Speedy September

I can't believe we are almost in October.  We have had a great time getting to know one another, learning together, and getting into our school year routines.  

Third grade math really hit an important milestone this week, as content was revisited in number corner, lessons and homework and emphasis was on using tens to count on (off-decade, like 24, 34, 44…). Students learned a new math routine this week as well:  math forum.  This is an opportunity for students to discuss specific strategies that were used to solve a given problem.  In fourth grade, students have been continuing to work with arrays and problem solving involving multiplication using a variety of strategies.  Math games reinforce learned strategies and prompt students to discuss their work with partners.    

We began word study as a house this week.  We have six spelling classes, which results in smaller groupings, and students are assigned to groupings based on their developmental spelling stage.  Students will be working with words in a variety of ways, depending on their groups, and some students have started using Lexia as well.  Students are not required to practice spelling words at home as it will put them over the homework time expectations.  However, you are welcome to do so!  We have a test each Friday. 

Students began decorating their writer’s notebooks this week, and wrote “authority lists,” which contain ideas for writing - writers write about that which they know a lot about.  Ms. Weegar’s authority list includes “singing in front of large crowds” and “helping others”.  Finally, students completed their narrative writing pre-assessment using Google Classroom, which is an app designed to help teachers and students organize, stream and share their work.

As we near the end of the first six weeks of school, we have been learning a lot about expected behaviors in our virtual classrooms - using the Chromebooks.  Students completed five different modules using Common Sense Media’s Digital Passport, exploring topics such as search habits, multi-tasking, crediting authors, safe sharing and awareness of potential cyber dangers.

This Friday is Fun Night at Williston Central School from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Please see the School Bell for more detials.   Also, there has been at least one confirmed case of strep throat in Equinox House, so please keep those hands washed and stay home if you are really not feeling well. 

Harper got the Student of the Week award!  Skyler got the Bucket Filler Award!