Last week we took some time to read and reflect on the Shorecrest Honor Pledge. We talked about what it meant to us and how it influences how we act as well as our school environment. The students then reflected Independently on a Voicethread. I am so proud of them! Please take time to watch and listen:
"I agree to be personally and academically honest and to treat others with respect and courtesy."
**If you are unable to view the video in this post, please scroll down and you will find it at the bottom of the page. I have been having some difficulties. Thanks!**
We are going "Down Under"! We have been learning about Australia since we returned from winter break. The kids LOVE researching and we worked together to plan a project. Last week, I presented the kids with this guiding question: How does WHERE we live affect HOW we live? The students recognized and discussed the following issues/topics: climate/weather, jobs, transportation, religion, language, housing, food, land, wildlife, and a few more. After this discussion, I told the students that they were going to get to pick anything about Australia that they would like to research and how they wanted to present their findings. I also gave them the opportunity to pick a partner or work alone. I had a blast listening to them get together and discuss their topics/interests. They decided they wanted to make "scrapbooks" about Australia. They decided how they want to create them and what information they wanted to put in their scrapbook. This project will be done in class, however, if the students show interest in researching at home and/or bringing supplies from home, please allow them! The students know how to get on World Book for Kids as well as the Symbaloo sites linked to my blog. You are also welcome to research with them on other sites. I welcome any books and or printed information that your child would like to bring in to help with research. The goal is for them to finish their research/projects this week or early next week so hopefully they can share them with their grandparents and/or special friends. When the projects are finished, I will let you all know when and how you can come and view their work! Please take time to discuss with your child what they are researching and learning. I know many of the kids have already told you about it!
Spelling and Vocabulary
The students will not have any vocabulary or blue words this week. They will still have 10 spelling words that follow the "oi/oy" rule. Please continue to practice their words nightly. The kids did amazing on their spelling assessments last week!
Math
- Points and Line Segments
- Parallel Line Segments
Last week the kids did an awesome experiment called Looking at Rust. We have been discovering how some solids and liquids react when they are mixed, forming a new substance, such as gas (in the last experiment). This week they investigated the production of rust. After rinsing steel wool samples in two liquids, water and vinegar, students observed and compared the rinsed steel wool to the dry steel wool. By observing an immediate change in color and texture in the steel wool that was rinsed with vinegar and feeling the warmth emitted from the cup, students began to understand the changes in color, texture, and temperature can be indicators of a chemical reaction. Next month, we will be starting our units on plants!
Re-Enrollment
· Good News Re-Enrollment opens on Monday, February 6, 2012
· Contracts are due by Tuesday, February 21, 2012
· Information will be sent to you by email with your user ID and password
· If you have any questions, please call the Admissions Office at 727-456-7511 or email admissions.org
Upcoming Events
The After School Programs start the week of January 23.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day is Friday, January 27.
There will be a noon dismissal. The schedule for the morning is as follows:
8:30-9:00 AM, Continental Breakfast in the Student Center
9:00-9:45 AM, program for grandparents and special friends in the Janet Root Theatre
10:00 -11:00 AM, grandparents/friends visit classrooms and tour campus
12:00 - dismissal.
**Please note, it is very important that grandparents or special friends sign children out in their classroom if they are taking them home before dismissal.
The Big Event is on Friday, February 3 starting at 6:30PM. Reserve your tickets at http://gala.shorecrest.org. "Totally '80s Prom" is the theme.
Aesop's Fables will be performing in the Recreation Gym on Tuesday, Feb. 7th at 1 pm for grades EC - 2. Families are always welcomed.
Parent and teacher conferences are on Thursday, February 9. Please make sure to check the tab at the top with the Conference Schedule. The times are the same as they were in the fall. There is no school that day for ECC and LD.
The Relay for Life Cookout will be on Wednesday, February 15. Plan to join your child at lunch time.
The next teacher professional development day is on Friday, February 17. No school.
Picture Lady will take place on Tuesday, February 21 at 2:00.
I would like to leave you with a quote. As we remembered Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today, we spoke about this quote and the power behind it! May it be a great reminder to love!
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” –Martin Luther King, Jr.
Have a blessed week!!
Have a blessed week!!
