*Specials also shown for Jan. 5-6.
Ms. Ballinger-Gr. 2
Due to the short week before the winter break, this will be the last newsletter of 2016. I will stay in contact through Class Dojo, as always. The next newsletter will go home on Jan. 6, 2017.Accelerated Reader (AR)
Readers are leaders! We are so close to 100% of the students reaching the second goal. The deadline is Wed., Dec. 21, but the classroom goal is to get there by Fri., Dec. 16.
These students have joined Gabrielle and already achieved the year’s goal of 50 points: Anthony, Amy, and Elijah. If they continue at this rate, they could earn 100+ points by May! Addyson, Reagan, Eleanor, Sophie, Karly, Levi, Brenton, Alijah, Sadie, Adrianna, and Navi have also shown progress this week by passing one or more AR tests at 80% or higher.
Math Facts in a Flash (MFIAF)
These students have made gains this week by passing one or more levels: Karly, Alijah, and Sadie. They “stick with it” and have a growth mindset.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poster Contest
During the week of Dec. 12-16, each student will work in class on a poster for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Contest. The school winners must be decided by Jan. 6, and posters delivered to the sponsor, the SJEA. This requires preparation in advance of the winter break. We’ve had winners from KES for several years, and look forward to our students making us proud again in 2017.
Awesome Sauce
This week’s recipient is Brenton. He is motivated, and sets and achieves goals: AWESOME!
Flagler Intern in January
Our class will have an intern, Ms. Mayo, beginning Jan. 4 (teacher inservice day). She will be with us daily through May 4, 2017. I hope you will stop by to meet her when you are at school.
Second Semester Volunteers in Sign Up Genius
Over the winter break, I will create a new calendar for volunteers. This will be for January-May. If you were not able to sign up during the first semester, perhaps you can join us in the future!
Keeping Sharp Over the Break
The winter break will fly by, but I encourage the students to keep reading in their regular routines. They can continue to access TenMarks, Math Facts in a Flash, Reading Eggs, and Reading Eggspress online. Writing is always recommended. The students can write letters to family members, cards, and thank-you notes. If traveling, they can keep a journal of their experiences. We will talk in class about their writing ideas, and how they can enjoy the break while still keeping their skills sharp.
Scholastic Warehouse Sale
I sent you the information about the Scholastic Warehouse sale in the Nov. 21 newsletter. The sale will start this weekend in Jax (near Bayard). If you are interested in attending, go to http://registration.scholasticbookfairs.com/events/warehouse/ for the dates, times, and registration/fast pass. Use your phone to check book levels in ARBookfinder.
The Last Weeks of School Prior to the Break
I am not planning a holiday party in class. We will have plenty of fun and learning each day in an effort to make the most out of every minute we are together. If you would like to send in a treat for the students, please consider pencils, a non-sweet snack (bagged pretzels or cheese crackers) or other low-sugar item that does not need refrigeration or slicing. I always have something for the students before they leave for the break, but prefer to keep the schedule as regular as possible. This helps the students focus on achievement by keeping to their routines.
Page 1 of 2