March 2011 - San Rafael Elementary School

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Thanks to All the San Rafael Students, Families, Teachers, and Staff, our Read-A-Thon was a Huge Success!!! With over 54,300 pages read and 480 picture books, our students helped to raise over $3,000. Ms. Maloney's third graders won for most pages read with a total of 16,262 pages. Classrooms received an "I'm a Star Achiever" certificate and coupon from Souplantation and those who helped raise over $50.00 received Borders gift certificates. Our TOP FOUR Readers who will have lunch with the author of "Gabby Gator," James Burks are: Rachel Carruthers, Audrey Bluestone, Zoe Ladeiro and Emily Marquez. Our top earners and honorable mention students are: Sam Igler, Anna Bluestone, Judson Pitre, Josie Calva-Despard, Sophia Tarampi, Penelope Burian, Owen Blanchard, Mena Fagot, Sophia Marshall-Pelayo, Lily Arzili, Natalia Urrutia Shawver, Evan Zesati, Ben Griffith, Rhea Calva-Despard, Sara Ruiz, Amy Wong, Tristen Upp, Abby Griffith, Ethan Patterson, Esmerelda Bello, Maia Bowman, Jazmyn Lageman, Chanler Saucier, Greg Krohn, Estaban Navarro, Miriam Martinez, Jacqueline Gallo, Kelcey Velazquez, Maxine Morales, Lara Ibrahim. (Commentary) Fundraising at San Rafael I had the opportunity of helping out Noeleen, San Rafael’s Fundraising Chair, during the Pumpkin Patch. As we were setting up and getting ready for our “customers,” I was really impressed with the way she kept deferring any little hiccup or idea (that was too late to put into action) towards her plans for “next year.” In the midst of setting up for the Fall Festival, dealing with the logistics of booth placement, power cords, ticket sales, and the many questions on game and food booth operations, Noeleen kept her cool, poised with a smile on her face and understanding in her eyes. She tackled each question, issue and crisis, all the while thinking about what to do differently to make “next year” even better. Each time I run into Noeleen working on one of San Rafael’s fundraising activities, I am impressed with the way she paces herself in dealing with each task at hand, all the while with Maelee Rose by her side. What she had time to do, she did, what was just out of reach, she would add to her list of “next year,” never allowing herself to just abandon the idea all together. As we move into Spring, I am looking forward to Noeleen’s enthusiasm and commitment. And as for “next year,” my only hope is that Noeleen will have a committee of volunteers and maybe some teachers to help and more importantly to be a part of some really successful and fun activities at San Rafael. Great job, Noeleen!! Your fund raising efforts have not only been successful, but the programming that goes with them has been very meaningful to our children. (This commentary was written in lieu of an article on our Fundraising activities. Articles from volunteers and teachers are welcome and needed in order to let our San Rafael families know what is going on at our school.)
Maestras Ceja and Ibarra We are currently studying about sea life. We went on a field trip to the aquarium, while learning the names of sea animals. We also had a field trip to Kidspace and learned about the cycle of a butterfly and the names of different parts of a tree. In science, students are learning what and why items sink or float, as well as the stages of liquids. In social studies, we are learning about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In math we are discussing cardinal numbers and comparing numbers and amounts for 1-20. We celebrated Black History Month while learning about Martin Luther King Jr. and Ezra Jack Keats. In kindergarten, we recommend students learning high frequency words in spanish and english, counting in spanish to thirty and reviewing homework, which is review of what they learned in class. Thank you for all the parents who have generously donated their time on field trips, in the classroom, donations and support. Kinder Dual, Rms. 11 & 12 Debbie Ayala's Kindergarten students in room 9 are eagerly learning their high frequency words! They will proudly point the words out anywhere they see them, Kidspace or the Long Beach Aquarium, our students point and shout "of!" or "on!" Our read alouds are early chapter books by Arnold Lobel. We have recently begun to take weekly spelling "tests." Instead of fearing the test, I tell the students it is the time to "show what you know." We review the words in class and they practice at home. To prepare your child for non-standardized tests, let your C L A S S R O O M N E W S child administer the test to you. For example if they are studying for a multiplication test, have your child write up four problems for you (the parent) to complete. As you take the test, talk through your thinking and give it to your child to correct. They get the example of watching you focus as you "test" and the practice of doing the problems as they correct them. Mathleates, we are all proud of you, do your best! Kinder, Rm. 9 Mrs. Silk Our current unit is about maps. We are learning about where we live on a map, what maps are used for, what symbols stand for on maps, and how to make maps. When preparing for taking tests in Mrs. silk's class, try to answer the question before looking at the choices. Use process of elimination. For newer first graders, on multiple choice tests you can only choose one answer! I also teach them that there are letters that correspond to different answers. For spelling tests, practice writing the words, spelling them out loud, and use them in sentences to see them in context. Parents can also help prepare their children by making sure your child(ren) get(s) plenty of sleep. Eat proteins for breakfast, not sugars. First Grade Dual, Rm 3 Ms. Cooper Horn We are preparing for the Read Across America afternoon and the Fun Family Fitness Night- BOTH on March 3!! When preparing for test taking. Be prepared!! Look over your homework, classwork and practice tests. GET AT LEAST 8 HOURS of SLEEP! Eat a good breakfast, and encourage them, and ask how they are doing. Even if your child is not testing this year, get them ready for testing by getting enough sleep and eating well. Also, it is very important all students are at school on time!! Stay focused. First Grade, Rm. 2 Maestra León We started learning about the accomplishments of great American heroes: Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Ruby Bridges, and now César Chávez . Our class is also learning about communities. We are discovering ways that we can contribute to our school and greater community. When preparing for testing, relax. Read questions before reading the story passage. Eliminate the silly answers to find the best one. Get lots of sleep the night before. Do not give up. Become familiar with the test format: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/cs s05rtq.asp This website shows real test questions. Ensure children that if they are calm and follow directions they can do their best and show what they have learned. Our class needs egg cartons for an art project. First and Second Grade Dual, Rm. 4 Ms. Pink's We are finishing up our presentations for our African American History Project. We will be having our first Spelling Contest next month. These are all of the vocabulary words the students have learned throughout the year in their Language Arts. When taking tests, read the directions. Underline the important facts. Underline the questions. Reread. Have your child(ren) pretend their homework is their test. Check if they are reading the directions. Check to see if they are going back and checking each questions. Ask what your child(ren) is(are) doing in class. Have your student become the teacher. I truly appreciate all of the support given. It means a lot! Second Grade, Rm. 8 Continued on next page.
Page 1 and 2: (Logo/Fr ont Façade of school) Vol
Page 3: Restaurant Night Fundraiser Wed., M

March 2011 - San Rafael Elementary School

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?