Weekly Update

Dear Families,

I hope you are all staying warm and safe in this snowy weather we are having this week! More snow certainly makes winter sports more fun, but the roads can be very treacherous and shoveling is no fun.

Last week, Team Harmony visited the Flynn Theater to see “Seussical: The Musical”. The students have published their reviews of this show in a book entitled “The Allen Brook Magic School Bus goes to the Flynn.” Please visit our classroom to see our printed copy. Otherwise, please go to our Digital Portfolio for an online version. (Click here to access directly). In addition to sharing our thoughts about the show, this latest publication also reflects our new focus in Writer’s Workshop. The students are currently learning about content writing with a constructed focus. They are encouraged to write on an assigned topic, with a clear introduction, followed by three supporting details and conclusion. They are doing very well, and we look forward to sharing more of these writing pieces soon.

Next week, on Wednesday February 9th, we will celebrate our 100th day of school. Your child is encouraged to complete a “100 Day Project” at home to bring into school to share. This project is voluntary but if your child wishes to create something to show the number 100 in creative ways, we would love to see it. In the past, students have created arrays of 100 cheerios, cotton balls, or legos. Students have also written 100 words they know how to spell. Be creative and please encourage your child to look at our first 100 days together in new ways. Perhaps you can even integrate technology?

As we integrate more technology into our lives, not just in school but also at home, it is very important to have daily conversations about internet safety and expectations with your child. We have many of these discussions in school, but please encourage your child to start this dialogue with you at home as well. Bonnie Birdsall, our Technology Specialist, will visit Team Harmony shortly and speak to all students about the importance of following our school expectations “Being Safe, Kind, and Responsible” on the computers and MP3 Players as well. Having access to email, KidBlog, MP3 Players and google docs is a privilege. Let’s make sure our students use it safely and appropriately. If you have any questions, please feel free and contact me anytime.

I hope you all received our letter regarding our upcoming Valentine’s Day celebration on the 14th of February. We are having a small celebration inside our classroom and your child may bring in cards/small treats to his/her friends in class. Please make sure all students in our classroom receives one if your child decides to bring in treats. I will attach the letter again this week, in case you did not receive it last week.

Have a great rest of the week.
Regards,
Maria McCormack