April 30, 2012

 Language Arts: We are thoroughly enjoying  Charlotte’s Web. Charlotte is proving to all that Wilbur is a wonderful pig.  She is a really good friend and has come up with a grand plan to save him.   In class this week, we will be looking at intricate design of spider webs as well as continuing to wait and see what will be happening to Wilbur.

 History: We wrapped up our unit on immigration and citizenship with a wonderful presentation by Sra. De Cossio as she related to the students her first-hand knowledge of becoming a citizen.  The students then wrote a story as if they were the immigrant.  We are now beginning our final unit of the year – civil rights.  We will be reviewing the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and relating this particular virtue to equal rights.  Good citizens are willing to stand up for those who face inequality and injustice.  Our focus this week will be on two women who were very influential and determined to make changes.  Susan B. Anthony fought to give women the right to vote.  Eleanor Roosevelt worked tirelessly to help those in need. 

 Science: Our classroom has become a magnetic field.  We are learning about the North and South Poles.  The kids are learning how magnets attract and repel and are having a great job experimenting with the magnets in class. 

Important notes:

-Thursday, May 10^th is the Volunteer Breakfast, hosted by the teachers.  The breakfast begins at 8:10 in the Multipurpose Room.  It is our way of saying thank you for everything that you do for us in the classroom.  Your support means so much, and I couldn’t ask for better parents in my classroom.  It is no wonder that my students are so wonderful.  So many of you have volunteered in the classroom with projects and activities, preparation of materials, providing supplies, helped in reading groups, class parties, Archway Olympics, Medieval Faire, field trips, etc.  Please click on this link to sign up to attend and allow us to serve you some breakfast as a thank you for your help!  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4FA9AD2BAB9-archway

-Please check out our reading link to sign up for reading groups during the month of May.  There will only be a few more opportunities to come in and read with the kids.  The kids love it when you come in.  Please click here to sign up http://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040F45ADAB283-reading1

We’ve recently gotten information about a summer reading program being offered through ASU that is designed to build and strengthen comprehension and fluency skills.  It is a wonderful opportunity for the kids. This year, it will take place on the CPA campus.  If you are interested, please click on the following link: http://asu.readingprograms.org/

-Students are also given the opportunity to attend a summer academy right here on our campus.  If you are interested, please go to the following link to look at the brochure and to sign up.  https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2DCUFrCZLJ_UC1pX1VpUkV5S1U/edit

Don’t forget these dates:

-          May 10 – Volunteer Breakfast (8:10 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room – please RSVP)

-          May 11 – No school

-          May 22-25 – Half days

-          May 25 – Last day of school

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

 Linda Winkler