Catherine Baca

January/February Newsletter

January/February News for Room 8

I hope that everyone had an enjoyableWinter Break. We are back and ready to go. This is what we will be working on in January and February:

Math: Wewill be working on Unit 5 and 6. We are making a number scroll in room 8. If you have any empty paper towel rolls youwould like to donate please bring them in.

Counting money is a difficult concept forsome students. You can help your childlearn this concept by letting them count coins with you at home or in thegrocery store. This is a wonderfulopportunity to begin teaching children the responsibility of using and savingsmall amounts of money.

LanguageArts: We will finishunit 3 called Have Fun and begin Unit 4 Called Let’s Team Up on February 19^th.During this unit we will explore the big question: How do teams work together.Unit 4 Vocabulary: encourage, relationship, friendship, rely, suggest,concerned, member, fortunate, share, trust, accomplish, argue, agree, attempt,goal, approach, determined, assist, quarrel, view, behavior, plead, group,soar, vivid.

Spelling: Our weekly spelling tests are on Friday. Keep up the good studying.

Science: We will betalking about the Water Cycle.

AmazingAuthors: We are learningabout and reading books by Shel Silverstein and Eve Bunting.

January/FebruaryStudents of the Week:

Kaitlyn Lucas Lucy Mariah Milad Myah Nicole Paul

Reminders:

q Homework is due on Fridays, and your childwill receive a new homework packet on Friday.

q Spelling Tests are every Friday. They will be tested on the words in thehomework packet.

q Librarybooks are due every Wednesday.Beginning in February our librarian Ms. Becky will have a new rule forreturning and checking out new library books. Kids must return their library books on Wednesday when they are due. If books are not returned Wednesday, yourchild will not be able to check out books the next day on Thursday. I’m asking for parents to help remind theirchild to return their library books every Wednesday. The best thing to do is to always keeplibrary books in your child’s backpack.

q ScienceFair Due Date Change:Before Winter Break I sent home the FUSD Science Fair packet. This is completely optional, but the due datefor projects is now May 1^st. If you plan to participate make sure to readthe directions carefully and return your projects to me by May 1^st.

SpecialEvents

v January 21:NO SCHOOL Martin Luther KingJr. Day

v January 24: 2^nd TrimesterProgress Notices Go Home

v February 2: Ground Hog Day

v February 14: Valentine’s Day and 100^thDay of School

v February 15: No School for StaffDevelopment

v February 18: No School for Presidents’ Day

v February 22: Room 8 Field Trip to PhilipsLumileds LED light company

v Special Holidays or history we arediscussing this month in class: Black History Month, Presidents’ Day, 100^thday of school, Susan B. Anthony, and Ground Hog Day.

Valentine’s Day Activities:

On Valentine’sDay, February 14^th, we will be doing some fun activities, andparents are welcome to come into room 8 and help. We will be passing out Valentines andgraphing candy hearts. These activitieswill begin at 1:45 and last until dismissal at 2:30. Feel free to come in during this time toshare in the fun.

2^nd TrimesterProgress Notices

I will be sending home progress noticesonly for students who are struggling in math, reading, or behavior. The progress notice will tell you whatspecific area your child is struggling with, how I am helping them in class,and what you can do to help them at home. Thank you for your support.

Thankyou for all of the wonderful holiday gifts. I had fun shopping during my winter break. My family enjoyed all of the tasty treats.Thank you again for all of your generosity.

Calling All Volunteers

Thankyou to the parents who volunteer to help in room 8. It is never too late to volunteer, so if youare interested please email me. cbaca@fremont.k12.ca.us.