Dear Parents,
It is hard to believe that it is already the second week of the new year.  The students have been excited to be back at school, and we have enjoyed getting back into our normal routines in our classrooms.  Thank you for sharing your children with us each day, we are blessed to have your partnership. This month is super busy with testing mid-year AIMS.  This is a series of 4 tests, compared to the regular 2 we practice each month.  We are DRA testing all month.  We are also doing MAPS testing in reading and math on our computer.
This week we will focus on...
F.A.S.T (Phonics)- We will begin concept 15 Long O. We hear the O sound when we have an open syllable, example: O-pen, we also hear the O sound when we attach a silent magic magnetic e to the end of a word, example: hope, we also hear the O sound at the end of a word, example: grow.
Math: In 2nd grade math, we are ending our work in unit 6 with a lesson in division, a unit 6 review, a unit 6 test, and a mid year test. 3rd grade math is working on Unit 5 test on Monday, and starting unit 6 focusing on line segments, parallel lines, and angles and turns.
Reading: We are doing one conference per week, and reviewing DRA skills in preparation for the DRA testing happening this month.  Wordly Wise: We are continuing work on lesson 8 words. We will be testing this Friday 1/16. For extra support, check out http://wordlywise3000.com
Writing: We are using writing time to write about our Arctic Animals.  We are filling out information in a KWL chart about what we know, want to know, and have learned about our animals.  We are using the table of contents to generate questions about our acrtic animals.  We will fill out information on our animal's description, habitat, food source, location in world, daily life, survival techniques, and fun facts.  We will ultimately fill out an informational research page, and type the final product.  In addition to book resources, we will be using online resources to add to our knowledge. 
Social Studies: We are finishing the unit "How do People Become a Part of Our County?".

FOSS: FOSS teachers will continue to teach the current unit

Upcoming dates:
Monday, January 19th- No School- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Saturday, January 24th- Mother/Son Monster Golf