 
          Vision Statement:
          Frenchtown School will be known as a school where:
    • Students develop independence and cooperation through active participation in inquiry-based, hands-on activities.  Students are confident, successful learners who engage in diverse learning experiences. 
    • The faculty uses varied, research based instructional strategies.  Through collaboration and shared responsibility, faculty and staff ensure that instruction is focused on the needs of each child and that equitable opportunities exist for all academic and enrichment programs.
    • Administration facilitates a collaborative, supportive environment that prioritizes learning through trust, mutual respect and open communication.  Administration provides for professional development and resources necessary for teaching and learning. 
    • Families and the community are partners who support and expand learning within and beyond the classroom. 

          To that end, I will be creating regular Parent Forum on Teaching and Learning events. Please join me for a brief presentation and discussion on Thursday, December 18th at 6:00 p.m. Our agenda will be an overview of student learning at Frenchtown.  We will review baseline student learning data.  I hope to see you there!