February 29, 2024

Dear Parents,

Happy Thursday! It is Leap Day! I guess the only people Leap Day matters to are those who have birthdays. My bestie's middle son was born today. He is having his 6th actual birthday yet he is 24. We love to tease him about his age. Seriously though when there is no 29 what day do you celebrate? I say March 1 since it is the day after the 28th. What a fun problem to have.

Language Arts

We finished up sharing book reports today. They also shared their informational writing on an animal. You will find this in their folder today. We used a graphic organizer to search just a few facts about our animal. Then we watched a video on how to write an introductory paragraph and a closing paragraph. I modeled how to write the body of the paper from their organizer or notes. They all did a pretty good job. I gave them a 2 on report card for this because we mostly did it together as a large group so they are still developing how to do this concept. I hope to do another one by the end of the year with less guidance and make it more on their own.

We also began Module 6 today. They each received volume 2 of the reading series. I talked to them about storing it and taking better care of this book. Many did not take care of first one and ended up losing part of their glossary which we need. We read a short informational article on the 7 Wonders of the World. I then pulled each one up on the board so they could see other photos of it. The first story we will read is on the Mariana Trench. It is not a top 7 Wonder but it is a wonder for sure. This whole module will be about amazing places. They are looking forward to it which surprises me, but makes me happy.

Math

Today we are correcting our math tests they finished up yesterday. I will give those back tomorrow to bring home to have signed. I will then move on to teaching them the standard algorithm of double-digit multiplication. This is quite a feat but I think I have it down. I feel I do a pretty good job going from partial product to this strategy. I do know kids will struggle. We will spend out time working on this before we leave for Conferences and Spring Break. This is the strategy that you learned growing up so you will be able to help them out this time. Wish me luck as we dive in.

Social Studies

We are finishing up chapter 7 study guide today. They will take the test over this chapter tomorrow. I will then move on into the Midwest States next week. We will begin to move a little faster through the lessons so I ensure I get to all the regions. This just means we may cover more pages in a day than normal. I can easily say they will be fine with that. They can definitely handle picking up the pace. Conferences

Conferences begin next week. Thank you for signing up for a time. I have all of you down to visit me! Can you believe it is that time of year already?

Dress Code

Last week I talked about shorts. They can begin wearing them tomorrow. I have told them all just because you can does not mean you should. If the weather is to only be in the 30's it is too cold to have shorts on for recess. I prefer they wear pants. I also reminded them of the leggings rule and that the shirts or sweatshirts worn with leggings need to be mid-thigh. I showed them a good guide line was their fingertips when they hold their arms straight down their sides. If they do not abide by the rules we will send home dress code violation forms. These forms need to be signed by the parents. On the 2nd violation we call home to have other clothes brought to school. Be sure to read the form in full. Consequences are listed on the back. Thank you.

I am looking forward to my weekend. I am headed to Ames to attend my last "Mom's Day" at Molly's sorority. Jami and Josie and also joining. It will be a very nice day for all of us to be together. I am grateful I am not being made to paint. We get to make bracelets which I assume is a Taylor Swift thing. I am certainly okay with it. At each sorority I have attended a Mom's day for, each of them have had me painting at some point. I have paid my painting dues. I am terrible at it which is why I hate it. I hope everyone enjoys whatever you are doing this weekend. the weather looks to be nice. I hope many of you are planning on attending the Gala and Auction on Saturday night. It is always great fun! Such a wonderful event for our school.

God Bless,

Mrs. Sickels