Important Dates:

*August 22nd - School Picture Day - wear uniforms and sneakers

*August 27th - IC Open House - 6pm-7:30pm in my classroom #328

*September 3rd - Labor Day - No School

*September 4th - Buffalo P.R.I.D.E. Meeting in the Middle School Gymnasium 6:00pm-7:00pm

Dear Families and Students,

      We have had a great first two days and we are learning about each other already!  I want to take a moment and tell you about some things I have discussed with the children.  Homework starts this week and will be given Monday through Thursday.  For Reading, it will consist of a reading sheet (Cold Read - reading passage with questions) on Tuesday and Thursday nights to prepare them for their Cold Read Test on Friday.  Monday and Wednesday night it will be to read their library book in order to help them earn the points required for their nine weeks AR goal.  For Math, they will have a daily math homework page that reinforces the skill we learned that day in class.  All homework assignments are listed in your student’s agenda and also on my calendar below (see Monday of the current week).  I ask that you look over your child's homework and initial each piece.  Please remember that the homework is due the next day unless I specify differently.  Homework turned in a day late will automatically receive a 60% (unless the child has been absent) per the TVCS handbook.

     Also, we will be having a snack time each day.  Each child will be responsible for bringing in a healthy snack (please know that this snack is optional).  Also, your child may bring in a water bottle to place on their desk.  If you have any questions about either the snack or water bottles, please feel free to contact me.

     The children will be taking the STAR test next Friday (this test gives me their ZPD level which is a reading range from which a student should be selecting books for optimal growth in reading without frustration).  Once I have the results, individual AR goals will be set for the 1st nine weeks.  Remember, in order for your child to meet their goal, they need to have the reached their individual goal for points and their overall comprehension for the nine weeks must be at least 80%.  We can do it! 

      In Reading this week, we will focus on the following skills:

       * Comprehension Strategy: Visualization

       * Comprehension Skill: Key Details

       * Vocabulary Strategy: Inflectional Endings: s, es, ed, ing

       * Grammar: Statements and Questions  

       * Phonics: Short a and i

       * Story Genre: Fantasy

       * Anchor Story: Help! A Story of Friendship                                                             

     In Math this week we will begin Chapter 3 where we will focus on different strategies we can use to find sums.  We will also be working on recognition of basic addition facts. Please remember to practice basic addition facts with your child. The students will be tested weekly on a mixed selection of addition facts and this 2-minute timed test will consist of 20 addition problems.  If your child needs some additional practice you can also try www.mathfactcafe.com and www.themathworksheetsite.com.  This 1st nine weeks the facts will focus on addition and the 2nd nine weeks we will switch to subtraction.

      Throughout the year, we will switch back and forth between Science and Social Studies.  Our first unit in Social Studies will focus on "My Community, My Country".   The students will be learning about rules and responsibilities including what it means to be a good citizen, our rights as citizens, and why laws are important for our community.         

     We are off to a great start!  Please feel free to contact me anytime with any questions or concerns.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support,

Mrs. Bryant

352-259-2300