Scholarly

Times Week in Review:

Learn. Lead. Serve. Succeed!

4/2/12 4/6/12

Class of 2028 (Kindergarten)

This week, the Class of 2028 worked the r-controlled vowels /ar/ and /or/. Be sure to ask your scholar how to spell words like pork and farm! You'll be amazed at how many words he or she can spell. Next week, we will learn a harder r-controlled vowel /er/, which is spelled in many different ways. In literacy this week, we continued reading non-Tiction texts and speciTically worked on what we KNOW, what we WANT to know (asking questions) and what we LEARNED. In math, we worked on subtraction, subtraction, subtraction. Texas Lutheran University took the test on Friday, and Bates will take the test on Monday. Next week in math, we'll work on both addition and subtraction, and we'll begin explicitly teaching how to tackle those difTicult story (word) problems. And, of course, we studied more about the spotted salamander. It was a busy week. We learned that scientists have to take scientiTic photos and got to meet a real marine biologist who has captured some great scientiTic photos. She even gave us feedback on photos we took! We also visited our friend the spotted salamander in the artiTicial habitat at the Buttonwood Park Zoo. You deTinitely want to ask your scholar about this experience!

Class of 2027 (First Grade)

Physical Education

In honor of Red Sox opening day, April 5, 2012, scholars have started learning the sport of baseball. This week, we will be learning how to throw, catch, pick up ground balls, and run the bases. Over break, go outside and play some catch with your scholar!

The Class of 2027 started a new math unit on fractions this week. Scholars can now write and read fractions correctly. Next week, we will be comparing different fractions. In literacy this week, scholars demonstrated their understanding of skills and concepts that were taught during our fantasy unit. Next week, scholars will be using their summary writing skills to create book reviews. In science, scholars worked with writing partners to create paragraphs for our class farm product book. Next week, we will be taste testing the farm products we have been learning about.

Class of 2026 (Second Grade)

In second grade, scholars have been working intensely on solving word problems. The focus has been on modeling the problem so that it shows a true understanding of what the problem is asking. It is expected that scholars are bringing home their classwork and notebook so that they can reference it while they do their homework. If you notice your child not having these materials, please notify his or her teacher so that we can check that your scholar is bringing what he or she needs to bring home. Next week, we Tinally begin learning about time. Over the weekend, if you have some time to practice skip counting with your child by 5, that will be great preparation for next week. On Tuesday night from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Mr. Almeida will host a "Parents Learning Night" to go over how to use the bar models so that you can help your child at home. It is preferred that only parents attend, but, if you need to bring your child, he or she must know that this is intended for the adults. This event will take place in Mr. Almeida's classroom. In Expedition, scholars have been learning about the predators and prey of their expert frog. Scholars have made leaps in their understanding of how the habitat helps their frog survive. Let's keep up this "ribbiting" experience!

Star Scholars
Star Scholars come to school on time every day in the proper uniform, complete their homework every day, and behave excellently.
Bates

Texas Lutheran

Wheelock

Pomona

Albion

Abigail Aiden Ariela Jackson Katherine Leo Roman

Aleah Joscelyne Nathaniel Noah Odilio Raeghan Ry-L Syriana Xavier

Carlos Chandler Emily Ezeckiel Jaanai Kyanna Ryann Ryleigh Seth Ty Tylah

Carmen DeAni Destiny Emanuel Haley Kiana Marijah Morgan Naziya Noah Riley Rosa Samantha Vado

Morgan Sohaib

Georgetown

Ava Cayla Jae-lyn Jonathan Kolby Kristen Nevaeh

Learn. Lead. Serve. Succeed!

Scholarly Times Looking Ahead

April is Autism Awareness Month

Tuesday, 4/10 6:00 PM: Parent Council Meeting

At this months Parent Council meeting, we will discuss the lottery, plans for upcoming events (Field Day, Family Day of Service, family cookout) and ways to welcome new families. We will also be discussing homework expectations. All parents are welcome! Please contact Meredith Segal to add items to the agenda.

Thursday, 4/12 2:40 PM: Star Scholar Ice Cream Party

On Monday, scholars who have earned Star Scholar at least 5 weeks in Quarter 3 will receive invitations for a special ice cream party. The celebration will occur next Thursday at 2:40 PM. Parents are welcome to join!

Monday, 4/16 4/20: April Vacation No School Monday, 4/23: Professional Day No School Thursday, 4/26 Tuesday, 5/1: Parent Conferences
On Monday, scholars will receive sign up forms for Parent Conferences. Please make sure to return these forms by Wednesday so that we can send you your conference information before break. All parents are expected to participate. You will receive your scholars Quarter 3 Report Card at the conference.

Corky and Company Supporting Alma

The Corky and Company factory store is located at 104 Anawan Street in Fall River. If you tell them you are with Alma del Mar, they will donate 10% of the cost of your purchase to Alma del Mar. Thanks to Amy Santos for making this arrangement!

Autism is a spectrum disorder that affects each child differently. 1 in every 88 children is now diagnosed with autism. Autism causes kids to experience the world a little differently from the way most kids do. They also struggle with things most kids take for granted like communicating with ease, regulating sensory information, and understanding social rules. Despite these challenges, most children with autism excel in many things like math, music and art. They have creative minds that think outside the box. Though each child with autism is likely to have a unique pattern of behavior, below are some common autism symptoms: Fails to respond to his or her name Has poor eye contact Resists cuddling and holding Seems to prefer playing alone retreats into his or her "own world" Performs repetitive movements, such as rocking, spinning or hand-Tlapping Develops speciTic routines or rituals Becomes disturbed at the slightest change in routines or rituals May be unusually sensitive to light, sound and touch and yet oblivious to pain If your child often displays more than one of these symptoms, you may want to consult your childs pediatrician.

Advice from Our School Nurse: Animal Bites

The warmer weather is approaching, and our children are outside more which may present a higher risk for animal contact. Animal bites and scratches that break the skin can sometimes cause infection. Some bites need to be closed with stitches while others heal on their own. Rarely, animal bites (particularly from wild animals) can lead to rabies, a life-threatening disease. Bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes transmit most cases of rabies. Many animal bites can be prevented. Keep a close eye on young children around animals and pets. Teach your children not to tease animals, be gentle, and avoid stray animals.

What to do: Wash the bite area with soap and water; apply pressure if the bite is bleeding. If the bleeding has stopped, apply antibiotic ointment. Cover the area with a bandage or sterile gauze. Seek medical attention if: The animal was a stray animal or was acting strangely. The animal was not up to date on rabies shots. When seeking medical attention, have the following information available: The kind of animal that bit the child and any unusual behavior by the animal. The location of the animal, if the animal was a stray or wild. List of allergies and immunization record.