It seems like lately we can’t catch a break with the weather.  On Tuesday, it is Groundhog’s Day and I hope he doe not see his shadow.  I don’t know about you all, but I am ready for some Spring weather.  As the reminder stated above, if the weather does get as bad as they are calling for, please make sure to tune in to the local weather channel or radio station for school closings.  Also, we do have the 100th day of school quickly approaching on Monday, 2/8.  Included in homework this week is a little reminder to send in 100 of something for the 100th day of school.  These items could be M&Ms, Skittles, gum. pencils, erasers, pieces of candy/popcorn/cereal, paper clips, etc.  (Anything small)  Put the items in a baggy and send them in with your child’s name on it.  Your child can start bringing these things in on Monday.  Also, we will be celebrating the Valentine’s Day treat on February 12th.  If your child would like to make/give valentines to the students of our class, EVERY student must get one.  That way, no student feels left out or unimportant.  I will be sending home a note to those of you that signed up at the beginning of the year to send in things for the treat.  Be looking for a note in your child’s planner.  The last new news I would like to discuss with you is your child’s homework.  Please make sure that you are helping your child do his or her homework, but not doing it for them.  I know life is very busy, but the more 1 on 1 help your child can get at home, the better off he/she will be.  I am sending home new writing homework instead of the book report for the next few weeks.  The county writing test will be given on March 4th and I want to give the students as much practice as possible.  Please work with your child to create a good beginning sentence telling what the whole story will be about.  Then write at least 3 more sentences about the picture giving lots of detail.  Last, they need a “BANG” ending sentence telling how they felt and why or connecting back to the beginning sentence.  One thing we have been working on a lot is not using first, next, then , and last anymore.  We use other words like: later, soon after that, finally or just stating what they did.  This is one things the people who grade the writing tests are looking for.  I greatly appreciate your help in supporting what your child is doing at school.  Lastly, we are really getting into the second half of the year, and I am pushing your child to think more on his/her own.  We are also working really hard on being good citizens by having “Star Students” who behave well.  If your child comes home and tells you he/she was a star student, make sure to congratulate them!  We are continuing to learn reading strategies and how to sound out.  However, our new focus is on long vowels.  If your child sees an “e” at the end of a word, make sure they see if the “e” can jump over.  In math, we are continuing fast facts and adding with higher numbers.  I know we have been doing adding a lot, but the skills are becoming harder and higher order thinking.  As always, if you have any questions for me, please call or write.  Again, I greatly appreciate all of your support and help throughout this year!