Weekly Update

Dear Families,
It is so great to be back. I hope everybody had a terrific winter break. The students had great stories to tell about adventures and special trips.
This week, we started our Iditarod Reading race. I hope you all received the information before the break. If not please click here to access our wiki, where you can print your own letters of information and reading logs.
To clarify, the Iditarod reading log replaces our traditional reading logs for the week. The students are expected to write 3 reading entries per week, only they will turn in the Iditarod Reading logs instead of the one found inside the homework folder. The students advance in the Iditarod race by completing reading logs that are neatly written and detailed. We wish for the students to include their thinking in their responses by writing about why something was their favorite part of the bookm, or why something was important in the book. Additionally, the students are encouraged to read books that are "just right" for them. Please let me know if you have any questions on this. I am happy to help clarify and explain this reading race.
I am so impressed with the number of logs I have received so far! WOW, what a class of readers. Many children are already ahead of their mushers!!! Some students have already passed the half-way point and earned a reading certificate. I am so proud of their hard work. Thank you for supporting this at home and keeping us all motivated.
Don't forget to access www.iditarod.com to check at your child's musher from home. Also, Netflix has a terrific documentary on the race, and we have watched a couple of episodes from school. We are also reading a new chapter book about Balto. Ask your child to explain who Balto was.
Your child came home with brand new Thursday folders this week. I hope you saw them and unpacked all the materials inside. This week, your child brought home many new pamphlets on different school-related activities and initiatives. For example, we are participating in a basket-raffle. To encourage our students to make responsible choices and return the Thursday folders on Fridays, I have a treasure box in our classroom, from which they can choose a prize if the folder is returned on time (ie, the next day, Friday, empty). I have also stressed to the children that it is their responsibility, not the parents', to pack them. We hope to see many more Thursday folders returned next Friday!

I hope you have a great weekend,
Maria