Next week I am switching to a simplified homework system. I have been individualizing the homework to meet all the various ability levels in our classroom but it is too much for me to manage and I ended up making mistakes. Next week you will receive a homework calendar for the week with an activity or two to do each day with your child. I am very impressed and grateful to all of you for your support in doing the homework with your children. I get back almost 100% of the homework packets each week. I can see your dedication and support for your child’s education in the work. Thank you so much, when we work together, your child benefits!

I hope you are enjoying reading the little books I print for you and your child that you find in the homework packet. These books are yours to keep (I see some of them come back in the homework packets). As a reading teacher I know that books for emergent readers (beginners) are not easily found in a book store (even if they say PreK-1st grade on the cover, they usually are written for advanced readers) so I take the time to design individualized books. I hope that you are keeping these books and rereading them with your child. Multiple readings of the same books are the best way to get your child to really start “noticing” words and reading for real. The children will soon be bringing home a reading shoebox to keep these books in. Please help your child keep all the books together and make a big deal when your child wants to “read” to you.

I want to acknowledge our last “Star Student” picked by Kelly Bear, Matthew. Matt brightens our room with his funny sense of humor and his great big smile. He is polite and caring and works very hard on all his projects and assignments. Matt is a wonderful friend to his classmates. He speaks kindly to everyone and he keeps his hands to himself. We’re glad he is a part of our school family!

This was an exciting week for our “Star Students”! Two of our former winners, Kyle and Sam, got to lead the school in the Pledge of Allegiance this week. They both spoke clearly and loudly on the morning announcements. What a thrill if was for us to hear them broadcasting throughout the school. The “Character Brick Wall” has been started in the hallway outside the main office. When you come into school, take a few minutes to read the bricks and learn about the students who are making good choices during the school day and making our time together much more pleasant.