The Unit 2 Math Test (Division) is on Tuesday. I am offering an extra, optional math review session on Tuesday morning at 7:30 AM. Please give me a heads-up if your child will be attending so I know how many students to expect. This is a 2.5 day week due to Thanksgiving. Students will be dismissed around 11:25 AM on Wednesday.
Parent/Teacher Conferences are next week. They are officially December 4-5, but I offered conference times that entire week (before school) as well to give a bit more flexibility. If you haven’t signed up for a conference time please refer back to my previous e-mails on how to sign up (and what the password is). Click here for the link to my conference sign-up page.
A couple weeks ago students learned about the Holiday Bear Project, which is a charity that sponsors children who need a little holiday boost. We will be sponsoring a girl and a boy whose families are having a difficult time and would be hard pressed to provide gifts for their kids during the holidays. What most classes do who are involved in projects like this is to have students bring in wrapped gifts. While this is very effective, I do this a little differently. Along with altruism and empathy, I want students to utilize this opportunity to learn some other lessons, too.
Next week, on December 2 at 3:30 PM, whoever is interested/available will be meeting me at Walmart in Avon after school. Using the money we collect, we will purchase gifts (also wrapping paper and tape) for these two kids, and then the entire class will wrap them up the next morning. I will discuss with students about asking family (either you or maybe family that lives nearby) if they can do some jobs around the house (or for other extended family members) to earn money. Students usually have many great ideas themselves. Anything is helpful. Another thing we will be doing is using the iPads, laptops, and other computer devices to look up the names and phone numbers of local businesses. We will work on scripts that students will be using to call businesses to ask for their support in this charitable cause. (I will not have any student make a phone call if he/she is uncomfortable.) We made phone calls for the past few years and this really helps students work on their speaking skills and confidence. I monitor each phone call and we do it right from the classroom. Most businesses will say no thank you (or use some very clever evasive tactics!), but a few will say yes and that is just another reality that students will experience. For the businesses that do say yes, I will ask students if any of them, driven by you, can swing by and pick up the cash, check, or gift card. If you’d be willing to do this just let your child know so if they volunteer they already have an ok from you.
I understand that not every student will be able to make it to Walmart on December 2 and that is absolutely fine. You’ll hear more from the room parents later about carpooling opportunities. Either way, all students will be involved in the process both before and after. Let me know if you have any questions about this worthy cause.
Upcoming Events
Holiday Bear Project – Tuesday, December 2 at 3:30 PM
Parent/Teacher Conferences – Thursday and Friday, December 4-5 (and many mornings that week)
