Week 29

We had a fun Family Friday as we got to plant sunflowers in pods for our school gardens. We look forward to seeing how our flowers might grow soon. Our thanks to Roan's mom for stepping up to lead the activity!

A note went home on Friday regarding the testing that will take place next week. Here is the note in case you have not seen the yellow letter in your child's homework folder:

Next week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (April 5^th, 6^th, and 7^th) we will be taking the New York State English Language Arts Assessment. This will be your child’s first experience with standardized testing. We have been practicing in class how to tackle the different types of questions and overall, the children have done well using reading and writing strategies learned throughout the year to help them. 

Please note the following for next week: 

• ·       We encourage your child to eat a nutritious breakfast everyday and especially on test days. Try to avoid overly sugary items. 
• ·    Please make sure your child is well rested. It would be helpful to have a consistent bedtime.
• ·       Students will use the bathroom prior to the start time of the test. 
• ·       If your child has an illness, please keep them home. There will be make up dates. 

During test days, we will also not have our usual homework routine. Although we ask that children continue their independent reading, there will be no reading response due this week and the following week. There will not be any writing and math homework during this week. There will be math homework next Monday, two days prior to the math test. 

Here are the happenings of note for next week:

• We have Dance class on Monday. Please remind your child to dress for movement and to wear removable socks.
• The NYS ELA test will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. This is an untimed test but we anticipate that most students will be done by 11. Please make sure your child arrives at school on time.

Finally, please check out our new music video. It is the first time we've tried this song out and it might be a selection for our May music concert.