NOVEMBER 2009

I am paired with Mrs. Cathell this year, and I teach both of our classes Math and Science.  She teaches Reading, Language Arts, Spelling, and Social Studies to both of our classes.

SPECIALS SCHEDULE

     A  Day - PE
     B  Day - Art
     C  Day - PE
     D  Day - Media, Music
     E  Day - Music
     F  Day - PE

MATH

We have started multiplication so start practicing those facts!  We will be making flashcards in school soon.  During this unit, we will be exploring the concept of multiplication and using arrays, repeated addition, and groups to show basic facts.  Weekly multiplication timed tests will begin after Thanksgiving.  Look for a chapter 5 test at the end of November and don't forget to visit www.firstinmath.com too!  This website offers a lot of multiplication games also:  www.multiplication.com

SCIENCE

We have started studying matter in science.  Help your child recognize that the 3 states of matter (liquids, solids, and gases) are all around him/her.   Check out this fun site to learn more:  http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/studyjams/matter_states/index.htm

HOMEWORK INFO

Math and spelling homework is due the day after it is assigned.

Students have weekly reading comprehension homework handed out on Mondays. Please work on this assignment with your child to help improve his/her comprehension. Reading homework is due on Fridays.

WESTSIDE IS A PBIS SCHOOL!

PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. Each class in the school has the same rules, rewards, and consequences to follow so there is schoolwide consistency. Our rules are based on the word RIDE:

     Respect Others
     Individual Responsibility
     Demonstrate Safety
     Eager and Ready to Learn

By following the RIDE rules, all students have the opportunity to receive Mustang Merits. Every staff member in our school is always on the lookout to give students a merit.  Students will need 20 merits to participate in the pool party at the end of the year.  Please encourage your child to RIDE with Pride!

When a student receives a check for not following the RIDE rules, he or she will be writing a note home explaining the misbehavior.

BOOK ORDERS

I will try to send home monthly book orders around the first of each month, and they will usually be due near the 15th of each month.  If paying by check, please make it out to "Scholastic Book Clubs."  You also have the opportunity to order books from the monthly flyer online at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs.  Our class username is Salmonbooks and the password is bookorders.

DATES TO REMEMBER

November 12 - Report Cards went home.  Please remember to sign and return the envelope as soon as possible if you haven't already done so.  Thank you!

November 16-20 - American Education Week - Come out and visit your child at school!

November 17-18 - Coco's PTA Family Night

November 19 - Mr. Bonenberger visits to talk about Economics at Perdue.

November 20 - Grandparents' Day

November 25-27 - Thanksgiving Break

December 4 - Field Trip to see "The Nutcracker" - Please send in the permission slip and money as soon as possible.  Thank you to everyone who has already sent it in.