Sunday, January 27, 2013

I hope you have all enjoyed the days off that we have had recently!  Between two snow days and an in service day, we are definitely behind schedule.  Please take time to read this rather lengthy update.

Book Orders - The January book orders were supposed to have gone home with your child on Thursday.  They will be coming home tomorrow and in order to make a quick turn around, I would like all orders in by Wednesday.  Please be reminded I can only take checks made to scholastic.  Thank you in advance for your orders.  I am very proud of how much reading these kids are doing this year.   March is reading month and I have a variety of activities planned, so now is a great time to get gather materials!

Lit Kits - The original due date for the lit kits was Feb. 4.  I do not plan on changing this even though we have had a couple of snow days.   Please plan accordingly.

Recess -  During the winter months, we have the option of allowing the kids to stay inside during our morning break, but they must go outside for second recess.  Please make sure your child is prepared for the colder weather.  Coats, snowpants, hats, mittens and boots are all necessary.

Field Trip - On Thursday, February 14, we will be taking a field trip to Grand Rapids.  In the morning we will be entertained by the Grand Rapids Symphony.  Following the symphony, we will be traveling on to Calvin College.   A note will be coming home soon with the details.

Student Led Conferences - I do plan on conferences being student led once again this spring.  If you have concerns that you do not feel comfortable talking about with your child present, I will gladly schedule another time to meet with you.

Stay safe, dry, and warm!!

Lit Kit

Lit Kit Directions Fifth grade students in Mrs. Maxson’s class have been given a lit kit assignment. Students are expected to read a novel and prepare and present a lit kit as well as complete a written summary of the book to hand in. In the kit, a student should have 8-10 objects to pull out and show the class as he/she gives us a summary of the book they have read. I have provided students with a sample from the book titled Elijah of Buxton. Students must include the following in their kits: _____ Title, author, publishing date and company _____ Genre _____Setting _____ Problem _____ Solution _____ Retelling using 8-10 props _____ A neatly completed written summary of the book _____ A clear presentation to the class (practice!!) The due date is Monday, February 4.

Spelling Bee

Congratulations to our Spelling Bee winner, Rayah Blood, and runner up, Evan Eding!!

Brainstormers!

On Wednesday, January 9,a touring group called "Brainstormers!" came to Hamilton Elementary. The 3 performers taught us 6 "gifts" that need to be included in a story. Those gifts include characters, setting, activity, problem, solution, and title. Each student will now write a story and in March, Brainstormers! will return and act out some of our very own stories for us!! Thank you to the Hamilton Elementary PTO, Michigan Humanities Council, and Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs for funding this special program!