Rainy Tuesday

Well the rain has officially hit, and hit hard!  We had quite the downpour during class.  Being out in the portable you REALLY hear that rain!  Just as a reminder, please make sure that students are coming with coats and jackets so that they stay warm when they are outside and make sure that they can stay healthy for as long as possible.

Students have been working hard responding to the prompt, "Think of the most valuable thing you own that wasn't bought in a store.  Explain why that item is important to you."  As a school we are trying to work together to make our writing stronger and so we are all (yes, K-5) giving this prompt and seeing how our writing measures up year to year.  This will give us a lot of information to not only help inform our instruction for the rest of the year but also give us an idea of what we need to focus on for ou grade levels.  You may have heard some complaints about this prompt because many students are struggling with having the restrictions that is cannot be "store bought" but the goal is just to have an idea of what their informational writing is like at the beginning of the year, so rest assured it will all be okay!  :)

Students may have also let you know that we got rid of our "Hoot Loot" because many people told me they felt it was distracting and as an incentive tool it wasn't useful.  So, we changed over (based on class vote) to table points.  I have noticed a huge difference in behavior since we have done this which is great.  We still have our good and bad moments but overall behavior has been much better.  The students will be working toward goals that they will select later this week.

Lastly, the Halloween party is on the horizon (only a week from tomorrow!) and so just wanted to remind you to send back your party RSVP forms for supplies and money.  We will be pooling money to buy sandwiches for the kids so we can have lunch altogether during the party.  Each student needs to donate $2, if possible.  Thanks!  You can also sign up online at: http://missdsp4.shutterfly.com/