Weekly Newsletter (December 1-5)

0

Posted by MrLynch | Posted in Weekly Newsletter | Posted on November 27, 2014

Students took the Unit 2 Math Test (Division) last week. They are all corrected and will be returned on Monday. We start Unit 3 today – Adding and Subtracting Decimals.

Parent/Teacher Conferences are this week so Thursday and Friday will be half days. 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 few 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.

On Tuesday (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.

creative-funny-snowman-ideas-151

Upcoming Events

Holiday Bear Project – Tuesday, December 2 at 3:30 PM

Parent/Teacher Conferences – Thursday and Friday, December 4-5 (and many mornings this week)

Write a comment

Skip to toolbar