JOHNSONS JOURNAL

Issue No. Seventeen

October 20, 2014
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I look forward to meeting all of you during this weeks
conferences. If you have misplaced your time, please
feel free to call the ofce (631-5121) or email me. If
you think of any questions, or if any concerns arise
after we meet, then please dont hesitate to contact me.
Id be more than happy to meet with you again.
Our Halloween Party will take place on Friday,
October 31st from 1:00-2:15. Your child may bring a
costume to school and put it on after recess. If youd
like to help your child with a costume/make-up, then
please plan to arrive by 12:45. Note: Pine River does
not conduct a Halloween parade. Thank you to Mrs.
Davis for volunteering to plan our holiday parties this
year. She will contact volunteers prior to the events.
The holiday party sign-up sheets from open house can
be found on our classrooms website.
Reading
Students are expected to read a large number of books
both inside and outside of school this year. They are
working to choose just right books. That means that the
books are not too difcult. Research has shown that
students who read books that are just right or even a
little easy make the most growth in their reading levels.
Books that are too difcult have been shown to
actually slow down progress.
So, how can you tell if a book is just right for your
child? Listen to your child read aloud. If the reading
sounds choppy, its usually too difcult. Also, your child
should be able to talk to you about what he/she has
read. If your child isnt able to converse with you
about it, then there is probably a lack of
comprehension.
Why is the daily 20+ minutes of reading at home so
important? Consider this research:
Students who rank in the 98th percentile in the nation
read, on average, 140 minutes per DAY.
90th percentile = 55 minutes
80th percentile = 40 minutes
50th percentile = 15 minutes
30th percentile = 6 minutes
If I were required to select a single aspect of the instruction [to]
change, my rst choice would be dramatically increase reading
volume -- READING VOLUME MATTERS.
Richard Allington, educational researcher
Writing
Students have selected one personal narrative to take
through to completion. Students are learning to view
their writing through the eyes of the readers. They
have learned about the importance of including details
in the setting to allow readers to experience the story
through their senses. Also, they have learned how to
make vivid word choices, such as using dashed instead
of ran.
Mathematics
Weve recently begun our work with adding large
numbers with regrouping (once called carrying).
Addition facts testing continues. Thank you for your
continued support at home. Addition games can be
found on our website. Math Magician builds speed.
Science & Social Studies
Were continuing our study of animals. In social
studies, were learning about Michigans symbols.
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JOHNSONS JOURNAL
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By 2nd or 3rd grade, virtually every student could be reading 15-20 chapter books a year.
Dr. Mike Schmoker, educational researcher
Recess Policy
Falls chilly weather has arrived. Please help your
child remember to dress for the cooler
temperatures. Our schools recess policy is that the
children will go outside for recess daily unless its
raining, the temperature is under 15 degrees, or the
wind chill is below zero. Please contact our schools
counselor, Mrs. Bickel, or me if you need assistance
providing outdoor clothing for your child.
Lunch & Recess Schedule
Lunch & Recess 11:40 - 12:34
Important Dates
October 20 & 23
Parent-Teacher Conferences
(Please call the ofce or contact me if you have
misplaced your time.)
October 22
Box Tops Contest Ends
October 31
Halloween Party (1:00-2:15 PM)
Holiday party sign-up sheets are online.
November 21
1st Trimester Ends
November 21
PTO Popcorn Day
(The PTO is going to provide popcorn to each
student once a month for the school year. They
have asked for a one time donation of $5.00.
Proceeds will go toward our specials classes. Thank
you to those of you who have sent in money.)
Mark Your Calendars!
* * *
Michigans 3rd Grade
State Assessments Schedule:
May 19 & 20
English Language Arts, Parts 1 & 2
(Approximately 4 hours each day)
May 27 & 28
Mathematics, Parts 1 & 2
(Approximately 3 hours each day)
Click here to read more about the testing.
Our Classroom Family
2014 - 2015