Dearest Lower Elementary West,
In the classroom
All students got right back to work on their Asian studies in order to be ready for our Asian Celebration and Lunar New Year Party on Friday, February 20th. Each grade will get the chance to make an exhibit and display all of the work they've done. First years will have maps, flags, and examples of reptiles that can be found in Asia. The Komodo Dragon has become a favorite. Second years will display their continent study. They will be able to share their knowledge about a story we read about the difference between Japanese and American cultures called Tea with Milk by Allen Say. Second years have also each chosen a biome in Asia to focus on and they're making posters, trading cards, and exploding boxes to research the different plants and animals you would find in each biome. Third years will have continent study, country study, and an original story they have each written about the Great Wall of China. Students are also including information they've learned from visitors who taught us about India, Nepal, the arctic tundra, and the tropical rain forests of Asia.
MCA Math Practice - 2/17-2/18
Third years have started working on examples of MCA (MN Comprehensive Assessment) math problems. All of the third years will complete the MCA math practice test on Tuesday and Wednesday. Our goal with this practice test is to help all of us better understand the work we need to do in order to feel prepared and comfortable for the actual math test in late April. After the practice test, we'll continue to do daily math practice, balancing the math work between Montessori math and example MCA problems.
If you would like to do additional MCA practice at home to support your child, here are some sites with sample questions:
I look at this as an opportunity to help supplement math lessons, but absolutely not the only way I will help the students better understand mathematics. I love the Montessori math materials. They are concrete and they honestly help the students feel inspired and motivated to explore the world of mathematics.
As always, to best prepare your child for a day of learning, please be sure they get a good night's rest and well-balanced breakfast.
As always, to best prepare your child for a day of learning, please be sure they get a good night's rest and well-balanced breakfast.
GRS Soiree - Saturday, February 21.
Thank you for all of your donations to make baskets to be given to homeless shelters. Hope to see all of you at the Soiree! If you're interested in meeting other GRS families for some dinner before the gathering, click on the link below:
Scholastic Book Orders
After some thoughtful discussion, we have decided to discontinue our relationship with Scholastic. Therefore, our last book order will be due onThursday, February 19th. Both online and paper orders will still be accepted. As a staff, we are researching alternative ways to enrich both our school library and your home with high quality reading materials that align more closely with our school values.
That's all for now.
Hope you're all enjoying the long weekend and Happy President's Day!
Jessy
