December 15, 2022

Dear Parents,

Happy Thursday! Only 10 days until Christmas! Only 9 more shopping days! Are you done? I am not. I only have Molly left. She is usually easy to buy for but I am struggling. I am looking forward to break. I know the kids are too. They keep asking how long it it. Today is Candy Cane day, and so many kids have dressed up! It is so festive. Last week was a big test week. We have finished and put those tests to rest. We are moving on. Some are forgetting to double check their homework and turning things in incomplete. They still get late slips for those. I know it is just the time of the year.

Language Arts

We are reading a story called Antarctic Journal: Four Months at the Bottom of the World. It is narrative nonfiction written by an author that spent four months in Antarctica. She was there November - February. We read excerpts from her journal she kept while there. It is very interesting. The kids like learning about it because they do not know much about Antarctica. In grammar we have been talking about certain words and their meanings and how to use them. The words are can, may, might, could, should, must, and would. I told them these pages are not easy and more than one word sounds correct but when really looking at the meanings one is a better choice. They didn't listen and rushed and missed most of them. The vocabulary strategy this week was on Greek and Latin words parts: tele, spect, struct, vis. We talked about their meanings and then talked about words that have these parts in them and how it fits their meaning. Tomorrow is Friday so they need to study their spelling owrds and their vocabulary packet.

Next week will not be doing a normal story since it is only 4 days. I plan to do a fun writing activity and them have my "Cuddle up and Read" Day. This will happen on Thursday the 22nd. You will find more info below.

Math

We finished up the math test for topic 3 this week. WE are moving into topic 4 but I do not plan to do too much before break. We are working on the first lesson now. We will then do the next one on estimation and call it good. I don't want to teach them anything brand new then leave for two week. Next week I have some fun Christmas math that has them color pictures from a code. We listen to Christmas music while we do it. They find it relaxing.

Social Studies

We finished up a test over Chapter 5 this week. We are moving on in Chapter 6 which is beginning the Southeast region. We will talk about the make-up of the land in the first lesson. We talk about the Inner Coastal Plain, Outer Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Appalachian Mountains. They will also learn about wetlands, and barrier islands. We may even talk about elevation maps before we leave for break. On Wednesday of next week, those who didn't pass their Map Test over the Northeast states and capitals will take another test. Please ask your student, I only had 3-4 pass.

Spirit Day

Tomorrow is a Spirit Day! Pay $1.00 to wear sweats. Tomorrow is also Flannel Friday! So mix your flannel with sweats. Also just to let you know where our Pay it Forward money is going....we sent flowers to Miss Surma and Mrs. Chesling in the hospital and making baskets of joy for them. St. Anthony's Catholic School in Des Moines had children involved in the accident on Fleur Drive. We have sent a snack basket to the school for the staff. So wear those sweats on Friday!!

Thursday, December 22nd

Next Thursday is our last day before break. We have lots of fun things to do that day.The first 60-90 minutes of the day will be normal. They will have PE, Science and then finish anything that needs finished. From 10:00 - 11:30 I will have Cuddle-up ad Read. This is where the kids may bring a blanket/pillow/stuffed animal to school to just lay down and read. They will get to add up to 90 minutes to their book it calendar for that day. They absolutely do NOT need to bring all 3 items. They can bring 1 or just 2. I don't want them to stress about carrying things. After our Advent Angel Lunch and caroling we will be in the room for the afternoon. I plan on having a movie going on the TV and then for those who want to play games that can be happening too. The kids are welcome to bring a game from home if they like. Again I do not want people bringing more things then they can handle. I have contacted the homeroom parents to supply a snack ad drink for the afternoon. want us to enjoy the day family style. If I have left anything out let me know.

School Supplies

ALL the students are in need of school supplies Pencils, red pens, and maybe markers, colored pencils, or crayons. Probably erasers. Some of your kids have a bad habit of cutting all their supplies with their scissors. Please ask what they need so we start the new year with everything. I had spare red pens but they have borrowed them and not returned any so I have none. Might be good gift for under the tree, so they will take better care of their things.

Bishop is Coming

On Wednesday the 21st Bishop Joensen will be celebrating Mass at St. Malachy. We want everyone to dress in their absolute best that day. He will be roaming the school to visit some classrooms and talk to different classes. It is a special day for us.

Dress up Days

In case you have tossed the paper we sent home about dress up days, here they are:

Friday the 16th Flannel Friday plus Spirit Day

Monday the 19th Tree Topeper Day ( wear something Christmas on our head)

Tuesday the 20th "Toe"sty Tuesday (Christmas socks)

Wed.. the 21st Bishop Joenson Mass dress in your best.

Thurs. the 22nd Jingle Bell Day Christmas sweaters (ugly or not)

*Bring a sack lunch for lunch with Advent Angels

I am loving the snow that is falling. It is my favorite time of year. I have my first Christmas this weekend. Family coming from Arizona, and Iowa city will be here. It will be a great day of food, family, and fun. Game playing is my favorite!! I usually come home with a couple of great gifts too. That's a bonus. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Molly is home so I am already enjoying my time with here. Josie will come Friday night. We have some crafting to do. I look forward to that. Jami will be down on Saturday. I can't wait ot have them all under one roof.

God Bless,

Mrs. Sickels